UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number: 811-21901

 

 

Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC

2500 Westchester Avenue, Suite 215

Purchase, New York, 10577

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)

 

  (Name and Address of Agent for Service) Copy to:  
       
  Samuel A. Lieber
Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC
2500 Westchester Avenue, Suite 215
Purchase, New York, 10577
(914) 251-0880
Rose DiMartino
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, LLP
1875 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006-1238
 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (914) 251-0880

 

Date of fiscal year end: October 31

 

Date of reporting period: November 1, 2013 - April 30, 2014

 

Item 1: Shareholder Report

 

Global Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

April 30,

2014

 

Semi-Annual Report

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Alpine View 1
  Manager Commentary 3
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments 10
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities 13
  Statement of Operations 14
  Statements of Changes in Net Assets 15
  Financial Highlights 16
  Notes to Financial Statements 17
  Additional Information 23
     
     

 

 
Alpine View
 April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

The President’s Letter

 

Are We There Yet?

 

Over the past five years and two months since the S&P 500® Index intraday low of just under 667, the Index appreciated to 1,884 on April 30, 2014. Indeed, new highs subsequent to April 30 have extended the strong gains of 2013. During the past five years, we have seen a gradual, if not steady, improvement in global economic and financial market conditions, most notably in the U.S. This has been reflected in the outperformance of the U.S. equity indices over broad global and emerging market indices (MSCI World Index and MSCI Emerging Market Index) since mid-2011 but in particular for 2013 through April 30, 2014. On a cumulative basis, the U.S. market has finally recouped the lost jobs which occurred during the 2008-2009 recession and we have seen improvements in unemployment rates of other countries although, broadly speaking, Europe is a notable laggard.

 

This painfully slow recovery has been accomplished not by economic strategy or fiscal policy but rather on the backs of the world’s major Central Banks. Japan has been a notable exception to this pattern of constrained action, albeit they too are relying upon flexible Central Bank policy. Fundamentally, quantitative easing (QE) in the U.S., via buying bonds related to treasuries and mortgages, is currently being reduced by “tapering” the amount. It is expected that the U.K. may continue its QE program for a little longer and that the European Central Bank (ECB) may also adopt a modified QE program. Japan will continue its QE program and will likely add more fiscal stimulus over the coming year in the form of tax cuts or financial incentives for targeted businesses and investments. Even the few countries which have been tightening monetary policies over the past year including India, China and Brazil, are expected to be nearly done. We may see further loosening of monetary policy in China imminently, followed by India and Brazil over the next year. The ultimate impact of these Central Bank policies is how commercial banks and/or capital markets provide additional funding for their clients. Differing banking/ corporate/retail clientele relationships require varying mechanisms to transmit downstream the impact of monetary policies in different countries. Suffice it to say, some countries have seen financial liquidity support the residential or retail capital sector via mortgages and car loans, while others have emphasized the corporate sector. For example, mortgage rates in the U.K. are almost exclusively ‘floating rate,’ which, in combination with the government’s “help to buy” 95% loan to value program means that a lot of capital has been injected into the household sector. In contrast, the U.S. where tight credit standards and banks’ continued caution on accepting high loan to value mortgages has, in fact, constrained the household sector. This, in turn, has dampened retail sales in the U.S. leading many marginal store chains to either contract or restructure operations, while in the U.K., retail sales were up 4% year over year.

 

Indeed, the big impact of financial liquidity in the U.S. has been the appreciation of stock and bond prices. This has created an ongoing surge in refinancing of corporate debt, which has significantly increased the earnings potential of many companies over the last

number of years. Today’s historic low lending rates in Europe and near historic low rates in the U.S. might normally have been expected to fuel a resurgence in capital expenditures (capex) on new or improved production facilities or research activity by corporations. However, the continued poor utilization of superfluous or inefficient plants and machinery has, in combination with slow demand growth, limited corporate capital expenditures. Either demand must grow or such capacity must be eliminated before capex resumes.

 

Instead, corporations have been using their low cost of debt to fund either mergers and acquisitions (M&A), or return cash to shareholders via dividends or share buybacks. We have recently witnessed the largest overall aggregate dividend in history as Vodafone distributed $23.9 billion to shareholders while Apple distributed $30 billion in the form of share buybacks over 2013 in addition to their substantial dividend payouts. While the U.S. is the center of such activity, we believe it may spread increasingly across the globe. The U.S. has also been the center of the M&A activity as businesses seek to increase market share or expand to new products by acquiring them from other companies using inexpensive capital. While this may work in positive fashion for both the acquirer and the seller in terms of delivering value for shareholders and growth going forward, it is not adding positive investment in new facilities or increased employment. Often “Merger Synergies” are derived from eliminating redundant jobs and production facilities. That said, we believe that over time, facilities expansion will take place if demand continues to recover and inefficient productive capacity is rationalized. Thus, eventually, the pace of job growth and then wages should accelerate.

 

Another effect of this significant flood of financial liquidity is that the financial markets have experienced rather low volatility, which many investors have viewed in recent years as a measure of reduced risk. Witness the CBOE SPX Volatility Index (VIX Index) which peaked in 2008 at a level of 80 and has averaged just over 20 for the past ten years. The historic low in January 2007 was at 9.9, while the level at the end of April 2014 was 13.4 and has subsequently dropped below 12 during the month of May. This does not mean that there is no volatility in the stock market as significant rotation has occurred among sectors such as biotech, software and mobile technologies which offer the prospect of great long term growth and, thus, command very high price to earnings ratios. By comparison, the best performing stocks on a year to date basis are interest sensitive stocks such as utilities and real estate investment trusts (REITs) which reflect the strong performance of U.S. Treasury bonds, which rallied from over 3.00% yield on December 31, 2013 to the April close of 2.65% and in May to levels below last July’s 2.48%.

 

Interest rates are still near historic lows. Further easing in Europe along with recent weak U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) performance and depressed retail sales in the U.S. are factors contributing to the current low rate environment, as is the uncertainty over broad global economic recovery. However, when economic activity picks up, possibly in the fall, and more likely next year as excess capacity continues to be absorbed, we would expect to see another reversal in bonds. We do not expect such a reversal


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 1
 

Alpine View (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

would be as violent as last May’s spike in yields, when many leveraged participants utilizing similar carry trades or other forms of financing were forced to reduce positions and take losses. Over the medium term, we expect that sustained moderate growth in the U.S. with continued recapitalization of European banks in a pattern following the past several years’ recovery in the U.S. may unfold. We expect limited price pressure over the medium term but that eventual demand growth resulting in new orders will collide with reduced industrial capacity to gradually create modest upward pressure for prices and wages.

 

During the interim period though, we would expect politics to intrude on the global economy in different fashions as unhappy or dissatisfied electorates work to remove or change the existing regimes and bring in new or at least different political perspectives. While their promises may prove empty, many politicians will attempt to solve some of the pressing issues related to quality of life. We suspect this will precipitate increased spending on infrastructure, housing and healthcare. We believe that many politicians will not utilize taxation, nor print more debt to fund such activity. Instead an emphasis of government oversight utilizing corporate management and private investment capital, or so called public private partnerships (PPP) could become a larger component of delivering services to meet the needs of expanding global population centers. In other words, we expect that the major drivers of long-term economic activity, which include developed as well as emerging markets, will continue to be an underlying theme over coming quarters as well as years. That, combined with new technologies used to access, communicate and transact business, pleasure or daily needs, will continue to be significant factors as we strive to maintain efficiency and security in our daily lives. This will continue to drive the prospects for stock performance even when interest rates return to historically “normal” levels.

 

Thank you for your interest and support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Samuel A. Lieber
President

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.The specific market, sector or investment conditions that contribute to a Fund’s performance may not be replicated in future periods.

 

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Please refer to individual fund letters for risks specific to that fund.

 

This letter and the letter that follows represent the opinions of the Funds’ management and are subject to change, are not guaranteed and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. The information provided is not intended to be, and is not, a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, or investment advice.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC provides filing administration for Alpine’s closed-end funds. The Funds are not bought or sold through Quasar Distributors; the Alpine closed-end funds are bought and sold through non-affiliated broker/dealers and trade on nationally recognized stock exchanges.

 

Capex (aka Capitalization Expenditure) are funds used by a company to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as property, industrial buildings or equipment. This type of outlay is made by companies to maintain or increase the scope of their operations.

 

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX Index) — Chicago Board Options Exchange SPX Volatility Index reflects a market estimate of future volatility, based on the weighted average of the implied volatilities for a wide range of strikes.

 

MSCI World Index is a free-float weighted equity index which includes developed world markets, and does not include emerging markets. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI.

 

Price/Earnings Ratio (P/E) is a valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its per-share earnings. Normalized earnings — earnings metric that shows you what earnings look like smoothed out in the long run, taking into account the cyclical changes in an economy or stock.

 

This is a closed-end fund and does not continuously offer shares.


 

2

 
Manager Commentary
 April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

We are pleased to report the results for the Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund (“AGD”) for the six month period ending April 30, 2014. For this period, the Fund generated a total return of 5.91% based on NAV and a 4.88% return on the market price of AGD, versus the MSCI All Country World Index, which had a total return of 5.48%. All returns include reinvestment of all distributions. The Fund distributed $0.376 per share during the period.

