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

811-7154

 

Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

280 Park Avenue, New York, NY

 

10017

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Adam M. Derechin

Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc.

280 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(212) 832-3232

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

December 31

 

 

Date of reporting period:

December 31, 2009

 

 



 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

To Our Shareholders:

We would like to share with you our report for the year ended December 31, 2009. The net asset value (NAV) at that date was $11.06 per common share. The Fund's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and its share price can differ from its NAV; at year end, the Fund's closing price on the NYSE was $9.68.

The total returns, including income, for the Fund and the comparative benchmarks were:

    Six Months Ended
December 31, 2009
  Year Ended
December 31, 2009
 
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund at Market Valuea     38.43 %     41.08 %  
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund at Net Asset Valuea     45.22 %     40.21 %  
FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Indexb     45.80 %     27.99 %  
S&P 500 Indexb     22.59 %     26.46 %  
Blended benchmark—80% FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index,
20% Merrill Lynch REIT Preferred Indexb
    41.23 %     31.55 %  

 

The performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, if sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Current total returns of the Fund can be obtained by visiting our Web site at cohenandsteers.com.

The Fund may pay distributions in excess of its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains. This excess would be a "return of capital" distributed from the Fund's assets. Distributions of capital decrease the Fund's total assets and, therefore, could have the effect of increasing the Fund's expense ratio. In addition, in order to make these distributions, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at a less than opportune time.

Investment Review

REITs were a tale of two markets in 2009. The year's early months were characterized by continued fallout from the post-Lehman Brothers financial panic, a blowout in risk premiums and declining credit availability. The

a  As a closed-end investment company, the price of the Fund's New York Stock Exchange-traded shares will be set by market forces and at times may deviate from the net asset value per share of the Fund.

b  The FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index is an unmanaged, market-capitalization-weighted index of all publicly traded REITs that invest predominantly in the equity ownership of real estate. The index is designed to reflect the performance of all publicly traded equity REITs as a whole. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks that is frequently used as a general measure of stock market performance. The Merrill Lynch REIT Preferred Index is an unmanaged index of real estate preferred securities.


1



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

asset class sold off on concerns about REITs' limited access to capital amid near-frozen credit markets and limited transparency on property value estimates.

Broader financial markets, including REITs, began to stabilize and rebound when the government provided clarity on the means and costs of backstopping the financial system. This broke the vicious negative feedback loop between the capital markets and the real economy and paved the way for the market rally that followed.

REIT recapitalization lifted share prices

REITs began to raise significant new capital in March, which reassured investors that they could strengthen their balance sheets, meet debt maturities and take advantage of buying opportunities. In total, public real estate companies raised $20 billion of new equity during the year, and Cohen & Steers was a cornerstone investor in many of the offerings. Recapitalization revealed the pent-up investor demand in the asset class and drove significant spread tightening in the REIT unsecured bond market.

REITs surged in the third quarter as easing liquidity concerns lifted the asset class to its best-ever quarterly return. With access to multiple sources of capital, companies could extend debt maturities and, in some cases, move into a more offensive (acquisitive) posture. The pace of the rally slowed in the fourth quarter, however, when investors' appetite for risk abated and unease over high unemployment grew.

Hotel companies were top performers

The hotel sector (with a total return of +67.2%)c led all property types in 2009. Their short leases and ability to respond quickly to changing economic conditions began to be discounted amid signs of economic stabilization and likely future economic growth.

Regional malls (+63.0%) turned in a better-than-expected performance, benefiting from recapitalization and stabilization in retail sales and increased consumer confidence. Simon Property Group, the country's largest mall operator, was the first major U.S. REIT to issue new equity. Office REITs (+35.6%) were aided by less-severe job losses in New York and a V-shaped recovery that anticipated a return to profitability by the financial services industry. In both categories, cap rates declined in response to increasing global demand for class-A properties.

Apartment REITs (+30.4%) were hurt early in the year by increased job losses and declines in market rents, but improved in the third quarter on expectations of stabilization in fundamentals in 2010 and growth in 2011.

Shopping centers declined

The shopping center sector (–1.7%) was the only REIT property group to post a negative total return during the year. Typically considered defensive because of their consumer staples anchors (supermarkets and drug stores), shopping centers' smaller retailers proved to be highly sensitive to the economic downturn. In news, shopping center

c  Sector returns as measured by the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index.


2



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

owner Developers Diversified Realty completed the first commercial mortgage-backed securities issuance in more than a year, and it was the first real estate debt offering backed by the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility.

Health care REITs (+24.6%) and self storage companies (+8.4%) trailed the benchmark, as defensive sectors lagged their more economically sensitive counterparts during 2009's rally.

Preferreds had positive returns

Preferred securities also rebounded. REIT preferreds significantly outperformed most preferreds issued by non-real estate companies, aided by the factors that helped real estate common shares. REITs did not issue preferreds in 2009, favoring the common stock and bond deals that contributed to the supportive investment backdrop.

All securities within the Merrill Lynch REIT Preferred Index (which had a total return of +42.1% for the year) had positive returns, led by those in the office/industrial and shopping center sectors. Self storage had a strong absolute gain but underperformed as investors favored more leveraged companies amid an increased appetite for risk.

Fund performance

The Fund outperformed its benchmarks in the year, aided by its allocation to REIT preferred securities (preferreds are not included in the NAREIT index), which posted strong returns in both absolute terms and compared with the broad REIT preferred and equity markets.

The Fund's REIT equity holdings outperformed the NAREIT index. Stock selection in the health care, office, apartment and industrial sectors contributed to relative return, as did our overweight in the office sector. Factors that hindered relative return included our overweight in the self storage sector and stock selection in the hotel sector (along with our overweight in hotel companies during periods when they underperformed the index). Stock selection in the regional mall sector also detracted from performance, although our beneficial overweight in the high-performing sector more than offset the effect.

Investment Outlook

We expect 2010 to be a year of better-than-expected economic growth and continued stabilization in fundamentals. Although there are concerns about the eventual cost of the government stimulus—monetary tightening, higher taxes and the effects of fiscal stimulus—we believe the recovery will prove self-sustaining and continue into 2011.

The new year may well be one in which REITs begin to take advantage of significant acquisition opportunities. While the environment is not so distressed as to create dysfunction, well-capitalized REITs with an


3



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

operating platform will likely have attractive opportunities to create value and generate above-average cash flow growth. During the latter half of 2010 and into 2011, we expect the benefits of economic recovery and growth to translate into occupancy stabilization and selective rent increases in many commercial real estate markets.

From a portfolio standpoint, we currently favor economically sensitive sectors. On a sector-specific basis, we believe that shopping centers, hotels and self-storage REITs will outperform. Office REITs should benefit from low supply and stabilization in jobs, although we believe most of this dynamic is already priced into company valuations. While we expect apartment company fundamentals to improve with job growth and demographic shifts, we remain cautious because of their less favorable valuations.

We expect to maintain our focus on REITs with healthy balance sheets but with a particular focus on entrepreneurial management teams that have the acumen to create, rather than wait for, unique opportunities.

Regarding REIT preferred securities, we continue to find good value in the market and believe that many investors should be attracted by the historically high and stable income offered by these securities. Preferreds could play an increased role in raising capital for acquisition opportunities that arise. Given the current strong demand for REIT preferred paper, we expect any new supply to be greeted warmly.


4



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Sincerely,

   
MARTIN COHEN   ROBERT H. STEERS  
Co-chairman   Co-chairman  
   
JOSEPH M. HARVEY   WILLIAM F. SCAPELL  
Portfolio Manager   Portfolio Manager  
     
THOMAS N. BOHJALIAN      
Portfolio Manager      

 

The views and opinions in the preceding commentary are subject to change. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time, should not be relied upon as investment advice and is not intended to predict or depict performance of any investment.

Visit Cohen & Steers online at cohenandsteers.com

For more information about any of our funds, visit cohenandsteers.com, where you will find daily net asset values, fund fact sheets and portfolio highlights. You can also access newsletters, education tools and market updates covering the global real estate, listed infrastructure, utilities, large cap value and preferred securities sectors.

In addition, our Web site contains comprehensive information about our firm, including our most recent press releases, profiles of our senior investment professionals and an overview of our investment approach.


5



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

DECEMBER 31, 2009

Top Ten Holdings
(Unaudited)

Security   Value   % of
Net
Assets
 
Simon Property Group   $ 7,724,800       7.5 %  
Public Storage     5,217,687       5.0    
ProLogis     3,859,321       3.7    
Macerich Co.     3,624,479       3.5    
Host Hotels & Resorts     3,550,691       3.4    
Vornado Realty Trust     3,335,299       3.2    
Equity Residential     3,112,523       3.0    
Boston Properties     3,007,754       2.9    
HCP     2,792,975       2.7    
Hospitality Properties Trust     2,210,199       2.1    

 

Sector Breakdown

(Based on Net Assets)
(Unaudited)


6




COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2009

        Number
of Shares
  Value  
COMMON STOCK     77.4 %              
DIVERSIFIED     5.2 %              
Cousins Properties             49,191     $ 375,327    
Dexus Property Group (Australia)a             576,300       437,225    
Forest City Enterprisesb             23,418       275,864    
Great Eagle Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong)a             44,367       115,044    
Lexington Realty Trust             146,481       890,605    
Vornado Realty Trust             47,688       3,335,299    
              5,429,364    
HEALTH CARE     10.2 %              
Assisted Living Conceptsb             27,948       736,989    
Brookdale Senior Livingb             88,195       1,604,267    
Chartwell Seniors Housing (Canada)             79,300       533,039    
HCP             91,453       2,792,975    
LTC Properties             14,806       396,060    
Nationwide Health Properties             30,254       1,064,336    
Omega Healthcare Investors             54,100       1,052,245    
Senior Housing Properties Trust             47,782       1,044,992    
Ventas             30,288       1,324,797    
              10,549,700    
HOTEL     6.3 %              
Hospitality Properties Trust             93,218       2,210,199    
Host Hotels & Resorts             304,258       3,550,691    
Sunstone Hotel Investorsb             88,163       782,887    
              6,543,777    
INDUSTRIAL     5.0 %              
AMB Property Corp.             29,433       752,013    
ProLogis             281,908       3,859,321    
ProLogis European Properties (Netherlands)a             45,946       281,631    
Segro PLC (United Kingdom)a             43,679       242,278    
              5,135,243    

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2009

        Number
of Shares
  Value  
MORTGAGE     0.4 %              
MFA Financial             60,055     $ 441,404    
OFFICE     10.5 %              
BioMed Realty Trust             33,395       526,973    
Boston Properties             44,845       3,007,754    
Brookfield Properties Corp. (Canada)             64,056       776,359    
Douglas Emmett             2,497       35,582    
Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd. (USD)(Singapore)a             90,200       444,242    
ING Office Fund (Australia)a             828,000       470,656    
Kilroy Realty Corp.             24,428       749,207    
Liberty Property Trust             47,549       1,522,043    
Mack-Cali Realty Corp.             37,122       1,283,308    
SL Green Realty Corp.             41,936       2,106,865    
              10,922,989    
OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL     1.3 %              
PS Business Parks             26,065       1,304,553    
RESIDENTIAL     11.3 %              
APARTMENT     10.8 %              
American Campus Communities             27,400       769,940    
Apartment Investment & Management Co.             65,994       1,050,624    
Associated Estates Realty Corp.             54,252       611,420    
AvalonBay Communities             21,487       1,764,297    
Camden Property Trust             18,817       797,276    
Colonial Properties Trust             44,537       522,419    
Education Realty Trust             70,389       340,683    
Equity Residential             92,141       3,112,523    
Home Properties             23,338       1,113,456    
Post Properties             27,566       540,294    
UDR             32,936       541,468    
              11,164,400    
MANUFACTURED HOME     0.5 %              
Equity Lifestyle Properties             9,987       504,044    
TOTAL RESIDENTIAL                     11,668,444    

