sof-ncsrs.htm
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 811-07528


Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Andrew Dakos
Bulldog Investors, LLC
Park 80 West
250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 708
Saddle Brook, NJ 10570
(Name and address of agent for service)

Copy to:
Thomas R. Westle, Esp.
Blank Rome LLP
The Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10174

1-877-607-0414
Registrant's telephone number, including area code



Date of fiscal year end: 12/31/2014



Date of reporting period:  6/30/2014

 
 

 
 
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.
(SPE)
Semi-Annual Report
For the six months ended
June 30, 2014

 
 

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

August 29, 2014
 
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
 
Despite the stock market’s phenomenal run since March 2008, investors have shown little fear of heights, at least through the date of this letter.  On June 30, 2014, the Fund’s market price closed at $16.70 per share, down 4.33% from its closing price of $17.45 per share on December 31, 2013.  (Conversion of almost all the convertible shares during the period resulted in dilution of $1.44 per share.)  For the same period, the S&P 500 Index gained 7.14%.
 
The Fund’s recent underperformance is due in large part to the widening of the discount to net asset value after the retirement of our convertible preferred stock was announced in January.  By early 2014, the price of the preferred stock had increased in value so much that it had become a proxy for the common shares and some preferred shareholders had converted their shares to common shares.  Rather than having to deal with unplanned conversion requests on a one-by-one basis, the board determined to retire all the convertible preferred stock.  Although we feel the Fund had properly accounted for the dilutive effect of the convertible preferred shares in reports to shareholders, the stock price of the common shares fell about 6% on the day of the announcement.
 
As a reminder, the goal of Special Opportunities Fund is to outperform the market over the long-term with less short-term risk than a broad-based index fund.  We have been incurring, and probably always will attempt to incur, less risk than the S&P 500 Index.  Currently, we have a fair amount of investments that have little or no correlation to the stock market such as SPACs and special situation stocks like Gyrodyne and Imperial Holdings.
 
For shareholders that have become accustomed to extensive discussions about our current investments, this letter may be a disappointment. We always want to afford shareholders as much insight as possible into our investment philosophy and our thinking.  On the other hand, we have become increasingly concerned about disclosing details about our current investments that could have a harmful effect on the Fund.  A respected value investor once put it this way: “Truly good investment ideas are simply rare commodities, particularly so when price discipline is so infused into our decision making process.”  Bulldog Investors, LLC, the Fund’s investment advisor, gets paid to try to make good investments for the Fund’s benefit and, when necessary, to take measures to enhance their value.  As a prominent legal scholar told me privately, “[The problem] is that disclosure is [available] to friend and foe alike….The foes, e.g. competitors, can use that information to construct their own portfolios.”
 
In particular, as an activist fund, we have become acutely aware of the free rider problem.  With that in mind, we have determined that, from now on, we will only elaborate on our current investments if we believe there is a low probability that it will negatively impact the Fund’s performance.  The investments discussed below fall into that category.


 
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Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

To compensate for the lack of specifics herein, we invite all shareholders to attend the annual meeting in person at a date and location in the New York City area to be announced.  I promise to be as open as possible until the Fund’s counsel kicks me under the table.
 
Gyrodyne Corporation of America (GYRO)
Just before the end of 2013, Gyrodyne paid a special dividend of $66.56 per share consisting of $45.86 in cash and the balance in units of an untraded LLC.  In addition, Gyrodyne distributed nontransferable “dividend notes” with a face value of $10.89 per share.  A plan of merger was to be put to a shareholder vote at a special meeting which, if approved, would have resulted in the LLC units and dividend notes being converted into publicly traded equity interests (at pre-established ratios) in a newly formed company with a goal of maximizing the value of that company.  However, the unusual distributions apparently led to a shift in the shareholder base from value investors to day traders.  The result was that a quorum was not reached and the special meeting has been postponed.  We continue to believe there is value in Gyrodyne’s stock and in the other Gyrodyne securities.  Given our experience as activists and our long history as investors in Gyrodyne, we may seek to play a role in unlocking Gyrodyne’s intrinsic value.
 
Imperial Holdings (IFT)
To recap, following an FBI raid on Imperial’s office in September 2011, we commenced buying stock at about $1.60 per share.  We later gained representation on the board with an immediate goal of reducing the cash burn that was being driven by inordinate legal expenses. We have made substantial progress since then.  On June 30, 2014, Imperial’s shares closed at $6.82 per share vs. a stated book value of $9.83 (not including dilution from the exercise of Imperial’s convertible notes).  A portfolio of life insurance policies with an aggregate face value of approximately $3 billion, which is valued by assuming an average discount rate of about 19% per annum, represents substantially all of Imperial’s book value.
 
Imperial’s board and management team are focused on maximizing shareholder value by reducing expenses, especially legal expenses, defending Imperial’s life insurance policies from challenges to their validity by carriers, and capitalizing on opportunities to enhance shareholder value as a result of its improved financial position.  There are still risks but, absent any calamities, we think the stock price could rise significantly over the next five years.  Those that want to do their own research might wish to check out an archived presentation that was given at Imperial’s June 5, 2014 annual shareholder meeting at http://ir.imperial.com/events.cfm.
 
Western Asset Inflation Management Fund (IMF)
We began to purchase shares of IMF, a closed-end fund that invests in inflation protected government securities, at a double-digit discount in the third quarter of 2013.  A key factor in our decision was that a standstill agreement entered into

 
 
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Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­
 
several years ago by a very large shareholder had recently expired.  On November 22, 2013, we filed a Schedule 13D indicating that our group owned over 8% of the outstanding shares of IMF and stating that we “intend to communicate with management about measures to address the disparity between the Fund’s stock price and its net asset value.”  Purely by coincidence, the other large shareholder filed its own Schedule 13D on the very next business day disclosing that it would nominate candidates for election to the board of directors.  We saw that filing as leaving management with no choice but to provide a liquidity event.  IMF’s discount narrowed after the filing but we continued to buy aggressively because we thought it would inevitably go to zero.  Sure enough, on January 21, 2014, IMF announced a proposal to dissolve the Fund and it liquidated on June 2, 2014.
 
SPACs
Our portfolio continues to have a significant weighting in SPACs or blank check companies.  A SPAC raises funds from investors in an IPO that are placed in a trust account while the sponsor pursues the acquisition of an unspecified company.  Each SPAC is unique, but most are issued as units consisting of a share of common stock plus a “free” warrant.  The common stock provides us with a modest return and we hope to make money on the warrants if a successful transaction is completed (because, with the elimination of a possible liquidation, the warrant price often increases, sometimes substantially).  Otherwise, we just make a modest profit or break even, give or take a few cents per share.
 
Foreign Closed-End Funds
As we have mentioned, we are planning a spin-off of a new closed-end fund with a primary focus on investments in foreign closed-end funds and similar vehicles.  The plan has been delayed due to certain concerns expressed by the SEC’s Division of Investment Management.  However, we expect those concerns to be resolved very soon and hope to be able to consummate the spin-off by the end of the year.  We continue to see value in offshore closed-end funds that trade at a relatively wide discount or have discount control measures such as periodic self-tender offers or a commitment to permit shareholders to vote on the fund’s continuation at some time in the future.
 
Why We Invest in Closed-End Funds
 
The Fund is almost always heavily invested in closed-ends funds.  A diversified portfolio of well-selected discounted closed-end funds should generate outperformance over the long term and limit short term risk.  In this and future letters, we will explain why we like closed-end funds.
 
Every thinking investor buys an asset that he thinks is cheap and sells those assets that he thinks are fairly valued or overvalued, or at least less undervalued than some other asset in which the proceeds can be re-deployed.  In that sense, every thinking investor is a “value investor.”  The problem is determining the fair value  


 
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Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­
 
of an asset.  For example, investors that bought Amazon early this year at more than $400 per share must have thought it was cheap.  Otherwise, why buy it?  It is now below $350 per share.  Is it cheap now?  The truth is that no one knows the answer with any degree of certainty because the factors that affect Amazon’s prospects at any point in time are perceived, weighted, and processed differently by different people.
 
Another example of the inherent difficulty of valuing a company’s stock is the well-publicized (and entertaining) feud between two high profile very vocal activists, Bill Ackman and Carl Icahn, over Herbalife.  Ackman claims Herbalife is an illegal pyramid scheme and is short the stock.  He has been attempting to induce federal regulators to investigate Herbalife with the goal of shutting it down.  Icahn, meanwhile, has taken a large stake in Herbalife, says it is undervalued, and that Ackman is “completely wrong” and his crusade is “almost bordering on the insane.”  Thus, despite the fact that they are looking at the same facts, two very intelligent and very successful investment managers are poles apart on Herbalife’s valuation.  We have no dog in this race1 but that should give pause to anyone who thinks valuing an operating company is cut and dried.
 
