Gabelli Equity Series Funds, Inc.
Gabelli Equity
Series Funds, Inc.
The Gabelli Small Cap
Growth Fund
The Gabelli Equity Income
Fund
The Gabelli Focused
Growth and Income Fund
The Gabelli Global
Financial Services Fund
(each a “Fund” and
collectively, the “Funds”)
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
800‑GABELLI
(800‑422‑3554)
fax: 914‑921‑5118
website: www.gabelli.com
e‑mail: info@gabelli.com
Questions?
Call 800‑GABELLI
or your investment representative.
Gabelli Equity Series
Funds, Inc. (the “Company”)
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Fund |
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Ticker Symbol |
The Gabelli Small
Cap |
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AAA |
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GABSX |
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Growth
Fund |
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A |
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GCASX |
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C |
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GCCSX |
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I |
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GACIX |
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The Gabelli
Equity |
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AAA |
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GABEX |
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Income
Fund |
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A |
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GCAEX |
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I |
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GCIEX |
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The Gabelli
Focused |
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AAA |
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GWSVX |
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Growth and Income Fund |
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A |
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GWSAX |
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I |
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GWSIX |
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The Gabelli
Global |
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AAA |
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GAFSX |
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Financial Services
Fund |
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A |
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GGFSX |
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C |
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GCFSX |
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I |
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GFSIX |
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PROSPECTUS
January 28,
2022
As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ 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 Funds’ website (https://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 Funds, you may call
800‑422‑3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com. Your election to
receive reports on paper will apply to all funds held in your account if you
invest through your financial intermediary or all funds held within the fund
complex if you invest directly with the Funds.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved the shares described in this Prospectus or determined
whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the
contrary is a criminal offense.
THE GABELLI SMALL CAP
GROWTH FUND
(the “Small Cap Growth
Fund”)
Investment Objective
The Small Cap Growth Fund seeks to provide a high level
of capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Small Cap Growth Fund:
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may
pay if you buy and hold the following classes of shares of the Small Cap Growth
Fund. You may
qualify for sales charge discounts on Class A shares if you and your family
invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the
Gabelli family of mutual funds. More information about these and
other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the section
entitled, “Classes of Shares” on page 46 of the prospectus and in Appendix A,
“Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Certain Intermediaries,”
attached to the Fund’s prospectus.
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Class AAA Shares |
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Class A Shares |
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Class C Shares |
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Class I Shares |
Shareholder
Fees |
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(fees paid directly from
your investment): |
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Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
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None |
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5.75% |
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None |
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None |
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Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of redemption or offering price, whichever is
lower) |
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None |
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None |
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1.00% |
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None |
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Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested
Dividends (as a percentage of amount invested) |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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Redemption Fees (as a percentage of amount redeemed
for shares held 7 days or less) |
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2.00% |
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2.00% |
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2.00% |
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2.00% |
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Exchange Fee |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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Annual Fund
Operating Expenses |
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(expenses that you pay each
year as a percentage of the value of your
investment): |
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Management Fees |
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1.00% |
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1.00% |
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1.00% |
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1.00% |
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Distribution and Service (Rule 12b‑1)
Fees |
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0.25% |
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0.25% |
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1.00% |
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None |
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Other Expenses |
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0.13% |
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0.13% |
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0.13% |
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0.13% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
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1.38% |
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1.38% |
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2.13% |
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1.13% |
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Expense Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Small Cap Growth Fund with the cost of investing in other
mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Small
Cap Growth Fund for the time periods shown and then redeem all of your shares at
the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
2
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Small
Cap Growth Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
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1 Year |
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3 Years |
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5 Years |
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10 Years |
Class AAA Shares |
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$ |
140 |
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$ |
437 |
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$ |
755 |
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$ |
1,657 |
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Class A Shares |
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$ |
707 |
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$ |
987 |
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$ |
1,287 |
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$ |
2,137 |
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Class C Shares |
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$ |
316 |
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$ |
667 |
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$ |
1,144 |
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$ |
2,462 |
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Class I Shares |
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$ |
115 |
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$ |
359 |
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$ |
622 |
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$ |
1,375 |
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You would pay the following expenses if you did not
redeem your shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund:
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1 Year |
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3 Years |
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5 Years |
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10 Years |
Class AAA Shares |
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$ |
140 |
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$ |
437 |
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$ |
755 |
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$ |
1,657 |
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Class A Shares |
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$ |
707 |
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$ |
987 |
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$ |
1,287 |
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$ |
2,137 |
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Class C Shares |
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$ |
216 |
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$ |
667 |
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$ |
1,144 |
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$ |
2,462 |
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Class I Shares |
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$ |
115 |
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$ |
359 |
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$ |
622 |
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$ |
1,375 |
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Portfolio Turnover
The Small Cap Growth Fund pays transaction costs, such as
commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).
A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may
result in higher taxes when the Small Cap Growth Fund’s shares are held in a
taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the annual fund
operating expenses or in the example, affect the Small Cap Growth Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Small Cap Growth Fund’s
portfolio turnover rate was 1% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal market conditions, the Small Cap Growth Fund
invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies that
are considered to be small companies at the time the Small Cap Growth Fund makes
its investment. The Small Cap Growth Fund invests primarily in the common stocks
of companies which Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Small Cap Growth Fund’s adviser (the
“Adviser”), believes are likely to have rapid growth in revenues and above
average rates of earnings growth. The Adviser currently characterizes small
capitalization companies for the Small Cap Growth Fund as those with total
common stock market values of $3 billion or less at the time of investment.
In selecting investments for the Small Cap Growth Fund,
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 (capitalization is the price per share multiplied
by the number of shares outstanding) 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.
Frequently, smaller companies exhibit one or more of the
following traits:
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New products or technologies
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New distribution methods
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Rapid changes in industry conditions due to
regulatory or other developments
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Changes in management or similar characteristics
that may result not only in expected growth in revenues but in an
accelerated or above average rate of earnings growth, which would usually
be reflected in capital appreciation.
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In addition, because smaller companies are less actively
followed by stock analysts and less information is available on which to base
stock price evaluations, the market may overlook favorable trends in particular
smaller growth companies and then adjust its valuation more quickly once
investor interest is gained.
Principal Risks
You may want to invest in the Small Cap Growth Fund
if:
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you are a long term investor
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you seek capital appreciation
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you believe that the market will favor small
capitalization stocks over the long term
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The Small Cap Growth Fund’s share price will fluctuate
with changes in the market value of the Small Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio
securities. An
investment in the Small Cap Growth Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. When you sell Small Cap Growth Fund shares, they may be
worth more or less than what you paid for them; you may lose money by investing
in the Small Cap Growth Fund.
Investing in the Small Cap Growth Fund involves the
following risks:
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Coronavirus
(“COVID‑19”) and Global Health
Events. COVID‑19 and concerns about its
rapid spread and infections have severely impacted business activity in
virtually all economies, markets, and sectors and negatively impacted the
value of many financial and other assets. The duration of the COVID‑19
outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty. These events
could have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance, as well as the
performance and viability of issuers in which it invests.
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Equity
Risk. Equity risk is the risk that the
prices of the securities held by the Small Cap Growth Fund will change due
to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the
industries in which the companies issuing the securities participate, and
the issuer company’s particular circumstances.
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Foreign Securities
Risk. Investments in foreign securities
involve risks relating to political, social, and economic developments
abroad, as well as risks resulting from the differences between the
regulations to which U.S. and foreign issuers and markets are subject.
These risks include expropriation, differing accounting and disclosure
standards, currency exchange risks, settlement difficulties, market
illiquidity, difficulties enforcing legal rights, and greater transaction
costs. These risks are more pronounced in the securities of companies
located in emerging markets.
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Management
Risk. If the portfolio manager is incorrect
in his assessment of the growth prospects of the securities the Small Cap
Growth Fund holds, then the value of the Small Cap Growth Fund’s shares
may decline. |
4
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Small
Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in
securities of small capitalization companies may involve greater risks
than investing in larger, more established issuers. Smaller capitalization
companies typically have relatively lower revenues, limited product lines
and lack of management depth, and may have a smaller share of the market
for their products or services, than larger capitalization companies. The
stocks of smaller capitalization companies tend to have less trading
volume than stocks of larger capitalization companies. Less trading volume
may make it more difficult for the portfolio manager to sell securities of
smaller capitalization companies at quoted market prices. Finally, there
are periods when investing in smaller capitalization stocks fall out of
favor with investors and the stocks of smaller capitalization companies
underperform. |
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Value Investing
Risk. The Small Cap Growth Fund invests in
“value” stocks. The portfolio manager may be wrong in the assessment of a
company’s value and the stocks the Small Cap Growth Fund holds may not
reach what the portfolio manager believes are their full values. From time
to time “value” investing falls out of favor with investors. During those
periods, the Small Cap Growth Fund’s relative performance may suffer.
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Performance
The bar chart
and table that follow provide an indication of the risks of investing in the
Small Cap Growth Fund by showing changes in the Small Cap Growth Fund’s
performance from year to year and by showing how the Small Cap Growth Fund’s
average annual returns for one year, five years, and ten years compared with
those of a broad based securities market index. As with all mutual funds, the
Small Cap Growth Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not
predict how the Small Cap Growth Fund will perform in the
future. Updated information on the Small Cap Growth Fund’s
results can be obtained by visiting www.gabelli.com.
SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
(Total Returns for
Class AAA Shares for the Years Ended December 31)
5
During the calendar years shown in the bar chart, the
highest return for a
quarter was 23.36% (quarter ended December 31,
2020), and the lowest return for a quarter
was (29.29)% (quarter ended March 31,
2020).
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Average Annual
Total Returns
(for the years ended
December 31, 2021) |
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Past One Year |
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Past Five Years |
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Past Ten Years |
The Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund Class AAA
Shares (first issued on 10/22/91) |
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Return Before Taxes |
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25.32 |
% |
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11.77 |
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12.75 |
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Return After Taxes on Distributions |
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21.67 |
% |
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8.63 |
% |
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10.79 |
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Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares |
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17.44 |
% |
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8.78 |
% |
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10.23 |
% |
Class A Shares (first issued on 12/31/03) |
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Return Before Taxes |
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18.09 |
% |
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10.45 |
% |
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12.09 |
% |
Class C Shares (first issued on 12/31/03) |
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Return Before Taxes |
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23.38 |
% |
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10.93 |
% |
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11.91 |
% |
Class I Shares (first issued on 1/11/08) |
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Return Before Taxes |
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25.62 |
% |
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12.04 |
% |
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13.04 |
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S&P SmallCap 600 Index (reflects no deduction
for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
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26.82 |
% |
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12.42 |
% |
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14.50 |
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Lipper Small‑Cap Core Funds Average |
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33.82 |
% |
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8.89 |
% |
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11.26 |
% |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
After‑tax returns are shown
for only Class AAA shares, and after‑tax returns for other classes will
vary. In some instances, the
“Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater
than the “Return After Taxes on Distributions” because the investor is assumed
to be able to use the capital loss from the sale of Fund shares to offset other
taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns
depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After‑tax
returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Small Cap Growth Fund
shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual
Retirement Accounts, including Roth IRAs and SEP IRAs (collectively,
“IRAs”).
Management
The Adviser. Gabelli Funds, LLC
The Portfolio Manager.
Mr. Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, Chief Investment Officer — Value Portfolios
of the Adviser, has served as portfolio manager of the Small Cap Growth Fund
since its inception on October 22, 1991. Mr. Gordon Grender has served
as a portfolio manager of the Small Cap Growth Fund since February 1, 2021.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The minimum initial investment for Class AAA,
Class A, and Class C shares is $1,000 ($250 for “IRAs” or Coverdell
Education Savings Plans). There is no minimum initial investment for
Class AAA, Class A, and Class C shares in an automatic monthly
investment plan. Class I shares are available to investors with a minimum
investment of $10,000 when purchasing the shares directly through
G.distributors, LLC, the Small Cap Growth Fund’s distributor (“G.distributors”
or the “Distributor”), or investors purchasing Class I shares through
brokers or financial intermediaries that have entered into selling agreements
with the Distributor specifically with respect to Class I shares, and which
have different minimum investment
6
amounts. If you transact in Class I Shares through a
broker or financial intermediary, you may be required to pay a commission and/or
other forms of compensation to the broker or financial intermediary. The
Distributor reserves the right to waive or change minimum investment amounts.
There is no minimum for subsequent investments.
Since the minimum initial investment amount for Class I
shares of Small Cap Growth Fund purchased through the Distributor has been
reduced to $10,000, shareholders eligible to purchase other share classes of
Small Cap Growth Fund and making an initial investment of $10,000 should instead
consider purchasing Class I shares of Small Cap Growth Fund since Class I shares
carry no sales load and no ongoing distribution fees. Investors and shareholders
who wish to purchase shares of Small Cap Growth Fund through a broker or
financial intermediary should consult their broker or financial intermediary
with respect to the purchase of shares of Small Cap Growth Fund. Please refer to
Small Cap Growth Fund’s statutory prospectus for additional information about
share class conversions and exchanges among funds managed by the Adviser or its
affiliates.
You can purchase or redeem shares of the Small Cap Growth
Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading (a
“Business Day”). You may purchase or redeem shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund
by written request via mail (The Gabelli Funds, P.O. Box 219204, Kansas City, MO
64121-9204), personal or overnight delivery (The Gabelli Funds, c/o DST Asset
Manager Solutions, Inc., 430 W 7th Street STE 219204, Kansas City, MO
64105-1407), Internet, bank wire, or Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) system.
You may also purchase shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund by telephone, if you
have an existing account with banking instructions on file, or redeem at
800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554).
Shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund can also be purchased
or sold through registered broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries that
have entered into appropriate selling agreements with the Distributor. The
broker-dealer or other financial intermediary will transmit these transaction
orders to the Small Cap Growth Fund on your behalf and send you confirmation of
your transactions and periodic account statements showing your investments in
the Small Cap Growth Fund.
Tax Information
The Small Cap Growth Fund expects that distributions will
generally be taxable as ordinary income or long term capital gains, unless you
are investing through a tax deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an
IRA.
Payments to
Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund
through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the
Small Cap Growth Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the
sale of Small Cap Growth Fund shares and related services. These payments may
create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other
intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Small Cap Growth Fund over
another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s
website for more information.
7
THE GABELLI EQUITY INCOME
FUND
(the “Equity Income
Fund”)
Investment Objective
The Equity Income Fund seeks to provide a high level of
total return on its assets with an emphasis on income.
Fees and Expenses of the Equity Income Fund:
Effective January 3, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), the
Equity Income Fund’s Class C shares have been “closed to all purchases.” “Closed
to all purchases” means neither new investors nor existing shareholders may
purchase any additional Class C shares after the Effective Date. These changes
have no effect on existing shareholders’ ability to redeem shares of the Equity
Income Fund as described herein.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may
pay if you buy and hold the following classes of shares of the Equity Income
Fund. You may
qualify for sales charge discounts on Class A shares if you and your family
invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the
Gabelli family of mutual funds. More information about these and
other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the section
entitled, “Classes of Shares” on page 46 of the prospectus and in Appendix A,
“Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Certain Intermediaries,”
attached to the Fund’s prospectus.
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Class AAA Shares |
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Class A Shares |
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Class I Shares |
Shareholder
Fees |
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(fees paid directly from
your investment): |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
5.75% |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of redemption or offering price, whichever is
lower) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested
Dividends (as a percentage of amount invested) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Redemption Fees (as a percentage of amount redeemed
for shares held 7 days or less) |
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
Exchange Fee |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(expenses that you pay each
year as a percentage of the value of your
investment): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fees |
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
Distribution and Service (Rule 12b‑1)
Fees |
|
|
|
0.25% |
|
|
|
|
0.25% |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.17% |
|
|
|
|
0.17% |
|
|
|
|
0.17% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
|
|
1.42% |
|
|
|
|
1.42% |
|
|
|
|
1.17% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expense Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Equity Income Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds.
8
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in shares of
the Equity Income Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of
your shares at the end of those periods. This example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Equity Income Fund’s
operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
Class AAA Shares |
|
|
$ |
145 |
|
|
|
$ |
449 |
|
|
|
$ |
776 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,702 |
|
Class A Shares |
|
|
$ |
711 |
|
|
|
$ |
998 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,307 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,179 |
|
Class I Shares |
|
|
$ |
119 |
|
|
|
$ |
372 |
|
|
|
$ |
644 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,420 |
|
You would pay the following expenses if you did not
redeem your shares of the Equity Income Fund:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
Class AAA Shares |
|
|
$ |
145 |
|
|
|
$ |
449 |
|
|
|
$ |
776 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,702 |
|
Class A Shares |
|
|
$ |
711 |
|
|
|
$ |
998 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,307 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,179 |
|
Class I Shares |
|
|
$ |
119 |
|
|
|
$ |
372 |
|
|
|
$ |
644 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,420 |
|
Portfolio Turnover
The Equity Income Fund pays transaction costs, such as
commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).
A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may
result in higher taxes when the Equity Income Fund’s shares are held in a
taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the annual fund
operating expenses or in the example, affect the Equity Income Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Equity Income Fund’s
portfolio turnover rate was 1% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Equity Income Fund will seek to achieve its
investment objective through a combination of capital appreciation and current
income by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net
assets in income producing equity securities. Income producing equity securities
include, for example, common stock, preferred stock, and convertible securities.
In making stock selections, Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Equity Income Fund’s adviser
(the “Adviser”), looks for securities that have a better yield than the average
of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index (the “S&P 500 Index”), as well as
capital gains potential.
In selecting investments for the Equity Income Fund, the
Adviser focuses on issuers that:
|
• |
|
have strong free cash flow and pay regular
dividends
|
|
• |
|
have potential for long term earnings per share
growth
|
|
• |
|
may be subject to a value catalyst, such as
industry developments, regulatory changes, changes in management, sale or
spin-off of a division, or the development of a profitable new business
|
|
• |
|
will benefit from sustainable long term economic
dynamics, such as globalization of an issuer’s industry or an issuer’s
increased focus on productivity or enhancement of services.
|
9
The Adviser also believes preferred stock and convertible
securities of selected companies offer opportunities for capital appreciation as
well as periodic income and may invest a portion of the Equity Income Fund’s
assets in such securities. This is particularly true in the case of companies
that have performed below expectations. If a company’s performance has been poor
enough, its preferred stock and convertible debt securities will trade more like
common stock than like a fixed income security and may result in above average
appreciation if performance improves. Even if the credit quality of the company
is not in question, the market price of the convertible security will reflect
little or no element of conversion value if the price of its common stock has
fallen substantially below the conversion price. This leads to the possibility
of capital appreciation if the price of the common stock recovers.
Principal Risks
You may want to invest in the Equity Income Fund if:
|
• |
|
you are a long term investor
|
|
• |
|
you are seeking income as well as capital
appreciation
|
The Equity Income Fund’s share price will fluctuate with
changes in the market value of the Equity Income Fund’s portfolio securities.
An
investment in the Equity Income Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. When you sell Equity Income Fund shares, they may be
worth more or less than what you paid for them; you may lose money by investing
in the Equity Income Fund.
