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 811-21968
Astral Investments Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
20550 Maxim Parkway
Orlando, FL 32833
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
John Robert Jones, Jr.
Astral Investments
20550 Maxim Parkway
Orlando, FL 32833
(Name and address of agent for service)
With copies to:
JoAnn M. Strasser
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 14th floor
Cincinatti, Ohio 45202
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (321) 436-6442
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2009
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.
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
ASTRAL TM INVESTMENTS TRUST
ASTRAL™ U.S. Fund
ASTRAL™ Global Fund
June 30, 2009
(Unaudited)
ASTRAL™ U.S. FUND
PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Fund by the industry sectors
the underlying securities represent as a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
ASTRAL™ GLOBAL FUND
PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Fund by the industry sectors
the underlying securities represent as a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
| AstralTM U.S. Fund |
|
Schedule of Investments | ||
| June 30, 2009 (Unaudited) |
|
Shares | Value | |
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - 58.22% | ||
1,500 | Direxion Daily Large Bear 3X Shares | $ 52,725 |
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - (Cost $57,170) | 52,725 | |
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 42.81% | ||
38,763 | Fidelity Money Market PT Cl Sel 0.63%* (Cost $38,763) | 38,763 |
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $38,763) | 38,763 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - (Cost $95,933) - 101.03% | 91,488 | |
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - (1.03)% | (934) | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 90,554 | |
* Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at June 30, 2009. | ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
| AstralTM Global Fund |
|
Schedule of Investments | ||
| June 30, 2009 (Unaudited) |
|
Shares | Value | |
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - 47.34% | ||
1,500 | Direxion Daily Large Bear 3X Shares | $ 52,725 |
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - (Cost $57,170) | 52,725 | |
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 53.64% | ||
59,744 | Fidelity Money Market PT Cl Sel 0.63%* (Cost $59,744) | 59,744 |
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $59,744) | 59,744 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - (Cost $116,914) - 100.98% | 112,469 | |
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - (0.98)% | (1,087) | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 111,382 | |
* Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at June 30, 2009. | ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
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Astral TM Investments Trust | |||
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | |||
June 30, 2009 (Unaudited) | |||
U.S. Fund | Global Fund | ||
Assets: | |||
Investments, at Value | $ 91,488 | $ 112,469 | |
(Cost $95,933 and $116,914 respectively) | |||
Receivables: | |||
Dividends and Interest | 22 | 34 | |
Total Assets | 91,510 | 112,503 | |
Liabilities: | |||
Accrued Management Fees | 154 | 190 | |
Distribution Fees | 802 | 931 | |
Total Liabilities | 956 | 1,121 | |
Net Assets | $ 90,554 | $ 111,382 | |
Net Assets Consist of: | |||
Paid In Capital | $ 120,604 | $ 127,953 | |
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Loss | (1,066) | (1,274) | |
Accumulated Realized Loss on Investments | (24,539) | (10,852) | |
Unrealized Depreciation in Value of Investments | (4,445) | (4,445) | |
Net Assets, for the U.S. Fund and Global Fund, | |||
11,260 and 13,483 shares respectively | $ 90,554 | $ 111,382 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share | $ 8.04 | $ 8.26 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
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AstralTM Investments Trust | |||
Statements of Operations | |||
June 30, 2009 (Unaudited) | |||
U.S. Fund | Global Fund | ||
Investment Income: | |||
Interest | 289 | 340 | |
Total Investment Income | 289 | 340 | |
Expenses: | |||
Advisory Fees (Note 3) | 884 | 541 | |
Distribution and/or Service 12b-1 Fees (Note 3) | 453 | 1,055 | |
Interest Expense | 18 | 18 | |
Total Expenses | 1,355 | 1,614 | |
Net Investment Loss | (1,066) | (1,274) | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | |||
Realized Gain (Loss) on: | |||
Investments | 3,752 | 12,318 | |
Options | (2,430) | (2,430) | |
Realized Gain on Investments and Options | 1,322 | 9,888 | |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments and Options | (4,445) | (4,445) | |
Realized and Unrealized (Loss) on Investments | (3,123) | 5,443 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ (4,189) | $ 4,169 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
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AstralTM Investments Trust | |||
U.S. Fund | |||
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | |||
(Unaudited) | |||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | ||
6/30/2009 | 12/31/2008 | ||
