<PAGE>
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND
ANNUAL REPORT - DECEMBER 31, 1997 [PHOTO]
HOWARD WARD
* * * * *
MORNINGSTAR RATES THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND 5 STARS OVERALL AND FOR THE
THREE AND TEN YEAR PERIODS ENDED 12/31/97 AMONG 2332 AND 676 DOMESTIC
EQUITY FUNDS, RESPECTIVELY. THE FUND RECEIVED 4 STARS FOR THE FIVE
YEAR PERIOD ENDED 12/31/97 AMONG 1292 FUNDS.
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS,
We are pleased to inform you of The Gabelli Growth Fund's 42.6% total
return in 1997. It was the best year ever for the Fund's shareholders. Let's
face it, we were in the right place at the right time. Let's also show some
humility. A 42.6% return is rare, even for us, and beating the market, Standard
& Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, by over 900 basis points suggests we may have had more
than a dash of luck on our side. So we will work hard this year to further
enhance the value of your investment and we hope the good luck of 1997 is still
with us.
Of course, much will depend on the direction of the market, and forecasting
the stock market, as we like to tell you, is largely an exercise in futility.
The market will be volatile. It will rise and it will fall. It will confound the
"experts". The next time someone tells you what the stock market is going to do,
ask for an audited record of their forecasts. We are constantly reminded of
"expert" opinions and forecasts turned sour. How about the designers of that
ship that couldn't sink - the Titanic? How about the sports establishment which
did not give the Denver Broncos a fighting chance in the Super Bowl? Then there
was the "Asian economic miracle" that wasn't. How about that out of control
threat to humanity previously known as the budget deficit? Don't forget the
price of oil was supposed to exceed $100 per barrel 10 years ago. When we last
checked, a barrel goes for $16. My personal favorite goes back to when the
"experts" thought the world was flat. We could go on, but you get the point.
Experts, be they of the stock market kind or other, are experts at giving
advice, not necessarily good advice.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Morningstar proprietary
ratings reflect historical risk adjusted performance as of December 31, 1997 and
are subject to change every month. Morningstar ratings are calculated from the
Fund's three, five and ten year average annual returns in excess of 90-day
T-bill returns with appropriate fee adjustments and a risk factor that reflects
fund performance below 90-day T-Bill returns. The top 10% of the funds in an
investment category receive five stars and the next 22.5% receive four stars.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESULTS (a)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================================
QUARTER
-------------------------------------------------
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH YEAR
--- --- --- --- ----
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997: Net Asset Value .... $24.50 $29.25 $33.41 $28.63 $28.63
Total Return ....... 1.5% 19.4% 14.2% 3.1% 42.6%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996: Net Asset Value .... $23.75 $24.34 $25.35 $24.14 $24.14
Total Return ....... 7.2% 2.5% 4.1% 4.4% 19.4%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995: Net Asset Value .... $20.86 $22.99 $24.91 $22.16 $22.16
Total Return ....... 6.0% 10.2% 8.4% 4.9% 32.7%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994: Net Asset Value .... $21.90 $21.23 $22.58 $19.68 $19.68
Total Return ....... (5.8)% (3.1)% 6.4% (0.5)% (3.4)%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993: Net Asset Value .... $21.71 $21.84 $23.43 $23.26 $23.26
Total Return ....... 0.6% 0.6% 7.3% 2.5% 11.3%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992: Net Asset Value .... $20.27 $19.72 $20.50 $21.59 $21.59
Total Return ....... (4.7)% (2.7)% 4.0% 8.5% 4.5%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1991: Net Asset Value .... $18.18 $18.02 $19.51 $21.28 $21.28
Total Return 11.7% (0.9)% 8.3% 12.0% 34.3%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990: Net Asset Value .... $16.74 $17.80 $15.75 $16.27 $16.27
Total Return ....... (1.9)% 6.3% (11.5)% 6.2% (2.0)%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989: Net Asset Value .... $13.99 $15.73 $17.46 $17.07 $17.07
Total Return ....... 10.6% 12.4% 11.0% 1.5% 40.1%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988: Net Asset Value .... $10.87 $12.40 $12.71 $12.65 $12.65
Total Return ....... 16.1% 14.1% 2.5% 2.5% 39.2%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987: Net Asset Value .... $10.00 $10.84 $11.28 $ 9.51 $ 9.51
Total Return ....... -- 8.4%(b) 4.1% (15.7)% (4.9)%(b)
=============================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS - DECEMBER 31, 1997 (A)
- ----------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1 Year ......................... 42.6%
5 Year ......................... 19.4%
10 Year ......................... 20.6%
Life of Fund (b) ................ 18.5%
- ----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> DIVIDEND HISTORY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENT (EX) DATE RATE PER SHARE REINVESTMENT PRICE
- ----------------- -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
December 30, 1997 $5.790 $28.58
December 31, 1996 $2.324 $24.14
December 29, 1995 $3.960 $22.16
December 30, 1994 $2.790 $19.68
December 31, 1993 $0.760 $23.26
December 31, 1992 $0.646 $21.59
December 31, 1991 $0.573 $21.28
December 31, 1990 $0.460 $16.27
December 29, 1989 $0.654 $17.07
December 30, 1988 $0.377 $12.65
January 4, 1988 $0.152 $9.58
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in share price and
reinvestment of dividends and are net of expenses. The net asset value of the
Fund is reduced on the ex-dividend (payment) date by the amount of the dividend
paid. Of course, returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future
results. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will
fluctuate. When shares are redeemed they may be worth more or less than their
original cost. (b) From commencement of operations on April 10, 1987.
