UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-09377
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Bruce N. Alpert
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: 1-800-422-3554
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2018
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Semiannual Report June 30, 2018
Sarah Donnelly | Robert D. Leininger, CFA | Justin Bergner, CFA | ||
Portfolio Manager | Portfolio Manager | Portfolio Manager | ||
BS, Fordham | BA, Amherst College | BA, Yale University | ||
University | MBA, Wharton School, | MBA, Wharton School, | ||
University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
To Our Shareholders,
For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the net asset value (NAV) per Class AAA Share of The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund decreased 1.3% compared with an increase of 2.7% for the Standard & Poors (S&P) 500 Index. Other classes of shares are available. See below for performance information for all classes of shares.
Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of June 30, 2018.
Comparative Results
Average Annual Returns through June 30, 2018 (a) (Unaudited) |
Since Inception |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months |
1 Year |
5 Year |
10 Year |
15 Year |
(8/26/99) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Class AAA (GABBX) |
(1.28)% | 5.00% | 7.19% | 6.54% | 7.40% | 5.65% | ||||||||||||||||||
S&P 500 Index |
2.65 | 14.37 | 13.42 | 10.17 | 9.30 | 5.75 | ||||||||||||||||||
Lipper Large Cap Value Fund Average |
(0.49) | 9.25 | 10.60 | 8.26 | 8.11 | 5.43 | ||||||||||||||||||
Class A (GBCAX) |
(1.28) | 5.02 | 7.20 | 6.55 | 7.43 | 5.67 | ||||||||||||||||||
With sales charge (b) |
(6.96) | (1.02) | 5.94 | 5.92 | 7.01 | 5.34 | ||||||||||||||||||
Class C (GBCCX) |
(1.65) | 4.23 | 6.40 | 5.75 | 6.64 | 5.05 | ||||||||||||||||||
With contingent deferred sales charge (c) |
(2.63) | 3.23 | 6.40 | 5.75 | 6.64 | 5.05 | ||||||||||||||||||
Class I (GBCIX) |
(0.81) | 6.10 | 7.74 | 6.95 | 7.75 | 5.93 |
In the current prospectuses dated April 30, 2018, the expense ratios for Class AAA, A, C, and I Shares are 2.01%, 2.01%, 2.76%, and 1.76%, respectively, and the net expense ratios for these share classes after contractual reimbursements by Gabelli Funds, LLC, (the Adviser) are 2.00%, 2.00%, 2.75% and 1.00%, respectively. See page 8 for the expense ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Class AAA and Class I Shares do not have a sales charge. The maximum sales charge for Class A Shares and Class C Shares is 5.75% and 1.00%, respectively.
(a) | Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in share price, reinvestment of distributions, and are net of expenses. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. When shares are redeemed, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end. Returns would have been lower had the Adviser not reimbursed certain expenses of the Fund. The Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shares sold or exchanged within seven days of purchase. Performance returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectuses contain information about these and other matters and should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus please visit our website at www.gabelli.com. The S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization weighted index of 500 large capitalization stocks commonly used to represent the U.S. equity market. The Lipper Large Cap Value Fund Average reflects the average performance of mutual funds classified in this particular category. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index. The Class AAA Share NAVs are used to calculate performance for the periods prior to the issuance of Class A Shares and Class C Shares on December 31, 2003 and the Class I Shares on June 30, 2004. The actual performance of the Class A and Class C Shares would have been lower due to the additional fees and expenses associated with these classes of shares. The actual performance for the Class I Shares would have been higher due to the lower expenses related to this class of shares. |
(b) | Performance results include the effect of the maximum 5.75% sales charge at the beginning of the period. |
(c) | Assuming payment of the 1% maximum contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions made within one year of purchase. |
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund | ||||
Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) | ||||
For the Six Month Period from January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018 | Expense Table |
2
Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)
The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of net assets as of June 30, 2018:
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554).The Funds Form N-Q is available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.
