-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, A2wSRKRsR2jin2cR8ZxrpLIfq4shYB3ox8rV+LCDS+xZSZHE7F/qfEFfbZnNwTEM sektwSqrMYQUtP+3MKAuJA== 0000950123-09-040746.txt : 20090903 0000950123-09-040746.hdr.sgml : 20090903 20090903140050 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950123-09-040746 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSRS PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090630 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090903 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090903 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20090903 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GAMCO GROWTH FUND CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000806857 IRS NUMBER: 133391404 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSRS SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-04873 FILM NUMBER: 091053206 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE CORPORATE CENTER CITY: RYE STATE: NY ZIP: 10580-1434 BUSINESS PHONE: 2124903670 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE CORPORATE CENTER CITY: RYE STATE: NY ZIP: 10580-1434 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: GABELLI GROWTH FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 0000806857 S000001072 THE GABELLI GROWTH FUND C000002892 CLASS A GGCAX C000002893 CLASS AAA GABGX C000002894 CLASS B GGCBX C000002895 CLASS C GGCCX C000034313 CLASS I N-CSRS 1 p15784nvcsrs.htm N-CSRS nvcsrs
 
 
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 811-04873
The GAMCO 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)
registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-422-3554
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2009
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, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. 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 GAMCO Growth Fund
Semi-Annual Report
June 30, 2009
To Our Shareholders,
     During the second quarter of 2009, the net asset value (“NAV”) per Class AAA Share of The GAMCO Growth Fund (the “Fund”) rose 20.4%, while the Russell 1000 Growth Index was up 16.3% and the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index increased 15.9%. For the six month period ended June 30, 2009, the Fund surged 19.2% versus increases of 11.5% and 3.2% for the Russell 1000 Growth Index and the S&P 500 Index, respectively.
     Enclosed are the financial statements and the investment portfolio as of June 30, 2009.
Comparative Results
                                                                         
    Average Annual Returns through June 30, 2009 (a)                   Since
            Year to                                                   Inception
    Quarter   Date   1 Year   3 Year   5 Year   10 Year   15 Year   20 Year   (4/10/87)
GAMCO Growth Fund Class AAA
    20.39 %     19.22 %     (28.97 )%     (6.65 )%     (1.31 )%     (3.63 )%     6.32 %     7.10 %     8.78 %
S&P 500 Index
    15.92       3.19       (26.20 )     (8.22 )     (2.24 )     (2.22 )     6.92       6.93       7.82  
Russell 1000 Growth Index
    16.32       11.53       (24.50 )     (5.45 )     (1.83 )     (4.18 )     5.98       7.14       7.02  
Class A
    20.38       19.21       (28.98 )     (6.65 )     (1.30 )     (3.63 )     6.32       7.11       8.78  
 
    13.46 (b)     12.36 (b)     (33.06 )(b)     (8.48 )(b)     (2.46 )(b)     (4.20 )(b)     5.90 (b)     6.79 (b)     8.49 (b)
Class B
    20.19       18.79       (29.49 )     (7.35 )     (2.05 )     (4.03 )     6.03       6.88       8.58  
 
    15.19 (c)     13.79 (c)     (33.02 )(c)     (8.29 )(c)     (2.44 )(c)     (4.03 )     6.03       6.88       8.58  
Class C
    20.14       18.74       (29.52 )     (7.36 )     (2.05 )     (4.03 )     6.02       6.88       8.58  
 
    19.14 (d)     17.74 (d)     (30.23 )(d)     (7.36 )     (2.05 )     (4.03 )     6.02       6.88       8.58  
Class I
    20.49       19.39       (28.79 )     (6.55 )     (1.24 )     (3.60 )     6.34       7.12       8.80  
In the current prospectus, the expense ratios for Class AAA, A, B, C, and I Shares are 1.40%, 1.40%, 2.15%, 2.15%, and 1.15%, respectively. Class AAA and Class I Shares do not have a sales charge. The maximum sales charge for Class A, B, and C Shares is 5.75%, 5.00%, 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 and 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. Performance returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. 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. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains more information about this and other matters and should be read carefully before investing.
 
    The Class AAA Shares NAVs per share are used to calculate performance for the periods prior to the issuance of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, and Class C Shares on December 31, 2003 and Class I Shares on January 11, 2008. The actual performance of the Class B Shares and Class C Shares would have been lower due to the additional expenses associated with these classes of shares. The actual performance of the Class I Shares would have been higher due to lower expenses related to this class of shares. The S&P 500 Index and the Russell 1000 Growth Index are unmanaged indicators of stock market performance. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 
(b)   Includes the effect of the maximum 5.75% sales charge at the beginning of the period.
 
(c)   Performance results include the deferred sales charges for the Class B Shares upon redemption at the end of the quarter, year to date, one year, three year, and five year periods of 5%, 5%, 5%, 3%, and 2%, respectively, of the Fund’s NAV per share at the time of purchase or sale, whichever is lower. Class B Shares are not available for new purchases.
 