2
<PAGE>
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND AND THE S&P 500 INDEX
[CHART]
12/97
Gabelli Growth Fund $61,958
S&P 500 Index $43,074
INVESTMENT RESULTS
For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 1997, The Gabelli Growth Fund's
total return was 3.1%. The Lipper Analytical Services Growth Fund Average and
Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 had returns of (1.2)% and 2.9%, respectively, over
the same period. Each index is an unmanaged indicator of investment performance.
The Fund was up 42.6% for 1997. The Lipper Growth Fund Average and S&P 500 rose
25.2% and 33.4%, respectively, over the same twelve month period.
For the ten year period ended December 31, 1997, the Fund's return averaged
20.6% annually, versus average annual returns of 16.4% and 18.1% for the Lipper
Growth Fund Average and S&P 500, respectively. Since inception on April 10, 1987
through December 31, 1997, the Fund has a total return of 519.7%, which equates
to an average annual return of 18.5%. Our shareholders total 42,360 and net
assets are $944 million, as of December 31, 1997.
ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
During the second week of December, the yield on 30-year Treasury bonds
dropped to a record low of roughly 5.75%. The catalyst for this drop in yields
was economic turmoil in Southeast Asia. It is expected that the destruction of
wealth in Asia will dampen economic activity and profits in the U.S. and Europe.
The depreciation in Southeast Asian currency values makes U.S. exports to the
region significantly more expensive. Declining stock and real estate markets in
Asia further depresses demand for goods, be they from the U.S. or elsewhere. At
the same time, the changing currency relationships make Asian goods cheaper and
more competitive in the U.S. This is the exporting of deflation we cited in
3
<PAGE>
last quarter's report. Indeed, the "Asian Flu", as it has come to be known, has
resulted in lower interest rates around the world, not just in the U.S.
Adding support to a growing fear of deflation were declining gold and oil
prices, not to mention the ever declining prices of technology. Speaking of
technology, how about the Internet? Is it not the ultimate deflationary tool?
Think of all you can get off the "Net" for free. It's almost scary. Have you
noticed that Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan is no longer willing to
flatly dismiss the threat of deflation, although he seems to feel it remains a
low probability. To be sure, some prices are rising. Labor costs have continued
to rise as well, although not dramatically.
As of this writing, our best guess is for continued low inflation (around
2%), modestly rising corporate profits (less than 10%) and interest rates
erratically moving lower. Expect growth in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of
approximately 3%. The sooner Asia stabilizes, the better our economy will be.
FINANCIAL MARKET OBSERVATIONS
The stock market (S&P 500) has returned more than 20% for three consecutive
years. In fact, the market's compound annual return for the last three years
exceeds 30%. The Gabelli Growth Fund beat the market by a whisker for those
three years, helped by our 42.6% return last year. If we continue to have an
environment of rising profits, stable to declining interest rates and inflation
of 2% or so, then yes, the stock market will most likely rise over the course of
the year. However, we do not want to inflate expectations for stocks and would
be pleasantly surprised to post a return of 10% for 1998.
Compared to historical benchmarks, stock valuations are high. In fact,
valuations have been high for at least the last year and some would argue
longer. A reasonable investor would have a cautious attitude toward the market
at this time. As you know, we make no attempt to "time" the stock market. We
reviewed our policy regarding asset allocation with you last quarter. We will
stay in the market. However, it may be helpful to you in your financial planning
to have some understanding of what our expectations are for the current year. Of
course, given our low confidence in market forecasting we will not dwell on
this. Basically, we think the market will move in fits and starts and struggle
to a modest positive return for the year.