Increase in Net Assets From Operations: | |||
Net Investment Loss | $ (1,066) | $ (3,935) | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Options | 1,322 | (24,241) | |
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments | (4,445) | 3,919 | |
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (4,189) | (24,257) | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | |||
Net Investment Income | - | - | |
Realized Gains | - | (30,520) | |
Total Distributions Paid to Shareholders | - | (30,520) | |
Capital Share Transactions (Note 5) | - | (224,355) | |
Total Decrease in Net Assets | (4,189) | (279,132) | |
Net Assets: | |||
Beginning of Period | 94,743 | 373,875 | |
End of Period (Including Undistributed Net Investment | |||
Loss of ($1,066), and $0, respectively) | $ 90,554 | $ 94,743 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
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AstralTM Investments Trust | |||
Global Fund | |||
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | |||
(Unaudited) | |||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | ||
6/30/2009 | 12/31/2008 | ||
Increase in Net Assets From Operations: | |||
Net Investment Loss | $ (1,274) | $ (4,089) | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Options | 9,888 | (17,033) | |
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments | (4,445) | 2,835 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 4,169 | (18,287) | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | |||
Net Investment Income | - | - | |
Realized Gains | - | (32,951) | |
Total Distributions Paid to Shareholders | - | (32,951) | |
Capital Share Transactions (Note 5) | - | (216,962) | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 4,169 | (268,200) | |
Net Assets: | |||
Beginning of Period | 107,213 | 375,413 | |
End of Period (Including Undistributed Net Investment | |||
Loss of ($1,274), and $0, respectively) | $ 111,382 | $ 107,213 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
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AstralTM Investments Trust | |||||
U.S. Fund | |||||
Financial Highlights | |||||
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the period | |||||
(Unaudited) | |||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended (a) | |||
6/30/2009 | 12/31/2008 | 12/31/2007 | |||
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Period | $ 8.41 | $ 11.63 | $ 10.00 | ||
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations: | |||||
Net Investment Loss * | (0.09) | (0.41) | (0.01) | ||
Net Gain on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | (0.28) | 1.19 | 3.20 | ||
Total from Investment Operations | (0.37) | 0.78 | 3.19 | ||
Distributions: | |||||
Net Investment Income | - | - | 0.00 | ||
Realized Gains | - | (4.00) | (1.56) | ||
Total from Distributions | - | (4.00) | (1.56) | ||
Net Asset Value, at End of Period | $ 8.04 | $ 8.41 | $ 11.63 | ||
Total Return ** | (4.40)% | 6.70% | 31.81% | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||
Net Assets at End of Period (Thousands) | $ 91 | $ 95 | $ 374 | ||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | |||||
Excluding Interest Expense | 2.95% | 2.95% | 2.95% | *** | |
Including Interest Expense | 2.99% | 4.55% | - | ||
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets | (2.35)% | (3.48)% | (0.12)% | *** | |
Portfolio Turnover | 191.83% | 271.44% | 241.38% | ||
(a) For the period January 3, 2007 (commencement of investment operations) through December 31, 2007. * Per share net investment loss has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period. ** Total Return in the above table represents the return that the investor would have earned or lost over the period indicated on an investment assuming reinvestment of dividends, and is not annualized for periods less than one year. *** Annualized The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
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AstralTM Investments Trust | |||||
Global Fund | |||||
Financial Highlights | |||||
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the period | |||||
(Unaudited) | |||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended (a) | |||
6/30/2009 | 12/31/2008 | 12/31/2007 | |||
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Period | $ 7.95 | $ 11.03 | $ 10.00 | ||
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations: | |||||
Net Investment Loss * | (0.09) | (0.36) | (0.02) | ||
Net Gain on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | 0.40 | 0.81 | 2.45 | ||
Total from Investment Operations | 0.31 | 0.45 | 2.43 | ||
Distributions: | |||||
Net Investment Income | - | - | 0.00 | ||
Realized Gains | - | (3.53) | (1.40) | ||
Total from Distributions | - | - | (1.40) | ||
Net Asset Value, at End of Period | $ 8.26 | $ 7.95 | $ 11.03 | ||
Total Return ** | 3.90% | 4.07% | 24.24% | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||
Net Assets at End of Period (Thousands) | $ 111 | $ 107 | $ 375 | ||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | |||||
Excluding Interest Expense | 2.95% | 2.95% | 2.95% | *** | |
Including Interest Expense | 2.98% | 4.37% | - | ||
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets | (2.35)% | (3.28)% | (0.24)% | *** | |
Portfolio Turnover | 189.34% | 481.50% | 336.57% | ||