(d)   Performance results include the deferred sales charges for the Class C Shares upon redemption at the end of the quarter, year to date, and one year periods of 1% of the Fund’s NAV per share at the time of purchase or sale, whichever is lower.
We have separated the portfolio manager’s 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 manager’s commentary is unrestricted. The financial statements and investment portfolio are mailed separately from the commentary. Both the commentary and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our website at www.gabelli.com/funds.

 


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)
For the Six Month Period from January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009   Expense Table
 
We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of fees and expenses regarding your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a fund, you incur ongoing costs, which include costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports (like this one), among others. Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of a fund. When a fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, this figure is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.
The Expense Table below illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways:
Actual Fund Return: This section provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use this section to help you to estimate the actual expenses that you paid over the period after any fee waivers and expense reimbursements. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return during the past six months, and the “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.
To do so, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid during this period.
Hypothetical 5% Return: This section provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio. It assumes a hypothetical annualized return of 5% before expenses during the period shown. In this case — because the hypothetical return used is not the Fund’s actual return — the results do not apply to your investment and you cannot use the hypothetical account value and expense to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. This example is useful in making comparisons of the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees, if any, which are described in the Prospectus. If these costs were applied to your account, your costs would be higher. Therefore, the 5% hypothetical return is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.
                                 
    Beginning   Ending   Annualized   Expenses
    Account Value   Account Value   Expense   Paid During
    01/01/09   06/30/09   Ratio   Period*
 
The GAMCO Growth Fund
                               
 
Actual Fund Return
                               
Class AAA
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,192.20       1.57 %   $ 8.53  
Class A
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,192.10       1.57 %   $ 8.53  
Class B
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,187.90       2.32 %   $ 12.59  
Class C
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,187.40       2.32 %   $ 12.58  
Class I
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,193.90       1.32 %   $ 7.18  
 
                               
Hypothetical 5% Return
                               
Class AAA
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,017.01       1.57 %   $ 7.85  
Class A
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,017.01       1.57 %   $ 7.85  
Class B
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,013.29       2.32 %   $ 11.58  
Class C
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,013.29       2.32 %   $ 11.58  
Class I
  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,018.25       1.32 %   $ 6.61  
 
*   Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the last six months multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365.

2


 

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)
The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of net assets as of June 30, 2009:
The GAMCO Growth Fund
         
Technology
    25.3 %
Energy
    18.8 %
Financial Services
    16.1 %
Materials and Processing
    11.6 %
Producer Durables
    8.2 %
Health Care
    8.0 %
Consumer Discretionary
    6.0 %
Consumer Staples
    3.0 %
Utilities
    2.2 %
Auto and Transportation
    0.6 %
U.S. Treasury Bills
    0.1 %
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)
    0.1 %
 
    100.0 %
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, the last of which was filed for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554).The Fund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Proxy Voting
The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

3


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments — June 30, 2009 (Unaudited)
 
                         
                    Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
       
 
               
       
COMMON STOCKS — 99.8%
               
       
TECHNOLOGY — 25.3%
               
       
Electronics — 3.8%
               
  280,000    
Corning Inc.
  $ 7,074,466     $ 4,496,800  
  150,000    
FLIR Systems Inc.†
    5,234,876       3,384,000  
  510,000    
Intel Corp.
    12,548,597       8,440,500  
  170,000    
Trimble Navigation Ltd.†
    6,507,841       3,337,100  
       
 
           
       
 
    31,365,780       19,658,400  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
Information Technology — 16.0%
               
  110,000    
Adobe Systems Inc.†
    4,111,453       3,113,000  
  123,000    
Apple Inc.†
    18,405,528       17,518,890  
  50,900    
Google Inc., Cl. A†
    18,948,040       21,458,931  
  169,000    
International Business Machines Corp.
    20,447,090       17,646,980  
  945,000    
Microsoft Corp.
    24,381,680       22,462,650  
       
 
           
       
 
    86,293,791       82,200,451  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
Telecommunication — 5.5%
               
  461,000    
Cisco Systems Inc.†
    13,232,863       8,593,040  
  120,000    
Harris Corp.
    7,130,596       3,403,200  
  205,000    
QUALCOMM Inc.
    7,368,883       9,266,000  
  100,000    
Research In Motion Ltd.†
    8,333,392       7,105,000  
       
 
           
       
 
    36,065,734       28,367,240  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL TECHNOLOGY
    153,725,305       130,226,091  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
ENERGY — 18.8%
               
  92,000    
Apache Corp.
    9,486,239       6,637,800  
  180,000    
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
    7,815,668       3,569,400  
  125,000    
Devon Energy Corp.
    12,060,423       6,812,500  
  64,000    
First Solar Inc.†
    12,112,747       10,375,680  
  70,000    
FMC Technologies Inc.†
    4,332,871       2,630,600  
  160,000    
Hess Corp.
    12,903,630       8,600,000  
  85,000    
Murphy Oil Corp.
    6,480,754       4,617,200  
  130,000    
National Oilwell Varco Inc.†
    7,181,824       4,245,800  
  72,000    
Noble Corp.
    3,523,757       2,178,000  
  83,000    
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
    5,838,939       5,462,230  
  55,000    
Oceaneering International Inc.†
    3,804,215       2,486,000  
  195,000    
Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR
    10,110,302       7,991,100  
  53,000    
Schlumberger Ltd.
    3,277,245       2,867,830  
  305,000    
SunPower Corp., Cl. A†
    18,091,131       8,125,200  
  85,556    
Transocean Ltd.†
    10,881,887       6,355,955  
  115,000    
Vestas Wind Systems A/S†
    9,141,022       8,242,990  
  120,000    
Weatherford International Ltd.†
    3,834,541       2,347,200  
  81,250    
XTO Energy Inc.
    4,042,639       3,098,875  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL ENERGY
    144,919,834       96,644,360  
       