LOOKING AHEAD
It is dangerous to be complacent and we are not. However, we do not expect
to be making any radical changes to the portfolio in the near term. With few
exceptions, our companies are performing admirably. As you may know, we focus on
established growth companies. These are typically large companies (market
capitalizations that exceed $2 billion) with good prospects for achieving, at a
minimum, 12% growth in earnings per share. We don't use black boxes or magic
formulas to evaluate stocks. We use fairly traditional fundamental security
analysis. Sorry folks, but there is no such thing as a free lunch.
4
<PAGE>
We especially like companies with a demonstrated competitive advantage that
benefit from one or more secular trends. The portfolio is positioned to benefit
from trends such as the technology revolution, aging of the population and
globalization. The Fund's largest investments are in financial services, drugs,
technology, newspapers and broadcasters. Additionally, the Fund is well
represented in oil services, outsourcing, consumer staples and aerospace
suppliers. Virtually all of our companies occupy leading positions in their
fields. For example, our ten largest holdings include industry leaders in drugs
(Merck, Johnson & Johnson), home retailing (Home Depot), personal care products
(Gillette), financial services (Merrill Lynch, Marsh & McLennan, Mellon Bank,
Northern Trust), oil services (Schlumberger) and credit card processing (First
Data). Our style will not change with the seasons. We should do well when large
growth company stocks do well and less well when they periodically stall. Lest
we forget, sometimes these stocks, like all stocks, go down. While we are strong
advocates of diversification, we are equally opposed to extreme diversification.
We expect to hold between 50 and 70 companies in the portfolio. We do not want
our best ideas to be diluted by an army of marginally attractive stocks.
We expect this to be a challenging year. At this time, it is especially
important that you take a long term approach to investing in stocks. This will
improve the odds of your having a successful stock market experience.
LET'S TALK STOCKS
The following are stock specifics on selected holdings of our Fund.
Favorable earnings prospects do not necessarily translate into higher stock
prices, but they do express a positive trend which we believe will develop over
time.
FIRST DATA CORP. (FDC - $29.25 - NYSE) is a leading information processing
company. The company benefits from the increase in credit card usage, as it
processes credit and debit card transactions for over 1,400 financial
institutions. In fact, First Data processes roughly one-third of all domestic
credit card transactions. Credit cards are presently used in one of every five
transactions, and we expect them to become even more widely used in the future.
The company is also a leader in funds transfer services, as well as in
processing information for the mutual fund and healthcare industries. First
Data's earnings per share are likely to increase at a modest double digit rate
this year.
GILLETTE CO. (G - $100.4375 - NYSE), along with Coca-Cola, is a premier example
of a consumer products company that is well-situated to exploit opportunities on
a global basis. The company is aggressively pursuing foreign markets and
developing an impressive number of new products. Earnings should advance by more
than 15% this year, reflecting strong results both domestically and abroad. The
acquisition of Duracell leverages Gillette's infrastructure and provides
additional products to fuel growth.
5
<PAGE>
THE HOME DEPOT INC. (HD - $58.5625 - NYSE) is the undisputed leader of the home
improvement warehouse retailers. Led by Bernie Marcus, the company's founder,
Home Depot is testing new store formats which appeal to new markets (farming
equipment and upscale furnishings), providing incremental growth to what remains
a terrific franchise in do-it-yourself home hardware and supplies. Geographic
expansion continues to drive square footage growth as the company increases its
presence in the Midwest and continues to penetrate the Northeast. Home Depot has
substantial international potential over the long term.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON (JNJ - $65.875 - NYSE), with over 50% of its profit generated
outside the U.S., is truly a leading global supplier to the healthcare industry.
Operations are well-diversified among pharmaceuticals, diagnostic equipment and
supplies. Leading consumer brands include Tylenol, Band-Aid and Neutrogena. In
recent years, the company has significantly increased productivity, paving the
way for earnings growth in the 13% to 15% range in the immediate future.
MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES INC. (MMC - $74.5625 - NYSE), with the recent
acquisition of Johnson and Higgins, holds the number one position in insurance
brokerage. Additionally, the company owns Putnam Group, the Boston-based asset
manager (assets under management exceed $250 billion), and Mercer Group, a
leader in employee benefits consulting. While earnings will fluctuate with the
stock market, we expect a gain of about 15% this year.
