UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-01932
Valley Forge Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
3741 Worthington Road
Collegeville, PA 19426-3431
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)
Donald A. Peterson
3741 Worthington Road
Collegeville, PA 19426-3431
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (610)-688-6839
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2013
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
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Valley Forge Fund, Inc.
(VAFGX)
ANNUAL REPORT
December 31, 2013
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THE VALLEY FORGE FUND, INC.
PRESIDENT’S COMMENTARY
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
This has been a busy and complex, but ‘turnaround’, year for the Fund. With our new Adviser (Boyle Capital Management, LLC) in place, we have achieved one of the highest annual returns since the Fund’s inception. For the year ending December 31, 2013, the Fund’s Net Asset Value gained 26.58% (2012 was +1.67%) to a value of $10.53 (2012 was $9.72) per share (after paying a Dividend of $1.76 per share), and maintained the Fund’s total assets at $13.4M. While past performance is not an indicator or predictor of future performance, we are very encouraged and expect continued superior performance for you, the Shareholders. Additionally, the Expense Ratio decreased to 1.49% due to a reduction in Adviser Fees in 2013. Furthermore, please be assured that your Board of Directors and Officers are committed to seek further reductions in the Expense Ratio in 2014 and to support the Adviser in executing a successful investment strategy that complies with the Funds investment goals
The Valley Forge Fund appreciates your support and is always available to answer your inquiries. Our E-Mail is VFFund@Verizon.com and our toll-free Telephone Number is 1-855-833-6359.
Thank you for investing with us.
Financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2013 are attached.
Respectfully submitted,
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_______________________
Donald A. Peterson
President
VALLEY FORGE FUND, INC.
PERFORMANCE ILLUSTRATION
DECEMBER 31, 2013 (UNAUDITED)
AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN (%)
FOR PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013*
| | | | | |
| 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year | Value |
Valley Forge Fund | 26.58% | 8.80% | 13.40% | 5.80% | $17,568 |
Dow Jones Industrial Average | 29.63% | 15.70% | 16.73% | 7.43% | $20,484 |
S&P 500 Index | 32.39% | 16.18% | 17.94% | 7.40% | $20,429 |
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* This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 31, 2003. Total return is based on the net change in NAV and assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. Performance figures represent past performance which is not predictive of future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the sale of fund shares.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), a price-weighted average of 30 actively traded blue chip stocks, primarily industrials. The 30 stocks are chosen by the editors of the Wall Street Journal (which is published by Dow Jones & Company), a practice that dates back to the beginning of the century. The Dow is computed using a price-weighted indexing system, rather than the more common market cap-weighted indexing system.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”) is a market value-weighted index, representing the aggregate market value of the common equity of 500 stocks primarily traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The S&P 500 is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The figures for the S&P 500 reflect all dividends reinvested but do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.
The returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.
Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling toll-free (800) 869-1679.
| | |
Valley Forge Fund, Inc. |
Top Ten Holdings |
December 31, 2013 (Unaudited) |
| | |
As of December 31, 2013, the Fund's top ten holdings were as follows: | |
| | |
| Holdings | % of Net Assets |
| American International Group, Inc. | 19.05% |
| Bank of America Warrant, 1/16/2019, Class A | 11.38% |
| MBIA, Inc. | 8.93% |
| Sandridge Energy, Inc. | 7.93% |
| Birchcliff Energy Ltd. | 7.23% |
| WPX Energy, Inc. | 7.15% |
| Fairfax Financial Holdings, Ltd. | 5.37% |
| Apple, Inc. | 4.35% |
| Chesapeake Energy Corp. | 3.04% |
| Novagold Resources, Inc. | 2.97% |
| | 77.40% |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Valley Forge Fund, Inc. |
Sector Weightings |
December 31, 2013 (Unaudited) |
| | |
As of December 31, 2013, the Fund's portfolio was invested in the following sectors: |
| | |
| Sectors | % of Net Assets |
Common Stocks | |
| Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas | 25.35% |
| Electronic Computers | 4.35% |
| Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance | 24.42% |
| Gold & Silver Ores | 4.29% |
