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 811-07963
The NYSA Series Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
507 Plum Street Suite 120
Syracuse, New York 13204
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
Gregg A. Kidd
Pinnacle Advisors LLC
507 Plum Street Suite 120
Syracuse, New York 13204
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (315) 251-1101
Date of fiscal year end: March 31
Date of reporting period: March 31, 2010
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.
NYSA TRUST
NYSA FUND
ANNUAL REPORT
MARCH 31, 2010
This report is provided for the general information of the shareholders of the NYSA Fund. This report is not intended for distribution to prospective investors in the Fund, unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
NYSA FUND
SHAREHOLDER LETTER
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
Dear Shareholders,
During the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, stock markets across the globe rose fairly dramatically. Beginning in March 2009, equity values began to improve after six months of heavy selling brought on by the crippling effects of the global credit crisis and the rather sudden collapse of the secured mortgage securities market.
The Nysa Fund’s cautionary investment strategy helped the Fund outperform during the market downturn, but hindered overall relative performance during the market upswing that began in March 2009. In July 2009, the cash position in the Fund was increased to nearly 20% of the Fund’s portfolio holdings in anticipation of a stock market correction that never fully developed. The US Equity markets continued to rise throughout the summer and into the fall. Especially strong performers included the more volatile stocks, many of which were the hardest hit during the stock market decline of late 2008 and early 2009.
The Nysa Fund maintained its traditional mix of equities within the portfolio, keeping its bias towards large cap dividend paying stocks. As a group they performed well, but failed to keep pace with the more aggressive growth and higher beta stocks. The Nysa Fund’s holdings in shares of Pepsi Co., McDonalds and JM Smuckers did particularly well.
In late 2009, the Nysa Fund partially reduced its exposure to the blue chip growth stock sector as well as its cash position, while increasing its stake in more aggressive growth stocks. The Nysa Fund established or increased positions in shares of Smart Balance, Metalico, Relm Wireless, Smith & Wesson and Sciclone Inc. By the end of the fiscal year Fund’s portfolio mix was approximately 50% dividend growth stocks, 35% aggressive growth and 15% ultra-aggressive growth. This shift towards more aggressive stocks will most likely increase share price volatility.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, the net asset value (NAV) per share of the Nysa Fund increased by 33.96%, compared to an increase of 49.77% increase in the Standard & Poors 500 Index and an increase of 55.08% in the Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth Index during that period. Each quarter during the previous year the Nysa Fund posted positive NAV increases with approximately half of the gain for the year coming in the first quarter.
NYSA FUND
SHAREHOLDER LETTER (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
Management anticipates that an increase in stock market volatility and a leveling off of market gains during the fiscal year ahead. Management also anticipates that those companies which can demonstrate steady earnings growth may be rewarded with higher share prices. Apart from certain special situations, management will continue to rely on a bottom up approach with continued focus on earnings growth, revenue improvements and clean balance sheets.
Michael M. Samoraj,
Portfolio Manager
NYSA FUND
PERFORMANCE ILLUSTRATION
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
NYSA FUND
Comparison of the Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment in the NYSA Fund and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
FUND/INDEX 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR
NYSA Fund (1) 33.96% (0.40)% (7.83)%
S&P 500 Index (2) 49.75% 1.92% (0.65)%
Initial public offering of shares was May 12, 1997.
(1) The total returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on April 1, 2000, after deducting the maximum sales charge of 2.50% ($10,000 investment minus $250 sales charge = $9,750). Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, maybe worth more or less then their original cost. All returns reflect reinvested dividends but do not reflect the impact of taxes.
(2) Average annual total returns for the period shown reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge currently in effect (2.50%). The sales charge schedule which had been in effect since the Fund's inception on May 12, 1997, was eliminated on April 1, 2005. During the period from inception through March 31, 2005, the maximum sales charge was 4.75%. If returns for fiscal years ending March 31, 2001, March 31, 2002, March 31, 2003, March 31, 2004, and March 31, 2005 shown had been calculated to reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge in effect during thoes fiscal years, returns would have been lower. During the period from April 1, 2005 through May 13, 2007, shares of the Fund were offered without a sales charge. If returns for the period from April 1, 2005 through May 13, 2007 had been calculated without a deduction of the current maximum sales charge , returns wou ld have been higher. The new sales charge schedule, which includes a maximum sales charge of 2.50%, was implemented on May 14, 2007. 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.
