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 811-10261
Pearl Mutual Funds
on behalf of its series:
Pearl Total Return Fund
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund
2610 Park Avenue
P.O. Box 209
Muscatine, Iowa 52761
Robert H. Solt | Stacy H. Winick | |
2610 Park Avenue | Bell, Boyd & Lloyd PLLC | |
P. O. Box 209 | 1615 L Street, N.W., Suite 1200 | |
Muscatine, Iowa 52761 | Washington, DC 20036 |
(Name and address of agents for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (563) 288-2773
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2006
Item 1. | Reports to Shareholders. |
PEARL MUTUAL FUNDS
PFTRX – Pearl Total Return Fund | PFAGX – Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund |
2006 Semi-Annual Report
Page | ||
IMPORTANT NEWS | 1 | |
Performance Review | 2 -3 | |
Investment Strategy | 3 - 5 | |
Pearl Total Return Fund Overview | 6 - 8 | |
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund Overview | 9 - 11 | |
Understanding Your Expenses | 12 - 13 | |
General Information | 13 - 15 | |
Pearl Total Return Fund Financial Statements | 16 - 18 | |
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund Financial Statements | 19 - 21 | |
Notes to Financial Statements | 22 - 23 | |
Pearl Total Return Fund Financial Highlights | 24 | |
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund Financial Highlights | 25 |
IRA CONTRIBUTION LIMITSFOR 2006
(IRA – INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT,ALLTYPES)
• | You may contribute $4,000 to your IRA in 2006. |
• | Remember, the new 2006 limit is $5,000 if you are age 50 or over. The extra $1,000 is called a catch-up contribution. |
• | These new limits apply to both Roth and Traditional IRAs. |
IRA contribution limits may be different in subsequent years.
MORE GOOD NEWS:
• | No maintenance fee for your Pearl IRA — or for any Pearl Funds Account. |
August 17, 2006
Chairman of the Board DR. JAMES P. STEIN
President ROBERT H. SOLT
Senior Counsel DAVID M. STANLEY
Vice President RICHARD R. PHILLIPS
Chief Compliance Officer ANTHONY J. TOOHILL
Trustees JOHN W. AXEL JEFFREY R. BOEYINK DOUGLAS B. CODER DR. DAVID N. DEJONG DAVID L. EVANS ROBERT H. SOLT DAVID M. STANLEY DR. JAMES P. STEIN
Staff KAREN M. BROOKHART PEGGY A. CHERRIER JACQUELINE M. JANOWSKI RENATA R. LAMAR | NEWSFOR PEARL SHAREHOLDERS:
• Pearl Total Return Fund gained 8.28% during the first six months of 2006 — outperforming all 3 comparison indexes.
• Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund gained 4.15% during the first six months of 2006 — outperforming 2 of its 3 comparison indexes.
• For the 5 years through June 30, 2006, Pearl Total Return Fund was up 67.84% — outperforming all 3 comparison indexes: Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) up 22.02%, MSCI World up 32.08%, and S&P 500 up 13.09%. These 5 years included part of the 3-year bear market (2000-2002) and rising stock markets in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
• Pearl Total Return Fund outperformed all 3 comparison indexes during the last 1, 3, 5, and 10 years through June 30, 2006.
• During its first 5 years through June 30, 2006, Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund was up 84.45% — outperforming all 3 comparison indexes: Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) up 22.02%, MSCI World up 32.08%, and S&P 500 up 13.09%.
• Pearl Total Return Fund had a risk-adjusted total return (3 years through June 30, 2006) that outperformed all 3 benchmark indexes. Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund’s risk-adjusted total return (3 years through June 30, 2006) outperformed 2 of the 3 benchmarks. See pages 7 & 10.
• All Pearl Funds performance figures are net — after deduction of all expenses of each Fund and all expenses of mutual funds in its portfolio.
• Both Pearl Funds are no-load — no sales charge, commission, or redemption fee (except a 2% fee on sale of shares owned 30 days or less). Both Funds continued making all investments on a no-load basis in 2006.
Please consider everything in this report and in the Prospectus. Figures above are not annualized. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Thank you for your confidence in Pearl Mutual Funds.
You are invited to visit our Website at www.pearlfunds.com. Please call, e-mail, fax, or write to us. We are here to help you.
Sincerely,
YOUR INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM:
|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Robert H. Solt | David M. Stanley | Richard R. Phillips |
1
PEARL MUTUAL FUNDS
Performance Review as of June 30, 2006
First Half 2006 Performance. Total Returns of Pearl Total Return Fund, Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund, and the Funds’ Comparison Indexes:*
For the six months ended 6-30-06: | |||
Pearl Total Return Fund | + 8.28 | % | |
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund | + 4.15 | % | |
Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) | + 3.51 | % | |
MSCI World Index | + 6.06 | % | |
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index | + 2.71 | % |
* | All total returns include dividends reinvested. The total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund dividends or on redemption of fund shares. Likewise, the total returns on indexes do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor in stocks would pay on dividends or on sale of stocks. See Page 15 for a description of each index. |
2006 Performance Factors. We believe Pearl Total Return Fund’s and Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund’s comparative performance and total return during the first six months of 2006 were affected by many factors, including each Fund’s investment strategy and decisions by the Funds’ Manager, Pearl Management Company. These factors include:
• | U.S. and global stock markets had gains during the first half of 2006 despite a sharp correction in May and June. |
• | U.S. value-style stocks continued to lead U.S. growth-style stocks during the first half of 2006. Morningstar US Value Index was up 7.88% while Morningstar Growth Index was down (1.01%). Small-capitalization stocks performed better than larger companies in 2006 to date. However, large-cap funds (-1.25%) outperformed small (-5.03%) and mid-cap funds (-2.91%) in the second quarter. Overall, foreign stocks performed better than U.S. stocks for most of 2005 and the first six months of 2006. Foreign markets continued their pattern of better returns from smaller companies. We believe these trends had a positive overall effect on both Pearl Total Return Fund and Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund. |
• | During the first six months of 2006, a majority of Pearl Total Return Fund’s investments were in relatively conservative mutual funds with below-average risk records, a value or blend emphasis, and a continuing tilt toward small-cap and mid-cap stocks. The Fund invested globally through mutual funds holding U.S. or foreign securities or both. The Fund held only one pure bond fund but also held a balanced fund which holds some fixed-income investments. The Fund gradually reduced its equity funds investments to 85.5% and increased cash to 13.2%. Nearly all of the cash is held in a high-yielding money market fund through the Funds’ custodian bank. The Fund also held large indirect investments in bonds and cash through the mutual funds in its portfolio (see page 4). We believe these decisions reduced risk and helped performance. Pearl Total Return Fund’s small-and-mid-cap and foreign stock positions both helped significantly. The Fund’s value emphasis helped its investments in mutual funds holding U.S. stocks. The Fund’s partial defensive position helped performance during weak market periods. |
• | Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund had a similar (but slightly lesser) small-to-mid-cap leaning and significantly stronger foreign stock emphasis than Pearl Total Return Fund. Both of these priorities contributed to the Fund’s outperformance in the first six months of 2006. Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund had a growth-to-blend-style emphasis and large investment in emerging markets funds; these factors helped its performance during most of this period but hurt its performance in the May-June correction. As its investment strategy requires, this Fund is always fully invested (95% or more) in equity mutual funds. |
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• | Both Funds owned shares of some mutual funds that are closed to new investors, and were able to make no-load purchases of some mutual funds that would require most investors to pay a sales charge. Both factors helped performance of both Funds. See page 4. |
• | Both Pearl Funds did not pay any sales charge, commission, or redemption fee. Both Funds made all their investments on a no-load basis. See “No-Load Investing” below. This helped both Funds control costs and helped their performance. |
• | Pearl Management Company, the Funds’ Manager, continues to research, analyze, and evaluate data on many mutual funds, categories of funds, and global stock markets. We believe this work helps our allocation decisions and selection of mutual funds. |
Pearl Total Return Fund is a diversified fund of funds that seeks long-term total return by being primarily invested (80% or more of net assets) in equity mutual funds, except when Pearl Management Company believes a lower percentage is justified by high risks affecting stock markets. This Fund seeks to limit shareholders’ risk by frequently holding a modest defensive position and by selecting some mutual funds that have demonstrated relatively lower volatility.
