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GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
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SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 30, 2001
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Our cover icon represents the underpinnings of Gabelli.
The Teton mountains in Wyoming represent what we believe in
in America -- that creativity, ingenuity, hard work and a global
uniqueness provide enduring values. They also stand out in
an increasingly complex, interconnected and interdependent
economic world.
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ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA ARKANSAS CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT
DELAWARE FLORIDA GEORGIA
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HAWAII IDAHO ILLINOIS INDIANA IOWA KANSAS KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA MAINE MARYLAND
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MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA
NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY
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NEW MEXICO NEW YORK N. CAROLINA N. DAKOTA OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND S. CAROLINA
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S. DAKOTA TENNESSEE TEXAS UTAH VERMONT VIRGINIA WEST VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON WISCONSIN WYOMING
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE:
The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. is a closed-end, non-diversified management
investment company whose primary objective is long-term growth of
capital, with income as a secondary objective.
THIS REPORT IS PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER.
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MARIO J. GABELLI
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THE GABELLI
EQUITY TRUST INC.
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS,
After rallying in April and early May, stocks reversed course in June as
corporate America began pre-announcing second quarter earnings shortfalls and
warning that third quarter earnings may also disappoint. Despite the June swoon,
the leading market indices closed the second quarter with respectable gains.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
For the second quarter ended June 30, 2001, The Gabelli Equity Trust's
(the "Trust") net asset value ("NAV") total return rose 5.23% after adjusting
for the reinvestment of the $0.27 per share distribution paid on June 25, 2001.
The Standard & Poor's ("S&P") 500 Index, Nasdaq Composite Index, and Dow Jones
Industrial Average rose 5.85%, 17.43%, and 6.75%, respectively, over the same
period. Each index is an unmanaged indicator of stock market performance. The
Trust fell 2.42% over the trailing twelve-month period after adjusting for the
reinvestment of the $1.31 per share in distributions and an adjustment of $0.56
per share attributable to the rights offering. The S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq
Composite Index declined 14.82% and 45.51%, respectively, while the Dow Jones
Industrial Average rose 2.21%, over the same twelve-month period.
For the two-year period ended June 30, 2001, the Trust's total return
averaged 4.29% annually, including reinvestments of $2.48 per share in
distributions, an adjustment of $0.56 per share attributable to the rights
offering, and an adjustment of $0.75 per share attributable to the spin-off of
The Gabelli Utility Trust. The S&P 500 Index, Nasdaq Composite Index, and Dow
Jones Industrial Average had average annual declines of 4.42%, 10.31%, and
0.57%, respectively, over the same two-year period. For the five-year period
ended June 30, 2001, the Trust's total return averaged 12.70% annually,
including reinvestments of $5.73 per share in distributions, an adjustment of
$0.56 per share attributable to the rights offering, and an adjustment of $0.75
per share attributable to the spin-off of The Gabelli Utility Trust, versus
average annual total returns of 14.48%, 12.77%, and 15.19% for the S&P 500,
Nasdaq Composite Index, and Dow Jones Industrial Average, respectively.
For the ten-year period ended June 30, 2001, the Trust's total return
averaged 13.41% annually, including reinvestments of $11.07 per share in
distributions, adjustments of $2.21 per share attributable to rights offerings,
and adjustments of $1.50 per share attributable to the spin-off of The Gabelli
Utility Trust and The Gabelli Global Multimedia Trust, versus average annual
total returns of 15.09%, 16.34%, and 16.32% for the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite
Index, and Dow Jones Industrial Average, respectively. Since inception on August
21, 1986 through June 30, 2001, the Trust had a cumulative total return of
537.48%, including adjustments of $19.70 per share for distributions, rights
offerings, spin-offs and taxes paid on undistributed long term capital gains,
which equates to an average annual total return of 13.26%.
The Trust's common shares ended the second quarter at $11.48 per share on
the New York Stock Exchange, a premium to the net asset value of 15.96% and a
total return of 10.04% for the second quarter. The Trust's common shares rose
11.78% over the trailing twelve-month period after adjusting for all
distributions and the rights offering.
INVESTMENT RESULTS (a)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS - JUNE 30, 2001
--------------------------------------
NAV AVERAGE AVERAGE ANNUAL
ANNUAL RETURN (A) INVESTMENT RETURN (C)
----------------- ---------------------
1 Year ................... (2.67)% 11.78%
5 Year ................... 12.70% 17.21%
10 Year .................. 13.41% 15.14%
Life of Fund (b) ......... 13.26% 13.87%
(a) Life of Fund return based on initial net asset value of $9.34. Total returns
and average annual returns reflect changes in net asset value, reinvestment of
distributions, adjustments for rights offerings, spin-offs and taxes paid on
undistributed long term capital gains, and are net of expenses. Of course, the
returns noted 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.
(b) From commencement of investment operations on August 21, 1986.
(c) Life of Fund return based on initial offering price of $10.00. Total returns
and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the New
York Stock Exchange, reinvestment of distributions, adjustments for rights
offerings, spin-offs and taxes paid on undistributed long-term capital gains.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.20% TAX ADVANTAGED SERIES B CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
On June 20, 2001, the Trust successfully completed its offering of 7.20%
Tax Advantaged Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Preferred Shares") which
was rated 'Aaa' by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Shareholder response has been
positive and we appreciate the efforts of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Merrill
Lynch & Co. and Gabelli & Company, Inc. the underwriters, and wish to thank and
welcome all those investors who participated.
The Trust issued 6,600,000 Preferred Shares at $25.00 per share ($165
million) with an annual dividend rate of $1.80 per share paying quarterly
starting in September 2001. The Preferred Shares are trading on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "GAB PrB". Consistent with our conservative
approach, the Trust issued the Preferred Shares in a cost effective manner at
less than an estimated $0.044 per share.
How would the Preferred Shares benefit Common Shareholders? The Trust has
earned a 13.26% average annual total return from inception on August 21, 1986
through June 30, 2001. The Preferred Shares were issued with a dividend rate of
7.20%. Any return earned in excess of the stated dividend rate would directly
benefit Common Shareholders; however, any shortfall from the stated rate would
impact the Common Shareholder in the opposite fashion. Therefore, by taking
advantage of the current relatively low interest rate environment and achieving
our long-term investment objectives, the Preferred Share issuance offers what we
believe is a method of potentially adding wealth for our Common Shareholders.
With the completion of the preferred offerings, the Adviser will not earn the
management fee on the incremental assets during any year in which the net asset
value total return on the Trust does not exceed the stated dividend rate on the
Preferred Shares.
Furthermore, Common Shareholders stand to receive certain tax benefits as a
result of the Preferred Stock offering. As taxable income is allocated to the
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TEXT AS FOLLOWS:
EPS
PMV
MANAGEMENT
CASHFLOW
RESEARCH
2
Preferred Shareholders before Common Shareholders, taxable distributions to
Common Shareholders would not be required to the extent they would be if the
Preferred Shares were not outstanding. Long-term capital gains are passed
through to shareholders. In 2000, 85.06% of the common and preferred
distributions was classified as long-term capital gains, taxable at a maximum
rate of 20%. As a result, the ordinary income equivalent yield on the preferred
stock, for a shareholder in the 39% tax bracket, was 9.12%.
COMMENTARY
Mario Gabelli, our Chief Investment Officer, has appeared in the
prestigious BARRON'S Roundtable discussion annually since 1980. Many of our
readers have enjoyed the inclusion of selected and edited comments from BARRON'S
Roundtable in previous reports to shareholders. As is our custom, we are
including selected comments of Mario Gabelli from BARRON'S 2001 Midyear
Roundtable.
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June 25, 2001 BARRON'S [BULLET] Midyear Roundtable 2001
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BARRON'S
MIDYEAR ROUNDTABLE
================================================================================
MARIO GABELLI
Chairman, Gabelli Asset Management Inc., Rye, New York
...My conclusion is we will have a consumer-led economic recovery starting in
October, November, December. That assumes we don't have accidents in the oil
pipeline, the dollar and places like Argentina. By the middle of July the
overall stock market will have absorbed the very ugly results in second-quarter
earnings. You'll start thinking about better comparisons in the first half of
2002.
Q: IS YOUR BOTTOM LINE SUNNY SKIES IN 2002?
A: In the short term we're setting up for a fairly large speed bump. Earnings
are uglier than we thought. Interest rates went up instead of down at the long
end. But once you get past the short term you'll see a nice old-fashioned rally
in non-Nasdaq-type stocks and particularly consumer cyclicals. For the rest of
2001 the overall market is not going to do very much, but consumer cyclicals
will do well. You will have a lot of opportunity to make money in specific
stocks because the environment for transactions is as good as I have ever seen.
Q: DEALS, DEALS, DEALS.
A: With this Administration you're seeing a less hostile environment at the
Department of Justice, at the Federal Trade Commission and clearly at the
Federal Communications Commission. The FCC, as I've noted before, will change
the rules of the road on a whole bunch of issues. Large corporations will want
to grow the top line and diversify through deals. So even though the
Honeywell-GE deal blew up, on balance the background is very right for all sorts
of transactions. To sum up, our model for the next 12 months is that economic
policy works, monetary policy works, tax cuts work. Also, the elimination of
goodwill creates a powerful propensity for deal activity. The consumer will lead
the recovery and there will be the absence of incremental drag from inventory,
starting in the third quarter. We see very little headway for the stock market
indexes for the next six to nine months, but it is a good environment in which
to own companies that will be the subject of financial engineering.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
As evidenced by a record number of pre-announced earnings shortfalls in
the second quarter, six Federal Reserve Board ("Fed") interest rate cuts this
year totaling 275 basis points (2.75%) have yet to revive the sagging U.S.
economy. This should not come as a surprise. It takes time for Fed rate cuts to
work their magic, but the rabbit eventually emerges from the hat. The $300-$600
federal income tax rebate many Americans will be receiving in
3
August/September should provide a modest boost for the economy. Granted, higher
utilities bills and expensive gasoline will soak up some of this cash. However,
the tax rebate should put consumers in a better mood and provide part of the
underpinning for a consumer led economic recovery beginning in the fourth
quarter. We also believe inventory in all but telecommunications/technology will
have largely worked through the system at that point. Energy prices have abated
providing further relief.
When will the stock market begin anticipating an economic recovery? In a
sense, it already has. The April/early-May rally demonstrated that investors
were at least temporarily willing to look past poor short-term earnings
prospects and forward to better times in 2002. Unfortunately, when confronted
with second quarter earnings "confessions" and warnings that profits were not
likely to improve in the third quarter, investors abandoned the "long view" and
once again focused on the short-term earnings negatives. We may see this pattern
hold for the balance of the year, as market rallies are cut short by bad
earnings news. So, we think it will be difficult for the broad market indices to
make much progress this year.
In the interim, we think our portfolio will continue to benefit from
companies buying each other. The folks now in charge of the Department of
Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Federal Communications Committee ("FCC")
are more "deal friendly" and once the accounting profession irons out the
details that will free acquiring companies from writing off "goodwill" (the
price they pay for a company in excess of book value) against future earnings,
we should see merger and acquisition activity accelerate.
DEAL ACTIVITY
A component of our investment methodology is to identify industry and
sector trends and themes ahead of the curve and position ourselves to take
advantage of these developments. Consolidation in a particular industry is one
such dynamic. As we have shared with you in previous quarterly letters, the
continued high level of activity in mergers and acquisitions contributed
significantly to the solid performance of the Trust. The accompanying table
illustrates how deal activity surfaced value in a small sample of the portfolio
holdings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 COMPLETED DEALS
NUMBER AVERAGE COST CLOSING
TRUST HOLDING OF SHARES(a) PER SHARE(b) PRICE(c) CLOSING DATE % RETURN(d)
------------- ------------ ------------- --------- ------------ ------------
FIRST QUARTER 2001 ANNOUNCED DEALS
----------------------------------
Time Warner Inc. 285,000 $30.67 $71.19 01/12/01 132.12%
Telefonos de Mexico SA, Cl. L, ADR 36,000 10.82 32.66 02/08/01 201.85%
FIRST QUARTER 2001 FINANCIAL ENGINEERING
----------------------------------------
Cablevision Systems Corp., Cl. A 420,000 11.28 83.36 03/30/01 639.01%
SECOND QUARTER 2001 ANNOUNCED DEALS
-----------------------------------
Litton Industries Inc. 100,000 78.92 80.33 04/02/01 1.79%
MCN Energy Group Inc. 30,000 24.24 27.22 05/30/01 12.29%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Number of shares held by the Trust on the final day of trading for the
issuer.
(b) Average purchase price of issuer's shares held by the Trust on the final
day of trading for the issuer.
(c) Closing price on the final day of trading for the issuer or the tender
price on the closing date of the tender offer.
(d) Represents average estimated return based on average cost per share and
closing price per share.
NOTE: SEE THE PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF HOLDINGS.
4
THE WILD CARDS
What could happen to disrupt this scenario? California, here we come.
Despite the demise of the dotcoms and massive layoffs in other California based
technology companies, the California economy has managed to keep its head above
water. Whether it will continue to do so with high electricity prices and
rolling blackouts is subject to debate. With the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission ("FERC") instituting price caps for wholesale electricity sold in
California, the worst of the crisis may have passed. However, if the lights
continue to go out and California (the sixth largest economy in the world)
slides into recession, national economic progress may be restrained.
High energy prices are a problem for the rest of the U.S. as well.
Eventually, free market forces--increased production to take advantage of higher
prices and conservation to save money--will work their magic and energy prices
will come down. In the interim, high electric bills and prices at the pump will
pinch consumers. Over the longer term, we should benefit from a national energy
policy focused on increasing domestic production, conservation, and perhaps most
importantly, building more efficient energy distribution systems. The U.S.
dollar has been too strong. This has created an imbalance in certain countries,
notably Argentina.
