[PHOTO OMITTED]
The
Gabelli
Global
Opportunity
Fund
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 30, 1999
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Semi-Annual Report
June 30, 1999
[PHOTO OMITTED]
Marc J. Gabelli and Caesar Bryan
Portfolio Managers
To Our Shareholders,
Global stocks remained strong during the second quarter of 1999. As
profitable dynamics continued to fall into place throughout Europe, Japan and
the emerging markets, The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund continued its streak
of impressive returns. While many investors cooled to the idea of global
investing in light of recent foreign economic problems, the Gabelli methodology
of evaluating individual companies paid off with superior returns again.
Slightly more than halfway through the second quarter, the Gabelli Global
Opportunity Fund celebrated its first birthday in impressive fashion. We feel
confident that the years to come will provide many more such festive occasions.
Investment Performance
For the second quarter ended June 30, 1999, The Gabelli Global Opportunity
Fund's (the "Fund") total return was 13.3%. The Lipper Global Fund Average and
Morgan Stanley Capital International World Free Index of global equity markets
had total returns of 7.6% and 5.6%, respectively, over the same period. The
Morgan Stanley World Free index is an unmanaged indicator of stock market
performance, while the Lipper Average reflects the average performance of mutual
funds classified in this particular category.
The Fund was up 32.6% over the trailing twelve-month period. The Lipper
Global Fund Average and Morgan Stanley World Free Index rose 10.7% and 16.7%,
respectively, over the same twelve-month period. Since inception on May 11, 1998
through June 30, 1999, the Fund had a cumulative total return of 35.7%, which
equates to an average annual total return of 30.7%.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESULTS (a)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter
----------------------------------------
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year
--- --- --- --- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999: Net Asset Value.......... $11.47 $13.00 -- -- --
Total Return............. 8.7% 13.3% -- -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998: Net Asset Value.......... -- $10.23 $9.69 $10.55 $10.55
Total Return............. -- 2.3%(b) (5.3)% 13.7% 10.1%(b)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
-------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Returns - June 30, 1999 (a)
------------------------------------------
1 Year ................. 32.6%
Life of Fund (b) ......... 30.7%
-------------------------------------------------
Dividend History
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment (ex) Date Rate Per Share Reinvestment Price
- ----------------- -------------- ------------------
December 28, 1998 $0.450 $10.34
(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 investment operations on May 11, 1998.
Note: Investing in foreign securities involves risks not ordinarily associated
with investments in domestic issues, including currency fluctuation, economic
and political risks.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Investment Objective
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund seeks to invest in common stock of
companies which have rapid growth in revenues and earnings and equities trading
at a significant discount to their intrinsic value. The Fund's primary objective
is capital appreciation. Marc Gabelli and Caesar Bryan are responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund. Currently, Marc
Gabelli is Portfolio Manager for the Gabelli Global Interactive Couch Potato(R)
Fund. Caesar Bryan is Portfolio Manager of the Gabelli International Growth and
Gabelli Gold Funds.
Global Allocation
The accompanying chart presents the Fund's holdings by geographic region
as of June 30, 1999. The geographic allo cation will change based on current
global market conditions. Countries and/or regions represented in the chart and
below may or may not be included in the Fund's future portfolio.
HOLDINGS BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION - 6/30/99
United States 35.9%
Japan 13.6%
Canada 4.2%
Australia 2.4%
South Africa 1.6%
Cash 6.0%
Europe 36.3%
2
<PAGE>
COMMENTARY
Investors have concluded that the financial crisis of last fall is over.
One consequence of this conclusion has been the increase in money flowing to
emerging markets, particularly those located in Asia. Following the economic
turmoil that began in July 1997, most of these countries reacted rapidly.
Domestic demand collapsed, capital investments stopped on a dime and,
consequently, imports dried up. Even though exports did not grow, the trade
balances moved into surpluses, which in turn liquefied the economies.
Eventually, capital flowed in, helping to strengthen the currencies, confidence
improved and, in time, domestic demand returned.
The biggest economic surprise of the quarter has to have been the report,
announced on June 10, that the Japanese economy grew 1.9% during the first
quarter of 1999, which equates to an annualized rate of 8.0%. These figures were
totally unexpected and the equity markets responded positively to the news.
Looking behind the numbers, much of the rise can be explained by the quarterly
jump of 10.3% in public sector investment reflecting government pump priming.
However, private consumption, which represents about three-fifths of the
economy, rose 1.2% quarter over quarter. This may not sound like much from this
side of the Pacific, but it was the first positive number since the first
quarter of 1998, and certainly a surprise with regard to the rise in
unemployment and the fall in wages.
