N-CSR 1 globalseries_ncsr.htm N-CSR

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-07896

 

GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

John C. Ball
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-422-3554

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

 

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2023

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a) The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Annual Report — December 31, 2023

   

Sergey Dluzhevskiy, CFA, CPA

Portfolio Manager

BS, Case Western

Reserve University

MBA, The Wharton School

University of Pennsylvania

 

To Our Shareholders,

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the net asset value (NAV) total return per Class AAA Share of The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund was 22.9% compared with a total return of 38.1% for the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country (AC) World Communication Services Index. Other classes of shares are available. See page 4 for performance information for all classes.

 

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023.

 

Investment Objective and Strategy (Unaudited)

 

The Fund’s investment objective primarily seeks to provide investors with appreciation of capital. Current income is a secondary objective of the Fund.

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is to invest its net assets in common stocks of companies in the telecommunications, media, and information technology industries which Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Adviser, believes are likely to have rapid growth in revenues and earnings and potential for above average capital appreciation or are undervalued. In accordance with its concentration policy, the Fund will invest at least 25% of the value of its total assets in the telecommunications related industry, and not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in any other particular industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports on paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.

 

 

 

 

Performance Discussion (Unaudited)

 

Leading the list of positive contributors to Fund performance in 1Q’23 was Meta Platforms (+76.1%), as the company lowered its expense outlook for the current fiscal year and Mark Zuckerberg labeled 2023 the “Year of Efficiency.” In addition, competition for user time from TikTok appears to be lessening and engagement across various Meta Platforms remains healthy. Alphabet (+17.2%) rose in 1Q as it continued to benefit from scale in digital advertising continues to drive further growth in mobile search, YouTube, and other ad-related areas. In late December 2022, the National Football League announced that YouTube won the rights to the next season’s NFL Sunday Ticket, which will likely help increase YouTubeTV’s customer base. Millicom (+49.5%) as (a) the company confirmed in January 2023 that a potential acquisition of the firm is being discussed with Apollo Global Management and Claure Group and (b) the firm’s largest shareholder, Xavier Niel (founder of Iliad) had increased its stake to 21% (from 7%) during 1Q. Deutsche Telekom (+22.1%) rallied on growing market recognition of the deep value discount of the “non-T-Mobile US components,” namely Germany and other European operations. The firm’s 2023 guidance reinforced positive expectations for these businesses.

 

Global equities rose in 2Q, with MSCI AC World Index up 6.3%, on lower inflation and a pause in interest rate hikes in the US as well as positive sentiment around development of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and tools, driving significant gains in some of the largest technology related names. Not surprisingly, Information Technology (+14.9%) was the strongest performing sector, with Consumer Discretionary (+8.7%) and Communication Services (+7.1%) also registering solid gains. The Communication Services sector was led primarily by Media & Entertainment Industry Group (10.4%) on continued strength in shares of Meta Platforms, Alphabet, and Netflix.

 

Global equities declined in 3Q, with the MSCI AC World Index down 3.3%, on rising interest rates and investor concerns that the Federal Reserve and other key central banks would keep rates higher for longer than previously expected to lower inflation further. Market weakness was relatively broad based, with nine of eleven MSCI sectors registering negative returns in the quarter. Only Energy (+11%), helped by significant rise in oil prices, and Communication Services (+0.5%), led by gains in Alphabet’s and Meta Platform’s shares, were in positive territory.

 

Leading the list of positive contributors to Fund performance in 4Q’23 was Meta Platforms (+17.9% in 4Q), as the company reported strong 3Q’23 results (reflecting a rebound in advertising), reduced its expense guidance for FY’23, and provided lower than expected preliminary expense outlook for 2024. T-Mobile US (+15.0%) was up on solid quarterly results (with moderate beats on service revenues, EBITDA, and postpaid phone net additions) as well as raised 2023 guidance. Microsoft (+19.3%) rallied on strong fiscal 1Q performance, led by reacceleration in Microsoft Azure, the company’s premier cloud computing platform (which was up 29% year-over-year, in constant currency). Frontier Communications (+61.9%) benefited from continued solid operational execution (including strong fiber net additions), falling bond yields, and activist shareholder presence (with Jana Partners bringing investor attention to the firm’s depressed valuation and urging Frontier’s board to begin a strategic review process).

 

Selected holdings that contributed positively to performance in 2023 were:

 

Meta Platforms, Inc. (7.2% of net assets as of December 31, 2023), is the leading global online social networking and social media service provider with over 3 billion Facebook monthly active users; Alphabet Inc. (7.7%) is a holding company whose subsidiaries include the core Google business (Search, Android, YouTube, Cloud) as well as multiple independent companies, e.g. Ventures, Waymo, Verily; and Microsoft Corp. (3.8%), which develops and supports software, services, devices, and solutions worldwide.

 

2

 

 

Some of our weaker performing stocks during the year:

 

WideOpenWest Inc. (0.8% of net assets as of December 31, 2023), which provides high speed data, cable television, and digital telephony services to residential and business services customers in the United States; Zalando SE (1.2%), is a leading European online fashion retailer; and Kinnevik AB (1.3%), is a venture capital firm specializing in investments in early to late venture and growth capital.

 

Thank you for your investment in The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund.

 

Thank you for your continued interest and trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of the Fund’s portfolio manager and Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Adviser, as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

3

 

 

Comparative Results

 

 

Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2023 (a) (Unaudited)

 

Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in share price, reinvestment of distributions, and are net of expenses.

 

    1 Year     5 Year     10 Year     15 Year     Since
Inception
(11/1/93)
 
Class AAA (GABTX)     22.89 %     4.43 %     2.06 %     5.35 %     6.19 %
MSCI AC World Communication Services Index (b)     38.13       8.98       4.47       7.09       N/A  
MSCI AC World Index (b)     22.81       12.27       8.48       10.78       7.73  
Class A (GTCAX)     22.92       4.44       2.05       5.34       6.19  
With sales charge (c)     15.85       3.21       1.44       4.92       5.98  
Class C (GTCCX)     54.42       4.17       1.55       4.74       5.66  
Class I (GTTIX)     22.90       4.57       2.36       5.64       6.35  

 

 
(a) Returns would have been lower had the Adviser not reimbursed certain expenses. The Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shares sold or exchanged within seven days of purchase. The Class AAA Share NAVs are used to calculate performance for the periods prior to the issuance of Class A Shares, Class C Shares, and Class I Shares on March 12, 2000, June 2, 2000, and January 11, 2008, respectively. The actual performance for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares would have been lower due to the additional fees and expenses associated with these classes of shares. The actual performance of the Class I Shares would have been higher due to lower expenses related to this class of shares.
(b) The MSCI AC World Communication Services Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of Communication Services from around the world. The MSCI AC World Index is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI AC World Index comprises the stocks of nearly 3,000 companies from 23 developed countries and 25 emerging markets. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index. The MSCI AC World Communication Services Index inception date is December 30, 1994. The MSCI AC World Index since inception performance is as of October 31, 1993.
(c) Performance results include the effect of the maximum 5.75% sales charge at the beginning of the period.

 

In the current prospectuses dated April 28, 2023, the gross expense ratios for Class AAA, A, and I Shares are 1.81%, 1.81%, and 1.56%, respectively, and the net expense ratios for all share classes after contractual reimbursements by Gabelli Funds, LLC, (the Adviser) is 0.90%. See page 12 for the expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 2023. The contractual reimbursement is in effect through April 30, 2024. Class AAA and Class I Shares do not have a sales charge. The maximum sales charge for Class A Shares is 5.75%.

 

Investing in foreign securities involves risks not ordinarily associated with investments in domestic issues, including currency fluctuation, economic, and political risks. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains information about these and other matters and should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, please visit our website at www.gabelli.com.

 

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. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end.

 

 

4

 

 

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN

THE GABELLI GLOBAL CONTENT & CONECTIVITY FUND (CLASS AAA SHARES), MSCI AC WORLD

COMMUNICATION SERVICES INDEX AND MSCI AC WORLD INDEX (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns*
  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
Class AAA 22.89% 4.43% 2.06%

 

 

* Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance tables and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

5

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

For the Six Month Period from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Expense Table

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of fees and expenses regarding your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a fund, you incur ongoing costs, which include costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports (like this one), among others. Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of a fund. When a fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, this figure is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.

 

The Expense Table below illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Actual Fund Return: This section provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use this section to help you to estimate the actual expenses that you paid over the period after any fee waivers and expense reimbursements. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return during the past six months, and the “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.

 

To do so, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid during this period.

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: This section provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio. It assumes a hypothetical annualized return of 5% before expenses during the period shown. In this case – because the hypothetical return used is not the Fund’s actual return – the results do not apply to your investment and you cannot use the hypothetical account value and expense to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you

paid for the period. This example is useful in making comparisons of the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees, if any, which are described in the Prospectus. If these costs were applied to your account, your costs would be higher. Therefore, the 5% hypothetical return is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. The "Annualized Expense Ratio" represents the actual expenses for the last six months and may be different from the expense ratio in the Financial Highlights which is for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

    Beginning
Account Value
07/01/23
    Ending
Account Value
12/31/23
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses
Paid During
Period *
The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund
Actual Fund Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,083.90     0.90%       $ 4.73  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,084.20     0.90%       $ 4.73  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,083.60     0.90%       $ 4.73  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,084.20     0.90%       $ 4.73  
Hypothetical 5% Return                                
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%       $ 4.58  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%       $ 4.58  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%       $ 4.58  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%       $ 4.58  

 

 
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the last six months multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (184 days), then divided by 365.

 

6

 

 

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of net assets as of December 31, 2023:

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

 

Communication Services     73.0 %
Information Technology     10.6 %
Consumer Discretionary     7.8 %
Real Estate     4.9 %
Financials     3.1 %
U.S. Government Obligations     0.7 %
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)     (0.1 )%
      100.0 %

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

 

Proxy Voting

 

The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

7

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS — 98.3%                
        COMMUNICATION SERVICES — 73.0%                
        Telecommunication Services — 47.3%                
        Wireless Telecommunication Services — 31.0%                
        Wireless Telecommunication Services — 31.0%                
  35,000     America Movil SAB de CV, ADR   $ 117,403     $ 648,200  
  50,000     Anterix Inc.†     1,866,777       1,666,000  
  10,000     KDDI Corp.     50,648       318,156  
  85,000     Millicom International Cellular SA, SDR†     1,366,502       1,519,054  
  100,000     MTN Group Ltd.     424,151       631,406  
  35,000     Rogers Communications Inc., Cl. B     1,092,554       1,638,350  
  80,000     SoftBank Group Corp.     3,325,122       3,570,496  
  38,000     T-Mobile US Inc.     636,581       6,092,540  
  36,000     United States Cellular Corp.†     916,134       1,495,440  
  70,000     Vodafone Group plc, ADR     782,158       609,000  
              10,578,030       18,188,642  
        Diversified Telecommunication Services — 16.3%                
        Integrated Telecommunication Services — 15.7%                
  45,000     AT&T Inc.     805,178       755,100  
  37,415,054     Cable & Wireless Jamaica Ltd.†(a)     499,070       281,080  
  90,000     Deutsche Telekom AG     1,625,305       2,160,982  
  65,000     Frontier Communications Parent Inc.†     1,288,246       1,647,100  
  52,000     Liberty Global Ltd., Cl. C†     558,000       969,280  
  32,000     Telenor ASA     446,392       367,248  
  85,000     Telephone and Data Systems Inc.     1,003,369       1,559,750  
  35,000     TELUS Corp.     180,401       622,650  
  23,000     Verizon Communications Inc.     682,213       867,100  
              7,088,174       9,230,290  
        Alternative Carriers — 0.6%                
  35,000     Telesat Corp.†     463,432       365,050  
                         
        Media & Entertainment — 25.7%                
        Interactive Media & Services — 14.9%                
        Interactive Media & Services — 14.9%                
  32,000     Alphabet Inc., Cl. C†     1,568,465       4,509,760  
  12,000     Meta Platforms Inc., Cl. A†     1,772,962       4,247,520  
              3,341,427       8,757,280  
        Entertainment — 6.2%                
        Movies & Entertainment — 6.2%                
  13,000     Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc., Cl. C†     223,677       514,540  
  200,000     Bollore SE     1,163,375       1,248,568  
Shares        
Cost
    Market
Value
 
  60,000     Manchester United plc, Cl. A†   $ 900,980‌     $ 1,222,800‌  
  7,500‌     The Walt Disney Co.     634,230‌       677,175‌  
              2,922,262‌       3,663,083‌  
        Media — 4.6%                
        Cable & Satellite — 4.6%                
  50,000‌     Comcast Corp., Cl. A     1,333,223‌       2,192,500‌  
  120,000‌     WideOpenWest Inc.†     567,738‌       486,000‌  
              1,900,961       2,678,500‌  
        TOTAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES     26,294,286‌       42,882,845‌  
                         
        INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — 9.5%                
        Software & Services — 6.4%                
        Software — 3.8%                
        Systems Software — 3.8%                
  6,000‌     Microsoft Corp.     743,640‌       2,256,240‌  
                         
        IT Services — 2.6%                
        Data Processing & Outsourced Services — 2.6%                
  2,000‌     Mastercard Inc., Cl. A     292,730‌       853,020‌  
  11,000‌     PayPal Holdings Inc.†     772,457‌       675,510‌  
              1,065,187       1,528,530‌  
        Technology Hardware & Equipment — 3.1%                
        Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.8%                
        Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.8%                
  5,500‌     Apple Inc.     217,900‌       1,058,915‌  
                         
        Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.3%                
        Electronic Equipment & Instruments — 1.3%                
  8,000‌     Sony Group Corp., ADR     523,380‌       757,520‌  
                         
        TOTAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY     2,550,107‌       5,601,205‌  
        CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 7.8%                
        Retailing — 7.8%                
        Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 7.8%                
        Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 7.8%                
  4,000‌     Amazon.com Inc.†     439,023‌       607,760‌  
  110,000‌     Prosus NV     3,460,364‌       3,276,910‌  
  30,000‌     Zalando SE†     761,241‌       710,392‌  
              4,660,628       4,595,062‌  
                       
        TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY     4,660,628‌       4,595,062‌  
                         
        REAL ESTATE — 4.9%                
        Real Estate — 4.9%                
        Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts — 4.9%                
        Specialized REITs — 4.9%                
  3,500‌     American Tower Corp., REIT     631,894‌       755,580‌  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS (Continued)                
        REAL ESTATE (Continued)                
        Real Estate (Continued)                
        Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (Continued)                
        Specialized REITs (Continued)                
  8,000   Crown Castle Inc., REIT   $ 839,834     $ 921,520  
  1,500     Equinix Inc., REIT     117,666       1,208,085  
              1,589,394       2,885,185  
        TOTAL REAL ESTATE     1,589,394       2,885,185  
                         
        FINANCIALS — 3.1%                
        Diversified Financials — 3.1%                
        Diversified Financial Services — 3.1%                
        Multi-Sector Holdings — 3.1%                
  70,000     Kinnevik AB, Cl. B†     1,227,520       750,244  
  4,460     Old Mutual Ltd.(a)     12,500       50  
  500,000     VNV Global AB†     1,095,983       1,041,042  
  12,000     Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.†(a)     1,432       6,000  
              2,337,435       1,797,336  
        Banks — 0.0%                
        Banks — 0.0%                
        Diversified Banks — 0.0%                
  58     Nedbank Group Ltd.     622       685  
                         
        TOTAL FINANCIALS     2,338,057       1,798,021  
                         
        TOTAL COMMON STOCKS     37,432,472       57,762,318  
                         
        CLOSED-END FUNDS — 0.0%                
        CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 0.0%                
        Retailing — 0.0%                
        Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.0%                
        Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.0%                
  5,800     Altaba Inc., Escrow†     0       14,181  
Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        PREFERRED STOCKS — 1.1%                
        INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — 1.1%                
        Technology - Hardware and Equipment — 1.1%                
        Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.1%                
        Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.1%                
  13,000     Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., 10.630%   $ 517,457     $ 628,853  

 

Principal
Amount
                     
        U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 0.7%                
$ 395,000     U.S. Treasury Bills 5.263% to 5.281%††, 03/14/24 to 03/21/24     390,732       390,804  
                         
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1%   $ 38,340,661       58,796,156  
                         
        Other Assets and Liabilities (Net) — (0.1)%             (34,339 )
                         
        NET ASSETS — 100.0%           $ 58,761,817  

 

 
(a)  Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Non-income producing security.
†† Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase.

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

SDR Swedish Depositary Receipt

 

Geographic Diversification   % of
Market
Value
    Market
Value
 
North America     64.8 %   $ 38,078,190  
Europe     21.9       12,906,239  
Japan     7.9       4,646,172  
Latin America     3.2       1,904,560  
South Africa     1.1       632,142  
Asia/Pacific     1.1       628,853  
      100.0 %   $ 58,796,156  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2023

 

 

Assets:      
Investments, at value (cost $38,340,661)   $ 58,796,156  
Cash     4,439  
Foreign currency, at value (cost $1,268)     661  
Receivable from Adviser     40,194  
Dividends receivable     64,320  
Prepaid expenses     20,096  
Total Assets     58,925,866  
Liabilities:        
Payable for Fund shares redeemed     3,079  
Payable for investment advisory fees     49,251  
Payable for distribution fees     10,079  
Payable for accounting fees     3,750  
Payable for shareholder communications     24,534  
Payable for legal and audit fees     24,196  
Payable for custodian fees     20,810  
Payable for shareholder services fees     20,234  
Other accrued expenses     8,116  
Total Liabilities     164,049  
Net Assets        
(applicable to 3,147,163 shares outstanding)   $ 58,761,817  
Net Assets Consist of:        
Paid-in capital   $ 39,007,576  
Total distributable earnings     19,754,241  
Net Assets   $ 58,761,817  
         
Shares of Capital Stock, each at $0.001 par value:        
Class AAA:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($47,833,634 ÷ 2,560,330 shares outstanding; 150,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 18.68  
Class A:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($223,836 ÷ 11,865 shares outstanding; 50,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 18.87  
Maximum offering price per share (NAV ÷ 0.9425, based on maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the offering price)   $ 20.02  
Class C:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($185.06 ÷ 10.02 shares outstanding; 50,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 18.47  
Class I:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($10,704,162 ÷ 574,958 shares outstanding; 50,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 18.62  

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

Investment Income:      
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $34,724)   $ 696,716  
Interest     10,024  
Total Investment Income     706,740  
Expenses:        
Investment advisory fees     557,699  
Distribution fees - Class AAA     114,150  
Distribution fees - Class A     555  
Distribution fees - Class C     2  
Shareholder services fees     77,822  
Shareholder communications expenses     65,463  
Legal and audit fees     63,772  
Accounting fees     45,000  
Registration expenses     37,591  
Custodian fees     31,481  
Directors’ fees     12,565  
Interest expense     3,104  
Miscellaneous expenses     23,141  
Total Expenses     1,032,345  
Less:        
Expense reimbursements (See Note 3)     (527,312 )
Net Expenses     505,033  
Net Investment Income     201,707  
         
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments and Foreign Currency:        
Net realized gain on investments     158,407  
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions     1,876  
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions     160,283  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:        
on investments     11,064,669  
on foreign currency translations     193  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     11,064,862  
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments and Foreign Currency     11,225,145  
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   $ 11,426,852  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Year Ended
December 31,
2023
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
 
Operations:                
Net investment income   $ 201,707     $ 109,817  
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments, forward foreign exchange contracts and foreign currency transactions     160,283       (91,699 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     11,064,862       (22,156,407 )
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     11,426,852       (22,138,289 )
                 
Distributions to Shareholders:                
Accumulated earnings                
Class AAA     (153,363 )     (948,178 )
Class A     (709 )     (5,094 )
Class C     (1 )      
Class I     (34,335 )     (205,082 )
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (188,408 )     (1,158,354 )
                 
Capital Share Transactions:                
Class AAA     (3,659,505 )     (3,636,564 )
Class A     (52,076 )     (75,960 )
Class C     151       (1,665 )
Class I     (221,679 )     (512,013 )
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions     (3,933,109 )     (4,226,202 )
                 
Redemption Fees     631       54  
                 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets     7,305,966       (27,522,791 )
                 
Net Assets:                
Beginning of year     51,455,851       78,978,642  
End of year   $ 58,761,817     $ 51,455,851  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year:

 

   

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

    Distributions                       Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data  
Year Ended
December 31
  Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Year
    Net Investment
Income(a)
    Net Realized
and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Investments
    Total from
Investment
Operations
    Net Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
    Total
Distributions
    Redemption
Fees(a)(b)
    Net Asset Value,
End of year
    Total
Return†
    Net Assets, End
of year
(in 000’s)
    Net Investment
Income
    Operating
Expenses Before
Reimbursement
    Operating
Expenses Net of
Reimbursement(c)(d)
    Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
 
Class AAA                                        
2023   $ 15.25     $ 0.06     $ 3.43     $ 3.49     $ (0.06 )   $     $ (0.06 )   $ 0.00     $ 18.68       22.89 %   $ 47,834       0.36 %     1.90 %                                       0.91 %     11 %
2022     21.86       0.03       (6.29 )     (6.26 )     (0.35 )           (0.35 )     0.00       15.25       (28.62 )     42,290       0.18       1.81       0.97 (e)     17  
2021     22.18       0.56 (f)     0.59       1.15       (0.62 )     (0.85 )     (1.47 )           21.86       5.17       65,025       2.33 (f)     1.65       0.90 (e)(g)     26  
2020     19.64       0.11 (f)     3.11       3.22       (0.46 )     (0.22 )     (0.68 )     0.00       22.18       16.42       67,239       0.57 (f)     1.77       0.90 (g)     41  
2019     18.08       0.32       2.51       2.83       (0.37 )     (0.90 )     (1.27 )     0.00       19.64       15.62       65,024       1.63       1.74       1.69 (g)     14  
Class A                                                            
2023   $ 15.40     $ 0.06     $ 3.47     $ 3.53     $ (0.06 )   $     $ (0.06 )   $ 0.00     $ 18.87       22.92 %   $ 224       0.36 %     1.90 %     0.91 %     11 %
2022     22.07       0.03       (6.35 )     (6.32 )     (0.35 )           (0.35 )     0.00       15.40       (28.62 )     228       0.19       1.81       0.97 (e)     17  
2021     22.38       0.56 (f)     0.60       1.16       (0.62 )     (0.85 )     (1.47 )           22.07       5.16       428       2.30 (f)     1.65       0.90 (e)(g)     26  
2020     19.81       0.11 (f)     3.14       3.25       (0.46 )     (0.22 )     (0.68 )     0.00       22.38       16.43       422       0.59 (f)     1.77       0.90 (g)     41  
2019     18.23       0.36       2.50       2.86       (0.38 )     (0.90 )     (1.28 )     0.00       19.81       15.64       374       1.80       1.74       1.68 (g)     14  
Class C                                                            
2023   $ 12.00     $ 0.06     $ 6.47     $ 6.53     $ (0.06 )   $     $ (0.06 )   $     $ 18.47       54.42 %   $ 0 (h)     0.38 %     2.64 %     0.91 %     11 %
2022     21.24       0.02       (9.26 )     (9.24 )                             12.00       (43.50 )     0 (h)     0.12       2.56       0.97 (e)     17  
2021     21.59       0.64 (f)     0.48       1.12       (0.62 )     (0.85 )     (1.47 )           21.24       5.17       3       2.76 (f)     2.40       0.91 (e)(g)     26  
2020     19.13       0.10 (f)     3.04       3.14       (0.46 )     (0.22 )     (0.68 )           21.59       16.44       49       0.54 (f)     2.52       0.90 (g)     41  
2019     17.45       0.04       2.55       2.59       (0.01 )     (0.90 )     (0.91 )     0.00       19.13       14.81       84       0.19       2.49       2.45 (g)     14  
Class I                                                            
2023   $ 15.20     $ 0.06     $ 3.42     $ 3.48     $ (0.06 )   $     $ (0.06 )   $ 0.00     $ 18.62       22.90 %   $ 10,704       0.36 %     1.65 %     0.91 %     11 %
2022     21.79       0.03       (6.27 )     (6.24 )     (0.35 )           (0.35 )     0.00       15.20       (28.62 )     8,938       0.18       1.56       0.97 (e)     17  
2021     22.11       0.55 (f)     0.60       1.15       (0.62 )     (0.85 )     (1.47 )           21.79       5.18       13,523       2.32 (f)     1.40       0.90 (e)(g)     26  
2020     19.58       0.11 (f)     3.10       3.21       (0.46 )     (0.22 )     (0.68 )     0.00       22.11       16.42       13,931       0.58 (f)     1.52       0.90 (g)     41  
2019     18.03       0.46       2.51       2.97       (0.52 )     (0.90 )     (1.42 )     0.00       19.58       16.42       12,495       2.33       1.49       0.99 (g)     14  

 

 
Total return represents aggregate total return of a hypothetical investment at the beginning of the year and sold at the end of the year including reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the applicable sales charges.
(a) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(c) The Fund incurred interest expense. If interest expense had not been incurred, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 0.90% and 0.96% for each Class for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the effect of interest expense was minimal.
(d) Under an expense reimbursement agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser reimbursed expenses of $527,312, $490,627, $589,925, $591,218, and $91,150 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
(e) The Fund incurred tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. If tax expense had not been incurred, the ratios of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 0.90% and 0.90% for each Class.
(f) Includes income resulting from special dividends. Without these dividends, the per share income amounts would have been $0.05 and $0.09 (Class AAA), $0.04 and $0.09 (Class A), $0.15 and $0.08 (Class C), and $0.05 and $0.09 (Class I), and the net investment income ratios would have been 0.20% and 0.45% (Class AAA), 0.18% and 0.47% (Class A), 0.63% and 0.41% (Class C), and 0.20% and 0.46% (Class I) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(g) The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, there was no impact to the expense ratios.
(h) Actual number of shares outstanding is 10.02 and 0.02 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

12

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

1. Organization. The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund, a series of the GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the Corporation), was incorporated on July 16, 1993 in Maryland. The Fund is a non-diversified open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and is one of five separately managed portfolios (collectively, the Portfolios) of the Corporation. The Fund commenced investment operations on November 1, 1993.

 

The Fund’s investment objective primarily seeks to provide investors with appreciation of capital. The Fund may invest a high percentage of its assets in specific sectors of the market in order to achieve a potentially greater investment return. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to economic, political, and regulatory developments in a particular sector of the market, positive or negative, and may experience increased volatility to the Fund’s NAV and a magnified effect in its total return.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies. As an investment company, the Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance, which is part of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that may require the use of management estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its 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 or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price 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. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Directors (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. 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 Adviser).

 

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. Such debt obligations are valued through prices provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.

 

Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.

 

13

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

 

Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and

 

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Board’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

    Valuation Inputs        
     
Level 1
Quoted Prices
    Level 2
Other Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (a)
   
Total Market Value at
12/31/23
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:                                
ASSETS (Market Value):                                
Common Stocks:                                
Communication Services   $ 42,601,765           $ 281,080     $ 42,882,845  
Financials     1,791,971             6,050       1,798,021  
Other Industries (b)     13,081,452                   13,081,452  
Total Common Stocks     57,475,188             287,130       57,762,318  
Closed-End Funds (b)         $ 14,181             14,181  
Preferred Stocks (b)     628,853                   628,853  
U.S. Government Obligations           390,804             390,804  
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS   $ 58,104,041     $ 404,985     $ 287,130     $ 58,796,156  

 

 
(a) The inputs for these securities are not readily available and are derived based on the judgment of the Adviser according to procedures approved by the Board.
(b) Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.

 

The Fund did not have transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers among levels as of the beginning of the reporting period.

 

14

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

 

General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services – approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser – to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.

 

Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. When fair valuing a security, factors to consider include recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

 

The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.

 

Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. 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 that 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 translations. 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 purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.

 

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

 

15

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

 

Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and accordingly the Board will monitor their liquidity. At December 31, 2023, the Fund did not hold any restricted securities.

 

Investments in Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest, from time to time, in shares of other investment companies (or entities that would be considered investment companies but are excluded from the definition pursuant to certain exceptions under the 1940 Act) (the Acquired Funds) in accordance with the 1940 Act and related rules. Shareholders in the Fund would bear the pro rata portion of the periodic expenses of the Acquired Funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund’s pro rata portion of the periodic expenses charged by the Acquired Funds was less than one basis point.

 

Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method or amortized to earliest call date, if applicable. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.

 

Determination of Net Asset Value and Calculation of Expenses. Certain administrative expenses are common to, and allocated among, various affiliated funds. Such allocations are made on the basis of each fund’s average net assets or other criteria directly affecting the expenses as determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

 

In calculating the NAV per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, redemption fees, and expenses other than class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of each day. Distribution expenses are borne solely by the class incurring the expense.