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund is a diversified fund of funds that seeks long-term aggressive growth of capital by being fully invested (95% or more) in equity mutual funds at all times.
“Equity mutual funds” means funds whose objective is growth or capital appreciation, including funds that invest in U.S. or foreign securities or both.
Long-Term Investing, Not Trading. Both Pearl Funds are long-term investors, not short-term traders. Your investment management team is always ready to change investments when we believe this is in our shareholders’ interest, but we work to avoid excessive turnover of the Funds’ portfolios.
We are pleased that both Funds’ annualized portfolio turnover during the first half of 2006 was very low: 1% for Pearl Total Return Fund and 26% for Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund.
No-Load Investing. We Avoid Transaction Costs. Each Pearl Fund is a no-load investor, seeking to prevent transaction costs for you and all our shareholders. Each Fund can invest only in no-load (no sales charge, no redemption fee), load-waived (no-load due to large purchases), or low-load (sales load and redemption fee together must not exceed 2%) mutual funds. The Funds also can invest in closed-end funds but have not yet done so. The Funds do not impose any distribution fee (12b-1 fee). Some mutual funds in which the Funds may invest may impose a 12b-1 fee.
Both Funds seek to avoid completely all transaction costs – no sales charges, no commissions, no redemption fees — and both Funds did completely avoid them again in 2006 to date.
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund has never paid any sales charge, commission, or redemption fee. All of its investments to date were made on a no-load basis.
Pearl Total Return Fund has not paid any sales charge, commission, or redemption fee since 1998. All of its investments in the years 1999 through 2006 to date were made on a no-load basis.
Access to Many Funds. Both Funds’ investments in most mutual funds are generally large enough to take advantage of sales load waivers on large purchases. Thus, both Pearl Funds are able to
3
select no-load investments from a very wide range of funds — even though many of those funds would require most investors to pay a sales load.
Another potential benefit to Pearl Funds shareholders is that both Funds own shares of some mutual funds that are closed to most new investors. At June 30, 2006: Pearl Total Return Fund held 12 equity mutual funds and 8 of them were no longer open to new investors. These funds comprised 64% of Total Return Fund’s total assets. Of the 12 equity funds Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund held, 4 were closed to new investors. These funds comprised 38% of this Fund’s total assets.
Investments. At June 30, 2006, 85.5% of Pearl Total Return Fund’s total assets were invested in a diversified group of equity mutual funds, 1.3% in a high-quality bond fund, and 13.2% in cash. Nearly all of the cash is held in a high-yielding money market fund through the Funds’ custodian bank.
At June 30, 2006, 98.5% of Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund’s total assets were invested in a diversified group of equity mutual funds, and 1.5% in cash.
A more precise way to measure each Fund’s asset allocation is its investment portfolio asset breakdown, which counts each Fund’s indirect investments through the mutual funds held in its portfolio, using recent information on the portfolio assets of those mutual funds. Based on the Funds’ portfolio holdings at June 30, 2006, each Fund’s investment portfolio asset breakdown was:
Total Return Fund | Aggressive Growth Fund | |||||
(as a percentage of total assets) | ||||||
Total Stocks | 70.4 | % | 92.8 | % | ||
U.S. Stocks | 24.9 | % | 29.5 | % | ||
Foreign Stocks | 45.5 | % | 63.3 | % | ||
Bonds | 3.3 | % | 0.0 | % | ||
Cash | 22.7 | % | 5.2 | % | ||
Other | 3.6 | % | 2.0 | % |
For example, at June 30, 2006, Pearl Total Return Fund’s direct cash position was 13.2%, but this increased to 22.7% when the varying amounts of cash held by the mutual funds in this Fund’s portfolio were added.
Each Fund’s asset allocation and portfolio holdings vary with changes in investments.
Top 5 Mutual Fund Portfolio Holdings at June 30, 2006 (as a percentage of total assets):
Pearl Total Return Fund: | Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund: | |||||||
First Eagle Overseas Fund, Class I | 20.30 | % | Artisan International Small Cap, Inv. Class | 14.52 | % | |||
Oakmark International Small Cap, Class I | 16.63 | % | Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund | 10.53 | % | |||
Keeley Small Cap Value Fund | 9.49 | % | American Century Int’l Opportunities, Inv. Cl. | 10.35 | % | |||
Matthews Asian Growth & Income Fund | 7.55 | % | Hartford Capital Appreciation, Class Y | 9.66 | % | |||
Dodge & Cox Balanced Fund | 6.27 | % | Lazard Emerging Markets Fund | 9.00 | % |
Investments of both Funds are listed in the financial statements. The most recent month-end portfolio holdings are available at www.pearlfunds.com.
Portfolio investments are subject to change at any time without notice, and changes have been made since June 30, 2006. Each Fund’s portfolio holdings will be at least slightly different, and may be significantly different, by the time you read this report.
4
Current Investment Outlook. As always, we must evaluate many positive and negative factors that may affect U.S. and global stock markets.
We believe the positive factors include the probability that the Federal Reserve is nearing the end of its interest rate increases; interest rates, especially long-term rates, that are still relatively low; lower valuations of many stocks, especially U.S. large-cap stocks, in relation to earnings and dividends; the large amounts of cash on the sidelines, potentially available for investment; and pessimism among investors and investment advisers (we use this as a contrary indicator; history shows that buying stocks is more likely to be profitable when there is widespread pessimism rather than optimism).
We believe major global stock market risks now include overvaluation of some stocks, high expectations for economic and earnings growth, a slowing housing sector after a housing bubble in some U.S. areas, U.S. high consumer debt, higher inflation or inflation expectations, possible Fed overshoot in raising rates, low U.S. savings, U.S. budget and current accounts deficits, vulnerability to shocks (oil, terrorist attack, avian flu pandemic, etc.), and panic by investors in a severe correction.
Although always difficult to judge, on balance we believe the reward/risk ratio is slightly negative near-term (1-3 months, especially through October), slightly positive intermediate-term (4-12 months), and moderately positive long-term. We believe the outlook no longer strongly favors small-to-mid-cap stock funds — their relative attractiveness has lessened due to their extended outperformance for many years. We now view small-, mid-, and large-cap stock funds as providing approximately equal opportunities. We believe the long outperformance run of value-style stock funds may be nearing its end, but this is not yet clear. Long trends sometimes extend and overshoot.
We believe foreign stock funds still appear to offer a better overall reward/risk ratio than U.S. stock funds — short-, intermediate-, and long-term. We believe some of the emerging markets, especially in low-valuation and low-tax countries in Eastern Europe and Asia, offer special opportunities. As always, foreign markets have unique risks and opportunities.
Weighing these factors, Pearl Total Return Fund is now near the lower end (about 85%) of its normal 80-95% investment range in equity mutual funds. Most of this Fund is invested in equity funds that we believe are relatively conservative. The Fund’s investments have a value emphasis but also include a significant growth component, and have a continuing emphasis on foreign stock funds.