On the European front, our outlook has not changed. We have outlined the
reasons for our enthusiasm regarding European equities on many occasions in the
past. In short, we believe that Europe is undergoing a transformation brought
about by the single market and the single currency. Merger activity remains
robust and 1999 is on target to be a record year for merger and acquisition
activity.
The Americanization of the European Telecommunications Industry
America refined the "art of the deal". We were early to recognize the
economic benefits of consolidation and our investment bankers pioneered
sophisticated financial packages and strategies to facilitate economically
sensible mergers and acquisitions. Europe is now beginning to think along the
same lines.
We were delighted to see Deutsche Telekom compete with Olivetti for
Telecom Italia. Not only were we receiving a premium bid for one of our
portfolio holdings, but also it was the first true takeover battle in the
European telecommunications industry. The gloves are coming off in Europe and we
expect to see more duels for attractive telecommunications assets.
We are seeing friendly deals as well. European regulatory authorities are
currently reviewing the proposed merger of Sweden's Telia with Norway's Telenor.
We think the merger will be approved and, in the process, it will provide
guidelines that will accelerate telecommunications consolidation in Europe.
Now that we are seeing "cross-border" transactions in Europe, will major
"cross-continent" telephone deals follow? We have seen deals in the cellular
sector, most notably Vodafone's acquisition
3
<PAGE>
of AirTouch, and British Telecom recently bid unsuccessfully for MCI. Now,
Bermuda-based Global Crossing is vying with Qwest Communications International
for US West and Frontier Corp. If Global Crossing wins, it will be interesting
to see if European communications giants are emboldened to aggressively pursue a
major U.S. telecommunications provider.
The Broadband Wars
In recent years, a great deal of investment attention has focused on the
build out of the Internet transmission highway and the advent of new interactive
services. Cable television stocks have soared as investors recognized the
enormous potential of their Internet pipeline business. After exceptional
performance over the past two years, investors appear to have shifted their
focus away from the cable guys to telephone companies rolling out new digital
service line networks ("DSL") to provide higher speed Internet access. The new
DSLs do not match the speed of cable lines and modems, while also being more
expensive. But, DSLs are a major improvement over Internet transmission via
standard copper telephone lines. This is not a "winner take all" proposition. We
still believe cable will ultimately be the Internet transmission vehicle of
choice and that their success will continue to drive cable company valuations.
However, DSLs will help the telephone companies hold on to a meaningful market
share in this rapid growth business and provide incremental revenues and
profits. We are also seeing increasing investor interest in wireless data
transmission companies, which were given up for dead several years ago. We think
a third front is opening in the war for Internet and other data transmission
business. We will be monitoring these developments closely.
From Top to Bottom
This quarter's leading performers came from a wide range of sectors
including wireless communications (Telephone & Data Systems), telecommunications
(Viatel), cable (United International Holdings), publishing (Gruppo Editoriale
L'Espresso) and broadcasting (Pathe). Takeover lightning struck in the form of
VoiceStream Wireless' bid for Omnipoint.
A few of our other holdings did not fare as well. The financial services
sector faced modest declines across the board, as did pharmaceutical companies
Novartis, Roche Holdings and Schering.
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. The share prices of foreign holdings are stated in U.S. dollar equivalent
terms as of June 30, 1999.
General Instrument Corp. (GIC - $42.50 - NYSE) is a leading worldwide
provider of integrated and interactive broadband access solutions and is
advancing the convergence of the Internet, telecommunications and video
entertainment industries. GIC's cable and satellite television operations have
annual sales of
4
<PAGE>
approximately $2 billion. The company's set-top cable boxes will have high-speed
modems that allow subscribers to surf the web, get email, play games, order
videos and make telephone calls.
Liberty Media Group (LMG'A - $36.75 - NYSE) is engaged in businesses which
provide programming services, including production, acquisition and distribution
through all available media formats, and businesses engaged in electronic
retailing, direct marketing and other services. LMG holds interests in
globally-branded entertainment networks such as Discovery Channel, USA, QVC,
Encore and STARZ!. Liberty's assets also include interests in international
video distribution businesses; international telephony and domestic wireless;
plant and equipment manufacturers; and other businesses related to broadband
services. Liberty Media Group Class A and Class B common stock are tracking
stocks of AT&T Corp. (T - $55.8125 - NYSE) and are now traded on the New York
Stock Exchange.
Pathe SA (PATP.PA - $120.04 - Paris Stock Exchange) produces films in both
French and English for distribution to theaters around the world. The company
holds interests in distribution companies and operates a chain of over 41 movie
theaters in France and the Netherlands. Pathe also offers pay television
services in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France through its interests in B
Sky B and Canalsatellite. The company has recently agreed to be acquired by
another French firm, Vivendi.