(a) For the period January 3, 2007 (commencement of investment operations) through December 31, 2007. * Per share net investment loss has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period. ** Total Return in the above table represents the return that the investor would have earned or lost over the period indicated on an investment assuming reinvestment of dividends, and is not annualized for periods less than one year. *** Annualized The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
ASTRALTM INVESTMENTS TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
Note 1. Organization
The AstralTM U.S. Fund, and the AstralTM Global Fund, (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), are a diversified series of the AstralTM Investments Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end regulated investment company that was organized as an Ohio business trust on October 1, 2006. The Funds commenced operations on January 3, 2007. The Trust is permitted to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series.
The Funds’ investment Advisor is Crown Jewel Concepts, LLC (the “Advisor”). The investment objective of each Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The Advisor employs a systematic process to identify companies it believes are moving from ordinary to extra-ordinary. In other words, from average returns to above average returns.
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 Advisor believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange or on the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an equity security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Advisor determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, or if an event occurs after the close of trading on the domestic or foreign exchange on which the security is principally t raded (but prior to the time the NAV is calculated) that materially affects fair value, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees. The Board has adopted guidelines for good faith pricing, and has delegated to the Advisor the responsibility for determining fair value prices, 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 Advisor 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 Advisor 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 Advisor, subject to review of the Board of Trustees. Short term investments in fixed incom e securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of the 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 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 to maturity w ith respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods.
The Funds adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
ASTRALTM INVESTMENTS TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
· Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
· Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.)
· Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Funds investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2009.
AstralTM U.S. Fund
Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Equity Securities | $52,725 | - | - | $52,725 |
Short-Term Investments | 38,763 | - | - | 38,763 |
Total | $91,488 | - | - | $91,488 |
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
AstralTM Global Fund
Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Equity Securities | $52,725 | - | - | $52,725 |
Short-Term Investments | 59,744 | - | - | 59,744 |
Total | $112,469 | - | - | $112,469 |
Share Valuation- The price (net asset value) of the shares of the Fund is 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.
Option Writing When a Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Funds on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost bas is of the securities purchased by the Fund. The Fund, as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.
Short Sales- Either Fund may sell a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in fair value of that security. When a Fund sells a security short, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale. A gain, limited to the price at which the Fund sold the security short, or loss, unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of a short sale.
ASTRALTM INVESTMENTS TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
Repurchase Agreements- In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Funds’ policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the seller defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines; realization of the collateral by the Funds may be delayed or limited.
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 prevailing market 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 Funds each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the fair value of the underlying 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 an d 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.
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 its net investment income and any realized capital gains. It is each Fund's 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.
Distributions to Shareholders- The Funds intend to distribute to its shareholders substantially all of its net realized capital gains and net investment income, if any, at year-end. Distributions will be recorded on ex-dividend date.