Investing in the Equity Income Fund involves the
following risks:
|
• |
|
Coronavirus (“COVID‑19”) and Global Health
Events. COVID‑19 and concerns about its
rapid spread and infections have severely impacted business activity in
virtually all economies, markets, and sectors and negatively impacted the
value of many financial and other assets. The duration of the COVID‑19
outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty. These events
could have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance, as well as the
performance and viability of issuers in which it invests.
|
|
• |
|
Equity
Risk. Equity risk is the risk that the
prices of the securities held by the Equity Income Fund will change due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the
industries in which the companies issuing the securities participate, and
the issuer company’s particular circumstances. Dividends on common equity
securities are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of an issuer’s
board of directors. Companies that have historically paid dividends on
their securities are not required to continue to pay dividends on such
securities. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the common equity
securities will declare dividends in the future or that, if declared, they
will remain at current levels or increase over time. Therefore, there is
the possibility that such companies could reduce or eliminate the payment
of dividends in the future. The Equity Income Fund’s investments in
dividend producing equity securities may also limit its potential for
appreciation during a broad market advance. The prices of dividend
producing equity securities can be highly volatile. Investors should not
assume that the Equity Income Fund’s investments in these securities will
necessarily reduce the volatility of the Equity Income Fund’s NAV or
provide “protection,” compared to other types of equity securities, when
markets perform poorly.
|
10
|
• |
|
Foreign Securities
Risk. Investments in foreign securities
involve risks relating to political, social, and economic developments
abroad, as well as risks resulting from the differences between the
regulations to which U.S. and foreign issuers and markets are subject.
These risks include expropriation, differing accounting and disclosure
standards, currency exchange risks, settlement difficulties, market
illiquidity, difficulties enforcing legal rights, and greater transaction
costs. These risks are more pronounced in the securities of companies
located in emerging markets.
|
|
• |
|
Interest Rate Risk and Credit
Risk. Investments in preferred stock and
securities convertible into or exchangeable for common or preferred stock
involve interest rate risk and credit risk. When interest rates decline,
the value of such securities generally rises. Conversely, when interest
rates rise, the value of such securities generally declines. The Equity
Income Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due
to the current period of historically low interest rates. There is a
possibility that interest rates may rise in the future. Recently, there
have been signs of inflationary price movements, which could increase the
risk of interest rates rising. It is also possible that the issuer of a
security will not be able to make dividend, interest and principal
payments when due.
|
|
• |
|
Low Credit Quality
Risk. Lower rated convertible securities are
subject to greater credit risk, greater price volatility, and a greater
risk of loss than investment grade securities. There may be less of a
market for lower rated convertible securities, which could make it harder
to sell them at an acceptable price. Lower rated securities are commonly
referred to as “junk” or “high yield” securities.
|
|
• |
|
Management
Risk. If the portfolio manager is incorrect
in his assessment of the growth prospects of the securities the Equity
Income Fund holds, then the value of the Equity Income Fund’s shares may
decline. |
|
• |
|
Value Investing
Risk. The Equity Income Fund invests in
“value” stocks. The portfolio manager may be wrong in the assessment of a
company’s value and the stocks the Equity Income Fund holds may not reach
what the portfolio manager believes are their full values. From time to
time “value” investing falls out of favor with investors. During those
periods, the Equity Income Fund’s relative performance may suffer.
|
Performance
The bar chart
and table that follow provide an indication of the risks of investing in the
Equity Income Fund by showing changes in the Equity Income Fund’s performance
from year to year and by showing how the Equity Income Fund’s average annual
returns for one year, five years, and ten years compared with those of a broad
based securities market index. As with all mutual funds, the
Equity Income Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not predict
how the Equity Income Fund will perform in the future. Updated
information on the Equity Income Fund’s results can be obtained by visiting
www.gabelli.com.
11
EQUITY INCOME FUND
(Total Returns for
Class AAA Shares for the Years Ended December 31)
During the calendar years shown in the bar chart, the
highest return for a
quarter was 16.94% (quarter ended June 30,
2020), and the lowest return for a quarter
was (25.24)% (quarter ended March 31,
2020).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the years ended
December 31, 2021) |
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years |
|
Past Ten Years |
The Gabelli Equity Income Fund Class AAA
Shares (first issued on 1/2/92) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
23.50 |
% |
|
|
|
10.62 |
% |
|
|
|
10.62 |
% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
|
19.65 |
% |
|
|
|
5.63 |
% |
|
|
|
7.40 |
% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares |
|
|
|
15.86 |
% |
|
|
|
7.29 |
% |
|
|
|
7.94 |
% |
Class A Shares (first issued on 12/31/03): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
16.43 |
% |
|
|
|
9.32 |
% |
|
|
|
9.97 |
% |
Class I Shares (first issued on 1/11/08) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
23.74 |
% |
|
|
|
10.89 |
% |
|
|
|
10.89 |
% |
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for
fees, expenses, or taxes) |
|
|
|
28.71 |
% |
|
|
|
18.47 |
% |
|
|
|
16.55 |
% |
Lipper Equity Income Funds Average |
|
|
|
24.57 |
% |
|
|
|
12.38 |
% |
|
|
|
12.41 |
% |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
After‑tax returns are shown
for only Class AAA shares, and after‑tax returns for other classes will
vary. In some instances, the
“Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater
than the “Return After Taxes on Distributions” because the investor is assumed
to be able to use the capital loss from the sale of Fund shares to offset other
taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns
depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After‑tax
returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Equity Income Fund
shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual
retirement accounts, including Roth IRAs and SEP IRAs (collectively,
“IRAs”).
12
In addition to the S&P 500 Index,
the Equity Income Fund’s returns are also compared with the Lipper Equity Income
Funds Average. The Lipper Equity Income Funds Average is based on the average
return of all funds in the Lipper Equity Income Funds universe. Funds in the
Lipper Equity Income Funds Average seek relatively high current income and
growth of income through investing 65% or more of their portfolios in
dividend-paying equity
securities.
Management
The Adviser. Gabelli Funds, LLC
The Portfolio Manager.
Mr. Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, Chief Investment Officer — Value Portfolios
of the Adviser, has served as portfolio manager of the Equity Income Fund since
its inception on January 2, 1992.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Effective January 3, 2022, the Equity Income Fund’s Class
C shares have been “closed to all purchases” as described above.
The minimum initial investment for Class AAA and
Class A shares is $1,000 ($250 for “IRAs” or Coverdell Education Savings
Plans). There is no minimum initial investment for Class AAA and
Class A shares in an automatic monthly investment plan. Class I shares
are available to investors with a minimum investment of $10,000 when purchasing
the shares directly through G.distributors, LLC, the Equity Income Fund’s
distributor (“G.distributors” or the “Distributor”), or investors purchasing
Class I shares through brokers or financial intermediaries that have entered
into selling agreements with the Distributor specifically with respect to
Class I shares, and which have different minimum investment amounts. If you
transact in Class I Shares through a broker or financial intermediary, you
may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the
broker or financial intermediary. The Distributor reserves the right to waive or
change minimum investment amounts. There is no minimum for subsequent
investments.
Since the minimum initial investment amount for Class I
shares of Equity Income Fund purchased through the Distributor has been reduced
to $10,000, shareholders eligible to purchase other share classes of Equity
Income Fund and making an initial investment of $10,000 should instead consider
purchasing Class I shares of Equity Income Fund since Class I shares carry no
sales load and no ongoing distribution fees. Investors and shareholders who wish
to purchase shares of Equity Income Fund through a broker or financial
intermediary should consult their broker or financial intermediary with respect
to the purchase of shares of Equity Income Fund. Please refer to Equity Income
Fund’s statutory prospectus for additional information about share class
conversions and exchanges among funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates.
You can purchase or redeem shares of the Equity Income
Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading (a
“Business Day”). You may purchase or redeem shares of the Equity Income Fund by
written request via mail (The Gabelli Funds, P.O. Box 219204, Kansas City, MO
64121-9204), personal or overnight delivery (The Gabelli Funds, c/o DST Asset
Manager Solutions, Inc., 430 W 7th Street STE 219204, Kansas City, MO
64105-1407), Internet, bank wire, or Automated Clearing
13
House (“ACH”) system. You may also purchase shares of the
Equity Income Fund by telephone, if you have an existing account with banking
instructions on file, or redeem at 800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554).
Shares of the Equity Income Fund can also be purchased or
sold through registered broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries that
have entered into appropriate selling agreements with the Distributor. The
broker-dealer or other financial intermediary will transmit these transaction
orders to the Equity Income Fund on your behalf and send you confirmation of
your transactions and periodic account statements showing your investments in
the Equity Income Fund.
Tax Information
The Equity Income Fund expects that distributions will
generally be taxable as ordinary income or long term capital gains, unless you
are investing through a tax deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an
IRA.
Payments to
Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Equity Income Fund through
a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Equity
Income Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of
Equity Income Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a
conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and
your salesperson to recommend the Equity Income Fund over another investment.
Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more
information.
14
THE GABELLI FOCUSED
GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
(the “Focused Growth and
Income Fund”)
Investment Objective
The Focused Growth and Income Fund seeks to provide a
high level of capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Focused Growth and Income
Fund:
Effective January 3, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), the
Focused Growth and Income Fund’s Class C shares have been “closed to all
purchases.” “Closed to all purchases” means neither new investors nor existing
shareholders may purchase any additional Class C shares after the Effective
Date. These changes have no effect on existing shareholders’ ability to redeem
shares of the Focused Growth and Income Fund as described herein.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may
pay if you buy and hold the following classes of shares of the Focused Growth
and Income Fund. You may
qualify for sales charge discounts on Class A shares if you and your family
invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the
Gabelli family of mutual funds. More information about these and
other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the section
entitled, “Classes of Shares” on page 46 of the prospectus and in Appendix A,
“Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Certain Intermediaries,”
attached to the Fund’s prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class AAA Shares |
|
Class A Shares |
|
Class I Shares |
Shareholder
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(fees paid directly from
your investment): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
5.75% |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of redemption or offering price, whichever is
lower) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested
Dividends (as a percentage of amount invested) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Redemption Fees (as a percentage of amount redeemed
for shares held 7 days or less) |
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
Exchange Fee |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(expenses that you pay each
year as a percentage of the value of your
investment): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fees |
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
Distribution and Service (Rule 12b‑1)
Fees |
|
|
|
0.25% |
|
|
|
|
0.25% |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.71% |
|
|
|
|
0.71% |
|
|
|
|
0.71% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
|
|
1.96% |
|
|
|
|
1.96% |
|
|
|
|
1.71% |
|
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(1) |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
|
(0.91)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee
Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement |
|
|
|
1.96% |
|
|
|
|
1.96% |
|
|
|
|
0.80% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its
investment advisory fees and/or to reimburse expenses of the Fund to the
extent necessary to maintain the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
After Fee Waiver and |
15
|
Expense Reimbursement
(excluding brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest,
taxes, and extraordinary expenses) at no more than an annual rate of 0.80%
for Class I Shares. Under this same arrangement, the Fund has also
agreed, during the two year period following the year of any such waiver
or reimbursement by the Adviser, to repay such amount, but only to the
extent the Fund’s adjusted Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would not
exceed an annual rate of 0.80% for Class I Shares. This arrangement
is in effect through January 31,
2023, and may be terminated only by the Board of the
Corporation before such time. The Fund will carry forward any fees and
expenses in excess of the expense limitation and repay the Adviser such
amount provided the Fund is able to do so without exceeding the lesser of
(1) the expense limit in effect at the time of the waiver or
reimbursement, as applicable, or (2) the expense limit in effect at
the time of recoupment after giving effect to the repayment.
|
Expense Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Focused Growth and Income Fund with the cost of investing in
other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in shares of
the Focused Growth and Income Fund for the time periods indicated and then
redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example assumes a
waiver of expenses through the date of the expiration of the waiver, and
reflects Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses following the date of the
expiration of the waiver. This example also assumes that your investment has a
5% return each year, and that the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower
based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
Class AAA Shares |
|
|
$ |
199 |
|
|
|
$ |
615 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,057 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,285 |
|
Class A Shares |
|
|
$ |
763 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,155 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,571 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,729 |
|
Class I Shares |
|
|
$ |
82 |
|
|
|
$ |
450 |
|
|
|
$ |
843 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,944 |
|
You would pay the following expenses if you did not
redeem your shares of the Focused Growth and Income Fund:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
Class AAA Shares |
|
|
$ |
199 |
|
|
|
$ |
615 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,057 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,285 |
|
Class A Shares |
|
|
$ |
763 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,155 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,571 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,729 |
|
Class I Shares |
|
|
$ |
82 |
|
|
|
$ |
450 |
|
|
|
$ |
843 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,944 |
|
Portfolio Turnover
The Focused Growth and Income Fund pays transaction
costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over”
its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction
costs and may result in higher taxes when the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Focused Growth
and Income Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Focused
Growth and Income Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 54% of the average value of its portfolio.
16
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Focused Growth and Income
Fund will invest in a concentrated portfolio of twenty-five to thirty-five
equity securities. The Focused Growth and Income Fund could potentially invest
up to 50% of its net assets in five securities that represent the largest, and
thus the highest conviction, positions. Under normal circumstances, the Focused
Growth and Income Fund will invest substantially all of its assets (i.e., at
least 80%) in securities selected primarily for their potential to provide a
high level of capital appreciation. These may include securities with a
significant current income component. The Focused Growth and Income Fund also
may invest up to 20% of its net assets in other securities, which may include
fixed income securities and securities rated below investment grade by
recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable
quality, provided that the Adviser believes such investments will facilitate the
overall pursuit of the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s investment objective of
a high level of capital appreciation. The balance of the Focused Growth and
Income Fund’s net assets not so invested will be held in short term high grade
investments or cash and cash equivalents. To the extent the Focused Growth and
Income Fund invests in short term investments or cash, it will impact the
likelihood of achieving its investment objective. The Focused Growth and Income
Fund may invest in U.S. and non‑U.S. securities, including emerging market
securities. The Focused Growth and Income Fund’s Adviser will consider for
purchase the securities of all companies, regardless of the size of
capitalization (capitalization is the price per share multiplied by the number
of shares outstanding), whose market capitalization trades at a discount to
Private Market Value (PMV) at the time of investment. PMV is the price that the
Focused Growth and Income Fund’s portfolio manager believes an informed buyer
would pay to acquire a company’s entire business. Many of the holdings in the
Focused Growth and Income Fund’s portfolio will be considered by the Focused
Growth and Income Fund’s portfolio manager to have a potential near term
catalyst, or event, that might surface underlying value. Positions will be sold
when they trade near or above PMV or if a catalyst fails to materialize as
anticipated.
In selecting investments for the Focused Growth and
Income Fund, the Adviser focuses on issuers that:
|
• |
|
have potential for long term earnings per share
growth
|
|
• |
|
may be subject to a catalyst, such as industry
developments, regulatory changes, changes in management, sale or spin‑off
of a division, or the development of a profitable new business
|
|
• |
|
may be subject to rapid changes in industry
conditions due to regulatory or other developments
|
|
• |
|
may have changes in management or similar
characteristics that may result not only in expected growth in revenues
but in an accelerated or above average rate of earnings growth, which
would usually be reflected in capital appreciation
|
|
• |
|
pay or have the potential to begin paying regular
dividends
|
|
• |
|
may increase the amount of their regular dividend
payments
|
Principal Risks
You may want to invest in the Focused Growth and
Income Fund if:
|
• |
|
you are a long term investor
|
|
• |
|
you seek capital appreciation
|
17
The Focused Growth and Income Fund’s share price will
fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Focused Growth and Income
Fund’s portfolio securities. An investment in the Focused
Growth and Income Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. When you sell Focused Growth and Income Fund shares,
they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them; you may lose money
by investing in the Focused Growth and Income Fund.
Investing in the Focused Growth and Income Fund involves
the following risks:
|
• |
|
Coronavirus (“COVID‑19”) and Global Health
Events. COVID‑19 and concerns about its
rapid spread and infections have severely impacted business activity in
virtually all economies, markets, and sectors and negatively impacted the
value of many financial and other assets. The duration of the COVID‑19
outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty. These events
could have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance, as well as the
performance and viability of issuers in which it invests.
|
|
• |
|
Equity
Risk. Equity risk is the risk that the
prices of the securities held by the Focused Growth and Income Fund will
change due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions
regarding the industries in which the companies issuing the securities
participate, and the issuer company’s particular circumstances. Dividends
on common equity securities are not fixed but are declared at the
discretion of an issuer’s board of directors. Companies that have
historically paid dividends on their securities are not required to
continue to pay dividends on such securities. There is no guarantee that
the issuers of the common equity securities will declare dividends in the
future or that, if declared, they will remain at current levels or
increase over time. Therefore, there is the possibility that such
companies could reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends in the
future. The Focused Growth and Income Fund’s investments in dividend
producing equity securities may also limit its potential for appreciation
during a broad market advance even if such securities are selected
primarily for their perceived ability to provide a high level of capital
appreciation. The prices of dividend producing equity securities can be
highly volatile. Investors should not assume that the Focused Growth and
Income Fund’s investments in these securities will necessarily reduce the
volatility of the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s NAV or provide
“protection,” compared to other types of equity securities, when markets
perform poorly. |
|
• |
|
Foreign Securities
Risk. Investments in foreign securities
involve risks relating to political, social, and economic developments
abroad, as well as risks resulting from the differences between the
regulations to which U.S. and foreign issuers and markets are subject.
These risks include expropriation, differing accounting and disclosure
standards, currency exchange risks, settlement difficulties, market
illiquidity, difficulties enforcing legal rights, and greater transaction
costs. These risks are more pronounced in the securities of companies
located in emerging markets.
|
|
• |
|
Management
Risk. If the portfolio manager is incorrect
in his assessment of the growth prospects of the securities the Focused
Growth and Income Fund holds, then the value of the Focused Growth and
Income Fund’s shares may decline.
|
|
• |
|
Non‑Diversification
Risk. As a non‑diversified mutual fund, more
of the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s assets may be focused in the
common stocks of a small number of issuers,
|
18
|
which may make the value of
the Fund’s shares more sensitive to changes in the market value of a
single issuer or industry than shares of a diversified mutual
fund. |
|
• |
|
Small and Mid Capitalization Companies
Risk. Investing in securities of small and
mid‑capitalization companies may involve greater risks than investing in
larger, more established issuers. Small and mid‑capitalization companies
may be less well established and may have a more highly leveraged capital
structure, less liquidity, a smaller investor base, lower revenues,
limited product lines, greater dependence on a few customers, or a few key
personnel and similar factors that can make their business and stock
market performance susceptible to greater fluctuation and volatility. As a
result, the purchase or sale of more than a limited number of shares of a
small and medium company may affect its market price. The Focused Growth
and Income Fund may need a considerable amount of time to purchase or sell
its positions in these securities. In addition, smaller or medium company
stocks may not be well known to the investing public.
|
|
• |
|
Value Investing
Risk. The Focused Growth and Income Fund may
invest in value stocks and they involve the risk that they may not reach
what the portfolio manager believes are their full market values. From
time to time value investing falls out of favor with investors. During
those periods, the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s relative performance
may suffer. |
|
• |
|
Interest Rate Risk and Credit
Risk. Investments in securities with an
income component involve interest rate risk and credit risk. When interest
rates decline, the value of such securities generally rises. Conversely,
when interest rates rise, the value of such securities generally declines.
The Focused Growth and Income Fund may be subject to a greater risk of
rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low rates.
There is a possibility that interest rates may rise in the future.
Recently, there have been signs of inflationary price movements, which
could increase the risk of interest rates rising. It is also possible that
the issuer of a security will not be able to make dividend, interest and
principal payments when due.
|
|
• |
|
Low Credit Quality
Risk. Lower rated securities are subject to
greater credit risk, greater price volatility, and a greater risk of loss
than investment grade securities. There may be less of a market for lower
rated securities, which could make it harder to sell them at an acceptable
price. Lower rated securities are commonly referred to as “junk” or “high
yield” securities.
|
Performance
The bar chart
and table that follow provide an indication of the risks of investing in the
Focused Growth and Income Fund (including the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s
prior investment strategy that was in effect through March 9, 2012) by
showing changes in the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s performance from year to
year and by showing how the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s average annual
returns for one year, five years, and ten years compared with those of a broad
based securities market index. As with all mutual funds, the
Focused Growth and Income Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does
not predict how the Focused Growth and Income Fund will perform in the
future. Updated information on the Focused Growth and Income
Fund’s results can be obtained by visiting www.gabelli.com.
