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 811-09053
The MP 63 Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
MP 63 Fund, Inc.
111 Pleasant Ridge Road
Harrison, NY 10528
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)
MP 63 Fund Inc.
111 Please Ridge Road
Harrison, NY 10528
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (914) 925-0022
Date of fiscal year end: February 28
Date of reporting period: August 31, 2023
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.
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
Ticker: DRIPX
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
August 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
SHAREHOLDER LETTER
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
The first half of our 25th fiscal year ended on August 31, 2023, with a small reduction in MP 63 Fund (DRIPX) assets when compared with the same period in 2022. We had $89,728,932 at the midpoint of 2022 and $89,591,903 at the mid-point in 2023. The decline was the result of market actions and shareholder withdrawals--with a disproportionate amount of withdrawals coming from the 11% of shareholders who joined from brokerage platforms (they withdrew about $900,000), while the 89% of assets held directly withdrew only twice that amount ($1,800,000).
I mention this because it illustrates the propensity of people to react emotionally to market activity—especially if they don’t have a predetermined investing strategy. As many DRIPX shareholders will recall, the fund was founded to provide a means for Moneypaper subscribers to use their IRA funds to follow the DRIP strategy that we described in the publication (and helped our subscribers follow). Investors who have not been schooled in this strategy and also have easy access to trading on a broker’s platform are more likely to follow the crowd—which often undermines their long-term success.
The Fund’s strategy is to try to consistently increase shareholder’s holdings while maintaining a defensive posture in the market. The relatively healthy gains over the past decade and since the fund’s inception show the value of keeping a long-term investment mindset through the markets up and downs. This is very important to remember during difficult periods in the market like the last 20 months.
For the six-month period through 8/31 (the first half of our fiscal year) the fund increased +3.10% compared to gains of +14.48% in the S&P 500 and +4.34% in the Russell 1000 Value. We believe the recent difficult period of performance, where essentially dividend stocks in aggregate have significantly lagged non dividend payors has positioned the portfolio for favorable returns in upcoming periods. It’s also worth noting that the S&P 500 returns this year have been driven by the 7 largest technology companies (the magnificent 7) and the other 493 company have much more modest gains. As DRIPX is a more balanced portfolio with few outsized positions, this posture has worked against it this year. Our expectation is that this won’t be the case in upcoming periods.
As a result of the difficult comparison to our peer group in recent periods our Morningstar rating dropped to an overall 3-Star rating. However, DRIPX retains its Morningstar® Gold Medal designation, which validates our expectation for long-term outperformance, since the Gold is forward looking, based on the Fund’s investing strategy and the quality of its component companies--the vast majority of which have extended their historical increases of annual dividends. In addition, since last year Morningstar has raised the Fund’s designation from “Above Average” to “High” in its evaluation of the Fund’s management.
As always, we thank you for your confidence in our conservative approach to building long-term wealth. We continue to suggest funding your account(s) on a regular basis, either through dollar-cost averaging or considered periodic purchases, as we seek to take advantage of opportunities afforded by the volatility in the stock market.
Vita Nelson and Mario Medina, October 29, 2023
Semi-Annual Report | 1
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
PERFORMANCE ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN (%)
FOR PERIODS ENDING AUGUST 31, 2023
| 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year | Cumulative Since Inception | Ending Value |
The MP63 Fund, Inc. | 4.77% | 7.17% | 9.56% | 396.19% | $ 49,619 |
S&P 500 Index | 15.94% | 12.80% | 7.40% | 475.37% | $ 57,537 |
iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF | 8.41% | 6.95% | 8.95% | 380.32% | $ 48,032 |
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on the closing of February 28, 1999. 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 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 iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization U.S. equities that exhibit value characteristics. The returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the sale of fund shares.
The performance information shown represents past performance and should not be interpreted as indicative of The MP63 Fund, Inc.'s future performance. The performance also reflects reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions. The returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.
Semi-Annual Report | 2
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
PORTFOLIO ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Fund by the industry sectors the underlying securities represent as a percentage of the schedule of investments.
Sectors are categorized using Morningstar® classifications.