 

During this fiscal period, the Board of Trustees of AGD approved an increase in the monthly distribution from $0.06 per share to $0.064 per share, and a 1 for 2 reverse stock split, both effective in January 2014 (distribution per share is on a post-split basis). Upon completion of the stock split, each shareholder’s account reflected fewer shares with a higher net asset value and market price per share. Each shareholder holds the same percentage of the Fund’s outstanding common shares immediately following the reverse stock split as held immediately prior to the split, subject to adjustments for the sale of fractional shares resulting from the transaction. The Fund’s monthly distribution was increased based on the Fund’s performance since the current team began managing the Fund in December 2012, the Adviser’s view of the Fund’s long-term return potential, and the level of dividend income the Fund expected to be able to generate over the year. We continue to monitor these and other factors to evaluate the appropriate distribution level.

 

Economic Analysis

 

Although stocks in most developed markets advanced during the six month period ending April 30, 2014, it was a volatile period characterized by a sell-off in emerging markets, increased geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in the United States amidst a transition in leadership at the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”). Economic data were mixed, with extremely cold weather affecting spending patterns in the United States this winter, and sluggish growth in Europe bringing a fresh round of deflation worries. That said, macroeconomic conditions in the United States and in the Eurozone continued to be broadly supportive of a moderate recovery.

 

We believe the slow recovery is the result of 1) the reluctance of U.S. banks to lend at the same levels as they did prior to the global financial crisis, 2) a less accommodative fiscal policy in the United States, and 3) a still sluggish U.S. housing market plagued by historically low mortgage originations. Bond yields in the United States remained low as the Fed reassured investors that despite the tapering of quantitative easing, interest rates would remain low for an extended period. Consequently, interest rate-sensitive sectors in the U.S. outperformed more cyclical sectors, with U.S. utilities up 13.63% as measured by the S&P 500® Utilities Index in the period. European sovereign yields decreased with both the Italian and Spanish ten-year yields dropping to multi-year lows, driving a similar rally with European utilities up 13.79% (in USD) as measured by the MSCI Europe Utilities Index. Emerging markets continued to lag behind developed markets in the period, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index posting a total return of -2.98% vs. 8.59% for the MSCI Europe Index, 8.35% for the S&P 500 Index, and 5.48% for the MSCI All Country World Index. In Brazil, potential risk of power rationing

was complicated by election politics. In China, the tightening of credit conditions and the consequent slowing of growth weighed on sectors dependent on government spending. Finally, the Russian annexation of Crimea brought investor concern about further aggression and the resulting economic impacts.

 

Portfolio Analysis

 

For the six month period ending April 30, 2014, the information technology and industrials sectors had the greatest positive relative effect on the Fund’s total return. In the information technology sector, the Fund benefited from its exposure to companies that had a specific catalyst such as Avago Technologies, with its accretive acquisition of LSI Corporation. In the industrials sector, the Fund benefited from owning companies with transformational events such as Abengoa SA, which is in the midst of a dramatic restructuring plan involving asset sales, debt reduction and the formation of a “yield co”. Financials and Energy were the sectors that had the greatest negative effect on total return. Financials underperformed due to the Fund’s exposure to several global banks located outside of the United States. In the energy sector, the fund underperformed primarily due to its exposure to Scorpio Tankers, which suffered from near term demand weakness in the product tanker market caused by an unusually cold winter among other transient factors.

 

The top five stocks contributing to the Fund’s performance for the six month period ended April 30, 2014 based on contribution to total return were Avago Technologies, Abengoa SA, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd, Walgreen Co., and Apple.

 

Semiconductor manufacturer Avago Technologies received a boost during the period due to the announcement of its highly accretive acquisition of LSI Corporation. From a fundamental standpoint, Avago continued to benefit from the roll out of next generation (4G LTE) wireless networks. In addition, two of the company’s competitors in the market announced plans to merge their businesses, which we believe should be a long term positive for the industry.

 

Abengoa SA, an engineering and construction company focusing on the energy and water sectors, continued to execute on its turnaround plan, announcing new projects awards, further asset sales and additional debt reduction. In addition, it announced the plan to form a “yield co”, which would allow it to sell concessions from the parent company to a newly formed company, potentially allowing Abengoa to unlock significant value from its owned concessions.

 

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd is a shipping port primarily on the west coast of India. The company reported strong growth in port traffic and announced a potential strategic acquisition of Dhamra Port on the eastern coast of India. The stock also rallied in anticipation of Narendra Modi (a charismatic, pro-business candidate) winning India’s general election.

 

Walgreen Co, the largest drugstore chain in the United States with over 8,600 stores, outperformed during the period as the company continued to reap the benefits of its highly accretive and strategic


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 3
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

acquisition of UK retailer and pharmaceutical wholesaler Alliance Boots. The company also capitalized on the wave of generic drug launch activity through its distribution agreement with AmerisourceBergen, which allowed Walgreen to benefit from greater purchasing scale, distribution efficiencies and global growth opportunities.

 

Innovative technology leader Apple was a positive contributor to the Fund after it reported second quarter results in which iPhone sales and gross margins were better than expected. Apple capitalized on its momentous deal to sell iPhones on China Mobile’s vast network. Furthermore, the company announced a $30 billion share buyback and a dividend increase.

 

The following stocks had the largest adverse impact on the performance of the Fund based on contribution to total return for the six month period ended April 30, 2014: Sberbank Russia OJSC., Scorpio Tankers, CHC Group Ltd, American Eagle Outfitters, and East Japan Railway Company.

 

Sberbank Russia OJSC, Russia’s largest bank, underperformed during the period as the escalation of political turmoil in Ukraine led to concerns about a slowdown in Russia and its impact on loan growth and nonperforming loans. Fundamentally, the company continued to perform well with strong loan growth and solid cost controls, but provisioning expenses rose, reflecting the deteriorating macro environment.

 

Scorpio Tankers, which owns the world’s largest and most modern fleet of refined oil product tankers, underperformed during the period as an extremely cold winter increased domestic fuel demand, decreasing the attractiveness of shipping European gasoline to the U.S. and putting downward pressure on spot rates for product tankers.

 

CHC Group Ltd, a helicopter services provider for the oil and gas industry, underperformed as spending discipline in the offshore oil and gas industry led to some pricing pressure for the company and delayed its progress in deleveraging its balance sheet. CHC Group plans to offer a detailed update this summer on its restructuring efforts that may alleviate any balance sheet concerns.

 

American Eagle Outfitters is a specialty retailer of apparel targeting 15 to 25-year-olds. The company reported declining sales and gross margins for its 4th quarter, driven by poor customer response to the company’s core fashion merchandise, and exacerbated by weak traffic and a highly promotional retail environment. In addition, in January the CEO unexpectedly stepped down. We no longer own shares of the stock.

 

East Japan Railway Company is one of Japan’s leading rail carriers. The company’s shares underperformed during the period as investors took profits after a total return of over 25% (USD) in calendar 2013, and some concern that the April 2014 consumption tax increase may impact demand. We believe that the company is undervalued due to its strong rail franchise and its underappreciated real estate, and thus continue to hold the stock.

In order to achieve its dividend, the Fund participated in a number of dividend capture strategies including (1) purchasing shares in the stock of a regular dividend payer before an upcoming ex-date and selling after the ex-date, (2) purchasing shares before an anticipated special dividend and selling opportunistically after the ex-date of the dividend, and (3) purchasing additional shares in stocks that the Fund already owns before the ex-date and selling the original shares after the ex-date, thus receiving a dividend on a larger position. The Fund’s turnover has decreased this period compared to the first half of fiscal year 2013, as it invested in several companies that paid large special dividends. We have also used leverage at times in the execution of these strategies this semi-annual period. While there is the potential for market loss on the shares that are held for a short period, we seek to use these strategies to generate additional income with limited impact on the construction of the core portfolio.

 

We have hedged a portion of our currency exposures to the Euro, Swiss Franc, Japanese Yen and British Pound in an effort to reduce our net currency exposure.

 

Summary

 

We believe that global macroeconomic conditions generally remain positive for stocks, although the market environment remains fairly uncertain. In developed markets, we are mindful that expectations have continued to rise as growth has returned and financial risks have largely faded. In the United States, fiscal policy should be less of a drag and monetary policy will likely remain quite accommodative as the Federal Reserve unwinds its quantitative easing program at a measured pace. In Europe, we see similar characteristics but believe equity valuations are slightly more attractive, and the European Central Bank’s dovish bias should provide good support for stocks. In emerging markets, we see a mixed picture with better underlying economic growth, temporarily overshadowed by upcoming presidential or parliamentary elections in countries such as Brazil, India, South Africa and Turkey. This macro backdrop together with our view that equity market valuations are fairly robust, lead us to continue to take a more conservative investment stance.

