nvq
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-Q
QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY
Investment Company Act file number      811-21969
The GDL Fund (formerly, The Gabelli Global Deal 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: March 31, 2011
Form N-Q is to be used by management investment companies, other than small business investment companies registered on Form N-5 (§§ 239.24 and 274.5 of this chapter), to file reports with the Commission, not later than 60 days after the close of the first and third fiscal quarters, pursuant to rule 30b1-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30b1-5). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-Q in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-Q, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-Q 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 the 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. Schedule of Investments.
The Schedule(s) of Investments is attached herewith.
The GDL Fund
First Quarter Report
March 31, 2011
(PHOTO OF MARIO J. GABELLI)
    Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
To Our Shareholders,
     During the first quarter of 2011, The GDL Fund’s (the “Fund”) net asset value (“NAV”) total return was 3.5% compared with the 3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index of 0.03%. The total return for the Fund’s publicly traded shares was 3.6% during the first quarter of 2011.
    Enclosed is the investment portfolio as of March 31, 2011.
Comparative Results

Average Annual Returns through March 31, 2011 (a) (Unaudited)
                                 
                            Since
                            Inception
    Quarter   1 Year   3 Year   (01/31/07)
GDL Fund
                               
NAV Total Return (b)
    3.50 %     5.95 %     3.00 %     2.76 %
Investment Total Return (c)
    3.60       3.93       4.11       (0.24 )
3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index
    0.03       0.14       0.40       1.35  
 
(a)   Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. When shares are sold, 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. 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 3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is comprised of a single issue purchased at the beginning of the month and held for a full month. At the end of the month, that issue is sold and rolled into the outstanding Treasury Bill that matures closest to, but not beyond three months from the re-balancing date. To qualify for selection, an issue must have settled on or before the re-balancing (month end) date. Dividends are considered reinvested except for the 3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 
(b)   Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in the NAV per share and reinvestment of distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date and are net of expenses. Since inception return is based on an initial NAV of $19.06.
 
(c)   Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the New York Stock Exchange and reinvestment of distributions. Since inception return is based on an initial offering price of $20.00.

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.

 


 

THE GDL FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
                 
            Market  
Shares         Value  
       
COMMON STOCKS — 82.4%
       
       
Aerospace and Defense — 0.1%
       
  77,000    
The Allied Defense Group Inc.†
  $ 272,195  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Aviation: Parts and Services — 0.1%
       
  12,000    
Ladish Co. Inc.†
    655,800  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Business Services — 7.2%
       
  5,000    
Acxiom Corp.†
    71,750  
  90,000    
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc., Cl. A†
    1,309,500  
  57,000    
Diebold Inc.
    2,021,220  
  210,000    
Emergency Medical Services Corp., Cl. A†
    13,353,900  
  288,500    
GSI Commerce Inc.†
    8,444,395  
  12,000    
GTSI Corp.†
    55,080  
  370,000    
Rural/Metro Corp.†
    6,304,800  
  2,000    
SeLoger.com
    107,522  
       
 
     
       
 
    31,668,167  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Cable and Satellite — 0.2%
       
  75,000    
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc
    992,604  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Computer Hardware — 0.0%
       
  1,000    
SanDisk Corp.†
    46,090  
  10,000    
Seagate Technology plc†
    144,000  
       
 
     
       
 
    190,090  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Computer Software and Services — 3.8%
       
  100,000    
Answers Corp.†
    1,040,000  
  16,000    
Hypercom Corp.†
    192,480  
  8,000    
Mentor Graphics Corp.†
    117,040  
  450,000    
NaviSite Inc.†
    2,470,500  
  5,000    
Novell Inc.†
    29,650  
  21,600    
Soapstone Networks Inc.
    228  
  600,000    
Terremark Worldwide Inc.†
    11,400,000  
  95,000    
Yahoo! Inc.†
    1,581,750  
       
 
     
       
 
    16,831,648  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Consumer Products and Services — 5.7%
       