Semi-Annual Report | 3
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Shares |
|
| Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
COMMON STOCKS (United States) - 96.89% |
| ||
|
|
|
|
Aerospace/Aircrafts/Defense - 3.71% |
| ||
5,172 |
| The Boeing Co. * | $ 1,158,683 |
25,158 |
| RTX Corp. | 2,164,594 |
|
|
| 3,323,277 |
Auto Parts - Retail/Wholesale - 1.88% |
| ||
10,937 |
| Genuine Parts Co. | 1,681,345 |
|
|
|
|
Banks - 3.52% |
| ||
47,422 |
| Bank of America Corp. | 1,359,589 |
21,326 |
| Truist Financial Corp. | 651,509 |
31,154 |
| US Bancorp | 1,138,056 |
|
|
| 3,149,154 |
Beverages - 2.69% |
| ||
21,377 |
| The Coca-Cola Co. | 1,278,986 |
6,344 |
| PepsiCo, Inc. | 1,128,725 |
|
|
| 2,407,711 |
Cable & Other Pay Television Services - 1.78% |
| ||
34,022 |
| Comcast Corp., Class A | 1,590,869 |
|
|
|
|
Chemicals - Diversified - 2.28% |
| ||
20,466 |
| RPM International, Inc. | 2,041,279 |
|
|
|
|
Chemicals - Specialty - 0.25% |
| ||
1,108 |
| Albemarle Corp. | 220,171 |
|
|
|
|
Commercial Services - 1.56% |
| ||
7,598 |
| Ecolab, Inc. | 1,396,588 |
|
|
|
|
Communication Equipment - 1.63% |
| ||
12,773 |
| Qualcomm, Inc. | 1,462,892 |
|
|
|
|
Consumer, Durable & Apparel - 0.36% |
| ||
3,843 |
| Sony Group Corp. ADR | 319,699 |
|
|
|
|
Containers - Paper/Plastic - 1.09% |
| ||
100,531 |
| Amcor PLC (Jersey) | 979,172 |
|
|
|
|
Cosmetics & Personal Care - 1.17% |
| ||
14,240 |
| Colgate-Palmolive Co. | 1,046,213 |
|
|
|
|
Diversified Operations - 1.66% |
| ||
45,317 |
| Corning, Inc. | 1,487,304 |
|
|
|
|
Electronic Equipment - 2.60% |
| ||
12,463 |
| Carrier Global Corp. | 715,999 |
16,440 |
| Emerson Electric Co. | 1,615,230 |
|
|
| 2,331,229 |
Electronic - Semiconductors - 1.17% |
| ||
29,740 |
| Intel Corp. | 1,045,064 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 4
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Shares |
|
| Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
Financial Services - 2.87% |
| ||
4,981 |
| American Express Co. | $ 786,948 |
14,588 |
| Paychex, Inc. | 1,783,091 |
|
|
| 2,570,039 |
Food - Misc. Preparation - 5.10% |
| ||
20,578 |
| Archer Daniels-Midland Co. | 1,631,835 |
31,484 |
| Conagra Brands, Inc. | 940,742 |
12,943 |
| General Mills, Inc. | 875,723 |
28,929 |
| Hormel Foods Corp. | 1,116,370 |
|
|
| 4,564,670 |
General Household Products - 1.07% |
| ||
10,179 |
| Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | 960,694 |
|
|
|
|
Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts - 0.42% |
| ||
832 |
| Lockheed Martin Corp. | 373,027 |
|
|
|
|
Healthcare - 2.30% |
| ||
8,764 |
| AbbVie, Inc. | 1,287,957 |
1,627 |
| UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 775,396 |
|
|
| 2,063,353 |
Industrial Inorganic Chemicals - 0.27% |
| ||
833 |
| Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | 246,143 |
|
|
|
|
Insurance - Life/Property/Casual - 3.86% |
| ||
22,520 |
| AFLAC, Inc. | 1,679,316 |
11,056 |
| The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 1,782,559 |
|
|
| 3,461,875 |
Leisure Products - 1.29% |
| ||
10,331 |
| Polaris, Inc. | 1,158,002 |
|
|
|
|
Leisure Services - 0.57% |
| ||
6,096 |
| The Walt Disney Co. * | 510,113 |
|
|
|
|
Machinery - Const./Mining/Farming - 4.35% |
| ||
7,452 |
| Caterpillar, Inc. | 2,094,981 |
4,395 |
| Deere & Co. | 1,806,081 |
|
|
| 3,901,062 |
Machinery - Electrical Equipment - 4.18% |
| ||
10,795 |
| Dover Corp. | 1,600,899 |
11,635 |
| Johnson Controls International PLC (Ireland) | 687,163 |
17,722 |
| Tennant Co. | 1,460,825 |
|
|
| 3,748,887 |
Manufacturing - 2.05% |
| ||
7,435 |
| Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | 1,839,047 |
|
|
|
|
Materials - 0.80% |
| ||
4,143 |
| Nucor Corp. | 713,010 |
|
|
|
|
Medical/Dental - Supplies - 2.09% |
| ||
6,716 |
| Becton Dickinson & Co. | 1,876,786 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 5
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Shares |
|
| Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
Medical Instruments/Products - 1.40% |
| ||
15,396 |
| Medtronic PLC (Ireland) | $ 1,254,774 |
|
|
|
|
Medical Drugs - 5.46% |
| ||
13,717 |
| Abbott Laboratories | 1,411,479 |
10,168 |
| Johnson & Johnson | 1,643,962 |
11,872 |
| Merck & Co., Inc. | 1,293,811 |
15,350 |
| Pfizer, Inc. | 543,083 |
|
|
| 4,892,335 |
National Commercial Banks - 1.15% |
| ||
7,018 |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 1,026,944 |
|
|
|
|
Paper & Paper Products - 1.59% |
| ||
11,055 |
| Kimberly Clark Corp. | 1,424,216 |
|
|
|
|
Petroleum Refining - 2.54% |
| ||
2,674 |
| Chevron Corp. | 430,781 |
16,576 |
| Exxon Mobil Corp. | 1,843,085 |
|
|
| 2,273,866 |
Refuse Systems - 1.95% |
| ||
11,129 |
| Waste Management, Inc. | 1,744,805 |
|
|
|
|
Retail - Catalog & Mail Order Houses - 0.95% |
| ||
6,159 |
| Amazon.com, Inc. * | 850,004 |
|
|
|
|
Retail - Food & Restaurant - 2.39% |
| ||
8,719 |
| Starbucks Corp. | 849,579 |
10,013 |
| Yum! Brands, Inc. | 1,295,482 |
|
|
| 2,145,061 |
Retail - Variety Stores - 1.84% |
| ||
3,007 |
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | 1,651,685 |
|
|
|
|
Retail/Wholesale - Building Products - 2.14% |
| ||
5,812 |
| The Home Depot, Inc. | 1,919,704 |
|
|
|
|
Services - Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. - 2.12% |
| ||
13,928 |
| Alphabet, Inc. Class A * | 1,896,576 |
|
|
|
|
Services - Prepackaged Software - 2.42% |
| ||
6,610 |