NOBODY LIKES WHAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS
As we prepare this letter, the Brussels, Belgium-based European Union
Commission ("EUC") has just blocked the proposed merger between General Electric
and Honeywell International. In our opinion, this is a major step in the wrong
direction. The EUC's hard line on the deal (both U.S. and Canadian regulators
blessed the marriage and GE made significant concessions in attempting to gain
EUC approval) does not appear to be based on antitrust issues, but rather on
potential advantages GE/Honeywell might have over European competitors. In
short, the EUC is throwing its considerable weight behind economic
protectionism.
While it is easy to paint the EUC or other nations' trade authorities as
villains, the U.S. is not guilt free on the protectionist front. Currently, the
U.S. has trade disputes with Canada over steel, lumber, wheat, pork, beef and
chicken; with the European Union ("EU") over textiles, steel, bananas, wine,
cheese, batteries, and paper; and with Asia over steel, apples, video games,
autos, and technology transfer. No one seems willing to back down and let the
free market forces work their magic.
Economic protectionism simply doesn't work. The U.S.'s ill-advised
Smoot-Hawley tariffs, which helped cause and then prolong the Great Depression,
are a classic example. Competition created through free trade periodically
causes painful economic dislocation. However, it also promotes economic
efficiency and growth. Competition from Japan forced the U.S. auto industry to
build better cars, and the Motor City is now running on all cylinders. Lower
labor costs in emerging market nations provided great incentive for the
development of productivity enhancing industrial technology in the U.S., and the
Rust Belt has once again become a thriving manufacturing region. Europe has
knocked down its internal economic boundaries, promoting a free flow of capital,
goods, and services across the continent. Even Japan now appears willing to open
some of its markets to foreign goods. Economic Darwinism has short-term social
and political costs. Longer term, however, survival of the fittest will result
in a stronger global economy. It is our hope that today's trade skirmishes do
not escalate into trade wars that will undo all the progress made in creating a
truly global economy.
INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK
A portion of the Trust's portfolio continues to be managed by Caesar
Bryan. Caesar is the portfolio manager of the Gabelli International Growth Fund
and the co-portfolio manager of The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund. Caesar's
thoughts on international markets and global economies are provided below:
5
We are in the middle of a global economic slowdown. A few months ago there
was some doubt as to whether the U.S. slowdown would spread to Europe. The
European Central Bank ("ECB") took the position that as trade between Europe and
the U.S. was small relative to the size of the European economy the impact of a
U.S. slowdown on Europe's economy would be limited. Instead they argue that the
greater threat to economic stability in Europe is inflation. As a consequence
they have not, apart from a nominal 25 basis point reduction in May, made any
meaningful interest rate reductions.
Recent evidence suggests that the ECB has been overconfident. The U.S.
slowdown appears to have traveled across the Atlantic. The ease at which this
happened can probably be laid at the doorstep of multinational companies. During
the past decade there has been an unprecedented amount of investment in the U.S.
made by European companies. Of course, the European activities of major U.S.
companies are well known. Ford, Microsoft, Intel, and IBM are household names in
Europe. As the slowdown unfolded in the U.S., both American and European
multinationals have cut spending in Europe.
The current slowdown seems to be different from previous periods of slow
growth. Typically, since the Second World War, periods of slow growth have been
caused by the central banks raising interest rates to slow demand as prices have
risen beyond acceptable levels. This time companies have sharply reduced
spending in response to overcapacity in many sectors of the economy. Inflation
does not appear to be a problem. Indeed, Mr. Greenspan, chairman of the Fed, has
said that inflation does not pose any threat at the current time. In response to
sharp reductions in capital expenditures and lower corporate profits, the Fed
has aggressively reduced interest rates.
The U.S. consumer, so often the hero of the global economy, refuses to
capitulate. Obviously lower interest rates and the tax rebate will support
consumer spending, but it is unlikely that the U.S. consumer can continue to
carry the economy on his heavily indebted back. Help is needed from Europe and
Japan. As the inflation threat wanes in Europe over the next few months, we
believe that the ECB will follow the Fed and reduce interest rates more
aggressively. This should act to spur demand in Europe.
The Japanese economy is the slowest growing of the three major economic
entities. Their new Prime Minister, Mr. Koizumi, has a wonderful opportunity to
implement significant policy reform. This opportunity is based in his popular
appeal among voters, which allows him to bypass the Liberal Democratic Party
("LDP") old guard. His challenge is to push through both economic and political
reforms. One without the other is probably not sufficient. Will he succeed? We
will not know for some time, but if we observe compromise with the senior
figures within the LDP then the chances of success will be greatly diminished.
He must seize the opportunity.
The current investment environment is challenging. In the plus column we
have accommodative central bank policy, low and falling inflation, and in the
case of Europe and Japan the prospects for significant reform. Valuations have
now corrected to much more attractive levels.
We believe that one of the keys to the current environment is to identify
companies that have pricing power and therefore some control over profitability.
Most of our international holdings are in companies that have a product or
service that is hard to duplicate and where there is a high barrier to entry. We
have not abandoned quality businesses which are economically sensitive such as
entertainment and broadcasting. To do so would mean taking a stand that
economies will not recover in the medium term, and that is not a bet we are
willing to take at the current time.
A MEDIA STOCK TRIFECTA
In last quarter's shareholder letter, we detailed a landmark federal court
decision striking down FCC regulations preventing companies from serving more
than 30% of the nation's total cable television or satellite television markets.
6
The court also struck down rules barring cable television companies from
controlling more than 40% of the channels and programming assets they offer to
the public. We observed that the court's decision might be the death knell for
other restrictive FCC regulations such as rules preventing broadcasters from
owning TV stations reaching more than 35% of the total population and barring
companies from owning television stations and newspapers in the same market.
Finally, we opined that the appointment of free market oriented Republican
Michael Powell as the head of the FCC would foreshadow more relaxed regulatory
policy. Our conclusion was that we would see increased merger and acquisition
activity in media industries. In the year ahead, favorable earnings comparisons
for advertising-supported media companies should result in a trifecta for media
stocks.
The 2002 Winter Olympics are being held in Salt Lake City, enabling prime
time "live action" broadcasts of popular events like figure skating and ice
hockey. This virtually guarantees a much larger domestic television audience and
higher advertising rates for broadcasters and cable television operators than
when Olympic Games are staged halfway around the globe. This profit windfall
will show up in first quarter 2002 earnings. Political fund raising reform
notwithstanding, with control of the House and the Senate up for grabs at next
year's mid-term elections, massive political advertising spending will be
another bonanza for broadcasters, cable television operators and newspaper
companies. This should make for some very attractive earnings comparisons in the
third and fourth quarters of 2002. If, as we anticipate, there will be more
mergers and acquisitions in the year ahead, better operating results should
boost stock prices and takeover premiums.
INVESTMENT SCORECARD
Small group broadcasters Gray Communications, Young Broadcasting and
Paxson Communications made the first page of our leader board this quarter.
Multimedia giants AOL Time Warner and Viacom also posted excellent returns. The
balance of our top performers came from a wide range of industry groups and
featured many beaten down stocks that began attracting bargain hunters.
Telecommunications stocks (particularly our European telecommunications
holdings) and telecommunications equipment manufacturers continued to get
pounded in the market. We believe these depressed sectors will gradually recover
as strong demand eventually soaks up excess capacity and prices for
telecommunications services begin to firm.
LET'S TALK STOCKS
The following are stock specifics on selected holdings of our Trust.
Favorable earnings prospects do not necessarily translate into higher stock
prices, but they do express a positive trend which we believe will develop over
time.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC. (BRK'A - $69,400 - NYSE) is Warren Buffett. The company
has interests in insurance (notably GEICO and General Re), publishing, aviation,
retailing, and manufacturing. Its investment portfolio includes over $37 billion
of marketable equity securities. Berkshire has grown rapidly through
acquisitions over the past 15 years, including Kirby vacuum cleaners; World Book
encyclopedias; H. H. Brown, Dexter and Justin footwear; Executive Jet aviation;
Dairy Queen restaurants and snack treats; Johns Manville building products;
Benjamin Moore paints; Shaw Industries carpets; GEICO insurance; and General Re
reinsurance. GEICO, the sixth largest auto insurer in the U.S., contributes 19%
of revenues while General Re, the fourth largest reinsurer globally, contributes
30% of revenues.
BP PLC (BP - $49.85 - NYSE) is Britain's largest company and one of the world's
top three oil companies on the basis of market capitalization and proved
reserves. The company's main businesses are Exploration and Production, Refining
and Marketing, and Chemicals, whose activities include petrochemicals
manufacturing and marketing. The company provides high quality technological
support for all its businesses through its research and engineering activities.
7
CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORP. (CVC - $58.50 - NYSE) is one of the nation's leading
communications and entertainment companies, with a portfolio of operations that
spans state-of-the-art cable television services, championship professional
sports teams and national cable television networks. Headquartered in Bethpage,
N.Y., Cablevision serves nearly 3 million cable customers in the most important
cable TV market -- New York. Cablevision also owns and operates New York City's
famed Madison Square Garden (MSG), which includes the arena complex, the N.Y.
Knicks, the N.Y. Rangers and the MSG network. MSG operates Radio City
Entertainment and holds a long-term lease for Radio City Music Hall, home of the
world-famous Rockettes. On March 30, 2001, shares that track the performance of
the firm's national cable programming subsidiary, Rainbow Media Group (RMG -
$25.80 - NYSE), began trading on the NYSE. Rainbow manages growing content
offerings such as American Movie Classics, Bravo and The Independent Film
Channel.
CHRIS-CRAFT INDUSTRIES INC. (CCN - $71.40 - NYSE), through its 80% ownership of
BHC Communications (BHC -$138.99 - AMEX), is primarily a television broadcaster.
BHC owns and operates UPN affiliated stations in New York (WWOR), Los Angeles
(KCOP) and Portland, Oregon (KPTV). BHC also owns 58% of United Television Inc.
(UTVI - $126.00 - Nasdaq), which operates an NBC affiliate, an ABC affiliate and
five UPN affiliates. Chris-Craft's television stations constitute one of the
nation's largest television station groups, reaching approximately 22% of U.S.
households. Chris-Craft is a major beneficiary of the recent FCC ruling allowing
television duopoly, or ownership of two stations in a single market. The
Chris-Craft complex is debt free, with roughly $1.5 billion in cash and
marketable securities. On July 31, 2001, News Corp. (NWS - $37.15 - NYSE)
announced that it had completed its acquisition of Chris-Craft (along with BHC
and United Television). According to the terms of the deal, CCN shareholders can
elect to receive a package of cash, shares of News Corp. Preferred ADSs, or
both.
CRANE CO. (CR - $31.00 - NYSE) is a diversified industrial company that focuses
on proprietary engineered products in aerospace, fiberboard panels, vending
machines, pumps and valves and industrial controls. In April 2001, Eric Fast
became CEO of Crane. He previously served as Co-Head of Global Investment
Banking at Salomon Smith Barney and brings to Crane important skills in
deal-making, finance and public markets. We believe his appointment is timely,
as the company plans to use its free cash flow to augment internal revenue and
earnings growth with acquisitions. The combination of higher top line growth,
strong balance sheet with a 26% net debt-to-capital ratio, an estimated $700
million ($12 per share) of free cash flow over the next five years and an active
stock repurchase and debt reduction program underscore our enthusiasm for the
stock.
GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT CO. (GET - $28.80 - NYSE) is a diversified entertainment
company operating principally in two segments: hospitality and media. The
company's hospitality group consists of an interrelated group of businesses
including the Opryland Hotel Nashville, the Inn at Opryland, the General Jackson
(an entertainment showboat), and other related businesses. The media group
consists primarily of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, the Wildhorse
Saloon, Acuff-Rose Music Publishing, Word Entertainment, three Nashville radio
stations, and other related businesses. Gaylord has a new management team that
is focusing on unlocking shareholder value.
GENUINE PARTS CO. (GPC - $31.50 - NYSE), a Georgia corporation incorporated in
1928, is a service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive
replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products and
electrical/electronic materials. The Company's NAPA automotive parts
distribution centers distribute replacement parts (other than body parts) for
substantially all motor vehicle makes and models in service in the United
States, including imported vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, recreational
vehicles and farm vehicles. The Industrial Parts Group distributes a wide
variety of products to its customers, primarily industrial concerns, to maintain
and operate plants, machinery and equipment. The Office Products Group, operated
through S. P. Richards Company, is engaged in the wholesale distribution of a
broad line of office and other products that are used in the daily operation of
8
businesses, schools, offices and institutions. The Electrical/Electronic
Materials Group ("EIS") distributes materials for the manufacture and repair of
electrical and electronic apparatus. With branch locations in 38 cities
nationwide and in Mexico, this Group stocks over 100,000 items, from insulating
and conductive materials to assembly tools and test equipment.
LIBERTY MEDIA GROUP (LMG'A - $17.49 - NYSE), run by savvy media investor John
Malone, is engaged in businesses that provide programming services (including
production, acquisition and distribution through all media formats) as well as
businesses engaged in electronic retailing, direct marketing and other services.
LMG holds interests in globally-branded entertainment networks such as Discovery
Channel, USA Network, QVC, Encore and STARZ! Liberty's investment portfolio also
includes interests in international video distribution businesses, international
telephony and domestic wireless companies, plant and equipment manufacturers,
and other businesses related to broadband services. Liberty Media Group Class A
and Class B common stock are tracking stocks of AT&T, though they are scheduled
to be spun off to the tracking stock shareholders in August 2001.
MEDIA GENERAL INC. (MEG'A - $46.00 - AMEX) is a Richmond, Virginia-based
communications company that is primarily focused on the Southeast. Its newspaper
publishing operations include the RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, the WINSTON-SALEM
JOURNAL, THE TAMPA TRIBUNE, and 22 other daily newspapers. This includes 5 daily
newspapers, clustered in Alabama and South Carolina, which the company bought
from Thomson Corp. for $237 million in August 2000. The company also owns a 20
percent interest in the DENVER POST. Media General also operates twenty-six
television stations primarily located in Southeastern markets, including eight
purchased from Spartan Communications on March 27, 2000 for $605 million. The
company sold its Garden State Paper Co. to Enron Corp. (ENE - $49.10 - NYSE) for
$72 million in August 2000, but still owns 33% of SP Newsprint Company.
NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING INC. (NNS - $61.25 - NYSE) agreed to be acquired by
General Dynamics Corp. (GD - $77.81 - NYSE), the U.S. Navy's largest
shipbuilder, for $2.6 billion in cash, betting the Pentagon will reverse a 1999
decision to reject the combination. Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC - $80.10 - NYSE)
matched General Dynamics' $2.6 billion offer for NNS, seeking to keep its rival
from dominating sales of nuclear-powered ships to the U.S Navy. Northrop would
pay $67.50 per share for the defense contractor, with 75% of the bid being paid
in stock and 25% in cash. General Dynamics countered Northrop's bid by agreeing
to pay all cash. The acquisition proposals from General Dynamics and Northrop
are under regulatory review.
RALSTON PURINA CO. (RAL - $30.02 - NYSE), based in St. Louis, MO, completed the
tax-free spin-off of Energizer Holdings, Inc. on April 1, 2000. Ralston Purina
now operates in a single business segment, pet products, and is the world's
largest manufacturer of dry pet food. The company is also a leading manufacturer
of cat litter products in North America. Ralston's brands include DOG CHOW, CAT
CHOW, MEOW MIX, PRO PLAN, and TIDY CATS. In January 2001, Nestle S.A. announced
a definitive merger agreement with Ralston to acquire all shares for $33.50 per
share in cash.
SPS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (ST - $47.40 - NYSE) is a leading manufacturer of
fasteners, superalloys and magnetic materials for the aerospace, automotive and
industrial markets. The Precision Fasteners and Components group produces high
strength fasteners for the aerospace, automotive and machinery markets. The
Specialty Materials and Alloys group makes superalloys for the aerospace and
industrial gas turbine markets and the Magnetic Products group produces magnetic
materials used in automotive, electronics and other specialty applications.
Under the leadership of CEO Charlie Grigg, SPS has made 18 acquisitions since
1996 and has positioned the nearly $1 billion company to be a strategic global
supplier in the fastener and component industry. We believe the company will
continue to use its strong cash flow to augment internal revenue and earnings
growth with acquisitions.
9
STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS INC. (SMP - $13.30 - NYSE), headquartered in Long Island
City, New York, supplies functional replacement parts for the engine management,
electrical and climate control systems of cars, trucks and buses. The company
services all makes and models, both new and old cars, imported and domestic. SMP
has two primary divisions--engine management and temperature control--and
believes it is the number one supplier to the North American aftermarket in each
of these lines.
TELEPHONE & DATA SYSTEMS INC. (TDS - $108.75 - AMEX) provides mobile and local
phone services to 3.6 million customers in 35 states. TDS conducts its cellular
operations through an 81% owned United States Cellular (USM - $57.65 - AMEX) and
its wireline telephone operations through its wholly owned TDS
Telecommunications Corp. ("TDS Telecom") subsidiary, a full-service local
exchange carrier. Having completed a merger of its 82%-owned PCS subsidiary
Aerial Communications with VoiceStream Wireless, which has recently been
acquired by Deutsche Telecom (DT - $22.45 - NYSE), a former German phone
monopoly, TDS now owns 131.6 million shares of Deutsche Telecom valued at over
$2.7 billion. As part of the VoiceStream/Deutsche Telecom deal, TDS also
received $570 million in cash.
VIACOM INC. (VIA - $53.04 - NYSE) is a diversified media company with businesses
across many media platforms. The firm operates cable networks (including VH1,
MTV, Showtime and Nickelodeon), television networks and stations (including the
CBS and UPN Television networks and numerous affiliated TV stations in major
markets), major market radio stations and outdoor advertising (through Infinity
Broadcasting), a movie studio (Paramount), a publishing house (Simon and
Schuster), amusement parks (Paramount Parks) and video rental operations
(Blockbuster Inc). The company focuses on high growth businesses and aims to
deliver cash flow growth that is above the industry average.
VIVENDI UNIVERSAL SA (V - $58.00 - NYSE) recently completed its merger with
Canal Plus, of France, and Seagram, of Canada, thus creating a global
communications and entertainment powerhouse. Vivendi now owns wireless and
wireline communications companies, European cable and satellite assets, Havas
Publishing, Seagram's former Universal Film, Music, and Entertainment divisions
and a varied assortment of internet investments. Moreover, the firm owns large
stakes in USA Networks and British Sky Broadcasting. Vivendi has announced plans
to eventually spin-off Vivendi Environment, its utility subsidiary, in the next
few years. At that time, Vivendi will have completed its transition from
France's largest environmental services company to a global communications
company.
WASTE MANAGEMENT INC. (WMI - $30.82 - NYSE) merged with USA Waste in 1998, and
is now the largest solid waste company in North America. The company provides a
number of services, including collection, transfer, landfill, and recycling
services for a diverse customer base, notably the municipal, residential,
commercial, and industrial markets. Services are provided throughout the United
States as well as in Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Internationally, the
company operates in Europe, the Pacific Rim, and in South America. In addition,
Waste Management is a leading developer, operator, and owner of waste-to-energy
facilities in the U.S.
SHAREHOLDER MEETING - MAY 14, 2001 - FINAL RESULTS
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on May 14, 2001 at the
Greenwich Library in Greenwich, Connecticut. At that meeting, common and
preferred shareholders voting as a single class elected Mario J. Gabelli and
Thomas E. Bratter as Directors of the Trust. A total of 119,609,233 votes and
119,550,865 votes were cast in favor of each Director and 880,558 votes and
938,927 votes were withheld for each Director, respectively. Preferred
shareholders voting as a separate class elected Felix J. Christiana as a
Director of the Trust. A total of 4,914,531 votes were cast in favor of this
Director and 40,448 votes were withheld for this Director, respectively.
10
Anthony J. Colavita, James P. Conn, Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., Karl Otto
Pohl, Anthony R. Pustorino and Salvatore J. Zizza continue to serve in their
capacities as Directors of the Equity Trust.
We thank you for your participation and appreciate your continued support.
SPECIAL NOTE
It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of our valued friend and
Director, Felix J. Christiana. The Board of Directors acknowledges with great
appreciation the passionate contributions, guidance and friendship given by Mr.
Christiana during his long association with The Gabelli Equity Trust. The Board
of Directors and Officers of the Trust will greatly miss Mr. Christiana.
COMMON STOCK 10% DISTRIBUTION POLICY
The Equity Trust continues to maintain its 10% Distribution Policy whereby
The Equity Trust pays out to common stock shareholders 10% of its average net
assets each year. Pursuant to this policy, The Equity Trust distributed $0.27
per share on June 25, 2001. The next distribution is scheduled for September
2001.
7.25% TAX ADVANTAGED CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK - DIVIDENDS
The Trust's 7.25% Tax Advantaged Cumulative Preferred Stock paid a cash
distribution on June 25, 2001 of $0.453125 per share. For the twelve-months
ended June 30, 2001, Preferred Stock shareholders received distributions
totaling $1.8125, the annual dividend rate per share of Preferred Stock. The
next distribution is scheduled for September 2001.
WWW.GABELLI.COM
Please visit us on the Internet. Our homepage at http://www.gabelli.com
contains information about Gabelli Asset Management Inc., the Gabelli Mutual
Funds, IRAs, 401(k)s, quarterly reports, closing prices and other current news.
You can send us e-mail at info@gabelli.com.
In our efforts to bring our shareholders more timely portfolio
information, Gabelli Fund's portfolio managers regularly participate in chat
sessions at www.gabelli.com as reflected below.
WHO WHEN
--- ----
Special Chats: Mario J. Gabelli First Monday of each month
Howard Ward First Tuesday of each month
In addition, every Wednesday will feature a different portfolio manager.
The upcoming Wednesday chat schedule is as follows:
AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
------ --------- -------
1st Wednesday Caesar Bryan Walter Walsh Ivan Arteaga
2nd Wednesday Ivan Arteaga Caesar Bryan Tim O'Brien
3rd Wednesday Linda Caulkin Hart Woodson Susan Byrne
4th Wednesday Tim O'Brien Barbara Marcin Caesar Bryan
5th Wednesday Barbara Marcin Barbara Marcin
All chat sessions start at 4:15 ET. Please arrive early, as participation
is limited.
You may sign up for our HIGHLIGHTS email newsletter at www.gabelli.com and
receive early notice of chat sessions, closing mutual fund prices, news events
and media sightings.
11
IN CONCLUSION
The second quarter of 2001 got off to a good start with investors
recognizing that Federal Reserve easing and tax reform should help the economy
begin recovering in early 2002. But, yet another round of earnings warnings
shortened investors' focus and stocks gave back much of their gains. The economy
should bounce back in early 2002 and relatively easy earnings comparisons should
help the market trend higher. In the interim, we remain focused on those
industry groups and individual companies representing excellent long-term value.
Sincerely,
/S/MARIO J. GABELLI
MARIO J. GABELLI, CFA
Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer
August 8, 2001
SELECTED HOLDINGS
JUNE 30, 2001
-------------
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
Cablevision Systems Corp.
Chris-Craft Industries Inc.
Crane Co.
Genuine Parts Co.
Liberty Media Group
Media General Inc.
Ralston Purina Co.
Telephone & Data Systems Inc.
Viacom Inc.
NOTE: The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio managers
only through the end of the period stated in this report. The managers' views
are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions.
12
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO CHANGES
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
(UNAUDITED)
OWNERSHIP AT
JUNE 30,
SHARES 2001
------ ------------
NET PURCHASES
COMMON STOCKS
America Movil, SA de CV, Cl. L, ADR ........... 10,000 55,000
American Express Co. .......................... 85,000 270,000
Apogent Technologies Inc. ..................... 6,000 40,000
AT&T Canada Inc., Cl. B ....................... 10,000 20,000
AT&T Corp. .................................... 10,000 650,000
AT&T Wireless Group ........................... 5,000 65,000
AutoNation Inc. ............................... 34,000 320,000
Burlington Resources Inc. ..................... 5,000 135,000
Cable & Wireless plc, ADR ..................... 5,000 150,000
Carter-Wallace Inc. ........................... 5,000 520,000
Citizens Communications Co. ................... 25,000 50,000
Corning Inc. .................................. 30,000 60,000
Dana Corp. .................................... 50,000 84,161
Delhaize Le Lion SA, ADR (a) .................. 16,000 16,000
Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR (b) (c) .............. 24,278 24,278
Diageo plc, ADR ............................... 20,000 140,000
Dow Jones & Co. Inc. .......................... 1,000 12,000
DQE Inc. ...................................... 20,000 20,000
DTE Energy Co. (d) ............................ 10,366 10,366
Dun and Bradstreet Corp. ...................... 5,000 20,000
EMC Corp. ..................................... 20,000 30,000
Fujitsu Ltd. .................................. 3,000 41,000
General Chemical Group Inc. ................... 200,200 330,200
Gillette Co. .................................. 25,000 275,000
Givaudan SA ................................... 2,000 2,000
Gray Communications
Systems Inc., Cl. B ........................ 3,000 10,000
Gulf Canada Resources Ltd.,
New York ................................... 100,000 100,000
Gulf Canada Resources Ltd.,
Toronto .................................... 100,000 100,000
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR ............. 2,500 15,000
Hercules Inc. ................................. 30,000 100,000
Honeywell Inc. ................................ 225,000 225,000
HS Resources Inc. ............................. 50,000 50,000
IBP Inc. ...................................... 52,500 52,500
Jafco Co. Ltd. ................................ 6,000 6,000
Japan Telecom Co. Ltd. ........................ 14 46
Kerry Group plc, Cl. A ........................ 75,000 75,000
National Service Industries Inc. .............. 5,000 130,000
NEC Corp., ADR (e) ............................ 6,000 7,500
Neiman Marcus Group Inc., Cl. A ............... 50,000 50,000
Newport News Shipbuilding Inc. ................ 108,000 108,000
Nikko Securities Co. Ltd. ..................... 25,000 141,500
Northeast Utilities ........................... 10,000 75,000
Novartis AG (f) ............................... 44,850 46,000
NTL Inc. ...................................... 10,000 52,625
Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. ...................... 25,000 25,000
PepsiAmericas Inc. ............................ 99,000 590,595
Phoenix Companies Inc. ........................ 80,000 80,000
PRIMEDIA Inc. ................................. 50,000 100,000
Procter & Gamble Co. .......................... 2,000 112,000
Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd. ................ 20,000 165,000
OWNERSHIP AT
JUNE 30,
SHARES 2001
------ ------------
Rainbow Media Group (g) ....................... 210,000 210,000
Roche Holding AG (h) .......................... 17,760 17,900
Rogers Wireless Communications Inc.,
Cl. B ...................................... 7,000 80,000
Sara Lee Corp. ................................ 10,000 10,000
Schering-Plough Corp. ......................... 10,000 10,000
Sensient Technologies Corp. ................... 100,000 100,000
Shimano Inc. .................................. 12,000 32,000
SJW Corp. ..................................... 1,000 4,000
Sprint FON Group .............................. 20,000 350,000
State Street Corp. (i) ........................ 40,000 80,000
Sulzer AG ..................................... 3,000 6,000
UnitedGlobalCom Inc., Cl. A ................... 30,000 160,000
Westvaco Corp. ................................ 3,000 105,000
Willamette Industries Inc. .................... 80,000 260,000
WorldCom Inc.--MCI Group ...................... 10,000 10,000
Young Broadcasting Inc., Cl. A ................ 50,000 50,000
PREFERRED STOCKS
Northrop Grumman Corp.,
7.00% Cv. Pfd., Ser. B (j) ................. 14,021 14,021
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
---------
CORPORATE BONDS
Waste Management Inc. .........................
