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 811-01728
Nicholas Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
700 North Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Jeffrey T. May, Senior Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer
700 North Water Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 414-272-4650
Date of fiscal year end: 03/31/2006
Date of reporting period: 09/30/2005
Item 1. Report to Stockholders.
November 2005
Report to Fellow Shareholders:
For the first six months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006, Nicholas Fund was up 5.88% versus a gain of 5.01% for the S&P 500 Index. As of September 30, 2005, year-to-date results were as follows: Nicholas Fund 5.23%, S&P 500 Index 2.77%.
Returns for Nicholas Fund, Inc. and selected indices are provided in the chart below for the periods ended September 30, 2005.
| | | | Average Annual Total Return |
| | 6 Month | 9 Month | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year | Life* |
| Nicholas Fund, Inc. | 5.88% | 5.23% | 15.28% | 15.15% | (0.16)% | 7.78% | 11.65% |
| Standard & Poor's 500 Index | 5.01% | 2.77% | 12.25% | 16.72% | (1.49)% | 9.49% | 10.89% |
| Consumer Price Index | 2.74% | 3.82% | 4.69% | 3.16% | 2.72% | 2.63% | 4.77% |
| Ending value of $10,000 invested in Nicholas Fund, Inc. | $10,588 | $10,523 | $11,528 | $15,267 | $9,921 | $21,159 | $541,558 |
* Date of initial public offering was July 14, 1969. Life of the Fund as of September 30, 2005 was 36.2 years. Starting time period for the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and the Consumer Price Index was June 30, 1969.
Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end, may be obtained by visiting www.nicholasfunds.com/returns.html.
Nicholas Funds are net of expenses, the market indices are gross of fees. The ending value of $10,000 returns above illustrate the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the Fund over the timeframes listed. Assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, but does not reflect the effect of any applicable sales charge or redemption fees. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. These figures do not imply any future performance.
At September 30, 2005, the Fund was invested 90.85% in equities with cash at 9.15%. The higher than normal cash position resulted from recent portfolio transactions and does not suggest stock market predictions by management. We tend not to be market prognosticators. The diversified portfolio consisted of 48 stocks. The Fund’s top five holdings were Berkshire Hathaway, Affiliated Managers Group, Marshall & Ilsley, Kinder Morgan Management and FedEx. These five holdings accounted for almost 20% of the Fund. The largest industry concentrations were in financials at 26.61%, health care at 24.71% and energy at 11.82%. Within the financial group, insurance represented 14.98% of the total portfolio. The Fund’s year-to-date result was helped by energy company stocks and solid price appreciation by WellPoint (+31%), O’Reilly Automotive (+26%) and W.R. Berkley (+26%). Stocks experiencing price depreciation that hurt results were Boston Scientific (-34%), Fifth Third Bancorp (-22%) and Pentair (-17%).
The economy, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), grew at an estimated 3.8% annualized rate in the third quarter. The core inflation rate is around 2.0%, and short-term, long-term and mortgage interest rates are at reasonable levels. Third quarter profits have been strong. The housing market, perceived by many to be in "bubble" territory, has started to cool off. Because of high energy prices and rising interest rates, especially short-term, we expect the economy to decelerate. However, at this point, we do not foresee a recession in the near-to-intermediate term.
Regarding the stock market, we believe prices are at fair levels - not cheap or expensive. Iraq, Washington politics, high gas prices and economic uncertainty can affect market psychology as we head towards the holiday period and calendar year-end. As we have said many times, we are nervous short-term and bullish long-term.
Thank you for your continued interest in the Fund.
Sincerely,
Albert O. Nicholas | David O. Nicholas |
Co-Portfolio Manager | Co-Portfolio Manager |
Mutual fund investing involves risks. Principal loss is possible. The Fund may invest in smaller companies, which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility.
Please refer to the schedule of investments in the report for complete fund holdings information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
The S&P 500 Index is a broad based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. The Consumer Price Index represents changes in prices of all goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households. One cannot invest directly in an index.
Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
The Nicholas Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC. (11/05)
Financial Highlights
For a share outstanding throughout each period
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months Year Ended March 31,
Ended 09/30/2005 ----------------------------------------------
(unaudited) 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
---------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD..... $60.05 $56.14 $40.37 $53.74 $54.11 $84.56
INCOME (LOSS) FROM
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income............... .12 .10 .09 .18 .12 .20
Net gain (loss) on securities
(realized and unrealized).......... 3.37 4.29 15.77 (13.39) (.26) (11.21)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from investment
operations................... 3.49 4.39 15.86 (13.21) (.14) (11.01)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
From net investment income.......... (.08) (.07) (.09) (.16) (.23) (.19)
From net capital gain............... (1.66) (.41) -- -- -- (19.25)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total distributions............ (1.74) (.48) (.09) (.16) (.23) (19.44)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD........... $61.80 $60.05 $56.14 $40.37 $53.74 $54.11
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
TOTAL RETURN............................. 5.88%* 7.81% 39.31% (24.60)% (.25)% (16.74)%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (millions)..... $2,490.0 $2,434.5 $2,470.8 $1,985.2 $2,995.3 $3,475.0
Ratio of expenses to average net assets.. .78%** .75% .73% .75% .73% .72%
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets................... .37%** .17% .17% .38% .22% .30%
Portfolio turnover rate.................. 25.47%** 20.94% 18.18% 33.36% 39.48% 40.64%
* Not annualized.