| Microsoft Corp. | 2,166,494 |
|
|
|
|
Shoes & Related Apparel - 1.06% |
| ||
9,299 |
| Nike, Inc. Class B | 945,801 |
|
|
|
|
Soap, Detergent, Cleaning Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics - 1.81% |
| ||
10,531 |
| The Procter & Gamble Co. | 1,625,355 |
|
|
|
|
Telecommunications Services - 0.62% |
| ||
9,623 |
| Cisco Systems, Inc. | 551,879 |
|
|
|
|
Textile - Apparel/Mill Products - 0.29% |
| ||
13,274 |
| VF Corp. | 262,294 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 6
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Shares |
|
| Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
Transportation - Railroads - 2.10% |
| ||
8,528 |
| Union Pacific Corp. | $ 1,881,021 |
|
|
|
|
Utility - Electric - 3.72% |
| ||
15,678 |
| Duke Energy Corp. | 1,392,206 |
8,920 |
| MDU Resources Group, Inc. | 181,611 |
26,337 |
| NextEra Energy, Inc. | 1,759,312 |
|
|
| 3,333,129 |
Utility - Gas Distribution - 1.18% |
| ||
19,653 |
| National Fuel Gas Co. | 1,056,152 |
|
|
|
|
Utility - Water - 1.59% |
| ||
38,671 |
| Essential Utilities, Inc. | 1,426,960 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCK (Cost $39,774,208) - 96.89% | 86,797,730 | ||
|
|
|
|
LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (United States) - 1.41% |
| ||
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas Transmission - 0.96% |
| ||
32,248 |
| Enterprise Products Partners LP | 858,119 |
|
|
|
|
Pipe Lines (No Natural Gas) - 0.45% |
| ||
6,126 |
| Magellan Midstream Partners LP | 406,889 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL FOR LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (Cost $896,414) - 1.41% | 1,265,008 | ||
|
|
|
|
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (United States) - 0.48% |
| ||
3,791 |
| Simon Property Group, Inc. | 430,241 |
TOTAL FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (Cost $403,197) - 0.48% | 430,241 | ||
|
|
|
|
MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.57% |
| ||
510,426 |
| Fidelity Investments Money Market Funds - Gov't Portfolio, Class I 5.21% (Cost 510,426) ** | 510,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.35% (Cost $41,584,245) (Note 4) | 89,003,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
| OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - 0.65% | 586,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
| NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 89,589,415 |
* Non-income producing securities during the year.
** Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2023.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 7
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Assets |
|
Investments at Fair Value (Cost $41,584,245) | $ 89,003,405 |
Receivables |
|
Dividends and Interest | 235,333 |
Shareholder Subscriptions | 100 |
Portfolio Securities Sold | 602,909 |
Prepaid Expenses | 22,537 |
Total Assets | 89,864,284 |
Liabilities |
|
Payables |
|
Portfolio Securities Purchased | 130,814 |
Shareholder Redemptions | 2,588 |
Other Accrued Expenses | 14,044 |
Due to Custodian | 80,144 |
Accrued Directors Fees (Note 3) | 3,071 |
Accrued Administrative and Operating Services Fees (Note 3) | 10,622 |
Accrued Accounting, Administration and Transfer Agency Fees (Note 3) | 7,057 |
Accrued Chief Compliance Officer Fees (Note 3) | 25 |
Accrued Advisor Fees (Note 3) | 26,504 |
Total Liabilities | 274,869 |
|
|
Net Assets | $ 89,589,415 |
|
|
Net Assets Consist of: |
|
Capital Stock, $0.001 par value; 1 billion shares |
|
authorized; 3,461,728 shares issued and outstanding | $ 3,462 |
Additional Paid in Capital | 40,316,086 |
Distributable Earnings | 49,269,867 |
Net Assets | $ 89,589,415 |
|
|
Net Asset Value and Offering Price ($89,589,415/3,461,728) | $ 25.88 |
|
|
Redemption Price Per Share ($25.88 x 0.99)* | $ 25.62 |
* The Fund will deduct a 1% redemption fee from redemption proceeds if purchased and redeemed within 6 months.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 8
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the six months ended AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Investment Income: |
|
Dividend Income (net of foreign withholding taxes of $186) | $ 1,113,319 |
Interest Income | 19,632 |
Total Investment Income | 1,132,951 |
Expenses: |
|
Advisor fees (Note 3) | 157,325 |
Accounting, Administrative and Transfer Agency fees (Note 3) | 14,235 |
Legal fees | 10,154 |
Administrative and Operating Services fees (Note 3) | 63,344 |
Registration fees | 18,556 |
Compliance fees (Note 3) | 6,958 |
Custody fees | 8,850 |
Audit fees | 10,527 |
Printing and postage expense | 7,685 |
Insurance expense | 6,686 |
Miscellaneous expense | 10,183 |
Director fees (Note 3) | 4,537 |
Total Expenses | 319,040 |
|
|
Net Investment Income | 813,911 |
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments: |
|
Realized Gain on Investments | 809,439 |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments | 1,124,795 |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | 1,934,234 |
|
|
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations | $ 2,748,145 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 9
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 10
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the year/period:
(a) Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions and assume no redemption fees.