  545,000    
Alberto-Culver Co.
    20,312,150  
  45,000    
Avon Products Inc.
    1,216,800  
  12,000    
Fortune Brands Inc.
    742,680  
  29,000    
Harman International Industries Inc.
    1,357,780  
  8,000    
Heelys Inc.†
    18,400  
  500    
Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc.†
    33,000  
  50,000    
RC2 Corp.†
    1,405,000  
       
 
     
       
 
    25,085,810  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Diversified Industrial — 1.3%
       
  36,000    
ITT Corp.
    2,161,800  
  384,000    
Myers Industries Inc.
    3,813,120  
       
 
     
       
 
    5,974,920  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Educational Services — 0.0%
       
  7,000    
Corinthian Colleges Inc.†
    30,940  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Electronics — 5.9%
       
  500    
Aleo Solar AG†
    18,119  
  211,700    
Alliance Semiconductor Corp.
    65,627  
  105,000    
Bel Fuse Inc., Cl. A
    2,518,950  
  136,000    
Dionex Corp.†
    16,054,800  
  8,000    
International Rectifier Corp.†
    264,480  
  480,000    
L-1 Identity Solutions Inc.†
    5,654,400  
  25,000    
Spectrum Control Inc.†
    492,000  
  2,800    
Technology Research Corp.
    19,992  
  52,000    
Zoran Corp.†
    540,280  
  42,000    
Zygo Corp.†
    614,040  
       
 
     
       
 
    26,242,688  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Energy and Utilities — 6.2%
       
  280,000    
Atlas Energy Inc., Escrow† (a)
    28,000  
  115,000    
Atlas Energy LP
    2,569,100  
  10,000    
Constellation Energy Group Inc.
    311,300  
  340,000    
Dragon Oil plc†
    3,261,678  
  70,000    
Dynegy Inc.†
    398,300  
  242,000    
Endesa SA
    7,498,838  
  2,500    
EXCO Resources Inc.
    51,650  
  20,000    
Heritage Oil plc†
    91,151  
  20,000    
Iberdrola Renovables SA
    86,307  
  3,000    
Massey Energy Co.
    205,080  
  55,000    
Nicor Inc.
    2,953,500  
  32,000    
NorthWestern Corp.
    969,600  
  95,000    
NRG Energy Inc.†
    2,046,300  
  1,000    
Origin Energy Ltd.
    16,777  
  25,000    
Pride International Inc.†
    1,073,750  
  115,000    
Progress Energy Inc.
    5,306,100  
  5,000    
SandRidge Energy Inc.†
    64,000  
  20,000    
Seawell Ltd.†
    138,149  
  15,000    
TGC Industries Inc.†
    116,550  
  500    
Western Coal Corp.†
    6,117  
  100,000    
WesternZagros Resources Ltd.†
    56,730  
       
 
     
       
 
    27,248,977  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Entertainment — 0.4%
       
  5,000    
Silverleaf Resorts Inc.†
    12,150  
  102,000    
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.†
    1,567,740  
       
 
     
       
 
    1,579,890  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Equipment and Supplies — 0.0%
       
  1,000    
The Middleby Corp.†
    93,220  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Financial Services — 4.0%
       
  12,000    
CNA Surety Corp.†
    303,120  
  2,000    
Danvers Bancorp Inc.
    42,840  
  250,000    
Marshall & Ilsley Corp.
    1,997,500  
See accompanying notes to schedule of investments

2


 

THE GDL FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
                 
            Market  
Shares         Value  
       
COMMON STOCKS (Continued)
       
       
Financial Services (Continued)
       
  210,775    
NewAlliance Bancshares Inc.
  $ 3,127,901  
  1,000    
NYSE Euronext
    35,170  
  326,980    
optionsXpress Holdings Inc.
    5,987,004  
  230,000    
SLM Corp.†
    3,519,000  
  39,645    
The Student Loan Corp., Escrow (a)
    99,112  
  623    
Wesco Financial Corp.
    242,472  
  550,000    
Wilmington Trust Corp.
    2,486,000  
       
 
     
       
 
    17,840,119  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Food and Beverage — 5.1%
       