Sub. Deb. Cv. 4.00%, 02/01/02 .............. $ 2,000,000 $ 2,000,000
SHARES
------
WARRANTS
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd.,
ADR, expire 06/29/03 ....................... 5,000 5,000
NET SALES
COMMON STOCKS
Albertson's Inc. .............................. (15,000) 140,000
Allstate Corp. ................................ (10,000) 90,000
Amphenol Corp., Cl. A ......................... (45,000) 80,000
AOL Time Warner Inc. .......................... (15,000) 365,000
Block (H&R) Inc. .............................. (15,000) 10,000
Cablevision Systems Corp., Cl. A .............. (5,000) 415,000
Cendant Corp. ................................. (45,000) 155,000
Chris-Craft Industries Inc., Cl. B ............ (2) 592,895
Church & Dwight Co. Inc. ...................... (20,000) 25,000
Delhaize America Inc., Cl. A .................. (45,000) --
Disney (Walt) Co. ............................. (10,000) 140,000
First Union Corp. ............................. (13,000) 112,000
GC Companies Inc. ............................. (50,000) --
General Mills Inc. ............................ (15,000) 120,000
ITT Industries Inc. ........................... (2,500) 140,000
Johnson Controls Inc. ......................... (3,000) 114,000
Litton Industries Inc. ........................ (100,000) --
Loral Space & Communications Ltd. ............. (10,000) 150,000
Lucent Technologies Inc. ...................... (10,000) 60,000
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO CHANGES (CONTINUED)
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
(UNAUDITED)
OWNERSHIP AT
JUNE 30,
SHARES 2001
------ ------------
NET SALES (CONTINUED)
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
MCN Energy Group Inc. (d) ........................... (30,000) --
Midland Co. ......................................... (10,000) 100,000
Newmont Mining Corp. ................................ (5,000) 100,000
Nintendo Co. Ltd. ................................... (1,000) 9,500
Pacific Century CyberWorks Ltd., ADR ................ (5,000) 5,000
Parmalat Finanziaria SpA (k) ........................ (481,000) 169,000
PepsiCo Inc. ........................................ (15,000) 265,000
Powertel Inc. (c) ................................... (5,038) --
Rohm & Haas Co. ..................................... (5,000) 195,000
Sodexho Marriott Services Inc. ...................... (1,000) --
Stanley Electric Co. Ltd. ........................... (72,000) --
Tyler Technologies Inc. ............................. (15,000) 20,000
USA Networks Inc. ................................... (5,000) 570,000
UtiliCorp United Inc. ............................... (5,000) --
Viacom Inc., Cl. A .................................. (35,000) 865,000
VoiceStream Wireless Corp. (b) ...................... (4,992) --
Wrigley (Wm.) Jr. Co. ............................... (2,000) 150,000
XO Communications Inc., Cl. A ....................... (5,000) 10,000
RIGHTS
Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. (l) ............ (73,000) --
------------------------------
(a) Merger--0.4 shares of Delhaize Le Lion SA, ADR for every
1 share of Delhaize America Inc., Cl. A
(b) Merger--3.6683 shares of Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR for every 1 share of
VoiceStream Wireless Corp.
(c) Merger--2.6353 shares of Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR for every 1 share of
Powertel Inc.
(d) Merger--0.3455 shares of DTE Energy Co. for every 1 share of MCN Energy
Group Inc.
(e) 5 for 1 stock split
(f) 40 for 1 stock split
(g) Spinoff--1 share of Rainbow Media Group for every 2 shares of Cablevision
Systems Corp., Cl. A
(h) 100 for 1 stock split
(i) 2 for 1 stock split
(j) Merger--0.14021 shares of Northrop Grumman Corp., 7.00% Cv. Pfd., Ser. B
for every 1 share of Litton Industries Inc.
(k) 13 for 25 stock split
(l) Rights expired 04/18/01
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
14
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
COMMON STOCKS -- 81.0%
ENTERTAINMENT -- 7.8%
365,000 AOL Time Warner Inc.+ ............. $ 7,636,356 $ 19,345,000
160,000 Canal Plus, ADR+ .................. 34,010 95,632
140,000 Disney (Walt) Co. ................. 2,670,882 4,044,600
100,000 EMI Group plc, ADR ................ 1,189,467 1,125,820
25,000 Fox Entertainment
Group Inc., Cl. A+ .............. 556,125 697,500
18,432 Gemstar-TV Guide
International Inc.+ ............. 754,976 785,203
150,940 Granada Compass plc+ .............. 477,001 316,833
138,000 Grupo Televisa SA, GDR+ ........... 3,048,195 5,521,380
24,000 Liberty Livewire Corp.,
Cl. A+ .......................... 93,109 210,000
1,550,000 Liberty Media Group,
Cl. A+ .......................... 5,490,808 27,109,500
165,000 Publishing &
Broadcasting Ltd. ............... 915,408 761,250
10,000 Six Flags Inc. .................... 140,273 210,400
570,000 USA Networks Inc.+ ................ 5,581,655 15,960,000
865,000 Viacom Inc., Cl. A+ ............... 9,459,276 45,879,600
------------ ------------
38,047,541 122,062,718
------------ ------------
BROADCASTING -- 7.2%
50,000 Ackerley Group Inc. ............... 544,975 560,500
336,192 Chris-Craft Industries Inc.+ ...... 4,285,059 24,004,109
592,895 Chris-Craft Industries Inc.,
Cl. B+ (a) ...................... 8,836,175 42,332,703
16,666 Corus Entertainment Inc.,
Cl. B+ .......................... 62,036 381,079
33,000 Gray Communications
Systems Inc. .................... 438,347 628,320
10,000 Gray Communications
Systems Inc., Cl. B ............. 168,265 151,000
200,000 Liberty Corp. ..................... 8,528,905 8,000,000
4,000 Nippon Broadcasting
System Inc. ..................... 161,709 141,121
50,375 NRJ Groupe+ ....................... 483,579 759,096
120,700 Paxson Communications
Corp., Cl. A+ ................... 1,213,574 1,629,450
17,700 RTL Group (New York) .............. 775,136 1,076,619
100,000 Television Broadcasting Ltd. ...... 396,239 420,533
245,009 United Television Inc. ............ 24,632,336 30,871,134
50,000 Young Broadcasting Inc.,
Cl. A+ .......................... 1,766,245 1,679,000
------------ ------------
52,292,580 112,634,664
------------ ------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS -- 6.9%
8,132 Aliant Inc. ....................... 72,479 184,068
7,500 Allegiance Telecom Inc.+ .......... 74,063 112,425
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
30,000 ALLTEL Corp. ...................... $ 617,209 $ 1,837,800
20,000 AT&T Canada Inc., Cl. B+ .......... 612,750 602,600
650,000 AT&T Corp. ........................ 13,153,550 14,300,000
3,333 Avaya Inc.+ ....................... 26,540 45,662
230,000 BCE Inc. .......................... 6,590,343 6,049,000
33,400 Brasil Telecom
Participacoes SA, ADR ........... 1,940,826 1,403,134
25,000 BroadWing Inc.+ ................... 548,915 611,250
2,893,090 Cable & Wireless
Jamaica Ltd. .................... 101,642 150,462
95,000 Cable & Wireless plc .............. 1,170,181 558,819
150,000 Cable & Wireless plc, ADR ......... 4,070,895 2,700,000
60,000 CenturyTel Inc. ................... 430,644 1,818,000
50,000 Citizens Communications Co. ....... 679,358 601,500
255,466 Commonwealth Telephone
Enterprises Inc.+ ............... 4,424,217 10,793,439
20,000 Commonwealth Telephone
Enterprises Inc., Cl. B+ ........ 128,902 880,000
35,000 Compania de
Telecomunicaciones de
Chile SA, ADR ................... 592,324 492,800
24,278 Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR .......... 507,923 545,041
21,600 Elisa Communications
Oyj, Cl. A ...................... 1,175,397 353,100
167,000 Embratel Participacoes
SA, ADR+ ........................ 3,517,106 1,249,160
46 Japan Telecom Co. Ltd. ............ 797,468 955,294
5,000 Pacific Century CyberWorks
Ltd., ADR+ ...................... 126,772 14,350
155,000 RCN Corp.+ ........................ 1,100,476 850,950
9,655 Rogers Communications
Inc., Cl. B+ .................... 137,424 144,167
110,345 Rogers Communications
Inc., Cl. B, ADR+ ............... 1,537,198 1,671,727
115,000 SBC Communications Inc. ........... 4,106,783 4,606,900
350,000 Sprint FON Group .................. 8,833,016 7,476,000
186,554 Tele Norte Leste
Participacoes SA, ADR ........... 2,554,387 2,846,814
8,000 Telecom Argentina Stet
France Telecom SA, ADR .......... 164,771 123,600
400,040 Telecom Italia SpA ................ 839,903 3,589,807
123,000 Telecom Italia SpA, ADR ........... 2,585,208 10,824,000
265,249 Telefonica SA, ADR ................ 9,757,403 9,877,873
16,256 Telefonica SA, BDR+ ............... 206,528 201,314
36,000 Telefonos de Mexico
SA, Cl. L, ADR .................. 389,422 1,263,240
12,750 TELUS Corp. ....................... 222,542 287,336
52,500 TELUS Corp., ADR .................. 950,397 1,183,906
4,250 TELUS Corp., Non-Voting ........... 74,181 92,306
27,500 TELUS Corp.,
Non-Voting, ADR ................. 557,547 597,657
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
TELECOMMUNICATIONS (CONTINUED)
295,000 Verizon Communications ....... $10,947,457 $ 15,782,500
10,000 WorldCom Inc. - MCI Group .... 163,100 161,000
10,000 XO Communications Inc.,
Cl. A+ ..................... 91,700 19,200
----------- ------------
86,578,947 107,858,201
----------- ------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 6.0%
26,000 Aegon NV ..................... 931,905 731,858
4,100 Allianz AG ................... 1,413,422 1,203,371
90,000 Allstate Corp. ............... 2,406,026 3,959,100
270,000 American Express Co. ......... 10,472,948 10,476,000
30,000 Argonaut Group Inc. .......... 855,370 603,000
175,000 Banca Intesa SpA ............. 702,532 617,783
90,000 Banco Santander Central
Hispano SA, ADR ............ 322,130 827,100
84,000 Bank of Ireland, Dublin ...... 427,242 832,007
15,000 Bank of Ireland, London ...... 98,369 148,573
56,000 Bank of Scotland ............. 350,184 632,434
105,000 Bank One Corp. ............... 3,677,074 3,759,000
282,000 Bankgesellschaft Berlin AG ... 5,606,801 2,267,956
260 Berkshire Hathaway Inc.,
Cl. A+ ..................... 824,299 18,044,000
10,000 Block (H&R) Inc. ............. 390,250 645,500
50,000 Commerzbank AG, ADR .......... 1,189,067 1,263,505
150,000 Deutsche Bank AG, ADR ........ 6,224,445 10,717,545
20,000 Dun and Bradstreet Corp.+ .... 333,130 564,000
112,000 First Union Corp. ............ 3,505,201 3,913,280
25,000 Hibernia Corp., Cl. A ........ 198,750 445,000
20,000 Invik & Co. AB, Cl. B ........ 936,800 1,433,162
100,000 Irish Life &
Permanent plc, ............. 781,432 1,168,264
48,100 J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. ...... 1,257,712 2,145,260
6,000 Jafco Co. Ltd. ............... 694,322 572,984
64,000 Leucadia National Corp. ...... 2,040,082 2,076,800
60,000 Mellon Financial Corp. ....... 1,898,845 2,760,000
100,000 Midland Co. .................. 1,117,752 4,450,000
30,000 Moody's Corp. ................ 666,995 1,005,000
141,500 Nikko Securities Co. Ltd. .... 1,157,257 1,133,447
80,000 Phoenix Companies Inc.+ ...... 1,383,200 1,488,000
50,000 Prudential plc ............... 754,035 605,459
50,000 RAS SpA ...................... 534,750 614,608
60,000 Riggs National Corp. ......... 552,538 1,019,400
80,000 State Street Corp. ........... 1,417,370 3,959,200
30,000 Stilwell Financial Inc.+ ..... 470,955 1,006,800
20,000 SunTrust Banks Inc. .......... 419,333 1,295,600
510 Swiss Re ..................... 977,697 1,019,234
38,000 T. Rowe Price Group Inc. ..... 1,273,500 1,420,820
50,000 Unitrin Inc. ................. 817,863 1,920,000
30,000 Waddell & Reed
Financial Inc., Cl. A ...... $ 426,563 $ 952,500
----------- ------------
59,508,146 93,697,550
----------- ------------
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES -- 5.5%
100,000 AMETEK Inc. .................. 1,394,214 3,055,000
80,000 Amphenol Corp., Cl. A+ ....... 1,040,625 3,204,000
10,000 Caterpillar Inc. ............. 136,559 500,500
95,000 CIRCOR International Inc.+ ... 981,440 1,714,750
107,000 CLARCOR Inc. ................. 1,347,205 2,872,950
320,000 Deere & Co. .................. 3,134,721 12,112,000
255,000 Donaldson Co. Inc. ........... 1,676,029 7,943,250
130,000 Flowserve Corp.+ ............. 2,065,746 3,997,500
6,500 Franklin Electric Co. ........ 210,022 493,350
110,000 Gerber Scientific Inc. ....... 1,200,356 1,204,500