19
FOCUSED GROWTH AND INCOME
FUND
(Total Returns for
Class AAA Shares for the Years Ended December 31)
During the calendar years shown in the bar chart, the
highest return for a
quarter was 25.64% (quarter ended June 30, 2020), and
the lowest return for a quarter
was (31.79)% (quarter ended March 31, 2020).
Prior to March 2012 and the implementation of the Focused
Growth and Income Fund’s current strategy, the Focused Growth and Income Fund
invested 80% of its assets under normal conditions in equity securities of
companies considered small capitalization companies at the time of investment.
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the years ended
December 31, 2021) |
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years |
|
Past Ten Years |
The Gabelli Focused Growth and Income Fund
Class AAA Shares (first issued on 12/31/02) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
27.04 |
% |
|
|
|
8.89 |
% |
|
|
|
8.74 |
% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
|
26.35 |
% |
|
|
|
8.74 |
% |
|
|
|
8.19 |
% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares |
|
|
|
16.44 |
% |
|
|
|
7.01 |
% |
|
|
|
6.94 |
% |
Class A Shares (first issued on 12/31/02): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
19.84 |
% |
|
|
|
7.63 |
% |
|
|
|
8.12 |
% |
Class I Shares (first issued on 1/11/08) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
28.61 |
% |
|
|
|
9.39 |
% |
|
|
|
9.13 |
% |
S&P MidCap 400 Index (reflects no deduction for
fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
24.76 |
% |
|
|
|
13.09 |
% |
|
|
|
14.20 |
% |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
After‑tax returns are shown
for only Class AAA shares, and after‑tax returns for other classes will
vary. In some instances, the
“Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater
than the “Return After Taxes on Distributions” because the investor is assumed
to be able to use the capital loss from the sale of Fund shares to offset other
taxable gains. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Focused
Growth and
20
Income Fund shares through
tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual Retirement
Accounts, including Roth IRAs and SEP IRAs (collectively,
“IRAs”).
Management
The Adviser. Gabelli Funds, LLC
The Portfolio Manager.
Mr. Daniel M. Miller, a Managing Director of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and
Executive Vice President of Marketing for the mutual funds business, has served
as portfolio manager of the Focused Growth and Income Fund since January 2012.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Effective January 3, 2022, the Focused Growth and Income
Fund’s Class C shares have been “closed to all purchases,” as described above.
The minimum initial investment for Class AAA and
Class A shares is $1,000 ($250 for “IRAs” or Coverdell Education Savings
Plans). There is no minimum initial investment for Class AAA and
Class A shares in an automatic monthly investment plan. Class I shares
are available to investors with a minimum investment of $1,000 when purchasing
the shares directly through G.distributors, LLC, the Focused Growth and Income
Fund’s distributor (“G.distributors” or the “Distributor”), or investors
purchasing Class I shares through brokers or financial intermediaries that
have entered into selling agreements with the Distributor specifically with
respect to Class I shares, and which have different minimum investment
amounts. If you transact in Class I Shares through a broker or financial
intermediary, you may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of
compensation to the broker or financial intermediary. The Distributor reserves
the right to waive or change minimum investment amounts. There is no minimum for
subsequent investments.
Since the minimum initial investment amount for the
Focused Growth and Income Fund’s Class I shares purchased directly through
the Distributor is the same as that for all other classes of the Focused Growth
and Income Fund’s shares, shareholders eligible to purchase another class of
shares of the Focused Growth and Income Fund should instead consider purchasing
Class I shares since Class I shares carry no sales load and no ongoing
distribution fees. Investors and shareholders who wish to purchase shares of the
Focused Growth and Income Fund through a broker or financial intermediary should
consult their broker or financial intermediary with respect to the purchase of
shares of the Focused Growth and Income Fund.
You can purchase or redeem shares of the Focused Growth
and Income Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for
trading (a “Business Day”). You may purchase or redeem shares of the Focused
Growth and Income Fund by written request via mail (The Gabelli Funds, P.O. Box
219204, Kansas City, MO 64121-9204), personal or overnight delivery (The Gabelli
Funds, c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., 430 W 7th Street STE 219204,
Kansas City, MO 64105-1407), Internet, bank wire, or Automated Clearing House
(“ACH”) system. You may also purchase shares of the Focused Growth and Income
Fund by telephone, if you have an existing account with banking instructions on
file, or redeem at 800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554).
21
Shares of the Focused Growth and Income Fund can also be
purchased or sold through registered broker-dealers or other financial
intermediaries that have entered into appropriate selling agreements with the
Distributor. The broker-dealer or other financial intermediary will transmit
these transaction orders to the Focused Growth and Income Fund on your behalf
and send you confirmation of your transactions and periodic account statements
showing your investments in the Focused Growth and Income Fund.
Tax Information
The Focused Growth and Income Fund expects that
distributions will generally be taxable as ordinary income or long term capital
gains, unless you are investing through a tax deferred arrangement, such as a
401(k) plan or an IRA.
Payments to
Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Focused Growth and Income
Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank),
the Focused Growth and Income Fund and its related companies may pay the
intermediary for the sale of Focused Growth and Income Fund shares and related
services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the
broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the
Focused Growth and Income Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or
visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
22
THE GABELLI GLOBAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
(the “Global Financial
Services Fund”)
Investment Objective
The Global Financial Services Fund seeks to provide
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Global Financial Services
Fund:
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may
pay if you buy and hold the following classes of shares of the Global Financial
Services Fund. You may
qualify for sales charge discounts on Class A shares if you and your family
invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the
Gabelli family of mutual funds. More information about these and
other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the section
entitled, “Classes of Shares” on page 46 of the prospectus and in Appendix A,
“Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Certain Intermediaries,”
attached to the Global Financial Services Fund’s prospectus.
|
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|
|
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|
Class AAA Shares |
|
Class A Shares |
|
Class C Shares |
|
Class I Shares |
Shareholder
Fees |
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
(fees paid directly from
your investment): |
|
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|
|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
5.75% |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of redemption or offering price, whichever is
lower) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested
Dividends (as a percentage of amount invested) |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Redemption Fees (as a percentage of amount redeemed
for shares held 7 days or less) |
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
Exchange Fee |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(expenses that you pay each
year as a percentage of the value of your
investment): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fees |
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
Distribution and Service (Rule 12b‑1)
Fees |
|
|
|
0.25% |
|
|
|
|
0.25% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses(1) |
|
|
|
0.79% |
|
|
|
|
0.79% |
|
|
|
|
0.79% |
|
|
|
|
0.79% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(1) |
|
|
|
2.04% |
|
|
|
|
2.04% |
|
|
|
|
2.79% |
|
|
|
|
1.79% |
|
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(1) |
|
|
|
(0.79)% |
|
|
|
|
(0.79)% |
|
|
|
|
(0.79)% |
|
|
|
|
(0.79)% |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Wavier and/or Expense Reimbursement |
|
|
|
1.25% |
|
|
|
|
1.25% |
|
|
|
|
2.00% |
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
|
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(1) |
“Other Expenses” are based
on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. The
Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fees
and/or to reimburse expenses of the Global Financial Services Fund to the
extent necessary to maintain the Total Annual Global Financial Services
Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement
(excluding brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest,
taxes, and extraordinary expenses) at no more than an annual rate of
1.25%, 1.25%, 2.00%, and 1.00% for Class AAA, Class A,
Class C, and Class I shares, respectively. Under this same
arrangement, the Global Financial Services Fund has also agreed, during
the two year period following the year of any such waiver or reimbursement
by the Adviser, to repay such amount, but only to the extent the Global
Financial Services Fund’s |
23
|
adjusted Total Annual
Global Financial Services Fund Operating Expenses would not exceed an
annual rate of 1.25%, 1.25%, 2.00%, and 1.00% for Class AAA,
Class A, Class C, and Class I shares, respectively, after
giving effect to the repayments. This arrangement is in effect through
January 31,
2023, and may be terminated only by the Board of Directors
of the Company before such time. The Global Financial Services Fund will
carry forward any fees and expenses in excess of the expense limitation
and repay the Adviser such amount provided the Global Financial Services
Fund is able to do so without exceeding the lesser of (1) the expense
limit in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as applicable,
or (2) the expense limit in effect at the time of recoupment after
giving effect to the repayment.
|
Expense Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Global Financial Services Fund with the cost of investing in
other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Global
Financial Services Fund for the time periods shown and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example assumes a waiver of expenses
through the date of the expiration of the waiver, and reflects Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses following the date of the expiration of the waiver. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Global Financial Services Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although
your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs
would be:
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|
|
|
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
Class AAA Shares |
|
|
$ |
127 |
|
|
|
$ |
563 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,025 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,306 |
|
Class A Shares |
|
|
$ |
695 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,106 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,541 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,748 |
|
Class C Shares |
|
|
$ |
303 |
|
|
|
$ |
791 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,404 |
|
|
|
$ |
3,061 |
|
Class I Shares |
|
|
$ |
102 |
|
|
|
$ |
486 |
|
|
|
$ |
896 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,040 |
|
You would pay the following expenses if you did not
redeem your shares of the Global Financial Services Fund:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
Class AAA Shares |
|
|
$ |
127 |
|
|
|
$ |
563 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,025 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,306 |
|
Class A Shares |
|
|
$ |
695 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,106 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,541 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,748 |
|
Class C Shares |
|
|
$ |
203 |
|
|
|
$ |
791 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,404 |
|
|
|
$ |
3,061 |
|
Class I Shares |
|
|
$ |
102 |
|
|
|
$ |
486 |
|
|
|
$ |
896 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,040 |
|
Portfolio Turnover
The Global Financial Services Fund pays transaction
costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over”
its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction
costs and may result in higher taxes when the Global Financial Services Fund’s
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Global
Financial Services Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the
Global Financial Services Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 19% of the average value of its portfolio.
24
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal market conditions, the
Global Financial Services Fund invests at least 80% of the value of its net
assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in the securities of
companies principally engaged in the group of industries comprising the
financial services sector. As a fundamental policy, the Global Financial
Services Fund will concentrate (invest at least 25% of the value of its net
assets) in the securities of companies principally engaged in the group of
industries comprising the financial services sector. The Global
Financial Services Fund may invest in the equity securities of such companies,
such as common stock, or in the debt securities of such companies, such as
corporate bonds or other financial instruments, in accordance with the foregoing
80% policy. The Global Financial Services Fund may invest in companies without
regard to market capitalization and may invest in issuers in foreign countries,
including countries with developed or emerging markets. As a “global” fund, the
Global Financial Services 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 will be invested in securities of non‑U.S. issuers
or related investments thereof.
The Global Financial Services Fund considers a company to
be principally engaged in the group of industries comprising the financial
services sector if it devotes a significant portion of its assets to, or derives
a significant portion of its revenues from, providing financial services. Such
services include but are not limited to the following: commercial, consumer, and
specialized banking and financing; asset management; publicly-traded, government
sponsored financial enterprises; insurance; accountancy; mortgage REITs;
brokerage; securities exchanges and electronic trading platforms; financial
data, technology, and analysis; and financial transaction and other financial
processing services.
The 1940 Act restricts the Global Financial Services Fund
from acquiring the securities of any company that derives more than 15% of its
gross revenues from securities related activities, such as a broker, dealer,
underwriter or a federally registered investment adviser (a “Securities Related
Issuer”), subject to exception. Under Rule 12d3‑1 under the 1940 Act, however,
the Global Financial Services Fund may generally purchase up to 5% of any class
of equity securities of a Securities Related Issuer, or up to 10% of the
outstanding principal amount of debt securities of a Securities Related Issuer,
so long as, in each case, no more than 5% of the Global Financial Services
Fund’s total assets are invested in the Securities Related Issuer. These
limitations are measured at the time of investment. Rule 12d3‑1 may operate to
limit the size of the Global Financial Services Fund’s investment position with
respect to one or more Securities Related Issuers. The 1940 Act also restricts
the Global Financial Services Fund from acquiring any security issued by an
insurance company if the Global Financial Services Fund owns, or will own as a
result of the acquisition, more than 10% of the total outstanding voting stock
of the insurance company. The 1940 Act may operate to limit the size of the
Global Financial Services Fund’s investment position with respect to one or more
insurance companies.
The Adviser’s investment philosophy with respect to
buying and selling equity securities is to identify assets that are selling in
the public market at a discount to their private market value (“PMV”). The
Adviser defines PMV as the value informed purchasers are willing to pay to
acquire assets with similar characteristics. The Adviser considers factors such
as price, earnings expectations, earnings and price histories, balance sheet
characteristics, and perceived management skills. The Adviser also considers
changes in economic and political outlooks as well as individual corporate
developments. Further, the Adviser looks for a catalyst, something indigenous to
the company, its industry or geographic positioning
25
that may surface additional value, including, but not
limited to, industry developments, regulatory changes, changes in management,
sale or spin‑off of a division, or the development of a profitable new business.
The Adviser expects to seek to sell any Global Financial Services Fund
investments that lose their perceived value relative to other investments, which
could occur because of, among other things, a security reaching a predetermined
price target, a change to a company’s fundamentals that make the risk/reward
profile unattractive, or a need to improve the overall risk/reward profile of
the Global Financial Services Fund.
The Global Financial Services Fund may invest in non‑U.S.
equity securities through depositary receipts, including American Depositary
Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Global Depositary
Receipts (“GDRs”) and other similar global instruments, which are generally
subject to risks associated with equity securities and investments in foreign
(non‑U.S.) securities. ADRs are receipts issued by U.S. banks or trust companies
in respect of securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the U.S.
securities markets. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as Continental
Depositary Receipts, are receipts issued in Europe, typically by non‑U.S. banks
and trust companies, that evidence ownership of either non‑U.S. or domestic
underlying securities. GDRs are depositary receipts structured like global debt
issues to facilitate trading on an international basis. ADRs are usually
denominated in U.S. dollars and dividends and other payments from the issuer are
converted by the custodian into U.S. dollars before payment to receipt holders.
In most other respects, ADRs, EDRs and GDRs for foreign securities have the same
characteristics as the underlying securities.
Principal Risks
You may want to invest in the Global Financial
Services Fund if:
|
• |
|
you are a long term investor
|
|
• |
|
you seek capital appreciation
|
|
• |
|
you believe that the market will favor financial
services companies over the long term
|
The Global Financial Services Fund’s share price will
fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Global Financial Services
Fund’s portfolio securities. Stocks are subject to market, economic, and
business risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate. The Global Financial
Services Fund is also subject to the risk that the Adviser’s judgments about
above average growth potential of a particular company is incorrect and that the
perceived value of such company’s stock is not realized by the market, or that
the price of the Global Financial Services Fund’s portfolio securities will
decline. An
investment in the Global Financial Services Fund is not a deposit of a bank and
is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
other government agency. When you sell Global Financial Services Fund shares,
they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them; you may lose money
by investing in the Global Financial Services Fund.
Investing in the Global Financial Services Fund involves
the following risks:
|
• |
|
Coronavirus (“COVID‑19”) and Global Health
Events. COVID‑19 and concerns about its
rapid spread and infections have severely impacted business activity in
virtually all economies, markets, and sectors and negatively impacted the
value of many financial and other assets. The duration of the COVID‑19
outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty. These events
could have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance, as well as the
performance and viability of issuers in which it invests.
|
26
|
• |
|
Equity
Risk. Equity risk is the risk that the
prices of the securities held by the Global Financial Services Fund will
change due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions
regarding the industries in which the companies issuing the securities
participate, and the issuer company’s particular circumstances.
|
|
• |
|
Concentration
Risk. The Global Financial Services Fund
concentrates its assets (i.e., invests 25% or more of its net assets) in
securities of companies in the financial services sector, and, as a
result, the Global Financial Services Fund may be subject to greater
volatility with respect to its portfolio securities than a fund that is
more broadly diversified. Accordingly, the Global Financial Services Fund
is subject to the risk that its performance may be hurt disproportionately
by the poor performance of relatively few securities.
|
|
• |
|
Financial Services
Risk. The Global Financial Services Fund
will concentrate its investments in securities issued by financial
services companies. Financial services companies can be significantly
affected by changing economic conditions, demand for consumer loans,
refinancing activity and intense competition, including price competition.
Profitability can be largely dependent on the availability and cost of
capital and the rate of consumer debt defaults, and can fluctuate
significantly when interest rates change; unstable and/or rising interest
rates may have a disproportionate effect on companies in the financial
services sector. Financial services companies are subject to extensive
government regulation, which can change frequently and may adversely
affect the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the
amount of capital they must maintain, or may affect them in other ways
that are unforeseeable. In the past, financial services companies in
general experienced considerable financial distress, which led to the
implementation of government programs designed to ease that distress.
|
|
• |
|
Foreign Securities
Risk. Investments in foreign securities
involve risks relating to political, social, and economic developments
abroad, as well as risks resulting from the differences between the
regulations to which U.S. and foreign issuers and markets are subject.
