First Opportunity Find, Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act File Number:

811-04605

First Opportunity Fund, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Fund Administrative Services

2344 Spruce Street, Suite A

Boulder, CO 80302

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

Fund Administrative Services

2344 Spruce Street, Suite A

Boulder, CO 80302

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code:

(303) 444-5483

Date of Fiscal Year End: March 31, 2011

Date of Reporting Period: March 31, 2011


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

The Report to Stockholders is attached herewith.


LOGO


LOGO

 
      

Letter from the Advisers

     1     
 

Financial Data

     3     
 

Portfolio of Investments

     4     
 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     11     
 

Statement of Operations

     12     
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     13     
 

Statement of Cash Flows

     14     
 

Financial Highlights

     16     
 

Notes to Financial Statements

     18     
 

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

     34     
 

Additional Information

     35     
 

Summary of Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     38     
 

Directors and Officers

     40     
 

Annual Report  |  March 31, 2011

    
      


First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Letter from the Advisers
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Stockholders:

For the 12 month period ending March 31, 2011, the First Opportunity Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) returned 12.6% on net assets. This compared to 15.7% returned by the S&P 500 during the same period. The table below shows the historic returns for the Fund for various periods ending March 31, 2011:

TOTAL RETURNS AS OF MARCH 31, 2011

 

      3 M      6 M      1 YR      3 YRS*    5 YRS*    10 YRS*    Since June 2010^

First Opportunity Fund (NAV)

     2.5%         11.0%         12.6%       -2.2%    -4.8%    9.4%    13.6%

First Opportunity Fund (Market)

     -2.4%         11.0%         3.0%       -6.2%    -10.1%    8.3%    16.0%

S&P 500 Index

     5.9%         17.3%         15.7%       2.4%    2.6%    3.3%    23.7%

Dow Jones Industrial Average

     7.1%         15.7%         16.5%       3.1%    4.9%    4.7%    24.1%

NASDAQ Composite

     5.1%         18.0%         17.2%       7.9%    4.5%    5.0%    24.3%

 

*

Annualized

^

Since June 1, 2010, when the current Advisers became investment advisers to the Fund.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, if sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

Since the new Advisers were appointed and the Fund restructured in June of 2010 (allowing it to invest heavily in hedge funds), the Fund’s net assets have increased 13.6% while the S&P has increased 23.7%.

As expected, the Fund’s most significant contributors to its performance were the Fund’s large investments in hedge funds. Wolf Creek Partners, L.P., in which the Fund owns a $49.4 million stake (18.7% of the Fund’s assets), returned 25% since the Fund made its investment on June 1, 2010. Bay Pond Partners, L.P., a $45.7 million stake (17.3% of the Fund’s assets), returned 15.7% since the investment was made on June 1, 2010. J. Caird Partners, L.P., in which the Fund owns a $20.5 million stake (7.7% of the Fund’s assets), returned 13.7% since July 1, 2010. An equity investment, First Republic Bank, which represents about 5.5% of the Fund’s portfolio, returned 82.8% since its acquisition in June 2010. The First Republic shares are restricted, which limits the Fund’s ability to sell. On the negative side, North River Partners, L.P., in which the Fund owns a $15.9 million stake, returned -6.1% since August 2, 2010.

Since becoming advisers to the Fund in June 2010, in addition to hedge fund investments, we have made new investments that have included Sanofi-Aventis SA ADR (SNY), Total SA ADR (TOT), Pengrowth Energy Corp. (PGH), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP). We anticipate making additional new investments in hedge funds and operating companies as opportunities arise from time to time, although, because of the Fund’s diversification requirements, such positions will be on the smaller side relative to our earlier hedge fund investments (e.g., not greater than 5% of the Fund’s assets at the time of purchase).

Tempering the Fund’s performance were financial stocks in the legacy portfolio which still make up a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets – around $67 million or about 25.4% of the Fund’s assets. As measured by the SNL Daily Thrift, financial stocks returned -7.7% during the one year period ended March 31, 2011, underperforming US equities (15.7%) as measured by the S&P 500 Index. Within the financial sector, Republican wins in the November election have tempered political rhetoric against US banks in the short-term. However, implementation of the Dodd Frank bill continues to provide uncertainty for banks.

Banks still face a challenging climate entering 2011. Although changes to capital requirements from Basel III won’t take effect until 2015, banks are already under pressure to raise capital ratios. In addition, fee growth

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   1  


Letter from the Advisers    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

from debit and credit cards will be challenging going forward given the passage of the Durbin amendment, and workouts on poor-performing loans remain a headwind. Many see opportunities for stronger banks to grow by acquiring failing peers, especially within the mid-cap range, where many banks have broken business models and shrinking balance sheets. However, intense competition among the stronger banks has resulted in acquisitions occurring at a large premium to current stock prices, eliminating many of the financial efficiencies in such deals. Recent M&A activity has shifted away from FDIC-assisted deals to whole bank transactions, where relatively healthy organizations take over the less healthy. This type of activity will likely continue as the economy stabilizes, revenue growth opportunities in the industry remain slack, and the operating outlook for many of the acquirees stays bleak.

During the one year period ended March 31, 2011, the Fund’s five largest eliminations from the legacy portfolio included Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, AerCap Holdings, Chimera Investment, and Synovus Financial. The Fund also reduced the notional exposure of the legacy portfolio’s CDS positioning, as previously purchased protection was removed on several individual European and U.K. banks, as well as exposure to investment grade credit indices.

Since the Fund restructured, the Fund’s discount has gone from -18.4% to -21.1% on March 31, 2011. There are likely numerous reasons for the discount widening, not the least of which is the Fund being delisted from the NYSE in May 2010. The discount and approaches to dealing with it are discussed by the Fund’s Board on a quarterly basis. We understand that, in the best of worlds, the market value would closely track net asset value. However, as the Advisers to the Fund, we only have the ability to affect the long-term performance of the net assets and have limited, if any, ability to impact the market price on a long-term basis.

We are optimistic about delivering a more favorable report next year and look forward to continuing our partnership with our long-term stockholders. On another note, I am pleased to inform stockholders that Stewart Horejsi has assumed full portfolio management responsibilities for the Advisers (Rocky Mountain Advisers and Stewart Investment Advisers).

Sincerely,

LOGO

Stephen C. Miller

The views and opinions in the preceding commentary are subject to change. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time, should not be relied upon as investment advice and is not intended to predict or depict performance of any investment.

Note to Stockholders on Investments in Hedge Funds: The Fund’s investment advisers feel it is important that stockholders be aware that the Fund has highly concentrated positions in certain hedge funds and may take concentrated positions in other securities. Concentrating investments in a fewer number of securities (including investments in hedge funds) may involve a degree of risk that is greater than a fund which has less concentrated investments spread out over a greater number of securities. For example, the value of the Fund’s net assets will fluctuate significantly based on the fluctuation in the value of the hedge funds in which it invests. In addition, investments in hedge funds can be highly volatile and may subject investors to heightened risk and higher operating expenses than another closed-end fund with a different investment focus.

 

 

  2

   www.firstopportunityfund.com  


First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Financial Data
   March 31, 2011

 

 

     Per Share of Common Stock
    

Net Asset

Value

  

Closing Market

Price

  

Dividend

Paid

3/31/10                

   $        8.16              $        7.04              $        0.00          

4/30/10                

   8.62    7.01    0.00

5/31/10                

   8.09    6.25    0.00

6/30/10                

   7.84    5.97    0.00

7/31/10                

   8.06    6.38    0.00

8/31/10                

   7.92    6.34    0.00

9/30/10                

   8.28    6.53    0.00

10/31/10                

   8.36    6.66    0.00

11/30/10                

   8.34    6.85    0.00

12/31/10                

   8.97    7.43    0.00

1/31/11                

   8.95    7.22    0.00

2/28/11                

   9.11    7.28    0.00

3/31/11                

   9.19    7.25    0.00

Investments as a % of Net Assets

LOGO

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   3  


Portfolio of Investments    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

Shares     

Description

  

Value

(Note 1 & 2)

 
LONG TERM INVESTMENTS (98.2%)       
DOMESTIC COMMON STOCKS (35.6%)       
Banks & Thrifts (14.9%)       
  32,825      

1st United Bancorp, Inc.*

     $230,432   
  54,790      

Alliance Bankshares Corp.*

     304,632   
  27,800      

American River Bankshares*

     185,982   
  8,439      

Ameris Bancorp*

     85,740   
    406,400      

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.*

     963,168   
  30,289      

Bank of Commerce Holdings

     128,425   
  62,500      

Bank of Virginia*

     131,875   
  42,700      

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

     439,810   
  28,000      

Bridge Capital Holdings*

     264,320   
  35,498      

Carolina Trust Bank*

     112,529   
  340,815      

CCF Holding Co.*(a)

     85,204   
  14,044      

Central Valley Community Bancorp*

     86,371   
  29,600      

Central Valley Community Bancorp*(b)(c)

     182,040   
  38,860      

Centrue Financial Corp.*

     19,430   
  12,300      

Citizens & Northern Corp.

     206,763   
  60,000      

Community Bank*(b)(c)(d)

     4,409,400   
  56,800      

The Connecticut Bank & Trust Co.*

     352,160   
  65,566      

Eastern Virginia Bankshares, Inc.

     236,693   
  4,085      

Evans Bancorp, Inc.

     57,599   
  97,200      

FC Holdings, Inc.*(b)(c)(d)

     10,692   
  4,300      

First Advantage Bancorp

     59,426   
  39,700      

First American International*(b)(c)(d)

     538,332   
  61,678      

First California Financial Group, Inc.*

     231,292   
  17,400      

First Capital Bancorp, Inc.*

     66,294   
  518,508      

First Republic Bank*(b)(c)(d)

     14,424,374   
  144,200      

First Security Group, Inc.*

     134,106   
  66,726      

First Southern Bancorp, Inc. - Class B*

     834,075   
  28,200      

First State Bank*(b)(c)(d)

     7,050   
  2,880      

First Trust Bank*

     10,800   
  193,261      

Florida Capital Group*(b)(c)(d)

     96,631   
  7,820      

FNB Bancorp

     87,975   
  155,800      

Great Florida Bank - Class A*

     31,160   
  15,300      

Great Florida Bank - Class B*

     306   
  66,000      

Greater Hudson Bank N.A.*

     349,800   
  228,000      

Hampshire First Bank*(b)(c)

     1,892,400   
  8,500      

Heritage Financial Corp.

     120,445   
  199,918      

Heritage Oaks Bancorp*(b)(c)

     697,714   
  36,900      

ICB Financial*

     140,220   
  14,200      

Katahdin Bankshares Corp.

     202,350   
  126,100      

Metro Bancorp, Inc.*

     1,557,335   
  905,600      

National Bancshares, Inc.*(b)(c)(d)

     190,176   
  17,300      

New England Bancshares, Inc.

     167,637   

 

 

  4

   www.firstopportunityfund.com  


First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Portfolio of Investments
   March 31, 2011

 

Shares     

Description

  

Value

(Note 1 & 2)

 
Banks & Thrifts (Continued)       
  4,000      

North Dallas Bank & Trust Co.(d)

     $213,240   
  30,400      

Oak Ridge Financial Services, Inc.*

     138,624   
  1,900      

Old Point Financial Corp.

     21,888   
  44,800      

OmniAmerican Bancorp, Inc.*

     709,632   
  24,000      

Pacific Continental Corp.

     244,560   
  162,590      

Pilot Bancshares, Inc.*

     286,158   
  190,540      

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.*

     531,607   
  4,500      

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

     43,875   
  76,195      

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.*

     608,798   
  79,900      

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.*

     584,069   
    302,900      

Square 1 Financial, Inc.*(b)(c)(d)

     1,608,399   
  73,100      

State Bancorp, Inc.

     759,509   
  9,960      

Tower Bancorp, Inc.

     222,008   
  39,164      

Valley Commerce Bancorp*

     346,601   
  57,400      

Wells Fargo & Co.

     1,819,580   
  238,000      

Western Liberty Bancorp*

     925,820   
  12,404      

Xenith Bankshares, Inc.*

     52,965   
           
                39,450,496   
           

 

Diversified Financial Services (2.0%)

  
  16,241      

Affinity Financial Corp.*(b)(c)(d)

       
  79,000      

AllianceBernstein Holding, LP

     1,722,200   
  100,033      

Center Financial Corp.*

     734,242   
  25,000      

CMET Finance Holding*(b)(d)(e)

     512,250   
  276,300      

Highland Financial Partners LP*(b)(d)(e)

       
  60,000      

Independence Financial Group, Inc.*(b)(c)(d)

     381,000   
  70,215      

Mackinac Financial Corp.*

     410,056   
  431,640      

Muni Funding Co. of America, LLC*(b)(d)(e)

     1,069,604   
  455,100      

Ocwen Structured Investments, LLC*(b)(c)(d)

     418,692   
  349,967      

Terra Nova Financial Group*

     17,498   
           
        5,265,542   
           

 

Electric (1.1%)

  
  80,000      

PPL Corp.

     2,024,000   
  16,800      

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

     529,368   
  12,400      

SCANA Corp.