MELLON BANK CORP. (MEL - $60.625 - NYSE), with the acquisitions in recent years
of Dreyfus and The Boston Company, has become a powerhouse in money management
services. We believe the rising contribution to earnings from predictable fee
sources will enhance the company's valuation. We expect low double-digit growth
in earnings and a continuation of Mellon's share repurchase program this year.
Current business trends are strong.
MERCK & CO. INC. (MRK - $106.25 - NYSE) is one of the world's largest healthcare
companies and a leader in pharmaceutical research and development. Merck
operates the largest of the pharmacy benefit managers, an area that has produced
exceptional growth. Merck's research effort is consistently among the best.
Earnings are likely to rise at a mid-double-digit rate this year. We expect the
company to use some of its significant free cash flow to buy back stock and
increase the dividend.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. (MER - $72.9375 - NYSE) has leading positions in almost
every facet of the securities industry. The company is an asset gathering
machine, with over $1 trillion in client accounts and about $275 billion in
assets under their direct management. Management has a strong shareholder
orientation, having retired over 100 million shares of common stock over the
last 10 years. Merrill is a financial services powerhouse that is well-situated
to handle the swelling savings of the aging baby boomers.
6
<PAGE>
NORTHERN TRUST CORP. (NTRS - $69.75 - NASDAQ) is one of a few public asset
managers with a strong franchise in the wealth management market. With over $125
billion in assets under management and fees generating 65% of income, the bank's
stock appears undervalued. Earnings should grow by more than 15% this year.
SCHLUMBERGER LTD. (SLB - $80.50 - NYSE) is the leading provider of engineering
services to the oil and gas industries. Fully 75% of sales (approximately $10
billion total) comes from non-U.S. customers. The company is the industry leader
in terms of research and development, spending about $3 00 million annually.
Earnings should grow by more than 40% this year as oil companies increase their
exploration efforts.
MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT - $1,000
The Fund's minimum initial investment for both regular and retirement
accounts is $1,000. There are no subsequent investment minimums. No initial
minimum is required for those establishing an Automatic Investment Plan.
THE ROTH IRA
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 included new tax incentives and more
opportunities to save for retirement and other major expenditures. The Roth IRA
is just one of these new opportunities now available at Gabelli Funds. Our
investor representatives are available at 1-800-GABELLI (1-800-422-3554) to
speak with you about establishing a new Roth IRA and to discuss your investment
choices.
GABELLI U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND
Shareholders of any of the Gabelli Funds may invest in The Gabelli U.S.
Treasury Money Market Fund with an initial investment of $3,000 or more. The
Fund provides checkwriting and exchange privileges. The Fund's expenses are
capped at .30% of average net assets, making it one of the most attractive U.S.
Treasury-only money market funds. With dividends that are exempt from state and
local income taxes in all states, the Fund is an excellent vehicle in which to
store idle cash. An investment in The Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund is
neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government. There can be no assurance
that the Fund will maintain a stable $1 per share net asset value. Call us at
1-800-GABELLI (1-800-422-3554) for a prospectus which gives a more complete
description of the Fund, including management fees and expenses. Read the
prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
7
<PAGE>
INTERNET
You can now visit us on the Internet. Our home page at
http://www.gabelli.com contains information about Gabelli Funds, Inc., the
Gabelli Mutual Funds, IRAs, 401(k)s, quarterly reports, closing prices and other
current news. You can send us e-mail at [email protected].
The Fund's daily net asset value is available in the financial press and
each evening after 6:00 PM (Eastern Time) by calling 1-800-GABELLI
(1-800-422-3554). The Fund's Nasdaq symbol is GABGX. Please call us during the
business day for further information.
Sincerely,
/s/ Howard F. Ward, CFA /s/ Donald C. Jenkins, CFA
HOWARD F. WARD, CFA DONALD C. JENKINS, CFA
Portfolio Manager Associate Portfolio Manager
February 1, 1998
TOP TEN HOLDINGS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
-----------------
Mellon Bank Corp. Northern Trust Corp.
Gillette Co. Merrill Lynch & Co.
Schlumberger Ltd. Merck & Co. Inc.
The Home Depot Inc. Marsh & McLennan Companies
First Data Corp. Johnson & Johnson
--------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager
only through the end of the period of this report as stated on the cover. The
manager's views are subject to change at any time based on market and other
conditions.