These risks include expropriation, differing accounting and disclosure
standards, currency exchange risks, settlement difficulties, market
illiquidity, difficulties enforcing legal rights, and greater transaction
costs. These risks are more pronounced in the securities of companies
located in emerging markets.
|
|
• |
|
Emerging Market
Risk. Foreign securities risks are more
pronounced in emerging markets. Investments in emerging markets may
experience sharp price swings, as there may be less government supervision
and regulation of business in such markets, and may entail risks relating
to political and economic instability and expropriation, nationalization,
confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, lack
of hedging instruments, and restrictions on repatriation of capital
invested. Securities markets in emerging markets may be less liquid and
developed than those in the United States, potentially making prices
erratic. Economic or political crises may detrimentally affect investments
in emerging markets. Emerging market countries may experience substantial
rates of inflation or deflation. The economies of developing countries
tend to be dependent upon international trade. There may be little
financial information available about emerging market issuers, and it may
be difficult to obtain or enforce a judgment against them. Other risks
include a high concentration of investors, financial intermediaries, and
market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers and
industries; vulnerability to changes in commodity prices due to
overdependence on exports, including gold
|
27
|
and natural resources, overburdened infrastructure
and obsolete or unseasoned financial systems; environmental problems; less
developed legal systems; and less reliable securities custodial services
and settlement practices. For all of these reasons, investments in
emerging markets may be considered speculative.
|
|
• |
|
Currency
Risk. Fluctuations in exchange rates between
the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect an
investment. Adverse changes in exchange rates may erode or reverse any
gains produced by foreign-currency denominated investments and may widen
any losses. The Global Financial Services Fund may, but is not required
to, seek to reduce currency risk by hedging part or all of its exposure to
various foreign currencies. In addition, the Global Financial Services
Fund’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal
to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market
currencies. |
|
• |
|
Depositary
Receipts. The Global Financial Services Fund
may invest in non‑U.S. equity securities through depositary receipts,
including ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and other similar global instruments. While
ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same
currency as the securities into which they may be converted, many of the
risks associated with foreign (non‑U.S.) securities may also apply to
ADRs, EDRs and GDRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting
rights with respect to the deposited securities. Depositary receipts that
are not sponsored by the issuer may be less liquid and there may be less
readily available public information about the issuer.
|
|
• |
|
Issuer
Risk. The value of a security may decline
for a number of reasons that directly relate to an issuer, such as
management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the
issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective
earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to
the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
|
|
• |
|
Management
Risk. If the portfolio manager is incorrect
in his assessment of the growth prospects of the securities the Global
Financial Services Fund holds, then the value of the Global Financial
Services Fund’s shares may decline.
|
|
• |
|
Non‑Diversification
Risk. As a non‑diversified mutual fund, more
of the Global Financial Services Fund’s assets may be focused in the
common stocks of a small number of issuers, which may make the value of
the Global Financial Services Fund’s shares more sensitive to changes in
the market value of a single issuer or industry than shares of a
diversified mutual
fund. |
|
• |
|
Small and Mid
Capitalization Companies Risk. Investing in
securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies may involve greater
risks than investing in larger, more established issuers. Small and mid
capitalization companies may be less well established and may have a more
highly leveraged capital structure, less liquidity, a smaller investor
base, limited product lines, greater dependence on a few customers, or a
few key personnel and similar factors that can make their business and
stock market performance susceptible to greater fluctuation and
volatility. As a result, the purchase or sale of more than a limited
number of shares of a small and medium company may affect its market
price. The Global Financial Services Fund may need a considerable amount
of time to purchase or sell its positions in these securities. In
addition, smaller or medium company stocks may not be well known to the
investing public.
|
28
|
• |
|
Large
Capitalization Companies Risk. Companies
with $10 billion or more in market capitalization are considered by
the Adviser to be large capitalization companies. Large capitalization
companies generally experience slower rates of growth in earnings per
share than do mid and small capitalization companies.
|
|
• |
|
Limited Operating
History. The Global Financial Services Fund
commenced operations on October 1, 2018 and therefore has a limited
operating history and may have higher expenses. There can be no assurance
that the Global Financial Services Fund will grow to or maintain an
economically viable size. The Global Financial Services Fund could cease
operations, and investors may be required to liquidate or transfer their
assets at a loss. However, the expense limitation in place limits this
risk through the end of its term.
|
|
• |
|
Value Investing
Risk. The Global Financial Services Fund
invests in “value” stocks. The portfolio manager may be wrong in the
assessment of a company’s value and the stocks the Global Financial
Services Fund holds may not reach what the portfolio manager believes are
their full values. From time to time “value” investing falls out of favor
with investors. During those periods, the Global Financial Services Fund’s
relative performance may suffer.
|
|
• |
|
Fixed Income
Securities Risks. Because the Global
Financial Services Fund may invest in fixed income securities, it is
subject to the following risks:
|
|
• |
|
Interest Rate
Risk — When interest rates decline, the value of fixed income
securities generally rises; and when interest rates rise, the value of
such securities generally declines. The Global Financial Services Fund may
be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current
period of historically low interest rates. There is a possibility that
interest rates may rise in the future. Recently, there have been signs of
inflationary price movements, which could increase the risk of interest
rates rising.
|
|
• |
|
Issuer Risk
— Issuer risk is the risk that the value of a fixed income security may
decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer.
|
|
• |
|
Credit Risk
— Credit risk is the risk that one or more fixed income securities in the
Global Financial Services Fund’s portfolio will decline in price or fail
to pay interest/ distributions or principal when due because the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial status.
|
|
• |
|
Prepayment
Risk — Prepayment risk is the risk that during periods of declining
interest rates, borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal
earlier than scheduled, which could force the Global Financial Services
Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
|
|
• |
|
Reinvestment
Risk — Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Global
Financial Services Fund’s portfolio will decline if the Global Financial
Services Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed
income securities at market interest rates that are below the Global
Financial Services Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate.
|
|
• |
|
Duration and
Maturity Risk — In comparison to maturity (which is the date on
which the issuer of a debt instrument is obligated to repay the principal
amount), duration is a measure of the price volatility of a debt
instrument as a result in changes in market rates of interest, based on
the weighted average timing of the instrument’s expected principal and
interest payments. In general, a portfolio of securities with a longer
duration can be expected to be more sensitive to interest rate changes
than a portfolio with a shorter duration.
|
29
|
• |
|
Corporate Bonds
Risk. The market value of a corporate bond
generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates.
The market value of intermediate and longer term corporate bonds is
generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates than is the market
value of shorter term corporate bonds.
|
|
• |
|
Non‑Investment
Grade Securities Risk. The prices of lower
grade securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a
decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are
the prices of higher grade securities. Securities of below investment
grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s
capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore
involve a greater risk of default.
|
Performance
The bar chart
and table that follow provide an indication of the risks of investing in the
Global Financial Services Fund by showing changes in the Global Financial
Services Fund’s performance from year to year, and by showing how the Global
Financial Services Fund’s average annual returns for one year and the life of
the Global Financial Services Fund compared with the MSCI World Financials Index
and the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index.
As
with all mutual funds, the Global Financial Services Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) does not predict how the Global Financial Services Fund
will perform in the future. Updated information on the Global
Financial Services Fund’s results can be obtained by visiting www.gabelli.com.
THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL
SERVICES FUND
(Total Returns for Class
AAA Shares for the Year Ended December 31)
During the calendar year shown in the bar chart, the
highest return for a
quarter was 35.52% (quarter ended December 31,
2020) and the lowest return for a quarter
was (38.30)% (quarter ended March 31,
2020).
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the periods
ended December 31, 2021,
with maximum sales charges,
if applicable) |
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception (October 1, 2018) |
The Global Financial Services Fund Class AAA
Shares (first issued on 10/01/18) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
28.84% |
|
|
|
|
7.61% |
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
|
28.24% |
|
|
|
|
7.17% |
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of
Fund Shares |
|
|
|
17.48% |
|
|
|
|
5.88% |
|
Class A Shares (first issued on 10/01/18) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
21.39% |
|
|
|
|
5.72% |
|
Class C Shares (first issued on 10/01/18) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
26.88% |
|
|
|
|
6.79% |
|
Class I Shares (first issued on 10/01/18) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes |
|
|
|
29.21% |
|
|
|
|
7.87% |
|
MSCI World Financials Index (reflects no deduction
for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
28.69% |
|
|
|
|
10.24% |
|
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
28.71% |
|
|
|
|
18.43% |
|
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
In some instances, the
“Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater
than the “Return After Taxes on Distributions” because the investor is assumed
to be able to use the capital loss from the sale of Fund shares to offset other
taxable gains. After-tax returns are shown
for only Class AAA shares, and after-tax returns for other classes will
vary. Actual after-tax returns
depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax
returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Global Financial
Services Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or
Individual Retirement Accounts, including Roth IRAs and SEP IRAs (collectively,
“IRAs”).
Management
The Adviser. Gabelli Funds, LLC
The Portfolio Manager.
Mr. Ian Lapey, a portfolio manager for the Adviser, is the portfolio
manager of the Global Financial Services Fund.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The minimum initial investment for Class AAA,
Class A, and Class C shares is $1,000 ($250 for “IRAs” or Coverdell
Education Savings Plans). There is no minimum initial investment for
Class AAA, Class A, and Class C shares in an automatic monthly
investment plan. Class I shares are available to investors with a minimum
investment of $10,000 when purchasing the shares directly through
G.distributors, LLC, the Global Financial Services Fund’s distributor
(“G.distributors” or the “Distributor”), or investors purchasing Class I
shares through brokers or financial intermediaries that have entered into
selling agreements with the Distributor specifically with respect to
Class I shares, and which have different minimum investment amounts. If you
transact in Class I Shares through a broker or financial intermediary, you
may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the
broker or financial intermediary. The Distributor reserves the right to waive or
change minimum investment amounts. There is no minimum for subsequent
investments.
31
Since the minimum initial investment amount for Class I
shares of Global Financial Services Fund purchased through the Distributor has
been reduced to $10,000, shareholders eligible to purchase other share classes
of Global Financial Services Fund and making an initial investment of $10,000
should instead consider purchasing Class I shares of Global Financial Services
Fund since Class I shares carry no sales load and no ongoing distribution fees.
Investors and shareholders who wish to purchase shares of Global Financial
Services Fund through a broker or financial intermediary should consult their
broker or financial intermediary with respect to the purchase of shares of
Global Financial Services Fund. Please refer to Global Financial Services Fund’s
statutory prospectus for additional information about share class conversions
and exchanges among funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates.
You can purchase or redeem shares of the Global Financial
Services Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for
trading (a “Business Day”). You may purchase or redeem shares of the Global
Financial Services Fund by written request via mail (The Gabelli Funds, P.O. Box
219204, Kansas City, MO 64121-9204), personal or overnight delivery (The Gabelli
Funds, c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., 430 W 7th Street STE 219204,
Kansas City, MO 64105-1407), Internet, bank wire, or Automated Clearing House
(“ACH”) system. You may also purchase shares of the Fund by telephone, if you
have an existing account with banking instructions on file, or redeem at
800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554).
Shares of the Global Financial Services Fund can also be
purchased or sold through registered broker-dealers or other financial
intermediaries that have entered into appropriate selling agreements with the
Distributor. The broker-dealer or other financial intermediary will transmit
these transaction orders to the Global Financial Services Fund on your behalf
and send you confirmation of your transactions and periodic account statements
showing your investments in the Global Financial Services Fund.
Tax Information
The Global Financial Services Fund expects that
distributions will generally be taxable as ordinary income or long term capital
gains, unless you are investing through a tax deferred arrangement, such as a
401(k) plan or an IRA.
Payments to
Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Global Financial Services
Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank),
the Global Financial Services Fund and its related companies may pay the
intermediary for the sale of the Global Financial Services Fund shares and
related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by
influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to
recommend the Global Financial Services Fund over another investment. Ask your
salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
32
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, AND
RELATED RISKS
Generally:
Each Fund’s investment objective is fundamental and may
not be changed without shareholder approval. The Global Financial Services Fund,
as a fundamental policy, will concentrate (invest at least 25% of the value of
its net assets) in the securities of companies principally engaged in the group
of industries comprising the financial services sector. Each Fund’s investment
strategies are not fundamental and may be changed at any time by a vote of a
majority of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) at any time without a
vote of shareholders.
Investment Strategies:
The investment policy of the Small Cap Growth Fund, the
Equity Income Fund, and Global Financial Services Fund relating to the type of
securities in which 80% of each such Fund’s net assets must be invested may be
changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however,
receive at least sixty days’ prior notice of any change in this policy.
Small Cap Growth Fund
In selecting investments for the Small Cap Growth Fund,
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 (capitalization is the price per share multiplied
by the number of shares outstanding) 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.
Frequently, smaller companies exhibit one or more of the
following traits:
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New products or technologies
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New distribution methods
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Rapid changes in industry conditions due to
regulatory or other developments |
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Changes in management or similar characteristics
that may result not only in expected growth in revenues but in an
accelerated or above average rate of earnings growth, which would usually
be reflected in capital appreciation. |
In addition, because smaller companies are less actively
followed by stock analysts and less information is available on which to base
stock price evaluations, the market may overlook favorable trends in particular
smaller growth companies and then adjust its valuation more quickly once
investor interest is gained.
Equity Income Fund
In selecting investments for the Equity Income Fund, the
Adviser focuses on issuers that:
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have strong free cash flow and pay regular
dividends |
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have potential for long term earnings per share
growth |
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may be subject to a value catalyst, such as
industry developments, regulatory changes, changes in management, sale or
spin‑off of a division, or the development of a profitable new business
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will benefit from sustainable long term economic
dynamics, such as globalization of an issuer’s industry or an issuer’s
increased focus on productivity or enhancement of services.
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The Adviser also believes preferred stock and convertible
securities of selected companies offer opportunities for capital appreciation as
well as periodic income and may invest a portion of the Equity Income Fund’s
assets in such securities. This is particularly true in the case of companies
that have performed below expectations. If a company’s performance has been poor
enough, its preferred stock and convertible debt securities will trade more like
common stock than like a fixed income security and may result in above average
appreciation if performance improves. Even if the credit quality of the company
is not in question, the market price of the convertible security will reflect
little or no element of conversion value if the price of its common stock has
fallen substantially below the conversion price. This leads to the possibility
of capital appreciation if the price of the common stock recovers.
Focused Growth and Income
Fund
In selecting investments for the Focused Growth and
Income Fund, the Adviser focuses on issuers that:
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have potential for long term earnings per share
growth |
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may be subject to a catalyst, such as industry
developments, regulatory changes, changes in management, sale or spin‑off
of a division, or the development of a profitable new business
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may be subject to rapid changes in industry
conditions due to regulatory or other developments
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may have changes in management or similar
characteristics that may result not only in expected growth in revenues
but in an accelerated or above average rate of earnings growth, which
would usually be reflected in capital appreciation
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pay or have the potential to begin paying regular
dividends |
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may increase the amount of their regular dividend
payments |
Global Financial Services
Fund
In selecting investments for the Global Financial
Services Fund, the Adviser seeks issuers that:
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are principally engaged in the financial services
sector |
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may be subject to a catalyst, such as industry
developments, regulatory changes, changes in management, sale or spin‑off
of a division, or the development of a profitable new business
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The Adviser believes that the current market, economic
and regulatory environment is favorable for financial services companies. The
Adviser believes that there are opportunities available in the financial
services sector in light of the regulatory environment, potential consolidation,
expanding technological innovation, growth in global payments, and continuing
demand for wealth management services.
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All Funds
When adverse market or economic conditions exist, the
Funds may temporarily invest all or a portion of their assets in defensive
investments. Such investments include, without limitation, fixed income
securities and high-quality money market instruments. When following a defensive
strategy, the Funds will be less likely to achieve their investment goals.
Risks:
Investing in the Funds involve the following risks:
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Coronavirus
(“COVID-19”) and Global Health Event
Risk. As of the filing date of this
prospectus, there is an outbreak of a highly contagious form of a novel
coronavirus known as “COVID-19.” COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by
the World Health Organization and, in response to the outbreak, the U.S.
Health and Human Services Secretary has declared a public health emergency
in the United States. COVID-19 had a devastating impact on the global
economy, including the U.S. economy, and resulted in a global economic
recession. Many states issued orders requiring the closure of
non-essential businesses and/or requiring residents to stay at home. The
COVID-19 pandemic and preventative measures taken to contain or mitigate
its spread have caused, and are continuing to cause, business shutdowns,
cancellations of events and travel, significant reductions in demand for
certain goods and services, reductions in business activity and financial
transactions, supply chain interruptions and overall economic and
financial market instability both globally and in the United States. Such
effects will likely continue for the duration of the pandemic, which is
uncertain, and for some period thereafter. While several countries, as
well as certain states, counties, and cities in the United States, began
to relax the early public health restrictions with a view to partially or
fully reopening their economies, many cities, both globally and in the
United States, continue to experience, from time to time, surges in the
reported number of cases and hospitalizations related to the COVID-19
pandemic. Increases in cases can and has led to the re-introduction of
restrictions and business shutdowns in certain states, counties, and
cities in the United States and globally and could continue to lead to the
re-introduction of such restrictions elsewhere. Additionally, vaccines
produced by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are currently authorized for
emergency use, and in August 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(“FDA”) granted full approval to the vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech,
which will now be marketed as Comirnaty. However, it remains unclear how
quickly the vaccines will be distributed nationwide and globally or when
“herd immunity” will be achieved and the restrictions that were imposed to
slow the spread of the virus will be lifted entirely. The delay in
distributing the vaccines could lead people to continue to self-isolate
and not participate in the economy at pre-pandemic levels for a prolonged
period of time. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S.
economy and most other major global economies may continue to experience a
substantial economic downturn or recession, and our business and
operations, as well as the business and operations of our portfolio
companies, could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged economic
downturn or recession in the United States and other major markets.
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Despite actions of the U.S. federal government and
foreign governments, the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and other
factors has contributed to significant volatility
35
and declines in the global public equity markets and
global debt capital markets, including the net asset value of the Fund’s shares.
These events could have, and/or have had, a significant impact on the Fund’s
performance, net asset value, income, operating results and ability to pay
distributions, as well as the performance, income, operating results and
viability of issuers in which it invests.
It is virtually impossible to determine the ultimate
impact of COVID-19 at this time. Further, the extent and strength of any
economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic abates, including following any
“second wave,” “third wave” or other intensifying of the pandemic, is uncertain
and subject to various factors and conditions. Accordingly, an investment in the
Fund is subject to an elevated degree of risk as compared to other market
environments.
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Equity
Risk. Equity risk is the risk that the
prices of the securities held by the Funds will change due to general
market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the companies issuing the securities participate, and the issuer
companies’ particular circumstances. These fluctuations may cause a
security to be worth less than it was worth when it was purchased by the
Funds. Because the value of securities, and thus shares of the Funds,
could decline, you could lose money. |
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Foreign Securities
Risk. A Fund that invests outside the United
States carries additional risks that include:
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Access Risk
— The risk that some countries may restrict a Fund’s access to investments
or offer terms that are less advantageous than those for local investors.
This could limit the attractive investment opportunities available to a
Fund. |
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Currency
Risk — Fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and
foreign currencies may negatively affect an investment. Adverse changes in
exchange rates may erode or reverse any gains produced by
foreign-currency-denominated investments and may widen any losses. In
addition, a Fund’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in,
or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging
market currencies. |
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Emerging Market
Risk. Foreign securities risks are more
pronounced in emerging markets. Investments in emerging markets may
experience sharp price swings, as there may be less government supervision
and regulation of business in such markets, and may entail risks relating
to political and economic instability and expropriation, nationalization,
confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, lack
of hedging instruments, and restrictions on repatriation of capital
invested. Securities markets in emerging markets may be less liquid and
developed than those in the United States, potentially making prices
erratic. Economic or political crises may detrimentally affect investments
in emerging markets. Emerging market countries may experience substantial
rates of inflation or deflation. The economies of developing countries
tend to be dependent upon international trade. There may be little
financial information available about emerging market issuers, and it may
be difficult to obtain or enforce a judgment against them. Other risks
include a high concentration of investors, financial intermediaries, and
market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers and
industries; vulnerability to changes in commodity prices due to
overdependence on exports, including gold and natural
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resources, overburdened infrastructure and obsolete
or unseasoned financial systems; environmental problems; less developed
legal systems; and less reliable securities custodial services and
settlement practices. For all of these reasons, investments in emerging
markets may be considered speculative. |
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Eurozone Investment
Risks — A number of countries in the European Union (“EU”) have
experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial
difficulties. On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum
in which voters approved an exit from the EU, commonly referred to as
“Brexit”. The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU occurred on
January 31, 2020, and the United Kingdom remained in the EU’s customs
union and single market until December 31, 2020. The United Kingdom
and the EU have entered into a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (the
“TCA”). While the TCA regulates a number of important areas, significant
parts of the United Kingdom economy are not addressed in detail by the
TCA, including in particular the services sector, which represents the
largest component of the United Kingdom’s economy. A number of issues,
particularly in relation to the financial services sector, remain to be
resolved through further bilateral negotiations. As a result, the new
relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU could in the
short-term, and possibly for longer, cause disruptions to and create
uncertainty in the United Kingdom and European economies, prejudice to
financial services businesses that are conducting business in the EU and
which are based in the United Kingdom, legal uncertainty regarding
achievement of compliance with applicable financial and commercial laws
and regulations, and the unavailability of timely information as to
expected legal, tax and other regimes. During this period of uncertainty,
the negative impact on not only the UK and European economies, but the
broader global economy, could be significant, potentially resulting in
increased volatility and illiquidity and lower economic growth for
companies that rely significantly on Europe for their business activities
and revenues. One or more other countries may abandon the euro and/or
withdraw from the EU, placing its currency and banking system in jeopardy,
and would likely cause additional market disruption globally and introduce
new legal and regulatory uncertainties. The impact of these actions,
especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could
be significant and far‑reaching. In addition, certain European countries
have experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed-income
instruments. Negative interest rates may result in heightened market
volatility and may detract from the Fund’s performance to the extent the
Fund is exposed to such interest rates. Among other things, these
developments have adversely affected the value and exchange rate of the
Euro and Pound Sterling, and may continue to significantly affect the
economies of all EU countries, which in turn may have a material adverse
effect on the Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that
depend on EU countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or
issuers with exposure to debt issued by certain EU countries. To the
extent that a Fund has exposure to European markets or to transactions
tied to the value of the euro, these events could negatively affect the
value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. All of these developments
may continue to significantly affect the economies of all EU countries,
which in turn may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s investments
in such countries, other countries that depend on EU countries for
significant amounts of trade or investment, or issuers with exposure to
debt issued by certain EU countries.