Contrast that with a closed-end fund trading at a double-digit discount to its net asset value, e.g., Swiss Helvetia Fund.  We think both Ackman and Icahn would agree that SWZ is cheap.2  While there are other factors to consider before investing in a closed-end fund, the most important factor is almost always the discount.  Thus, errors in valuation are much less likely, and hence short term risk is significantly lower, with a discounted closed-end fund than with an operating company.
 
To be continued….
 
Sincerely yours,
 


Phillip Goldstein
Chairman
__________
 
1
However, even if Ackman is right, we are dubious about his chances of getting regulators to act.  Harry Markopolos tried for years, without success, to get the SEC to shut down Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.  And, as documented in his book, “Fooling Some of the People All of the Time,” David Einhorn not only failed to get the SEC, the Justice Department or the SBA to act against Allied Capital’s accounting fraud, but he himself became the target of an investigation.
 
2
There are likely other reasons that Ackman and Icahn might not invest in a closed-end fund, including legal constraints, the inability to put huge amounts of money to work in a reasonable time, and the fact that they are looking for assets with greater, albeit more uncertain, undervaluations (and hence higher returns) than closed-end funds.


 
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Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Performance at a glance (unaudited)
 
Average annual total returns for common stock for the periods ended 6/30/14
Net asset value returns
1 year
Since 1/25/10
5 years*
10 years*
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.
8.90%
10.81%
11.50%
7.13%
Market price returns
       
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.
11.13%
10.86%
11.61%
8.28%
Index returns
       
S&P 500 Index
24.61%
16.46%
18.83%
7.78%
Share price as of 6/30/14
       
Net asset value
     
$18.18
Market price
     
$16.70
 
Past performance does not predict future performance. The return and value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s share, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Fund’s common stock net asset value (“NAV”) return assumes, for illustration only, that dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested at the NAV on payable dates for dividends and other distributions payable through December 31, 2009 and reinvested at the NAV on the ex-dividend date for dividends and other distributions payable after December 31, 2009. The Fund’s common stock market price returns assume that all dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (which was terminated on January 1, 2010) for dividends and other distributions payable through December 31, 2009 and reinvested at the lower of the NAV or the closing market price on the ex-dividend date for dividends and other distributions payable after December 31, 2009. NAV and market price returns for the period of less than one year have not been annualized. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder could pay on Fund dividends and other distributions, if any, or the sale of Fund shares.
 
*
The Fund’s investment objective and investment adviser have changed. See Note 1 of the Notes to financial statements for more information about the change in investment objective and see Note 2 of the Notes to financial statements for more information about the change in investment adviser. On January 25, 2010, the Fund began investing using its new investment objective, therefore, performance prior to that date is not relevant.
 
The S&P 500 Index is a capital weighted, unmanaged index that represents the aggregate market value of the common equity of 500 stocks primarily traded on the New York Stock Exchange.


 
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Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Portfolio composition as of 6/30/2014(1) (unaudited)
 
   
Value
   
Percent
 
Investment Companies
  $ 129,877,842       70.29 %
Common Stocks
    29,649,053       16.04  
Money Market Funds
    10,998,842       5.95  
Preferred Stocks
    6,060,743       3.28  
Convertible Bonds
    3,506,319       1.90  
Promissory Notes
    2,234,000       1.21  
Liquidation Claims
    1,620,937       0.88  
Warrants
    879,700       0.48  
Corporate Bonds
    600,936       0.33  
Rights
    97,693       0.05  
Convertible Preferred Stocks
    49,016       0.03  
Total Investments
  $ 185,575,081       100.44 %
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets
    (806,364 )     (0.44 )
Total Net Assets
  $ 184,768,717       100.00 %
(1)
As a percentage of net assets.


 
6

 
 
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Portfolio of investments—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
INVESTMENT COMPANIES—70.29%
           
Closed-End Funds—59.84%
           
Aberdeen Israel Fund, Inc.
    34,367     $ 614,482  
Adams Express Co. (k)
    351,652       4,835,215  
Advance Developing Markets Fund Ltd. (a)(h)
    191,414       1,388,957  
Advent/Claymore Enhanced Growth & Income Fund
    17,383       179,045  
AllianceBernstein Income Fund, Inc.
    574,291       4,318,668  
American Select Portfolio, Inc.
    126,285       1,351,249  
American Strategic Income Portfolio II
    229,651       2,016,336  
American Strategic Income Portfolio III
    562,207       4,115,355  
ARC Capital Holdings Ltd. (h)
    561,405       302,597  
Bancroft Fund, Ltd.
    79,335       1,600,980  
Blackrock Latin American Investment Trust PLC (h)
    80,000       621,577  
Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
    428,406       3,650,019  
Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc.
    184,149       4,725,245  
Central Europe, Russia, & Turkey Fund, Inc.
    11,314       331,387  
Central Securities Corp.
    136,479       3,200,433  
Clough Global Allocation Fund
    56,017       868,258  
Clough Global Equity Fund
    120,425       1,864,179  
DWS Global High Income Fund, Inc.
    35,876       301,717  
DWS High Income Opportunities Fund, Inc.
    228,156       3,369,864  
DWS RREEF Real Estate Fund II, Inc. (a)(c)(f)(g)
    201,612       72,580  
DWS RREEF Real Estate Fund, Inc. (a)(c)(f)(g)
    126,913       27,921  
Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund
    89,611       1,034,111  
Ellsworth Fund Ltd.
    55,094       486,480  
First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
    279,106       2,685,000  
General American Investors Co., Inc.
    231,435       8,521,414  
H&Q Healthcare Investors
    26,716       704,234  
H&Q Life Sciences Investors
    26,716       554,624  
Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.
    145,612       1,003,267  
Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc.
    14,754       120,245  
INVESCO Asia Trust Plc (h)
    157,367       459,185  
JP Morgan Asian Investment Trust PLC (h)
    28,426       99,607  
Juridica Investments Ltd. (h)
    495,258       1,169,661  
Kubera Cross-Border Fund Ltd. (h)
    380,604       118,368  
Liberty All-Star Equity Fund
    1,751,775       10,528,168  
LMP Real Estate Income Fund, Inc.
    46,539       535,664  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


 
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Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Portfolio of investments—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
INVESTMENT COMPANIES—(continued)
           
Closed-End Funds—(continued)
           
Madison Strategic Sector Premium Fund
    60,080     $ 769,024  
Marwyn Value Investors Ltd. (h)
    160,023       512,806  
MFS Intermarket Income Trust I
    88,479       754,726  
Millennium India Acquisition Co., Inc. (a)
    34,036       25,534  
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3
    110,969       1,518,056  
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund
    87,046       1,232,571  
Nuveen Global Government Enhanced Income Fund
    262,695       3,349,361  
Nuveen Multi-Currency Short-Term Government Income Fund
    856,151       9,614,576  
Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunities Fund Ltd. (a)(h)
    313,541       449,147  
Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc.
    159,317       2,010,421  
Royce Value Trust, Inc.
    158,160       2,530,560  
Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
    518,558       7,555,390  
Terra Catalyst Fund (a)(h)
    23,071       25,566  
Tri-Continental Corp.
    387,319       8,125,953  
Virtus Total Return Fund
    294,789       1,414,987  
The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc.
    201,429       2,898,563  
              110,563,333  
Closed-End Funds—Preferred Shares—0.80%
               
Oxford Lane Capital Corp., Series 2017
    57,274       1,483,397  
                 
Auction Rate Preferred Securities—1.33% (c)(f)
               
BlackRock Municipal 2018 Term Trust—Series W7, 0.088% (b)
    43       1,021,250  
Putnam Managed Municipal Income Trust—Series C
    6       225,000  
Putnam Municipal Opportunities Trust—Series C
    6       112,500  
Western Asset Premier Bond Fund—Series M, 0.160% (b)
    46       1,092,500  
              2,451,250  
Business Development Company—6.29%
               
Equus Total Return, Inc. (a)
    106,919       265,159  
Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
    272,130       5,782,762  
Keating Capital, Inc. (a)
    60,882       359,812  
MVC Capital, Inc.
    403,584       5,226,413  
              11,634,146  
Business Development Company—Preferred Shares—2.03%
               
MVC Capital, Inc.
    147,760       3,745,716  
Total Investment Companies (Cost $110,613,725)
            129,877,842  

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


 
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Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Portfolio of investments—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
PREFERRED STOCKS—3.28%
           
Marine—0.03%
           
Box Ships, Inc. (h)
    2,474     $ 58,485  
                 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—0.13%
               
Miller Energy Resources, Inc.
    9,316       238,676  
                 
Real Estate Investment Trusts—3.12%
               
Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc.—Series A (c)(f)
    6,083       5,763,582  
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $5,949,406)
             6,060,743  
                 
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS—0.03%
               
Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.03%
               
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.
    1,963       49,016  
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks (Cost $49,055)
            49,016  
                 