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2009

        Number
of Shares
  Value  
SELF STORAGE     7.1 %              
Public Storage             64,060     $ 5,217,687    
Sovran Self Storage             30,567       1,092,159    
U-Store-It Trust             146,300       1,070,916    
              7,380,762    
SHOPPING CENTER     19.6 %              
COMMUNITY CENTER     8.6 %              
Developers Diversified Realty Corp.             180,278       1,669,374    
Federal Realty Investment Trust             15,300       1,036,116    
Kimco Realty Corp.             151,419       2,048,699    
Realty Income Corp.             28,299       733,227    
Regency Centers Corp.             47,957       1,681,372    
Urstadt Biddle Properties             32,200       491,694    
Weingarten Realty Investors             65,450       1,295,256    
              8,955,738    
REGIONAL MALL     11.0 %              
Macerich Co.             100,820       3,624,479    
Simon Property Group             96,802       7,724,800    
              11,349,279    
TOTAL SHOPPING CENTER                     20,305,017    
SPECIALTY     0.5 %              
Weyerhaeuser Co.             12,428       536,144    
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Identified cost—$65,637,187)                     80,217,397    
PREFERRED SECURITIES—$25 PAR VALUE     19.1 %              
INSURANCE     0.5 %              
Allianz SE, 8.375%             10,250       253,047    
ING Groep N.V., 8.50%             12,000       263,640    
              516,687    
INTEGRATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES     0.5 %              
Telephone & Data Systems, 7.60%, due 12/1/41, Series A             20,000       491,200    

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2009

        Number
of Shares
  Value  
REAL ESTATE     18.1 %              
DIVERSIFIED     3.6 %              
Cousins Properties, 7.75%, Series A             26,725     $ 560,156    
Duke Realty Corp., 8.375%, Series O             39,000       958,620    
Lexington Realty Trust, 6.50%, Series C ($50 par value)             24,900       845,853    
Lexington Realty Trust, 7.55%, Series D             16,500       300,300    
Vornado Realty Trust, 6.625%, Series G             19,975       432,459    
Vornado Realty Trust, 6.625%, Series I             30,239       666,467    
              3,763,855    
HEALTH CARE     0.6 %              
Health Care REIT, 7.625%, Series F             24,100       600,090    
HOTEL     0.5 %              
Hospitality Properties Trust, 7.00%, Series C             16,000       340,160    
Sunstone Hotel Investors, 8.00%, Series A             8,225       190,409    
              530,569    
INDUSTRIAL     1.2 %              
AMB Property Corp., 6.75%, Series M             26,684       559,564    
ProLogis Trust, 6.75%, Series F             30,000       639,000    
              1,198,564    
OFFICE     2.0 %              
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, 7.00%, Series D             45,000       976,500    
BioMed Realty Trust, 7.375%, Series A             32,800       760,960    
Maguire Properties, 7.625%, Series A             48,060       334,978    
              2,072,438    
OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL     0.7 %              
PS Business Parks, 6.70%, Series P             37,100       773,535    
RESIDENTIAL—APARTMENT     2.6 %              
Apartment Investment & Management Co., 9.375%, Series G             48,200       1,229,582    
Apartment Investment & Management Co., 7.75%, Series U             50,000       1,115,000    
Equity Residential, 6.48%, Series N             15,000       337,800    
              2,682,382    

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2009

        Number
of Shares
  Value  
SELF STORAGE     0.7 %              
Public Storage, 6.625%, Series M             30,000     $ 698,700    
SHOPPING CENTER     5.2 %              
COMMUNITY CENTER     4.4 %              
Developers Diversified Realty Corp., 8.00%, Series G             30,000       600,000    
Developers Diversified Realty Corp., 7.375%, Series H             19,900       369,145    
Kimco Realty Corp., 7.75%, Series G             20,025       491,614    
Regency Centers Corp., 7.45%, Series C             49,500       1,158,795    
Regency Centers Corp., 7.25%, Series D             19,020       437,650    
Saul Centers, 8.00%, Series A             18,700       449,735    
Urstadt Biddle Properties, 8.50%, Series C ($100 par value)c             4,000       389,000    
Weingarten Realty Investors, 6.50%, Series F             34,028       706,081    
              4,602,020    
REGIONAL MALL     0.8 %              
CBL & Associates Properties, 7.75%, Series C             16,000       326,400    
Simon Property Group, 8.375%, Series J ($50 par value)c             8,130       508,125    
              834,525    
TOTAL SHOPPING CENTER                     5,436,545    
SPECIALTY     1.0 %              
Digital Realty Trust, 8.50%, Series A             358       9,041    
Digital Realty Trust, 7.875%, Series B             11,526       286,306    
Entertainment Properties Trust, 9.00%, Series E             27,944       694,967    
              990,314    
TOTAL REAL ESTATE                     18,746,992    
TOTAL PREFERRED SECURITIES—$25 PAR VALUE
(Identified cost—$18,531,445)
                    19,754,879    
PREFERRED SECURITIES—CAPITAL SECURITIES  
INSURANCE—PROPERTY CASUALTY     1.2 %              
Liberty Mutual Group, 7.80%, due 3/15/37, 144Ad             1,000,000       835,000    
Liberty Mutual Group, 10.75%, due 6/15/58, 144Ad             390,000       417,300    
TOTAL PREFERRED SECURITIES—CAPITAL SECURITIES
(Identified cost—$1,353,254)
                    1,252,300    

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
11



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2009

        Principal
Amount
  Value  
CORPORATE BONDS     1.0 %              
REAL ESTATE                    
DIVERSIFIED     0.5 %              
Forest City Enterprises, 5.00%, due 10/15/16, 144Ad           $ 500,000     $ 546,250    
SHOPPING CENTER—COMMUNITY CENTER     0.5 %              
Developers Diversified Realty Corp., 9.625%, due 3/15/16             500,000       522,590    
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Identified cost—$982,144)                     1,068,840    
        Number
of Shares
     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS     2.0 %              
MONEY MARKET FUNDS  
Federated Government Obligations Fund, 0.06%e             1,050,015       1,050,015    
State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, 0.16%e             1,050,000       1,050,000    
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Identified cost—$2,100,015)
                  2,100,015    
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Identified cost—$88,604,045)     100.7 %           104,393,431    
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS     (0.7 )           (724,000 )  
NET ASSETS (Equivalent to $11.06 per share based on 9,374,179
shares of common stock outstanding)
    100.0 %         $ 103,669,431    

 

Glossary of Portfolio Abbreviations

REIT  Real Estate Investment Trust

USD  United States Dollar

Note: Percentages indicated are based on the net assets of the Fund.

a  Fair valued security. This security has been valued at its fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors. Aggregate fair value securities represent 1.9% of net assets of the Fund, all of which have been fair valued pursuant to foreign security fair value pricing procedures approved by the Board of Directors.

b  Non-income producing security.

c  Illiquid security. Aggregate holdings equal 0.9% of net assets of the Fund.

d  Resale is restricted to qualified institutional investors. Aggregate holdings equal 1.7% of net assets of the Fund.

e  Rate quoted represents the seven day yield of the fund.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
12




COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2009

ASSETS:  
Investments in securities, at value (Identified cost—$88,604,045)   $ 104,393,431    
Cash     35,637    
Receivable for:  
Dividends and interest     469,278    
Investment securities sold     193,448    
Other assets     2,976    
Total Assets     105,094,770    
LIABILITIES:  
Payable for:  
Investment securities purchased     1,116,269    
Dividends declared     149,798    
Investment advisory fees     60,387    
Directors' fees     2,755    
Other liabilities     96,130    
Total Liabilities     1,425,339    
NET ASSETS   $ 103,669,431    
NET ASSETS consist of:  
Paid-in-capital   $ 90,125,005    
Accumulated undistributed net investment income     135,557    
Accumulated net realized loss     (2,380,445 )  
Net unrealized appreciation     15,789,314    
    $ 103,669,431    
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE:  
($103,669,431 ÷ 9,374,179 shares outstanding)   $ 11.06    
MARKET PRICE PER SHARE   $ 9.68    
MARKET PRICE DISCOUNT TO NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE     (12.48 )%  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Investment Income:  
Dividend income (net of $15,131 of foreign withholding tax)   $ 3,505,276    
Interest income     389,686    
Total Income     3,894,962    
Expenses:  
Investment advisory fees     554,204    
Professional fees     98,399    
Shareholder reporting expenses     54,545    
Directors' fees and expenses     52,830    
Custodian fees and expenses     42,215    
Administration fees     29,541    
Transfer agent fees and expenses     25,790    
Miscellaneous     38,458    
Total Expenses     895,982    
Net Investment Income     2,998,980    
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):  
Net realized gain (loss) on:  
Investments     278,921    
Options     (251,025 )  
Foreign currency transactions     (7,481 )  
Net realized gain     20,415    
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:  
Investments     26,357,230    
Foreign currency translations     438    
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     26,357,668    
Net realized and unrealized gain     26,378,083    
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   $ 29,377,063    

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
14



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

    For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
  For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2008
 
Change in Net Assets:  
From Operations:  
Net investment income   $ 2,998,980     $ 4,139,796    
Net realized gain (loss)     20,415       (150,818 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     26,357,668       (42,494,148 )  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations
    29,377,063       (38,505,170 )  
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:  
Net investment income     (3,397,001 )     (3,877,189 )  
Net realized gain           (1,641,157 )  
Tax return of capital     (1,522,086 )     (7,022,699 )  
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (4,919,087 )     (12,541,045 )  
Capital Stock Transactions:  
Increase in net assets from Fund share transactions     93,884       1,351,280    
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     24,551,860       (49,694,935 )  
Net Assets:  
Beginning of year     79,117,571       128,812,506    
End of yeara   $ 103,669,431     $ 79,117,571    

 

a  Includes undistributed net investment income of $135,557 and $186,848, respectively.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15




COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout each year and other performance information derived from the financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto.