| Surety Insurance | 8.93% |
Warrants | 11.38% |
Short-Term Investments | 21.40% |
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets | -0.12% |
| Total | 100.00% |
| | | |
| | Valley Forge Fund, Inc. | |
| | Schedule of Investments | |
| | December 31, 2013 | |
| | | |
Shares | | | Value |
| | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 67.34% | |
| | | |
Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 25.35% | |
141,533 | | Birchcliff Energy Ltd. (Canada) * | $ 969,360 |
15,000 | | Chesapeake Energy Corp. | 407,100 |
175,000 | | Sandridge Energy, Inc. * | 1,062,250 |
47,000 | | WPX Energy, Inc. * | 957,860 |
| | | 3,396,570 |
Electronic Computers - 4.35% | |
1,040 | | Apple, Inc. | 583,461 |
| | | |
Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 24.42% | |
50,000 | | American International Group, Inc. | 2,552,500 |
1,800 | | Fairfax Financial Holdings, Ltd. (Canada) | 720,108 |
| | | 3,272,608 |
Gold & Silver Ores - 4.29% | |
10,000 | | Barrick Gold Corp. (Canada) | 176,300 |
156,667 | | Novagold Resources, Inc. (Canada) * | 397,934 |
| | | 574,234 |
Surety Insurance - 8.93% | |
100,200 | | MBIA, Inc. * | 1,196,388 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCKS (Cost $7,156,660) - 67.34% | $ 9,023,261 |
| | | |
WARRANT - 11.38% | |
235,722 | | Bank of America Warrant, 1/16/2019, Class A * | 1,525,121 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR WARRANT (Cost $902,979) - 11.38% | $ 1,525,121 |
| | | |
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 21.40% | |
2,867,264 | | US Bank Money Market Savings - IT 0.05% ** | 2,867,264 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,867,264) - 21.40% | $ 2,867,264 |
| | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $10,926,903) - 100.12% | $ 13,415,646 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS - (0.12)% | (15,290) |
| | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 13,400,356 |
| | | |
* Non-income producing securities during the period. | |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at December 31, 2013. | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | |
| | |
Valley Forge Fund, Inc. |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
December 31, 2013 |
| | |
| | |
Assets: | | |
Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $10,926,903) | $ 13,415,646 |
Receivables: | |
Shareholder Subscriptions | 578 |
Dividends and Interest | 255 |
Prepaid Expenses | 11,999 |
Total Assets | 13,428,478 |
Liabilities: | | |
Payables: | | |
Accrued Advisory Fees | 8,968 |
Accrued Administrative Fees | 3,000 |
Accrued Director Fees | 157 |
Other Expenses | 15,997 |
Total Liabilities | 28,122 |
Net Assets | | $ 13,400,356 |
| | |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Net Capital Paid In on Shares of Capital Stock | $ 10,821,140 |
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Loss | (129,777) |
Accumulated Realized Gain on Investments | 220,250 |
Unrealized Appreciation in Value of Investments | 2,488,743 |
Net Assets (based on 1,272,485 shares outstanding) | $ 13,400,356 |
| | |
Net Asset Value | $ 10.53 |
| | |
| | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| | |
Valley Forge Fund, Inc. |
Statement of Operations |
For the year ended December 31, 2013 |
| | |
Investment Income: | |
Dividends | | $ 46,035 |
Interest | | 1,956 |
Total Investment Income | 47,991 |
| | |
Expenses: | | |
Advisory Fees (Note 3) | 119,445 |
Administrative Fees (Note 3) | 36,679 |
Audit Fees | 10,764 |
Custody Fees | 9,711 |
Insurance Fees | 7,590 |
Legal Fees | 11,325 |
Miscellaneous Fees | 3,471 |
Transfer Agent Fees | 30,513 |
Directors Fees | 1,770 |
Printing and Mailing Fees | 9,405 |
NSCC Fees | 3,090 |
State and Local Taxes other than Income Taxes | 1,255 |
Registration Fees | 26,719 |
Total Expenses | 271,737 |
Fees Waived and Reimbursed by the Advisor | (58,264) |
Net Expenses | 213,473 |
| | |
Net Investment Loss | (165,482) |
| | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments: | |
Realized Gain on Investments | 2,237,873 |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments | 1,394,178 |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | 3,632,051 |
| | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ 3,466,569 |
| | |
| | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| | | |
Valley Forge Fund, Inc. |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Years Ended |
| | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2012 |
Increase in Net Assets From Operations: | | |
Net Investment Income (Loss) | $ (165,482) | $ 85,198 |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 2,237,873 | (39,013) |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments | 1,394,178 | 416,627 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 3,466,569 | 462,812 |
| | | |
Distributions to Shareholders from: | | |
Net Investment Income | - | (79,087) |
Realized Gains | (1,978,610) | - |
Net Change in Net Assets from Distributions | (1,978,610) | (79,087) |
| | | |
Capital Share Transactions: | | |