 
           
                         
                    Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
       
 
               
       
FINANCIAL SERVICES — 16.1%
               
  17,500    
BlackRock Inc.
  $ 2,034,662     $ 3,069,850  
  220,000    
Janus Capital Group Inc.
    4,818,443       2,508,000  
  81,000    
MasterCard Inc., Cl. A
    16,408,971       13,552,110  
  150,000    
Northern Trust Corp.
    7,826,534       8,052,000  
  295,000    
State Street Corp.
    10,564,284       13,924,000  
  50,000    
T. Rowe Price Group Inc.
    2,409,375       2,083,500  
  565,000    
The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
    16,249,314       16,560,150  
  605,000    
The Charles Schwab Corp.
    11,865,867       10,611,700  
  40,000    
The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
    2,869,450       5,897,600  
  105,000    
Visa Inc., Cl. A
    6,788,104       6,537,300  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL FINANCIAL SERVICES
    81,835,004       82,796,210  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
MATERIALS AND PROCESSING — 11.6%
               
  231,000    
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.
    13,268,214       12,122,880  
  30,000    
BHP Billiton Ltd., ADR
    1,138,860       1,641,900  
  40,000    
Fluor Corp.
    3,107,443       2,051,600  
  120,000    
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
    4,714,127       6,013,200  
  100,000    
McDermott International Inc.†
    5,104,517       2,031,000  
  135,000    
Monsanto Co.
    14,854,718       10,035,900  
  90,000    
Newmont Mining Corp.
    4,284,161       3,678,300  
  35,000    
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc.
    2,340,117       3,256,750  
  37,000    
Rio Tinto plc, ADR
    3,507,210       6,063,190  
  160,000    
Syngenta AG, ADR
    10,010,703       7,443,200  
  74,000    
The Mosaic Co.
    2,307,603       3,278,200  
  65,000    
United States Steel Corp.
    2,092,650       2,323,100  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL MATERIALS AND PROCESSING
    66,730,323       59,939,220  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
PRODUCER DURABLES — 8.2%
               
  170,000    
ABB Ltd., ADR
    4,602,696       2,682,600  
  80,000    
Cummins Inc.
    2,097,526       2,816,800  
  65,000    
Deere & Co.
    2,667,913       2,596,750  
  130,000    
Emerson Electric Co.
    5,754,583       4,212,000  
  55,000    
Flowserve Corp.
    3,658,868       3,839,550  
  190,000    
ITT Corp.
    8,833,142       8,455,000  
  70,000    
Joy Global Inc.
    1,642,801       2,500,400  
  30,000    
L-3 Communications Holdings Inc.
    2,216,401       2,081,400  
  30,000    
Lockheed Martin Corp.
    2,303,175       2,419,500  
  135,000    
Rockwell Collins Inc.
    8,364,405       5,633,550  
  95,000    
United Technologies Corp.
    5,568,014       4,936,200  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL PRODUCER DURABLES
    47,709,524       42,173,750  
       
 
           
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

4


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued) — June 30, 2009 (Unaudited)
 
                         
                    Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
       
 
               
       
COMMON STOCKS (Continued)
               
       
HEALTH CARE — 8.0%
               
  170,000    
Abbott Laboratories
  $ 8,599,136     $ 7,996,800  
  34,000    
Alcon Inc.
    4,261,408       3,948,080  
  104,000    
Baxter International Inc.
    5,176,308       5,507,840  
  38,000    
Becton, Dickinson and Co.
    2,618,580       2,709,780  
  60,000    
Celgene Corp.†
    3,396,793       2,870,400  
  140,000    
Gilead Sciences Inc.†
    6,630,498       6,557,600  
  80,000    
St. Jude Medical Inc.†
    3,506,273       3,288,000  
  65,000    
Stryker Corp.
    4,338,486       2,583,100  
  65,000    
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., ADR
    3,149,623       3,207,100  
  75,000    
Varian Medical Systems Inc.†
    3,170,446       2,635,500  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL HEALTH CARE
    44,847,551       41,304,200  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 6.0%
               
  50,000    
Amazon.com Inc.†
    3,453,962       4,183,000  
  80,000    
Coach Inc.
    2,217,301       2,150,400  
  95,000    
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    5,246,539       4,341,500  
  150,000    
NIKE Inc., Cl. B
    7,731,260       7,767,000  
  50,000    
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp.
    2,260,870       2,677,000  
  157,400    
Tiffany & Co.
    4,461,275       3,991,664  
  255,000    
Under Armour Inc., Cl. A† .
    7,461,742       5,706,900  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY
    32,832,949       30,817,464  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
CONSUMER STAPLES — 3.0%
               