 

Beyond the macroeconomic environment, the Fund continues to emphasize its focus on what we view as high quality companies with strong balance sheets and strong potential to grow earnings and dividends amidst an uncertain macro environment. Despite the extended bull market we have experienced in several markets across the globe, we believe there are still plenty of opportunities to invest in companies with a history of paying strong dividends at attractive prices with potential for solid earnings growth. We will continue to adapt our investment approach as economic conditions change and look forward to discussing the portfolio and the prospects for the Fund in future communications.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brian Hennessey
Joshua E. Duitz

Portfolio Managers


 

4

 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
 April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Please refer to the Schedule of Portfolio Investments for fund holdings information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

 

Current and future holdings are subject to risk.

 

This letter represents the opinions of the Fund’s management and is subject to change, is not guaranteed and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.

 

The information provided is not intended to be, and is not, a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, or investment advice. Views expressed may vary from those of the firm as a whole.

 

Favorable tax treatment of Fund distributions may be adversely affected, changed or repealed by future changes in tax laws. Alpine may not be able to anticipate the level of dividends that companies may pay in any given timeframe.

 

The Fund’s monthly distributions may consist of net investment income, net realized capital gains and/or a return of capital. If a distribution includes anything other than net investment income, the Fund will provide a notice of the best estimate of its distribution sources when distributed, which will be posted on the Fund’s website, or can be obtained by calling 1-800-617-7616. We estimate that Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund did not pay any distributions during the fiscal semi-annual period ending April 30, 2014 through a return of capital. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income”. Final determination of the federal income tax characteristics of distributions paid during calendar year will be provided on U.S. Form 1099-DIV, which will be mailed to shareholders. Please consult your tax advisor for further information.

 

The Fund may invest in equity-linked securities and various other derivative instruments, which may be illiquid, and which may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

 

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund is subject to risks, including the following:

 

Credit Risk – Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation.

Currency Risk – The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation.

 

Dividend Strategy Risk – The Fund’s strategy of investing in dividend-paying stocks involves the risk that such stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the market. Companies that issue dividend paying-stocks are not required to continue to pay dividends on such stocks. Therefore, there is the possibility that such companies could reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends in the future. The Fund may hold securities for short periods of time related to the dividend payment periods and may experience loss during these periods.

 

Emerging Market Securities Risk – The risks of foreign investments are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems that are less fully developed and are less stable than those of more developed countries. They are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility.

 

Equity Securities Risk – The stock or other security of a company may not perform as well as expected, and may decrease in value, because of factors related to the company (such as poorer than expected earnings or certain management decisions) or to the industry in which the company is engaged (such as a reduction in the demand for products or services in a particular industry).

 

Foreign Currency Transactions Risk – Foreign securities are often denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, the value of the Fund’s shares is affected by changes in exchange rates. The Fund may enter into foreign currency transactions to try to manage this risk. The Fund’s ability to use foreign currency transactions successfully depends on a number of factors, including the foreign currency transactions being available at prices that are not too costly, the availability of liquid markets and the ability of the Adviser to accurately predict the direction of changes in currency exchange rates. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against possible losses on foreign investments resulting from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Although this method attempts to protect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency, it does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities and while such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase.


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 5
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

Foreign Securities Risk – The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk. Foreign countries in which the Fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid, less regulated and more volatile than U.S. markets. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable government actions, and political or financial instability. Lack of information may also affect the value of these securities. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when investing in issuers of emerging market countries.

 

Growth Stock Risk – Growth stocks are stocks of companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in revenue and earnings. Growth stocks typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth stocks typically fall. Growth stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the market concentrates on undervalued stocks.

 

Initial Public Offerings and Secondary Offerings Risk – The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in shares of IPOs or secondary offerings of an issuer. IPOs and secondary offerings may have a magnified impact on the performance of a Fund with a small asset base. The impact of IPOs and secondary offerings on a Fund’s performance likely will decrease as the Fund’s asset size increases, which could reduce a Fund’s returns. IPOs and secondary offerings may not be consistently available to the Fund for investing. IPO and secondary offering shares frequently are volatile in price due to the absence of a prior public market, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. Therefore, the Fund may hold IPO and secondary offering shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund and may lead to increased expenses for the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, IPO and secondary offering shares can experience an immediate drop in value if the demand for the securities does not continue to support the offering price.

 

Leverage Risk – The Fund may use leverage to purchase securities. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be magnified when the Fund uses leverage.

 

Management Risk – The Adviser’s judgment about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or sector, or about interest rates generally, may be incorrect. The Adviser’s security selections and other investment decisions might produce losses or cause the Fund to underperform when compared to other funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.

 

Market Risk – The price of a security held by the Fund may fall due to changing market, economic or political conditions.

 

Micro-Capitalization Company Risk – Stock prices of micro-capitalization companies are significantly more volatile, and more vulnerable to adverse business and economic developments than those

of larger companies. Micro-capitalization companies often have narrower markets for their goods and/or services and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, including small- or medium-capitalization companies.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk – High portfolio turnover necessarily results in greater transaction costs which may reduce Fund performance.

 

Qualified Dividend Tax Risk – Favorable U.S. federal tax treatment of Fund distributions may be adversely affected, changed or repealed by future changes in tax laws.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Company Risk – Securities of small or medium capitalization companies are more likely to experience sharper swings in market values, less liquid markets, in which it may be more difficult for the Adviser to sell at times and at prices that the Adviser believes appropriate and generally are more volatile than those of larger companies.

 

Swaps Risk – Swap agreements are derivative instruments that can be individually negotiated and structured to address exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates, foreign currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates. The Fund also may enter into swaptions, which are options to enter into a swap agreement. Since these transactions generally do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements and swaptions generally is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. There is also a risk of a default by the other party to a swap agreement or swaption, in which case the Fund may not receive the net amount of payments that the Fund contractually is entitled to receive.

 

Undervalued Stock Risk – The Fund may pursue strategies that may include investing in securities, which, in the opinion of the Adviser, are undervalued. The identification of investment opportunities in undervalued securities is a difficult task and there is no assurance that such opportunities will be successfully recognized or acquired. While investments in undervalued securities offer opportunities for above-average capital appreciation, these investments involve a high degree of financial risk and can result in substantial losses.


 

6

 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
 April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

The following are definitions of some of the terms used in this report:

 

Accretive is the growth or increase by gradual addition.

 

MSCI All Country World Index Gross USD is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index USD is a free float-adjusted market cap weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

MSCI Europe Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the developed markets in Europe.

 

MSCI Europe Utilities Index is designed to capture the large and mid-cap segments across fifteen developed market countries in Europe. All securities in the index are classified in the utilities sector.

 

Source: MSCI. MSCI data may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI.

 

S&P 500® Index is float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation to represent U.S. equity performance.

 

S&P 500® Utilities Index comprises those companies included in the S&P 500 that are classified as members of the GICS® utilities sector.

 

The S&P 500® Index (the “Index”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and has been licensed for use by Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC. Copyright © 2014 by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written the permission of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, its affiliates, and third party licensors make no representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the Index and none of such parties shall have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions in the Index or the data included therein.

 

Yield Co – A publicly-traded company structured as a C-Corporation that is formed to own operating assets (often infrastructure assets) that are intended to produce a predictable cash flow, which is distributed to investors as dividends.

 

An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

This is a closed-end fund and does not continuously offer shares.


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 7
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

PERFORMANCE(1) As of April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

   Ending Value                  Since
   as of 4/30/14  6 Months(2)   1 Year  3 Years  5 Years  Inception(3)
Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund | NAV(4)(5)  $11.28   5.91%  13.23%  0.51%  11.69%  -1.81%
Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund | Market Price(5)  $10.06   4.88%  12.04%  -3.34%  7.11%  -3.84%
MSCI All Country World Index       5.48%  14.91%  7.94%  15.91%  6.06%
S&P 500® Index       8.35%  20.43%  13.82%  19.13%  7.50%

 

(1) Performance information calculated assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions including returns of capital, if any.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Commenced operations on July 26, 2006. IPO split adjusted price of $40 used in calculating performance information for market price.
(4) Performance at NAV includes fees and expenses.
(5) On January 21, 2014, the Fund implemented a 1 for 2 reverse stock split. Shareholders received 1 share for every 2 shares owned and net asset value and market price per share increased correspondingly.

 

To the extent that the Fund’s historical performance resulted from gains derived from participation in Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”) and/or Secondary Offerings, there is no guarantee that these results can be replicated in future periods or that the Fund will be able to participate to the same degree in IPO/Secondary Offerings in the future.

 

All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value of the Fund will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance quoted. Call 1(800)617.7616 or visit www.alpinefunds.com for current month-end performance.

 

The MSCI All Country World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets and emerging markets. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI.

 

The S&P 500® Index is float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation to represent U.S. equity performance.

 

PORTFOLIO DISTRIBUTIONS* (Unaudited)

 

TOP 10 HOLDINGS* (Unaudited)
Roche Holding AG  2.17%  Switzerland
Vodafone Group PLC-ADR  1.87%  United Kingdom
Apple, Inc.  1.83%  United States
Novartis AG-ADR  1.62%  Switzerland
QUALCOMM, Inc.  1.58%  United States
Avago Technologies, Ltd.  1.56%  Singapore
Nestle SA  1.55%  Switzerland
Covidien PLC  1.45%  Ireland
Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd.  1.40%  Canada
Comcast Corp.-Class A  1.40%  United States
Top 10 Holdings  16.43%   
       
TOP 5 COUNTRIES* (Unaudited)
United States  44.5%   
United Kingdom  11.9%   
Switzerland  8.6%   
France  6.0%   
Canada  3.5%   

 

 

* Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments. The Top 10 Holdings and Top 5 Countries do not include short-term investments and percentages are based on total net assets. Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 04/30/14 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities.