COMMON STOCKS—16.04%
               
Construction Materials—0.01%
               
Tecnoglass, Inc. (a)(h)
    2,437       29,439  
                 
Consumer Finance—2.15%
               
Imperial Holdings, Inc. (a)
    581,622       3,966,662  
                 
Energy Equipment & Services—0.02%
               
Profire Energy, Inc. (a)
    7,106       32,048  
                 
Health Care Providers & Services—0.00%
               
Healthcare Corp. of America (Acquired 10/24/2012, Cost $0) (a)(c)(j)
    10,000       800  
                 
Insurance—2.17%
               
Stewart Information Services Corp.
    129,084       4,002,895  
                 
IT Services—0.04%
               
JetPay Corp. (a)
    39,596       82,756  
                 
Real Estate —0.18%
               
Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc.
    11,589       59,452  
Gyrodyne Dividend Notes (c)
    10,914       96,807  
Gyrodyne Special Distribution LLC (c)
    10,914       184,338  
      340,597          
Real Estate Investment Trusts—2.13%
               
American Realty Capital Properties, Inc.
    23,165       290,258  
Five Oaks Investment Corp.
    15,791       178,280  
Gladstone Land Corp.
    2,582       33,540  

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


 
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Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Portfolio of investments—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
COMMON STOCKS—(continued)
           
Real Estate Investment Trusts—(continued)
           
Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc.
    35,545     $ 315,284  
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.
    7,235       34,439  
Winthrop Realty Trust
    201,212       3,088,604  
              3,940,405  
Software—0.13%
               
Single Touch Systems, Inc. (a)
    623,270       236,843  
                 
Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicle—9.21% (a)
               
Aquasition Corp. (h)(i)
    428,661       4,376,629  
Capitol Acquisition Corp. II
    155,122       1,524,849  
Chart Acquisition Corp.
    124,265       1,241,407  
CIS Acquisition Ltd. (h)
    144,147       1,477,507  
Collabrium Japan Acquisition Corp. (c)(h)
    208,234       2,184,374  
Garnero Group Acquisition Co. (h)
    153,199       1,533,491  
Global Defense & National Security Systems, Inc.
    142,712       1,459,944  
Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp.
    65,223       657,448  
Levy Acquisition Corp.
    37,874       379,119  
MergeWorthRx Corp.
    23,185       188,262  
Quartet Merger Corp.
    132,553       1,330,832  
ROI Acquisition Corp. II
    57,484       574,840  
Silver Eagle Acquisition Corp.
    9,016       87,906  
              17,016,608  
Total Common Stocks (Cost $27,067,558)
            29,649,053  
                 
LIQUIDATION CLAIMS—0.88%
               
The Home Insurance Company in Liquidation (a)(f)
    1       1,620,937  
Total Liquidation Claims (Cost $1,638,000)
            1,620,937  
                 
 
   
Principal
         
     
Amount
         
CONVERTIBLE BONDS—1.90% (b)
               
Imperial Holdings, Inc.
               
  8.500%, 02/15/2019
  $ 2,941,000       3,506,319  
Total Convertible Bonds (Cost $2,941,000)
            3,506,319  
                 
CORPORATE BONDS—0.33% (b)
               
JC Penney Corp., Inc.
               
  6.375%, 10/15/2036
    650,000       529,750  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


 
10

 
 
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Portfolio of investments—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
CORPORATE BONDS—(continued)
           
Washington Mutual, Inc.
           
  0.000%, 9/17/2012 (d)(f)
  $ 3,000,000     $ 56,250  
WMI Holdings Corp.
               
  13.000%, 03/19/2030—1st Lien
    11,280       11,280  
  13.000%, 03/19/2030—2nd Lien
    3,656       3,656  
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $462,685)
            600,936  
                 
PROMISSORY NOTES—1.21% (b)(c)(f)
               
Symbios Holdings, Inc.
               
  15.000%, 6/16/2014
    450,000       0  
UBPS Secured Convertible Promissory Note
               
  12.000%, 12/28/2014
    234,000       234,000  
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. Convertible
               
  9.000%, 12/15/2018 (Acquired 12/16/2013, Cost $1,200,000) (j)
    1,200,000       1,200,000  
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. Non-Convertible
               
  9.000%, 12/15/2015 (Acquired 12/16/2013, Cost $800,000) (j)
    800,000       800,000  
Total Promissory Notes (Cost $2,684,000)
            2,234,000  
                 
   
Shares
         
RIGHTS—0.05%
               
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (a)
    29,912       11,534  
Quartet Merger Corp. (a)
    132,553       86,159  
Total Rights (Cost $97,401)
            97,693  
                 
WARRANTS—0.48% (a)
               
Aquasition Corp.
               
  Expiration: January 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $11.50 (h)
    400,000       58,000  
Arabella Exploration, Inc.
               
  Expiration: December 2016
               
  Exercise Price: $5.00 (h)
    25,448       62,602  
Capitol Acquisition Corp. II
               
  Expiration: May 2016
               
  Exercise Price: $11.50
    77,561       38,005  
Chart Acquisition Corp.
               
  Expiration: December 2017
               
  Exercise Price: $11.50
    124,265       56,540  

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


 
11

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Portfolio of investments—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
WARRANTS—(continued)
           
CIS Acquisition Ltd.
           
  Expiration: December 2017
           
  Exercise Price: $10.00 (h)
    140,040     $ 19,606  
Collabrium Japan Acquisition Corp.
               
  Expiration: December 2017
               
  Exercise Price: $11.50 (h)
    208,234       16,659  
EvryWare Global, Inc.
               
  Expiration: May 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $6.00
    48,370       2,902  
Healthcare Corp. of America
               
  Expiration: November 2016
               
  Exercise Price: $7.50
    33,753       337  
  Expiration: July 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $11.50 (Acquired 10/24/2012, Cost $0) (c)(j)
    5,000       37  
Hemisphere Media Group, Inc.
               
  Expiration: April 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $6.00
    166,726       196,737  
Integrated Drilling Equipment Holdings Corp.
               
  Expiration: December 2017
               
  Exercise Price: $11.50
    205,929       8,237  
Net Element, Inc.
               
  Expiration: October 2017
               
  Exercise Price: $7.50 (c)(f)
    191,697       9,585  
Perferred Apartment Communities
               
  Expiration: March 2017
               
  Exercise Price: $9.00 (c)(f)
    6,083       61  
Pingtan Marine Enterprise Ltd.
               
  Expiration: February 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $12.00 (h)
    52,798       5,280  
Prime Acquisition Corp.
               
  Expiration: March 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $5.00 (h)
    50,142       8,023  
Quinpario Acquisition Corp.
               
  Expiration: September 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $12.00
    131,616       178,998  
RLJ Entertainment, Inc.
               
  Expiration: October 2017
               
  Exercise Price: $12.00
    436,744       21,837  
Silver Eagle Acquisition Corp.
               
  Expiration: July 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $11.50
    9,016       4,598  

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


 
12

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Portfolio of investments—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
WARRANTS—(continued)
           
Tecnoglass, Inc.
           
  Expiration: December 2016
           
  Exercise Price: $8.00 (h)
    47,914     $ 191,656  
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.
               
  Expiration: December 2018
               
  Exercise Price: $4.75 (c)(f)
    84,211       0  
Total Warrants (Cost $763,263)
            879,700  
                 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS—5.95%
               
Fidelity Institutional Government Portfolio—Class I, 0.010% (e)
    5,503,315       5,503,315  
Fidelity Institutional Tax-Exempt Portfolio—Class I, 0.010% (e)
    5,495,527       5,495,527  
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $10,998,842)
            10,998,842  
Total Investments (Cost $163,264,935)—100.44%
            185,575,081  
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets—(0.44)%
            (806,364 )
TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.00%
          $ 184,768,717  

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
(a)
Non-income producing security.
(b)
The coupon rates shown represent the rates at June 30, 2014.
(c)
Fair valued securities. The total market value of these securities was $13,025,335, representing 7.05% of net assets.
(d)
Default or other conditions exist and security is not presently accruing income.
(e)
The rate shown represents the 7-day yield at June 30, 2014.
(f)
Illiquid security. The total market value of these securities was $12,236,166, representing 6.62% of net assets.
(g)
Security currently undergoing a full liquidation with all proceeds paid out to shareholders.
(h)
Foreign-issued security.
(i)
Affiliated security.
(j)
Restricted security.
(k)
All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for securities sold short.