     488,188   
           
        3,041,556   
           

 

Healthcare Products (2.1%)

  
  91,800      

Johnson & Johnson

     5,439,150   
           

 

Insurance (2.4%)

  
  19,678      

Forethought Financial Group, Inc. - Class A*(b)(c)(d)

     5,036,781   
  92,603      

Penn Millers Holding Corp.*

     1,319,593   
           
        6,356,374   
           

 

Mortgages & REITS (0.8%)

  
  55,000      

Embarcadero Bank*(b)(c)(d)

     517,000   

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   5  


Portfolio of Investments    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

Shares     

Description

  

Value

(Note 1 & 2)

 
 

Mortgages & REITS (Continued)

  
      155,504      

Newcastle Investment Holdings Corp., REIT*(d)

     $187,382   
  87,900      

Verde Realty*(b)(c)(d)

             1,482,873   
           
        2,187,255   
           
 

Pharmaceuticals (0.3%)

  
  20,447      

Merck & Co., Inc

     674,956   
           
 

Pipelines (0.2%)

  
  9,800      

Energy Transfer Partners, LP

     507,248   
           
 

Registered Investment Companies (RICs) (0.6%)

  
  40,000      

Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

     706,000   
  45,475      

RMR Asia Pacific Real Estate Fund

     795,358   
           
        1,501,358   
           
 

Retail (0.5%)

  
  20,000      

Walgreen Co.

     802,800   
  10,000      

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

     520,500   
           
        1,323,300   
           
 

Savings & Loans (9.8%)

  
  34,100      

Appalachian Bancshares, Inc.*

     348   
  10,000      

Auburn Bancorp, Inc.*(d)

     68,000   
  113,600      

Beacon Federal Bancorp, Inc.

     1,649,472   
  14,400      

BofI Holding, Inc.*

     223,488   
  96,980      

Broadway Financial Corp.(a)

     228,873   
  45,100      

Carver Bancorp, Inc.

     39,020   
  61,300      

Central Federal Corp.*

     76,625   
  54,346      

CFS Bancorp, Inc.

     305,425   
  14,015      

Charter Financial Corp.

     154,866   
  14,300      

Citizens Community Bank*

     65,065   
  84,466      

Citizens South Banking Corp.*(b)(c)

     375,874   
  1,314      

Colonial Financial Services, Inc.*

     16,714   
  33,500      

Eagle Bancorp

     390,275   
  20,200      

ECB Bancorp, Inc.

     246,440   
  30,491      

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

     402,481   
  32,500      

Fidelity Federal Bancorp*(d)

     401,050   
  19,238      

First Community Bank Corp. of America*

     5,769   
  43,400      

Georgetown Bancorp, Inc.*

     303,800   
  222,900      

Hampden Bancorp, Inc.

     2,960,112   
  22,030      

HF Financial Corp.

     245,855   
  47,216      

Home Bancorp, Inc.*

     723,349   
  88,948      

Home Federal Bancorp, Inc.

     1,047,807   
  58,100      

Jefferson Bancshares, Inc.*

     205,674   
  35,500      

Legacy Bancorp, Inc.

     453,690   
  42,000      

Liberty Bancorp, Inc.

     409,500   
  22,600      

Malvern Federal Bancorp, Inc.

     197,072   
  33,299      

Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Inc.*

     467,851   

 

 

  6

   www.firstopportunityfund.com  


First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Portfolio of Investments
   March 31, 2011

 

Shares     

Description

  

Value

(Note 1 & 2)

 
Savings & Loans (Continued)       
      310,300      

MidCountry Financial Corp.*(b)(c)(d)

     $1,427,380   
  600      

Naugatuck Valley Financial Corp.

     4,776   
  88,200      

Newport Bancorp, Inc.*

     1,228,626   
  106,998      

Ocean Shore Holding Co.

     1,390,974   
  29,100      

Old Line Bancshares, Inc.

     271,794   
  82,800      

Osage Bancshares, Inc.

     687,240   
  191,410      

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.*

     1,303,502   
  165,930      

Perpetual Federal Savings Bank(a)

     2,240,055   
  17,500      

Privee, LLC*(b)(c)(d)

       
  52,700      

Provident Financial Holdings, Inc.

     436,883   
  40,650      

Redwood Financial, Inc.*(a)

     477,637   
  89,993      

River Valley Bancorp(a)

     1,286,900   
  18,807      

Rockville Financial, Inc.

     196,157   
  6,300      

Royal Financial, Inc.*

     3,150   
  277,279      

SI Financial Group, Inc.

     2,750,608   
  13,200      

Sound Financial, Inc.*

     99,000   
  100,000      

Sterling Eagle*(d)

       
  110,500      

Third Century Bancorp*(a)

     303,875   
           
                25,773,052   
           
 

Tobacco Products (0.7%)

  
  42,000      

Altria Group, Inc.

     1,093,260   
  11,000      

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     721,930   
           
        1,815,190   
           
 

Trucking & Leasing (0.2%)

  
  41,450      

Willis Lease Finance Corp.*

     523,928   
           
 

TOTAL DOMESTIC COMMON STOCKS

  
 

      (Cost $127,996,303)

     93,859,405   
           
 

FOREIGN COMMON STOCKS (9.7%)

  
 

Auto Manufacturers (0.9%)

  
  20,659      

Maruti Suzuki India, Ltd.

     584,701   
  66,094      

Tata Motors, Ltd.

     1,850,173   
           
        2,434,874   
           
 

Banks (0.4%)

  
  221,163      

Karnataka Bank, Ltd.

     532,884   
  7,378      

Spar Nord Bank A/S*

     68,013   
  19,324      

Sydbank A/S

     487,765   
           
        1,088,662   
           
 

Banks & Thrifts (0.7%)

  
  45,582      

Axis Bank, Ltd.

     1,434,921   
  5,490      

Gronlandsbanken

     464,352   
           
        1,899,273   
           

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   7  


Portfolio of Investments    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

Shares     

Description

  

            Value

            (Note 1 & 2)

 
 

Diversified Financial Services (2.7%)

  
  14,934      

Financial Technologies India, Ltd.

     $289,270   
      932,280      

Magma Fincorp, Ltd.

     1,261,646   
  693,370      

Manappuram General Finance & Leasing, Ltd.

     2,064,795   
  200,259      

Shriram Transport Finance Co., Ltd.

     3,574,530   
           
        7,190,241   
           
 

Electric (0.3%)

  
  53,608      

Reliance Infrastructure, Ltd.

     829,394   
           
 

Insurance (0.7%)

  
  11,200      

Majestic Capital, Ltd.*

     5,836   
  6,700      

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG

     1,057,765   
  70,457      

Phoenix Group Holdings

     755,026   
  36,500      

RAM Holdings, Ltd.*

     56,575   
           
        1,875,202   
           
 

Leisure Time (0.4%)

  
  33,428      

Bajaj Auto, Ltd.

     1,096,839   
           
 

National Stock Exchange (0.6%)

  
  17,776      

NSE India, Ltd.*(b)(c)(d)

     1,606,281   
           
 

Oil & Gas (1.1%)

  
  80,000      

Pengrowth Energy Corp.

     1,106,400   
  18,000      

Total SA, Sponsored ADR

     1,097,460   
  8,000      

Transocean, Ltd.*

     623,600   
           
        2,827,460   
           
 

Pharmaceuticals (1.1%)

  
  24,000      

Sanofi-Aventis SA

     1,682,776   
  30,000      

Sanofi-Aventis SA, ADR

     1,056,600   
           
        2,739,376   
           
 

Real Estate (0.6%)

  
  98,000      

Cheung Kong Holdings, Ltd.

     1,597,521   
           
 

Software (0.2%)

  
  43,173      

Educomp Solutions, Ltd.

     406,027   
           
 

TOTAL FOREIGN COMMON STOCKS

  
 

    (Cost $25,273,552)

             25,591,150   
           
 

LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (51.5%)

  
  1      

Bay Pond Partners, LP*(b)(c)(d)

     45,715,472   
  1      

Iguazu Partners, LP*(b)(c)(d)

     4,545,770   
  1      

J. Caird Partners, LP*(b)(c)(d)

     20,466,732   
  1      

North River Partners, LP*(b)(c)(d)

     15,955,860   

 

 

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Portfolio of Investments
   March 31, 2011

 

Shares      Description   

Value      

(Note 1 & 2)

 
  1      

Wolf Creek Partners, LP*(b)(c)(d)

     $49,381,211   
           
        136,065,045   
           

 

TOTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS

  

 

    (Cost $118,499,957)

     136,065,045   
           

 

DOMESTIC PREFERRED STOCKS (0.7%)

  
  1,600      

Maiden Holdings, Ltd., Series C, 14.00%*(b)(d)(e)

     1,803,779   
           

 

TOTAL DOMESTIC PREFERRED STOCKS

  

 

    (Cost $1,600,000)

     1,803,779   
           

 

DOMESTIC WARRANTS (0.3%)

  
  195,000      

Dime Bancorp, Inc., Litigation Tracking Warrant, strike price $0.00, Expires 12/26/50*

     171,600   
  262,296      

Flagstar Bancorp, Warrant, strike price $1.00, Expires 1/30/19*(d)

     295,863   
  6,560      

Forethought Financial Group, Inc., Warrant, strike price $220.00, Expires 7/13/11*(b)(c)(d)

     216,742   
           
        684,205   
           

 

TOTAL DOMESTIC WARRANTS

  

 

    (Cost $–)

     684,205   
           

 

DOMESTIC CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES (0.4%)

  

 

Banks (0.4%)

  
  $1,010,000      

Susquehanna Capital II, 11.00%, due 3/23/40

     1,085,750   
           

 

TOTAL DOMESTIC CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES

  

 

    (Cost $1,010,000)

     1,085,750   
           

 

TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS

  

 

    (Cost $274,379,812)

         259,089,334   
           

 

SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.0%)

  

 

Money Market Funds (3.0%)

  
  2,490,320      

Dreyfus Treasury Cash Management Money Market Fund, Institutional Class (7 day Yield 0.010%)

     2,490,320   
  5,500,000      

JPMorgan Prime Money Market Fund (7 day Yield 0.126%)

     5,500,000   
           

 

TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS

  

 

    (Cost $7,990,320)

     7,990,320   
           

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   9  


Portfolio of Investments   

First Opportunity Fund, Inc.

   March 31, 2011

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (101.2%)

  

(Cost $282,370,132)

     $267,079,654   

TOTAL LIABILITIES LESS OTHER ASSETS (-1.2%)

     (3,062,519)   
        

TOTAL NET ASSETS (100.0%)

             $264,017,135   
        

 

*

Non-income producing security.

(a)

Affiliated Company. See Notes to Financial Statements.

(b)

Indicates a security which is considered restricted. Also see Note 10.

(c)

Private Placement: these securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. As of March 31, 2011, these securities had a total value of $171,584,876 or 64.99% of total net assets.

(d)

Fair valued security under procedures established by the Fund's Board of Directors. Total value of fair valued securities as of March 31, 2011 was $172,988,016 or 65.52% of total net assets.

(e)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of March 31, 2011 these securities had a total value of $3,385,633 or 1.28% of total net assets.

Common Abbreviations:

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

A/S - Aktieselskab is a Danish term for joint stock company

LLC - Limited Liability Company

LP - Limited Partnership

Ltd. - Limited

N.A. - National Association

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

S.A. - Generally designates corporations in various countries, mostly those employing the civil law. This translates literally in all languages mentioned as anonymous company.

Regional Breakdown as a % of Net Assets

U.S.

     91.5%   

India

     5.9%   

France

     1.5%   

Hong Kong

     0.6%   

Canada

     0.4%   

Denmark

     0.4%   

Germany

     0.4%   

Cayman Islands

     0.3%   

Switzerland

     0.2%   

Bermuda

     0.0*%   

Total liabilities less other assets

     -1.2%   
*

Less than 0.05% of total net assets.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

   March 31, 2011

 

 

ASSETS

  

Investments:

  

Investments, at value of Unaffiliated Securities (Cost $278,288,899) (Note 1 and 2)

   $ 262,457,110   

Investments, at value of Affiliated Securities (Cost $4,081,233) (Note 2 and 9)

     4,622,544   

Total Investments, at value

     267,079,654   

Appreciated credit default swap contracts, at value

     368,314   

Dividends and interest receivable

     111,833   

Dividends reclaim receivable

     52,429   

Foreign currency, at value (Cost $13,812)

     14,866   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     35,458   

Total Assets

     267,662,554   
          

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     2,976,505   

Payable to broker for credit default swaps

     260,000   

Investment advisory fees payable (Note 3)

     163,171   

Depreciated credit default swap contracts, at value (net upfront payments received of $44,880)

     104,180   

Administration and co-administration fees payable (Note 3)

     53,029   

Legal and audit fees payable

     49,213   

Accrued expenses and other payables

     39,321   

Total Liabilities

     3,645,419   

Net Assets

   $ 264,017,135   
          

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

  

Par value of common stock (Note 5)

   $ 28,739   

Paid-in capital in excess of par value of common stock

     339,792,807   

Overdistributed net investment income

     (216,276)   

Accumulated net realized loss on investments sold

     (60,531,041)   

Net unrealized depreciation on investments, swaps and foreign currency translation

     (15,057,094)   

Net Assets

   $ 264,017,135   
          

Net Asset Value, $264,017,135/28,739,389 Shares Outstanding

   $ 9.19   

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   11  


Statement of Operations    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   For the Year Ended March 31, 2011

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends from Unaffiliated Securities (net of foreign withholding taxes $20,454)