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Globalization Risks — The growing
inter-relationship of global economies and financial markets has increased
the effect of conditions in one country or region on issuers of securities
in a different country or region. In particular, events or developments
that interrupt the global supply chain, such as pandemic risks relating to
a novel strain of the coronavirus (COVID‑19), the adoption or prolongation
of protectionist trade policies by one or more countries, changes in
economic or monetary policy in the US or abroad, or a slowdown in the US
economy, could lead to a decrease in demand for products and reduced flows
of capital and income to companies in other countries. Those events might
particularly affect companies in emerging countries.
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Information Risk — Key information about
an issuer, security, or market may be inaccurate or unavailable.
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Liquidity Risk — Foreign securities are
sometimes less liquid than securities of comparably sized U.S. issuers.
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Political Risk — Foreign governments may
expropriate assets, impose capital or currency controls, impose punitive
taxes, or nationalize a company or industry. Any of these actions could
have a severe effect on security prices and impair a Fund’s ability to
bring its capital or income back to the United States. Other political
risks include economic policy changes, social and political instability,
military action, and war. |
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Fixed Income Securities
Risks. Equity Income Fund, Focused Growth and Income
Fund and Global Financial Services Fund only — Because the Funds
may invest in fixed income securities, they are subject to the following
risks: |
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Interest Rate
Risk. When interest
rates decline, the value of fixed income securities generally rises.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of such securities
generally declines. The Funds may be subject to a greater risk of rising
interest rates due to the current period of historically low interest
rates. There is a possibility that interest rates may rise in the future.
Recently, there have been signs of inflationary price movements, which
could increase the risk of interest rates rising.
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Issuer
Risk. Issuer risk is
the risk that the value of a fixed income security may decline for a
number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management
performance, financial leverage, reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and
services, historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value
of the assets of the issuer or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value,
such as investor perception. |
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Credit
Risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or
more fixed income securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price
or fail to pay interest/distributions or principal when due because the
issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial status.
Credit risk is increased when a portfolio security is downgraded or the
perceived creditworthiness of the issuer deteriorates.
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Prepayment
Risk. Prepayment risk is the risk that
during periods of declining interest rates, borrowers may exercise their
option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, which could force the
Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities, resulting in a possible
decline in the Fund’s income and distributions to shareholders.
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Reinvestment
Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that
income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the
proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed income securities at market
interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate.
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Duration and
Maturity Risk. In comparison to maturity
(which is the date on which the issuer of a debt instrument is obligated
to repay the principal amount), duration is a measure of the price
volatility of a debt instrument as a result in changes in market rates of
interest, based on the weighted average timing of the instrument’s
expected principal and interest payments. Duration can be a useful tool to
estimate anticipated price changes to a fixed pool of income securities
associated with changes in interest rates. For example, a duration of five
years means that a 1% decrease in interest rates will increase the NAV of
the portfolio by approximately 5%; if interest rates increase by 1%, the
NAV will decrease by approximately 5%. In general, a portfolio of
securities with a longer duration can be expected to be more sensitive to
interest rate changes than a portfolio with a shorter duration. The Fund
may incur costs in seeking to adjust the portfolio average duration or
maturity. There can be no assurance that the Investment Adviser’s
assessment of current and projected market conditions will be correct or
that any strategy to adjust duration or maturity will be successful at any
given time. |
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Issuer
Risk. The value of a security may decline
for a number of reasons that directly relate to an issuer, such as
management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the
issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective
earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to
the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
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Low Credit Quality
Risk. Equity Income Fund only — From time to
time, up to 5% of the Equity Income Fund’s portfolio holdings in preferred
stock and convertible securities may be invested in below investment grade
quality securities. Lower rated preferred stock and convertible securities
are subject to greater credit risk, greater price volatility, and a
greater risk of loss than investment grade securities. There may be less
of a market for lower rated preferred stock and convertible securities,
which could make it harder to sell them at an acceptable price. Lower
rated securities are commonly referred to as “junk” or “high yield”
securities. |
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Management
Risk. If the portfolio managers are
incorrect in their assessment of the growth prospects of the securities a
Fund holds, then the value of that Fund’s shares may decline. In addition,
a portfolio manager’s strategy may produce returns that are different from
other mutual funds that invest in similar securities.
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Non‑Diversification
Risk. Focused Growth and Income Fund and Global
Financial Services Fund only — The Focused Growth and Income Fund
and The Global Financial Services Fund are both classified as
“non‑diversified” mutual funds, which means that a greater proportion of
their assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer than a
“diversified” mutual fund. As a non‑diversified mutual fund, more of each
Fund’s assets may be focused in the common stocks of a small number of
issuers, which may make the value of the Fund’s shares more sensitive to
changes in the market value of a single issuer or industry than shares of
a diversified mutual fund. The ability to invest in a more limited number
of securities may increase the volatility of each Fund’s investment
performance, as the Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with
a single economic, market, political, or regulatory event than a
diversified fund. If |
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the securities in which each Fund invests perform
poorly, the Fund could incur greater losses than it would have had if it
had been invested in a greater number of securities.
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Small
Capitalization Company Risk. Small Cap Growth Fund only — Investing
in securities of small capitalization companies may involve greater risks
than investing in larger, more established issuers. Smaller capitalization
companies typically have relatively lower revenues, limited product lines
and lack of management depth, and may have a smaller share of the market
for their products or services, than larger capitalization companies. The
stocks of smaller capitalization companies tend to have less trading
volume than stocks of larger capitalization companies. Less trading volume
may make it more difficult for the portfolio managers to sell securities
of smaller capitalization companies at quoted market prices. Finally,
there are periods when investing in smaller capitalization stocks fall out
of favor with investors and the stocks of smaller capitalization companies
underperform. |
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Small and Mid
Capitalization Companies Risk. Focused Growth and Income Fund and Global
Financial Services Fund only — Investing in securities of small and
mid capitalization companies may involve greater risks than investing in
larger, more established issuers. Small and mid capitalization companies
may be less well established and may have a more highly leveraged capital
structure, less liquidity, a smaller investor base, limited product lines,
greater dependence on a few customers, or a few key personnel and similar
factors that can make their business and stock market performance
susceptible to greater fluctuation and volatility. As a result, the
purchase or sale of more than a limited number of shares of a small and
medium company may affect its market price. Each Fund may need a
considerable amount of time to purchase or sell its positions in these
securities. In addition, smaller or medium company stocks may not be well
known to the investing public. |
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Value Investing
Risk. Each Fund invests in “value” stocks.
The portfolio manager may be wrong in the assessment of a company’s value
and the stocks each Fund holds may not reach what the portfolio manager
believes are their full values. From time to time “value” investing falls
out of favor with investors. During those periods, each Fund’s relative
performance may suffer. |
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Concentration
Risk. Global Financial Services Fund only —
Because the Fund will concentrate its assets (i.e., invest more than 25%
of its net assets) in securities of companies in the financial services
sector, the Fund may be subject to greater volatility with respect to its
portfolio securities than a fund that is more broadly diversified. As the
diversification of the Fund’s holdings is measured at the time of
purchase, certain securities may become a larger percentage of the Fund’s
total assets due to movements in the financial markets. If the markets
affect several securities held by the Fund, it may have a greater
percentage of its assets invested in securities of fewer issuers.
Accordingly, the Fund is subject to the risk that its performance may be
hurt disproportionately by the poor performance of relatively few
securities. |
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Financial Services
Risk. Global Financial Services Fund only —
The Fund will concentrate its investments in securities issued by
financial services companies which means that the Fund is less diversified
than a fund investing in a broader range of industries, and is
particularly sensitive to general market conditions and other risks of the
financial services industry, including: |
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Financial services companies can be significantly
affected by changing economic conditions, demand for consumer loans,
refinancing activity and intense competition,
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including price competition. Profitability can be
largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital and the rate of
consumer debt defaults, and can fluctuate significantly when interest
rates change; unstable and/or rising interest rates may have a
disproportionate effect on companies in the financial services sector.
Financial services companies are subject to extensive government
regulation, which can change frequently and may adversely affect the scope
of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital
they must maintain, or may affect them in other ways that are
unforeseeable. In the past, financial services companies in general
experienced considerable financial distress, which led to the
implementation of government programs designed to ease that distress.
Different areas of the overall financial services sector tend to be highly
correlated and particularly vulnerable to certain factors.
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Additional risks of investing in the financial
services sector include: (i) systemic risk: factors outside the
control of a particular financial institution may adversely affect the
ability of the financial institution to operate normally or may impair its
financial condition; (ii) non‑ diversified loan portfolios: financial
services companies may have concentrated portfolios that makes them
vulnerable to economic conditions that affect an industry;
(iii) credit: financial services companies may have exposure to
investments or agreements that may lead to losses; (iv) governmental
limitations on a company’s loans, other financial commitments, product
lines and other operations; (v) recent ongoing changes in the
financial services industry (including consolidations, development of new
products and changes to the industry’s regulatory framework); and
(vi) rapidly rising inflation. Some financial services companies have
recently experienced significant losses in value and the possible
recapitalization of such companies may present greater risks of loss.
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Insurance companies have additional risks, such as
heavy price competition, claims activity and marketing competition, and
can be particularly sensitive to specific events such as manmade and
natural disasters, terrorism, mortality risks and morbidity rates.
Individual insurance companies may be exposed to reserve inadequacies,
problems in investment portfolios (for example, due to real estate or
“junk” bond holdings) and failures of reinsurance carriers.
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Federal or state law and regulations require banks,
bank holding companies, broker dealers and insurance companies to maintain
minimum levels of capital and liquidity. Bank regulators have broad
authority and can impose sanctions, including conservatorship or
receivership, on non‑complying banks even when these banks continue to be
solvent, thereby possibly resulting in the elimination of stockholders’
equity. Commercial banks (including “money center” regional and community
banks), savings and loan associations and holding companies of the
foregoing are especially subject to adverse effects of volatile interest
rates, concentrations of loans in particular industries (such as real
estate) and significant competition. The profitability of these businesses
is to a significant degree dependent upon the availability and cost of
capital funds. Economic conditions in the real estate market may have a
particularly strong effect on certain banks and savings associations.
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The Fund may invest in financial services companies
that invest in real estate, such as commercial banks, savings and loan
associations (each discussed above) and mortgage
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REITs. REITs are financial vehicles that pool
investors’ capital to purchase or finance real estate. Mortgage REITs
invest the majority of their assets in real property mortgages and
generally derive income primarily from interest payments thereon. Like
investment companies, REITs are typically dependent on management skills
and subject to management fees and other expenses, and so a Fund that
invests in REITs will bear its proportionate share of the costs of the
REITs’ operations. REITs may be highly leveraged and financial covenants
may affect the ability of REITs to operate effectively. REITs are subject
to a highly technical and complex set of provisions in the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”). No assurances can be given that a REIT
will be able to continue to qualify as a REIT or that complying with the
REIT requirements under the Code will not adversely affect such REIT’s
ability to execute its business plan. Issuers with exposure to the real
estate, mortgage and credit markets are particularly affected by
volatility in both foreign and domestic equity markets. REITs (especially
mortgage REITs) are subject to the possibility of adverse changes in
interest rates and in the credit markets and the possibility of borrowers
paying off mortgages sooner than expected (which may lead to reinvestment
of assets at lower prevailing interest rates). In addition to these market
and financial risks, REITs are subject to risks associated with the
ownership of real estate, including possible adverse changes in zoning
laws, limitations on rents, the risk of casualty or condemnation losses
and terrorist attacks, and war or other acts that destroy real property.
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Depositary
Receipts. Global Financial Services Fund only —
The Fund may invest in non‑U.S. equity securities through
depositary receipts, including ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and other similar global
instruments. While ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may not necessarily be denominated
in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted,
many of the risks associated with foreign (non‑U.S.) securities may also
apply to ADRs, EDRs and GDRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of
certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered
depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder
communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them
any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Depositary
receipts that are not sponsored by the issuer may be less liquid and there
may be less readily available public information about the issuer.
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Large
Capitalization Companies Risk. Global Financial Services Fund only —
Companies with $10 billion or more in market capitalization are
considered by the Adviser to be large capitalization companies. Large
capitalization companies generally experience slower rates of growth in
earnings per share than do mid and small capitalization companies.
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Limited Operating
History. Global Financial Services Fund only —
The Fund commenced operations on October 1, 2018 and therefore has a
limited operating history and may have higher expenses (although the
Company expects that such expenses would be limited under its Expense
Deferral Agreement with the Adviser). There can be no assurance that the
Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size. The Fund could
cease operations, and investors may be required to liquidate or transfer
their assets at a loss. |
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Corporate Bonds
Risk. Focused Growth and Income Fund and Global
Financial Services Fund only — The market value of a corporate bond
generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates.
The market value of intermediate and longer term corporate bonds is
generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates than is the market
value of shorter term |
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|
corporate bonds. The market value of a corporate
bond also may be affected by factors directly related to the issuer.
Issuers of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their obligations on
interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument.
|
|
• |
|
Non‑Investment
Grade Securities Risk. Focused Growth and Income Fund and Global
Financial Services Fund only — The Fund may invest in securities
rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or
unrated securities of comparable quality. The prices of these lower grade
securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline
in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the
prices of higher grade securities. Securities of below investment grade
quality — those securities rated below “Baa” by Moody’s Investors Service,
Inc. (“Moody’s”) or below “BBB” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings
Services (“S&P”), a division of the McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. — are
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay
interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk
of default. Securities rated below investment grade commonly are referred
to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities.
|
Portfolio
Holdings. A description of each Fund’s policies
and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio securities is
available in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), which may be
obtained by calling 800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554), your financial intermediary, or
free of charge through the Funds’ website at www.gabelli.com.
43
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
The
Adviser. Gabelli Funds, LLC, with its principal
offices located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as
investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser makes investment decisions for the
Funds and continuously reviews and administers the Funds’ investment program and
manages the operations of each Fund under the general supervision of the
Company’s Board. The Adviser also manages several other open‑end and closed‑end
investment companies in the Gabelli family of funds (“Gabelli Fund Complex” or
“Fund Complex”). The Adviser is a New York limited liability company organized
in 1999 and a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”), a
publicly held company listed on the NYSE.
As compensation for its services and the related expenses
borne by the Adviser, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, each of
the Small Cap Growth, Equity Income, Focused Growth and Income, and Global
Financial Services Funds are contractually obligated to pay the Adviser an
advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly equal to 1.00% of the value of
each Fund’s average daily net assets.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its
investment advisory fees and/or to reimburse expenses of the Focused Growth and
Income Fund and the Global Financial Services Fund to the extent necessary to
maintain the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement (excluding brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and
expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) at no more than an annual
rate of 0.80% for the Class I shares of the Focused Growth and Income Fund
and 1.25%, 1.25%, 2.00%, and 1.00% for Class AAA, Class A,
Class C, and Class I shares, respectively, of the Global Financial
Services Fund. Under this same arrangement, the Focused Growth and Income Fund
and the Global Financial Services Fund have also agreed, during the two year
period following the year of any such waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser, to
repay such amount, but only to the extent the Focused Growth and Income Fund’s
adjusted Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would not exceed an annual rate of
0.80% for Class I shares after giving effect to the repayments, and the
Global Financial Services Fund’s adjusted Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
would not exceed an annual rate of 1.25%, 1.25%, 2.00%, and 1.00% for
Class AAA, Class A, Class C, and Class I shares,
respectively, after giving effect to the repayments. These arrangement is in
effect through January 31, 2023, and may be terminated only by the Board of
Directors of the Company before such time. The Focused Growth and Income Fund
and the Global Financial Services Fund will carry forward any fees and expenses
in excess of the expense limitation and repay the Adviser such amount provided
the Fund is able to do so without exceeding the lesser of (1) the expense
limit in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as applicable, or
(2) the expense limit in effect at the time of recoupment after giving
effect to the repayment.
Each Fund’s semiannual report to shareholders for the
period ended March 31, 2021 contained a discussion of the basis of the
Board’s determinations to continue the investment advisory arrangements as
described above.
The Portfolio
Managers. Mr. Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is
primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Small Cap Growth Fund
and Equity Income Fund. Mr. Gabelli is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of GBL and Executive Chairman of Associated Capital Group, Inc.; Chief
Investment Officer — Value Portfolios of GBL, Gabelli Funds, LLC, and GAMCO
Asset Management, Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary of GBL; Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Investment Officer of GGCP; and an
44
officer or director of other companies affiliated with
GBL. Mr. Gabelli serves as portfolio manager for and is a director of
several funds in the Gabelli Fund Complex. The Adviser relies to a considerable
extent on the expertise of Mr. Gabelli, who may be difficult to replace in
the event of his death, disability, or resignation.
Mr. Gordon Grender has been as a portfolio manager
of the Small Cap Growth Fund since February 1, 2021. In managing the
portfolio of the Small Cap Growth Fund, the Adviser also uses the services of
Gordon D. Grender, an investment professional of an affiliate, GAMCO Asset
Management (UK) Limited (“GAMCO”). Mr. Grender recently joined GAMCO,
having previously served, since 1983, as the portfolio manager for a U.S. equity
fund at GAM International Ltd., a Swiss based global asset management firm. In
keeping with applicable regulatory guidance, GAMCO entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding (“MOU”) with the Adviser pursuant to which GAMCO is considered a
“Participating Affiliate” of the Adviser as that term is used in relief granted
by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission allowing U.S. registered
investment advisers to use portfolio management and trading resources of
advisory affiliates subject to the supervision of a registered adviser.
Mr. Daniel M. Miller has been a portfolio
manager of the Focused Growth and Income Fund since January 1, 2012. He is a
Managing Director of GBL, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the mutual
funds business, and a portfolio manager for the Adviser managing funds in the
Gabelli Fund Complex. Mr. Miller joined GBL in 2002 and was previously
Chairman and Head of Institutional Equities for Gabelli & Company, the
firm’s institutional research business. He graduated magna cum laude with a
degree in finance from the University of Miami with a BBA in Finance.
Mr. Ian Lapey has been the portfolio manager of the
Global Financial Services Fund since it commenced investment operations on
October 1, 2018. Mr. Lapey was most recently a research analyst and
partner at Moerus Capital Management LLC. Prior to joining Moerus,
Mr. Lapey was a partner, research analyst, and portfolio manager at Third
Avenue Management. Prior to joining Third Avenue in 2001, Mr. Lapey held
equity research analyst positions at Credit Suisse First Boston and Salomon
Brothers. He began his career in 1991 as a staff accountant for Ernst &
Young and is a CPA (inactive). Mr. Lapey holds a BA in Economics from
Williams College, a Masters in Accounting from Northeastern University, and an
MBA in Finance and Statistics from the Stern School of Business at New York
University.
The SAI provides additional information about the
portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by them, and their
ownership of securities in the Funds.
INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
The S&P 500
Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The
index figures do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes. You
cannot invest directly in the S&P 500 Index.