298,000 IDEX Corp. ................... 1,935,965 10,132,000
20,000 Ingersoll-Rand Co. ........... 713,378 824,000
60,000 Lufkin Industries Inc. ....... 1,105,223 1,656,000
1,000 Manitowoc Co. Inc. ........... 25,450 29,500
430,000 Navistar International Corp.+ 6,528,284 12,095,900
25,000 Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. ..... 375,255 400,511
20,000 PACCAR Inc. .................. 450,000 1,028,400
84,500 Sequa Corp., Cl. A+ .......... 3,371,578 3,844,750
75,000 Sequa Corp., Cl. B+ .......... 3,888,160 4,443,750
170,000 SPS Technologies Inc.+ ....... 2,963,443 8,058,000
10,000 Sybron Dental
Specialties Inc ............ 179,033 204,900
35,000 THK Co. Ltd. ................. 919,565 658,097
70,000 UCAR International Inc.+ ..... 971,360 836,500
250,000 Watts Industries Inc., Cl. A . 3,331,739 4,237,500
100,000 Weir Group plc ............... 420,789 391,685
----------- ------------
40,366,139 85,939,293
----------- ------------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS -- 5.5%
70,000 Altadis SA ................... 1,030,995 997,934
520,000 Carter-Wallace Inc. .......... 7,309,269 10,062,000
43,000 Christian Dior SA ............ 1,514,055 1,547,103
25,000 Church & Dwight Co. Inc. ..... 253,220 636,250
1,100 Compagnie Financiere
Richemont AG, C1. A ........ 1,550,184 2,815,256
35,000 Department 56 Inc.+ .......... 394,267 267,750
285,601 Energizer Holdings Inc.+ ..... 4,325,114 6,554,543
90,000 Fortune Brands Inc. .......... 2,401,342 3,452,400
250,000 Gallaher Group plc, ADR ...... 4,342,521 6,225,000
275,000 Gillette Co. ................. 8,887,126 7,972,250
2,000 Givaudan SA+ ................. 550,742 554,706
100,000 Harley Davidson Inc. ......... 251,225 4,708,000
15,000 Matsushita Electric Industrial
Co. Ltd., ADR .............. 178,325 237,000
65,000 Mattel Inc. .................. 919,565 1,229,800
25,000 Maytag Corp. ................. 768,336 731,500
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
16
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
CONSUMER PRODUCTS (CONTINUED)
42,000 National Presto Industries Inc. ...... $ 1,543,512 $ 1,247,400
9,500 Nintendo Co. Ltd. .................... 784,763 1,729,134
20,000 Philip Morris Companies Inc. ......... 600,935 1,015,000
112,000 Procter & Gamble Co. ................. 7,809,242 7,145,600
800,000 Ralston Purina Co. ................... 13,189,221 24,016,000
32,000 Shimano Inc. ......................... 521,107 471,601
1,500 Swatch Group AG ...................... 892,765 1,502,212
10,425 Syratech Corp.+ ...................... 333,704 74,278
----------- -----------
60,351,535 85,192,717
----------- -----------
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS -- 4.6%
55,000 America Movil,
SA de CV, Cl. L, ADR+ .............. 607,553 1,147,300
65,000 AT&T Wireless Group+ ................. 1,473,068 1,062,750
12,500 Leap Wireless
International Inc.+ ................ 364,116 378,750
100,000 Nextel Communications
Inc., Cl. A+ ....................... 1,763,612 1,750,000
80,000 Rogers Wireless
Communications Inc.,
Cl. B+ ............................. 1,619,676 1,381,600
220,000 Sprint PCS Group+ .................... 287,077 5,313,000
16,700 Tele Celular Sul
Participacoes SA, ADR .............. 266,992 337,340
55,666 Tele Centro Oeste Celular
Participacoes SA, ADR .............. 166,868 481,511
3,340 Tele Leste Celular
Participacoes SA, ADR .............. 89,340 134,268
8,350 Tele Nordeste Celular
Participacoes SA, ADR .............. 123,227 272,210
3,340 Tele Norte Celular
Participacoes SA, ADR .............. 51,601 90,180
1,200,000 Telecom Italia Mobile SpA ............ 1,113,354 6,115,607
8,350 Telemig Celular
Participacoes SA, ADR .............. 241,320 344,855
450,000 Telephone & Data
Systems Inc. ....................... 11,087,191 48,937,500
66,800 Telesp Celular
Participacoes SA, ADR .............. 2,135,936 1,012,020
553,888 Vodafone Group plc ................... 915,040 1,226,915
100,000 Vodafone Group plc, ADR .............. 927,768 2,235,000
----------- -----------
23,233,739 72,220,806
----------- -----------
FOOD AND BEVERAGE -- 4.4%
10,108 Advantica Restaurant
Group Inc.+ ........................ 14,358 6,570
1,000 Cadbury Schweppes plc, ADR ........... 28,008 27,200
15,000 Coca-Cola Co. ........................ 682,313 675,000
50,000 Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. ........... 816,250 817,500
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
150,940 Compass Group plc+ ................... $ 1,090,534 $ 1,207,893
90,000 Corn Products
International Inc. ................. 2,608,387 2,880,000
140,000 Diageo plc, ADR ...................... 5,174,844 6,153,000
120,000 General Mills Inc. ................... 3,501,155 5,253,600
20,000 Hain Celestial Group Inc.+ ........... 267,663 440,000
22,000 Heinz (H.J.) Co. ..................... 861,241 899,580
52,500 IBP Inc. ............................. 1,317,519 1,325,625
25,000 Interbrew SA+ ........................ 719,153 668,789
270,000 Kellogg Co. .......................... 7,515,822 7,830,000
75,000 Kerry Group plc, Cl. A ............... 860,877 864,942
60,500 LVMH Moet Hennessy
Louis Vuitton, ADR ................. 416,625 620,125
169,000 Parmalat Finanziaria SpA ............. 373,278 450,670
590,595 PepsiAmericas Inc. ................... 7,935,964 7,854,914
265,000 PepsiCo Inc. ......................... 8,132,461 11,713,000
70,000 Quaker Oats Co. ...................... 3,044,803 6,387,500
60,000 Ralcorp Holdings Inc.+ ............... 940,903 1,124,400
10,000 Sara Lee Corp. ....................... 188,640 189,400
100,830 Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. ......... 1,580,969 3,885,988
150,000 Wrigley (Wm.) Jr. Co. ................ 3,610,220 7,027,500
----------- -----------
51,681,987 68,303,196
----------- -----------
PUBLISHING -- 4.4%
12,000 Dow Jones & Co. Inc. ................. 600,392 716,520
150,000 Harcourt General Inc. ................ 6,684,706 8,728,500
646,000 Independent News & Media
plc, Dublin ........................ 1,428,821 1,285,175
97,000 McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. ........... 2,192,694 6,416,550
400,000 Media General Inc., Cl. A ............ 9,832,031 18,400,000
125,000 Meredith Corp. ....................... 2,091,314 4,476,250
115,000 New York Times Co., Cl. A ............ 790,115 4,830,000
145,000 News Corp. Ltd. ...................... 796,385 1,327,567
5,000 News Corp. Ltd., ADR ................. 54,120 185,750
57,727 Pearson plc .......................... 809,395 951,521
400,000 Penton Media Inc. .................... 4,849,118 7,000,000
100,000 PRIMEDIA Inc.+ ....................... 988,793 679,000
27,000 Pulitzer Inc. ........................ 1,189,663 1,425,600
160,000 Reader's Digest Association
Inc., Cl. B ........................ 4,110,972 4,160,000
91,842 Seat-Pagine Gialle SpA ............... 204,007 94,467
400,000 South China Morning
Post Holdings ...................... 273,726 264,115
75,000 Thomas Nelson Inc. ................... 908,325 527,250
160,000 Tribune Co. .......................... 5,390,834 6,401,600
----------- -----------
43,195,411 67,869,865
----------- -----------
ENERGY AND UTILITIES -- 3.1%
73,400 AGL Resources Inc. ................... 1,322,958 1,743,250
34,000 Apache Corp. ......................... 844,013 1,725,500
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
17
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
ENERGY AND UTILITIES (CONTINUED)
120,000 BP plc ............................ $ 725,215 $ 986,456
248,800 BP plc, ADR ....................... 5,313,984 12,402,680
135,000 Burlington Resources Inc. ......... 5,842,869 5,393,250
155,000 Conoco Inc., Cl. A ................ 3,544,449 4,371,000
20,000 DQE Inc. .......................... 424,076 450,000
10,366 DTE Energy Co. .................... 462,525 481,397
400,000 El Paso Electric Co.+ ............. 3,236,625 6,396,000
20,000 Energy East Corp. ................. 429,788 418,200
100,000 Gulf Canada Resources
Ltd., Toronto ................... 792,060 809,194
100,000 Gulf Canada Resources
Ltd., New York+ ................. 791,000 810,000
55,000 Halliburton Co. ................... 1,201,188 1,958,000
50,000 HS Resources Inc.+ ................ 3,234,912 3,240,000
210,000 Niagara Mohawk
Holdings Inc.+ .................. 3,101,421 3,714,900
100,000 NiSource Inc.+ .................... 200,000 237,000
75,000 Northeast Utilities ............... 1,479,575 1,556,250
75,000 Pennzoil-Quaker State Co.+ ........ 1,373,582 840,000
100,000 Progress Energy Inc. .............. 52,000 50,500
4,000 SJW Corp. ......................... 400,061 342,000
14,000 Southwest Gas Corp. ............... 289,625 331,520
4,907 Total Fina Elf SA ................. 655,890 687,090
----------- -----------
35,717,816 48,944,187
----------- -----------
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIAL -- 2.9%
195,000 Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp. ............ 2,627,873 2,203,500
50,000 Cooper Industries Inc. ............ 1,799,362 1,979,500
270,000 Crane Co. ......................... 5,062,737 8,370,000
102,000 GATX Corp. ........................ 1,533,375 4,090,200
150,000 GenTek Inc. ....................... 1,491,896 795,000
225,000 Honeywell Inc. .................... 8,871,100 7,872,750
140,000 ITT Industries Inc.+ .............. 4,301,122 6,195,000
390,000 Lamson & Sessions Co.+ ............ 2,415,785 2,613,000
130,000 National Service
Industries Inc. ................. 2,957,029 2,934,100
78,715 Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.+ ......... 993,487 377,832
100,000 Sensient Technologies Corp. ....... 1,835,688 2,052,000
12,420 Smith Industries plc .............. 223,040 144,108
6,000 Sulzer AG ......................... 3,258,451 1,909,478
82,000 Swire Pacific Ltd., Cl. A ......... 553,597 424,738
75,000 Thomas Industries Inc. ............ 769,882 2,212,500
50,000 Trinity Industries Inc. ........... 945,000 1,025,000
----------- -----------
39,639,424 45,198,706
----------- -----------
CABLE -- 2.5%
415,000 Cablevision Systems Corp.,
Cl. A+ .......................... 3,990,027 24,277,500
40,000 Comcast Corp., Cl. A .............. 341,837 1,718,000
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
90,000 Comcast Corp., Cl. A,
Special ......................... $ 797,342 $ 3,906,000
52,625 NTL Inc.+ ......................... 1,571,545 634,131
210,000 Rainbow Media Group+ .............. 713,251 5,418,000
20,000 Shaw Communications Inc.,
Cl. B ........................... 52,983 472,601
80,000 Shaw Communications Inc.,
Cl. B, Non-Voting+ .............. 329,198 1,899,200
160,000 UnitedGlobalCom Inc.,
Cl. A+ .......................... 3,293,088 1,384,000
----------- -----------
11,089,271 39,709,432
----------- -----------
AUTOMOTIVE: PARTS AND ACCESSORIES -- 2.4%
20,000 ArvinMeritor Inc. ................. 387,543 334,800
25,802 Borg-Warner Automotive
Inc. ............................ 1,143,687 1,280,295
84,161 Dana Corp. ........................ 1,838,975 1,964,318
70,000 Delphi Automotive
Systems Corp.+ .................. 801,192 1,115,100
260,000 GenCorp Inc. ...................... 2,470,673 3,328,000
195,000 Genuine Parts Co. ................. 4,985,542 6,142,500
114,000 Johnson Controls Inc. ............. 1,890,245 8,261,580
90,000 Midas Inc. ........................ 1,372,349 1,134,000
330,000 Modine Manufacturing Co. .......... 4,284,009 9,101,400
80,000 Scheib (Earl) Inc.+ ............... 749,281 216,800
163,000 Standard Motor Products Inc. ...... 1,748,388 2,167,900
70,000 Superior Industries
International Inc. .............. 1,819,682 2,681,000
105,000 TransPro Inc. ..................... 936,808 399,000
----------- -----------
24,428,374 38,126,693
----------- -----------
PAPER AND FOREST PRODUCTS -- 2.1%
260,000 Greif Bros. Corp., Cl. A .......... 4,845,131 7,891,000
3,400 Greif Bros. Corp., Cl. B .......... 69,825 95,200
180,000 Pactiv Corp.+ ..................... 1,875,631 2,412,000
5,000 Sealed Air Corp.+ ................. 147,125 186,250
253,000 St. Joe Co. ....................... 1,873,208 6,803,170
105,000 Westvaco Corp. .................... 2,856,244 2,550,450
260,000 Willamette Industries Inc. ........ 12,279,247 12,870,000
----------- -----------
23,946,411 32,808,070
........... ...........