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund continues to be fully invested (95% or more; recently about 99%) in equity mutual funds. In comparison with Total Return Fund, Aggressive Growth Fund’s portfolio as a whole is more volatile; holds more growth-style equity funds and slightly more large-cap stock funds; and has an even larger investment in foreign stock funds and emerging markets funds.
Both Pearl Funds hold a broad mixture of equity funds that hold small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap stocks. Both funds are gradually increasing their large-cap holdings but continue to be somewhat overweighted in small-cap and mid-cap stock funds.
We diligently seek to select the best mutual funds in view of changing market conditions and each Fund’s investment objective. Taking into account the opportunities and the risks, we believe each Pearl Fund’s current portfolio mix is appropriate for the current market environment.
5
Pearl Total Return Fund’s 10-Year Performance Record is summarized in this graph:
COMPARISONOFCHANGEINVALUEOF $10,000INVESTMENTIN
PEARL TOTAL RETURN FUNDANDITSCOMPARISONINDEXES*
(as of 6-30 each year – with dividends reinvested)
* | The total returns in this report, including the graph and tables, do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund dividends or on redemption of fund shares. Likewise, the total returns on indexes do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor in stocks would pay on dividends or on sale of stocks. |
Pearl Total Return Fund’s average annual total return was + 19.43% during the last 3 years, + 10.91% over the last 5 years, and + 11.24% for the last 10 years.
The value of an investment in Pearl Total Return Fund grew 68% during the last 5 years and 190% over the last 10 years.
Performance of Pearl Total Return Fund and Comparison Indexes through 6-30-06:
Average Annual Total Returns for periods ended 6-30-06 with dividends reinvested: | 1 year | 3 years | 5 years | 10 years | ||||||||
Pearl Total Return Fund | + 19.17 | % | + 19.43 | % | + 10.91 | % | + 11.24 | % | ||||
Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) | + 10.03 | % | + 13.06 | % | + 4.06 | % | + 8.47 | % | ||||
MSCI World Index | + 16.93 | % | + 16.86 | % | + 5.73 | % | + 6.93 | % | ||||
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index | + 8.63 | % | + 11.22 | % | + 2.49 | % | + 8.32 | % |
See Page 15 for a description of each index.
Did you know?
All performance and total return figures for each Pearl Fund are net — after deduction of all
expenses (all fees, transaction costs, etc.) — including all expenses of each Pearl Fund
and all expenses of all the mutual funds in its portfolio.
6
Pearl Total Return Fund
Risk-Adjusted Total Return. Pearl Total Return Fund seeks to outperform the 3 comparison indexes on a long-term risk-adjusted total return basis. Two factors should be considered together in assessing a mutual fund’s performance: its total return and its risk. Therefore, we measure your Fund’s total return in relation to the risk (volatility) it incurred, and then we compare the risk-adjusted total returns of the Fund and the 3 benchmark indexes.
Standard deviation is the conventional statistical measure used to determine the volatility (variability) — and therefore the risk — of a mutual fund or an index. The higher the standard deviation, the greater the volatility risk. To minimize risk, a low standard deviation is desirable.
Standard Deviations of Pearl Total Return Fund and Comparison Indexes through 6-30-06:
Annualized Standard Deviations: | 3 years | ||
Pearl Total Return Fund | 8.41 | % | |
Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) | 8.45 | % | |
MSCI World Index | 8.56 | % | |
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index | 7.74 | % |
See page 15 for a description of each index.
The Sharpe ratio is a conventional measure that combines total return and standard deviation to produce a risk-adjusted performance figure. It is a ratio of reward (total return in excess of the 90-day Treasury bill return) to the volatility risk (standard deviation). The higher the number, the better the risk-adjusted return. A high Sharpe ratio is desirable.
Sharpe Ratios of Pearl Total Return Fund and Comparison Indexes through 6-30-06:
Sharpe Ratios: | 3 years | |
Pearl Total Return Fund | + 1.86 | |
Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) | + 1.19 | |
MSCI World Index | + 1.57 | |
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index | + 1.08 |
See page 15 for a description of each index.
Pearl Total Return Fund’s risk-adjusted performance was better than all 3 comparison indexes during the past 3 years through June 30, 2006.
Did you know?
We are shareholders too!
All our Trustees, Officers, and employees are Pearl Funds shareholders.
We eat our own cooking!
If your Pearl Funds investment grows or declines, so does ours!
Pearl Management Company, the Funds’ Manager, receives compensation only from Pearl Mutual
Funds. Pearl Management Company does not manage other mutual funds or separate accounts.
Our single focus helps us to avoid conflicts of interest and
give Pearl shareholders the top-priority service you deserve.
7
Pearl Total Return Fund
Performance Summary. Past performance does not predict future performance.
• | Pearl Total Return Fund had a + 8.28% total return for the six months ended June 30, 2006. |
• | Pearl Total Return Fund’s + 8.28% total return outperformed all 3 comparison indexes for the six months ended June 30, 2006. We believe this outperformance is significant because it was achieved during a period of generally rising stock markets, while at all times this Fund had a risk-reducing partial defensive position. Often less than 75% of the Fund’s total assets were invested in stocks as measured by the actual holdings of the mutual funds in its portfolio. The 3 benchmarks are pure stock indexes that are always 100% in stocks. See page 4. |
• | During the entire 5 years through June 30, 2006, Pearl Total Return Fund was up 67.84% while the 3 comparison indexes were up 22.40% on average (not annualized). See page 1. |
• | Your Fund outperformed all 3 comparison indexes during the last 1, 3, 5, and 10 years through June 30, 2006. See page 6. |
• | Pearl Total Return Fund’s risk-adjusted total return outperformed all 3 comparison indexes during the last 3 years. See page 7. |
• | Your Fund’s total return was + 11.55% in 2005, + 16.83% in 2004, + 35.73% in 2003, -10.75% in 2002, + 3.13% in 2001, + 1.56% in 2000, and + 26.99% in 1999. |
• | During the deep 3-year bear market (2000 through 2002), Pearl Total Return Fund had 2 up years and only 1 down year. For that entire 3-year period, Pearl Total Return Fund was down only (6.52%) (not annualized). |
Expenses. Pearl Total Return Fund’s total net expenses, after reimbursement by the Manager (see page 14), were 0.98% of the Fund’s average net assets during the 12 months ended 6-30-06. We believe this Fund’s 0.98% expense ratio is one of the lowest for all funds of its type (actively-managed independent fund of funds) in the U.S.
Net Asset Value and Net Assets of Pearl Total Return Fund at June 30, 2006:
NAV (net asset value) per share: $ 15.30 — up from $14.13 (after dividends) at 12-31-05
Net assets: $ 96,327,808 — up from $88,158,906 at 12-31-05
Did you know?
Pearl Management Company, the Funds’ Manager, and all of its Officers
do not receive any compensation or fee from any mutual fund held by either Pearl Fund,
or from any manager of any such fund.
Pearl Management Company and all of its Officers do not own shares of any company
which manages any mutual fund held by either Pearl Fund.
8
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund’s Performance Record for the 5 years since its inception is summarized in this graph:
COMPARISONOFCHANGEINVALUEOF $10,000INVESTMENTIN
PEARL AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUNDANDITSCOMPARISONINDEXES *
(as of 6-30 each year, from 7-2-01 inception – with dividends reinvested)
* | The total returns in this report, including the graph and tables, do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund dividends or on redemption of fund shares. Likewise, the total returns on indexes do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor in stocks would pay on dividends or on sale of stocks. |
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund has come through a very volatile first 5 years of existence with a solid 84.45% gain (not annualized) — and outperformed all 3 comparison indexes during the last 1, 3, and 5 years.