  175,000    
China Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd.
    118,788  
  100,000    
Danisco A/S
    12,620,695  
  1,000    
Reddy Ice Holdings Inc.†
    3,000  
  440,000    
Sara Lee Corp.
    7,774,800  
  55,000    
Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC, ADR†
    1,840,850  
       
 
     
       
 
    22,358,133  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Health Care — 16.4%
       
  500    
Actelion Ltd.†
    28,770  
  27,000    
Alcon Inc.
    4,468,770  
  30,000    
America Service Group Inc.
    769,200  
  80,000    
Animal Health International Inc.†
    336,000  
  15,000    
ArthroCare Corp.†
    500,100  
  235,000    
Beckman Coulter Inc.
    19,521,450  
  1,000    
Biogen Idec Inc.†
    73,390  
  89,275    
Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd.†
    464,230  
  10,000    
Celera Corp.†
    81,100  
  22,000    
Cephalon Inc.†
    1,667,160  
  73,000    
Clinical Data Inc.†
    2,211,900  
  2,000    
Enzon Pharmaceuticals Inc.†
    21,800  
  350,000    
Genzyme Corp.†
    26,652,500  
  44,500    
Indevus Pharmaceuticals Inc., Escrow† (a)
    48,950  
  3,000    
Life Technologies Corp.†
    157,260  
  750,000    
Q-Med AB†
    9,387,031  
  202,500    
Smith & Nephew plc
    2,283,712  
  33,000    
Talecris Biotherapeutics Holdings Corp.†
    884,400  
  16,000    
TomoTherapy Inc.†
    73,120  
  20,000    
Trimeris Inc.†
    50,200  
  170,000    
WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc., ADR†
    2,628,200  
       
 
     
       
 
    72,309,243  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Hotels and Gaming — 0.0%
       
  1,000    
MGM Resorts International†
    13,150  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Machinery — 5.7%
       
  220,000    
Bucyrus International Inc.
    20,119,000  
  5,000    
Sauer-Danfoss Inc.†
    254,650  
  128,000    
Tognum AG
    4,607,579  
       
 
     
       
 
    24,981,229  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Materials — 0.1%
       
  6,000    
CIMPOR — Cimentos de Portugal SGPS SA
    43,485  
  5,000    
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.†
    193,250  
       
 
     
       
 
    236,735  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Media — 0.5%
       
  60,000    
APN News & Media Ltd.
    96,505  
  68,000    
Cablevision Systems Corp., Cl. A
    2,353,480  
       
 
     
       
 
    2,449,985  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Metals and Mining — 1.3%
       
  28,000    
Camino Minerals Corp.†
    9,819  
  225,000    
Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Ltd.†
    3,977,824  
  20,000    
Forsys Metals Corp.†
    39,195  
  80,000    
Fronteer Gold Inc.†
    1,209,696  
  5,000    
Lonmin plc
    136,598  
  1,000    
Lundin Mining Corp., Toronto†
    8,303  
  9,000    
Xstrata plc
    210,360  
       
 
     
       
 
    5,591,795  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Publishing — 0.0%
       
  136,000    
SCMP Group Ltd.
    29,373  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Real Estate — 0.0%
       
  5,000    
ECO Business-Immobilien AG†
    47,809  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Real Estate Investment Trusts — 0.1%
       
  16,000    
Nationwide Health Properties Inc.
    680,480  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Retail — 3.2%
       
  470,000    
Bulgari SpA
    8,146,169  
  103,000    
Casey’s General Stores Inc.
    4,017,000  
  11,000    
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc.†
    734,030  
  270,000    
J. Crew Group Inc., Escrow† (a)
    0  
  46,000    
Massmart Holdings Ltd.
    953,455  
  2,000    
Regis Corp.
    35,480  
  8,000    
Retail Ventures Inc.†
    138,000  
       
 
     
       
 
    14,024,134  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Semiconductors — 1.4%
       
  2,500    
LTX-Credence Corp.†
    22,825  
  450,000    
Verigy Ltd.†
    6,340,500  
       
 
     