Schedule of Securities Sold Short—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)

   
Shares
   
Value
 
First American Financial Corp.
    (63,973 )   $ (1,777,810 )
Total Securities Sold Short (Proceeds $1,688,821)
          $ (1,777,810 )

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


 
13

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Statement of assets and liabilities—June 30, 2014 (unaudited)

Assets:
     
Investments, at value
     
  Non-Affiliated Companies (cost $159,056,559)
  $ 181,198,452  
  Affiliated Companies (cost $4,208,376)
    4,376,629  
Total investment, at value (cost $163,264,935)
    185,575,081  
Cash
    275,512  
Dividends and interest receivable
    538,696  
Receivable for investments sold
    2,241,765  
Deposits at brokers
    1,663,257  
Other assets
    28,036  
Total assets
    190,322,347  
         
Liabilities:
       
Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $1,688,821)
    1,777,810  
Payable for investments purchased
    3,443,159  
Payable to Adviser
    150,303  
Payable to Custodian
    14,084  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    168,274  
Total liabilities
    5,553,630  
Net assets applicable to common shareholders
  $ 184,768,717  
         
Net assets applicable to common shareholders:
       
Common stock—$0.001 par value per common share; 199,995,800 shares authorized;
       
  10,165,454 shares issued and outstanding, 13,568,364 shares held in treasury
  $ 340,000,630  
Cost of shares held in treasury
    (186,125,319 )
Accumulated undistributed net investment income
    259,682  
Accumulated net realized gain from investment activities
    8,412,567  
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
       
  Investments
    22,310,146  
  Securities sold short
    (88,989 )
Net assets applicable to common shareholders
  $ 184,768,717  
Net asset value per common share ($184,768,717 applicable to
       
  10,165,454 common shares outstanding)
  $ 18.18  

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


 
14

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Statement of operations

   
For the six months
 
   
ended June 30, 2014
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Investment income:
     
Dividends(1)
  $ 1,052,609  
Interest
    205,289  
Total investment income
    1,257,898  
Expenses:
       
Investment advisory fees
    880,757  
Professional fees and expenses
    131,551  
Directors’ fees and expenses
    66,679  
Administration fees and expenses
    62,399  
Reports and notices to shareholders
    31,597  
Insurance fees
    27,508  
Accounting fees and expenses
    25,391  
Custody fees and expenses
    24,931  
Compliance fees and expenses
    23,522  
Dividend expenses
    20,468  
Stock exchange listing fees
    14,748  
Transfer agency fees and expenses
    12,563  
Other expenses
    2,048  
Total expenses
    1,324,162  
Less: Fee waiver by investment advisor(2)
    (143,573 )
Net expenses
    1,180,589  
Net investment income
    77,309  
Net realized and unrealized gains from investment activities:
       
Net realized gain (loss) from:
       
Investments
    7,113,483  
Distributions received from investment companies
    1,112,513  
Foreign currency translation
    (8,578 )
Net realized gain on investments
    8,217,418  
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
       
Investments
    1,544,264  
Short transactions
    (88,989 )
Foreign currency translation
    (870 )
Net realized and unrealized gains from investment activities
    9,671,823  
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations
  $ 9,749,132  
 
(1)
Net of $8,856 in foreign withholding tax.
(2)
Represents the Investment Adviser’s reimbursement to the Fund for expenses incurred with the settlement of the proxy contest between the Investment Adviser and the Firsthand Technology Value Fund.

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


 
15

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Statement of cash flows

   
For the six months
 
   
ended June 30, 2014
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
     
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders
  $ 9,749,132  
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders
       
  resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
       
Purchases of investments
    (49,881,867 )
Proceeds from sales of investments
    54,689,160  
Net purchases and sales of short—term investments
    2,066,660  
Amortization and accretion of premium and discount
    (1,070 )
Decrease in dividends and interest receivable
    946,564  
Increase in receivable for investments sold
    (1,603,430 )
Decrease in other assets
    13,410  
Increase in payable for investments purchased
    2,870,544  
Decrease in payable to Adviser
    (2,381 )
Decrease in Convertible Preferred Stock
    (37,424,300 )
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    51,569  
Increase in deposits at brokers
    (1,663,257 )
Proceeds from securities sold short
    1,688,821  
Net realized gains from investments
    (7,113,483 )
Net foreign currency translation
    6,289  
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments
    (1,544,264 )
Net change in unrealized depreciation short transactions
    88,989  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    (27,062,914 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
Distributions paid to common shareholders
    (9,866,715 )
Decrease in dividends accrued not yet paid
    (3,077 )
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock
    37,205,024  
Net cash used in financing activities
    27,335,232  
Net change in cash
  $ 272,318  
Cash:
       
Beginning of period
    3,194  
End of period
  $ 275,512  
Non-cash financing activities not included herein consist of
       
  reinves tment of dividend distributions
  $ 5,740,113  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


 
16

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Statements of changes in net assets applicable to common shareholders

   
For the
       
   
six months ended
   
For the
 
   
June 30, 2014
   
year ended
 
   
(unaudited)
   
December 31, 2013
 
From operations:
           
Net investment income
  $ 77,309     $ 7,624,212  
Net realized gain (loss) before income taxes from:
               
Investments
    7,113,483       5,660,766  
Short transactions
          598,975  
Distributions received from investment companies
    1,112,513       2,268,945  
Foreign currency translation
    (8,578 )     (73,025 )
Net realized gain before income taxes
    8,217,418       8,455,661  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
               
Investments and foreign currency
    1,543,394       11,400,145  
Short transactions
    (88,989 )      
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
    9,749,132       27,480,018  
                 
Distributions paid to preferred shareholders:
               
Net investment income
          (1,123,393 )
Total dividends and distributions paid to preferred shareholders
          (1,123,393 )
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders
               
  resulting from operations
    9,749,132       26,356,625  
                 
Distributions paid to common shareholders:
               
Net investment income
          (7,768,104 )
Net realized gains from investment activities
          (7,838,724 )
Total dividends and distributions paid to common shareholders
          (15,606,828 )
                 
Capital Stock Transactions (Note 4)
               
Offering cost adjustment from issuance of preferred stock
          73,965  
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock
    37,205,024       30,000  
Reinvestment of distributions to common stockholders
    5,740,113       3,962,090  
Total capital stock transactions
    42,945,137       4,066,055  
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders
    52,694,269       14,815,852  
                 
Net assets applicable to common shareholders:
               
Beginning of period
    132,074,448       117,258,596  
End of period
  $ 184,768,717     $ 132,074,448  
Accumulated undistributed net investment income
  $ 259,682     $ 129,360  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


 
17

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Financial highlights

Selected data for a share of common stock outstanding throughout each period is presented below:
    For the six months  
    ended June 30, 2014  
    (unaudited)  
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 18.70  
Net investment income(2)
    0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) from investment activities
    0.99  
Total from investment operations
    1.00  
Common share equivalent of dividends and distributions
       
  paid to auction preferred shareholders from:
       
Net investment income
     
Total dividends and distributions paid to auction preferred shareholders
     
Net increase (decrease) from operations
    1.00  
Dilutive effect of conversions of preferred shares to common shares
    (1.44 )
Dilutive effect of reinvestment of distributions by common shareholders
    (0.08 )
Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred shareholders from:
       
Net investment income
     
Dividends and distributions paid to common shareholders from:
       
Net investment income
     
Net realized gains from investment activities
     
Total dividends and distributions paid to common shareholders
     
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 18.18  
Market value, end of period
  $ 16.70  
Total net asset value return(3)(11)
    (2.44 )%
Total market price return(4)(11)
    (4.33 )%
Ratio to average net assets attributable to common shares:
       
Total expenses, net of fee waivers by investment advisor and administrator including
       
  interest, dividends on short positions, and tax expense and fees on floating rate notes
    1.42 %(5)(7)
Total expenses, before fee waivers by investment advisor and administrator including
       
  interest, dividends on short positions, and tax expense and fees on floating rate notes
    1.60 %(5)(7)
Total expenses, net of fee waivers by investment advisor and administrator excluding
       
  interest expense, dividends on short positions, and fees on floating rate notes
    1.40 %(5)(8)
Net investment income before dividends paid to auction preferred shareholders
    0.10 %(2)(5)
Dividends paid to auction preferred shareholders from net investment income
     
Net investment income available to common shareholders
    0.10 %(2)(5)
Supplemental data:
       
Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of period (000’s)
  $ 184,769  
Liquidation value of preferred stock (000’s)
  $  
Portfolio turnover(11)
    30 %
Preferred Stock:
       
Total shares outstanding
     
Asset coverage per share of preferred shares, end of period  
$
­­  


 
18

 

Financial highlights (continued)
 
                       
For the nine
   
For the
 
                       
months ended
   
year ended
 
For the years ended December 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
$ 17.22     $ 16.01     $ 16.42     $ 14.26     $ 13.05     $ 13.71  
  0.92       0.34       0.22 (1)     0.04 (1)     0.52 (1)     0.88 (1)
  3.00       1.92       (0.10 )     2.15       1.24       (0.70 )
  3.92       2.26       0.12       2.19       1.76       0.18  
                                             