 

8
 
Manager Commentary (Continued)
  April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

REGIONAL ALLOCATION** As of April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

 

** As a percentage of total investments, excluding any short-term investments.

 

NAV AND MARKET PRICE(1) As of April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

 

(1) On January 21, 2014, the Fund implemented a 1 for 2 reverse stock split. Net asset value and market price information through January 20, 2014 have been updated to reflect the effect of the split. Shareholders received 1 share for every 2 shares owned and net asset value and market price per share increased correspondingly.

 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 9
 
Schedule of Portfolio Investments
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS-95.8%     
Aerospace & Defense-1.2%     
 24,000   Airbus Group NV  $1,647,838 
           
Airlines-1.1%     
 30,505   Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.   1,578,436 
           
Auto Components-1.8%     
 11,000   Delphi Automotive PLC   735,240 
 274,000   GKN PLC   1,776,466 
         2,511,706 
Banks-4.6%     
 94,500   Bangkok Bank PCL   550,471 
 27,500   Hana Financial Group, Inc.   967,410 
 60,500   Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.   320,742 
 17,500   PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.   1,470,700 
 36,500   Sberbank of Russia-ADR   307,695 
 50,000   Standard Chartered PLC   1,081,842 
 7,000   Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   276,138 
 31,000   Wells Fargo & Co.   1,538,840 
         6,513,838 
Beverages-1.9%     
 10,500   Anheuser-Busch InBev NV-ADR   1,111,110 
 54,200   Diageo PLC   1,663,217 
         2,774,327 
Capital Markets-1.3%     
 39,000   Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.   291,828 
 99,000   Fortress Investment Group LLC-Class A   707,850 
 66,500   Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, LLC-Class A   797,335 
         1,797,013 
Chemicals-2.4%     
 93,000   Clariant AG (a)   1,830,201 
 5,500   Koninklijke DSM NV   394,340 
 6,000   Linde AG   1,244,036 
         3,468,577 
Commercial Services & Supplies-1.6%     
 21,000   ISS A/S (a)   731,097 
 45,000   KAR Auction Services, Inc.   1,340,100 
 11,647   RR Donnelley & Sons Co.   204,987 
         2,276,184 
Communications Equipment-2.6%     
 62,000   Cisco Systems, Inc.   1,432,820 
 28,600   QUALCOMM, Inc.   2,251,106 
         3,683,926 
Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
         
Construction & Engineering-2.0%     
 269,799   Abengoa SA-B Shares  $1,201,895 
 21,500   Vinci SA   1,620,854 
         2,822,749 
Containers & Packaging-1.2%     
 314,000   DS Smith PLC   1,669,996 
           
Diversified Financial Services-1.4%     
 51,500   Bank of America Corp.   779,710 
 25,000   Citigroup, Inc.   1,197,750 
         1,977,460 
Electric Utilities-0.5%     
 16,500   Northeast Utilities   779,790 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components-1.1%     
 25,500   TE Connectivity, Ltd.   1,503,990 
           
Energy Equipment & Services-3.5%     
 10,200   Bristow Group, Inc.   783,360 
 5,000   Canadian Energy Services & Technology Corp.   147,439 
 91,000   CHC Group, Ltd. (a)   614,250 
 14,000   Gulfmark Offshore, Inc.-Class A   630,140 
 13,000   National Oilwell Varco, Inc.   1,020,890 
 10,000   Oceaneering International, Inc.   732,800 
 89,000   Petroleum Geo-Services ASA   1,072,767 
         5,001,646 
Food & Staples Retailing-2.1%     
 9,800   Costco Wholesale Corp.   1,133,664 
 27,500   Walgreen Co.   1,867,250 
         3,000,914 
Food Products-2.6%     
 42,000   Mondelez International, Inc.-Class A   1,497,300 
 28,500   Nestle SA   2,200,403 
         3,697,703 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies-1.4%     
 29,000   Covidien PLC   2,066,250 
           
Health Care Providers & Services-4.0%     
 9,500   Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA   653,060 
 5,500   Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA   835,913 
 30,000   HCA Holdings, Inc. (a)   1,560,000 
 11,700   McKesson Corp.   1,979,523 
 9,000   UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   675,360 
         5,703,856 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure-1.0%     
 18,500   Las Vegas Sands Corp.   1,463,905 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

10

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (Continued)
  April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
           
Household Durables-1.2%     
 24,000   Lennar Corp.-Class A  $926,160 
 21,500   Ryland Group, Inc.   825,385 
         1,751,545 
Household Products-2.0%     
 22,000   Colgate-Palmolive Co.   1,480,600 
 12,500   Energizer Holdings, Inc.   1,396,125 
         2,876,725 
Industrial Conglomerates-0.4%     
 4,000   Siemens AG   527,193 
           
Insurance-2.3%     
 71,500   BB Seguridade Participacoes SA   837,894 
 30,500   Validus Holdings, Ltd.   1,130,635 
 4,800   Zurich Insurance Group AG (a)   1,374,935 
         3,343,464 
IT Services-2.4%     
 21,500   Accenture PLC-Class A   1,724,730 
 8,300   International Business Machines Corp.   1,630,701 
         3,355,431 
Life Sciences Tools & Services-0.8%     
 9,500   Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   1,083,000 
           
Machinery-2.3%     
 59,000   Hexagon Composites ASA   365,258 
 52,500   IMI PLC   1,329,614 
 14,000   Snap-on, Inc.   1,624,000 
         3,318,872 
Marine-0.4%     
 65,100   Scorpio Bulkers, Inc. (a)   582,645 
           
Media-3.0%     
 35,000   AMC Entertainment Holdings,
Inc.-Class A (a)
   809,900 
 38,500   Comcast Corp.-Class A   1,992,760 
 19,000   The Walt Disney Co.   1,507,460 
         4,310,120 
Multi-Utilities-1.0%     
 46,000   CMS Energy Corp.   1,394,260 
           
Multiline Retail-1.0%     
 6,500   Kering   1,437,433 
           
Office Electronics-0.8%     
 95,000   Xerox Corp.   1,148,550 
Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels-6.3%     
 30,000   Enbridge, Inc.  $1,448,700 
 23,500   Energy XXI Bermuda, Ltd.   562,355 
 7,000   HollyFrontier Corp.   368,130 
 3,400   Marathon Petroleum Corp.   316,030 
 11,000   Murphy Oil Corp.   697,730 
 11,000   Occidental Petroleum Corp.   1,053,250 
 109,500   Scorpio Tankers, Inc.   986,595 
 37,500   The Williams Cos., Inc.   1,581,375 
 27,000   Total SA   1,928,360 
         8,942,525 
Paper & Forest Products-0.6%     
 18,000   International Paper Co.   839,700 
           
Pharmaceuticals-6.1%     
 26,500   Novartis AG-ADR   2,303,910 
 44,001   Pfizer, Inc.   1,376,351 
 10,500   Roche Holding AG   3,078,059 
 36,000   Sanofi-ADR   1,936,800 
         8,695,120 
Real Estate Investment Trusts-5.2%     
 85,000   American Homes 4 Rent-Class A   1,364,250 
 16,000   American Tower Corp.   1,336,320 
 300,000   Concentradora Fibra Hotelera Mexicana SA de CV   495,538 
 21,500   Corrections Corp. of America   705,200 
 100   Nippon Building Fund, Inc.   553,626 
 22,000   The Geo Group, Inc.   737,660 
 132,500   Two Harbors Investment Corp.   1,375,350 
 85,220   Westfield Group   866,905 
         7,434,849 
Real Estate Management & Development-3.2%     
 73,000   BR Malls Participacoes SA   628,263 
 88,448   Cheung Kong Holdings, Ltd.   1,503,615 
 150,684   Foxtons Group PLC   809,293 
 30,500   Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.   901,262 
 101,609   Wharf Holdings, Ltd.   712,958 
         4,555,391 
Road & Rail-3.0%     
 300,000   All America Latina Logistica SA   1,188,026 
 12,800   Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd.   1,996,416 
 15,000   East Japan Railway Co.   1,093,510 
         4,277,952 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment-1.6%
     
 35,000   Avago Technologies, Ltd.   2,222,500 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 11
 
Schedule of Portfolio Investments (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

Shares   Security
Description
  Value 
           
Specialty Retail-2.3%     
 20,500   Penske Automotive Group, Inc.  $940,130 
 351,063   Pets at Home Group PLC (a)   1,320,316 
 53,698   Pier 1 Imports, Inc.   980,525 
         3,240,971 
Technology, Hardware, Storage &
Peripherals-2.9%
     
 4,400   Apple, Inc.   2,596,396 
 57,000   EMC Corp.   1,470,600 
         4,066,996 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods-0.5%     
 6,500   Adidas AG   693,737 
           