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
Per Share Operating Performance:   2009   2008   2007   2006   2005  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 8.45     $ 13.93     $ 19.74     $ 18.01     $ 19.72    
Income from investment operations:  
Net investment income     0.36       0.44       0.52 a      0.52       0.49 b   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     2.78       (4.58 )     (3.64 )     4.16       0.67    
Total income (loss) from investment
operations
    3.14       (4.14 )     (3.12 )     4.68       1.16    
Less dividends and distributions to shareholders from:  
Net investment income     (0.37 )     (0.41 )     (0.52 )     (0.53 )     (0.49 )  
Net realized gain           (0.18 )     (1.52 )     (2.02 )     (1.90 )  
Tax return of capital     (0.16 )     (0.76 )     (0.65 )     (0.40 )     (0.48 )  
Total dividends and distributions to
shareholders
    (0.53 )     (1.35 )     (2.69 )     (2.95 )     (2.87 )  
Anti-dilutive effect from the issuance of shares     0.00 c      0.01                      
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value     2.61       (5.48 )     (5.81 )     1.73       (1.71 )  
Net asset value, end of year   $ 11.06     $ 8.45     $ 13.93     $ 19.74     $ 18.01    
Market value, end of year   $ 9.68     $ 7.35     $ 13.19     $ 20.32     $ 18.53    
Total net asset value returnd     40.21 %     –32.15 %     –15.92 %     26.68 %     5.37 %  
Total market value returnd     41.08 %     –37.72 %     –22.60 %     26.74 %     6.25 %  
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (in millions)   $ 103.7     $ 79.1     $ 128.8     $ 182.6     $ 166.5    
Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets     1.13 %     1.00 %     0.92 %     0.88 %     0.91 %  
Ratio of net investment income to average daily
net assets
    3.79 %     3.62 %     2.48 %     2.70 %     2.56 %  
Portfolio turnover rate     101 %     33 %     29 %     18 %     15 %  

 

a  5.6% of net investment income was attributable to a special dividend paid by Boston Properties, Inc.

b  Calculation based on average shares outstanding.

c  Amount is less than $0.005.

d  Total market value return is computed based upon the New York Stock Exchange market price of the Fund's shares and excludes the effects of brokerage commissions. Total net asset value return measures the changes in value over the period indicated, taking into account dividends as reinvested. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for purposes of these calculations, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
16




COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies

Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. (the Fund) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on September 4, 1992 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, as a nondiversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is maximum total return.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 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.

Portfolio Valuation: Investments in securities that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange are valued, except as indicated below, at the last sale price reflected at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for the day or, if no asked price is available, at the bid price. Exchange traded options are valued at their last sale price as of the close of options trading on applicable exchanges. In the absence of a last sale, options are valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked prices as of the close of business. Over-the-counter options quotations are provided by the respective counterparty.

Securities not listed on the New York Stock Exchange but listed on other domestic or foreign securities exchanges are valued in a similar manner. Securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined as reflected on the tape at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. If after the close of a foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued, market conditions change significantly, certain foreign securities may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board of Directors.

Readily marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities whose primary market is believed by Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. (the advisor) to be over-the-counter, are valued at the official closing prices as reported by sources as the Board of Directors deem appropriate to reflect their fair market value. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for the day, or if no asked price is available, at the bid price. However, certain fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed by the Board of Directors to reflect the fair market value of such securities.

Securities for which market prices are unavailable, or securities for which the advisor determines that the bid and/or asked price does not reflect market value, will be valued at fair value pursuant to procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Directors. Circumstances in which market prices may be unavailable include, but are not limited to, when trading in a security is suspended, the exchange on which the security is traded is subject to an


17



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

unscheduled close or disruption or material events occur after the close of the exchange on which the security is principally traded. In these circumstances, the Fund determines fair value in a manner that fairly reflects the market value of the security on the valuation date based on consideration of any information or factors it deems appropriate. These may include, but are not limited to, recent transactions in comparable securities, information relating to the specific security and developments in the markets.

The Fund's use of fair value pricing may cause the net asset value of Fund shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated using market quotations. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security.

Short-term debt securities with a maturity date of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing net asset value.

Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. The hierarchy of inputs that are used in determining the fair value of the Fund's investments is summarized below.

•  Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

•  Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, credit risk, etc.)

•  Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of December 31, 2009 in valuing the Fund's investments carried at value:

    Total   Quoted Prices In
Active Market for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Common Stock—Diversified   $ 5,429,364     $ 4,877,095     $ 552,269          
Common Stock—Industrial     5,135,243       4,611,334       523,909          
Common Stock—Office     10,922,989       10,008,091       914,898          
Common Stock—Other Industries     58,729,801       58,729,801                

 


18



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

    Total   Quoted Prices In
Active Market for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Preferred Securities—$25 Par Value   $ 19,754,879     $ 19,754,879     $          
Preferred Securities—Capital
Securities
    1,252,300             1,252,300          
Corporate Bonds     1,068,840             1,068,840          
Money Market Funds     2,100,015             2,100,015          
Total Investments   $ 104,393,431     $ 97,981,200     $ 6,412,231          

 

Security Transactions and Investment Income: Security transactions are recorded on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are recorded on the basis of identified cost. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends on foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. The Fund records distributions received in excess of income from underlying investments as a reduction of cost of investments and/or realized gain. Such amounts are based on estimates if actual amounts are not available and actual amounts of income, realized gain and return of capital may differ from the estimated amounts. The Fund adjusts the estimated amounts of the components of distributions (and consequently its net investment income) as an increase to unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and realized gain/(loss) on investments as necessary once the issuers provide information about the actual composition of the distributions.

Options: The Fund may write put or covered call options on an index or a security with the intention of earning option premiums. Option premiums may increase the Fund's realized gains and therefore may help increase distributable income. When a Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option written. When an option expires, the Fund realizes a gain on the option to the extent of the premiums received. Premiums received from writing options which are exercised or closed, are added to or offset against the proceeds or amount paid on the transaction to determine the realized gain or loss. If a put option on a security is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the securities purchased by the Fund. The Fund, as writer of an option, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the underlying index or security. Other risks include the possibility of an illiquid options market or the inability of the counterparties to fulfill their obligations under the contract.

Foreign Currency Translations: The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities and foreign


19



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

currency contracts are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period; and (2) purchases, sales, income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The resultant exchange gains and losses are recorded as realized and unrealized gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions. Pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, certain foreign exchange gains/losses included in realized and unrealized gain/loss are included in or are a reduction of ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of the securities.

Foreign Securities: The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies, the ability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable U.S. issuers.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders: Dividends from net investment income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Dividends from net investment income are declared and paid quarterly. Net realized capital gains, unless offset by any available capital loss carryforward, are typically distributed to shareholders at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund unless the shareholder has elected to have them paid in cash.

Distributions paid by the Fund are subject to recharacterization for tax purposes. Based upon the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009, a portion of the dividends have been reclassified to return of capital.

Income Taxes: It is the policy of the Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interest of the shareholders, by complying with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies, and by distributing substantially all of its taxable earnings to its shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise tax is necessary. Management has analyzed the Fund's tax positions taken on federal income tax returns as well as its tax positions in non-U.S. jurisdictions where it trades for all open tax years and has concluded that as of December 31, 2009, no provisions for income tax would be required in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund's tax positions for the tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service, state departments of revenue and by foreign tax authorities.


20



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 2. Investment Advisory Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fees: The advisor serves as the Fund's investment advisor pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the investment advisory agreement). Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the advisor provides the Fund with day-to-day investment decisions and generally manages the Fund's investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors.

For the services under the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the advisor an investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Directors' and Officers' Fees: Certain directors and officers of the Fund are also directors, officers, and/or employees of the advisor. The Fund does not pay compensation to any affiliated directors and officers except for the Chief Compliance Officer, who received $1,113 from the Fund for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Note 3. Purchases and Sales of Securities

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended December 31, 2009, totaled $78,311,741 and $79,541,303, respectively.

Transactions in options written during the year ended December 31, 2009, were as follows:

    Number
of Contracts
  Premium  
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008         $    
Options written     221,130       302,941    
Options expired     (112,521 )     (130,950 )  
Options terminated in closing transactions     (107,936 )     (131,876 )  
Options exercised     (673 )     (40,115 )  
Options outstanding at December 31, 2009         $    

 

Note 4. Income Tax Information

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid was as follows:

    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2009   2008  
Ordinary income   $ 3,397,001     $ 3,877,189    
Long-term capital gains           1,641,157    
Tax return of capital     1,522,086       7,022,699    
Total dividends and distributions   $ 4,919,087     $ 12,541,045    

 


21



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

As of December 31, 2009, the tax-basis components of accumulated earnings and the federal tax cost were as follows:

Cost for federal income tax purposes   $ 89,294,667    
Gross unrealized appreciation   $ 19,110,358    
Gross unrealized depreciation     (4,011,594 )  
Net unrealized appreciation   $ 15,098,764    

 

As of December 31, 2009, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $1,842,221, which will expire on December 31, 2017. This carryforward may be used to offset future capital gains to the extent provided by regulations.

As of December 31, 2009, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences primarily attributable to wash sales on portfolio securities and permanent book/tax differences primarily attributable to income redesignations. To reflect reclassifications arising from the permanent differences, paid-in capital was credited $228,585, accumulated net realized loss was charged $575,315 and accumulated net investment income was credited $346,730.

Note 5. Capital Stock

The Fund is authorized to issue 100 million shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share.

During the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Fund issued 15,726 and 109,294 shares of common stock, respectively, for the reinvestment of dividends.

On December 17, 2008, the Board of Directors approved the continuation of the delegation of its authority to management to effect repurchases, pursuant to management's discretion and subject to market conditions and investment considerations, of up to 10% of the Fund's shares outstanding ("Share Repurchase Program") through the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. On December 15, 2009, the Board of Directors authorized the continuation of the Share Repurchase Program through fiscal year ending December 31, 2010. During the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Fund did not effect any repurchases.

Note 6. Derivative Investments

The following table presents the value of derivatives held during the year ended December 31, 2009, along with the respective location in the financial statements. The volume of activity for written options for the year ended December 31, 2009 is summarized in Note 3.

Statement of Operations  
Derivatives   Location   Realized
Loss
  Change in Unrealized
Appreciation
 
Equity contracts   Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)   $ (251,025 )        

 


22



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 7. Other

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote.

Note 8. Subsequent Events

Events and transactions occurring after December 31, 2009 and through the date that the financial statements were issued, February 19, 2010, have been evaluated in the preparation of the financial statements.


23




COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") at December 31, 2009, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2009 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 19, 2010


24



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(periods ended December 31, 2009) (Unaudited)

Based on Net Asset Value   Based on Market Value  
One Year   Five Years   Ten Years   Since Inception
(09/27/93)
  One Year   Five Years   Ten Years   Since Inception
(09/27/93)
 
  40.21 %     1.31 %     10.88 %     9.08 %     41.08 %     –1.75 %     9.42 %     7.72 %  

 

The performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return will vary and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, if sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

TAX INFORMATION—2009 (Unaudited)

Pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, the Fund designates qualified dividend income of $98,438.

REINVESTMENT PLAN

The Fund has a dividend reinvestment plan commonly referred to as an "opt-out" plan (the "Plan"). Each common shareholder who participates in the Plan will have all distributions of dividends and capital gains ("Dividends") automatically reinvested in additional common shares by The Bank of New York Mellon as agent (the "Plan Agent"). Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all Dividends in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the Plan Agent, as dividend disbursing agent. Shareholders whose common shares are held in the name of a broker or nominee should contact the broker or nominee to determine whether and how they may participate in the Plan.

The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan. After the Fund declares a Dividend, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the shareholders, either: (i) receive the cash payment and use it to buy common shares in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants' accounts or (ii) distribute newly issued common shares of the Fund on behalf of the participants.

The Plan Agent will receive cash from the Fund with which to buy common shares in the open market if, on the Dividend payment date, the net asset value ("NAV") per share exceeds the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions on that date. The Plan Agent will receive the Dividend in newly issued common shares of the Fund if, on the Dividend payment date, the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions equals or exceeds the NAV per share of the Fund on that date. The number of shares to be issued will be computed at a per share rate equal to the greater of (i) the NAV or (ii) 95% of the closing market price per share on the payment date.


25



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

If the market price per share is less than the NAV on a Dividend payment date, the Plan Agent will have until the last business day before the next ex-dividend date for the common stock, but in no event more than 30 days after the Dividend payment date (as the case may be, the "Purchase Period"), to invest the Dividend amount in shares acquired in open market purchases. If at the close of business on any day during the Purchase Period on which NAV is calculated the NAV equals or is less than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Agent will cease making open market purchases and the uninvested portion of such Dividends shall be filled through the issuance of new shares of common stock from the Fund at the price set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph.

Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon notice to the Plan Agent. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if received not less than ten days prior to a Dividend record date; otherwise, it will be effective for all subsequent Dividends. When a participant withdraws from the Plan or upon termination of the Plan as provided below, certificates for whole common shares credited to his or her account under the Plan will be issued and a cash payment will be made for any fraction of a common share credited to such account. If any participant elects to have the Plan Agent sell all or part of his or her shares and remit the proceeds, the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct a $15.00 fee plus $0.10 per share brokerage commissions.

The Plan Agent's fees for the handling of reinvestment of Dividends will be paid by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of Dividends. The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve participants of any income tax that may be payable or required to be withheld on such Dividends.

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at 800-432-8224.

OTHER INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-330-7348, (ii) on our Web site at cohenandsteers.com or (iii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the Fund's proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-330-7348 or (ii) on the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund's Forms N-Q are available (i) without charge, upon request by calling 800-330-7348, or (ii) on the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

Please note that the distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders are subject to recharacterization for tax purposes. The Fund may also pay distributions in excess of the Fund's net investment company taxable income and


26



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

this excess would be a tax-free return of capital distributed from the Fund's assets. To the extent this occurs, the Fund's shareholders of record will be notified of the estimated amount of capital returned to shareholders for each such distribution and this information will also be available at cohenandsteers.com. The final tax treatment of all distributions is reported to shareholders on their 1099-DIV forms, which are mailed after the close of each calendar year. Distributions of capital decrease the Fund's total assets and, therefore, could have the effect of increasing the Fund's expense ratio. In addition, in order to make these distributions, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at a less than opportune time.

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.

Changes to Derivatives Policies

The Board of Directors, at its June 9-10, 2009 meeting, expanded the Fund's universe of permissible derivatives transactions. The Fund may, but is not required to, use, without limit, various derivatives transactions described below to seek to generate return, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate risks. Although the Investment Advisor may seek to use these kinds of transactions to further the Fund's investment objectives, no assurance can be given that they will achieve this result. The Fund may enter into exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities (including securities of investment companies and baskets of securities), indexes, and other financial instruments; purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon; enter into various interest rate transactions, such as swaps, caps, floors or collars or credit transactions; equity index, total return and credit default swaps; forward contracts; and structured investments. In addition, the Fund may enter into various currency transactions, such as forward currency contracts, currency futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currency or currency futures. The Fund also may purchase and sell derivative instruments that combine features of these instruments. The Fund may invest in other types of derivatives, structured and similar instruments which are not currently available but which may be developed in the future. Collectively, all of the above are referred to as "Derivatives Transactions."

Derivatives Transactions can be highly volatile and involve various types and degrees of risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular derivative, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of the other party to the transaction and illiquidity of the derivative instruments. Derivatives Transactions may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in derivatives could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance, effecting a form of investment leverage on the Fund's portfolio. In certain types of Derivatives Transactions the Fund could lose the entire amount of its investment; in other types of Derivatives Transactions the potential loss is theoretically unlimited.

The market for many derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for Derivatives Transactions. The Fund could experience losses if it were unable to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. Successful use of Derivatives


27



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Transactions also is subject to the ability of the Investment Advisor to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant market and, to the extent the transaction is entered into for hedging purposes, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the transaction being hedged and the price movements of the derivatives. Derivatives Transactions entered into to seek to manage the risks of the Fund's portfolio of securities may have the effect of limiting gains from otherwise favorable market movements. The use of Derivatives Transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used (and a loss on a Derivatives Transaction position may be larger than the gain in a portfolio position being hedged), may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. Amounts paid by the Fund as premiums and cash or other assets held as collateral with respect to Derivatives Transactions may not otherwise be available to the Fund for investment purposes.

The use of currency transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses as a result of the imposition of exchange controls, political developments, government intervention or failure to intervene, suspension of settlements or the inability of the Fund to deliver or receive a specified currency.

Structured notes and other related instruments carry risks similar to those of more traditional derivatives such as futures, forward and option contracts. However, structured instruments may entail a greater degree of market risk and volatility than other types of debt obligations.

The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to certain Derivatives Transactions entered into by the Fund. Derivatives may be purchased on established exchanges or through privately negotiated transactions referred to as over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives. Exchange-traded derivatives generally are guaranteed by the clearing agency which is the issuer or counterparty to such derivatives. However, many futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day and once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended. There also is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist at any particular time and no such secondary market may exist or may cease to exist. Each party to an OTC derivative bears the risk that the counterparty will default. OTC derivatives are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives because the other party to the transaction may be the only investor with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

The Fund will not be a commodity pool (i.e., a pooled investment vehicle which trades in commodity futures contracts and options thereon and the operator of which is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission). In addition, the Fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of commodity pool operator and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.


28



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

PRIVACY POLICY*

In the course of doing business with Cohen & Steers, you may share personal information with us. We are committed to maintaining the privacy of this information and recognize the importance of preventing unauthorized access to it. You may provide personal information on account applications and requests for forms or other literature (such as your address and social security number) and through account transactions with us (such as purchases, sales and account balances). You may also provide us with this information through written, electronic and telephone account inquiries.

We do not sell personal information about current and former customers to anyone, and we do not disclose it unless necessary to process a transaction, service an account or as otherwise required or permitted by law. For example, we may disclose information to companies that perform administrative services for Cohen & Steers, such as transfer agents, or printers that assist us in the distribution of investor materials. These organizations will use this information only for purposes of providing the required services or as otherwise may be required by law. We may also share personal information within the Cohen & Steers family of companies to provide you with additional information about our products and services.

We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your personal information. Within Cohen & Steers, we restrict access to your personal information to those employees who need it to perform their jobs, such as servicing your account or informing you of new products and services.

The accuracy of your personal information is important. If you need to correct or update your personal or account information, please call us at 800-330-7348. We will be happy to review, correct or update your personal or account information.

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the directors who are not parties to the Fund's investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement"), or interested persons of any such party ("Independent Directors"), has the responsibility under the 1940 Act to approve the Fund's Advisory Agreement for its initial two year term and its continuation annually thereafter at a meeting of the Board of Directors called for the purpose of voting on the approval or continuation. At a meeting held in person on September 22-23, 2009, the Advisory Agreement was discussed and was unanimously continued for a term ending June 30, 2010 by the Fund's Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors. The Independent Directors were represented by independent counsel who assisted them in their deliberations during the meeting and executive session.

In considering whether to continue the Advisory Agreement, the Board of Directors reviewed materials provided by the Fund's investment advisor (the "Investment Advisor") and Fund counsel which included, among other things, fee, expense and performance information compared to peer funds ("Peer Funds") prepared by an

*  This privacy policy applies to the following Cohen & Steers companies: Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc., Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC, and the Cohen & Steers Funds.


29



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

independent data provider; supplemental performance and summary information prepared by the Investment Advisor; and memoranda outlining the legal duties of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors also spoke directly with representatives of the independent data provider and met with investment advisory personnel. In addition, the Board of Directors considered information provided from time to time by the Investment Advisor throughout the year at meetings of the Board of Directors, including presentations by portfolio managers relating to the investment performance of the Fund and the investment strategies used in pursuing the Fund's objective. In particular, the Board of Directors considered the following:

(i) The nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Investment Advisor: The Board of Directors reviewed the services that the Investment Advisor provides to the Fund, including, but not limited to, making the day-to-day investment decisions for the Fund, and generally managing the Fund's investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund. The Board of Directors also discussed with officers and portfolio managers of the Fund the amount of time the Investment Advisor dedicates to the Fund and the types of transactions that were being done on behalf of the Fund. Additionally, the Board of Directors took into account the services provided by the Investment Advisor to its other funds, including those that invest substantially in real estate securities and have investment objectives and strategies similar to the Fund. The Board of Directors next considered the education, background and experience of the Investment Advisor's personnel, noting particularly that the favorable history and reputation of the portfolio managers for the Fund has had, and would likely continue to have, a favorable impact on the Fund. The Board of Directors further noted the Investment Advisor's ability to attract quality and experienced personnel. The Board of Directors then considered the administrative services provided by the Investment Advisor, including compliance and accounting services. After consideration of the above factors, among others, the Board of Directors concluded that the nature, quality and extent of services provided by the Investment Advisor are adequate and appropriate.

(ii) Investment performance of the Fund and the Investment Advisor: The Board of Directors considered the investment performance of the Fund compared to Peer Funds and compared to a relevant benchmark. The Board of Directors further considered that the Fund is the only unleveraged, closed-end U.S. real estate fund, making quantitative comparisons among the Peer Funds difficult and that in light of this the independent data provider compared the Fund to leveraged and unleveraged closed-end funds. The Board of Directors noted that the Fund underperformed the Peer Funds' median for the year-to-date period ended June 30, 2009, ranking in the fourth quintile, and outperformed the Peer Funds' medians for the one-, three- and five-year periods, ranking the Fund in the first quintile. The Fund outperformed its benchmark for the, year-to-date, and one-, three- and five-year periods. The Board of Directors engaged in discussions with the Investment Advisor regarding the contributors and detractors to the Fund's performance during the periods. The Board of Directors also considered supplemental performance data provided by the Investment Advisor, including a narrative summary of various factors affecting performance, and the Investment Advisor's performance in managing other real estate funds. Due to the impact leverage can have on the performance of certain Peer Funds, the Board of Directors further considered the Fund's first and second quintile rankings across all periods versus a group of open-end funds compiled by the Investment Advisor. The Board of Directors determined that Fund performance, in light of all the considerations noted above, was satisfactory.


30



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

(iii) Cost of the services provided and profits realized by the Investment Advisor from the relationship with the Fund: Next, the Board of Directors considered the advisory fees payable by the Fund, as well as total expense ratios. As part of their analysis, the Board of Directors gave substantial consideration to the fee and expense analyses provided by the independent data provider. The Board of Directors considered the Fund's actual and contractual advisory fees, and the Fund's net expense ratios at common asset levels compared to the medians of the Peer Funds, ranking the Fund in the first quintiles across all categories. Due to the impact leverage may have on certain Peer Funds' expense ratios, the Board of Directors further considered the Fund's net expense ratio versus a group of open-end funds compiled by the Investment Advisor, noting that the Fund ranked in the third quintile across all periods. The Board of Directors concluded that the Fund's current expense structure is satisfactory.

