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 811-22356
Archer Investment Series Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
c/o Archer Investment Corporation
9000 Keystone Crossing, Suite 630, Indianapolis, IN 46240
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
c/o Archer Investment Corporation
9000 Keystone Crossing, Suite 630, Indianapolis, IN 46240
(Name and address of agent for service)
With copies to:
C. Richard Ropka, Esq.
Law Office of C. Richard Ropka
215 Fries Mill Road
Turnersville, NJ 08012
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (800)238-7701
Date of fiscal year end: August 31
Date of reporting period: August 31, 2017
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.
ANNUAL REPORT
THE ARCHER FUNDS
BALANCED FUND (ARCHX)
INCOME FUND (ARINX)
STOCK FUND (ARSKX)
DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND (ARDGX)
AUGUST 31, 2017
ARCHER FUNDS
MANAGERS COMMENTARY
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
To Our Shareholders,
Archer Balanced Fund (ARCHX)
The Archer Balanced fund had a total return of 9.69% for the Year ended August 31, 2017 and 4.70% since inception (September 27, 2005) compared to a total return of 9.08% and 7.19% for the Dow Jones Moderate U.S. Portfolio Index, over the same periods.
Performance Review
We have been pleased with the performance of the Archer Balanced Fund for the past year. The Fund maintained a balance of approximately 65% equities and 35% fixed income throughout the year. The Fund's investment style has remained consistent within both equities and fixed income by maintaining a tilt towards large-cap value in equities and short- to intermediate-term investment grade companies in fixed income. The managers continue to believe the conservative positioning of the Fund is prudent for the style and will reward shareholders over the long term. We have continued to position the portfolio for what we believe is an inevitable increase in long-term interest rates. As we have noted in previous shareholder letters we have taken this position for quite some time and, although interest rates have remained near historic lows, we continue to believe the yield of the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note will ultimately rise significantly as Central Bank accommodation is removed and inflation pressures mount in the economy. As the Federal Reserve has begun to increase short-term rates and the economy continues to show signs of a steady, albeit slow recovery, we believe it is prudent to avoid attempts to capture short-term performance in an effort to create long-term value for our fellow shareholders.
Equity Portfolio
Earnings and revenues for the broad-based, U.S. stock market have rebounded this year as popular stock indices have continued marching to new highs. We continue to focus our efforts on holding companies with sound balance sheets, steady revenue sources, strong cash flow, and reasonable valuations. We have also leaned towards companies with stable dividend policies as those returns to shareholders are a positive contributor to long-term performance. We will continue to adjust our equity portfolio to changing market conditions and look to reduce risk in the overall portfolio by maintaining a significant weighting in Technology, Consumer Defensives, and Healthcare, and Energy companies. The latter sectors have experienced significant "headline risk" as we have progressed through a year with a particularly charged political and social environment. That said, we feel some of the risks may be over done, and continue to believe that the potential for long-term value has been created in certain segments of the Healthcare and Energy sectors.
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ARCHER FUNDS
MANAGERS COMMENTARY (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Fixed-Income Portfolio
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we reiterate our position from the prior year: “We have remained in much the same position as the prior year and have added a few shorter duration fixed income positions as some have matured during the last year. We continue to remain short-term with our holdings. Although it is becoming quite clear that the general level of interest rates may stay low for a couple of years still to come. We to continue to focus on value, sustainability, and patience and we believe it is prudent to avoid strategies that risk the destruction of principal in order to capture short-term income.” A more active Federal Reserve has added to volatility in the fixed income markets, but yields remain near generational lows. Many companies have weakened their balance sheets by issuing debt at these low levels in order to fund more stockholder friendly actions. We feel it is prudent to maintain a more defensive posture by overweighting short- to intermediate-term maturities and keeping a close eye on the credit quality of issuers.
Current Strategy
We will continue to monitor the performance of each security on a case by case basis relative to our estimate of fair value. When we feel the market value of a specific security is beyond a reasonable valuation for the company, we will discontinue holding that security. There may be companies that have positive outlooks, but we feel the valuation becomes too high to justify staying in at those levels. If we feel the valuation returns to a “buying” level, then we may re-enter into stocks we have once sold.
While investing in the markets, it is important to focus on buying companies with long-term horizons, using a strict fundamental valuation of an individual company and not buying sectors because they are currently hot. All shareholders are encouraged to invest in the Fund over a long-term horizon.
The fund managers of the Archer Balanced Fund will continue to invest their own dollars in the Fund’s we manage to better align our interests with those we serve. Our investment strategy does not change and remains focused on uncovering value over the long term. We believe this portfolio is well positioned and we are confident that our disciplined process will reward our shareholders going forward. As always, we welcome any comments or questions from shareholders at any time.
The views expressed are those of the investment advisor as of August 31, 2016 and are not intended as a forecast or investment recommendation.
Archer Stock Fund (ARSKX)
The Archer Stock Fund posted a return of 11.44% for the year ended August 31, 2017 and 7.84% since inception of March 11, 2011. This compared to a gain of 16.21% for the S&P 500 Index and 12.86% since inception.
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ARCHER FUNDS
MANAGERS COMMENTARY (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Performance Review
The Archer Stock Fund is a go anywhere Fund, seeking to maximize capital appreciation by investing in the most attractive equity investment opportunities regardless of company size, sector, industry, or country domicile. That fund will normally maintain a significant weighting in small- to medium-sized companies. Although managers closely monitor macro-economic conditions, positions in the fund are normally selected on their own merits using company fundamentals and valuation as a guide. There will be times when this method of selecting securities may lead to the relative over- or underweighting of particular sectors. The fund currently maintains relatively large weightings in technology, financial and healthcare companies. With respect to the latter sector, the managers believe that uncertainty surrounding the state of health insurance in the United States has created mispricing in the market of numerous healthcare companies. While it may take time to, we feel strongly that the market will ultimately recognize the value of these companies. As of August 31, 2017, the Fund held 49 equity positions and a roughly 1% cash position. Although there may be times when the Fund holds greater or fewer positions, the managers will strive to limit the holdings of the Fund to their 50 best ideas. This results in a relatively concentrated portfolio which can lead to periods of relative underperformance, but will reduce turnover of the portfolio in an attempt to create long-term shareholder value. We continue to seek out companies with strong balance sheets and the opportunity to improve sales and earnings over the long term.
Archer Income Fund (ARINX)
The Archer Income Fund returned 1.54% for the year ended August 31, 2017 and 3.06% from the date of inception on March 11, 2011 compared to a gain of 0.50% and 3.55% for the year ended and since inception for the Bloomberg Barclay’s Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and 1.92% and 4.00% for the year ended and since inception for the Bloomberg Barclay’s Intermediate Credit Index.
Performance Review
The Fund opened in March of 2011 and has turned in positive returns during what we would characterize as a volatile market for bond investors since the date of inception. The bond market continues to present investors with many challenges. We expect rates to continue to rise as they have been artificially lowered by government intervention for several years.
We believe one advantage we have over many of our counterpart funds is we plan to hold our positions until they mature. We have not seen the outflow of many other bond mutual funds as reported in the news. In fact, we continue to have inflows into all our funds which has given us a distinct advantage of not having to liquidate positions at a gain or loss. In fact, with the anticipation of yields rising, we continue to look to additional holdings and are buyers of shorter-term duration debt with the intention to collect the coupons until maturity. This should bode well for our shareholders. We believe in the positions we hold and continue to personally own the fund in our and our family accounts.
3
ARCHER FUNDS
MANAGERS COMMENTARY (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
We continue to seek attractive long-term investment opportunities primarily in higher-yielding, segments of the investment grade corporate markets. While we do not envision a sudden spike in interest rates, nor a default which would directly impact our holdings, we are mindful of the “tail risk” and continue to position the fixed income portfolio to protect against interest-rate, default and currency risks.
Archer Dividend Growth Fund (ARDGX)
The Archer Dividend Growth Fund returned 4.04% for the year ended August 31, 2017, which marked its first year since inception, compared to the Dow Jones Large-Cap Value Total Stock Market Index return of 13.02% for the same period.
The Archer Dividend Growth Fund is first seeking companies we believe will have long-term dividend payouts for shareholders. We are seeking to ensure our monthly dividend as well as preservation of capital of the investments. With interest rates on the 10 year Treasury near 2.3%, we believe the 3% yield on the Archer Dividend Growth Fund is appealing to shareholders looking for monthly return. The investments in the Fund we believe will continue to grow earnings and the dividend offered to investors. We contrast this for the investor looking to capture yield with a potential increase in yield and principal over time.
![[archerannual002.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual002.gif)
Troy C. Patton, CPA/ABV
President
4
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
PERFORMANCE ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Cumulative Performance Comparison of $10,000 Investment Since Inception *
![[archerannual004.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual004.gif)
| | |
Average Annual Total Returns | |
For the Periods Ended August 31, 2017 |
| | |
| Archer Balanced Fund | Dow Jones Moderate U.S. Portfolio Index |
1 Year | 9.69% | 9.08% |
3 Year | 6.03% | 6.03% |
5 Year | 9.30% | 9.39% |
10 Year | 3.79% | 6.87% |
Since Inception | 4.70% | 7.19% |
Value | $17,294 | $22,879 |
*This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 27, 2005.
Past Performance does not guarantee future results.
Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.
The Dow Jones Moderate Portfolio is a member of the Dow Jones Relative Risk Indexes that measures the performance of conservative, moderate and aggressive portfolios based on incremental levels of potential risk. The indexes are designed to systematically measure various levels of risk relative to the risk of a U.S. all-stock index. Investors can identify an appropriate benchmark as the index that has the most similar historic risk characteristics.
Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call (800) 238-7701.
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ARCHER INCOME FUND
PERFORMANCE ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Cumulative Performance Comparison of $10,000 Investment Since Inception *
![[archerannual006.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual006.gif)
| | | |
Average Annual Total Returns | | |
For the Periods Ended August 31, 2017 | |
| | | |
| Archer Income Fund | Bloomberg Barclay's Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Bloomberg Barclay's Intermediate Credit Index |
1 Year | 1.54% | 0.50% | 1.92% |
3 Year | 1.81% | 2.65% | 2.76% |
5 Year | 1.96% | 2.20% | 2.84% |
Since Inception | 3.06% | 3.55% | 4.00% |
Value | $12,156 | $12,535 | $12,891 |
*This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 11, 2011.
Past Performance does not guarantee future results.
Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.
The Bloomberg Barclay's Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS. The U.S. Aggregate Index was created in 1986.
The Bloomberg Barclay's Capital Intermediate Credit Index consists of dollar-denominated, investment-grade, publicly-issued securities with a maturity of between one and ten years and that are issued by both corporate issuers and non-corporate issuers.
Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call (800) 238-7701.
6
ARCHER STOCK FUND
PERFORMANCE ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Cumulative Performance Comparison of $10,000 Investment Since Inception *
![[archerannual008.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual008.gif)
| | | |
Average Annual Total Returns | | |
For the Periods Ended August 31, 2017 | |
| | | |
| Archer Stock Fund | S&P 500 Index | S&P 400 Midcap Index |
1 Year | 11.44% | 16.21% | 12.35% |
3 Year | 3.44% | 9.53% | 8.06% |
5 Year | 10.67% | 14.34% | 13.96% |
Since Inception | 7.84% | 12.86% | 11.43% |
Value | $16,307 | $ 21,888 | $ 20,157 |
*This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 11, 2011.
Past Performance does not guarantee future results.
Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”) is a market value-weighted index, representing the aggregate market value of the common equity of 500 stocks primarily traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The S&P 500 is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The figures for the S&P 500 reflect all dividends reinvested but do no reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.
The Standard & Poor's 400 Index ("S&P 400") is an unmanaged benchmark that assumes reinvestment of all distributions and excludes the effect of taxes and fees. The Index is composed of 400 medium capitalization domestic common stocks and is representative of a broader market range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.
Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call (800) 238-7701.
7
ARCHER DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND
PERFORMANCE ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Cumulative Performance Comparison of $10,000 Investment Since Inception *
![[archerannual010.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual010.gif)
| | |
Average Annual Total Returns | |
For the Period Ended August 31, 2017 | |
| | |
| Archer Dividend Growth Fund | Dow Jones US Large-Cap Value Total Stock Market Index |
Since Inception | 4.04% | 13.02% |
Value | $10,404 | $11,302 |
*This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 1, 2016.
Past Performance does not guarantee future results.
Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares.
The Dow Jones US Large-Cap Value Total Stock Market Index measures large cap stocks that exhibit value characteristics. This is a market cap weighted index including a selection of securities from the Wilshire Large Cap 750 Index that meet Wilshire’s criteria for value.
Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call (800) 238-7701.
8
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
PORTFOLIO ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Fund by the investment type. The underlying securities represent a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
![[archerannual012.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual012.gif)
* The Schedule of Investments is categorized by industry and uses SEC SIK codes as classifications.
9
ARCHER INCOME FUND
PORTFOLIO ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Fund by investment type. The underlying securities represent a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
![[archerannual014.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual014.gif)
* The Schedule of Investments is categorized by industry and uses SEC SIK codes as classifications.
10
ARCHER STOCK FUND
PORTFOLIO ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Fund by the industry sectors. The underlying securities represent a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
![[archerannual016.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual016.gif)
Sectors are categorized using Morningstar® classifications.
11
ARCHER DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
The following chart gives a visual breakdown of the Fund by the industry sectors. The underlying securities represent a percentage of the portfolio of investments.
![[archerannual018.gif]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual018.gif)
Sectors are categorized using Morningstar® classifications.