Performance of Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund and Comparison Indexes through 6-30-06:
Average Annual Total Returns for periods ended 6-30-06 with dividends reinvested: | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years (since inception) | ||||||
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund | + 21.64 | % | + 22.73 | % | + 13.03 | % | |||
Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) | + 10.03 | % | + 13.06 | % | + 4.06 | % | |||
MSCI World Index | + 16.93 | % | + 16.86 | % | + 5.73 | % | |||
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index | + 8.63 | % | + 11.22 | % | + 2.49 | % |
See page 15 for a description of each index.
Did you know?
Current performance, daily prices (net asset value), and month-end portfolio holdings
of both Pearl Funds are available at www.pearlfunds.com.
9
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund
Risk-Adjusted Total Return. Even though Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund is not as focused as Pearl Total Return Fund on risk-adjusted total return, it is useful to measure Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund’s total return in relation to the risk (volatility) it incurred. Then we compare the risk-adjusted total returns of the Fund and the 3 benchmark indexes.
Standard deviation is the conventional statistical measure used to determine the volatility (variability) — and therefore the risk — of a mutual fund or an index. The higher the standard deviation, the greater the volatility risk. To minimize risk, a low standard deviation is desirable. However, an aggressive growth fund by its nature will be more risky than a more conservative fund.
Standard Deviations of Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund and Comparison Indexes through 6-30-06:
Annualized Standard Deviations: | 3 Years | ||
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund | 13.62 | % | |
Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) | 8.45 | % | |
MSCI World Index | 8.56 | % | |
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index | 7.74 | % |
See page 15 for a description of each index.
The Sharpe ratio is a conventional measure that combines total return and standard deviation to produce a risk-adjusted performance figure. It is a ratio of reward (total return in excess of the 90-day Treasury bill return) to the volatility risk (standard deviation). The higher the number, the better the risk-adjusted return. A high Sharpe ratio is desirable.
Sharpe Ratios of Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund and Comparison Indexes through 6-30-06:
Sharpe Ratios: | 3 Years | |
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund | + 1.39 | |
Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap) | + 1.19 | |
MSCI World Index | + 1.57 | |
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index | + 1.08 |
See page 15 for a description of each index.
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund’s risk-adjusted performance was better than 2 of its 3 comparison indexes during the past 3 years through June 30, 2006.
Did you know?
We avoid transaction costs. Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund has never paid — and Pearl Total
Return Fund has not paid since 1998 — any sales charge, commission, or redemption fee.
10
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund
Performance Summary. Past performance does not predict future performance.
• | Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund had a + 4.15% total return for the six months ended June 30, 2006. |
• | Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund’s + 4.15% total return outperformed 2 of its 3 comparison indexes for the six months ended June 30, 2006. |
• | Your Fund outperformed all 3 comparison indexes during the last 1, 3, and 5 years through June 30, 2006. See page 9. |
• | During its first 5 years though June 30, 2006, Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund was up 84.45% while all 3 benchmark indexes were up 22.70% on average (not annualized). See page 1. |
• | Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund also outperformed 2 of the 3 comparison indexes on a risk-adjusted total return basis for the 3 years ended June 30, 2006. |
Expenses. Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund’s total net expenses, after reimbursement by the Manager (see page 14), were 0.98% of the Fund’s average net assets during the 12 months ended June 30, 2006. We believe this Fund’s 0.98% expense ratio is one of the lowest for all funds of its type (actively-managed independent fund of funds) in the U.S.
Net Asset Value and Net Assets of Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund at June 30, 2006:
NAV (net asset value) per share: $ 14.06 — up from $13.50 (after dividends) at 12-31-05
Net assets: $ 40,394,056 — up from $34,369,568 at 12-31-05
Did you know?
Both Pearl Funds are no-load — no sales charge or commission.
To help protect long-term shareholders and discourage frequent trading of Fund shares,
a 2% redemption fee is charged if a shareholder sells shares owned for 30 days or less.
11
Pearl Total Return Fund and Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund, June 30, 2006
As a mutual fund shareholder, you may incur two types of costs. There may be transaction costs, which generally include sales charges (loads) on purchases and may include redemption or exchange fees. Both Pearl Funds have no load, sales charge, exchange fee, or redemption fee – except that to help protect long-term shareholders and discourage frequent trading of Fund shares, a 2% redemption fee is charged if a shareholder sells shares owned for 30 days or less. There are also continuing costs, which generally include investment advisory fees and other fund expenses, and may include Rule 12b-1 distribution fees. Both Pearl Funds do not impose any 12b-1 fee. Some of the mutual funds in which Pearl Funds invest may impose 12b-1 fees. The information on this page is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs of investing in Pearl Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
Analyzing your Fund’s expenses. To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided an example and calculated the expenses paid by investors in each Pearl Fund during the reporting period. The information in the table below is based on an initial investment of $1,000, which is invested at the beginning of the 6-months reporting period and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways; each method provides you with different information. The amount in the “actual” column is calculated using each Pearl Fund’s actual operating expenses and total return. The amount in the “hypothetical” column assumes that the return each year is 5% before expenses, and uses the Fund’s actual expense ratio. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during the period. See “Compare with other funds” for details on using the hypothetical data.
Estimating your actual expenses. To estimate the expenses that you paid over the 6-months period, first you will need your account balance at the end of the period. Check your Shareholder Account Statement for this information.
1. Divide your ending account balance by $1,000. For example, if an account balance was $8,600 at the end of the period, the result would be 8.6.
2. | In the “Expenses paid during the period” section of the table, locate the amount for your Fund. You will find this number in the column labeled “Actual.” Multiply this number by the result from step 1. Your answer is an estimate of the expenses you paid on your account during the period. |
December 31, 2005 through June 30, 2006 (6 months):
Account value at the beginning of the period ($) | Account value at the end of the period ($) | Expenses paid during the period ($) | Fund’s annualized expense ratio (%) | ||||||||||||
Actual | Hypothetical | Actual | Hypothetical | Actual | Hypothetical | Actual | |||||||||
Pearl Total Return Fund | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 1082.80 | 1,025.00 | 5.06 | 4.92 | 0.98 | % | |||||||
Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 1041.48 | 1,025.00 | 4.96 | 4.92 | 0.98 | % |
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Expenses paid during the period are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, then multiplied by the number of days in the Fund’s most recent fiscal half-year and divided by 365.
Limit on Expenses of Pearl Funds. Pearl Management Company, the Funds’ Manager, has contractually agreed to reimburse each Pearl Fund for all ordinary operating expenses (including management and administrative fees) exceeding these expense ratios: 0.98% of a Fund’s average net assets up to $100 million and 0.78% in excess of $100 million. This expense limit, and the Manager’s reimbursement of expenses that exceed the expense limit, lower the expense ratio and increase each Fund’s total return. See page 14 for more information.
Compare with other funds. Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations of expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in each Pearl Fund with other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight only the continuing costs of investing in a fund and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges or redemption or exchange fees, which may be incurred by shareholders of other funds.
Pearl Funds are no-load. It is important to note that the expense amounts shown in the table are meant to highlight only ongoing costs of investing in your Fund. As a Pearl Funds shareholder, you do not incur any transaction costs, such as sales charges, exchange fees, or redemption fees (except a 2% redemption fee if you sell shares owned for 30 days or less). The hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning other mutual funds whose shareholders may incur transaction costs.
Each Pearl Fund is a fund of funds. This should be kept in mind when comparing with other funds. Both Pearl Funds invested substantially all of their assets in other mutual funds throughout the reporting period. Thus, in addition to the Pearl Funds’ expenses shown in the table above, Pearl Funds shareholders also indirectly paid a proportional share of the expenses of the portfolio mutual funds in which the Pearl Funds were invested. However, there were no transaction costs for Pearl Funds’ investments in other mutual funds. Each Pearl Fund did not pay any transaction cost, such as sales charges or redemption or exchange fees, during the reporting period. Also, all Pearl Funds total return figures are net – after deduction of all expenses of each Pearl Fund and all expenses of all mutual funds in its portfolio.