8
<PAGE>
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS -- DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS--99.1%
ADVERTISING--1.1%
204,050 Interpublic Group of Companies
Inc.............................. $ 5,645,293 $ 10,164,241
------------ ------------
BUSINESS SERVICES--9.3%
193,000 Automatic Data Processing Inc. .... 6,354,887 11,845,375
263,000 Computer Sciences Corp. +.......... 19,277,179 21,713,937
1,497,800 First Data Corp. .................. 47,426,619 43,810,650
234,000 Sysco Corp. ....................... 7,119,851 10,661,625
------------ ------------
80,178,536 88,031,587
------------ ------------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS--9.2%
211,800 Avon Products Inc. ................ 12,771,590 12,999,225
155,000 Coca-Cola Co. ..................... 5,053,651 10,326,875
30,000 Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Class
A................................ 1,393,300 1,543,125
447,400 Gillette Co. ...................... 34,018,900 44,935,738
222,000 PepsiCo Inc. ...................... 4,577,011 8,089,125
97,000 Ralston Purina Group............... 6,260,157 9,014,937
------------ ------------
64,074,609 86,909,025
------------ ------------
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIAL--5.4%
201,200 Allied-Signal Inc. ................ 4,911,261 7,834,225
228,000 Honeywell Inc. .................... 13,687,494 15,618,000
315,908 Molex Inc., Class A................ 5,395,646 9,082,355
216,200 Sundstrand Corp. .................. 8,095,386 10,810,000
107,000 United Technologies................ 4,960,362 7,790,937
------------ ------------
37,050,149 51,135,517
------------ ------------
ENERGY--8.2%
260,000 Halliburton Co. ................... 10,252,638 13,503,750
554,000 Schlumberger Ltd................... 33,183,433 44,597,000
311,800 Smith International Inc. +......... 20,764,638 19,136,725
------------ ------------
64,200,709 77,237,475
------------ ------------
ENTERTAINMENT--1.8%
171,000 Walt Disney Co. ................... 9,972,971 16,939,687
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
FINANCIAL SERVICES--12.1%
100,000 American Express Co. .............. $ 2,871,609 $ 8,925,000
137,000 American International Group
Inc. ............................ 6,689,315 14,898,750
202,500 Charles Schwab Corp. .............. 6,284,257 8,492,344
398,000 Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. ... 30,534,188 29,675,875
525,000 Merrill Lynch & Co. ............... 26,465,632 38,292,188
229,000 T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. ..... 11,404,976 14,398,375
------------ ------------
84,249,977 114,682,532
------------ ------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES: BANKS--12.9%
133,000 Citicorp........................... 9,336,266 16,816,187
743,000 Mellon Bank Corp. ................. 24,912,218 45,044,375
600,000 Northern Trust Corp. .............. 30,297,794 41,850,000
304,400 State Street Corp. ................ 6,224,711 17,712,275
------------ ------------
70,770,989 121,422,837
------------ ------------
HEALTH CARE--14.7%
131,000 Abbott Laboratories................ 5,550,863 8,588,688
235,000 Baxter International Inc. ......... 10,841,155 11,852,812
412,000 Johnson & Johnson.................. 20,082,129 27,140,500
135,000 Lilly (Eli) & Co. ................. 3,725,852 9,399,375
353,000 Merck & Co. Inc. .................. 26,122,625 37,506,250
118,000 Pfizer Inc. ....................... 3,022,451 8,798,375
166,000 Schering-Plough Corp. ............. 3,011,085 10,312,750
335,000 SmithKline Beecham plc ADR......... 13,164,489 17,231,562
63,000 Warner-Lambert Co. ................ 3,512,552 7,812,000
------------ ------------
89,033,201 138,642,312
------------ ------------
PUBLISHING--7.2%
350,000 Gannett Co. Inc. .................. 13,105,290 21,634,375
342,000 McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. ........ 18,037,227 25,308,000
170,000 New York Times Co., Class A........ 8,116,626 11,241,250
150,000 Tribune Co......................... 4,662,375 9,337,500
------------ ------------
43,921,518 67,521,125
------------ ------------
RETAIL--5.5%
753,859 Home Depot Inc. ................... 24,211,589 44,147,868
256,000 Walgreen Co. ...................... 2,478,937 8,032,000
------------ ------------
26,690,526 52,179,868
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE>
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) -- DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
TECHNOLOGY--11.7%
182,000 BMC Software Inc. +................ $ 11,208,982 $ 11,943,750
265,500 Cisco Systems Inc. +............... 12,178,145 14,801,625
140,500 Compaq Computer Corp. +............ 4,459,507 7,929,469
200,500 Computer Associates International
Inc. ............................ 5,454,331 10,601,438
185,000 Dell Computer Corp. +.............. 7,103,357 15,540,000
160,000 Intel Corp......................... 9,865,251 11,240,000
66,000 Microsoft Corp. +.................. 5,140,438 8,530,500
240,000 Sun Microsystems Inc. +............ 4,957,349 9,570,000
380,000 Tellabs Inc. +..................... 19,899,338 20,092,500
------------ ------------
80,266,698 110,249,282
------------ ------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS............................... 656,055,176 935,115,488
------------ ------------
U.S. TREASURY BILLS--2.5%
$23,966,000 5.077% to 5.523% ++ due 01/08/98--
02/19/98......................... $ 23,879,469 $ 23,879,469
------------ ------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS.......................... 101.6% $679,934,645(a) 958,994,957
============
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (NET)......... (1.6) (15,009,907)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT COST VALUE