Use of Estimates- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increase and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Note 3. Fees and other transactions with affiliates
The Board has approved a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with the Advisor to furnish investment advisory and management services to the Funds. The Funds’ advisory fee is comprised of an annual base rate of 1.95% of average daily net assets ("Pivot Fee"), subject to a performance adjustment, in accordance with a rate schedule. The performance adjustment either increases or decreases the advisory fee, depending on how well the Fund has performed relative to the performance of a specific broad-based, unmanaged index over a performance period. The U.S. Fund’s index is the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (full cap) Index (the “U.S. Index”).The Global Fund’s index is the MSCI World Index (the “Global Index”). The performance period is the most recent 12-month period (rolling 12 month period). The Pivot Fee is accrued daily at the annual rate of 1.95% of the average daily net assets of the Funds during each month, and is payable as of the first business day of the succeeding month.
The advisory fee for either Fund will be the Pivot Fee (i.e., there will be no performance adjustment) if the Fund’s performance is within positive or negative 2.00% (two percentage points) of the investment record of the relevant index over the performance period. If the difference between a Fund’s performance and the investment record of the applicable index exceeds two percentage points, the fee will be adjusted either up or down based upon a performance adjustment rate that varies at a rate of 0.01% for each increment of 0.05% of differential performance over two percentage points. The maximum annualized performance adjustment rate is plus or minus 1.50% (which would result from a performance differential of 14 percentage points or more between the Fund’s performance and the investment record of the relevant index). The rate calculated is applicable to the last month of the performance period and it is subject to recalculation for the following month. Each Fund’s performance adjustment is calculated each day of the last month of the performance period by multiplying the applicable performance adjustment rate by the Fund’s average daily net assets over the performance period and dividing the result by the number of days in the year.
ASTRALTM INVESTMENTS TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
Because the performance adjustment is calculated based on the average daily net assets over a 12-month period, the amount of the performance adjustment may be more or less than if the performance adjustment rate were applied to the average daily net assets over the last month of the period.
The Pivot Fee is calculated over the last month of the period, and thus the 1.95% rate for the pivot fee is applied against a different net asset value than that against which the performance adjustment rate is applied. As a result, in periods of declining Fund net assets and negative performance relative to the relevant index, it is possible that the Advisor might owe the Funds money. In addition, because the performance adjustment rate is based on performance over a 12 month period, it is possible that the performance adjustment may be positive even though the more recent Funds performance is negative relative to the relevant index. Also, because the determination of the performance adjustment rate is based on a Fund performance relative to the relevant index, it is possible that the Advisor will receive a positive performance adjustment even if a Fund has negative performance (it loses money) over the 12-mont h performance period.
For purposes of comparing the Fund’s performance to the investment record of the Index, the Fund’s performance already reflects any performance adjustments made during the performance period. Thus, when a Fund outperforms the Index, shareholders will receive a total return that represents the full amount of the outperformance. Further, the total return to shareholders will be significant relative to the performance adjustment because the performance adjustment rate will be a small percentage of the overperformance (expressed in percentage points). For example, assuming you hold your investment in a Fund through an entire performance period and the Fund’s performance during the period exceeds the investment record of the relevant index by 14 percentage points or more, your total return over the period (after performance adjustment) will be at least 14 percentage points better than the investment re cord of the relevant index, and the performance adjustment rate will be no more than 1.50%.
During the first full 12 calendar months immediately following the effective date of the Trust's registration statement ("Initial Period"), the Advisor received only the Pivot Fee. The Advisor was entitled to receive a Performance Fee only after completion of the Initial Period. The purpose of suspending payment of the Performance Fee during the Initial Period was to establish a performance record for the Funds on which the Performance Fee is later calculated. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Advisor earned a fee of $884 and $541 from the AstralTM U.S. Fund, and the AstralTM Global Fund, respectively. As of June 30, 2009 the Funds owed the Advisor $154 and $190 from the AstralTM U.S. Fund, and the AstralTM Global Fund, respectively.