 

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency

 

16

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to the disallowance of net operating losses. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2023, reclassifications were made to increase paid-in capital by $932, with an offsetting adjustment to total distributable earnings.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

 

    Year Ended
December 31,
2023
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
 
Distributions paid from:                
Ordinary income   $ 188,408     $ 1,158,354  
Total distributions paid   $ 188,408     $ 1,158,354  

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

 

At December 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income   $ 84,749  
Accumulated capital loss carryforwards     (354,304 )
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     20,023,796  
Total   $ 19,754,241  

 

The Fund is permitted to carry capital losses forward for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short term or long term capital losses. The Fund has a short term capital loss carryforward with no expiration of $260,802 and a long term capital loss carryforward with no expiration of $93,502.

 

At December 31, 2023, the temporary differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation were primarily due to mark-to-market adjustments on investments considered passive foreign investment companies.

 

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 2023:

 

    Cost     Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
    Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net
Unrealized

Appreciation
 
Investments   $ 38,771,845     $ 23,070,278     $ (3,045,967 )   $ 20,024,311  

 

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax

 

17

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2023, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

 

3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. 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 its 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 affiliated persons of the Adviser.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fees and/or to reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to maintain the annualized total operating expenses of the Fund (excluding brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) until at least April 30, 2024, at no more than an annual rate of 0.90% for all classes of shares. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed expenses in the amount of $527,312. In addition, the Fund has agreed, during the two year period following any waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser, to repay such amount to the extent, that after giving effect to the repayment, such adjusted annualized total operating expenses of the Fund would not exceed 0.90% of the value of the Fund’s average daily net assets for each share class of the Fund. The agreement is renewable annually. At December 31, 2023, the cumulative contingent amount which the Fund may repay the Adviser, subject to the terms above, is $1,017,939:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, expiring December 31, 2024   $ 490,627  
For the year ended December 31, 2023, expiring December 31, 2025     527,312  
    $ 1,017,939  

 

4. Distribution Plan. The Fund’s Board has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) for each class of shares, except for Class I Shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Class AAA, Class A, and Class C Share Plans, payments are authorized to G.distributors, LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Adviser, at annual rates of 0.25%, 0.25%, and 1.00%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of those classes, the annual limitations under each Plan. Such payments are accrued daily and paid monthly.

 

5. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2023, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $6,386,710 and $10,650,161, respectively.

 

6. Transactions with Affiliates and Other Arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid brokerage commissions on security trades of $306 to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser.

 

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Under the sub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund accrued $45,000 in accounting fees in the Statement of Operations.

 

18

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The Corporation pays retainer and per meeting fees to Directors not affiliated with the Adviser, plus specified amounts to the Lead Director and Audit Committee Chairman. Directors are also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. Directors who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Corporation.

 

7. Line of Credit. The Fund participates in an unsecured line of credit, which expires on February 28, 2024 and may be renewed annually, of up to $75,000,000 under which it may borrow up to 10% of its net assets from the custodian for temporary borrowing purposes. Borrowings under this arrangement bear interest at a floating rate equal to the higher of the Overnight Federal Funds Rate plus 135 basis points or the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 135 basis points in effect on that day. This amount, if any, would be included in “Interest expense” in the Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2023, there were no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.

 

The average daily amount of borrowings outstanding under the line of credit for 61 days of borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $131,787 with a weighted average interest rate of 6.51%. The maximum amount borrowed at any time during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $202,000.

 

8. Capital Stock. The Fund currently offers three classes of shares – Class AAA Shares, Class A Shares, and Class I Shares. Class AAA and Class A investors may purchase more of these share classes. Class C shareholders cannot purchase more of this class. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000. These changes had no effect on existing shareholders’ ability to redeem shares of the Fund as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

The Fund imposes a redemption fee of 2.00% on all classes of shares that are redeemed or exchanged on or before the seventh day after the date of a purchase. The redemption fee is deducted from the proceeds otherwise payable to the redeeming shareholders and is retained by the Fund as an increase in paid-in capital. The redemption fees retained by the Fund during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, if any, can be found in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets under Redemption Fees.

 

19

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Transactions in shares of capital stock were as follows:

 

 
 
 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
 
 
 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
2022
 
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Class AAA                                
Shares sold     12,289     $ 214,152       8,946     $ 158,255  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     7,830       145,873       60,605       908,371  
Shares redeemed     (232,358 )     (4,019,530 )     (271,592 )     (4,703,190 )
Net decrease     (212,239 )   $ (3,659,505 )     (202,041 )   $ (3,636,564 )
Class A                                
Shares sold     8     $ 156       59     $ 885  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     29       553       278       4,209  
Shares redeemed     (3,001 )     (52,785 )     (4,902 )     (81,054 )
Net decrease     (2,964 )   $ (52,076 )     (4,565 )   $ (75,960 )
Class C                                
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     10     $ 151       10     $ 157  
Shares redeemed                 (116 )     (1,822 )
Net increase/(decrease)     10     $ 151       (106 )   $ (1,665 )
Class I                                
Shares sold     37,489     $ 642,576       25,548     $ 473,558  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     1,689       31,356       12,425       185,623  
Shares redeemed     (52,246 )     (895,611 )     (70,682 )     (1,171,194 )
Net decrease     (13,068 )   $ (221,679 )     (32,709 )   $ (512,013 )

 

9. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

10. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

20

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders of The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

and the Board of Directors of GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”)), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.) at December 31, 2023, 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 its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Corporation is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Gabelli Funds investment companies since 1992.

 

New York, New York

February 28, 2024

 

21

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)

 

 

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act,the Fund has established a liquidity risk management program (the LRM Program) to govern its approach to managing liquidity risk. The LRM Program is administered by the Liquidity Committee (the Committee), which is comprised of members of Gabelli Funds, LLC management. The Board has designated the Committee to administer the LRM Program.

 

The LRM Program’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. The LRM Program also includes elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity and the monthly classification and re-classification of certain investments that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their relative liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on August 23, 2023, the Board received a written report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the LRM Program. The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the LRM Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively since its implementation. The Committee reported that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The Committee noted that the Fund is primarily invested in highly liquid securities and, accordingly, continues to be exempt from the requirement to determine a “highly liquid investment minimum” as defined in the Rule 22e-4. Because of that continued qualification for the exemption, the Fund has not adopted a “highly liquid investment minimum” amount. The Committee further noted that while changes to the LRM Program were made during the Review Period and reported to the Board, no material changes were made to the LRM Program as a result of the Committee’s annual review.

 

There can be no assurance that the LRM Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus for more information regarding its exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

22

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

 

During the six months ended December 31, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser for the Fund on the basis of the recommendation by the directors (the Independent Board Members) who are not interested persons of the Fund. The following paragraphs summarize the material information and factors considered by the Independent Board Members as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Independent Board Members considered information regarding the Fund’s portfolio manager, the depth of the analyst pool available to the Adviser and the Fund’s portfolio manager, the scope of supervisory, administrative, shareholder, and other services supervised or provided by the Adviser and the absence of significant service problems reported to the Board. The Independent Board Members noted the experience, length of service, and reputation of the Fund’s portfolio manager.

 

Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the short, medium, and long term performance of the Fund (as of September 30, 2023) against a peer group of nine other comparable funds prepared by the Adviser (the Adviser Peer Group), and against a peer group prepared by Broadridge (the Broadridge Performance Peer Group) consisting of all retail and institutional telecommunication funds, regardless of asset size or primary channel of distribution. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the third quartile for the one and three year periods and in the fourth quartile for five and ten year periods, as measured against the Adviser Peer Group. Against the Broadridge Performance Peer Group, the Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the third quintile for the one year and five year periods, the second quintile for the three year period, and in the fourth quintile for the ten year period. The Independent Board Members discussed the modest improvement in the Fund’s performance and also recalled the Adviser’s comprehensive discussion of performance earlier in the Meeting.

 

Profitability. The Independent Board Members reviewed summary data regarding the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser both with a pro rata administrative charge and with a standalone administrative charge and noted the impact of the expense limitation agreement. The Independent Board Members also noted that a substantial portion of the Fund’s portfolio transactions were executed by an affiliated broker of the Adviser and that another affiliated broker received distribution fees and minor amounts of sales commissions.

 

Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Adviser’s cost structure and the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale and reviewed data provided by the Adviser.

 

Sharing of Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members noted that the investment management fee schedule for the Fund does not take into account any potential economies of scale that may develop.

 

Service and Cost Comparisons. The Independent Board Members compared the expense ratios of the investment management fee, other expenses, and total expenses of the Fund with similar expense ratios of the Adviser Peer Group and a peer group of four other telecommunications funds selected by Broadridge (the Broadridge Expense Peer Group), and noted that the Adviser’s management fee includes substantially all administrative services of the Fund as well as investment advisory services of the Adviser. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio was slightly above the median in the Adviser Peer Group and the second lowest in the Broadridge Expense Peer Group and that the Fund’s size was generally smaller than average within both peer groups. The Independent Board Members also noted that the advisory

 

23

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

fee structure was the same as that in effect for most of the Gabelli funds and noted the effect of the expense limitation agreement in place for the Fund. The Independent Board Members were presented with, but did not consider to be material to their decision, various information comparing the advisory fee with the fee for other types of accounts managed by the Adviser.

 

Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services and good ancillary services. The Independent Board Members noted the modest improvement in the Fund’s performance and the steps the Adviser had taken to improve performance. The Independent Board Members also concluded that the Fund’s expense ratios and the profitability to the Adviser of managing the Fund were acceptable, and that economies of scale were not a significant factor in their thinking at this time. In this regard, the Independent Board Members noted the contractual Expense Deferral Agreement between the Adviser and the Corporation, on behalf of each Fund, pursuant to which the net expense ratio for each share class of each Fund was reduced to 0.90%. The Independent Board Members did not view the potential profitability of ancillary services as material to their decision. On the basis of the foregoing and without assigning particular weight to any single conclusion, the Independent Board Members determined to recommend continuation of the investment management agreement to the full Board.

 

Based on a consideration of all these factors in their totality, the Board Members, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Fund’s advisory fee was appropriate in light of the quality of services provided and in light of the other factors described above that the Board deemed relevant. Accordingly, the Board Members determined to approve the continuation of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement. The Board Members based their decision on evaluations of all these factors as a whole and did not consider any one factor as all important or controlling.

 

24

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

 

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Corporation’s Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and Officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Corporation’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or by writing to The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Director3
 
INTERESTED DIRECTORS4:
                 

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Director and Chief

Investment Officer
1942

  Since 1993
 
  31   Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer– Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management, Inc.; Director/Trustee or Chief Investment Officer of other registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex; Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc.; Executive Chair of Associated Capital Group, Inc.   Director of Morgan Group Holding Co. (holding company) (2001-2019); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of LICT Corp. (multimedia and communication services company); Director of CIBL, Inc. (broadcasting and wireless communications); Director of ICTC Group Inc. (communications) (2013-2018)
                 
John D. Gabelli
Director
1944
  Since 1993
 
  12   Former Senior Vice President of G.research, LLC (and its predecessor) (1991-2019)  
 
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS5:
                 
E. Val Cerutti
Director
1939
  Since 2001
 
  7   Chief Executive Officer of Cerutti Consultants, Inc.   Director of The LGL Group, Inc. (diversified manufacturing) (1990-2009)
                 
Anthony J. Colavita6
Director

1935
 
 
Since 1993
 
 
 
18
 
 
 
President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.
 
 
 

 
                 
Werner J. Roeder
Director
1940
  Since 1993
 
 
  20   Retired physician; Former Vice President of Medical Affairs (Medical Director) of New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital (1999-2014)  
                 
Anthonie C. van Ekris6
Director
1934
  Since 1993
 
  23   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/ export company)  

 

25

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Director3
                 
Salvatore J. Zizza7
Director
1945
  Since 2004
 
  35   President, Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); Chairman of Bergen Cove Realty Inc. (residential real estate)   Director and Chairman of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018); Retired Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing); Director of Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.

 

26

 

 

The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
 
OFFICERS:
         

John C. Ball
President, Treasurer,

Principal Financial &
Accounting Officer

1976

 
 
Since 2017
 
 
 
Senior Vice President (since 2018) and other positions (2017 - 2018) of GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Chief Executive Officer, G.distributors, LLC since 2020; Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2017
         
Peter Goldstein
Secretary & Vice
President
1953
 

Since 2020

  General Counsel, GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Legal Officer, Associated Capital Group, Inc. since 2021; General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Buckingham Capital Management, Inc. (2012-2020); Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, The Buckingham Research Group, Inc. (2012-2020)
         
Richard J. Walz
Chief Compliance
Officer
1959
  Since 2013   Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2013

 

 
1 Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted.
2 Each Director will hold office for an indefinite term until the earliest of (i) the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such Director and until the election and qualification of his or her successor, if any, elected at such meeting, or (ii) the date a Director resigns or retires, or a Director is removed by the Board of Directors or shareholders, in accordance with the Corporation’s By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation. For officers, includes time served in prior officer positions with the Fund. Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
3 This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
4 “Interested person” of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act. Messrs. Gabelli are each considered an “interested person” because of their affiliation with Gabelli Funds, LLC which acts as the Corporation’s investment adviser. Mario J. Gabelli and John D. Gabelli are brothers.
5 Directors who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Directors.
6 Mr. Colavita’s son, Anthony S. Colavita, serves as a director of other funds in the Gabelli Fund Complex. Mr. van Ekris is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., Gabelli Fund, LDC, GAMA Capital Opportunities Master, Ltd., and GAMCO International SICAV, which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser.
7 Mr. Zizza is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. On September 9, 2015, Mr. Zizza entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry relating to an alleged violation regarding the making of false statements or omissions to the accountants of a company concerning a related party transaction. The company in question is not an affiliate of, nor has any connection to, the Fund. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Zizza, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings and allegation, paid $150,000 and agreed to cease and desist committing or causing any future violations of Rule 13b2-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has discussed this matter and has determined that it does not disqualify Mr. Zizza from serving as an Independent Director.

 

27

 

 

 

Gabelli Funds and Your Personal Privacy

 

 

Who are we?

 

The Gabelli Funds are investment companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We are managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc., a publicly held company with subsidiaries and affiliates that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.

 

What kind of non-public information do we collect about you if you become a fund shareholder?

 

If you apply to open an account directly with us, you will be giving us some non-public information about yourself. The non-public information we collect about you is:

 

Information you give us on your application form. This could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number, bank account number, and other information.

 

Information about your transactions with us, any transactions with our affiliates, and transactions with the entities we hire to provide services to you. This would include information about the shares that you buy or redeem. If we hire someone else to provide services — like a transfer agent — we will also have information about the transactions that you conduct through them.

 

What information do we disclose and to whom do we disclose it?

 

We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone other than our affiliates, our service providers who need to know such information, and as otherwise permitted by law. If you want to find out what the law permits, you can read the privacy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are in volume 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 248. The Commission often posts information about its regulations on its website, www. sec.gov.

 

What do we do to protect your personal information?

 

We restrict access to non-public personal information about you to the people who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or the fund and to ensure that we are complying with the laws governing the securities business. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to keep your personal information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Gabelli Global Content & Connectivity Fund

2023 TAX NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (Unaudited)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid ordinary income distributions of $0.0599 per share for each Class. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 100% of the ordinary income distribution qualifies for the dividends received deduction available to corporations. The Fund designates 100% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified dividend income pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designates 1.31% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified interest income pursuant to the Tax Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

 

U.S. Government Income:

 

The percentage of the ordinary income distribution paid by the Fund during the year ended December 31, 2023 which was derived from U.S. Treasury securities was 1.01%. Such income is exempt from state and local 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 Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2023. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2023 was 0.67%. Due to the diversity in state and local tax law, it is recommended that you consult your personal tax adviser as to the applicability of the information provided to your specific situation.

 

 

All designations are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

 

 

 

 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL CONTENT & CONNECTIVITY FUND

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

 

Portfolio Manager Biography

 

Sergey Dluzhevskiy, CFA, CPA, joined G.research, LLC in 2005 as a research analyst covering the North American telecommunications industry. Currently, he continues to specialize in the industry and also serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and the Fund. Prior to joining Gabelli, Mr. Dluzhevskiy was a senior accountant at Deloitte. He received his undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Annual Report — December 31, 2023

 

(Y)our Portfolio Management Team

 

     
  Caesar M. P. Bryan
Portfolio Manager
  Howard F. Ward, CFA
Portfolio Manager
 

 

To Our Shareholders,

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the net asset value (NAV) total return per Class I Share of The Gabelli Global Growth Fund was 34.5% compared with a total return of 22.8% for the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country (AC) World Index. Other classes of shares are available. See page 4 for performance information for all classes.

 

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023.

 

Investment Objective and Strategy (Unaudited)

 

The Fund’s investment objective primarily seeks to provide investors with appreciation of capital. Current income is a secondary objective of the Fund.

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is to invest at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks of companies, which the portfolio managers believe are likely to have rapid growth in revenues and earnings and potential for above average capital appreciation or are undervalued. The Global Growth Fund invests primarily in common stocks of foreign and domestic small-capitalization, mid-capitalization, and large-capitalization issuers. As a “global” fund, the Fund invests in securities of issuers, or related investments thereof, located in at least three countries, and at least 40% of the Fund’s total net assets is invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports on paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.

 

 

 

 

Performance Discussion (Unaudited)

 

During the first quarter 2023, no new positions exceeded 1% of portfolio assets. We eliminated positions in Block, Inc., PayPal Holdings, American Tower, and Atlassian Corp. Block came under pressure after a reputable short-seller accused the company of inflating certain metrics related to the number of unique users and questioned the character of certain users. This was a highly unusual situation. Combined with a developing financial crisis and heightened prospects for recession, we decided the conservative thing to do was to sell both Block and PayPal, whose payments business would also suffer in a hard landing. In the case of American Tower, the company relies on floating rate debt for about a quarter of its borrowing needs. As they roll that debt, they will be squeezed; we decided to move on. Atlassian was sold due to a slowing pace of closing new deals. With the economy slowing, the sales cycle for many things, including software, was getting pushed out.

 

We added new positions in four domestic companies during the second quarter 2023, Cadence Design Systems (0.6% of net assets as of June 30, 2023) (software for designing chips), Edward Lifesciences (0.6%) (med-tech devices to treat cardiovascular disease), Eli Lilly (2.0%) (powerful new drugs to treat type 2 diabetes and trigger weight loss) and Palo Alto Networks (0.6%) (network security infrastructure products). Additionally, we established new positions in three foreign domiciled companies, Linde plc (1.1%) (UK producer of atmospheric gases), FANUC (1.4%) (Japanese based leader in factory automation and robotics) and Eaton Corp. (0.8%) (Irish based global provider of electrical power controls and distribution systems). We eliminated five positions: Applied Materials, Charles Schwab, Cloudflare, Kering, and SolarEdge Technologies.

 

The third quarter saw an additional six positions to the portfolio. Booking Holdings (0.8% of net assets as of September 30, 2023), formerly known as Priceline.com, joined the portfolio. Booking is the largest online travel agency (OTA) with a strong global presence. We bought Trane (2.0%), formerly known as Ingersoll-Rand, a leading industrial equipment provider with an emphasis on HVAC systems. We view HVAC systems as an industrial growth market given the large untapped market globally and global warming trends, which require more frequent equipment replacement. We also initiated a starter position in the Japanese company Daikin Industries (0.1%) for its strong global HVAC position.

 

No new positions were added to the portfolio during the fourth quarter. We eliminated 6 positions. They were Danaher, Fanuc, Lattice Semiconductor, Sherwin Williams, Tesla, and Veralto (recently spun off from Danaher). The primary catalyst for the sell decision in all cases was slowing business conditions and negative earnings estimate revisions. We felt it wise to add to positions where we had greater conviction for 2024, such as Eli Lilly, Nvidia, ServiceNow, Eaton, Palo Alto Networks, and Spotify, among others.

 

Selected holdings that contributed positively to performance in 2023 were: Nvidia Corp. (5.3% of net assets as of December 31, 2023) which provides graphics, and compute and networking solutions in the United States, Taiwan, China, and internationally; Meta Platforms Inc.(4.7%), which engages in the development of products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, personal computers, virtual reality headsets, and wearables worldwide; and Amazon.com Inc. (5.6%), which engages in the retail sale of consumer products and subscriptions through online and physical stores in North America and internationally.

 

Some of our weaker performing holdings during the year were: UnitedHealth Group Inc. (2.3%), which operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx.; Adyen NV (no longer held as of December 31, 2023), which operates a payments platform in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, the Asia/Pacific, and Latin America. The company’s platform integrates payments stack that include gateway, risk management,

 

2

 

 

processing, issuing, acquiring, and settlement services; and Fanuc Corp. (no longer held), which provides factory automation products in Japan, the Americas, Europe, China, the rest of Asia, and internationally.

 

Thank you for your investment in The Gabelli Global Growth Fund.

 

We appreciate your confidence and trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of the Fund’s portfolio managers and Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Adviser, as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

3

 

 

Comparative Results

 

 

Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2023 (a) (Unaudited)

 

Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in share price, reinvestment of distributions, and are net of expenses.

 

    1 Year     5 Year     10 Year     15 Year     Since
Inception
(2/7/94)
 
Class I (GGGIX)     34.48 %     12.57 %     9.26 %     12.48 %     9.38 %
Class AAA (GICPX)     34.47       12.51       8.92       12.14       9.20  
MSCI AC World Index (b)     22.81       12.27       8.48       10.78       7.57  
Lipper Global Large-Cap Growth Fund Classification (b)     26.74       12.55       8.78       11.52       8.93  
Class A (GGGAX)     34.50       12.51       8.91       12.15       9.20  
With sales charge (c)     26.76       11.18       8.27       11.70       8.99  
Class C (GGGCX)     34.46       12.35       8.43       11.53       8.66  

 

 
(a) Returns would have been lower had the Adviser not reimbursed certain expenses. The Class AAA Share NAVs are used to calculate performance for the periods prior to the issuance of Class A Shares, Class C Shares, and Class I Shares on March 2, 2000, March 12, 2000, and January 11, 2008, respectively. The actual performance of the Class A and Class C Shares would have been lower due to the additional fees and expenses associated with these classes of shares. The actual performance of Class I Shares would have been higher due to lower expenses related to this class of shares. The Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shares sold or exchanged within seven days of purchase.
(b) The MSCI AC World Index is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI AC World Index consists of country indices comprising developed and emerging market country indices. MSCI AC World Index since inception performance is as of January 31, 1994. The Lipper Global Large-Cap Growth Fund Classification reflects the performance of mutual funds classified in this particular category. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index.
(c) Performance results include the effect of the maximum 5.75% sales charge at the beginning of the period.

 

In the current prospectuses dated April 28, 2023, the gross expense ratios for Class AAA, A, and I Shares are 1.52%, 1.52%, and 1.27%, respectively, and the net expense ratios for all share classes after contractual reimbursements by Gabelli Funds, LLC, (the Adviser) is 0.90%. See page 11 for the expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 2023. The contractual reimbursements are in effect through April 30, 2024. Class AAA and Class I Shares do not have a sales charge. The maximum sales charge for Class A Shares is 5.75%.

 

Investing in foreign securities involves risks not ordinarily associated with investments in domestic issues, including currency fluctuation, economic, and political risks. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains information about these and other matters and should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, please visit our website at www.gabelli.com.

 

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. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end.

 

 

4

 

 

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN

THE GABELLI GLOBAL GROWTH FUND (CLASS AAA SHARES), MSCI AC WORLD INDEX, AND
LIPPER GLOBAL LARGE-CAP GROWTH FUND CLASSIFICATION (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns*
  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
Class AAA 34.47% 12.51% 8.92%

 

 

* Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance tables and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

5

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

For the Six Month Period from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Expense Table
 

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of fees and expenses regarding your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a fund, you incur ongoing costs, which include costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports (like this one), among others. Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of a fund. When a fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, this figure is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.

 

The Expense Table below illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Actual Fund Return: This section provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use this section to help you to estimate the actual expenses that you paid over the period after any fee waivers and expense reimbursements. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return during the past six months, and the “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.

 

To do so, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid during this period.

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: This section provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio. It assumes a hypothetical annualized return of 5% before expenses during the period shown. In this case – because the hypothetical return used is not the Fund’s actual return – the results do not apply to your investment and you cannot use the hypothetical account value and expense to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you

paid for the period. This example is useful in making comparisons of the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees, if any, which are described in the Prospectus. If these costs were applied to your account, your costs would be higher. Therefore, the 5% hypothetical return is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. The “Annualized Expense Ratio” represents the actual expenses for the last six months and may be different from the expense ratio in the Financial Highlights which is for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
    Ending
Account
Value
    Annualized
Expense
    Expenses
Paid During
 
    07/01/23     12/31/23     Ratio     Period *  
The Gabelli Global Growth Fund                        
Actual Fund Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,061.70     0.90%     $ 4.68  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,061.70     0.90%     $ 4.68  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,061.60     0.90%     $ 4.68  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,061.90     0.90%     $ 4.68  
Hypothetical 5% Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  

 

 
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the last six months multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (184 days), then divided by 365.

 

6

 

 

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of net assets as of December 31, 2023:

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

 

Information Technology - Semiconductors, Hardware, and Equipment     17.2 %
Information Technology - Software and Services     17.1 %
Consumer Discretionary     16.7 %
Communication Services     15.6 %
Health Care     12.1 %
Financials     11.8 %
Consumer Staples     4.5 %
Industrials     3.2 %
Materials     1.5 %
U.S. Government Obligations     0.4 %
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)     (0.1 )%
      100.0 %

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

 

Proxy Voting

 

The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

7

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS — 99.7%                
        INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - SEMICONDUCTORS, HARDWARE, AND EQUIPMENT — 17.2%                
  27,840     Apple Inc.   $ 434,471     $ 5,360,035  
  3,550     ASML Holding NV     932,177       2,687,066  
  15,330     Eaton Corp. plc     3,176,180       3,691,771  
  8,200     Keyence Corp.     343,743       3,612,652  
  10,200     Lasertec Corp.     1,310,085       2,688,894  
  16,050     NVIDIA Corp.     3,041,438       7,948,281  
              9,238,094       25,988,699  
        INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - SOFTWARE AND SERVICES — 17.1%                
  7,000     Adobe Inc.†     1,807,553       4,176,200  
  4,330     Cadence Design Systems Inc.†     1,008,211       1,179,362  
  13,700     CrowdStrike Holdings Inc., Cl. A†     1,987,037       3,497,884  
  3,460     Intuit Inc.     1,420,901       2,162,604  
  24,400     Microsoft Corp.     786,952       9,175,376  
  5,380     Palo Alto Networks Inc.†     1,257,772       1,586,454  
  5,600     ServiceNow Inc.†     1,509,615       3,956,344  
              9,778,041       25,734,224  
        CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 16.7%                
  56,000     Amazon.com Inc.†     3,606,212       8,508,640  
  390     Booking Holdings Inc.†     1,246,521       1,383,416  
  1,640     Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.†     2,634,814       3,750,614  
  2,000     Christian Dior SE     290,698       1,562,089  
  3,500     Lululemon Athletica Inc.†     440,854       1,789,515  
  8,135     LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE     3,423,282       6,588,193  
  10,000     Mobileye Global Inc., Cl. A†     424,008       433,200  
  44,100     On Holding AG, Cl. A†     1,343,112       1,189,377  
              13,409,501       25,205,044  
        COMMUNICATION SERVICES — 15.6%                
  16,200     Alphabet Inc., Cl. A†     238,018       2,262,978  
  40,020     Alphabet Inc., Cl. C†     2,646,496       5,640,019  
  20,000     Meta Platforms Inc., Cl. A†     3,709,243       7,079,200  
  12,800     Netflix Inc.†     3,789,492       6,232,064  
  12,400     Spotify Technology SA†     2,066,164       2,330,084  
              12,449,413       23,544,345  
        HEALTH CARE — 12.1%                
  8,120     Eli Lilly & Co.     3,488,178       4,733,310  
  5,400     Intuitive Surgical Inc.†     1,463,483       1,821,744  
  34,600     Novo Nordisk A/S, ADR     2,027,860       3,579,370  
  3,450     Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.     473,104       1,831,226  
  6,500     UnitedHealth Group Inc.     3,145,261       3,422,055  
  14,600     Zoetis Inc.     1,301,031       2,881,602  
              11,898,917       18,269,307  

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        FINANCIALS — 11.8%                
  6,750     Aon plc, Cl. A   $ 2,123,767     $ 1,964,385  
  9,105     Chubb Ltd.     1,972,132       2,057,730  
  169,000     Investor AB, Cl. B     2,383,031       3,912,483  
  7,500     Mastercard Inc., Cl. A     398,819       3,198,825  
  5,190     S&P Global Inc.     962,221       2,286,299  
  17,000     Visa Inc., Cl. A     301,339       4,425,950  
              8,141,309       17,845,672  
        CONSUMER STAPLES — 4.5%                
  13,500     L’Oreal SA     2,843,441       6,716,183  
                         
        INDUSTRIALS — 3.2%                
  6,000     Daikin Industries Ltd.     934,235       978,085  
  15,800     Trane Technologies plc     3,216,017       3,853,620  
              4,150,252       4,831,705  
        MATERIALS — 1.5%                
  5,405     Linde plc     2,032,248       2,219,888  
                         
        TOTAL COMMON STOCKS     73,941,216       150,355,067  

 

Principal
Amount
                 
        U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 0.4%                
$ 690,000     U.S. Treasury Bills, 5.281% to 5.304%††, 03/14/24 to 03/28/24     682,228       682,389  
                         
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1%   $ 74,623,444       151,037,456  
                         
        Other Assets and Liabilities (Net) — (0.1)%             (159,147 )
                         
        NET ASSETS — 100.0%           $ 150,878,309  

 

 
Non-income producing security.
Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase.