Proceeds from Sale of Shares | 1,770,194 | 3,813,143 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | 1,676,032 | 68,567 |
Cost of Shares Redeemed | (6,974,630) | (10,903,759) |
Net Decrease from Shareholder Activity | (3,528,404) | (7,022,049) |
| | | |
Net Assets: | | | |
Net Decrease in Net Assets | (2,040,445) | (6,638,324) |
Beginning of Period | 15,440,801 | 22,079,125 |
End of Period (Including Accumulated Undistributed Net | | |
Investment Income (Loss) of $(129,777) and $35,705, respectively) | $ 13,400,356 | $ 15,440,801 |
| | | |
Share Transactions: | | |
Shares Sold | | 151,361 | 383,027 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | 159,927 | 7,150 |
Shares Redeemed | (627,088) | (1,100,117) |
Net Decrease in Shares | (315,800) | (709,940) |
Outstanding at Beginning of Period | 1,588,285 | 2,298,225 |
Outstanding at End of Period | 1,272,485 | 1,588,285 |
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| | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| | | | | | |
Valley Forge Fund, Inc. |
Financial Highlights |
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the period. |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Fiscal Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Period | $ 9.72 | $ 9.61 | $ 9.81 | $ 8.82 | $ 7.13 |
| | | | | | |
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net Investment Income (Loss) * | (0.13) | 0.04 | 0.09 | 0.11 | 0.16 |
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | 2.70 | 0.12 | (0.08) | 1.07 | 1.57 |
Total from Investment Operations | 2.57 | 0.16 | 0.01 | 1.18 | 1.73 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Distributions: | | (1.76) | (0.05) | (0.21) | (0.19) | (0.04) |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at End of Period | $ 10.53 | $ 9.72 | $ 9.61 | $ 9.81 | $ 8.82 |
| | | | | | |
Total Return ** | 26.58% | 1.67% | 0.09% | 13.36% | 28.40% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | |
Net Assets at End of Period (Thousands) | $ 13,400 | $ 15,441 | $ 22,079 | $ 24,233 | $ 9,159 |
Before Waivers | | | | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.90% | 1.74% | 1.56% | 1.28% | 1.37% |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | (1.56)% | 0.33% | 0.91% | 1.20% | 1.98% |
After Waivers | | | | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.49% | 1.64% | 1.56% | 1.28% | 1.37% |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | (1.15)% | 0.42% | 0.91% | 1.20% | 1.98% |
Portfolio Turnover | 51.59% | 188.27% | 45.47% | 3.33% | 15.89% |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
* Per share net investment income has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period. | | |
** Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the | | |
Fund assuming reinvestment of dividends, and is not annualized for periods of less than one year. | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | | | |
VALLEY FORGE FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION
The Valley Forge Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), is a non-diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Fund's investment objective is to provide appreciation through investment in common stocks and securities convertible into common stock.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following summarizes significant accounting policies followed by the Fund:
Security Valuation: Securities are valued at the last reported sales price, or in the case of securities where there is no reported last sale, the closing bid price. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair values as determined in good faith by, or under, the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors in accordance with methods that have been authorized by the Board. Short-term investments (maturities of 60 days or less) are valued at amortized cost that approximates market value.
In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair-value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2013:
| | | |
| • | | Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2 – Other 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 inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair-value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2013:
| | | | |
Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Equity Securities (a) | $ 9,023,261 | $ - | $ - | $ 9,023,261 |
Warrant | 1,525,121 | - | - | 1,525,121 |
Short-Term Investments – US Bank Money Market Savings | 2,867,264 | - | - | 2,867,264 |
Total | $ 13,415,646 | $ �� - | $ - | $ 13,415,646 |
(a) Refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Investments for a listing of securities by security type and industry.
The Fund did not hold any Level 3 assets during the year ended December 31, 2013. The Fund did not hold any derivative instruments at any time during the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no significant transfers into or out of Level 1 or Level 2 during the period. It is the Fund’s policy to recognize transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 at the end of the reporting period.