** Annualized.
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these highlights.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Ten Portfolio Holdings
September 30, 2005 (unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage
Name of Net Assets
---- -------------
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class A ......................... 5.17%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. ........................... 4.47%
Marshall & Ilsley Corporation ............................. 3.59%
Kinder Morgan Management, LLC ............................. 3.36%
FedEx Corporation ......................................... 2.97%
DaVita, Inc. .............................................. 2.92%
EnCana Corporation ........................................ 2.72%
Cardinal Health, Inc. ..................................... 2.70%
Mercury General Corporation ............................... 2.60%
Apache Corporation ........................................ 2.57%
------
Total of top ten .......................................... 33.07%
------
------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sector Diversification (As a Percentage of Portfolio)
September 30, 2005 (unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAR CHART PLOT POINTS
Financials ................................................ 26.61%
Health Care ............................................... 24.71%
Energy .................................................... 11.82%
Consumer Discretionary .................................... 9.45%
Consumer Staples .......................................... 9.18%
Short-Term Investments .................................... 8.56%
Industrials ............................................... 6.61%
Materials ................................................. 1.85%
Information Technology .................................... 1.21%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Expenses
For the six month period ended September 30, 2005 (unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction
costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other operating
expenses. The following table is intended to help you understand your ongoing
costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with
those of other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the
period and held for the entire period.
The first line of the table below provides information about the 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.
The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical
account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund's actual expense
ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is
not the Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may
not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid
for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of
investing in the Fund with other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical
example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder
reports of 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 wire
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.
Beginning Ending Expenses
Account Account Paid During
Value Value Period*
03/31/05 09/30/05 04/01/05 - 09/30/05
------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual $1,000.00 $1,058.80 $4.03
Hypothetical 1,000.00 1,021.09 3.95
(5% return before expenses)
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's six-month annualized expense ratio
of 0.78%, multiplied by the average account value over the period,
multiplied by 183 then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year
period.
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2005 (unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares or
Principal
Amount Value
- ------------ --------------
COMMON STOCKS -- 90.85%
Consumer Discretionary -
Durables & Apparel -- 3.77%
450,000 Centex Corporation $ 29,061,000
1,000,000 Helen of Troy Limited * 20,640,000
50,000 NVR, Inc. * 44,247,500
--------------
93,948,500
--------------
Consumer Discretionary -
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure -- 1.38%
710,000 Yum! Brands, Inc. 34,371,100
--------------
Consumer Discretionary - Retail -- 4.23%
1,250,000 Home Depot, Inc. (The) 47,675,000
2,050,000 O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. * 57,769,000
--------------
105,444,000
--------------
Consumer Staples -
Food, Beverage & Tobacco -- 3.70%
2,254,800 Constellation Brands, Inc. -- Class A * 58,624,800
800,000 UST Inc. 33,488,000
--------------
92,112,800
--------------
Consumer Staples -
Food & Staple Retail -- 3.46%
1,200,000 CVS Corporation 34,812,000
1,180,000 Walgreen Co. 51,271,000
--------------
86,083,000
--------------
Consumer Staples -
Household & Personal Products -- 1.97%