12
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 65.47% | |
| | | |
Air Courier Services - 1.91% | |
3,000 | | FedEx Corp. | $ 643,140 |
| | | |
Aircraft - 1.78% | |
2,500 | | Boeing Co. | 599,150 |
| | | |
Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts - 1.78% | |
5,000 | | United Technologies Corp. | 598,600 |
| | | |
Beverages - 1.03% | |
3,000 | | PepsiCo, Inc. | 347,190 |
| | | |
Bituminous Coal & Lignite Surface Mining - 0.00% | |
1 | | Peabody Energy Corp. * | 15 |
| | | |
Cable & Other Pay Television Services - 4.09% | |
14,000 | | Comcast Corp. Class A | 568,540 |
8,000 | | Walt Disney Co. | 809,600 |
| | | 1,378,140 |
Commercial Banks, Nec - 1.83% | |
11,500 | | Toronto Dominion Bank (Canada) | 616,515 |
| | | |
Electric Services - 1.70% | |
3,800 | | NextEra Energy, Inc. | 571,938 |
| | | |
Electronic Computers - 2.29% | |
4,700 | | Apple, Inc. | 770,800 |
| | | |
Food & Kindred Products - 1.23% | |
4,900 | | Nestle S.A. ADR | 415,324 |
| | | |
Footwear - 1.41% | |
9,000 | | Nike, Inc. Class B | 475,290 |
| | | |
Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 1.17% | |
2,500 | | Aetna, Inc. | 394,250 |
| | | |
Instruments for Measurements & Testing of Electricity & Electric Signals - 1.59% | |
15,000 | | Teradyne, Inc. | 534,150 |
* Non-income producing
ADR - American Depository Receipt
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
13
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Life Insurance - 1.33% | |
4,400 | | Prudential Financial, Inc. | $ 449,152 |
| | | |
Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories - 1.85% | |
4,500 | | Honeywell International, Inc. | 622,215 |
| | | |
National Commercial Banks - 6.24% | |
9,000 | | Citigroup, Inc. | 612,270 |
7,100 | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 645,319 |
10,500 | | US Bancorp. | 538,125 |
6,000 | | Wells Fargo & Co. | 306,420 |
| | | 2,102,134 |
Natural Gas Transmission - 1.20% | |
21,000 | | Kinder Morgan, Inc. | 405,930 |
| | | |
Oil & Gas Filed Services, NBC - 1.09% | |
5,800 | | Schlumberger Ltd. (France) | 368,358 |
| | | |
Petroleum Refining - 0.96% | |
3,000 | | Chevron Corp. | 322,860 |
| | | |
Pharmaceutical Preparations - 8.72% | |
8,900 | | Bristol Myers Squibb Co. | 538,272 |
4,000 | | Celgene Corp. * | 555,720 |
4,000 | | Johnson & Johnson | 529,480 |
9,000 | | Merck & Co., Inc. | 574,740 |
16,000 | | Pfizer, Inc. | 542,720 |
4,000 | | Sanofi ADR | 195,360 |
| | | 2,936,292 |
Plastics, Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers - 0.59% | |
3,000 | | Dow Chemical Co. | 199,950 |
| | | |
Railroads, Line-Haul Operating - 0.69% | |
2,200 | | Union Pacific Corp. | 231,660 |
| | | |
Retail - Apparel & Accessory Stores - 1.44% | |
20,000 | | Hanesbrands, Inc. | 485,200 |
| | | |
Retail - Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores - 1.61% | |
7,000 | | CVS Caremark Corp. | 541,380 |
* Non-income producing
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
14
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Retail - Eating & Drinking Places - 0.98% | |
6,000 | | Starbucks Corp. | $ 329,160 |
| | | |
Retail - Lumber & Other Building Material Dealers - 1.78% | |
4,000 | | The Home Depot, Inc. | 599,480 |
| | | |
Retail - Variety Stores - 1.04% | |
4,500 | | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | 351,315 |
| | | |
Semiconductors & Related Devices - 3.12% | |
1,800 | | Broadcom Ltd. (Singapore) | 453,726 |
17,000 | | Intel Corp. | 596,190 |
| | | 1,049,916 |
Services - Business Services - 3.02% | |
3,800 | | Accenture Plc. Class A (Ireland) | 496,888 |
3,900 | | MasterCard, Inc. Class A | 519,870 |
| | | 1,016,758 |
Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. - 3.46% | |
500 | | Alphabet, Inc. Class A * | 477,620 |
4,000 | | Facebook, Inc. Class A * | 687,880 |
| | | 1,165,500 |
Services-General Medical & Surgical Hospitals - 1.00% | |
4,300 | | HCA Healthcare, Inc. * | 338,238 |
| | | |
Ship & Boat Building & Repairing - 1.79% | |
3,000 | | General Dynapics Corp. | 604,050 |
| | | |
Telephone Communications (No Radio Telephone) - 1.75% | |
15,700 | | AT&T, Inc. | 588,122 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCKS (Cost $16,620,057) - 65.47% | 22,052,172 |
| | | |
CORPORATE BONDS - 18.04% (a) | |
| | | |
Agriculture Chemicals - 0.24% | |
75,000 | | CF Industries Holdings, Inc., 7.125%, 5/01/20 | 82,688 |
| | | |
Air Transportation, Scheduled - 0.45% | |
150,000 | | Southwest Airlines Co., 2.750%, 11/06/19 | 152,522 |
* Non-income producing
(a) With the exception of Cibolo Canyon, all Corporate Bonds, Municipal Bonds and Structured Notes are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 3 of the accompanying notes to the financial statements for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
15
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Banks & Financial Institutions - 0.15% | |
50,000 | | Societe Generale, 2.4625%, 4/22/20 (France) ** | $ 50,331 |
| | | |
Computer Communications Equipment - 0.40% | |
125,000 | | Juniper Networks, Inc., 4.50%, 3/15/24 | 133,944 |
| | | |
Computer Storage Devices - 0.52% | |
182,000 | | EMC Corp., 3.375%, 6/01/23 | 175,711 |
| | | |
Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 1.03% | |
200,000 | | Murphy Oil Corp., 3.50%, 12/01/17 | 200,056 |
150,000 | | Murphy Oil Corp., 4.00%, 6/01/22 | 147,603 |
| | | 347,659 |
Dental Equipment & Supplies - 0.62% | |
200,000 | | DENTSPLY International, Inc., 4.125%, 8/15/21 | 209,326 |
| | | |
Distribution/Wholesale - 0.15% | |
50,000 | | Tech Data Corp., 3.75%, 9/21/17 | 50,029 |
| | | |
Electric Services - 0.47% | |
150,000 | | Exelon Generation Co., LLC, 4.00%, 10/01/20 | 157,231 |
| | | |
Food & Kindred Products - 0.31% | |
100,000 | | Kraft Foods Group, Inc., 6.125%, 8/23/18 | 104,122 |
| | | |
Healthcare Providers & Services - 0.29% | |
100,000 | | Catholic Health Initiatives, 2.95%, 11/01/22 | 98,619 |
| | | |
Metal Mining - 0.30% | |
100,000 | | Freeport-McMoran, Inc., 3.10%, 3/15/20 | 100,000 |
| | | |
Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution - 0.30% | |
100,000 | | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC., 2.56639%, 11/20/18 ** | 99,926 |
| | | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries - 0.32% | |
100,000 | | Hillenbrand, Inc., 5.50%, 7/15/20 | 107,059 |
| | | |
Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories - 0.32% | |
100,000 | | Lear Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/25 | 107,173 |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
16
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
National Commercial Banks - 0.75% | |
150,000 | | Citigroup, Inc., 2.40%, 2/18/20 | $ 151,358 |
100,000 | | Old National Bancorp., 4.125%, 8/15/24 | 101,573 |
| | | 252,931 |
Operative Builders - 0.63% | |
200,000 | | Lennar Corp., 4.875%, 12/15/23 | 211,500 |
| | | |
Pharmaceutical Preparations - 0.75% | |
250,000 | | AbbVie, Inc., 2.90%, 11/06/22 | 253,620 |
| | | |
Printed Circuit Boards - 0.16% | |
50,000 | | Jabil Circuit, Inc., 5.625%, 12/15/20 | 54,155 |
| | | |
Property & Casualty Insurance - 0.71% | |
200,000 | | Zurich Reinsurance Centre Holdings, 7.125%, 10/15/23 (Switzerland) | 240,597 |
| | | |
Real Estate - 0.47% | |
50,000 | | Aurora Military Housing, 5.35%, 12/15/25 | 53,470 |
104,862 | | Cibolo Canyon CTFS, 3.00%, 8/20/20 (b) | 103,813 |
| | | 157,283 |
Retail - Auto & Home Supply Stores - 0.32% | |
100,000 | | Advanced Auto Parts, Inc., 5.75%, 5/01/20 | 107,878 |
| | | |
Retail - Department Store - 0.93% | |
300,000 | | Dillards, Inc., 7.13%, 8/01/18 | 312,343 |
| | | |
Retail - Drug Stores & Proprietary Stores - 0.54% | |
175,000 | | Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., 3.30%, 11/18/21 | 181,271 |
| | | |
Retail - Shoe Stores - 0.34% | |
100,000 | | Foot Locker, Inc., 8.50%, 1/15/22 | 116,375 |
| | | |
Retail - Variety Stores - 0.63% | |
200,000 | | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 3.625%, 7/08/20 | 211,148 |
| | | |
Services - Business Services - 0.51% | |
170,000 | | EBay, Inc., 2.60%, 7/15/22 | 170,351 |
| | | |
Services - Computer Programming Services - 0.53% | |
175,000 | | VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/23 | 180,031 |
(b) Categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Denotes a restricted security that either (a) cannot be offered
for public sale without first being registered, or being able to take advantage of an exemption from registration, under the Securities Act of 1933; or (b) is subject to a contractual restriction on public sales. The restricted security represents 0.31% of net assets. Refer to Note 3 of the accompanying notes to the financial statements for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
17
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Services - Educational Services - 0.24% | |
75,000 | | Graham Holdings Co., 7.25%, 2/01/19 | $ 79,877 |
| | | |
Services - General Medical & Surgical Hospitals - 0.32% | |
100,000 | | HCA Holdings, Inc., 6.25%, 2/15/21 | 108,000 |
| | | |
Services - Personal Services - 0.73% | |
225,000 | | H&R Block, Inc., 5.50%,11/01/22 | 247,415 |
| | | |
Services - Prepackaged Software - 1.65% | |
300,000 | | CA, Inc., 5.375%, 12/01/19 | 320,346 |
75,000 | | Symantec Corp., 3.95%, 6/15/22 | 77,753 |
150,000 | | Symantec Corp., 4.20%, 9/15/20 | 157,875 |
| | | 555,974 |
Services - Video Tape Rental - 0.48% | |
150,000 | | Netflix, Inc., 5.375%, 2/01/21 | 160,688 |
| | | |
State Commercial Banks - 0.31% | |
100,000 | | Home Bancshares, Inc., 5.625%, 4/15/27 | 103,627 |
| | | |
Transportation Services - 0.32% | |
100,000 | | Expedia, Inc., 5.95%, 8/15/20 | 109,364 |
| | | |
Wholesale - Drugs Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries - 0.24% | |
75,000 | | Cardinal Health, Inc., 4.625%, 12/15/20 | 80,686 |
| | | |
Wholesale - Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies - 0.61% | |
200,000 | | LKQ Corp., 4.75%, 5/15/23 | 205,000 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $5,959,652) - 18.04% | 6,076,454 |
| | | |
EXCHANGE TRADED NOTE - 0.67% | |
8,000 | | JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN | 225,280 |
TOTAL FOR EXCHANGE TRADED NOTE (Cost $316,951) - 0.67% | 225,280 |
| | | |
MUNICIPAL BONDS - 4.50% (a) | |
| | | |
Arizona - 0.33% | |
20,000 | | Arizona St. University Build America Bond, 5.50%, 8/01/25 | 21,158 |
75,000 | | La Paz Cnty, AZ Indl. Dev. Auth., 5.40%, 12/01/20 | 65,916 |
25,000 | | Sedona, AZ Wastewater, 0.00%, 7/01/21 | 23,091 |
| | | 110,165 |
(a) With the exception of Cibolo Canyon, all Corporate Bonds, Municipal Bonds and Structured Notes are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 3 of the accompanying notes to the financial statements for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
18
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| |
California - 0.54% | |
35,000 | | California St. University Revenue Bond Series B, 2.785%, 11/01/22 | $ 35,963 |
100,000 | | Kern Cnty, CA Pension Oblg., 5.25%, 8/15/19 | 95,882 |
50,000 | | University Enterprises Inc. CA, 5.25%, 10/01/20 | 52,044 |
| | | 183,889 |
Georgia - 0.32% | |
99,000 | | Georgia Loc. Govt., 4.75%, 6/1/28 | 108,045 |
| | | |
Illinois - 0.68% | |
100,000 | | Chicago, IL Build America Bonds - Series B, 4.564%, 12/01/20 | 99,368 |
35,000 | | Eastern IL University Ctfs. Partn. Rev., 6.00%, 4/01/24 | 29,226 |
30,000 | | Illinois St., 5.877%, 3/01/19 | 31,220 |
70,000 | | Saint Clair Cnty, IL School District., 4.00%, 1/01/21 | 70,018 |
| | | 229,832 |
Indiana - 0.90% | |
35,000 | | Anderson, IN Economic Dev. Rev., 5.00%, 10/01/28 | 35,009 |
135,000 | | Evansville, IN Vanderburgh Industry School Taxable Build American Bond, 6.15%, 7/15/27 | 148,038 |
70,000 | | Gary, IN Community School Bldg., 7.50%, 2/01/29 | 77,062 |
40,000 | | Richland Bean Blossom, IN Sch. Bldg. Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/24 | 42,564 |
| | | 302,673 |
Iowa - 0.44% | |
146,000 | | Tobacco Settlement Auth Iowa, 6.50%, 6/01/23 | 147,761 |
| | | |
Michigan - 0.33% | |
105,000 | | Michigan State Build America Bonds, 7.625%, 9/15/27 | 111,526 |
| | | |
Oklahoma - 0.11% | |
35,000 | | Bryan County, OK Indpt School District, 6.554%, 12/01/29 | 37,526 |
| | | |
South Carolina - 0.26% | |
55,000 | | Moncks Corner, SC Regl Recreation Corp. Build America Bonds, 6.299%, 12/01/30 | 60,667 |
25,000 | | Scago, SC Public Facs Corp. for Georgetown Cnty, 6.75%, 12/01/29 | 26,472 |
| | | 87,139 |
Texas - 0.24% | |
25,000 | | Katy Texas Schools, 5.999%, 2/15/2030 | 27,575 |
15,000 | | Lubbock, TX Build America Bonds, 6.032%, 2/15/30 | 15,851 |
60,000 | | Reeves Cnty, TX Cops, 6.375%, 12/01/21 | 36,127 |
| | | 79,553 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
19
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| |
Wisconsin - 0.35% | |
110,000 | | Greendale, WI Taxable Community Development, Series A, 4.75%, 12/01/26 | $ 117,358 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR MUNICIPAL BONDS (Cost $1,551,135) - 4.50% | 1,515,467 |
| | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 1.63% | |
18,000 | | Duke Realty Corp. | 534,960 |
500 | | PS Business Parks Inc. Series T, PFD 6.00%, 12/31/49 | 12,710 |
TOTAL FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $291,006) - 1.63% | 547,670 |
| | | |
PREFERRED SECURITIES - 0.91% | |
| | | |
National Commercial Banks - 0.38% | |
3,000 | | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Series Q, 5.375%, 12/31/49 | 76,470 |
2,000 | | Wells Fargo & Co. Series P, 5.25%, 12/31/49 | 50,600 |
| | | 127,070 |
Telephone Communications (No Radio Telephone) - 0.53% | |
2,000 | | QWest Corp., 6.125%, 6/01/53 | 50,280 |
3,000 | | QWest Corp., 6.50%, 9/01/56 | 76,080 |
2,000 | | US Cellular Corp., PFD 6.95%, 5/15/60 | 52,180 |
| | | 178,540 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR PREFERRED SECURITIES (Cost $299,190) - 0.91% | 305,610 |
| | | |
STRUCTURED NOTES - 1.60% (a) | |
| | | |
Commercial Banks, Nec - 0.64% | |
150,000 | | Barclays Bank Plc., 2.00%, 7/27/22 (United Kingdom) ** | 149,554 |
100,000 | | Barclays Bank Plc., 3.592%, 5/14/29 (United Kingdom) ** | 66,850 |
| | | 216,404 |
National Commercial Banks - 0.53% | |
93,000 | | Citigroup, Inc., 3.00%, 12/23/19 ** | 93,389 |
100,000 | | JP Morgan Chase Bank, 1.68%, 1/23/29 ** | 84,000 |
| | | 177,389 |
Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies - 0.43% | |
125,000 | | Goldman Sachs, 2.66475%, 11/13/28 ** | 93,750 |
50,000 | | Morgan Stanley, 3.00%, 11/09/19 ** | 51,828 |
| | | 145,578 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR STRUCTURED NOTES (Cost $597,619) - 1.60% | 539,371 |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