--------- ---- ------
<S> <C> <C>
NET ASSETS (32,971,324 shares ----- ------------
outstanding)............................. 100.0% $943,985,050
===== ============
NET ASSET VALUE, OFFERING AND REDEMPTION PRICE PER
SHARE........................................... $28.63
======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Aggregate cost for Federal tax purposes was $680,328,177. Net unrealized
appreciation for Federal tax purposes was $278,666,780 (gross unrealized
appreciation was $284,768,976 and gross unrealized depreciation was
$6,102,196).
+ Non-income producing security.
++ Represents annualized yield at date of purchase.
ADR American Depositary Receipt
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE>
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at value (cost
$679,934,645)............................ $958,994,957
Dividends receivable....................... 784,140
Receivable for Fund shares sold............ 6,734,959
------------
TOTAL ASSETS............................. 966,514,056
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable to custodian....................... 69,567
Payable for Fund shares redeemed........... 20,834,859
Payable for investment advisory fees....... 793,711
Payable for distribution fees.............. 508,548
Other accrued expenses..................... 322,321
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES........................ 22,529,006
------------
NET ASSETS applicable to 32,971,324
shares of beneficial interest
outstanding.......................... $943,985,050
============
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Shares of beneficial interest at par
value.................................... $ 329,713
Additional paid-in capital................. 664,988,557
Distributions in excess of net realized
gain on investments...................... (393,532)
Net unrealized appreciation on
investments.............................. 279,060,312
------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS......................... $943,985,050
============
NET ASSET VALUE, offering and redemption
price per share ($943,985,050 /
32,971,324 shares outstanding;
unlimited number of shares authorized
of $0.01 par value).................... $28.63
======
</TABLE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividend income............................ $ 8,466,606
Interest income............................ 761,839
------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME.................. 9,228,445
------------
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees................... 7,705,864
Distribution fees.......................... 1,926,901
Shareholder services fees.................. 999,772
Trustees' fees............................. 78,367
Legal and audit fees....................... 80,500
Miscellaneous expenses..................... 246,176
------------
TOTAL EXPENSES........................... 11,037,580
------------
NET INVESTMENT LOSS.......................... (1,809,135)
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON
INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain on investments........... 161,959,991
------------
Net unrealized appreciation on investments:
Beginning of year........................ 172,976,164
End of year.............................. 279,060,312
------------
Change in net unrealized appreciation
on investments....................... 106,084,148
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON
INVESTMENTS................................ 268,044,139
------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS................................. $266,235,004
============
</TABLE>
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR YEAR
ENDED ENDED
12/31/97 12/31/96
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss).............................. $ (1,809,135) $ 679,911
Net realized gain on investments.......................... 161,959,991 53,997,190
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments...... 106,084,148 49,486,251
------------- ------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations...... 266,235,004 104,163,352
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income..................................... (47,113) (632,798)
Excess of net investment income........................... (8,321) --
Net realized gain on investments.......................... (160,337,412) (53,778,195)
Excess of net realized gain on investments................ (97,442) --
Net increase in net assets from Fund share transactions..... 228,835,326 26,611,524
------------- ------------
Net increase in net assets.................................. 334,580,042 76,363,883
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year........................................... 609,405,008 533,041,125
------------- ------------
End of year (Includes undistributed net investment income of
$0.00 and $47,113 for 1997 and 1996, respectively)........ $ 943,985,050 $609,405,008
============= ============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
<PAGE>
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND -- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES. The Gabelli Growth Fund (the "Fund") was
organized on October 24, 1986 as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund is a
diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), whose primary
objective is capital appreciation. The Fund commenced operations on April 10,
1987. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a
summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the
preparation of its financial statements.