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
NYSA FUND
GRAPHICAL ILLUSTRATION
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Fund by the industry sectors. The underlying securities are represented as a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
NYSA FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
Shares | Value | ||
COMMON STOCK - 85.70% | |||
Beverages - 10.47% | |||
4,500 | Pepsico, Inc. | $ 297,720 | |
Canned Fruit & Vegetable Preserves - 10.60% | |||
5,000 | JM Smucker Co. | 301,300 | |
Communications Services, NEC - 0.73% | |||
1,700 | RRSat Global Communications Network Ltd. | 20,706 | |
Computer Communications Equipment - 1.83% | |||
2,000 | Cisco Systems, Inc. * | 52,060 | |
Electric Services - 4.34% | |||
1,927,000 | McKenzie Bay International Ltd. * | 75,153 | |
1,000,000 | McKenzie Bay International Ltd. + * | 39,000 | |
10,000 | US Geothermal, Inc. * | 9,100 | |
123,253 | |||
Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment - 0.41% | |||
341 | Azz, Inc. | 11,543 | |
Food & Kindred Products - 5.64% | |||
2,000 | China Marine Food Group Ltd. * | 12,290 | |
22,841 | Smart Balance, Inc. * | 148,010 | |
160,300 | |||
Hazardous Waste Management - 0.21% | |||
2,000 | TRC Companies, Inc. * | 5,860 | |
Industrial Organic Chemicals - 0.08% | |||
20,000 | Global Green Solutions, Inc. * | 2,400 | |
Miscellaneous Electrical Machinery - 1.45% | |||
7,000 | Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. * | 27,300 | |
4,900 | Fuelcell Energy, Inc. * | 13,818 | |
41,118 |
* Non-income producing securities during the period.
+ Restricted Security - See Note 5.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NYSA FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 2010
Shares | Value | ||
Miscellaneous Plastic Products - 0.32% | |||
5,000 | Lightwave Logic, Inc. * | 9,200 | |
Motors & Generators - 0.11% | |||
3,000 | Raser Technologies, Inc. * | 3,000 | |
Newspapers, Printing & Publishing - 0.02% | |||
3,900 | Gatehouse Media, Inc. * | 565 | |
Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment - 1.79% | |||
4,500 | Bolt Technology Corp. * | 50,895 | |
Oil & Gas Field Exploration Services - 0.03% | |||
400,000 | Black Dragon Resources Companies, Inc. * | 720 | |
Online Gaming (Development & Operation) - 0.51% | |||
2,000 | Shanda Games Ltd. * | 14,380 | |
Ordnance & Accessories - 2.67% | |||
20,000 | Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. * | 75,800 | |
Perfumes & Cosmetics - 0.00% | |||
36,500 | Tasker Products Corp. * | 44 | |
Pharmaceutical Preparations - 7.20% | |||
4,000 | Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc. * | 6,040 | |
2,200 | Lannett, Inc. * | 9,350 | |
2,500 | Lilly, Eli & Co. | 90,550 | |
28,000 | Sciclone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. * | 98,840 | |
204,780 | |||
Radio & TV Broadcasting Equipment - 2.23% | |||
17,000 | Relm Wireless Corp. * | 63,410 | |
Refuse Systems - 0.11% | |||
200 | American Ecology Corp. | 3,220 |
* Non-income producing securities during the period.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NYSA FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 2010
Shares | Value | ||
Retail Eating - 7.04% | |||
3,000 | McDonalds Corp. | 200,160 | |
Secondary Smelting & Refining of Nonferrous Metals - 4.21% | |||
20,000 | Metalico, Inc. * | 119,800 | |
Semiconductors & Related Devices - 2.40% | |||
4,500 | GT Solar International, Inc. * | 23,535 | |
2,000 | Intel Corp. * | 44,580 | |
68,115 | |||
Software - 0.08% | |||
220,000 | Nibex, Inc. + * | 2,200 | |
Special Industry Machinery - 0.01% | |||
210,000 | Surfect Holding, Inc. * | 357 | |
Surgical & Medical Instruments - 11.18% | |||
2,000 | Accuray, Inc. * | 12,140 | |
8,000 | Inovio Biomedical Corp. * | 10,560 | |
84,332 | Transluminal Technologies LLC + * | 274,079 | |
1,400 | Uroplasty, Inc. * | 2,918 | |
2,000 | Vascular Solutions, Inc. * | 17,980 | |
317,677 | |||
Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design - 2.91% | |||
4,000 | China Transinfo Technology Corp. * | 26,960 | |
3,500 | Ebix, Inc. * | 55,860 | |
82,820 | |||
Telephone Communications (No Radio Telephone) - 7.06% | |||
1,300 | Frontier Communications Corp. | 96,720 | |
6,500 | Neutral Tandem, Inc. * | 103,870 | |
200,590 | |||
X-Ray Apparatus & Tubes & Related Irradiation Apparatus - 0.07% | |||
3,000 | Imaging3, Inc. * | 2,025 |
* Non-income producing securities during the period.