This report is provided for the shareholders of Pearl Mutual Funds. This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current Prospectus. Before investing, an investor should read the Prospectus and carefully consider a Fund’s objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. To obtain a Prospectus containing this and other information, please visit our Website at www.pearlfunds.com or call toll-free 866-747-9030.
Pearl Funds shares are available to residents of certain states. Please go to www.pearlfunds.com or call toll-free 866-747-9030 to determine whether Fund shares are available in your state. This report is not an offer of or a solicitation of an offer to buy either Fund, nor shall either Fund be offered or sold to any person, in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under its securities law. The Funds are offered only to residents of the United States.
13
We Invite and Welcome Your Calls. A real, live person will talk with you — promptly. You will know the full name of the person you talk with. He or she will be one of our Officers or key Staff persons. You will get a straight answer. If we don’t know the answer, we will find it and get back to you quickly.
If we break this promise, tell us and you will receive our personal apology. 866-747-9030 (toll-free).
We Also Invite You to E-mail, Fax, or Write to Us:
E-mail to info@pearlfunds.com
Fax to 563-288-4101
Write to Pearl Mutual Funds, 2610 Park Avenue, PO Box 209, Muscatine, IA 52761
You May Send a Message to the Funds’ Board of Trustees on any subject. Send your message to the Pearl office, addressed to the Board of Trustees. We will promptly send it to all of the Trustees.
Communications Invited on Accounting and Auditing. Any person may communicate, confidentially and anonymously, any concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters to David L. Evans, Chairman of the Audit Committee of Pearl Mutual Funds, by either of these two means:
1. | Mail to 32500 EI Diente Court, Evergreen, CO 80439 (preferred method) |
2. | Telephone to 303-679-9689 |
Limit on Expenses. Pearl Management Company, the Funds’ Manager, has contractually agreed to reimburse each Pearl Fund for all ordinary operating expenses (including management and administrative fees) exceeding these expense ratios: 0.98% of a Fund’s average net assets up to $100 million and 0.78% in excess of $100 million. When the Manager has reimbursed a Fund for expenses in excess of this limit, the Manager may recover the reimbursed amounts, for a period that does not exceed five years, to the extent this can be done without exceeding the expense limit. This expense limit does not have an expiration date, and will continue unless a change is approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees.
The Manager’s reimbursement of expenses that exceed the expense limit lowers the expense ratio and increases the overall return to investors.
Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment in each Pearl Fund will fluctuate, so that an investor’s shares in the Fund, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance changes over time and may be materially different by the time you read this report. For recent information on performance, prices, and portfolio holdings, go to www.pearlfunds.com or call toll-free 866-747-9030.
All investments involve risk. Even though Pearl Total Return Fund and Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund each invest in many mutual funds, that investment strategy cannot eliminate risk.
Many factors affect risks of mutual funds that invest in various kinds of stocks. For example:
Stocks of small and mid-sized companies may be more volatile or less liquid than stocks of larger companies. Smaller companies may have a shorter history of operations, may not have the ability to raise capital as easily as large companies, and may have a less diversified product line, making them more susceptible to market pressure.
Value stocks include stocks of companies that may have experienced adverse business or industry developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused the stocks to be out of favor and undervalued. Growth stocks are stocks of companies believed to have above-average
14
potential for growth of revenue and earnings. Prices of growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than prices of other stocks. Growth stocks may not perform as well as value stocks or the stock market in general.
Investments in foreign securities involve risks, including currency fluctuation, different regulation, accounting standards, trading practices, levels of available information, generally higher transaction costs, and political risks. The risks of foreign investments are typically increased in less developed countries, which are sometimes referred to as emerging markets. For example, political and economic structures in these countries may be new and developing rapidly, which may cause instability. These countries are also more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation, or currency devaluations, which could hurt their economies and securities markets.
Total return means total growth of the investment, with all dividends and distributions (including capital gains) reinvested.
Privacy Policy. Because we consider the preservation of your privacy a priority, Pearl Mutual Funds has adopted a privacy policy. You may view the privacy policy at www.pearlfunds.com (click the Privacy Policy page) or by calling toll-free 866-747-9030.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings. The Funds’ most recent month-end portfolio holdings are disclosed to the public on the Funds’ Website: www.pearlfunds.com. The Funds also file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each year on Form N-Q, and for the half-year and full year on Form N-CSR. The Funds’ Forms N-Q and N-CSR are available on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Proxy Votes by the Funds. A description of each Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures and a record of each Fund’s proxy votes for the most recent 12-months period ended June 30 are available without charge at www.pearlfunds.com or by calling toll-free 866-747-9030, and are also available on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov.
Comparison Indexes. The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Composite Index (Full Cap), commonly referred to as Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full Cap), is an unmanaged index that is market-capitalization weighted, includes all publicly-traded U.S. common stocks headquartered in the U.S. with readily available price data, and is generally representative of the performance of the average dollar invested in U.S. common stocks. The MSCI World Index is an unmanaged index that is market-capitalization weighted and is generally representative of the performance of the global (including U.S. and international) market for common stocks. The Standard & Poor’s (S & P) 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks that is market-capitalization weighted and is generally representative of the performance of larger companies in the U.S.
The Funds’ holdings are not identical to the indexes. Each Pearl Fund’s performance will not mirror the returns of any particular index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Trademarks and copyrights relating to the indexes are owned by: Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (Full cap): Dow Jones Indexes and Wilshire Associates, Inc; MSCI World Index: Morgan Stanley Capital International; Standard & Poor’s 500 Index: The McGraw Hill Companies.
Other Information. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of owning shares of the Funds in your particular circumstances.
From July 1, 1972 through July 1, 2001, Pearl Total Return Fund’s shares were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and only private sales were made. The Fund began offering its shares to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement on July 2, 2001.