   $ 2,238,061   

Dividends from Affiliated Securities

     178,104   

Interest

     116,729   

Total Investment Income

     2,532,894   

EXPENSES

  

Investment advisory fee (Note 3)

     1,989,412   

Administration and co-administration fees (Note 3)

     567,902   

Legal and audit fees

     102,833   

Custody fees

     77,771   

Directors' fees and expenses (Note 3)

     77,182   

Printing fees

     59,175   

Insurance expense

     51,185   

Transfer agency fees

     25,224   

Other

     49,704   

Total Expenses

     3,000,388   

Net Investment Loss

     (467,494)   

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS

  

Net realized gain/(loss) on:

  

Unaffiliated securities

     3,082,861   

Affiliated securities

     (11,386)   

Credit default swap contracts

     (923,493)   

Foreign currency related transactions

     (1,180,770)   
       967,212   

Net change in unrealized appreciation of:

  

Investment securities

     28,176,941   

Credit default swap contracts

     759,190   

Translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

     9,448   
       28,945,579   

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS

     29,912,791   

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $     29,445,297   
          

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Statements of Changes in Net Assets
  

 

     

For the

Year Ended
March 31, 2011

    

For the

Year Ended
March 31, 2010

 

OPERATIONS

     

Net investment loss

   $ (467,494)       $ (557,438)   

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments sold

     967,212         (1,448,385)   

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments, credit default swap contracts and foreign currency translation

     28,945,579         74,148,913   

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     29,445,297         72,143,090   

DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

     

From net investment income

             (862,182)   

Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions

             (862,182)   

Net Increase in Net Assets

     29,445,297         71,280,908   

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of period

     234,571,838         163,290,930   

End of period (including (overdistributed)/undistributed net investment income of $(216,276) and $240,894, respectively)

   $     264,017,135       $ 234,571,838   
                   

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   13  


Statement of Cash Flows    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   For the Year Ended March 31, 2011

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $         29,445,297   

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

  

Purchase of investment securities

     (226,489,374)   

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities

     228,551,921   

Proceeds from litigation settlements

     80,547   

Net purchases of short-term investment securities

     (1,088,625)   

Premium amortization

     (1,695)   

Decrease in deposits with broker as collateral for swap contracts

     460,000   

Decrease in dividends and interest receivable

     100,179   

Decrease in upfront payments on swap contracts

     130,637   

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

     34,964   

Increase in payable to broker for credit default swaps

     260,000   

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (453,152)   

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments

     (28,176,941)   

Net change in unrealized appreciation on swap contracts

     (759,190)   

Net realized gain from unaffiliated securities

     (3,082,861)   

Net realized loss from affiliated securities

     11,386   

Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

     1,180,770   

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     203,863   

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCY

     203,863   

CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCY, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

   $ (188,997)   

CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCY, END OF PERIOD

   $ 14,866   

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

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Page Intentionally Left Blank


Financial Highlights     
  

 

Contained below is selected data for a share of common stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period indicated. This information has been determined based upon information provided in the financial statements and market price data for the Fund’s shares.

 

OPERATING PERFORMANCE:

Net asset value, beginning of period

INCOME/LOSS FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

Net investment income/(loss)

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

Total from Investment Operations

DISTRIBUTIONS:

Distributions paid from net investment income

Distributions paid from net realized capital gains

Total Distributions

Accretive/Dilutive Impact of Capital Share Transactions

Net asset value, end of period

 

Market price per share, end of period

 

Total Investment Return Based on Market Price(a)

RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

Portfolio turnover rate

Net assets, end of period (in 000's)

Number of shares outstanding, end of period (in 000's)

 

(a)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the current market value on the first day and a sale at the current market value on the last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed for purposes of calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. The calculation does not reflect brokerage commissions. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

(b)

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

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     First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
  

 

 

        For the
Year Ended
March 31,
2011
  For the
Year Ended
March 31,
2010
    For the
Year Ended
March 31,
2009
    For the
Year Ended
March 31,
2008
    For the
Year Ended
March 31,
2007
 
                 
       $8.16     $5.68        $10.18        $15.15        $15.67   
                 
     (0.02)(b)     0.01        0.17        0.18        0.08   
       1.05     2.50        (4.57)        (3.33)        1.03   
       1.03     2.51        (4.40)        (3.15)        1.11   
                 
         (0.03)        (0.12)        (0.18)        (0.20)   
                  (0.01)        (1.64)        (1.43)   
           (0.03)        (0.13)        (1.82)        (1.63)   
                  0.03                 
     $9.19     $8.16        $5.68        $10.18        $15.15   
                                        
     $7.25     $7.04        $4.32        $9.04        $14.25   
                                        
     2.98%     63.76%        (51.03)%        (25.85)%        (4.28)%   
            
     1.24%     1.64%        1.84%        1.57%        1.28%   
     (0.19)%     (0.27)%        2.57%        1.34%        0.50%   
     97%     169%        64%        76%        55%   
     $264,017     $234,572        $163,291        $297,133        $442,363   
     28,739     28,739        28,739        29,201        29,201   

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   17  


 

Notes to Financial Statements

   First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

NOTE 1. FUND ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

First Opportunity Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on March 3, 1986, as a closed-end, management investment company. As of October 14, 2008, the Fund changed its name from First Financial Fund, Inc. to First Opportunity Fund, Inc. As of July 28, 2008, the Fund is non-diversified and its primary investment objective is total return.

At a stockholder meeting held on May 3, 2010, stockholders approved new investment co-advisory agreements with Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC (“RMA”) and Stewart Investment Advisers (“SIA” and together with RMA, the “Advisers”) (the “Advisory Agreements”), as well as a new sub-advisory agreement with Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington”) (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Under the new structure, which became effective June 1, 2010, with respect to the portion of the portfolio managed by RMA and SIA, the Advisers made a substantial investment in two private investment funds managed by an affiliate of Wellington by transferring in-kind selected equity securities valued at $77,773,022. Since then, the Advisers have made investments in other private investment funds also managed by an affiliate of Wellington. Separately, Wellington acts as sub-adviser with respect to a discrete portion of the portfolio containing positions with respect to which Wellington has long-term familiarity in its role as the Fund’s prior adviser. The term of Wellington’s role as sub-adviser will not last more than 2 years and will be limited to managing and, if appropriate, opportunistically liquidating a portion of the Fund’s legacy holdings.

On May 3, 2010, stockholders also approved eliminating the Fund’s fundamental concentration policy which previously required that the Fund invest at least 65% of its assets in financial services companies.

The New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) suspended trading of the Fund’s shares prior to the market opening on May 12, 2010, because of the restructuring proposals approved by a majority of the Fund’s stockholders. The NYSE does not have a listing standard expressly prohibiting or otherwise regulating the Fund’s ability to invest in private investment funds nor does federal securities law prohibit it. The NYSE indicated that it would exercise its discretionary authority under the NYSE rules and initiate its de-listing process based on it being in the “public interest.” At the opening of the market on May 12, 2010, the Fund’s shares stopped trading on the NYSE, but continued to trade in the over-the-counter market. The Fund notified stockholders on May 11, 2010, of its new trading symbol: FOFI. Stockholders should be able to continue to trade their Fund shares through their existing brokerage relationships, although under the new symbol.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The most critical estimates reflected in the financial statements relate to securities whose fair values have been estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 2. SECURITIES VALUATION

 

Securities for which market quotations are readily available (including securities listed on national securities exchanges and those traded over-the-counter) are valued based on quoted prices from the applicable exchange. To the extent valuation adjustments are not applied to these securities, they are

 

 

  18

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Notes to Financial Statements
   March 31, 2011

 

categorized as Level 1. If such securities were not traded on the valuation date, but market quotations are readily available, they are valued at the most recently quoted bid price provided by an independent pricing service or by principal market makers. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Where market quotations are not readily available or where the pricing agent or market maker does not provide a valuation or methodology, or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the adviser or sub-adviser, does not represent fair value (“Fair Value Securities”), securities are valued at fair value by a Pricing Committee appointed by the Board of Directors, in consultation with the adviser or sub-adviser. The Fund uses various valuation techniques that utilize both observable and unobservable inputs including multi-dimensional relational pricing model, option adjusted spread pricing, book value, last available trade, discounted future cash flow models, cost, and comparable company approach. To the extent these inputs are observable and timely, the values of these securities are categorized as Level 2; otherwise, the values are categorized as Level 3. In such circumstances, the adviser or sub-adviser makes an initial written recommendation to the Pricing Committee regarding valuation methodology for each Fair Value Security. Thereafter, the adviser or sub-adviser conducts periodic reviews of each Fair Value Security to consider whether the respective methodology and its application is appropriate and recommends methodology changes when appropriate. The Pricing Committee reviews and makes a determination regarding each initial methodology recommendation and any subsequent methodology changes. All methodology recommendations and any changes are reviewed by the entire Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

The Fund’s investments in unregistered pooled investment vehicles (hedge funds) are valued at the most recent value periodically determined by the respective hedge fund managers according to such manager’s policies and procedures (adjusted for estimated expenses and fees accrued to the Fund since the last valuation date); provided, however, that the Pricing Committee may consider whether it is appropriate, in light of relevant circumstances, to adjust such valuation in accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures. If a hedge fund does not report a value to the Fund on a timely basis, the fair value of such hedge fund shall be based on the most recent value reported by the hedge fund, as well as any other relevant information available at the time the Fund values its portfolio. As a practical matter, hedge fund valuations generally can be obtained from hedge fund managers on a weekly basis, as of close of business Thursday, but the frequency and timing of receiving valuations for hedge fund investments is subject to change at any time, without notice to investors, at the discretion of the hedge fund manager or the Fund.

The financial statements include investments valued at $172,988,016 (65.52% of total net assets) as of March 31, 2011 whose fair values have been estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of these investments, these values may differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market for these investments existed and the differences could be material.

Short-term securities which mature in more than 60 days are valued at current market quotations. Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Corporate Bonds, other than short-term securities, are valued at the price provided by an independent pricing service. The prices provided by the independent service are based on the mean of bid and ask prices for each corporate bond security. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrixes, market transactions in comparable investments, various relationships observed in the market between investments and calculated yield measures based on valuation technology

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   19  


Notes to Financial Statements    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

commonly employed in the market for such investments. To the extent that these inputs are observable and timely, the values of corporate bonds are categorized as Level 2; otherwise, the values are categorized as Level 3.

For valuation purposes, the last quoted prices of non-U.S. equity securities may be adjusted under the circumstances described below. If the Fund determines that developments between the close of a foreign market and the close of the NYSE will, in its judgment, materially affect the value of some or all of its portfolio securities, the Fund will adjust the previous closing prices to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of the NYSE. In deciding whether it is necessary to adjust closing prices to reflect fair value, the Fund reviews a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. The Fund may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but the U.S. market is open. The Fund uses outside pricing services to provide it with closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. The Fund cannot predict how often it will use closing prices and how often it will determine it necessary to adjust those prices to reflect fair value. If the Fund uses adjusted prices, the Fund will periodically compare closing prices, the next days opening prices in the same markets and those adjusted prices as a means of evaluating its security valuation process.

Various inputs are used to determine the value of the Fund’s investments. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances.

These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1

     

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2

     

Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

Level 3

     

Significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2011 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at value:

 

     Valuation Inputs         
Investments in Securities at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Domestic Common Stocks

   $   53,503,909       $   7,430,240       $   32,925,256       $   93,859,405   

Banks & Thrifts

     14,828,561         3,130,691         21,491,244         39,450,496   

Diversified Financial Services

     2,456,442         427,554         2,381,546         5,265,542   

Electric

     3,041,556                         3,041,556   

Healthcare Products

     5,439,150                         5,439,150   

Insurance

     1,319,593                 5,036,781         6,356,374   

Mortgages & REITS

                     2,187,255         2,187,255   

Pharmaceuticals

     674,956                         674,956   

Pipelines

     507,248                         507,248   

Registered Investment Companies (RICs)

     1,501,358                         1,501,358   

 

 

  20

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Notes to Financial Statements
   March 31, 2011

 

     Valuation Inputs         
Investments in Securities at Value    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Retail

     $1,323,300         $–         $–         $1,323,300   

Savings & Loans

     20,072,627         3,871,995         1,828,430         25,773,052   

Tobacco Products

     1,815,190                         1,815,190   

Trucking & Leasing

     523,928                         523,928   

Foreign Common Stocks

     23,984,869                 1,606,281         25,591,150   

Auto Manufacturers

     2,434,874                         2,434,874   

Banks

     1,088,662                         1,088,662   

Banks & Thrifts

     1,899,273                         1,899,273   

Diversified Financial Services

     7,190,241                         7,190,241   

Electric

     829,394                         829,394   

Insurance

     1,875,202                         1,875,202   

Leisure Time

     1,096,839                         1,096,839   

National Stock Exchange

                     1,606,281         1,606,281   

Oil & Gas

     2,827,460                         2,827,460   

Pharmaceuticals

     2,739,376                         2,739,376   

Real Estate

     1,597,521                         1,597,521   

Software

     406,027                         406,027   

Limited Partnerships

                     136,065,045         136,065,045   

Domestic Preferred Stocks

                     1,803,779         1,803,779   

Domestic Warrants

     171,600                 512,605         684,205   

Domestic Corporate Bonds & Notes

             1,085,750                 1,085,750   

Short Term Investments

     7,990,320                         7,990,320   

TOTAL

     $85,650,698         $8,515,990         $172,912,966         $267,079,654   
                                     
Other Financial Instruments    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Credit Default Swaps

             $219,254                 $219,254   

TOTAL

             $219,254                 $219,254   
                                     

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   21  


Notes to Financial Statements    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

The following is a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

 

Investments in

    Securities

  

Balance

as of
March 31,

2010

     Realized
gain/
(loss)
     Change in
unrealized
appreciation/
(depreciation)
    

Net

purchases/
(sales)

    

Transfers

in and/or out
of Level 3

    

Balance as of

March 31, 2011

     Net change in
unrealized
appreciation
included in the
statement of
operations
attributable to
Level 3
investments
still held at
March 31, 2011
 

Domestic Common Stocks

     $16,978,622         $70,837         $205,293         $1,319,048         $14,351,456         $32,925,256         $6,742,357   

Foreign Common Stocks

                     89,012         1,517,269                 1,606,281         89,012   

Limited Partnerships

                     17,565,045         118,500,000                 136,065,045         17,565,045   

Domestic Preferred Stocks

     2,737,160                 (133,381)         (800,000)                 1,803,779         67,779   

Domestic Warrants

                     216,742                 $295,863         512,605         342,657   

TOTAL

     $19,715,782         $70,837         $17,942,711         $120,536,317         $14,647,319         $172,912,966         $24,806,850   
                                                                

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on Level 3 securities are included the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under Net change in unrealized appreciation on investment securities.