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt

 

Geographic Diversification   % of
Market
Value
     
Market
Value
 
United States     70.9 %   $ 107,058,915  
Europe     23.1       34,909,395  
Japan     4.8       7,279,631  
Canada     1.2       1,789,515  
      100.0 %   $ 151,037,456  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2023

 

 

Assets:        
Investments, at value (cost $74,623,444)   $ 151,037,456  
Receivable for Fund shares sold     164,656  
Receivable from Adviser     66,137  
Dividends receivable     70,538  
Prepaid expenses     24,926  
Total Assets     151,363,713  
Liabilities:        
Payable to bank     53,131  
Payable for Fund shares redeemed     121,532  
Payable for investment advisory fees     125,997  
Payable for distribution fees     20,397  
Payable for accounting fees     3,750  
Payable for shareholder communications     54,363  
Payable for shareholder services fees     32,142  
Payable for custodian fees     30,292  
Other accrued expenses     43,800  
Total Liabilities     485,404  
Net Assets        
(applicable to 3,269,195 shares outstanding)   $ 150,878,309  
Net Assets Consist of:        
Paid-in capital   $ 83,043,648  
Total distributable earnings     67,834,661  
Net Assets   $ 150,878,309  
         
Shares of Capital Stock, each at $0.001 par value:        
Class AAA:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($89,341,697 ÷ 1,952,001 shares outstanding; 75,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 45.77  
Class A:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($3,972,946 ÷ 86,863 shares outstanding; 50,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 45.74  
Maximum offering price per share (NAV ÷ 0.9425, based on maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the offering price)   $ 48.53  
Class C:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($952,576 ÷ 25,827 shares outstanding; 25,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 36.88  
Class I:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($56,611,090 ÷ 1,204,504 shares outstanding; 25,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 47.00  

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

Investment Income:        
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $83,407)   $ 940,374  
Interest     75,310  
Total Investment Income     1,015,684  
Expenses:        
Investment advisory fees     1,417,477  
Distribution fees - Class AAA     209,797  
Distribution fees - Class A     8,706  
Distribution fees - Class C     9,023  
Shareholder services fees     113,800  
Shareholder communications expenses     104,682  
Legal and audit fees     63,225  
Custodian fees     48,355  
Registration expenses     45,494  
Accounting fees     45,000  
Directors’ fees     31,549  
Interest expense     1,139  
Miscellaneous expenses     61,240  
Total Expenses     2,159,487  
Less:        
Expense reimbursements (See Note 3)     (882,743 )
Net Expenses     1,276,744  
Net Investment Loss     (261,060 )
         
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency:        
Net realized gain on investments     4,160,506  
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions     (1,238 )
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions     4,159,268  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:        
on investments     37,875,434  
on foreign currency translations     2,064  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     37,877,498  
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency     42,036,766  
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   $ 41,775,706  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
Operations:                
Net investment loss   $ (261,060 )   $ (594,452 )
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions     4,159,268       (11,021,705 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     37,877,498       (77,589,708 )
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     41,775,706       (89,205,865 )
                 
Distributions to Shareholders:                
Accumulated earnings                
Class AAA     (260,792 )     (128,940 )
Class A     (11,634 )     (5,144 )
Class C     (3,444 )     (1,549 )
Class I     (160,266 )     (70,765 )
      (436,136 )     (206,398 )
Return of capital                
Class AAA     (6,126 )      
Class A     (273 )      
Class C     (81 )      
Class I     (3,765 )      
      (10,245 )      
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (446,381 )     (206,398 )
                 
Capital Share Transactions:                
Class AAA     (7,956,793 )     (6,241,831 )
Class A     28,713       (398,488 )
Class C     (186,309 )     (754,393 )
Class I     (13,069,374 )     (12,286,158 )
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions     (21,183,763 )     (19,680,870 )
                 
Redemption Fees     65       640  
                 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets     20,145,627       (109,092,493 )
                 
Net Assets:                
Beginning of year     130,732,682       239,825,175  
End of year   $ 150,878,309     $ 130,732,682  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year:

 

          Income (Loss) from Investment Operations     Distributions                       Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data  
Year Ended December 31   Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year     Net Investment Income (Loss)(a)     Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     Total from Investment Operations     Net Investment Income     Net
Realized Gain on Investments 
    Return of Capital     Total Distributions     Redemption Fees(a)(b)     Net Asset Value, End of Year     Total
Return†
    Net Assets, End of Year (in 000’s)     Net Investment Income (Loss)     Operating Expenses Before Reimbursement     Operating Expenses Net of Reimbursement(c)     Portfolio Turnover Rate  
Class AAA                            
2023   $ 34.14     $ (0.08 )   $ 11.85     $ 11.77     $ (0.14 )   $     $ (0.00 )(b)   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.00     $ 45.77       34.47 %   $ 89,342       (0.18 )%     1.61 %     0.90 %     37 %
2022     54.68       (0.14 )     (20.34 )     (20.48 )     (0.00 )(b)     (0.06 )           (0.06 )     0.00       34.14       (37.45 )     73,186       (0.34 )     1.52       0.90 (d)(e)     36  
2021     47.04       (0.25 )     10.19       9.94       (0.02 )     (2.28 )           (2.30 )     0.00       54.68       21.10       126,055       (0.49 )     1.50       0.91 (d)     49  
2020     35.56       (0.05 )     12.64       12.59       (0.09 )     (1.02 )           (1.11 )     0.00       47.04       35.43       115,210       (0.14 )     1.57       0.90       50  
2019     29.94       (0.07 )     9.29       9.22             (3.60 )           (3.60 )     0.00       35.56       30.73       88,287       (0.21 )     1.63       1.22       78  
Class A                            
2023   $ 34.11     $ (0.08 )   $ 11.85     $ 11.77     $ (0.14 )   $     $ (0.00 )(b)   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.00     $ 45.74       34.50 %   $ 3,973       (0.19 )%     1.61 %     0.90 %     37 %
2022     54.64       (0.14 )     (20.33 )     (20.47 )     (0.00 )(b)     (0.06 )           (0.06 )     0.00       34.11       (37.46 )     2,957       (0.35 )     1.52       0.90 (d)(e)     36  
2021     47.01       (0.25 )     10.18       9.93       (0.02 )     (2.28 )           (2.30 )     0.00       54.64       21.09       5,252       (0.49 )     1.50       0.91 (d)     49  
2020     35.55       (0.05 )     12.62       12.57       (0.09 )     (1.02 )           (1.11 )     0.00       47.01       35.38       4,804       (0.12 )     1.57       0.90       50  
2019     29.93       (0.08 )     9.30       9.22             (3.60 )           (3.60 )     0.00       35.55       30.74       5,332       (0.21 )     1.63       1.22       78  
Class C                            
2023   $ 27.53     $ (0.06 )   $ 9.55     $ 9.49     $ (0.14 )   $     $ (0.00 )(b)   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.00     $ 36.88       34.46 %   $ 952       (0.19 )%     2.36 %     0.90 %     37 %
2022     44.09       (0.12 )     (16.39 )     (16.51 )     (0.00 )(b)     (0.05 )           (0.05 )     0.00       27.53       (37.45 )     881     (0.36 )     2.27       0.90 (d)(e)     36   
2021     38.30       (0.21 )     8.30       8.09       (0.02 )     (2.28 )           (2.30 )     0.00       44.09       21.08       2,411       (0.49 )     2.25       0.91 (d)     49  
2020     29.11       (0.04 )     10.34       10.30       (0.09 )     (1.02 )           (1.11 )     0.00       38.30       35.41       2,376       (0.12 )     2.32       0.90       50  
2019     25.18       (0.25 )     7.78       7.53             (3.60 )           (3.60 )     0.00       29.11       29.82       2,598       (0.84 )     2.38       1.87       78  
Class I                            
2023   $ 35.05     $ (0.08 )   $ 12.17     $ 12.09     $ (0.14 )   $     $ (0.00 )(b)   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.00     $ 47.00       34.48 %   $ 56,611       (0.18 )%     1.36 %     0.90 %     37 %
2022     56.12       (0.14 )     (20.87 )     (21.01 )     (0.00 )(b)     (0.06 )           (0.06 )     0.00       35.05       (37.43 )     53,709     (0.35 )     1.27       0.90 (d)(e)     36   
2021     48.23       (0.26 )     10.45       10.19       (0.02 )     (2.28 )           (2.30 )     0.00       56.12       21.10       106,107       (0.50 )     1.25       0.91 (d)     49  
2020     36.45       (0.08 )     12.97       12.89       (0.09 )     (1.02 )           (1.11 )     0.00       48.23       35.39       70,888       (0.18 )     1.32       0.90       50  
2019     30.55       0.01       9.49       9.50             (3.60 )           (3.60 )     0.00       36.45       31.03       16,566       0.03       1.38       0.99       78  

 

 
Total return represents aggregate total return of a hypothetical investment at the beginning of the year and sold at the end of the year including reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the applicable sales charges.
(a) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(c) Under an expense reimbursement agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser reimbursed expenses of $882,743, $880,676, $1,048,506, $876,253, and $412,641 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
(d) The Fund incurred tax expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the impact was minimal. For the year ended December 31, 2021, if tax expense had not been incurred, the ratios of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 0.90% for each Class.
(e) The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2022 there was no impact to the expense ratios.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

1. Organization. The Gabelli Global Growth Fund, a series of the GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the Corporation), was incorporated on July 16, 1993 in Maryland. The Fund is a non-diversified open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and is one of five separately managed portfolios (collectively, the Portfolios) of the Corporation. The Fund’s primary objective is capital appreciation. The Fund commenced investment operations on February 7, 1994.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies. As an investment company, the Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance, which is part of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that may require the use of management estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its 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 or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price 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. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Directors (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. 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 Adviser).

 

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. Such debt obligations are valued through prices provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.

 

Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.

 

The Fund employs a fair value model to adjust prices to reflect events affecting the values of certain portfolio securities which occur between the close of trading on the principal market for such securities (foreign exchanges and over-the-counter markets) at the time when net asset values of the Fund are determined. If the Fund’s valuation committee believes that a particular event would materially affect net asset value, further adjustment is considered. Such securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy presented below.

 

12

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

 

Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and

 

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Board’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

    Valuation Inputs        
    Level 1
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
    Total Market Value
at 12/31/23
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:                        
ASSETS (Market Value):                        
Common Stocks (a)   $ 150,355,067           $ 150,355,067  
U.S. Government Obligations         $ 682,389       682,389  
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS   $ 150,355,067     $ 682,389     $ 151,037,456  

 

 
(a) Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.

 

The Fund held no level 3 investments at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers among levels as of the beginning of the reporting period.

 

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

 

General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services – approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser – to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.

 

Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. When fair valuing a security, factors to consider include recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A

 

13

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

 

The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.

 

Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. 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 that 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 translations. 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 purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.

 

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

 

Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

 

Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method or amortized to earliest call date, if applicable. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.

 

Determination of Net Asset Value and Calculation of Expenses. Certain administrative expenses are common to, and allocated among, various affiliated funds. Such allocations are made on the basis of each fund’s average net assets or other criteria directly affecting the expenses as determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

 

In calculating the NAV per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, redemption fees, and expenses other than class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares

 

14

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

based upon the proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of each day. Distribution expenses are borne solely by the class incurring the expense.

 

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to the tax treatment of currency gains and losses.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
Distributions paid from:                
Ordinary income   $ 436,136     $ 155  
Net long term capital gains           206,243  
Return of capital     10,245        
Total distributions paid   $ 446,381     $ 206,398  

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

 

At December 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital loss carryforwards   $ (6,779,678 )
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     74,614,339  
Total   $ 67,834,661  

 

The Fund is permitted to carry capital losses forward for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short term or long term capital losses. The Fund has a short term capital loss carryforward with no expiration of $6,779,678.

 

The Fund utilized $4,172,771 of the capital loss carryover for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

15

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

At December 31, 2023, the temporary differences between book basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation on investments were due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes and mark-to-market adjustments on investments in passive foreign investment companies.

 

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 2023:

 

    Cost     Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
    Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
 
Investments   $ 76,424,117     $ 75,646,131     $ (1,032,792 )   $ 74,613,339  

 

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2023, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

 

3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. 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 its 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 affiliated persons of the Adviser.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fees and/or to reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to maintain the annualized total operating expenses of the Fund (excluding brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) until at least April 30, 2024, at no more than an annual rate of 0.90% for all classes of shares. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $882,743. In addition, the Fund has agreed, during the two year period following any waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser, to repay such amount to the extent, that after giving effect to the repayment, such adjusted annualized total operating expenses of the Fund would not exceed 0.90% of the value of the Fund’s average daily net assets for each share class of the Fund. The agreement is renewable annually. At December 31, 2023, the cumulative amount which the Fund may repay the Adviser, subject to the terms above, is $1,763,419:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, expiring December 31, 2024   $ 880,676  
For the year ended December 31, 2023, expiring December 31, 2025     882,743  
    $ 1,763,419  

 

4. Distribution Plan. The Fund’s Board has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) for each class of shares, except for Class I Shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Class AAA, Class A, and Class C Share Plans, payments are authorized to G.distributors, LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Adviser, at

 

16

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

annual rates of 0.25%, 0.25%, and 1.00%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of those classes, the annual limitations under each Plan. Such payments are accrued daily and paid monthly.

 

5. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2023, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $52,545,857 and $74,949,597, respectively.

 

6. Transactions with Affiliates and Other Arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid brokerage commissions on security trades of $3 to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser. Additionally, the Distributor retained a total of $3,550 from investors representing commissions (sales charges and underwriting fees) on sales and redemptions of Fund shares.

 

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Under the sub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund accrued $45,000 in accounting fees in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Corporation pays retainer and per meeting fees to Directors not affiliated with the Adviser, plus specified amounts to the Lead Director and Audit Committee Chairman. Directors are also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. Directors who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Corporation.

 

7. Line of Credit. The Fund participates in an unsecured line of credit, which expires on February 28, 2024 and may be renewed annually, of up to $75,000,000 under which it may borrow up to 10% of its net assets from the custodian for temporary borrowing purposes. Borrowings under this arrangement bear interest at a floating rate equal to the higher of the Overnight Federal Funds Rate plus 135 basis points or the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 135 basis points in effect on that day. This amount, if any, would be included in “Interest expense” in the Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2023, there were no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.

 

The average daily amount of borrowings outstanding under the line of credit for the six days of borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $144,833 with a weighted average interest rate of 6.10%. The maximum amount borrowed at any time during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $201,000.

 

8. Capital Stock. The Fund currently offers three classes of shares – Class AAA Shares, Class A Shares, and Class I Shares. Class AAA and Class A investors may purchase more of these share classes. Class C shareholders cannot purchase more of this class. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000. These changes had no effect on existing shareholders’ ability to redeem shares of the Fund as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

The Fund imposes a redemption fee of 2.00% on all classes of shares that are redeemed or exchanged on or before the seventh day after the date of a purchase. The redemption fee is deducted from the proceeds otherwise payable to the redeeming shareholders and is retained by the Fund as an increase in paid-in capital. The redemption fees retained by the Fund during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, if any, can be found in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets under Redemption Fees.

 

17

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Transactions in shares of capital stock were as follows:

 

    Year Ended
December 31,
2023
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Class AAA                                
Shares sold     16,251     $ 645,394       20,241     $ 863,312  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     5,587       256,436       3,745       125,235  
Shares redeemed     (213,806 )     (8,858,623 )     (185,535 )     (7,230,378 )
Net decrease     (191,968 )   $ (7,956,793 )     (161,549 )   $ (6,241,831 )
Class A                                
Shares sold     14,860     $ 617,664       17,178     $ 685,915  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     246       11,301       146       4,880  
Shares redeemed     (14,942 )     (600,252 )     (26,743 )     (1,089,283 )
Net increase/(decrease)     164     $ 28,713       (9,419 )   $ (398,488 )
Class C                                
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     95     $ 3,525       58     $ 1,549  
Shares redeemed     (6,265 )     (189,834 )     (22,741 )     (755,942 )
Net decrease     (6,170 )   $ (186,309 )   (22,683 )   $ (754,393 )
Class I                                
Shares sold     176,877     $ 7,525,496       697,628     $ 29,056,920  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     3,464       163,257       2,351       70,411  
Shares redeemed     (508,150 )     (20,758,127 )     (1,058,519 )     (41,413,489 )
Net decrease     (327,809 )   $ (13,069,374 )     (358,540 )   $ (12,286,158 )

 

9. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

10. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

18

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders of The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

and the Board of Directors of GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of The Gabelli Global Growth Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”)), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.) at December 31, 2023, 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 its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Corporation is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Gabelli Funds investment companies since 1992.

 

New York, New York

February 28, 2024

 

19

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)

 

 

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act,the Fund has established a liquidity risk management program (the LRM Program) to govern its approach to managing liquidity risk. The LRM Program is administered by the Liquidity Committee (the Committee), which is comprised of members of Gabelli Funds, LLC management. The Board has designated the Committee to administer the LRM Program.

 

The LRM Program’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. The LRM Program also includes elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity and the monthly classification and re-classification of certain investments that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their relative liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on August 23, 2023, the Board received a written report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the LRM Program. The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the LRM Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively since its implementation. The Committee reported that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The Committee noted that the Fund is primarily invested in highly liquid securities and, accordingly, continues to be exempt from the requirement to determine a “highly liquid investment minimum” as defined in the Rule 22e-4. Because of that continued qualification for the exemption, the Fund has not adopted a “highly liquid investment minimum” amount. The Committee further noted that while changes to the LRM Program were made during the Review Period and reported to the Board, no material changes were made to the LRM Program as a result of the Committee’s annual review.

 

There can be no assurance that the LRM Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus for more information regarding its exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

20

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

 

During the six months ended December 31, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser for the Fund on the basis of the recommendation by the directors (the Independent Board Members) who are not interested persons of the Fund. The following paragraphs summarize the material information and factors considered by the Independent Board Members as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Independent Board Members considered information regarding the Fund’s portfolio managers, the depth of the analyst pool available to the Adviser and the portfolio managers, the scope of supervisory, administrative, shareholder, and other services supervised or provided by the Adviser and the absence of significant service problems reported to the Board. The Independent Board Members noted the experience, length of service, and reputation of the Fund’s portfolio managers.

 

Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the short, medium, and long term performance of the Fund (as of September 30, 2023) against a peer group of nine other comparable funds prepared by the Adviser (the Adviser Peer Group), and against a peer group prepared by Broadridge (the Broadridge Performance Peer Group) consisting of all global large cap growth funds, regardless of asset size or primary channel of distribution. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the second quartile for the one year, five year and ten year periods and in the third quartile for the three year period, as measured against the Adviser Peer Group. Against the Broadridge Performance Peer Group, the Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the fifth quintile for the three year period and the third quintile for the one year, five year, and ten year periods. The Independent Board Members discussed this comparative data and also recalled the Adviser’s comprehensive discussion of performance earlier in the Meeting.

 

Profitability. The Independent Board Members reviewed summary data regarding the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser both with a pro rata administrative overhead charge and with a standalone administrative charge and noted the effect of the expense limitation agreement. The Independent Board Members also noted that a portion of the Fund’s portfolio transactions were executed by an affiliated broker of the Adviser and that another affiliated broker of the Adviser received distribution fees and minor amounts of sales commissions.

 

Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Adviser’s cost structure and the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale and reviewed data provided by the Adviser.

 

Sharing of Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members noted that the investment management fee schedule for the Fund does not take into account any potential economies of scale that may develop.

 

Service and Cost Comparisons. The Independent Board Members compared the expense ratios of the investment management fee, other expenses, and total expenses of the Fund with similar expense ratios of the Adviser Peer Group and a peer group of eight other global large cap growth funds selected by Broadridge, and noted that the Adviser’s management fee includes substantially all administrative services of the Fund as well as investment advisory services. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio was the second lowest for the Broadridge peer group and the lowest for the Advisor peer group, but that the Fund’s size was below average within each peer group. The Independent Board Members also noted that the advisory fee structure was the same as that in effect for most of the Gabelli funds and noted the effect of the expense

 

21

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

limitation agreement in place for the Fund. The Independent Board Members were presented with, but did not consider to be material to their decision, various information comparing the advisory fee with the fee for other types of accounts managed by the Adviser.

 

Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services and good ancillary services and an acceptable performance record. The Independent Board Members also concluded that the Fund’s expense ratios and the profitability to the Adviser of managing the Fund were reasonable, and that economies of scale were not a significant factor in their thinking at this time. In this regard, the Independent Board Members noted the contractual Expense Deferral Agreement between the Adviser and the Corporation, on behalf of each Fund, pursuant to which the net expense ratio for each share class of each Fund was reduced to 0.90%. The Independent Board Members did not view the potential profitability of ancillary services as material to their decision. On the basis of the foregoing and without assigning particular weight to any single conclusion, the Independent Board Members determined to recommend continuation of the investment management agreement to the full Board.

 

Based on a consideration of all these factors in their totality, the Board Members, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Fund’s advisory fee was appropriate in light of the quality of services provided and in light of the other factors described above that the Board deemed relevant. Accordingly, the Board Members determined to approve the continuation of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement. The Board Members based their decision on evaluations of all these factors as a whole and did not consider any one factor as all important or controlling.

 

22

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

 

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Corporation’s Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and Officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Corporation’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or by writing to The Gabelli Global Growth Fund at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Director3
                 
INTERESTED DIRECTORS4:                
                 

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Director and Chief

Investment Officer
1942

  Since 1993   31   Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer– Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management, Inc.; Director/Trustee or Chief Investment Officer of other registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex; Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc.; Executive Chair of Associated Capital Group, Inc.   Director of Morgan Group Holding Co. (holding company) (2001-2019); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of LICT Corp. (multimedia and communication services company); Director of CIBL, Inc. (broadcasting and wireless communications); Director of ICTC Group Inc. (communications) (2013-2018)
                 
John D. Gabelli
Director
1944
  Since 1993   12   Former Senior Vice President of G.research, LLC (and its predecessor) (1991-2019)  
                 
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS5:                
                 
E. Val Cerutti
Director
1939
  Since 2001   7   Chief Executive Officer of Cerutti Consultants, Inc.   Director of The LGL Group, Inc. (diversified manufacturing) (1990-2009)
                 
Anthony J. Colavita6
Director
1935
  Since 1993   18   President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.  
                 
Werner J. Roeder
Director
1940
  Since 1993   20   Retired physician; Former Vice President of Medical Affairs (Medical Director) of New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital (1999-2014)  
                 

Anthonie C. van Ekris6
Director

1934

  Since 1993   23   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/ export company)  

 

23

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Director3
                 
Salvatore J. Zizza7
Director
1945
  Since 2004   35   President, Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); Chairman of Bergen Cove Realty Inc. (residential real estate)   Director and Chairman of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018); Retired Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing); Director of Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.

 

24

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
         
OFFICERS:        
         
John C. Ball
President, Treasurer,
Principal Financial &
Accounting Officer
1976
  Since 2017   Senior Vice President (since 2018) and other positions (2017 - 2018) of GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Chief Executive Officer, G.distributors, LLC since 2020; Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2017
         
Peter Goldstein
Secretary & Vice
President
1953
  Since 2020   General Counsel, GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Legal Officer, Associated Capital Group, Inc. since 2021; General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Buckingham Capital Management, Inc. (2012-2020); Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, The Buckingham Research Group, Inc. (2012-2020)
         
Richard J. Walz
Chief Compliance
Officer
1959
  Since 2013   Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2013

 

 
1 Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted.
2 Each Director will hold office for an indefinite term until the earliest of (i) the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such Director and until the election and qualification of his or her successor, if any, elected at such meeting, or (ii) the date a Director resigns or retires, or a Director is removed by the Board of Directors or shareholders, in accordance with the Corporation’s By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation. For officers, includes time served in prior officer positions with the Fund. Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
3 This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
4 “Interested person” of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act. Messrs. Gabelli are each considered an “interested person” because of their affiliation with Gabelli Funds, LLC which acts as the Corporation’s investment adviser. Mario J. Gabelli and John D. Gabelli are brothers.
5 Directors who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Directors.
6 Mr. Colavita’s son, Anthony S. Colavita, serves as a director of other funds in the Gabelli Fund Complex. Mr. van Ekris is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., Gabelli Fund, LDC, GAMA Capital Opportunities Master, Ltd., and GAMCO International SICAV, which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser.
7 Mr. Zizza is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. On September 9, 2015, Mr. Zizza entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry relating to an alleged violation regarding the making of false statements or omissions to the accountants of a company concerning a related party transaction. The company in question is not an affiliate of, nor has any connection to, the Fund. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Zizza, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings and allegation, paid $150,000 and agreed to cease and desist committing or causing any future violations of Rule 13b2-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has discussed this matter and has determined that it does not disqualify Mr. Zizza from serving as an Independent Director.

 

25

 

 

The Gabelli Global Growth Fund

2023 TAX NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (Unaudited)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid ordinary income distributions of $0.1338 and return of capital distributions of $0.0031 per share to shareholders in each Class of Shares. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 76.21% of the ordinary income distribution qualifies for the dividends received deduction available to corporations. The Fund designates 100% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified dividend income pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designates 4.38% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified interest income pursuant to the Tax Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. Also for the year of 2023, the Fund did not have foreign tax credits.

 

U.S. Government Income:

 

The percentage of the ordinary income distribution paid by the Fund during the year ended December 31, 2023 which was derived from U.S. Treasury securities was 4.19%. Such income is exempt from state and local 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 Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2023. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2023 was 0.45%. Due to the diversity in state and local tax law, it is recommended that you consult your personal tax adviser as to the applicability of the information provided to your specific situation.

 

 

All designations are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

 

 

 

 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL GROWTH FUND

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

 

Portfolio Management Team Biographies

 

Caesar M. P. Bryan joined GAMCO Asset Management in 1994. He is a member of the global investment team of Gabelli Funds, LLC and portfolio manager of several funds within the Fund Complex. Prior to joining Gabelli, Mr. Bryan was a portfolio manager at Lexington Management. He began his investment career at Samuel Montagu Company, the London based merchant bank. Mr. Bryan graduated from the University of Southampton in England with a Bachelor of Law and is a member of the English Bar.

 

Howard F. Ward, CFA, joined Gabelli Funds in 1995 and currently serves as GAMCO’s Chief Investment Officer of Growth Equities as well as a Gabelli Funds, LLC portfolio manager for several funds within the Fund Complex. Prior to joining Gabelli, Mr. Ward served as Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager for several Scudder mutual funds. He also was an Investment Officer in the Institutional Investment Department with Brown Brothers, Harriman & Co. Mr. Ward received his BA in Economics from Northwestern University.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Annual Report — December 31, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders,

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the net asset value (NAV) total return per Class AAA Share of The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund was 9.9% compared with a total return of 24.4% for the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World Index. Other classes of shares are available. See page 3 for performance information for all classes.

 

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023.

 

Investment Objective and Strategy (Unaudited)

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide investors with a high level of total return through a combination of current income and appreciation of capital.

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is to invest 80% of its net assets in dividend paying securities (such as common and preferred stock) or other income producing securities (such as fixed income securities and securities that are convertible into common stock). The Fund will primarily invest in common stocks of foreign and domestic issuers that the Fund’s portfolio manager believes are likely to pay dividends and income and have the potential for above average capital appreciation and dividend increases.

