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: 811-21532
Frank Funds
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
6 Stacy Court, Parsippany, NJ 07054
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Alfred C. Frank, Frank Capital Partners LLC
6 Stacy Court, Parsippany, NJ 07054
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
With copy to:
JoAnn M. Strasser, Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 14th Floor, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: 973-887-7698
Date of fiscal year end: June 30
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2008
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.
FRANK FUNDS
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
FRANK VALUE FUND
LEIGH BALDWIN TOTAL RETURN FUND
December 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
FRANK VALUE FUND
PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
DECEMBER 31, 2008 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Frank Value Fund (the “Value Fund”) by the industry sectors the underlying securities represent as a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
![[frankncsrs002.jpg]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-09-000132/frankncsrs002.jpg)
LEIGH BALDWIN TOTAL RETURN FUND
PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
DECEMBER 31, 2008 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Leigh Baldwin Total Return Fund (the “Baldwin Fund”) by the industry sectors the underlying securities represent as a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
![[frankncsrs004.jpg]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-09-000132/frankncsrs004.jpg)
| | | |
| | Value Fund | |
| | Schedule of Investments | |
| | December 31, 2008 (Unaudited) | |
| | | |
Shares | | | Value |
| | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 94.10% | |
| | | |
Cable & Other Pay Television Services - 2.72% | |
1,185 | | Liberty Global, Inc. - Class A * | $ 18,865 |
168 | | Liberty Global, Inc. - Series C * | 2,550 |
| | | 21,415 |
Commercial Banks, NEC - 0.48% | |
567 | | Citigroup, Inc. | 3,805 |
| | | |
Communications Equipment, NEC - 1.30% | |
2,493 | | Lojack Corp. * | 10,271 |
| | | |
Computer Communications Equipment - 4.64% | |
2,243 | | Cisco Systems, Inc. * | 36,561 |
| | | |
Concrete, Gypsum & Plaster Products - 1.07% | |
1,045 | | Usg Corp. * | 8,402 |
| | | |
Electric Services - 2.90% | |
1,211 | | Mirant Corp. * | 22,851 |
| | | |
Electronic Computers - 2.66% | |
2,044 | | Dell, Inc. * | 20,931 |
| | | |
Finance Services - 7.75% | |
1,371 | | American Express Company | 25,432 |
1,143 | | Americredit Corp. * | 8,733 |
2,149 | | Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | 26,948 |
| | | 61,113 |
Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 2.04% | |
5 | | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class B * | 16,070 |
| | | |
Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 3.91% | |
2,396 | | Wellcare Health Plans, Inc. * | 30,812 |
| | | |
Household Furniture - 1.40% | |
1,551 | | Tempur-Pedic International, Inc. | 10,997 |
| | | |
Mens' & Boys' Furnishings, Work Clothing, and Allied Garments - 2.44% | |
829 | | Cintas Corp. | 19,258 |
| | | |
Miscellaneous Furniture & Fixtures - 1.94% | |
1,694 | | Knoll, Inc. | 15,280 |
| | | |
Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts - 1.43% | |
664 | | Harley Davidson, Inc. | 11,268 |
| | | |
Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations - 2.41% | |
3,627 | | Bare Escentuals, Inc. * | 18,969 |
| | | |
Pharmaceutical Preparations - 9.29% | |
1,057 | | NBTY, Inc. * | 16,542 |
1,199 | | Pfizer, Inc. | 21,234 |
3,360 | | Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. * | 35,448 |
| | | 73,224 |
Retail-Drug Stores And Proprietary Stores - 6.28% | |
2,807 | | Petmed Express, Inc. * | 49,487 |
| | | |
Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores - 3.43% | |
1,065 | | Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. * | 27,072 |
| | | |
Retail-Miscellaneous Shopping Goods Stores - 2.87% | |
1,263 | | Staples, Inc. | 22,633 |
| | | |
Retail-Radio, TV & Consumer Electronics Stores - 2.85% | |
799 | | Best Buy Co., Inc. | 22,460 |
| | | |
Semiconductors & Related Devices - 2.42% | |
1,301 | | Intel Corp. | 19,073 |
| | | |
Services-Advertising Agencies - 2.60% | |
3,002 | | Valueclick, Inc. * | 20,534 |
| | | |
Services-Business Services, NEC - 6.84% | |
4,176 | | Bidz.com, Inc. * | 19,210 |
2,489 | | eBay, Inc. * | 34,746 |
| | | 53,956 |
Services-Computer Programming Services - 6.11% | |
763 | | Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. | 20,448 |
4,824 | | Pros Holdings, Inc. * | 27,738 |
| | | 48,186 |
| | | |
Services-Consumer Credit Reporting, Collection Agencies - 1.86% | |
728 | | Moody's Corp. | 14,625 |
| | | |
Services-Help Supply Services - 2.73% | |
2,247 | | TrueBlue, Inc. * | 21,504 |
| | | |
Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography - 1.67% | |
1,914 | | American Reprographics Co. * | 13,207 |
| | | |
Services-Management Consulting - 2.50% | |
892 | | Corporate Executive Board Co. | 19,678 |
| | | |
Telegraph & Other Message Communications - 3.56% | |
1,402 | | J2 Global Communications, Inc. * | 28,096 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCKS (Cost $1,105,615) - 94.10% | 741,738 |
| | | |
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 6.41% | |
50,542 | | First American Treasury Obligations Fund Class A 0.18% ** (Cost $50,542) | 50,542 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $50,542) - 6.41% | 50,542 |
| | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,156,157) - 100.51% | 792,280 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES LESS OTHER ASSETS - (0.51)% | (4,020) |
| | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 788,260 |
| | | |
* Non-income producing securities during the period. | |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at December 31, 2008. | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Baldwin Fund | |
| | Schedule of Investments | |
| | December 31, 2008 (Unaudited) | |
| | | |
Shares | | | Value |
| | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 69.20% | |
| | | |
Aircraft & Parts - 3.83% | |
2,200 | | Textron, Inc. | $ 30,514 |
| | | |
Cigarettes - 3.40% | |
1,800 | | Altria Group | 27,108 |
| | | |
Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equipment) - 3.05% | |
1,500 | | General Electric Co. | 24,300 |
| | | |
Farm Machinery & Equipment - 0.45% | |
1,000 | | Arts-Way Manufacturing Co. | 3,620 |
| | | |
Finance Services - 1.88% | |
2,000 | | Oneida Financial Corp. | 15,020 |
| | | |
Grain Mill Products - 3.85% | |
700 | | Kellogg Company | 30,695 |
| | | |
Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles - 5.27% | |
500 | | Lockheed Martin Corp. | 42,040 |
| | | |
Metal Mining - 4.31% | |
800 | | BHP Billiton Ltd. | 34,320 |
| | | |
Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels) - 0.62% | |
1,000 | | Teck Cominco Ltd. | 4,920 |
| | | |
Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts - 3.41% | |
1,600 | | Harley Davidson, Inc. | 27,152 |
| | | |
National Commercial Banks - 3.45% | |
1,100 | | US Bancorp | 27,511 |
| | | |
Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment - 2.34% | |
1,000 | | Oil States International, Inc. * | 18,690 |
| | | |
Petroleum Refining - 4.01% | |
400 | | Exxon Mobil Corp. | 31,932 |
| | | |
Pharmaceutical Preparations - 5.24% | |
1,300 | | Sanofi-Aventis | 41,808 |
| | | |
Plastic Material, Synth Resin/Rubber, Cellulos (No Glass) - 4.76% | |
1,500 | | Dupont E I De Nemours & Co. | 37,950 |
| | | |
Rubber & Plastics Footwear - 3.84% | |
600 | | Nike, Inc. | 30,600 |
| | | |
Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation - 3.70% | |
1,300 | | Walt Disney Co. | 29,497 |
| | | |
Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production - 3.17% | |
1,000 | | Dreamworks Animation SKG, Inc. * | 25,260 |
| | | |
Surgical & Medical Instruments - 4.33% | |
600 | | 3M Company | 34,524 |
| | | |
Telephone Communications (No Radio Telephone) - 4.29% | |
1,200 | | AT&T Corp. | 34,200 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCKS (Cost $603,798) - 69.20% | 551,661 |
| | | |
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - 10.92% | |
3,000 | | Aberdeen Asia Pacific Fund | 12,900 |
2,000 | | Calmos Convertible Opportunity & Income Fund | 16,580 |
1,000 | | Nuveen Ny Muni Value Fund | 8,610 |
1,000 | | Nuveen Select Tax Free Income Fund | 13,790 |
200 | | Proshares Ultra Short | 14,188 |
2,000 | | Western Asset Inflation Linked Fund | 20,980 |
TOTAL FOR EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost $94,365) - 10.92% | 87,048 |
| | | |
Underlying Security | |
Expiration Date/Exercise Price | |
| | | |
PUT OPTIONS - 8.08% | |
Shares Subject | |
to Put | | | |
| | Altria Group | |
400 | | January 2010 Put @ 12.50 | 612 |
1,400 | | January 2010 Put @ 15.00 | 3,808 |
| | | 4,420 |
| | | |
| | AT&T Corp. | |
1,200 | | January 2010 Put @ 22.50 | 3,492 |
| | | |
| | BHP Billiton Ltd. | |
800 | | January 2010 Put @ 30.00 | 4,400 |
| | | |
| | Walt Disney Co. | |
1,300 | | January 2010 Put @ 20.00 | 4,290 |
| | | |
| | Dupont E I De Nemours & Co. | |
1,500 | | January 2010 Put @ 20.00 | 3,825 |
| | | |
| | General Electric Co. | |
1,500 | | January 2010 Put @ 17.50 | 6,450 |
| | | |
| | Harley Davidson, Inc. | |
1,300 | | January 2010 Put @ 20.00 | 8,840 |
| | | |
| | Kellogg Company | |
600 | | January 2010 Put @ 40.00 | 2,580 |
| | | |
| | Lockheed Martin Corp. | |
300 | | January 2010 Put @ 70.00 | 2,220 |
100 | | January 2010 Put @ 60.00 | 450 |
| | | 2,670 |
| | | |
| | 3M Company | |
600 | | January 2010 Put @ 45.00 | 2,280 |
| | | |
| | Nike, Inc. | |
200 | | January 2010 Put @ 40.00 | 960 |
400 | | January 2010 Put @ 50.00 | 3,600 |
| | | 4,560 |
| | | |
| | Sanofi-Aventis | |
1,300 | | January 2010 Put @ 25.00 | 3,575 |
| | | |
| | Textron, Inc. | |
1,700 | | January 2010 Put @ 12.50 | 5,780 |
| | | |
| | US Bancorp | |
1,100 | | January 2010 Put @ 22.50 | 4,510 |
| | | |
| | Exxon Mobil Corp. | |
200 | | January 2010 Put @ 60.00 | 1,190 |
200 | | January 2010 Put @ 65.00 | 1,550 |
| | | 2,740 |
| | | |
| | Total (Premiums Paid $64,490) - 8.08% | 64,412 |
| | | |
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 15.81% | |
126,057 | | First American Treasury Obligations Fund Class A 1.07% ** (Cost $126,057) | 126,057 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 15.81% | 126,057 |
| | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $888,710) - 104.01% | 829,178 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES LESS OTHER ASSETS - (4.01)% | (31,986) |
| | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 797,192 |
| | | |
* Non-income producing securities during the period. | |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at December 31, 2008. | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | |
| | | |
| | | |
Baldwin Fund |
Schedule of Call Options Written |
December 31, 2008 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
| CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN | | |
| | | |
| Underlying Security | Shares Subject | |
| Expiration Date/Exercise Price | to Call | Value |
| | | |
| Altria Group | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 16.00 | 1,800 | $ 198 |
| | | |
| AT&T Corp. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 29.00 | 1,200 | 552 |
| | | |
| BHP Billiton Ltd. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 45.00 | 800 | 920 |
| | | |
| Walt Disney Co. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 22.50 | 1,300 | 1,235 |
| | | |