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Auditing Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements. ASU No. 2010-06 amended FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“FASB ASC 820”) to require new disclosures with regards to significant transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2. ASU No. 2010-06 also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the appropriate level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures were effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. The adoption on January 1, 2010, of the additional disclosure requirements of ASU No. 2010-06 did not materially impact the Fund’s financial statement disclosures.

 

 

  22

   www.firstopportunityfund.com  


First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Notes to Financial Statements
   March 31, 2011

 

In addition, ASU No. 2010-06 requires separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and other settlements in the rollforward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of the additional Level 3 rollforward disclosure requirements is not expected to materially impact the Fund’s financial statement disclosures.

Securities Transactions and Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities sold are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded as of the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, when the information becomes available to the Fund. Interest income including amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, as required, is recorded on the accrual basis, using the interest method.

Foreign Currency Translations: The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in foreign securities. In the event that the Fund executes a foreign security transaction, the Fund will generally enter into a forward foreign currency contract to settle the foreign security transaction. Foreign securities may carry more risk than U.S. securities, such as political, market and currency risks.

The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the end of the period, and purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses transacted in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate on the dates of such transactions. Foreign currency gains and losses result from fluctuations in exchange rates between trade date and settlement date on securities transactions, foreign currency transactions and the difference between amounts of foreign interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund and the amounts actually received. The Fund records net realized gain or loss on investment securities and foreign currency transactions separately.

The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in the exchange rates between the initial purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in gains and losses as stated in the Statement of Operations under Foreign currency related transactions. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by the Fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined using prevailing forward foreign currency exchange rates. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation on foreign currency contracts are reported in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a receivable or a payable and in the Fund’s Statement of Operations with the change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

Investment in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks may include, but are not limited to: (i) less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure, accounting standards or regulatory practices; (ii) many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile thus, in a changing market, the adviser may not be able to sell the Fund’s portfolio securities at times, in amounts and at prices they consider reasonable; (iii) currency exchange rates or controls may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments; (iv) the economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience downturns or recessions; and, (v) withholdings and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the Fund’s return.

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   23  


Notes to Financial Statements    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

Credit Default Swaps: The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts for hedging purposes, to gain market exposure or to add leverage to its portfolio. When used for hedging purposes, the Fund would be the buyer of a credit default swap contract. In that case, the Fund would be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation, index or other investment from the counterparty to the contract in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign issuer, on the referenced debt obligation. In return, the Fund would pay to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay upon default of the referenced debt obligation. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

In addition to the risks applicable to derivatives generally, credit default swaps involve special risks because they may be difficult to value, may be susceptible to liquidity and credit risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation, as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty. Credit default swaps are marked to market periodically using quotations from pricing services. Unrealized gains, including the accrual of interest are recorded as an asset and unrealized losses are reported as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in value of the credit default swap, including the accrual of interest to be paid or received is reported as a change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. A realized gain or loss is recorded upon payment or receipt of a periodic payment or termination of the swap agreement.

Counterparty Risk: Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as the Fund’s counterparties with respect to derivatives, swaps or other transactions supported by another party’s credit will affect the value of those instruments. By using derivatives, swaps or other transactions, the Fund assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience such changes in credit quality.

Credit default swap contracts to buy protection, entered into by the Fund as of March 31, 2011, were as follows:

 

        Swap

Counterparty

  

Referenced

Obligation

   Notional
Amount
           Rates Paid
by Fund
    Termination
Date
     Upfront
Payment
Received/
(Paid)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Credit Suisse

                 

First Boston Intl

   Bank of India London      500,000        USD        1.00%        6/20/15         $10,214         $(2,219)   

Morgan Stanley

   Barclays Bank      2,250,000        EUR        1.42%        9/20/13                 (56,603)   

Credit Suisse

                 

First Boston Intl

   Capital One Bank      500,000        USD        1.00%        12/20/14         (5,213)         (4,428)   

Morgan Stanley

   Credit Agricole      2,250,000        EUR        1.09%        9/20/13                 (19,865)   

 

 

  24

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Notes to Financial Statements
   March 31, 2011

 

        Swap

Counterparty

  

Referenced

Obligation

   Notional
Amount
         Rates Paid
by Fund
  Termination
Date
     Upfront
Payment
Received/
(Paid)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley

   Federal Republic of Germany      12,500,000      USD   0.12%     9/20/18                 365,993   

Goldman Sachs

   Deutsche Bank      1,700,000      EUR   0.88%     9/20/13                 (23,030)   

Goldman Sachs

   Export- Import Bank of India      500,000      USD   1.00%     6/20/15         8,742         (507)   

Morgan Stanley

   Federative Republic Brazil      750,000      USD   1.00%     3/20/15         16,667         (18,668)   

Morgan Stanley

   IDBI Bank Limited      500,000      USD   1.00%     6/20/15         7,235         1,576   

Morgan Stanley

   Republic of Korea      1,500,000      USD   1.22%     9/20/13                 (23,740)   

Morgan Stanley

   State Bank of India      500,000      USD   1.00%     6/20/15         7,235         745   

TOTAL

                 $44,880         $219,254   
                                                 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts for hedging purposes, to gain market exposure or to add leverage to its portfolio. The Fund also held warrants as of year-end, which are considered derivative securities for purposes of this disclosure. The following discloses the amounts related to the Fund’s use of derivative instruments and hedging activities.

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2011:

 

      Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
Risk Exposure   

Statement

of Assets and

Liabilities Location

   Fair Value    

Statement

of Assets and

Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  

Equity Contracts

   Investments, at value of Unaffiliated Securities      $684,205      N/A      $ –   

Credit Contracts

   Appreciated credit default swap contracts, at value      $368,314      Depreciated credit default swap contracts, at value (net upfront payments received $44,880)      $104,180   

Total

        $1,052,519           $104,180   
                            

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   25  


Notes to Financial Statements    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

The effect of derivatives instruments on the Statement of Operations for the year ended March 31, 2011:

 

Risk Exposure   

Location of

Gain/(Loss) On Derivatives

Recognized in Income

   Realized Loss
On Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
    

Change in Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)

On Derivatives
Recognized in Income

 

Equity Contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on: Unaffiliated securities/Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of: Investment securities      $ –         $484,003   

Credit Contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on: Credit default swap contracts/Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of: credit default swap contracts      $(923,493)         $759,190   

Total

        $(923,493)         $1,243,193   
                        

During the year ended March 31, 2011, the average notional amounts of credit default swap contracts entered into by the Fund, were $52,958,333 for those contracts measured in U.S. Dollars, and 17,737,500 for those measured in Euros.

Concentration Risk: The Fund has highly concentrated positions in certain hedge funds and may take concentrated positions in other securities. Concentrating investments in a fewer number of securities (including investments in hedge funds) may involve a degree of risk that is greater than a fund which has less concentrated investments spread out over a greater number of securities. For example, the value of the Fund’s net assets will fluctuate significantly based on the fluctuation in the value of the hedge funds in which it invests. In addition, investments in hedge funds can be highly volatile and may subject investors to heightened risk and higher operating expenses than another closed-end fund with a different investment focus.

Federal Income Taxes: For federal income tax purposes, the Fund currently qualifies, and intends to remain qualified, as a regulated investment company under the provisions of subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code by distributing substantially all of its earnings to its stockholders. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise taxes has been made.

Income and capital gain distributions are determined and characterized in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These differences are primarily due to (1) differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Fund, including temporary differences, (2) the attribution of expenses against certain components of taxable investment income, and (3) federal regulations requiring proportional allocation of income and gains to all classes of stockholders. The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least (1) the sum of 98% of its net investment income and for that year and 98.2% of its capital gains (both long-term and short-term) for the one year period ended October 31 and (2) certain undistributed amounts from previous years.

 

 

  26

   www.firstopportunityfund.com  


First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Notes to Financial Statements
   March 31, 2011

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized in tax years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and the character of the losses is retained as short-term and/or long-term. Under the law in effect prior to the Act, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

Management has concluded that the Fund has taken no uncertain tax positions that require recognition. The Fund files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and Colorado. The statute of limitations on the Fund’s federal tax filings remains open for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 through March 31, 2011. The statute of limitations on the Fund’s state tax filings remains open for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 through March 31, 2011.

NOTE 3. AGREEMENTS

 

RMA and SIA serve as co-advisers to the Fund, and make investment decisions on behalf of the Fund. Wellington has entered into an agreement with the Fund, RMA and SIA to serve as sub-adviser to the Fund.

According to the Advisory Agreements, RMA and SIA are paid an advisory fee, payable monthly, at an annual rate equal to 1.25% of the Fund’s average monthly total net assets plus leverage, if any (“Managed Assets”) (the “Advisory Fee”). However, RMA and SIA have agreed to waive their fees in an amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s assets invested in Wellington-affiliated private investment funds to offset any asset based fees (but not any performance-based fees) paid to Wellington with respect to the hedge fund investments. Additionally, RMA and SIA agreed to a waiver of advisory fees such that, in the future, the advisory fees would be calculated at the annual rate of 1.25% on Managed Assets up to $400 million, 1.10% on Managed Assets between $400-$600 million; and 1.00% on Managed Assets exceeding $600 million. The fee waiver agreement has a one-year term and is renewable annually.

RMA is owned by the Susan L. Ciciora trust (the “SLC Trust”), which is also a member of Evergreen Atlantic LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“EALLC”), and is a stockholder of the Fund. SIA is owned by the Stewart West Indies Trust, which is also a member of EALLC. RMA and SIA are considered “affiliated persons” of the Fund and FAS, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

According to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, Wellington earns a sub-advisory fee, payable monthly by RMA and SIA, at an annual rate equal to 1.125% of the Fund’s month-end value of Designated Securities (definition follows). Designated Securities are those securities held by the Fund on May 28, 2010, which were not identified to be contributed to the Wellington-affiliated private investment funds (disclosed as Limited Partnerships on the Portfolio of Investments) as of June 1, 2010 (date of adviser restructuring).

Prior to the adviser restructuring on June 1, 2010, Wellington served as the Fund’s investment adviser, and was paid a quarterly fee at the at the following annualized rates: 1.125% of the Fund’s average month-end Net Assets up to and including $150 million; 1.000% on Net Assets on the next $150 million; and 0.875% on Net Assets in excess of $300 million.

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   27  


Notes to Financial Statements    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

Effective April 1, 2011, Wellington has agreed to voluntarily waive its sub-advisory fees in excess of 0.625%, per annum, based on the value of the Fund’s Designated Securities. Under the terms of the Wellington fee waiver agreement, it is a condition to the waiver that the Advisers and the Fund expressly acknowledge that Wellington may unilaterally terminate the agreement if the Advisers do not pass through the economic benefit of this waiver to the Fund. Accordingly, the Advisers have voluntarily agreed to waive any additional fees relating to the Designated Securities to which the Advisers would otherwise be entitled by virtue of Wellington’s waiver.

Fund Administrative Services, LLC (“FAS”), serves as the Fund’s co-administrator. Under the Administration Agreement, FAS provides certain administrative and executive management services to the Fund. The Fund pays FAS a monthly fee, calculated at an annual rate of 0.20% of the Managed Assets up to $100 million and 0.15% of the Fund’s Managed Assets over $100 million. Prior to February 1, 2010, the Fund paid FAS a monthly fee of 0.20% of the value of the Fund’s Managed Assets up to $250 million; 0.18% of the Fund’s Managed Assets on the next $150 million; and 0.15% of the value of the Fund’s Managed Assets over $400 million. The equity owners of FAS are EALLC and the Lola Brown Trust No. 1B (the “Lola Trust”). The Lola Trust is a stockholder of the Fund, and the Lola Trust and EALLC are considered to be “affiliated persons” of the Fund and the Advisers, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) serves as the Fund’s co-administrator. As compensation for its services, ALPS receives certain out-of-pocket expenses and asset-based fees, which are accrued daily and paid monthly. Fees paid to ALPS are calculated based on combined assets of the Fund and the following affiliates of the Fund: Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc., and The Denali Fund Inc. (the “Fund Group”). ALPS receives the greater of the following, based on combined average assets of the Fund Group: an annual minimum of $460,000, or an annualized fee of 0.045% on assets up to $1 billion, an annualized fee of 0.03% on assets between $1 and $3 billion, and an annualized fee of 0.02% on assets above $3 billion.