The S&P MidCap 400
Index is an unmanaged index of 400 domestic stocks chosen for market
capitalization, liquidity, and industry group representation. It gives a broad
look at how US mid‑cap stock prices have performed. The index figures do not
reflect any deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes. You cannot invest directly
in the S&P MidCap 400 Index.
45
The S&P SmallCap 600
Index is an unmanaged capital-weighted index of 600 smaller company U.S.
common stocks that cover all industry sectors. It gives a broad look at how U.S.
small‑cap stock prices have performed. The index figures do not reflect any
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes. You cannot invest directly in the
S&P SmallCap 600 Index.
The Lipper Equity Income
Funds Average is based on the average return of all funds in the Lipper
Equity Income Funds universe. Funds in the Lipper Equity Income Funds Average
seek relatively high current income and growth of income through investing 65%
or more of their portfolios in dividend-paying equity securities. You cannot
invest directly in the Lipper Equity Income Funds Average.
The Lipper Small‑Cap Core
Funds Average includes funds that invest at least 75% of their equity
assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis)
less than 250% of the dollar-weighted median of the smallest 500 of the middle
1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500® Index. You cannot invest
directly in the Lipper Small‑Cap Core Funds Average.
The MSCI World Financials
Index captures large and mid cap securities in the Financials sector
across
23 Developed Markets countries. You cannot invest
directly in the MSCI World Financials Index.
CLASSES OF SHARES
The Small Cap Growth Fund and Global Financial Services
Fund each offer four classes of its shares in this prospectus — Class AAA
shares, Class A shares, Class C shares, and Class I shares. The
Equity Income Fund and Focused Growth and Income Fund each offer three classes
of its shares in this prospectus — Class AAA shares, Class A shares, and Class I
shares. The Funds are not designed for market timers; see the section entitled
“Redemption of Shares”. Each class of shares has different costs associated with
buying, selling, and holding Fund shares. Your broker or other financial
professional can assist you in selecting which class of shares best meets your
needs based on such factors as the size of your investments and the length of
time you intend to hold your shares.
The minimum initial investment for Class AAA,
Class A, and Class C (if offered) shares is $1,000.
The Funds’ Class AAA shares are offered only to
(1) clients of broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries
(i) that charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment,
consulting, or a similar service or (ii) where the Distributor has entered
into an agreement permitting the financial intermediary to offer Class AAA
shares through its mutual fund supermarket network or platform, and
(2) customers of the Distributor.
Class I shares are available to investors with a
minimum investment of $10,000 for each Fund except the Focused Growth and Income
Fund, which has a minimum investment of $1,000 for Class I shares, and
purchasing the shares directly through the Distributor, or investors purchasing
Class I shares through brokers or financial intermediaries that have
entered into selling agreements with the Distributor specifically with respect
to Class I shares. If you transact in Class I shares through a broker
or financial intermediary, you may be required to pay a commission and/or other
forms of compensation to the broker or financial intermediary. Such brokers or
financial intermediaries may have different requirements as to the investment
minimum.
46
Since the minimum initial investment amount for Class I
shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund and Global Financial
Services Fund purchased through the Distributor has been reduced to $10,000,
shareholders eligible to purchase other share classes of the Small Cap Growth
Fund, Equity Income Fund or Global Financial Services Fund and making an initial
investment of $10,000 should instead consider purchasing Class I shares of the
Small Cap Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund or Global Financial Services Fund
since Class I shares carry no sales load and no ongoing distribution fees.
Investors and shareholders who wish to purchase shares of the Small Cap Growth
Fund, Equity Income Fund or Global Financial Services Fund through a broker or
financial intermediary should consult their broker or financial intermediary
with respect to the purchase of shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund, Equity
Income Fund or Global Financial Services Fund.
Since the minimum initial investment amount for the
Focused Growth and Income Fund’s Class I shares purchased directly through
the Distributor is the same as that for all other classes of the Focused Growth
and Income Fund’s shares, shareholders eligible to purchase another class of
shares of the Focused Growth and Income Fund should instead consider purchasing
Class I shares since Class I shares carry no sales load and no ongoing
distribution fees. Investors and shareholders who wish to purchase shares of the
Focused Growth and Income Fund through a broker or financial intermediary should
consult their broker or financial intermediary with respect to the purchase of
shares of the Focused Growth and Income Fund.
The Distributor or its affiliates may, in their
discretion, accept investments from purchasers that do not meet the
qualification requirements.
There is no minimum for subsequent investments.
The table that follows summarizes the differences among
the classes of shares.
|
• |
|
A “front‑end sales load” or sales charge is a one
time fee that may be charged at the time of purchase of shares.
|
|
• |
|
A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) is a
one time fee that may be charged at the time of redemption.
|
|
• |
|
A “Rule 12b‑1 fee” is a recurring annual fee for
distributing shares and servicing shareholder accounts based on each
Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the particular class of
shares. |
In selecting a class of shares in which to invest, you
should consider:
|
• |
|
the length of time you plan to hold the shares;
|
|
• |
|
the amount of sales charge and Rule 12b‑1 fees,
recognizing that your share of Rule 12b‑1 fees as a percentage of your
investment increases if a Fund’s assets increase in value and decreases if
a Fund’s assets decrease in value; |
|
• |
|
whether you qualify for a reduction or waiver of
the Class A sales charge; and |
|
• |
|
whether you qualify to purchase Class AAA
shares or Class I shares. |
47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class AAA Shares |
|
Class A Shares |
|
Class C Shares* |
|
Class I Shares |
Front‑End Sales
Load? |
|
No. |
|
Yes. The percentage
declines as the amount invested increases. The offering price of a
Class A share includes the front‑end sales load. |
|
No. |
|
No. |
Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge? |
|
No. |
|
No, except for shares
redeemed up to and including the last day of the eighteenth
month after purchase as part of an investment greater than
$1 million if no front‑end sales charge was paid at the time of
purchase. |
|
Yes, for shares redeemed
up to and including the last day of the twelfth month after
purchase. |
|
No. |
Rule 12b‑1 Fee |
|
0.25% |
|
0.25% |
|
1.00% |
|
None. |
Convertible to Another
Class? |
|
Yes, may be converted to
Class I shares provided certain conditions are met. |
|
Yes, may be converted to
Class I shares provided certain conditions are met. |
|
Yes, may be converted to
Class I shares provided certain conditions are met. Conversion to
Class A shares after approximately eight years. |
|
No. |
Fund Expense
Levels |
|
Lower annual expenses
than Class C shares. Higher annual expenses than Class I shares.
Same as Class A shares. |
|
Lower annual expenses
than Class C shares. Higher annual expenses than Class I shares.
Same as Class AAA shares. |
|
Higher annual expenses
than Class AAA, Class A, or Class I shares. |
|
Lower annual expenses
than Class AAA, Class A, or Class C
shares. |
* |
Offered only by the Small Cap Growth Fund and the
Global Financial Services Fund. |
The following sections and Appendix A to this prospectus
include important information about sales charges and sales charge reductions
and waivers and describe information or records you may need to provide to the
Funds or your broker in order to be eligible for sales charge reductions and
waivers. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the
availability of sales charge reductions and waivers; please refer to Appendix A
to this prospectus, which describes all such intermediaries. Information about
sales charges and sales charge reductions and waivers to the various classes of
each Fund’s shares is also available free of charge and in a clear and prominent
format on our website at www.gabelli.com. You should consider the information
below as a guide only, as the decision on which share class is best for you
depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
48
|
|
|
|
|
If you |
|
then you should consider* |
• |
|
qualify for a reduced or
waived front‑end sales load |
|
purchasing Class A
shares instead of Class C shares |
• |
|
do not qualify for a
reduced or waived front‑end sales load and intend to hold your shares for
only a few years |
|
purchasing Class C
shares instead of Class A shares |
• |
|
do not qualify for a
reduced or waived front‑end sales load and intend to hold your shares
indefinitely |
|
purchasing Class A
shares instead of Class C shares |
• |
|
are eligible and wish to
purchase at least $10,000 ($1,000 of Focused Growth and Income Fund) worth
of shares or are otherwise eligible |
|
purchasing Class I
shares |
• |
|
qualify for
no‑load |
|
purchasing
Class AAA shares |
* |
Only the Small Cap Growth Fund and the Global
Financial Services Fund offer Class C shares.
|
Sales Charge —
Class A Shares. Unless you are eligible for a
sales charge reduction or a waiver as set forth in Appendix A to this
prospectus, the sales charge is imposed on Class A shares at the time of
purchase in accordance with the following schedule. It is the purchaser’s
responsibility to notify a Fund, the Distributor, or the purchaser’s financial
intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts
qualifying the purchaser for sales charge reductions or waivers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of
Investment |
|
Sales Charge as % of
the Offering Price* |
|
Sales Charge as % of Amount Invested |
|
Reallowance to Broker‑Dealers |
|
|
|
|
Under $50,000 |
|
5.75% |
|
6.10% |
|
5.00% |
$50,000 but under $100,000 |
|
4.75% |
|
4.99% |
|
4.00% |
$100,000 but under $250,000 |
|
3.75% |
|
3.90% |
|
3.00% |
$250,000 but under $500,000 |
|
2.75% |
|
2.83% |
|
2.25% |
$500,000 but under $1 million |
|
2.00% |
|
2.04% |
|
1.75% |
$1 million but under
$2 million |
|
0.00%** |
|
0.00% |
|
1.00% |
$2 million but under
$5 million |
|
0.00%** |
|
0.00% |
|
0.50% |
$5 million or more |
|
0.00%** |
|
0.00% |
|
0.25% |
* |
Front‑end sales load. The term “offering price”
includes the front‑end sales load. |
** |
Subject to a CDSC equivalent to the corresponding
amount listed under the column “Reallowance to Broker-Dealers” for
redemptions up to and including the last day of the eighteenth month after
purchase. |
No sales charge is imposed on reinvestment of dividends
and distributions if you select that option in advance of the distribution.
Breakpoints or Volume Discounts
The Funds offer you the benefit of discounts on the sales
charges that apply to purchases of Class A shares in certain circumstances.
These discounts, which are also known as breakpoints, can reduce or, in some
instances, eliminate the initial sales charges that would otherwise apply to
your Class A shares investment. Mutual funds are not required to offer
breakpoints and different mutual fund groups may offer different types of
breakpoints.
Breakpoints or Volume Discounts allow larger investments
in Class A shares to be charged lower sales charges. If you invest $50,000
or more in Class A shares of the Funds, then you are eligible for a reduced
sales charge. Initial sales charges are eliminated completely for purchases of
$1,000,000 or more,
49
although a 1% CDSC may apply if shares are redeemed up to
and including the last day of the eighteenth month after purchase.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers — Class A
Shares
Reduced sales charges are available to (1) investors
who are eligible to combine their purchases of Class A shares to receive
Volume Discounts and (2) investors who sign a Letter of Intent (“Letter”)
agreeing to make purchases over time. Certain types of investors, as set forth
below, are eligible for sales charge waivers.
Class A shares of the Funds may be available for
purchase by clients of certain financial intermediaries without the application
of a front‑end sales load, as described in Appendix A to the prospectus.
You may qualify for a reduced sales charge, or a waiver
of sales charges, on purchases of Class A shares. The requirements are
described in the following paragraphs. To receive a reduction that you qualify
for, you may have to provide additional information to your broker or other
service agent. For more information about sales charge discounts and waivers,
consult with your broker or other service provider.
Volume Discounts/Rights of
Accumulation. In order to determine whether
you qualify for a Volume Discount under the foregoing sales charge schedule
listed above, you may combine your new investment and your existing investments
in Class A shares with those of your immediate family (spouse and children
under age 21), your and their IRAs, and other employee benefit plans and trusts
and other fiduciary accounts for your and their benefit. You may also include
Class A shares of any other open‑end investment company managed by the
Adviser or its affiliates that are held in any of the foregoing accounts. The
Funds use the current net asset value per share (“NAV”) of these holdings when
combining them with your new and existing investments for purposes of
determining whether you qualify for a Volume Discount.
Letter of
Intent. If you initially invest at least
$1,000 in Class A shares of a Fund and submit a Letter to your financial
intermediary or the Distributor, you may make purchases of Class A shares
of that Fund during a thirteen month period at the reduced sales charge rates
applicable to the aggregate amount of the intended purchases stated in the
Letter. The Letter may apply to purchases made up to ninety days before the date
of the Letter. If you fail to invest the total amount stated in the Letter, the
Funds will retroactively collect the sales charge otherwise applicable by
redeeming shares in your account at their then current NAV. For more information
on the Letter, call your broker.
Required Shareholder Information and
Records. In order for you to take advantage
of sales charge reductions, you or your broker must notify the Funds that you
qualify for a reduction. Without notification, the Funds are unable to ensure
that the reduction is applied to your account. You may have to provide
information or records to your broker or the Funds to verify eligibility for
breakpoint privileges or other sales charge waivers. This may include
information or records, including account statements, regarding shares of the
Funds or shares of any other open‑end investment company managed by the Adviser
or its affiliates held in:
|
• |
|
all of your accounts at the Funds or a financial
intermediary; |
|
• |
|
any account of yours at another financial
intermediary; and |
|
• |
|
accounts of related parties of yours, such as
members of the same family, at any financial intermediary.
|
50
You should therefore keep copies of these types of
records.
Investors Eligible for Sales Charge
Waivers. Class A shares
of the Funds may be offered without a sales charge to: (1) employees of the
Distributor and its affiliates, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, DST
Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. (“DST” or “Transfer Agent”), BNY Mellon Investment
Servicing (US) Inc. and Soliciting Broker-Dealers, employee benefit plans for
those employees and their spouses and minor children of such employees when
orders on their behalf are placed by such employees (the minimum initial
investment for such purchases is $500); (2) the Adviser, its affiliates and
their officers, directors, trustees, general partners, and employees of other
investment companies managed by the Adviser, employee benefit plans for such
persons and their immediate family when orders on their behalf are placed by
such persons (with no required minimum initial investment) — the term “immediate
family” for this purpose refers to a person’s spouse, children and grandchildren
(adopted or natural), parents, grandparents, siblings, a spouse’s siblings, a
sibling’s spouse, and a sibling’s children; (3) any other investment
company in connection with the combination of such company with the Funds by
merger, acquisition of assets, or otherwise; (4) shareholders who have
redeemed shares in the Funds and who wish to reinvest in the Funds, provided the
reinvestment is made within 45 days of the redemption; (5) employee benefit
plans; (6) any unit investment trusts registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, which have shares of the Funds as a principal
investment; (7) investment advisory clients of GAMCO Asset Management, Inc.
and their immediate families; (8) financial institutions purchasing
Class A shares of the Funds for clients participating in a fee based asset
allocation program or wrap fee program; and (9) clients of such registered
investment advisers or financial planners who place trades for their own
accounts or the accounts of their clients and who charge a management,
consulting, or other fee for their services; and clients of such investment
advisers or financial planners who place trades for their own accounts if the
accounts are linked to the master account of such investment adviser or
financial planner on the books and records of a broker or financial
intermediary.
Additional categories of sales charge reductions and
waivers available to investors in the Funds are also set out in Appendix A to
this prospectus. Investors who qualify under any of the categories described
above or those set out in the Appendix A to this prospectus should contact their
financial intermediary. Some of these investors may also qualify to invest in
Class I shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges
You will pay a CDSC when you redeem:
|
• |
|
Class A shares up to and including the last
day of the eighteenth month from when they were purchased as part of an
investment greater than $1 million if no front‑end sales charge was
paid at the time of purchase; or |
|
• |
|
Class C shares up to and including the last
day of the twelfth month from when they were purchased.
|
The CDSCs payable upon redemption of Class A shares
in the circumstances described above are 1.00% for investments of
$1 million but less than $2 million, 0.50% for investments of
$2 million but less than $5 million, and 0.25% for investments of
$5 million or more. The CDSC payable upon redemption of Class C shares
in the circumstances described above is 1.00%. In each case, the CDSC is based
on the NAV at the time of your investment or the NAV at the time of redemption,
whichever is lower.
51
The Distributor pays sales commissions of up to 1.00% of
the purchase price of Class C shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund and
Global Financial Services Fund at the time of sale to brokers and financial
intermediaries that initiate and are responsible for purchases of such
Class C shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund and Global Financial Services
Fund.
You will not pay a CDSC to the extent that the value of
the redeemed shares represents reinvestment of distributions or capital
appreciation of shares redeemed. When you redeem shares, we will assume that you
are first redeeming shares representing reinvestment of distributions, then any
appreciation on shares redeemed, and then any remaining shares held by you for
the longest period of time. We will calculate the holding period of shares
acquired through an exchange of shares of another fund from the date you
acquired the original shares of the other fund. The time you hold shares in the
Gabelli money market fund, however, will not count for purposes of calculating
the applicable CDSC.
We will waive the CDSC payable upon redemptions of shares
for:
|
• |
|
redemptions and distributions from retirement plans
made after the death or disability of a shareholder;
|
|
• |
|
minimum required distributions made from an IRA or
other retirement plan account after you reach age 701⁄2; |
|
• |
|
involuntary redemptions made by the Fund;
|
|
• |
|
a distribution from a tax deferred retirement plan
after your retirement; and |
|
• |
|
returns of excess contributions to retirement plans
following the shareholder’s death or disability.
|
The CDSC may be waived if you invest in the Small Cap
Growth Fund or Global Financial Services Fund and purchase your shares through
intermediaries identified in Appendix A to this prospectus.
Rule 12b‑1
Plan. The Funds have adopted distribution plans
under Rule 12b‑1 (the “Plans”) for Class AAA, Class A, and
Class C shares. Under these Plans, the Funds may use their assets to
finance activities relating to the sale of their Class AAA, Class A,
and Class C shares and the provision of certain shareholder services. To
the extent that any activity is one that the Fund may finance without a
distribution plan, the Fund may also make payments to compensate such activities
outside a Plan and not be subject to its limitations.
The Class AAA Plans authorize payments by each Fund
at an annual rate of 0.25% of such Fund’s average daily net assets attributable
to Class AAA shares to finance distribution of its Class AAA shares or
pay shareholder service fees. The Class A Plans authorize payments by each
Fund at an annual rate of 0.25% of such Fund’s average daily net assets
attributable to Class A shares to finance distribution of its Class A
shares. The Class C Plans authorize payments by each Fund at an annual rate
of 0.75% of such Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C
shares to finance distribution of its Class C shares and 0.25% to pay
shareholder service fees. The Equity Income Fund and Focused Growth and Income
Fund Class C Plans will remain in place because they serve to finance prior
sales of Class C shares of those Funds prior those Funds’ Class C shares no
longer being offered and the continued need to service existing Class C
shareholder accounts.
Because the Rule 12b‑1 fees are higher for Class C
shares than for Class AAA or Class A shares, Class C shares will
have higher annual expenses. Because Rule 12b‑1 fees are paid out of the Funds’
assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your
investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
52
Redemption
Fee. Generally, if you sell or exchange your
shares within seven days or less after the purchase date, you will be charged a
redemption fee of 2.00% of the total redemption amount which is payable to the
Fund. See “Redemption of Shares” herein.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
You can purchase the Funds’ shares on any Business Day.
|
• |
|
By Mail or In
Person. You may open an account by mailing a
completed subscription order form with a check or money order payable to
“The Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund”, “The Gabelli Equity Income Fund”,
“The Gabelli Focused Growth and Income Fund” or “The Gabelli Global
Financial Services Fund” to: |
|
|
|
By
Mail |
|
By Personal or
Overnight Delivery |
The Gabelli
Funds |
|
The Gabelli
Funds |
P.O. Box
219204 |
|
c/o
DST |
Kansas City, MO
64121-9204 |
|
430 W 7th Street
STE 219204 |
|
|
Kansas City, MO
64105-1407 |
You can obtain a subscription order form by calling
800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554). Checks made payable to a third party and endorsed by
the shareholder are not acceptable. For additional investments, send a check to
the above address with a note stating your exact name and account number, the
name of the fund(s), and class of shares you wish to purchase.
|
• |
|
By
Internet. You may open an account over the
Internet at www.gabelli.com. |
|
• |
|
By Bank Wire or ACH
system. To open an account using the bank
wire transfer system, or ACH system, first telephone the Fund(s) at
800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554) to obtain a new account number. Then instruct
your bank to wire funds to: |
State Street Bank and
Trust Company
225 Franklin Street,
Boston, MA 02110
ABA #011‑0000‑28 REF DDA
#99046187
Re: The
Gabelli____________Fund
Account #____________
Account of [Registered
Owners]
|
• |
|
By
Telephone. You may make purchases for an
existing account with banking instructions on file by telephone at
800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554). |
If you are making an initial purchase, you should also
complete and mail a subscription order form to the address shown under “By
Mail.” Note that banks may charge fees for wiring funds, although the Funds’
Transfer Agent, DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. (the “Transfer Agent” or
“DST”), will not charge you for receiving wire transfers.