+ Restricted Security - See Note 5.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NYSA FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 2010
Shares | Value | ||
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCK (Cost $2,615,755) - 85.70% | 2,436,018 | ||
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - 2.18% | |||
2,000 | Proshares Ultra Short S&P 500 * | 61,980 | |
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (Cost $71,560) - 2.18% | 61,980 | ||
CLOSED END MUTUAL FUND - 0.55% | |||
40,000 | Universal Capital Management, Inc. * | 15,600 | |
TOTAL FOR CLOSED END MUTUAL FUND (Cost $29,033) - 0.55% | 15,600 | ||
OTHER INVESTMENTS - NOTES RECEIVABLE - 3.52% | |||
100,000 | Espsco LLC. + | 100,000 | |
TOTAL FOR OTHER INVESTMENTS - NOTES RECEIVABLE (Cost $100,000) - 3.52% | 100,000 | ||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 8.89% | |||
252,796 | Huntington Treasury Money Market IV 0.01% ** (Cost $252,796) | 252,796 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $3,069,144) - 100.85% | 2,866,394 | ||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS - (0.85)% | (24,051) | ||
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $2,842,343 | ||
* Non-income producing securities during the period.
+ Restricted Security - See Note 5.
** Variable Rate Security, the coupon rate shown represents the yield at March 31, 2010.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NYSA FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 2010
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an active market, price for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of inputs used as of March 31, 2010 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at value:
Investments in Securities | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Common Stocks | $2,045,586 | $ - | $ 390,432 | $2,436,018 |
Exchange Traded Fund | 61,980 | - | - | 61,980 |
Closed End Mutual Fund | 15,600 | - | - | 15,600 |
Notes Receivable | - | 100,000 | - | 100,000 |
Short-Term Investments: | ||||
Huntington Money Market Fund IV | 252,796 | - | - | 252,796 |
$2,375,962 | $ 100,000 | $ 390,432 | $2,866,394 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NYSA FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MARCH 31, 2010
Assets: | ||
Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $3,069,144) | $ 2,866,394 | |
Receivables: | ||
Dividends and Interest | 109 | |
Prepaid Expenses | 410 | |
Total Assets | 2,866,913 | |
Liabilities: | ||
Payables: | ||
Accrued Management Fees | 4,229 | |
Other Accrued Expenses | 20,341 | |
Total Liabilities | 24,570 | |
Net Assets | $ 2,842,343 | |
Net Assets Consist of: | ||
Paid In Capital | $ 6,974,487 | |
Accumulated Undistributed Realized Loss on Investments | (3,929,394) | |
Unrealized Depreciation in Value of Investments | (202,750) | |
Net Assets, for 360,232 Shares Outstanding | $ 2,842,343 | |
Net Asset Value and Redemption Price Per Share | $ 7.89 | |
Maximum Offering Price Per Share ($7.89/97.5%) | $ 8.09 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NYSA FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended MARCH 31, 2010
Investment Income: | |
Dividends | $ 45,441 |
Interest | 7,016 |
Total Investment Income | 52,457 |
Expenses: | |
Advisory Fees (Note 3) | 25,635 |
Transfer Agent Fees | 15,485 |
Compliance Fees (Note 3) | 18,100 |
Audit Fees | 13,385 |
Service Fees (Note 3) | 6,377 |
Miscellaneous Fees | 3,468 |
Custodial Fees | 7,633 |
Trustee Fees | 5,856 |
Registration Fees | 2,194 |
Administrative Fees | 1,799 |
Printing and Mailing | 1,410 |
Insurance | 1,406 |
Total Expenses | 102,748 |
Net Investment Loss | (50,291) |
Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments: | |
Realized Gain on Investments | 44,150 |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments | 718,651 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | 762,801 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ 712,510 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NYSA FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Years Ended | |||
3/31/2010 | 3/31/2009 | ||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations: | |||