 

Performance Discussion (Unaudited)

 

Although 2022 was a difficult year for the global stock market, the stock market did produce gains in the first quarter of 2023. (Y)our portfolio is heavily exposed to both Europe and North America, and some of the same concerns were in play in both geographies during the quarter. In Europe, the financial sector was shaken when Credit Suisse was forced by the Swiss government to merge into UBS, a much bigger and stronger Swiss financial company. Likewise, in the US, the financial sector was shaken when Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank both failed and were taken over by the government. Inflation continued to be a major economic concern in both Europe and North America, and central bankers continued to raise short interest rates to help rein in inflationary pressures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports on paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.

 

 

 

 

The second quarter of 2023 saw global broad stock market averages generally rise across the globe. Of the major global economies, the one with the best performing stock market in the quarter was Japan, with the Nikkei 225 up about 18%. The worst performing major stock market was the United Kingdom, with the FTSE 100 down about 1%. The MSCI World Index was up 6%.

 

The third quarter of 2023 was down for virtually every major developed market equity index. Germany was down about 5%, France and Japan both down about 4%, while Canada and Switzerland were both down about 3%. The one major developed market with positive equity returns in the third quarter was the United Kingdom, up about 1%. Here in the US, small caps, as measured by the Russell 2000, were down about 5% in the quarter, while the S&P 500 total return was down just over 3%. Growth stocks were down a little bit less than value stocks during the quarter. Although the Fed is probably at the end of its tightening cycle, the Fed did raise rates by 25 basis points in the quarter to 5.5%. The bigger move in interest rates, however, was with the 10 year note, which moved up by 76 basis points in the quarter to about 4.6%.

 

All across the globe, stock markets performed well in the fourth quarter of 2023, even though geopolitical tensions remained high. The war in Ukraine continued on, Israel and Hamas were in a war, and China upped its war of words regarding Taiwan. However, inflationary pressure around the globe generally eased as supply chains gradually returned to normal, and consumers returned to normal work and life routines. In the United States, we have seen some recent improvement in the inflation rate, with it steadily decreasing throughout 2023. In the fourth quarter, The Federal Reserve kept the Federal Funds Target Rate steady at 5.5% and did not raise it, after multiple quarters of consistently raising the rate.

 

Selected holdings that contributed positively to performance in 2023 were: Enpro Inc. (3.1% of net assets as of December 31, 2023), which develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary, value-added products and solutions to safeguard critical environments in the United States and internationally; Sony Corp. (7.8%), which designs, develops, produces, and sells electronic equipment, instruments, and devices for the consumer, professional, and industrial markets; and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (2.8%), through its subsidiaries, engages in the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility businesses worldwide.

 

Some of our weaker performing securities were: Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. (0.9%), through its subsidiaries, operates in motor vehicles and related operations, property investment and development, food retailing, health and beauty, home furnishings, engineering and construction, and transportation businesses in China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and internationally; CNH Industrial NV (3.0%) is an equipment and services company, which engages in the design, production, marketing, sale, and financing of agricultural and construction equipment in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and the Asia Pacific; and Remy Cointreau SA (2.7%), together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, sale, and distribution of liqueurs and spirits.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund.

 

We appreciate your confidence and trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of the Fund’s portfolio manager and Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Adviser, as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

2

 

 

Comparative Results

 

 

Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2023 (a) (Unaudited)

 

Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in share price, reinvestment of distributions, and are net of expenses.

 

    1 Year     5 Year     10 Year     15 Year     Since
Inception
(2/3/94)
 
Class AAA (GAGCX)     9.92 %     7.52 %     4.87 %     7.64 %     4.72 %
MSCI World Index (b)     24.42       13.37       9.18       11.31       7.90  
Class A (GAGAX)     9.90       7.52       4.85       7.62       4.74  
With sales charge (c)     3.58       6.25       4.23       7.20       4.52  
Class C (GACCX)     9.89       7.38       4.39       6.79       4.14  
Class I (GAGIX)     9.91       7.67       5.15       7.92       4.87  

 

 
(a) Returns would have been lower had the Adviser not reimbursed certain expenses of the Fund. The Class AAA Share NAVs are used to calculate performance for the periods prior to the issuance of Class A Shares, Class C Shares, and Class I Shares on May 2, 2001, November 26, 2001, and January 11, 2008, respectively. The actual performance of the Class A Shares and Class C Shares would have been lower due to the additional fees and expenses associated with these classes of shares. The actual performance of the Class I Shares would have been higher due to lower expenses related to this class of shares. The Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shares sold or exchanged within seven days of purchase.
(b) The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the developed market. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index. MSCI World Index since inception performance is as of January 31, 1994.
(c) Performance results include the effect of the maximum 5.75% sales charge at the beginning of the period.

 

In the current prospectuses dated April 28, 2023, the gross expense ratios for Class AAA, A, and I Shares are 1.65%, 1.65%, and 1.40%, respectively, and the net expense ratios for all share classes after contractual reimbursements by Gabelli Funds, LLC, (the Adviser) is 0.90%. See page 12 for the expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 2023. The contractual reimbursements are in effect through April 30, 2024. Class AAA and Class I Shares do not have a sales charge. The maximum sales charge for Class A Shares is 5.75%.

 

Investing in foreign securities involves risks not ordinarily associated with investments in domestic issues, including currency fluctuation, economic, and political risks. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains information about these and other matters and should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, please visit our website at www.gabelli.com.

 

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. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end.

 

 

3

 

 

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN

THE GABELLI GLOBAL RISING INCOME AND DIVIDEND FUND (CLASS AAA SHARES)

AND MSCI WORLD INDEX (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns*
  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
Class AAA 9.92% 7.52% 4.87%

 

 

* Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance tables and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

4

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

For the Six Month Period from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Expense Table
 

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of fees and expenses regarding your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a fund, you incur ongoing costs, which include costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports (like this one), among others. Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of a fund. When a fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, this figure is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.

 

The Expense Table below illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Actual Fund Return: This section provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use this section to help you to estimate the actual expenses that you paid over the period after any fee waivers and expense reimbursements. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return during the past six months, and the “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.

 

To do so, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid during this period.

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: This section provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio. It assumes a hypothetical annualized return of 5% before expenses during the period shown. In this case – because the hypothetical return used is not the Fund’s actual return – the results do not apply to your investment and you cannot use the hypothetical account value and expense to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you

paid for the period. This example is useful in making comparisons of the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees, if any, which are described in the Prospectus. If these costs were applied to your account, your costs would be higher. Therefore, the 5% hypothetical return is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. The "Annualized Expense Ratio" represents the actual expenses for the last six months and may be different from the expense ratio in the Financial Highlights which is for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

    Beginning
Account Value
07/01/23
    Ending
Account Value
12/31/23
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses
Paid During
Period *
 
The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund              
Actual Fund Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.00     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,019.70     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.00     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.00     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Hypothetical 5% Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  

 

 
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the last six months multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (184 days), then divided by 365.

 

5

 

 

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

The following table present portfolio holdings as a percent of net assets as of December 31, 2023:

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

 

Food and Beverage     17.1 %
Financial Services     11.0 %
Diversified Industrial     8.9 %
Electronics     7.8 %
Energy and Utilities     6.7 %
Consumer Products     4.8 %
Telecommunications     4.5 %
Machinery     4.1 %
Entertainment     3.8 %
Automotive     3.8 %
Building and Construction     3.7 %
Wireless Telecommunications     3.4 %
Equipment and Supplies     2.2 %
Health Care     2.1 %
Broadcasting     2.0 %
Retail     1.9 %
Cable and Satellite     1.9 %
U.S. Government Obligations     1.7 %
Business Services     1.6 %
Consumer Services     1.5 %
Aerospace and Defense     1.3 %
Automotive: Parts and Accessories     1.1 %
Hotels and Gaming     1.0 %
Computer Software and Services     0.8 %
Specialty Chemicals     0.8 %
Publishing     0.4 %
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)     0.1 %
      100.0 %

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

 

Proxy Voting

 

The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

6

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS — 98.2%                
        Aerospace and Defense — 1.3%                
  1,600     L3Harris Technologies Inc.   $ 126,334     $ 336,992  
  100,000     Rolls-Royce Holdings plc†     276,321       382,013  
              402,655       719,005  
        Automotive — 3.8%                
  18,500     Daimler Truck Holding AG     513,134       694,793  
  42,000     Iveco Group NV†     256,850       377,696  
  42,000     Traton SE     790,317       988,521  
  1,000     Volkswagen AG     167,644       130,763  
              1,727,945       2,191,773  
        Automotive: Parts and Accessories — 1.1%                
  20,000     Dana Inc.     312,587       292,200  
  2,000     Genuine Parts Co.     179,604       277,000  
  800     Linamar Corp.     40,996       38,652  
              533,187       607,852  
        Broadcasting — 2.0%                
  1,500     Cogeco Inc.     63,648       64,718  
  33,000     Paramount Global, Cl. A     802,187       648,780  
  35,000     Sinclair Inc.     746,203       456,050  
              1,612,038       1,169,548  
        Building and Construction — 3.7%                
  500     Arcosa Inc.     16,993       41,320  
  500     Chofu Seisakusho Co. Ltd.     7,120       7,213  
  9,200     Herc Holdings Inc.     293,019       1,369,788  
  6,000     Johnson Controls International plc     211,053       345,840  
  2,000     Lennar Corp., Cl. B     91,921       268,100  
  300     Sika AG     82,192       97,628  
              702,298       2,129,889  
        Business Services — 1.6%                
  23,000     JCDecaux SE†     464,681       462,113  
  12,000     Matthews International Corp., Cl. A     362,151       439,800  
              826,832       901,913  
        Cable and Satellite — 1.9%                
  6,000     DISH Network Corp., Cl. A†     52,011       34,620  
  3,000     EchoStar Corp., Cl. A†     31,410       49,710  
  16,000     Liberty Latin America Ltd., Cl. A†     147,447       116,960  
  595     Liberty Latin America Ltd., Cl. C†     4,248       4,367  
  19,000     Rogers Communications Inc., Cl. B     667,343       889,390  
              902,459       1,095,047  
        Computer Software and Services — 0.8%                
  28,000     Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.     379,309       475,440  
Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        Consumer Products — 4.8%                
  7,500     Energizer Holdings Inc.   $ 279,750     $ 237,600  
  20,000     Essity AB, Cl. A     527,632       492,760  
  2,000     L’Oreal SA     335,032       994,990  
  5,800     Salvatore Ferragamo SpA     98,070       78,180  
  10,000     Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S     148,378       173,708  
  6,800     Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.     410,912       542,436  
  6,200     Unicharm Corp.     125,119       224,167  
              1,924,893       2,743,841  
        Consumer Services — 1.5%                
  11,500     Ashtead Group plc     231,411       800,646  
  200     Boyd Group Services Inc.     14,695       42,035  
              246,106       842,681  
        Diversified Industrial — 8.9%                
  600     Aker ASA, Cl. A     34,010       39,331  
  11,571     Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp.†     50,157       31,589  
  9,000     Ardagh Group SA†     158,182       49,320  
  34,000     Bollore SE     189,191       212,257  
  12,000     Bouygues SA     472,709       452,001  
  1,200     Crane Co.     60,161       141,768  
  11,200     Enpro Inc.     733,442       1,755,488  
  7,000     Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc.     261,232       435,330  
  12,000     Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.     675,266       494,520  
  15,000     Myers Industries Inc.     234,455       293,250  
  11,000     Nilfisk Holding A/S†     185,634       192,545  
  2,600     Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.     46,751       70,096  
  3,000     Sulzer AG     240,387       306,403  
  3,600     Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Cl. A     23,715       53,468  
  6,000     Textron Inc.     254,526       482,520  
  3,000     Trinity Industries Inc.     57,151       79,770  
              3,676,969       5,089,656  
        Electronics — 7.8%                
  23,200     Sony Group Corp.     643,446       2,206,468  
  24,000     Sony Group Corp., ADR     496,658       2,272,560  
              1,140,104       4,479,028  
        Energy and Utilities — 6.7%                
  4,000     BP plc, ADR     112,910       141,600  
  7,500     Cameco Corp.     86,032       323,250  
  600     Cheniere Energy Inc.     23,332       102,426  
  1,500     Dril-Quip Inc.†     38,789       34,905  
  11,500     Landis+Gyr Group AG     691,956       1,039,177  
  11,000     National Fuel Gas Co.     569,687       551,870  
  11,000     National Grid plc, ADR     698,299       747,890  
  17,000     Severn Trent plc     456,470       558,845  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

7

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS (Continued)                
        Energy and Utilities (Continued)                
  11,000     Shell plc   $ 237,463     $ 360,554  
              2,914,938       3,860,517  
        Entertainment — 3.8%                
  30,000     Corus Entertainment Inc., Cl. B     91,269       16,075  
  80,000     Grupo Televisa SAB, ADR     527,693       267,200  
  13,000     International Game Technology plc     153,742       356,330  
  115,000     ITV plc     219,606       92,759  
  44,000     Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR†     387,172       396,440  
  1,000     Ubisoft Entertainment SA†     30,523       25,512  
  10,000     Universal Music Group NV     217,812       284,929  
  50,000     Vivendi SE     533,311       534,091  
  20,000     Warner Bros Discovery Inc.†     205,344       227,600  
              2,366,472       2,200,936  
        Equipment and Supplies — 2.2%                
  200     AMETEK Inc.     25,278       32,978  
  5,000     Ardagh Metal Packaging SA     18,965       19,200  
  3,000     Graco Inc.     71,740       260,280  
  40,000     Instalco AB     188,326       162,204  
  17,000     Mueller Industries Inc.     242,086       801,550  
              546,395       1,276,212  
        Financial Services — 11.0%                
  1,000     American Express Co.     80,155       187,340  
  1,800     American International Group Inc.     63,440       121,950  
  3,000     Bank of America Corp.     85,175       101,010  
  3     Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Cl. A†     358,105       1,627,875  
  10,000     Citigroup Inc.     485,856       514,400  
  3,200     Comerica Inc.     134,262       178,592  
  8,000     Deutsche Bank AG     59,019       108,400  
  5,500     EXOR NV     262,676       549,491  
  27,000     FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA     182,261       404,923  
  107,000     GAM Holding AG†     133,619       49,807  
  1,600     Julius Baer Group Ltd.     75,332       89,698  
  14,000     Kinnevik AB, Cl. A†     388,740       148,244  
  4,400     Morgan Stanley     107,450       410,300  
  40,000     Resona Holdings Inc.     181,079       203,263  
  4,000     State Street Corp.     246,331       309,840  
  1,000     T. Rowe Price Group Inc.     71,771       107,690  
  10,000     The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.     315,339       520,500  
Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
  1,500     The PNC Financial Services Group Inc.   $ 102,907     $ 232,275  
  7,000     UBS Group AG     70,979       216,300  
  4,000     Wells Fargo & Co.     130,845       196,880  
              3,535,341       6,278,778  
        Food and Beverage — 17.1%                
  10,000     Campbell Soup Co.     403,968       432,300  
  6,500     Chr. Hansen Holding A/S     321,456       545,012  
  5,000     Danone SA     335,187       323,899  
  40,000     Davide Campari-Milano NV     131,897       451,074  
  6,000     Diageo plc, ADR     665,410       873,960  
  6,400     Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, ADR     514,524       834,240  
  1,700     General Mills Inc.     115,627       110,738  
  2,000     Heineken NV     133,144       202,994  
  2,500     Kellanova     119,867       139,775  
  4,000     Kerry Group plc, Cl. A     300,765       349,290  
  10,600     Kikkoman Corp.     345,381       649,081  
  10,000     Maple Leaf Foods Inc.     197,296       190,483  
  3,000     McCormick & Co. Inc.     133,799       204,000  
  3,000     McCormick & Co. Inc., Non-Voting     106,428       205,260  
  3,600     Molson Coors Beverage Co., Cl. B     190,719       220,356  
  14,000     Nestlé SA     1,013,818       1,623,138  
  3,500     Pernod Ricard SA     398,941       617,246  
  12,100     Remy Cointreau SA     892,126       1,536,146  
  5,400     The Kraft Heinz Co.     153,954       199,692  
  625     WK Kellogg Co.     7,424       8,213  
  5,000     Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.     136,038       112,305  
              6,617,769       9,829,202  
        Health Care — 2.1%                
  20,000     Achaogen Inc.†(a)     4,200       0  
  4,000     Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.     177,668       205,240  
  5,000     Cutera Inc.†     88,731       17,625  
  800     GSK plc, ADR     33,309       29,648  
  9,000     Haleon plc, ADR     71,142       74,070  
  700     ICU Medical Inc.†     39,966       69,818  
  4,666     Idorsia Ltd.†     57,775       11,728  
  1,400     Johnson & Johnson     159,572       219,436  
  4,000     Perrigo Co. plc     144,926       128,720  
  6,000     Pfizer Inc.     143,046       172,740  
  5,000     Roche Holding AG, ADR     93,345       181,150  
  10,000     Viatris Inc.     128,514       108,300  
              1,142,194       1,218,475  
        Hotels and Gaming — 1.0%                
  190,000     Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.     306,553       296,400  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS (Continued)                
        Hotels and Gaming (Continued)                
  200,000     The Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels Ltd.†   $ 290,849     $ 149,581  
  1,400     Wynn Resorts Ltd.     123,145       127,554  
              720,547       573,535  
        Machinery — 4.1%                
  90,000     CNH Industrial NV, Borsa Italiana     746,753       1,100,859  
  50,000     CNH Industrial NV, New York     386,314       609,000  
  2,666     NKT A/S†     52,701       183,110  
  2,000     Tennant Co.     156,926       185,380  
  15,024     Twin Disc Inc.     215,938       242,788  
              1,558,632       2,321,137  
        Publishing — 0.4%                
  26,000     The E.W. Scripps Co., Cl. A†     385,292       207,740  
                         
        Retail — 1.9%                
  4,000     Nathan's Famous Inc.     232,477       312,040  
  29,000     Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.     930,028       757,190  
  1,700     Zalando SE†     66,063       40,256  
              1,228,568       1,109,486  
        Specialty Chemicals — 0.8%                
  700     Ashland Inc.     35,829       59,017  
  1,100     Darling Ingredients Inc.†     47,864       54,824  
  3,600     International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.     312,912       291,492  
  1,500     Livent Corp.†     29,231       26,970  
  200     The Chemours Co.     1,719       6,308  
              427,555       438,611  
        Telecommunications — 4.5%                
  1,300     Cogeco Communications Inc.     68,986       58,228  
  11,000     Deutsche Telekom AG     200,258       264,120  
  20,000     Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR     364,252       482,600  
  280,000     HKBN Ltd.     200,879       125,146  
  75,000     Koninklijke KPN NV     221,420       258,159  
  15,000     Liberty Global Ltd., Cl. A†     328,753       266,550  
  9,000     Liberty Global Ltd., Cl. C†     190,559       167,760  
  4,000     Orange Belgium SA†     91,879       59,613  
  60,000     Pharol SGPS SA†     30,852       2,490  
  2,179     Prosus NV     53,188       64,913  
  13,000     Proximus SA     156,355       122,130  
  125,000     Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG     430,997       324,561  
  13,000     VEON Ltd., ADR†     250,770       256,100  
Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
  3,000     Verizon Communications Inc.   $ 129,450     $ 113,100  
              2,718,598       2,565,470  
        Wireless Telecommunications — 3.4%                
  22,000     Millicom International Cellular SA, SDR†     417,012       393,167  
  5,500     T-Mobile US Inc.     456,445       881,815  
  75,000     Vodafone Group plc, ADR     1,053,823       652,500  
              1,927,280       1,927,482  
        TOTAL COMMON STOCKS     40,164,376       56,253,254  
                         
        WARRANTS — 0.0%                
        Diversified Industrial — 0.0%                
  8,000     Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp., expire 08/01/25†     5,466       960  

 

Principal
Amount
                 
        U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 1.7%                
$ 1,000,000     U.S. Treasury Bills, 5.287% to 5.396%††, 01/04/24 to 03/28/24     993,876       994,045  
                         
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%   $ 41,163,718       57,248,259  
                         
        Other Assets and Liabilities (Net) — 0.1%             74,056  
                         
        NET ASSETS — 100.0%           $ 57,322,315  

 

 
(a) Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Non-income producing security.
†† Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase.

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt

SDR Swedish Depositary Receipt

 

Geographic Diversification   % of
Market
Value
    Market
Value
 
Europe     42.4 %   $ 24,274,415  
United States     39.6       22,678,120  
Japan     9.9       5,675,057  
Canada     2.8       1,622,831  
Latin America     2.7       1,535,750  
Asia/Pacific     2.6       1,462,086  
      100.0 %   $ 57,248,259  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2023

 

 

Assets:      
Investments, at value (cost $41,163,718)   $ 57,248,259  
Foreign currency, at value (cost $1,354)     1,347  
Receivable from Adviser     27,809  
Dividends receivable     175,872  
Prepaid expenses     19,218  
Total Assets     57,472,505  
Liabilities:        
Payable to bank     17,229  
Payable for investment advisory fees     47,283  
Payable for accounting fees     3,750  
Payable for distribution fees     1,335  
Payable for shareholder communications     28,952  
Payable for custodian fees     28,808  
Payable for legal and audit fees     16,317  
Other accrued expenses     6,516  
Total Liabilities     150,190  
Net Assets        
(applicable to 1,887,212 shares outstanding)   $ 57,322,315  
Net Assets Consist of:        
Paid-in capital   $ 41,996,656  
Total distributable earnings     15,325,659  
Net Assets   $ 57,322,315  
         
Shares of Capital Stock, each at $0.001 par value:        
Class AAA:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($4,081,373 ÷ 134,702 shares outstanding; 75,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 30.30  
Class A:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($812,641 ÷ 26,763 shares outstanding;50,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 30.36  
Maximum offering price per share (NAV ÷ 0.9425, based on maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the offering price)   $ 32.21  
Class C:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($373,295 ÷ 14,850 shares outstanding;25,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 25.14  
Class I:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($52,055,006 ÷ 1,710,897 shares outstanding; 25,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 30.43  

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

Investment Income:      
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $60,171)   $ 1,251,194  
Interest     351,091  
Total Investment Income     1,602,285  
Expenses:        
Investment advisory fees     612,259  
Distribution fees - Class AAA     10,009  
Distribution fees - Class A     2,053  
Distribution fees - Class C     4,018  
Shareholder communications expenses     51,184  
Legal and audit fees     48,228  
Accounting fees     45,000  
Custodian fees     40,475  
Registration expenses     36,777  
Shareholder services fees     21,816  
Directors’ fees     12,727  
Interest expense     738  
Miscellaneous expenses     26,059  
Total Expenses     911,343  
Less:        
Expense reimbursements (See Note 3)     (357,890 )
Expenses paid indirectly by broker (See Note 6)     (1,807 )
Total Reimbursements and Credits     (359,697 )
Net Expenses     551,646  
Net Investment Income     1,050,639  
         
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency:        
Net realized gain on investments     40,969  
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions     (572 )
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions     40,397  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:        
on investments     3,113,583  
on foreign currency translations     5,128  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     3,118,711  
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency     3,159,108  
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   $ 4,209,747  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
Operations:                
Net investment income   $ 1,050,639     $ 556,987  
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions     40,397       1,293,818  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     3,118,711       (12,481,364 )
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     4,209,747       (10,630,559 )
                 
Distributions to Shareholders:                
Accumulated earnings                
Class AAA     (82,132 )     (139,081 )
Class A     (16,383 )     (28,624 )
Class C     (8,943 )     (15,453 )
Class I     (1,041,965 )     (1,675,611 )
      (1,149,423 )     (1,858,769 )
Return of capital                
Class AAA     (12,973 )     (1,251 )
Class A     (2,592 )     (258 )
Class C     (1,231 )     (132 )
Class I     (165,033 )     (15,084 )
      (181,829 )     (16,725 )
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (1,331,252 )     (1,875,494 )
                 
Capital Share Transactions:                
Class AAA     (161,018 )     (53,774 )
Class A     (61,769 )     (149,606 )
Class C     (72,679 )     (122,423 )
Class I     2,217,107       (4,140,243 )
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions     1,921,641       (4,466,046 )
                 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets     4,800,136       (16,972,099 )
                 
Net Assets:                
Beginning of year     52,522,179       69,494,278  
End of year   $ 57,322,315     $ 52,522,179  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year:

 

          Income (Loss) from Investment Operations     Distributions                       Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data  
Year Ended December 31   Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year     Net Investment Income (Loss)(a)     Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     Total from Investment Operations     Net Investment Income     Net
Realized Gain on Investments 
    Return of Capital     Total Distributions     Redemption Fees(a)(b)     Net Asset Value, End of Year     Total
Return†
    Net Assets, End of Year (in 000’s)     Net Investment Income (Loss)     Operating Expenses Before Reimbursement     Operating
Expenses
Net of
Reimbursement(c)(d)(e)
    Portfolio Turnover Rate  
Class AAA                                                                                                
2023   $ 28.22     $ 0.48     $ 2.32     $ 2.80     $ (0.57 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.72 )   $     $ 30.30       9.92 %   $ 4,081       1.64 %     1.71 %                                              0.90 %     9 %
2022     34.68       0.30       (5.73 )     (5.43 )     (0.26 )     (0.76 )     (0.01 )     (1.03 )           28.22       (15.63 )     3,954       1.01       1.65       0.90       11  
2021     29.04       0.39 (f)     5.79       6.18       (0.17 )     (0.37 )           (0.54 )     0.00       34.68       21.32       4,914       1.21 (f)     1.62       0.90       10  
2020     26.18       0.19       2.87       3.06       (0.20 )                 (0.20 )     0.00       29.04       11.68       5,157       0.79       1.72       0.90       8  
2019     23.00       0.08 (f)     3.22       3.30       (0.08 )     (0.04 )           (0.12 )     0.00       26.18       14.38       6,194       0.34 (f)     1.70       1.65       5  
Class A                                                                                                  
2023   $ 28.28     $ 0.49     $ 2.31     $ 2.80     $ (0.57 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.72 )   $     $ 30.36       9.90 %   $ 813       1.65 %     1.71 %     0.90 %     9 %
2022     34.75       0.29       (5.73 )     (5.44 )     (0.26 )     (0.76 )     (0.01 )     (1.03 )           28.28       (15.62)       815       0.97       1.65       0.90       11  
2021     29.10       0.39 (f)     5.80       6.19       (0.17 )     (0.37 )           (0.54 )     0.00       34.75       21.31       1,169       1.19 (f)     1.62       0.90       10  
2020     26.23       0.18       2.89       3.07       (0.20 )                 (0.20 )     0.00       29.10       11.69       840       0.76       1.72       0.90       8  
2019     23.04       0.09 (f)     3.21       3.30       (0.07 )     (0.04 )           (0.11 )     0.00       26.23       14.35       1,441       0.35 (f)     1.70       1.66       5  
Class C                                                                                                  
2023   $ 23.51     $ 0.40     $ 1.93     $ 2.33     $ (0.57 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.70 )   $     $ 25.14       9.89 %   $ 373       1.64 %     2.46 %     0.90 %     9 %
2022     28.93       0.25       (4.77 )     (4.52 )     (0.26 )     (0.63 )     (0.01 )     (0.90 )           23.51       (15.59 )     417       1.00       2.40       0.90       11  
2021     24.30       0.34 (f)     4.83       5.17       (0.17 )     (0.37 )           (0.54 )     0.00       28.93       21.32       654       1.23 (f)     2.38       0.90       10  
2020     21.94       0.15       2.41       2.56       (0.20 )                 (0.20 )     0.00       24.30       11.65       968       0.74       2.47       0.90       8  
2019     19.35       (0.09 )(f)     2.72       2.63             (0.04 )           (0.04 )     0.00       21.94       13.61       1,836       (0.43 )(f)     2.45       2.37       5  
Class I                                                                                                  
2023   $ 28.34     $ 0.51     $ 2.30     $ 2.81     $ (0.57 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.72 )   $     $ 30.43       9.91 %   $ 52,055       1.72 %     1.46 %     0.90 %     9 %
2022     34.82       0.30       (5.75 )     (5.45 )     (0.26 )     (0.76 )     (0.01 )     (1.03 )           28.34       (15.61 )     47,336       0.99       1.40       0.90       11  
2021     29.15       0.39 (f)     5.82       6.21       (0.17 )     (0.37 )           (0.54 )     0.00       34.82       21.34       62,757       1.20 (f)     1.37       0.90       10  
2020     26.28       0.19       2.88       3.07       (0.20 )                 (0.20 )     0.00       29.15       11.67       48,234       0.79       1.47       0.90       8  
2019     23.08       0.25 (f)     3.24       3.49       (0.25 )     (0.04 )           (0.29 )     0.00       26.28       15.11       44,180       1.01 (f)     1.45       0.99       5  

 

 
Total return represents aggregate total return of a hypothetical investment at the beginning of the year and sold at the end of the year including reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the applicable sales charges.
(a) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(c) The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For all years presented, there was no impact on the expense ratios.
(d) The Fund incurred interest expense in all periods, the effect of which was minimal.
(e) Under an expense reimbursement agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser reimbursed expenses of $357,890, $295,664, $311,048, $295,855, and $196,584 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
(f) Includes income resulting from special dividends. Without these dividends, the per share income/(loss) amounts would have been $0.19 and $0.03 (Class AAA), $0.19 and $0.04 (Class A), $0.17 and $(0.13) (Class C), and $0.19 and $0.20 (Class I), and the net investment income/(loss) ratios would have been 0.59% and 0.14% (Class AAA), 0.57% and 0.14% (Class A), 0.61% and (0.64%) (Class C), 0.58% and 0.80% (Class I), for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2019, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

12

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

1. Organization. The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund, a series of the GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the Corporation), was incorporated on July 16, 1993 in Maryland. Although the Fund is registered as a non-diversified fund, it has operated as a diversified fund for over three years. Therefore, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) obliges the Fund to continue to operate as a diversified fund unless the Fund obtains shareholder approval to operate as a non-diversified fund. The Fund is one of five separately managed portfolios (collectively, the Portfolios) of the Corporation. The Fund’s primary objective is to seek to provide investors a high level of total return through a combination of income and capital appreciation. The Fund commenced investment operations on February 3, 1994.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies. As an investment company, the Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance, which is part of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that may require the use of management estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its 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 or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price 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. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Directors (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. 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 Adviser).