Tobacco-1.0%     
 24,000   British American Tobacco PLC   1,384,622 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors-1.7%     
 118,000   Ashtead Group PLC   1,742,276 
 12,500   Wolseley PLC   722,002 
         2,464,278 
Transportation Infrastructure-1.2%     
 524,000   Adani Ports and Special Economic     
     Zone, Ltd.   1,648,495 
           
Water Utilities-1.4%     
 30,000   American Water Works Co., Inc.   1,365,900 
 62,000   Cia de Saneamento Basico do
Estado de Sao Paulo-ADR
   587,760 
         1,953,660 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services-1.9%     
 70,000   Vodafone Group PLC-ADR   2,657,200 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $120,104,762)
   136,147,338 
           
EQUITY-LINKED STRUCTURED NOTES-2.4% 
Industrial Conglomerates-0.5%     
 21,500   Koninklijke Philips NV-Morgan
Stanley BV
   688,282 
           
Media-1.0%     
 447,000   ITV PLC-Morgan Stanley BV   1,373,580 
           
Multi-Utilities-0.9%     
 72,500   Veolia Environnement SA-Morgan
Stanley BV
   1,351,833 
TOTAL EQUITY-LINKED STRUCTURED NOTES
(Cost $3,504,212) 3,413,695
 
Principal
Amount
   Security
Description
  Value 
           
CONVERTIBLE BONDS-0.0% (b)     
Household Durables-0.0% (b)     
$154,733   PDG Realty SA Empreendimentos e Participacoes-Series 8, 0.000%, 9/19/16 (Brazilian Real) (c)  $694 
           
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE BONDS
(Cost $55,510)
   694 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS-0.5%     
 715,000   State Street Eurodollar Time Deposit, 0.01%   715,000 
           
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $715,000)
   715,000 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(Cost $124,379,484)-98.7%
   140,276,727 
           
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES-1.3%   1,917,130 
           
TOTAL NET ASSETS 100.0%  $142,193,857 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Less than 0.05% of Net Assets.
(c) Represents a zero-coupon bond. Rate shown reflects the current yield as of the report date.

 

Common Abbreviations

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

AG - Aktiengesellschaft is a German term that refers to a corporation that is limited by shares, i.e., owned by shareholders.

ASA - Allmennaksjeselskap is the Norwegian term for a public limited company.

A/S - Aktieselskab is the Danish term for a stock-based corporation.
BV - Besloten Vennootschap is the Dutch equivalent of a private limited liability company.

NV - Naamloze Vennootschap is the Dutch term for a public limited liability corporation.

PCL - Public Company Limited

PLC - Public Limited Company

SA - Generally designates corporations in various countries, mostly those employing the civil law.

SA de CV - Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable is the Spanish equivalent to Variable Capital Company.


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

12

 
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:        
         
Investments, at value(1)   $140,276,727  
Foreign currencies, at value(2)     30,932  
Cash     445  
Receivable from investment securities sold     4,277,641  
Dividends receivable     1,081,880  
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency contracts     36,334  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     30,007  
Total assets     145,733,966  
         
LIABILITIES:        
         
Payable for investment securities purchased     2,952,050  
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency contracts     265,512  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities:        
Investment advisory fees     116,129  
Compliance fees     16,421  
Other     189,997  
Total liabilities     3,540,109  
Net Assets   $142,193,857  
         
NET ASSETS REPRESENTED BY:        
         
Paid-in-capital   $468,169,863  
Undistributed net investment income     2,968,227  
Accumulated net realized loss from investments and foreign currency transactions     (344,634,589 )
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations     15,690,356  
Net Assets   $142,193,857  
Net asset value        
Net assets   $142,193,857  
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding     12,603,082  
Net asset value per share   $11.28  
(1)  Total cost of investments   $124,379,484  
(2)  Cost of foreign currencies   $30,932  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 13
 
Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:      
       
Dividend income $8,540,056  
Less: Foreign taxes withheld   (300,726 )
Total investment income   8,239,330  
       
EXPENSES:      
       
Investment advisory fee (Note 4)   694,980  
Audit and tax fees   61,535  
Printing and mailing fees   50,467  
Legal fees   47,343  
Trustee fees   44,203  
Compliance fees   17,659  
Interest on loan (Note 6)   16,388  
Administration fee (Note 4)   14,213  
NYSE fees   12,795  
Accounting and custody fees   6,089  
Insurance fees   3,140  
Other fees   25,930  
Total expenses   994,742  
Net investment income   7,244,588  
       
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY:      
       
Net realized gain (loss) from:      
Investments   1,226,238  
Foreign currency transactions   (194,935 )
Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency   1,031,303  
Change in net unrealized depreciation on:      
Investments   (633,858 )
Foreign currency translations   (124,815 )
Change in net unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency   (758,673 )
Net gain on investments and foreign currency   272,630  
Increase in net assets from operations $7,517,218  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

14

 
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six Months
Ended
April 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
  For the
Year Ended
October 31, 2013
 
OPERATIONS:          
           
Net investment income  $7,244,588   $9,895,274 
Net realized gain (loss) from:          
Investments   1,226,238    4,831,452 
Foreign currency transactions   (194,935)   (461,883)
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:          
Investments   (633,858)   7,962,596 
Foreign currency translations   (124,815)   (41,072)
Increase in net assets from operations   7,517,218    22,186,367 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (NOTE 5):          
           
From net investment income   (4,738,759)   (12,117,022)
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders   (4,738,759)   (12,117,022)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
           
Common stock issued to stockholders from reinvestment of dividends       98,104 
Increase in net assets from capital share transactions       98,104 
Net increase in net assets   2,778,459    10,167,449 
Net Assets:          
Beginning of period   139,415,398    129,247,949 
End of period*  $142,193,857   $139,415,398 
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
           
Common shares outstanding - beginning of period(1)   12,603,082    12,584,175 
Common shares issued as reinvestment of dividends(1)       18,907 
Common shares outstanding - end of period(1)   12,603,082    12,603,082 
* Including undistributed net investment income of:  $2,968,227   $462,398 

 

(1)Shares for the year ended October 31, 2013, and through January 20, 2014 have been adjusted to reflect the effects of a 1 for 2 reverse stock split effective January 21, 2014. See Note 7.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 15
 
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)  

 

  For the
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
  For the
Year Ended
October 31,
2013(a)
  For the
Year Ended
October 31,
2012(a)
  For the
Year Ended
October 31,
2011(a)
  For the
Year Ended
October 31,
2010(a)
  For the
Year Ended
October 31,
2009(a)
PER COMMON SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:                 
                               
Net asset value per share, beginning of period  $11.06(a)  $10.26   $11.36   $13.48   $13.98   $15.48 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income   0.58    0.78    1.40    1.38    1.76    3.34 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.02    0.98    (1.06)   (1.78)   0.10    (1.72)
Total from investment operations   0.60    1.76    0.34    (0.40)   1.86    1.62 
                               
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
                               
From net investment income   (0.38)   (0.96)   (1.44)   (1.72)   (2.36)   (3.12)
Total distributions   (0.38)   (0.96)   (1.44)   (1.72)   (2.36)   (3.12)
Net asset value per share, end of period  $11.28   $11.06   $10.26   $11.36   $13.48   $13.98 
Per share market value, end of period  $10.06   $9.96   $11.52   $12.04   $13.68   $18.44 
                               
Total return based on:                              
Net Asset Value(b)   5.91%(c)   18.87%   2.98%   (4.49)%   11.62%    12.13%  
Market Value(b)   4.88%(c)    (4.66)%   9.10%    (0.25)%   (14.12)%    30.23% 
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
                               
Net Assets at end of period (000)  $142,194   $139,415   $129,248   $142,830   $168,189   $172,915 
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets(d)   1.43%(e)   1.47%   1.39%    1.39%    1.55%   1.54% 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   10.42%(e)    7.51%   13.13%    10.19%    12.96%    25.51% 
Portfolio turnover   68%(c)   224%   233%    299%(f)    408%(f)    650%(f) 
                               
Borrowing at End of Period                              
Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)   $N/A   $2,029   $1,840   $8,256   $4,826   $12,090 
Asset Coverage Per $1,000 (000)   $N/A   $69,714   $71,247   $18,300   $35,851   $15,302 

 

(a) On January 21, 2014, the Fund implemented a 1 for 2 reverse stock split. Net asset value and per share information through January 20, 2014 have been updated to reflect the effect of the split. Shareholders received 1 share for every 2 shares owned and net asset value per share increased correspondingly.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common share at the opening on the first day and a sale at closing on the last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment returns do not reflect brokerage commissions paid directly by the Fund’s common shareholders. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
(c) Not annualized.
(d) Ratio of total expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense was 1.41% for the six months ended April 30, 2014 and 1.45%, 1.38%, 1.35%, 1.49% and 1.51% for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate does not reflect total return swap transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

16

 
Notes to Financial Statements
  April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

1. Organization:

 

Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund was organized as a Delaware Statutory Trust on May 11, 2006, and had no operating history prior to July 26, 2006. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) authorized an unlimited number of shares with no par value. The Fund has an investment objective to seek high current dividend income, more than 50% of which qualifies for the reduced Federal income tax rates created by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund also focuses on long-term growth of capital as a secondary investment objective.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies:

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported herein. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ.