The Board of Directors also reviewed information regarding the profitability to the Investment Advisor of its relationship with the Fund. The Board of Directors considered the level of the Investment Advisor's profits and whether the profits were reasonable for the Investment Advisor. The Board of Directors took into consideration other benefits to be derived by the Investment Advisor in connection with the Advisory Agreement, noting particularly the research and related services, within the meaning of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that the Investment Advisor receives by allocating the Fund's brokerage transactions. The Board of Directors concluded that the profits realized by the Investment Advisor from its relationship with the Fund were reasonable and consistent with fiduciary duties.

(iv) The extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows and whether fee levels would reflect such economies of scale: The Board of Directors noted that as a closed-end fund, the Fund would not be expected to have inflows of capital that might produce increasing economies of scale. The Board of Directors determined that, given the Fund's closed-end structure, there were not at this time significant economies of scale that were not being shared with stockholders.

(v) Comparison of services rendered and fees paid to those under other investment advisory contracts, such as contracts of the same and other investment advisers or other clients: As discussed above in (i) and (iii), the Board of Directors compared both the services rendered and the fees paid under the Advisory Agreement to those under other investment advisory contracts of other investment advisers managing Peer Funds. The Board of Directors also considered the services rendered, fees paid and profitability under the Advisory Agreement to the Investment Advisor's other fund advisory agreements, as well as the profitability under the Advisory Agreement to the Investment Advisor's other advisory contracts with institutional and other clients with similar investment mandates. The Board of Directors determined that on a comparative basis the fees under the Advisory Agreement were reasonable in relation to the services provided.

No single factor was cited as determinative to the decision of the Board of Directors. Rather, after weighing all of the considerations and conclusions discussed above, the Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors, unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreement.


31



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors approves all significant agreements between the Fund and persons or companies furnishing services to it, including the Fund's agreements with its advisor, administrator, sub-administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The management of the Fund's day-to-day operations is delegated to its officers, the advisor, administrator and sub-administrator, subject always to the investment objective and policies of the Fund and to the general supervision of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations during at least the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (SAI) includes additional information about Fund directors and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 800-330-7348.

Name, Address1 and Age   Position(s) Held
with Fund
  Term of
Office2
  Principal Occupation
During At Least
The Past 5 Years
(Including Other
Directorships Held)
  Number of
Funds Within
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
(Including
the Fund)
  Length
of Time
Served3
 
Interested Directors4  
Robert H. Steers
Age: 56
  Director and
Co-Chairman
    2012     Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. (the Advisor) since 2003 and its parent, Cohen & Steers, Inc. since 2004. Vice President of Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC.     18     1991 to present  
Martin Cohen
Age: 61
  Director and
Co-Chairman
    2010     Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Advisor since 2003 and Cohen & Steers, Inc. since 2004. Prior to that, President of the Advisor; Vice President of Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC.     18     1991 to present  

 

  (table continued on next page)


32



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

(table continued from previous page)

Name, Address1 and Age   Position(s) Held
with Fund
  Term of
Office2
  Principal Occupation
During At Least
The Past 5 Years
(Including Other
Directorships Held)
  Number of
Funds Within
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
(Including
the Fund)
  Length
of Time
Served3
 
Disinterested Directors  
Bonnie Cohen5
Age: 67
  Director     2011     Consultant. Board Member United States Department of Defense Business Board; Vice-chair Global Heritage Fund; Chair of the Advisory Committee, The Posse Foundation, DC; Finance Chair, District of Columbia Public Libraries. Government service: former Undersecretary of State for Management, US Department of State; previously Assistant Secretary of Interior for Policy Management and Budget, US Department of Interior. Private employment includes Senior Vice President National Trust for Historic Preservation, Treasurer UMWA Health and Retirement Funds.     18     2001 to present  
George Grossman
Age: 56
  Director     2012     Attorney-at-law     18     1993 to present  
Richard E. Kroon
Age: 67
  Director     2011     Member of Investment Committee, Monmouth University. Retired Chairman and Managing Partner of Sprout Group venture capital funds, then an affiliate of Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corporation; and former chairman of the National Venture Capital Association.     18     2004 to present  
Richard J. Norman
Age: 66
  Director     2010     Private Investor. Advisory Board Member of the Salvation Army, Member: DC Dept. of Corrections Chaplain's Corps. Prior thereto, Investment Representative of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.     18     2001 to present  

 

  (table continued on next page)


33



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

(table continued from previous page)

Name, Address1 and Age   Position(s) Held
with Fund
  Term of
Office2
  Principal Occupation
During At Least
The Past 5 Years
(Including Other
Directorships Held)
  Number of
Funds Within
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
(Including
the Fund)
  Length
of Time
Served3
 
Frank K. Ross
Age: 66
  Director     2010     Professor of Accounting, Howard University. Board member of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (electric utility). Formerly, Midatlantic Area Managing Partner for Audit and Risk Advisory Services at KPMG LLP and Managing Partner of its Washington DC office.     18     2004 to present  
Willard H. Smith Jr.
Age: 73
  Director     2011     Board member of Essex Property Trust Inc. Managing Director at Merrill Lynch & Co., Equity Capital Markets Division from 1983 to 1995.     18     1996 to present  
C. Edward Ward Jr.
Age: 63
  Director     2012     Member of the Board of Trustees of Directors Manhattan College, Riverdale, New York. Formerly head of closed-end fund listings for the New York Stock Exchange.     18     2004 to present  

 

1  The address for each director is 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

2  On March 12, 2008, the Board of Directors adopted a mandatory retirement policy stating a Director must retire from the Board on December 31st of the year in which he or she turns 75 years of age.

3  The length of time served represents the year in which the director was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Cohen & Steers fund complex.

4  "Interested person", as defined in the 1940 Act, of the fund because of affiliation with the advisor (Interested Directors).

5  Martin Cohen and Bonnie Cohen are not related.


34



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

The officers of the Fund (other than Messrs. Cohen and Steers, whose biographies are provided above), their address, their ages and their principal occupations for at least the past five years are set forth below.

Name, Address and Age1   Position(s) Held
with Fund
  Principal Occupation During At Least The Past 5 Years   Length
of Time
Served2
 
Adam M. Derechin
Age: 45
  President and Chief Executive Officer   Chief Operating Officer of CSCM (since 2003) and CNS (since 2004). Prior to that, Senior Vice President of CSCM and Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Cohen & Steers funds.   Since 2005  
Joseph M. Harvey
Age: 46
  Vice President   President and Chief Investment Officer of CSCM (since 2003) and President of CNS (since 2004). Prior to that, Senior Vice President and Director of Investment Research of CSCM.   Since 2004  
William F. Scapell
Age: 42
  Vice President   Senior Vice President of CSCM since 2003. Prior to that, chief strategist for preferred securities at Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.   Since 2003  
Thomas N. Bohjalian
Age: 44
  Vice President   Senior Vice President of CSCM since 2006. Prior to that, Vice President of CSCM from 2003 through 2005. Prior thereto, Vice President at AEW Capital Management.   Since 2006  
Yigal Jhirad
Age: 45
  Vice President   Senior Vice President of CSCM since 2007. Prior to that, executive director at Morgan Stanley and head of prime brokerage equity product marketing responsible for developing and marketing quantitative and derivatives product to hedge funds.   Since 2007  
Francis C. Poli
Age: 47
  Secretary   Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of CSCM and CNS since March 2007. Prior thereto, General Counsel of Allianz Global Investors of America LP.   Since 2007  
James Giallanza
Age: 43
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer   Senior Vice President of CSCM since September 2006. Prior thereto, Deputy Head of the US Funds Administration and Treasurer & CFO of various mutual funds within the Legg Mason (formally Citigroup Asset Management) fund complex from August 2004 to September 2006; Director/Controller of the US wholesale business at UBS Global Asset Management (U.S.) from September 2001 to July 2004.   Since 2006  
Lisa D. Phelan
Age: 41
  Chief Compliance Officer   Senior Vice President and Director of Compliance of CSCM since 2007 and prior to that, Vice President since 2006. Chief Compliance Officer of CSSL since 2004. Prior to that, Compliance Officer of CSCM since 2004. Chief Compliance Officer, Avatar Associates & Overture Asset Managers, 2003-2004.   Since 2006  

 

1  The address of each officer is 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

2  Officers serve one-year terms. The length of time served represents the year in which the officer was first elected to that position in any fund in the Cohen & Steers fund complex. All of the officers listed above are officers of one or more of the other funds in the complex.


35




COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Meet the Cohen & Steers family of open-end funds:

COHEN & STEERS
GLOBAL REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in global real estate equity securities

  •  Symbols: CSFAX, CSFBX, CSFCX, CSSPX

COHEN & STEERS
INSTITUTIONAL GLOBAL REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for institutional investors seeking total return, investing primarily in global real estate securities

  •  Symbol: GRSIX

COHEN & STEERS
REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in REITs

  •  Symbol: CSRSX

COHEN & STEERS
INSTITUTIONAL REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for institutional investors seeking total return, investing primarily in REITs

  •  Symbol: CSRIX

COHEN & STEERS
REALTY INCOME FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking maximum total return, investing primarily in real estate securities with an emphasis on both income and capital appreciation

  •  Symbols: CSEIX, CSBIX, CSCIX, CSDIX

COHEN & STEERS
INTERNATIONAL REALTY FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in international real estate securities

  •  Symbols: IRFAX, IRFCX, IRFIX

COHEN & STEERS
ASIA PACIFIC REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in real estate securities located in the Asia Pacific region

  •  Symbols: APFAX, APFCX, APFIX

COHEN & STEERS
GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in global infrastructure securities

  •  Symbols: CSUAX, CSUBX, CSUCX, CSUIX

COHEN & STEERS
DIVIDEND VALUE FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking high current income and long-term growth of income and capital appreciation, investing primarily in dividend paying common stocks and preferred stocks

  •  Symbols: DVFAX, DVFCX, DVFIX

Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information can be obtained by calling 800-330-7348 or by visiting cohenandsteers.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC, Distributor


36



COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Robert H. Steers
Director and co-chairman

Martin Cohen
Director and co-chairman

Bonnie Cohen
Director

George Grossman
Director

Richard E. Kroon
Director

Richard J. Norman
Director

Frank K. Ross
Director

Willard H. Smith Jr.
Director

C. Edward Ward, Jr.
Director

Adam M. Derechin
President and chief executive officer

Joseph M. Harvey
Vice president

William F. Scapell
Vice president

Thomas N. Bohjalian
Vice president

Yigal D. Jhirad
Vice president

Francis C. Poli
Secretary

James Giallanza
Treasurer and chief financial officer

Lisa D. Phelan
Chief compliance officer

KEY INFORMATION

Investment Advisor

Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc.
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 832-3232

Fund Administrator and Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111

Transfer Agent

The Bank of New York Mellon
480 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07310
(866) 227-0757

Legal Counsel

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
180 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: RFI

Web site: cohenandsteers.com

This report is for shareholder information. This is not a prospectus intended for use in the purchase or sale of Fund shares. Past performance is of course no guarantee of future results and your investment may be worth more or less at the time you sell.