 

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. Such debt obligations are valued through prices provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.

 

Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.

 

The Fund employs a fair value model to adjust prices to reflect events affecting the values of certain portfolio securities which occur between the close of trading on the principal market for such securities (foreign exchanges and over-the-counter markets) at the time when net asset values of the Fund are determined. If the Fund’s valuation committee believes that a particular event would materially affect net asset value, further adjustment is considered. Such securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy presented below.

 

13

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

 

Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and

 

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Board’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

    Valuation Inputs        
  Level 1
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (a)
    Total Market Value
at 12/31/23
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:                                
ASSETS (Market Value):                                
Common Stocks:                                
Diversified Industrial   $ 5,040,336     $ 49,320           $ 5,089,656  
Health Care     1,218,475           $ 0       1,218,475  
Other Industries (b)     49,945,123                   49,945,123  
Total Common Stocks     56,203,934       49,320             56,253,254  
Warrants (b)     960                   960  
U.S. Government Obligations           994,045             994,045  
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS   $ 56,204,894     $ 1,043,365     $ 0     $ 57,248,259  

 

 
(a) The inputs for this security are not readily available and are derived based on the judgment of the Adviser according to procedures approved by the Board.
(b) Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.

 

The Fund did not have any material transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers among levels as of the beginning of the reporting period.

 

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

 

General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services – approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser – to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed

 

14

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.

 

Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. When fair valuing a security, factors to consider include recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

 

The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.

 

Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. 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 that 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 translations. 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 purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.

 

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

 

Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

 

Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified

 

15

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and accordingly the Board will monitor their liquidity. For the restricted securities the Fund held as of December 31, 2023, if any, refer to the Schedule of Investments.

 

Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method or amortized to earliest call date, if applicable. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.

 

Determination of Net Asset Value and Calculation of Expenses. Certain administrative expenses are common to, and allocated among, various affiliated funds. Such allocations are made on the basis of each fund’s average net assets or other criteria directly affecting the expenses as determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

 

In calculating the NAV per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, redemption fees, and expenses other than class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of each day. Distribution expenses are borne solely by the class incurring the expense.

 

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to the reclassification of prior year return of capital and redesignation of dividends paid. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
Distributions paid from:                
Ordinary income   $ 1,053,332     $ 482,353  
Net long term capital gains     96,091       1,376,416  
Return of capital     181,829       16,725  
Total distributions paid   $ 1,331,252     $ 1,875,494  

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute

 

16

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

 

At December 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations   $ 15,325,659  

 

At December 31, 2023, the temporary differences between book basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation on investments were primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes and prior year mark-to-market adjustments on investments no longer considered passive foreign investment companies.

 

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 2023:

 

    Cost     Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
    Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
 
Investments   $ 41,926,937     $ 19,723,226     $ (4,401,904 )   $ 15,321,322  

 

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2023, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

 

3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. 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 its 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 affiliated persons of the Adviser.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fees and/or to reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to maintain the annualized total operating expenses of the Fund (excluding brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) until at least April 30, 2024, at no more than an annual rate of 0.90% for all classes of shares. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed expenses in the amount of $357,890. In addition, the Fund has agreed, during the two year period following any waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser, to repay such amount to the extent, after giving effect to the repayment, such adjusted annualized total operating expenses of the Fund would not exceed 0.90% of the value of the Fund’s average daily net assets for each share class of the Fund. The agreement

 

17

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

is renewable annually. At December 31, 2023, the cumulative amount which the Fund may repay the Adviser, subject to the terms above, is $653,554:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, expiring December 31, 2024   $ 295,664  
For the year ended December 31, 2023, expiring December 31, 2025     357,890  
    $ 653,554  

 

4. Distribution Plan. The Fund’s Board has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) for each class of shares, except for Class I Shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Class AAA, Class A, and Class C Share Plans, payments are authorized to G.distributors, LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Adviser, at annual rates of 0.25%, 0.25%, and 1.00%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of those classes, the annual limitations under each Plan. Such payments are accrued daily and paid monthly.

 

5. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2023, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $7,336,857 and $5,016,887, respectively.

 

6. Transactions with Affiliates and Other Arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid brokerage commissions on security trades of $2,063 to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser. Additionally, the Distributor retained a total of $23 from investors representing commissions (sales charges and underwriting fees) on sales and redemptions of Fund shares.

 

The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $1,807.

 

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Under the sub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund accrued $45,000 in accounting fees in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Corporation pays retainer and per meeting fees to Directors not affiliated with the Adviser, plus specified amounts to the Lead Director and Audit Committee Chairman. Directors are also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. Directors who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Corporation.

 

7. Line of Credit. The Fund participates in an unsecured line of credit, which expires on February 28, 2024 and may be renewed annually, of up to $75,000,000 under which it may borrow up to 10% of its net assets from the bank for temporary borrowing purposes. Borrowings under this arrangement bear interest at a floating rate equal to the higher of the Overnight Federal Funds Rate plus 135 basis points or the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 135 basis points in effect on that day. This amount, if any, would be included in “Interest expense” in the Statement of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no borrowings under the line of credit.

 

8. Capital Stock. The Fund currently offers three classes of shares – Class AAA Shares, Class A Shares, and Class I Shares. Class AAA and Class A investors may purchase more of these share classes. Class C shareholders cannot purchase more of this class. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000. These changes had no effect on existing shareholders’ ability to redeem shares of the Fund as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

18

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The Fund imposes a redemption fee of 2.00% on all classes of shares that are redeemed or exchanged on or before the seventh day after the date of a purchase. The redemption fee is deducted from the proceeds otherwise payable to the redeeming shareholders and is retained by the Fund as an increase in paid-in capital. The redemption fees retained by the Fund during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, if any, can be found in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets under Redemption Fees.

 

Transactions in shares of capital stock were as follows:

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Class AAA                                
Shares sold     460     $ 13,676       735     $ 22,539  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     3,085       93,767       4,798       134,227  
Shares redeemed     (8,936 )     (268,461 )     (7,142 )     (210,540 )
Net decrease     (5,391 )   $ (161,018 )     (1,609 )   $ (53,774 )
Class A                                
Shares sold     1,379     $ 41,508       2,580     $ 76,197  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     591       17,988       1,002       28,094  
Shares redeemed     (4,044 )     (121,265 )     (8,404 )     (253,897 )
Net decrease     (2,074   $ (61,769 )     (4,822 )   $ (149,606 )
Class C                                
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     403     $ 10,158       666     $ 15,517  
Shares redeemed     (3,278 )     (82,837 )     (5,544 )     (137,940 )
Net decrease     (2,875 )   $ (72,679 )     (4,878 )   $ (122,423 )
Class I                                
Shares sold     577,974     $ 17,758,434       96,585     $ 3,181,012  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     39,489       1,205,195       38,351       1,077,284  
Shares redeemed     (577,080 )     (16,746,522 )     (266,893 )     (8,398,539 )
Net increase/(decrease)     40,383     $ 2,217,107       (131,957 )   $ (4,140,243 )

 

9. Significant Shareholder. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 87.0% of the Fund was beneficially owned by the Adviser and its affiliates, including managed accounts for which the affiliates of the Adviser have voting control but disclaim pecuniary interest.

 

10. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

11. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

19

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders of The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

and the Board of Directors of GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”)), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.) at December 31, 2023, 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 its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Corporation is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Gabelli Funds investment companies since 1992.

 

New York, New York

February 28, 2024

 

20

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)

 

 

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act,the Fund has established a liquidity risk management program (the LRM Program) to govern its approach to managing liquidity risk. The LRM Program is administered by the Liquidity Committee (the Committee), which is comprised of members of Gabelli Funds, LLC management. The Board has designated the Committee to administer the LRM Program.

 

The LRM Program’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. The LRM Program also includes elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity and the monthly classification and re-classification of certain investments that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their relative liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on August 23, 2023, the Board received a written report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the LRM Program. The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the LRM Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively since its implementation. The Committee reported that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The Committee noted that the Fund is primarily invested in highly liquid securities and, accordingly, continues to be exempt from the requirement to determine a “highly liquid investment minimum” as defined in the Rule 22e-4. Because of that continued qualification for the exemption, the Fund has not adopted a “highly liquid investment minimum” amount. The Committee further noted that while changes to the LRM Program were made during the Review Period and reported to the Board, no material changes were made to the LRM Program as a result of the Committee’s annual review.

 

There can be no assurance that the LRM Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus for more information regarding its exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

21

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

 

During the six months ended December 31, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser for the Fund on the basis of the recommendation by the directors (the Independent Board Members) who are not interested persons of the Fund. The following paragraphs summarize the material information and factors considered by the Independent Board Members as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Independent Board Members considered information regarding the portfolio managers, the depth of the analyst pool available to the Adviser and the Fund’s portfolio managers, the scope of supervisory, administrative, shareholder, and other services supervised or provided by the Adviser and the absence of significant service problems reported to the Board. The Independent Board Members noted the experience, length of service and reputation of the Fund’s portfolio managers.

 

Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the short, medium, and long term performance of the Fund (as of September 30, 2023) against a peer group of nine other comparable funds prepared by the Adviser (the Adviser Peer Group), and against a peer group prepared by Broadridge (the Broadridge Performance Peer Group) consisting of all retail and institutional global equity income funds, regardless of asset size or primary channel of distribution. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the third quartile for the one year period and in the fourth quartile for the three, five, and ten year periods, as measured against the Adviser Peer Group. Against the Broadridge Performance Peer Group, the Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the fifth quintile for the five and ten year periods, and in the third quintile for the one and three year periods. The Independent Board Members recalled the Adviser’s comprehensive discussion of performance earlier in the Meeting.

 

Profitability. The Independent Board Members reviewed summary data regarding the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser both with a pro rata administrative overhead charge and with a standalone administrative charge and noted the effect of the expense limitation agreement. The Independent Board Members also noted that a portion of the Fund’s portfolio transactions were executed by an affiliated broker of the Adviser and that another affiliated broker of the Adviser received distribution fees and minor amounts of sales commissions.

 

Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Adviser’s cost structure and the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale and reviewed data provided by the Adviser.

 

Sharing of Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members noted that the investment management fee schedule for the Fund does not take into account any potential economies of scale that may develop.

 

Service and Cost Comparisons. The Independent Board Members compared the expense ratios of the investment management fee, other expenses, and total expenses of the Fund with similar expense ratios of the Adviser Peer Group and a peer group of six other global equity income funds selected by Broadridge (the Broadridge Expense Peer Group), and noted that the Adviser’s management fee includes substantially all administrative services of the Fund as well as investment advisory services. The Board Members noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio was one of the lowest for the Adviser Peer Group and the lowest for the Broadridge Expense Peer Group and that the Fund’s size was significantly lower than the average of the Adviser Peer Group, and lower than the average of the Broadridge Expense Peer Group. The Independent Board Members also noted that the advisory fee structure was the same as that in effect for most of the Gabelli funds and noted

 

22

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

the effect of the expense limitation agreement in place for the Fund. The Independent Board Members were presented with, but did not consider to be material to their decision, various information comparing the advisory fee to the fee for other types of accounts managed by the Adviser.

 

Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services and good ancillary services. The Independent Board Members noted the reasons for the Fund’s historical underperformance and certain improved performance metrics. The Independent Board Members also concluded that the Fund’s expense ratios and profitability to the Adviser were reasonable, and that economies of scale were not a significant factor in their thinking at this time. In this regard, the Independent Board Members noted the contractual Expense Deferral Agreement between the Adviser and the Corporation, on behalf of each Fund, pursuant to which the net expense ratio for each share class of each Fund was reduced to 0.90%. The Independent Board Members did not view the potential profitability of ancillary services as material to their decision. On the basis of the foregoing and without assigning particular weight to any single conclusion, the Independent Board Members determined to recommend continuation of the investment management agreement to the full Board.

 

Based on a consideration of all these factors in their totality, the Board Members, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Fund’s advisory fee was appropriate in light of the quality of services provided and in light of the other factors described above that the Board deemed relevant. Accordingly, the Board Members determined to approve the continuation of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement. The Board Members based their decision on evaluations of all these factors as a whole and did not consider any one factor as all important or controlling.

 

23

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

 

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and Officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Corporation’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or by writing to The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Director3
                 
INTERESTED DIRECTORS4:                
                 
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Director and Chief
Investment Officer
1942
  Since 1993   31   Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer– Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management, Inc.; Director/Trustee or Chief Investment Officer of other registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex; Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc.; Executive Chair of Associated Capital Group, Inc.   Director of Morgan Group Holding Co. (holding company) (2001-2019); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of LICT Corp. (multimedia and communication services company); Director of CIBL, Inc. (broadcasting and wireless communications); Director of ICTC Group Inc. (communications) (2013-2018)
                 
John D. Gabelli
Director
1944
  Since 1993   12   Former Senior Vice President of G.research, LLC (and its predecessor) (1991-2019)  
                 
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS5:                
                 
E. Val Cerutti
Director
1939
  Since 2001
 
 
  7
 
 
  Chief Executive Officer of Cerutti Consultants, Inc.   Director of The LGL Group, Inc. (diversified manufacturing) (1990-2009)
                 
Anthony J. Colavita6
Director
1935
  Since 1993   18   President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.  
                 
Werner J. Roeder
Director
1940
  Since 1993   20   Retired physician; Former Vice President of Medical Affairs (Medical Director) of New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital (1999-2014)   — 
                 
Anthonie C. van Ekris6
Director
1934
  Since 1993   23   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/ export company)  

 

24

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Director3
                 

Salvatore J. Zizza7

Director

1945

  Since 2004   35   President, Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); Chairman of Bergen Cove Realty Inc. (residential real estate)   Director and Chairman of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018); Retired Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing); Director of Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.

 

25

 

 

The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
 
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
         
OFFICERS:        
         

John C. Ball
President, Treasurer,
Principal Financial &
Accounting Officer

1976

  Since 2017   Senior Vice President (since 2018) and other positions (2017 - 2018) of GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Chief Executive Officer, G.distributors, LLC since 2020; Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2017
         
Peter Goldstein
Secretary & Vice
President
1953
  Since 2020   General Counsel, GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Legal Officer, Associated Capital Group, Inc. since 2021; General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Buckingham Capital Management, Inc. (2012-2020); Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, The Buckingham Research Group, Inc. (2012-2020)
         
Richard J. Walz
Chief Compliance
Officer
1959
  Since 2013   Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2013

 

 
1 Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted.
2 Each Director will hold office for an indefinite term until the earliest of (i) the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such Director and until the election and qualification of his or her successor, if any, elected at such meeting, or (ii) the date a Director resigns or retires, or a Director is removed by the Board of Directors or shareholders, in accordance with the Corporation’s By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation. For officers, includes time served in prior officer positions with the Fund. Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
3 This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
4 “Interested person” of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act. Messrs. Gabelli are each considered an “interested person” because of their affiliation with Gabelli Funds, LLC which acts as the Corporation’s investment adviser. Mario J. Gabelli and John D. Gabelli are brothers.
5 Directors who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Directors.
6 Mr. Colavita’s son, Anthony S. Colavita, serves as a director of other funds in the Gabelli Fund Complex. Mr. van Ekris is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., Gabelli Fund, LDC, GAMA Capital Opportunities Master, Ltd., and GAMCO International SICAV, which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser.
7 Mr. Zizza is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. On September 9, 2015, Mr. Zizza entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry relating to an alleged violation regarding the making of false statements or omissions to the accountants of a company concerning a related party transaction. The company in question is not an affiliate of, nor has any connection to, the Fund. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Zizza, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings and allegation, paid $150,000 and agreed to cease and desist committing or causing any future violations of Rule 13b2-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has discussed this matter and has determined that it does not disqualify Mr. Zizza from serving as an Independent Director.

 

26

 

 

 

Gabelli Funds and Your Personal Privacy

 

 

Who are we?

 

The Gabelli Funds are investment companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We are managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc., a publicly held company with subsidiaries and affiliates that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.

 

What kind of non-public information do we collect about you if you become a fund shareholder?

 

If you apply to open an account directly with us, you will be giving us some non-public information about yourself. The non-public information we collect about you is:

 

Information you give us on your application form. This could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number, bank account number, and other information.

 

Information about your transactions with us, any transactions with our affiliates, and transactions with the entities we hire to provide services to you. This would include information about the shares that you buy or redeem. If we hire someone else to provide services — like a transfer agent — we will also have information about the transactions that you conduct through them.

 

What information do we disclose and to whom do we disclose it?

 

We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone other than our affiliates, our service providers who need to know such information, and as otherwise permitted by law. If you want to find out what the law permits, you can read the privacy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are in volume 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 248. The Commission often posts information about its regulations on its website, www. sec.gov.

 

What do we do to protect your personal information?

 

We restrict access to non-public personal information about you to the people who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or the fund and to ensure that we are complying with the laws governing the securities business. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to keep your personal information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Gabelli Global Rising Income and Dividend Fund

2023 TAX NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (Unaudited)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid to shareholders ordinary income distributions of $0.57094, $0.57094, $0.56987, and $0.57094 per share for Class AAA, Class A, Class C, and Class I Shares, respectively, return of capital distributions of $0.09838, $0.09857, $0.08453, and $0.09869 per share for Class AAA, Class A, Class C, and Class I Shares, respectively, and long term capital gains of $96,091, or the maximum allowable. The distribution of long term capital gains has been designated as a capital gain dividend by the Fund’s Board of Directors. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 39.78% of the ordinary income distribution qualifies for the dividends received deduction available to corporations. The Fund designates 100% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified dividend income pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designates 21.07% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified interest income pursuant to the Tax Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. Also during 2023, the Fund passed through foreign tax credits of $0.03261 per share to each Class of Shares.

 

U.S. Government Income:

 

The percentage of the ordinary income distribution paid by the Fund during the year ended December 31, 2023 which was derived from U.S. Treasury securities was 19.92%. Such income is exempt from state and local 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 Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2023. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2023 was 1.73%. Due to the diversity in state and local tax law, it is recommended that you consult your personal tax adviser as to the applicability of the information provided to your specific situation.

 

 

All designations are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

 

 

 

 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL RISING INCOME AND DIVIDEND FUND

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

 

Portfolio Manager Biography

 

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. that he founded in 1977, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management, Inc. He is also Executive Chairman of Associated Capital Group, Inc. Mr. Gabelli is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University and holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School and Honorary Doctorates from Fordham University and Roger Williams University.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Annual Report — December 31, 2023

 

(Y)our Portfolio Management Team

 

       
  Caesar M. P. Bryan
Portfolio Manager
  Gustavo Pifano
Portfolio Manager
  Ashish Sinha
Portfolio Manager
 

 

To Our Shareholders,

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the net asset value (NAV) total return per Class AAA Share of The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund was 6.3% compared with a total return of 13.2% for the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia and Far East (EAFE) Small Cap Index. Other classes of shares are available. See page 4 for performance information for all classes.

 

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023.

 

Investment Objective and Strategy (Unaudited)

 

The Fund’s objective is to provide investors with appreciation of capital. Current income is a secondary objective of the Fund.

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is to invest primarily in a portfolio of common stocks of non-U.S. companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in the stocks of “small cap companies.” Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Adviser, currently characterizes small capitalization companies as those with total common stock market values of $3 billion or less at the time of investment.

 

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. markets throughout the world, including emerging markets. Ordinarily, the Fund will invest in the securities of at least five countries outside the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports on paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.

 

 

 

 

In selecting investments, the Adviser seeks issuers with a dominant market share or niche franchise in growing and/or consolidating industries. The Adviser considers for purchase the stocks of small capitalization companies with experienced management, strong balance sheets, and rising free cash flow and earnings. The Adviser’s goal is to invest long term in the stocks of companies trading at reasonable market valuations relative to perceived economic worth.

 

Performance Discussion (Unaudited)

 

Global equity markets posted solid gains during the first quarter of 2023. Developed international markets gained 7.3% adding to a strong fourth quarter further recovering from a poor 2022. Investors reacted positively to lower long term interest rates and the reopening of the Chinese economy. Sentiment was further buoyed by lower energy prices. For example, the price of Brent crude oil declined by $6 per barrel to end the quarter at about $80 per barrel. This is particularly important for Japan and the major European economies that are large oil importers. Lower energy prices and sluggish economic growth raised investor confidence that inflation had peaked and was headed lower. Investor belief that central banks will be less aggressive was reflected in sharply lower long term interest rates. This is illustrated by the German ten year government bond which ended March at 2.3% down by 28 basis points for the quarter.

 

For the second quarter, equity returns were dominated by the powerful performance of a limited number of very large capitalization U.S. based technology companies. To illustrate this point, while the MSCI EAFE index of overseas developed markets appreciated by 1.9% the NASDAQ 100 index, which includes the few strong performing large technology companies, rose by 15.2% and by 38.8% for the year to date. Within international equity markets, Europe, in aggregate, rallied by 1.3% while the Japanese market posted a solid gain of 6.3%. Smaller capitalization stocks overseas have continued to underperform larger companies. As an example, in Japan the Nikkei 225 index appreciated by 18.4% in yen terms while the Topix Small Company index only rose by 8.2%. This current underperformance of smaller companies likely reflects investor concerns about global growth.

 

Most global equity markets declined during the third quarter of 2023 largely in reaction to rising interest rates. Developed international markets, as measured by the EAFE Index, fell by 4.7% with Japan declining by 2.4% and Europe by 5.4%. For comparison, the S&P index and Emerging Markets lost 3.6% and 3.7% respectively. The leading global central banks led by the Federal Reserve (Fed) and with the exception of the Bank of Japan continued to focus their attention on reducing inflation by raising short term interest rates and threatening to keep raising rates until inflation is tamed. This has led to further losses in longer dated government bonds. For example, the ten year U.S. Treasury ended September yielding 4.57% up 73 basis points for the quarter. Similarly, the German ten year government bond yield rose 45 basis points and ended the quarter with a yield of 2.84%.

 

After a weak three months to the end of October, global equity markets responded positively to indications that the Fed had finished raising interest rates. Bonds rallied and equities raced ahead with the MSCI world index gaining over 15% from the end of October to year end. For the fourth quarter of 2023 the MSCI EAFE index appreciated by 10.1% with Europe and Japan rising by 10.7% and 8.0% respectively. Among the larger equity markets only China declined (by 4.4%) while the standouts were Sweden and the Netherlands which added about 20% for the quarter. Helping returns from international markets was the weakness in the dollar. For example, the euro rallied from 1.06 to the dollar to 1.10 by year end and the yen clawed back some of its recent losses during the quarter to end the year at 141 to the dollar having hit a multi year low over 150 earlier in the year.

 

2

 

 

Selected holdings that contributed positively to performance in 2023 were: Hotel Chocolat Group plc (2.6% of net assets as of December 31, 2023), which manufactures and retails chocolates and cocoa related products under the Hotel Chocolat brand name in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Saint Lucia, the United States, and Japan; Siegfried Holdings AG (3.6%), which engages in the life sciences business worldwide. The company develops and produces active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates, as well as finished dosage forms; and Alamos Gold Inc. (3.7%) is a Canadian based intermediate gold producer with diversified production from three operating mines in North America.

 

Some of our weaker performing holdings during the year were: Entain plc (1.9%) which operates as a sports betting and gaming company. The company provides online betting, casino, poker, and bingo services; Manchester United plc (1.7%), together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates the Manchester United Football Club in the United Kingdom; and Sakata Seed Corp. (1.7%), which produces and sells vegetable and flower seeds, bulbs, plants, and agricultural and horticultural supplies in Japan and internationally.

 

Thank you for your investment in The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund.

 

We appreciate your confidence and trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of the Fund’s portfolio managers and Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Adviser, as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

3

 

 

Comparative Results

 

 

Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2023 (a) (Unaudited)

 

Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in share price, reinvestment of distributions, and are net of expenses.

 

    1 Year     5 Year     10 Year     15 Year     Since
Inception
(5/11/98)
 
Class AAA (GABOX)     6.32 %     4.36 %     2.31 %     6.39 %     5.32 %
MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index     13.16       6.58       4.80       9.18       7.20 (b)
MSCI AC World Ex-U.S. Index     16.09       7.55       4.27       7.17       5.00  
Lipper Global Large-Cap Growth Fund Classification     26.74       12.55       8.78       11.52       2.11  
Class A (GOCAX)     6.34       4.18       2.08       6.23       5.23  
With sales charge (c)     0.22       2.96       1.47       5.81       4.99  
Class C (GGLCX)     6.39       4.06       1.67       5.69       4.83  
Class I (GLOIX)     6.41       4.37       2.57       6.66       5.49  

 

 
(a) Returns would have been lower had the Adviser not reimbursed certain expenses of the Fund. The Class AAA Share NAVs are used to calculate performance for the periods prior to the issuance of Class A Shares, Class C Shares, and Class I Shares on March 12, 2000, November 23, 2001, and January 11, 2008, respectively. The actual performance of the Class A Shares and Class C Shares would have been lower due to the additional fees and expenses associated with these classes of shares. The actual performance of the Class I Shares would have been higher due to lower expenses related to this class of shares. The Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shares sold or exchanged within seven days of purchase.
(b) The MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index captures small cap representation across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding U.S. and Canada. The MSCI World Ex-U.S. Index captures large and mid cap representation across Developed Markets countries excluding the United States. The Lipper Global Large-Cap Growth Fund Classification reflects the average performance of mutual funds classified in those particular categories. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index. MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index performance as of inception of Index December 31, 1998.
(c) Performance results include the effect of the maximum 5.75% sales charge at the beginning of the period.

 

In the current prospectuses dated April 28, 2023, the gross expense ratios for Class AAA, A, and I Shares are 3.64%, 3.64%, and 3.39%, respectively, and the net expense ratios for all share classes after contractual reimbursements by Gabelli Funds, LLC, (the Adviser) is 0.92%. See page 12 for the expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 2023. The contractual reimbursements are in effect through April 30, 2024. Class AAA and Class I Shares do not have a sales charge. The maximum sales charge for Class A Shares is 5.75%.

 

Investing in foreign securities involves risks not ordinarily associated with investments in domestic issues, including currency fluctuation, economic, and political risks. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains information about these and other matters and should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, please visit our website at www.gabelli.com.

 

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. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end.

 

 

4

 

 

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN

THE GABELLI INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP FUND (CLASS AAA SHARES) AND MSCI EAFE SMALL

CAP INDEX (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns*
  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
Class AAA 6.32% 4.36% 2.31%

 

 

* Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance tables and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

5

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

For the Six Month Period from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Expense Table
 

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of fees and expenses regarding your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a fund, you incur ongoing costs, which include costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports (like this one), among others. Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of a fund. When a fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, this figure is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.

 

The Expense Table below illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Actual Fund Return: This section provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use this section to help you to estimate the actual expenses that you paid over the period after any fee waivers and expense reimbursements. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return during the past six months, and the “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.

 

To do so, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid during this period.