                                             
                          (0.02 )     (0.25 )
                          (0.02 )     (0.25 )
  3.92       2.26       0.12       2.19       1.74       (0.07 )
  (0.00 )(12)                              
  (0.07 )     (0.03 )                        
                                             
  (0.16 )     (0.07 )                        
                                             
  (1.10 )     (0.23 )     (0.26 )     (0.03 )     (0.53 )     (0.59 )
  (1.11 )     (0.72 )     (0.27 )                  
  (2.21 )     (0.95 )     (0.53 )     (0.03 )     (0.53 )     (0.59 )
$ 18.70     $ 17.22     $ 16.01     $ 16.42     $ 14.26     $ 13.05  
$ 17.45     $ 15.01     $ 14.50     $ 14.75     $ 14.09     $ 11.37  
  21.98 %     13.72 %     0.85 %     15.36 %     13.51 %     (0.39 )%
  31.27 %     10.05 %     1.89 %     4.90 %     29.00 %     (3.32 )%
                                             
                                             
  2.66 %(7)     2.54 %(7)(9)     1.51 %(7)     1.50 %(7)     1.03 %(5)(6)     1.73 %(6)
                                             
  2.66 %(7)     2.54 %(7)(9)     1.51 %(7)     1.67 %(7)     1.92 %(5)(6)     2.62 %(6)
                                             
  1.83 %(8)     1.82 %(8)     1.51 %(8)     1.50 %(8)     0.99 %(5)     1.59 %
  5.66 %(2)     2.41 %(2)     1.32 %(2)     0.26 %(2)     5.00 %(5)     6.71 %
                          0.20 %(5)     1.87 %
  5.66 %(2)     2.41 %(2)     1.32 %(2)     0.26 %(2)     4.80 %(5)     4.84 %
                                             
$ 132,074     $ 117,259     $ 106,864     $ 109,631     $ 294,133     $ 269,266  
$ 37,424     $ 37,454     $     $     $     $  
  58 %     62 %     55 %     73 %     7 %     27 %
                                             
  748,486       749,086                          
226     $ 207     $     $     $     $  136,860 (10)­­­


 
19

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­
 

Financial highlights (continued)

(1)
Calculated using the average shares method.
(2)
Recognition of investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(3)
Total net asset value return is calculated assuming a $10,000 purchase of common stock at the current net asset value on the first day of each period reported and a sale at the current net asset value on the last day of each period reported, and assuming reinvestment of dividends and other distributions at the net asset value on the payable date for dividends and other distributions payable through December 31, 2009 and reinvested at the NAV on the ex-dividend date for dividends and other distributions payable after December 31, 2009.  Total investment return based on net asset value is hypothetical as investors can not purchase or sell Fund shares at net asset value but only at market prices. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder could pay on Fund dividends and other distributions, if any, or the sale of Fund shares.
(4)
Total market price return is calculated assuming a $10,000 purchase of common stock at the current market price on the first day of each period reported and a sale at the current market price on the last day of each period reported, and assuming reinvestment of dividends and other distributions to common shareholders at prices obtained under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (which was terminated on January 1, 2010) for dividends and other distributions payable through December 31, 2009 and reinvested at the lower of the NAV or the closing market price on the ex-dividend date for dividends and other distributions payable after December 31, 2009. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions and has not been annualized for the period of less than one year. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder could pay on Fund dividends and other distributions, if any, or the sale of Fund shares.
(5)
Annualized.
(6)
Interest expense represents interest and fees on short term floating rate notes issued in conjunction with inverse floating rate securities. Interest income from such transactions was included in income from investment operations.
(7)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(8)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests, interest expenses, or dividends on short positions.
(9)
The ratio of expenses to average net assets includes tax expense.  The before waiver and expense reimbursement and after waiver and expense reimbursement ratios excluding tax expense were 2.18% and 2.18%, respectively.
(10)
In 2009, the preferred shares were auction rate preferred shares.
(11)
Not Annualized for periods less than one year.
(12)
Less than 0.5 cents per share.
­
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


 
20

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Note 1
Organization and significant accounting policies
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc. (formerly, Insured Municipal Income Fund Inc.) (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on February 18, 1993, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a closed-end diversified management investment company.  Effective December 21, 2009, the Fund changed its name to the Special Opportunities Fund, Inc. and changed its investment objective to total return.  There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.  The Fund’s previous investment objective was to achieve a high level of current income that was exempt from federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.
 
In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations or that provide indemnification for certain liabilities.  The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred.  However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America requires the Fund’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:
 
Valuation of investments—The Fund calculates its net asset value based on the current market value for its portfolio securities.  The Fund obtains market values for its securities from independent pricing sources and broker-dealers.  Independent pricing sources may use last reported sale prices or if not available the most recent bid price, current market quotations or valuations from computerized “matrix” systems that derive values based on comparable securities.  A matrix system incorporates parameters such as security quality, maturity and coupon, and/or research and evaluations by its staff, including review of broker-dealer market price quotations, if available, in determining the valuation of the portfolio securities.  If a market value is not available from an independent pricing source or a broker-dealer for a particular security, that security is valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).  Various factors may be reviewed in order to make a good faith determination of a security’s fair value.  The auction rate preferred securities are valued at cost, unless other observable market events occur.  The purchase price, or cost, of these securities is arrived at through an arms length transaction between a willing buyer and seller in the


 
21

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

secondary market and is indicative of the value on the secondary market.  Current transactions in similar securities in the marketplace are evaluated.  Factors for other securities may include, but are not limited to, the type and cost of the security; contractual or legal restrictions on resale of the security; relevant financial or business developments of the issuer; actively traded similar or related securities; conversion or exchange rights on the security; related corporate actions; and changes in overall market conditions.  If events occur that materially affect the value of securities between the close of trading in those securities and the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the securities may be fair valued.  The amortized cost method of valuation, which approximates market value, generally is used to value short-term debt instruments with sixty days or less remaining to maturity, unless the Board or its delegate determines that this does not represent fair value.
 
The Fund has adopted fair valuation accounting standards that establish an authoritative definition of fair value and set out a hierarchy for measuring fair value.  These standards require additional disclosures about the various input and valuation techniques used in measuring fair value.  Fair value inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
 
Level 1—
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.
   
Level 2—
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
   
Level 3—
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
 
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.


 
22

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)
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.
 

The significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of the Fund’s investment companies, corporate bonds, and promissory notes, are (1) cost and (2) indicative bids or price ranges from dealers, brokers, or market makers.  Significant changes in any of these inputs in isolation may result in a change in fair value measurement.
 
In accordance with procedures established by the Fund’s Board of Directors, the Adviser shall initially value non-publicly-traded securities (for which a current market value is not readily available) at their acquisition cost less related expenses, where identifiable, unless and until the Adviser determines that such value does not represent fair value.
 
The Adviser sends a memorandum to the Chairman of the Valuation Committee with respect to any non-publicly-traded securities that are valued using a method other than cost detailing the reason, factors considered, and impact on the Fund’s NAV.  If the Chairman determines that such fair valuation(s) require the involvement of the Valuation Committee, a special meeting of the Valuation Committee is called as soon as practicable to discuss such fair valuation(s).  The Valuation Committee of the Board consists of at least two non-interested Directors, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
At each regular quarterly Board meeting, the Adviser delivers a written report (the “Quarterly Report”) to the Board regarding any recommendations of fair valuation during the past quarter, including fair valuations which have not changed.  The Board reviews the Quarterly Report and discusses the valuation of the fair valued securities.
 
The Valuation Committee reviews all Quarterly Reports and any other interim reports, and reviews and approves the valuation of all fair valued securities.  This review included a review and discussion of an updated fair valuation summary with appropriate levels of representatives of the Adviser’s management.
 