Proxy Voting
The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Funds proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
3
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments June 30, 2018 (Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued) June 30, 2018 (Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Year Ended December 31, 2017 | |||||||||
Operations: |
||||||||||
Net investment income |
$ | 18,356 | $ | 208,398 | ||||||
Net realized gain on investments |
2,218,556 | 4,403,232 | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments |
(2,541,086 | ) | (1,226,569 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
(304,174 | ) | 3,385,061 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Distributions to Shareholders: |
||||||||||
Net investment income |
||||||||||
Class AAA |
| (81,434 | ) | |||||||
Class A |
| (18,783 | ) | |||||||
Class I |
| (85,109 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| (185,326 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net realized gain |
||||||||||
Class AAA |
| (2,402,535 | ) | |||||||
Class A |
| (539,315 | ) | |||||||
Class C |
| (294,733 | ) | |||||||
Class I |
| (812,899 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| (4,049,482 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total Distributions to Shareholders |
| (4,234,808 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Shares of Beneficial Interest Transactions: |
||||||||||
Class AAA |
(1,291,585 | ) | 175,057 | |||||||
Class A |
(252,240 | ) | 136,355 | |||||||
Class C |
107,614 | (602,759 | ) | |||||||
Class I |
(429,560 | ) | 568,631 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets from Shares of Beneficial Interest Transactions |
(1,865,771 | ) | 277,284 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Redemption Fees |
17 | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net Decrease in Net Assets |
(2,169,928 | ) | (572,463 | ) | ||||||
Net Assets: |
||||||||||
Beginning of year |
28,287,561 | 28,860,024 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $18,356 and $0, respectively) |
$ | 26,117,633 | $ | 28,287,561 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period:
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations |
Distributions | Ratios to Average Net Assets/ Supplemental Data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
and | Net | Operating | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net | Unrealized | Net | Asset | Net | Operating | Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Investment | Gain (Loss) | Total from | Net | Realized | Value, | Net Assets | Investment | Expenses | Net of | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended | Beginning | Income | on | Investment | Investment | Gain on | Total | Redemption | End of | Total | End of Period | Income | Before | Reimbursement | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31 |
of Year |
(Loss)(a) |
Investments |
Operations |
Income |
Investments |
Distributions |
Fees (a)(b) |
Period |
Return |
(in 000s) |
(Loss) |
Reimbursement |
and Credits(h) |
Rate |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class AAA |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018(c) |
$17.23 | | $(0.22) | $(0.22) | | | | | $17.01 | (1.3) | % | $15,666 | (0.01)%(d) | 2.08%(d) | 2.02%(d)(e) | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 |
17.93 | $0.11 | 2.07 | 2.18 | $(0.09) | $(2.79) | $(2.88) | | 17.23 | 12.1 | 17,155 | 0.58 | 2.01 | 2.00 | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 |
17.12 | 0.07 | 1.82 | 1.89 | (0.08) | (1.00) | (1.08) | $0.00 | 17.93 | 11.0 | 17,454 | 0.40 | 2.00 | 2.00(f) | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
18.74 | 0.06 | (1.11) | (1.05) | (0.06) | (0.51) | (0.57) | 0.00 | 17.12 | (5.6) | 19,536 | 0.32 | 1.91 | 1.91(e) | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
19.10 | 0.28 | 0.98 | 1.26 | (0.27) | (1.35) | (1.62) | 0.00 | 18.74 | 6.4 | 23,476 | 1.40 | 1.89 | 1.89(g) | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
15.10 | 0.11 | 4.66 | 4.77 | (0.09) | (0.68) | (0.77) | 0.00 | 19.10 | 31.7 | 25,051 | 0.64 | 2.00 | 2.00(g) | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018(c) |
$17.19 | | $(0.22) | $(0.22) | | | | | $16.97 | (1.3) | % | $3,391 | (0.01)%(d) | 2.08%(d) | 2.02%(d)(e) | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 |
17.89 | $0.11 | 2.08 | 2.19 | $(0.10) | $(2.79) | $(2.89) | | 17.19 | 12.2 | 3,683 | 0.58 | 2.01 | 2.00 | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 |
17.09 | 0.07 | 1.81 | 1.88 | (0.08) | (1.00) | (1.08) | $0.00 | 17.89 | 10.9 | 3,673 | 0.41 | 2.00 | 2.00(f) | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