The Fund pays each Director who is not a director, officer, employee, or affiliate of the investment adviser or FAS a fee of $8,000 per annum, plus $4,000 for each in-person meeting of the Board of Directors and $500 for each telephone meeting. In addition, the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Audit Committee receive $1,000 per meeting and each member of the Audit Committee receives $500 per meeting. The Fund will also reimburse all non-interested Directors for travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such meetings.

Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”) serves as the Fund’s custodian and as compensation for BNY Mellon’s services the Fund pays BNY Mellon a monthly fee plus certain out-of-pocket expenses.

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), serves as the Fund’s Transfer Agent, dividend-paying agent, and registrar, and as compensation for Computershare’s services as such, the Fund pays Computershare a monthly fee plus certain out-of-pocket expenses.

NOTE 4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

Cost of purchases and proceeds from sale of securities for the year ended March 31, 2011, excluding short-term investments, aggregated $225,827,504 and $227,876,031, respectively.

 

 

28

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Notes to Financial Statements
   March 31, 2011

 

As described in Note 1, on June 1, 2010, securities were transferred in-kind from the Fund to two limited partnerships managed by an affiliate of Wellington. The portion of the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities associated with these transactions was $77,773,022.

On March 31, 2011, based on cost of $290,640,874 for federal income tax purposes, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of value over tax cost was $31,493,657 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of tax cost over value was $55,054,878.

NOTE 5. CAPITAL

 

As of March 31, 2011, 50,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value Common Stock were authorized and 28,739,389 shares were issued and outstanding.

Transactions in Common Stock were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
March 31, 2011
     Year Ended
March 31, 2010
 

Common Stock outstanding - beginning of period

     28,739,389           28,739,389     

Common Stock outstanding - end of period

     28,739,389           28,739,389     
                   

NOTE 6. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

 

In accordance with Section 23(c) of the 1940 Act, the Fund may from time to time repurchase shares of the Fund in the open market at the option of the Board of Directors and upon such terms as the Directors shall determine. For the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, the Fund did not repurchase any of its own shares.

NOTE 7. SIGNIFICANT STOCKHOLDERS

 

As of March 31, 2011, the Lola Trust and other entities affiliated with Stewart R. Horejsi and the Horejsi family owned 10,472,638 shares of Common Stock of the Fund, representing 36.44% of the total Fund shares outstanding.

NOTE 8. DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX INFORMATION

 

Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. The character of distributions paid on a tax basis during the year ending March 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

      For the Year Ended
March 31, 2011
     For the Year Ended
March 31, 2010
 

Distributions paid from:

                 

Ordinary Income

     –         $ 862,182   

Long-term capital gain

     –             
     –         $ 862,182   
                   

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   29  


Notes to Financial Statements    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

As of March 31, 2011, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed Ordinary Income

   $       (52,260,299)   

Accumulated Long-term Capital Loss

     (23,327,836)   

Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)

     (216,276)   
   $ (75,804,411)   
          

As of March 31, 2011, the Fund had unused capital loss carryovers of $16,642,136 expiring March 31, 2017 and $35,618,163 expiring March 31, 2018.

The Fund has post October capital losses of $0 and post October currency losses of $21,541 which it has elected to defer until the next fiscal year.

Investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes. The character of dividends and distributions made during the fiscal year from net investment income and or realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. The Fund has decreased over distributed net investment income by $10,324, decreased accumulated capital loss by $2,531,260 and decreased paid-in-capital by $2,541,584 at March 31, 2011. Included in the amounts reclassified was a net operating loss of $2,706,856. The reclassifications had no impact on net asset value.

NOTE 9. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES

 

Transactions during the period with companies in which the Fund owned at least 5% of the voting securities were as follows:

 

Name of

Affiliate

  

Beginning
Share
Balance as

of 4/1/10

     Purchases      Sales      Ending
Share
Balance as
of 3/31/11
     Dividend
Income
     Realized
Gains
(Losses)
     Market
Value
 

Broadway Financial Corp.

     129,280                 (32,300)         96,980         $1,293         $(11,386)         $228,873   

CCF Holding Co.

     340,815                         340,815                         85,204   

Perpetual Federal Savings Bank

     165,930                         165,930         101,217                 2,240,055   

Redwood Financial, Inc.

     40,650                         40,650                         477,637   

River Valley Bancorp

     89,993                         89,993         75,594                 1,286,900   

Third Century Bancorp

     110,500                         110,500                         $303,875   

TOTAL

                 $178,104         $(11,386)         $4,622,544   
                                                                

 

 

  30

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Notes to Financial Statements
   March 31, 2011

 

NOTE 10. RESTRICTED SECURITIES

 

As of March 31, 2011, investments in securities included issues that are considered restricted. Restricted securities are often purchased in private placement transactions, are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, may have contractual restrictions on resale, and may be valued under methods approved by the Board of Directors as reflecting fair value.

Restricted securities as of March 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

Description    Acquisition
Date
   Cost      Market
Value
     Market Value
as Percentage
of Net Assets
 

Affinity Financial Corp.

   3/24/05    $ 1,000,000       $         0.0

Bay Pond Partners, LP

   6/1/10      39,500,000         45,715,472         17.3

Central Valley Community Bancorp

   12/22/09      155,400         182,040         0.1

Citizens South Banking Corp.

   3/11/10      361,997         375,874         0.1

CMET Finance Holding

   12/8/03      2,500,000         512,250         0.2

Community Bank

   2/12/08      912,100         4,409,400         1.7

Embarcadero Bank

   7/7/06      550,000         517,000         0.2

FC Holdings, Inc.

   1/5/06      972,000         10,692         0.0

First American International

   11/29/05      1,052,050         538,332         0.2

First Republic Bank

   10/21/09-
6/7/10
     7,889,995         14,424,374         5.5

First State Bank

   11/21/07      190,350         7,050         0.0

Florida Capital Group

   8/23/06      2,203,175         96,631         0.0

Forethought Financial Group, Inc. - Class A

   11/13/09      4,066,780         5,036,781         1.9

Forethought Financial Group, Inc.,

Warrant, strike price $220.00, Expires 7/13/11

   11/13/09-
12/31/09
     0         216,742         0.1

Hampshire First Bank

   10/31/06      2,280,000         1,892,400         0.7

Heritage Oaks Bancorp

   6/28/06-
3/10/10
     840,735         697,714         0.3

Highland Financial Partners, LP

   10/18/06      4,558,950                 0.0

Iguazu Partners, LP

   11/4/10      4,500,000         4,545,770         1.7

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   31  


Notes to Financial Statements    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011

 

Description   

Acquisition

Date

     Cost     

Market

Value

   

Market Value

as Percentage

of Net Assets

 

Independence Financial Group, Inc.

     9/13/04       $ 480,000       $ 381,000        0.1%   
   

J. Caird Partners, LP

     7/1/10         18,000,000         20,466,732        7.7%   
   

Maiden Holdings, Ltd., Series C

     1/15/09         1,600,000         1,803,779        0.7%   
   

MidCountry Financial Corp.

     10/22/04         4,654,500         1,427,380        0.5%   
   

Muni Funding Co. of America, LLC

    
 
6/4/07-
7/10/09
  
  
     2,058,848         1,069,604        0.4%   
   

National Bancshares, Inc.

     6/6/06         2,128,160         190,176        0.1%   
   

North River Partners, LP

     8/2/10         17,000,000         15,955,860        6.0%   
   

NSE India, Ltd.

     4/30/10         1,517,269         1,606,281        0.6%   
   

Ocwen Structured Investments, LLC

    
 
3/20/07 -
8/27/07
  
  
     1,494,245         418,692        0.2%   
   

Privee, LLC

     11/17/04         2,362,500                0.0%   
   

Square 1 Financial, Inc.

     5/3/05         3,029,000         1,608,399        0.6%   
   

Verde Realty

     2/16/07         2,900,700         1,482,873        0.6%   
   

Wolf Creek Partners, LP

     6/1/10         39,500,000         49,381,211        18.7%   
   
      $ 170,258,754       $ 174,970,509        66.2%   
           

NOTE 11. INVESTMENTS IN LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS

 

As of March 31, 2011, the Fund held investments in limited partnerships. The Fund’s investments in the limited partnerships are reported on the Portfolio of Investments under the section titled Limited Partnerships.

Since the investments in limited partnerships are not publicly traded, the Fund’s ability to make withdrawals from its investments in the limited partnerships is subject to certain restrictions which vary for each respective limited partnership. These restrictions include notice requirements for withdrawals and additional restrictions or charges for withdrawals within a certain time period following initial investment. In addition, there could be circumstances in which such restrictions can include the suspension or delay in withdrawals from the respective limited partnership, or limited withdrawals allowable only during specified times during the year. In certain circumstances a limited partner may not make withdrawals that occur less than one year following the date of admission to the partnership. As of March 31, 2011, withdrawal restrictions applied to certain of the Fund’s investments in limited partnerships as the Fund was admitted as a partner less than one year ago in certain investments. The following table summarizes the Fund’s investments in limited partnerships as of March 31, 2011.

 

 

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Notes to Financial Statements
   March 31, 2011

 

 

Description    % of Net
Assets as
of 3/31/11
   Value as of
3/31/11
   Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
as of 3/31/11
   Mgmt fees    Incentive fees   

Redemption
Period/

Frequency

Bay Pond Partners LP    17.3%    $45,715,472    $6,215,472    Annual rate of 1% of net assets    20% of net profits at the end of the fiscal year    June 30 or Dec 31 upon 45 days’ notice
Iguazu Partners LP    1.7%    4,545,770    45,770    Annual rate of 1% of net assets    20% of net profits at the end of the fiscal year    At the end of each calendar quarter upon 45 days’ notice
J. Caird Partners LP    7.8%    20,466,732    2,466,732    Annual rate of 1% of net assets    20% of net profits at the end of the fiscal year    At the end of each calendar quarter upon 45 days’ notice
North River Partners LP    6.0%    15,955,860    (1,044,140)    Annual rate of 1% of net assets    20% of net profits at the end of the fiscal year    At the end of each calendar quarter upon 45 days’ notice
Wolf Creek Partners LP    18.7%    49,381,211    9,881,211    Annual rate of 1% of net assets    20% of net profits at the end of the fiscal year    At the end of each calendar quarter upon 45 days’ notice
Total    51.5%    $136,065,045    $17,565,045         
                               

The Fund did not have any outstanding unfunded commitments as of March 31, 2011.

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   33  


Report of Independent

Registered Public Accounting Firm

   First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
  

 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of First Opportunity Fund, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of First Opportunity Fund, Inc. (“the Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of March 31, 2011, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2011, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from the brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Opportunity Fund, Inc. as of March 31, 2011, the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the financial statements include investments valued at $172,988,016 (65.5% of net assets) as of March 31, 2011, whose fair values have been estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values, which could differ materially from the values that would have been used had a ready market for these investments existed. Management’s estimates are based on information provided by the Fund’s sub-adviser or affiliates of such sub-adviser.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Denver, Colorado

May 27, 2011

 

 

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Additional Information
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

Portfolio Information. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Q is available (1) on the Fund’s website located at http://www.firstopportunityfund.com; (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; or (3) for review and copying at the SEC’s Public Reference Room (“PRR”) in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operation of the PRR may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Proxy Voting Information. The policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held by the Fund are available on the Fund’s website located at http://www.firstopportunityfund.com, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by calling 303-449-0426. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available at http://www.sec.gov.

Senior Officer Code of Ethics. The Fund files a copy of its code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (the “Senior Officer Code of Ethics”), with the SEC as an exhibit to its annual report on Form N-CSR. The Fund’s Senior Officer Code of Ethics is available on the Fund’s website located at http://www.firstopportunityfund.com.

Privacy Statement. Pursuant to SEC Regulation S-P (Privacy of Consumer Financial Information) the Directors of the Fund have established the following policy regarding information about the Fund’s stockholders. We consider all stockholder data to be private and confidential, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use.

General Statement. The Fund may collect nonpublic information (e.g., your name, address, email address, Social Security Number, Fund holdings (collectively, “Personal Information”)) about stockholders from transactions in Fund shares. The Fund will not release Personal Information about current or former stockholders (except as permitted by law) unless one of the following conditions is met: (i) we receive your prior written consent; (ii) we believe the recipient to be you or your authorized representative; (iii) to service or support the business functions of the Fund (as explained in more detail below), or (iv) we are required by law to release Personal Information to the recipient. The Fund has not and will not in the future give or sell Personal Information about its current or former stockholders to any company, individual, or group (except as permitted by law) and as otherwise provided in this policy.

In the future, the Fund may make certain electronic services available to its stockholders and may solicit your email address and contact you by email, telephone or US mail regarding the availability of such services. The Fund may also contact stockholders by email, telephone or US mail in connection with these services, such as to confirm enrollment in electronic stockholder communications or to update your Personal Information. In no event will the Fund transmit your Personal Information via email without your consent.