* Amount is less than $0.005
** Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.
*** Annualized
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 11
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION
The MP63 Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is organized as a Maryland Corporation, incorporated on October 13, 1998, and registered as an open-end, diversified, management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Fund's business and affairs are managed by its officers under the direction of its Board of Directors (the “Board”). The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation for shareholders.
NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The Fund is an investment company that follows the accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies.
A.
Security Valuation - Portfolio securities traded on a national securities exchange are stated at the last reported sales price or a market’s official close price on the day of valuation. Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at fair value. Portfolio securities for which market quotations are not considered readily available are valued at fair value on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service approved by the Board. Portfolio companies during this reporting period are all widely traded and pricing information is readily available. The Board maintains responsibilities for the fair value determinations under Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Mutual Funds must utilize various methods to measure the fair value of most of its investments on a recurring basis. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of inputs are:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets the Fund has the ability to access.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in
Semi-Annual Report | 12
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
valuating the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. However, 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 August 31, 2023:
(Assets) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Common Stocks | $86,797,730 | $ - | $ - | $86,797,730 |
Limited Partnerships | 1,265,008 | - | - | 1,265,008 |
Real Estate Investment Trust | 430,241 | - | - | 430,241 |
Money Market Fund | 510,426 | - | - | 510,426 |
Total | $89,003,405 | $ - | $ - | $89,003,405 |
The Fund did not hold any Level 3 assets during the six months ended August 31, 2023. The Fund did not engage in any derivative transactions during the six months ended August 31, 2023.
B.
Security Transactions and Related Investment Income - Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis.
C.
Federal Income Taxes - The Fund’s policy is to continue to comply with requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income as dividends to its shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute its net long-term capital gains and net short-term capital gains at least once a year. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of certain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. As of and during the six months ended August 31, 2023, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken in the Fund’s open tax years or expected to be taken in the Fund’s 2023 tax returns. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and certain State tax authorities; however, the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which
Semi-Annual Report | 13
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. As of and during the six months ended August 31, 2023, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
D.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Fund records dividends and distributions to shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The Fund will distribute its net investment income, if any, and net realized capital gains, if any, annually.
E.
Cash – The Fund maintains cash at its custodian which, at times, may exceed United States federally insured limits. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Fund to credit risk include cash deposits in excess of federally insured limits.
F.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
G.
Share Valuation – The net asset value (the “NAV”) is generally calculated as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) every day the Exchange is open. The NAV is calculated by taking the total value of the Fund’s assets, subtracting its liabilities, and then dividing by the total number of shares outstanding, rounded to the nearest cent. The offering price and redemption price per share are equal to the net asset value per share, except for shares redeemed within 6 months.
NOTE 3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement (the "Agreement") with The Moneypaper Advisor, Inc. (the "Advisor"). Under this Agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with investment advice and supervises the Fund's investments. As compensation for the services rendered, the Fund pays the Advisor a fee accrued daily based on an annualized rate of 0.35% of the daily net asset value. For the six months ended August 31, 2023, the Advisor earned fees of $157,325. At August 31, 2023, the Fund owed the Advisor $26,504 for advisory fees.
The Advisor has voluntarily agreed to waive its fee and to reimburse the Fund for other expenses if the total operating expenses of the Fund exceed an annual rate of 1.25% of
Semi-Annual Report | 14
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
average daily net assets. The Advisor did not waive any fees or reimburse the Fund during the six months ended August 31, 2023.
The Fund has agreements in place with Mutual Shareholder Services ("MSS") to provide administrative, transfer agency, and fund accounting services. Under these agreements, MSS is paid a fixed annual fee for accounting and administration services which increases incrementally at specified asset thresholds, plus blue sky servicing fees paid on a per filing basis. For transfer agency services, MSS receives a fixed fee per account, subject to an annual minimum. For the six months ended August 31, 2023, the Fund paid MSS $29,292 for the services that it provided to the Fund, comprised of $21,000 in accounting and administrative services and $8,292 in transfer agency services. At August 31, 2023, MSS was not owed anything for services provided.