HEALTH CARE -- 1.8%
40,000 American Home
Products Corp. .................. 1,929,781 2,337,600
60,000 Amgen Inc.+ ....................... 256,894 3,640,800
40,000 Apogent Technologies Inc.+ ........ 803,368 984,000
10,000 AstraZeneca plc, London ........... 385,298 465,944
35,146 AstraZeneca plc,
Stockholm ....................... 1,255,532 1,624,107
10,000 Aventis SA ........................ 748,895 798,314
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
18
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
HEALTH CARE (CONTINUED)
26,000 Biogen Inc.+ ...................... $ 181,025 $ 1,413,360
75,036 GlaxoSmithKline plc+ .............. 1,817,378 2,110,628
4,000 GlaxoSmithKline plc, ADR .......... 216,096 224,800
56,011 Invitrogen Corp.+ ................. 2,678,982 4,021,590
46,000 Novartis AG ....................... 1,431,247 1,664,840
108,000 Novartis AG, Registered ........... 948,510 3,904,200
45,000 Pfizer Inc. ....................... 240,750 1,802,250
17,900 Roche Holding AG .................. 1,644,702 1,289,704
20,000 Sanofi-Synthelabo SA .............. 967,750 1,312,180
10,000 Schering-Plough Corp. ............. 354,700 362,400
18,000 Takeda Chemical
Industries Ltd. ................. 1,013,551 837,105
----------- -----------
16,874,459 28,793,822
----------- -----------
HOTELS AND GAMING -- 1.6%
120,000 Aztar Corp.+ ...................... 843,207 1,452,000
90,000 Boca Resorts Inc., Cl. A+ ......... 787,000 1,325,700
234,500 Gaylord Entertainment Co. ......... 6,082,795 6,753,600
5,000 GTECH Holdings Corp.+ ............. 86,269 177,550
1,045,000 Hilton Group plc .................. 3,273,996 3,512,579
550,000 Hilton Hotels Corp. ............... 6,002,739 6,380,000
20,000 MGM Mirage Inc.+ .................. 516,903 599,200
430,000 Park Place
Entertainment Corp.+ ............ 2,424,893 5,203,000
----------- -----------
20,017,802 25,403,629
----------- -----------
BUSINESS SERVICES -- 1.4%
60,000 ANC Rental Corp.+ ................. 578,273 180,000
155,000 Cendant Corp.+ .................... 2,382,422 3,022,500
1,000 CheckFree Corp.+ .................. 9,040 35,070
100,000 Landauer Inc. ..................... 647,252 3,000,000
58,500 Nashua Corp.+ ..................... 548,437 406,575
10,833 Reuters Group plc, ADR ............ 815,788 842,266
13,000 Secom Co. Ltd. .................... 813,097 725,491
250,000 Securicor Group plc ............... 0 574,870
3,500 SYNAVANT Inc.+ .................... 27,506 24,885
30,900 Vivendi Universal SA .............. 2,117,043 1,801,044
205,000 Vivendi Universal SA, ADR ......... 8,281,893 11,890,000
----------- -----------
16,220,751 22,502,701
----------- -----------
RETAIL -- 1.3%
140,000 Albertson's Inc. .................. 3,704,724 4,198,600
320,000 AutoNation Inc.+ .................. 3,605,501 3,712,000
14,000 Coldwater Creek Inc.+ ............. 259,128 364,000
16,000 Delhaize Le Lion SA, ADR .......... 908,672 938,400
100,000 Lillian Vernon Corp. .............. 1,362,258 706,000
50,000 Neiman Marcus Group Inc.,
Cl. A+ .......................... 1,647,739 1,550,000
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
320,000 Neiman Marcus Group Inc.,
Cl. B+ .......................... $ 7,741,769 $ 9,440,000
----------- -----------
19,229,791 20,909,000
----------- -----------
SPECIALTY CHEMICALS -- 1.1%
5,400 Ciba Specialty Chemicals,
ADR+ (b) ........................ 21,140 159,560
10,000 du Pont de Nemours
(E.I.) & Co. .................... 327,500 482,400
315,000 Ferro Corp. ....................... 5,692,776 6,870,150
12,000 Fuller (H.B.) Co. ................. 457,469 598,800
330,200 General Chemical
Group Inc. ...................... 491,993 138,684
100,000 Hercules Inc.+ .................... 1,371,047 1,130,000
210,000 Omnova Solutions Inc. ............. 1,767,940 1,528,800
195,000 Rohm & Haas Co. ................... 6,060,568 6,415,500
11,697 Syngenta AG, ADR+ ................. 22,129 126,328
----------- -----------
16,212,562 17,450,222
----------- -----------
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION -- 0.9%
112,500 CRH plc ........................... 1,363,025 1,885,730
32,222 Huttig Building
Products Inc.+ .................. 81,163 163,366
15,000 Martin Marietta
Materials Inc. .................. 322,687 742,350
108,000 Newport News
Shipbuilding Inc. ............... 7,016,903 6,615,000
144,000 Nortek Inc.+ ...................... 1,930,643 4,495,680
5,000 Nortek Inc.,
Special Common+ (a) ............. 72,155 156,100
----------- -----------
10,786,576 14,058,226
----------- -----------
REAL ESTATE -- 0.9%
450,000 Catellus Development Corp.+ ....... 6,751,839 7,852,500
75,000 Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd. ....... 871,487 817,346
44,000 Florida East Coast
Industries Inc., Cl. A .......... 523,108 1,557,600
58,451 Florida East Coast
Industries Inc., Cl. B .......... 964,977 2,063,320
55,000 Griffin Land &
Nurseries Inc.+ ................. 513,143 914,100
4,753 HomeFed Corp.+ .................... 851 4,515
----------- -----------
9,625,405 13,209,381
----------- -----------
AGRICULTURE -- 0.8%
1,000,000 Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. ........ 13,728,377 13,000,000
5,000 Delta & Pine Land Co. ............. 84,396 98,250
----------- -----------
13,812,773 13,098,250
----------- -----------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
19
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES -- 0.8%
60,000 Republic Services Inc.+ ........... $ 783,447 $ 1,191,000
350,000 Waste Management Inc. ............. 6,492,192 10,787,000
----------- -----------
7,275,639 11,978,000
----------- -----------
ELECTRONICS -- 0.7%
41,000 Fujitsu Ltd. ...................... 1,199,088 430,660
3,000 Hitachi Ltd., ADR ................. 218,796 296,970
9,000 Molex Inc., Cl. A ................. 315,766 268,380
7,500 NEC Corp., ADR .................... 43,625 102,825
26,640 Philips Electronics NV ............ 1,041,219 706,121
38,800 Philips Electronics NV, ADR ....... 53,456 1,025,484
5,100 Rohm Co. Ltd. ..................... 1,151,127 792,507
11,000 Sony Corp. ........................ 898,956 723,246
34,000 Sony Corp., ADR ................... 973,924 2,237,200
200,000 Thomas & Betts Corp. .............. 3,514,300 4,414,000
----------- -----------
9,410,257 10,997,393
----------- -----------
AUTOMOTIVE -- 0.7%
10,000 Ford Motor Co. .................... 309,640 245,500
157,942 General Motors Corp. .............. 4,799,093 10,163,568
----------- -----------
5,108,733 10,409,068
----------- -----------
AEROSPACE -- 0.7%
125,000 BAE Systems plc ................... 754,039 598,603
100,000 Lockheed Martin Corp. ............. 2,641,248 3,705,000
75,000 Northrop Grumman Corp. ............ 4,812,089 6,007,500
----------- -----------
8,207,376 10,311,103
----------- -----------
CONSUMER SERVICES -- 0.7%
40,000 Loewen Group Inc. ................. 48,700 5,200
510,000 Rollins Inc. ...................... 5,737,037 10,154,100
----------- -----------
5,785,737 10,159,300
----------- -----------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT -- 0.6%
68,000 Acterna Corp.+ .................... 245,121 748,000
290,000 Allen Telecom Inc.+ ............... 2,191,166 4,350,000
60,000 Corning Inc. ...................... 1,305,700 1,002,600
60,000 Lucent Technologies Inc. .......... 691,358 372,000
50,000 Motorola Inc. ..................... 662,503 828,000
27,000 Nokia Corp., Cl. A, ADR ........... 755,119 595,080
44,000 Scientific-Atlanta Inc. ........... 355,750 1,786,400
----------- -----------
6,206,717 9,682,080
----------- -----------
AVIATION: PARTS AND SERVICES -- 0.5%
98,000 Curtiss-Wright Corp. .............. 2,425,885 5,262,600
110,000 Fairchild Corp., Cl. A+ ........... 1,442,877 771,100
44,000 Precision Castparts Corp. ......... 729,212 1,646,480
----------- -----------
4,597,974 7,680,180
----------- -----------
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
SATELLITE -- 0.3%
180,323 General Motors Corp.,
Cl. H+ .......................... $ 2,584,089 $ 3,651,541
340,000 Liberty Satellite &
Technology Inc., Cl. A+ ......... 900,012 867,000
150,000 Loral Space &
Communications Ltd.+ ............ 1,538,188 420,000
----------- -----------
5,022,289 4,938,541
----------- -----------
TRANSPORTATION -- 0.2%
72,000 AMR Corp.+ ........................ 1,400,590 2,601,360
7,500 Kansas City Southern
Industries Inc. ................. 13,986 118,500
31,273 MIF Ltd.+ ......................... 449,997 390,262
30,000 Ryder System Inc. ................. 641,175 588,000
----------- -----------
2,505,748 3,698,122
----------- -----------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND SERVICES -- 0.2%
20,000 Capcom Co. Ltd. ................... 684,260 692,776
15,000 Computer Associates
International Inc. .............. 401,031 540,000
30,000 EMC Corp.+ ........................ 816,684 871,500
150,000 Genuity Inc.+ ..................... 790,729 468,000
2,500 Obic Co. Ltd. ..................... 401,284 563,081
20,000 Tyler Technologies Inc. ........... 93,975 48,000
----------- -----------
3,187,963 3,183,357
----------- -----------
CLOSED END FUNDS -- 0.2%
59,000 Central European Equity
Fund Inc. ....................... 740,735 677,320
70,000 Dresdner RCM
Europe Fund Inc. ................ 512,662 641,200
18,592 France Growth Fund Inc. ........... 184,695 153,756
40,250 Italy Fund Inc. ................... 360,845 322,000
68,000 New Germany Fund Inc. ............. 750,658 478,720
45,942 Royce Value Trust Inc. ............ 519,501 743,801
----------- -----------
3,069,096 3,016,797
----------- -----------
METALS AND MINING -- 0.2%
72,500 Harmony Gold Mining Co. ...........
Ltd. ............................ 347,738 421,808
15,000 Harmony Gold Mining Co. ...........
Ltd., ADR ....................... 79,800 85,350
100,000 Newmont Mining Corp. .............. 1,911,924 1,861,000
50,000 Placer Dome Inc. .................. 487,169 490,000
----------- -----------
2,826,631 2,858,158
----------- -----------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
20
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
MARKET
SHARES COST VALUE
------ ---- ------
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
COMPUTER HARDWARE -- 0.1%
44,000 Hewlett-Packard Co. ............ $ 1,792,291 $ 1,258,400
15,000 Xerox Corp. .................... 183,562 143,550
------------ --------------
1,975,853 1,401,950
------------ --------------
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES -- 0.0%
10,000 Benesse Corp. .................. 1,029,239 313,513
------------ --------------
TOTAL COMMON
STOCKS ....................... 779,066,692 1,266,618,891
------------ --------------
PREFERRED STOCKS -- 0.2%
AEROSPACE -- 0.2%
14,021 Northrop Grumman Corp.,
7.00% Cv. Pfd., Ser. B ....... 1,633,727 1,500,247
------------ --------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS-- 0.0%
15,000 Citizens Communications Co.,
5.00% Cv. Pfd. ............... 772,625 750,000
------------ --------------
BROADCASTING -- 0.0%
40,000 ProSieben Sat.1 Media
AG, Pfd. ..................... 568,909 568,894
------------ --------------
PUBLISHING -- 0.0%
10,000 News Corp. Ltd., Pfd., ADR ..... 157,103 324,000
------------ --------------
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS -- 0.0%
10,760,547 Telesp Celular
Participacoes SA, Pfd.+ ...... 82,623 65,697
------------ --------------
TOTAL PREFERRED
STOCKS ....................... 3,214,987 3,208,838
------------ --------------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
---------
CORPORATE BONDS -- 0.3%
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES -- 0.1%
$2,000,000 Waste Management Inc.
Sub. Deb. Cv.
4.00%, 02/01/02 .............. 1,975,000 1,982,500
------------ --------------
AUTOMOTIVE: PARTS AND ACCESSORIES -- 0.1%
1,500,000 Standard Motor Products Inc.,
Sub. Deb. Cv.
6.75%, 07/15/09 .............. 1,428,251 1,055,625
------------ --------------
AVIATION: PARTS AND SERVICES -- 0.1%
1,000,000 Kaman Corp.,
Sub. Deb. Cv.
6.00%, 03/15/12 .............. 941,337 955,000
------------ --------------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
---------
PUBLISHING-- 0.0%
$ 200,000 News America Holdings Inc.,
Sub. Deb. Cv.
Zero Coupon, 03/31/02 ........ $ 185,424 $ 321,250
------------ --------------
HOTELS AND GAMING-- 0.0%
230,000 Hilton Hotels Corp.,
Sub. Deb. Cv.
5.00%, 05/15/06 .............. 187,145 208,150
------------ --------------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS-- 0.0%
1,000,000 Pillowtex Corp.,
Sub. Deb. Cv.
6.00%, 03/15/12+ ............. 406,180 156
------------ --------------
TOTAL CORPORATE
BONDS ........................ 5,123,337 4,522,681
------------ --------------
SHARES
------
WARRANTS -- 0.0%
METALS AND MINING -- 0.0%
5,000 Harmony Gold Mining Co.
Ltd., ADR,
expire 06/29/03 .............. 0 9,450
------------ --------------
FOOD AND BEVERAGE -- 0.0%
62,463 Advantica Restaurant
Group Inc.,
expire 01/07/05+ ............. 105,603 1,874
------------ --------------
TOTAL WARRANTS ................. 105,603 11,324
------------ --------------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
---------
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS -- 17.3%
$273,000,000 U.S. Treasury Bills,
3.42% to 3.74%++,
due 07/12/01 to 12/13/01(c) 271,040,110 270,988,344
------------ --------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS -- 2.0%
30,513,000 Agreement with State State
Bank & Trust Co.,
3.96%, dated 06/29/01,
due 07/02/01, proceeds
at maturity $30,155,344 (d) 30,513,000 30,513,000
------------ --------------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
21
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
MARKET
COST VALUE
--------------- ---------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 100.8% ............................... $ 1,089,063,729 $ 1,575,863,078
===============
OTHER ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND
LIQUIDATION VALUE OF
CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK -- (19.9)% ................... (311,948,917)
---------------
NET ASSETS - COMMON STOCK -- 80.9%
(127,620,323 common shares outstanding) ................ 1,263,914,161
---------------
NET ASSETS - PREFERRED STOCK -- 19.1%
(11,967,900 preferred shares outstanding) .............. 299,197,500
---------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS -- 100.0% ................................ $ 1,563,111,661
===============
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($1,263,914,161 [DIVIDE] 127,620,323 shares outstanding) $9.90
=====
PRINCIPAL SETTLEMENT NET UNREALIZED
AMOUNT DATE APPRECIATION
---------------------------------------------------- -
FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
6,627,723(e) Deliver Hong Kong Dollars
in exchange for
USD 849,804 ..................................... 08/03/01 $ 4,196
===============
NUMBER OF NET UNREALIZED
CONTRACTS APPRECIATION
--------- --------------
FUTURES CONTRACTS -- SHORT POSITION
150 S&P 500 Index Futures
09/20/01 ................................................... $ 1,931,250
===============
---------------
For Federal tax purposes:
Aggregate cost ............................................... $ 1,089,063,729
===============
Gross unrealized appreciation ................................ $ 528,412,749
Gross unrealized depreciation ................................ (41,613,400)
===============
Net unrealized appreciation .................................. $ 486,799,349
===============
---------------
(a) Security fair valued under procedures established by the Board
of Directors.