       
 
    6,363,325  
       
 
     
See accompanying notes to schedule of investments

3


 

THE GDL FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
                 
            Market  
Shares         Value  
       
Specialty Chemicals — 5.4%
       
  22,000    
Airgas Inc.
  $ 1,461,240  
  30,000    
Ashland Inc.
    1,732,800  
  155,000    
The Lubrizol Corp.
    20,763,800  
       
 
     
       
 
    23,957,840  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Telecommunications — 7.3%
       
  700,000    
Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Ltd.
    1,304,870  
  380,000    
Atheros Communications Inc.†
    16,967,000  
  24,000    
BCE Inc.
    872,160  
  215,000    
Hughes Communications Inc.†
    12,829,050  
  12,000    
Portugal Telecom SGPS SA
    138,499  
       
 
     
       
 
    32,111,579  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Transportation — 1.0%
       
  5,000    
AirTran Holdings Inc.†
    37,250  
  190,000    
K-Sea Transportation Partners LP†
    1,554,200  
  201,600    
Vector Aerospace Corp.†
    2,667,899  
       
 
     
       
 
    4,259,349  
       
 
     
       
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
    364,121,227  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
WARRANTS — 0.0%
       
       
Metals and Mining — 0.0%
       
  220    
Kinross Gold Corp., Cl. D, expire 09/17/14†
    613  
       
 
     
 
Principal              
Amount              
       
CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS — 1.0%
       
       
Aerospace — 0.1%
       
$ 500,000    
GenCorp Inc., Sub. Deb. Cv., 4.063%, 12/31/39
    500,625  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Computer Hardware — 0.9%
       
  4,000,000    
SanDisk Corp., Cv., 1.000%, 05/15/13
    3,945,000  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS
    4,445,625  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
CORPORATE BONDS — 0.1%
       
       
Energy and Utilities — 0.1%
       
  600,000    
Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC, Ser. B (STEP), 10.250%, 11/01/15
    352,500  
       
 
     
       
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 16.5%
       
  72,810,000    
U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.125% to 0.210%††, 05/19/11 to 09/22/11 (b)
    72,792,086  
       
 
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%
       
(Cost $438,053,040)
  $ 441,712,051  
       
 
     
       
 
       
       
Aggregate tax cost
  $ 439,599,855  
       
 
     
       
Gross unrealized appreciation
  $ 15,187,149  
       
Gross unrealized depreciation
    (13,074,953 )
       
 
     
       
Net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
  $ 2,112,196  
       
 
     
 
            Market  
Shares         Value  
       
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT — (1.4)%
       
       
Financial Services — (1.4)%
       
  333,520    
The Charles Schwab Corp.
  $ 6,013,366  
       
 
     
       
 
       
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT        
     (Proceeds received $6,053,795)   $ 6,013,366  
       
 
     
       
Aggregate proceeds
  $ 6,053,795  
       
 
     
       
Gross unrealized appreciation
  $ 404,290  
       
Gross unrealized depreciation
    0  
       
 
     
       
Net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
  $ 404,290  
       
 
     
                         
Principal         Settlement     Unrealized  
Amount         Date     Depreciation  
       
FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
               
  46,550,000 (c)  
Deliver Danish Krone in exchange for United States Dollars 8,737,190(d)
    05/06/11     $ (105,387 )
  19,950,000 (c)  
Deliver Danish Krone in exchange for United States Dollars 3,775,563(d)
    05/06/11       (14,112 )
       
 
             
       
TOTAL FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
            (119,499 )
       
 
             
See accompanying notes to schedule of investments.

4


 

THE GDL FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
                         
                    Unrealized  
Notional         Termination     Appreciation/  
Amount         Date     Depreciation  
       
EQUITY CONTRACT FOR DIFFERENCE SWAP AGREEMENTS
               
$ 198,333    
 
               
(100,000 Shares)  
Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd.
    06/27/11     $ 44,616  
       
 
             
  5,717    
 
               
(1,000 Shares)  
J Sainbury plc
    06/27/11       (341 )
       
 
             
       
TOTAL EQUITY CONTRACT FOR DIFFERENCE SWAP AGREEMENTS
            44,275  
       
 
             
 
(a)   Security fair valued under procedures established by the Board of Trustees. The procedures may include reviewing available financial information about the company and reviewing the valuation of comparable securities and other factors on a regular basis. At March 31, 2011, the market value of the fair valued security amounted to $176,062 or 0.04% of total investments.
 