 

A. Valuation of Securities:

 

The net asset value (“NAV”) of shares of the Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s net assets by the number of outstanding shares. NAV is determined each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open as of the close of regular trading (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). In computing NAV, portfolio securities of the Fund are valued at their current market values determined on the basis of market quotations or if market quotations are not available or determined to be unreliable, through procedures and/or guidelines established by the Board. In computing the Fund’s NAV, equity securities that are traded on a securities exchange in the United States, except for option securities, are valued at the last reported sale price as of the time of valuation or, lacking any current reported sale at the time of valuation, at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations or, if market quotations are not available or determined to be unreliable, through procedures and/or guidelines established by the Board. Each option security traded on a securities exchange in the United States is valued at the last current reported sale price as of the time of valuation, or lacking any current reported sale at the time of valuation, the option is valued at the mid-point of the consolidated bid/ask quote for the option security. Forward currency contracts are valued based on third-party vendor quotations. Each security traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System, is valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”), as determined by NASDAQ, or lacking an NOCP, the last current reported sale price as of the time of valuation by NASDAQ, or lacking any current reported sale on NASDAQ at the time of valuation, at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations. Each over-the-counter option that

 

is not traded through the Options Clearing Corporation is valued by the counterparty, or if the counterparty’s price is not readily available, then by using the Black-Scholes method. Debt securities are valued based on an evaluated mean price as furnished by pricing services approved by the Board, which may be based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders, a computerized matrix system, or appraisals derived from information concerning the securities or similar securities received from recognized dealers in those securities. Each other security traded over-the-counter is valued at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations. Short-term securities with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Equity securities that are principally traded in a foreign market are valued at the last current sale price at the time of valuation or lacking any current or reported sale, at the time of valuation, at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations as of the close of the appropriate exchange or other designated time. Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets is normally completed at various times before the close of business on each day on which the NYSE is open. Trading of these securities may not take place on every NYSE business day. In addition, trading may take place in various foreign markets on Saturdays or on other days when the NYSE is not open and on which the Fund’s NAV is not calculated. As stated above, if the market prices are not readily available or not reflective of the fair value of the security, as of the close of the regular trading on the NYSE, the security will be priced at fair value following procedures approved by the Board.

 

When market quotations are not readily available or when the valuation methods mentioned above are not reflective of a fair value of the security, the security is valued at fair value following procedures and/or guidelines approved by the Board. The Fund may also use fair value pricing, if the value of a security it holds is, pursuant to the Board guidelines, materially affected by events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the close of the primary market or market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders, a computerized matrix system, or appraisals derived from information concerning the securities or similar securities received from recognized dealers in those securities. The Board has approved the use of a third-party pricing vendor’s proprietary fair value pricing model to assist in determining current valuation for foreign securities traded in markets that close prior to the NYSE. When fair value pricing is employed, the value of the portfolio security used to calculate the Fund’s NAV may differ from quoted or official closing prices.

 

Fair Value Measurement:

 

In accordance with GAAP, the Fund uses a three-tier hierarchy to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 17
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entities’ own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
   
Level 2 - Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates, etc.).
   
Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment.

 

Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the reporting period end. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under GAAP.

 

The Fund uses valuation techniques to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of April 30, 2014:


 

    Valuation Inputs      
Investments in Securities at Value*     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total Value  
Common Stocks                          
Consumer Discretionary   $ 15,904,955   $   $   $ 15,904,955  
Consumer Staples     13,734,291             13,734,291  
Energy     13,944,171             13,944,171  
Financials     23,838,346     550,471         24,388,817  
Health Care     17,548,226             17,548,226  
Industrials     21,882,302             21,882,302  
Information Technology     15,981,393             15,981,393  
Materials     5,978,273             5,978,273  
Telecommunication Services     2,657,200             2,657,200  
Utilities     4,127,710             4,127,710  
Equity-Linked Structured Notes         3,413,695         3,413,695  
Convertible Bonds         694         694  
Short-Term Investments         715,000         715,000  
Total   $ 135,596,867   $ 4,679,860   $   $ 140,276,727  

 

    Valuation Inputs    
Other Financial Instruments    Level 1   Level 2     Level 3   Total Value  
Assets                            
Forward Currency Contracts   $   $ 36,334     $   $ 36,334  
Liabilities                            
Forward Currency Contracts         (265,512 )         (265,512 )
Total   $   $ (229,178 )   $   $ (229,178 )

* For detailed industry descriptions, see accompanying Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

 

18

 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
  April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

For the period ended April 30, 2014, there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

 

B. Security Transactions and Investment Income:

 

Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are computed on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or in the case of some foreign securities, on the date thereafter when the Fund is made aware of the dividend. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, where applicable. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.

 

C. Federal and Other Income Taxes:

 

It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the Federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute timely, all of its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains to shareholders in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required. Capital gains realized on some foreign securities are subject to foreign taxes. Dividends and interest from non-U.S. sources received by the Fund are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes at rates ranging up to 30%. Such capital gains and withholding taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties, and the Fund intends to undertake procedural steps to claim the benefits of such treaties. Where available, the Fund will file refund claims for foreign taxes withheld.

 

Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of April 30, 2014, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s Federal and state income and Federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue. As of April 30, 2014, open Federal and New York tax years include the tax years ended October 31, 2010 through 2013.

 

GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.

 

D. Distributions to Shareholders:

 

The Fund intends to make a level distribution each month to its shareholders of the net investment income of the Fund after payment of Fund operating expenses. The level distribution rate may

 

be modified or eliminated by the Board from time to time. If a monthly distribution exceeds the Fund’s monthly estimated investment company taxable income (which may include net short-term capital gain) and net tax-exempt income, the excess could result in a tax-free return of capital distribution from the Fund’s assets. The determination of a tax-free return of capital is made on an annual basis as further described below. The Fund’s final distribution for each calendar year will include any remaining investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during the year, as well as all net capital gains, if any, realized during the year. If the total distributions made in any fiscal year exceed annual investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain, such excess distributed amount would be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of the accumulated investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain would first be a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the adjusted tax basis in the shares. After such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, the distribution would constitute capital gain (assuming the shares are held as capital assets). Distributions to shareholders are recorded by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

 

E. Foreign Currency Translation Transactions:

 

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in foreign securities. In the event that the Fund executes a foreign security transaction, the Fund will generally enter into a forward foreign currency contract to settle the foreign security transaction. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Non-U.S. dollar-denominated amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows, with the resultant translations gains and losses recorded in the Statement of Operations:

 

i)market value of investment securities and other assets and liabilities at the exchange rate on the valuation date.

 

ii)purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective date of such transactions.

 

F. Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies:

 

Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such risks include future political and economic developments and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is a possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries.


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 19
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

Certain countries may also impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available to the Fund or result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.

 

G. Equity-Linked Structured Notes:

 

The Fund may invest in equity-linked structured notes. Equity-linked structured notes are securities which are specially designed to combine the characteristics of one or more underlying securities and their equity derivatives in a single note form. The return and/or yield or income component may be based on the performance of the underlying equity securities, an equity index, and/or option positions. Equity-linked structured notes are typically offered in limited transactions by financial institutions in either registered or non-registered form. An investment in equity-linked structured notes creates exposure to the credit risk of the issuing financial institution, as well as to the market risk of the underlying securities. There is no guaranteed return of principal with these securities and the appreciation potential of these securities may be limited by a maximum payment or call right. In certain cases, equity-linked structured notes may be more volatile and less liquid. Such securities may exhibit price behavior that does not correlate with other fixed-income securities.

 

H. Forward Currency Contracts:

 

The Fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Fund may use forward currency contracts to gain exposure to or economically hedge against changes in the value of foreign currencies. A forward currency contract (“forward”) is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set price on a future date. The market value of the forward contract fluctuates with changes in forward currency exchange rates. The forward contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the forward contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the fluctuation in value during the period the forward contract was open. The Fund could be exposed to risk if a counterparty is unable to meet the terms of a forward or if the value of the currency changes unfavorably. During the period ended April 30, 2014, the Fund entered into 10 forward currency contracts.

The following forward currency contracts were held at April 30, 2014:

 

Description  Settlement
Date
   Currency  Settlement Value   Current
Value
   Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Contracts
Sold:
                   
Swiss
Franc
  07/09/14   4,650,000
CHF
  $5,322,558   $5,286,224   $36,334 
Euro  07/09/14   6,200,000
EUR
  8,425,056   8,600,185   (175,129)
British
Pound
  07/09/14   2,700,000
GBP
  4,487,185   4,556,272   (69,087)
Japanese
Yen
  07/30/14   395,000,000
JPY
  3,844,376   3,865,672   (21,296)
              $22,308,353   $(229,178)

 

I. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:

 

The following tables provide information about the effect of derivatives and hedging activities on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations as of and for the period ended April 30, 2014. The first table provides additional detail about the amounts and sources of unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on derivatives at the end of the period. The second table provides additional information about the amounts and sources of net realized gain and the change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) resulting from the Fund’s derivatives and hedging activities during the period.