The Fund entered into an Administrative and Operating Services Agreement with Moneypaper Publications LLC, the parent of the Advisor. Under this agreement, Moneypaper Publications LLC provides services to the Fund that are necessary for operation and not provided by other parties. For these services, the Fund is contractually obligated to pay Moneypaper Publications LLC a flat monthly fee which is not to exceed $18,500. However, Moneypaper Publications LLC has charged the Fund only $10,500 per month for these services since January 1, 2023. Moneypaper Publications LLC does not currently intend to increase the fee, although it may seek to do so in the future. These fund servicing expenses amounted to $63,344 for the six months ended August 31, 2023. At August 31, 2023, the Fund owed $10,622 for fund servicing expenses.
Certain officers of the Advisor are also officers and a director of the Fund. The Fund currently pays each Independent Director an annual retainer of $2,000 for regular compensation. The Fund currently does not pay special compensation to any Director. Vita Nelson, as the Interested Director, does not receive any compensation from the Fund for her services as a Director. For the six months ended August 31, 2023, the Fund incurred $4,537 in regular compensation director fees and expenses. The Fund paid the Chief Compliance Officer $6,958 for the six months ended August 31, 2023.
NOTE 4. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
For the six months ended August 31, 2023, purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term investments, aggregated $4,989,268 and $6,945,451, respectively.
NOTE 5. TAX INFORMATION
Cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on a tax basis amounted to the following: Unrealized appreciation $47,368,194, Unrealized depreciation ($1,182,817), Net unrealized appreciation $46,185,377.
For Federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments owned at February 28, 2023 was $43,130,960. The difference between book and tax cost of investments represents the deferral of losses on wash sales and partnership basis adjustments.
Semi-Annual Report | 15
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among the components of net assets in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes; these differences will reverse at some time in the future. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gain as ordinary income for tax purposes. Due to permanent book to tax differences the following adjustments have been made by management as of February 28, 2023. Reclassifications have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset value per share of the Fund.
Paid In Capital | $ (170) |
Distributable Earnings | $ 170 |
The permanent differences were mainly due to non-deductible partnership expenses.
As of February 28, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows: undistributed capital gains $336,515, net unrealized appreciation $46,185,377, for a total distributable earnings of $46,521,892.
There were no distributions paid for the six months ended August 31, 2023.
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 was as follows:
Distributions paid from: Ordinary income $1,523,739, Long term capital gains $2,217,330.
NOTE 6. INDEMNIFICATIONS
In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain general indemnification to other parties. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these contracts is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. The Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
NOTE 7. MARKET RISK
Overall market risks may also affect the value of the Fund. Factors such as domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels and political events affect the securities markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issue, sanctions, recessions and depressions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments, and may impair market liquidity, thereby increasing liquidity risk. The Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market
Semi-Annual Report | 16
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
conditions and interest rates can have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.
NOTE 8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, the Fund has determined no subsequent events have occurred which would require adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | 17
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
Expense Example
As a shareholder of the MP63 Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage and other costs associated with portfolio purchases and sales, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; and redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; service provider fees and expenses 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, March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023.
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 ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which are not the Fund’s actual returns. 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* |
| March 1, 2023 | August 31, 2023 | March 1, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,031.08 | $0.04 |
Hypothetical |
|
|
|
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,025.17 | $0.04 |
|
|
|
|
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 0.71%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
Semi-Annual Report | 18
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
TRUSTEES & OFFICERS
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
The Board of Directors supervises the business activities of the Fund. The names of the Directors and principal officers of the Fund are shown below. For more information regarding the Directors, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information, which is available free upon request by calling 1-877-676-3386.
Name, Address 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disinterested Directors: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Susan Ryan Age: 73 241 Perkins Street, Unit A602 Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | Director | Indefinite – since March 2016 | Vice President, C.A. White (real estate development and management company) | 1 | Board member, Shambhala USA and Shambhala Canadian, both religious non-profit organizations |
Edward Shashoua Age: 64 8000 Town Centre Dr., Suite 400 Broadview Heights, OH 44147 | Director | Indefinite – since December 2016 | Primary Care Internist, Newton-Wellesley Physicians; Owner/Trustee, Brandywine Development Co. (real estate development) | 1 | Director, Ischemix, Inc. |
Daniel Mandell Age: 60 8000 Town Centre Dr., Suite 400 Broadview Heights, OH 44147 | Director | Indefinite – since December 2016 | General Council and Vice President, DialogueDirect Inc.; Founding member, Carabello & Mandell (law firm) | 1 | DialogueDirect, Inc. - Director |
Semi-Annual Report | 19
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
TRUSTEES & OFFICERS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
The Board of Directors supervises the business activities of the Fund. The names of the Directors and principal officers of the Fund are shown below. For more information regarding the Directors, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information, which is available free upon request by calling 1-877-676-3386.