(b)   At March 31, 2011, $15,500,000 of the principal amount was pledged as collateral for securities sold short and forward foreign exchange contracts.
 
(c)   Principal amount denoted in Danish Krone.
 
(d)   At March 31, 2011, the Fund has entered into forward foreign exchange contracts with State Street Bank and Trust Co.
 
  Non-income producing security.
 
††   Represents annualized yield at date of purchase.
 
ADR   American Depositary Receipt
 
OJSC   Open Joint Stock Company
 
STEP   Step coupon bond. The rate disclosed is that in effect at March 31, 2011.
                 
    % of        
    Market     Market  
Geographic Diversification   Value     Value  
North America
    84.7 %   $ 373,924,887  
Europe
    12.0       52,898,869  
Asia/Pacific
    2.4       10,535,014  
Africa/Middle East
    0.7       3,261,678  
South Africa
    0.2       953,454  
Latin America
    0.0       138,149  
 
           
Total Investments
    100.0 %   $ 441,712,051  
 
           
See accompanying notes to schedule of investments.

5


 

THE GDL FUND
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
     The Fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. 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. U.S. government obligations with maturities greater than sixty days are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data. 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.
     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.
     The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:
    Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
 
    Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and
 
    Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).

6


 

THE GDL FUND
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited)
     A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities and other financial instruments by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2011 is as follows:
                                 
    Valuation Inputs        
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    Quoted     Other Significant     Significant     Market Value  
    Prices     Observable Inputs     Unobservable Inputs     at 3/31/11  
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:
                               
ASSETS (Market Value):
                               
Common Stocks:
                               
Energy and Utilities
  $ 27,220,977           $ 28,000     $ 27,248,977  
Financial Services
    17,741,007             99,112       17,840,119  
Health Care
    72,260,293             48,950       72,309,243  
Retail
    14,024,134             0       14,024,134  
Other Industries (a)
    232,698,754                   232,698,754  
 
Total Common Stocks
    363,945,165             176,062       364,121,227  
 
Warrants (a)
    613                   613  
Convertible Corporate Bonds
        $ 4,445,625             4,445,625  
Corporate Bonds
          352,500             352,500  
U.S. Government Obligations
          72,792,086             72,792,086  
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES — ASSETS
  $ 363,945,778     $ 77,590,211     $ 176,062     $ 441,712,051  
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:
                               
LIABILITIES (Market Value):
                               
Common Stocks Sold Short (a)
  $ (6,013,366 )   $     $     $ (6,013,366 )
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES — LIABILITIES
  $ (6,013,366 )   $     $     $ (6,013,366 )
 
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
                               
ASSETS (Unrealized Appreciation):*
                               
EQUITY CONTRACT
                               
Contract for Difference Swap Agreement
  $     $ 44,616     $     $ 44,616  
LIABILITIES (Unrealized Depreciation):*
                               
EQUITY CONTRACT
                               
Contract for Difference Swap Agreement
  $     $ (341 )   $     $ (341 )
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
                               
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
          (119,499 )           (119,499 )
 
TOTAL OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
  $     $ (75,224 )   $     $ (75,224 )
 
 
(a)   Please refer to the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”) for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.
 
*   Other financial instruments are derivatives reflected in the SOI, such as futures, forwards, and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation of the instrument.
     The Fund did not have significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the period ended March 31, 2011.