(a) With the exception of Cibolo Canyon, all Corporate Bonds, Municipal Bonds and Structured Notes are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 3 of the accompanying notes to the financial statements for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 6.30% | |
2,121,577 | | Federated Treasury Obligation Fund - Institutional Shares 0.88% ** (Cost $2,121,577) - 6.30% | $ 2,121,577 |
| | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $27,757,187) - 99.12% | 33,383,601 |
| | | |
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES, NET - 0.88% | 297,712 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 33,681,313 |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
21
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 0.00% | |
| | | |
Bituminous Coal & Lignite Surface Mining - 0.00% | |
1 | | Peabody Energy Corp. * | $ 15 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCKS (Cost $206) - 0.00% | 15 |
| | | |
CORPORATE BONDS - 59.43% (a) | |
| | | |
Aerospace/Defense - Major Diversified - 0.68% | |
75,000 | | Exelis, Inc., 5.55%, 10/01/21 | $ 83,833 |
| | | |
Agriculture Chemicals - 0.45% | |
50,000 | | CF Industries Holdings, Inc., 7.125%, 5/01/20 | 55,125 |
| | | |
Airlines - 0.82% | |
100,000 | | Southwest Airlines Co., 2.750%, 11/06/19 | 101,682 |
| | | |
Banks & Financial Institutions - 0.41% | |
50,000 | | Societe Generale, 2.4625%, 4/22/20 (France) ** | 50,330 |
| | | |
Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) - 1.87% | |
25,000 | | Amgen, Inc., 3.875%, 11/15/21 | 26,502 |
200,000 | | Biogen, Inc., 2.90%, 9/15/20 | 204,684 |
| | | 231,186 |
Commercial Banks, Nec - 0.26% | |
50,000 | | Lloyds Bank PLC., 2.384%, 7/05/2033 (United Kingdom) ** | 31,850 |
| | | |
Commercial Service - Finance - 0.37% | |
800,000 | | GE Capital Corp., 8.87%, 6/02/18 | 45,385 |
| | | |
Computer & Office Equipment - 0.87% | |
100,000 | | Hewlett-Packard, 4.375%, 9/15/21 | 106,972 |
| | | |
Computer Communications Equipment - 1.08% | |
50,000 | | Cisco Systems, Inc., 4.95%, 2/15/19 | 52,379 |
75,000 | | Juniper Networks, Inc., 4.50%, 3/15/24 | 80,366 |
| | | 132,745 |
Computer Storage Devices - 0.39% | |
50,000 | | EMC Corp., 3.375%, 6/01/23 | 48,272 |
* Non-income producing
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
(a) With the exception of Cibolo Canyon, all Corporate Bonds, Municipal Bonds and Structured Notes are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 3 of the accompanying notes to the financial statements for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Container & Packaging - 0.43% | |
50,000 | | Ball Corp., 5.00%, 3/15/22 | $ 53,500 |
| | | |
Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 1.41% | |
75,000 | | Murphy Oil Corp., 3.50%, 12/1/17 | 75,021 |
100,000 | | Murphy Oil Corp., 4.00%, 6/01/22 | 98,402 |
| | | 173,423 |
Dental Equipment & Supplies - 0.85% | |
100,000 | | DENTSPLY International, Inc., 4.125%, 8/15/21 | 104,663 |
| | | |
Distribution/Wholesale - 1.23% | |
100,000 | | Ingram Micro, Inc., 5.00%, 8/10/22 | 101,580 |
50,000 | | Tech Data Corp., 3.75%, 9/21/17 | 50,029 |
| | | 151,609 |
Electric & Other Services Combined - 1.10% | |
50,000 | | CMS Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 2/01/20 | 54,864 |
100,000 | | PPL Energy Supply LLC., 4.60%, 12/15/21 | 81,500 |
| | | 136,364 |
Electric Services - 1.24% | |
50,000 | | Exelon Generation Co., LLC, 4.00%, 10/01/20 | 52,410 |
100,000 | | Southern Co., 2.95%, 7/1/23 | 101,183 |
| | | 153,593 |
Farm Machinery & Equipment - 0.88% | |
100,000 | | AGCO Corp., 5.875%, 12/1/21 | 109,088 |
| | | |
Food & Kindred Products - 1.22% | |
80,000 | | Conagra Foods, Inc., 9.75%, 3/01/21 | 97,995 |
50,000 | | Kraft Foods Group, Inc., 6.125%, 8/23/18 | 52,061 |
| | | 150,056 |
General Building Contractors - Residential Buildings - 0.43% | |
50,000 | | Lennar Corp., 4.875%, 12/15/23 | 52,875 |
| | | |
Hazardous Waste Management - 0.41% | |
50,000 | | Clean Harbors, Inc., 5.125%, 6/01/21 | 50,875 |
| | | |
Healthcare Providers & Services - 0.40% | |
50,000 | | Catholic Health Initiatives, 2.95%, 11/01/22 | 49,310 |
| | | |
Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 0.21% | |
25,000 | | WellPoint, Inc., 3.70%, 8/15/21 | 26,191 |
| | | |
Medical - Generic Drugs - 0.66% | |
75,000 | | Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 6.125%, 8/15/19 | 80,988 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
23
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Metal Mining - 0.41% | |
50,000 | | Freeport-McMoran, Inc., 3.10%, 3/15/20 | $ 50,000 |
| | | |
Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution - 1.21% | |
50,000 | | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC., 2.56639%, 11/20/18 ** | 49,963 |
100,000 | | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC., 4.20%, 2/20/27 | 99,192 |
| | | 149,155 |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries - 0.65% | |
75,000 | | Hillenbrand, Inc., 5.50%, 7/15/20 | 80,294 |
| | | |
Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories - 2.14% | |
100,000 | | Lear Corp., 4.75%, 1/15/23 | 103,453 |
100,000 | | Lear Corp., 5.375%, 3/15/24 | 106,653 |
50,000 | | Lear Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/25 | 53,586 |
| | | 263,692 |
Multimedia - 0.44% | |
50,000 | | Time Warner, Inc., 4.75%, 3/29/21 | 54,049 |
| | | |
National Commercial Banks - 2.22% | |
82,000 | | Bank of America Corp., 2.384%, 6/24/30 ** | 61,295 |
80,000 | | Bank of America Corp., 2.804%, 7/14/31 ** | 60,600 |
50,000 | | Citigroup, Inc., 2.40%, 2/18/20 | 50,453 |
100,000 | | Old National Bancorp., 4.125%, 8/15/24 | 101,573 |
| | | 273,921 |
Natural Gas Transmission - 0.81% | |
100,000 | | Kinder Morgan, Inc., 2.00%, 12/01/17 | 100,054 |
| | | |
Oil Company - Exploration & Production - 0.81% | |
100,000 | | Southwestern Energy Co., 7.125%, 10/10/17 | 100,282 |
| | | |
Pharmaceutical Preparations - 0.41% | |
50,000 | | AbbVie, Inc., 2.90%, 11/06/22 | 50,724 |
| | | |
Plastic Material, Synth Resin/Rubber, Cellulos (No Glass) - 2.14% | |
250,000 | | E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 5.75%, 3/15/19 | 264,495 |
| | | |
Printed Circuit Boards - 0.44% | |
50,000 | | Jabil Circuit, 5.625%, 12/15/20 | 54,155 |
| | | |
Property & Casualty Insurance - 1.46% | |
150,000 | | Zurich Reinsurance Centre Holdings, 7.125%, 10/15/23 (Switzerland) | 180,448 |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Real Estate - 0.85% | |
50,000 | | Aurora Military Housing LLC., 5.35%, 12/15/25 | $ 53,471 |
52,431 | | Cibolo Canyon CTFS, 3.00%, 8/20/20 (b) | 51,907 |
| | | 105,378 |
Retail - Auto & Home Supply Stores - 0.87% | |
100,000 | | Advanced Auto Parts, Inc., 5.75%, 5/01/20 | 107,878 |
| | | |
Retail - Department Stores - 2.02% | |
35,000 | | Dillards, Inc., 7.75%, 7/15/26 | 40,875 |
200,000 | | Dillards, Inc., 7.13%, 8/01/18 | 208,229 |
| | | 249,104 |
Retail - Discretionary - 0.79% | |
100,000 | | Staples, Inc., 4.375%, 1/12/23 | 98,087 |
| | | |
Retail - Drug Stores & Proprietary Stores - 4.14% | |
200,000 | | CVS Health Corp., 3.50%, 7/20/22 | 209,131 |
120,000 | | Express Scripts Holding Co., 2.25%, 6/15/19 | 120,540 |
175,000 | | Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., 3.30%, 11/18/21 | 181,271 |
| | | 510,942 |
Retail - Shoe Stores - 1.41% | |
150,000 | | Foot Locker, Inc., 8.50%, 1/15/22 | 174,562 |
| | | |
Security Broker Dealers - 1.31% | |
150,000 | | TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., 5.60%, 12/01/19 | 162,216 |
| | | |
Services - Business Services - 1.50% | |
80,000 | | EBay, Inc., 2.60%, 7/15/22 | 80,165 |
100,000 | | Total System Services, Inc., 3.80%, 4/1/21 | 104,437 |
| | | 184,602 |
Services - Computer Programming Services - 0.79% | |
95,000 | | VeriSign, Inc., 4.625%, 5/01/23 | 97,731 |
| | | |
Services - Educational Services - 0.43% | |
50,000 | | Graham Holdings Co., 7.25%, 2/01/19 | 53,251 |
| | | |
Services - General Medical & Surgical Hospitals, Nec - 0.88% | |
100,000 | | HCA Holdings, Inc., 6.25%, 2/15/21 | 108,000 |
| | | |
Services - Personal Services - 2.00% | |
225,000 | | H&R Block, Inc., 5.50%,11/01/22 | 247,415 |
(b) Categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Denotes a restricted security that either (a) cannot be offered for public sale without first being registered, or being able to take advantage of an exemption from registration, under the Securities Act of 1933; or (b) is subject to a contractual restriction on public sales. The restricted security represents 0.42% of net assets. Refer to Note 3 of the accompanying notes to the financial statements for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
25
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Services - Prepackaged Software - 2.58% | |
200,000 | | CA, Inc., 5.375%, 12/01/19 | $ 213,564 |
50,000 | | Symantec Corp., 3.95%, 6/15/22 | 51,835 |
50,000 | | Symantec Corp., 4.20%, 9/15/20 | 52,625 |
| | | 318,024 |
Services - Video Tape Rental - 0.87% | |
100,000 | | Netflix 5.375%, 2/1/21 | 107,125 |
| | | |
State Commercial Banks - 2.10% | |
155,000 | | Bank of Nova Scotia, 2.50%, 5/29/24 ** | 155,462 |
100,000 | | Home Bancshares, Inc., 5.625%, 4/15/27 | 103,627 |
| | | 259,089 |
Telephone Communications (No Radio Telephone) - 0.50% | |
50,000 | | Indiana Bell Tel Co. Inc., 7.30%, 8/15/26 | 61,614 |
| | | |
Television Broadcasting Stations - 0.51% | |
54,000 | | CBS Broadcasting, Inc., 7.125%, 11/1/23 | 63,484 |
| | | |
Tires & Inner Tubes - 0.95% | |
100,000 | | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 8.75%, 8/15/20 | 117,250 |
| | | |
Transportation Services - 0.89% | |
100,000 | | Expedia, Inc. 5.95%, 8/15/20 | 109,364 |
| | | |
Wholesale - Drugs Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries - 0.44% | |
50,000 | | Cardinal Health, Inc., 4.625%, 12/15/20 | 53,791 |
| | | |
Wholesale - Electrical Apparatus & Equipment, Wiring Supplies - 0.42% | |
50,000 | | Anixter, Inc., 5.625%, 5/1/19 | 52,438 |
| | | |
Wholesale - Groceries & Related Products - 1.54% | |
152,000 | | Sysco Corp., 6.50%, 8/1/28 | 189,688 |
| | | |
Wholesale - Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies - 0.83% | |
100,000 | | LKQ Corp., 4.75%, 5/15/23 | 102,500 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $7,260,314) - 59.43% | 7,334,717 |
| | | |
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - 0.79% | |
2,500 | | iShares US Preferred Stock ETF | 97,625 |
TOTAL FOR EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (Cost $98,080) - 0.79% | 97,625 |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
26
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
MUNICIPAL BONDS - 23.66% (a) | |
| | | |
Arizona - 0.24% | |
25,000 | | Maricopa County School District No. 66 Roosevelt Elementary 6.243%, 7/01/26 | $ 29,378 |
| | | |
California - 3.08% | |
165,000 | | California State, 6.20%, 3/01/19 | 175,935 |
50,000 | | Sacramento, CA Pension Oblg. Series A, 6.42%, 8/1/23 | 58,453 |
95,000 | | Sacramento Cnty., CA Pension Oblg., 6.625%, 8/1/24 | 112,757 |
30,000 | | San Luis Obispo Cnty., CA Pension Oblg., 7.45%, 9/1/19 | 32,872 |
| | | 380,017 |
Colorado - 0.13% | |
15,000 | | Vail, CO, Reinvestment Authority Tax Increment Rev Taxable BAB Series B, 6.069%, 6/01/25 | 15,619 |
| | | |
Florida - 1.32% | |
25,000 | | FL State Department Management Services BAB Series C, 6.111%, 8/01/23 | 26,908 |
50,000 | | Fort Lauderdale, FL, Spl Oblg Txbl-Pension Funding, 3.024%, 1/1/20 | 50,963 |
25,000 | | Miami-Dade County, FL, Spl Oblg Taxable-Cap Asset Acquisition Series B, 3.35%, 4/1/18 | 25,197 |
25,000 | | Orlando, FL, Cmnty Redev Agy BAB, 7.50%, 9/1/29 | 27,418 |
30,000 | | Osceola County, FL 6.02%, 10/01/26 | 32,295 |
| | | 162,781 |
Georgia - 0.44% | |
50,000 | | Georgia Local Government, 4.75%, 6/01/28 | 54,568 |
| | | |
Illinois - 3.53% | |
50,000 | | Chicago, IL Build America Bonds - Series B, 4.564%, 12/01/20 | 49,684 |
40,000 | | Eastern IL University Build America Bond, 5.45%, 4/01/19 | 36,470 |
45,000 | | Eastern IL University Build America Bond, 5.90%, 4/01/23 | 38,442 |
15,000 | | Rosemont, IL Ref Bds Series A, 5.375%, 12/1/25 | 16,812 |
30,000 | | Saint Clair County, IL School District No. 189 East St. Louis, 4.00%, 1/01/21 | 30,008 |
75,000 | | State of Illinois, 4.95%, 6/1/23 | 77,988 |
50,000 | | State of Illinois, 5.665%, 3/1/18 | 50,829 |
70,000 | | State of Illinois, 5.877%, 3/1/19 | 72,847 |
40,000 | | State of Illinois, 6.20%, 7/01/21 | 42,394 |
20,000 | | State of Illinois Taxable-Pension UTGO, 4.35%, 6/1/18 | 20,236 |
| | | 435,710 |
(a) With the exception of Cibolo Canyon, all Corporate Bonds, Municipal Bonds and Structured Notes are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 3 of the accompanying notes to the financial statements for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
27
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Indiana - 6.00% | |
140,000 | | Beech Grove, IN Sch Bldg Corp., 2.85%, 7/5/25 | $ 140,017 |
25,000 | | Brier Creek, IN School Bldg. Corp., 6.08%, 7/15/24 | 27,026 |
35,000 | | Evansville, IN Redevelopment Authority, 6.15%, 2/01/24 | 39,267 |
80,000 | | Evansville, IN Redevelopment BAB, 6.86%, 2/01/29 | 91,352 |
100,000 | | Evansville-Vanderburgh, IN Sch Bldg Corp. Series B, 6.15%, 7/15/27 | 109,658 |
100,000 | | Indiana St Fin Auth Environmental Rev., 1.95%, 5/01/37 | 100,016 |
10,000 | | Indiana St Univ Revs BAB, 5.26%, 4/1/24 | 10,641 |
25,000 | | Indianapolis, IN Local Public Impt, 2.00%, 4/1/20 | 24,522 |
65,000 | | Kankakee VY, IN, Middle Sch Bldg Corp., BAB, 6.39%, 7/15/29 | 71,187 |
50,000 | | Lake Station, IN, Multi Sch Bldg Corp., Series B, 4.00%, 7/15/22 | 51,864 |
50,000 | | Merrillville, IN, Multi Sch Bldg Corp., Series B, 3.86%, 7/15/23 | 53,156 |
20,000 | | Portage, IN, Industry Redevelopment District Tax, 7.25%, 7/15/24 | 22,444 |
| | | 741,150 |
Iowa - 0.52% | |
64,000 | | Iowa Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6.50%, 6/01/23 | 64,772 |
| | | |
Kentucky - 0.17% | |
20,000 | | Kentucky St Mun Pwr Agy, 5.91%, 9/1/25 | 21,678 |
| | | |
Louisiana - 0.16% | |
20,000 | | Louisiana State Local Gov't Envt, 5.75%, 9/01/2019 | 20,249 |
| | | |
Michigan - 0.68% | |
45,000 | | Blackman Twp., MI Build America Bond, 4.70%, 5/01/19 | 46,544 |
35,000 | | Van Buren MI Public Schools Build America Bonds, 6.43%, 5/1/29 | 37,104 |
| | | 83,648 |
Maryland - 0.64% | |
40,000 | | Prince Georges County, MD, 6.169, 10/15/29 | 43,405 |
35,000 | | Worcester County, MD, 2.50%, 12/01/18 | 35,420 |
| | | 78,825 |
Minnesota - 0.21% | |
25,000 | | Mountain Iron-Buhl, MN Indep Sch Dist, Series A, 6.30%, 2/01/19 | 26,012 |
| | | |
Mississippi - 0.17% | |
20,000 | | Jackson, MS Mun Arpt Auth. Series C, 4.90%, 10/01/21 | 20,683 |
| | | |
Missouri - 0.38% | |
20,000 | | Kansas City, MO Taxable Gen Obl Series B, 5.05%, 2/01/23 | 21,137 |
25,000 | | Missouri State Health & Educational Fac., 5.80%, 10/01/23 | 25,302 |
| | | 46,439 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
28
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Nevada - 0.44% | |
50,000 | | County of Clark, NV, 6.36%, 11/01/24 | $ 54,721 |
| | | |
New Jersey - 1.46% | |
100,000 | | Atlantic City Board of Education, 4.093%, 7/15/20 | 97,109 |
10,000 | | Hoboken, NJ Services, 5.33%, 2/01/18 | 10,101 |
65,000 | | Hudson County, NJ 6.89%, 3/01/26 | 73,074 |
| | | 180,284 |
New York - 1.28% | |
50,000 | | Erie County, NY Tobacco Asset Corp, 6.00%, 6/01/28 | 48,188 |
75,000 | | Nassau County, NY Series F, 6.80%, 10/01/27 | 82,237 |
25,000 | | New York, NY, BAB, 6.435%, 12/1/35 | 27,230 |
| | | 157,655 |
Ohio - 0.77% | |
30,000 | | Cleveland, OH Income Tax Revenue Build America Bonds, 6.06%, 10/01/26 | 34,028 |
60,000 | | Montgomery, OH Special Obligation Revenue Bond, 4.00%, 10/01/27 | 60,923 |
| | | 94,951 |
Oklahoma - 0.52% | |
35,000 | | Caddo County, OK Gov't Bldg., 5.858%, 9/01/25 | 35,492 |
25,000 | | Garfield County, OK, 6.00%, 9/1/24 | 28,438 |
| | | 63,930 |
Oregon - 0.24% | |
25,000 | | Oregon State Sch Brds Assn Pension, Series B, 5.45%, 6/30/24 | 29,339 |
| | | |
Texas - 0.53% | |
25,000 | | Irving, TX Hotel Occupancy Tax, Series A, 5.657%, 8/15/23 | 26,339 |
40,000 | | Reeves Cnty., TX, 6.375%, 12/21/21 | 24,085 |
25,000 | | Reeves Cnty., TX, 6.75%, 12/01/19 | 15,137 |
| | | 65,561 |
Virginia - 0.13% | |
15,000 | | Virginia Commonwealth Build American Bonds, 5.75%, 5/15/28 | 15,922 |
| | | |
Wisconsin - 0.62% | |
75,000 | | Public Finance Authority, WI, 5.75%, 6/01/23 | 76,630 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR MUNICIPAL BONDS (Cost $2,946,824) - 23.66% | 2,920,522 |
| | | |
PREFERRED SECURITIES - 1.50% | |
| | | |
National Commercial Banks - 0.20% | |
1,000 | | Wells Fargo & Co., PFD 5.25%, 12/31/49 Series P | 25,300 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
29
ARCHER INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Electric Services - 0.45% | |
50,000 | | Edison International, PFD 6.25%, 8/01/49 Series E | $ 55,812 |
| | | |
Telephone Communications (No Radio Telephone) - 0.85% | |
4,000 | | US Cellular Corp., PFD 6.95%, 5/15/60 | 104,360 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR PREFERRED SECURITIES (Cost $175,891) - 1.50% | 185,472 |
| | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 1.06% | |
2,000 | | Digital Realty Trust, PFD 7.375% Series H | 54,320 |
3,000 | | Public Storage, PFD 5.20%, 12/31/49 Series W | 76,680 |
TOTAL FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (Cost $125,000) - 1.06% | 131,000 |
| | | |
STRUCTURED NOTES - 4.63% (a) | |
| | | |
Commercial Banks, Nec - 1.08% | |
100,000 | | Barclays Bank Plc., 2.00%, 7/27/22 (United Kingdom) ** | 99,703 |
50,000 | | Barclays Bank Plc., 3.592%, 5/14/29 (United Kingdom) ** | 33,425 |
| | | 133,128 |
Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies - 3.55% | |
75,000 | | Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.644%, 9/5/28 ** | 56,250 |
100,000 | | Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.71095%, 12/13/28 ** | 75,250 |
120,000 | | Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.66475%, 11/13/28 ** | 90,000 |
50,000 | | JPMorgan Chase & Co., 1.68%, 1/23/29 ** | 42,000 |
50,000 | | Morgan Stanley, 3.00%, 11/09/19 ** | 51,828 |
25,000 | | Morgan Stanley, 4.26%, 1/30/35 ** | 19,750 |
113,000 | | Morgan Stanley, 8.52%, 6/30/30 ** | 102,971 |
| | | 438,049 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR STRUCTURED NOTES (Cost $653,201) - 4.63% | 571,177 |
| | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 7.04% | |
868,942 | | Federated Treasury Obligation Fund - Institutional Shares 0.88%** (Cost $868,942) - 7.04% | 868,942 |
| | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $12,128,458) - 98.11% | 12,109,470 |
| | | |
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES, NET - 1.89% | 233,097 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 12,342,567 |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
(a) With the exception of Cibolo Canyon, all Corporate Bonds, Municipal Bonds and Structured Notes are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 3 of the accompanying notes to the financial statements for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
30
ARCHER STOCK FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 98.28% | |
| | | |
Accident & Health Insurance - 1.96% | |
3,400 | | Aflac, Inc. | $ 280,670 |
| | | |
Air Courier Services - 2.09% | |
1,400 | | FedEx Corp. | 300,132 |
| | | |
Aircraft Part & Auxiliary Equipment - 2.13% | |
4,100 | | Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. Class A | 305,450 |
| | | |
Air Transportation - 1.82% | |
5,000 | | Southwest Airlines Co. | 260,700 |
| | | |
Business Services - 2.38% | |
3,300 | | Visa, Inc. Class A | 341,616 |
| | | |
Cable & Other Pay Television Services - 2.03% | |
4,800 | | AMC Networks, Inc. * | 291,744 |
| | | |
Computer Communications Equipment - 1.97% | |
10,200 | | Juniper Networks, Inc. | 282,846 |
| | | |
Electronic Components & Accessories - 2.24% | |
13,000 | | Control4 Corp. * | 321,880 |
| | | |
Electronic Computers - 2.40% | |
2,100 | | Apple, Inc. | 344,400 |
| | | |
Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 2.15% | |
1,700 | | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class B * | 307,972 |
| | | |
Food & Kindred Products - 3.61% | |
6,800 | | Hain Celestial Group, Inc. * | 273,496 |
6,000 | | Mondelez International, Inc. | 243,960 |
| | | 517,456 |
Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 2.29% | |
3,700 | | Centene Corp. * | 328,745 |
| | | |
Industrial Instruments for Measurement, Display & Control - 2.12% | |
3,700 | | MKS Instruments, Inc. | 304,695 |
* Non-income producing
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
31
ARCHER STOCK FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Industrial Organic Chemicals - 2.25% | |
4,200 | | Westlake Chemicals Co. | $ 323,022 |
| | | |
Measuring & Controlling Devices - 2.35% | |
1,800 | | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 336,852 |
| | | |
Motor Homes - 1.97% | |
2,600 | | Thor Industries, Inc. | 282,464 |
| | | |
Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories - 2.09% | |
2,000 | | Lear Corp. | 299,080 |
| | | |
National Commercial Banks - 5.86% | |
6,100 | | FCB Financial Holdings, Inc. * | 265,960 |
3,100 | | JP Morgan Chase & Co. | 281,759 |
6,700 | | Zions Bancorp. | 292,522 |
| | | 840,241 |
Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies - 3.97% | |
2,500 | | Edwards Lifesciences Corp. * | 284,150 |
2,500 | | Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 285,675 |
| | | 569,825 |
Petroleum Refining - 1.99% | |
4,200 | | Valero Energy Corp. | 286,020 |
| | | |
Pharmaceutical Preparations - 5.06% | |
2,000 | | Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc. (Ireland) * | 298,720 |
9,200 | | Roche Holding, Ltd. ADR | 292,100 |
8,500 | | Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR | 134,810 |
| | | 725,630 |
Retail - Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores - 2.16% | |
4,000 | | CVS Health Corp. | 309,360 |
| | | |
Retail - Grocery Stores - 2.04% | |
13,400 | | Kroger Co. | 293,058 |
| | | |
Retail - Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers - 1.96% | |
3,800 | | Lowe's Companies, Inc. | 280,782 |
| | | |
Retail - Retail Stores - 1.70% | |
1,100 | | Ulta Beauty, Inc. * | 243,111 |
* Non-income producing
ADR - American Depository Receipt
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
32
ARCHER STOCK FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Retail - Variety Stores - 1.77% | |
3,500 | | Dollar General Corp. | $ 253,960 |
| | | |
Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical Systems - 2.16% | |
1,700 | | Raytheon Co. | 309,417 |
| | | |
Semiconductors, Integrated Circuits & Related Services - 1.98% | |
2,700 | | Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | 284,472 |
| | | |
Semiconductors & Related Devices - 3.69% | |
4,200 | | Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. * | 248,304 |
8,000 | | Intel Corp. | 280,560 |
| | | 528,864 |
Services - Business Services - 1.99% | |
4,700 | | MAXIMUS, Inc. | 285,666 |
| | | |
Services - Computer Programming, Data Processing - 4.16% | |
300 | | Alphabet, Inc. Class A * | 286,572 |
1,800 | | Facebook, Inc. Class A * | 309,546 |
| | | 596,118 |
Services - Educational Services - 2.23% | |
3,900 | | Grand Canyon Education, Inc. * | 319,995 |
| | | |
Services - Help Supply Services - 2.01% | |
7,700 | | AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. * | 287,595 |
| | | |
Services - Miscellaneous Health & Allied Services - 2.37% | |
3,000 | | ICON Plc. (Ireland) * | 340,170 |
| | | |
Services - Prepackaged Software - 4.32% | |
2,800 | | Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd. (Israel) * | 313,236 |
4,100 | | Microsoft Corp. | 306,557 |
| | | 619,793 |
State Commercial Banks - 1.78% | |
4,600 | | East West Bancorp, Inc. | 254,702 |
| | | |
Telephone & Telegraph Apparatus - 2.11% | |
6,300 | | Netgear, Inc. * | 302,400 |
| | | |
Tires & Inner Tubes - 1.86% | |
8,800 | | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. | 266,640 |
* Non-income producing
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
33
ARCHER STOCK FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Water Transportation - 2.33% | |
4,800 | | Carnival Corp. | $ 333,504 |
| | | |
Wholesale - Machinery, Equipment & Supplies - 0.93% | |
15,000 | | Hudson Technologies, Inc. * | 133,500 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCKS (Cost $11,143,400) - 98.28% | 14,094,547 |
| | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 1.18% | |
169,473 | | Federated Treasury Obligation Fund - Institutional Shares 0.88% ** (Cost $169,473) | 169,473 |
| | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $11,312,873) - 99.46% | 14,264,020 |
| | | |
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES, NET - 0.54% | 78,013 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 14,342,033 |
* Non-income producing
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
34
ARCHER DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 77.65% | |
| | | |
Commercial Banks - 1.91% | |
2,925 | | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Canada) | $ 245,583 |
| | | |
Communications Equipment - 1.87% | |
4,600 | | QUALCOMM, Inc. | 240,442 |
| | | |
Computer & Office Equipment - 2.16% | |
8,600 | | Cisco Systems, Inc. | 277,006 |
| | | |
Computer Storage Devices - 1.47% | |
6,000 | | Seagate Technology Plc. (Ireland) | 189,180 |
| | | |
Converted Paper & Paperboard Products (No Container/Boxes) - 1.92% | |
2,000 | | Kimberly Clark Corp. | 246,580 |
| | | |
Electric & Other Services Combined - 4.57% | |
3,500 | | Duke Energy Corp. | 305,550 |
6,000 | | Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | 281,040 |
| | | 586,590 |
Electric Services - 8.88% | |
8,900 | | CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 263,618 |
3,900 | | Entergy Corp. | 308,763 |
15,000 | | NRG Yield, Inc. | 277,500 |
7,400 | | PPL Corp. | 290,376 |
| | | 1,140,257 |
Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equipment) - 1.72% | |
9,000 | | General Electric Co. | 220,950 |
| | | |
Grain Mill Products - 2.24% | |
5,400 | | General Mills, Inc. | 287,604 |
| | | |
Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts - 2.38% | |
1,000 | | Lockheed Martin Corp. | 305,390 |
| | | |
Insurance Agents Brokers & Services - 2.07% | |
4,600 | | Arthur J Gallagher & Co. | 266,340 |
| | | |
Investment Advice - 1.84% | |
5,500 | | Lazard Ltd. Class A (Bermuda) | 235,895 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
35
ARCHER DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Life Insurance - 0.18% | |
409 | | Brighthouse Financial, Inc. * | $ 23,347 |
| | | |
Motor Vehicles & Passengers Car Bodies - 1.86% | |
21,700 | | Ford Motor Co. | 239,351 |
| | | |
National Commercial Banks - 5.65% | |
2,850 | | Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | 239,970 |
5,200 | | PacWest Bancorp | 234,780 |
4,900 | | Wells Fargo & Company | 250,243 |
| | | 724,993 |
Petroleum Refining - 6.07% | |
2,450 | | Chevron Corp. | 263,669 |
3,100 | | Exxon Mobil Corp. | 236,623 |
4,100 | | Valero Energy Corp. | 279,210 |
| | | 779,502 |
Pharmaceutical Preparations - 11.31% | |
4,400 | | AbbVie, Inc. | 331,320 |
6,400 | | GlaxoSmithKline Plc. ADR | 257,472 |
4,300 | | Merck & Co., Inc. | 274,598 |
8,600 | | Pfizer, Inc. | 291,712 |
6,100 | | Sanofi SA ADR | 297,924 |
| | | 1,453,026 |
Plastic, Materials, Synth Resins & Nonv - 2.26% | |
4,350 | | Dow Chemical Co. | 289,928 |
| | | |
Retail-Department Stores - 2.20% | |
7,100 | | Kohls Corp. | 282,438 |
| | | |
Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical Systems - 2.08% | |
5,200 | | Garmin Ltd. (Switzerland) | 267,800 |
| | | |
Semiconductors & Related Devices - 2.08% | |
7,600 | | Intel Corp. | 266,532 |
| | | |
Telephone Communications - 6.83% | |
7,150 | | AT&T, Inc. | 267,839 |
6,300 | | BCE, Inc. | 299,628 |
6,450 | | Verizon Communications, Inc. | 309,406 |
| | | 876,873 |
Trucking & Courier Services - 2.09% | |
2,350 | | United Parcel Service, Inc. Class B | 268,746 |
* Non-income producing
ADR - American Depository Receipt
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
36
ARCHER DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | |
Shares/Principal | Value |
| | | |
Utilities - 2.01% | |
13,800 | | SSE Plc. ADR | $ 257,508 |
| | | |
TOTAL FOR COMMON STOCKS (Cost $9,629,678) - 77.65% | 9,971,861 |
| | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 18.00% | |
3,600 | | CorEngergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. | 117,468 |
2,000 | | Crown Castle International Corp. | 216,880 |
2,400 | | Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | 284,016 |
5,300 | | Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. | 122,960 |
13,450 | | Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | 243,714 |
5,000 | | Realty Income Corp. | 287,800 |
9,200 | | Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. | 215,280 |
4,200 | | W.P. Carey, Inc. | 289,170 |
3,800 | | Welltower, Inc. | 278,236 |
7,850 | | Weyerhaeuser Co. | 255,988 |
TOTAL FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $2,287,891) - 18.00% | 2,311,512 |
| | | |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 3.19% | |
409,719 | | Federated Treasury Obligation Fund - Institutional Shares 0.88% ** (Cost $409,719) | 409,719 |
| | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $12,327,288) - 98.84% | 12,693,092 |
| | | |
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES, NET - 1.16% | 148,563 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ 12,841,655 |
** Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents the yield at August 31, 2017.
ADR - American Depository Receipt
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
37
ARCHER FUNDS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
AUGUST 31, 2017
| | | | | |
| | Balanced Fund | Income Fund | Stock Fund | Dividend Growth Fund |
Assets: | |
Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $27,757,187, $12,128,458, $11,312,873, and $12,327,288, respectively) | $ 33,383,601 | $ 12,109,470 | $ 14,264,020 | $ 12,693,092 |
Cash | | 1,700 | - | 5,357 | - |
Receivables: | | | | |
Shareholder Subscriptions | 162,870 | 107,150 | 57,991 | 83,284 |
Interest | 81,529 | 125,197 | 250 | 235 |
Dividend | 58,882 | 328 | 17,315 | 55,619 |
Due from Advisor | - | 1,108 | - | 92 |
Prepaid Expenses | 19,050 | 9,267 | 9,459 | 19,880 |
Total Assets | 33,707,632 | 12,352,520 | 14,354,392 | 12,852,202 |
Liabilities: | | | | | |
Payables: | | | | | |
Shareholder Redemptions | 177 | 174 | 78 | 127 |
Due to Advisor | 287 | - | 119 | - |
Due to Administrator | 458 | - | 195 | 174 |
Due to Trustees | 710 | 267 | 306 | 240 |
Due to Transfer Agent | 2,903 | 530 | 2,047 | 2,046 |
Accrued Expenses | 21,784 | 8,982 | 9,614 | 7,960 |
Total Liabilities | 26,319 | 9,953 | 12,359 | 10,547 |
Net Assets | | $ 33,681,313 | $ 12,342,567 | $ 14,342,033 | $ 12,841,655 |
| | | | | |
Net Assets Consist of: | | | | |
Paid In Capital | $ 27,389,536 | $ 12,671,039 | $ 11,453,037 | $ 12,712,958 |
Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss) | 98,950 | (285) | (36,303) | 529 |
Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 566,413 | (309,199) | (25,848) | (237,636) |
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) in Value of Investments | 5,626,414 | (18,988) | 2,951,147 | 365,804 |
Net Assets (unlimited shares authorized; 2,649,111, 634,835, 334,514, and 635,438 shares outstanding, respectively) | | | | |
| $ 33,681,313 | $ 12,342,567 | $ 14,342,033 | $ 12,841,655 |
Net Asset Value and Offering Price Per Share | $ 12.71 | $ 19.44 | $ 42.87 | $ 20.21 |
| | | | | |
Redemption Price Per Share ($12.71 x 0.99), | | | | |
($19.44 x 0.99), ($42.87 x 0.99), & ($20.21 x 0.99), respectively * | $ 12.58 | $ 19.25 | $ 42.44 | $ 20.01 |
*The Funds will deduct a 1.00% redemption fee from redemption proceeds if purchased and redeemed within 90 days.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
38
ARCHER FUNDS
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST, 31 2017
| | | | | |
Investment Income: | Balanced Fund | Income Fund | Stock Fund | Dividend Growth Fund |
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $7,003, $0, $1,681, and $1,453, respectively) | $ 491,166 | $ 27,020 | $ 121,261 | $ 438,291 |
Interest | | 361,670 | 443,301 | 1,710 | 2,071 |
Total Investment Income | 852,836 | 470,321 | 122,971 | 440,362 |
| | | | | |
Expenses: | | | | | |
Advisory Fees (a) | 229,090 | 58,794 | 99,649 | 80,831 |
Administrative (a) | 152,727 | 58,794 | 66,432 | 54,247 |
Transfer Agent | 41,538 | 30,737 | 30,509 | 28,489 |
Registration | 27,297 | 18,630 | 22,334 | 28,452 |
Legal | | 17,172 | 6,658 | 7,557 | 5,689 |
Audit | | 20,562 | 8,003 | 9,084 | 6,840 |
Custody | 6,261 | 4,063 | 3,641 | 3,958 |
Trustee | | 4,192 | 1,473 | 2,135 | 1,331 |
Miscellaneous | 4,129 | 4,645 | 1,622 | 1,155 |
Insurance | 2,045 | 771 | 844 | 582 |
Printing and Mailing | 4,379 | 1,609 | 1,926 | 1,994 |
Total Expenses | 509,392 | 194,177 | 245,733 | 213,568 |
Fees Waived and Reimbursed by the Advisor (a) | (142,848) | (63,443) | (59,473) | (107,662) |
Net Expenses | 366,544 | 130,734 | 186,260 | 105,906 |
| | | | | |
Net Investment Income (Loss) | 486,292 | 339,587 | (63,289) | 334,456 |
| | | | | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | | | | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions | 876,847 | (122,738) | 321,205 | (245,169) |
Capital Gain Distributions from Portfolio Companies | 3,662 | - | 210 | 7,533 |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Structured Notes | (11,527) | (15,160) | - | - |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions | 1,477,480 | (4,603) | 1,135,644 | 365,804 |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions | 2,346,462 | (142,501) | 1,457,059 | 128,168 |
| | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ 2,832,754 | $ 197,086 | $ 1,393,770 | $ 462,624 |
(a) See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
39
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| | Years Ended |
| | 8/31/2017 | | 8/31/2016 |
Increase in Net Assets From Operations: | | | |
Net Investment Income | $ 486,292 | | $ 413,588 |
Net Realized Gain on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions | 876,847 | | 166,585 |
Capital Gain Distributions from Portfolio Companies | 3,662 | | 14,599 |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions | 1,465,953 | | 1,020,236 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 2,832,754 | | 1,615,008 |
| | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | |
Net Investment Income | (479,187) | | (387,917) |
Realized Gain | (193,940) | | - |
Total Distributions | (673,127) | | (387,917) |
| | | | |
Capital Share Transactions: | | | |
Proceeds from Sale of Shares | 7,174,241 | | 5,550,751 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | 629,479 | | 363,948 |
Early Redemption Fees (Note 2) | 1,296 | | 5,655 |
Cost of Shares Redeemed | (5,808,875) | | (5,097,632) |
Net Increase from Capital Share Transactions | 1,996,141 | | 822,722 |
| | | | |
Net Assets: | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets | 4,155,768 | | 2,049,813 |
Beginning of Year | 29,525,545 | | 27,475,732 |
End of Year (Including Accumulated Undistributed Net | | | |
Investment Income of $98,950 and $91,845 respectively) | $ 33,681,313 | | $29,525,545 |
| | | | |
Share Transactions: | | | |
Shares Sold | 589,743 | | 485,280 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | 52,309 | | 32,288 |
Shares Redeemed | (484,461) | | (450,034) |
Net Increase in Shares | 157,591 | | 67,534 |
Outstanding at Beginning of Year | 2,491,520 | | 2,423,986 |
Outstanding at End of Year | 2,649,111 | | 2,491,520 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
40
ARCHER INCOME FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| | Years Ended |
| | 8/31/2017 | | 8/31/2016 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations: | | | |
Net Investment Income | $ 339,587 | | $ 296,840 |
Net Realized Loss on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions | (122,738) | | (2,735) |
Capital Gain Distributions from Portfolio Companies | - | | 6,145 |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions | (19,763) | | 241,879 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 197,086 | | 542,129 |
| | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | |
Net Investment Income | (342,243) | | (287,575) |
Total Distributions | (342,243) | | (287,575) |
| | | | |
Capital Share Transactions: | | | |
Proceeds from Sale of Shares | 3,962,219 | | 2,785,281 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | 317,948 | | 272,743 |
Early Redemption Fees (Note 2) | 534 | | 100 |
Cost of Shares Redeemed | (3,766,429) | | (1,213,560) |
Net Increase from Capital Share Transactions | 514,272 | | 1,844,564 |
| | | | |
Net Assets: | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets | 369,115 | | 2,099,118 |
Beginning of Year | 11,973,452 | | 9,874,334 |
End of Year (Including Accumulated Undistributed Net | | | |
Investment Income (Loss) of $(285) and $2,371, respectively) | $ 12,342,567 | | $ 11,973,452 |
| | | | |
Share Transactions: | | | |
Shares Sold | 203,883 | | 143,948 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | 16,395 | | 14,149 |
Shares Redeemed | (193,046) | | (63,180) |
Net Increase in Shares | 27,232 | | 94,917 |
Outstanding at Beginning of Year | 607,603 | | 512,686 |
Outstanding at End of Year | 634,835 | | 607,603 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
41
ARCHER STOCK FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| | Years Ended |
| | 8/31/2017 | | 8/31/2016 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations: | | | |
Net Investment Loss | $ (63,289) | | $ (49,439) |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 321,205 | | (347,263) |
Capital Gain Distributions from Portfolio Companies | 210 | | - |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments | 1,135,644 | | 568,476 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 1,393,770 | | 171,774 |
| | | | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | | | |
Realized Gains | - | | (628,636) |
Total Distributions | - | | (628,636) |
| | | | |
Capital Share Transactions: | | | |
Proceeds from Sale of Shares | 3,363,442 | | 2,816,089 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | - | | 566,134 |
Early Redemption Fees (Note 2) | 368 | | 241 |
Cost of Shares Redeemed | (3,852,792) | | (2,726,000) |
Net Increase (Decrease) from Capital Share Transactions | (488,982) | | 656,464 |
| | | | |
Net Assets: | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets | 904,788 | | 199,602 |
Beginning of Year | 13,437,245 | | 13,237,643 |
End of Year (Including Accumulated Undistributed Net | | | |
Investment Loss of ($36,303) and ($26,549), respectively) | $ 14,342,033 | | $ 13,437,245 |
| | | | |
Share Transactions: | | | |
Shares Sold | 83,910 | | 73,208 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | - | | 14,228 |
Shares Redeemed | (98,706) | | (70,210) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares | (14,796) | | 17,226 |
Outstanding at Beginning of Year | 349,310 | | 332,084 |
Outstanding at End of Year | 334,514 | | 349,310 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
42
ARCHER DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | |
| | Year Ended 8/31/2017 * |
| |
| |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations: | |
Net Investment Income | $ 334,456 |
Net Realized Loss on Investments | (245,169) |
Capital Gain Distributions from Portfolio Companies | 7,533 |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments | 365,804 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 462,624 |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders: | |
Net Investment Income | (333,927) |
Total Distributions | (333,927) |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions: | |
Proceeds from Sale of Shares | 13,913,481 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | 321,416 |
Early Redemption Fees (Note 2) | 1,377 |
Cost of Shares Redeemed | (1,523,316) |
Net Increase from Capital Share Transactions | 12,712,958 |
| | |
Net Assets: | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets | 12,841,655 |
Beginning of Year | - |
End of Year (Including Accumulated Undistributed Net | |
Investment Income of $529) | $ 12,841,655 |
| | |
Share Transactions: | |
Shares Sold | 694,098 |
Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends | 15,740 |
Shares Redeemed | (74,400) |
Net Increase in Shares | 635,438 |
Outstanding at Beginning of Year | - |
Outstanding at End of Year | 635,438 |
* For the year September 1, 2016 (commencement of investment operations) through August 31, 2017.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
43
ARCHER BALANCED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD.
| | | | | | |
| | Years Ended |
| | 8/31/2017 | 8/31/2016 | 8/31/2015 | 8/31/2014 | 8/31/2013 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Year | $ 11.85 | $ 11.34 | $ 11.23 | $ 9.48 | $ 9.04 |
| | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net Investment Income * | 0.19 | 0.17 | 0.18 | 0.16 | 0.20 |
Net Gain on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | 0.94 | 0.50 | 0.10 | 1.84 | 0.49 |
Total from Investment Operations | 1.13 | 0.67 | 0.28 | 2.00 | 0.69 |
| | | | | | |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | (0.19) | (0.16) | (0.17) | (0.25) | (0.25) |
Realized Gains | (0.08) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Total from Distributions | (0.27) | (0.16) | (0.17) | (0.25) | (0.25) |
| | | | | | |
Proceeds from Redemption Fees ** | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at End of Year | $ 12.71 | $ 11.85 | $ 11.34 | $ 11.23 | $ 9.48 |
| | | | | | |
Total Return *** | 9.69% | 6.02% | 2.50% | 21.34% | 7.85% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | |
Net Assets at End of Year (Thousands) | $ 33,681 | $ 29,526 | $ 27,476 | $ 20,751 | $ 16,391 |
Before Waivers and Reimbursements | | | | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.67% | 1.73% | 1.75% | 1.91% | 2.07% |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | 1.12% | 0.99% | 1.01% | 0.79% | 1.31% |
After Waivers and Reimbursements | | | | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.20% |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | 1.59% | 1.52% | 1.56% | 1.50% | 2.18% |
Portfolio Turnover | 17.91% | 26.32% | 31.82% | 35.18% | 77.01% |
* Per share net investment income (loss) has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period.
** Amount less than $0.005 per share.
*** Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of dividends.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
44
ARCHER INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD.
| | | | | | |
| | Years Ended |
| | 8/31/2017 | 8/31/2016 | 8/31/2015 | 8/31/2014 | 8/31/2013 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Year | $ 19.71 | $ 19.26 | $ 20.07 | $ 19.34 | $ 20.58 |
| | | | | | |
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net Investment Income * | 0.56 | 0.54 | 0.57 | 0.65 | 0.66 |
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | (0.26) | 0.43 | (0.80) | 0.83 | (1.29) |
Total from Investment Operations | 0.30 | 0.97 | (0.23) | 1.48 | (0.63) |
| | | | | | |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | (0.57) | (0.52) | (0.58) | (0.75) | (0.61) |
Realized Gains | - | - | - | - | - |
Total from Distributions | (0.57) | (0.52) | (0.58) | (0.75) | (0.61) |
| | | | | | |
Proceeds from Redemption Fees ** | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at End of Year | $ 19.44 | $ 19.71 | $ 19.26 | $ 20.07 | $ 19.34 |
| | | | | | |
Total Return *** | 1.54% | 5.14% | (1.17)% | 7.79% | (3.15)% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | |
Net Assets at End of Year (Thousands) | $ 12,343 | $ 11,973 | $ 9,874 | $ 7,866 | $ 6,354 |
Before Waivers and Reimbursements | | | | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.65% | 1.66% | 1.72% | 1.83% | 1.96% |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | 2.35% | 2.32% | 2.35% | 2.67% | 2.49% |
After Waivers and Reimbursements | | | | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.11% | 1.18% | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.20% |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | 2.89% | 2.79% | 2.87% | 3.30% | 3.25% |
Portfolio Turnover | 21.32% | 13.70% | 17.33% | 15.45% | 18.32% |
* Per share net investment income (loss) has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period.
** Amount less than $0.005 per share.
*** Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of dividends.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
45
ARCHER STOCK FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD.
| | | | | | |
| | Years Ended |
| | 8/31/2017 | 8/31/2016 | 8/31/2015 | 8/31/2014 | 8/31/2013 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Year | $ 38.47 | $ 39.86 | $ 42.77 | $ 34.39 | $ 29.47 |
| | | | | | |
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net Investment Loss * | (0.19) | (0.15) | (0.24) | (0.14) | (0.01) |
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | 4.59 | 0.74 | (0.54) | 9.82 | 4.93 |
Total from Investment Operations | 4.40 | 0.59 | (0.78) | 9.68 | 4.92 |
| | | | | | |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Realized Gains | - | (1.98) | (2.13) | (1.30) | - |
Total from Distributions | - | (1.98) | (2.13) | (1.30) | - |
| | | | | | |
Proceeds from Redemption Fees ** | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, at End of Year | $ 42.87 | $ 38.47 | $ 39.86 | $ 42.77 | $ 34.39 |
| | | | | | |
Total Return *** | 11.44% | 1.31% | (1.98)% | 28.53% | 16.69% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | |
Net Assets at End of Year (Thousands) | $ 14,342 | $ 13,437 | $ 13,238 | $ 11,526 | $ 7,243 |
Before Waivers and Reimbursements | | | | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.85% | 1.86% | 1.90% | 2.00% | 2.22% |
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets | (0.92)% | (0.80)% | (1.00)% | (0.90)% | (0.82)% |
After Waivers and Reimbursements | | | | | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.40% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% |
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets | (0.48)% | (0.39)% | (0.55)% | (0.35)% | (0.05)% |
Portfolio Turnover | 74.01% | 87.75% | 88.25% | 67.68% | 195.28% |
* Per share net investment income (loss) has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period.
** Amount less than $0.005 per share.
*** Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of dividends.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
46
ARCHER DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD.
| | |
| | Year |
| | Ended |
| | 8/31/2017 + |
| | |
Net Asset Value, at Beginning of Year | $ 20.00 |
| | |
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations: | |
Net Investment Income * | 0.63 |
Net Gain on Securities (Realized and Unrealized) | 0.18 |
Total from Investment Operations | 0.81 |
| | |
Distributions: | | |
Net Investment Income | (0.60) |
Total from Distributions | (0.60) |
| | |
Proceeds from Redemption Fees ** | - |
| | |
Net Asset Value, at End of Year | $ 20.21 |
| | |
Total Return *** | 4.04% |
| | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |
Net Assets at End of Year (Thousands) | $ 12,842 |
Before Waivers and Reimbursements | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.98% |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | 2.10% |
After Waivers and Reimbursements | |
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 0.98% |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | 3.09% |
Portfolio Turnover | 31.15% |
* Per share net investment income has been determined on the basis of average shares outstanding during the period.
** Amount less than $0.005 per share.
*** Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of dividends.
+ For the year September 1, 2016 (commencement of investment operations) through August 31, 2017.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
47
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2017
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION
The Archer Investment Series Trust, an Ohio business trust (the “Trust”), is an open-end, diversified, investment management company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 7, 2009 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series. The Trust currently consists of four funds: The Archer Balanced Fund (the “Balanced Fund”), the Archer Income Fund (the “Income Fund”), the Archer Stock Fund (the “Stock Fund”) and the Archer Dividend Growth Fund (the “Dividend Growth Fund”) (collectively referred to as the “Funds”).
The Balanced Fund commenced operations on June 11, 2010. The investment objective of the Balanced Fund is total return. Total return is comprised of both income and capital appreciation. The Income Fund and the Stock Fund each commenced investment operations on March 11, 2011. The investment objective of the Income Fund is income while secondarily striving for capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Stock Fund is capital appreciation. The Archer Dividend Growth Fund commenced operations on September 1, 2016. The investment objective of the Dividend Growth Fund is to provide income and, as a secondary focus, long-term capital appreciation. The investment advisor to the Funds is Archer Investment Corporation, Inc. (the “Advisor”). See Note 5 for additional information regarding the Advisor.
NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The Funds are investment companies that follow the accounting and reporting guidance of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies.
Securities Valuation – All investments in securities are recorded at their estimated fair value as described in Note 3.
Foreign Currency - Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on a Fund's books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of
48
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
Federal Income Taxes – The Funds’ policy is to continue to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all their taxable income to the shareholders. The Funds also intend to distribute sufficient net investment income and net capital gains, if any, so that they will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not to be sustained, assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions and concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax years (August 31, 2014 through August 31, 2016) or expected to be taken in the Funds’ August 31, 2017 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdiction as U.S. Federal, however, the Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months.
Security Transactions and Related Income - The Funds follow industry practice and record security transactions on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are computed using the specific cost of the security. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted or amortized using the effective interest method. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. Distributions received from certain investments held by the Funds may be comprised of dividends, realized gains and returns of capital. The amounts may subsequently be reclassified upon receipt of information from the issuer.
Dividends and Distributions – The Funds intend to distribute substantially all of their net investment income as dividends to their shareholders on at least an annual basis. The Funds intend to distribute their net realized long-term capital gains and their net realized short-term capital gains at least once a year. Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expenses or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified in the components of the net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset values per share of the Funds.
49
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
Redemption Fee - To discourage short-term trades by investors, the Funds will impose a redemption fee. Effective as of June 1, 2016 for the Balanced Fund, the Board of Trustees approved an increase in the redemption fee holding period to 90 days of purchase and an increase in the percentage of the redemption to 1.00%. Investments made prior to June 1, 2016 were subject to the 30 day holding period at 0.50% in effect at the time of purchase. The Income, Stock, and Dividend Growth Funds will each impose a redemption fee of 1.00% of the total redemption amount (calculated at market value) if shares are redeemed within 90 calendar days of purchase. For the year ended August 31, 2017, the Balanced Fund, Income Fund, Stock Fund, and Dividend Growth Fund collected $1,296, $534, $368, and $1,377 in redemption fees, respectively.
Options - The Balanced and Income Funds may sell covered call options as part of their investment programs to obtain market exposure or to manage risk or hedge against adverse market conditions. 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 fund 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 basis 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.
Structured Notes – The Balanced Fund and Income Fund invest in structured notes which are subject to a number of fixed income risks including general market risk, interest rate risk, as well as the risk that the issuer on the note may fail to make interest and/ or principal payments when due, or may default on its obligations entirely. In addition, as a result of imbedded derivative features in these securities, structured notes generally are subject to more risk than investing in a simple note or bond issued by the same issuer.
Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific Fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual Funds based on each Fund’s relative net assets or other appropriate basis as determined by the Board.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
50
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
Reclassifications - As of August 31, 2017, the Stock Fund recorded permanent book/tax differences of $53,535 from net investment loss to paid-in capital. This reclassification has no impact on the net asset value of the Funds and is designed generally to present undistributed income and net realized gains on a tax basis, which is considered to be more informative to shareholders.
NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION
Processes and Structure
The Funds’ Board of Trustees has adopted guidelines for valuing securities including in circumstances in which market quotes are not readily available and has delegated to the Adviser the responsibility for determining fair value prices, subject to review by the Board of Trustees.
In accordance with the Trust’s good faith pricing guidelines, the Advisor 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. No single standard exists for determining fair value, because 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 Advisor would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale. Methods which are in accordance 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 with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Good faith pricing is permitted if, in the Advisor’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before a Funds’ NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Advisor is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. Good faith pricing may also be used in instances when the bonds the Funds invest in may default or otherwise cease to have market quotations readily available.
Hierarchy of Fair Value Inputs
The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of most of their investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs are as follows:
·
Level 1. Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the company has the ability to access.
·
Level 2. Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. These inputs may
51
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
·
include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates, and similar data.
·
Level 3. Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability to the extent that relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the company's own assumptions about the assumptions that a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and that would be based on the best information available.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in level 3.
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Fair Value Measurements
A description of the valuation techniques applied to each Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis follows:
Equity securities (common and preferred stock, mutual funds, exchange traded fund/notes, real estate investment trusts). Securities traded on a national securities exchange (or reported on the NASDAQ national market) are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded, and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Certain foreign securities may be fair valued using a pricing service that considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as American Depositary Receipts, financial futures, Exchange Traded Funds, and the movement of the certain indexes of securities based on a statistical analysis of the historical relationship and that are categorized in level 2. Preferred stock and other equities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are also categorized in level 2.
Fixed income securities (corporate bonds, structured notes and municipal bonds). The fair value of fixed income securities is estimated using various techniques, which may consider recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (when observable), bond spreads, fundamental data relating to the issuer, and credit default swap spreads adjusted for any basis difference between cash and derivative
52
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
instruments. Although most fixed income securities are categorized in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, in instances when lower relative weight is placed on transaction prices, quotations, or similar observable inputs, they are categorized in level 3.
Restricted securities (corporate bonds). Restricted securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value, as determined by the board of trustees. Restricted securities issued by publicly traded companies are generally valued at a discount to similar publicly traded companies. Restricted securities issued by nonpublic entities may be valued by reference to comparable public entities or fundamental data relating to the issuer, or both. Depending on the relative significance of valuation inputs, these instruments may be classified in either level 2 or level 3 or the fair value hierarchy.
Investments in open-end mutual funds including money market funds are valued at their closing net asset value each business day and are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value Balanced Fund’s assets measured at fair value as of August 31, 2017:
| | | | |
BALANCED FUND | Financial Instruments—Assets |
| | | | |
Categories | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 (1) | Fair Value |
Common Stocks * | $22,052,172 | $ - | $ - | $ 22,052,172 |
Corporate Bonds * | - | 5,972,641 | 103,813 | 6,076,454 |
Exchange Traded Note | 225,280 | - | - | 225,280 |
Municipal Bonds | - | 1,515,467 | - | 1,515,467 |
Real Estate Investment Trusts | 547,670 | - | - | 547,670 |
Preferred Securities | 305,610 | - | - | 305,610 |
Structured Notes | - | 539,371 | - | 539,371 |
Short-Term Investment | 2,121,577 | - | - | 2,121,577 |
| $25,252,309 | $ 8,027,479 | $ 103,813 | $ 33,383,601 |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value Income Fund’s assets measured at fair value as of August 31, 2017:
| | | | |
INCOME FUND | Financial Instruments—Assets |
| | | | |
Categories | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 (1) | Fair Value |
Common Stocks * | $ 15 | $ - | $ - | $ 15 |
Corporate Bonds * | - | 7,282,810 | 51,907 | 7,334,717 |
Exchange Traded Note | 97,625 | - | - | 97,625 |
Municipal Bonds | - | 2,920,522 | - | 2,920,522 |
Preferred Securities | 185,472 | - | - | 185,472 |
Real Estate Investment Trusts | 131,000 | - | - | 131,000 |
Structured Notes | - | 571,177 | - | 571,177 |
Short-Term Investment | 868,942 | - | - | 868,942 |
| $ 1,283,054 | $10,774,509 | $ 51,907 | $12,109,470 |
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ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
(1) Denotes restricted security.
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value Stock Fund’s assets measured at fair value as of August 31, 2017:
| | | | |
STOCK FUND | Financial Instruments—Assets |
| | | | |
Categories | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value |
Common Stocks * | $14,094,547 | $ - | $ - | $ 14,094,547 |
Short-Term Investment | 169,473 | - | - | 169,473 |
| $14,264,020 | $ - | $ - | $ 14,264,020 |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value Dividend Growth Fund’s assets measured at fair value as of August 31, 2017:
| | | | |
DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND | Financial Instruments—Assets |
| | | | |
Categories | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value |
Common Stocks * | $ 9,971,861 | $ - | $ - | $ 9,971,861 |
Real Estate Investment Trusts | 2,311,512 | - | - | 2,311,512 |
Short-Term Investment | 409,719 | - | - | 409,719 |
| $ 12,693,092 | $ - | $ - | $12,693,092 |
*Industry classifications of these categories are detailed on each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
The Stock Fund and the Dividend Growth Fund did not hold any Level 3 assets during the year ended August 31, 2017; therefore a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value is not applicable. There were no significant transfers into or out of Level 1 or Level 2 during the period. It is the Funds’ policy to recognize transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 at the end of the reporting period.
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
| | |
| Balanced Fund Level 3 | Income Fund Level 3 |
Balance as of 8/31/2016 | $ 135,806 | $ 67,903 |
Accrued Accretion/(Amortization) | - | - |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) | 323 | 162 |
Realized Gain/(Loss) | - | - |
Purchases/Sales | (32,316) | (16,158) |
Transfers In/(Out) of Level 3 | - | - |
Balance as of 8/31/2017 | $ 103,813 | $ 51,907 |
54
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
The following is a quantitative summary of the techniques and inputs used to fair value the Level 3 securities as of August 31, 2017:
| | | | |
| Fair Value at 8/31/2017 | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input | Range |
Balanced Fund: | | | | |
Corporate Bonds | $ 103,813 | Similar Corporate Bonds on Schwab | Similar Maturity Bonds | 102-105 |
| | | | |
Income Fund: | | | | |
Corporate Bonds | $ 51,907 | Similar Corporate Bonds on Schwab | Similar Maturity Bonds | 102-105 |
NOTE 4. DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS
As of August 31, 2017, there were no options outstanding in any Fund. The Funds did not have any options transactions during the year ended August 31, 2017.
The location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Balanced and Income Funds’ derivative positions, which are not accounted for as hedging instruments under GAAP, is as follows:
Asset Derivatives
Investment in Securities, at Value
Structured Notes
Balanced Fund
$ 539,371
Income Fund
$ 571,177
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives during the year ended August 31, 2017, for the Balanced and Income Funds, are included in the Statement of Operations, in the location, “Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments” as follows:
Balanced Fund
($11,527)
Income Fund
($15,160)
There was no realized gain or loss on sales of Structured Notes for the year ended August 31, 2017 for the Balanced and Income Funds.
NOTE 5. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Advisor, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”), manages the Funds’ investments. As compensation for its management services, each Fund is obligated to pay the Advisor a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.75% for the Balanced Fund, 0.50% for the Income Fund, and 0.75% for the Stock Fund and the Dividend Growth Fund, of each Fund’s average daily net assets. For the year ended August 31, 2017, the Advisor earned fees of $229,090 for the
55
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
Balanced Fund, $58,794 for the Income Fund, and $99,649 for the Stock Fund, before the waivers and reimbursements described below. For the period September 1, 2016 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2017, the Advisor earned fees of $80,831 for the Dividend Growth Fund, before the waivers and reimbursements described below. At August 31, 2017, the Balanced Fund owed the Advisor $287, the Advisor owed the Income Fund $1,108, the Stock Fund owed the Advisor $119, and the Advisor owed the Dividend Growth Fund $92, in advisory fees.
The Advisor also performs administrative duties for the Funds, in which the Advisor receives administrative fees. Administrative fees are paid according to the following schedule for each of the Funds: 0.50% on average net assets under $50 million, 0.07% on assets from $50 million up to $100 million, 0.05% on average net assets over $100 million up to $150 million, and 0.03% on assets over $150 million. The minimum monthly fee is $2,500. During the year ended August 31, 2017, the Advisor earned administrative fees of $152,727 for the Balanced Fund, $58,794 for the Income Fund, and $66,432 for the Stock Fund. For the period September 1, 2016 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2017, the Advisor earned administrative fees of $54,247 for the Dividend Growth Fund. At August 31, 2017, the Balanced Fund owed the Advisor $458, the Advisor owed the Income Fund $1,399, the Stock Fund owed the Advisor $195, and the Dividend Growth Fund owed the Advisor $174 in administrative fees.
Archer Balanced Fund
The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2019 so that total annual operating expenses, excluding brokerage fees and commissions, 12b-1 fees, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as expenses incurred by other investment companies in which the Balanced Fund invests) do not exceed 1.20% of the Balanced Fund’s average daily net assets. For the year ended August 31, 2017, the Advisor waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses of $142,848. Each waiver or reimbursement by the Advisor is subject to repayment by the Balanced Fund within the three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the particular waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the Balanced Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the 1.20% expense limitation. Advisory fees waived and/or reimbursed expenses that may be subject to potential recoupment by the Advisor through August 31, 2020 totaled $421,757.
The amounts subject to repayment by the Balanced Fund, pursuant to the aforementioned conditions, at August 31, 2017 were as follows:
| |
| Subject to Repayment |
Amount | by August 31, |
$134,899 | 2018 |
$144,010 | 2019 |
$142,848 | 2020 |
56
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
Archer Income Fund
Prior to December 29, 2016, the Advisor contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2016 so that total annual operating expenses, excluding brokerage fees and commissions, 12b-1 fees, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as expenses incurred by other investment companies in which the Income Fund invests) do not exceed 1.18% of the Income Fund’s average daily net assets; as of December 29, 2016, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2019 so that the above noted expenses do not exceed 1.08% of the Income Fund’s average daily net assets. For the year ended August 31, 2017, the Advisor waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses of $63,443. Each waiver or reimbursement by the Advisor is subject to repayment by the Income Fund within the three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the particular waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the Income Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the 1.08% expense limitation. Advisory fees waived and/or reimbursed expenses that may be subject to potential recoupment by the Advisor through August 31, 2020 totaled $159,653.
The amounts subject to repayment by the Income Fund, pursuant to the aforementioned conditions, at August 31, 2017 were as follows:
| |
| Subject to Repayment |
Amount | by August 31, |
$ 45,537 | 2018 |
$ 50,673 | 2019 |
$ 63,443 | 2020 |
Archer Stock Fund
Prior to December 29, 2016, the Advisor contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2016 so that total annual operating expenses, excluding brokerage fees and commissions, 12b-1 fees, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as expenses incurred by other investment companies in which the Stock Fund invests) do not exceed 1.45% of the Stock Fund’s average daily net assets; as of December 29, 2016, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2019 so that the above noted expenses do not exceed 1.38% of the Stock Fund’s average daily net assets. For the year ended August 31, 2017, the Advisor waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses of $59,473. Each waiver or reimbursement by the Advisor is subject to repayment by the Stock Fund within the three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the particular waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the Stock Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the 1.45% expense limitation. Advisory fees waived and/or reimbursed expenses that may be subject to potential recoupment by the Advisor through August 31, 2020 totaled $169,880.
57
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
The amounts subject to repayment by the Stock Fund, pursuant to the aforementioned conditions, at August 31, 2017 were as follows:
| |
| Subject to Repayment |
Amount | by August 31, |
$ 57,648 | 2018 |
$ 52,759 | 2019 |
$ 59,473 | 2020 |
Archer Dividend Growth Fund
The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2019 so that total annual operating expenses, excluding brokerage fees and commissions, 12b-1 fees, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as expenses incurred by other investment companies in which the Dividend Growth Fund invests) do not exceed 0.98% of the Dividend Growth Fund’s average daily net assets. For the period September 1, 2016 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2017, the Advisor waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses of $107,662. Each waiver or reimbursement by the Advisor is subject to repayment by the Dividend Growth Fund within the three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the particular waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the Dividend Growth Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the 0.98% expense limitation.
The amounts subject to repayment by the Dividend Growth Fund, pursuant to the aforementioned conditions, at August 31, 2017 were as follows:
| |
| Subject to Repayment |
Amount | by August 31, |
$107,662 | 2020 |
Distribution Plan
The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Plan provides that each Fund will pay its Advisor and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person (a “Recipient”) a shareholder servicing fee aggregating 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund in connection with the promotion and distribution of Fund shares or the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts. The Fund and/or its Advisor may pay all or a portion of these fees to any Recipient who renders assistance in distributing or promoting the sale of shares, or who provides certain shareholder services, pursuant to a written agreement. The Plan is a compensation plan, which means that compensation is
58
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
provided regardless of 12b-1 expenses actually incurred. The Plan is not currently activated and the plan will not be activated through December 31, 2018 for the Balanced, Income, and Stock Funds. The Dividend Growth Fund has not adopted The Plan.
Related Party
Umberto Anastasi is an officer of the Trust, and therefore an interested person. Mr. Anastasi is an employee of Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC (“MSS”). MSS is the transfer agent and fund accountant of the Funds. For the year ended August 31, 2017, MSS earned fees of $131,273 from the Trust.
NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS
Archer Balanced Fund
For the year ended August 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations were $6,412,430 and $5,254,991, respectively.
Archer Income Fund
For the year ended August 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations were $2,448,613 and $2,373,547, respectively.
Archer Stock Fund
For the year ended August 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations were $9,599,742 and $9,828,463, respectively.
Archer Dividend Growth Fund
For the year ended August 31, 2017, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations were $15,545,932 and $3,383,193, respectively.
NOTE 7. BENEFICIAL 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 August 31, 2017, First Clearing, LLC., for the benefit of it’s customers owned, in aggregate, approximately 48.43% of the voting securities of the Balanced Fund, approximately 48.55% of the voting securities of the Income Fund, approximately 58.58% of the voting securities of the Stock Fund, and approximately 66.50% of the voting securities of the Dividend Growth Fund, and may be deemed to control each of the respective Funds.
59
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
NOTE 8. TAX MATTERS
Each Fund’s distributable earnings on a tax basis are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, the Trust’s most recent fiscal year-end, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
| Balanced Fund | Income Fund | Stock Fund | Dividend Growth Fund |
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | $ 5,617,629 | $ (18,988) | $2,951,147 | $ 365,804 |
Undistributed Ordinary Income/(Loss) | 132,722 | - | - | 529 |
Deferral of Post-October Capital Loss | - | (68,969) | - | (237,636) |
Deferral of Post-December Ordinary Loss | - | (285) | (36,303) | - |
Undistributed long term capital gains | 541,426 | - | - | - |
Capital loss carryforward expiring +: | | | | |
Short term (no expiration) | - | (134,407) | (25,848) | - |
Long term (no expiration) | - | (105,823) | - | - |
Total Distributable Earnings | $ 6,291,777 | $(328,472) | $2,888,996 | $ 128,697 |
Under current tax law, net capital losses realized after October 31st and net ordinary losses incurred after December 31st may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. Each Fund’s carryforward losses, post-October losses and post December losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. The net unrealized appreciation and accumulated net realized gain figures reported in the statement of assets and liabilities due to the tax deferral of wash sales and book/tax treatment of short term capital gains on the Balanced Fund. The capital loss carryforwards shown above differ from corresponding accumulated net realized loss figures reported in the statement of assets and liabilities due to post-October and post December capital loss deferrals on the Income and Stock Funds. The Balanced Fund utilized $111,371 of capital loss carryforwards in the current tax year. The Stock Fund utilized $113,713 of short term capital loss carryforward in the current tax year. The Income Fund utilized $8,695 of short term capital loss carryforward in the current tax year.
+ The capital loss carryforward will be used to offset any capital gains realized by the Funds in future years. The Funds will not make distributions from capital gains while a capital loss remains.
60
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
As of August 31, 2017 for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, the cost of securities owned, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments for the Funds was as follows:
| | | | |
| Balanced | Income | Stock | Dividend |
| Fund | Fund | Fund | Growth Fund |
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation on investment securities | $ 6,123,941 | $ 208,013 | $3,281,630 | $ 782,070 |
Gross unrealized depreciation on investment securities | (506,312) | (227,001) | (330,482) | (416,266) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | $ 5,617,629 | $ (18,988) | $ 2,951,147 | $ 365,804 |
| | | | |
Tax cost of investments (including short-term investments) | $27,765,972 | $12,128,458 | $11,312,873 | $ 12,327,288 |
The Funds paid the following distributions for the years ended August 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, as applicable:
| | | | | |
| Year Ended | | $ Amount | | Tax Character |
| | | | | |
Balanced Fund | 8/31/2017 | | $ 479,187 | | Ordinary Income |
Balanced Fund | 8/31/2017 | | $ 193,940 | | Long term capital gain |
| | | | | |
Income Fund | 8/31/2017 | | $ 342,243 | | Ordinary Income |
| | | | | |
Stock Fund | 8/31/2017 | | $ - | | - |
| | | | | |
Dividend Growth Fund | 8/31/2017 | | $ 333,927 | | Ordinary Income |
| | | | | |
| Year Ended | | $ Amount | | Tax Character |
| | | | | |
Balanced Fund | 08/31/16 | | $ 387,917 | | Ordinary Income |
| | | | | |
Income Fund | 08/31/16 | | $ 287,575 | | Ordinary Income |
| | | | | |
Stock Fund | 08/31/16 | | $ 628,636 | | Long term capital gain |
NOTE 9. INDEMNIFICATIONS
In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain general indemnification to other parties. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these contracts is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. The Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.
61
ARCHER FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017
NOTE 10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In October 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued a new rule, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, which, among other provisions, amends Regulation S-X to require standardized, enhanced disclosures, particularly related to derivatives, in investment company financial statements. The compliance date for the amendments to Regulation S-X is August 1, 2017. Management has evaluated the impact that the adoption of the amendments to Regulation S-X will have on the Fund’s financial statements and related disclosures. Any required changes will be implemented for interim and annual periods after August 1, 2017.
NOTE 11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On September 28, 2017, the Balanced Fund paid shareholders of record at September 28, 2017, a net investment income distribution of $102,353, equivalent to $0.03858 per share; the Income Fund paid shareholders of record at September 28, 2017, a net investment income distribution of $27,925, equivalent to $0.04341 per share, and the Dividend Growth Fund paid shareholders of record at September 28, 2017, a net investment income distribution of $34,487, equivalent to $0.05407 per share. Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and has determined that there were no additional subsequent events requiring disclosure in the financial statements for the Funds.
62
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
Archer Balanced Fund, Archer Income Fund, Archer Stock Fund and Archer Dividend Growth Fund, each a Series of the Archer Investment Series Trust
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Archer Balanced Fund (“Balanced Fund”), Archer Income Fund (“Income Fund”), Archer Stock Fund (“Stock Fund”) and Archer Dividend Growth Fund (“Dividend Growth Fund”), collectively the Funds, each a series of the Archer Investment Series Trust (the “Trust”), including the schedules of investments, as of August 31, 2017, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended for the Balanced Fund, Income Fund and Stock Fund and for the year September 1, 2016 (commencement of investment operations) through August 31, 2017 for the Dividend Growth Fund. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Funds were not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2017, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial positions of the Funds as of August 31, 2017, the results of their operation, changes in their net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
![[archerannual019.jpg]](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001162044-17-000999/archerannual019.jpg)
Abington, Pennsylvania
October 26, 2017
63
ARCHER FUNDS
EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Expense Example
As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs (such as short-term redemption fees); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period – March 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017.