The following is a summary of the fair valuations according to the inputs used as of June 30, 2014 in valuing the Fund’s investments:


 
23

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

   
Quoted Prices in
                   
   
Active Markets
                   
   
for Identical
   
Significant Other
   
Unobservable
       
   
Investments
   
Observable Inputs
   
Inputs
       
   
(Level 1)*
   
(Level 2)*
   
(Level 3)**
   
Total
 
Investment Companies
  $ 126,879,560     $ 446,531     $ 2,551,751     $ 129,877,842  
Preferred Stocks
                               
Marine
    58,485                   58,485  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels
    238,676                   238,676  
Real Estate Investment Trusts
                5,763,582       5,763,582  
Convertible Preferred Stocks
          49,016             49,016  
Common Stocks
                               
Construction Materials
    29,439                   29,439  
Consumer Finance
    3,966,662                   3,966,662  
Energy Equipment & Services
    32,048                   32,048  
Health Care Providers & Services
                800       800  
Insurance
    4,002,895                   4,002,895  
IT Services
    82,756                   82,756  
Real Estate
    59,452             281,145       340,597  
Real Estate Investments Trusts
    3,940,405                   3,940,405  
Software
    236,843                   236,843  
Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicle
    5,565,674       9,266,560       2,184,374       17,016,608  
Liquidation Claims
          1,620,937             1,620,937  
Convertible Bonds
    3,506,319                   3,506,319  
Corporate Bonds
          600,936             600,936  
Promissory Notes
                2,234,000       2,234,000  
Rights
    97,693                   97,693  
Warrants
    745,558       124,459       9,683       879,700  
Money Market Funds
    10,998,842                   10,998,842  
Total
  $ 160,441,307     $ 12,108,439     $ 13,025,335     $ 185,575,081  
Liabilities:
                               
Securities Sold Short
  $ (1,777,810 )   $     $     $ (1,777,810 )
 
*
Transfers between Levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
 
**
The Fund measures Level 3 activity as of the beginning and end of each financial reporting period.


 
24

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

The fair value of derivative instruments as reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2014:
 
Derivatives not accounted
Statement of Assets &
 
for as hedging instruments
Liabilities Location
Value
Equity Contracts—Warrants
Investments, at value
$879,700
 
The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
Amount of Realized Gain
 
on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Derivatives not accounted
Statement of
 
for as hedging instruments
Operations Location
Value
Equity Contracts—Warrants
Net Realized Gain
$226,099
 
on Investments
 
     
 
Change in Unrealized Appreciation
 
on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Derivatives not accounted
Statement of
 
for as hedging instruments
Operations Location
Total
Equity Contracts—Warrants
Net change in unrealized
$(13,913)
 
depreciation of investments
 
 
Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities as of June 30, 2014 resulted from securities priced previously with an official close price (Level 1 securities) or on days where there is not an official close price the bid price is used (Level 2 securities).  Transfers as of June 30, 2014 are summarized in the table below:
 
Transfers into Level 1
     
Investment Companies
  $ 449,147  
Common Stocks
       
  Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicles
    1,241,407  
Warrants
    38,005  
Transfers out of Level 1
       
Investment Companies
    302,597  
Common Stocks
       
  Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicles
    2,132,794  
Warrants
    17,901  
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 1
  $ (724,733 )


 
25

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Transfers into Level 2
     
Investment Companies
  $ 302,597  
Common Stocks
       
  Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicles
    2,132,794  
Warrants
    17,901  
Transfers out of Level 2
       
Investment Companies
    449,147  
Common Stocks
       
  Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicles
    1,241,407  
Warrants
    38,005  
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 2
  $ 724,733  
 
Level 3 Reconciliation Disclosure
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
 
                           
Change
   
Transfers
       
   
Balance
               
Realized
   
in unrealized
   
into /
   
Balance
 
   
as of
   
Acqui-
   
Dispo-
   
Gain
   
appreciation
   
(out of)
   
as of
 
Category
 
12/31/2013
   
sitions
   
sitions
   
(Loss)
   
(depreciaton)
   
Level 3
   
6/30/14
 
                                           
Closed
                                         
  End Funds
  $ 100,501     $     $     $     $     $     $ 100,501  
                                                         
Auction Rate
                                                       
  Preferred
                                                       
  Securities
    5,186,250             (3,275,000 )     512,937       27,063             2,451,250  
                                                         
Preferred Stocks
    5,721,001                         42,581             5,763,582  
                                                         
Common
                                                       
  Stocks
    261,236                         20,709             281,945  
                                                         
Special
                                                       
  Purpose
                                                       
  Acquisition
                                                       
  Vehicles
                            54,140       2,130,234       2,184,374  
                                                         
Corporate
                                                       
  Bonds
    75,000                         (18,750 )     (56,250 )      
                                                         
Promissory
                                                       
  Notes
    2,234,000                                     2,234,000  
                                                         
Warrants
    173                         (13,494 )     23,004       9,683  
                                                         
    $ 13,578,161     $     $ (3,275,000 )   $ 512,937     $ 112,249     $ 2,096,988     $ 13,025,335  


 
26

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

The following table presents additional information about valuation methodologies and inputs used for investments that are measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 as of June 30, 2014:
 
           
Impact to
           
Valuation
   
Fair Value
     
from an
   
June 30,
 
Valuation
Unobservable
increase in
   
2014
 
Methodologies
Input(1)
Input(2)
             
Closed End Funds
  $ 100,501  
Market Assessment
Discount to Last
Decrease
         
and Company-
Reported Net Asset Value
 
         
Specific Information
   
               
Auction Rate Preferred
  $ 2,451,250  
Market
Comparability Adjustments/
Increase
  Securities
       
Comparables
Broker Indications/
 
           
Company Announcements
 
               
Preferred Stocks
  $ 5,763,582  
Cost
Market Assessments/
Increase
           
Financial Assessments
 
               
Common Stocks
  $ 281,945  
Market Transactions
Discount to Market Price
Decrease
         
Approach
for Share Restrictions
 
               
Special Purpose
  $ 2,184,374  
Market Transactions
Adjustments for Dividends
Increase
  Acquisition Vehicles
       
 Approach
and Announcements by
 
           
Company
 
               
Promissory Notes
  $ 2,234,000  
Cost
Terms of the Note/ Financial
Increase
           
Assessments/ Company
 
           
Announcements
 
               
Warrants
  $ 9,683  
Market Transactions
Discount to Market Price
Decrease
         
Approach
for Share Restrictions
 
 
(1)
In determining certain of these inputs, management evaluates a variety of factors including economic conditions, foreign exchange rates, industry and market developments, market valuations of comparable companies and company specific developments including exit strategies and realization opportunities. Management has determined that market participants would take these inputs into account when valuing the investments.
(2)
This column represents the directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase to the corresponding unobservable input. A decrease to the unobservable input would have the opposite effect.
 
Short sales—The Fund is authorized to make short sales.  Short sales are transactions where a fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the value of the securities.
 
Short sales carry risks of loss if the price of the security sold short increases after the sale.  In this situation, when a fund replaces the borrowed security by buying the security in the securities market, the fund may pay more for the security than it has received from the purchaser in the short sale.  The fund may, however, profit from a change in the value of the security sold short, if the price decreased.


 
27

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

As collateral for its short positions, the Fund is required under the 1940 Act to maintain segregated assets consisting of cash, cash equivalents, or liquid securities.  The amount of segregated assets are required to be adjusted daily to the extent additional collateral is required based on the change in fair value of the securities sold short.
 
Investment transactions and investment income—Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date.  Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are calculated using the identified cost method.  Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.  Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.  Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized using the effective yield method as adjustments to interest income and the identified cost of investments.
 
Dividends and distributions—Dividends to Common Stockholders from net investment income and distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, will be declared and paid at least annually.  Dividends and distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.  The amount of dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains was determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  These “book/tax” differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.  To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification.
 
Note 2
Related party transactions
Bulldog Investors, LLC serves as the Fund’s Investment Adviser (the “Investment Adviser”) under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement effective October 10, 2009.  Effective May 7, 2013 Brooklyn Capital Management, LLC changed its name to Bulldog Investors, LLC.  In accordance with the investment advisory agreement, the Fund is obligated to pay Bulldog Investors, LLC a monthly investment advisory fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average weekly total net assets.
 
Effective December 6, 2012, the Fund pays each of its directors who is not a director, officer or employee of the Investment Adviser, the Administrator or any affiliate thereof an annual fee of $30,000, paid pro rata, quarterly.  As additional annual compensation, the Audit Committee Chairman and Valuation Committee Chairman will receive $3,000, and the Corporate Governance Committee Chairman will receive $2,000.  For serving the Fund as Chief Compliance Officer, in addition to the aforementioned Directors’ fees, Mr. Hellerman receives annual compensation in the amount of $40,000.  In addition, the Fund reimburses the

 
28

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)
 
directors and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) for travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Board of Directors’ meetings and CCO due diligence requirements.
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, serves as the Fund’s Administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative services for the Fund.  USBFS also serves as the Fund’s Fund Accountant (the “Fund Accountant”).  U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as the Fund’s custodian (the “Custodian”).  The Custodian is an affiliate of the Administrator.  The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Fund; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the directors, monitors the activities of the Fund’s Custodian and Fund Accountant; coordinates the preparation and payment of the Fund’s expenses and reviews the Fund’s expense accruals.  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC serves as the Fund’s Transfer Agent.
 
Note 3
Purchases and sales of securities
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, aggregate purchases and sales of portfolio securities, excluding short-term securities, were $52,219,817 and $54,689,160, respectively.  The Fund did not have any purchases or sales of U.S. government securities during the six months ended June 30, 2014.
 
Note 4
Capital share transactions
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Fund issued 338,450 shares for the reinvestment of distributions.  During the same period the Fund issued 2,765,091 of shares of common stock from the conversion of 744,120 shares of the Fund’s convertible preferred stock.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Fund issued 250,132 shares for the reinvestment of distributions and issued 1,914 of shares common stock from the conversion of 600 shares of the Fund’s convertible preferred stock.
 