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of April 30, 2014:

 

Derivatives Statement of Assets
and Liabilities Location
  Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
Foreign exchange risk Unrealized appreciation on forward currency contracts   $36,334  
Foreign exchange risk Unrealized depreciation on forward currency contracts   (265,512 )
Total     $(229,178 )

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the period ended April 30, 2014:

 

Derivatives   Statement of
Operations
Location
  Net
Realized
Loss
    Change in Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Foreign exchange risk   Net realized gain (loss)
from foreign currency
transactions / Change
in net unrealized
depreciation on foreign
currency translations
$(184,379 ) $(132,039 )


 

20

 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
  April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

3. Purchases and Sales of Securities:

 

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) for the period ended April 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

Purchases Sales
$95,465,304 $96,033,211

 

The Fund did not have purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations during the period ended April 30, 2014.

 

4. Investment Advisory Agreement, Administration Agreement and Other Affiliated Transactions:

 

Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC (“Alpine Woods”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund. As compensation for its services to the Fund, Alpine Woods receives an annual investment advisory fee of 1.00% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed daily and payable monthly.

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSBT”) serves as the Fund’s administrator pursuant to an Administration Agreement with the Fund. As compensation for its services to the Fund, SSBT receives an annual administration fee of 0.02% of total net assets on the first $5 billion and 0.015% on total net assets exceeding $5 billion, computed daily and payable monthly.

 

5. Income Tax Information:

 

Classification of Distributions:

 

Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for Federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid by the Fund during the year ended October 31, 2013 were as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:        
Ordinary income   $ 12,117,022  
Total   $ 12,117,022  

 

Tax components of distributable earnings are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from the composition of net assets reported under GAAP. Accordingly, for the year ended October 31, 2013, the effects of certain differences were reclassified. The Fund increased undistributed net investment income by $211,822 and decreased accumulated net realized loss by $(211,858), and increased paid in capital by $36. These differences were primarily due to the differing tax treatment of foreign currency and certain other investments. Net assets of the Fund were

unaffected by the reclassifications and the calculation of net investment income per share in the Financial Highlights excludes these adjustments.

 

At October 31, 2013, the Fund utilized $2,797,384 of capital loss carryovers. At October 31, 2013 the Fund had available for tax purposes unused capital loss carryovers of $189,780,740, expiring on October 31, 2016, unused capital loss carryovers of $106,545,299, expiring October 31, 2017, and unused capital loss carryovers of $34,184,369, expiring on October 31, 2018.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Modernization Act”), post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law. However, any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years, which carry an expiration date. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryovers may be more likely to expire unused.

 

Capital loss carryovers as of October 31, 2013, with no expiration are as follows:

 

Short Term Long Term
$15,016,668 $—

 

As of October 31, 2013, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income   $783,782  
Accumulated capital loss     (345,527,076 )
Unrealized appreciation     15,988,829  
Total     $(328,754,465 )

 

As of April 30, 2014, net unrealized appreciation of investments, excluding foreign currency, based on Federal tax costs was as follows:

 

Gross appreciation on investments
(excess of value over tax cost)
    $21,439,513  
Gross depreciation on investments
(excess of tax cost over value)
    (5,542,270 )
Net unrealized appreciation     15,897,243  
Cost of investments for income tax purposes     $124,379,484  

 

The differences between book and tax net unrealized appreciation and cost were primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales and to the different tax treatment of certain other investments.

 

6. Line of Credit:

 

On December 1, 2010 the Fund entered into a lending agreement with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd. (“BNPP PB”) which allows the Fund to borrow on an uncommitted and secured


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 21
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

basis. The terms of the lending agreement indicate the rate to be the Fed Funds rate plus 0.95% per annum on amounts borrowed. The BNP Paribas Facility provides for secured, uncommitted lines of credit for the Fund where selected Fund assets are pledged against advances made to the Fund. The Fund is permitted to borrow up to 33.33% of the total assets for extraordinary or emergency purposes. Additionally the Fund is permitted to borrow up to 10% of the total assets for investment purposes, but in no event shall outstanding borrowings exceed 33.33% of total assets. On April 30, 2014, the amount available for investment purposes was $14,573,397. Either BNPP PB or the Fund may terminate this agreement upon delivery of written notice. During the period ended April 30, 2014, the average borrowing by the Fund was $3,180,402 with an average rate on borrowings of 1.02%. During the period ended April 30, 2014 the maximum borrowing by the Fund was $8,598,731. Interest expense related to the loan for the period ended April 30, 2014 was $16,388. At April 30, 2014, there was no outstanding loan for the Fund.

 

7. Reverse Stock Split:

 

On January 21, 2014, the Fund implemented a 1 for 2 reverse stock split. The net effect of the reverse stock split was to decrease the number of outstanding shares and increase the net asset value per share by a proportionate amount. The reverse stock split had no impact on the overall value of a shareholder’s investment in the Fund. Capital share activity referenced in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets and per share and net asset value data in the Financial Highlights have been restated to reflect the reverse stock split.

 

8. Subsequent Events:

 

Distributions: The Fund paid a distribution of $806,597 or $0.064 per common share on May 30, 2014 to common shareholders of record on May 22, 2014.

 

The Fund will also pay a distribution of $0.064 per common share payable on June 30, 2014 to common shareholders of record on June 23, 2014.


 

22

 
Additional Information
  April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Unless the registered owner of common shares elects to receive cash by contacting Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (the “Plan Administrator”), all dividends or other distributions (together, “Dividends” and each, a “Dividend”) declared on common shares will be automatically reinvested by the Plan Administrator for shareholders in the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), in additional common shares of the Fund. Shareholders who are not permitted to participate through their broker or nominee or who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all Dividends in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the common shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by the Plan Administrator, as dividend disbursing agent. You may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all Dividends in cash by contacting the Plan Administrator, as dividend disbursing agent, at the address set forth below. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Plan Administrator prior to the dividend record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared Dividend. If you hold your shares through a broker, and you wish for all Dividends declared on your common shares to be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan, please contact your broker.

 

The Plan Administrator will open an account for each shareholder under the Plan in the same name in which such shareholder’s common shares are registered. Whenever the Fund declares a Dividend payable in cash, non-participants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in common shares. The common shares will be acquired by the Plan Administrator for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized common shares from the Fund (“Newly Issued common shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding common shares on the open market (“Open-Market Purchases”) on the NYSE or elsewhere. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the closing market price plus estimated brokerage commissions per share is equal to or greater than the NAV per share, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in Newly Issued common shares on behalf of the participants. The number of Newly Issued common shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the Dividend by the NAV per share on the payment date; provided that, if the NAV is less than or equal to 95% of the closing market value on the payment date, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the closing market price per share on the payment date. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the NAV per share is greater than the closing market value plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in common shares acquired on behalf of the participants in Open-Market Purchases.

 

In the event of a market discount on the payment date for any Dividend, the Plan Administrator will have until the last business day

before the next date on which the common shares trade on an “ex-dividend” basis or 30 days after the payment date for such Dividend, whichever is sooner (the “Last Purchase Date”), to invest the Dividend amount in common shares acquired in Open-Market Purchases. If, before the Plan Administrator has completed its Open-Market Purchases, the market price per share exceeds the NAV per share, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Administrator may exceed the NAV of the common shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer common shares than if the Dividend had been paid in Newly Issued common shares on the Dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to Open-Market Purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Administrator is unable to invest the full Dividend amount in Open-Market Purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Administrator may cease making Open-Market Purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the Dividend amount in Newly Issued common shares at the NAV per share at the close of business on the Last Purchase Date provided that, if the NAV is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per share, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date for purposes of determining the number of shares issuable under the Plan.

 

The Plan Administrator maintains all shareholders’ accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for tax records. Common shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Administrator on behalf of the Plan participant, and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Administrator will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants.

 

In the case of the Fund’s shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees which hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Administrator will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of common shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.

 

There will be no brokerage charges with respect to common shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred in connection with Open-Market Purchases. The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve participants of any U.S. Federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such Dividends. See “Federal and Other Income Taxes.” Participants that request a sale of common shares through the Plan Administrator are subject to brokerage commissions.

 

Shareholders participating in the Plan may receive benefits not available to shareholders not participating in the Plan. If the market price plus commissions of the Fund’s shares is higher than the NAV, participants in the Plan will receive shares of the Fund for less than they could otherwise purchase them and will have shares with a cash


 

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Additional Information (Continued)
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

value greater than the value of any cash distribution they would have received on their shares. If the market price plus commissions is below the net asset value, participants receive distributions of shares with the NAV greater than the value of any cash distribution they would have received on their shares. However, there may be insufficient shares available in the market to make distributions in shares at prices below the NAV. Also, because the Fund does not redeem its shares, the price on resale may be more or less than the NAV.

 

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants.

 

All correspondence or question concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Administrator, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., c/o Alpine Closed-End Funds, PO Box 8128, Boston, MA 02266-8128 or by calling toll-free 1(800)617.7616.

 

Approval of Investment Management Agreements

 

In the weeks leading up to the Meeting of the Board of Trustees on March 26-27, 2014, the Independent Trustees reviewed materials (“15(c) Materials”) provided by the Adviser relating to the Advisory Contracts. The 15(c) Materials responded to information requested by the Independent Trustees, through independent legal counsel, which the Independent Trustees discussed prior to the meeting and with the Adviser at the meeting. In reviewing the Agreements, the Independent Trustees considered various factors, including among other things (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser under the Agreement, (ii) the investment performance of the Funds, (iii) the costs to the Adviser of its services and the profits realized by the Adviser, from its relationship with the Funds, and (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if and as a Fund grows and whether the fee levels in the Agreements reflect these economies of scale. The Independent Trustees evaluated a variety of information they deemed relevant on a Fund by Fund basis. No one particular factor was identified as determinative, but rather it was a combination of all the factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the determinations made by the Independent Trustees, and different Independent Trustees may have placed greater weight on certain factors than did other Independent Trustees.

 

In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Independent Trustees relied on their prior experience as Independent Trustees of the Funds, the 15(c) Materials provided at and prior to the meeting, as well as on materials and updates provided at Board meetings throughout the year. They noted that under the Agreements, the Adviser is responsible for managing the Funds’ investments in accordance with each Fund’s investment objectives and policies, applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and the oversight of the Independent Trustees, for providing necessary and appropriate reports and information to the Independent Trustees, and for furnishing the Funds with the assistance, cooperation, and information necessary for the Funds to

meet various legal requirements regarding registration and reporting. They also noted the experience and expertise of the Adviser as appropriate as an adviser to the Funds.

 

The Independent Trustees reviewed the background and experience of the Adviser’s Senior Management, including those individuals responsible for the investment, operations and compliance with respect to the Funds’ investments, and the responsibilities of the investment, operations and compliance personnel with respect to the Funds. They also considered the resources, operational structures and practices of the Adviser in managing the Funds’ portfolios, in monitoring and securing the Funds’ compliance with investment objectives and policies and with applicable laws and regulations, and in seeking best execution of portfolio transactions. Drawing upon all the materials provided throughout the year, including the 15(c) Materials, and their knowledge of the business of the Adviser formed through meetings with Portfolio Managers among others, the Independent Trustees took into account that the Adviser’s experience, resources and strength in these areas are deep, extensive and of high quality. On the basis of this review, the Independent Trustees determined that the nature and extent of the services provided by the Adviser to the Funds were appropriate, had been of high quality, and could be expected to remain so.

 

The Independent Trustees discussed the Fund performance metrics in the 15(c) Materials that were compiled by Morningstar. In assessing the quality of the portfolio management, the Independent Trustees were able to compare the short-term and long-term performance of each Fund on both an absolute basis and in comparison to its peer group, as set forth in the Morningstar Report. The Board recognized the steps that management has taken over the past year with respect to the performance of the Funds, including additions to the portfolio management and research teams and the continued development of a more team-based approach. The Independent Trustees noted that the performance of certain of these funds had recently improved but that the Board acknowledged that they will continue to closely monitor these funds for improvement of performance. The Independent Trustees also considered the formation of the Senior Investment Committee to serve as the Office of the CIO, the Adviser’s explanation of how the Committee would operate and the potential impact this could be expected to have on performance. Additionally, the Independent Trustees noted the Adviser’s expanded use of performance attribution and risk reporting. The Independent Trustees also reviewed a summary of certain Fund expenses against those of peer and category groups. For certain of the Funds, they noted that higher expenses relative to peer and category groups were due to the small size of a Fund or its decline in assets. In other instances, the net expenses exceeded the peer group and category medians largely due to an advisory fee higher than the category median. The Board considered the use of Adviser profits to potentially benefit shareholders over time through the addition of certain employees over the past several years, enhancements to portfolio management and research teams and investment in additional risk and analytic tools to aid in portfolio management. The Board also considered the infrastructure and


 

24
 
Additional Information (Continued)
  April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

technology services provided by the Adviser. The Independent Trustees concluded on balance that the fees to the Adviser were fair and equitable.

 

The Independent Trustees also considered the profitability of the advisory agreements with the Adviser. The Independent Trustees were provided with data on the Funds’ profitability generally and on the profitability of each Fund. The Independent Trustees also examined the expense limitation agreements in place and any other expense subsidization undertaken by the Adviser, as well as each Funds’ brokerage and commissions, commission sharing agreements and the open-end Funds’ payments to intermediaries whose customers invest in the Funds. After discussion and analysis, including regarding plans and potential plans for modification or enhancement of existing products, the Independent Trustees concluded that, to the extent that the Adviser’s relationship with the Funds has been profitable, the profitability was in no instance such as to render any advisory fee excessive.

 

The Independent Trustees also had an opportunity to review and discuss the other 15(c) Materials provided by Alpine in response to the request of their Counsel, including, among others, comparative performance expense information, organization charts, advisory fee breakpoints, and profitability. Further, the Independent Trustees had the opportunity to consider whether the management of the Funds resulted in any “fall-out” benefits to the Adviser. In considering whether the Adviser benefits in other ways from its relationship with the Funds, the Independent Trustees concluded that, to the extent that Adviser derives other benefits from its relationship with the Funds, those benefits are not so significant as to render the Adviser’s fees excessive.

 

On the basis of their ongoing discussions with Management and their analysis of information provided prior to and at the meeting, the Independent Trustees determined that the nature of the Funds and their operations, particularly the open-end Funds, is such that the Adviser may realize economies of scale in the management of certain Funds as they grow in size.

 

The Independent Trustees approved the continuance of the Funds’ Agreements with the Adviser after weighing, among others, the foregoing factors. They reasoned that the nature and extent of the services provided by the Adviser were appropriate and that the Adviser had and was taking appropriate steps to address performance issues affecting certain Funds. As to the Adviser’s fees for the Funds, the Independent Trustees determined that the fees, considered in relation to the services provided, were fair and reasonable, that the Funds’ relationship with the Adviser was not so profitable as to render the fees excessive, any additional benefits to the Adviser were not of a magnitude that resulted in excessive fees, and that the fees adequately reflected shared economies of scale with the Funds. Accordingly, the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, agreed to approve the continuation of the Agreements for one year.

Fund Proxy and Voting Policies & Procedures

 

Policies and procedures used in determining how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and a summary of proxies voted by the Fund are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1(800) 617.7616 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“Commission”) web site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of the Fund’s Forms N-Q are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1(800)617.7616 and on the Commission’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy Form N-Q at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For more information about the operation of the Public Reference Room, please call the Commission at 1(800)SEC.0330.

 

Designation Requirements

 

Of the distributions paid by the Fund from ordinary income for the year ended October 31, 2013, the following percentages met the requirements to be treated as qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction and qualified dividend income, respectively.

 

Dividends Received Deduction 22.24%
Qualified Dividend Income 72.01%

 

Shareholder Meeting

 

On May 28, 2014, the Fund held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) for the purpose of voting on a proposal to re-elect two Trustees to the Board of Trustees of the Fund and to conduct other business. The results of the proposals reflect the percentage of shares voted at the meeting and are as follows:

 

Proposal 1: To elect Eleanor T.M. Hoagland and Jeffrey E. Wacksman as Trustees to the Board of Trustees for a term of three years to expire at the 2017 Annual Meeting or until his successor has been duly elected and qualified.

 

  Eleanor T.M. Hoagland
For 97.56%  
Withheld 2.44%  
   
  Jeffrey E. Wacksman
For 97.48%  
Withheld 2.52%  


 

Semi-Annual Report (Unaudited) | April 30, 2014 25
 
Additional Information
April 30, 2014 (Unaudited)  

 

Proposal 2: To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

For 78.84%  
Against 23.93%  
Abstain 1.24%  

 

Notice

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that the Fund may purchase at market prices from time to time its common shares in the open market.


 

26

 

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Investor     1-800-617-7616
Information     www.alpinefunds.com

 

 
  Investment Adviser
  Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC
  2500 Westchester Ave., Suite 215
  Purchase, NY 10577
   
  Administrator &
  Custodian
  State Street Bank & Trust Company
  One Lincoln Street
  Boston, MA 02111
   
  Transfer Agent
  Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
  2000 Crown Colony Drive
  Quincy, MA 02169
   
  INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
  PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
  Deloitte & Touche LLP
  500 College Road East
  Princeton, NJ 08540
   
  Fund Counsel
  Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
  787 7th Ave.
  New York, NY 10019
   
   
 
   
  INVESTOR INFORMATION
  1(800) 617.7616
www.alpinefunds.com
 

Item 2. Code of Ethics

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

 

  (a) Schedule of Investments is included as part of Item 1 of the Form N-CSR.
     
  (b)  Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

(a) Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

 

No such purchases were made by or on behalf of the Registrant during the period covered by the report.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date.

 

(b) There was no change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits

 

  (a)(1) Not applicable to semi-annual report.
     
  (a)(2) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Ex99.Cert.
     
  (a)(3) No such written solicitations were sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the Registrant.
     
  (b) The certifications by the Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Ex99.906Cert.
 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

By: /s/ Samuel A. Lieber  
  Samuel A. Lieber  
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date: July 2, 2014  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By: /s/ Samuel A. Lieber  
  Samuel A. Lieber  
  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

  By: /s/ Ronald G. Palmer, Jr.  
    Ronald G. Palmer, Jr.   
    Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
       
Date:   July 2, 2014