You may purchase shares directly through registered
broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries that have entered into
appropriate selling agreements with the Distributor. In addition, certain
investors who qualify may purchase Class I shares of a Fund directly from
the Distributor.
Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary can obtain a
subscription order form by calling 800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554). The broker-dealer
or other financial intermediary will transmit a purchase order and
53
payment to DST on your behalf. Broker-dealers or other
financial intermediaries may send you confirmations of your transactions and
periodic account statements showing your investments in the Funds.
Share
Price. The Funds sell their shares based on the
NAV per share next determined after the time as of which the Funds receive your
completed subscription order form, but does not issue the shares to you until
they receive full payment, subject to a front‑end sales charge in the case of
Class A shares. See “Pricing of Fund Shares” herein for a description of
the calculation of the NAV, as described under “Classes of Shares — Sales Charge
— Class A shares.”
Minimum
Investments. For all Funds, the minimum initial
investment for Class AAA, Class A, and Class C (if offered)
shares is $1,000 ($250 for IRAs or Coverdell Education Savings Plans).
The minimum initial investment for Class I shares
purchased directly through the Distributor is $10,000 for each Fund, except the
Focused Growth and Income Fund, which has a Class I minimum initial
investment of $1,000. Investors who wish to purchase Class I shares through
brokers or financial intermediaries that have entered into selling agreements
with the Distributor specifically with respect to Class I shares should
consult their broker or financial intermediary with respect to any minimum
investment amount required for their account.
The Distributor or its affiliates may, in their
discretion, waive the minimum investment requirement under certain
circumstances. There is no minimum for subsequent investments. Broker-dealers
and financial intermediaries may have different minimum investment requirements.
General. DST will not
issue share certificates unless you request them. The Funds reserve the right to
(i) reject any purchase order if, in the opinion of the Funds’ management,
it is in a Fund’s best interest to do so, (ii) suspend the offering of
shares for any period of time, and (iii) waive a Fund’s minimum purchase
requirements. Except for differences attributable to these arrangements, the
shares of all classes are substantially the same.
Third Party
Arrangements. In addition to, or in lieu of,
amounts received by broker-dealers, or other financial intermediaries as
reallowances of a portion of sales commissions, the Adviser and its affiliates
may utilize a portion of their assets, which may include revenues received under
the Plan, to pay all or a portion of the charges of various programs that make
shares of the Funds available to their customers. These payments, sometimes
referred to as “revenue sharing,” do not change the price paid by investors to
purchase the Funds’ shares or the amount the Funds receive as proceeds from such
sales. Revenue sharing payments may be made to broker-dealers and other
financial intermediaries that provide services to the Funds or to shareholders
in the Funds, including (without limitation) the following programs: shareholder
servicing to Fund shareholders; transaction processing; “subaccounting
services”; “marketing support”; access to sales meetings, sales representatives,
and management representatives of the broker-dealer or other financial
intermediaries; and inclusion of a Fund on a sales list, including a preferred
or select sales list, and in other sales programs. These payments take a variety
of forms, including (without limitation) compensation for sales, “trail” fees
for shareholder servicing and maintenance of shareholder accounts, and finders’
fees that vary depending on the Fund or share class and the dollar amount of
shares sold. Revenue sharing payments may be structured: (i) as a
percentage of sales; (ii) as a percentage of net assets; and/or
(iii) as a fixed dollar amount.
54
The Adviser may also provide non‑cash compensation to
broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries, in accordance with applicable
rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), such as
the reimbursement of travel, lodging, and meal expenses incurred in connection
with attendance at educational and due diligence meetings or seminars by
qualified registered representatives of those firms and, in certain cases, their
families; meeting fees; certain entertainment; reimbursement for advertising or
other promotional expenses; or other permitted expenses as determined in
accordance with applicable FINRA rules. In certain cases these other payments
could be significant.
Subject to tax limitations and approval by the Board,
each of the Funds may also make payments to third parties out of their own
assets (other than Rule 12b‑1 payments) for a portion of the charges for
programs that generally represent savings of expenses experienced by the Funds
resulting from shareholders investing in the Funds through programs rather than
investing directly in the Funds.
The Adviser negotiates the level of payments described
above to any particular broker-dealer or other financial intermediary with each
firm. Currently, such payments (expressed as a percentage of net assets) range
from 0.10% to 0.40% per year of the average daily net assets of the applicable
Fund(s) attributable to the particular firm depending on the nature and level of
services and other factors.
In addition, in certain cases, broker-dealers or other
financial intermediaries may have agreements pursuant to which shares of the
Funds owned by their clients are held of record on the books of the Funds in
omnibus accounts maintained by each intermediary, and the intermediaries provide
those Fund shareholders with sub‑administration and sub‑transfer agency
services. Pursuant to the Funds’ transfer agency agreement, the Funds pay the
transfer agent a fee for each shareholder account. As a result, the use of one
omnibus account for multiple beneficial shareholders can create a cost savings
to the Funds. The Board may, from time to time, authorize the Funds to pay a
portion of the fees charged by these intermediaries if (i) a cost savings
to a Fund can be demonstrated and (ii) the omnibus account of the
intermediary has net assets in a Fund in excess of $10 million. In these
cases, the Board may authorize a Fund to pay a portion of the fees to the
intermediary in an amount no greater than the lower of the transfer agency cost
savings relating to the particular omnibus account or 0.10% of the average daily
net assets of that omnibus account. These payments compensate these
intermediaries for the provision of sub‑administration and sub‑transfer agency
services associated with their clients whose shares are held of record in this
manner.
Additional Purchase Information
Retirement
Plans/Education Savings Plans. The Funds make
available IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Plans for investment in Fund
shares. Applications may be obtained from the Distributor by calling 800‑GABELLI
(800‑422‑3554). Self-employed investors may purchase shares of the Funds through
tax‑deductible contributions to existing retirement plans for self-employed
persons, known as “Keogh” or “H.R.‑10” plans. The Funds do not currently act as
sponsor to such plans. Fund shares may also be a suitable investment for other
types of qualified pension or profit sharing plans which are employer sponsored,
including deferred compensation or salary reduction plans known as “401(k)
Plans.” For Class AAA, A, and C (if offered) shares, the minimum initial
investment in all such retirement or education savings plans is $250. There is
no minimum subsequent investment for retirement or education savings plans.
55
Automatic Investment
Plan. The Funds offer an automatic monthly
investment plan. For Class AAA, A, and C (if offered) shares, there is no
minimum initial investment for accounts establishing an automatic investment
plan. Call your financial intermediary or the Distributor at 800‑GABELLI
(800‑422‑3554) for more details about the plan.
Telephone or Internet
Investment Plan. You may purchase additional
shares of the Funds by telephone and/or over the Internet if your bank is a
member of the ACH system. You must have a completed and approved Account Options
Form on file with the Transfer Agent. There is a minimum of $100 for each
telephone or Internet investment. However, you may split the $100 minimum
between two funds. To initiate an ACH purchase, call your financial intermediary
or the Distributor at 800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554) or 800‑872‑5365 or visit our
website at www.gabelli.com.
Voluntary
Conversion. Shareholders may be able to convert
shares to Class I shares of a Fund, which have a lower expense ratio,
provided certain conditions are met. For Class A and C shares, this
conversion feature is intended for shares held through a financial intermediary
offering a fee based or wrap fee program that has an agreement with the Adviser
or the Distributor specific for this purpose. Shareholders who currently hold
Class AAA shares and are eligible to purchase Class I shares may
convert existing Class AAA shares of the same Fund through their financial
intermediary if their financial intermediary has a specific agreement with the
Distributor. In such instances, Class AAA, Class A, or Class C
shares may be automatically converted under certain circumstances. Generally,
Class C shares are not eligible for conversion until the applicable CDSC
period has expired. Under current interpretations of applicable federal income
tax law by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), this voluntary conversion of
shares to Class I shares does not cause the shareholder or the Fund to
recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. Please contact your
financial intermediary for additional information. Not all share classes are
available through all financial intermediaries.
The Distributor has entered into an agreement with
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”), pursuant
to which Class C shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund, the Global Financial
Services Fund and the Equity Income Fund held by a Merrill Lynch customer will
be converted into Class A shares of the same fund in the month of the
8‑year anniversary of the purchase date.
If shares of a Fund are converted to a different share
class of a Fund, the transaction will be based on the respective NAV of each
class as of the trade date of the conversion. Consequently, a shareholder may
receive fewer shares or more shares than originally owned, depending on that
day’s NAVs. Please contact your tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of
any conversion.
Conversion of
Class C shares to Class A
shares. Investors whose accounts are held at the
Funds’ transfer agent are eligible to hold Class C shares of the Funds only
until the month of the 8‑year anniversary of the purchase date. In the month of
the 8‑year anniversary of the purchase date, the Funds will convert such an
investor’s Class C shares into Class A shares. This conversion will
not be subject to any sales charge, fee, or other charge, and will be based on
the relative net asset values of the two classes in question. The Internal
Revenue Service currently takes the position that such conversions are not
taxable. Should its position change, the conversion feature may be suspended. If
this were to happen, you would have the option of instructing the Funds to
continue to convert your Class C shares of the Funds to Class A shares
of the Funds at the anniversary date described above. This conversion would also
be based on the relative net asset values of the two classes in question,
without the imposition of a sales charge or fee, but you might face certain tax
consequences as a result. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisor
regarding the state and local tax consequences of such conversions.
56
Investors holding Class C shares of the Funds
through a financial intermediary in “street name” may be subject to different
eligibility requirements regarding the holding of Class C shares of the
Funds. In this regard, a financial intermediary may sponsor and/or control
accounts, programs or platforms that impose a different conversion schedule or
different eligibility requirements for the conversion of Class C shares
into Class A shares. In these cases, Class C shares of the Funds may
be converted to Class A shares under the policies of the financial
intermediary and the conversion may be structured as an exchange of Class C
shares for Class A shares of the Funds. Financial intermediaries will be
responsible for making such exchanges in those circumstances. Please consult
with your financial intermediary if you have any questions regarding your
shares’ conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares. To the
extent a financial intermediary’s policies provide for no such conversion, or
for a conversion schedule that extends beyond the month of the 8‑year
anniversary of the purchase date, investors holding Class C shares through
such financial intermediary may be disadvantaged relative to investors holding
Class C shares either at the Funds’ transfer agent or through another
financial intermediary. Because Class C shares pay higher ongoing
asset-based distribution and shareholder servicing fees than Class A
shares, financial intermediaries may have a conflict of interest in establishing
their relevant conversion schedules and eligibility requirements. Additional
information can be found in Appendix A, “Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers
Available Through Certain Intermediaries,” attached to the Funds’ prospectus.
Impact of Class Closures
and Class I Eligibility Changes on
Conversions. Shareholders owning Class AAA or
Class A shares of a Fund should consider whether to convert their holdings to
Class I shares of the Fund given the change in eligibility requirements for
investing in Class I shares. Shareholders owning Class C shares of a Fund should
also consider converting their holdings to another share class (including Class
I, if eligible) if they otherwise meet the eligibility requirements described
herein to convert their Class C shares of a Fund to a different share class.
Shareholders who hold shares of a Fund through a broker or financial
intermediary should contact their broker or financial intermediary regarding any
conversion of shares.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
You can redeem shares of the Funds on any Business Day.
The Funds may temporarily stop redeeming their shares beyond seven (7) days
when the NYSE is closed, when trading on the NYSE is restricted (as determined
by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)), or when an emergency exists
(as determined by the SEC), and the Funds cannot sell their portfolio securities
or accurately determine the value of their assets, or if the SEC orders the
Funds to suspend redemptions.
The Funds redeem their shares based on the NAV next
determined after the time as of which the Funds or, if applicable, their
authorized designee, receive your redemption request in proper form, subject in
some cases to a redemption fee or a CDSC, as described under “Classes of Shares
— Contingent Deferred Sales Charges” or a redemption fee as described below in
this section. A redemption is a taxable event to you on which you would realize
gain or loss (subject to certain limitations on the deductibility of losses). In
instances where a redemption fee is triggered, a CDSC may also apply, as
described in greater detail in other parts of this prospectus.
You may redeem shares through a broker-dealer, or other
financial intermediary that has entered into a selling agreement with the
Distributor. The broker-dealer or financial intermediary will transmit a
redemption order to DST on your behalf. The redemption request will be effected
at the NAV next
57
determined (less any applicable CDSC) after the Funds or,
if applicable, their authorized designee, receive the request in proper form. If
you hold share certificates, you must present the certificates endorsed for
transfer.
The Funds are intended for long term investors and not
for those who wish to trade frequently in Fund shares. The Funds believe that
excessive short term trading of Fund shares creates risks for the Funds and
their long term shareholders, including interference with efficient portfolio
management, increased administrative and brokerage costs, and potential dilution
in the value of Fund shares.
In addition, because each Fund may invest in foreign
securities traded primarily on markets that close prior to the time the Fund
determines its NAV, frequent trading by some shareholders may, in certain
circumstances, dilute the value of Fund shares held by other shareholders. This
may occur when an event that affects the value of the foreign securities takes
place after the close of the primary foreign market but before the time that the
Fund determines its NAV. Certain investors may seek to take advantage of the
fact that there will be a delay in the adjustment of the market price for a
security caused by this event until the foreign market reopens (referred to as
price arbitrage). If this occurs, frequent traders who attempt this type of
price arbitrage may dilute the value of the Fund’s shares to the extent they
receive shares or proceeds based upon NAVs that have been calculated using the
closing market prices for foreign securities, if those prices have not been
adjusted to reflect a change in the fair value of the foreign securities. In an
effort to prevent price arbitrage, the Fund has procedures designed to adjust
closing market prices of foreign securities before it calculates its NAV when it
believes such an event has occurred that will have more than a minimal effect on
the NAV. Prices are adjusted to reflect what the Fund believes are the fair
values of these foreign securities at the time the Fund determines its NAV
(called fair value pricing). Fair value pricing, however, involves judgments
that are inherently subjective and inexact since it is not possible to always be
sure when an event will affect a market price and to what extent. As a result,
there can be no assurance that fair value pricing will always eliminate the risk
of price arbitrage.
In order to discourage frequent short term trading in
Fund shares, each Fund has adopted policies and procedures that impose a 2.00%
redemption fee (short term trading fee) on shares that are redeemed or exchanged
within seven days of a purchase. This fee is calculated based on the shares’
aggregate NAV on the date of redemption and deducted from the redemption
proceeds. The redemption fee is not a sales charge; it is retained by the Funds,
and does not benefit the Funds’ Adviser or any third party. For purposes of
computing the redemption fee, shares will be redeemed in reverse order of
purchase (the latest shares acquired will be treated as being redeemed first).
Redemptions to which the fee applies include redemption of shares resulting from
an exchange made pursuant to each Fund’s exchange privilege. The redemption fee
will not apply to redemptions of shares where (i) the shares were purchased
through automatic reinvestment of dividends or other distributions,
(ii) the redemption is initiated by the Fund, (iii) the shares were
purchased through programs that collect the redemption fee at the program level
and remit them to the Fund, or (iv) the shares were purchased through
programs that the Adviser determines to have appropriate anti-short term trading
polices in place or as to which the Adviser has received assurances that
look-through redemption fee procedures or effective anti-short term trading
policies and procedures are in place.
While each Fund has entered into information sharing
agreements with financial intermediaries which contractually require such
financial intermediaries to provide the Funds with information relating to their
58
customers investing in each Fund through non‑disclosed or
omnibus accounts, the Funds cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information
provided to it from financial intermediaries and may not always be able to track
short term trading effected through these financial intermediaries. In addition,
because each Fund is required to rely on information provided by the financial
intermediary as to the applicable redemption fee, the Funds cannot guarantee
that the financial intermediary is always imposing such fee on the underlying
shareholder in accordance with each Fund’s policies. Subject to the exclusions
discussed above, each Fund seeks to apply these policies uniformly.
Certain financial intermediaries may have procedures
which differ from those of the Funds to collect the redemption fees or that
prevent or restrict frequent trading. Investors should refer to their
intermediary’s policies on frequent trading restrictions.
Each Fund continues to reserve all rights, including the
right to refuse any purchase request (including requests to purchase by
exchange) from any person or group who, in the Funds’ view, is likely to engage
in excessive trading or if such purchase is not in the best interest of the
Funds and to limit, delay, or impose other conditions on exchanges or purchases.
Each Fund has adopted a policy of seeking to minimize short term trading of its
shares and monitors purchase and redemption activities to assist in minimizing
short term trading.
If you hold shares directly through the Distributor, you
may redeem shares:
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• |
|
By
Letter. You may mail a letter requesting the
redemption of shares to: The Gabelli
Funds, P.O. Box 219204, Kansas City, MO 64121-9204. Your letter
should state the name of the fund(s) and the share class, the dollar
amount or number of shares you wish to redeem, and your account number.
You must sign the letter in exactly the same way the account is registered
and, if there is more than one owner of shares, all owners must sign.
|
|
• |
|
By Telephone or the
Internet. Unless you have requested that
telephone or Internet redemptions from your account not be permitted, you
may redeem your shares in an account (excluding an IRA) directly
registered with DST by calling either 800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554) or
800‑872‑5365 (617‑328‑5000 from outside the United States) or by visiting
our website at www.gabelli.com. You may not redeem Fund shares held
through an IRA through the Internet. IRA holders should consult a tax
adviser concerning the current tax rules applicable to IRAs. If DST
properly acts on telephone or Internet instructions after following
reasonable procedures to protect against unauthorized transactions,
neither DST nor the Funds will be responsible for any losses due to
unauthorized telephone or Internet transactions and instead you would be
responsible. You may request that proceeds from telephone or Internet
redemptions be mailed to you by check (if your address has not changed in
the prior thirty days), forwarded to you by bank wire, or invested in
another mutual fund advised by the Adviser (see “Exchange of Shares”).
Among the procedures that DST may use are passwords or verification of
personal information. The Funds may impose limitations from time to time
on telephone or Internet redemptions. |
|
1. |
Telephone
or Internet Redemption By Check. The Funds will make checks payable
to the name in which the account is registered and will normally mail the
check to the address of record within seven days.
|
59
|
2. |
Telephone
or Internet Redemption By Bank Wire or ACH system. The Funds accept
telephone or Internet requests for wire or ACH system redemptions in
amounts of at least $1,000. The proceeds are normally wired on the next
Business Day. |
If you redeem shares through your broker-dealer or other
financial intermediary, the broker or financial intermediary will transmit a
redemption order to DST on your behalf. The redemption request will be effected
at the NAV per share next determined (less any applicable CDSC and redemption
fee, if applicable) after a Fund or, if applicable, its authorized designee
receives the request in proper form. If you hold share certificates, you must
present the certificates endorsed for transfer. In the event that you wish to
redeem Class A, Class C, or Class I shares in a registered account established
by a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, and you are unable to
contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, and you are unable
to contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, you may redeem
shares in the same manner as the redemption of Class AAA shares described above.