1,094,100 Alberto-Culver Company 48,960,975
--------------
Energy -- 11.74%
850,000 Apache Corporation 63,937,000
2,900,000 El Paso Corporation 40,310,000
1,160,000 EnCana Corporation 67,639,600
700,000 Kayne Anderson Energy
Total Return Fund, Inc. 17,150,000
700,000 Kayne Anderson MLP
Investment Company 19,642,000
1,689,586 Kinder Morgan Management, LLC * 83,735,876
--------------
292,414,476
--------------
Financials - Banks -- 4.52%
1,030,000 Bank Mutual Corporation 11,041,600
333,218 Fifth Third Bancorp 12,239,097
2,054,126 Marshall & Ilsley Corporation 89,375,022
--------------
112,655,719
--------------
Financials - Diversified -- 7.03%
1,536,000 Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. * 111,237,120
1,000,000 American Express Company 57,440,000
250,000 North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. 6,375,000
--------------
175,052,120
--------------
Financials - Insurance -- 14.88%
1,569 Berkshire Hathaway Inc. -- Class A * 128,658,000
1,077,700 Mercury General Corporation 64,651,223
1,449,900 Protective Life Corporation 59,706,882
1,382,875 W.R. Berkley Corporation 54,595,905
830,000 WellPoint, Inc. * 62,930,600
--------------
370,542,610
--------------
Health Care-Equipment -- 7.91%
700,000 Biomet, Inc. 24,297,000
1,300,000 Boston Scientific Corporation * 30,381,000
550,000 DENTSPLY International Inc. 29,711,000
1,005,344 Fisher Scientific International Inc. * 62,381,595
936,196 Medtronic, Inc. 50,198,830
--------------
196,969,425
--------------
Health Care -
Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology -- 7.02%
347,200 Abbott Laboratories 14,721,280
950,000 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 22,857,000
1,900,000 Pfizer Inc. 47,443,000
1,850,000 Schering-Plough Corporation 38,942,500
1,100,000 Wyeth 50,897,000
--------------
174,860,780
--------------
Health Care - Services -- 9.62%
1,061,087 Cardinal Health, Inc. 67,315,359
1,580,000 DaVita, Inc. * 72,790,600
2,202,037 Health Management Associates, Inc. 51,681,809
1,000,000 Universal Health Services, Inc. -- Class B 47,630,000
--------------
239,417,768
--------------
Industrials - Capital Goods -- 3.60%
330,000 General Dynamics Corporation 39,451,500
60,600 Oshkosh Truck Corporation 2,615,496
1,300,000 Pentair, Inc. 47,450,000
--------------
89,516,996
--------------
Industrials - Transportation -- 2.97%
850,000 FedEx Corporation 74,060,500
--------------
Information Technology -
Software & Services -- 1.21%
550,000 Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. * 30,030,000
--------------
Materials -- 1.84%
1,600,000 Lyondell Chemical Company 45,792,000
--------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $1,233,131,484) 2,262,232,769
--------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS -- 8.50%
Commercial Paper -- 8.35%
$2,000,000 Fiserv, Inc.
10/03/05, 3.75% 2,000,000
1,115,000 General Electric Capital Corporation
10/03/05, 3.39% 1,115,000
1,250,000 Sara Lee Corporation
10/03/05, 3.63% 1,250,000
300,000 UBS Finance (Delaware) LLC
10/03/05, 3.50% 300,000
5,000,000 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
10/04/05, 3.43% 4,999,524
750,000 Fiserv, Inc.
10/05/05, 3.80% 749,842
2,210,000 Toyota Motor Credit Corporation
10/05/05, 3.37% 2,209,586
3,050,000 Toyota Motor Credit Corporation
10/07/05, 3.42% 3,048,841
1,200,000 Fiserv, Inc.
10/11/05, 3.80% 1,198,987
5,000,000 Toyota Motor Credit Corporation
10/12/05, 3.41% 4,995,737
2,900,000 Fiserv, Inc.
10/13/05, 3.80% 2,896,939
3,500,000 SBC Communications Inc.
10/13/05, 3.62% 3,496,480
5,000,000 UBS Finance (Delaware) LLC
10/14/05, 3.55% 4,994,577
5,810,000 General Electric Capital Corporation
10/17/05, 3.52% 5,802,047
4,000,000 Sara Lee Corporation
10/18/05, 3.68% 3,993,867
1,000,000 John Deere Capital Corporation
10/19/05, 3.60% 998,400
4,250,000 Sara Lee Corporation
10/19/05, 3.73% 4,243,087
4,875,000 Fiserv, Inc.
10/20/05, 3.80% 4,866,252
5,200,000 SBC Communications Inc.
10/20/05, 3.64% 5,191,062
525,000 Fiserv, Inc.
10/21/05, 3.80% 524,003
3,000,000 Fiserv, Inc.
10/21/05, 3.90% 2,994,150
5,000,000 SBC Communications Inc.
10/24/05, 3.70% 4,989,208
5,800,000 Fiserv, Inc.
10/25/05, 3.90% 5,786,177
1,600,000 Fortune Brands, Inc.
10/25/05, 3.73% 1,596,353
3,500,000 American Honda Finance Corporation
10/26/05, 3.61% 3,491,928
4,425,000 General Electric Capital Corporation
10/27/05, 3.60% 4,414,380
3,300,000 John Deere Capital Corporation
10/31/05, 3.76% 3,290,349
5,000,000 SBC Communications Inc.
11/02/05, 3.66% 4,984,750
1,925,000 John Deere Capital Corporation
11/04/05, 3.72% 1,918,635
2,575,000 John Deere Capital Corporation
11/08/05, 3.70% 2,565,472
3,350,000 Siemens Capital Company, LLC
11/10/05, 3.63% 3,337,164
4,000,000 Mortgage Interest Networking Trust
11/14/05, 3.71% 3,982,687
4,925,000 SBC Communications Inc.