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: This section provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio. It assumes a hypothetical annualized return of 5% before expenses during the period shown. In this case – because the hypothetical return used is not the Fund’s actual return – the results do not apply to your investment and you cannot use the hypothetical account value and expense to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you

paid for the period. This example is useful in making comparisons of the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees, if any, which are described in the Prospectus. If these costs were applied to your account, your costs would be higher. Therefore, the 5% hypothetical return is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. The “Annualized Expense Ratio” represents the actual expenses for the last six months and may be different from the expense ratio in the Financial Highlights which is for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

    Beginning
Account Value
07/01/23
    Ending
Account Value
12/31/23
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses
Paid During
Period *
 
The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund
Actual Fund Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 997.50     0.92%     $ 4.63  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 997.50     0.92%     $ 4.63  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 998.10     0.92%     $ 4.63  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 998.30     0.92%     $ 4.63  
Hypothetical 5% Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.57     0.92%     $ 4.69  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.57     0.92%     $ 4.69  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.57     0.92%     $ 4.69  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.57     0.92%     $ 4.69  

 

 
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the last six months multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (184 days), then divided by 365.

 

6

 

 

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

The following tables present portfolio holdings as a percent of net assets as of December 31, 2023:

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

 

Consumer Staples     19.4 %
Health Care     18.5 %
Materials     18.0 %
Industrials     13.2 %
Consumer Discretionary     12.5 %
Information Technology     10.9 %
Financials     4.8 %
U.S. Government Obligations     2.7 %
Communication Services     1.7 %
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)     (1.7 )%
      100.0 %

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

 

Proxy Voting

 

The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

7

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2023

 

 

                Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
        COMMON STOCKS — 97.4%                
        CONSUMER STAPLES — 19.4%                
  15,000     Austevoll Seafood ASA   $ 129,584     $ 109,475  
  5,500     Fevertree Drinks plc     138,747       73,541  
  9,000     Glanbia plc     94,557       148,139  
  35,000     Hotel Chocolat Group plc†     114,665       165,067  
  3,300     Interparfums SA     106,001       183,609  
  1,600     Laurent-Perrier     144,622       213,725  
  2,500     Milbon Co. Ltd.     101,252       65,497  
  32,000     PZ Cussons plc     121,541       62,488  
  4,000     Sakata Seed Corp.     118,342       111,064  
  2,000     Viscofan SA     121,711       118,343  
              1,191,022       1,250,948  
        MATERIALS — 18.0%                
  4,000     Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A     27,681       53,880  
  13,850     Alamos Gold Inc., Toronto, Cl. A     102,362       186,262  
  8,000     Eldorado Gold Corp.†     86,947       103,760  
  9,544     Endeavour Mining plc     133,761       214,426  
  5,000     Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp.     90,519       120,373  
  4,000     MAG Silver Corp.†     51,468       41,629  
  9,000     Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.     108,792       128,441  
  75,000     Perseus Mining Ltd.     76,499       94,551  
  15,000     Treatt plc     96,439       96,172  
  80,000     Westgold Resources Ltd.†     132,212       118,845  
              906,680       1,158,339  
        HEALTH CARE — 16.9%                
  12,212     AddLife AB, Cl. B     59,108       132,459  
  1,300     Bachem Holding AG     36,865       100,470  
  1,800     Gerresheimer AG     177,000       187,484  
  7,000     Mani Inc.     88,794       105,943  
  230     Siegfried Holding AG     76,087       235,045  
  230     Tecan Group AG     122,569       93,909  
  15,000     Tristel plc     71,265       87,951  
  1,300     Vetoquinol SA     81,468       146,958  
              713,156       1,090,219  
        INDUSTRIALS — 13.2%                
  15,000     Aida Engineering Ltd.     152,919       87,766  
  8,000     AZ-COM MARUWA Holdings Inc.     122,710       86,752  
  50,000     Chemring Group plc     137,397       223,382  
  2,000     Clarkson plc     78,000       80,685  
  4,000     Daiei Kankyo Co. Ltd.     62,437       70,723  
  4,000     Iveco Group NV†     42,339       35,971  
  8,000     JGC Holdings Corp.     101,054       92,341  
  4,000     Loomis AB     148,615       106,127  
  20,000     QleanAir AB†     115,538       64,941  
              961,009       848,688  
                Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
        CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 12.5%                
  10,000     Beneteau SACA   $ 168,177     $ 137,773  
  9,820     Entain plc     81,636       124,445  
  24,000     Genius Sports Ltd.†     239,319       148,320  
  2,200     JINS Holdings Inc.     125,148       73,333  
  75,000     Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.     149,583       117,000  
  6,000     Raccoon Holdings Inc.     131,510       27,617  
  2,300     Tokyotokeiba Co. Ltd.     67,831       72,344  
  10,000     Zojirushi Corp.     93,734       105,745  
              1,056,938       806,577  
        INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — 10.9%                
  4,000     A&D HOLON Holdings Co. Ltd.     53,479       51,120  
  7,500     GMO internet group Inc.     198,867       136,330  
  20,000     NCC Group plc     57,230       32,835  
  3,000     Nynomic AG†     78,031       105,317  
  6,000     Optex Group Co. Ltd.     98,632       76,000  
  100,000     Oxford Metrics plc     116,940       136,387  
  6,000     PSI Software SE     157,350       167,580  
              760,529       705,569  
        FINANCIALS — 4.8%                
  17,000     Polar Capital Holdings plc     129,675       100,978  
  20,000     Tamburi Investment Partners SpA     139,176       205,334  
              268,851       306,312  
        COMMUNICATION SERVICES — 1.7%                
  5,500     Manchester United plc,Cl. A†     100,264       112,090  
                         
        TOTAL COMMON STOCKS     5,958,449       6,278,742  
                         
        PREFERRED STOCKS — 1.6%                
        HEALTH CARE — 1.6%                
  1,800     Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, 0.190%     156,593       102,932  

 

Principal                  
Amount                  
        U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 2.7%                
$ 175,000     U.S. Treasury Bill, 5.293%††, 03/28/24     172,791       172,830  
                         
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 101.7%   $ 6,287,833       6,554,504  
                         
        Other Assets and Liabilities (Net) — (1.7)%             (106,827 )
                         
        NET ASSETS — 100.0%           $ 6,447,677  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2023

 

 

 
Non-income producing security.
†† Represents annualized yield at date of purchase.
    % of        
    Market     Market  
Geographic Diversification   Value     Value  
Europe     64.9 %   $ 4,254,359  
Japan     17.7       1,162,575  
Canada     9.8       634,344  
Asia/Pacific     5.0       330,396  
United States     2.6       172,830  
    100.0 %   $ 6,554,504  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2023

 

 

Assets:        
Investments, at value (cost $6,287,833)   $ 6,554,504  
Cash     690  
Receivable for Fund shares sold     115  
Receivable from Adviser     16,338  
Dividends receivable     19,764  
Prepaid expenses     14,876  
Total Assets     6,606,287  
Liabilities:        
Payable for Fund shares redeemed     41,191  
Payable for investment advisory fees     5,366  
Payable for distribution fees     848  
Payable for legal and audit fees     15,875  
Other accrued expenses     95,330  
Total Liabilities     158,610  
Net Assets        
(applicable to 522,801 shares outstanding)   $ 6,447,677  
Net Assets Consist of:        
Paid-in capital   $ 6,849,479  
Total accumulated loss     (401,802 )
Net Assets   $ 6,447,677  
         
Shares of Capital Stock, each at $0.001 par value:        
Class AAA:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($4,009,961 ÷ 328,332 shares outstanding; 75,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 12.21  
Class A:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($52,020 ÷ 4,270 shares outstanding; 50,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 12.18  
Maximum offering price per share (NAV ÷ 0.9425, based on maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the offering price)   $ 12.92  
Class C:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($7,618 ÷ 697.86 shares outstanding; 25,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 10.92  
Class I:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($2,378,078 ÷ 189,501 shares outstanding; 25,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 12.55  

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

Investment Income:        
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $11,370)   $ 113,362  
Interest     12,251  
Total Investment Income     125,613  
Expenses:        
Investment advisory fees     65,261  
Distribution fees - Class AAA     10,294  
Distribution fees - Class A     126  
Distribution fees - Class C     74  
Legal and audit fees     47,132  
Administration out-of-pocket fees     41,011  
Registration expenses     35,230  
Shareholder services fees     22,188  
Shareholder communications expenses     11,189  
Interest expense     1,805  
Directors’ fees     1,502  
Miscellaneous expenses     20,724  
Total Expenses     256,536  
Less:        
Expense reimbursements (See Note 3)     (194,774 )
Expenses paid indirectly by broker (See Note 6)     (1,222 )
Total Reimbursements and Credits     (195,996 )
Net Expenses     60,540  
Net Investment Income     65,073  
         
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency:        
Net realized loss on investments     (357,346 )
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions     (734 )
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions     (358,080 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:        
on investments     716,775  
on foreign currency translations     234  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     717,009  
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency     358,929  
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   $ 424,002  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
Operations:                
Net investment income   $ 65,073     $ 117,675  
Net realized loss on investments, forward foreign exchange contracts, and foreign currency transactions     (358,080 )     (184,400 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     717,009       (2,651,897 )
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     424,002       (2,718,622 )
                 
Distributions to Shareholders:                
Accumulated earnings                
Class AAA     (68,053 )     (18,913 )
Class A     (881 )     (219 )
Class C     (144 )     (36 )
Class I     (39,770 )     (11,275 )
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (108,848 )     (30,443 )
                 
Capital Share Transactions:                
Class AAA     (397,634 )     (383,911 )
Class A     766       (31,433 )
Class C     129       (5,306 )
Class I     (334,878 )     (653,586 )
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions     (731,617 )     (1,074,236 )
                 
Redemption Fees     99       5  
                 
Net Decrease in Net Assets     (416,364 )     (3,823,296 )
                 
Net Assets:                
Beginning of year     6,864,041       10,687,337  
End of year   $ 6,447,677     $ 6,864,041  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year:

 

          Income (Loss) from Investment Operations     Distributions                       Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data  
Year Ended December 31   Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year     Net Investment Income (Loss)(a)     Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     Total from Investment Operations     Net Investment Income     Net Realized Gain on Investments     Total Distributions     Redemption Fees(a)(b)     Net Asset Value, End of Year     Total Return†     Net Assets, End of Year (in 000’s)     Net Investment Income (Loss)     Operating Expenses Before Reimbursement     Operating
Expenses Net of Reimbursement(c)(d)
    Portfolio Turnover Rate  
Class AAA                            
2023   $ 11.68     $ 0.12     $ 0.62     $ 0.74     $ (0.21 )   $     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.00     $ 12.21       6.32 %   $ 4,010       1.00 %     4.02 %     0.93 %(e)      6 %
2022     15.75       0.18 (f)      (4.20 )     (4.02 )     (0.05 )           (0.05 )     0.00       11.68       (25.50 )     4,216       1.48 (f)      3.64       0.92 (e)(g)      5  
2021     15.44       0.13 (f)      0.51       0.64       (0.33 )     (0.00 )(b)      (0.33 )     0.00       15.75       4.16       6,191       0.79 (f)      2.89       0.92 (g)      15  
2020     13.06       0.06       2.44       2.50       (0.12 )           (0.12 )     0.00       15.44       19.16       6,617       0.51       3.65       0.91       22  
2019     11.09       0.19 (f)      2.68       2.87       (0.22 )     (0.68 )     (0.90 )     0.00       13.06       25.94       6,366       1.50 (f)      3.41       1.00       9  
Class A                                                            
2023   $ 11.65     $ 0.12     $ 0.62     $ 0.74     $ (0.21 )   $     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.00     $ 12.18       6.34 %   $ 52       1.01 %     4.02 %     0.93 %(e)      6 %
2022     15.72       0.17 (f)      (4.19 )     (4.02 )     (0.05 )           (0.05 )     0.00       11.65       (25.55 )     49       1.40 (f)      3.64       0.92 (e)(g)      5  
2021     15.40       0.13 (f)      0.52       0.65       (0.33 )     (0.00 )(b)      (0.33 )     0.00       15.72       4.24       104       0.82 (f)      2.89       0.92 (g)      15  
2020     13.03       0.06       2.43       2.49       (0.12 )           (0.12 )     0.00       15.40       19.13       101       0.50       3.65       0.91       22  
2019     11.05       0.07 (f)      2.67       2.74       (0.08 )     (0.68 )     (0.76 )     0.00       13.03       24.86       91       0.60 (f)      3.41       1.91       9  
Class C                                                            
2023   $ 10.46     $ 0.11     $ 0.56     $ 0.67     $ (0.21 )   $     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.00     $ 10.92       6.39 %   $ 8       1.01 %     4.77 %     0.93 %(e)      6 %
2022     14.12       0.15 (f)      (3.76 )     (3.61 )     (0.05 )           (0.05 )           10.46       (25.55 )     7       1.36 (f)      4.39       0.92 (e)(g)      5  
2021     13.87       0.11 (f)      0.47       0.58       (0.33 )     (0.00 )(b)      (0.33 )     0.00       14.12       4.20       16       0.77 (f)      3.64       0.92 (g)      15  
2020     11.74       0.05       2.20       2.25       (0.12 )           (0.12 )     0.00       13.87       19.19       28       0.48       4.40       0.91       22  
2019     10.02       (0.01 )(f)      2.41       2.40             (0.68 )     (0.68 )     0.00       11.74       24.01       26       (0.12 )(f)      4.16       2.61       9  
Class I                                                            
2023   $ 11.99     $ 0.12     $ 0.65     $ 0.77     $ (0.21 )   $     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.00     $ 12.55       6.41 %   $ 2,378       0.99 %     3.77 %     0.93 %(e)      6 %
2022     16.18       0.19 (f)      (4.33 )     (4.14 )     (0.05 )           (0.05 )     0.00       11.99       (25.57 )     2,592       1.52 (f)      3.39       0.92 (e)(g)      5  
2021     15.85       0.14 (f)      0.52       0.66       (0.33 )     (0.00 )(b)      (0.33 )     0.00       16.18       4.18       4,376       0.87 (f)      2.64       0.92 (g)      15  
2020     13.41       0.05       2.51       2.56       (0.12 )           (0.12 )     0.00       15.85       19.11       4,342       0.39       3.40       0.91       22  
2019     11.39       0.19 (f)      2.77       2.96       (0.26 )     (0.68 )     (0.94 )     0.00       13.41       26.04       1,312       1.52 (f)      3.16       1.00       9  

 

 
Total return represents aggregate total return of a hypothetical investment at the beginning of the year and sold at the end of the year including reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the applicable sales charges.
(a) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(c) Under an expense reimbursement agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser reimbursed expenses of $251,208, $205,704, $216,306, $210,061, and $184,323 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
(d) The Fund incurred interest expense. If interest expense had not been incurred, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 0.90%, 0.91%, and 0.90% for each Class for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2020. For the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2019, the effect of interest expense was minimal.
(e) The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. If such credits had not been received, the ratios of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 0.95% for each Class for the year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there was no impact to the expense ratios.
(f) Includes income resulting from special dividends. Without these dividends, the per share income/(loss) amounts would have been $0.09, $0.06, and $0.15 (Class AAA), $0.08, $0.06, and $0.04 (Class A), $0.07, $0.05, and $(0.05) (Class C), and $0.10, $0.07, and $0.15 (Class I), and the net investment income/(loss) ratios would have been 0.77%, 0.36%, and 1.19% (Class AAA), 0.69%, 0.39%, and 0.29% (Class A), 0.65%, 0.34%, and (0.43%) (Class C), and 0.81%, 0.44%, and 1.21% (Class I) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2019, respectively.
(g) The Fund incurred tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. If tax expense had not been incurred, the ratios of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 0.90% for each Class.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

12

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

1. Organization. The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund (the Fund), a series of the GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the Corporation), was incorporated on July 16, 1993 in Maryland. Although the Fund is registered as a non-diversified fund, it has operated as a diversified fund for over three years. Therefore, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) obliges the Fund to continue to operate as a diversified fund unless the Fund obtains shareholder approval to operate as a non-diversified fund. The Fund is one of five 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. As an investment company, the Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance, which is part of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that may require the use of management estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its 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 or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price 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. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Directors (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. 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 Adviser).

 

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. Such debt obligations are valued through prices provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.

 

Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.

 

The Fund employs a fair value model to adjust prices to reflect events affecting the values of certain portfolio securities which occur between the close of trading on the principal market for such securities (foreign exchanges and over-the-counter markets) at the time when net asset values of the Fund are determined. If the Fund’s valuation committee believes that a particular event would materially affect net asset value, further adjustment is considered. Such securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy presented below.

 

13

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

 

Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and

 

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Board’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

    Valuation Inputs        
 
 
 
  Level 1
Quoted Prices
    Level 2
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    Total Market Value
at 12/31/23
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:                        
ASSETS (Market Value):                        
Common Stocks (a)   $ 6,278,742           $ 6,278,742  
Preferred Stocks (a)     102,932             102,932  
U.S. Government Obligations         $ 172,830       172,830  
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS   $ 6,381,674     $ 172,830     $ 6,554,504  

 

 
(a) Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.

 

The Fund held no Level 3 investments at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers among levels as of the beginning of the reporting period.

 

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

 

General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services – approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser – to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.

 

Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted

 

14

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

as to transfer. When fair valuing a security, factors to consider include recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

 

The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.

 

Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. 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 that 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 translations. 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 purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.

 

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

 

Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

 

Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method or amortized to earliest call date, if applicable. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.

 

Determination of Net Asset Value and Calculation of Expenses. Certain administrative expenses are common to, and allocated among, various affiliated funds. Such allocations are made on the basis of each fund’s average net assets or other criteria directly affecting the expenses as determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

 

15

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

In calculating the NAV per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, redemption fees, and expenses other than class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of each day. Distribution expenses are borne solely by the class incurring the expense.

 

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to the tax treatment of taxable distributions in excess of income. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2023, reclassifications were made to decrease paid-in capital by $981, with an offsetting adjustment to total accumulated loss.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
Distributions paid from:                
Ordinary income   $ 108,848     $ 30,443  
Total distributions paid   $ 108,848     $ 30,443  

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

 

At December 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital loss carryforwards   $ (544,952 )
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     143,150  
Total   $ (401,802 )

 

The Fund is permitted to carry capital losses forward for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short term or long term capital losses. The Fund has a short term capital loss carryforward with no expiration of $33,331 and a long term capital loss carryforward with no expiration of $511,621.

 

At December 31, 2023, the temporary differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation were primarily due to mark-to-market adjustments on investments in passive foreign investment companies,

 

16

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

capital loss carryforward not yet utilized, and adjustments on the sale of securities no longer deemed passive foreign investment companies.

 

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 2023:

 

    Cost     Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
    Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
 
Investments   $ 6,411,551     $ 1,287,445     $ (1,144,492 )   $ 142,953  

 

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2023, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

 

3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. 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 its 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 affiliated persons of the Adviser.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fees and/or to reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to maintain the annualized total operating expenses of the Fund (excluding brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) until at least April 30, 2024, at no more than an annual rate of 0.90% for all classes of shares. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $251,208. In addition, the Fund has agreed, during the two year period following any waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser, to repay such amount to the extent, that after giving effect to the repayment, such adjusted annualized total operating expenses of the Fund would not exceed 0.90% of the value of the Fund’s average daily net assets for each share class of the Fund. The arrangement is renewable annually. At December 31, 2023, the cumulative amount which the Fund may repay the Adviser, subject to the terms above, is $456,912:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, expiring December 31, 2024   $ 205,704  
For the year ended December 31, 2023, expiring December 31, 2025     251,208  
    $ 456,912  

 

4. Distribution Plan. The Fund’s Board has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) for each class of shares, except for Class I Shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Class AAA, Class A, and Class C Share Plans, payments are authorized to G.distributors, LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Adviser, at annual rates of 0.25%, 0.25%, and 1.00%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of those classes, the annual limitations under each Plan. Such payments are accrued daily and paid monthly.

 

17

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

5. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2023, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $366,285 and $957,528, respectively.

 

6. Transactions with Affiliates and Other Arrangements. The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Under the sub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. The Adviser did not seek a reimbursement during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $1,222.

 

The Corporation pays retainer and per meeting fees to Directors not affiliated with the Adviser, plus specified amounts to the Lead Director and Audit Committee Chairman. Directors are also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. Directors who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Corporation.

 

7. Line of Credit. The Fund participates in an unsecured line of credit, which expires on February 28, 2024 and may be renewed annually, of up to $75,000,000 under which it may borrow up to 10% of its net assets from the bank for temporary borrowing purposes. Borrowings under this arrangement bear interest at a floating rate equal to the higher of the Overnight Federal Funds Rate plus 135 basis points or the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 135 basis points in effect on that day. This amount, if any, would be included in “Interest expense” in the Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2023, there were no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.

 

The average daily amount of borrowings outstanding under the line of credit for the six days of borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $174,333 with a weighted average interest rate of 5.82%. The maximum amount borrowed at any time during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $191,000.

 

8. Capital Stock. The Fund currently offers three classes of shares – Class AAA Shares, Class A Shares, and Class I Shares. Class AAA and Class A investors may purchase more of these share classes. Class C shareholders cannot purchase more of this class. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000. These changes had no effect on existing shareholders’ ability to redeem shares of the Fund as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

The Fund imposes a redemption fee of 2.00% on all classes of shares that are redeemed or exchanged on or before the seventh day after the date of a purchase. The redemption fee is deducted from the proceeds otherwise payable to the redeeming shareholders and is retained by the Fund as an increase in paid-in capital. The redemption fees retained by the Fund during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, if any, can be found in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets under Redemption Fees.

 

18

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Transactions in shares of capital stock were as follows:

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Class AAA                                
Shares sold     2,701     $ 32,793       4,401     $ 53,258  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     5,468       67,259       1,643       18,986  
Shares redeemed     (40,962 )     (497,686 )     (37,919 )     (456,155 )
Net decrease     (32,793 )   $ (397,634 )     (31,875 )   $ (383,911 )
Class A                                
Shares sold                 384     $ 5,327  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     72     $ 879       19       219  
Shares redeemed     (10 )     (113 )     (2,813 )     (36,979 )
Net increase/(decrease)     62     $ 766       (2,410 )   $ (31,433 )
Class C                                
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     13     $ 144       3     $ 36  
Shares redeemed     (1 )     (15 )     (428 )     (5,342 )
Net increase/(decrease)     12     $ 129       (425 )   $ (5,306 )
Class I                                
Shares sold     42,708     $ 531,641       46,305     $ 624,129  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     3,011       38,059       741       8,778  
Shares redeemed     (72,369 )     (904,578 )     (101,403 )     (1,286,493 )
Net decrease     (26,650 )   $ (334,878 )     (54,357 )   $ (653,586 )

 

9. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

10. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

19

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders of The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

and the Board of Directors of GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”)), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.) at December 31, 2023, 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 its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Corporation is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Gabelli Funds investment companies since 1992.

 

New York, New York

February 28, 2024

 

20

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)

 

 

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act,the Fund has established a liquidity risk management program (the LRM Program) to govern its approach to managing liquidity risk. The LRM Program is administered by the Liquidity Committee (the Committee), which is comprised of members of Gabelli Funds, LLC management. The Board has designated the Committee to administer the LRM Program.

 

The LRM Program’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. The LRM Program also includes elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity and the monthly classification and re-classification of certain investments that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their relative liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on August 23, 2023, the Board received a written report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the LRM Program. The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the LRM Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively since its implementation. The Committee reported that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The Committee noted that the Fund is primarily invested in highly liquid securities and, accordingly, continues to be exempt from the requirement to determine a “highly liquid investment minimum” as defined in the Rule 22e-4. Because of that continued qualification for the exemption, the Fund has not adopted a “highly liquid investment minimum” amount. The Committee further noted that while changes to the LRM Program were made during the Review Period and reported to the Board, no material changes were made to the LRM Program as a result of the Committee’s annual review.

 

There can be no assurance that the LRM Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus for more information regarding its exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

21

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

 

During the six months ended December 31, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser for the Fund on the basis of the recommendation by the directors (the Independent Board Members) who are not interested persons of the Fund. The following paragraphs summarize the material information and factors considered by the Independent Board Members as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Independent Board Members considered information regarding the Fund’s portfolio managers, the depth of the analyst pool available to the Adviser and the portfolio managers, the scope of supervisory, administrative, shareholder, and other services supervised or provided by the Adviser, and the absence of significant service problems reported to the Board. The Independent Board Members noted the experience, length of service, and reputation of the Fund’s portfolio managers.

 

Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the short, medium, and long term performance of the Fund (as of September 30, 2023) against a peer group of seven other comparable funds prepared by the Adviser (the Adviser Peer Group), and against a peer group prepared by Broadridge (the Broadridge Performance Peer Group) consisting of all international small/mid cap growth funds, regardless of asset size or primary channel of distribution. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the second quartile for the one year period, in the third quartile for the three year period, and in the fourth quartile for the five and ten year periods, as measured against the Adviser Peer Group. Against the Broadridge Performance Peer Group, the Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the fourth quintile for the one year period, and the fifth quintile for the three, five and ten years periods. The Independent Board Members noted that at its current size, the Fund was not competitive among its peer group and encouraged the Adviser to continue to explore ways to increase the size of the Fund. The Independent Board Members also recalled the Adviser’s comprehensive discussion of performance earlier in the Meeting.

 

Profitability. The Independent Board Members reviewed summary data regarding the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser both with a pro rata administrative overhead charge and with a standalone administrative charge and noted the effect of the expense limitation agreement. The Independent Board Members also noted that a portion of the Fund’s portfolio transactions were executed by an affiliated broker of the Adviser and that another affiliated broker of the Adviser received distribution fees and minor amounts of sales commissions.

 

Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Adviser’s cost structure and the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale and reviewed data provided by the Adviser.

 

Sharing of Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members noted that the investment management fee schedule for the Fund does not take into account any potential economies of scale that may develop or any losses or diminished profitability to the Adviser in prior years.

 

Service and Cost Comparisons. The Independent Board Members compared the expense ratios of the investment management fee, other expenses, and total expenses of the Fund with similar expense ratios of the Adviser Peer Group and a peer group of ten other international small/mid cap growth funds selected by Broadridge (the Broadridge Expense Peer Group), and noted that the Adviser’s management fee includes substantially all administrative services of the Fund as well as investment advisory services. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio after waivers was the lowest compared with the

 

22

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Adviser Peer Group, and the lowest compared with all of the funds included in the Broadridge Expense Peer Group. The Independent Board Members discussed how the Fund’s size was lower than average within both peer groups and that the Adviser had been waiving substantial portions of its fees in order to make the Fund a more attractive investment. The Independent Board Members also noted that the advisory fee structure was the same as that in effect for most of the Gabelli funds and noted the effect of the expense limitation agreement in place for the Fund. The Independent Board Members were presented with, but did not consider to be material to their decision, various information comparing the advisory fee to the fee for other types of accounts managed by the Adviser.

 

Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services, an acceptable performance record, and good ancillary services. The Independent Board Members noted the contractual Expense Deferral Agreement between the Adviser and the Corporation, on behalf of each Fund, pursuant to which the net expense ratio for each share class of each Fund was reduced to 0.90%. The Independent Board Members did not view the potential profitability of ancillary services as material to their decision. On the basis of the foregoing and without assigning particular weight to any single conclusion, the Independent Board Members determined to recommend continuation of the investment management agreement to the full Board.

 

Based on a consideration of all these factors in their totality, the Board Members, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Fund’s advisory fee was appropriate in light of the quality of services provided and in light of the other factors described above that the Board deemed relevant. Accordingly, the Board Members determined to approve the continuation of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement. The Board Members based their decision on evaluations of all these factors as a whole and did not consider any one factor as all important or controlling.

 

23

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

 

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and Officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Corporation’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or by writing to The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Director
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Director3
             
INTERESTED DIRECTORS4:            
                 
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Director and Chief Investment Officer
1942
  Since 1993   31   Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management, Inc.; Director/Trustee or Chief Investment Officer of other registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex; Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc.; Executive Chair of Associated Capital Group, Inc.   Director of Morgan Group Holding Co. (holding company) (2001-2019); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of LICT Corp. (multimedia and communication services company); Director of CIBL, Inc. (broadcasting and wireless communications); Director of ICTC Group Inc. (communications) (2013-2018)
                 
John D. Gabelli
Director
1944
  Since 1993   12   Former Senior Vice President of G.research, LLC (and its predecessor) (1991-2019)  
             
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS5:            
                 
E. Val Cerutti
Director
1939
  Since 2001   7   Chief Executive Officer of Cerutti Consultants, Inc.   Director of The LGL Group, Inc. (diversified manufacturing) (1990-2009)
                 
Anthony J. Colavita6
Director
1935
  Since 1993   18   President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.  
                 