7


 

THE GDL FUND
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited)
     The following table reconciles Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
                                                                                 
                                                                            Net change
                                                                            in unrealized
                                                                            appreciation/
                                                                            depreciation
                            Change in                                           during the
    Balance   Accrued   Realized   unrealized                   Transfers   Transfers   Balance   period on Level 3
    as of   discounts/   gain/   appreciation/                   into   out of   as of   investments held
    12/31/10   (premiums)   (loss)   depreciation   Purchases   Sales   Level 3†   Level 3†   3/31/11   at 3/31/11
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:
                                                                               
ASSETS (Market Value):
                                                                               
Common Stocks:
                                                                               
Energy and Utilities
  $     $     $     $ 28,000     $ 0     $     $     $     $ 28,000     $ 28,000  
Financial Services
                      99,112       0                         99,112       99,112  
Health Care
    48,950                                                 48,950        
Retail
                            0                         0        
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
  $ 48,950     $     $     $ 127,112     $ 0     $     $     $     $ 176,062     $ 127,112  
 
 
  The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers into and transfers out of Level 3 as of the beginning of the reporting period.
Securities Sold Short. The Fund may enter into short sale transactions. Short selling involves selling securities that may or may not be owned and, at times, borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace such borrowed securities at a later date. The proceeds received from short sales are recorded as liabilities and the Fund records an unrealized gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the proceeds received and the value of an open short position on the day of determination. The Fund records a realized gain or loss when the short position is closed out. By entering into a short sale, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security sold short. Dividends on short sales are recorded as an expense by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and interest expense is recorded on the accrual basis. The broker retains collateral for the value of the open positions, which is adjusted periodically as the value of the position fluctuates. Security sold short at March 31, 2011 is reported within the Schedule of Investments.
Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in foreign exchange rates and/or changes in market prices of securities have been included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund and the amounts actually received. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in exchange rates between the initial purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/loss on investments.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies, and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.

8


 

THE GDL FUND
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited)
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.
Derivative Financial Instruments. The Fund may engage in various portfolio investment strategies by investing in a number of derivative financial instruments for the purposes of increasing the income of the Fund, hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase, or hedging against a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency. Investing in certain derivative financial instruments, including participation in the options, futures, or swap markets, entails certain execution, liquidity, hedging, tax, and securities, interest, credit, or currency market risks. Losses may arise if the Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency, and interest rate markets is inaccurate. Losses may also arise if the counterparty does not perform its duties under a contract, or that, in the event of default, the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining payments or other contractual remedies owed to it under derivative contracts. The creditworthiness of the counterparties is closely monitored in order to minimize these risks. Participation in derivative transactions involves investment risks, transaction costs, and potential losses to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. The consequences of these risks, transaction costs, and losses may have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to pay distributions.
     The Fund’s derivative contracts held at March 31, 2011, if any, are not accounted for as hedging instruments under GAAP.
     Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into equity contract for difference swap transactions for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an equity contract for difference swap, a set of future cash flows is exchanged between two counterparties. One of these cash flow streams will typically be based on a reference interest rate combined with the performance of a notional value of shares of a stock. The other will be based on the performance of the shares of a stock. Depending on the general state of short-term interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s portfolio securities at the time a swap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction.
     The Fund has entered into equity contract for difference swap agreements with The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Details of the swaps at March 31, 2011 are reflected within the Schedule of Investments and further details as follows:
                         
                    Net Unrealized  
Notional   Equity Security   Interest Rate/   Termination     Appreciation/  
Amount   Received   Equity Security Paid   Date     Depreciation  
 
  Market Value   One Month LIBOR plus 90 bps plus                
 
  Appreciation on:   Market Value Depreciation on:                
$198,333 (100,000 Shares)
  Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd.   Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd.     6/27/11     $ 44,616  
5,717 (1,000 Shares)
  J Sainsbury plc   J Sainsbury plc     6/27/11       (341 )
 
                     
 
                  $ 44,275  
 
                     
     The Fund’s volume of activity in equity contract for difference swap agreements during the period ended March 31, 2011 had an average monthly notional amount of approximately $256,648.