(b) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions
exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At
June 30, 2001, the market value of Rule 144A securities amounted to
$159,560 or 0.0% of total net assets.
(c) At June 30, 2001, $6,500,000 of the principal amount was pledged as
collateral for futures contracts.
(d) Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Bond, 8.50%, due 02/15/20, market value
$45,643,487.
(e) Principal amount denoted in Hong Kong Dollars.
+ Non-income producing security.
++ Represents annualized yield at date of purchase.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt
BDR - Brazilian Depositary Receipt
USD - United States Dollars
GDR - Global Depositary Receipt
% of
Market Market
Value Value
------ --------------
GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSIFICATION
United States ............... 87.3% $1,375,015,401
Europe ...................... 9.2 145,088,695
Asia/Pacific Rim ............ 1.3 21,254,213
Canada ...................... 1.1 17,061,640
Latin America ............... 1.1 16,935,971
South Africa ................ 0.0 507,158
------ --------------
Total Investments ........... 100.0% $1,575,863,078
====== ==============
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
22
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS:
Investments, at value (Cost $1,089,063,729) .............. $1,575,863,078
Cash and foreign currency, at value (Cost $23,990) ....... 23,457
Dividends and interest receivable ........................ 1,561,855
Receivable for investments sold .......................... 92,130
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign
exchange contracts .................................... 4,196
Other assets ............................................. 41,038
--------------
TOTAL ASSETS ............................................. 1,577,585,754
--------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for investments purchased ........................ 3,626,424
Dividends payable ........................................ 9,095,003
Variation margin ......................................... 176,250
Payable for investment advisory fee ...................... 1,038,616
Other accrued expenses and liabilities ................... 537,800
--------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES ........................................ 14,474,093
--------------
NET ASSETS ............................................... $1,563,111,661
==============
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Cumulative Preferred Stock (7.25%, $25.00
liquidation value, $0.001 par
value, 8,000,000 shares authorized with
5,367,900 shares issued and outstanding) .............. $ 134,197,500
Cumulative Preferred Stock (7.20%, $25.00
liquidation value, $0.001 par value,
8,000,000 shares authorized with
6,600,000 shares issued and outstanding) .............. 165,000,000
Capital stock, at par value .............................. 127,620
Additional paid-in capital ............................... 806,359,006
Distributions in excess of net realized gain on
investments, futures contracts and foreign
currency transactions ................................. (31,282,956)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, futures
contracts and foreign currency transactions ........... 488,710,491
--------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS ......................................... $1,563,111,661
==============
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($1,263,914,161 [DIVIDE] 127,620,323 shares
outstanding; 184,000,000 shares
authorized of $0.001 par value) ....................... $9.90
=====
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 (UNAUDITED)
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends (net of foreign taxes of $516,128) .............. $ 7,756,939
Interest .................................................. 3,853,938
------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME ................................... 11,610,877
------------
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees .................................. 6,259,704
Shareholder communications expenses ....................... 208,749
Shareholder services fees ................................. 174,944
Directors' fees ........................................... 70,956
Custodian fees ............................................ 70,945
Legal and audit fees ...................................... 70,568
Payroll ................................................... 70,014
Miscellaneous expenses .................................... 66,986
------------
TOTAL EXPENSES ............................................ 6,992,866
------------
LESS: CUSTODIAL FEE CREDIT ................................ (28,552)
------------
NET EXPENSES .............................................. 6,964,314
------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..................................... 4,646,563
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND FOREIGN
CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS:
Net realized gain on investments .......................... 24,870,057
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions ........ (108,048)
Net realized gain on futures contracts .................... 14,800,465
------------
Net realized gain on investments, futures contracts
and foreign currency transactions ...................... 39,562,474
------------
Net change in net unrealized appreciation/
depreciation on investments, futures contracts
and foreign currency transactions ...................... (19,698,012)
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
ON INVESTMENTS, FUTURES CONTRACTS
AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS ...................... 19,864,462
------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS ........................................ $ 24,511,025
============
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
23
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2001 YEAR ENDED
(UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2000
---------------- -----------------
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................................................. $ 4,646,563 $ 5,453,347
Net realized gain on investments, futures contracts and foreign
currency transactions .............................................. 39,562,474 139,784,787
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments,
futures contracts and foreign currency transactions ................ (19,698,012) (193,936,839)
-------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ....... 24,511,025 (48,698,705)
-------------- --------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
Net investment income ................................................. (4,340,463) (4,400,558)
Net realized gain on investments, futures contracts and foreign
currency transactions .............................................. (35,003,008) (133,922,564)
In excess of net realized gains on investments, futures contracts
and foreign currency transactions .................................. (29,649,749) (2,381,208)
-------------- --------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS ...................... (68,993,220) (140,704,330)
-------------- --------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
Net investment income ................................................. (306,100) (304,788)
Net realized gain on investments, futures contracts and foreign
currency transactions .............................................. (4,559,466) (9,440,571)
-------------- --------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED STOCK SHAREHOLDERS ................... (4,865,566) (9,745,359)
-------------- --------------
TRUST SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net increase in net assets from Equity Trust share transactions ....... 8,588,558 14,165,101
Shares issued in rights offering ...................................... 126,303,145 --
Net increase from issuance of preferred stock ......................... 159,329,175 --
Net decrease from repurchase of preferred stock ....................... (24,870) (394,388)
-------------- --------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM EQUITY TRUST SHARE TRANSACTIONS ....... 294,196,008 13,770,713
-------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS ................................. 244,848,247 (185,377,681)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period ................................................... 1,318,263,414 1,503,641,095
-------------- --------------
End of period ......................................................... $1,563,111,661 $1,318,263,414
-------------- --------------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
24
THE GABELLI EQUITYTRUST INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION. The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. ("Equity Trust") is a closed-end,
non-diversified management investment company organized as a Maryland
corporation on May 20, 1986 and registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), whose primary objective is long-term growth
of capital. The Equity Trust had no operations until August 11, 1986, when it
sold 10,696 shares of common stock to Gabelli Funds, LLC (the "Adviser") for
$100,008. Investment operations commenced on August 21, 1986.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES. The preparation of financial statements in
accordance with 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
Equity Trust in the preparation of its financial statements.
SECURITY VALUATION. Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally
recognized securities exchange, quoted by the National Association of Securities
Dealers Automated Quotations, Inc. ("Nasdaq") or traded on foreign exchanges are
valued at the last sale price on that exchange 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, except for open short positions, which are
valued at the last asked price). All other portfolio securities for which
over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the
latest average of the bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted
on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price. 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"). Securities and assets for which market
quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general
supervision of the Board of Directors. Short term debt securities with remaining
maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless the Directors
determine such does not reflect the securities' fair value, in which case these
securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by the Directors.
Debt instruments having a maturity greater than 60 days are valued at the
highest bid price obtained from a dealer maintaining an active market in those
securities. Options are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which
they are listed. If no sales of such options have taken place that day, they
will be valued at the mean between their closing bid and asked prices.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Equity Trust may enter into repurchase
agreements with primary government securities dealers recognized by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York, with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or
with other brokers or dealers that meet credit guidelines established by the
Adviser and reviewed by the Board of Directors. Under the terms of a typical
repurchase agreement, the Equity Trust takes possession of an underlying debt
obligation subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the Equity
Trust to resell, the obligation at an agreed-upon price and time, thereby
determining the yield during the Equity Trust's holding period. The Equity Trust
will always receive and maintain securities as collateral whose market value,
including accrued interest, will be at least equal to 100% of the dollar amount
invested by the Equity Trust in each agreement. The Equity Trust will make
payment for such securities only upon physical delivery or upon evidence of book
entry transfer of the collateral to the account of the custodian. To the extent
that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the
collateral is marked-to-market on a daily basis to maintain the adequacy of the
collateral. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or
if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the
security, realization of the collateral by the Equity Trust may be delayed or
limited.
25
THE GABELLI EQUITYTRUST INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (UNAUDITED)
OPTIONS. The Equity Trust may purchase or write call or put options on
securities or indices. As a writer of call options, the Equity Trust receives a
premium at the outset and then bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the
price of the financial instrument underlying the option. The Equity Trust would
incur a loss if the price of the underlying financial instrument increases
between the date the option is written and the date on which the option is
terminated. The Equity Trust would realize a gain, to the extent of the premium,
if the price of the financial instrument decreases between those dates.
As a purchaser of put options, the Equity Trust pays a premium for the
right to sell to the seller of the put option the underlying security at a
specified price. The seller of the put has the obligation to purchase the
underlying security upon exercise at the exercise price. If the price of the
underlying security declines, the Equity Trust would realize a gain upon sale or
exercise. If the price of the underlying security increases, the Equity Trust
would realize a loss upon sale or at expiration date, but only to the extent of
the premium paid.
The option activity for Equity Trust for the six months ended June 30,
2001 was as follows:
NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS PREMIUMS
---------- --------
Call options outstanding at December 31, 2000 ...... 250 $417,375
Call options written during the period ............. -- --
Call options expired during the period ............. -- --
Call options closed during the period .............. (250) (417,375)
---- --------
Call options outstanding at June 30, 2001 .......... -- $ --
==== =======
FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Equity Trust 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. Such investments will
only be made if they are economically appropriate to the reduction of risks
involved in the management of the Equity Trust's investments. Upon entering into
a futures contract, the Equity Trust 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 Equity Trust each day, depending on the
daily fluctuation of the value of the ___ contract. ___ The daily ___ changes in
the contract are included in ___ unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
investments and futures contracts. The Equity Trust 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 device. 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 the
Equity Trust may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an
illiquid secondary market.
FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. The Equity Trust may engage in forward
foreign exchange contracts for 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 investments and
foreign currency transactions. When the contract is closed, the Equity Trust
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.
26
THE GABELLI EQUITYTRUST INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (UNAUDITED)
The use of forward foreign exchange contracts does not eliminate
fluctuations in the underlying prices of the Equity Trust'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/(loss) that might result should the value of the currency increase. In
addition, the Equity Trust could be exposed to risks if the counterparties to
the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. The books and records of the Equity Trust
are maintained in United States (U.S.) dollars. Foreign currencies, investments
and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the
exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, and 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, which 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 transactions. 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 Equity Trust and the amounts actually received. The
portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in exchange
rates between the initial trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included
in realized gain/(loss) on investments.
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME. Securities transactions are
accounted for as of 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 as earned.
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Distributions to shareholders
are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income distributions and capital gain
distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may
differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are
primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment
securities held by the Equity Trust, timing differences and differing
characterization of distributions made by the Equity Trust. Distributions to
shareholders of the Equity Trust's 7.25% Tax Advantaged Cumulative Preferred
Stock and 7.20% Tax Advantaged Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Cumulative
Preferred Stock") are accrued on a daily basis and are determined as described
in Note 5.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The Equity Trust intends to continue to
qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a result, a Federal income tax provision is
not required.
Dividends and interest from non-U.S. sources received by the Equity Trust
are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes at rates ranging up to 30%.
Such withholding taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of
applicable U.S. income tax treaties, and the Equity Trust intends to undertake
any procedural steps required to claim the benefits of such treaties. If the
value of more than 50% of the Equity Trust's total net assets at the close of
any taxable year consists of stocks or securities of non-U.S. corporations, the
Equity Trust is permitted and may elect to treat any non-U.S. taxes paid by it
as paid by its shareholders.
3. AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. The Equity Trust has entered
into an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the
Adviser which provides that the Equity Trust will pay the Adviser a fee,
computed weekly and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 1.00% of the value
of the Equity Trust's average weekly net assets.
27
THE GABELLI EQUITYTRUST INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (UNAUDITED)
In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous
investment program for the Equity Trust's portfolio and oversees the
administration of all aspects of the Equity Trust's business and affairs. The
Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets
attributable to the Cumulative Preferred Stock if the total return of the net
asset value of the common shares of the Equity Trust, including distributions
and advisory fee subject to reduction, does not exceed the stated dividend rate
of the Cumulative Preferred Stock. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, the
Equity Trust's total return on the net asset value of the common shares did not
exceed the stated dividend rate of the Cumulative Preferred Stock. Thus, such
management fees were not earned on the incremental assets.
During the six months ended June 30, 2001, Gabelli & Company, Inc. and its
affiliates received $205,981 in brokerage commissions as a result of executing
agency transactions in portfolio securities on behalf of the Equity Trust.
4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of
securities, other than short-term securities, for the six months ended June 30,
2001 aggregated $123,070,523 and $104,931,950, respectively.
5. CAPITAL. The Articles of Incorporation, dated May 19, 1986, permit the Equity
Trust to issue 184,000,000 shares of common stock (par value $0.001). The Board
of Directors of the Equity Trust has authorized the repurchase of its shares on
the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more (or
such other percentage as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time)
from the net asset value of the shares. During the six months ended June 30,
2001, the Equity Trust did not repurchase any shares of its common stock in the
open market.
Transactions in capital stock were as follows:
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2001 YEAR ENDED
(UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2000
-------------------------- --------------------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount
---------- ------------ --------- ------------
Shares issued in rights offering ....................... 18,114,735 $126,303,145 -- --
Shares issued upon reinvestment
of dividends and distributions ....................... 817,178 8,588,558 1,311,793 $ 14,165,101
---------- ------------ --------- ------------
Net increase ........................................... 18,931,913 $134,891,703 1,311,793 $ 14,165,101
========== ============ ========= ============
The Equity Trust's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, authorize the
issuance of up to 16,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value Cumulative Preferred
Stock. On June 20, 2001, the Equity Trust received net proceeds of $159,329,175
(after underwriting discounts of $5,197,500 and estimated offering expenses of
$473,325) from the public offering of 6,600,000 shares of 7.20% Cumulative
Preferred Stock. The Cumulative Preferred Stock is senior to the common stock
and results in the financial leveraging of the common stock. Such leveraging
tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to Common Shareholders.
Dividends on shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock are cumulative. The Equity
Trust is required to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the
Cumulative Preferred Stock. If the Equity Trust fails to meet these requirements
and does not correct such failure, the Equity Trust may be required to redeem,
in part or in full, the Cumulative Preferred Stock at a redemption price of
$25.00 per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends
whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet these requirements.
Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset requirements could restrict
the Equity Trust's ability to pay dividends to Common Shareholders and could
lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. Commencing June 9,
2003 and thereafter, the Equity Trust, at its option, may redeem the 7.25%
Cumulative Preferred Stock in whole or in part at the redemption price. During
the six
28
THE GABELLI EQUITYTRUST INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (UNAUDITED)
months ended June 30, 2001, the Equity Trust repurchased 1,000 shares of 7.25%
Cumulative Preferred Stock at a cost of $24,870 and an average price of $24.87
per share. During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Equity Trust repurchased
17,500 shares of 7.25% Cumulative Preferred Stock at a cost of $394,388 and at
an average price of $22.54 per share. At June 30, 2001, 5,367,900 shares of the
7.25% Cumulative Preferred Stock were outstanding at the fixed dividend rate of
7.25 percent per share and accrued dividends amounted to $135,129. Commencing
June 20, 2006 and thereafter, the Equity Trust, at its option, may redeem the
7.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock in whole or in part at the redemption price.
During the six months ended June 30, 2001, the Equity Trust did not repurchase
any shares of 7.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock. At June 30, 2001, 6,600,000
shares of the 7.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock were outstanding at the fixed
rate of 7.20 percent per share and accrued dividends amounted to $330,000. The
income received on the Equity Trust's assets may vary in a manner unrelated to
the fixed rate, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on
net investment income and gains available to Common Shareholders.
The holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock have voting rights equivalent to
those of the holders of common stock (one vote per share) and will vote together
with holders of shares of common stock as a single class. In addition, the 1940
Act requires that along with approval of a majority of the holders of common
stock, approval of a majority of the holders of any outstanding shares of
Cumulative Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, would be required to
(a) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the Cumulative
Preferred Stock, and (b) take any action requiring a vote of security holders,
including, among other things, changes in the Trust's subclassification as a
closed-end investment company or changes in its fundamental investment
restrictions.
6. RIGHTS OFFERING. On January 10, 2001, the Equity Trust distributed one
transferable right for each of the 108,688,408 common shares outstanding to
shareholders of record on that date. Six rights were required to purchase one
additional common share at the subscription price of $7.00 per share. The
subscription period expired on February 13, 2001. The rights offering was fully
subscribed resulting in the issuance of 18,114,735 common shares and proceeds of
$126,803,145 to the Equity Trust, prior to the deduction of estimated expenses
of $500,000. The net asset value per share of the Equity Trust common
shareholders was reduced by approximately $0.56 per share as a result of the
issuance.
29
THE GABELLI EQUITYTRUST INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
SELECTED DATA FOR AN EQUITY TRUST COMMON SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD: JUNE 30, 2001(A) ------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING PERFORMANCE: (UNAUDITED) 2000(A) 1999(A) 1998(A) 1997(A) 1996(A)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.89 $ 12.75 $ 11.47 $ 11.56 $ 9.77 $ 9.95
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.07 0.08 0.11
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments 0.16 (0.51) 3.25 1.09 2.75 0.71
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 0.20 (0.46) 3.29 1.16 2.83 0.82
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Decrease in net asset value from
EquityTrust share transactions (0.56) -- -- -- -- --
Offering expenses charged to capital surplus (0.05) -- -- (0.04) -- --
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
Net investment income (0.04) (0.04) (0.03)(b) (0.06) (0.08) (0.11)
In excess of net investment income -- -- -- -- (0.00)(c) --
Net realized gain on investments (0.27) (1.25) (1.21)(b) (1.10) (0.92) (0.78)
In excess of net realized gain on investments (0.23) (0.02) -- -- (0.01) (0.00)(c)
Paid-in capital -- -- (0.68)(b) -- (0.03) (0.11)
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
Net investment income (0.00)(c) (0.00)(c) (0.00)(c) (0.00)(c) -- --
Net realized gain on investments (0.04) (0.09) (0.09) (0.05) -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total distributions (0.58) (1.40) (2.01) (1.21) (1.04) (1.00)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 9.90 $ 10.89 $ 12.75 $ 11.47 $ 11.56 $ 9.77
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Net asset value total return+ 0.73% (4.39)% 29.49% 9.55% 30.46% 9.00%
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Market value, end of period $ 11.48 $ 11.44 $ 12.56 $ 11.56 $ 11.69 $ 9.38
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Total investment return++ 11.21% 1.91% 26.57% 9.23% 37.46% 11.00%
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON
STOCK SHAREHOLDERS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $1,563,112 $1,318,263 $1,503,641 $1,352,190 $1,210,570 $1,015,437
Net assets attributable to common shares,
end of period (in 000's) $1,263,914 $1,184,041 $1,368,981 $1,217,190 $1,210,570 $1,015,437
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets attributable to common stock 0.73%(f) 0.42% 0.34% 0.60% 0.76% 1.07%
Ratio of operating expenses to average
net assets attributable to common stock 1.10%(f) 1.14% 1.27% 1.15% 1.14% 1.18%
Ratio of operating expenses to average
total net assets (e) 0.99%(f) 1.03% 1.15% 1.09% 1.14% 1.18%
Portfolio turnover rate 8.3% 32.1% 38.0% 39.8% 39.2% 18.9%
7.25% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK:
Liquidation value, end of period (in 000's) $ 134,198 $ 134,223 $ 134,660 $ 135,000 -- --
Total shares outstanding (in 000's) 5,368 5,369 5,386 5,400 -- --
Asset coverage 523% 972% 1,117% 1,001% -- --
Liquidation preference per share $ 25.00 $ 25.00 $ 25.00 $ 25.00 -- --
Average market value (d) $ 25.23 $ 22.62 $ 24.43 $ 25.63 -- --
7.20% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK:
Liquidation value, end of period (in 000's) $ 165,000 -- -- -- -- --
Total shares outstanding (in 000's) 6,600 -- -- -- -- --
Asset coverage 523% -- -- -- -- --
Liquidation preference per share $ 25.00 -- -- -- -- --
Average market value (d) $ 25.09 -- -- -- -- --
--------------------------
+ Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of
distributions, including the effect of shares issued pursuant to rights
offering, assuming full subscription by shareholder. Total return for the
period of less than one year is not annualized.
++ Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of
distributions, including the effect of shares issued pursuant to rights
offering, assuming full subscription by shareholder. Total return for the
period of less than one year is not annualized.
(a) Per share amounts have been calculated using the monthly average shares
outstanding method.
(b) A distribution equivalent to $0.75 per share for The Gabelli Utility Trust
spin-off from net investment income, realized short-term gains, realized
long-term gains, and paid-in-capital were $0.01029, $0.07453, $0.34218 and
$0.32300, respectively.
(c) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(d) Based on weekly prices.
(e) Amounts are attributable to both common and preferred stock assets.
Prior to 1998, there was no preferred stock outstanding.
(f) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
30
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN
ENROLLMENT IN THE PLAN
It is the policy of The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. ("Equity Trust") to
automatically reinvest dividends. As a "registered" shareholder you
automatically become a participant in the Equity Trust's Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan authorizes the Equity Trust to issue
shares to participants upon an income dividend or a capital gains distribution
regardless of whether the shares are trading at a discount or a premium to net
asset value. All distributions to shareholders whose shares are registered in
their own names will be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan in
additional shares of the Equity Trust. Plan participants may send their stock
certificates to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") to be held
in their dividend reinvestment account. Registered shareholders wishing to
receive their distribution in cash must submit this request in writing to:
The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc.
c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 8200
Boston, MA 02266-8200
Shareholders requesting this cash election must include the shareholder's
name and address as they appear on the share certificate. Shareholders with
additional questions regarding the Plan may contact State Street at 1 (800)
336-6983.
SHAREHOLDERS WISHING TO LIQUIDATE REINVESTED SHARES held at State Street
Bank must do so in writing or by telephone. Please submit your request to the
above mentioned address or telephone number. Include in your request your name,
address and account number. The cost to liquidate shares is $2.50 per
transaction as well as the brokerage commission incurred. Brokerage charges are
expected to be less than the usual brokerage charge for such transactions.
If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or nominee, you
should contact such institution. If such institution is not participating in the
Plan, your account will be credited with a cash dividend. In order to
participate in the Plan through such institution, it may be necessary for you to
have your shares taken out of "street name" and re-registered in your own name.
Once registered in your own name your dividends will be automatically
reinvested. Certain brokers participate in the Plan. Shareholders holding shares
in "street name" at participating institutions will have dividends automatically
reinvested. Shareholders wishing a cash dividend at such institution must
contact their broker to make this change.
The number of shares of Common Stock distributed to participants in the
Plan in lieu of cash dividends is determined in the following manner. Under the
Plan, whenever the market price of the Equity Trust's Common Stock is equal to
or exceeds net asset value at the time shares are valued for purposes of
determining the number of shares equivalent to the cash dividends or capital
gains distribution, participants are issued shares of Common Stock valued at the
greater of (i) the net asset value as most recently determined or (ii) 95% of
the then current market price of the Equity Trust's Common Stock. The valuation
date is the dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a New
York Stock Exchange trading day, the next trading day. If the net asset value of
the Common Stock at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the Common
Stock, participants will receive shares from the Equity Trust valued at market
price. If the Equity Trust should declare a dividend or capital gains
distribution payable only in cash, State Street will buy Common Stock in the
open market, or on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the
participants' accounts, except that State Street will endeavor to terminate
purchases in the open market and cause the Equity Trust to issue shares at net
asset value if, following the commencement of such purchases, the market value
of the Common Stock exceeds the then current net asset value.
31
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions
will not relieve participants of any income tax which may be payable on such
distributions. A participant in the Plan will be treated for Federal income tax
purposes as having received, on a dividend payment date, a dividend or
distribution in an amount equal to the cash the participant could have received
instead of shares.
The Equity Trust reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as
applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution
paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to the members of the Plan
at least 90 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The
Plan also may be amended or terminated by State Street on at least 90 days'
written notice to participants in the Plan.
VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN
The Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan is yet another vehicle for our
shareholders to increase their investment in the Equity Trust. In order to
participate in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, shareholders must have their
shares registered in their own name.
Participants in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan have the option of making
additional cash payments to State Street for investments in the Equity Trust's
shares at the then current market price. Shareholders may send an amount from
$250 to $10,000. State Street will use these funds to purchase shares in the
open market on or about the 15th of each month. State Street will charge each
shareholder who participates $0.75, plus a pro rata share of the brokerage
commissions. Brokerage charges for such purchases are expected to be less than
the usual brokerage charge for such transactions. It is suggested that any
voluntary cash payments be sent to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box
8200, Boston, MA 02266-8200 such that State Street receives such payments
approximately 10 days before the 15th of the month. Funds not received at least
five days before the investment date shall be held for investment in the
following month. A payment may be withdrawn without charge if notice is received
by State Street at least 48 hours before such payment is to be invested.
For more information regarding the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and
Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, brochures are available by calling (914) 921-5070
or by writing directly to the Equity Trust.
32
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
ONE CORPORATE CENTER, RYE, NY 10580-1434
DIRECTORS
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
CHAIRMAN & CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER,
GABELLI ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
Dr. Thomas E. Bratter
PRESIDENT, JOHN DEWEY ACADEMY
Anthony J. Colavita
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,
ANTHONY J. COLAVITA, P.C.
James P. Conn
FORMER MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER,
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.
Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,
AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
Karl Otto Pohl
FORMER PRESIDENT, DEUTSCHE BUNDESBANK
Anthony R. Pustorino
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT,
PROFESSOR EMERITUS, PACE UNIVERSITY
Salvatore J. Zizza
CHAIRMAN, HALLMARK ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES CORP.
OFFICERS
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
PRESIDENT & CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Bruce N. Alpert
VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER
Carter W. Austin
VICE PRESIDENT
James E. McKee
SECRETARY
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1434
CUSTODIAN
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company
COUNSEL
Willkie Farr & Gallagher
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
State Street Bank and Trust Company
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
COMMON 7.25% PREFERRED 7.20% PREFERRED
----------- --------------- ---------------
NYSE-
Symbol: GAB GAB Pr GAB PrB
Shares
Outstanding: 127,620,323 5,367,900 6,600,000
The Net Asset Value appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the
heading "General Equity Funds," in Sunday's The New York Times and in Monday's
The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barron's Mutual Funds/Closed End
Funds section under the heading "General Equity Funds".
The Net Asset Value may be obtained each day by calling (914) 921-5071.
For general information about the Gabelli Funds,
call 1-800-GABELLI (1-800-422-3554), fax us at
914-921-5118, visit Gabelli Funds' Internet
homepage at: HTTP://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 Equity Trust may, from time to time,
purchase shares of its common stock in the open market when the Equity Trust
shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from the net asset value of
the shares. The Equity Trust may also, from time to time, purchase shares of
its Cumulative Preferred Stock in the open market when the shares are trading
at a discount to the Liquidation Value of $25.00.
THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.
ONE CORPORATE CENTER
RYE, NY 10580-1434
(914) 921-5070
HTTP://WWW.GABELLI.COM
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 30, 2001
GBFCM 06/01