Use of Personal Information. The Fund will only use Personal Information (i) as necessary to service or maintain stockholder accounts in the ordinary course of business and (ii) to support business functions of the Fund and its affiliated businesses. This means that the Fund may share certain Personal Information, only as permitted by law, with affiliated businesses of the Fund, and that such information may be used for non-Fund-related solicitation. When Personal Information

 

 

Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   35


Additional Information    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

is shared with the Fund’s business affiliates, the Fund may do so without providing you the option of preventing these types of disclosures as permitted by law.

Safeguards regarding Personal Information. Internally, we also restrict access to Personal Information to those who have a specific need for the records. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with Federal standards to guard Personal Information. Any doubts about the confidentiality of Personal Information, as required by law, are resolved in favor of confidentiality.

Tax Information. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2010, the Fund made no distributions. As a result, there are no required designations as to the character of the distributions.

Meeting of Stockholders - Voting Results

On May 2, 2011, the Fund held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to consider the proposals set forth below. The following votes were recorded:

Proposal 1: To approve an amendment to the charter classifying the Board of Directors into three separate classes and making related changes to the charter.

 

     # of Votes Cast      % of Votes Cast  

For

     14,556,267         54.45%   

Against

     3,088,975         11.55%   

Abstain

     113,899         0.43%   

Non Vote

     8,973,861         33.57%   

TOTAL

     26,733,002         100.00%   
                   
Proposal 2: Election of Directors.      

Election of Richard I. Barr as Director of the Fund

  

  
     # of Votes Cast      % of Votes Cast  

For

     24,991,846         93.49

Withhold

     1,707,168         6.38

Non Vote

     33,988         0.13

TOTAL

     26,733,002         100.00
                   

 

 

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Additional Information
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

 

Election of John S. Horejsi as Director of the Fund      
     # of Votes Cast      % of Votes Cast  

For

     24,961,549         93.37%   

Withhold

     1,737,465         6.50%   

Non Vote

     33,988         0.13%   

TOTAL

     26,733,002         100.00%   
                   
Election of Susan L. Ciciora as Director of the Fund   
     # of Votes Cast      % of Votes Cast  

For

     24,974,174         93.42%   

Withhold

     1,724,840         6.45%   

Non Vote

     33,988         0.13%   

TOTAL

     26,733,002         100.00%   
                   
Election of Dr. Dean L. Jacobson as Director of the Fund   
     # of Votes Cast      % of Votes Cast  

For

     24,988,367         93.47%   

Withhold

     1,710,647         6.40%   

Non Vote

     33,988         0.13%   

TOTAL

     26,733,002         100.00%   
                   
Election of Joel W. Looney as Director of the Fund   
     # of Votes Cast      % of Votes Cast  

For

     24,992,278         93.49%   

Withhold

     1,706,736         6.38%   

Non Vote

     33,988         0.13%   

TOTAL

     26,733,002         100.00%   
                   

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   37  


Summary of Dividend

Reinvestment Plan

   First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

Stockholders may elect to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains automatically reinvested in Fund shares (the “shares”) pursuant to the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”). Stockholders who do not participate in the Plan will normally receive all distributions in cash paid by check in United States dollars mailed directly to the stockholders of record (or if the shares are held in street name or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the custodian, as dividend disbursing agent, unless the Fund declares a distribution payable in shares, absent a stockholder’s specific election to receive cash.

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Plan Agent”) serves as agent for the stockholders in administering the Plan. After the Fund declares a dividend or a capital gains distribution, if (1) the market price is lower than net asset value, the participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in shares valued at the market price determined as of the time of purchase (generally, following the payment date of a dividend or distribution); or if (2) the market price of shares on the payment date of the dividend or distribution is equal to or exceeds their net asset value, participants will be issued shares at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the market price. If the Fund declares a dividend or other distributions payable only in cash and the net asset value exceeds the market price of shares on the valuation date, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, receive the cash payment and use it to buy shares on the open market. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the net asset value per share, the Plan Agent will halt open-market purchases of the Fund’s shares for this purpose, and will request that the Fund pay the remainder, if any, in the form of newly issued shares. The Fund will not issue shares under the Plan below net asset value.

There is no charge to participants for reinvesting dividends or capital gain distributions, except for certain brokerage commissions, as described below. The Plan Agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends will be paid by the Fund. There will be no brokerage commissions charged with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchase in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any federal income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan upon 90 Days’ written notice to stockholders of the Fund. Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to the Plan Agent or by telephone in accordance with specific procedures and will receive certificates for whole shares and cash for fractional shares.

All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 43011, Providence, RI 02940-3011

 

 

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Page Intentionally Left Blank


Directors and Officers    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

Set forth in the following table is information about the Directors of the Fund, together with their address, age, position with the Fund, length of time served and principal occupation during the last five years. The Fund's SAI includes additional information about Directors of the Fund and is available, without charge, upon request, at 303-449-0426.

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

 

    Name, Age

  and Address*

 

Position(s)

Held with

Funds

 

Term of

Office and

Length of

Time Served

 

Principal
Occupation(s)
During past

5 years

 

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund

Complex

Overseen by
Director

  Other Directorships
Held by Director

Joel W.

Looney

Age: 49

 

        Chairman,

        Class II

        Director

          Term expires
        2014; served
        since 2003.
  Partner (since 1999),
Financial
Management Group,
LLC (investment
adviser).
  4  

Director (since 2002)
and Chairman (since
2003), Boulder
Growth & Income
Fund, Inc.; Director
(since 2001), Boulder
Total Return Fund,
Inc.; Director and
Chairman (since
2007), The Denali
Fund Inc.

 

Dr. Dean L.

Jacobson    

Age: 72      

 

        Class I

        Director

          Term expires
        2013; served
        since 2003
  Founder and
President (since
1989), Forensic
Engineering, Inc.
(engineering
investigations);
Professor Emeritus
(since 1997), Arizona
State University.
  4   Director (since 2006),
Boulder Growth &
Income Fund, Inc.;
Director (since 2004)
Boulder Total Return
Fund, Inc.; Director
(since 2007), The
Denali Fund Inc.

Richard I.

Barr        

Age: 73  

 

        Class III

        Director

          Term expires
        2012; served
        since 2001.
  Retired (since 2001);
manager (1963-2001),
Advantage Sales and
Marketing, Inc. (food
brokerage).
  4   Director (since 2002),
Boulder Growth &
Income Fund, Inc.;
Director (since 1999)
and Chairman (since
2003), Boulder Total
Return Fund, Inc.;
Director (since 2007),
The Denali Fund Inc.

 

 

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Directors and Officers
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

INTERESTED DIRECTORS**

 

    Name, Age

  and Address*

  

Position(s)

Held with

Funds

  

Term of

Office and

Length of

Time

Served

  

Principal
Occupation(s)
During past

5 years

  

Number of
Portfolios in

Fund

Complex
Overseen by
Director

  

Other
Directorships
Held by

Director

Susan L.

Ciciora

Age: 46

  

    Class III

    Director

  

    Term

    expires

    2012;

    served

    since 2003.

   Trustee (since 1994), Lola Brown Trust No. 1B and the Ernest Horejsi Trust No. 1B (since 1992); Director (since 1997), Horejsi Charitable Foundation, Inc. (private charitable foundation).    4    Director (since 2006), Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.; Director (since 2001), Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc.; Director (since 2007), The Denali Fund Inc.

John S. Horejsi

Age: 43

  

    Class I

    Director

  

    Term

    expires in

    2013;

    served

    since 2006.

   Director (since 1997), Horejsi Charitable Foundation (private charitable foundation).    4    Director (since 2004), Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.; Director (since 2006), Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc.; Director (since 2007), The Denali Fund Inc.

 

* Unless otherwise specified, the Directors’ respective addresses are c/o First Opportunity Fund, Inc., 2344 Spruce Street, Suite A, Boulder, Colorado 80302.
Includes the Fund, Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., and The Denali Fund Inc.
** Ms. Ciciora and Mr. Horejsi are siblings and are each considered an “interested person” as a result of the extent of their beneficial ownership of Fund shares and by virtue of their indirect beneficial ownership of RMA, SIA and FAS.

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   41  


Directors and Officers   

First Opportunity Fund, Inc.

   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS

The names of the executive officers of the Fund are listed in the table below. Unless otherwise specified, each officer was elected to office by the Board at a meeting held on January 28, 2011. Officers are elected annually and will hold such office until a successor has been elected by the Board.

 

    Name, Age

  and Address*

  

Position(s)

Held with

Funds

  

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served

   Principal Occupation(s)
During past 5 years

Stephen C.

Miller

Age: 58

  

President

   Appointed annually; served since 2003    President and General Counsel (since 1999), Boulder Investment Advisers LLC; President and General Counsel (since 2008), Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC; Manager (since 1999), Fund Administrative Services L.L.C.; Vice President (since 1998), Stewart Investment Advisers; President (since 2002), Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.; President (since 1999), Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc.; President (since 2007), The Denali Fund, Inc.; officer of various other entities affiliated with the Horejsi family; Of Counsel (since 1991), Krassa & Miller, LLC.

Nicole L.

Murphey

Age: 34

   Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Vice President, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary    Appointed annually; served as Treasurer since 2011**; served as Vice-President since 2008; served as Assistant Secretary since 2003.    Vice President and Treasurer (since 2011), Boulder Investment Advisers, LLC and Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC; Assistant Manager (since 2011), Fund Administrative Services, LLC; Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer (since 2011), Vice President (since 2008) and Assistant Secretary (since 2000), Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer (since 2011), Vice President (since 2008) and Assistant Secretary (since 2002), Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer (since 2011), Vice President (since 2008) and Assistant Secretary (since 2007), The Denali Fund Inc.

 

 

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First Opportunity Fund, Inc.    Directors and Officers
   March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Name, Age

  and Address*

  

Position(s)

Held with

Funds

  

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served

   Principal Occupation(s)
During past 5 years

Jennifer T.

Welsh

Age: 33

   Chief Compliance Officer    Appointed annually; since 2010.    Chief Compliance Officer (since 2010), Boulder Investment Advisers LLC and Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Associate General Counsel (since 2010), Fund Administrative Services L.L.C.; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2010), Stewart Investment Advisers; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2010), Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2010), Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2010), The Denali Fund, Inc.; officer of various other entities affiliated with the Horejsi family; Associate Attorney (2007-2010), Davis, Graham & Stubbs, LLP.

Stephanie J.

Kelley

Age: 54

   Secretary    Appointed annually; served since 2003.    Secretary (since 2002), Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.; Secretary (since 2000), Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., Secretary (since 2007), The Denali Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of various other entities affiliated with the Horejsi family.

 

* Unless otherwise specified, the Officers’ respective addresses are c/o First Opportunity Fund, Inc., 2344 Spruce Street, Suite A, Boulder, Colorado 80302.
** At a Special Telephonic Meeting of the Board of Directors held January 11, 2011, the Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Carl D. Johns as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of the Fund and elected Ms. Murphey as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of the Fund. Mr. Johns has also resigned as a co-portfolio manager with Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC.

 

 

  Annual Report | March 31, 2011

   43  


Notes    First Opportunity Fund, Inc.
  

 

 


LOGO

 

Directors

   Richard I. Barr
   Susan L. Ciciora
   John S. Horejsi
   Dean L. Jacobson
     Joel W. Looney

Co-Investment Advisers

   Stewart Investment Advisers
   Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC
   2344 Spruce Street, Suite A
     Boulder, CO 80302

Sub - Adviser

   Wellington Management Company, LLP
   280 Congress Street
     Boston, MA 02110

Administrator

   Fund Administrative Services, LLC
   2344 Spruce Street, Suite A
     Boulder, CO 80302

Co-Administrator

   ALPS Fund Services, Inc.
   1290 Broadway, Suite 1100
     Denver, CO 80203

Custodian

   Bank of New York Mellon
   One Wall Street
     New York, NY 10286

Transfer Agent

   Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
   P.O. Box 43011
     Providence, RI 02940-3011

Independent Registered

   Deloitte & Touche LLP

Public Accounting Firm

   555 17th Street, Suite 3600
     Denver, CO 80202

Legal Counsel

   Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
   515 South Flower Street, 25th Floor
     Los Angeles, CA 90071-2228

“First Opportunity Fund” is a proprietary trademark of First Opportunity Fund, Inc. Used by permission. © 2011; all rights reserved.

The views expressed in this report and the information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings are for the period covered by this report and are subject to change thereafter.

This report is for stockholder information. This is not a prospectus intended for use in the purchase or sale of Fund shares.

First Opportunity Fund, Inc. 2344 Spruce Street, Suite A | Boulder, CO 80302

If you have questions regarding shares held in a brokerage account contact your broker, or, if you have physical possession of your shares in certificate form, contact the Fund’s Transfer Agent and Shareholder Servicing Agent - Computershare Trust Company, N.A. at: P.O. Box 43011 | Providence, RI 02940-3011 | (800) 451-6788

www.firstopportunityfund.com

The Fund’s CUSIP number is: 33587T108


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOGO


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, First Opportunity Fund, Inc. (the “Registrant” or “Fund”) has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer. On January 12, 2011, the code of ethics was amended to reflect personnel changes in the positions occupied by the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. During the period covered by this report, there were no waivers granted from a provision of the code of ethics. A copy of the Registrant’s code of ethics is filed with this N-CSR under Item 12(a).

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

As of the end of the period covered by the report, the Registrant’s board of directors has determined that Joel W. Looney is qualified to serve as an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee and that he is “independent,” as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(a)           Audit Fees – The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $32,000 and $33,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, respectively.