Automatic Cash Withdrawal
Plan. You may automatically redeem shares on a
monthly, quarterly, or annual basis if you have at least $10,000 in your account
and if your account is directly registered with DST. Please call 800-GABELLI
(800-422-3554) for more information about this plan.
Involuntary
Redemption. Each Fund may redeem all shares in
your account (other than an IRA or Coverdell education savings account) if the
value falls below $1,000 as a result of redemptions (but not as a result of a
decline in NAV). You will be notified in writing before a Fund initiates such
action and you will be allowed thirty days to increase the value of your account
to at least $1,000.
Reinstatement
Privilege. A shareholder in a Fund who has
redeemed Class A shares may reinvest, without a sales charge, up to the full
amount of such redemption based on the NAV determined at the time of the
reinvestment within ninety days of the original redemption. A redemption is a
taxable transaction and a gain or loss may be recognized for federal income tax
purposes even if the reinstatement privilege is exercised. However, any loss
realized upon the redemption will not be recognized as to the number of shares
acquired by reinstatement, except through an adjustment in the tax basis of the
shares so acquired.
Redemption
Proceeds. Each Fund expects to meet redemption
requests typically by selling portfolio assets, with holdings of cash and cash
equivalents, or by drawing on its line of credit. In certain circumstances, the
Fund may meet a redemption request in‑kind, as described under “Redemption In
Kind.” These methods of meeting redemption requests are expected to be used in
both normal and stressed market conditions. A redemption request received by a
Fund will be effected based on the NAV per share next determined after the time
as of which the Fund or, if applicable, its authorized designee, receives the
request. If you request redemption proceeds by wire, a Fund will normally wire
the funds according to the wire instructions you provide, within three business
days after receipt of your redemption request. If you request redemption
proceeds by check, a Fund will normally mail the check to you within seven days
after receipt of your redemption request. If you purchased your Fund shares by
check or through the Automatic Investment Plan you may not receive proceeds from
your redemption until the check clears or ten days following the purchase,
whichever is earlier. While a Fund will delay the processing of the redemption
payment until the check clears, your shares will be valued at the next
determined NAV after receipt of your redemption request. Typically, a Fund
receives redemption requests through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation (“NSCC”) system, which is utilized by financial intermediaries to
submit requests on behalf of their clients or customers who hold shares of the
Fund in
60
“street name.” In such circumstances, a Fund expects
redemption proceeds to be delivered via the NSCC system within three business
days after receipt of a redemption request. The NSCC system is not used for
shareholders whose accounts are hold at a Fund’s transfer agent (as opposed to
shareholders whose accounts are hold in “street name” at a broker or other
financial intermediary).
Redemption In
Kind. A Fund may pay your redemption proceeds
wholly or partially in portfolio securities. Specifically, a Fund may pay your
redemption proceeds in portfolio securities if you redeem more than $250,000
over the preceding three months, and the Adviser believes that economic
conditions exist which would make payments in cash detrimental to the best
interests of a Fund. In such an instance, a Fund would communicate to you its
intention to meet your redemption request in portfolio securities. Securities
received in kind will remain subject to the risk of market fluctuations until
sold; however, a Fund would distribute to you from its portfolio of investments
only securities that the Adviser determines are readily marketable. The specific
security or securities to be distributed will be selected at the discretion of
the Board or its designee(s), subject to any applicable laws or regulations, and
could be individual securities, a representative basket of securities or a
pro‑rata slice of a Fund’s portfolio. Any additional remainder in value owed to
you between such securities and Fund shares that you submitted for redemption
would be paid to you in cash. Payments would be made in portfolio securities
only in instances where the Fund’s Board (or its delegate) believes that it
would be in the Fund’s best interest not to pay the redemption proceeds in cash.
A redemption in kind would be a taxable event to you on which you would realize
a capital gain or capital loss on your shares redeemed. Additionally, you may
incur brokerage costs in converting any of the securities received to cash. The
foregoing considerations apply in both normal and stressed market
considerations. Please see “Redemption of Shares” in the SAI for additional
information.
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
You can exchange shares of each Fund for shares of the
same class of certain other funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates based
on their relative NAVs at the time of exchange. To obtain a list of the funds
whose shares you may acquire through an exchange, call 800‑GABELLI
(800‑422‑3554), or call your broker. Class C shares will continue to age
from the date of the original purchase of such shares and will assume the CDSC
rate such shares had at the time of exchange. You may also exchange your shares
for shares of the same class of a money market fund managed by the Adviser or
its affiliates without imposition of any CDSC at the time of exchange. Upon
subsequent redemption from such money market fund or the Fund(s) (after
re‑exchange into the Fund(s)), such shares will be subject to the CDSC
calculated by excluding the time such shares were held in a Gabelli money market
fund. Each Fund may impose limitations on, or terminate, the exchange privilege
with respect to any investor at any time. You will be given notice at least
sixty days prior to any material change in the exchange privilege. An exchange
of shares is a taxable event to you on which you would realize capital gain or
capital loss (subject to possible limitations of deductibility).
In effecting an exchange:
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• |
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you must meet the minimum investment requirements
for the fund whose shares you wish to purchase through exchange;
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• |
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if you are exchanging into a fund with a higher
sales charge, you must pay the difference at the time of the exchange;
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61
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• |
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if you are exchanging from a fund with a redemption
fee applicable to the redemption involved in your exchange, you must pay
the redemption fee at the time of exchange;
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|
• |
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you will realize a taxable gain or loss (subject to
certain loss limitation rules) because the exchange is treated as a sale
for federal income tax purposes; |
|
• |
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you should read the prospectus of the fund whose
shares you are purchasing through exchange. Call 800‑GABELLI
(800‑422‑3554) or visit our website at www.gabelli.com to obtain the
prospectus; and |
|
• |
|
you should be aware that a financial intermediary
may charge a fee for handling an exchange for you.
|
You may exchange shares through the Distributor, directly
from the Transfer Agent, or through your financial intermediary that has entered
into the appropriate selling agreement with the Distributor.
|
• |
|
Exchange by
Telephone. You may give exchange
instructions by telephone by calling 800‑GABELLI (800‑422‑3554).
|
|
• |
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Exchange by
Mail. You may send a written request for
exchanges to: The Gabelli Funds, P.O. Box
219204, Kansas City, MO 64121-9204. Your letter should state your
name, your account number, the dollar amount or number of shares you wish
to exchange, the name and class of the fund(s) whose shares you wish to
exchange, and the name of the fund(s) whose shares you wish to acquire.
|
|
• |
|
Exchange through
the Internet. You may also give exchange
instructions via the Internet at www.gabelli.com. The Funds may impose
limitations from time to time on Internet exchanges.
|
Your financial intermediary may charge you a processing
fee for assisting you in purchasing or redeeming shares of the Funds. This
charge is set by your financial intermediary and does not benefit the Funds, the
Distributor, or the Adviser in any way. It would be in addition to other sales
charges and other costs, if any, described in this prospectus and must be
disclosed to you by your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary.
Class C shares of the Equity Income Fund and the Focused
Growth and Income Fund are not available as an exchange option for holders of
Class C shares of other funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates.
PRICING OF FUND SHARES
The NAV is calculated separately for each class of shares
of each Fund on each Business Day. The NYSE is open Monday through Friday, but
currently is scheduled to be closed on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day and on the preceding Friday or
subsequent Monday when a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.
Each Fund’s NAV is determined as of the close of regular
trading on the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The NAV of each class of
each Fund is computed by dividing the value of the applicable Fund’s net assets,
i.e. the value of its securities and other assets less its liabilities,
including expenses payable or accrued but excluding capital stock and surplus
attributable to the applicable class of shares, by the total number of shares of
such class outstanding at the time the determination is made. The price of each
Fund’s shares for the purpose of purchase and redemption orders will be based
upon the
62
calculation of the NAV next made after the time as of
which the purchase or redemption order is received in proper form. Because the
Funds may invest in foreign securities that are primarily listed on foreign
exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Funds do not price their
shares, the NAV of the Funds’ shares may change on days when shareholders will
not be able to purchase or redeem the Funds’ shares.
Equity securities listed or traded on a nationally
recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over‑the‑counter market
where trades are reported contemporaneously and for which market quotations are
readily available are valued at the last quoted sale or a market’s official
closing price at the close of the exchange’s or other market’s regular trading
hours, as of or prior to the time and day as of which such value is being
determined. 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 the Adviser. If there has been no sale on the day the
valuation is made, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and
ask prices on the principal market for such security on such day. If no ask
prices are quoted on such day, then the security is valued at the closing bid
price on the principal market for such security on such day. If no bid or ask
prices are quoted on such day, a Fund’s accounting agent will notify the Adviser
and the security will be valued based on written or standing instructions from
the Adviser and/or the Pricing Committee.
Equity securities that are primarily traded on foreign
markets, except for those that trade primarily in Latin America or South
America, are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities
on their respective exchanges. Equity securities which are primarily traded in
Latin American or South American markets are valued each day approximately at
the time of the close of regular trading on the NYSE as though such time were
the close of trading on such Latin American or South American market and such
Latin American or South American market were a U.S. market. When the NYSE is
open, but the foreign market on which an equity security primarily trades is
closed, such as for a foreign national holiday, the security will generally be
valued at the last available closing value (subject to the Fair Value Procedures
adopted by the Board) using the prevailing exchange rate as described below. If
some event occurs affecting or likely to affect the price of an equity security
or group of equity securities to a significant extent including but not limited
to material market movement, changes in market conditions after a foreign market
closes, but prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or a company development, such as a
material business development, dividend declaration, stock split or rights
offering, and if adequate and timely information relating to the event is not
available or is not taken into account by the pricing service, the Adviser
should review the pricing furnished by the pricing service to determine whether
it is appropriate in the circumstances. In such case, the Adviser will obtain
market quotations from another source or will make a fair value determination of
such securities using other appropriate value measurements and such information
will be presented to the Board for ratification at its next scheduled meeting.
If the primary market for such an equity security suspends or limits trading or
price movements, whether for the market as a whole or the particular security,
and trading also occurs on a secondary market which has not suspended or limited
trading or price movement, valuation will be based on information from the
secondary market provided by the Adviser. If all markets on which such an equity
security have suspended trading, the Adviser will fair value such security as
provided above. Information that becomes known after the close of the NYSE,
normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on any business day may be assessed in
determining net asset value per share after the time of receipt of the
information, but will not be used to retroactively adjust the price of the
security determined earlier or on a prior day.
63
Initial public offering securities are initially valued
at cost. Upon commencement of trading, these securities are valued like any
other equity security.
Debt obligations (including convertible debt) for which
market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest
bid and ask prices. If there were no ask 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.
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
will be translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rates as
provided by an appropriate pricing service. Forward currency exchange contracts
will be valued using interpolated forward exchange rates. Prevailing foreign
exchange rates and forward currency foreign exchange rates may generally be
obtained on a consistent basis at approximately 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, which
approximates the close of the London Exchange. As available and as provided by
an appropriate pricing service, translation of foreign security and currency
market values will also occur with the use of foreign exchange rates obtained at
the close of the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Certain securities are valued principally using dealer
quotations. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the
exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded. OTC
futures and options on futures for which market quotations are readily available
will be valued by quotations received from a pricing service or, if no
quotations are available from a pricing service, by quotations obtained from one
or more dealers in the instrument in question by the Adviser.
Securities and other 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 to the equivalent U.S.
dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the relevant
U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative
of the value of the security.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Funds intend to pay dividends monthly for the Equity
Income Fund and the Focused Growth and Income Fund, and annually for the Small
Cap Growth Fund and the Global Financial Services Fund, and capital gain
distributions, if any, on an annual basis. You may have dividends and/or capital
gain distributions that are declared by the Funds automatically reinvested at
NAV in additional shares of the Funds. You will make an election to receive
distributions in cash and/or Fund(s) shares at the time you first purchase your
shares. You may change this election by notifying the Funds or your financial
intermediary in writing at any time prior to the record date for a particular
dividend or distribution. There are no sales or other charges in connection with
the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Shares purchased
through reinvestment will receive a price without a sales charge based on the
NAV on the reinvestment date, which is typically the date dividends or capital
gains are paid to shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Fund will pay
any dividends or realize any capital gains or other income with which to pay
dividends and distributions. The declaration and payment of distributions and
the amount of the distributions is subject to the discretion of the Board of
Directors, and
64
will be dependent upon the results of operations,
financial condition, cash requirements and other factors deemed relevant by the
Board of Directors. Distributions are taxable to you whether received in cash or
additional shares. A dividend or capital gain distribution paid on shares
purchased shortly before that dividend or capital gain distribution was declared
will be subject to income taxes. Dividends and distributions may be different
for different classes of shares of the Funds. The Equity Income Fund has adopted
a policy to distribute a fixed amount each month to each class of shares. The
Board of Directors may change or eliminate this policy at any time.
Fixed Distribution Policy
Risk. As noted, the Equity Income Fund has
adopted a policy to distribute a fixed amount each month to each class of shares
(the “Fixed Distribution Policy”). Section 19(b) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940 and Rule 19b‑1 promulgated thereunder limit the number of
distributions of long-term capital gain a fund may make in any particular year.
Depending on the circumstances, in order to remain in compliance with Rule
19b‑1, the operation of the Equity Income Fund’s monthly Fixed Distribution
Policy may require shareholders to pay tax on distributions at a higher rate
than they otherwise would experience or may require them to make special tax
filings to offset additional tax payments made by the Equity Income Fund. In
extreme circumstances, compliance with Rule 19b‑1 could have a material adverse
effect on the Equity Income Fund’s investment program.
Rule 19b‑1 contains a mechanism for a fund to request
relief from the SEC to spread its long-term capital gain over up to all of its
distributions in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Due to a very high level
of net redemptions in 2015 compared to prior years while having very large
amounts of unrealized long-term capital gain and very small amounts of
unrealized long-term capital loss, in order to avert adverse consequences for
the Equity Income Fund and its shareholders, the Equity Income Fund sought and
received such SEC relief for 2015. However, the Equity Income Fund believes it
is unlikely to be able to obtain such relief in similar circumstances in the
future. Accordingly, the Equity Income Fund will monitor its distribution,
estimated sources of income and tax situation carefully and may modify its Fixed
Distribution Policy from time to time in an effort to reduce the likelihood of
material adverse impacts in the future.
TAX INFORMATION
The Funds expect that distributions will consist
primarily of investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Dividends
out of investment company taxable income and distributions of net short term
capital gains (i.e., gains from securities held by the Funds for one year or
less) are taxable to you as ordinary income, except that, if Fund distributions
are properly reported by a Fund and provided that certain holding period and
other requirements are met, certain qualified dividends are eligible for a
reduced rate. Properly reported distributions of net long term capital gains
(each a “Capital Gain Dividend”), are taxable to you at long term capital gain
rates no matter how long you have owned your shares. The current distribution
policy of the Equity Income Fund is to pay a fixed amount on a monthly basis for
each class of shares. To the extent such distributions are made from current or
accumulated earnings and profits, they are considered ordinary income or long
term capital gains. This policy may restrict the Equity Income Fund’s ability to
pay out all of its net realized long term capital gains as a Capital Gain
Dividend. The Funds’ distributions, whether you receive them in cash or reinvest
them in additional shares of the Fund(s), generally will be subject to federal,
state, and/or local taxes. A
65
redemption of the Funds’ shares or an exchange of the
Funds’ shares for shares of another fund will be treated for tax purposes as a
sale of the Funds’ shares, and any gain you realize on such a transaction
generally will be taxable. Foreign shareholders may be subject to a federal
withholding tax.
If you sell your Funds’ shares, it is considered a
taxable event for you. Depending on the purchase price and your tax basis in the
shares you sell, you may have a gain or a loss on the transaction. You are
responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction.
By law, the Funds must withhold, as backup withholding, a
percentage (currently 24%) of your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds
if you do not provide your correct social security or taxpayer identification
number and certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or if the
Internal Revenue Service instructs the Funds to do so.
This summary of tax consequences is intended for general
information only and is subject to change by legislative, judicial or
administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. A more complete
discussion of the tax rules applicable to you and the Funds can be found in the
SAI that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should consult a
tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of your investment in the Funds.
MAILINGS AND E‑DELIVERY TO SHAREHOLDERS
In our continuing efforts to reduce duplicative mail and
Fund expenses, we currently send a single copy of prospectus and shareholder
reports to your household even if more than one member in your household owns
the same fund or funds described in the prospectus or report. Additional copies
of our prospectuses and reports may be obtained by calling 800‑GABELLI
(800‑422‑3554). If you do not want us to continue to consolidate your fund
mailings and would prefer to receive separate mailings at any time in the
future, please call us at the telephone number above and we shall resume
separate mailings, in accordance with your instructions, within thirty days of
your request. The Funds offer electronic delivery of Fund documents. Direct
shareholders of the Funds can elect to receive the Funds’ annual, semiannual,
and quarterly reports, as well as manager commentaries and prospectus via
e‑delivery. For more information or to sign up for e‑delivery, please visit the
Funds’ website at www.gabelli.com. Shareholders who purchased shares of a Fund
through a financial intermediary should contact their financial intermediary to
sign up for e‑delivery of the Fund documents, if available.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights tables are intended to help you
understand the financial performance of the shares of the Small Cap Growth Fund,
the Equity Income Fund, and the Focused Growth and Income Fund for the past five
fiscal years and the Global Financial Services Fund for the past three fiscal
years. The total returns in the tables represent the percentage amount that an
investor would have earned or lost on an investment in each such Fund’s
designated class of shares (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions). This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each
Fund’s financial statements and related notes, are included in each such Fund’s
annual report, which is available upon request.
66
The Gabelli Small Cap
Growth Fund
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of capital stock outstanding
throughout each year:
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Income (Loss) from Investment
Operations |
|
|
Distributions |
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets/ Supplemental
Data |
|
Year Ended September 30 |
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Year |
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)(a)(b) |
|
|
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)(c) |
|
|
Net Asset Value, End
of Year |
|
|
Total Return† |
|
|
Net Assets, End
of Year (in 000’s) |
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)(b) |
|
|
Operating Expenses(d)(e) |
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate |
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Class AAA |
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|
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|
|
|
|
2021 |
|
$ |
43.30 |
|
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
15.83 |
|
|
$ |
15.87 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(9.56 |
) |
|
$ |
(9.56 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
49.61 |
|
|
|
42.16 |
% |
|
$ |
1,054,894 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
1.38 |
%(f) |
|
|
1 |
% |
2020 |
|
|
53.92 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
(0.63 |
) |
|
|
(0.59 |
) |
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
(9.96 |
) |
|
|
(10.03 |
) |
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
43.30 |
|
|
|
(2.08 |
) |
|
|
884,341 |
|
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
|
1.41 |
(f) |
|
|
0 |
(g) |
2019 |
|
|
59.61 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
(3.50 |
) |
|
|
(3.47 |
) |
|
|
(0.09 |
) |
|
|
(2.13 |
) |
|
|
(2.22 |
) |
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
53.92 |
|
|
|
(5.72 |
) |
|
|
1,243,608 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
1.39 |
(f) |
|
|
1 |
|
2018 |
|
|
58.63 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
4.01 |
|
|
|
4.10 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(3.12 |
) |
|
|
(3.12 |
) |
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|