Net Investment Loss | $ (50,291) | $ (65,802) | |
Net Realized Gain/(Loss) on Investments | 44,150 | (405,751) | |
Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) on Investments | 718,651 | (661,505) | |
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 712,510 | (1,133,058) | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | |||
Net Investment Income | - | - | |
Realized Gains | - | - | |
Total Dividends and Distributions Paid to Shareholders | - | - | |
Capital Share Transactions (Note 7) | 53,223 | (987,764) | |
Total Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets | 765,733 | (2,120,822) | |
Net Assets: | |||
Beginning of Period | 2,076,610 | 4,197,432 | |
End of Period (including undistributed net investment income of $0 and $0, respectively) | $2,842,343 | $2,076,610 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
For the Years Ended | ||||||
3/31/ 2010 | 3/31/ 2009 | 3/31/ 2008 | 3/31/ 2007 | 3/31/ 2006 | ||
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Period | $ 5.89 | $ 7.82 | $ 8.06 | $ 8.96 | $ 8.05 | |
Income From Investment Operations: | ||||||
Net Investment Income (Loss) * | (0.14) | (0.12) | (0.07) | (0.10) | (0.11) | |
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | 2.14 | (1.81) | (0.17) | (0.80) | 1.02 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 2.00 | (1.93) | (0.24) | (0.90) | 0.91 | |
Distributions: | ||||||
Net Investment Income | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
Realized Gains | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
Total from Distributions | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
Net Asset Value, at End of Period | $ 7.89 | $ 5.89 | $ 7.82 | $ 8.06 | $ 8.96 | |
Total Return ** | 33.96% | (24.68)% | (2.98)% | (10.04)% | 11.30% | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||
Net Assets at End of Year (Thousands) | $ 2,842 | $ 2,077 | $ 4,197 | $ 3,513 | $ 4,673 | |
Before Waiver | ||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 4.00% | 3.95% | 3.36% | 3.16% | 3.07% | |
After Waiver | ||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 4.00% | 3.95% | 3.29% | 1.98% | 1.98% | |
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets | (1.96)% | (1.74)% | (0.92)% | (1.14)% | (1.32)% | |
Portfolio Turnover | 204% | 245% | 286% | 64% | 122% |
* Per share net investment income (loss) has been determined on the basis of average shares
outstanding during the period.
** Assumes reinvestment of dividends.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NYSA FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The NYSA Fund (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified series of the NYSA Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust, registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on November 20, 1996. The Fund was capitalized on February 18, 1997, when affiliates of Pinnacle Advisors LLC (the “Advisor”) purchased the initial shares of the Fund at $10 per share. The Fund began the public offering of shares on May 12, 1997.
The following is a summary of the Fund's significant accounting policies:
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued FASB ASC 105 (formerly FASB Statement No. 168), The “FASB Accounting Standards Codification™” and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) (“ASC 105”). ASC 105 established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ (“Codification” or “ASC”) as the single source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative.
Following the Codification, the FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. Instead, it will issue Accounting Standards Updates, which will serve to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance and provide the basis for conclusions on the changes to the Codification. GAAP is not intended to be changed as a result of the FASB's Codification project, but it will change the way the guidance is organized and presented. As a result, these changes will have a significant impact on how companies reference GAAP in their financial statements and in their accounting policies for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Fund has implemented the Codification as of March 31, 2010.