Name, Address 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 Directors: |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Vita Nelson1,2 Age: 85 8000 Town Centre Dr., Suite 400 Broadview Heights, OH 44147 | Director, President | Indefinite – since 1998 | President, Editor and Publisher of The Moneypaper, Inc. (newsletter) | 1 | Director, The Moneypaper Advisor, Inc.; Director, Temper of the Times Communications, Inc. Director, Moneypaper, Inc. | |||||||
Principal Officers who are not Directors: | ||||||||||||
J. Mario Medina Age: 57 8000 Town Centre Dr., Suite 400 Broadview Heights, OH 44147 | Treasurer | Indefinite – since 2017 | Co-manager of the Fund since July 1, 2017; Editor for JST Online Solutions. | 1 | None | |||||||
Leonard Barenboim Age: 62 8000 Town Centre Dr., Suite 400 Broadview Heights, OH 44147 | Chief Compliance Officer | Indefinite – since 2017 | CEO and Chief Compliance Officer, Temper of the Times Investor Services, Inc.; Principal and project manager, ELBI Systems LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Moneypaper Advisor Inc. | 1 | None | |||||||
| ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Lee Reiner Nelson1 Age: 61 8000 Town Centre Dr., Suite 400 Broadview Heights, OH 44147 | Secretary | Indefinite – since 2016 | President and CEO, EMA, LLC | 1 | Director, Moneypaper Publications LLC; Temper of the Times Investor Service, Inc.; Moneypaper Advisor, Inc.; Temper of the Times Foundation. |
(1)Lee Reiner Nelson is Vita Nelson’s son.
(2)Vita Nelson is President of the Fund and a Director of the Fund’s Advisor, The Moneypaper Advisor, Inc. and therefore, is an “Interested Director” of the Fund.
Semi-Annual Report | 20
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AUGUST 31, 2023 (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 Fund at 1-877-676-3386 and (2) from Fund’s 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-PORT. The Fund’s first and third fiscal quarters end on May 31 and November 30. The Fund’s Form N-PORT’s 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 1-877-676-3386.
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the Investment Company Act. The program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk, taking into consideration, among other factors, the Fund’s investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions; its short and long-term cash flow projections; and its cash holdings and access to other funding sources.
During the six months ended August 31, 2023, the Advisor to the Fund reviewed the Fund’s investments and determined that the Fund held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements. Accordingly, the Advisor concluded that (i) the Fund’s liquidity risk management program is reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Liquidity Rule and (ii) the Fund’s liquidity risk management program has been effectively implemented. The Board then approved the liquidity risk report the Advisor provided.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Board of Directors of the MP63 Fund, including the Independent Directors voting separately, reviewed and approved the continuance of the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) with Moneypaper Advisor, Inc. (the “Advisor”) at a meeting held on April 26, 2023 (the “Meeting”). All of the Directors, including all of
Semi-Annual Report | 21
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
the Independent Directors, were present electronically for the Board’s consideration and approval of these matters.1
At the meeting, Counsel advised the Directors and the Independent Directors of their statutory and fiduciary obligations in determining whether to approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement. In connection with their consideration of these matters, the Independent Directors requested such information from the Adviser as they deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Advisory Agreement and whether the Agreement continues to be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders, and the Adviser provided both written and oral information responsive to the Board’s request. In particular, the Directors requested and reviewed information provided by the Adviser related to the following: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, (ii) the investment performance of the Fund; (iii) the costs of the services provided and the profits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund; (iv) the financial condition of the Advisor; (v) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows; and (vi) whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s shareholders.
With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Directors reviewed the background, qualifications, education and experience of the Adviser’s investment, operational and compliance personnel. The Directors considered the roles of each person as well as their relevant experience in the financial services industry, noting in particular that Vita Nelson had managed the Fund's assets since its inception in 1999 and that Mario Medina, who was appointed as co-manager of the Fund effective July 1, 2017, has extensive investment-related financial experience, including serving as an editor and senior analyst at a firm that contributes to and encourages the financial education of the Hispanic community in the United States and globally, with a focus on financial education programs relating to the benefits of low-cost direct investing in index funds, no-load mutual funds and dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs). The Directors also discussed and considered the responsibilities of the Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement, noting that the Adviser is responsible for providing the Fund with investment research and advice, and determining the securities to be purchased and sold in accordance with the investment objective and policies of the Fund. The Directors also considered the quality of administrative and other services provided to the Fund, the Adviser’s compliance program, and the Adviser’s role in coordinating such services and programs.
________________________
1 All of the participants in the Meeting, including the Executive Session, participated telephonically and/or by video conference. Because of the Covid 19 pandemic, the SEC by no-action letter has waived in-person voting requirements for the approvals and renewals of advisory contracts, as well as other matters for which jn person voting is required. For the time period approved by the no-action letter, such matters may now be approved and telephone or electronic meetings, provided all of the Directors can hear and be heard. The Fund relied on this no-action authority to conduct the April 26, 2023 Meeting electronically even though the agenda items to the Meeting included the renewal of advisory and distribution contracts for the Fund as well as the reappointment of the Fund's auditor.