9


 

THE GDL FUND
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited)
     Futures Contracts. The Fund may engage in futures contracts for the purpose of hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This is known as the “initial margin.” Subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed.
     There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a hedging instrument. The change in value of futures contracts primarily corresponds with the value of their underlying instruments, which may not correlate with the change in value of the hedged investments. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market. During the period ended March 31, 2011, the Fund held no investments in futures contracts.
     Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Fund may engage in forward foreign exchange contracts for the purpose of hedging a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Forward foreign exchange contracts are valued at the forward rate and are marked-to-market daily. The change in market value is included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency translations. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
     The use of forward foreign exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the Fund’s portfolio securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although forward foreign exchange contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase. In addition, the Fund could be exposed to risks if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts. Forward foreign exchange contracts at March 31, 2011 are presented within the Schedule of Investments.
     The Fund’s volume of activity in forward foreign currency contracts during the period ended March 31, 2011 had an average monthly value of approximately $8,650,788.
     The following table summarizes the net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of derivatives held at March 31, 2011 by primary risk exposure:
         
    Net Unrealized
    Appreciation/
    Depreciation
 
Asset Derivatives:    
Equity Contract
  $ 44,616   
         
Liability Derivatives:        
 
Equity Contract
  $ (341 )
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
    (119,499 )
 
     
Total
  $ (119,840 )
 
     
Tax Information. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
     Under the current tax law, capital losses related to securities and foreign currency realized after October 31 and prior to the Fund’s year end may be treated as occurring on the first day of the following year. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Fund deferred capital losses of $21,970.

10


 

(LOGO)
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
THE GDL FUND
One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422

Trustees
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
Anthony J. Colavita
President,
Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.
James P. Conn
Former Managing Director &
Chief Investment Officer,
Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd.
Clarence A. Davis
Former Chief Executive Officer,
Nestor, Inc.
Mario d’Urso
Former Italian Senator
Arthur V. Ferrara
Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
Michael J. Melarkey
Attorney-at-Law,
Avansino, Melarkey, Knobel & Mulligan
Edward T. Tokar
Senior Managing Director,
Beacon Trust Company
Salvatore J. Zizza
Chairman, Zizza & Co., Ltd.
Officers
Bruce N. Alpert
President
Carter W. Austin
Vice President
Peter D. Goldstein
Chief Compliance Officer
Agnes Mullady
Treasurer & Secretary
Laurissa M. Martire
Vice President & Ombudsman
David I. Schachter
Vice President
Investment Adviser
Gabelli Funds, LLC One
Corporate Center Rye,
New York 10580-1422
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Transfer Agent and Registrar
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company
Stock Exchange Listing
                 
            8.50%
    Common   Preferred
NYSE-Symbol:
  GDL   GDL PrA
Shares Outstanding:
    21,152,710       1,920,242  


The Net Asset Value per share appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the heading “Specialized Equity Funds,” in Monday’s The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barron’s Mutual Funds/Closed End Funds section under the heading “Specialized Equity Funds.”
The Net Asset Value per share may be obtained each day by calling (914) 921-5070 or visiting www.gabelli.com.
The NASDAQ symbol for the Net Asset Value is “XGDLX.”

For general information about the Gabelli Funds, call 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554), fax us at 914-921-5118, visit Gabelli Funds’ Internet homepage at: www.gabelli.com, or e-mail us at: closedend@gabelli.com

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may, from time to time, purchase its common shares in the open market when the Fund’s shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. The Fund may also, from time to time, purchase its preferred shares in the open market when the preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value.

 


 

(GRAPHIC)
THE GDL FUND One Corporate Center Rye, NY 10580-1422 (914) 921-5070 www.gabelli.com First Quarter Report March 31, 2011 GDL Q1/2011

 


 

Item 2. 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 last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 3. Exhibits.
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 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 GDL Fund (formerly, The Gabelli Global Deal Fund)
         
By (Signature and Title)*
       /s/ Bruce N. Alpert
 
   
 
       Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer    
Date  5/31/11
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   5/31/11
       
 
       
By (Signature and Title)*
       /s/ Agnes Mullady
 
   
 
       Agnes Mullady, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer    
 
       
Date  5/31/11
       
 
    Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.