  74,122    
Danone
    4,434,077       3,658,112  
  100,000    
PepsiCo Inc.
    5,934,290       5,496,000  
  120,000    
The Procter & Gamble Co.
    6,855,032       6,132,000  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL CONSUMER STAPLES
    17,223,399       15,286,112  
       
 
           
                         
                    Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
       
 
               
       
UTILITIES — 2.2%
               
  150,000    
EDP Renovaveis SA†
  $ 1,517,858     $ 1,536,131  
  155,000    
FPL Group Inc.
    8,849,303       8,813,300  
  280,000    
Iberdrola Renovables SA†
    1,380,068       1,278,566  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL UTILITIES
    11,747,229       11,627,997  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
AUTO AND TRANSPORTATION — 0.6%
               
  100,000    
PACCAR Inc.
    2,774,951       3,251,000  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
    604,346,069       514,066,404  
       
 
           
                         
Principal                      
Amount                      
       
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 0.1%
               
$ 738,000    
U.S. Treasury Bills,
0.167% to 0.172%††,
09/03/09 to 09/24/09
               
       
 
    737,730       737,748  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%
  $ 605,083,799       514,804,152  
       
 
             
       
 
               
       
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net) — 0.1%
            425,734  
       
 
             
       
NET ASSETS — 100.0%
          $ 515,229,886  
       
 
             
 
  Non-income producing security.
 
††   Represents annualized yield at date of purchase.
 
ADR   American Depositary Receipt
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

5


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
June 30, 2009 (Unaudited)

 
         
Assets:
       
Investments, at value (cost $605,083,799)
  $ 514,804,152  
Foreign currency, at value (cost $5)
    5  
Cash
    540  
Receivable for investments sold
    1,848,701  
Receivable for Fund shares sold
    159,816  
Dividends receivable
    572,363  
Prepaid expenses
    36,938  
 
     
Total Assets
    517,422,515  
 
     
Liabilities:
       
Payable for investments purchased
    975,504  
Payable for Fund shares redeemed
    315,787  
Payable for investment advisory fees
    438,287  
Payable for distribution fees
    109,891  
Payable for accounting fees
    3,750  
Payable for shareholder services fees
    189,259  
Other accrued expenses
    160,151  
 
     
Total Liabilities
    2,192,629  
 
     
Net Assets applicable to 22,092,306 shares outstanding
  $ 515,229,886  
 
     
Net Assets Consist of:
       
Paid-in capital, each class at $0.001 par value
  $ 1,513,538,352  
Accumulated net investment income
    69,009  
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions
    (908,096,242 )
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
    (90,279,647 )
Net unrealized depreciation on foreign currency translations
    (1,586 )
 
     
Net Assets
  $ 515,229,886  
 
     
Shares of Beneficial Interest:
       
Class AAA:
       
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($509,072,204 ÷ 21,825,684 shares outstanding; unlimited number of shares authorized)
  $ 23.32  
 
     
Class A:
       
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($985,224 ÷ 42,228 shares outstanding; unlimited number of shares authorized)
  $ 23.33  
 
     
Maximum offering price per share (NAV ÷ 0.9425, based on maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the offering price)
  $ 24.75  
 
     
Class B:
       
Net Asset Value and offering price per share ($216,108 ÷ 9,658 shares outstanding; unlimited number of shares authorized)
  $ 22.38 (a)
 
     
Class C:
       
Net Asset Value and offering price per share ($1,478,325 ÷ 66,072 shares outstanding; unlimited number of shares authorized)
  $ 22.37 (a)
 
     
Class I:
       
Net Asset Value, offering, and redemption price per share ($3,478,025 ÷ 148,664 shares outstanding; unlimited number of shares authorized)
  $ 23.40  
 
     
 
(a)   Redemption price varies based on the length of time held.
Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 (Unaudited)
 
         
Investment Income:
       
Dividends (net of foreign taxes of $61,923)
  $ 3,755,706  
Interest
    2,258  
 
     
Total Investment Income
    3,757,964  
 
     
Expenses:
       
Investment advisory fees
    2,345,454  
Distribution fees — Class AAA
    579,661  
Distribution fees — Class A
    1,001  
Distribution fees — Class B
    957  
Distribution fees — Class C
    6,669  
Shareholder services fees
    404,835  
Shareholder communications expenses
    152,785  
Custodian fees
    46,626  
Trustees’ fees
    40,534  
Legal and audit fees
    34,061  
Accounting fees
    22,500  
Registration expenses
    20,688  
Interest expense
    319  
Miscellaneous expenses
    32,865  
 
     
Total Expenses
    3,688,955  
 
     
Net Investment Income
    69,009  
 
     
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency:
       
Net realized loss on investments
    (65,342,486 )
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
    259  
 
     
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions
    (65,342,227 )
 