SECURITY VALUATION. Portfolio securities which are traded only on a nationally
recognized securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market which are
National Market System Securities are valued at the last sale price as of the
close of business on the day the securities are being valued, or lacking any
sales, at the mean between closing bid and asked prices; if there were no asked
prices quoted on such day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price
on such day. Readily marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter
market, including listed securities whose primary market is believed by the
Adviser to be over-the-counter but excluding securities admitted to trading on
the Nasdaq National List, are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked
prices as reported by Nasdaq, or, in the case of securities not quoted by
Nasdaq, the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources as the Board
of Trustees deems appropriate to reflect their fair value. If no asked prices
are quoted on such day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on
such day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, then the security is
valued under the relevant procedure for the previous day or by such method as
shall be determined by the Adviser or the Board of Trustees. Portfolio
securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are
valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined
by Gabelli Funds, Inc. (the "Adviser"). Securities and assets for which market
quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in
good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. U.S.
government securities and other debt instruments that mature in 60 days or fewer
are valued at amortized cost, unless the Board of Trustees determines that such
valuation does not constitute fair value. Debt instruments having a greater
maturity are valued at the highest bid price obtained from a dealer maintaining
an active market in those securities.
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME. Securities transactions are
accounted for on the trade date with realized gain or loss on investments
determined by the identified cost method. Interest income (including
amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded as earned.
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Dividends and distributions to
shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income distributions and
capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax
regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles.
These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains
on various investment securities held by the Fund, timing differences and
differing characterization of distributions made by the Fund. Permanent
differences incurred during the year ended December 31, 1997 resulting from
different book and tax accounting policies for a net operating loss, are
reclassified between net investment income and net realized gains with
offsetting adjustments to additional paid-in capital at year end. The
reclassifications for the year ended December 31, 1997 were an increase to
accumulated net investment income of $1,817,456, a decrease to accumulated net
realized gain on investments of $1,711,692 and a decrease to additional paid-in
capital of $105,764 for tax purposes.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to
qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a result, a Federal income tax provision is
not required.
2. AGREEMENTS WITH AFFILIATED PARTIES. The Fund has entered into an investment
advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Adviser which provides
that the Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, at
the annual rate of 1.00 percent of the value of the Fund's average daily net
assets,
12
<PAGE>
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND -- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
to provide a continuous investment program for the Fund's portfolio, provide all
facilities and personnel, including offices, required for its administrative
management and pay the compensation of all officers and Trustees of the Fund who
are its affiliates.
3. DISTRIBUTION PLAN. The Fund has adopted a plan of distribution (the "Plan")
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Pursuant to this Plan, the
Distributor, Gabelli & Company, Inc. ("Gabelli & Company"), an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, is authorized to purchase advertising,
sales literature and other promotional material and to pay its own salespeople.
The Fund pays Gabelli & Company as distribution payments under this Plan, an
aggregate amount at a rate of 0.25 percent per year of the average daily net
assets of the Fund each fiscal year. Such payments are accrued daily and paid
monthly. Prior to February 26, 1997, the Fund reimbursed the Distributor up to
0.25 percent on an annual basis of the value of the Fund's average daily net
assets based on expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the
distribution of shares of the Fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,
the Fund incurred distribution costs under the Plan of $1,926,901, representing
0.25 percent of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets.
4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of
securities for the year ended December 31, 1997, other than short-term
securities, aggregated $684,241,662 and $626,646,293, respectively.
5. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the
Fund paid brokerage commissions of $3,750 to Gabelli & Company and its
affiliates.
6. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST. Transactions in shares of beneficial interest
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
12/31/97 12/31/96
---------------------------- ----------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold................................................. 29,696,140 $ 857,263,991 18,297,462 $ 445,159,849
Shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends................ 5,374,075 153,468,414 2,151,430 51,935,527
Shares redeemed............................................. (27,348,725) (781,897,079) (19,258,689) (470,483,852)
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Net increase................................................ 7,721,490 $ 228,835,326 1,190,203 $ 26,611,524
=========== ============= =========== =============
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year
ended December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year........................ $ 24.14 $ 22.16 $ 19.68 $ 23.26 $ 21.59
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income/(loss).............................. (0.06) 0.03 0.05 0.07 0.06
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments.... 10.34 4.27 6.39 (0.86) 2.37
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations.......................... 10.28 4.30 6.44 (0.79) 2.43
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income..................................... (0.00)(b) (0.02) (0.05) (0.08) (0.05)
Distributions in excess of net investment income.......... (0.00)(b) -- -- (0.01) --
Net realized gains........................................ (5.79) (2.30) (3.91) (2.39) (0.67)
Distributions in excess of net realized gains............. (0.00)(b) -- -- (0.31) (0.04)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total distributions....................................... (5.79) (2.32) (3.96) (2.79) (0.76)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.............................. $ 28.63 $ 24.14 $ 22.16 $ 19.68 $ 23.26
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total return*............................................. 42.6% 19.4% 32.7% (3.4)% 11.3%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (in 000's).......................... $943,985 $609,405 $533,041 $482,471 $695,013
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net
assets.................................................... (0.23)% 0.12% 0.22% 0.31% 0.22%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets........... 1.43% 1.43% 1.44% 1.36% 1.41%
Portfolio turnover rate..................................... 83.4% 88.2% 140.2% 40.3% 80.7%
Average commission rate per share(a)........................ $ 0.0504 $ 0.0500 N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
- ---------------
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
* Total return represents aggregate total return of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment at the beginning of the
period and sold at the end of the period including
reinvestment of dividends.
(a) Average commission rate (per share of security) as required
by amended SEC disclosure requirements effective for fiscal
years beginning September 1, 1995.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS OF
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio 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 The Gabelli Growth Fund (the
"Fund") at December 31, 1997, 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 generally accepted accounting principles. 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 generally accepted auditing standards which 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, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable
basis for the opinion expressed above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
February 20, 1998
================================================================================
1997 TAX NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (UNAUDITED)
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund paid to shareholders, on December
30, 1997, an ordinary income dividend (comprised of net investment income and
short-term capital gains) totaling $1.67 per share. Additionally, on that date,
the Fund paid $4.12 per share in long-term capital gains. For 1997, 17.57% of
the ordinary income dividend qualifies for the dividend received deduction
available to corporations.
U.S. GOVERNMENT INCOME:
The percentage of the ordinary income dividend paid by the Fund during fiscal
1997 which was derived from U.S. Treasury securities was 1.32%. Such income may
be exempt from state and local income tax in all states. However, many states,
including New York and California, allow a tax exemption for a portion of the
income earned only if a mutual fund has invested at least 50% of its assets at
the end of each quarter of the Fund's fiscal year in U.S. Government securities.
The Gabelli Growth Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 1997. Due to the
diversity in state and local tax law, it is recommended that you consult your
personal tax advisor for the applicability of the information provided as to
your specific situation.
================================================================================
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1434
1-800-GABELLI
[1-800-422-3554]
FAX: 1-914-921-5118 [PHOTO]
HTTP://WWW.GABELLI.COM
E-MAIL: [email protected]
(Net Asset Value may be obtained daily
by calling
1-800-GABELLI after 6:00 P.M.)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA Karl Otto Pohl
Chairman and Chief Former President
Investment Officer Deutsche Bundesbank
Gabelli Funds, Inc.
Felix J. Christiana Anthony R. Pustorino
Former Senior Vice President Certified Public Accountant
Dollar Dry Dock Savings Bank Professor, Pace University
Anthony J. Colavita Anthony Torna
Attorney-at-Law Herzog, Heine & Geduld, Inc. THE
Anthony J. Colavita, P.C. GABELLI
James P. Conn Anthonie C. van Ekris GROWTH
Chief Investment Officer Managing Director FUND
Financial Security Assurance BALMAC International, Inc.
Holdings Ltd.
OFFICERS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Bruce N. Alpert Howard F. Ward, CFA
President and Treasurer Portfolio Manager
James E. McKee Donald C. Jenkins, CFA
Secretary Associate Portfolio Manager
DISTRIBUTOR
Gabelli & Company, Inc.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND
AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company
LEGAL COUNSEL
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
LLP
- ---------------------------------------
This report is submitted for the
general information of the shareholders
of The Gabelli Growth Fund. It is not
authorized for distribution to ANNUAL REPORT
prospective investors unless preceded DECEMBER 31, 1997
or accompanied by an effective
prospectus.
- ---------------------------------------
</TABLE>