Omnipoint Corp. (OMPT - $28.9375 - Nasdaq) is a leading personal communications
services ("PCS") carrier in the U.S. with licenses covering major metropolitan
areas containing nearly 100 million people. On June 23, 1999, Omnipoint agreed
to be acquired by VoiceStream Wireless (VSTR - $28.4375 - Nasdaq) for $32 per
share in cash and stock. The combined company will have PCS licenses covering
about 190 million points of presence ("POPs") and will become a major PCS
carrier.
Rogers Communications Inc. (RG - $16.0625 - NYSE) is a Canadian company engaged
in cable operations, cellular (through its 81%-owned Rogers Cantel Mobile
cellular provider) and media. Through Rogers@Home, the company will be one of
the major beneficiaries of the growing penetration of cable high speed access to
the Internet in Canadian homes.
Seagram Co. (VO - $50.375 - NYSE), with its 1995 purchase of an 80% interest in
MCA from Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. for $5.7 billion, operates two
global businesses: beverages and entertainment. Spirits and Wine group's major
beverage brands include Chivas Regal, Martell, Mumm, Crown Royal and Seagram's
Gin. With its December acquisition of Polygram, Seagram has created the world's
leading music company, the Universal Music Group. Seagram's entertainment
business includes the Universal Motion Pictures Group, the Universal Studios
Recreation Group and a 46% interest in USA Networks (USAI - $40.125 - Nasdaq).
Softbank Corp. (9984.T - $202.50 - Tokyo Stock Exchange) is Japan's number one
software distributor, holding franchises for Microsoft, Novell and Oracle
products. The company also owns Kingston Technology, the number one memory
module maker in the world. Softbank's 71%-ownership of Ziff-Davis (ZD - $15.1875
- - NYSE), the second largest magazine publisher in the U.S., and its 11% stake in
Japan Digital Broadcasting illustrates its media interests. ZD COMDEX and
Forums, a division of Ziff-
5
<PAGE>
Davis, produce computer-related trade shows. Softbank has direct or indirect
investments in over 60 Internet-related companies including Yahoo! (28%),
GeoCities (22%) and E*Trade Group (27%). With the deregulation of the financial
services sector, the company is now poised to develop its Web-based businesses
in Japan.
Telecom Italia SpA (TELI.MI - $10.39 - Milan Stock Exchange), headquartered in
Rome, is an Italian telecommunications operator with 25.7 million subscriber
fixed lines installed. TI also offers mobile telecommunications, analog mobile
telecommunications and other services in Italy. Olivetti, a typewriter and
computer manufacturer-turned-telecommunications company, has completed the
largest-ever hostile corporate takeover in Europe by formally accepting shares
amounting to a 51% stake in Telecom Italia. Tecnost is the Olivetti unit used as
the vehicle for the takeover.
Viatel Inc. (VYTL - $56.125 - Nasdaq), headquartered in New York, is a
facilities-based international and domestic long distance telecommunications
company with network points of presence ("POPs") in European cities and
operations in the United States, Latin America and the Pacific Rim. The company
offers a broad array of competitively priced, value-added international and
domestic long distance services. Its customers are primarily small and
medium-sized businesses. Viatel provides long distance service to more than 230
countries and territories worldwide through its international network.
Vivendi (EX.PA - $81.00 - Paris Stock Exchange) is France's largest
environmental services company, engaged in water purification and distribution,
energy, waste management, construction and communications. The group owns 44% of
Cegetel, France's second largest telecommunications operator. Sales at Cegetel
rose 90% in 1998 to $3.4 billion following the company's launch of long distance
service and the boom in demand for mobile services. Only five percent of sales
are generated in emerging markets. With 159 million shares outstanding, the
company has an equity market capitalization of Euro 35 billion or $40 billion.
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.
Additionally, The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund and other Gabelli Funds are
available through the no-transaction fee programs at many major discount
brokerage firms.
Internet
You can now visit us on the Internet. Our home page at
http://www.gabelli.com contains information about Gabelli Asset Management 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].
6
<PAGE>
In Conclusion
We formed the Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund in May of last year because
we believed that there were many companies around the world with real
opportunities for earnings growth that were trading at discounts to their
intrinsic value. Applying our value approach to the global scene, and employing
a few growth tactics, we felt that we could earn significant returns for our
shareholders. While we would never dream of patting ourselves on our backs or
counting our proverbial chickens before they are hatched, we feel that the
Fund's first year speaks for itself. While we recognize that it will be
difficult to earn such a high rate of return consistently in the future, we
believe that the Fund's basic investment strategy is sound and will continue to
be successful in the future.