     
Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments
    149,124,613  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on foreign currency translations
    526  
 
     
Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations
    149,125,139  
 
     
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency
    83,782,912  
 
     
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
  $ 83,851,921  
 
     
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

6


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
 
                 
    Six Months Ended        
    June 30, 2009     Year Ended  
    (Unaudited)     December 31, 2008  
Operations:
               
Net investment income/(loss)
  $ 69,009     $ (2,301,704 )
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions
    (65,342,227 )     (17,921,581 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations
    149,125,139       (394,048,663 )
 
           
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
    83,851,921       (414,271,948 )
 
           
Shares of Beneficial Interest Transactions:
               
Class AAA
    (29,215,321 )     (78,506,781 )
Class A
    110,100       612,577  
Class C
    (192,671 )     1,486,759  
Class I
    92,207       4,144,903  
 
           
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Shares of Beneficial Interest Transactions
    (29,205,685 )     (72,262,542 )
 
           
Redemption Fees
    1,011       1,943  
 
           
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets
    54,647,247       (486,532,547 )
Net Assets:
               
Beginning of period
    460,582,639       947,115,186  
 
           
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $69,009 and $0, respectively)
  $ 515,229,886     $ 460,582,639  
 
           
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

7


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Financial Highlights
 
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period:
                                                                                         
                                                                    Ratios to Average Net Assets/
            Income from Investment Operations                                   Supplemental Data
                    Net                                            
    Net Asset   Net   Realized and   Total           Net Asset           Net Assets   Net            
Period   Value,   Investment   Unrealized   from           Value,           End of   Investment           Portfolio
Ended   Beginning   Income   Gain (Loss) on   Investment   Redemption   End of   Total   Period   Income   Operating   Turnover
December 31   of Period   (Loss)(a)   Investments   Operations   Fees(a)   Period   Return†   (in 000’s)   (Loss)   Expenses   Rate††
Class AAA
                                                                                       
2009(b)
  $ 19.56     $ 0.00 (c)   $ 3.76     $ 3.76     $ 0.00 (c)   $ 23.32       19.2 %   $ 509,072       0.03 %(d)     1.57 %(d)     31 %
2008
    36.17       (0.09 )     (16.52 )     (16.61 )     0.00 (c)     19.56       (45.9 )     455,357       (0.31 )     1.40       93  
2007
    30.62       (0.16 )     5.71       5.55       0.00 (c)     36.17       18.1       945,068       (0.49 )     1.45       91  
2006
    28.81       (0.05 )     1.86       1.81       0.00 (c)     30.62       6.3       956,811       (0.19 )     1.44       57  
2005
    26.12       (0.13 )     2.82       2.69       0.00 (c)     28.81       10.3       1,139,640       (0.48 )     1.49       39  
2004
    24.95       (0.11 )     1.28       1.17       0.00 (c)     26.12       4.7       1,447,655       (0.46 )     1.53       31  
Class A
                                                                                       
2009(b)
  $ 19.57     $ 0.01     $ 3.75     $ 3.76     $ 0.00 (c)   $ 23.33       19.2 %   $ 985       0.05 %(d)     1.57 %(d)     31 %
2008
    36.18       (0.08 )     (16.53 )     (16.61 )     0.00 (c)     19.57       (45.9 )     737       (0.29 )     1.40       93  
2007
    30.63       (0.08 )     5.63       5.55       0.00 (c)     36.18       18.1       707       (0.23 )     1.45       91  
2006
    28.82       (0.06 )     1.87       1.81       0.00 (c)     30.63       6.3       276       (0.19 )     1.44       57  
2005
    26.13       (0.12 )     2.81       2.69       0.00 (c)     28.82       10.3       274       (0.43 )     1.47       39  
2004 (e)
    24.95       (0.02 )     1.20       1.18       0.00 (c)     26.13       4.7       73       (0.09 )     1.60       31  
Class B
                                                                                       
2009(b)
  $ 18.84     $ (0.07 )   $ 3.61     $ 3.54     $ 0.00 (c)   $ 22.38       18.8 %   $ 216       (0.72 )%(d)     2.32 %(d)     31 %
2008
    35.10       (0.30 )     (15.96 )     (16.26 )     0.00 (c)     18.84       (46.3 )     182       (1.06 )     2.15       93  
2007
    29.93       (0.40 )     5.57       5.17       0.00 (c)     35.10       17.2       339       (1.23 )     2.20       91  
2006
    28.38       (0.27 )     1.82       1.55       0.00 (c)     29.93       5.5       289       (0.94 )     2.19       57  
2005
    25.93       (0.32 )     2.77       2.45       0.00 (c)     28.38       9.5       274       (1.22 )     2.24       39  
2004(e)
    24.95       (0.28 )     1.26       0.98       0.00 (c)     25.93       3.9       250       (1.12 )     2.30       31  
Class C
                                                                                       
2009(b)
  $ 18.84     $ (0.07 )   $ 3.60     $ 3.53     $ 0.00 (c)   $ 22.37       18.7 %   $ 1,479       (0.73 )%(d)     2.32 %(d)     31 %
2008
    35.10       (0.28 )     (15.98 )     (16.26 )     0.00 (c)     18.84       (46.3 )     1,467       (1.05 )     2.15       93  
2007
    29.93       (0.40 )     5.57       5.17       0.00 (c)     35.10       17.2       1,001       (1.23 )     2.20       91  
2006
    28.38       (0.27 )     1.82       1.55       0.00 (c)     29.93       5.5       401       (0.95 )     2.19       57  
2005
    25.93       (0.32 )     2.77       2.45       0.00 (c)     28.38       9.5       553       (1.21 )     2.23       39  
2004(e)
    24.95       (0.21 )     1.19       0.98       0.00 (c)     25.93       3.9       226       (0.88 )     2.37       31  
Class I
                                                                                       
2009(b)
  $ 19.60     $ 0.03     $ 3.77     $ 3.80     $ 0.00 (c)   $ 23.40       19.4 %   $ 3,478       0.29 %(d)     1.32 %(d)     31 %
2008(f)
    33.70       0.00 (c)     (14.10 )     (14.10 )     0.00 (c)     19.60       (41.8 )     2,840       0.00 (d)(g)     1.15 (d)     93  
 
  Total return represents aggregate total return of a hypothetical $1,000 investment at the beginning of the period and sold at the end of the period including reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect applicable sales charges. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
 
††   Effective in 2008, a change in accounting policy was adopted with regard to the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate to include cash proceeds due to mergers. Had this policy been adopted retroactively, the portfolio turnover rate for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 would have been as shown.
 
(a)   Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
 
(b)   For the six months ended June 30, 2009, unaudited.
 
(c)   Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
 
(d)   Annualized.
 
(e)   Class A, Class B, and Class C Shares were initially offered on December 31, 2003.
 
(f)   From the commencement of offering Class I Shares on January 11, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
 
(g)   Amount represents less than 0.005%.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

8


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
1. Organization. The GAMCO Growth Fund (the “Fund”) was organized on October 24, 1986 as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund is a diversified open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s primary objective is capital appreciation. The Fund commenced investment operations on April 10, 1987.
2. Significant Accounting Policies. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or, if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of 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 instruments with remaining maturities of sixty days or less that are not credit impaired are valued at amortized cost, 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. Debt instruments having a maturity greater than sixty days 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. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded.
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 ADR 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.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”) clarifies the definition of fair value for financial reporting, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under SFAS 157 are described below:
    Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

9


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued) (Unaudited)
 
    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 Fund’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of June 30, 2009 is as follows:
         
    Investments in
Securities
 
    (Market Value)  
Valuation Inputs   Assets  
Level 1 — Quoted Prices*
  $ 514,066,404  
Level 2 — Other Significant Observable Inputs**
    737,748  
 
     
Total
  $ 514,804,152  
 
     
 
*   The industry classifications are detailed in the Schedule of Investments.
 
**   The Level 2 securities represent U.S. Government Obligations as detailed in the Schedule of Investments.
There were no Level 3 investments held at December 31, 2008 or June 30, 2009.
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 ability 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 those of 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 or loss on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on the accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method. Dividend income is recorded on the exdividend date except for certain dividends which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend.
Determination of Net Asset Value and Calculation of Expenses. Certain administrative expenses are common to, and allocated among, various affiliated funds. Such allocations are made on the basis of each fund’s average net assets or other criteria directly affecting the expenses as determined by the Adviser pursuant to procedures established by the Board.
In calculating 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.

10


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued) (Unaudited)
 
Custodian Fee Credits and Interest Expense. When cash balances are maintained in the custody account, the Fund receives credits which are used to offset custodian fees. The gross expenses paid under the custody arrangement are included in custodian fees in the Statement of Operations with the corresponding expense offset, if any, shown as “custodian fee credits.” When cash balances are overdrawn, the Fund is charged an overdraft fee equal to 2.00% above the federal funds rate on outstanding balances. This amount, if any, would be included in “interest expense” in the Statement of Operations.
Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders if any 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Fund and timing differences. 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.
No distributions were made during the year ended December 31, 2008.
Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
At December 31, 2008, the Fund had net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of $839,592,069, which are available to reduce future required distributions of net capital gains to shareholders. $469,914,764 is available through 2010; $350,050,494 is available through 2011; $1,141,675 is available through 2012; and $18,485,136 is available through 2016.
The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related unrealized appreciation/depreciation at June 30, 2009:
                                 
            Gross   Gross    
            Unrealized   Unrealized   Net Unrealized
    Cost   Appreciation   Depreciation   Depreciation
Investments
  $ 613,922,315     $ 22,872,475     $ (121,990,638 )   $ (99,118,163 )
Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (current and prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.
3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. The Fund has an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser which provides that the Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 1.00% of the value of its average daily net assets. In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Fund’s

11


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued) (Unaudited)
 
portfolio, oversees the administration of all aspects of the Fund’s business and affairs, and pays the compensation of all Officers and Trustees of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Adviser.
The Fund pays each Trustee who is not considered to be an affiliated person an annual retainer of $6,000 plus $1,000 for each Board meeting attended. Each Trustee is reimbursed by the Fund 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, Proxy Voting Committee, and the Lead Trustee each receive an annual fee of $1,000. 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 Fund’s Board has adopted a distribution plan (the “Plan”) for each class of shares, except for Class I Shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Gabelli & Company, Inc. (“Gabelli & Company”), an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as distributor of the Fund. Under the Class AAA, Class A, Class B, and Class C Share Plans, payments are authorized to Gabelli & Company at annual rates of 0.25%, 0.25%, 1.00%, 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 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, other than short-term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $143,247,328 and $170,726,903, respectively.
Sales of U.S. Government obligations for the six months ended June 30, 2009, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $684,409.
6. Transactions with Affiliates. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Fund paid brokerage commissions on security trades of $9,940 to Gabelli & Company. Additionally, Gabelli & Company informed the Fund that it retained $1,967 from investors representing commissions (sales charges and underwriting fees) on sales and redemptions of Fund shares.
The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Fund paid or accrued $22,500 to the Adviser in connection with the cost of computing the Fund’s NAV.
7. Line of Credit. The Fund participates in an unsecured line of credit 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 the higher of the sum of the overnight LIBOR plus 100 basis points or the sum of Fed Funds plus 100 basis points at the time of borrowing. This amount, if any, would be included in “interest expense” in the Statement of Operations. At June 30, 2009, there were no borrowings under the line of credit.
The average daily amount of borrowings outstanding under the line of credit during the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $19,125 with a weighted average interest rate of 1.22%. The maximum amount borrowed at any time during the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $663,000.
8. Shares of Beneficial Interest. The Fund offers five classes of shares — Class AAA Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, and Class I Shares. Class AAA Shares are offered without a sales charge only to investors who acquire them directly from Gabelli & Company, or through selected broker/dealers, or the transfer agent. Class I Shares are offered to foundations, endowments, institutions, and employee benefit plans

12


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued) (Unaudited)
 
without a sales charge. Class A Shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%. Class B Shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) upon redemption within six years of purchase and automatically convert to Class A Shares approximately eight years after the original purchase. The applicable CDSC is equal to a declining percentage of the lesser of the NAV per share at the date of the original purchase or at the date of redemption, based on the length of time held. Class C Shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC for one year after purchase. Class B Shares are available only through exchange of Class B Shares of other funds distributed by Gabelli & Company. Class I Shares were first issued on January 11, 2008.
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. The redemption fees retained by the Fund during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008, amounted to $1,011 and $1,943, respectively.
The redemption fee does not apply to redemptions of shares where (i) the shares were purchased through automatic reinvestment of distributions, (ii) the redemption was 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 policies 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.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
                                 
    Six Months Ended        
    June 30, 2009     Year Ended  
    (Unaudited)     December 31, 2008  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
    Class AAA
  Class AAA
         
Shares sold
    325,133     $ 6,513,221       1,875,009     $ 53,412,799  
Shares redeemed
    (1,779,646 )     (35,728,542 )     (4,723,631 )     (131,919,580 )
 
                       
Net decrease
    (1,454,513 )   $ (29,215,321 )     (2,848,622 )   $ (78,506,781 )
 
                       
    Class A
  Class A
         
Shares sold
    11,291     $ 255,763       28,643     $ 874,485  
Shares redeemed
    (6,725 )     (145,663 )     (10,520 )     (261,908 )
 
                       
Net increase
    4,566     $ 110,100       18,123     $ 612,577  
 
                       
    Class C
  Class C
         
Shares sold
    5,725     $ 127,481       68,214     $ 1,974,053  
Shares redeemed
    (17,534 )     (320,152 )     (18,871 )     (487,294 )
 
                       
Net increase/(decrease)
    (11,809 )   $ (192,671 )     49,343     $ 1,486,759  
 
                       
    Class I
  Class I*
         
Share sold
    26,257     $ 534,801       165,715     $ 4,613,871  
Shares redeemed
    (22,502 )     (442,594 )     (20,806 )     (468,968 )
 
                       
Net increase
    3,755     $ 92,207       144,909     $ 4,144,903  
 
                       
 
*   From the commencement of offering Class I Shares on January 11, 2008.

13


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued) (Unaudited)
 
9. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
10. Other Matters. On April 24, 2008, the Adviser entered into an administrative settlement with the SEC to resolve the SEC’s inquiry regarding prior frequent trading activity in shares of the GAMCO Global Growth Fund (the “Global Growth Fund”) by one investor who was banned from the Global Growth Fund in August 2002. In the settlement, the SEC found that the Adviser had violated Section 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act, Section 17(d) of the 1940 Act, and Rule 17d-1 thereunder, and had aided and abetted and caused violations of Section 12(d)(1)(B)(i) of the 1940 Act. Under the terms of the settlement, the Adviser, while neither admitting nor denying the SEC’s findings and allegations, agreed, among other things, to pay the previously reserved total of $16 million (including a $5 million penalty), of which at least $11 million will be distributed to shareholders of the Global Growth Fund in accordance with a plan being developed by an independent distribution consultant and approved by the independent directors of the Global Growth Fund and the staff of the SEC, and to cease and desist from future violations of the above referenced federal securities laws. The settlement will not have a material adverse impact on the Adviser or its ability to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement. On the same day, the SEC filed a civil action against the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, alleging violations of certain federal securities laws arising from the same matter. The officer is also an officer of the Global Growth Fund and other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO fund complex including the Fund. The officer denies the allegations and is continuing in his positions with the Adviser and the funds. The Adviser currently expects that any resolution of the action against the officer will not have a material adverse impact on the Fund or the Adviser or its ability to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement.
11. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through August 25, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

14


 

The GAMCO Growth Fund
Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)
At its meeting on February 25, 2009, 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 manager, the depth of the analyst pool available to the Adviser and the portfolio manager, the scope of 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 manager.
Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the short, medium, and long-term performance of the Fund against a peer group of large cap growth funds chosen by Lipper as being comparable. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the lowest one-third of the funds in its category for the one, three, and five year periods.
Profitability. The Independent Board Members reviewed summary data regarding the 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 small portion of the Fund’s portfolio transactions were executed by an affiliated broker and that the affiliated broker received distribution fees and minor amounts of sales commissions.
Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Adviser’s cost structure and the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale.
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.
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 with similar expense ratios of the peer group of large-cap growth funds and noted that the advisory fee includes substantially all administrative services of the Fund as well as investment advisory services of the Adviser. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s expense ratios and the Fund’s size were above average within this group. The Independent Board Members also noted that the advisory fee structure was the same as that in effect for most of the Gabelli funds. The Independent Board Members were presented with, but did not consider to be material to their decision, various information comparing the advisory fee with the fee for other types of accounts managed by affiliates of the Adviser.
Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services, good ancillary services, and a below average performance record. The Independent Board Members also concluded that the Fund’s expense ratios and the profitability to the Adviser of managing the Fund were reasonable in light of the Fund’s performance 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 investment advisory agreement to the full Board.

15


 

GAMCO
The
GAMCO Growth Fund
SEMI ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 30, 2009
The GAMCO Growth Fund
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

Net Asset Value per share available daily by calling
800-GABELLI after 7:00 P.M.
Board of Trustees
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
Anthony J. Colavita
President
Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.
James P. Conn
Former Chief Investment Officer
Financial Security Assurance
Holdings Ltd.
Dugald A. Fletcher
President
Fletcher & Company, Inc.
John D. Gabelli
Senior Vice President
Gabelli & Company, Inc.
Robert J. Morrissey
Attorney-at-Law
Morrissey, Hawkins & Lynch
Anthony R. Pustorino
Certified Public Accountant,
Professor Emeritus
Pace University
Anthony Torna
Maxim Group LLC
Anthonie C. van Ekris
Chairman
BALMAC International, Inc.
Salvatore J. Zizza
Chairman
Zizza & Co., Ltd.
Officers and Portfolio Manager
Bruce N. Alpert
President and Secretary
Agnes Mullady
Treasure
Howard F. Ward, CFA
Portfolio Manager
Peter D. Goldstein
Chief Compliance Officer
Distributor
Gabelli & Company, Inc.
Custodian, Transfer Agent, and Dividend Agent
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Legal Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
 
This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of The GAMCO Growth Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
GAB406Q209SR


 

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 registrant’s 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 registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
 
  (b)   There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. 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.
 
  (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 GAMCO Growth Fund    
         
 
           
By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Bruce N. Alpert    
 
     
 
Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer
   
 
           
Date 9/1/09        
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 9/1/09        
 
           
By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Agnes Mullady    
 
     
 
Agnes Mullady, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer
   
 
           
Date 9/1/09        
 
*   Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.

 

EX-99.CERT 2 p15784exv99wcert.htm EX-99.CERT exv99wcert
Exhibit 99.CERT
Certification Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
I, Bruce N. Alpert, certify that:
1.   I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of The GAMCO Growth Fund;
2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  (b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  (c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 


 

  (d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
 
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
Date: 9/1/09            /s/ Bruce N. Alpert    
  Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer   
     

 


 

         
Exhibit 99.CERT
Certification Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
I, Agnes Mullady, certify that:
1.   I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of The GAMCO Growth Fund;
2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  (b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  (c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 


 

  (d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
 
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
Date: 9/1/09            /s/ Agnes Mullady    
  Agnes Mullady, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer   
     

 

EX-99.906CERT 3 p15784exv99w906cert.htm EX-99.906CERT exv99w906cert
         
Exhibit 99.906CERT
Certification Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
I, Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer of The GAMCO Growth Fund (the “Registrant”), certify that:
  1.   The Form N-CSR of the Registrant (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
  2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
         
     
Date: 9/1/09            /s/ Bruce N. Alpert    
  Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer   
     
 
I, Agnes Mullady, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of The GAMCO Growth Fund (the “Registrant”), certify that:
  1.   The Form N-CSR of the Registrant (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
  2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
         
     
Date: 9/1/09            /s/ Agnes Mullady    
  Agnes Mullady, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer   
     
 

 

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