The Funds have adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, for each class of shares authorized (the "Distribution Plan"). Under the Funds’ Distribution Plan, each Fund will pay the Funds’ distributor, Astral Financial Group, LLC (the “Distributor”), an annual distribution fee not to exceed 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund and service fees for personal and/or account services not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. Total fees incurred under the Distribution Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2009, were $453 and $1,055 from the AstralTM U.S. Fund, and the AstralTM Global Fund, respectively. At June 30, 2009, the Distributor was owed $802 and $931 by the Astr al U.S. Fund and Astral Global Fund, respectively.
Note 4. Related Party Transactions
John R. Jones is the control person of the Advisor. Mr. Jones also serves as a Trustee and officer of the Trust and receives benefits from the Advisor resulting from management fees paid to the Advisor by the Funds. Mr. Jones is also the control person of the Distributor. He receives benefits from the Distributor resulting from 12b-1 fees paid to the Distributor by the Funds.
Note 5. Capital Share Transactions
The Funds are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of separate series with no par value. The total paid-in capital as of June 30, 2009 was as follows:
AstralTM U.S. Fund | $120,574 |
AstralTM Global Fund | $127,923 |
ASTRALTM INVESTMENTS TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
Transactions in capital stock were as follows:
Six Months Ended 6/30/2009 | Six Months Ended 6/30/2009 | |||
AstralTM U.S. Fund | AstralTM Global Fund | |||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |
Shares sold | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Shares redeemed | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Net increase (decrease) | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Year Ended 12/31/2008 | Year Ended 12/31/2008 | |||
AstralTM U.S. Fund | AstralTM Global Fund | |||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |
Shares sold | 7,631 | $80,000 | 3,024 | $30,000 |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 3,629 | 30,520 | 4,145 | 32,951 |
Shares redeemed | (32,138) | (334,875) | (27,714) | (279,913) |
Net decrease | (20,878) | $(224,355) | (20,545) | $(216,962) |
Note 6. Investment Transactions
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, purchases and sales of investment securities other than U.S. Government obligations and short-term investments are as follows:
Purchases | Sales | |
AstralTM U.S. Fund | $109,700 | $63,586 |
AstralTM Global Fund | $109,546 | $64,695 |
Note 7. Options
Transactions in written put options during the six months ended June 30, 2009 for AstralTM U.S. Fund were as follows:
Number of | Premiums | ||
Contracts | Paid | ||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 | - | $ - | |
Options purchased | 100 | 7,305 | |
Options exercised | - | - | |
Options expired | (100) | (7,305) | |
Options terminated in closing sell transaction | - | - | |
Options outstanding at June 30, 2009 | - | $ - |
Transactions in call options purchased during the six months ended June 30, 2009 for the AstralTM U.S. Fund were as follows:
Number of | Premiums | |||
Contracts | Paid | |||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 | - | $ - | ||
Options purchased | 85 | 9,735 | ||
Options exercised | - | - | ||
Options expired | (85) | (9,735) | ||
Options terminated in closing purchase transaction | - | - | ||
Options outstanding at June 30, 2009 | - | $ - |
ASTRALTM INVESTMENTS TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
Note 7. Options (Continued)
Transactions in written put options during the six months ended June 30, 2009 for the AstralTM Global Fund were as follows:
Number of | Premiums | |||
Contracts | Paid | |||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 | - | $ - | ||
Options purchased | 100 | 7,305 | ||
Options exercised | - | - | ||
Options expired | (100) | (7,305) | ||
Options terminated in closing sell transaction | - | - | ||
Options outstanding at June 30, 2009 | - | $ $ - |
Transactions in call options purchased during the six months ended June 30, 2009 for the AstralTM Global Fund were as follows:
Number of | Premiums | |||
Contracts | Paid | |||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 | - | $ - | ||
Options purchased | 85 | 9,735 | ||
Options exercised | - | - | ||
Options expired | (85) | (9,735) | ||
Options terminated in closing purchase transaction | - | - | ||
Options outstanding at June 30, 2009 | - | $ $ - |
Note 8. Tax Matters
For Federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments owned at June 30, 2009 was as follows:
AstralTM U.S. Fund | $95,933 |
AstralTM Global Fund | $116,914 |
At June 30, 2009, 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) | |
AstralTM U.S. Fund | $0 | ($4,445) | ($4,445) |
AstralTM Global Fund | $0 | ($4,445) | ($4,445) |
As of June 30, 2009 the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Accumulated Realized Losses | Unrealized Depreciation | |
AstralTM U.S. Fund | ($24,539) | ($4,445) |
AstralTM Global Fund | ($10,852) | ($4,445) |
The capital loss carryforwards will expire in 2016 and may be utilized to offset future gains.