Actual Expenses
The first line of the tables 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 tables below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not such 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 the 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.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
64
ARCHER FUNDS
EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
| | | |
Archer Balanced Fund | | | |
| | | |
| Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period* |
| March 1, 2017 | August 31, 2017 | March 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017 |
| | | |
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,042.58 | $6.18 |
Hypothetical | | | |
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,019.16 | $6.11 |
| | | |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.20%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
| | | |
Archer Income Fund | | | |
| | | |
| Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period* |
| March 1, 2017 | August 31, 2017 | March 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017 |
| | | |
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,019.62 | $5.50 |
Hypothetical | | | |
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,019.76 | $5.50 |
| | | |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.08%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
| | | |
Archer Stock Fund | | | |
| | | |
| Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period* |
| March 1, 2017 | August 31, 2017 | March 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017 |
| | | |
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,031.27 | $7.07 |
Hypothetical | | | |
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,018.25 | $7.02 |
| | | |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.38%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
| | | |
Archer Dividend Growth Fund | | | |
| | | |
| Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During the Period* |
| March 1, 2017 | August 31, 2017 | March 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017 |
| | | |
Actual | $1,000.00 | $976.64 | $4.88 |
Hypothetical | | | |
(5% Annual Return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,020.27 | $4.99 |
| | | |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 0.98%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period and actual period). |
65
ARCHER FUNDS
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.
The following tables provide information regarding the Trustees and Officers.
Independent Trustees
| |
Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust | Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships |
David Miller (70)
Independent Trustee, January 2010 to present | General Securities Corp. – President; 1982-Present |
Donald G. Orzeske, J. D. (62)
Independent Trustee, January 2010 to present | Goodin, Orzeske & Blackwell, P.C. - Attorney at Law – Shareholder - 2000-Present |
* The address for each trustee is: 9000 Keystone Crossing, Suite 630, Indianapolis, IN 46240
** The Trust currently consists of 4 Funds.
Interested Trustees & Officers
| |
Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust,** Term of Position with Trust | Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships |
Troy Patton (48)
Trustee & President, December 2009 to present | Frontier CPA Group – Managing Partner. 1996-2004 Archer Investment Corporation, Inc. – President. July 2005 – Present Patton and Associates, LLC – Managing Partner. January 2005 – Present |
Umberto Anastasi, (43)
Treasurer, September 2015 to present | Mutual Shareholders Services, LLC –Vice President. 1999 – present. |
C. Richard Ropka, Esq. (53)
Secretary, December 2009 to present | Attorney - Law Office of C. Richard Ropka, LLC May 1, 2008 – present, Attorney - Rabil, Ropka, Kingett and Stewart, LLC January 1, 2004 – May 1, 2008 |
Mason Heyde (28)
Chief Compliance Officer, August 2015 to present | Archer Investment Corporation (2012 – present) Compliance/Admin |
Sara Mahon
Assistant Chief Compliance Officer | Archer Investment Corporation (2007 – present) Compliance/Admin |
* The address for each trustee and officer of the Trust is 9000 Keystone Crossing, Suite 630, Indianapolis, IN 46240
** The Trust currently consists of 4 Funds.
66
ARCHER FUNDS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Information Regarding Proxy Voting
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, are available without charge upon request by (1) calling the Fund at (800)238-7701 and (2) from Fund documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Information Regarding Portfolio Holdings
The Fund files a complete schedule of investments with the SEC for the first and third quarter of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s first and third fiscal quarters end on November 30 and May 31. The Fund’s Form N-Q’s are available on the SEC’s website at http://sec.gov, or they may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (call 1-800-732-0330 for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room). You may also obtain copies by calling the Fund at 1-800-238-7701.
Information Regarding Statement of Additional Information
The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge upon request, by calling toll free at 1-800-238-7701.
Consideration and Renewal of Management Services Agreement with Archer Investment Corporation with respect to the Archer Balanced Fund, the Archer Income Fund, the Archer Stock Fund and the Archer Dividend Growth Fund.
On August 17, 2017, the Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) of the Archer Investment Series Trust (the “Trust”), comprised of a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as that term is defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Independent Trustees”), met in person to review and discuss the renewal of the Management Services Agreement (“Agreement”) between the Trust and Archer Investment Corporation (the “Adviser” or “AIC”) with respect to the Archer Balanced Fund, the Archer Stock Fund, the Archer Income Fund and the Archer Dividend Growth Fund (the “Funds”), to provide day-to-day portfolio management services for the Funds.
With the assistance and advice of counsel, the Trustees had requested and received information prior to the meeting that they deemed relevant or necessary to consider in the engagement process. In addition, they received a memorandum from counsel discussing, among other things, the fiduciary duties and responsibilities of the Board in reviewing and considering renewal. The Trustees reviewed and discussed the foregoing information during a private session with their counsel and during the Board meeting. Counsel also reviewed with the Trustees the types of information and factors that they should and should not take into consideration in making their decision regarding the engagement. In particular, counsel discussed the following material factors: (i) the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by the Advisor; (ii) the investment performance of the
67
ARCHER FUNDS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
Funds; (iii) the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by the Advisor from the relationship with the Funds; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the Funds grow and whether the advisory fee levels reflect those economies of scale for the benefit of the Funds’ investors; and (v) the Advisor’s practices regarding possible conflicts of interest. Throughout the process the Trustees had the opportunity to ask questions, and answers to their questions were considered along with the other materials provided.
In assessing these factors and reaching its decisions, the Independent Trustees took into consideration information furnished for the Board’s review and consideration throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information specifically prepared and/or presented pursuant to their request in connection with the annual renewal process. The Board, requested and was provided information and reports relevant to the annual renewal of the Agreement, including: (i) reports regarding the services and organizational support provided to the Funds and their shareholders by AIC; (ii) quarterly assessments of the investment performance of the Funds by personnel of AIC; (iii) commentary on each Fund’s performance; (iv) presentations by the Funds’ portfolio manager of AIC’s investment philosophy, investment strategy, personnel and operations; (v) the Funds and AIC compliance and audit reports; (vi) disclosure information contained in the registration statement of the Trust and the Form ADV of AIC; and (vii) a memorandum from the Funds’ legal counsel, that summarized the fiduciary duties and responsibilities of the Board in reviewing and approving each of the Agreements, including the material factors and corresponding relevant information that should be considered by the Board in order to make an informed decision. The Board also requested and received materials prepared by AIC (“AIC 15(c) Response”), including, without limitation: (i) documents containing information about AIC; (ii) a description of personnel and the services provided to each Fund; (iii) information on investment advice, performance; (iv) summaries of fund expenses, compliance program, current legal matters, and other general information; (v) comparative expense and performance information for other mutual funds with strategies similar to the Funds; (vi) the effect of each Fund’s size on its performance and expenses; (vii) benefits to be realized by AIC from its relationship with the Funds, and (viii) the Advisor’s practices regarding possible conflicts of interest.
The Independent Trustee did not identify any single piece of information that was most relevant to its consideration to approve the continuation of each Fund’s Management Services Agreement and each Independent Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors that are specifically required to be considered for purposes of disclosure in the Funds’ next set of financial statements.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided by AIC. In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by AIC, the Trustees reviewed the responsibilities of AIC under each Agreement. The Trustees reviewed the services being provided by AIC to each Archer Fund including, without limitation: the quality of AIC investment advisory services (including research and recommendations with respect to portfolio securities) and assuring compliance with each Fund’s investment objectives and limitations, as well as for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements; its
68
ARCHER FUNDS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
coordination of services for the Funds among the service providers and the Independent Trustees; and its efforts to promote the Funds and grow each Fund’s assets. The Trustees noted AIC’s continuity of, and commitment to retain and enhance, qualified personnel; and AIC’s continued cooperation with the Independent Trustees, the chief compliance officer and Legal Counsel for the Funds. The Trustees noted that several of the officers of the Trust, including the principal executive officer and president for the Trust were employees of AIC, and they served the Trust without additional compensation. The Trustees noted the continued efforts of AIC in marketing the Funds; its efforts to expand the Archer Investment Series Trust with the establishment of the Archer Dividend Growth Fund; and their continued desire to expand its reach through advisor representatives and the Archer brand. After reviewing the foregoing information and further information in the materials provided by AIC (including AIC’s Form ADV), the Board concluded that the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by AIC were of high quality, reasonable and consistent with the Board's expectations and those set forth in the current and proposed Management Services Agreement.
Investment Performance of the Funds and AIC. In considering the investment performance of the Funds and AIC, the Trustees compared the short and long-term performance of each Fund. The Trustees also considered the consistency of AIC’s management of the Funds with the investment objectives and policies along with the overall performance of each Archer Fund under the Trust along with the materials which the Board has reviewed at each quarterly Board meeting throughout the current fiscal year-to-date.
Overall, the Trustees concluded that the performance of each Fund was acceptable, although the Trustees will continue to monitor each Fund’s performance against its benchmark and peer group.
Costs of the Services to be provided and Profits to be Realized by AIC. In considering the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by AIC from the relationship with the Funds, the Trustees considered: (1) AIC’s financial condition (as reported by the company) and the level of commitment to the Funds and by the principals of AIC; (2) the increasing asset levels of the Funds; (3) the overall expenses of the Funds; (4) the nature and frequency of advisory fee payments; and (5) the newly formed Archer Dividend Growth Fund. The Trustees also considered potential benefits for AIC in managing the Funds including the newly formed Archer Dividend Growth Fund. The Trustees noted that AIC is profitable with regard to its relationship with the Funds. The Trustees noted that the Funds’ advisory fees remain slightly higher than other funds, however they did recognize that AIC reduced the expense limitation on the Income Fund during this fiscal year and is seeking to reduce the expense limitation on the Stock and Balanced Funds in the upcoming fiscal year. AIC’s desire to remain competitive is reflected in its desire to reduce the fees to the shareholders. The Trustees concluded that given the relatively small asset levels of the Funds, it would be difficult for any adviser to operate the Funds at average cost levels and that AIC had put forth efforts to control the operating expenses of the Funds and increase the assets. The Trustees noted AIC’s continued efforts to manage the expenses of the Funds. The Board concluded that although Fund expenses were higher than peer averages, such expenses were justified and
69
ARCHER FUNDS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
unavoidable given the complex regulatory requirements, and most importantly, the relatively small levels of assets in each of the Funds. Based on the foregoing, the Board concluded that the fees to be paid to AIC by the Funds and the profits to be realized by AIC, in light of all the facts and circumstances, were fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by AIC.
Economies of Scale. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also considered whether there have been any economies of scale with respect of the management of the Archer Funds and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale having multiple funds for which the Advisor manages. In doing so, the Board considered the potential benefits for the Adviser in managing multiple series under the Archer Investment Series Trust, including promotion of the Adviser’s name, the ability for the Adviser to place small accounts into one of the Archer Funds. After comparing the fees under the Management Services Agreement with those paid by comparable funds and considering all the foregoing, the Board concluded that the management fees to be paid to the Adviser by each Fund were fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by AIC.
Advisor’s Practices Regarding Possible Conflicts of Interest and Benefits to the Adviser. In considering AIC’s practices regarding conflicts of interest, the Trustees evaluated the potential for conflicts of interest and considered such matters as the experience and ability of the advisory personnel assigned to the Funds; the basis of decisions to buy or sell securities for the Funds and/or AIC’s other accounts; and the substance and administration of AIC’s code of ethics. The Trustees also noted that AIC may enjoy some enhanced status as an investment adviser to a larger family of registered mutual funds. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that AIC’s standards and practices relating to the identification and mitigation of possible conflicts of interest were satisfactory.
Conclusion. Having requested and received such information from the Adviser as the Independent Trustees of the Board of Trustees believed to be reasonably necessary to evaluate renewing the Management Services Agreement, and as assisted by the advice of legal counsel, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, using their reasonable business judgment, concluded that the overall arrangement provided under the terms of the Management Services Agreement was a reasonable business arrangement and that renewal of the Management Services Agreement was in the best interests of the Trust and each Fund’s shareholders.
70
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Archer Investment Corporation, Inc.
9000 Keystone Crossing, Suite 630
Indianapolis, IN 46240
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Sanville & Company
1514 Old York Road
Abington, PA 19001
LEGAL COUNSEL
Law Office of C. Richard Ropka, LLC
215 Fries Mill Road
Turnersville, NJ 08012
CUSTODIAN
Huntington National Bank
41 South Street
Columbus, OH 43125
TRANSFER AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
Mutual Shareholder Services
8000 Town Centre Drive, Suite 400
Broadview Heights, OH 44147
This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who have received the Funds’ prospectus which contains information about the Funds’ management fee and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
(a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.
(b) For purposes of this item, “code of ethics” means written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
(1) Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(2) Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Commission and in other public communications made by the registrant;
(3) Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations;
(4) The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and
(5) Accountability for adherence to the code.
(c) Amendments: During the period covered by the report, there have not been any amendments to the provisions of the code of ethics.
(d) Waivers: During the period covered by the report, the registrant has not granted any express or implicit waivers from the provisions of the code of ethics.
(e) The Code of Ethics is not posted on registrant’s website.
(f) A copy of the Code of Ethics is attached as an exhibit.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
(a) The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that it does not have an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. At this time, the registrant believes that the experience provided by each member of the audit committee together offer the registrant adequate oversight for the registrant’s level of financial complexity.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a)
Audit Fees
FY 2017
$ 33,000
FY 2016
$ 26,000
(b)
Audit-Related Fees
Registrant
FY 2017
$ 0
FY 2016
$ 0
Nature of the fees:
Not applicable.
(c)
Tax Fees
Registrant
FY 2017
$ 7,400
FY 2016
$ 5,550
Nature of the fees:
Tax preparation and filing.
(d)
All Other Fees
Registrant
FY 2017
$ 0
FY 2016
$ 0
Nature of the fees:
Not applicable.
(e)
(1)
Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies
The audit committee approves all audit and non-audit related services and, therefore, has not adopted pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(2)
Percentages of Services Approved by the Audit Committee
None of the services described in paragraph (b) through (d) of this Item were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f)
During audit of registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year, less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.
(g)
The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant:
Registrant
FY 2017
$ 7,400
FY 2016
$ 5,550
(h)
The registrant's audit committee has not considered whether the provision of non-audit services to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Not applicable – schedule filed with Item 1.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Funds. Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not Applicable
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)
Internal Controls. There were no significant changes in Registrant’s internal controls of in other factors that could significantly effect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1)
EX-99.CODE ETH. Filed herewith.
(a)(2)
EX-99.CERT. Filed herewith.
(a)(3)
Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.
(b)
EX-99.906CERT. Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Archer Investment Series Trust
By /s/Troy C. Patton
* Troy C. Patton
President and Trustee
Date: November 7, 2017
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/Troy C. Patton
* Troy C. Patton
President and Trustee
Date: November 7, 2017
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.