Securities Transactions and Investment Income: Security transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates). Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is determined on the accrual basis.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund records all dividends and distributions payable to Shareholders on the ex-dividend date. Permanent book and tax differences relating to Shareholder distributions may result in reclassifications to paid in capital and may affect the per-share allocation between net investment income and realized and unrealized gain or loss. Undistributed net investment income and accumulated undistributed net realized gain or loss on investment transactions may include temporary book and tax differences which reverse in subsequent periods. Any taxable income or gain remaining at fiscal year end is distributed in the following year.
Federal Income Taxes: It is the Fund's intention to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. By so qualifying, the Fund will not be subject to federal income taxes to the extent that it distributes substantially all of their net investment income and any realized capital gains. The Fund has complied to date with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to investment companies and accordingly, no provision for Federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.
In addition, GAAP requires management of the Funds to analyze all open tax years, fiscal years 2010-2013, as defined by IRS statue of limitations for all major industries, including federal tax authorities and certain tax authorities. As of and during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund has no examination in progress and is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total tax amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund intends to distribute to the Shareholders substantially all of the net realized capital gains and net investment income, if any, at year-end. Distributions will be recorded on ex-dividend date.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Subsequent events: Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the issuance date of these financial statements and has noted no such events requiring disclosure.
NOTE 3. MANAGEMENT FEE AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Under the terms of the investment management agreement, the Manager has agreed to provide the Fund investment management recommendations to the Fund’s Officers. As of November 1, 2012, the Fund had entered into an Interim Agreement with Boyle Capital Management, LLC (“BCM”) as the Investment Adviser of the Fund. The Adviser contractually agreed to waive a portion of the management fee in an effort to keep overall Fund expenses competitive. The Interim Agreement continued until March 30, 2013. For the period April 1, 2013 through May 31, 2013, the Board of Directors had taken over all trading. At June 1, 2013, the Fund entered into an Advisory Agreement with BCM. The Fund has agreed to pay to BCM a net monthly fee equal to one-twelfth of 0.75% per month of the daily average net assets of the Fund based upon a Base Fee of 1.00% and a contractually agreed upon twelve-month Waiver of 0.25%. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Fund accrued $119,445 in Adviser Fees, of which $58,264 was waived, and netting to $61,181. At December 31, 2013, the Fund owed $8,968 to BCM for Advisory Fees.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, brokerage commissions of $3,150 were paid to BestVest Co. The son of the Fund’s past President (Mr. Bernard Klawans) is an employee of BestVest Co. and provided the Fund brokerage services. Commissions paid are in compliance with the Fund’s policies. During the year ended December 31, 2013, brokerage commissions of $11,193 were also paid to TD Ameritrade.
Beginning In May 2011, the Board of Directors agreed to pay its President an administrative fee, payable monthly, for providing management functions and day-to-day Fund operations at an annual rate of 0.20% based upon the average daily assets of the Fund or a monthly minimum of $3,000 and a maximum of $10,000. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. An administrative fee of $36,679 was accrued for the year ended December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, the Fund owed $3,000 in administrative fees.
NOTE 4. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) for the year ended December 31, 2013, were $5,415,456 and $10,116,108, respectively. At December 31, 2013, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax purposes aggregated $2,488,743, consisting of unrealized appreciation of $2,517,473 and unrealized depreciation of $28,730. The cost of investments at December 31, 2013, for Federal income tax purposes was $10,926,903.
NOTE 5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 2013, there were 10,000,000 shares of $.001 par value capital stock authorized. The total capital paid in on shares of capital stock equaled $10,821,140.
NOTE 6. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Income and long-term capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with Federal Income Tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As of December 31, 2013, the taxable components of distributable earnings were as follows:
Undistributed realized gains
$ 220,250
Undistributed appreciation
$ 2,488,743
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows.
| | |
| 2013 | 2012 |
Ordinary income | $ - | $ 79,087 |
Long-term capital gains | $ 797,094 | $ - |
Short-term capital gains | $ 1,181,516 | $ - |
NOTE 7. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11 (the “Pronouncement”) related to disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position.