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 of June 30,
ASTRALTM INVESTMENTS TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONTINUED)
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
2009, the Advisor owned 63% and 68% of AstralTM U.S. Fund and the AstralTM Global Fund, respectively. St. Augustine Shores Golf, LLC, a related entity, owned 37% and 32% of the AstralTM U.S. Fund and the AstralTM Global Fund, respectively, and may be deemed to control the Funds.
Note 10. New Accounting Policies
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 Fund’s derivative and hedging activities, including how such activities are
Note 10. New Accounting Policies (Continued)
accounted for and their effect on the Fund’s financial position, performance and cash flows. Management does not believe that any adjustments were necessary to the financial statements at adoption.
The Funds adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Standard No. 157-4 – Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions that are Not Orderly on June 15, 2009.
At adoption the Funds evaluated the level and activity for the assets and liabilities of the Funds to ascertain that the fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. Management of the Funds does not believe that any adjustments were necessary to the financial statements at adoption.
In May 2009, FASB issued Statement of Financial Standards No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“SFAS 165”). SFAS 165 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. SFAS 165 requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date – that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued. In accordance with the adoption of SFAS No. 165, and in preparing these financial statements, the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through August 17, 2009, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.
AstralTM Investments Trust | ||||
Expense Illustration | ||||
June 30, 2009 (Unaudited) | ||||
Expense Example | ||||
As a shareholder of the Astral TM Investments Trust, you incur ongoing costs including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and interest expenses. 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. | ||||
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009. | ||||
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. | ||||
Astral TM U.S. Fund | ||||
Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period* | ||
January 1, 2009 | June 30, 2009 | January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009 | ||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $956.00 | $14.50 | |
Hypothetical | ||||
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,009.97 | $14.90 | |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 2.99%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). | ||||
Astral TM Global Fund | ||||
Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period* | ||
January 1, 2009 | June 30, 2009 | January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009 | ||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,038.99 | $15.07 | |
Hypothetical | ||||
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,010.02 | $14.85 | |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 2.98%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
ASTRALTM INVESTMENTS TRUST
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust and appoints the officers. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until the termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed. As of June 30, 2009, the Funds are the only series in the “Fund Complex.”
“Non-Interested” Trustees
Name, Address and Age | Position Held | Year First Elected a Trustee and/or Officer of the Fund2 | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships Held by Trustee |
Steve R. Adams1 Age: 56 | Trustee | 2006 | Owner/ President, W.G.A. Ambulance (1975-Present) (ambulance); President/ CEO, Southeastrans, Inc. (2000- Present) (managed care transportation broker for the state); Managing Partner, House of Fitness, LLC (2003-Present) (gym) | 2 | None |
Walter D. Duke 107 Executive Dr. Carrollton, GA 30117 Age: 65 | Trustee | 2006 | Self-Employed Tax Consultant (1972-Present) | 2 | First Georgia Banking Co. (Board Member) |
William R. Haley, Jr.* 10865 Dogwood Dr. Citronelle, AL 36522 Age: 70 | Trustee and Chairman | 2006 | Retired; Executive Vice President, First Community Bank (1996-2003) | 2 | None |
E. Ricky Newbern1 Age: 42 | Trustee | 2006 | Commercial Real Estate Developer, BB&R Development Co. (2000-Present) | 2 | First Georgia Banking Co. (Board Member) |
W. Thompson Lewis c/o Warren Sewell 126 Hamilton Ave. Bremen, GA 30110 Age: 60 | Trustee | 2006 | President, Warren Sewell Clothing Co. (2004-Present) (men’s apparel wholesaler); Vice President of Sales, Bowdon Mfg. Co. (1973-2004) (men’s apparel wholesaler) | 2 | None |