(b)           Audit-Related Fees – There were no fees billed for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under (a) of this Item.

(c)           Tax Fees – The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the review of the Registrant’s tax returns and excise tax calculations were $7,250 and $7,250 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, respectively.

(d)           All Other Fees – There were no other fees billed for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011 for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in (a) through (c) of this Item.

(e)           (1)     Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Registrant’s audit committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Registrant’s accountant before the accountant is engaged by the Registrant to perform such services.

(e)            (2)     Percentage of Services. There were no services described in (b) through (d) above (including services required to be approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X) that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f)            None of the hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the Registrant’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 were attributable to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.

(g)           Not applicable.

(h)           Not applicable.


Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

The Registrant has an audit committee which was established by the Board of Directors of the Fund in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The members of the Registrant’s audit committee are Dr. Dean L. Jacobson, Richard I. Barr, and Joel W. Looney.

Item 6. Investments.

The Registrant’s full schedule of investments is included as part of the report to stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

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

The Registrant has delegated, subject to the supervision of the Board, the voting of proxies relating to its voting securities to the Advisers. The Proxy Voting Procedures of the Advisers are included below.


First Opportunity Fund, Inc.

 

Proxy Voting Procedures

The Board of Directors of First Opportunity Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) hereby adopts the following policies and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund (collectively, the “Voting Policies”).

    1.         Policy. It is the policy of the Board of Directors of the Fund (the “Board”) to delegate certain responsibilities for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds to an authorized officer of the Fund, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight.1 Proxy voting policies and procedures are required by Rule 206 (4)-6 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

    2.         Fiduciary Duty. The right to vote a proxy with respect to portfolio securities held by the Funds is a significant asset of the Fund. The Board and other authorized persons exercising this voting responsibility do so as a fiduciary, and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders, and with the goal of maximizing the value of the Fund and the shareholders’ investments. Although typically an investment company’s adviser votes proxies, for reasons disclosed to and discussed by the Board (e.g., the possibility of aggregating securities of issuers regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision with like securities of other clients of Wellington Management), the Board has instead delegated its proxy voting responsibility to a Proxy Committee (defined below) made up of Board members and has authorized officers of the Fund to vote proxies that are considered routine (e.g., approval of auditors and uncontested director elections).

    3.         Procedures. The following are the procedures adopted by the Board for the administration of this policy:

a.     Review of Proxy Voting Procedures. Management, with advice and counsel from the Board, shall present to the Board its policies, procedures and other guideline for voting proxies at least annually (the “Voting Guidelines”), and must notify the Board promptly of any material changes. In accordance with the foregoing, Management has developed the Voting Guidelines which are attached hereto as Exhibit A.

b.     Voting of Routine Proxies. An authorized Officer of the Fund will vote all routine proxy items for the Fund in accordance with the Voting Guidelines.

c.     Voting of Non-Routine Proxies. With respect to non-routine proxy issues (“Non-Routine Proxies”), Stephen C. Miller or his successor (i.e., President of the Fund and member of the Board) and at least one independent director (the “Proxy Committee”), after conducting such necessary due diligence as the Proxy Committee deems appropriate, will make a determination of how to vote, and direct an authorized Officer of the Fund to cause such vote to be cast.

d.     Seeking Advice from the Fund’s Adviser. To the extent permitted by law, and to the extent assistance will not adversely affect the ability of Wellington Management (“Wellington”) to invest in financial services company securities for other clients, the Proxy Committee may seek, and Wellington has agreed to provide the Proxy Committee with, notice of any special issues that might not be covered by the Voting Guidelines and use its best efforts to keep the Board and Management informed when Non-Routine matters arise or are anticipated. In addition, Wellington has agreed to assist in any discussions to review relevant issues related to the voting of a particular proxy, but shall not recommend how the Fund should vote.

e.     Voting Record Reporting. To the extent any Non-Routine Proxies are voted, the Proxy Committee will present a summary of such actions for the Board at the next regular quarterly meeting.

 

  

 

1 This policy is adopted for the purpose of the disclosure requirements adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Releases No. 33-8188, 34-47304, IC-25922.


Voting Policies and Procedures

 

No less than annually, Management shall report to the Board a record of each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Funds during the respective year. With respect to those proxies the Proxy Committee has identified as involving a conflict of interest2, the Proxy Committee shall submit a separate report indicating the nature of the conflict of interest and how that conflict was resolved with respect to the voting of the proxy.

    4.         Revocation. The delegation by the Board of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is entirely voluntary and may be revoked by the Board, in whole or in part, at any time. This disclosure shall be included in any registration statement filed on behalf of the Funds after July 1, 2003.

    5.         Annual Filing. The Fund shall file an annual report of each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Funds during the twelve-month period ended June 30 on Form N-PX not later than August 31 of each year. The Fund must file the complete proxy voting record on an annual basis on this form. Form N-PX must contain complete proxy voting records for the 12 month period stated above, and must be signed on behalf of the Fund by the principal executive officers. This form must provide the following information:

 

  1.

Name of the issuer of the portfolio security

  2.

Exchange ticker symbol

  3.

CUSIP #

  4.

Shareholder meeting date

  5.

Brief indication of the matter voted on

  6.

Whether matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder

  7.

Whether the Fund cast its vote on the matter

  8.

How the Fund cast its vote

  9.

Whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management

    6.         Disclosures.

a.     The Fund shall include in any future registration statement:

     i.        A description of the Voting Policies and the Voting Guidelines3; and

    ii.        A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds’ toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC website.4

b.     The Fund shall include in its Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders:

    i.        A statement disclosing that the Voting Policies and Voting Guidelines are available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund’s telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; and on the SEC website.5

    ii.        A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without

 

 

2 As it is used in this document, the term “conflict of interest” refers to a situation in which the Adviser or affiliated persons of the adviser have a financial interest in a matter presented by a proxy other than the obligation it incurs as investment adviser to the Fund.

3 This disclosure shall be included in the registration statement next filed on behalf of the Funds after July 1, 2003.

4 This disclosure shall be included in the registration statement next filed on behalf of the Funds after August 31, 2004.

5 This disclosure shall be included in the report next filed on behalf of the Funds after July 1, 2003.

Page 2


Voting Policies and Procedures

 

charge, upon request, by calling the Fund’s telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC website.6

    7.         Recordkeeping Requirements. SEC Rule 204-2, as amended, requires the Fund to retain:

 

  1.

Proxy voting policies and procedures

  2.

Proxy statements received regarding client securities

  3.

Records of votes cast on behalf of clients

  4.

Records of written client requests

          5.     Any documents prepared by Management material to making a decision how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision.

    8.         Review of Policy. At least annually, the Board shall review this Policy to determine its sufficiency and shall make and approve any changes that it deems necessary from time to time.

Revised November 28, 2008 to reflect name change of First Financial Fund, Inc. to First Opportunity Fund, Inc.

 

  

 

6 This disclosure shall be included in the report next filed on behalf of the Funds after August 31, 2004.

Page 3


EXHIBIT A – VOTING GUIDLINES

The Fund’s proxy voting principles are summarized below, with specific examples of voting decisions for the types of proposals that are most frequently presented:

 

Category

   Guideline    Voting
BOARD OF DIRECTOR ISSUES   

The board of directors’ primary role is to protect the interests of all shareholders. Key functions of the board are to approve the direction of corporate strategy, ensure succession of management and evaluate performance of the corporation as well as senior management. The board is accountable to shareholders, and must operate independently from management.

 

    

Routine Elections

  

Generally we will vote with management’s recommendation

 

   Generally FOR

Board Classification

  

Generally we are opposed to entrenchment mechanisms and will vote against proposals to classify a board. We prefer annual election of directors in order that shareholders have more power to replace directors deemed to not be acting in the shareholders’ interest.

 

   Generally AGAINST

Independence of Directors

  

The majority of board members should be independent from the corporation, management or a majority shareholder. An independent member should not be a former employee of the company or a representative of a key supplier to or a key client of the company.

 

   We will generally support boards that have a majority of board members classified as independent.

Director Indemnification

  

Mandatory indemnification of directors and officers is necessary to attract quality candidates.

 

   Generally FOR

Director Attendance

  

Board membership requires a significant amount of time in order for responsibilities to be executed, and attendance at Board and Committee meetings is noted.

 

   We look for attendance records to be in the 75% participation range.

Term Limits

  

We are more concerned with the performance of directors and not with the term limits

 

   Generally AGAINST but will look at on a case-by-case basis.

Separation of Chair and CEO

   In most cases it is advisable for there to be a separation between the CEO and the Chair to enhance separation of management interests and shareholders.   

In most cases we would support a recommendation to separate the Chair from the CEO. Lead directors are considered acceptable, and in this situation an independent Corporate Governance committee must also be in place.

 

Committees of the Board

   Audit, Compensation, Governance and Nominating committees are the most significant committees of the board.   

We support the establishment of these committees, however independent director membership on these committees is the primary concern. Two-thirds independent membership is satisfactory, provided that the chair of each committee is independent.

 

Audit Process

   The members of an audit committee should be independent directors, and the auditor must also be independent. The auditor should report directly to the Audit    We will generally support the choice of auditors recommended by the Audit


Voting Policies and Procedures

 

Category

   Guideline    Voting
     committee and not to management.    Committee. In the event that the auditor supplies other services for a fee other than the audit, each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

VOTING AND ENTRENCHMENT ISSUES

 

         

Shareholder Right to Call Special Meeting

 

        Generally FOR

Shareholder Right to Act by Written Consent

 

        Generally FOR

Cumulative Voting

  

Our experience has been that cumulative voting is generally proposed by large shareholders who may wish to exert undue influence on the board.

 

   Generally AGAINST, although we may consider if the board has been unresponsive to shareholders.

Confidentiality of Shareholder Voting

  

Like any other electoral system, the voting at annual and special meetings should be confidential and free from any potential coercion and/or impropriety.

 

   We will support any proposals to introduce or maintain confidential voting.

Size of Board of Directors

   Generally boards should be comprised of a minimum of seven to a maximum of fifteen. However the complexity of the company has an impact on required board size.   

The independence of the board is a greater concern than the number of members. However should a change in board size be proposed as potentially an anti-takeover measure we would vote against.

 

COMPENSATION ISSUES

 

         

Director Compensation

  

Directors should be compensated fairly for the time and expertise they devote on behalf of shareholders. We favor directors personally owning shares in the corporation, and that they receive a substantial portion of their remuneration in the form of shares.

 

   We support recommendations where a portion of the remuneration is to be in the form of common stock. We do not support options for directors, and do not support retirement bonuses or benefits for directors.
MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION   

Compensation plans for executives should be designed to attract and retain the right people with exceptional skills to manage the company successfully long-term. These plans should be competitive within the company’s respective industry without being excessive and should attempt to align the executive’s interests with the long-term interest of shareholders.

 

   Executive compensation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Stock Options and Incentive Compensation Plans

  

Compensation plans should be designed to reward good performance of executives. They should also encourage management to own stock so as to align their financial interests with those of the shareholders. It is important that these plans are disclosed to the shareholders in detail for their approval.

 

   We will not support plans with options priced below current market value or the lowering of the exercise price on any previously granted options. We will not support any plan amendment that is not

 

Page A-2


Voting Policies and Procedures

 

Category

   Guideline    Voting
         

capped or that results in anything but negligible dilution. We believe that shareholders should have a say in all aspects of option plans and therefore will not support omnibus stock option plans or plans where the Board is given discretion to set the terms. Plans will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Adopt/Amend Employee Stock Purchase Plans

 

        Considered on a case-by-case basis.

Golden Parachutes

  

Although we believe that “golden parachutes” may be a good way to attract, retain and encourage objectivity of qualified executives by providing financial security in the case of a change in the structure or control of a company, golden parachutes can be excessive.

 

   Generally opposed but will consider on a case-by-case basis.

Require Shareholder Approval of Golden Parachutes

 

        Generally FOR
TAKEOVER PROTECTIONS   

Some companies adopt shareholder rights plans that incorporate anti-takeover measures, which may include: poison pills, crown jewel defense, payment of greenmail, going private transactions, leveraged buyouts, lock-up arrangements, Fair price amendments, Re-incorporation. Rights plans should be designed to ensure that all shareholders are treated equally in the event there is a change in control of a company. These plans should also provide the Board with sufficient time to ensure that the appropriate course of action is chosen to ensure shareholder interests have been protected. However, many shareholder rights plans can be used to prevent bids that might in fact be in the shareholders best interests. Depending on their contents, these plans may also adversely influence current share prices and long-term shareholder value.

 

   We will review each situation on a case-by-case basis. We will generally support proposals that protect the rights and share value of shareholders.

Dual Class Shares

  

It is not unusual for certain classes of shares to have more than one vote per share. This is referred to as a dual class share structure and can result in a minority of shareholders having the ability to make decisions that may not be in the best interests of the majority of shareholders.

 

   Generally AGAINST.

Super-Majority Voting Provisions

  

Super-majority voting (e.g., 67% of votes cast or a majority of outstanding shares), although fairly common, can, from a practical point of view, be difficult to obtain, and essentially are a bar from effective challenges to entrenched management, regardless of performance or popularity. A very high requirement can be unwieldy and therefore not in the best interest of the majority of shareholders.

 

   Generally AGAINST. We will generally oppose proposals for voting requirements that are greater than a majority of votes cast. That said, we will review supermajority proposals on a case-by-case basis.

 

Page A-3


Voting Policies and Procedures

 

Category

   Guideline    Voting

Issuance of Authorized Shares

     

Generally FOR

 

Issuance of Unlimited or Additional Shares

  

Corporations may increase their authorized number of shares in order to implement a stock split, to support an acquisition or restructuring plan, to use in a stock option plan or to implement an anti-takeover plan. Shareholders should approve of the specific business need for the increase in the number of shares and should understand that the issuance of new shares can have a significant effect on the value of existing shares.

 

   Generally AGAINST. We will generally oppose proposals to increase the number of authorized shares to “unlimited”, but will consider any proposals to increase the number of authorized shares on a case-by-case basis for a valid business purpose.

Shareholder Proposals

  

Shareholders should have the opportunity to raise their concerns or issues to company management, the board and other shareholders. As long as these proposals deal with appropriate issues and are not for the purposes of airing personal grievances or to obtain publicity, they should be included on the proxy ballot for consideration.

 

   Shareholder proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

OTHER MATTERS

 

         

Stock Repurchase Plans

       

Generally FOR

 

Stock Splits

       

Generally FOR

 

Require Shareholder Approval to issue Preferred Stock

 

        Generally FOR

Corporate Loans to Employees

  

Corporate loans, or the guaranteeing of loans, to enable employees to purchase company stock or options should be avoided. These types of loans can be risky if the company stock declines or the employee is terminated.

 

   Generally AGAINST.

Blank-cheque Preferred Shares

  

The authorization of blank-cheque preferred shares gives the board of directors’ complete discretion to fix voting, dividend, conversion and other rights and privileges. Once these shares have been authorized, the shareholders have no authority to determine how or when they will be allocated. There may be valid business reasons for the issuance of these shares but the potential for abuse outweighs the benefits.

 

   Generally AGAINST.

 

Page A-4


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

Effective June 1, 2010, Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC (“RMA”) and Stewart West Indies Trading Company, Ltd. d/b/a Stewart Investment Advisers (“SIA”) act as Co-Advisers to the Fund and are collectively referred to as the “Advisers”. Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington Management”) served as the investment adviser to the Fund until June 1, 2010 and currently serves as sub-adviser to a portion of the Fund.

The Advisers

Stewart R. Horejsi is the Fund’s portfolio manager and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s assets. Mr. Horejsi is referred to herein as the “Portfolio Manager”. The Portfolio Manager acts as the portfolio manager with respect to the Fund and three other registered investment companies, the Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc. (“BIF”), The Denali Fund Inc. (“DNY”) and the Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc. (“BTF”). As of March 31, 2011, BIF, DNY, and BTF had total assets, including leverage, of approximately $223.8 million, $118.9 million, and $315.7 million, respectively. Mr. Horejsi also acts as a financial consultant to other private trusts and entities associated with the Horejsi family (collectively, the “Horejsi Affiliates”) and consults with respect to their portfolios of equities having an aggregate value of approximately $692.9 million as of March 31, 2011. Mr. Horejsi has been the financial and investment adviser for the Horejsi Affiliates since 1982 and the senior investment manager for Boulder Investment Advisers, LLC (the co-adviser, together with SIA, to BIF, DNY and BTF) and SIA since 1999 and RMA since 2008. Mr. Horejsi has been the Portfolio Manager for the Fund since June 1, 2010. At a Special Telephonic Meeting of the Board of Directors held January 12, 2011, the Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Carl D. Johns as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of the Fund and elected Nicole L. Murphey as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of the Fund. Mr. Johns also resigned as co-portfolio manager with RMA and is no longer affiliated with the Fund.

As a general matter, portfolio management staff are paid an annual fixed salary and are offered participation in the firm’s 401K, as well as other benefits that are offered to other employees of the Advisers. In evaluating a portfolio manager’s salary and annual pay increases, the Fund’s performance may be one of many factors considered by management. However, as a general matter, the Advisers do not tie portfolio manager compensation to specific levels of performance relative to fixed benchmarks. Other factors that may also be significant in determining portfolio manager compensation include, without limitation, the effectiveness of the manager’s leadership within the Adviser’s investment team, contributions to the Adviser’s overall performance, discrete securities analysis, idea generation, and other considerations. Generally, a portfolio manager does not receive bonuses; however, in the case of Mr. Horejsi, because of his affiliation with and beneficial interest in the Horejsi Affiliates that own the Advisers, he may, directly or indirectly, receive distributions of the Advisers’ profits.

Conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the portfolio manager’s management of the Fund’s investments. This is because the portfolio manager also serves as portfolio manager to BIF, DNY and BTF. Additionally, Mr. Horejsi consults with respect to a substantial portfolio of securities for the Horejsi Affiliates. From time to time, securities may meet the investment objectives of the Fund, BIF, DNY, BTF and the Horejsi Affiliates. In such cases, the decision to recommend a purchase to one fund or account rather than another is based on a number of factors. Factors considered in


the investment recommendations may include the size of the portfolio, concentration of holdings, investment objectives, restrictions and guidelines, asset coverage ratios, tax considerations, purchase cost, and cash availability. It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more than one fund and/or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and the length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the funds or accounts managed by the Advisers seek to acquire the same security at about the same time, the Fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires or it may have to pay a higher price for the security. With respect to the assets of the Horejsi Affiliates, as may be advised from time to time by Mr. Horejsi, the Horejsi Affiliates have consented to allow the funds managed by the Advisers to complete the entirety of their transactions in any particular security before the Horejsi Affiliates will be allowed to transact in such security, thus giving the funds managed by the Advisers the first opportunity to trade in a particular security. The Fund may not be able to obtain as large an execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any particular portfolio security if the Advisers decide to sell on behalf of another fund or account the same portfolio security at the same time. On the other hand, if the same securities are bought or sold at the same time by more than one fund or account, the resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions for the Fund. In the event more than one fund or account purchases or sells the same security on a given date, the Advisers will seek to allocate the purchases and sales on an equitable basis, taking into consideration such factors as: the size of the portfolio, concentration of holdings, investment objectives and guidelines, asset coverage ratios, tax considerations, purchase cost, and cash availability. Although the other funds managed by the Advisers may have the same or similar investment objectives and policies as the Fund, their respective portfolios will vary from fund to fund and their respective performance results are likely to differ from those of the Fund.

Mr. Horejsi does not directly own any shares of the Fund. However, the Lola Brown Trust No. 1B, which has engaged Mr. Horejsi as a financial consultant and with respect to which Mr. Horejsi is a discretionary beneficiary, holds 4,272,118 shares of the Fund as of March 31, 2011. In addition, (i) the Stewart R. Horejsi Trust No. 2, a trust established by Mr. Horejsi but with respect to which he is not a beneficiary, owns 2,169,602 shares of the Fund; (ii) the Susan L. Ciciora Trust, a trust established by Mr. Horejsi’s daughter but with respect to which Mr. Horejsi is not a beneficiary, owns 1,737,573 shares of the Fund; and (iii) the Mildred B. Horejsi Trust, a trust established by Mr. Horejsi’s mother, owns 2,293,345 shares of the Fund (the foregoing are included in the above definition of “Horejsi Affiliates”). Because of Mr. Horejsi’s advisory or familial role with respect to these Horejsi Affiliates, he may be deemed to have indirect beneficial ownership of their respective shares which in the aggregate have a dollar range in excess of $1 million.

Wellington Management

Nicholas C. Adams, Senior Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management, served as the primary portfolio manager of the Fund since inception (1986) through May 31, 2010. Mr. Adams joined Wellington Management as an investment professional in 1983. Mr. Adams continues to serve as portfolio manager for a select basket of securities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Fund, RMA, SIA, and Wellington Management.

The following table shows information regarding other accounts managed by Mr. Adams

(As of March 31, 2011):

 

      Other Registered
Investment Companies(1)
     Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
     Other Accounts  
      # of Accts      Assets
($ mil)
     # of Accts      Assets
($ mil)
     # of Accts      Assets
($ mil)
 

All Accounts:

     0       $ 0         6       $ 6,274.11         0       $ 0   

Accounts where advisory fee is based on account performance (subset of above):

     0       $ 0         6       $ 6,274.11         0       $ 0   

 

(1) Does not include the Fund.

The following table shows shares of the Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Adams:

 

None

   $1-$10,000    $10,001-
$50,000
   $50,001-
$100,000
   $100,001-
$500,000
   $500,001-
$1,000,000
   Over
$1,000,000
      X            

Conflicts of Interest

Individual investment professionals at Wellington Management manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, or separately managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries), bank common trust accounts, and hedge funds. The Fund’s manager under the Sub-Advisory Agreement who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the

 


Fund (“Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager”) generally manages accounts in several different investment styles. These accounts may have investment objectives, strategies, time horizons, tax considerations and risk profiles that differ from those of the Fund. The Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager makes investment decisions for each account, including the Fund, based on the investment objectives, policies, practices, benchmarks, cash flows, tax and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that account. Consequently, the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager may purchase or sell securities, including IPOs, for one account and not another account, and the performance of securities purchased for one account may vary from the performance of securities purchased for other accounts. Alternatively, these accounts may be managed in a similar fashion to the Fund and thus the accounts may have similar, and in some cases nearly identical, objectives, strategies and/or holdings to that of the Fund.

The Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager or other investment professionals at Wellington Management may place transactions on behalf of other accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of the Fund, or make investment decisions that are similar to those made for the Fund, both of which have the potential to adversely impact the Fund depending on market conditions. For example, an investment professional may purchase a security in one account while appropriately selling that same security in another account. Similarly, the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager may purchase the same security for the Fund and one or more other accounts at or about the same time. In those instances the other accounts will have access to their respective holdings prior to the public disclosure of the Fund’s holdings. In addition, some of these accounts have fee structures, including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher, in some cases significantly higher, than the fees Wellington Management receives for managing the Fund. The Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager also manages hedge funds, which pay performance allocations to Wellington Management or its affiliates. Because incentive payments paid by Wellington Management to the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager are tied to revenues earned by Wellington Management and, where noted, to the performance achieved by the manager in each account, the incentives associated with any given account may be significantly higher or lower than those associated with other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager. Finally, the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager may hold shares or investments in the other pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts identified above.

Wellington Management’s goal is to meet its fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly and provide high quality investment services to all of its clients. Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, which it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, Wellington Management monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with primary account guidelines, the allocation of IPOs, and compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics, and places additional investment restrictions on investment professionals who manage hedge funds and certain other accounts. Furthermore, senior investment and business personnel at Wellington Management periodically review the performance of Wellington Management’s investment professionals. Although Wellington Management does not track the time an investment professional spends on a single account, Wellington Management does periodically assess whether an investment professional has adequate time and resources to effectively manage the investment professional’s various client mandates.

Compensation Structure

Wellington Management receives a fee based on the assets under management of the Fund as set forth in Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Wellington Management, the Fund, RMA and SIA. Wellington Management pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues, including the sub-advisory fees earned with respect to the Fund. The following information relates to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

Wellington Management’s compensation structure is designed to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals necessary to deliver high quality investment management services to its clients. Wellington Management’s compensation of the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager includes a base salary and incentive components. The base salary for the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager, who is a partner of Wellington Management, is generally a fixed amount that is determined by the Managing Partners of the firm. The Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager is eligible to receive an incentive payment based on the revenues earned by Wellington Management from the Fund and generally each other account managed by such Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager. As of June 1, 2010, the incentive paid to the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager, which has no performance-related component, is based on the revenues earned by Wellington Management. Prior to June 1, 2010, the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager’s incentive payment relating to the Fund was linked to the gross pre-tax performance of the Fund compared to the NASDAQ Banks Principal Only and John Hancock Bank & Thrift Opportunities Fund over one and three year periods, with an emphasis on three year results. Wellington Management applies similar incentive compensation structures (although the benchmarks or peer groups, time periods and rates may differ) to other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager, including accounts with performance fees.

Portfolio-based incentives across all accounts managed by an investment professional can, and typically do, represent a significant portion of an investment professional’s overall compensation; incentive compensation varies significantly by individual and can vary significantly from year to year. The Sub-Advisory Portfolio Manager may also be eligible for bonus payments based on his overall

 


contribution to Wellington Management’s business operations. Senior management at Wellington Management may reward individuals as it deems appropriate based on other factors. Each partner of Wellington Management is eligible to participate in partner-funded tax qualified retirement plan, the contributions to which are made pursuant to an actuarial formula. Mr. Adams is a partner of the firm.

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

No reportable purchases for the period covered by this report.

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

No material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Directors have been implemented after the registrant’s last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1)    Code of Ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

(a)(2)    Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

(a)(3)    Not applicable.

(b)        Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 


SIGNATURES

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

 

(Registrant)

  

  FIRST OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.

By (Signature and Title)       

  /s/ Stephen C. Miller

  

    Stephen C. Miller, President

     (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date:

 

  June 6, 2011

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)       

  /s/ Stephen C. Miller

  
  

    Stephen C. Miller, President

     (Principal Executive Officer)

  

 

Date:

 

  June 6, 2011

 

 

By (Signature and Title)       

  /s/ Nicole L. Murphey

  
  

    Nicole L. Murphey, Chief Financial

    Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Vice

    President, Treasurer, Asst. Secretary

    (Principal Financial Officer)

  

 

Date:

 

  June 6, 2011