15
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
June 30, 2006
Shares owned | % of net assets | Market value | |||||||
ASSETS: | |||||||||
INVESTMENTS in mutual funds, all common stocks of unaffiliated issuers: | |||||||||
Equity mutual funds: | |||||||||
Artisan Mid Cap Value Fund | 88,810 | 1.79 | % | $ | 1,715,814 | ||||
Bridgeway Small Cap Growth Fund | 77,226 | 1.19 | % | 1,139,078 | |||||
Dodge & Cox Balanced Fund | 72,364 | 6.28 | % | 6,047,424 | |||||
Dodge & Cox Stock Fund | 20,756 | 3.12 | % | 2,998,832 | |||||
First Eagle Overseas Fund, Class I | 754,532 | 20.31 | % | 19,565,013 | |||||
Keeley Small Cap Value Fund | 183,922 | 9.50 | % | 9,148,283 | |||||
Kinetics Paradigm Fund | 238,910 | 5.63 | % | 5,428,033 | |||||
LSV Value Equity Fund | 214,174 | 3.88 | % | 3,733,047 | |||||
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund | 401,368 | 7.55 | % | 7,276,808 | |||||
Oakmark International Small Cap Fund, Class I | 721,513 | 16.64 | % | 16,032,021 | |||||
Thornburg International Value Fund, Class I | 192,064 | 5.22 | % | 5,032,083 | |||||
William Blair International Growth Fund, Class I | 160,603 | 4.52 | % | 4,352,345 | |||||
TOTAL EQUITY MUTUAL FUNDS | 85.63 | % | 82,468,781 | ||||||
Income mutual funds: | |||||||||
PIMCO Total Return Fund, Institutional Class | 121,276 | 1.28 | % | 1,234,588 | |||||
TOTAL INCOME MUTUAL FUNDS | 1.28 | % | 1,234,588 | ||||||
Money market mutual funds: | |||||||||
Vanguard Money Market Prime Fund | 11,669 | 0.01 | % | 11,669 | |||||
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS | 0.01 | % | 11,669 | ||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $61,419,589, including reinvested dividends and distributions) | 86.92 | % | 83,715,038 | ||||||
Cash, including money market fund through custodian bank | 13.13 | % | 12,651,585 | ||||||
Accrued interest | 0.05 | % | 49,072 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | 100.10 | % | 96,415,695 | ||||||
LIABILITIES: | |||||||||
Distribution payable | 0.00 | % | — | ||||||
Investment manager’s fees payable (Note 5) | 0.07 | % | 63,999 | ||||||
Payable to manager for expenses of Fund (Note 5) | 0.02 | % | 14,590 | ||||||
Payable for shares redeemed | 0.01 | % | 8,235 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 0.00 | % | 1,063 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 0.10 | % | 87,887 | ||||||
NET ASSETS, applicable to 6,297,013 outstanding shares of beneficial interest (no par value); unlimited shares authorized | 100.00 | % | 96,327,808 | ||||||
NET ASSET VALUE — OFFERING AND REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE | $ | 15.30 | |||||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | |||||||||
Capital | 73,097,080 | ||||||||
Accumulated undistributed net investment loss | (16,047 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated net realized gains | 951,326 | ||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments | 22,295,449 | ||||||||
TOTAL NET ASSETS | 96,327,808 | ||||||||
See notes to financial statements.
16
PEARL TOTAL RETURN FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 | ||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||
Income: | ||||
Dividends | $ | 224,555 | ||
Interest on bank account | 223,351 | |||
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME | 447,906 | |||
Expenses, current year (Note 5): | ||||
Associations | 0 | |||
Auditors’ fees | 38,387 | |||
Chief Compliance Officer compensation | 6,334 | |||
Chief Compliance Officer expenses | 454 | |||
Continuing Education, Trustees | 0 | |||
Custodian fees | 3,945 | |||
Data processing | 2,470 | |||
Trustees’ fees (Note 6) | 37,917 | |||
Registration fees | 18,000 | |||
Insurance | 22,370 | |||
Investment management and administrative services fees (Note 5) | 378,420 | |||
Legal fees | 30,162 | |||
Meetings | 1,731 | |||
Other | 0 | |||
TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE REIMBURSEMENT | 540,190 | |||
Expenses reimbursed by investment manager (Note 5) | (75,747 | ) | ||
TOTAL EXPENSES | 464,443 | |||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) | (16,537 | ) | ||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS: | ||||
Net realized gains on investments (securities of unaffiliated issuers) | 951,313 | |||
Change in net unrealized appreciation of investments | 6,420,133 | |||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS | 7,371,446 | |||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 7,354,909 | ||
See notes to financial statements.
17
PEARL TOTAL RETURN FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 | Year Ended December 31, 2005 | |||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income (loss) | ($16,537 | ) | $ | 1,320,176 | ||||
Net realized gains on investments | 951,313 | 7,214,770 | ||||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation of investments | 6,420,133 | 618,502 | ||||||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | 7,354,909 | 9,153,448 | ||||||
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS (Note 7): | ||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | 0 | (1,320,117 | ) | |||||
Distributions from net realized gains | 0 | (7,214,831 | ) | |||||
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS | 0 | (8,534,948 | ) | |||||
FROM CAPITAL SHARES TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Proceeds received for shares sold (274,624 and 568,650 shares) | 4,131,834 | 8,120,998 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares (0 and 582,706 shares) issued in reinvestment of distributions | 0 | 8,233,629 | ||||||
Paid on redemption of shares (216,347 and 196,679 shares), including exchanges into Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund | (3,317,841 | ) | (2,872,186 | ) | ||||
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARES TRANSACTIONS: | 813,993 | 13,482,441 | ||||||
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | 8,168,902 | 14,100,941 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 88,158,906 | 74,057,965 | ||||||
End of period (including accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss), ($16,047) and $490, respectively) | $ | 96,327,808 | $ | 88,158,906 | ||||
See notes to financial statements.
18
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
June 30, 2006
Shares owned | % of net assets | Market value | |||||||
ASSETS: | |||||||||
INVESTMENTS in mutual funds, all common stocks of unaffiliated issuers: | |||||||||
Equity mutual funds: | |||||||||
American Century International Opportunities Fund, Investor Class | 388,418 | 10.35 | % | $ | 4,183,261 | ||||
Artisan International Small Cap Fund, Investor Class | 268,841 | 14.52 | % | 5,868,791 | |||||
Brandywine Blue Fund | 73,004 | 5.50 | % | 2,222,960 | |||||
Diamond Hill Large Cap Fund, Class I | 180,683 | 6.81 | % | 2,749,997 | |||||
Fidelity Leveraged Company Stock Fund | 102,337 | 7.21 | % | 2,910,462 | |||||
Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund, Class Y | 99,467 | 9.66 | % | 3,904,076 | |||||
Lazard Emerging Markets Fund | 195,540 | 9.01 | % | 3,639,005 | |||||
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund | 212,339 | 10.54 | % | 4,257,390 | |||||
T. Rowe Price Emerging European Mediterranean Fund | 126,851 | 8.03 | % | 3,244,841 | |||||
Thornburg Core Growth Fund I | 148,069 | 5.83 | % | 2,354,295 | |||||
US Global Investors Eastern European Fund | 85,418 | 8.71 | % | 3,516,678 | |||||
Wasatch Micro Cap Fund | 144,189 | 2.42 | % | 976,161 | |||||
TOTAL EQUITY MUTUAL FUNDS | 98.59 | % | 39,827,917 | ||||||
Money market mutual fund: | |||||||||
Vanguard Money Market Prime Fund | 6,802 | 0.02 | % | 6,802 | |||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $33,508,748, including reinvested dividends and distributions) | 98.61 | % | 39,834,719 | ||||||
Cash, including money market fund through custodian bank | 1.46 | % | 590,600 | ||||||
Accrued interest | 0.01 | % | 2,303 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | 100.08 | % | 40,427,622 | ||||||
LIABILITIES: | |||||||||
Payable for Shares Redeemed | 0.00 | % | 0 | ||||||
Investment manager’s fees payable (Note 5) | 0.07 | % | 28,559 | ||||||
Payable to manager for expenses of Fund (Note 5) | 0.01 | % | 4,925 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 0.00 | % | 82 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 0.08 | % | 33,566 | ||||||
NET ASSETS, applicable to 2,873,700 outstanding shares of beneficial interest (no par value); unlimited shares authorized | 100.00 | % | $ | 40,394,056 | |||||
NET ASSET VALUE — OFFERING AND REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE | $ | 14.06 | |||||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | |||||||||
Capital | $ | 33,134,057 | |||||||
Accumulated undistributed net investment loss | (170,916 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated net realized gains | 1,104,944 | ||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments | 6,325,971 | ||||||||
TOTAL NET ASSETS | $ | 40,394,056 | |||||||
See notes to financial statements.