Werner J. Roeder
Director
1940
  Since 1993   20   Retired physician; Former Vice President of Medical Affairs (Medical Director) of New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital (1999-2014)  
                 
Anthonie C. van Ekris6
Director
1934
  Since 1993   23   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/ export company)  

 

24

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Director
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Director3
                 
Salvatore J. Zizza7
Director
1945
  Since 2004   35   President, Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); Chairman of Bergen Cove Realty Inc. (residential real estate)   Director and Chairman of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018); Retired Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing); Director of Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.

 

25

 

 

The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
         
OFFICERS:        
         
John C. Ball
President, Treasurer, Principal Financial & Accounting Officer
1976
  Since 2017   Senior Vice President (since 2018) and other positions (2017 - 2018) of GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Chief Executive Officer, G.distributors, LLC since 2020; Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2017
         
Peter Goldstein
Secretary & Vice President
1953
  Since 2020   General Counsel, GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Legal Officer, Associated Capital Group, Inc. since 2021; General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Buckingham Capital Management, Inc. (2012-2020); Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, The Buckingham Research Group, Inc. (2012-2020)
         
Richard J. Walz
Chief Compliance Officer
1959
  Since 2013   Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2013

 

 
1 Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted.
2 Each Director will hold office for an indefinite term until the earliest of (i) the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such Director and until the election and qualification of his or her successor, if any, elected at such meeting, or (ii) the date a Director resigns or retires, or a Director is removed by the Board of Directors or shareholders, in accordance with the Corporation’s By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation. For officers, includes time served in prior officer positions with the Fund. Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified..
3 This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
4 “Interested person” of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act. Messrs. Gabelli are each considered an “interested person” because of their affiliation with Gabelli Funds, LLC which acts as the Corporation’s investment adviser. Mario J. Gabelli and John D. Gabelli are brothers.
5 Directors who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Directors.
6 Mr. Colavita’s son, Anthony S. Colavita, serves as a director of other funds in the Gabelli Fund Complex. Mr. van Ekris is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., Gabelli Fund, LDC, GAMA Capital Opportunities Master, Ltd., and GAMCO International SICAV, which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser.
7 Mr. Zizza is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. On September 9, 2015, Mr. Zizza entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry relating to an alleged violation regarding the making of false statements or omissions to the accountants of a company concerning a related party transaction. The company in question is not an affiliate of, nor has any connection to, the Fund. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Zizza, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings and allegation, paid $150,000 and agreed to cease and desist committing or causing any future violations of Rule 13b2-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has discussed this matter and has determined that it does not disqualify Mr. Zizza from serving as an Independent Director.

 

26

 

 

 

Gabelli Funds and Your Personal Privacy

 

 

Who are we?

 

The Gabelli Funds are investment companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We are managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc., a publicly held company with subsidiaries and affiliates that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.

 

What kind of non-public information do we collect about you if you become a fund shareholder?

 

If you apply to open an account directly with us, you will be giving us some non-public information about yourself. The non-public information we collect about you is:

 

Information you give us on your application form. This could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number, bank account number, and other information.

 

Information about your transactions with us, any transactions with our affiliates, and transactions with the entities we hire to provide services to you. This would include information about the shares that you buy or redeem. If we hire someone else to provide services — like a transfer agent — we will also have information about the transactions that you conduct through them.

 

What information do we disclose and to whom do we disclose it?

 

We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone other than our affiliates, our service providers who need to know such information, and as otherwise permitted by law. If you want to find out what the law permits, you can read the privacy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are in volume 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 248. The Commission often posts information about its regulations on its website, www. sec.gov.

 

What do we do to protect your personal information?

 

We restrict access to non-public personal information about you to the people who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or the fund and to ensure that we are complying with the laws governing the securities business. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to keep your personal information confidential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Gabelli International Small Cap Fund

2023 TAX NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (Unaudited)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid $0.2099 per share to shareholders in each Class of Shares. The Fund designates 88.33% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified dividend income pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designates 6.76% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified interest income pursuant to the Tax Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. Also during 2023, the Fund passed through foreign tax credits of $0.0219 per share to each Class of Shares.

 

U.S. Government Income:

 

The percentage of the ordinary income distribution paid by the Fund during the year ended December 31, 2023 which was derived from U.S. Treasury securities was 4.86%. Such income is exempt from state and local 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 Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2023. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2023 was 2.68%. Due to the diversity in state and local tax law, it is recommended that you consult your personal tax adviser as to the applicability of the information provided to your specific situation.

 

 

All designations are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

 

 

 

 

THE GABELLI INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP FUND

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

 

Portfolio Management Team Biographies

 

Caesar M. P. Bryan joined GAMCO Asset Management in 1994. He is a member of the global investment team of Gabelli Funds, LLC and portfolio manager of several funds within the Fund Complex. Prior to joining Gabelli, Mr. Bryan was a portfolio manager at Lexington Management. He began his investment career at Samuel Montagu Company, the London based merchant bank. Mr. Bryan graduated from the University of Southampton in England with a Bachelor of Law and is a member of the English Bar.

 

Gustavo Pifano joined the Firm in 2008 and is based in London. He serves as an assistant vice president of research and covers the industrial and consumer sectors with a focus on small-cap stocks. Gustavo is a member of the risk management group and responsible for the Firm’s UK compliance oversight and AML reporting functions. Gustavo holds a BBA in Finance from University of Miami and an MBA degree from University of Oxford Said Business School.

 

Ashish Sinha joined GAMCO UK in 2012 as a research analyst. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Sinha was a research analyst at Morgan Stanley in London for seven years and has covered European Technology, Mid-Caps and Business Services. He also worked in planning and strategy at Birla Sun Life Insurance in India. Currently Mr. Sinha is a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and an Assistant Vice President of GAMCO Asset Management UK. Mr. Sinha has a BSBA degree from the Institute of Management Studies and an MB from IIFT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini MitesTM Fund

Annual Report — December 31, 2023

 

To Our Shareholders,

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the net asset value (NAV) total return per Class AAA Share of The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund was 39.0% compared with a total return of 15.9% for the S&P Developed SmallCap Index. Other classes of shares are available. See page 3 for performance information for all classes.

 

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023.

 

Investment Objective and Strategy (Unaudited)

 

The Fund is a non-diversified open end management investment company whose investment objective is to provide investors with long term capital appreciation by investing primarily in micro-capitalization equity securities.

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is to invest in common stocks of smaller companies that have a market capitalization (defined as shares outstanding times current market price) of $250 million or less at the time of the Fund’s initial investment. These companies are called micro-cap companies. As a "global" fund, the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in at least three countries and at least 40% of its net assets are invested in securities of non U.S. issuers.

 

Performance Discussion (Unaudited)

 

The top contributors to performance in the first quarter 2023 included Gencor Industries Inc. and Intevac Inc. Gencor Industries designs, builds, and sells equipment and materials used for the production of asphalt and highway construction machines. It is a leading producer of hot mix asphalt plants in North America. The company continues to enjoy solid results, driven by end market demand combined with pricing actions and gross margin recovery following a challenging 2022 affected by higher costs, including labor rates, steel, and other inputs. Intevac (IVAC), which develops and sells thin-film processing systems, primarily for the hard disk drive media market. While the hard disk drive market is at a cyclical market bottom, dealing with excess inventories and weak market demand, the company is pursuing sales opportunity in system upgrades among its installed base and preparing for its next generation systems for ultra large storage capacity. The top detractors to performance in the quarter were Neuronetics Inc. and Canterbury Park Holdings Corp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports on paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.

 

 

 

 

The top contributors to performance in the second quarter included Applied Optoelectronics Inc. and Circor International Inc. Applied Optoelectronics is an integrated provider of fiber-optic networking products for cable television, fiber-to-the-home and internet data centers. In late 2022, the company shored up its balance sheet announcing the sale of its manufacturing facilities in China for $150 million and established its position as a primary supplier to Microsoft. Circor International which designs, manufactures, and distributes highly engineered valves, pumps, and related flow control products serving industrial and aerospace and defense end markets. During the second quarter, Circor shares surged on the back of a bidding war that concluded with an agreement at the end of June to be acquired by KKR for $56 per share in cash, or a 77% premium. The top detractors to performance in the quarter were Intevac, Inc. and Farmer Bros. Co.

 

The top contributors to performance in the third quarter included Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (second consecutive quarter) and L.B. Foster Company. During the quarter, Applied Optoelectronics Inc. announced the termination of its agreement to sell its China manufacturing facilities - it will continue to explore strategic alternatives for those assets. L.B. Foster Company shares increased over 30% during the quarter as it reported solid financial results attributed to strong demand for its rail technologies offerings, which include automated track lubrication systems and sensor-enabled remote track monitoring solutions for passenger and freight rail networks, as well as information totems and display systems used at passenger rail stations.

 

In the fourth quarter Park-Ohio (PKOH), demonstrated considerable progress in operating efficiency in the company’s third quarter results. Strong end market demand, coupled with better pricing and manufacturing improvements, drove results. Further, the company recently announced the completion of the sale of its General Aluminum business for $50 million, further driving operational focus. Intevac successfully won a joint development agreement with Corning to collaborate on protective coatings for display cover glass market for mobile devices through its new TRIO system.

 

Selected holdings that contributed positively to performance in 2023 were: Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (6.9% of net assets as of December 31, 2023), L.B. Foster Co. (3.0%), and Circor International Inc. (no longer held).

 

Some of our weaker performing holdings during the year were: Tredegar Corp. (1.2% of net assets as of December 31, 2023), through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells aluminum extrusions, polyethylene films, and plastic and polyester films in the United States and internationally; Intevac Inc. (1.5%), and American Vanguard Corp. (0.9%), through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets specialty chemicals for agricultural, commercial, and consumer uses in the United States and internationally.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund.

 

We appreciate your confidence and trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of the Fund’s portfolio managers and Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Adviser, as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

2

 

 

Comparative Results

 

 

Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2023 (a) (Unaudited)

 

Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in share price, reinvestment of distributions, and are net of expenses.

 

    1 Year     3 Year     5 Year     Since
Inception
(10/1/18)
 
Class AAA (GAMNX)     39.05 %     11.61 %     12.42 %     8.70 %
S&P Developed SmallCap Index (b)     15.90       2.93       9.83       5.35  
Class A (GMNAX)     38.93       11.61       12.40       8.68  
With sales charge (c)     30.94       9.43       11.08       7.46  
Class C (GMNCX)     39.06       11.60       12.28       8.53  
Class I (GGMMX)     39.05       11.61       12.49       8.76  

 

 
(a) Returns would have been lower had the Adviser not reimbursed certain expenses of the Fund. The Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shares sold or exchanged within seven days of purchase.
(b) The S&P Developed Small Cap Index is a float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of small-capitalization companies located in developed markets. The index is composed of companies within the bottom 15% of the cumulative market capitalization in developed markets. The index covers all publicly listed equities with float-adjusted market values of U.S. $100 million or more and annual dollar value traded of at least U.S. $50 million in all included countries. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index.
(c) Performance results include the effect of the maximum 5.75% sales charge at the beginning of the period.

 

In the current prospectuses dated April 28, 2023, the gross expense ratios for Class AAA, A, and I Shares are 3.40%, 3.40%, and 3.15%, respectively, and the net expense ratio for all share classes after contractual reimbursements by Gabelli Funds, LLC, (the Adviser) is 0.90%. See page 12 for the expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 2023. The contractual reimbursements are in effect through April 30, 2024. Class AAA and Class I Shares do not have a sales charge. The maximum sales charge for Class A Shares is 5.75%.

 

Investing in foreign securities involves risks not ordinarily associated with investments in domestic issues, including currency fluctuation, economic, and political risks. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contain information about these and other matters and should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, please visit our website at www.gabelli.com.

 

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. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end.

 

 

3

 

 

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN

THE GABELLI GLOBAL MINI MITES FUND (CLASS AAA SHARES)

AND S&P DEVELOPED SMALLCAP INDEX (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns*
  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception
Class AAA 39.05% 12.42% 8.70%

 

 

* Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance tables and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

4

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

For the Six Month Period from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Expense Table
 

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of fees and expenses regarding your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a fund, you incur ongoing costs, which include costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports (like this one), among others. Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of a fund. When a fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, this figure is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.

 

The Expense Table below illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Actual Fund Return: This section provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use this section to help you to estimate the actual expenses that you paid over the period after any fee waivers and expense reimbursements. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return during the past six months, and the “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.

 

To do so, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid during this period.

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: This section provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio. It assumes a hypothetical annualized return of 5% before expenses during the period shown. In this case – because the hypothetical return used is not the Fund’s actual return – the results do not apply to your investment and you cannot use the hypothetical account value and expense to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you

paid for the period. This example is useful in making comparisons of the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees, if any, which are described in the Prospectus. If these costs were applied to your account, your costs would be higher. Therefore, the 5% hypothetical return is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. The "Annualized Expense Ratio" represents the actual expenses for the last six months and may be different from the expense ratio in the Financial Highlights which is for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

    Beginning
Account Value
07/01/23
    Ending
Account Value
12/31/23
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses
Paid During
Period *
 
The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund                              
Actual Fund Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,181.40     0.90%     $ 4.95  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,181.50     0.90%     $ 4.95  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,181.80     0.90%     $ 4.95  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,181.40     0.90%     $ 4.95  
Hypothetical 5% Return                              
Class AAA   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class A   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class C   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  
Class I   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,020.67     0.90%     $ 4.58  

 

 
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the last six months multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (184 days), then divided by 365.

 

5

 

 

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of net assets as of December 31, 2023:

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

 

U.S. Government Obligations     22.3 %
Diversified Industrial     14.5 %
Equipment and Supplies     8.3 %
Machinery     6.9 %
Consumer Products     4.8 %
Food and Beverage     3.2 %
Broadcasting     2.8 %
Automotive: Parts and Accessories     2.7 %
Business Services     2.7 %
Entertainment     2.5 %
Health Care     2.4 %
Building and Construction     2.3 %
Hotels and Gaming     2.2 %
Energy and Utilities     2.2 %
Aerospace and Defense     2.2 %
Retail     2.0 %
Financial Services     2.0 %
Specialty Chemicals     1.9 %
Consumer Services     1.9 %
Agriculture     1.4 %
Computer Software and Services     1.2 %
Real Estate     0.7 %
Metals and Mining     0.6 %
Electronics     0.1 %
Wireless Telecommunications Services     0.1 %
Telecommunications     0.0 %*
Publishing     0.0 %*
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)     6.1 %
      100.0 %

 

 
* Amount represents less than 0.05%.

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

 

Proxy Voting

 

The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

6

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS — 71.5%                
        Aerospace and Defense — 2.2%                
  500     Astronics Corp.†   $ 8,165     $ 8,710  
  1,300     Astronics Corp., Cl. B†     21,085       22,672  
  13,000     Avio SpA†     149,119       121,412  
  1,000     CPI Aerostructures Inc.†     2,388       2,730  
  4,000     Innovative Solutions and Support Inc.†     27,868       34,120  
  3,500     Terran Orbital Corp.†     3,559       3,990  
  3,500     Triumph Group Inc.†     30,156       58,030  
              242,340       251,664  
        Agriculture — 1.4%                
  6,000     Limoneira Co.     90,784       123,780  
  48,000     S&W Seed Co.†     91,133       33,600  
              181,917       157,380  
        Automotive: Parts and Accessories — 2.7%                
  12,500     Garrett Motion Inc.†     68,625       120,875  
  1,000     Motorcar Parts of America Inc.†     9,597       9,340  
  700     Smart Eye AB†     5,647       6,163  
  7,200     Strattec Security Corp.†     210,943       180,792  
              294,812       317,170  
        Broadcasting — 2.8%                
  21,209     Beasley Broadcast Group Inc., Cl. A†     31,198       18,622  
  46,000     Corus Entertainment Inc., Cl. B     124,583       24,648  
  4,000     Cumulus Media Inc., Cl. A†     22,996       21,280  
  25,000     Townsquare Media Inc., Cl. A     274,580       264,000  
              453,357       328,550  
        Building and Construction — 2.3%                
  59,026     Armstrong Flooring Inc.†     5,515       6  
  13,000     Gencor Industries Inc.†     137,461       209,820  
  1,925     Neinor Homes SA     24,184       22,441  
  200     The Monarch Cement Co.     11,234       31,900  
              178,394       264,167  
        Business Services — 2.7%                
  2,000     AssetCo plc†     2,300       1,198  
  20,000     B Intressenter AB†     453       397  
  600     Boston Omaha Corp., Cl. A†     11,994       9,438  
  30,333     Diebold Nixdorf Inc.†     21,290       0  
  5,400     Du-Art Film Laboratories Inc.†(a)     0       23,414  
  600     Du-Art Film Laboratories Inc.†(a)     0       2,602  
  4,000     Ework Group AB     33,432       58,774  
  4,000     Marin Software Inc.†     3,770       1,466  
  500     MIND Technology Inc.†     2,330       3,265  
Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
  7,999     Steel Connect Inc.†   $ 76,512     $ 76,150  
  10,000     TransAct Technologies Inc.†     68,904       69,800  
  80,002     Trans-Lux Corp.†     24,495       64,002  
              245,480       310,506  
        Computer Software and Services — 1.2%                
  15,000     Alithya Group Inc., Cl. A†     36,707       19,650  
  900     Asetek A/S†     706       514  
  9,700     Daktronics Inc.†     48,656       82,256  
  6,000     NextNav Inc.†     16,888       26,700  
  60,000     Pacific Online Ltd.     12,358       3,688  
  100     SilverSun Technologies Inc.     1,058       1,711  
              116,373       134,519  
        Consumer Products — 4.8%                
  11,000     American Outdoor Brands Inc.†     95,718       92,400  
  2,000     Aspen Group Inc.†     244       340  
  1,200     CompX International Inc.     17,148       30,336  
  34,000     Glatfelter Corp.†     131,890       65,960  
  430,000     Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd.†     43,507       39,649  
  3,500     HG Holdings Inc.†     31,710       20,422  
  7,300     Lifecore Biomedical Inc.†     75,105       45,187  
  12,000     Lifetime Brands Inc.     71,355       80,520  
  2,100     Marine Products Corp.     26,398       23,940  
  4,000     Nobility Homes Inc.     113,208       137,980  
  100     Oil-Dri Corp. of America     2,550       6,708  
  71,000     Playmates Holdings Ltd.     10,621       5,092  
              619,454       548,534  
        Consumer Services — 1.9%                
  22,000     Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings Inc., Cl. A†     24,038       18,700  
  285,000     Tribal Group plc     250,146       201,255  
              274,184       219,955  
        Diversified Industrial — 14.4%                
  12,000     Advanced Emissions Solutions Inc.†     21,108       35,760  
  108,000     Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp.†     396,375       294,840  
  9,500     Ascent Industries Co.†     93,840       90,820  
  14,000     Commercial Vehicle Group Inc.†     125,711       98,140  
  500     Core Molding Technologies Inc.†     5,890       9,265  
  31,000     Fluence Corp. Ltd.†     7,940       2,429  
  5,500     Graham Corp.†     40,862       104,335  
  27,000     INNOVATE Corp.†     74,386       33,210  
  40,000     Intevac Inc.†     210,247       172,800  
  8,300     Myers Industries Inc.     157,995       162,265  
  12,200     Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.     226,182       328,912  
  3,000     Perma-Fix Environmental Services Inc.†     35,742       23,580  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

7

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS (Continued)                
        Diversified Industrial (Continued)                
  2,900     Servotronics Inc.†   $ 33,957     $ 36,250  
  26,500     Tredegar Corp.     226,408       143,365  
  30,000     Velan Inc.     117,607       121,354  
              1,774,250       1,657,325  
        Electronics — 0.1%                
  200     Bel Fuse Inc., Cl. B     2,432       13,354  
                         
        Energy and Utilities — 2.2%                
  2,900     Capstone Green Energy Corp.†     12,681       609  
  400     Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.     4,084       14,240  
  4,700     Dril-Quip Inc.†     99,440       109,369  
  6,500     RGC Resources Inc.     123,929       132,210  
              240,134       256,428  
        Entertainment — 2.5%                
  30,000     Entravision Communications Corp., Cl. A     128,038       125,100  
  500     GameSquare Holdings Inc.†     1,688       887  
  8,400     Inspired Entertainment Inc.†     91,595       82,992  
  13,000     Reading International Inc., Cl. A†     65,878       24,830  
  6,000     Reservoir Media Inc.†     41,793       42,780  
  10,000     Sportech plc     37,134       10,707  
              366,126       287,296  
        Equipment and Supplies — 8.3%                
  41,000     Applied Optoelectronics Inc.†     118,584       792,120  
  4,000     Ilika plc†     2,231       1,836  
  5,000     The Eastern Co.     108,340       110,000  
  2,000     Titan Machinery Inc.†     46,334       57,760  
              275,489       961,716  
        Financial Services — 2.0%                
  1,000     FNCB Bancorp Inc.     6,398       6,790  
  100,000     GAM Holding AG†     73,265       46,549  
  700     OceanFirst Financial Corp.     10,321       12,152  
  3,800     Steel Partners Holdings LP†     22,194       152,000  
  5,500     Tiny Ltd.†     14,188       9,173  
              126,366       226,664  
        Food and Beverage — 3.2%                
  4,600     Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd., Cl. A     56,719       45,373  
  32,000     Farmer Brothers Co.†     188,595       97,920  
  500     Hotel Chocolat Group plc†     819       2,358  
  7,000     Lifeway Foods Inc.†     71,333       93,870  
  1,700     Nathan’s Famous Inc.     97,346       132,617  
              414,812       372,138  
 
Shares
        Cost     Market
Value
 
        Health Care — 2.4%                
  35,000     Accuray Inc.†   $ 114,350     $ 99,050  
  40,000     Achaogen Inc.†(a)     488       0  
  5,500     Axogen Inc.†     43,637       37,565  
  20,000     Clovis Oncology Inc.†     2,468       0  
  2,400     Cutera Inc.†     21,201       8,460  
  400     Daxor Corp.†     4,127       3,836  
  4,500     Electromed Inc.†     45,893       49,095  
  5,500     Neuronetics Inc.†     19,288       15,950  
  2,900     Oncimmune Holdings plc†     3,575       932  
  1,600     Option Care Health Inc.†     15,886       53,904  
  1,300     Tristel plc     4,856       7,622  
  200     Zimvie Inc.†     3,366       3,550  
              279,135       279,964  
        Hotels and Gaming — 2.2%                
  3,800     Canterbury Park Holding Corp.     49,727       77,672  
  10,500     Full House Resorts Inc.†     56,474       56,385  
  7,000     Genius Sports Ltd.†     38,648       43,260  
  5,500     The Marcus Corp.     92,154       80,190  
              237,003       257,507  
        Machinery — 6.9%                
  6,000     CFT SpA†(a)     33,163       30,469  
  15,500     L.B. Foster Co., Cl. A†     195,045       340,845  
  15,000     The L.S. Starrett Co., Cl. A†     69,269       181,500  
  15,043     Twin Disc Inc.     145,015       243,095  
              442,492       795,909  
        Metals and Mining — 0.6%                
  20,000     Sierra Metals Inc.†     6,129       11,072  
  40,000     Western Copper & Gold Corp.†     66,662       53,200  
              72,791       64,272  
        Publishing — 0.0%                
  600     DallasNews Corp.     2,669       2,562  
                         
        Real Estate — 0.7%                
  54,500     Corem Property Group AB, Cl. B     125,605       57,385  
  2,500     Gyrodyne LLC†     21,715       23,688  
  20,000     Trinity Place Holdings Inc.†     22,006       2,220  
              169,326       83,293  
        Retail — 2.0%                
  3,300     Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.     53,217       54,780  
  6,700     Village Super Market Inc., Cl. A     152,828       175,741  
  2,200     Vroom Inc.†     3,179       1,326  
              209,224       231,847  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2023

 

 

Shares         Cost     Market
Value
 
        COMMON STOCKS (Continued)                
        Specialty Chemicals — 1.9%                
  10,000     American Vanguard Corp.   $ 181,759     $ 109,700  
  17,500     Treatt plc     101,130       112,201  
              282,889       221,901  
        Telecommunications — 0.0%                
  700     Bittium Oyj     4,945       3,717  
                         
        Wireless Telecommunications Services — 0.1%                
  22,877     NII Holdings Inc., Escrow†     442       8,007  
                         
        TOTAL COMMON STOCKS     7,506,836       8,256,345  
                         
        RIGHTS — 0.0%                
        Diversified Industrial — 0.0%                
  12,400     Fluence Corp. Ltd., expire 12/29/23†     0       361  
                         
        Health Care — 0.0%                
  16,000     Epizyme Inc., CVR†     0       320  
  30,000     Paratek Pharmaceuticals Inc., CVR†     0       600  
              0       920  
        TOTAL RIGHTS     0       1,281  
                         
        WARRANTS — 0.1%                
        Business Services — 0.0%                
  4     Internap Corp., expire 05/08/24†(a)     0       2,608  
                         
        Diversified Industrial — 0.1%                
  44,000     Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp., expire 08/01/25†     30,056       5,280  
        TOTAL WARRANTS     30,056       7,888  

 

Principal
Amount
                 
        U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 22.3%                
$ 2,600,000     U.S. Treasury Bills, 5.244% to 5.372%††, 01/16/24 to 03/21/24     2,579,888       2,580,381  
                         
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 93.9%   $ 10,116,780       10,845,895  
                         
        Other Assets and Liabilities (Net) — 6.1%             704,780  
                         
        NET ASSETS — 100.0%           $ 11,550,675  
 
(a) Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Non-income producing security.
†† Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase.
     