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 GABOX. Please call us during the
business day for further information.
Sincerely,
/s/ Marc J. Gabelli /s/ Caesar Bryan
Marc J. Gabelli Caesar Bryan
Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager
/s/ Ivan Arteaga
Ivan Arteaga, CFA
Associate Portfolio Manager
July 30, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Ten Holdings
June 30, 1999
-------------
Liberty Media Group Telecom Italia SpA
Omnipoint Corp. Softbank Corp.
Seagram Co. Rogers Communications Inc.
Viatel Inc. Vivendi
General Instrument Corp. News Corp.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager
only through the end of the period stated in this report. The manager's views
are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions.
7
<PAGE>
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Portfolio of Investments -- June 30, 1999 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
Market
Shares Cost Value
------ ---- -----
COMMON STOCKS -- 93.0%
Automotive -- 0.6%
900 General Motors Corp............... $ 54,170 $ 59,400
---------- -----------
Automotive: Parts and Accessories -- 0.1%
629 Delphi Automotive
Systems Corp................... 10,719 11,676
---------- -----------
Broadcasting -- 5.9%
2,150 Audiofina......................... 89,113 103,212
7,400 Granada Group plc................. 125,750 137,293
450 NRJ SA............................ 87,492 101,307
1,125 Pathe SA.......................... 78,337 135,045
10,000 Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc..... 118,392 144,585
---------- -----------
499,084 621,442
---------- -----------
Building and Construction -- 1.4%
3,300 CRH plc........................... 56,510 58,535
8,000 Sekisui House Ltd................. 87,170 86,321
---------- -----------
143,680 144,856
---------- -----------
Business Services -- 3.6%
4,000 Asatsu-DK Inc..................... 107,618 105,754
2,190 Vivendi........................... 165,638 177,404
2,200 Young & Rubicam Inc.+............. 67,069 99,963
---------- -----------
340,325 383,121
---------- -----------
Cable -- 4.7%
1,100 Comcast Corp., Cl. A.............. 25,047 39,394
1,100 Comcast Corp., Special, Cl. A..... 25,047 42,281
1,600 MediaOne Group Inc.+.............. 81,942 119,000
1,400 NTL Inc.+......................... 70,362 120,663
2,500 United International
Holdings Inc., Cl. A+........... 64,063 169,063
---------- -----------
266,461 490,401
---------- -----------
Communications Equipment -- 3.6%
5,000 General Instrument Corp.+......... 145,250 212,500
2,300 GN Store Nord A/S................. 81,281 77,714
600 Mannesmann AG..................... 82,944 89,535
---------- -----------
309,475 379,749
---------- -----------
Computer Software and Services -- 1.9%
1,000 Softbank Corp..................... 80,578 202,501
---------- -----------
Consumer Products -- 4.1%
720 Christian Dior SA................. 82,548 117,318
70 Compagnie Financiere
Richemont AG................... 96,320 134,633
4,000 KAO Corp.......................... 84,729 112,363
7,321 Unilever NV....................... 79,482 65,144
---------- -----------
343,079 429,458
---------- -----------
Consumer Services -- 0.7%
5,000 Rollins Inc....................... 85,250 79,688
---------- -----------
Diversified Industrial -- 1.5%
7,000 General Electric Co. plc.......... 64,957 71,390
1,125 Indus Holding AG.................. 44,372 38,634
300 Oerlikon-Buhrle Holding AG........ 57,522 45,543
---------- -----------
166,851 155,567
---------- -----------
Energy and Utilities -- 4.3%
1,000 BP Amoco plc, ADR................. 93,157 108,500
12,180 Citizens Utilities Co., Cl. B+.... 106,956 135,503
2,500 Endesa SA......................... 67,936 53,317
2,500 Schlumberger Ltd.................. 137,822 159,218
---------- -----------
405,871 456,538
---------- -----------
Entertainment -- 5.3%
7,788 Liberty Media Group, Cl. A+....... 146,381 286,209
37,000 Rank Group plc.................... 144,103 147,120
3,000 USA Networks Inc.+................ 75,830 120,375
---------- -----------
366,314 553,704
---------- -----------
Equipment and Supplies -- 1.7%
4,000 THK Co. Ltd....................... 85,116 92,535
4,000 Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd............ 81,824 89,890
---------- -----------
166,940 182,425
---------- -----------
Financial Services - 9.5%
2,600 Assicurazioni Generali SpA........ 104,798 90,092
500 AXA-UAP........................... 69,512 61,000
15,500 Banca Commerciale Italiana........ 101,784 113,268
3,300 Bank of Ireland................... 65,777 55,295
1,800 Citigroup Inc..................... 78,210 85,500
1,262 Invik & Co. AB, B Free............ 95,170 74,175
3,000 Mellon Bank Corp.................. 98,972 109,125
900 Morgan (J.P.) & Co................ 91,742 126,450
1,900 Pioneer Group Inc................. 52,001 32,775
6,500 Schroders plc..................... 144,491 132,787
10,000 Skandinaviska Enskilda
Banken, Cl. A.................. 135,349 116,447
---------- -----------
1,037,806 996,914
---------- -----------
Food and Beverage -- 4.5%
25,800 Foster's Brewing Group Ltd........ 69,207 72,716
45 Nestle SA......................... 93,042 81,079
4,500 Seagram Co........................ 194,225 226,688
5,100 Whitman Corp...................... 97,736 91,800
---------- -----------
454,210 472,283
---------- -----------
Global Entertainment -- 2.1%
425 Canal Plus........................ 106,758 119,259
12,000 EMI Group plc..................... 84,291 96,280
---------- -----------
191,049 215,539
---------- -----------
Health Care -- 2.4%
60 Novartis AG....................... 106,058 87,612
9 Roche Holding AG.................. 106,157 92,512
650 Schering AG....................... 83,805 68,910
---------- -----------
296,020 249,034
---------- -----------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
<PAGE>
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Portfolio of Investments -- June 30, 1999 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
Market
Shares Cost Value
------ ---- -----
COMMON STOCKS (Continued)
Hotels and Gaming -- 0.6%
4,000 Mirage Resorts Inc.+.............. $ 86,356 $ 67,000
---------- -----------
Metals and Mining -- 4.4%
3,000 Anglogold Ltd., ADR............... 67,525 64,500
5,000 Barrick Gold Corp................. 98,475 96,874
8,300 Harmony Gold Mining Ltd........... 37,858 39,063
12,800 Harmony Gold Mining Ltd., ADR..... 64,500 62,000
3,500 Newmont Mining Corp............... 74,706 69,563
3,800 Placer Dome Inc................... 51,190 44,888
2,700 Stillwater Mining Co.+............ 49,506 88,256
---------- -----------
443,760 465,144
---------- -----------
Publishing -- 6.2%
7,000 Arnoldo Mondadori Editore SpA..... 105,180 121,278
9,250 Gruppo Editoriale L'Espresso SpA.. 87,079 149,767
24,000 Independent News & Media plc...... 113,713 115,090
5,000 News Corp. Ltd., ADR.............. 142,857 176,562
8,000 Schibsted ASA..................... 95,193 89,936
---------- -----------
544,022 652,633
---------- -----------
Retail -- 1.3%
2,000 Ito Yokado Co. Ltd................ 135,479 133,844
---------- -----------
Telecommunications -- 18.7%
1,800 AT&T Corp......................... 82,722 100,463
2,000 BCE Inc........................... 86,600 98,625
1,500 Bell Atlantic Corp................ 85,875 98,063
3,250 Cable & Wireless plc, ADR......... 118,803 128,781
25 DDI Corp.......................... 90,853 155,532
10,500 Electric Lightwave Inc.+.......... 110,999 136,500
2,500 Frontier Corp..................... 82,313 147,500
10 Japan Telecom Co. Ltd............. 93,228 142,106
13 Nippon Telegraph and
Telephone Corp................. 105,789 151,442
12,500 Rogers Communications
Inc., Cl. B+................... 175,544 202,344
2,000 Telecom Italia SpA, ADR........... 182,592 210,375
714 Telefonica SA, ADR................ 93,498 105,047
2,000 Time Warner Telecom Inc.+......... 28,000 58,000
4,000 Viatel Inc.+...................... 52,000 224,501
---------- -----------
1,388,816 1,959,279
---------- -----------
Wireless Communications -- 3.9%
8,500 Omnipoint Corp.+.................. 158,401 245,969
2,300 Telephone & Data Systems Inc...... 86,665 168,044
---------- -----------
245,066 414,013
---------- -----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS............... 8,061,381 9,776,209
---------- -----------
Principal Market
Amount Cost Value
------ ---- -----
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS -- 5.9%
$625,000 U.S. Treasury Bills,
4.50% to 4.74%++,
due 08/05/99 to 09/30/99 ..... $ 619,222 $ 619,304
---------- -----------
TOTAL
INVESTMENTS-- 98.9%............ $8,680,603 10,395,513
==========
Other Assets and
Liabilities (Net) -- 1.1%..... 119,684
-----------
NET ASSETS-- 100.0%............... $10,515,197
===========
(808,639 shares outstanding)
NET ASSET VALUE,
Offering and Redemption
Price Per Share................ $13.00
======
- --------
For Federal tax purposes:
Aggregate cost.................... $ 8,680,603
-----------
Gross unrealized appreciation..... $ 1,987,663
Gross unrealized depreciation..... (272,754)
-----------
Net unrealized appreciation....... $ 1,714,909
===========
Principal Settlement Net Unrealized
Amount Date Depreciation
------ ---- ------------
FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
38,367 (a) Deliver British Pounds
in exchange for
USD 60,480..................... 07/07/99 $(6)
- -----------------
(a) -- Principal amount denoted in British Pounds.
+ -- Non-income producing security.
++ -- Represents annualized yield at date of purchase.
ADR -- American Depository Receipt.
USD -- U.S. Dollars.
% of
Market Market
Geographic Diversification Value Value
- -------------------------- ----- -----
North America 46.1% $4,793,160
Europe 36.3% 3,770,637
Japan 13.6% 1,416,874
Asia/Pacific Rim 2.4% 249,279
South Africa 1.6% 165,563
------ ---------
100.0% $10,395,513
====== ==========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9
<PAGE>
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
June 30, 1999 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
Assets:
Investments, at value (Cost $8,680,603) .................. $10,395,513
Cash ...................................................... 50,925
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $243,636) ................ 243,494
Dividends, interest and reclaims receivable ............... 19,737
Receivable for investments sold ........................... 2,296
Receivable from adviser ................................... 11,188
Deferred organizational expenses .......................... 30,728
-----------
Total Assets .............................................. 10,753,881
-----------
Liabilities:
Payable for investments purchased ......................... 114,406
Payable for investment advisory fees ...................... 8,289
Payable for distribution fees ............................. 2,022
Payable to adviser ........................................ 40,000
Other accrued expenses and liabilities .................... 73,967
-----------
Total Liabilities ......................................... 238,684
-----------
Net Assets applicable to 808,639
shares outstanding ...................................... $10,515,197
===========
Net Assets consist of:
Capital stock, at par value ............................... $ 809
Additional paid-in capital ................................ 8,700,566
Accumulated net investment income ......................... 44,209
Accumulated net realized gain on investments
and foreign currency transactions ....................... 54,976
Net unrealized appreciation on investments
and foreign currency transactions ....................... 1,714,637
-----------
Total Net Assets .......................................... $10,515,197
===========
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption
price per share ($10,515,197 / 808,639
shares outstanding; 200,000,000
shares authorized of $0.001 par value) .................. $ 13.00
===========
Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1999 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
Investment Income:
Dividends (net of foreign taxes of $7,571) .............. $ 76,880
Interest ................................................ 6,091
-----------
Total Investment Income ................................. 82,971
-----------
Expenses:
Investment advisory fees ................................ 39,471
Distribution fees ....................................... 9,868
Legal and audit fees .................................... 14,029
Shareholder services fees ............................... 13,643
Custodian fees .......................................... 11,193
Registration fees ....................................... 10,117
Shareholder report expenses ............................. 7,094
Organizational expenses ................................. 3,967
Directors' fees ......................................... 256
Miscellaneous expenses .................................. 8,782
-----------
Total Expenses .......................................... 118,420
Expense reimbursement ................................... (78,949)
-----------
Total Net Expenses ...................................... 39,471
-----------
Net Investment Income ................................... 43,500
-----------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
on Investments:
Net realized gain on investments and
foreign currency transactions ......................... 56,497
Net change in unrealized appreciation
on investments and foreign currency
transactions .......................................... 1,582,933
-----------
Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments and foreign currency
transactions .......................................... 1,639,430
-----------
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations ....................................... $ 1,682,930
===========
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended Period Ended
June 30, 1999 December 31,
(Unaudited) 1998+
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net investment income ............................................ $ 43,500 $ 48,310
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions 56,497 190,596
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments
and foreign currency transactions .............................. 1,582,933 131,704
----------- -----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ............. 1,682,930 370,610
----------- -----------
Distributions to shareholders:
Net investment income ............................................ -- (48,310)
In excess of net investment income ............................... -- (31,596)
Net realized gain on investments ................................. -- (159,812)
----------- -----------
Total distributions to shareholders .............................. -- (239,718)
----------- -----------
Capital share transactions:
Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions ....... 2,966,237 5,735,138
----------- -----------
Net increase in net assets ....................................... 4,649,167 5,866,030
Net Assets:
Beginning of period .............................................. 5,866,030 --
----------- -----------
End of period .................................................... $10,515,197 $ 5,866,030
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ From commencement of operations on May 11, 1998.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10
<PAGE>
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
================================================================================
1. Organization. The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund (the "Fund"), a series of
Gabelli Global Series Funds, Inc. (the "Corporation"), is a non-diversified,
open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and one of four separately managed
portfolios (collectively, the "Portfolios") of the Corporation. The Fund's
primary objective is capital appreciation. The Fund commenced investment
operations on May 11, 1998.
2. Significant Accounting Policies. 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 listed or traded on a nationally
recognized securities exchange, quoted by the National Association of Securities
Dealers Automated Quotations, Inc. ("Nasdaq") or traded on foreign exchanges are
valued at the last sale price on that exchange as of the close of business on
the day the securities are being valued (if there were no sales that day, the
security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or, if
there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at
the closing bid price on that day, except for open short positions, which are
valued at the last asked price). All other portfolio securities for which
over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the
latest average of the bid and asked prices. 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, LLC
(the successor to Gabelli Funds, Inc. as investment adviser) (the "Adviser").
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are
valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures
established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Directors.
Short term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost, unless the Directors determine such does not reflect
the securities' fair value, in which case these securities will be valued at
their fair value as determined by the Directors. Debt instruments having a
greater maturity are valued at the highest bid price obtained from a dealer
maintaining an active market in those securities. Options are valued at the last
sale price on the exchange on which they are listed. If no sales of such options
have taken place that day, they will be valued at the mean between their closing
bid and asked prices.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
primary government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York, with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or with other brokers
or dealers that meet credit guidelines established by the Directors. Under the
terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund takes possession of an
underlying debt obligation subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase,
and the Fund to resell, the obligation at an agreed-upon price and time, thereby
determining the yield during the Fund's holding period. The Fund will always
receive and maintain securities as collateral whose market value, including
accrued interest, will be at least equal to 100% of the dollar amount invested
by the Fund in each agreement. The Fund will make payment for such securities
only upon physical delivery or upon evidence of book entry transfer of the
collateral to the account of the custodian. To the extent that any repurchase
transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is
marked-to-market on a daily basis to maintain the adequacy of the
11
<PAGE>
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued) (Unaudited)
================================================================================
collateral. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or
if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the
security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Fund may engage in forward foreign
exchange contracts for hedging a specific transaction with respect to either the
currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency as deemed
appropriate by the Adviser. Forward foreign exchange contracts are valued at the
forward rate and are marked-to-market daily. The change in market value is
included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign
currency transactions. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized
gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the
time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
The use of forward foreign exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in
the underlying prices of the Fund's portfolio securities, but it does establish
a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although forward foreign
exchange contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the
hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the
value of the currency increase. In addition, the Fund could be exposed to risks
if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their
contracts.
Foreign Currency Translation. The books and records of the Fund are maintained
in United States (U.S.) dollars. Foreign currencies, investments and other
assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates
prevailing at the end of the period, and purchases and sales of investment
securities, income and expenses are translated at the exchange rate prevailing
on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses, which
result from changes in foreign exchange rates and/or changes in market prices of
securities, have been included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
investments and foreign currency transactions. Net realized foreign currency
gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign
currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment
securities transactions, foreign currency transactions and the difference
between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund
and the amounts actually received. The portion of foreign currency gains and
losses related to fluctuation in exchange rates between the initial trade date
and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on
investments.
Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are
accounted for on the trade date with realized gain or loss on investments
determined by using 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.
12
<PAGE>
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued) (Unaudited)
================================================================================
Expenses. Certain administrative expenses are common to, and allocated among,
the Portfolios. Such allocations are made on the basis of each Portfolio's
average net assets or other criteria directly affecting the expenses as
determined by the Adviser.
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.
Dividends and interest from non-U.S. sources received by the Fund are generally
subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes at rates ranging up to 30%. Such
withholding taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable
U.S. income tax treaties, and the Fund intends to undertake any procedural steps
required to claim the benefits of such treaties. If the value of more than 50%
of the Fund's total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of stocks
or securities of non-U.S. corporations, the Fund is permitted and may elect to
treat any non-U.S. taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders.
3. Investment Advisory Agreement. 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% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. In
accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous
investment program for the Fund's portfolio, oversees the administration of all
aspects of the Fund's business and affairs and pays the compensation of all
Officers and Directors of the Fund who are its affiliates. The Adviser
voluntarily agreed to reimburse expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to
maintain the annualized total operating expenses of the Fund at 1.00% of the
value of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the six months ended June 30,
1999, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $78,949.
4. Distribution Plan. The Fund's Board of Directors has adopted a distribution
plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. For the six months
ended June 30, 1999, the Fund incurred distribution costs payable to Gabelli &
Company, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, of $9,868, or 0.25% of average daily
net assets, the annual limitation under the Plan. Such payments are accrued
daily and paid monthly.
5. Organizational Expenses. The organizational expenses of the Fund are being
amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 60 months.
6. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities for the six months
ended June 30, 1999, other than short term securities, aggregated $4,002,069 and
$1,303,895, respectively.
7. Transactions with Affiliates. During the six months ended June 30, 1999, the
Fund paid brokerage commissions of $395 to Gabelli & Company, Inc. and its
affiliates.
8. Line of Credit. The Fund has access to an unsecured line of credit from the
custodian for temporary borrowing purposes. Borrowings under this arrangement
bear interest at 0.75% above the Federal Funds rate on outstanding balances.
There were no borrowings outstanding at June 30, 1999.
13
<PAGE>
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued) (Unaudited)
================================================================================
The average daily amount of borrowings outstanding during the six months ended
June 30, 1999 was $588,953, with a related weighted average interest rate of
5.49%. The maximum amount borrowed at any time during the six months ended June
30, 1999 was $720,000.
9. Capital Stock Transactions. Transactions in shares of capital stock were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended Period Ended
June 30, 1999 December 31, 1998
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold ................................ 290,522 $ 3,418,791 2,576,620 $ 26,801,277
Shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends -- -- 22,028 227,773
Shares redeemed ............................ (37,931) (452,544) (2,042,600) (21,293,912)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase ............................. 252,591 $ 2,966,237 556,048 $ 5,735,138
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
10. New Share Classes. On March 9, 1999, the Board of Directors of the Fund
approved (subject to shareholder approval of Amendments to the Fund's Articles
of Incorporation to permit the Fund to offer additional classes of shares) a
Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan relating to the creation of three additional classes
of shares of the Fund - Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares (the
"New Share Classes"). The existing class of shares was redesignated as Class AAA
Shares. In addition, the Board had also approved an Amended and Restated
Distribution Agreement, Rule 12b-1 plans for each of the New Share Classes and
an Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution for the existing class of shares
(Class AAA Shares) to be effective upon the commencement of the offering of the
New Share Classes. Effective July 22, 1999, shareholder approval permitting the
Fund to offer additional classes of shares was attained.
14
<PAGE>
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
Financial Highlights
================================================================================
Selected data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30, 1999 Period Ended
(Unaudited) December 31, 1998+
---------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Operating performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period ............ $ 10.55 $ 10.00
---------- ----------
Net investment income ........................... 0.05 0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments . 2.40 0.91
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations ................ 2.45 1.00
---------- ----------
Distributions to shareholders:
Net investment income ........................... -- (0.09)
In excess of net investment income .............. -- (0.06)
Net realized gain on investments ................ -- (0.30)
---------- ----------
Total distributions ............................. -- (0.45)
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period .................. $ 13.00 $ 10.55
========== ==========
Total return++ .................................. 23.2% 10.1%
========== ==========
Ratios to average net assets and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) ............ $ 10,515 $ 5,866
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets ......................... 1.10%(a) 1.72%(a)
Ratio of operating expenses
to average net assets before reimbursement (b) 2.99%(a) 4.77%(a)
Ratio of operating expenses
to average net assets net of reimbursement .... 1.00%(a) 1.00%(a)
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 18% 127%
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ From commencement of operations on May 11, 1998.
++ 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. Total return for the period of
less than one year is not annualized.
(a) Annualized.
(b) During the period ended December 31, 1998, the Adviser voluntarily
reimbursed certain expenses. If such expense reimbursement had not
occurred, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets would have
been as shown.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15
<PAGE>
Gabelli Global Series Funds, Inc.
The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1434
1-800-GABELLI
[1-800-422-3554]
fax: 1-914-921-5118
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 Directors
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA Chairman and Chief Karl Otto Pohl
Investment Officer Former President
Gabelli Asset Management Inc. Deutsche Bundesbank
Felix J. Christiana Werner J. Roeder, MD
Former Senior Vice President Medical Director
Dollar Dry Dock Savings Bank Lawrence Hospital
Anthony J. Colavita Anthonie C. van Ekris
Attorney-at-Law Managing Director
Anthony J. Colavita, P.C. BALMAC International, Inc.
John D. Gabelli
Senior Vice President
Gabelli & Company, Inc.
Officers and Portfolio Managers
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA Marc J. Gabelli
President and Chief Portfolio Manager
Investment Officer
Caesar Bryan Bruce N. Alpert
Portfolio Manager Vice President and Treasurer
James E. McKee
Secretary
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 Global Opportunity Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to
prospective investors unless preceded or accompa nied by an effective
prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAB403Q299SR