11/15/05, 3.70% 4,903,234
3,275,000 John Deere Capital Corporation
11/16/05, 3.82% 3,259,709
3,000,000 Walt Disney Company (The)
11/16/05, 3.86% 2,985,847
4,000,000 American Express Credit Corporation
11/17/05, 3.69% 3,981,550
4,350,000 John Deere Capital Corporation
11/18/05, 3.78% 4,328,989
2,900,000 UBS Finance (Delaware) LLC
11/21/05, 3.73% 2,885,277
4,475,000 Siemens Capital Company, LLC
11/22/05, 3.75% 4,451,693
3,500,000 American Express Credit Corporation
11/28/05, 3.67% 3,480,019
6,500,000 Walt Disney Company (The)
11/29/05, 3.85% 6,460,377
4,000,000 AIG Funding, Inc.
11/30/05, 3.73% 3,975,962
2,400,000 Shell International Finance B.V.
12/02/05, 3.85% 2,384,600
4,375,000 UBS Finance (Delaware) LLC
12/06/05, 3.665% 4,346,494
4,800,000 General Electric Capital Corporation
12/08/05, 3.71% 4,767,352
4,475,000 AIG Funding, Inc.
12/12/05, 3.71% 4,442,718
4,000,000 General Electric Capital Corporation
12/14/05, 3.74% 3,970,080
5,000,000 John Deere Capital Corporation
12/16/05, 3.87% 4,960,225
3,300,000 UBS Finance (Delaware) LLC
12/19/05, 3.81% 3,273,108
3,800,000 UBS Finance (Delaware) LLC
12/22/05, 3.885% 3,767,193
5,000,000 Barclays U.S. Funding LLC
12/28/05, 3.88% 4,953,656
5,000,000 Proctor & Gamble Company (The)
12/29/05, 3.86% 4,953,358
2,500,000 Shell International Finance B.V.
12/30/05, 3.90% 2,476,167
5,000,000 General Electric Capital Corporation
01/04/06, 3.90% 4,949,625
4,000,000 Toyota Motor Credit Corporation
01/06/06, 3.90% 3,958,833
4,400,000 General Electric Capital Corporation
01/10/06, 3.91% 4,352,689
2,350,000 General Electric Capital Corporation
01/12/06, 3.93% 2,324,089
5,060,000 Citigroup Funding Inc.
01/17/06, 3.93% 5,001,447
--------------
207,819,775
--------------
Variable Rate Demand Notes -- 0.15%
275,505 American Family Financial Services, Inc.
10/03/05, 3.44% 275,505
3,430,300 Wisconsin Corporate Central Credit Union
10/03/05, 3.51% 3,430,300
--------------
3,705,805
--------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $211,525,580) 211,525,580
--------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $1,444,657,064) -- 99.35% 2,473,758,349
--------------
OTHER ASSETS,
NET OF LIABILITIES -- 0.65% 16,231,650
--------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS
(basis of percentages
disclosed above) -- 100% $2,489,989,999
--------------
--------------
* Non-income producing security.
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
schedule.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
September 30, 2005 (unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Investments in securities at value (cost $1,444,657,064)... $2,473,758,349
--------------
Receivables -
Investment securities sold ........................... 24,523,609
Dividend and interest ................................ 534,966
--------------
Total receivables ............................... 25,058,575
--------------
Other ..................................................... 13,941
--------------
Total assets .................................... 2,498,830,865
--------------
LIABILITIES
Payables -
Investment securities purchased ...................... 6,946,555
Due to adviser -
Management fee .................................. 1,422,726
Accounting and administrative fee ............... 100,531
Other payables and accrued expense ................... 371,054
--------------
Total liabilities ............................... 8,840,866
--------------
Total net assets ................................ $2,489,989,999
--------------
--------------
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paid in capital ........................................... $1,318,508,396
Net unrealized appreciation on investments ................ 1,029,101,285
Accumulated undistributed
net realized gain on investments ......................... 139,119,222
Accumulated undistributed net investment income ........... 3,261,096
--------------
Total net assets ................................ $2,489,989,999
--------------
--------------
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ($.50 par value,
200,000,000 shares authorized),
offering price and redemption price
(40,289,852 shares outstanding) .............................. $61.80
------
------
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.