Roger M. Rossomondo, M.D.1 Age: 65 | Trustee | 2006 | Ophthalmologist / Partner, Carrollton Eye Clinic (1976-Present) | 2 | None |
J. Dennis Sanders1 Age: 53 | Trustee | 2006 | Chief Operations Officer, Judicial Correction Services, Inc. (2000-Present) (court services) | 2 | None |
William C. Schaniel1 Age: 56 | Trustee | 2006 | Professor of Economics, University of West Georgia (1995-Present); Director of International Programs, University of West Georgia (2000-Present) | 2 | Peach State Credit Union (Board Member; Chair of Investment Committee) |
ASTRAL TM INVESTMENTS TRUST
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
“Interested” Trustees and Officers
Name, Address and Age | Position Held | Year First Elected a Trustee and/or Officer of the Fund2 | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships Held by Trustee |
John Robert Jones1,* Age: 48 | Trustee, President, Treasurer, and Chief Compliance Officer | 2006 | President, Crown Jewel Concepts, LLC (2006-Present) (the Fund’s investment Advisor); Co-Manager, Dynamic Equity Partners, LLC (2003-2006) (investment advisory firm that managed a hedge fund); President, First Georgia Banking Co. (2003-2005); President, Regions Bank (Carroll County) (1998-2003) | 2 | None |
Dalenie W. Jones1,* Age: 42 | Secretary | 2007 | Administrative assistant with the Advisor since February 2006; student at Kennesaw State prior to joining the Advisor | N/A | N/A |
1 Unless otherwise specified, the address of each Trustee and officer is c/o Crown Jewel Concepts, LLC, 20550 Maxim Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32833.
2 Trustees and Officers of the Trust serve until their resignation, removal or retirement.
3 This includes all directorships (other than those in the Fund Complex) that are held by each Trustee as a director of a public company or a registered investment company.
* John Robert Jones is deemed an “interested person” of the Trust by virtue of his position as President of the Fund’s Advisor. William R. Haley and John Robert Jones are first cousins. John Robert Jones and Dalenie W. Jones are spouses.
The Trust’s audit committee consists of Walter D. Duke, William R. Haley and William C. Schaniel. The audit committee is responsible for (i) overseeing the accounting and financial reporting policies and practices of the Funds, their internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; (ii) overseeing the quality and objectivity of each Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit of the financial statements; and (iii) acting as a liaison between the Funds’ independent auditors and the full Board of Trustees. None of the audit committee members are “Interested” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The audit committee met twice during the year.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free (877) 420-8725 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.
PROXY VOTING
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how each Fund voted proxies during the most recent period ended June 30, are available without charge upon request (1) by calling the Funds at (877) 420-8725 and (2) from the Funds documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
ASTRAL TM INVESTMENTS TRUST
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JUNE 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED)
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Funds file 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 March 31 and September 30. 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 1-800-733-0330 for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room). You may also obtain copies by calling the Fund at (877) 420-8725.
Board of Trustees
Steve R. Adams
Walter D. Duke
William R. Haley Jr.
E. Ricky Newbern
W. Thompson Lewis
Roger M. Rossomondo
J. Dennis Sanders
William C. Schaniel
John R. Jones
Investment Advisor
Crown Jewel Concepts, LLC
20550 Maxim Parkway
Orlando, FL 32833
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 Astral TM Investments Trust. 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)
Based on an evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of August 26, 2009, the disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Forms N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.
(b)
There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1)
EX-99.CODE ETH. 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.
Astral Investments Trust
By /s/ John Robert Jones, Jr.
*John Robert Jones, Jr.
President and Treasurer
Date: September 8, 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/ John Robert Jones, Jr.
*John Robert Jones, Jr.
President and Treasurer
Date September 8, 2009
*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.