Note 5
Federal tax status
The Fund intends to distribute its income and to comply with the other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies.  Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required.  In addition, by distributing during each calendar year substantially all of its net investment income, net realized capital gains and certain other amounts, if any, the Fund would not be subject to a federal excise tax.


 
29

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

The tax character of distributions paid to common shareholders during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:
 
   
For the
   
For the
 
   
year ended
   
year ended
 
Distributions paid from:
 
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
Ordinary income
  $ 11,332,076     $ 3,423,869  
Long-term capital gains
    5,398,145       4,541,131  
Total distributions paid
  $ 16,730,221     $ 7,965,000  
 
The Fund designated as long-term capital gain dividends, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 852(b)(3), the amount necessary to reduce the earnings and profits for the Fund related to net capital gains to zero for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
The following information is presented on an income tax basis as of December 31, 2013:
 
Tax cost of investments
  $ 161,797,635  
Unrealized appreciation
    25,016,731  
Unrealized depreciation
    (3,017,860 )
Net unrealized appreciation
    21,998,871  
Undistributed ordinary income
     
Undistributed long-term gains
    311,078  
Total distributable earnings
    311,078  
Other accumulated losses and other temporary differences
    (1,239,640 )
Total accumulated gains
  $ 21,070,309  
 
To reflect reclassifications arising from permanent “book/tax” differences for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Fund’s accumulated undistributed net investment income was increased by $561,399, the accumulated net realized gain from investment activities was decreased by $800,916, and the paid-in capital was increased by $239,517.
 
At December 31, 2013, the Fund deferred, on a tax basis, post October losses of $132,846.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax positions.  The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of operations.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties.


 
30

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)
 
Each of the tax years in the three year period ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
 
Note 6
Transactions with affiliates
The following issuer is affiliated with the Fund; that is, the Fund held 5% or more of the outstanding Voting shares during the period December 31, 2013 through June 30, 2014.  As defined in Section (2)(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, such issuers are:
 
 
Share
   
Share
       
 
Balance
   
Balance
   
Value
 
 
at
   
at
   
at
 
 
Dec. 31,
   
June 30,
Realized
Dividend
June 30,
Acquisition
Issuer Name
2013
Additions
Reductions
2014
Gain
Income
2014
Cost
Aquasition Corp.*
400,000
28,661
428,661
4,376,629
4,208,376
 
*
Acquasition Corp. is a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). A SPAC is publicly-traded buyout company that raises money in order to pursue the acquisition of an existing company.
 
Note 7
Subsequent events
In preparing these financial statements, the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available to be issued.  This evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosures and/or adjustments, other than the event listed below:
 
The Fund intends to make an additional payment of $9.98 per share to those former shareholders of the Fund’s Convertible Preferred Stock whose shares were redeemed on March 3, 2014 for a cash payment of $50 per share.  All but 4,366 shares of preferred stock were converted into common stock by the close of business on February 28, 2014, the conversion deadline, and the Fund then converted the remaining shares.  In view of the ambiguity that resulted from varying descriptions of the conversion and redemption procedures in the articles supplementary to the charter of the Fund versus the Fund’s prospectus, annual report, and subsequent press releases, the Fund has determined to provide the shareholders whose stock was redeemed the value in cash that is equivalent to what they would have received had the Fund converted their shares into common stock at the close of business on February 28, 2014, i.e., $59.98.  Therefore, the Fund intends to pay an additional $9.98 per share in cash to the redeeming shareholders in addition to the $50 they received upon redemption to reflect the

 
31

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

3.716 preferred-to-common conversion ratio and a common stock market closing price of $16.14 on February 28, 2014.  The Fund’s adviser, Bulldog Investors, LLC has agreed to provide the necessary funds to the Fund to make the payment.
 
Note 8
Additional information
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.­


 
32

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

General information (unaudited)

The Fund
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company whose common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).  The Fund’s NYSE trading symbol is “SPE.”  On April 21, 2010 the Fund’s symbol changed from “PIF” to “SPE.”  Comparative net asset value and market price information about the Fund is available weekly in various publications.
 
Annual meeting of shareholders held on March 25, 2014
The Fund held an annual meeting of shareholders on March 25, 2014 to vote on the following matters:
 
(1)
(a) To elect four Directors to the Fund’s Board of Directors, to be elected by the holders of the Fund’s common stock and preferred stock, voting together as a single class, to serve until the Fund’s next Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2014 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified;
 
(b) To elect two Directors to the Fund’s Board of Directors, to be elected by the holders of the Fund’s preferred stock, voting as a separate class, to serve until the Fund’s next Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2014 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified;
 
(2)
To instruct Bulldog Investors, LLC, the investment adviser to the Fund (the “Adviser”), to continue to vote proxies received by the Fund from any closed-end investment company in the Fund’s portfolio on any proposal (including the election of directors) in a manner which the Adviser reasonably determines is likely to favorably impact the discount of such investment company’s market price as compared to its net asset value.
 
Proxy results—Common Stock
The presence, in person or by proxy, of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the Meeting (i.e., the presence of a majority of the shares outstanding on the record date of February 5, 2014) was necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  At the Meeting, the holders of approximately 92.57% of the common stock outstanding as of the record date were represented in person or by proxy (7,833,679 votes), thus constituting a quorum for the matters to be voted upon by all shareholders at the Meeting. 


 
33

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

General information (unaudited)

The actual voting results for the agenda items were as follows:
 
Proposal to elect James Chadwick as a director:
 
       
FOR
% of Quorum
% of O/S
WITHHELD
7,152,260
91.30%
84.52%
681,419
 
Proposal to elect Andrew Dakos as a director:
       
FOR
% of Quorum
% of O/S
WITHHELD
6,987,988
89.20%
82.58%
687,679
 
Proposal to elect Gerald Hellerman as a director:
       
FOR
% of Quorum
% of O/S
WITHHELD
7,137,655
91.11%
84.34%
696,024
 
Proposal to elect Charles C. Walden as a director:
       
FOR
% of Quorum
% of O/S
WITHHELD
7,238,328
92.40%
85.53%
595,351
       
Proxy resultsPreferred Stock*
     
 
Proposal to elect Phillip Goldstein as a director:
       
FOR
% of Quorum
% of O/S
WITHHELD
580,871
97.28%
6.86%
16,224
 
Proposal to elect Ben Harris as a director:
       
FOR
% of Quorum
% of O/S
WITHHELD
593,253
99.36%
7.01%
3,842
 
*
On January 27, 2014, the Fund announced that the Board of Directors has determined to redeem all of the outstanding shares of the Fund’s preferred stock at 5 pm EST on March 3, 2014 at $50 per share. If, prior to the date of the Meeting, no shares of preferred stock remain outstanding, then the directors nominated for election by Preferred Stockholders, if elected, will remain on the Board of Directors until the Fund’s next Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2014 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
 
Proposal to instruct the Adviser to vote proxies received by the Fund from any closed-end investment company in the Fund’s portfolio on any proposal (including the election of directors) in a manner which the Adviser reasonably determines is likely to favorably impact the discount of such investment company’s market price as compared to its net asset value.
 
FOR
% of Quorum
% of O/S
WITHHELD
4,031,208
97.82%
47.64%
44,024
 
O/S – outstanding shares


 
34

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

General information (unaudited)

Tax information
The Fund designated 50.67% of its ordinary income distribution for the year ended December 31, 2013, as qualified dividend income under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2013, 43.22% of dividends paid from net ordinary income qualified for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
 
The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) for each Fund were as follows:
 
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.
27.62%
 
Quarterly Form N-Q portfolio schedule
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q.  The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.  The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.  Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.  Additionally, you may obtain copies of Forms N-Q from the Fund upon request by calling 1-877-607-0414.
 
Proxy voting policies, procedures and record
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s (1) proxy voting policies, (2) proxy voting procedures and (3) information regarding how the Fund voted any proxies related to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended
 
June 30 for which an SEC filing has been made, without charge, upon request by contacting the Fund directly at 1-877-607-0414, or on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Web site (http://www.sec.gov).
 


 
35

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Supplemental information (unaudited)

The following table sets forth the directors and officers of the Fund, his name, address, age, position with the Fund, term of office and length of service with the Fund, principal occupation or employment during the past five years and other directorships held at June 30, 2014.
 
   
Term of
 
Number of
 
   
Office
 
Portfolios
 
   
and
 
in Fund
Other
 
Position(s)
Length
Principal Occupation
Complex
Directorships
Name, Address
Held with
of Time
During the Past
Overseen
held by
and Age*
the Fund
Served
Five Years
by Director**
Director
 
INTERESTED DIRECTORS
 
Andrew Dakos***
President
1 year;
Principal of the Adviser since
1
Director, Mexico
(48)
as of
Since
2009; Chief Compliance Officer
 
Equity and Income
 
October
2009
of the Adviser from 2009-2012;
 
Fund, Inc.;
 
2009.
 