NYSA FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 2010
The Fund adopted FASB Accounting Standards Codification guidance regarding "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" effective January 1, 2009. This guidance requires enhanced disclosures about the Fund’s derivative and hedging activities, including how such activities are accounted for and their effect on the Fund’s financial position, performance and cash flows.
Securities Valuation – Equity securities generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange or on the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an equity security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Advisor determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees. The Board has adopted guidelines for goo d faith pricing, and has delegated to the Adviser the responsibility for determining fair value prices, subject to review by the Board of Trustees.
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the fair value of the Fund’s level 3 investments for the year ended March 31, 2010:
Investments in Common Stock | |
Balance Beginning of Year | $ 356,554 |
Realized Losses on Sale of Investments | - |
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Investments Held at Year End | (55,847) |
Net Purchases and Sales of Investments | 89,725 |
Balance End of Year | $ 390,432 |
Investment Income – Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued as earned.
Security Transactions – Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis.
Distributions to Shareholders – Distributions to shareholders arising from net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least once each year and are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount of distributions from net investment income and net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These “book/tax” differences are temporary in nature and are primarily due to losses deferred due to wash sales. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 the Fund did not pay any distributions to its shareholders.
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 the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management has evaluated subsequent events through May 28, 2010, the date the financial statements were issued.
Federal Income Taxes – It is the Fund's policy to comply with the special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. As provided therein, in any fiscal year in which the Fund so qualifies and distributes at least 90% of its taxable net income, the Fund (but not the shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the income distributed. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made.
In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, it is the Fund's intention to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the twelve months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts from prior years.
Reclassifications – In accordance with GAAP, the Fund has recorded a reclassification in the capital accounts. As of March 31, 2010, the Fund recorded permanent book/tax differences of $50,291 from net investment loss to paid-in capital. This reclassification has no impact on the net asset value of the Fund and is designed generally to present undistributed income and net realized gains on a tax basis, which is considered to be more informative to shareholders.
2. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities, other than short-term investments, amounted to $4,769,875 and $4,983,083 respectively, for the year ended March 31, 2010.
3. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Advisory Agreement -Under the terms of an Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor a fee, which is computed and accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 1.00% of its average daily net assets up to $100 million; 0.95% of such assets from $100 million to $200 million; and 0.85% of such assets in excess of $200 million. For the year ended March 31, 2010 Advisory fees were $25,635.
For the year ended March 31, 2010 compliance fees of $18,100 were paid to the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, who also serves as secretary of the Fund.
Portfolio Transactions - Commissions paid by the Fund are based on the per transaction commission charge then in effect for the execution of a transaction for the Fund by the investment adviser. Commissions paid to Pinnacle Investments, Inc., an affiliate of the Advisor, were $23,843 for the year ended March 31, 2010.
Implementation of a Service Fee Plan - Effective August 1, 2007, the Fund has adopted a Service Fee Plan, pursuant to which the Fund will incur expenses of up to 0.25% per year of the Fund’s net assets. Under the Service Fee Plan, the Fund is permitted to reimburse the Underwriter for a portion of its expenses incurred in servicing shareholder accounts. For the year ended March 31, 2010 $6,377 was paid to the Underwriter, Pinnacle Investments LLC, for reimbursement of expenses in connection with shareholder accounts.
4. CONTROL OWNERSHIP
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of March 31, 2010, National Financial Services, for the benefit of others, in aggregate owned more than 72% of the Fund.
5. OTHER INVESTMENTS
Restricted Securities - The investment in 220,000 shares of Nibex, Inc. common stock, the sale of which is restricted, has been valued by the Board of Trustees at $.01 per share after considering certain pertinent factors, including the results of operations of Nibex, Inc. since the date of purchase of July 21, 2003 for $200,000 and the sales price of recent private placement in its common stock. No quoted market price exists for Nibex, Inc. shares. It is possible that the estimated value may differ significantly from the amount that might be ultimately realized in the near term and the difference could be material.
The investment in 84,332 shares of Transluminal Technologies, Inc. common stock, the sale of which is restricted, has been valued by the Board of Trustees at $3.25 per share after considering certain pertinent factors, including the results of operations of Transluminal Technologies, Inc. since the date of purchase of September 14, 2007 for $34,000 and the sales price of recent private placement in its common stock. No quoted market price exists for Transluminal Technologies, Inc. shares. It is possible that the estimated value may differ significantly from the amount that might be ultimately realized in the near term and the difference could be material.