CVR Contingent Value Right

 

Geographic Diversification   % of
Market
Value
    Market
Value
 
United States     89.0 %   $ 9,647,804  
Europe     7.8       850,065  
Canada     2.6       285,357  
Asia/Pacific     0.5       48,429  
Latin America     0.1       14,240  
      100.0 %   $ 10,845,895  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2023

 

 

Assets:        
Investments, at value (cost $10,116,780)   $ 10,845,895  
Cash     4,485  
Receivable for Fund shares sold     763,600  
Receivable for investments sold     1,090  
Receivable from Adviser     11,446  
Dividends receivable     7,328  
Prepaid expenses     21,818  
Total Assets     11,655,662  
Liabilities:        
Payable for investments purchased     45,345  
Payable for investment advisory fees     8,487  
Payable for distribution fees     34  
Payable for shareholder communications     19,389  
Payable for legal and audit fees     14,523  
Payable for custodian fees     7,225  
Other accrued expenses     9,984  
Total Liabilities     104,987  
Net Assets        
(applicable to 1,059,896 shares outstanding)   $ 11,550,675  
Net Assets Consist of:        
Paid-in capital   $ 10,947,875  
Total distributable earnings     602,800  
Net Assets   $ 11,550,675  
         
Shares of Capital Stock, each at $0.001 par value:        
Class AAA:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($92,300 ÷ 8,469 shares outstanding; 75,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 10.90  
Class A:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($15,485 ÷ 1,422 shares outstanding; 50,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 10.89  
Maximum offering price per share (NAV ÷ 0.9425, based on maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the offering price)   $ 11.55  
Class C:        
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($15,368 ÷ 1,416 shares outstanding; 25,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 10.85  
Class I:        
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($11,427,522 ÷ 1,048,589 shares outstanding; 25,000,000 shares authorized)   $ 10.90  

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

Investment Income:        
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $1,418)   $ 92,006  
Interest     39,189  
Total Investment Income     131,195  
Expenses:        
Investment advisory fees     79,817  
Distribution fees - Class AAA     193  
Distribution fees - Class A     32  
Distribution fees - Class C     128  
Registration expenses     44,450  
Legal and audit fees     44,429  
Shareholder communications expenses     34,781  
Shareholder services fees     15,221  
Custodian fees     12,965  
Administration out-of-pocket fees     9,236  
Directors’ fees     2,657  
Miscellaneous expenses     5,300  
Total Expenses     249,209  
Less:        
Expense reimbursements (See Note 3)     (176,163 )
Expenses paid indirectly by broker (See Note 6)     (1,210 )
Total Reimbursements and Credits     (177,373 )
Net Expenses     71,836  
Net Investment Income     59,359  
         
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency:        
Net realized gain on investments     988,608  
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions     (1,343 )
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions     987,265  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:        
on investments     1,667,226  
on foreign currency translations     3  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     1,667,229  
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency     2,654,494  
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   $ 2,713,853  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
Operations:                
Net investment income   $ 59,359     $ 34,896  
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions     987,265       280,973  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     1,667,229       (1,500,758 )
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     2,713,853       (1,184,889 )
                 
Distributions to Shareholders:                
Accumulated earnings                
Class AAA     (9,263 )     (3,882 )
Class A     (1,554 )     (651 )
Class C     (1,543 )     (647 )
Class I     (1,060,429 )     (376,682 )
Total Distributions to Shareholders     (1,072,789 )     (381,862 )
                 
Capital Share Transactions:                
Class AAA     9,263       678  
Class A     1,554       651  
Class C     1,543       647  
Class I     3,368,510       1,183,267  
Net Increase in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions     3,380,870       1,185,243  
                 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets     5,021,934       (381,508 )
                 
Net Assets:                
Beginning of year     6,528,741       6,910,249  
End of year   $ 11,550,675     $ 6,528,741  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year:

 

            Income (Loss) from Investment Operations     Distributions                             Ratios to Average Net Assets/Supplemental Data  
Year Ended December 31   Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year     Net Investment Income (Loss)(a)      Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     Total from Investment Operations     Net Investment Income     Net Realized Gain on Investments     Total Distributions     Redemption Fees(a)(b)      Net Asset Value, End of Year     Total Return†     Net Assets, End of Year (in 000’s)     Net Investment Income (Loss)     Operating Expenses Before Reimbursement     Operating Expenses Net of Reimbursement(c)      Portfolio Turnover Rate  
Class AAA                    
2023   $ 8.70     $ 0.07     $ 3.35     $ 3.42     $ (0.07 )   $ (1.15 )   $ (1.22 )   $     $ 10.90       39.05 %   $ 92       0.74 %     3.37 %     0.90 %(d)      42 %
2022     11.04       0.05       (1.85 )     (1.80 )     (0.05 )     (0.49 )     (0.54 )           8.70       (16.17 )     67       0.52       3.40       0.90 (d)(e)      30  
2021     10.67       (0.02 )     2.04       2.02       (0.07 )     (1.58 )     (1.65 )     0.00       11.04       19.25       83       (0.17 )     3.49       0.90 (d)(f)      79  
2020     9.26       0.05       1.42       1.47       (0.06 )           (0.06 )           10.67       15.87       120       0.61       9.40       0.90 (d)      63  
2019     8.62       0.05       0.94       0.99       (0.04 )     (0.31 )     (0.35 )           9.26       11.49       114       0.53       10.81       1.23 (e)      131  
Class A                    
2023   $ 8.70     $ 0.07     $ 3.34     $ 3.41     $ (0.07 )   $ (1.15 )   $ (1.22 )   $     $ 10.89       38.93 %   $ 16       0.74 %     3.37 %     0.90 %(d)      42 %
2022     11.04       0.05       (1.85 )     (1.80 )     (0.05 )     (0.49 )     (0.54 )           8.70       (16.17 )     11       0.52       3.40       0.90 (d)(e)      30  
2021     10.66       (0.02 )     2.05       2.03       (0.07 )     (1.58 )     (1.65 )     0.00       11.04       19.38       13       (0.18 )     3.49       0.90 (d)(f)      79  
2020     9.26       0.05       1.41       1.46       (0.06 )           (0.06 )           10.66       15.76       11       0.66       9.40       0.90 (d)      63  
2019     8.62       0.04       0.95       0.99       (0.04 )     (0.31 )     (0.35 )           9.26       11.47       10       0.43       10.81       1.23 (e)      131  
Class C                    
2023   $ 8.66     $ 0.07     $ 3.33     $ 3.40     $ (0.07 )   $ (1.14 )   $ (1.21 )   $     $ 10.85       39.06 %   $ 15       0.74 %     4.12 %     0.90 %(d)      42 %
2022     11.00       0.05       (1.85 )     (1.80 )     (0.05 )     (0.49 )     (0.54 )           8.66       (16.25 )     11       0.52       4.15       0.90 (d)(e)      30  
2021     10.63       (0.02 )     2.04       2.02       (0.07 )     (1.58 )     (1.65 )     0.00       11.00       19.34       13       (0.18 )     4.24       0.90 (d)(f)      79  
2020     9.23       0.05       1.41       1.46       (0.06 )           (0.06 )           10.63       15.81       11       0.66       10.15       0.90 (d)      63  
2019     8.61       (0.02 )     0.95       0.93       (0.00 )(b)      (0.31 )     (0.31 )           9.23       10.83       9       (0.25 )     11.56       1.92 (e)      131  
Class I                    
2023   $ 8.70     $ 0.08     $ 3.34     $ 3.42     $ (0.07 )   $ (1.15 )   $ (1.22 )   $     $ 10.90       39.05 %   $ 11,428       0.74 %     3.12 %     0.90 %(d)      42 %
2022     11.04       0.05       (1.85 )     (1.80 )     (0.05 )     (0.49 )     (0.54 )           8.70       (16.17 )     6,440       0.52       3.15       0.90 (d)(e)      30  
2021     10.67       (0.02 )     2.04       2.02       (0.07 )     (1.58 )     (1.65 )     0.00       11.04       19.25       6,801       (0.18 )     3.24       0.90 (d)(f)      79  
2020     9.26       0.09       1.38       1.47       (0.06 )           (0.06 )           10.67       15.87       3,922       1.11       9.15       0.90 (d)      63  
2019     8.61       0.08       0.94       1.02       (0.06 )     (0.31 )     (0.37 )           9.26       11.84       1,605       0.84       10.56       1.00 (e)      131  

 

 
Total return represents aggregate total return of a hypothetical investment at the beginning of the year and sold at the end of the year including reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the applicable sales charges.
(a) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(c) Under an expense reimbursement agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser reimbursed expenses of $176,163, $148,978, $147,312, $163,109, and $126,588 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
(d) The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. If such credits had not been received, the ratios of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 0.92%, 0.92%, 0.92%, and 0.96% for each Class, respectively.
(e) The Fund incurred interest expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the impact was minimal. For the year ended December 31, 2019, if interest expense had not been incurred, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 1.22% (Class AAA and Class A),1.90% (Class C), and 0.99% (Class I), respectively.
(f) The Fund incurred tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 and there was no impact on the expense ratios.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

12

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

1. Organization. The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund, a series of the GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the Corporation), was incorporated on July 16, 1993 in Maryland. The Fund is a non-diversified open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and is one of five separately managed portfolios (collectively, the Portfolios) of the Corporation. The Fund’s primary objective is long term capital appreciation by investing primarily in micro-capitalization equity securities. The Fund commenced investment operations on October 1, 2018.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies. As an investment company, the Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance, which is part of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that may require the use of management estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its 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 or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price 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. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Directors (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. 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 Adviser).

 

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. Such debt obligations are valued through prices provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.

 

Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.

 

The Fund employs a fair value model to adjust prices to reflect events affecting the values of certain portfolio securities which occur between the close of trading on the principal market for such securities (foreign exchanges and over-the-counter markets) at the time when net asset values of the Fund are determined. If the Fund’s valuation committee believes that a particular event would materially affect net asset value, further adjustment is considered. Such securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy presented below.

 

13

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

 

Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and

 

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Board’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

    Valuation Inputs        
    Level 1
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (a)
     
Total Market Value
at 12/31/23
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:                                
ASSETS (Market Value):                                
Common Stocks:                                
Business Services   $ 284,093     $ 397     $ 26,016     $ 310,506  
Energy and Utilities     255,819       609             256,428  
Entertainment     276,589       10,707             287,296  
Health Care     279,964       0       0       279,964  
Machinery     765,440             30,469       795,909  
Wireless Telecommunications Services           8,007             8,007  
Other Industries (b)     6,318,235                   6,318,235  
Total Common Stocks     8,180,140       19,720       56,485       8,256,345  
Rights (b)           1,281             1,281  
Warrants (b)     5,280             2,608       7,888  
U.S. Government Obligations           2,580,381             2,580,381  
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS   $ 8,185,420     $ 2,601,382     $ 59,093     $ 10,845,895  

 

 
(a) The inputs for these securities are not readily available and are derived based on the judgment of the Adviser according to procedures approved by the Board.
(b) Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund did not have transfers into or out of Level 3. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers among levels as of the beginning of the reporting period.

 

14

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The following table reconciles Level 3 investments:

 

    Balance
as of
12/31/22
    Accrued
discounts/
(premiums)
    Realized
gain/ (loss)
    Net Change
in unrealized
appreciation/
depreciation†
    Return of
capital
    Purchases     Sales     Transfers
Into
Level 3
    Transfers
Out of
Level 3
    Balance
as of
12/31/23
    Net change
in unrealized
appreciation/
depreciation
during the
period on
Level 3
investments
still held at
12/31/23†
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:                                                                                        
ASSETS (Market Value):                                                                                        
Common Stocks (a)   $ 68,544           $ 180     $ 26,941     $ (39,180 )                           $ 56,485     $ 26,941  
Warrants (a)     2,608                                                       2,608        
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES   $ 71,152           $ 180     $ 26,941     $ (39,180 )                           $ 59,093     $ 26,941  

 

 
(a) Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments is included in the related amounts in the Statement of Operations.

 

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

 

General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services – approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser – to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.

 

Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. When fair valuing a security, factors to consider include recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

 

The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.

 

15

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. 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 that 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 translations. 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 purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.

 

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

 

Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

 

Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and accordingly the Board will monitor their liquidity. At December 31, 2023, the Fund did not hold any restricted securities.

 

Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method or amortized to earliest call date, if applicable. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.

 

Determination of Net Asset Value and Calculation of Expenses. Certain administrative expenses are common to, and allocated among, various affiliated funds. Such allocations are made on the basis of each fund’s average net assets or other criteria directly affecting the expenses as determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures established by the Board.

 

16

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

In calculating the NAV per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, redemption fees, and expenses other than class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of each day. Distribution expenses are borne solely by the class incurring the expense.

 

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to tax treatment of currency gains and losses. These reclassifications have no impact on the net asset value (NAV) per share of the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2023, no reclassifications were made in the Fund.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

 

    Year Ended
December 31,
2023
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
 
Distributions paid from:                
Ordinary income (inclusive of short term capital gains)   $ 529,059     $ 34,661  
Net long term capital gains     543,730       347,201  
Total distributions paid   $ 1,072,789     $ 381,862  

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

 

At December 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income   $ 1,988  
Undistributed long term capital gains     33,545  
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     567,267  
Total   $ 602,800  

 

At December 31, 2023, the temporary difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation was primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes, adjustments on partnerships, and investments no longer considered passive foreign investment companies.

 

17

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 2023:

 

    Cost     Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
    Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
 
Investments   $ 10,278,627     $ 2,011,128     $ (1,443,860 )   $ 567,268  

 

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2023, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

 

3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. 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 its 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 affiliated persons of the Adviser.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fees and/or to reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to maintain the annualized total operating expenses of the Fund (excluding brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) until at least April 30, 2024, at no more than an annual rate of 0.90% for all classed of shares. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $176,163. In addition, the Fund has agreed, during the two year period following any waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser, to repay such amount to the extent, that after giving effect to the repayment, such adjusted annualized total operating expenses (continuing the same foregoing exclusions as above) of the Fund would not exceed 0.90% of the value of the Fund’s average daily net assets for each share class of the Fund. The agreement is renewable annually. At December 31, 2023, the cumulative amount which the Fund may repay the Adviser, subject to the terms above, is $325,141:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, expiring December 31, 2024   $ 148,978  
For the year ended December 31, 2023, expiring December 31, 2025     176,163  
    $ 325,141  

 

4. Distribution Plan. The Fund’s Board has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) for each class of shares, except for Class I Shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Class AAA, Class A, and Class C Share Plans, payments are authorized to G.distributors, LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Adviser, at annual rates of 0.25%, 0.25%, and 1.00%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of those classes, the annual limitations under each Plan. Such payments are accrued daily and paid monthly.

 

18

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

5. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2023, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $3,061,559 and $3,780,845, respectively.

 

6. Transactions with Affiliates and Other Arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid $5,748 in brokerage commissions on security trades to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $1,210.

 

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Under the sub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. The Adviser did not seek a reimbursement during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

The Corporation pays retainer and per meeting fees to Directors not affiliated with the Adviser, plus specified amounts to the Lead Director and Audit Committee Chairman. Directors are also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. Directors who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Corporation.

 

7. Line of Credit. The Fund participates in an unsecured line of credit, which expires on February 28, 2024 and may be renewed annually, of up to $75,000,000 under which it may borrow up to 10% of its net assets from the bank for temporary borrowing purposes. Borrowings under this arrangement bear interest at a floating rate equal to the higher of the Overnight Federal Funds Rate plus 135 basis points or the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 135 basis points in effect on that day. This amount, if any, would be included in “Interest expense” in the Statement of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no borrowings under the line of credit.

 

8. Capital Stock. The Fund currently offers three classes of shares – Class AAA Shares, Class A Shares, and Class I Shares. Class AAA and Class A investors may purchase more of these share classes. Class C shareholders cannot purchase more of this class. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000. These changes had no effect on existing shareholders’ ability to redeem shares of the Fund as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

The Fund imposes a redemption fee of 2.00% on all classes of shares that are redeemed or exchanged on or before the seventh day after the date of a purchase. The redemption fee is deducted from the proceeds otherwise payable to the redeeming shareholders and is retained by the Fund as an increase in paid-in capital. The redemption fees retained by the Fund during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, if any, can be found in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets under Redemption Fees.

 

19

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Transactions in shares of capital stock were as follows:

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Class AAA                                
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     838     $ 9,263       458     $ 3,881  
Shares redeemed                 (302 )     (3,203 )
Net increase     838     $ 9,263       156     $ 678  
Class A                                
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     141     $ 1,554       77     $ 651  
Net increase     141     $ 1,554       77     $ 651  
Class C                                
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     140     $ 1,543       77     $ 647  
Net increase     140     $ 1,543       77     $ 647  
Class I                                
Shares sold     244,596     $ 2,652,277       166,432     $ 1,634,597  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     95,556       1,055,891       44,420       376,683  
Shares redeemed     (31,989 )     (339,658 )     (86,389 )     (828,013 )
Net increase     308,163     $ 3,368,510       124,463     $ 1,183,267  

 

9. Significant Shareholder. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 63.3% of the Fund was beneficially owned by the Adviser and its affiliates, including managed accounts for which the affiliates of the Adviser have voting control but disclaim pecuniary interest.

 

10. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

11. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

20

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders of The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

and the Board of Directors of GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”)), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.) at December 31, 2023, 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 its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Corporation is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Gabelli Funds investment companies since 1992.

 

New York, New York

February 28, 2024

 

21

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)

 

 

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act,the Fund has established a liquidity risk management program (the LRM Program) to govern its approach to managing liquidity risk. The LRM Program is administered by the Liquidity Committee (the Committee), which is comprised of members of Gabelli Funds, LLC management. The Board has designated the Committee to administer the LRM Program.

 

The LRM Program’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. The LRM Program also includes elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity and the monthly classification and re-classification of certain investments that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their relative liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on August 23, 2023, the Board received a written report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the LRM Program. The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the LRM Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively since its implementation. The Committee reported that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The Committee noted that the Fund is primarily invested in highly liquid securities and, accordingly, continues to be exempt from the requirement to determine a “highly liquid investment minimum” as defined in the Rule 22e-4. Because of that continued qualification for the exemption, the Fund has not adopted a “highly liquid investment minimum” amount. The Committee further noted that while changes to the LRM Program were made during the Review Period and reported to the Board, no material changes were made to the LRM Program as a result of the Committee’s annual review.

 

There can be no assurance that the LRM Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus for more information regarding its exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

22

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

 

During the six months ended December 31, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser for the Fund on the basis of the recommendation by the directors (the Independent Board Members) who are not interested persons of the Fund. The following paragraphs summarize the material information and factors considered by the Independent Board Members as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Independent Board Members considered information regarding the portfolio managers, the depth of the analyst pool available to the Adviser and the Fund’s portfolio managers, the scope of supervisory, administrative, shareholder, and other services supervised or provided by the Adviser and the absence of significant service problems reported to the Board. The Independent Board Members noted the experience, length of service, and reputation of the Fund’s portfolio managers.

 

Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the short term performance of the Fund (as of September 30, 2023) against a peer group of seven other comparable funds prepared by the Adviser (the Adviser Peer Group), and against a peer group prepared by Broadridge (the Broadridge Performance Peer Group) consisting of all retail and institutional global small/mid cap fund, regardless of asset size or primary channel of distribution. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the first quartile for the one year period, and in the second quartile (but second overall) for the three and five year periods, as measured against the Adviser Peer Group. Against the Broadridge Performance Peer Group, the Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the first quintile for the one, three, and five year periods. The Independent Board Members noted that at its current size, the Fund was not competitive among its peer groups and encouraged the Adviser to continue to explore ways to increase the size of the Fund. The Independent Board Members discussed the Adviser’s comprehensive performance discussion earlier in the Meeting.

 

Profitability. The Independent Board Members reviewed summary data regarding the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser both with a pro rata administrative overhead charge and with a standalone administrative charge and noted the effect of the expense limitation agreement. The Independent Board Members also noted that a portion of the Fund’s portfolio transactions were executed by an affiliated broker of the Adviser and that another affiliated broker of the Adviser received distribution fees and minor amounts of sales commissions.

 

Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Adviser’s cost structure and the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale and reviewed data provided by the Adviser.

 

Sharing of Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members noted that the investment management fee schedule for the Fund does not take into account any potential economies of scale that may develop.

 

Service and Cost Comparisons. The Independent Board Members compared the expense ratios of the investment management fee, other expenses and total expenses of the Fund to similar expense ratios of the Adviser Peer Group and a peer group of ten other global small/mid cap funds selected by Broadridge (the Broadridge Expense Peer Group), and noted that the Adviser’s management fee includes substantially all administrative services of the Fund as well as investment advisory services. The Board Members noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio was the lowest for the Adviser Peer Group and the Broadridge Expense Peer Group. The Independent Board Members also noted that the advisory fee structure was the same as that in effect for

 

23

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

most of the Gabelli funds and noted the effect of the expense limitation agreement in place for the Fund. The Independent Board Members were presented with, but did not consider to be material to their decision, various information comparing the advisory fee to the fee for other types of accounts managed by the Adviser.

 

Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services, and good ancillary services and an acceptable performance record. The Independent Board Members also concluded that the Fund’s expense ratios and profitability to the Adviser were acceptable, and that economies of scale were not a significant factor in their thinking at this time. In this regard, the Independent Board Members noted the contractual Expense Deferral Agreement between the Adviser and the Corporation, on behalf of each Fund, pursuant to which the net expense ratio for each share class of each Fund was reduced to 0.90%. The Independent Board Members did not view the potential profitability of ancillary services as material to their decision. On the basis of the foregoing and without assigning particular weight to any single conclusion, the Independent Board Members determined to recommend continuation of the investment management agreement to the full Board.

 

Based on a consideration of all these factors in their totality, the Board Members, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that The Fund’s advisory fee was appropriate in light of the quality of services provided and in light of the other factors described above that the Board deemed relevant. Accordingly, the Board Members determined to approve the continuation of The Fund’s Advisory Agreement. The Board Members based their decision on evaluations of all these factors as a whole and did not consider any one factor as all important or controlling.

 

24

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

 

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Corporation’s Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and Officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Corporation’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or by writing to The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.

 


Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of

Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
 
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
 
Other Directorships
Held by Director3
                 
INTERESTED DIRECTORS4:                
                 

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA

Director and Chief

Investment Officer

1942

  Since 1993   31   Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer– Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management, Inc.; Director/Trustee or Chief Investment Officer of other registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex; Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc.; Executive Chair of Associated Capital Group, Inc.   Director of Morgan Group Holding Co. (holding company) (2001-2019); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of LICT Corp. (multimedia and communication services company); Director of CIBL, Inc. (broadcasting and wireless communications); Director of ICTC Group Inc. (communications) (2013-2018)
                 

John D. Gabelli

Director

1944

 

  Since 1993   12   Former Senior Vice President of G.research, LLC (and its predecessor) (1991-2019)  
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS5:                
                 

E. Val Cerutti

Director

1939

  Since 2001   7   Chief Executive Officer of Cerutti Consultants, Inc.   Director of The LGL Group, Inc. (diversified manufacturing) (1990-2009)
                 

Anthony J. Colavita6

Director

1935

  Since 1993   18   President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.  
                 

Werner J. Roeder

Director

1940

  Since 1993   20  

Retired physician; Former Vice President of Medical Affairs (Medical Director) of New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital (1999-2014)

 
                 

Anthonie C. van Ekris6

Director

1934

  Since 1993   23   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/export company)  

 

25

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 


Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
 
Term of Office
and Length of

Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
 
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
 
Other Directorships
Held by Director3
                 

Salvatore J. Zizza7

Director

1945 

  Since 2004   35   President, Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); Chairman of Bergen Cove Realty Inc. (residential real estate)   Director and Chairman of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018); Retired Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing); Director of Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.

 

26

 

 

The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Year of Birth
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
 
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
         
OFFICERS:        
         

John C. Ball

President, Treasurer,

Principal Financial &

Accounting Officer

1976

  Since 2017   Senior Vice President (since 2018) and other positions (2017 - 2018) of GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Chief Executive Officer, G.distributors, LLC since 2020; Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2017
         

Peter Goldstein

Secretary & Vice

President

1953

  Since 2020   General Counsel, GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Legal Officer, Associated Capital Group, Inc. since 2021; General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Buckingham Capital Management, Inc. (2012-2020); Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, The Buckingham Research Group, Inc. (2012-2020)
         

Richard J. Walz

Chief Compliance

Officer

1959

  Since 2013   Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli Fund Complex since 2013

 

 
1 Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted.
2 Each Director will hold office for an indefinite term until the earliest of (i) the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such Director and until the election and qualification of his or her successor, if any, elected at such meeting, or (ii) the date a Director resigns or retires, or a Director is removed by the Board of Directors or shareholders, in accordance with the Corporation’s By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation. For officers, includes time served in prior officer positions with the Fund. Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
3 This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
4 “Interested person” of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act. Messrs. Gabelli are each considered an “interested person” because of their affiliation with Gabelli Funds, LLC which acts as the Corporation’s investment adviser. Mario J. Gabelli and John D. Gabelli are brothers.
5 Directors who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Directors.
6 Mr. Colavita’s son, Anthony S. Colavita, serves as a director of other funds in the Gabelli Fund Complex. Mr. van Ekris is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., Gabelli Fund, LDC, GAMA Capital Opportunities Master, Ltd., and GAMCO International SICAV, which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser.
7 Mr. Zizza is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. On September 9, 2015, Mr. Zizza entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry relating to an alleged violation regarding the making of false statements or omissions to the accountants of a company concerning a related party transaction. The company in question is not an affiliate of, nor has any connection to, the Fund. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Zizza, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings and allegation, paid $150,000 and agreed to cease and desist committing or causing any future violations of Rule 13b2-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has discussed this matter and has determined that it does not disqualify Mr. Zizza from serving as an Independent Director.

 

27

 

 

 

Gabelli Funds and Your Personal Privacy

 

 

Who are we?

 

The Gabelli Funds are investment companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We are managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc., a publicly held company with subsidiaries and affiliates that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.

 

What kind of non-public information do we collect about you if you become a fund shareholder?

 

If you apply to open an account directly with us, you will be giving us some non-public information about yourself. The non-public information we collect about you is:

 

Information you give us on your application form. This could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number, bank account number, and other information.

 

Information about your transactions with us, any transactions with our affiliates, and transactions with the entities we hire to provide services to you. This would include information about the shares that you buy or redeem. If we hire someone else to provide services — like a transfer agent — we will also have information about the transactions that you conduct through them.

 

What information do we disclose and to whom do we disclose it?

 

We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone other than our affiliates, our service providers who need to know such information, and as otherwise permitted by law. If you want to find out what the law permits, you can read the privacy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are in volume 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 248. The Commission often posts information about its regulations on its website, www. sec.gov.

 

What do we do to protect your personal information?

 

We restrict access to non-public personal information about you to the people who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or the fund and to ensure that we are complying with the laws governing the securities business. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to keep your personal information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Gabelli Global Mini Mites Fund

2023 TAX NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (Unaudited)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid to shareholders ordinary income distributions (comprised of net investment income and short term capital gains) totaling $0.5986, $0.5985, $0.5964, and $0.5986 per share for Class AAA, Class A, Class C, and Class I, respectively, and long term capital gains totaling $543,730, or the maximum allowable. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 13.51% of the ordinary income distribution qualifies for the dividends received deduction available to corporations. The Fund designates 16.51% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified dividend income pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designates 57.91% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified interest income pursuant to the Tax Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. The Fund designates 100% of the ordinary income distribution as qualified short term gain pursuant to the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Also for the year of 2023, the Fund did not have foreign tax credits.

 

U.S. Government Income:

 

The percentage of the ordinary income distribution paid by the Fund during 2023 which was derived from U.S. Treasury securities was 3.30%. Such income is exempt from state and local 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 Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2023. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2023 was 22.34%. Due to the diversity in state and local tax law, it is recommended that you consult your personal tax adviser as to the applicability of the information provided to your specific situation.

 

 

All designations are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

 

 

 

 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL MINI MITES FUND

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

 

Portfolio Management Team Biographies

 

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. that he founded in 1977, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management, Inc. He is also Executive Chairman of Associated Capital Group, Inc. Mr. Gabelli is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University and holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School and Honorary Doctorates from Fordham University and Roger Williams University.

 

Sarah Donnelly joined Gabelli in 1999 as a junior research analyst working with the consumer staples and media analysts. Currently she is a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC, a Senior Vice President, and the Food, Household, and Personal Care products research analyst for Gabelli & Company. In 2013, she was named the Health & Wellness research platform leader. Ms. Donnelly received a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and minor in History from Fordham University.

 

Ashish Sinha joined GAMCO UK in 2012 as a research analyst. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Sinha was a research analyst at Morgan Stanley in London for seven years and has covered European Technology, Mid-Caps and Business Services. He also worked in planning and strategy at Birla Sun Life Insurance in India. Currently Mr. Sinha is a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and an Assistant Vice President of GAMCO Asset Management UK. Mr. Sinha has a BSBA degree from the Institute of Management Studies and an MB from IIFT.

 

Hendi Susanto joined Gabelli in 2007 as the lead technology research analyst. He spent his early career in supply chain management consulting and operations in the technology industry. He currently is a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and a Vice President of Associated Capital Group Inc. Mr. Susanto received a BS degree summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota, an MS from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an MBA degree from the Wharton School of Business.

 

Chong-Min Kang joined the Gabelli in 2007 as a research analyst. He currently is a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and a Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors Inc. Mr. Kang received a BA degree from Boston College and an MBA from the Columbia Business School.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that Salvatore J. Zizza is qualified to serve as an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee and that he is “independent,” as defined by Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Audit Fees

 

(a) The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $136,100 for 2022 and $140,200 for 2023.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

(b) The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $0 for 2022 and $0 for 2023.

 

Tax Fees

 

(c) The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $19,000 for 2022 and $19,760 for 2023. Tax fees represent tax compliance services provided in connection with the review of the Registrant’s tax returns.

 

 

 

 

All Other Fees

 

(d) The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $5,049 for 2022 and $4,892 for 2023. The fees relate to Passive Foreign Investment Company identification database subscription fees billed on an annual basis.

 

(e)(1) Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Audit Committee ("Committee") of the registrant is responsible for pre-approving (i) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the registrant and (ii) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the Adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC, and any affiliate of Gabelli Funds, LLC ("Gabelli") that provides services to the registrant (a "Covered Services Provider") if the independent registered public accounting firm's engagement related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant. The Committee may delegate its responsibility to pre-approve any such audit and permissible non-audit services to the Chairperson of the Committee, and the Chairperson must report to the Committee, at its next regularly scheduled meeting after the Chairperson's pre-approval of such services, his or her decision(s). The Committee may also establish detailed pre-approval policies and procedures for pre-approval of such services in accordance with applicable laws, including the delegation of some or all of the Committee's pre-approval responsibilities to the other persons (other than Gabelli or the registrant's officers). Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the registrant at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (ii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee or Chairperson prior to the completion of the audit.

 

(e)(2) The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

(b) N/A

 

(c) 0%

 

(d) 0%

 

(f) The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was less than fifty percent.

 

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $63,550 for 2022 and $57,210 for 2023.

 

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

 

(i) Not Applicable.

 

(j) The registrant is not a foreign issuer.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a) Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1(a) of this form.

 

(b) Not applicable due to no such divestments during the semi-annual period covered since the previous Form N-CSR filing.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

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

 

(a)(2)   Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

(a)(2)(1)   Not applicable.

 

(a)(2)(2)   Not applicable.

 

(b)   Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(Registrant) GAMCO Global Series Funds, Inc.  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John C. Ball  
  John C. Ball, Principal Executive Officer  
     
Date March 8, 2024  

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John C. Ball  
  John C. Ball, Principal Executive Officer  
     
Date March 8, 2024  

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John C. Ball  
  John C. Ball, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer  
     
Date March 8, 2024  

 

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.