Semi-Annual Report | 22
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
With respect to performance, the Directors reviewed the Fund’s performance over various periods and compared such performance to the returns of relevant securities indices and averages of comparably managed mutual funds. The Directors found that while the Fund’s performance historically has been in line with the large cap equity markets, they also evaluated the Fund's performance relative to its primary benchmark index, the S&P 500 Index, and to its Morningstar category and that category’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index. In particular, the Directors noted that as of the end of the calendar year (December 31) the Fund had achieved positive returns for each year from 2009 through 2021 other than 2015 and 2018. The Directors further noted that as of December 31, 2020, the Fund had achieved positive annualized returns across all standard annualized performance measurement time frames, including 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, 10-year, and since inception (03/01/1999) periods.
The Board also considered that the Fund is categorized by Morningstar in the Large Cap Value category, and that the Fund’s performance relative to the Morningstar Large Cap Value category average and the Russell 1000 Value Index (the broad-based benchmark index that Morningstar assigns to the Fund) was very strong. In that regard, they noted that, as of February 28, 2023, the Fund (6.77%) since inception, had slightly underperformed the S&P 500 Index (7.15%) and the Russell 1000 Value Index (7.20%). The Directors considered that during the last 10 years, the Fund had achieved a top quartile percentage rank in the Morningstar Large Cap Value category for 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and had only been in the lowest quartile in three years (2015, 2017, and 2021). They also noted that the Fund had achieved an overall four -star gold quantitative rating from Morningstar.
With respect to its performance relative to its primary benchmark, the S&P 500, the directors noted that as of December 31, 2022, the Fund had outperformed the benchmark for the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year performance, and underperformed the benchmark for a calendar year to date performance through 03/27/2023 (-1.18% v. 3.40%). The Directors also took notice, however, that very few funds have outperformed the S&P 500 index over the reported time periods unless they have invested in the large cap growth technology companies that have dominated the performance of that weighted average index.
The Board also considered that the Fund is categorized by Morningstar in the Large Cap Value category, and that the Fund’s performance relative to the Morningstar Large Cap Value category average and the Russell 1000 Value Index (the broad-based benchmark index that Morningstar assigns to the Fund) was very strong. In that regard, they noted that for the 1-year period the Fund had underperformed both its Morningstar Category (Large Cap Value) and the Morningstar Index (Russell 1000 Value), for the 3-year period the fund underperformed the Morningstar Category (Large Cap Value) and outperformed the Morningstar Index (Russell 1000 Value), for the 5-year, and 10-year periods the Fund outperformed Morningstar Category (Large Cap Value) and the Morningstar Index (Russell 1000 Value), each period ended December 31, 2022, but the Fund had underperformed each of them year to date through March 27, 2023. The Directors also considered comparisons of the Fund’s performance with five other competitive mutual funds identified by the Adviser with similar strategies to the Fund,
Semi-Annual Report | 23
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
noting that the Fund’s performance was consistent with the performance of such funds. In addition, the Directors considered that during the last 10 years, the Fund had achieved a top quartile percentage rank in the Morningstar Large Cap Value category for 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and had only been in the lowest quartile in three years (2015, 2017, and 2021).
Based on the totality of this information, the Board found that the Fund's performance reflected the Adviser’s ability to effectively manage the Fund's assets on a long-term basis in different market environments. The Board concluded that the Fund has performed well on a consistent long-term basis under the Adviser's management.
With respect to the fees and expenses paid by the Fund, the Board noted that the Advisory fee rate of 0.35%, which had not changed since the Fund’s inception, had resulted in the Adviser receiving $322,389.40 in advisory fees for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, down from $$338,858 in advisory fees for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022, and up from $262,083 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2021. The Directors also noted the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.63% for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023 remained the same for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2022, down from .71% for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2021 and 0.69% for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2020) compared quite favorably to the average expense ratio for all funds in Morningstar's Large Cap Value Category for the same time periods. After discussion, the Board concluded, based on the information provided to it at the meeting, that the Adviser’s fee and the Fund's total expense ratio were low compared with similar funds and therefore acceptable to the Board.
The Directors considered that while the Adviser receives no other fees related to its management of the Fund, the Adviser’s parent, Moneypaper Publications, LLC, receives a monthly fee of $10,000 for performing certain administrative services for the Fund. Those services include (i) negotiating with and supervising the Fund's other service providers, (ii) preparing shareholder communications, including designing and preparing shareholder documents, (iii) production-related services, and (iv) maintaining the Fund’s website. In connection with this contract, the directors considered that such administrative fees, which by contract are not to exceed $18,500.00 per month, were $3,500 per month during the first few months of the fiscal year ended 2023, increased to $7,500 for the next few months of the fiscal year ended 2023 and effective December 1, 2022, increased to $10,500.00 for the last few months of the fiscal year ended 2023. The Board noted that these fees have been at that level consistently since November 2007 and only until the fiscal year end 2023 have they increased. The Board further considered that these fees, which the Adviser classified as a fallout benefit from the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, were included in the Fund's total expense ratio, which they determined was lower than average expense ratios in the Funds’ Morningstar Large Cap Value category. The Directors also considered whether the services provided to the Fund by Moneypaper Publications could be provided with the same quality at a lower price by an unaffiliated entity, and based on representations by the Adviser, concluded that they could not and that the fees paid to Moneypaper Publications for such services are reasonable.