In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which replaced ASU 2011-11. ASU 2011 was intended to enhance disclosure requirements on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities. ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of the new statement of assets and liabilities offsetting disclosures to derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions to the extent that they are (1) offset in the financial statements or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Both ASU 2011-11 and ASU 2013-01 are effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Management is currently evaluating the impact that these pronouncements may have on the Fund’s financial statements.
In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, Financial Services Investment Companies, which updates the scope, measurement, and disclosure requirements for U.S. GAAP including identifying characteristics of an investment company, measurement of ownership in other investment companies and require additional disclosures regarding investment company status and following guidance in Topic 946 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (FASC). The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2013. Management is currently evaluating the impact that these pronouncements may have on the Fund’s financial statements.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and
Board of Trustees of the
Valley Forge Fund, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the Valley Forge Fund, Inc (the “Fund”), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2013, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the year 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 the financial highlights based on our audit. The statement of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the financial highlights for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were audited by other auditors whose report dated February 27, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion on the financial statements and financial highlights. The financial highlights for the year ended December 31, 2009 were audited by other auditors, whose report dated February 26, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.
We conducted our audit 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 audit 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 includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2013, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides 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 the Valley Forge Fund, Inc. as of December 31, 2013, the results of its operations, changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Cowan, Gunteski & Co., P.A.
Tinton Falls, NJ
February 28, 2014
Reply to: 730 Hope Road Tinton Falls NJ 07724 Phone: 732.676.4100 Fax: 732.676.4101
40 Bey Lea Road, Suite A101 Toms River NJ 08753 Phone: 732.349.6880 Fax: 732.349.1949
Member of CPAmerica International
Auditors of SEC Registrants under the PCAOB
www.CowanGunteski.com
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Valley Forge Fund, Inc. |
Expense Illustration |
December 31, 2013 (Unaudited) |
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Expense Example |
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As a shareholder of the Valley Forge Fund, Inc., you incur ongoing costs that consist of management fees and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. |
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The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. |
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Actual Expenses |
The first line of the tables below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. |
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Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes |
The second line of the tables below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical that are not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in this Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. |
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| Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period* |
| July 1, 2013 | December 31, 2013 | July 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 |
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Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,085.91 | $7.83 |
Hypothetical | | | |
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,017.69 | $7.58 |
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* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.49%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
VALLEY FORGE FUND, INC.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DECEMBER 31, 2013 (UNAUDITED)
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Fund’s business and affairs are managed under the direction of Directors that are elected annually to serve for one year. Information published by the Fund contains additional information about these Directors, and is available without charge, by calling 1-855-833-6359. Each Director may be contacted by writing to the President, C/O Valley Forge Fund, 3741 Worthington Road, Collegeville, PA 19426-3431.
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Name and Age | Position(s) Held with the Fund | 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 |
Interested Officers and Directors: * |
Donald A. Peterson Age: 73 | Director President | 5/15/1974 to Present 4/26/2011 to Present | Program Manager DRS Technologies | 1 | None |
Lauren P. Tornetta Age: 35 | Director Secretary-Treasurer | 11/30/2011 to Present
7/16/2011 to Present | Director, Regulatory Affairs Endo Corporation | 1 | None |
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Independent Directors |
Robert W. Mohollen Age: 51 | Director | Indefinite: 2/07/12 to Present | Certified Public Accountant and Business Financial Adviser | 1 | None |
Robert F. Franciose Age: 70 | Director | Indefinite: 02/05/2013 to Present | Contracts Manager Lockheed Martin | 1 | None |
Robert McGinnis Age: 61 | Director | Indefinite: 08/13/2013 to Present | Business Development DRS Technologies | 1 | None |
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* “Interested persons” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 are Mr. Peterson because he is the Fund’s President and Ms. Tornetta because she is the Fund’s Secretary-Treasurer and the daughter of Mr. Peterson.
VALLEY FORGE FUND, INC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DECEMBER 31, 2013 (UNAUDITED)
Information Regarding Proxy Voting
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, are available without charge upon request by (1) calling the Funds at 1-800-869-1679 or (2) from Fund documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Information Regarding Portfolio Holdings
The Fund files a complete schedule of investments with the SEC for the first and third quarter of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s first and third fiscal quarters ended on March 31 and September 30, respectively. The Fund’s Form N-Qs are available on the SEC’s website at http://sec.gov, or they may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (call 1-800-732-0330 for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room). You may also obtain copies by calling the Fund at 1-800-869-1679.
Information Regarding Statement of Additional Information
The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge upon request, by calling toll free at 1-855-833-6359.
Advisory Agreement Renewal
After reviewing the written materials provided by Boyle Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), the Independent Directors considered the New Advisory Agreement at the February 5, 2013 meeting.
In making their decision relating to the approval of the New Advisory Agreement, the Independent Directors gave attention to all information furnished. The following discussion, however, identifies the primary factors taken into account by the Directors and the conclusions reached in approving the New Advisory Agreement.
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Directors considered the services historically provided by Adviser to its clients. In reviewing the nature, extent, and quality of services, the Board considered that the terms of the New Advisory Agreement will be somewhat more beneficial to the Fund than the Prior Advisory Agreement (as discussed above under “The New Advisory Agreement”). The Directors acknowledged that the Adviser does not currently advise any other investment companies, but noted that as of December 31, 2012, the Adviser had over $140 million in assets under management. As a related factor, the Directors considered that the average brokerage commission rates then-currently negotiated by the Adviser, were substantially less than the commission rates negotiated by the Prior Advisor. The Directors considered the many reports furnished to them at the February 5, 2013 Board meeting covering matters such as the relative performance of the Advisor’s client accounts; reported the compliance of portfolio managers with the Adviser’s investment policies, strategies, and restrictions; and the compliance of Adviser personnel with its code of ethics. The Directors placed particular emphasis on the Advisor’s management approach and style. The Directors were satisfied with the current staffing of Adviser and the emphasis placed on research and risk management in the investment process. The Board concluded that, because both the services provided under and the terms of the New Advisory Agreement would be similar to or more beneficial than those under the Prior Advisory Agreement, it was satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of the overall services expected to be provided by Adviser.
Investment Performance. The Board considered the overall investment performance of Adviser alone and in comparison to that of the Fund. The Directors placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Advisor’s composite that most closely aligned to that of the Fund in view of its importance to Shareholders. The Directors reviewed reports prepared by the Adviser for the Fund which showed the Fund’s investment performance as of July 31, 2012. The Board’s objective was that the relevant composite performance for the periods considered be at or above that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Composite Stock Price Index and that of the Fund. The Board noted that, for the one-, five- and since inception- (7/1/04) periods ended July 31, 2012, the investment performance of the relevant composite index compared favorably with that of the index and the Fund. Moreover, the Board concluded that the transition to the Adviser was likely to have a positive effect on Adviser’s management of the Fund and its investment performance in comparison to the management and investment performance of the Prior Advisor.
Comparative Expenses. The Directors also evaluated expense comparison data for the Fund. The Board compared proposed pricing levels and fee structures of those investment advisory firms that were candidates to replace the Prior Advisor. The Board did not obtain a comparative analysis of other mutual funds in part because each of the advisers did not manage mutual fund assets. The Directors’ objective was for the new advisory fee to be at or below the rate paid to the Prior Advisor. As noted above, the fee to be paid to the Adviser (1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund) was the same under the New Advisory Agreement and Prior Advisory Agreement. However, the Board also noted that the Adviser agreed to implement a contractual fee waiver with breakpoints, pursuant to which the advisory fee rate payable to the Adviser would be less than the rate payable to the Prior Adviser at least through April 1, 2014. The Board concluded that, because the advisory fee rate to be paid by the Fund was the same as under the Prior Advisory Agreement, and actually lower under the contractual fee waiver, the Fund’s advisory fee rate and therefore the Fund’s expense ratios were satisfactory.
Management Profitability. The Board considered the level of profits to be realized by Adviser in connection with the operation of the Fund. The Board also considered the extent to which Adviser might derive ancillary benefits from the Fund’s operations, including the potential for procuring additional business as a result of the prestige and visibility associated with its role as adviser to the Fund and the benefits from allocation of the Fund’s brokerage to improve trading efficiencies. The Board concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable in light of the services rendered and the potential level of profitability of Adviser.
Economies of Scale. The Directors considered whether economies of scale would be realized by Adviser and the extent to which any economies of scale would be reflected in the level of management fees charged (including advisory fees). Adviser believed, and the Board agreed, that the Fund was priced with relatively low management fees. In addition, the Board noted that the Adviser has agreed to a contractual fee waiver with breakpoints that would reduce the advisory fee rate to a level below the rate paid to the Prior Advisor.