| Dreamworks Animation SKG, Inc. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 25.00 | 1,000 | 1,160 |
| | | |
| Dupont E I De Nemours & Co. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 25.00 | 1,500 | 1,575 |
| | | |
| Exxon Mobil Corp. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 75.00 | 400 | 2,372 |
| | | |
| General Electric Co. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 17.50 | 1,500 | 285 |
| | | |
| Harley Davidson, Inc. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 17.50 | 1,600 | 1,200 |
| | | |
| Kellogg Company | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 45.00 | 700 | 350 |
| | | |
| Lockheed Martin Corp. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 80.00 | 500 | 2,800 |
| | | |
| 3M Company | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 60.00 | 600 | 450 |
| | | |
| Nike, Inc. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 55.00 | 600 | 300 |
| | | |
| Oil States International, Inc. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 17.50 | 1,000 | 1,550 |
| | | |
| Proshares Ultra Short | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 100.00 | 200 | 120 |
| | | |
| Sanofi-Aventis | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 32.50 | 1,300 | 1,235 |
| | | |
| Teck Cominco Ltd. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 5.00 | 1,000 | 500 |
| | | |
| Textron, Inc. | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 15.00 | 1,700 | 1,003 |
| January 2009 Call @ 17.50 | 500 | 25 |
| | | 1,028 |
| US Bancorp | | |
| January 2009 Call @ 27.50 | 1,100 | 330 |
| | | |
| Total (Premiums Received $20,587) | | $ 18,160 |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Frank Funds |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
December 31, 2008 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Value Fund | Baldwin Fund |
Assets: | | | |
Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $1,156,157 and $888,710) | $ 792,280 | $ 829,178 |
Receivables: | | |
Dividends and Interest | 152 | 3,415 |
Securities Sold | - | 16,390 |
Total Assets | 792,432 | 848,983 |
Liabilities: | | | |
Covered Call Options Written at Fair Market Value | | |
(premiums received $0 and $20,587) | - | 18,160 |
Payables: | | |
Due to Broker | 3,178 | 29,496 |
Accrued Management Fees | 994 | 723 |
Other Accrued Expenses | - | 3,412 |
Total Liabilities | 4,172 | 51,791 |
Net Assets | | $ 788,260 | $ 797,192 |
| | | |
Net Assets Consist of: | | |
Paid In Capital | $ 1,259,070 | $ 819,693 |
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss) | (41,814) | 318 |
Accumulated Undistributed Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments | (65,119) | 34,286 |
Unrealized Depreciation in Value of Investments | (363,877) | (57,105) |
Net Assets, for 126,085 and 89,022 Shares Outstanding | $ 788,260 | $ 797,192 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share | $ 6.25 | $ 8.96 |
| | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Frank Funds |
Statements of Operations |
For the six months ended December 31, 2008 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | Value Fund | Baldwin Fund* |
Investment Income: | | |
Dividends | $ 3,957 | $ 7,857 |
Interest | | 277 | 931 |
Total Investment Income | 4,234 | 8,788 |
| | | |
Expenses: | | | |
Advisory Fees (Note 3) | 6,459 | 714 |
Administration Fees | - | 24,000 |
Transfer Agent Fees | - | 4,128 |
Miscellaneous Expenses | - | 29 |
Audit Fees | - | 3,000 |
12b-1 fees | - | 1,587 |
Legal Fees | - | 3,200 |
Custody Fees | - | 1,681 |
Insurance Expense | - | 2,219 |
Trustee Expense | - | 480 |
Printing and Mailing Expense | - | 219 |
Registration Fees | - | 1,000 |
Total Expenses | 6,459 | 42,257 |
Fees Waived and Reimbursed by the Advisor (Note 3) | - | (39,480) |
Net Expenses | 6,459 | 2,777 |
| | | |
| | | |
Net Investment Gain (Loss) | (2,225) | 6,011 |
| | | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | | |
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments | (104,727) | 5,193 |
Realized Gain on Options | - | 29,093 |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments | |
Investments | (198,511) | (59,532) |
Options | - | 2,427 |
Realized and Unrealized (Loss) on Investments | (303,238) | (22,819) |
| | | |
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ (305,463) | $ (16,808) |
| | | |
*For the period August 1, 2008 (commencement of investment operations through, December 31, 2008). |
| | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| | | |
| | | |
Value Fund |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | |
| | | |
| | (Unaudited) | |
| | Six Months | Year |
| | Ended | Ended |
| | 12/31/2008 | 6/30/2007 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations: | | |
Net Investment Loss | $ (2,225) | $ (3,153) |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments | (104,727) | 118,970 |
Unrealized Depreciation on Investments | (198,511) | (252,598) |
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (305,463) | (136,781) |
| | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | |
Realized Gains (Losses) | (91,799) | (93,598) |
Total Distributions Paid to Shareholders | (91,799) | (93,598) |
| | | |
Capital Share Transactions (Note 5) | 217,571 | 345,770 |
| | | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (179,691) | 115,391 |
| | | |
Net Assets: | | | |
Beginning of Period | 967,951 | 852,560 |
| | | |
End of Period (Including Undistributed Net Investment Loss of ($41,814) | |
and ($3,453), respectively) | $ 788,260 | $ 967,951 |
| | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Baldwin Fund |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | (Unaudited) | |
| | Period Ended * | |
| | 12/31/2008 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations: | | |
Net Investment Income | $ 6,011 | |
Net Realized Gain on Investments and Options Written | 34,286 | |
Unrealized Depreciation on Investments and Options Written | (57,105) | |
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (16,808) | |
| | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | |
Net Investment Loss | (5,693) | |
Realized Gains | - | |
Total Distributions Paid to Shareholders | (5,693) | |
| | | |
Capital Share Transactions (Note 5) | 819,693 | |
| | | |
Total Increase in Net Assets | 797,192 | |
| | | |
Net Assets: | | | |
Beginning of Period | - | |
| | | |
End of Period (Including Undistributed Net Investment Loss of ($3,153)). | $ 797,192 | |
| | | |
| | | |
* For the Period August 1, 2008 (commencement of investment operations) through December 31, 2008. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Value Fund |
Financial Highlights |
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the period. |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | | | |
| | Six Months | | | | | Period * | |
| | Ended | | For the Years Ended | Ended | |
| | 12/31/2008 | | 6/30/2008 | 6/30/2007 | 6/30/2006 | 6/30/2005 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Period | $ 10.42 | | $ 13.61 | $ 11.36 | $ 10.76 | $ 10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | | | |
Net Investment Loss ** | (0.02) | | (0.04) | (0.07) | (0.04) | (0.05) | |
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | (3.32) | | (1.74) | 2.90 | 0.92 | 0.81 | |
Total from Investment Operations | (3.34) | | (1.78) | 2.83 | 0.88 | 0.76 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | - | | - | - | - | - | |
Realized Gains (Losses) | (0.83) | | (1.41) | (0.58) | (0.28) | - | |
Total from Distributions | (0.83) | | (1.41) | (0.58) | (0.28) | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at End of Period | $ 6.25 | | $ 10.42 | $ 13.61 | $ 11.36 | $ 10.76 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Return *** | (31.69)% | (a) | (14.31)% | 25.41% | 8.30% | 7.60% | (a) |
| | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | |
Net Assets at End of Period (Thousands) | $ 788 | | $ 968 | $ 853 | $ 499 | $ 271 | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.50% | (b) | 1.50% | 1.50% | 1.50% | 1.50% | (b) |
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets | (0.52)% | (b) | (0.35)% | (0.54)% | (0.35)% | (0.49)% | (b) |
Portfolio Turnover | 18.22% | | 63.03% | 72.06% | 45.25% | 18.20% | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
* For the Period July 21, 2004 (commencement of investment operations) through June 30, 2005. |
** Per share net investment loss has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period. | | | |
*** Assumes reinvestment of dividends. | | | | | | | |
(a) Not Annualized | | | | | | | |
(b) Annualized | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Baldwin Fund | |
Financial Highlights | |
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the period. | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | (Unaudited) | | |
| | Period Ended * | | |
| | 12/31/2008 | | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Period | $ 10.00 | | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | |
Net Investment Income ** | 0.14 | | |
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | (1.11) | | |
Total from Investment Operations | (0.97) | | |
| | | | |
Distributions: | | | | |
Net Investment Income | (0.07) | | |
Realized Gains | - | | |
Total from Distributions | (0.07) | | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value, at End of Period | $ 8.96 | | |
| | | | |
Total Return *** | (9.75)% | (a) | |
| | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | |
Net Assets at End of Period (Thousands) | $ 797 | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 0.72% | (b) | |
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets | (1.55)% | (b) | |
Portfolio Turnover | 59.17% | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
* For the Period August 1, 2008 (commencement of investment operations) through December 31, 2008. |
** Per share net investment loss has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period. |
*** Assumes reinvestment of dividends. | | | |
(a) Not Annualized |
(b) Annualized |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| | | | |
FRANK FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
DECEMBER 31, 2008 (CONTINUED)
Note 1. Organization
The Frank Funds (the “Trust”), is an open-end regulated investment company that was organized as an Ohio business trust on February 12, 2004. The Trust is permitted to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series, each series representing a distinct fund with its own investment objective and policies. At present, there are two series authorized by the Trust, the Frank Value Fund (the “Value Fund”) and the Leigh Baldwin Total Return Fund (the “Baldwin Fund”) together with the Value Fund, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”. Frank Capital Partners LLC (“Frank Capital”) is the adviser to the Frank Value Fund and Leigh Baldwin & Co., LLC (“Leigh Baldwin”) is the adviser to the Leigh Baldwin Total Return Fund. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide long-term capital appreciat ion. The Fund’s principal investment strategy is value investing. The Fund commenced operations on July 21, 2004.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies employed by the Funds in preparing their financial statements:
Security Valuation- Equity securities generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the adviser believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange or on the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an equity security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the adviser determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the adviser, in conformity with guidelines a dopted by and subject to review by the Board of Trustees.
Fixed income securities generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the adviser believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. A pricing service utilizes electronic data processing techniques based on yield spreads relating to securities with similar characteristics to determine prices for normal institutional-size trading units of debt securities without regard to sale or bid prices. If the adviser decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the adviser, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board of Trustees. Short term investments in fixed income securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by using the amortized cost method of valuation, which the Board has determined will represent fair value.
In accordance with the Trust’s good faith pricing guidelines, the adviser is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single standard for determining fair value controls, since fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of an issue of securities being valued by the adviser would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale. Methods which are in accord with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield t o maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods.
In September 2006, FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 "Fair Value Measurements." This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. In accordance with SFAS No. 157, fair value is defined as the price that would be received by the Funds upon selling an asset or paid by the Funds to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In the absence of a principal market for the asset or liability, the assumption is that the transaction occurs on the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. SFAS No. 157 established a three-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the assumptio ns, also known as "inputs," to valuation techniques used by market participants to measure fair value. The term "inputs" refers broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value (such as pricing model) and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The valuation techniques used to measure fair value should maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in three levels with the highest priority given to Level 1 and the lowest priority given to Level 3: Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities, Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) and Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The following is a summary of the inputs used as of December 31, 2008 in valuing the Funds’ assets carried at fair value:
Value Fund
Investments Other Financial
Valuation Inputs: In Securities Instruments
Level 1 – Quoted Prices $792,280 $ -
Level 2 – Significant Other Observable Inputs - -
Level 3 – Significant Unobservable Inputs - -
Total $792,280 $ -
Baldwin Fund
Investments Other Financial
Valuation Inputs: In Securities Instruments
Level 1 – Quoted Prices $829,178 $ -
Level 2 – Significant Other Observable Inputs - -
Level 3 – Significant Unobservable Inputs - -
Total $829,178 $ -
Financial Futures Contracts The Funds may invest in financial futures contracts solely for the purpose of hedging its existing portfolio securities, or securities that the Funds intend to purchase, against fluctuations in fair value caused by changes in market values or interest rates. Upon entering into a financial futures contract, the Funds are required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, or other assets, equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount (initial margin deposit). Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin” are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the fair value of the security. The Funds recognize a gain or loss equal to the daily variation margin. Should market conditions move unexpectedly, the Funds may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts, interest rates, and the underlying hedged assets.
Share Valuation- The price (net asset value) of the shares of the Funds are normally determined as of 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on each day the Funds are open for business and on any other day on which there is sufficient trading in the Funds’ securities to materially affect the net asset value. The Funds are normally open for business on every day except Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Security Transaction Timing- Security transactions are recorded on the dates transactions are entered into (the trade dates). Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recognized on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. The Funds use the identified cost basis in computing gain or loss on sale of investment securities. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.
Income Taxes- The Funds intend to continue to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. By so qualifying, the Funds will not be subject to federal income taxes to the extent that it distributes substantially all of their net investment income and any realized capital gains. It is the Funds’ policy to distribute annually, prior to the end of the calendar year, dividends sufficient to satisfy excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. This Internal Revenue Service requirement may cause an excess of distributions over the book year-end accumulated income.
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes on July 1, 2007. FASB Interpretation No. 48 requires the tax effects of certain tax positions to be recognized. These tax positions must meet a “more likely than not” standard that based on their technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained. Management of the Fund does not believe that any adjustments were necessary to the financial statements at adoption.
Distributions to Shareholders- The Funds intend to distribute to their shareholders substantially all of their net realized capital gains and net investment income, if any, at year-end. Distributions will be recorded on ex-dividend date. See Note 7.
Use of Estimates- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Other- Generally accepted accounting principles require that permanent financial reporting tax differences relating to shareholder distributions be reclassified to paid in capital.
Note 3. Investment Management, Administration and Underwriting Agreements
Value Fund
The Trust has a Management Agreement with Frank Capital, with respect to the Value Fund. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, Frank Capital manages the investment portfolio of the Value Fund, subject to policies adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. Under the Management Agreement, Frank Capital, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Trust, furnishes office space and all necessary office facilities, pays fees and expenses incurred by the Value Fund, including but not limited to, legal, auditing, accounting, and expenses of the custodian, along with equipment and executive personnel necessary for managing the assets of the Value Fund. Frank Capital also pays the salaries and fees of all its officers and employees that serve as officers and trustees of the Trust. Frank Capital pays all ordinary operating expenses of the Value Fund except brokerage fees and commissions, taxes, borrowing costs (such as (a) interest and (b) dividend expenses on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses. For its services and the payment of Value Fund ordinary operating expenses, Frank Capital receives an annual investment management fee of 1.50% of the average daily net assets of the Value Fund. For the six months ending December 31, 2008, Frank Capital earned fees of $6,459 from the Value Fund. As of December 31, 2008 the Value Fund owed Frank Capital $994.
Baldwin Fund
The Trust has a Management Agreement with LBC with respect to the Baldwin Fund. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, LBC manages the investment portfolio of the Baldwin Fund, subject to policies adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees. Under the terms of the Management Agree the LBC pays all of the expenses of the Baldwin Fund except administrative fees, 12b-1 fees, brokerage fees and commissions, taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense of securities sold short) acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses. As compensation for its management services, the Baldwin Fund is obligated to pay the LBC a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.45% of the average daily net assets of the Baldwin Fund. From the commencement of the Baldwin Fund's investment operations (August 1, 2008) through December 31, 2008, LBC earned a fee of $714 from the Baldwin Fund. As of December 31, 2008, the Baldwin Fund owed LBC $723.
LBC has contractually agreed to defer its fees and to reimburse expenses, exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, dividend expense on securities sold short, underlying fund fees, 12b-1 fees and expenses or extraordinary expenses such as litigation, at least until October 31, 2009, so that the total annual operating expenses will not exceed 1.75%, subject to possible recoupment from the Baldwin Fund in future years on a rolling three year basis (within the three years after the fees have been deferred or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits. From the commencement of the Baldwin’s Fund’s investment operations (August 1, 2008) through December 31, 2008, LBC deferred fees of $39,480.
Note 4. Related Party Transactions
Alfred C. Frank and Brian J. Frank are the control persons of Frank Capital. Alfred Frank also serves as a trustee and officer of the Trust. Brian Frank also serves as an officer of the Trust. Both Alfred Frank and Brian Frank receive benefits from Frank Capital resulting from management fees paid to Frank Capital by the Fund.
The Fund pays Leigh Baldwin & Co., LLC brokerage commissions for executing securities transactions, which are separate from, and in addition to, the fees paid by the Fund to Leigh Baldwin & Co., LLC for advisory services. For the period August 1, 2008 (commencement of investing operations) to December 31, 2008 Leigh Baldwin & Co., LLC were paid $3,854 in brokerage commissions. Frank Capital Partners receives administration fees from the Baldwin Fund. As of December 31, 2008, Frank Capital partners were paid $20,000. Leigh Baldwin & Co., LLC acts as the distributor of the Leigh Baldwin Total Return Fund.
Note 5. Capital Share Transactions
The Trust are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of separate series. The total paid-in capital as of December 31, 2008 was $1,259,070 and $819,693 for the Value Fund and the Baldwin Fund, respectively. Transactions in capital were as follows:
| | |
Value Fund | July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 | July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 |
| | | | |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Shares sold | 18,900 | $136,125 | 23,681 | $267,172 |
Shares reinvested | 15,377 | 91,799 | 7,925 | 93,598 |
Shares redeemed | (1,084) | (10,353) | (1,376) | (15,000) |
| 33,193 | $217,571 | 30,230 | $345,770 |
| | | | |
Baldwin Fund |
August 1, 2008 (commencement of investment operations) through December 31, 2008 |
| | |
| Shares | Amount |
Shares sold | 88,401 | $814,201 |
Shares reinvested | 624 | 5,530 |
Shares redeemed | (4) | (38) |
| 89,021 | $819,693 |
| | |
Note 6. Options
As of December 31, 2008, the Baldwin Fund had outstanding written call options valued at $18,160.
Transactions in written call options during the period ended December 31, 2008 were as follows:
| Number of | | Premiums |
| Contracts | | Received |
Options outstanding at August 1, 2008 (commencement of investment operations) | 0 | | $ 0 |
Options written | 575 | | 67,825 |
Options exercised | (18) | | (3,479) |
Options expired | (247) | | (23,035) |
Options terminated in closing purchase transaction | (107) | | (20,724) |
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 | 203 | | $ 20,587 |
As of December 31, 2008, the Baldwin Fund held put options valued at $64,412
Transactions in put options purchased during the period ended December 31, 2008 were as follows:
| Number of | | Premiums |
| Contracts | | Paid |
Options outstanding at August 1, 2008 (commencement of investment operations) | 0 | | $ 0 |
Options purchased | 185 | | 69,595 |
Options expired | 0 | | 0 |
Options Terminated | (24) | | (5,105) |
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 | 161 | | $ 64,490 |
Note 7. Investment Transactions
For the six months ended December 31, 2008, purchases and sales of investment securities other than U.S. Government obligations and short-term investments for The Value Fund aggregated $317,427 and $150,541 respectively.
For the period ended August 1, 2008 (commencement of investment operations) to December 31, 2008, purchases and sales of investment securities other than U.S. Government obligations, short-term investments and options the Baldwin Fund aggregated $817,543 and $124,634, respectively. Purchases and sales of options the Baldwin Fund aggregated $91,939 and $77,059, respectively.
Note 8. Tax Matters
For Federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments owned at December 31, 2008 including short term investments was $1,156,127, for the Value Fund.
For Federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments owned at December 31, 2008 including short term investments was $888,710 excluding proceeds from options written totaling $20,587 for the Baldwin Fund.
On December 29, 2008, the Value Fund declared a distribution of $0.3576 per share of short term capital gains and a distribution of $0.4716 per share of long term capital gains. The distributions was paid on December 29, 2008 to shareholders of record on December 26, 2008.
On December 29, 2008, the Baldwin Fund declared a distribution of $0.0644 per share of short term capital gains. The distribution was paid on December 29, 2008 to shareholders of record on December 26, 2008.
The tax character of the distributions paid were as follows:
| Value Fund | Baldwin Fund |
Distributions paid from: | | |
Ordinary income | $39,589 | $5,693 |
Long term capital gain | 52,210 | 0 |
| $91,799 | $5,693 |
At December 31, 2008, the composition of unrealized appreciation (the excess of value over tax cost) and depreciation (the excess of tax cost over value) was as follows:
| Appreciation | Depreciation | Net Appreciation(Depreciation) |
Value Fund | $49,094 | $(412,971) | $(363,877) |
Baldwin Fund | $742,066 | $(684,961) | $(57,105) |
As of December 31, 2008, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
| Value Fund | Baldwin Fund |
Undistributed net investment income (loss) | $(41,814) | $39,597 |
Undistributed long-term capital gain (loss) | $(65,119) | $52,221 |
Unrealized depreciation | $(363,877) | $(165,366) |
Note 9. Control and Ownership
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. As of December 31, 2008, members of the family of Alfred and Brian Frank owned approximately 30% of the Value Fund, and may be deemed to control the Funds.
Note 10. New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, FASB issued the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about the Funds’ derivative and hedging activities, including how such activities are accounted for and their effect on the Funds’ financial position, performance and cash flows. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 161 will have on the Funds’ financial statements and related disclosures.
| | | |
Frank Funds |
Expense Illustration |
December 31, 2008 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
Expense Example |
| | | |
As a shareholder of the Value Fund, you incur ongoing costs which typically consist solely of management fees. As a shareholder of the Baldwin Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transactions costs, including, deferred sales charges (loads) and redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. |
| | | |
With respect to the Value Fund the Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period of July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. With respect to the Baldwin Fund the Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period of August 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 |
| | | |
Actual Expenses |
| | | |
The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. |
| | | |
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes |
| | | |
The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in this Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. |
| | | |
Value Fund | | | |
| Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period * |
| July 1, 2008 | December 31, 2008 | July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 |
| | | |
Actual | $1,000.00 | $599.81 | $6.05 |
Hypothetical (5% Annual | | | |
Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,017.64 | $7.63 |
| | | |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.50%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
| | | |
Baldwin Fund | | | |
| Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period * |
| July 1, 2008 | December 31, 2008 | July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 |
| | | |
Actual | $1,000.00 | $902.51 | $3.45 |
Hypothetical (5% Annual | | | |
Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.58 | $3.67 |
| | | |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 0.72%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the commencement of investment operations). |
| | | |
FRANK FUNDS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DECEMBER 31, 2008 (UNAUDITED)
Each Funds’ Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") includes additional information about the trustees and is available, without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free (888) 217-5426 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.
A description of the policies and procedures that each Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how each Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available without charge upon request by (1) calling (888) 217-5426 and (2) from the documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Each Fund files a complete schedule of investments with the SEC for the first and third quarter of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ first and third fiscal quarters end on September 30 and March 31. The Form N-Q filing must be made within 60 days of the end of the quarter. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://sec.gov, or they may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (call 1-800-732-0330 for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room). You may also obtain copies by calling (888) 217-5426.
APPROVAL OF MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Value Fund
The Management Agreement between the Trust and Frank Capital with respect to the Value Fund, was approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or interested parties to the Management Agreement (collectively, the “Independent Trustees”), at an in-person meeting held on June 17, 2008. The Trustees reviewed a memorandum prepared by counsel to the Independent Trustees describing the Trustees' duties when considering the Management Agreement renewal. As to the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by Frank Capital, the Board considered Frank Capital's investment philosophy. In addition, the Trustees reviewed Frank Capital's Form ADV Parts I and II, which described the operations and policies of Frank Capital. The Trustees reviewed a report prepared by Frank Capital for the Trustees with information relevant to their deliberations (the “Report”). The Report included information regarding, among other things, the personnel of Frank Capital and Frank Capital's compliance activities. Frank Capital certified to the Board that it had complied with the Trust's Code of Ethics. Based on this information and their discussions with the President of Frank Capital, the Trustees concluded that Frank Capital has provided high quality advisory services to the Value Fund, and that the nature and extent of services provided by Frank Capital were reasonable and consistent with the Board's expectations.
As to the Value Fund's performance, the Trustees reviewed information in the Report regarding the Value Fund's returns since inception and for the year ended March 31, 2008. The Value Fund's performance was compared to a peer group of mutual funds, as well as the S&P 500 Index. The peer group was assembled by Frank Capital and consisted primarily of value funds. The Board noted that the Value Fund outperformed the S&P 500 in each of the last two calendar years, and was satisfied with the Value Fund's performance.
The Trustees then reviewed information in the Report comparing the expense ratio of the Value Fund to those of the peer group. The President of Frank Capital noted that the Report indicates an expense ratio of 1.50%, which is nearly equal to the 1.37% peer group average. The Board agreed that the expense ratio compared favorably to the peer group and that the management fee was fair and reasonable considering the assets in the Value Fund.
The President of Frank Capital, described the all-in fee structure of the Value Fund, where Frank Capital receives a flat 1.50% management fee and pays all the Value Fund’s expenses with the exception of brokerage commissions, taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense of securities sold short), and extraordinary expenses. He noted that the Value Fund’s annualized under-performance of its benchmark is 39 basis points while its fee is 13 basis points higher than the industry average. The President of Frank Capital stated that he believed that the Value Fund’s value investing strategy was out of favor during the fiscal year and he expected the Value Fund to outperform its benchmark over time. As to profits realized by Frank Capital, the Board reviewed information regarding Frank Capital's income and expense statement for 2007. The Board concluded that, with the assurance of the Presi dent and Treasurer of Frank Capital that they personally guarantee the obligations of Frank Capital, and has adequate resources to fulfill its responsibilities under the Agreement. The Board noted that it believes Frank Capital is doing a great job managing costs for the Value Fund. They observed that Frank Capital is keeping costs low by performing much of the work that would normally be performed by third parties, such as preparation of board minutes and exhibits. The Board noted that Frank Capital has not been profitable with respect to the Value Fund. The Board then discussed additional benefits received by Frank Capital from the Value Fund, and agreed there were none. They concluded that Frank Capital was not excessively profitable, and that a discussion of economies of scale was not relevant at this time due to the small size of the Value Fund. The Trustees determined that the overall arrangement provided under the terms of the Agreement was a reasonable business arrangement, and that the a pproval of the Agreement was in the best interests of the Trust and the Value Fund’s shareholders. Accordingly, they approved the continuation of the Management Agreement for an additional year.
Baldwin Fund
The Management Agreement between the Trust and LBC, with respect to the Baldwin Fund, was approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, at an in-person meeting held on June 17, 2008. As to the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by LBC, the Board considered LBC’s investment philosophy. The President of LBC explained the merits of LBC’s investing philosophy and how LBC seeks total return from capital appreciation, dividend income and option income. The Board concluded that LBC’s methods were consistent with the Baldwin Fund’s goal of providing total return. The Trustees also reviewed the LBC’s Form ADV, which described the operations and policies of LBC, as well as the resume of LBC’s President and portfolio manager. Based on this information and their discussions with LBC’s President, the Trustees concluded that LBC has the ability to provide hig h quality advisory services to the Baldwin Fund. Next, the Trustees reviewed financial information of LBC and discussed LBC’s ability to meet its obligations under the agreement. The Trustees reviewed LBC’s balance sheet and determined that LBC has sufficient resources. Next, the Trustees reviewed the terms of the Management Agreement, and concluded that the nature and extent of services required of LBC were reasonable and consistent with the Board’s expectations.
As a newly formed mutual fund, there was no performance of the Baldwin Fund for the Board to consider.
The Trustees next discussed the anticipated size of the Baldwin Fund and determined that the Baldwin Fund was likely to remain small for some time. Given the anticipated size of the Baldwin Fund, the Trustees concluded that economies of scale was not a relevant consideration at this time.
As to the profitability of LBC, the Trustees considered other benefits to be received by LBC from the Baldwin Fund. The Trust’s legal counsel explained that the Baldwin Fund has a plan under Rule 12b-1 that allows it to pay distribution and shareholder servicing fees. The Trustees discussed that LBC is to receive distribution and shareholder servicing fees from the Baldwin Fund totaling 1.00% of the Baldwin Fund’s average daily net assets annually. Furthermore, the Trustees discussed the fact that LBC is also a broker-dealer and will likely execute trades on behalf of the Baldwin Fund and that brokerage commissions will be paid to LBC separate and apart from the fees paid to LBC for advisory services rendered to the Baldwin Fund. After considering all the fees to be paid to LBC in respect to the Baldwin Fund, the Trustees concluded that it did not expect LBC, in the near future, to be excessively profitable with resp ect to the Baldwin Fund.
The Trustees, including a majority of the independent trustees concluded that the overall arrangement provided under the terms of the Management Agreement was a reasonable business arrangement, and that the approval of the Management Agreement was in the best interest of the Trust and the Baldwin Fund’s shareholders. Accordingly, they unanimously approved the Management Agreement between the Trust and LBC with respect to the Baldwin Fund.
Board of Trustees
Alfred C. Frank
Matthew D. L. Deutsch
Jason W. Frey
Jenny Roberts
Investment Advisers
Frank Capital Partners LLC
6 Stacy Court
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Leigh Baldwin & Co.
112 Albany Street, P.O. Box 660
Cazenovia, NY 13035
Dividend Paying Agent,
Shareholders’ Servicing Agent,
Transfer Agent
Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC
Custodian
U.S. Bank, NA
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Sanville & Company
Legal Counsel
Thompson Hine LLP
This report is provided for the general information of the shareholders of the Value Fund and the Baldwin Fund. This report is not intended for distribution to prospective investors in the Funds, unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Not applicable – schedule filed with Item 1.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
The registrant has not adopted procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of trustees.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a)
Disclosure Controls & Procedures. Principal executive and financial officers have concluded that Registrant’s disclosure controls & procedures are effective based on their evaluation as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
(b)
There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fiscal half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1)
EX-99.CODE ETH. Not applicable.
(a)(2)
EX-99.CERT. Filed herewith.
(a)(3)
Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.
(b)
EX-99.906CERT. Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Frank Funds
By /s/Alfred C. Frank, President
Alfred C. Frank
President
Date: March 4, 2009
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/Alfred C. Frank, President
Alfred C. Frank
President
Date March 4, 2009
By /s/Brian J. Frank
Brian J. Frank
Treasurer
Date March 4, 2009