Statement of Operations
For the six months ended September 30, 2005 (unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME
Dividend .................................................. $ 11,457,343
Interest .................................................. 2,896,229
------------
Total income ......................................... 14,353,572
------------
EXPENSES
Management fee ............................................ 8,203,861
Accounting and administrative fees ........................ 580,210
Transfer agent fees ....................................... 561,961
Postage and mailing ....................................... 131,620
Custodian fees ............................................ 61,614
Insurance ................................................. 51,892
Printing .................................................. 49,219
Registration fees ......................................... 18,733
Audit and tax fees ........................................ 13,750
Legal fees ................................................ 8,027
Directors' fees ........................................... 5,000
Accounting system and pricing service fees ................ 4,565
Other operating expenses .................................. 5,334
------------
Total expenses ....................................... 9,695,786
------------
Net investment income ................................ 4,657,786
------------
NET REALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS .............................. 140,694,065
------------
CHANGE IN NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION/DEPRECIATION
ON INVESTMENTS ............................................... (3,773,003)
------------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments ........... 136,921,062
------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ...... $141,578,848
------------
------------
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the six months ended September 30, 2005 (unaudited) and the year ended
March 31, 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months
Ended 09/30/2005 2005
---------------- -------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income .................. $ 4,657,786 $ 4,088,303
Net realized gain on investments ....... 140,694,065 100,999,105
Change in net unrealized
appreciation/depreciation
on investments ........................ (3,773,003) 76,827,728
-------------- --------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations ........ 141,578,848 181,915,136
-------------- --------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
From net investment income ............. (3,217,434) (2,841,616)
From net realized gain on investments .. (66,660,483) (16,887,430)
-------------- --------------
Total distributions ............... (69,877,917) (19,729,046)
-------------- --------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Proceeds from shares issued
(416,801 and 629,422
shares, respectively) ................. 25,620,779 36,372,519
Reinvestment of distributions
(1,056,328 and 298,900
shares, respectively) ................. 63,886,688 17,995,057
Cost of shares redeemed
(1,725,449 and 4,400,459
shares, respectively) ................. (105,715,015) (252,836,338)
-------------- --------------
Decrease in net assets
derived from capital share
transactions ..................... (16,207,548) (198,468,762)
-------------- --------------
Total increase (decrease) in
net assets ....................... 55,493,383 (36,282,672)
-------------- --------------
NET ASSETS
Beginning of period .................... 2,434,496,616 2,470,779,288
-------------- --------------
End of period (including accumulated
undistributed net investment income
of $3,261,096 and $1,820,744,
respectively) ......................... $2,489,989,999 $2,434,496,616
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.
Notes to Financial Statements
September 30, 2005 (unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies --
Nicholas Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is organized as a Maryland corporation and
is registered as an open-end, diversified management investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The primary
objective of the Fund is long-term growth. The following is a summary of
the significant accounting policies of the Fund:
(a) Equity securities traded on a stock exchange will ordinarily be valued
on the basis of the last sale price on the date of valuation on the
securities principal exchange, or if in the absence of any sale on
that day, the closing bid price. For securities principally traded on
the NASDAQ market, the Fund uses the NASDAQ Official Closing Price.
Debt securities, excluding short-term investments, are valued at their
current evaluated bid price as determined by an independent pricing
service, which generates evaluations on the basis of dealer quotes for
normal, institutional-sized trading units, issuer analysis, bond
market activity and various other factors. Securities for which
market quotations may not be readily available are valued at their
fair value as determined in good faith by procedures adopted by the
Board of Directors. Variable rate demand notes are valued at cost,
which approximates market value. U.S. Treasury Bills and commercial
paper are stated at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Investment transactions are recorded no later than the first business
day after the trade date.
(b) Net realized gain (loss) on portfolio securities was computed on the
basis of specific identification.
(c) Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, and interest
income is recognized on an accrual basis. Non-cash dividends, if any,
are recorded at value on date of distribution. Dividends and
distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date. Generally, discounts and premiums on long-term security
purchases, if any, are amortized over the lives of the respective
securities using the effective yield method.
(d) Provision has not been made for federal income taxes or excise taxes
since the Fund has elected to be taxed as a "regulated investment
company" and intends to distribute substantially all net investment
income and net realized capital gains on sales of investments to its
shareholders and otherwise comply with the provisions of Subchapter M
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies.
(e) Distributions from net investment income are generally declared and
paid semiannually. Distributions of net realized capital gain, if
any, are declared and paid at least annually.
The amount of distributions from net investment income and net
realized capital gain are determined in accordance with federal income
tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. To the extent these book and tax differences
are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified among paid in
capital, accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss) on
investments and accumulated undistributed net investment income. At
September 30, 2005, no reclassifications were recorded.
The tax character of distributions paid during the six months ended
September 30, 2005 and the year ended March 31, 2005 were as follows:
09/30/2005 03/31/2005
------------ ------------
Distributions paid from:
Ordinary income ............ $10,699,893 $ 2,841,616
Long-term capital gain ..... 59,178,024 16,887,430
------------ -----------
Total distributions paid ... $69,877,917 $19,729,046
------------ -----------
------------ -----------
As of September 30, 2005, investment cost for federal tax purposes was
$1,446,229,584 and the tax basis components of net assets were as
follows:
Unrealized appreciation ....................... $1,058,425,815
Unrealized depreciation ....................... (30,897,050)
--------------
Net unrealized appreciation ................... 1,027,528,765
--------------
Undistributed ordinary income ................. 3,112,399
Accumulated undistributed net realized
capital gain ................................. 140,840,439
Paid in capital ............................... 1,318,508,396
--------------
Net assets .................................... $2,489,989,999
--------------
--------------
The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized
appreciation (depreciation), undistributed ordinary income and
accumulated undistributed unrealized capital gain are attributable
primarily to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales.
As of September 30, 2005, the Fund has no capital loss carryforward.
For the period ended September 30, 2005, the Fund had a tax deferral
of wash loss sales of approximately $1,573,000.
(f) The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the
financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could
differ from estimates.
(2) Related Parties--
(a) Investment Adviser and Management Agreement --
The Fund has an agreement with Nicholas Company, Inc. (with whom
certain officers and directors of the Fund are affiliated) (the
"Adviser") to serve as investment adviser and manager. Under the
terms of the agreement, a monthly fee is paid to the Adviser based on
an annualized fee of .75% of the average net asset value up to and
including $50 million and .65% of the average net asset value in
excess of $50 million. Also, the Adviser may be paid for accounting
and administrative services rendered by its personnel. The Fund
incurred expenses of $580,210 for accounting and administrative
services during the period ended September 30, 2005.
(b) Independent Counsel --
A director of the Adviser is affiliated with the law firm that
provides services to the Fund. The Fund incurred expenses of $5,670
for the period ended September 30, 2005 for legal services rendered by
the law firm.
(3) Investment Transactions --
For the period ended September 30, 2005, the cost of purchases and the
proceeds from sales of investment securities, other than short-term
obligations, aggregated $293,541,376 and $523,182,594, respectively.
Historical Record
(unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Investment Dollar Growth of
Net Income Capital Gain Weighted an Initial
Asset Value Distributions Distributions Price/Earnings $10,000
Per Share Per Share Per Share Ratio ** Investment ***
----------- -------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
July, 14 1969 * ........ $ 6.59 $ -- $ -- -- $ 10,000
March 31, 1985 ......... 29.24 0.6420 1.5760 13.2 times 69,858
March 31, 1986 ......... 35.26 0.5750 0.6100 15.8 87,699
March 31, 1987 ......... 39.94 0.8820 0.1870 16.3 102,387
March 31, 1988 ......... 32.15 1.8400 4.0340 14.1 98,557
March 31, 1989 ......... 35.27 1.0250 0.4510 13.2 113,155
March 31, 1990 ......... 37.72 0.9240 1.0540 14.9 127,360
March 31, 1991 ......... 42.99 0.7900 0.2250 16.9 149,180
March 31, 1992 ......... 49.68 0.6790 0.8240 19.4 178,011
March 31, 1993 ......... 52.91 0.6790 2.0420 18.5 200,098
March 31, 1994 ......... 51.10 0.8175 1.0470 16.7 200,182
March 31, 1995 ......... 52.22 0.7070 3.3170 17.2 221,970
March 31, 1996 ......... 63.81 0.5650 4.0945 21.0 293,836
March 31, 1997 ......... 67.11 0.4179 5.3166 21.7 336,973
March 31, 1998 ......... 93.98 0.3616 5.8002 30.0 508,762
March 31, 1999 ......... 85.20 0.5880 8.2716 31.7 509,446
March 31, 2000 ......... 84.56 0.3114 5.9433 37.3 543,813
March 31, 2001 ......... 54.11 0.1900 19.2500 26.6 452,780
March 31, 2002 ......... 53.74 0.2360 -- 23.8 451,627
March 31, 2003 ......... 40.37 0.1585 -- 16.4 340,547
March 31, 2004 ......... 56.16 0.0905 -- 19.4 474,406
March 31, 2005 ......... 60.05 0.0678 0.4100 19.4 511 476
September 30, 2005 ..... 61.80 0.0803 (a) 1.6634 (a) 18.3 541,558
* Date of Initial Public Offering.
** Based on latest 12 months accomplished earnings.
*** Assuming reinvestment of all distributions.
(a) Paid on June 8, 2005 to shareholders of record on June 7, 2005.
Range in quarter end price/earnings ratios since December 31, 1974
High Low
-------------------- -------------------
March 31, 2000 37.3 March 31, 1982 8.3
Approval of Investment Advisory Contract
(unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In April 2005, the Board of Directors of the Fund renewed the one-year term of
the Investment Advisory Agreement by and between the Fund and the Adviser
through April 2006. In connection with the renewal of the Investment Advisory
Agreement, no changes to the amount or manner of calculation of the management
fee or the terms of the agreement were proposed by the Adviser or adopted by
the Board. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, the management fee was
0.65% and the Fund's total expense ratio (including the management fee) was
0.75%. In renewing the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board carefully
considered the following factors on an absolute basis and relative to the
Fund's peer group: (i) the Fund's expense ratio, which was low compared to the
peer group data reviewed by the Board; (ii) the Fund's performance on a
short-term and long-term basis, on both an absolute basis and relative to a
peer group; (iii) the Fund's management fee; (iv) the overall performance of
the market as measured by a number of different indices, including the S&P 500
Index; and (v) the range and quality of the services offered by the Adviser.
In evaluating the Fund's expenses and returns, the Board reviewed expenses of a
peer group of 20 funds which was consistent with the peer group used in the
prior year. The peer group fund data included primarily large blend funds. In
reviewing the Fund's expenses and performance relative to peer group data, the
Board noted the Fund had the 3rd lowest expense ratio relative to the peer
group. The Board noted that in terms of total return in relation to the peer
group, in that it was 7th in terms of 1-year return, 3rd in terms of 3-year
return, 7th in terms of 5-year return, 11th in terms of 10-year return and 12th
in terms of 15-year return. The Board also looked at an alternate peer group
of 20 funds which was based on the following factors: prospectus objective of
growth; equity style of large or mid blend and large or mid growth; average
market capitalization greater than 7 billion and less than 30 billion; net
assets greater than $1 billion but less than $20 billion; open to new
investments; and no front end load or deferred sales charges. In reviewing the
Fund's expenses and performance relative to this peer group data, the Board
noted the Fund ranked 6th relative to the peer group on an expense ratio. The
Board noted that in terms of total return in relation to the peer group, in
that it was 9th in terms of 1-year return, 11th in terms of 3-year return, 12th
in terms of 5-year return, 19th in terms of 10-year return and 15th in terms of
15-year return. After a full discussion, the Board expressed satisfaction with
the Fund's performance and its management of expenses.
The Board engaged in a continuation of the discussion held at its April meeting
in connection with the approval of the Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement
with Nicholas Company, Inc. The Board concluded that the nature and extent of
the services to be provided were appropriate and that the Adviser had
historically provided such services in accordance with the Board's expectations
and the terms of the Advisory Agreement. Turning to the quality of services
provided, the Board considered the Adviser's portfolio management capabilities
and the scope and quality of its research capacity. The Board also considered
the Adviser's experience in fund accounting, administration and regulatory
compliance. The Board agreed that historically the quality of services
provided by the Adviser had met or exceeded the Board's expectations and the
service levels contemplated by the Advisory Agreement.
The Board previously considered estimates provided by management of the cost
associated with obtaining services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory
Agreement from third-party service providers. The Board also considered the
advisory fee rate of peer funds with common asset levels and noted that the
Fund's fees were below average of the fees considered. In addition, the Board
considered Fund expenses absorbed by the Adviser, including those
administrative costs and accounting fees due under the Advisory Agreement that
had been waived prior to October 2004 and costs related to distribution through
intermediaries. The Board also considered the profits realized by the Adviser
in connection with the management and distribution of the Fund, as expressed by
the Adviser's management in general terms. The Board expressed satisfaction
that the Adviser's financial condition was strong and that it was capable of
delivering the range of services contemplated by the Advisory Agreement. In
addition, the Board concluded that the services provided by the Adviser
established a reasonable basis for the fee to be paid under the Advisory
Agreement. The Board expressed the opinion that the Adviser should not be
penalized for providing services in an efficient manner allowing it to realize
substantial profits. The Board reasoned that the Fund and its shareholders
ultimately benefited from such efficiencies created by the Adviser. The Board
further noted the benefit to shareholders of the Adviser's ability to provide
competitive investment performance while the Fund maintained a below-average
expense ratio.
The Board observed that the Adviser's realization of economies of scale was
among the factors considered in its April Meeting. Among other things, the
Board cited the ability of the Adviser to spread fixed costs and resources
among the Fund's in the Nicholas complex, reducing the incremental costs to all
shareholders. The Board also considered that economies of scale might be
realized from increases in the Fund's asset size and the size of the aggregate
amount of assets under the Adviser's management. In addition, the Board noted
that fees under the Advisory Agreement decrease as a percentage of Fund assets
as net assets increase. Taking these factors into account, the Board concluded
that any economies of scale realized would contribute to the Adviser's ability
to provide services to the Fund at a reasonable fee, noting that management of
the Nicholas fund complex is the primary source of the Adviser's revenues and
expenses. The Board further concluded that the existing management fee rate
and structure enables the Fund to benefit from such economies.
The Board determined that the Adviser had fully and adequately carried out the
terms and conditions of its contract with the Fund. The Board expressed
satisfaction with the Fund's performance, management's control of expenses and
the rate of the management fee for the Fund and the overall level of services
provided.
Information on Proxy Voting
(unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine
how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, without
charge, upon request by calling 800-544-6547 (toll-free) or 414-276-0535. It
also appears in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information, which can be
found on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. A record of how the Fund voted its
proxies for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, also is
available on the Fund's website, www.nicholasfunds.com, and the SEC's website,
www.sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule
(unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund files its complete schedule of investments with the SEC for the first
and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund's Form N-Q's are
available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at
the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling
1-800-SEC-0330.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN - AN UPDATE
(unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Nicholas Family of Funds' Automatic Investment Plan provides a simple method
to dollar cost average into the fund(s) of your choice.
Dollar cost averaging involves making equal systematic investments over an
extended time period. A fixed dollar investment will purchase more shares when
the market is low and fewer shares when the market is high. The automatic
investment plan is an excellent way for you to become a disciplined investor.
The following table illustrates what dollar cost averaging can achieve. Please
note that past performance is no guarantee of future results. Nicholas Company
recommends dollar cost averaging as a practical investment method. It should be
consistently applied for long periods so that investments are made through
several market cycles. The table will be updated and appear in future financial
reports issued by the Fund.
Nicholas Fund
-------------------
$1,000 initial investment on ....................... 07/14/69* 09/30/95
Number of years investing $100 each month following
the date of initial investment .................... 36.2 10
Total cash invested ................................ $44,500 $13,000
Total dividends and capital gains distributions
reinvested ........................................ $604,221 $ 4,966
Total full shares owned at 09/30/05 ................ 13,251 281
Total market value at 09/30/05 ..................... $818,912 $17,397
The results above assume purchase on the last day of the month. The Nicholas Automatic Investment Plan actually invests on the 20th of each month (or on the
alternate date specified by the investor). Total market value includes reinvestment
of all distributions.
*Date of Initial Public Offering.
Nicholas Funds Services Offered
(unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* IRAs
* Traditional * SIMPLE
* Roth * SEP
* Coverdell Education Accounts
* Self-employed Master Retirement Plan
* Automatic Investment Plan
* Direct Deposit of Dividend and Capital Gain Distributions
* Systematic Withdrawal Plan with Direct Deposit
* Monthly Automatic Exchange between Funds
* Telephone Redemption
* Telephone Exchange
* 24-hour Automated Account Information (1-800-544-6547)
* 24-hour Internet Account Access (www.nicholasfunds.com)
Please call a shareholder representative for further information on the above
services or with any other questions you may have regarding the Nicholas Funds
(1-800-544-6547).
Directors and Officers
ALBERT O. NICHOLAS, President and Director
ROBERT H. BOCK, Director
JAY H. ROBERTSON, Director
DAVID L. JOHNSON, Executive Vice President
DAVID O. NICHOLAS, Senior Vice President
LYNN S. NICHOLAS, Senior Vice President
JEFFREY T. MAY, Senior Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer and Chief Compliance Officer
LAWRENCE J. PAVELEC, Senior Vice President
MARK J. GIESE, Vice President
CANDACE L. LESAK, Vice President
Investment Adviser
NICHOLAS COMPANY, INC.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
414-276-0535 or 800-544-6547
Transfer Agent
U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
414-276-0535 or 800-544-6547
Custodian
U.S. BANK N.A.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
Counsel
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This report is submitted for the information of shareholders of the Fund. It
is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or
accompanied by an effective prospectus.
SEMIANNUAL REPORT
NICHOLAS FUND, INC.
700 North Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
www.nicholasfunds.com
September 30, 2005
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Applicable only to annual reports.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Applicable only to annual reports.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Applicable only to annual reports.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable to this filing.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
The schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Applicable only to annual reports filed by closed-end funds.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Applicable only to annual reports filed by closed-end funds.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers.
Applicable only to closed-end funds.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not applicable to this filing.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
The Fund's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Fund's disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Fund in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, based upon such officers' evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report. There were no significant changes or corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Fund's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the Fund's internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics -- Any code of ethics, or amendments thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit.
Not applicable to this filing.
(a)(2) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbannes-Oxley Act of 2002, attached hereto as part of EX-99.CERT.
(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more person.
Applicable only to closed-end funds.
(b) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbannes-Oxley Act of 2002, attached hereto as part of EX-99.906CERT.
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.
(Registrant) Nicholas Fund, Inc.
By: /s/ Albert O. Nicholas
Name: Albert O. Nicholas
Title: Principal Executive Officer
Date: 11/29/2005
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ Albert O. Nicholas
Name: Albert O. Nicholas
Title: Principal Executive Officer
Date: 11/29/2005
By: /s/ Jeffrey T. May
Name: Jeffrey T. May
Title: Principal Financial Officer
Date: 11/29/2005