18.70 | 0.06 | (1.10) | (1.04) | (0.06) | (0.51) | (0.57) | 0.00 | 17.09 | (5.6) | 3,432 | 0.33 | 1.91 | 1.91(e) | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
19.07 | 0.27 | 0.98 | 1.25 | (0.27) | (1.35) | (1.62) | 0.00 | 18.70 | 6.4 | 3,805 | 1.35 | 1.89 | 1.89(g) | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
15.09 | 0.12 | 4.64 | 4.76 | (0.10) | (0.68) | (0.78) | 0.00 | 19.07 | 31.6 | 3,062 | 0.66 | 2.00 | 2.00(g) | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class C |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018(c) |
$15.79 | $(0.06) | $(0.20) | $(0.26) | | | | | $15.53 | (1.6) | % | $2,053 | (0.76)%(d) | 2.83%(d) | 2.77%(d)(e) | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 |
16.68 | (0.04) | 1.94 | 1.90 | | $(2.79) | $(2.79) | | 15.79 | 11.3 | 1,969 | (0.21) | 2.76 | 2.75 | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 |
16.05 | (0.06) | 1.69 | 1.63 | | (1.00) | (1.00) | $0.00 | 16.68 | 10.1 | 2,620 | (0.36) | 2.75 | 2.75(f) | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
17.67 | (0.07) | (1.04) | (1.11) | | (0.51) | (0.51) | 0.00 | 16.05 | (6.3) | 1,616 | (0.42) | 2.66 | 2.66(e) | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
18.11 | 0.11 | 0.95 | 1.06 | $(0.15) | (1.35) | (1.50) | 0.00 | 17.67 | 5.7 | 1,654 | 0.59 | 2.64 | 2.64(g) | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
14.39 | (0.02) | 4.42 | 4.40 | (0.00) | (b) | (0.68) | (0.68) | 0.00 | 18.11 | 30.6 | 1,630 | (0.10) | 2.75 | 2.75(g) | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class I |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018(c) |
$17.33 | $0.09 | $(0.23) | $(0.14) | | | | | $17.19 | (0.8) | % | $5,008 | 0.99%(d) | 1.83%(d) | 1.02%(d)(e) | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 |
18.01 | 0.31 | 2.09 | 2.40 | $(0.29) | $(2.79) | $(3.08) | | 17.33 | 13.3 | 5,481 | 1.61 | 1.76 | 1.00 | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 |
17.19 | 0.15 | 1.83 | 1.98 | (0.16) | (1.00) | (1.16) | $0.00 | 18.01 | 11.4 | 5,110 | 0.85 | 1.75 | 1.55(f) | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
18.82 | 0.11 | (1.12) | (1.01) | (0.11) | (0.51) | (0.62) | 0.00 | 17.19 | (5.4) | 4,597 | 0.57 | 1.65 | 1.65(e) | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
19.17 | 0.31 | 1.01 | 1.32 | (0.32) | (1.35) | (1.67) | 0.00 | 18.82 | 6.7 | 5,870 | 1.53 | 1.64 | 1.64(g) | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
15.15 | 0.16 | 4.67 | 4.83 | (0.13) | (0.68) | (0.81) | 0.00 | 19.17 | 32.0 | 4,066 | 0.89 | 1.75 | 1.75(g) | 12 |
| Total return represents aggregate total return of a hypothetical $1,000 investment at the beginning of the year and sold at the end of the period including reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the applicable sales charges. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(a) | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares outstanding method. |
(b) | Amount represents less than $0.005 per share. |
(c) | For the six months ended June 30, 2018, unaudited. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2015, there was no impact on the expense ratios. |
(f) | During the year ended December 31, 2017, and 2016, the Fund received reimbursements of custody expenses paid in prior years. Had such reimbursement (allocated by relative net asset values of the Funds share classes) been included in the 2016 calculation, the annualized expense ratios would have been 1.83% (Class AAA), 1.83% (Class A), 2.59% (Class C), and 1.39% (Class I). The 2017 reimbursement had no effect on the expense ratio. |
(g) | Under an expense deferral agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser recovered from the Fund $10,696 and $16,430 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, representing in 2014 the balance outstanding of previously reimbursed expenses from the Adviser. Had such payments not been made, the expense ratios would have been 1.86% and 1.94% (Class AAA and Class A) 2.61% and 2.69% (Class C), and 1.61% and 1.69% (Class I). |
(h) | The Fund incurred interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2018. If interest expense had not been incurred, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 2.00% (Class AAA and Class A), 2.75% (Class C), and 1.00% (Class I). For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the effect of interest expense was minimal. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Organization. The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund was organized on May 13, 1999 as a Delaware statutory trust and commenced operations on August 26, 1999. The Fund is a diversified open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Funds primary objective is long term growth of capital with current income as a secondary objective.
2. Significant Accounting Policies. As an investment company, the Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance, which is part of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that may require the use of management estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a markets official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or, if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Trustees (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by Gabelli Funds, LLC (the Adviser).
Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. 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 assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.
The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Funds investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:
● | Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical securities; |
9
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
● | Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and |
● | Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Boards determinations as to the fair value of investments). |
A financial instruments level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Funds investments in securities by inputs used to value the Funds investments as of June 30, 2018 is as follows:
Valuation Inputs | ||||||
Level 1 Quoted Prices |
Level 2 Other Significant Observable Inputs |
Total Market Value at 06/30/18 | ||||
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES: |
||||||
ASSETS (Market Value): |
||||||
Common Stocks(a) |
$25,443,547 | | $25,443,547 | |||
U.S. Government Obligations |
| $589,615 | 589,615 | |||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES ASSETS |
$25,443,547 | $589,615 | $26,033,162 |
(a) | Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the regional classifications of these portfolio holdings. |
The Fund did not have transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the six months ended June 30, 2018. The Funds policy is to recognize transfers among Levels as of the beginning of the reporting period.
There were no Level 3 investments held at June 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.
Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.
General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.
Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. Among the factors to be considered to fair value a security are recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.
10
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies, and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.
Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.
Determination of Net Asset Value and Calculation of Expenses. Certain administrative expenses are common to, and allocated among, various affiliated funds. Such allocations are made on the basis of each funds average net assets or other criteria directly affecting the expenses as determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures established by the Board.
In calculating the NAV per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, redemption fees, and expenses other than class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of each day. Distribution expenses are borne solely by the class incurring the expense.
Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. These book/ tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund.
11
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows:
Distributions paid from:* |
||||
Ordinary income (inclusive of short term capital gains) |
$ | 522,519 | ||
Net long term capital gains |
4,195,605 | |||
|
|
|||
Total distributions paid |
$ | 4,718,124 | ||
|
|
* | Total distributions paid differs from the Statement of Changes in Net Assets due to the utilization of equalization. |
Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
The Fund is permitted to carry capital losses forward for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short term or long term capital losses.
The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related net unrealized appreciation at June 30, 2018:
Cost | Gross Unrealized Appreciation |
Gross Unrealized Depreciation |
Net Unrealized Appreciation | |||||
Investments |
$21,698,653 | $5,855,248 | $(1,520,739) | $4,334,509 |
The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of June 30, 2018, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Funds net assets or results of operations. The Funds federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Funds tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.
3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser which provides that the Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 1.00% of the value of its average daily net assets. In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Funds portfolio, oversees the administration of all aspects of the Funds business and affairs, and pays the compensation of all Officers and Trustees of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Adviser.
From January 1 through September 30, 2016, the Adviser agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to maintain the Funds annualized total operating expenses (exclusive of brokerage fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses) through May 1, 2017 at no more than 2.00%, 2.00%, 2.75%, and 1.75%, respectively, of Class AAA, Class A, Class C, and Class I Shares average daily net assets. Effective October 1, 2016, the Adviser modified this agreement with respect to Class I Shares to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in excess of 1% (with the same foregoing exclusions) of the value of the average Class I daily net assets. In addition, the
12
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
Fund has agreed, during the two year period following any waiver or reimbursement by the Adviser, to repay such amount to the extent, that after giving effect to the repayment, such adjusted annualized total operating expenses of the Fund would not exceed the foregoing respective percentage limitations, as amended, after giving effect to the recovery by the Adviser. At June 30, 2018, the cumulative amount which the Fund may repay the Adviser is $81,903. The amended agreement is renewable annually.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, expiring December 31, 2018 |
$ | 9,146 | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2017, expiring December 31, 2019 |
44,685 | |||
For the six months ended June 30, 2018, expiring December 31, 2020 |
28,072 | |||
|
|
|||
$ | 81,903 | |||
|
|
The Fund pays each Trustee who is not considered an affiliated person an annual retainer of $3,000 plus $500 for each Board meeting attended, and they are reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. All Board committee members receive $500 per meeting attended and the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Lead Trustee each receive a $1,000 annual fee. A Trustee may receive a single meeting fee, allocated among the participating funds, for participation in certain meetings held on behalf of multiple funds. Trustees who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.
4. Distribution Plan. The Funds Board has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) for each class of shares, except for Class I Shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Class AAA, Class A, and Class C Share Plans, payments are authorized to G.distributors, LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Adviser, at annual rates of 0.25%, 0.25%, and 1.00%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of those classes, the annual limitations under each Plan. Such payments are accrued daily and paid monthly.
5. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the six months ended June 30, 2018, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $3,495,841 and $6,529,441, respectively.
6. Transactions with Affiliates and Other Arrangements. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Fund paid $3,026 in brokerage commissions on security trades to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser. Additionally, the Distributor retained a total of $3 from investors representing commissions (sales charges and underwriting fees) on sales and redemptions of Fund shares.
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $786.
The cost of calculating the Funds NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. The Adviser did not seek a reimbursement during the six months ended June 30, 2018.
7. Line of Credit. The Fund participates in an unsecured line of credit, which expires on March 6, 2019 and may be renewed annually, of up to $75,000,000 under which it may borrow up to 10% of its net assets from the custodian for temporary borrowing purposes. Borrowings under this arrangement bear interest at a floating rate equal to the higher of the overnight Federal Funds rate plus 125 basis points or the 30 day LIBOR plus 125 basis points in effect on that day. This amount, if any, would be included in Interest expense in the Statement of Operations. At June 30, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.
13
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
The average daily amount of borrowings outstanding under the line of credit during the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $134,735 with a weighted average interest rate of 2.85%. The maximum amount borrowed at any time during the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $955,000.
8. Shares of Beneficial Interest. The Fund offers four classes of shares Class AAA Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares, and Class I Shares. Class AAA and Class I Shares are offered without a sales charge. Class A Shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%, and Class C Shares are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge for one year after purchase.
The Fund imposes a redemption fee of 2.00% on all classes of shares that are redeemed or exchanged on or before the seventh day after the date of a purchase. The redemption fee is deducted from the proceeds otherwise payable to the redeeming shareholders and is retained by the Fund as an increase in paid-in capital. The redemption fees retained by the Fund during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017, if any, can be found in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets under Redemption Fees.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2018 | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||
Class AAA |
||||||||||||||||
Shares sold |
23,592 | $ | 410,677 | 56,207 | $ | 1,063,102 | ||||||||||
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions |
| | 138,285 | 2,392,336 | ||||||||||||
Shares redeemed |
(97,984 | ) | (1,702,262 | ) | (172,903 | ) | (3,280,381 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) |
(74,392 | ) | $ | (1,291,585 | ) | 21,589 | $ | 175,057 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Class A |
||||||||||||||||
Shares sold |
4,188 | $ | 72,140 | 25,092 | $ | 475,006 | ||||||||||
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions |
| | 31,929 | 551,095 | ||||||||||||
Shares redeemed |
(18,530 | ) | (324,380 | ) | (48,157 | ) | (889,746 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) |
(14,342 | ) | $ | (252,240 | ) | 8,864 | $ | 136,355 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Class C |
||||||||||||||||
Shares sold |
29,236 | $ | 453,609 | 30,219 | $ | 534,295 | ||||||||||
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions |
| | 18,480 | 292,912 | ||||||||||||
Shares redeemed |
(21,631 | ) | (345,995 | ) | (81,133 | ) | (1,429,966 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) |
7,605 | $ | 107,614 | (32,434 | ) | $ | (602,759 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Class I |
||||||||||||||||
Shares sold |
19,263 | $ | 340,316 | 71,449 | $ | 1,375,373 | ||||||||||
Shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions |
| | 48,261 | 839,740 | ||||||||||||
Shares redeemed |
(44,141 | ) | (769,876 | ) | (87,263 | ) | (1,646,482 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) |
(24,878 | ) | $ | (429,560 | ) | 32,447 | $ | 568,631 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Funds existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
14
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
10. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
15
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)
At its meeting on February 22, 2018, the Board of Trustees (Board) of the Fund approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser for the Fund on the basis of the recommendation by the trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund (the Independent Board Members). The following paragraphs summarize the material information and factors considered by the Independent Board Members as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Independent Board Members considered information regarding the portfolio managers, the depth of the analyst pool available to the Adviser and the portfolio managers, the scope of supervisory, administrative, shareholder, and other services supervised or provided by the Adviser and the absence of significant service problems reported to the Board. The Independent Board Members noted the experience, length of service, and reputation of the portfolio managers.
Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the short, medium, and long term performance (as of December 31, 2017) of the Fund against a peer group of eight other comparable funds prepared by the Adviser (the Adviser Peer Group) and against a peer group prepared by Broadridge (the Broadridge Performance Peer Group) consisting of all retail and institutional large cap value funds, regardless of asset size or primary channel of distribution, as represented by the Lipper Large-Cap Value Index. The Independent Board Members noted that the Funds performance was in the fourth quartile for the one year, three year and five year periods, as measured against the Adviser Peer Group. Against the Broadridge Performance Peer Group, the Independent Board Members noted that the Funds performance was in the fifth quintile for the one year, three year and five year periods. The Independent Board Members then discussed the Funds performance and noted the recent changes to the Funds portfolio management team. In connection with this discussion, the Independent Board Members noted that it may take some time for the impact of these portfolio management team changes to come to fruition and manifest in improved performance.
Profitability. The Independent Board Members reviewed summary data regarding the lack of profitability of the Fund to the Adviser both with an administrative overhead charge and without such a charge. The Independent Board Members also noted that a substantial portion of the Funds portfolio transactions were executed by an affiliated broker, that the affiliated broker received distribution fees and minor amounts of sales commissions and that the Adviser received a moderate amount of soft dollar benefits through the Funds portfolio brokerage.
Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Advisers cost structure and the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund needed significantly more assets before any potential economies of scale could be realized.
Sharing of Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members noted that the investment advisory fee schedule for the Fund does not take into account any potential economies of scale that may develop or any historical losses or diminished profitability to the Adviser in prior years.
Service and Cost Comparisons. The Independent Board Members compared the expense ratios of the investment advisory fee, other expenses, and total expenses of the Fund to similar expense ratios of the Adviser Peer Group and a peer group of eight other large cap value funds selected by Broadridge and noted that the advisory fee includes substantially all administrative services for the Fund as well as the investment advisory services of the Adviser. The Independent Board Members noted that the Funds expense ratios were above average within each peer group and that the Funds size was below average within the Adviser Peer Group and below average within the peer group of funds selected by Broadridge. The Independent Board Members also noted
16
The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund
Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited) (Continued)
that the management fee structure was comparable to those in effect for most of the Gabelli funds. The Independent Board Members noted that an advisory fee waiver structure was in effect for the Fund and discussed possible strategies for increasing the Funds size. The Independent Board Members were presented with, but did not consider to be material to their decision, various information comparing the advisory fee to the fees for other types of accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser.
Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services, good ancillary services, and an acceptable performance record in light of the Advisers efforts to reshape the Funds portfolio management team. The Independent Board Members also concluded that the Funds expense ratios and low profitability to the Adviser of managing the Fund were reasonable, particularly in light of the small size of the Fund, the Funds performance and the Advisers commitment to waive advisory fees, and that economies of scale were not a significant factor in their thinking at this time. The Independent Board Members did not view the potential profitability of ancillary services as material to their decision. On the basis of the foregoing and without assigning particular weight to any single conclusion, the Independent Board Members determined to recommend continuation of the Advisory Agreement to the full Board.
Based on a consideration of all these factors in their totality, the Board Members, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Funds advisory fee was fair and reasonable with respect to the quality of services provided and in light of the other factors described above that the Board deemed relevant. Accordingly, the Board Members determined to approve the continuation of the Funds Advisory Agreement and the Funds Amended and Restated Contractual Fee Waiver and Expense Deferral Agreement. The Board Members based its decision on evaluations of all these factors as a whole and did not consider any one factor as all-important or controlling.
17
Gabelli/GAMCO Funds and Your Personal Privacy
Who are we?
The Gabelli/GAMCO Funds are investment companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We are managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc., which are affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc. that is a publicly held company with subsidiaries and affiliates that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.
What kind of non-public information do we collect about you if you become a fund shareholder?
If you apply to open an account directly with us, you will be giving us some non-public information about yourself. The non-public information we collect about you is:
● | Information you give us on your application form. This could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number, bank account number, and other information. |
● | Information about your transactions with us, any transactions with our affiliates, and transactions with the entities we hire to provide services to you. This would include information about the shares that you buy or redeem. If we hire someone else to provide services like a transfer agent we will also have information about the transactions that you conduct through them. |
What information do we disclose and to whom do we disclose it?
We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone other than our affiliates, our service providers who need to know such information, and as otherwise permitted by law. If you want to find out what the law permits, you can read the privacy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are in volume 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 248. The Commission often posts information about its regulations on its website, www.sec.gov.
What do we do to protect your personal information?
We restrict access to non-public personal information about you to the people who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or the fund and to ensure that we are complying with the laws governing the securities business. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to keep your personal information confidential.
THE GABELLI DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580-1422
Portfolio Management Team Biographies
Sarah Donnelly joined Gabelli in 1999 as a junior research analyst working with the consumer staples and media analysts. Currently she is a Portfolio Manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC, a Senior Vice President and the Food, Household, and Personal Care products research analyst for Gabelli & Company. In 2013, she was named the Health & Wellness research platform leader. Ms. Donnelly received a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and minor in History from Fordham University.
Robert D. Leininger, CFA, joined GAMCO Investors, Inc. in 1993 as an equity analyst. Subsequently, he was a partner and portfolio manager at Rorer Asset Management before rejoining GAMCO in 2010 where he currently serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC. Mr. Leininger is a magna cum laude graduate of Amherst College with a degree in Economics and holds an MBA degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Justin Bergner, CFA, is a Vice President at Gabelli & Company and a portfolio manager for Gabelli Funds LLC, the Adviser. Justin rejoined Gabelli & Company in 2013 as a research analyst covering Diversified Industrials, Home Improvement, and Transport companies. He began his investment career at Gabelli & Company in 2005 as a metals and mining analyst, and subsequently spent five years at Axiom International Investors as a senior analyst focused on industrial and healthcare stocks. Prior to business school, Mr. Bergner worked in management consulting at both Bain & Company and Dean & Company. A Chartered Financial Analyst, Mr. Bergner graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Economics & Mathematics and received an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
We have separated the portfolio managers commentary from the financial statements and investment portfolio due to corporate governance regulations stipulated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have done this to ensure that the content of the portfolio managers commentary is unrestricted. Both the commentary and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our website at www.gabelli.com.
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) | Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form. |
(b) | Not applicable. |
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrants Board of Trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) | The registrants principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
(b) | The registrants certifying officers are not aware of any changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrants last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 13. Exhibits.
(a)(1) | Not applicable. |
(a)(2) | Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. |
(a)(3) | Not applicable. |
(a)(4) | Not applicable. |
(b) | Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) The Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund |
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Bruce N. Alpert |
Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer |
Date 8/27/2018 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Bruce N. Alpert |
Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer |
Date 8/27/2018 |
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John C. Ball |
John C. Ball, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Date 8/27/2018 |
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.