19
PEARL AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 | ||||
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS): | ||||
Income: | ||||
Dividends | $ | 7,930 | ||
Interest on bank account | 16,999 | |||
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME | 24,929 | |||
Expenses, current year (Note 5): | ||||
Associations | 0 | |||
Auditors’ fees | 16,313 | |||
Chief Compliance Officer compensation | 2,666 | |||
Chief Compliance Officer expenses | 194 | |||
Continuing Education, Trustees | 0 | |||
Custodian fees | 1,790 | |||
Data processing | 1,052 | |||
Trustees’ fees (Note 6) | 16,083 | |||
Registration fees | 12,809 | |||
Insurance | 8,721 | |||
Investment management and administrative services fees (Note 5) | 167,409 | |||
Legal fees | 12,821 | |||
Meetings | 736 | |||
Other | 0 | |||
TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE REIMBURSEMENT | 240,594 | |||
Expenses reimbursed by investment manager (Note 5) | (44,710 | ) | ||
TOTAL EXPENSES | 195,884 | |||
NET INVESTMENT LOSS | (170,955 | ) | ||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS: | ||||
Net realized gains on investments (securities of unaffiliated issuers) | 1,104,901 | |||
Change in net unrealized appreciation of investments | 313,685 | |||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS | 1,418,586 | |||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 1,247,631 | ||
See notes to financial statements.
20
PEARL AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 | Year Ended December 31, 2005 | |||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income (loss) | ($170,955 | ) | $ | 658,656 | ||||
Net realized gains on investments | 1,104,901 | 4,650,213 | ||||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | 313,685 | (91,647 | ) | |||||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | 1,247,631 | 5,217,222 | ||||||
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS (Note 7): | ||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | 0 | (658,655 | ) | |||||
Distributions from net realized gains | 0 | (4,650,213 | ) | |||||
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS | 0 | (5,308,868 | ) | |||||
FROM CAPITAL SHARES TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Proceeds received for shares sold (457,764 and 294,158 shares) | 6,594,879 | 4,113,767 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares (0 and 372,756 shares) issued in reinvestment of distributions | 0 | 5,032,211 | ||||||
Paid on redemption of shares (123,207 and 73,308 shares), including exchanges into Pearl Total Return Fund | (1,818,022 | ) | (1,066,580 | ) | ||||
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARES TRANSACTIONS: | 4,776,857 | 8,079,398 | ||||||
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | 6,024,488 | 7,987,752 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 34,369,568 | 26,381,816 | ||||||
End of period (including accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss), $(170,926) and $39, respectively) | $ | 40,394,056 | $ | 34,369,568 | ||||
See notes to financial statements.
21
PEARL AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
1. | ORGANIZATION. Pearl Total Return Fund (PTRF) and Pearl Aggressive Growth Fund (PAGF) (the “Funds”) are each a series of Pearl Mutual Funds, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”) registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and are diversified, no-load, open-end management investment companies (mutual funds). |
The Funds’ investments are limited to: (1) shares of mutual funds (open-end funds) that the Funds can buy no-load (with no applicable sales load or redemption fee); (2) shares of “low-load” mutual funds (open-end funds) that the Funds can buy with a sales load or redemption fee that together do not exceed 2% of the purchase price (however, the Funds expect that substantially all of their investments in mutual funds will be on a no-load basis); (3) closed-end fund shares with a sales commission or sales load that does not exceed 2% of the purchase price (although the Funds have never invested in closed-end funds); and (4) cash and cash equivalents.
2. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (a) Investments in shares of other mutual funds are valued at the net asset value as reported by each mutual fund. (b) Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. (c) Dividend income and the Funds’ distributions to their shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. (d) Gains or losses on sales of investments and unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments are determined on the basis of average cost. |
3. | INCOME TAXES. It is the Funds’ policy to comply with the special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to make all necessary distributions of net investment income and realized gains so that the Funds will not be required to pay any federal or state income taxes. Therefore, the Funds make no provision for income taxes. |
As of June 30, 2006, PTRF had no capital loss carry-forward.
PTRF’s cost for federal income tax purposes was $61,419,589, including the amounts of all reinvested dividends and distributions, as of June 30, 2006; the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation was $22,384,072; and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation was ($88,623); resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $22,295,449.
As of June 30, 2006, PAGF had no capital loss carry-forward.
PAGF’s cost for federal income tax purposes was $33,508,748, including the amounts of all reinvested dividends and distributions, as of June 30, 2006; the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation was $6,404,408; and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation was ($78,437); resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $6,325,971.
4. | INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS. PTRF’s costs of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities (excluding money market mutual funds) were $235,398 and $5,418,267, respectively, for the first half of 2006. Purchases include reinvestments of dividends and distributions. |
PAGF’s costs of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities (excluding money market mutual funds) were $9,833,145 and $4,708,324, respectively, for the first half of 2006. Purchases include reinvestments of dividends and distributions.
5. | INVESTMENT MANAGER; EXPENSES. Pearl Management Company (the “Manager”) has supervisory responsibility for the general management and investment of the Funds’ assets, including the decisions to |
22
buy and sell securities. The Manager provides personnel and office space for the Funds and pays all expenses of marketing the Funds’ shares. The Manager’s combined fees are at the annual rate of 0.86% of each Fund’s average net assets up to $30,000,000 (computed at the beginning of each month); 0.77% of each Fund’s net assets in excess of $30,000,000 and not exceeding $100,000,000; and 0.53% of each Fund’s net assets in excess of $100,000,000. |
The Funds’ expenses are limited by contract with the Manager. Each Fund’s total operating expenses in any year (including the Manager’s fees but excluding interest, taxes, expenses for purchase or sale of investments, and extraordinary expenses) cannot exceed 0.98% of the Fund’s average net assets up to $100,000,000 (computed at the beginning of each month) and 0.78% of the Fund’s average net assets in excess of $100,000,000. The Manager pays or reimburses all the Funds’ operating expenses beyond this limit.
For the first half of 2006 expenses totaling $75,747 were reimbursed by the Manager beyond the expense limit for PTRF. PTRF remains liable to the Manager for a cumulative net total of $748,119 reimbursed expenses which are to be repaid by PTRF in the future, subject to the annual expense limit and a five year period in which the Manager has the right to recover such reimbursed expenses. The net total expenses reimbursable to the Manager for the past five years are: $188,077 for 2001, $125,738 for 2002, $96,067 for 2003, $108,771 for 2004, and $153,719 for 2005.
For the first half of 2006 expenses totaling $44,710 were reimbursed by the Manager beyond the expense limit for PAGF. PAGF remains liable to the Manager for a cumulative net total of $335,877 reimbursed expenses which are to be repaid by PAGF in the future, subject to the annual expense limit and a five year period in which the Manager has the right to recover such reimbursed expenses. The net total expenses reimbursable to the Manager for the five years since inception are: $58,812 for the last six months of 2001, $52,276 for 2002, $44,409 for 2003, $53,802 for 2004, and $81,868 for 2005.
The Manager and its Officers, Directors, and shareholders, as a group, owned 6.28% of PTRF’s outstanding shares as of June 30, 2006. Entities affiliated with one or more Officers and Directors of the Manager owned 71.94% of PTRF’s outstanding shares as of June 30, 2006.
The Manager and its Officers, Directors, and shareholders, as a group, owned 8.08% of PAGF’s outstanding shares as of June 30, 2006. Entities affiliated with one or more Officers and Directors of the Manager owned 60.92% of PAGF’s outstanding shares as of June 30, 2006.