Principal of the general partner
 
Director, Imperial
     
of several private investment
 
Holdings, Inc.
     
partnerships in the Bulldog
   
     
Investors group of private funds.
   
           
Phillip Goldstein***
Chairman
1 year;
Principal of the Adviser since
1
Chairman, Mexico
(69)
and
Since
2009; Principal of the general
 
Equity and Income
 
Secretary
2009
partner of several private
 
Fund, Inc.;
 
as of
 
investment partnerships in the
 
Director, ASA Ltd.;
 
October
 
Bulldog Investors group of
 
Director, MVC
 
2009.
 
private funds.
 
Capital, Inc.;
         
Chairman, Imperial
         
Holdings, Inc.
           
Gerald Hellerman
Chief
1 year;
None
1
Director, Mexico
(76)
Financial
Since
   
Equity and Income
 
Officer
2009
   
Fund, Inc.; Director,
 
as of
     
MVC Capital, Inc.;
 
January
     
Director, Ironsides
 
2010.
     
Partners
         
Opportunity
         
Offshore Fund Ltd;
         
Director, Imperial
         
Holdings, Inc.


 
36

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Supplemental information (unaudited)

   
Term of
 
Number of
 
   
Office
 
Portfolios
 
   
and
 
in Fund
Other
 
Position(s)
Length
Principal Occupation
Complex
Directorships
Name, Address
Held with
of Time
During the Past
Overseen
held by
and Age*
the Fund
Served
Five Years
by Director**
Director
 
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
 
James Chadwick
1 year;
Managing Director of Main
1
None
(41)
 
Since
Street Investment Partners,
   
   
2009
LLC (private equity firm);
   
     
Managing Director of Opus
   
     
Partners, LLC (private equity
   
     
firm); Managing Director of
   
     
Harlingwood Equity Partners LP;
   
     
Managing Partner of Chadwick
   
     
Capital Management.
   
           
Ben Harris
1 year;
Principal and Director of NHI II,
1
None
(45)
 
Since
LLC and NBC Bancshares, LLC.
   
   
2009
     
           
Charles C. Walden
1 year;
President and Owner of Sound
1
Lead Trustee, Third
(70)
 
Since
Capital Associates, LLC
 
Avenue Funds  
   
2009
(consulting firm).
 
(fund complex
         
consisting of five
         
funds and one
         
variable series
         
trust).
           
OFFICERS
Andrew Dakos***
President
1 year;
Principal of the Adviser since
n/a
n/a
(48)
as of
Since
2009; Chief Compliance
   
 
October
2009
Officer of the Adviser from
   
 
2009.
 
2009-2012; Principal of the
   
     
general partner of several
   
     
private investment partnerships
   
     
in the Bulldog Investors group
   
     
of private funds.
   
           
Rajeev Das
Vice-
1 year;
Principal, Bulldog Investors, a
n/a
n/a
(45)
President
Since
group of Investment Funds.
   
 
and
2009
     
 
Treasurer
       
 
as of
       
 
October
       
 
2009.
       
           


 
37

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Supplemental information (unaudited)
 
   
Term of
 
Number of
 
   
Office
 
Portfolios
 
   
and
 
in Fund
Other
 
Position(s)
Length
Principal Occupation
Complex
Directorships
Name, Address
Held with
of Time
During the Past
Overseen
held by
and Age*
the Fund
Served
Five Years
by Director**
Director
           
Phillip Goldstein***
Chairman
1 year;
Principal of the Adviser since
n/a
n/a
(69)
and
Since
2009; Principal of the general
   
 
Secretary
2009
partner of several private
   
 
as of
 
investment partnerships
   
 
October
 
in the Bulldog Investors
   
 
2009.
 
group of funds.
   
           
Gerald Hellerman
Chief
1 year;
None
n/a
n/a
(76)
Compliance
Since
     
 
Officer
2009
     
 
as of
       
 
January
       
 
2010.
       
           
Thomas Antonucci****
Chief
1 year;
Director of Operations
n/a
n/a
(45)
Financial
Since
at Bulldog Investors
   
 
Officer
2014
since 2006.
   
 
as of
       
 
January
       
 
2014.
       
           
*
The address for all directors and officers is c/o Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.,615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
**  
The Fund Complex is comprised of only the Fund.
***
Messrs. Dakos and Goldstein are each considered an “interested person” of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act because of their affiliation with Bulldog Investors, LLC, the Adviser and their positions as officers of the Fund.
****
Mr. Antonucci is considered an “interested person” of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act because of his affiliation with Bulldog Investors, LLC, the Adviser and his positions as officer of the Fund.


 
38

 
 
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

New York Stock Exchange certifications (unaudited)

On January 8, 2014, the Fund submitted an annual certification to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) in which the Fund’s president certified that he was not aware, as of the date of the certification, of any violation by the Fund of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards.  In addition, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Fund’s president and treasurer have made quarterly certifications, included in the filing with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q, relating to, among other things, the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.


 
39

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.­

Privacy policy notice

The following is a description of the Fund’s policies regarding disclosure of nonpublic personal information that you provide to the Fund or that the Fund collects from other sources.  In the event that you hold shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the privacy policy of the financial intermediary would govern how your nonpublic personal information would be shared with unaffiliated third parties.
 
CATEGORIES OF INFORMATION THE FUND COLLECTS.  The Fund collects the following nonpublic personal information about you:
 
 
1.
Information from the Consumer: this category includes information the Fund receives from you on or in applications or other forms, correspondence, or conversations (such as your name, address, phone number, social security number, assets, income and date of birth); and
 
 
2.
Information about the Consumer’s transactions: this category includes information about your transactions with the Fund, its affiliates, or others (such as your account number and balance, payment history, parties to transactions, cost basis information, and other financial information).
 
CATEGORIES OF INFORMATION THE FUND DISCLOSES.  The Fund does not disclose any nonpublic personal information about their current or former shareholders to unaffiliated third parties, except as required or permitted by law.  The Fund is permitted by law to disclose all of the information it collects, as described above, to its service providers (such as the Custodian, administrator and transfer agent) to process your transactions and otherwise provide services to you.
 
CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY.  The Fund restricts access to your nonpublic personal information to those persons who require such information to provide products or services to you.  The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
 
This privacy policy notice is not a part of the shareholder report.


 
40

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

Investment Adviser
Bulldog Investors, LLC
Park 80 West
250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 708
Saddle Brook, NJ  07663

Administrator and Fund Accountant
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI  53202

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI  53212

Transfer Agent and Registrar
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
59 Maiden Lane
New York, NY  10038

Fund Counsel
Blank Rome LLP
The Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY  10174

Board of Directors
James Chadwick
Andrew Dakos
Phillip Goldstein
Ben Harris
Gerald Hellerman
Charles Walden











Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.
1-877-607-0414
www.specialopportunitiesfundinc.com




 
 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

The Audit Committee is comprised of Mr. James Chadwick, Mr. Ben H. Harris and Mr. Charles C. Walden.

Item 6. Investments.

(a)  
Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
 
(b) Not Applicable.
 
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

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

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

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

The following purchases were made by or on behalf of the registrant or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of shares of the registrant’s equity securities that are registered by the Registrant pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act made in the period covered by this report.

Period
(a)
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased
(b)
Average Price Paid
per Share (or Unit)
(c)
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
(d)
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
1/1/2014 to
1/31/2014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2/1/2014 to
2/28/2014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3/1/2014 to
3/31/2014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4/1/2014 to
4/30/2014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5/1/2014 to
5/31/2014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6/1/2014 to
6/30/2014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total
       
*Footnote the date each plan or program was announced, the dollar amount (or share or unit amount) approved, the expiration date (if any) of each plan or program, each plan or program that expired during the covered period, each plan or program registrant plans to terminate or let expire.

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

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders if a vacancy occurs. In order to recommend a nominee, a shareholder should send a letter to the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, care of the Administrator, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202, and indicate on the envelope “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.”  The shareholder’s letter should state the nominee’s name and should include the nominee’s résumé or curriculum vitae, and must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by shareholders.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)  
The Registrant’s President and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.

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

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)  
(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not Applicable.

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Filed herewith.

(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons.  None.

(b)  
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Furnished herewith.

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

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


(Registrant)  Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.                                                                                   

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Andrew Dakos                                                                                                                     
 Andrew Dakos, President

Date   September 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 (Signature and Title)* /s/ Andrew Dakos                                                                                                                     
 Andrew Dakos, President

Date   September 2, 2014

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Thomas Antonucci
 Thomas Antonucci, Chief Financial Officer

Date   September 3, 2014

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.