37




COHEN & STEERS

TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND

280 PARK AVENUE

NEW YORK, NY 10017

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ANNUAL REPORT

DECEMBER 31, 2009

RFIAR




 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

On October 1, 2009, the registrant has adopted an Amended and Restated Code of Ethics that applies to its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer. The material changes to the Code of Ethics that apply to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions were (i) a shortened preclearance window, (ii) the implementation of a 30-day holding period to sell securities at a profit, (iii) limitations on the frequency of trading, and (iv) a preclearance requirement for exchange traded funds. The registrant undertakes to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of the Code of Ethics. Such request can be made by calling 800-330-7348 or writing to the Secretary of the registrant, 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The registrant’s board has determined that Frank K. Ross, a member of the board’s Audit Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert”.  Mr. Ross is “independent,” as such term is defined in Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a) – (d) Aggregate fees billed to the registrant for the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the registrant’s principal accountant were as follows:

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Audit Fees

 

$

43,600

 

$

43,600

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

0

 

0

 

Tax Fees

 

6,000

 

14,900

 

All Other Fees

 

 

 

 

Tax fees were billed in connection with the preparation of tax returns, calculation and designation of dividends and other miscellaneous tax services.

 

Aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for the last two fiscal years for non-audit services provided to the registrant’s investment advisor (not including any sub-advisor whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted or overseen by another investment advisor) and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisor that provides ongoing services to the registered investment company, where the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant, were as follows:

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

 

 

Tax Fees

 

 

 

All Other Fees

 

 

$

110,000

 

 



 

These other fees were billed in connection with internal control reviews.

 

(e)(1)       The registrant’s audit committee is required to pre-approve audit and non-audit services performed for the registrant by the principal accountant. The audit committee also is required to pre-approve non-audit services performed by the registrant’s principal accountant for the registrant’s investment advisor (not including any sub-advisor whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment advisor) and/or to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the registrant’s investment advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant, if the engagement for services relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant.

 

The audit committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members who are independent members of the board of directors of the registrant. The member or members to whom such authority is delegated shall report any pre-approval decisions to the audit committee at its next scheduled meeting.  The audit committee may not delegate its responsibility to pre-approve services to be performed by the registrant’s principal accountant to the investment advisor.

 

(e) (2)      No services included in (b) – (d) above were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraphs (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f)            Not applicable.

 

(g)           For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant and for non-audit services rendered to the registrant’s investment advisor (not including any sub-advisor whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment advisor) and/or to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the registrant’s investment advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $6,000 and $129,635, respectively.

 

(h)           The registrant’s audit committee considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment advisor (not including any sub-advisor whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment advisor) and/or to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the registrant’s investment advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not required to be pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X was compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 



 

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 members of the committee are Frank K. Ross (chairman), Bonnie Cohen, George Grossman and Richard E. Kroon.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

 

Included in Item 1 above.

 

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

 

The registrant has delegated voting of proxies in respect of portfolio holdings to Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc., in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth below.

 

COHEN & STEERS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE VOTING OF SECURITIES

 

This statement sets forth the policies and procedures that Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. (“C&S”) follows in exercising voting rights with respect to securities held in our client portfolios.  All proxy-voting rights that are exercised by C&S shall be subject to this Statement of Policy and Procedures.

 

I.              Objectives

 

Voting rights are an important component of corporate governance. The Advisor has three overall objectives in exercising voting rights:

 

A. Responsibility. The Advisor shall seek to ensure that there is an effective means in place to hold companies accountable for their actions. While management must be accountable to its board, the board must be accountable to a company’s shareholders. Although accountability can be promoted in a variety of ways, protecting shareholder voting rights may be among our most important tools.

 

B. Rationalizing Management and Shareholder Concerns. The Advisor seeks to ensure that the interests of a company’s management and board are aligned with those of the company’s shareholders. In this respect, compensation must be structured to reward the creation of shareholder value.

 

C. Shareholder Communication. Since companies are owned by their shareholders, the Advisor seeks to ensure that management effectively communicates with its owners about the company’s business operations and financial performance. It is only with effective communication that shareholders will be able to assess the performance of management and to make informed decisions on when to buy, sell or hold a company’s securities.

 

In exercising voting rights, the Advisor follows the general principles set forth below.

 



 

·                  The ability to exercise a voting right with respect to a security is a valuable right and, therefore, must be viewed as part of the asset itself.

 

·                  In exercising voting rights, the Advisor shall engage in a careful evaluation of issues that may materially affect the rights of shareholders and the value of the security.

 

·                  Consistent with general fiduciary principles, the exercise of voting rights shall always be conducted with reasonable care, prudence and diligence.

 

·                  In exercising voting rights on behalf of clients, the Advisor shall conduct itself in the same manner as if the Advisor was the constructive owner of the securities.

 

·                  To the extent reasonably possible, the Advisor shall participate in each shareholder voting opportunity.

 

·                  Voting rights shall not automatically be exercised in favor of management-supported proposals.

 

·                  The Advisor, and its officers and employees, shall never accept any item of value in consideration of a favorable proxy voting decision.

 

Set forth below are general guidelines followed in exercising proxy voting rights:

 

Prudence. In making a proxy voting decision, the Advisor shall give appropriate consideration to all relevant facts and circumstances, including the value of the securities to be voted and the likely effect any vote may have on that value. Since voting rights must be exercised on the basis of an informed judgment, investigation shall be a critical initial step.

 

Third Party Views. While the Advisor may consider the views of third parties, the Advisor shall never base a proxy voting decision solely on the opinion of a third party.

 

Rather, decisions shall be based on a reasonable and good faith determination as to how best to maximize shareholder value.

 

Shareholder Value. Just as the decision whether to purchase or sell a security is a matter of judgment, determining whether a specific proxy resolution will increase the market value of a security is a matter of judgment as to which informed parties may differ. In determining how a proxy vote may affect the economic value of a security, the Advisor shall consider both short-term and long-term views about a company’s business and prospects, especially in light of our projected holding period on the stock (e.g., the Advisor may discount long-term views on a short-term holding).

 

Set forth below are guidelines as to how specific proxy voting issues shall be analyzed and assessed.

 

While these guidelines will provide a framework for the Advisor decision making process, the mechanical application of these guidelines can never address all proxy voting decisions.

 

When new issues arise or old issues present nuances not encountered before, the Advisor must be guided by its reasonable judgment to vote in a manner that the Advisor deems to be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. In addition, because the regulatory framework and the business cultures and practices vary from region to region, the below general guidelines may be inconsistent in certain circumstances.

 



 

Uncontested Director Elections

 

Votes on director nominees should be made on a case-by-case basis using a “mosaic” approach, where all factors are considered in director elections and where no single issue is deemed to be determinative.

 

For example, a nominee’s experience and business judgment may be critical to the long-term success of the portfolio company, notwithstanding the fact that he or she may serve on the board of more than four public companies. In evaluating nominees, the Advisor considers the following factors:

 

·                  Whether the nominee attended less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse for the absences;

 

·                  Whether the nominee is an inside or affiliated outside director and sits on the audit, compensation, or nominating committees;

 

·                  Whether the nominee ignored a significant shareholder proposal that was approved by a (i) majority of the shares outstanding or (ii) majority of the votes cast for two consecutive years;

 

·                  Whether the nominee, without shareholder approval, to our knowledge instituted a new poison pill plan, extended an existing plan, or adopted a new plan upon the expiration of an existing plan during the past year;

 

·                  Whether the nominee is an inside or affiliated outside director and the full board serves as the audit, compensation, or nominating committee or the company does not have one of these committees;

 

·                  Whether the nominee is an insider or affiliated outsider on boards that are not at least majority independent;

 

·                  Whether the nominee is the CEO of a publicly-traded company who serves on more than two public boards;

 

·                  Whether the nominee serves on more than four public company boards;

 

·                  Whether the nominee serves on the audit committee where there is evidence (such as audit reports or reports mandated under the Sarbanes Oxley Act) that there exists material weaknesses in the company’s internal controls;

 

·                  Whether the nominee serves on the compensation committee if that director was present at the time of the grant of backdated options or options the pricing or the timing of which Advisor believes may have been manipulated to provide additional benefits to executives;

 

·                  Whether the nominee is believed by us to have a material conflict of interest with the portfolio company; and

 

·                  Whether the nominee (or the overall board) in our view has a record of making poor corporate or strategic decisions or has demonstrated an overall lack of good business judgment.

 

The Advisor votes on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals requesting companies to amend their bylaws in order to create access to the proxy so as to nominate candidates for directors. The Advisor recognizes the importance of shareholder access to the ballot process as a means to ensure that boards do

 



 

not become self-perpetuating and self-serving. However, the Advisor is also aware that some proposals may promote certain interest groups and could be disruptive to the nomination process. Special attention will be paid to companies that display a chronic lack of shareholder accountability.

 

Proxy Contests

 

Director Nominees in a Contested Election. By definition, this type of board candidate or slate runs for the purpose of seeking a significant change in corporate policy or control. Therefore, the economic impact of the vote in favor of or in opposition to that director or slate must be analyzed using a higher standard such as is normally applied to changes in control. Criteria for evaluating director nominees as a group or individually should also include: the underlying reason why the new slate (or individual director) is being proposed; performance; compensation; corporate governance provisions and takeover activity; criminal activity; attendance at meetings; investment in the company; interlocking directorships; inside, outside and independent directors; number of other board seats; and other experience. It is impossible to have a general policy regarding director nominees in a contested election.

 

Reimbursement of Proxy Solicitation Expenses. Decisions to provide full reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest should be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

Ratification of Auditors

 

The Advisor votes for proposals to ratify auditors, unless an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and are therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position. Generally, the Advisor votes against auditor ratification and withhold votes from audit committee members if non-audit fees exceed audit fees. The Advisor votes on a case-by-case basis on auditor rotation proposals. Criteria for evaluating the rotation proposal include, but are not limited to: tenure of the audit firm; establishment and disclosure of a renewal process whereby the auditor is regularly evaluated for both audit quality and competitive price; length of the rotation period advocated in the proposal; and any significant audit related issues. Generally, the Advisor votes against auditor indemnification and limitation of liability; however the Advisor recognizes there may be situations where indemnification and limitations on liability may be appropriate.

 

Takeover Defenses

 

While the Advisor recognizes that a takeover attempt can be a significant distraction for the board and management to deal with, the simple fact is that the possibility of a corporate takeover keeps management focused on maximizing shareholder value. As a result, the Advisor opposes measures that are designed to prevent or obstruct corporate takeovers because they can entrench current management. The following are our guidelines on change of control issues:

 

Shareholder Rights Plans. The Advisor acknowledges that there are arguments for and against shareholder rights plans, also known as “poison pills.” Companies should put their case for rights plans to shareholders. The Advisor reviews on a case-by-case basis management proposals to ratify a poison pill. The Advisor generally looks for shareholder friendly features including a two- to three-year sunset provision, a permitted bid provision and a 20 percent or higher flip-in provision.

 

Greenmail. The Advisor votes for proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.

 



 

Unequal Voting Rights. Generally, The Advisor votes against dual-class recapitalizations as they offer an effective way for a firm to thwart hostile takeovers by concentrating voting power in the hands of management or other insiders.

 

Classified Boards. The Advisor generally votes in favor of shareholder proposals to declassify a board of directors, although the Advisor acknowledges that a classified board may be in the long-term best interests of a company in certain situations. In voting on shareholder proposals to declassify a board of directors, the Advisor evaluates all facts and circumstances surrounding such proposal, including whether the shareholder proposing the de-classification has an agenda in making such proposal that may be at odds with the long-term best interests of the company or whether it would be in the best interests of the company to thwart a shareholder’s attempt to control the board of directors.

 

Cumulative Voting. Having the ability to cumulate our votes for the election of directors—that is, cast more than one vote for a director about whom they feel strongly—generally increases shareholders’ rights to effect change in the management of a corporation. The Advisor generally supports, therefore, proposals to adopt cumulative voting.

 

Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meeting. The Advisor votes on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals requesting companies to amend their governance documents (bylaws and/or charter) in order to allow shareholders to call special meetings. The Advisor recognizes the importance on shareholder ability to call a special meeting, however, the Advisor is also aware that some proposals are put forth in order to promote the agenda(s) of certain special interest groups and could be disruptive to the management of the company.

 

Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent. The Advisor generally votes against proposals to allow or facilitate shareholder action by written consent. The requirement that all shareholders be given notice of a shareholders’ meeting and matters to be discussed therein seems to provide a reasonable protection of minority shareholder rights.

 

Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board. The Advisor generally votes for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board and vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval. While the Advisor recognizes the importance of such proposals, the Advisor is however also aware that these proposals are sometimes put forth in order to promote the agenda(s) of certain special interest groups and could be disruptive to the management of the company.

 

Miscellaneous Board Provisions

 

Board Committees. Boards should delegate key oversight functions, such as responsibility for audit, nominating and compensation issues, to independent committees. The chairman and members of any committee should be clearly identified in the annual report. Any committee should have the authority to engage independent advisors where appropriate at the company’s expense.

 

Audit, nominating and compensation committees should consist solely of non-employee directors, who are independent of management.

 

Separate Chairman and CEO Positions. The Advisor will generally vote for proposals looking to separate the CEO and Chairman roles. The Advisor does acknowledge, however, that under certain circumstances, it may be reasonable for the CEO and Chairman roles to be held by a single person.

 



 

Lead Directors and Executive Sessions. In cases where the CEO and Chairman roles are combined, Advisor will vote for the appointment of a “lead” (non-insider) director and for regular “executive” sessions (board meetings taking place without the CEO/Chairman present).

 

Majority of Independent Directors. The Advisor votes for proposals that call for the board to be composed of a majority of independent directors. The Advisor believes that a majority of independent directors can be an important factor in facilitating objective decision making and enhancing accountability to shareholders.

 

Independent Committees. The Advisor votes for shareholder proposals requesting that the board’s audit, compensation, and nominating committees consist exclusively of independent directors.

 

Stock Ownership Requirements. The Advisor supports measures requiring senior executives to hold a minimum amount of stock in a company (often expressed as a percentage of annual compensation), requiring stock acquired through option exercise to be held for a certain minimum amount of time and issuing restricted stock awards instead of options.

 

Term of Office. The Advisor votes against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors. Term limits pose artificial and arbitrary impositions on the board and could harm shareholder interests by forcing experienced and knowledgeable directors off the board.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection. Proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 

Board Size. The Advisor generally votes for proposals to limit the size of the board to 15 members or less.

 

Majority Vote Standard. The Advisor generally votes for proposals asking for the board to initiate the appropriate process to amend the company’s governance documents (charter or bylaws) to provide that director nominees shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast at an annual meeting of shareholders. The Advisor would generally review on a case-by-case basis proposals that address alternative approaches to a majority vote requirement.

 

Confidential Voting. The Advisor votes for shareholder proposals requesting that companies adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators, and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: in the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.

 

The Advisor also votes for management proposals to adopt confidential voting.

 

Bundled Proposals. The Advisor reviews on a case-by-case basis bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, the Advisor examines the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances where the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders’ best interests, the Advisor votes against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, the Advisor supports such proposals.

 

Date/Location of Meeting. The Advisor votes against shareholder proposals to change the date or location of the shareholders’ meeting. No one site will meet the needs of all shareholders.

 



 

Adjourn Meeting if Votes are Insufficient. Open-end requests for adjournment of a shareholder meeting generally will not be supported. However, where management specifically states the reason for requesting an adjournment and the requested adjournment is necessary to permit a proposal that would otherwise be supported under this policy to be carried out; the adjournment request will be supported.

 

Disclosure of Shareholder Proponents. The Advisor votes for shareholder proposals requesting that companies disclose the names of shareholder proponents. Shareholders may wish to contact the proponents of a shareholder proposal for additional information.

 

Capital Structure

 

Increase Additional Common Stock. The Advisor generally votes for increases in authorized shares, provided that the increase is not greater than three times the number of shares outstanding and reserved for issuance (including shares reserved for stock-related plans and securities convertible into common stock, but not shares reserved for any poison pill plan). Votes generally are cast in favor of proposals to authorize additional shares of stock except where the proposal:

 

·                  creates a blank check preferred stock; or

 

·                  establishes classes of stock with superior voting rights.

 

Blank Check Preferred Stock. Votes generally are cast in opposition to management proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecific voting, conversion, distribution and other rights, and management proposals to increase the number of authorized blank check preferred shares. The Advisor may vote in favor of this type of proposal when it receives assurances to its reasonable satisfaction that (i) the preferred stock was authorized by the board for the use of legitimate capital formation purposes and not for anti- takeover purposes, and (ii) no preferred stock will be issued with voting power that is disproportionate to the economic interests of the preferred stock. These representations should be made either in the proxy statement or in a separate letter from the company to the Advisor.

 

Preemptive Rights. Votes regarding shareholder proposals seeking preemptive rights are determined on a case-by-case basis after evaluating:

 

·                  The size of the company;

 

·                  The shareholder base; and

 

·                  The liquidity of the stock.

 

For example, it would be difficult to support a shareholder proposal that would require an S&P 500 company with over $1 billion in equity held by thousands of shareholders (with no single shareholder owning a significant percentage of outstanding shares) to implement preemptive rights each time it conducted a new offering. Such a requirement would be impractical and extremely costly. Moreover, at companies with that large of a shareholder base and the ease with which shareholders could preserve their relative interest through purchases of shares on the on the open market, the cost of implementing preemptive rights does not seem justifiable in relation to the benefits.

 

Dual Class Capitalizations. Because classes of common stock with unequal voting rights limit the rights of certain shareholders, the Advisor votes against adoption of a dual or multiple class capitalization structure.

 



 

Restructurings/Recapitalizations. The Advisor reviews proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan on a case- by-case basis.

 

In voting, the Advisor considers the following issues:

 

·                  dilution—how much will ownership interest of existing shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will dilution to any future earnings be?

 

·                  change in control—will the transaction result in a change in control of the company?

 

·                  bankruptcy—generally, approve proposals that facilitate debt restructurings unless there are clear signs of self-dealing or other abuses.

 

Share Repurchase Programs. Boards may institute share repurchase or stock buy-back programs for a number of reasons. The Advisor will generally vote in favor of such programs where the repurchase would be in the long-term best interests of shareholders, and where the company is not thought to be able to use the cash in a more useful way.

 

The Advisor will vote against such programs when shareholders’ interests could be better served by deployment of the cash for alternative uses, or where the repurchase is a defensive maneuver or an attempt to entrench management.

 

Targeted Share Placements. These shareholder proposals ask companies to seek stockholder approval before placing 10% or more of their voting stock with a single investor. The proposals are typically in reaction to the placement by various companies of a large block of their voting stock in an ESOP, parent capital fund or with a single friendly investor, with the aim of protecting themselves against a hostile tender offer. These proposals are voted on a case-by-case basis after reviewing the individual situation of the company receiving the proposal.

 

Executive and Director Compensation

 

Stock-based Incentive Plans. Votes with respect to compensation plans should be determined on a case-by-case basis. The analysis of compensation plans focuses primarily on the transfer of shareholder wealth (the dollar cost of pay plans to shareholders). Other matters included in our analysis are the amount of the company’s outstanding stock to be reserved for the award of stock options or restricted stock, whether the exercise price of an option is less than the stock’s fair market value at the date of the grant of the options, and whether the plan provides for the exchange of outstanding options for new ones at lower exercise prices. Every award type is valued. An estimated dollar cost for the proposed plan and all continuing plans is derived. This cost, dilution to shareholders’ equity, will also be expressed as a percentage figure for the transfer of shareholder wealth and will be considered along with dilution to voting power. Once the cost of the plan is estimated, it is compared to an allowable industry-specific and market cap-based dilution cap.

 

If the proposed plan cost is above the allowable cap, an against vote is indicated. If the proposed cost is below the allowable cap, a vote for the plan is indicated unless the plan violates the repricing guidelines. If the company has a history of repricing options or has the express ability to reprice underwater stock options without first securing shareholder approval under the proposed plan, the plan receives an against vote—even in cases where the plan cost is considered acceptable based on the quantitative analysis.

 



 

The Advisor votes against equity plans that have high average three year burn rates, unless the company has publicly committed to reduce the burn rate to a rate that is comparable to its peer group (as determined by the Advisor).

 

Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans. The Advisor votes for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from limits on deductibility under the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).

 

Executive Compensation. Executive compensation should be tied to the performance of the executive and the company as well as relevant market conditions. The Advisor feels that the performance criteria and specific amounts and types of executive compensation are best decided by a company’s board of directors and/or its compensation committee and fully disclosed to shareholders.

 

The Advisor will, however, vote for shareholder proposals that call for shareholders to vote, in a non-binding manner, on executive pay since such vote is non-binding and is merely informative for the board of directors and/or compensation committee. Further, the Advisor generally votes for shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information.

 

Reload/Evergreen Features. The Advisor will generally vote against plans that enable the issuance of reload options and that provide an automatic share replenishment (“evergreen”) feature.

 

Golden Parachutes. The Advisor opposes the use of accelerated employment contracts that result in cash grants of greater than three times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of termination of employment following a change in control of a company. In general, the guidelines call for voting against “golden parachute” plans because they impede potential takeovers that shareholders should be free to consider. The Advisor generally withholds its votes at the next shareholder meeting for directors who to our knowledge approved golden parachutes.

 

401(k) Employee Benefit Plans. The Advisor votes for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plans. The Advisor supports employee stock purchase plans, although the Advisor generally believes the discounted purchase price should be at least 85% of the current market price.

 

Option Expensing. The Advisor votes for shareholder proposals to expense fixed-price options.

 

Vesting. The Advisor believes that restricted stock awards normally should vest over at least a two-year period.

 

Option Repricing. Stock options generally should not be re-priced, and never should be re-priced without shareholder approval. In addition, companies should not issue new options, with a lower strike price, to make up for previously issued options that are substantially underwater. The Advisor will vote against the election of any slate of directors that, to its knowledge, has authorized a company to re-price or replace underwater options during the most recent year without shareholder approval.

 

Stock Holding Periods. Generally vote against all proposals requiring executives to hold the stock received upon option exercise for a specific period of time.

 



 

Transferable Stock Options. Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to grant transferable stock options or otherwise permit the transfer of outstanding stock options, including cost of proposal and alignment with shareholder interests.

 

Recoup Bonuses. The Advisor votes on a case-by-case on shareholder proposals to recoup unearned incentive bonuses or other incentive payments made to senior executives if it is later determined that fraud, misconduct, or negligence significantly contributed to a restatement of financial results that led to the awarding of unearned incentive compensation.

 

Incorporation

 

Reincorporation Outside of the United States. Generally, the Advisor will vote against companies looking to reincorporate outside of the U.S.

 

Voting on State Takeover Statutes. The Advisor reviews on a case-by-case basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freeze out provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, anti greenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions). In voting on these shareholder proposals, the Advisor evaluates all facts and circumstances surrounding such proposal, including whether the shareholder proposing such measure has an agenda in making such proposal that may be at odds with the longterm best interests of the company or whether it would be in the best interests of the company to thwart a shareholder’s attempt to control the board of directors.

 

Voting on Reincorporation Proposals. Proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation are examined on a case-by-case basis. In making our decision, the Advisor reviews management’s rationale for the proposal, changes to the charter/bylaws, and differences in the state laws governing the companies.

 

Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

 

Mergers and Acquisitions. Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors including the following: anticipated financial and operating benefits; offer price (cost vs. premium); prospects of the combined companies; how the deal was negotiated; and changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights.

 

The Advisor votes against proposals that require a super-majority of shareholders to approve a merger or other significant business combination. The Advisor supports proposals that seek to lower super-majority voting requirements.

 

Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger or Acquisition. Some companies have proposed a charter provision which specifies that the board of directors may examine the nonfinancial effect of a merger or acquisition on the company. This provision would allow the board to evaluate the impact a proposed change in control would have on employees, host communities, suppliers and/or others. The Advisor generally votes against proposals to adopt such charter provisions. The Advisor feels it is the directors’ fiduciary duty to base decisions solely on the financial interests of the shareholders.

 

Corporate Restructuring. Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeeze outs, leveraged buyouts, “going private” proposals, spin-offs, liquidations, and asset sales, should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Spin-offs. Votes on spin-offs should be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.

 



 

Asset Sales. Votes on asset sales should be made on a case-by-case basis after considering the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.

 

Liquidations. Votes on liquidations should be made on a case-by-case basis after reviewing management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

 

Appraisal Rights. The Advisor votes for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal. Rights of appraisal provide shareholders who are not satisfied with the terms of certain corporate transactions the right to demand a judicial review in order to determine a fair value for their shares.

 

Changing Corporate Name. The Advisor votes for changing the corporate name.

 

Social Issues.

 

The Advisor believes that it is the responsibility of the board and management to run a company on a daily basis. With this in mind, in the absence of unusual circumstances, the Advisor does not believe that shareholders should be involved in determining how a company should address broad social and policy issues. As a result, the Advisor generally votes against these types of proposals, which are generally initiated by shareholders, unless the Advisor believes the proposal has significant economic implications.

 

Item 8.  Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Investment Companies.

 

Information pertaining to the portfolio managers of the registrant, as of February 28, 2010, is set forth below.

 

Martin Cohen

 

·      Director and co-chairman

 

·      Portfolio manager since inception

Co-founder, co-chairman and co-chief executive officer of Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. (“C&S”) and its parent company, Cohen & Steers, Inc. (“CNS”).  Vice president and director of Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC.  Director and co-chairman of each of the Cohen & Steers funds.  Previously, president of C&S and each of the Cohen & Steers funds. 

 

 

Robert Steers

 

·      Director and co-chairman

 

·      Portfolio manager since inception

Co-founder, co-chairman and co-chief executive officer of C&S and CNS.  Vice President and Director of Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC.  Director and co-chairman of each of the Cohen & Steers funds.  Previously, chairman of C&S and each of the Cohen & Steers funds. 

 

 

Joseph Harvey

President of C&S and CNS.  Previously, senior vice president of C&S and director of research.

 



 

·      Vice president

 

·      Portfolio manager since 2004

 

 

 

William F. Scapell

 

·      Vice President

 

·      Portfolio manager since 2005

Senior vice president of C&S. Previously, chief strategist for preferred securities at Merrill Lynch & Co.

 

 

 

Thomas N. Bohjalian

 

·      Vice President

 

·      Portfolio manager since 2006

Senior vice president of C&S. Previously, vice president of C&S.

 

 

C&S utilizes a team-based approach in managing the registrant. Mr. Cohen and Mr. Steers are the leaders of this team and they act in a supervisory capacity. Mr. Harvey and Mr. Bohjalian direct and supervise the execution of the registrant’s investment strategy, and lead and guide the other members of the team.  Mr. Scapell manages the registrant’s preferred securities investments.

 

Each portfolio manager listed above manages other investment companies and/or investment vehicles and accounts in addition to the registrant. The following tables show, as of December 31, 2009, the number of accounts each portfolio manager managed in each of the listed categories and the total assets in the accounts managed within each category. The portfolio managers do not receive performance-based fees with respect to any of the registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles or other accounts that they manage.

 

Martin Cohen

 

 

 

Number of accounts

 

Total assets

 

·

Registered investment companies

 

15

 

$

11,284,365,000

 

·

Other pooled investment vehicles

 

37

 

$

7,385,259,000

 

·

Other accounts

 

45

 

$

3,057,923,000

 

 

Robert Steers

 

 

 

 

Number of accounts

 

Total assets

 

·

Registered investment companies

 

15

 

$

11,284,365,000

 

·

Other pooled investment vehicles

 

37

 

$

7,385,259,000

 

 



 

·

Other accounts

 

45

 

$

3,057,923,000

 

 

Joseph Harvey

 

 

 

 

Number of accounts

 

Total assets

 

·

Registered investment companies

 

15

 

$

11,284,365,000

 

·

Other pooled investment vehicles

 

37

 

$

7,385,259,000

 

·

Other accounts

 

45

 

$

3,057,923,000

 

 

William F. Scapell

 

 

 

 

Number of accounts

 

Total assets

 

·

Registered investment companies

 

7

 

$

5,027,409,000

 

·

Other pooled investment vehicles

 

2

 

$

41,187,000

 

·

Other accounts

 

10

 

$

499,097,000

 

 

Thomas Bohjalian

 

 

 

 

Number of accounts

 

Total assets

 

·

Registered investment companies

 

5

 

$

3,722,694,000

 

·

Other pooled investment vehicles

 

2

 

$

41,187,000

 

·

Other accounts

 

6

 

$

234,909,000

 

 

Share Ownership. The following table indicates the dollar range of securities of the registrant owned by the registrant’s portfolio managers as of December 31, 2009:

 

 

 

Dollar Range of Securities Owned

 

 

 

Martin Cohen

 

$500,001 - $1,000,000

Robert Steers

 

$100,001 - $500,000

Joseph Harvey

 

$1 - $10,000

 



 

William F. Scapell

 

None

Thomas Bohjalian

 

None

 

Conflicts of Interest. It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the portfolio managers’ management of the registrant’s investments on the one hand and the investments of other accounts or vehicles for which the portfolio managers are responsible on the other. For example, a portfolio manager may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, resources and investment opportunities among the registrant and the other accounts or vehicles he advises. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions among the registrant and the other accounts, a portfolio manager may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to the registrant.

 

In some cases, another account managed by a portfolio manager may provide more revenue to C&S. While this may appear to create additional conflicts of interest for the portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities, C&S strives to ensure that portfolio managers endeavor to exercise their discretion in a manner that is equitable to all interested persons. In this regard, in the absence of specific account-related impediments (such as client-imposed restrictions or lack of available cash), it is the policy of C&S to allocate investment ideas pro rata to all accounts with the same primary investment objective.

 

In addition, certain of the portfolio managers may from time to time manage one or more accounts on behalf of C&S and its affiliated companies (the “CNS Accounts”). Certain securities held in the CNS Accounts also may be held in the account of the registrant or other client accounts of C&S. C&S has adopted procedures that are designed to ensure that the interests of the CNS Accounts are never placed ahead of the interests of the registrant or any other client account. In this regard, C&S will not purchase or sell a security for the CNS Accounts until C&S has completed its purchase or sale program for the registrant and any other client accounts. While it is possible that a security will be sold out of the CNS Accounts but continue to be held for the registrant or one or more other client accounts, this will occur only if C&S, acting in its reasonable judgment and consistent with its fiduciary duties, believes this to be appropriate for, and consistent with the objectives and profile of, the registrant or other client accounts.

 

C&S Compensation Structure. Compensation of C&S’s portfolio managers and other investment professionals has three primary components: (1) a base salary, (2) an annual cash bonus and (3) long-term stock-based compensation consisting generally of restricted stock units of C&S’s parent, CNS. C&S’s investment professionals, including the portfolio managers, also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to all of its employees. Compensation of C&S’s investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect in the January following the fiscal year-end of CNS.

 

Method to Determine Compensation. C&S compensates its portfolio managers based primarily on the scale and complexity of their portfolio responsibilities and the total return performance of funds and accounts managed by the portfolio manager versus appropriate peer groups or benchmarks. C&S uses a variety of benchmarks to evaluate the portfolio managers’ performance for compensation purposes, including the NAREIT Equity REIT Index with respect to Messrs. Cohen, Steers, Harvey and Bohjalian and the Merrill Lynch Fixed Rate Preferred Index with

 



 

respect to Mr. Scapell.  In evaluating the performance of a portfolio manager, primary emphasis is normally placed on one- and three-year performance, with secondary consideration of performance over longer periods of time. Performance is evaluated on a pre-tax and pre-expense basis. In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to risk-adjusted performance. For funds and accounts with a primary investment objective of high current income, consideration will also be given to the fund’s and account’s success in achieving this objective. For managers responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis. C&S does not have any funds or accounts with performance-based advisory fees. Portfolio managers are also evaluated on the basis of their success in managing their dedicated team of analysts. Base compensation for portfolio managers of C&S varies in line with the portfolio manager’s seniority and position with the firm.

 

The compensation of portfolio managers with other job responsibilities (such as acting as an executive officer of the firm and supervising various departments within the firm) will include consideration of the scope of such responsibilities and the portfolio managers’ performance in meeting them. C&S seeks to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. C&S participates in investment-industry compensation surveys and utilizes survey data as a factor in determining salary, bonus and stock-based compensation levels for portfolio managers and other investment professionals. Salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of C&S and CNS. The overall annual cash bonus pool is based on a substantially fixed percentage of pre-bonus operating income. While the salaries of C&S’s portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in manager performance and other factors as described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation generally are a substantial portion of total compensation.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, based upon such officers’ evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

 



 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)  Amended and Restated Code of Ethics.

 

(a) (2) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(b) Certifications of chief executive officer and chief financial officer as required by Rule 30a- 2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 



 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

 

 

By:

/s/ Adam M. Derechin

 

 

Name: Adam M. Derechin

 

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Date: March 8, 2010

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

By:

/s/ Adam M. Derechin

 

 

Name:

Adam M. Derechin

 

 

Title:

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(principal executive officer)

 

 

By:

/s/ James Giallanza

 

 

Name:

James Giallanza

 

 

Title:

Treasurer

 

 

 

(principal financial officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: March 8, 2010