The investment in 1,000,000 shares of McKenzie Bay International Ltd., common stock, the sale of which is restricted, has been valued by the Board of Trustees at $.039 per share after considering certain pertinent factors including the results of operations of McKenzie Bay International Ltd. since the date of purchase of January 23, 2009 for $50,000 and the sales price of recent private placement in its common stock. The Board valued the restricted shares at the closing price of MKBY (McKenzie Bay International) common stock as of March 31, 2010, which was $.039 per share. It is possible that the estimated value may differ significantly from the amount that might be ultimately realized in the near term and the difference could be material.
Promissory Note - The company has entered into a promissory note agreement with ESPSCO LLC as of May 1, 2008. ESPSCO has agreed to repay the face amount of $100,000 along with 12% interest per annum on the unpaid principal balance from July 15, 2008 until paid in full. As of March 31, 2010, interest income received was $5,423. The value of the note as of March 31, 2010 is $100,000, the remaining balance of the note receivable.
6. TAX MATTERS
As of March 31, 2010, the tax basis components of distributable earnings, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and cost of investment securities were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income
$ -
Capital loss carry forwards expiring:
3/31/2011+
($1,498,099)
3/31/2012
($1,482,962)
3/31/2014
($ 267,408)
3/31/2018
($ 637,521)
($4,588,325)
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Fund had net capital loss carry forward amounts expire of $1,339,856, which were reclassified from accumulated undistributed realized loss on investments to paid in capital.
Post-October capital loss deferrals between realized 11/1/09 and 3/31/2010* $ -
Gross unrealized appreciation on investment securities
$ 175,855
Gross unrealized depreciation on investment securities
($ 422,009)
Net unrealized depreciation on investment securities
($ 246,154)
Cost of investment securities
$ 2,859,752
*These deferrals are considered incurred in the subsequent year.
+ The capital loss carryforward will be used to offset any capital gains realized by the Fund in future years through the expiration date. The Fund will not make distributions from capital gains while a capital loss carryforward remains.
7. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par value shares of separate series. The total paid-in-capital was $6,974,487 as of March 31, 2010. Transactions in capital for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 were as follows:
Year Ended March 31, 2010 | Year Ended March 31, 2009 | |
Shares sold | 44,298 | 39,982 |
Shares redeemed | (36,342) | (224,719) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares | 7,956 | (184,737) |
Year Ended March 31, 2010 | Year Ended March 31, 2008 | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | $325,029 | $307,632 |
Cost of shares redeemed | (266,564) | (1,295,396) |
Net increase (decrease) in capital share transactions | $ 58,465 | $(987,764) |
NYSA FUND
AUDITOR’S OPINION
MARCH 31, 2010
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of
Trustees of NYSA Fund,
A Series of NYSA Series Trust
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the NYSA Fund, (the Fund), a series of NYSA Series Trust, including the schedule of investments, as of March 31, 2010 and the related statement of operations 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 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. 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 March 31, 2010, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. 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 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 the NYSA Fund, a series of NYSA Series Trust, as of March 31, 2010, the results of its operations 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.
Abington, Pennsylvania
May 28, 2010
NYSA FUND
EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
Expense Example |
As a shareholder of the NYSA FUND, you incur ongoing costs which typically 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. |
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, October 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. |
Actual Expenses |
The first line of the table 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. |
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes |
The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is 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. |
Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period* | |
October 1, 2009 | March 31, 2010 | October 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 | |
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,082.30 | $20.77 |
Hypothetical | |||
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,004.99 | $19.99 |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 4.00%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
NYSA FUND
TRUSTEES & OFFICERS
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
The following table provides information regarding each Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Name, Address, Age | Position(s) Held with the Fund | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Number of Portfolios Overseen | Principal Occupation During Past Five Year and Current Directorships |
Joseph Masella One Unity Plaza at Franklin Square, Syracuse, NY Age: 60 | Trustee | Since February 1997 | 1 | Executive Vice President and a Director of Unity Mutual Life Insurance Company |
John R. Dobeck 8181 Cranes Watch Circle, Baldwinsville, NY Age: 55 | Trustee | Since April 2007 | 1 | President of Stainless and Aluminum Division for Macsteel from April 1988 to present. |
Mark E. Wadach 110 Treeland Circle, Syracuse, NY Age: 59 | Trustee | Since February 1997 | 1 | Sales Representative/Consultant for Upstate Utilities & Consultants from November 2007 to present. Sales Representative for Morabito Gas & Electric Company from October 2000 to November 2007, he was a Mortgage Consultant for Syracuse Securities (a real estate financing firm). |
NYSA FUND
TRUSTEES & OFFICERS (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
The following table provides information regarding each Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, and each officer of the Trust.
Name, Address, Age | Position(s) Held with the Fund | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Number of Portfolios Overseen | Principal Occupation During Past Five Year and Current Directorships |
Gregg A. Kidd 1 507 Plum St. Syracuse, NY Age: 48 | President and Trustee | Since November 1996 | 1 | President of Pinnacle Investments, Inc. and Pinnacle Advisors LLC. |
Daniel F. Raite 507 Plum St. Syracuse, NY Age:62 | Treasurer | Since November 1996 | 1 | Vice President of Pinnacle Investments, Inc. and CCO for Pinnacle Advisors LLC |
Michael Samoraj 507 Plum St. Syracuse, NY Age:51 | Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary | Since October 2004 Since April 2003 | 1 | Registered representative and principal for Pinnacle Investments Inc. |
1 Gregg A. Kidd is considered "Interested” Trustee as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, because he is affiliated with the Adviser.
NYSA FUND
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
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 end on June 30 and December 31. The Form N-Q filing must be made within 60 days of the end of the quarter, and the Fund’s first Form N-Q was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2005. The Fund’s Forms N-Q 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 1-800-535-9169, free of charge.
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 12-month period ended June 30, are available without charge upon request by (1) calling the Fund at (800) 535-9169 and (2) from Fund documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. A review of how the Fund voted on company proxies can be obtained at our transfer agent’s website, www.mutualss.com.
Additional Information - The Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") includes additional information about the trustees and is available, without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free (800) 535-9169 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.
NYSA FUND
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MARCH 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
(a)
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.
(b)
For purposes of this item, “code of ethics” means written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
(1) Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(2) Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Commission and in other public communications made by the registrant;
(3) Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations;
(4) The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and
(5) Accountability for adherence to the code.
(c)
Registrant has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Officers which will be made available upon request, without charge, to any person who requests a copy.
(d)
Amendments:
During the period covered by the report, there have not been any amendments to the provisions of the code of ethics.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The fund is small enough that the audit committee has deemed it unnecessary to elect an audit committee financial expert.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) Audit Fees
FY 2010 $ 11,500
FY 2009 $ 11,500
(b) Audit-Related Fees
Registrant
FY 2010 $ 0
FY 2009 $ 0
(c) Preparation of Tax Return Fees
FY 2010 $ 1,500
FY 2009 $ 1,500
(d) All Other Fees
Not available at this time.
(e)
(1)
Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies
Due to the small size of the fund the audit committee has yet to develop a pre-approval policy.
(2)
Percentages of Services Approved by the Audit Committee
Not applicable.
(f)
During audit of registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year, less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.
(g)
The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant:
(h)
The registrant's audit committee has not considered whether the provision of non-audit services to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
Not applicable – schedule filed with Item 1.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
The registrant has not adopted procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of trustees.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a)
The Principal Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant's Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on their evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report.
(b)
There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1)
EX-99.CODE ETH. Filed herewith.
(a)(2)
EX-99.CERT. Filed herewith.
(a)(3)
Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.
(b)
EX-99.906CERT. Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
The NYSA Series Trust
By /s/Gregg A. Kidd
*Gregg A. Kidd
Chief Executive Officer
Date August 19, 2010
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/Gregg A. Kidd
*Gregg A. Kidd
Chief Executive Officer
Date August 19, 2010
By /s/Daniel F. Raite
*Daniel F. Raite
Chief Financial Officer
Date August 19, 2010
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.