Semi-Annual Report | 24
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
With respect to the Adviser’s profitability resulting from its relationship with the Fund, the Directors considered and discussed with the Adviser the pro forma profit and loss statement that the Adviser had provided for the period for the twelve month period ending February 28, 2023 (corresponding to the Fund’s fiscal year-end), noting that the Adviser realized a slight loss on advisory fee revenues of $322,389.40 during that time, plus the $90,778 fee that was paid to the Adviser’s parent, Moneypaper Publications, LLC, for performing certain administrative services for the Fund (totaling $413,167.40). The Directors noted that since the Adviser managed only the Fund and no other accounts, such profit and loss statement fully encompassed the Adviser’s profitability resulting from its relationship with the Fund. In order to assess the overall financial condition of the Adviser, the Directors in addition discussed with the Adviser the financial condition of the Adviser’s parent company. Finally, the Directors considered the terms and conditions of the Adviser’s D&O/E&O policy and how that policy would affect the Adviser’s ability to meet unexpected financial contingencies. Based on all the information presented, the Independent Directors concluded that the Adviser is financially capable of satisfying its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
With respect to economies of scale, the Directors noted that the Advisory Agreement does not contain breakpoints that would reduce the advisory fee rate on assets above specified levels. The Directors agreed that breakpoints may be an appropriate way for the Adviser to share its economies of scale with the Fund and its shareholders if the Fund experiences a substantial growth in assets. However, the Directors recognized that the Fund had not yet reached asset levels where the Adviser could realize significant economies of scale and thus concluded that it was not necessary to consider breakpoints at that time.
Finally, the Directors reviewed the Fund’s brokerage practices. The Directors noted with approval that the Adviser did not currently engage in any soft dollar relationships. They also discussed and reviewed the average commission rates paid by the Fund and concluded that they are reasonable.
Prior to voting, the Independent Directors reviewed the proposed renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement with management and had the opportunity to meet in a private session at which no representatives of the Adviser were present.
After having received the Adviser’s proposal for continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement and reviewing the information provided to them, the Independent Directors concluded that: (i) based on both short-term and long-term performance of the Fund and the other services provided under the Advisory Agreement, such as the selection of broker-dealers for executing portfolio transactions, monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions, and overseeing the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, the Adviser has provided quality services to the Fund as compared to similarly situated funds; (ii) the Fund’s advisory fee is lower than the average of comparably managed funds, and the Adviser is providing quality portfolio management services to the Fund; (iii) shareholders are being provided a quality investment management services at a total expense ratio that compares favorably to other funds managed in the
Semi-Annual Report | 25
THE MP63 FUND, INC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)
same investment style; (iv) at the present time and at current asset levels, it would not be relevant to consider the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale; the Independent Directors did note that, if the Fund begins to experience significant growth in its assets, it may become necessary for the Adviser to consider adding fee breakpoints to the Advisory Agreement; and (v.) while there are certain “fallout benefits” to the Adviser flowing from its relationship to the Fund, including the administrative services fee that the Fund pays to the Adviser’s parent company, given the amounts involved, these payments did not change the Directors’ views as to the reasonableness of the advisory fee paid by the Fund.
No single factor was considered in isolation to be determinative to the decision of the Directors to approve continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. Rather, the Directors concluded, in light of a weighing and balancing of all factors considered, that it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to renew the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional annual period.
As a result of their considerations, the Board of Directors, including all the Independent Directors, determined that the continuation of the current advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders, and adopted resolutions to that effect.
Semi-Annual Report | 26
Investment Adviser
Moneypaper Advisor, Inc.
Distributor
Arbor Court Capital, LLC
Administrator, Transfer Agent, &
Shareholder Servicing Agent
Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC
Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
Legal Counsel
Ropka Law, LLC
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
This report is provided for the general information of MP63 Fund, Inc. shareholders. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus, which contains more complete information about the Fund.
Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrant's Board of Directors has determined that the registrant does not have an audit committee financial expert. The audit committee members and the full Board determined that, although none of its members meet the technical definition of an audit committee financial expert, the committee has sufficient financial expertise to adequately perform its duties under the Audit Committee Charter without the addition of a qualified expert.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies.
Richard Yaffa
Ted Gladstone
Gloria L. Schaffer
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not yet applicable.
Item 9. Purchase of Equity Securities By Closed End Management Investment Company and Affiliates. Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
No Changes.
Describe any material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(G) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101), or this Item.
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 last fiscal half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable.
Item 13. Exhibits.
(a)(1)
Not applicable.
(a)(2)
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.
(a)(3)
Not applicable.
(b)
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.
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 MP 63 Fund, Inc.
By /s/Vita Nelson
*Vita Nelson
President
(principal executive officer)
Date November 8, 2023
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/ Vita Nelson
*Vita Nelson
President
(principal executive officer)
Date November 8, 2023
By /s/ Mario Medina
*Mario Medina
Treasurer
(principal financial officer)
Date November 8, 2023
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.