Fall-Out Benefits. The Board also considered that Adviser may derive reputational, strategic and other benefits from its association with the Fund, and evaluated the extent to which Adviser might derive ancillary benefits from Fund operations, including the potential for procuring additional business as a result of the prestige and visibility associated with its role as service provider to the Fund and the benefits from allocation of Fund brokerage to improve trading efficiencies. However, the Board concluded that (i) such benefits did not impose a cost or burden on the Fund or its Shareholders, and (ii) such benefits would probably have an indirectly beneficial effect on the Fund and its Shareholders because of the added importance that Adviser might attach to the Fund as a result of the fall-out benefits that the Fund conveyed.
Conclusion. After further discussion, the entire Board, including the Independent Directors, then approved the New Advisory Agreement. The Board concluded that the advisory fee rate is reasonable in relation to the services provided and that execution of the New Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of the Shareholders of the Fund. The Directors concluded that the management fee and total expense ratio were at acceptable levels in light of the quality of services provided to the Fund, and that the advisory fee schedule would not be increased and would stay the same for the Fund.
Subsequent to the February 5, 2013 meeting, the New Advisory Agreement was submitted to shareholder approval at a meeting held on May 28, 2013. The New Advisory Agreement was approved by shareholders at the May 28, 2013 meeting. The New Advisory Agreement will continue for a one year period.
1-800-869-1679
This report is provided for the general information of the Shareholders of the Valley Forge Fund. This report is not intended for distribution to prospective investors in this Fund, unless preceded or accompanied by an effective Prospectus.
Item 2. Code of Ethics
CODE OF ETHICS
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 406 and 407 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, the Valley Forge Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), hereby adopts the following Code of Ethics that applies to Donald Peterson who is the Fund’s principal executive, financial and accounting officer or persons performing similar functions regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Fund or a third party in order to prepare these written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to:
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| a. | Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
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| b. | Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Fund files with, or submits to, the Securities & Exchange Commission and in all public communications; |
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| c. | Compliance with all applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; |
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| d. | Prompt internal reporting of violations of the code, should any ever occur, to all principal officers of the Fund and all appropriate persons identified in the code; and |
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| e. | The principal executive officer of the Fund will be held accountable for adherence to the code as presented above. |
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Mr. Peterson is responsible for the preparation of the Fund's Financial Documents, however, the Audit Commitee that oversees all financial affairs is composed of the Independent Directors, headed by Mr. John Zaborowski, a former corporate General manager. The current Fund auditor is Meyler & Company, LLC.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Cowan, Gunteski & Co., P.A. (“Cowan”) for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and services included in connection with statutory and regulatory filings were $9,500 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
Cowan’s fees billed for assurance and related services related to the review of the Fund’s semi annual financial statements were $0 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Tax Fees
Cowan’s fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were $0 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
All Other Fees
Cowan’s fees billed for other products and services were $0 for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Fund does not engage its independent, registered public accounting firm to perform personal tax services for Mr. Peterson, or any other executive officer of the Fund. In addition, the independent registered public accounting firm is not engaged by Boyle Capital, the manager of the Fund, to perform any professional services (audit or tax) on its behalf.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants
Not Applicable
Item 6. Investments
Schedule I - investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of December 31, 2011 as set forth in Section 210-1212 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.12-12] is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not Applicable
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Not Applicable
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not Applicable
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not Applicable
Item 11. Controls and Procedures
(a)
Disclosure Controls & Procedures. Principal executive and financial officers have concluded that Registrant’s disclosure controls & procedures are effective based on their evaluation as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
(b)
Internal Controls. There were no significant changes in Registrant’s internal controls of in other factors that could significantly effect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Item 12. Exhibits.
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| a) | Code of Ethics. |
| | Filed under Item 2 - Code of Ethics |
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| b) | Certifications |
| | Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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| | Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Valley Forge Fund, Inc.
By /s/ Donald A. Peterson
*
Donald A. Peterson, President
Date March 5, 2014
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By /s/ Donald A. Peterson
*
Donald A. Peterson, President
Date March 5, 2014
By /s/ Lauren P. Tornetta
*
Lauren P. Tornetta, Secretary-Treasurer
Date March 5, 2014
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.