6. | COMPENSATION. The Officers and two Trustees (Robert H. Solt and David M. Stanley) of the Funds are also Officers of the Manager; they are paid by the Manager and receive no compensation from the Funds. The Funds’ six Trustees who are not affiliated with the Manager are John W. Axel, Jeffrey R. Boeyink, Douglas B. Coder, Dr. David N. DeJong, David L. Evans, and Dr. James P. Stein. The Trustees received fees from the Funds of $54,000 for the first half of 2006 and $89,500 for 2005. |
7. | DISTRIBUTIONS. On January 31, 2006, PTRF paid an income dividend of $.2334 per share from 2005 net investment income; a short-term capital gain of $.0273 per share; and a long-term capital gain of $1.2483 per share to shareholders of record on December 31, 2005. On January 31, 2005, PTRF paid an income dividend of $.2841 per share from 2004 net investment income, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2004. For shareholders reinvesting dividends, each reinvestment date was the same as the record date. |
On January 31, 2006, PAGF paid an income dividend of $.3031 per share from 2005 net investment income; a short-term capital gain of $.1934 per share; and a long-term capital gain of $1.9465 per share to shareholders of record on December 31, 2005. On January 31, 2005, PAGF paid an income dividend of $.1490 per share from 2004 net investment income; a short-term capital gain of $.0171 per share; and a long-term capital gain of $1.0948 per share to shareholders of record on December 31, 2004. For shareholders reinvesting dividends, each reinvestment date was the same as the record date.
23
PEARL TOTAL RETURN FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Six Months Ended June 30, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SELECTED PER-SHARE DATA derived from the financial statements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 14.13 | 14.02 | $ | 12.69 | $ | 9.50 | $ | 10.75 | $ | 10.54 | $ | 12.16 | $ | 10.45 | $ | 11.23 | $ | 10.94 | $ | 10.15 | $ | 9.13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from Investment Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.00 | 0.23 | 0.28 | 0.20 | 0.09 | 0.12 | 0.69 | 0.45 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 0.20 | 0.26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | 1.17 | 1.39 | 1.85 | 3.19 | (1.25 | ) | 0.21 | (0.50 | ) | 2.37 | 0.29 | 1.19 | 1.24 | 1.67 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment operations | 1.17 | 1.62 | 2.13 | 3.39 | (1.16 | ) | 0.33 | 0.19 | 2.82 | 0.52 | 1.61 | 1.44 | 1.93 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions (Note 7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | None | (0.23 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (0.45 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.42 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.26 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from net realized capital gains on investments | None | (1.28 | ) | (0.52 | ) | None | None | None | (1.12 | ) | (0.66 | ) | (1.07 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.45 | ) | (0.65 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | None | (1.51 | ) | (0.80 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (1.81 | ) | (1.11 | ) | (1.30 | ) | (1.32 | ) | (0.65 | ) | (0.91 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | 15.30 | $ | 14.13 | $ | 14.02 | $ | 12.69 | $ | 9.50 | $ | 10.75 | $ | 10.54 | $ | 12.16 | $ | 10.45 | $ | 11.23 | $ | 10.94 | $ | 10.15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Return | 8.28 | % | 11.55 | % | 16.83 | % | 35.73 | % | (10.75 | %) | 3.13 | % | 1.56 | % | 26.99 | % | 4.60 | % | 14.75 | % | 14.19 | % | 21.13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (thousands of dollars) . | 96,328 | 88,159 | 74,058 | 56,352 | 39,928 | 46,807 | 58,875 | 59,603 | 48,752 | 46,662 | 32,910 | 25,623 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.98 | %* | 0.98 | % | 0.98 | % | 0.98 | % | 0.97 | % | 0.94 | % | 0.93 | % | 0.92 | % | 0.94 | % | 0.93 | % | 0.95 | % | 1.06 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets | 1.14 | %* | 1.16 | % | 1.14 | % | 1.17 | % | 1.26 | % | 1.29 | % | 1.05 | % | 0.92 | % | 0.94 | % | 0.93 | % | 0.95 | % | 1.06 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | -0.04 | %* | 1.64 | % | 2.25 | % | 1.97 | % | 0.90 | % | 0.95 | % | 5.62 | % | 3.85 | % | 1.94 | % | 3.82 | % | 1.87 | % | 4.52 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of total investment income less gross expenses to average net assets | -0.20 | %* | 1.45 | % | 2.08 | % | 1.75 | % | 0.61 | % | 0.61 | % | 5.50 | % | 3.91 | % | 2.00 | % | 3.86 | % | 1.91 | % | 4.59 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover (excluding money market mutual funds) | 1 | %* | 24 | % | 34 | % | 34 | % | 55 | % | 50 | % | 78 | % | 85 | % | 79 | % | 55 | % | 78 | % | 102 | % |
See notes to financial statements.
* | Annualized |
24
PEARL AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | Period July 2, 2001 (inception) through December 31, 2001 | |||||||||||||||||||
SELECTED PER-SHARE DATA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 13.50 | $ | 13.51 | $ | 12.56 | $ | 8.19 | $ | 9.90 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||||
Income from Investment Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) | (0.06 | ) | 0.30 | 0.15 | (0.03 | ) | (0.07 | ) | 0.06 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | 0.62 | 2.13 | 2.06 | 4.40 | (1.64 | ) | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||||
Total investment operations | 0.56 | 2.43 | 2.21 | 4.37 | (1.71 | ) | 0.06 | |||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions (Note 7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | None | (0.30 | ) | (0.15 | ) | None | None | (0.06 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Distributions from net realized capital gains on investments | None | (2.14 | ) | (1.11 | ) | None | None | (0.10 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total distributions | None | (2.44 | ) | (1.26 | ) | None | None | (0.16 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 14.06 | $ | 13.50 | $ | 13.51 | $ | 12.56 | $ | 8.19 | $ | 9.90 | ||||||||||||
Total Return | 4.15 | % | 18.01 | % | 17.60 | % | 53.36 | % | (17.27 | %) | 0.60 | % | ||||||||||||
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(thousands of dollars) | 40,394 | 34,370 | 26,382 | 21,056 | 14,605 | 15,846 | ||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.98 | %* | 0.98 | % | 0.98 | % | 0.98 | % | 0.98 | % | 0.96 | %* | ||||||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets | 1.20 | %* | 1.24 | % | 1.20 | % | 1.22 | % | 1.31 | % | 2.07 | %* | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | -0.86 | %* | 2.21 | % | 1.17 | % | (0.29 | %) | (0.82 | %) | 1.48 | %* | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total investment income (loss) less gross expenses to average net assets | -1.08 | %* | 1.94 | % | 0.93 | % | (0.55 | %) | (1.15 | %) | 0.60 | %* | ||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover (excluding money market mutual funds) | 26 | %* | 44 | % | 29 | % | 47 | % | 56 | % | 13 | %* |
* | Annualized |
See notes to financial statements.
25
Item 2. | Code of Ethics. |
Not applicable to this filing on Form N-CSR of a semi-annual report.
Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
Not applicable to this filing on Form N-CSR of a semi-annual report.
Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
Not applicable to this filing on Form N-CSR of a semi-annual report.
Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. |
Not applicable.
Item 6. | Schedule of Investments. |
The Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included as part of the semi-annual report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
Item 7. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
Item 8. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
Item 9. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
Not applicable.
Item 10. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
None.
Item11. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) Based on an evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Disclosure Controls”) as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date (the “Filing Date”) of this Form N-CSR (the “Report”), the Disclosure Controls are effectively designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the Report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported by the Filing Date, including ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the Report is accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s management, including the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. | Exhibits. |
(a) | (1 | ) | Not applicable to this filing on Form N-CSR of a semi-annual report. | ||
(2 | ) | Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2), attached hereto as Exhibits (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii). | |||
(b) | Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, attached hereto as Exhibit (b). |
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.
Pearl Mutual Funds
By: | /s/ Robert H. Solt | |
Robert H. Solt | ||
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer |
Date: August 31, 2006
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/ Robert H. Solt | |
Robert H. Solt | ||
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer |