UNITED STATES |
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 |
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FORM N-CSR |
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CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NUMBER 811-3967 |
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
40 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Joseph I. Benedek
Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
Raritan Plaza I
Edison, NJ 08837-3620
(Name and address of agent for service)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE:
1-212-858-8000
DATE OF FISCAL YEAR END: SEPTEMBER 30
DATE OF REPORTING PERIOD: SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders
The annual report to stockholders follows
FOREWORD |
This report is for the information of the shareholders of the Funds. It is the policy of each Fund described in this report to mail only one copy of a Fund’s prospectus, annual report, semi-annual report and proxy statements to all shareholders who share the same mailing address and share the same last name and have invested in a Fund covered by the same document. You are deemed to consent to this policy unless you specifically revoke this policy and request that separate copies of such documents be mailed to you. In such case, you will begin to receive your own copies within 30 days after our receipt of the revocation. You may request that separate copies of these disclosure documents be mailed to you by writing to us at: Foresters Investor Services, Inc., Raritan Plaza I, Edison, NJ 08837-3620 or calling us at 1-800-423-4026.
The views expressed in the portfolio manager letters reflect those views of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period covered. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and we disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice.
You may obtain a free prospectus for any of the Funds by contacting your representative, calling 1-800-423-4026, writing to us at the following address: Foresters Financial Services, Inc., 40 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, or by visiting our website at www.forestersfinancial.com. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a Fund carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.
An investment in a Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although the Cash Management Fund seeks to preserve a net asset value at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in it, just as it is possible to lose money by investing in any of the other Funds. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
A Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) for any of the Funds may also be obtained, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-423-4026, writing to us at our address or by visiting our website listed above. The SAI contains more detailed information about the Funds, including information about its Trustees.
Foresters Financial™ and Foresters™ are the trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (Foresters), a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9 and its subsidiaries.
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Cash Management Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was 0.0% for Class A shares, Class B shares and Institutional Class shares. The Fund maintained a $1.00 net asset value per share for each class of shares throughout the year.
Economic Overview and Market Summary
The U.S. economy grew at an approximately 2% rate during the review period. Growth was saw-toothed: strong in the fourth quarter of 2014, unexpectedly weak in the first quarter of 2015 (due to bad weather and West Coast port strikes), a bounce back in the second quarter, only to fade in the third quarter (due to a strong dollar and slowing growth in China). The consumer was the backbone of the U.S. economy, as evidenced by the rise in housing starts to the highest level since 2008 and record automobile sales. The unemployment rate continued its multi-year decline, falling from 5.9% to 5.1%, although wage growth remained disappointing. Inflation remained subdued with the year-over-year change in consumer prices flat, driven by a 50% fall in the price of oil during the review period. Excluding food and energy, consumer prices increased 1.9%, up from the 1.7% pace in the prior twelve months, but still lower than the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed’s”) target level.
At the beginning of the review period, market expectations were that the Fed would end its zero interest rate policy in mid-2015 based primarily on the relatively low unemployment rate. But the unexpectedly weak first quarter economic growth stayed the Fed’s hand, at which point market expectations shifted to September for a first Fed rate hike. Global financial and economic developments, particularly in China, contributed to substantial financial market volatility in August, including a 10% decline in the U.S. stock market. Consequently, after its September meeting, the Fed again deferred raising interest rates. As the review period ended, the market was placing a less than 50% probability of a rate hike this year, despite the fact that several key Fed board members continued to forecast a move in December.
Interest rates generally moved lower during the review period. The two-year U.S. Treasury note yield, which is very sensitive to Fed policy, moved slightly higher from 0.57% to 0.63%. Longer-term interest rates fell, and bond prices rose. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell from 2.49% to 2.04%. Most of the move lower in interest rates occurred in the third quarter as oil prices collapsed, global growth slowed, stocks fell worldwide and the Fed decided not to raise interest rates.
Money market yields remained near record lows during the review period as the Fed maintained its exceptionally accommodative interest rate policy into its seventh
1 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter (continued)
CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
consecutive year. Despite steady improvement in the labor market and modest economic growth, inflation remains stubbornly subdued and the Fed steadfast.
Fund Overview
Yields on shorter-maturity money market investments are anchored by the current federal funds target rate near zero. Other factors suppressing yields are substantial levels of cash in the money market, a general lack of supply and money market regulations that have forced assets into shorter maturities. Yields on longer maturity money market instruments reflect market expectations that the Fed may begin raising interest rates late in the first quarter of 2016. As such, Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. (“FIMCO”) expects the yield to shareholders to be at, or near, zero for the foreseeable future. To avoid a negative yield to its shareholders, FIMCO has absorbed expenses to the Fund and has waived its management fee.
In July 2014, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted amendments to certain rules under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that govern money market funds. There is a transition period extending until October 2016 for the most significant changes, with shorter transition periods for other changes. These changes will impact all SEC-registered money market funds, including the First Investors Cash Management Fund, although they will impact different types of funds in different ways. FIMCO has analyzed the impact of these changes and we will communicate to shareholders as the Fund transitions into compliance with the rule amendments.
Although money market funds in general are relatively conservative vehicles, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to maintain a stable net-asset value of $1.00 per share. Money market mutual funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other government agency.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
2 |
Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses (unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
As a mutual fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including a sales charge (load) on purchase payments (on Class A shares only) and a contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions (on Class B shares and, in certain circumstances, on Class A shares where a sales charge on the purchase payment was waived); and (2) ongoing costs, including advisory fees; distribution and service fees (12b-1) (on Class A and Class B shares only); and other expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 in each Fund at the beginning of the period, April 1, 2015, and held for the entire six-month period ended September 30, 2015. The calculations assume that no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.
Actual Expenses Example:
These amounts help you to estimate the actual expenses that you paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. You may use the information here, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.
To estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period, simply divide your ending account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period”.
Hypothetical Expenses Example:
These amounts provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio for each class of shares of a Fund, 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 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 and help you compare your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales charges (loads) or account fees that are charged to certain types of accounts, such as an annual custodial fee of $15 for certain IRA accounts and certain other retirement accounts or an annual custodial fee of $30 for 403(b) custodial accounts (subject to exceptions and certain waivers as described in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information). Therefore, the hypothetical expenses example 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 costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
3 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 0.11% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $0.55 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,024.52 | $0.56 | |
Class B Shares | 0.11% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $0.55 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,024.52 | $0.56 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.11% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $0.55 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,024.52 | $0.56 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived and/or assumed. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
4 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | Interest | ||||||
Amount | Security | Rate | * | Value | |||
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—50.0% | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
$ 1,600M | 10/23/2015 | 0.12 | % | $ 1,599,883 | |||
3,300M | 10/23/2015 | 0.14 | 3,299,718 | ||||
5,000M | 10/26/2015 | 0.07 | 4,999,757 | ||||
6,500M | 10/27/2015 | 0.04 | 6,499,812 | ||||
5,000M | 10/30/2015 | 0.15 | 4,999,396 | ||||
3,500M | 11/4/2015 | 0.14 | 3,499,537 | ||||
4,500M | 11/12/2015 | 0.17 | 4,499,133 | ||||
3,000M | 11/24/2015 | 0.11 | 2,999,505 | ||||
3,000M | 11/27/2015 | 0.14 | 2,999,358 | ||||
4,000M | 12/4/2015 | 0.17 | 3,998,826 | ||||
2,200M | 12/9/2015 | 0.25 | 2,198,946 | ||||
3,000M | 12/16/2015 | 0.17 | 2,998,954 | ||||
5,000M | 12/21/2015 | 0.27 | 4,996,962 | ||||
3,000M | 1/22/2016 | 0.18 | 2,998,305 | ||||
3,500M | Freddie Mac, 10/19/2015 | 0.10 | 3,499,825 | ||||
Total Value of U.S. Government Agency Obligations (cost $56,087,917) | 56,087,917 | ||||||
CORPORATE NOTES—20.4% | |||||||
Apple, Inc.: | |||||||
3,000M | 10/8/2015 (a) | 0.14 | 2,999,918 | ||||
1,500M | 10/29/2015 (a) | 0.13 | 1,499,848 | ||||
2,500M | AstraZeneca, PLC, 10/22/2015 (a) | 0.14 | 2,499,796 | ||||
5,000M | Chevron Corp., 11/2/2015 (a) | 0.17 | 4,999,244 | ||||
5,000M | Coca-Cola Co., 12/8/2015 (a) | 0.17 | 4,998,394 | ||||
1,800M | ExxonMobil Corp., 10/23/2015 | 0.11 | 1,799,879 | ||||
4,000M | Walmart Stores, Inc., 10/30/2015 (a) | 0.14 | 3,999,549 | ||||
Total Value of Corporate Notes (cost $22,796,628) | 22,796,628 | ||||||
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE NOTES—11.3% | |||||||
Federal Farm Credit Bank: | |||||||
3,000M | 11/20/2015 | 0.15 | 2,999,979 | ||||
3,000M | 4/20/2016 | 0.29 | 3,002,022 | ||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
3,650M | 10/16/2015 | 0.17 | 3,650,029 | ||||
3,000M | 4/20/2016 | 0.17 | 3,000,081 | ||||
Total Value of Variable and Floating Rate Notes (cost $12,652,111) | 12,652,111 |
5 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | Interest | ||||||
Amount | Security | Rate | * | Value | |||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—15.8% | |||||||
U.S. Treasury Bills: | |||||||
$16,250M | 10/8/2015 | (0.03 | )% | $ 16,250,095 | |||
1,500M | 10/8/2015 | 0.02 | 1,499,993 | ||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government Obligations (cost $17,750,088) | 17,750,088 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $109,286,744)** | 97.5 | % | 109,286,744 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 2.5 | 2,833,085 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $112,119,829 |
* | The interest rates shown are the effective rates at the time of purchase by the Fund. The interest |
rates shown on floating rate notes are adjusted periodically; the rates shown are the rates in effect | |
at September 30, 2015. | |
** | Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is the same. |
(a) | Security exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (see Note 4). |
6 |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
U.S. Government Agency | ||||||||||||
Obligations | $ | — | $ | 56,087,917 | $ | — | $ | 56,087,917 | ||||
Corporate Notes | — | 22,796,628 | — | 22,796,628 | ||||||||
Variable and Floating Rate Notes: | ||||||||||||
U.S. Government Agency | ||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 12,652,111 | — | 12,652,111 | ||||||||
Short-Term U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 17,750,088 | — | 17,750,088 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | $ | — | $ | 109,286,744 | $ | — | $ | 109,286,744 |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the |
reporting period. |
See notes to financial statements | 7 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter
LIMITED DURATION HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was 0.67% for Class A shares, 1.08% for Advisor Class shares and 1.21% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 19.7 cents per share for Class A shares, 21.7 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 22.9 cents per share for Institutional Class shares.
Economic Overview and Market Summary
The U.S. economy grew at an approximately 2% rate during the review period. Growth was saw-toothed: strong in the fourth quarter of 2014, unexpectedly weak in the first quarter of 2015 (due to bad weather and West Coast port strikes), a bounce back in the second quarter, only to fade in the third quarter (due to a strong dollar and slowing growth in China). The consumer was the backbone of the U.S. economy, as evidenced by the rise in housing starts to the highest level since 2008 and record automobile sales. The unemployment rate continued its multi-year decline, falling from 5.9% to 5.1%, although wage growth remained disappointing. Inflation remained subdued with the year-over-year change in consumer prices flat, driven by a 50% fall in the price of oil during the review period. Excluding food and energy, consumer prices increased 1.9%, up from the 1.7% pace in the prior 12 months, but still lower than the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed’s”) target level.
At the beginning of the review period, market expectations were that the Fed would end its zero interest rate policy in mid-2015 based primarily on the relatively low unemployment rate. But the unexpectedly weak first quarter economic growth stayed the Fed’s hand, at which point market expectations shifted to September for a first Fed rate hike. Global financial and economic developments, particularly in China, contributed to substantial financial market volatility in August, including a 10% decline in the U.S. stock market. Consequently, at its September meeting, the Fed again deferred raising interest rates. As the review period ended, the market was placing a less than 50% probability of a rate hike this year, despite the fact that several key Fed board members continued to forecast a move in December.
Interest rates generally moved lower during the review period. The two-year U. S. Treasury note yield, which is very sensitive to Fed policy, moved slightly higher from 0.57% to 0.63%. Longer-term interest rates fell and bond prices rose. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell from 2.49% to 2.04%. Most of the move lower in interest rates occurred in the third quarter as oil prices collapsed, global growth slowed, stocks fell worldwide, and the Fed decided not to raise interest rates.
8 |
The broad U.S. bond market returned 3.1%, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch. High quality, long-term bonds had the best performance. The Treasury market gained 4.1%, with 10+ year maturity Treasuries gaining 8.7%. Agency mortgage-backed securities returned 3.3%, benefiting from their high credit quality. Corporate bonds gained 1.4%. The sector benefited from the decline in interest rates but wider credit spreads (due primarily to record new issue supply) were a drag on performance. High yield bonds had poor performance, losing 3.6%. Spreads moved substantially wider in large part due to weakness in Energy companies (the largest sector of the high yield market), as well as other commodity-related firms. Non-dollar government bonds (i.e., foreign government securities) also had a difficult 12 months, down 6.3%, reflecting the headwind of a 12.1% increase in the value of the dollar. The municipal bond market returned 3.2% as it was insulated from many of the global issues which buffeted other sectors of the bond market. Lastly, money market returns continued to be essentially flat due to the Fed’s zero interest rate policy.
Fund Overview and Fiscal Year Performance Attribution
The Fund invests in investment grade fixed income securities. The majority of the Fund’s assets were invested in investment grade corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities. The Fund seeks to maintain an average duration of between two and six years.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1–5 Year Broad Market Index returned 2.03%. Both interest rate risk and credit risk were key measures of performance during the review period as five year U.S. Treasury notes outperformed three year U.S. Treasury notes, and higher rated bonds outperformed lower rated bonds. Specifically, 0–5 year mortgage-backed securities—whose returns tend to key off of intermediate term interest rates—gained 2.16%, the 1–5 year Treasury market returned 2.15%, and 1–5 year investment grade corporate bonds returned 1.75%.
The Fund underperformed the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-5 Year Broad Market Index during the review period. The relative performance was predominantly a function of asset allocation and Treasury yield curve movements. The Fund’s overweight in corporate bonds, specifically shorter duration corporate bonds, was a drag on performance. The Fund was further negatively impacted by its underweight in U.S. Treasuries. This was partially offset by the Fund’s overweight in mortgage-backed securities, which had the highest returns during the review period.
9 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter (continued)
LIMITED DURATION HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
10 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
LIMITED DURATION HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.05% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 998.30 | $5.26 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.81 | $5.32 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.75% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 999.77 | $3.76 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.31 | $3.80 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.60% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,001.39 | $3.01 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,022.06 | $3.04 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived and/or assumed. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
TOP TEN SECTORS
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
11 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
LIMITED DURATION HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund (Class A shares) and the Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 1–5 Year U.S. Broad Market Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund (Class A shares) beginning 5/19/14 (commencement of operations) with a theoretical investment in the BofA Merrill Lynch 1–5 Year U.S. Broad Market Index (the “Index”). The Index is a subset of the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Broad Market Index which tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated investment grade debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market, including U.S. Treasury, quasi-government, corporate, securitized and collateralized securities. The Index includes all securities with a remaining term to final maturity or an average life less than 5 years. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the
12 |
accompanying table it is assumed that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Advisor Class and Institutional Class shares performance will be greater than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been (5.57%) and (5.91%), respectively and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 0.20%. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 0.74% and 0.14%, respectively and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 0.46%. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 0.88% and 0.55%, respectively and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 0.57%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Class A shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the period beginning 5/19/14 (commencement of operations).
***The S.E.C. 30-Day Yield shown is for September 2015.
13 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
LIMITED DURATION HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
CORPORATE BONDS—53.8% | ||||
Agriculture—.7% | ||||
$ 500M | Cargill, Inc., 6%, 11/27/2017 (a) | $ 545,639 | ||
Automotive—.7% | ||||
500M | Toyota Motor Credit Corp., 2.125%, 7/18/2019 | 501,915 | ||
Consumer Durables—.7% | ||||
500M | Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 2.875%, 12/1/2019 | 504,886 | ||
Energy—.7% | ||||
450M | Suncor Energy, Inc., 6.1%, 6/1/2018 | 497,216 | ||
Financial Services—9.6% | ||||
500M | American Express Co., 7%, 3/19/2018 | 562,070 | ||
500M | BlackRock, Inc., 5%, 12/10/2019 | 560,471 | ||
500M | ERAC USA Finance, LLC, 6.375%, 10/15/2017 (a) | 546,271 | ||
600M | Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 5%, 5/15/2018 | 638,544 | ||
700M | General Electric Capital Corp., 5.625%, 5/1/2018 | 775,223 | ||
750M | Harley-Davidson Funding Corp., 6.8%, 6/15/2018 (a) | 848,429 | ||
500M | Key Bank NA, 1.7%, 6/1/2018 | 499,502 | ||
500M | Protective Life Corp., 7.375%, 10/15/2019 | 590,244 | ||
700M | Prudential Financial, Inc., 7.375%, 6/15/2019 | 824,892 | ||
750M | Siemens Financieringsmaatschappij NV, 1.45%, 5/25/2018 (a) | 747,173 | ||
500M | UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 2.7%, 7/15/2020 | 511,958 | ||
7,104,777 | ||||
Financials—13.9% | ||||
900M | Bank of America Corp., 5.65%, 5/1/2018 | 982,589 | ||
700M | Barclays Bank, PLC, 6.75%, 5/22/2019 | 815,851 | ||
Citigroup, Inc.: | ||||
500M | 6.125%, 11/21/2017 | 545,298 | ||
250M | 8.5%, 5/22/2019 | 302,081 | ||
500M | Deutsche Bank AG, 1.875%, 2/13/2018 | 498,906 | ||
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.: | ||||
500M | 6.15%, 4/1/2018 | 550,866 | ||
500M | 5.375%, 3/15/2020 | 558,075 | ||
500M | JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6%, 1/15/2018 | 546,515 | ||
Morgan Stanley: | ||||
500M | 5.95%, 12/28/2017 | 545,052 | ||
500M | 6.625%, 4/1/2018 | 556,961 | ||
500M | PNC Funding Corp., 5.25%, 11/15/2015 | 502,456 | ||
900M | Royal Bank of Canada, 1%, 4/27/2017 | 898,981 |
14 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Financials (continued) | ||||
$ 500M | SunTrust Banks, Inc., 6%, 9/11/2017 | $ 540,816 | ||
800M | U.S. Bank NA, 2.125%, 10/28/2019 | 806,392 | ||
600M | UBS AG, 5.875%, 12/20/2017 | 653,503 | ||
900M | Wachovia Corp., 5.75%, 2/1/2018 | 985,150 | ||
10,289,492 | ||||
Food/Beverage/Tobacco—3.0% | ||||
500M | Diageo Capital, PLC, 5.75%, 10/23/2017 | 543,427 | ||
500M | Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., 6.82%, 5/1/2018 | 561,720 | ||
500M | PepsiCo, Inc., 5%, 6/1/2018 | 547,520 | ||
500M | Philip Morris International, Inc., 5.65%, 5/16/2018 | 552,424 | ||
2,205,091 | ||||
Health Care—3.5% | ||||
500M | Biogen, Inc., 6.875%, 3/1/2018 | 560,442 | ||
500M | Gilead Sciences, Inc., 2.55%, 9/1/2020 | 503,471 | ||
500M | Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 2.2%, 8/23/2017 | 505,313 | ||
800M | Merck & Co., Inc., 1.3%, 5/18/2018 | 800,704 | ||
250M | Quest Diagnostics, Inc., 2.7%, 4/1/2019 | 252,256 | ||
2,622,186 | ||||
Industrials—.7% | ||||
500M | PACCAR Financial Corp., 1.45%, 3/9/2018 | 500,809 | ||
Information Technology—2.8% | ||||
700M | Apple, Inc., 2.1%, 5/6/2019 | 711,201 | ||
750M | Cisco Systems, Inc., 1.65%, 6/15/2018 | 755,761 | ||
120M | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 2.85%, 10/5/2018 (a)(b) | 119,846 | ||
500M | Oracle Corp., 2.375%, 1/15/2019 | 509,882 | ||
2,096,690 | ||||
Manufacturing—1.5% | ||||
250M | CRH America, Inc., 8.125%, 7/15/2018 | 290,943 | ||
500M | Ingersoll-Rand Global Holdings Co., Ltd., 6.875%, 8/15/2018 | 563,900 | ||
250M | Tyco Electronics Group SA, 6.55%, 10/1/2017 | 274,081 | ||
1,128,924 | ||||
Media-Broadcasting—.7% | ||||
500M | DirecTV Holdings, LLC, 5.875%, 10/1/2019 | 560,740 |
15 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
LIMITED DURATION HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Media-Diversified—.8% | ||||
$ 550M | McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc., 5.9%, 11/15/2017 | $ 591,196 | ||
Metals/Mining—1.1% | ||||
800M | Rio Tinto Finance USA, PLC, 1.625%, 8/21/2017 | 797,590 | ||
Real Estate Investment Trusts—4.4% | ||||
700M | Boston Properties, LP, 5.875%, 10/15/2019 | 794,314 | ||
500M | ERP Operating, LP, 5.75%, 6/15/2017 | 535,492 | ||
500M | HCP, Inc., 6.7%, 1/30/2018 | 552,457 | ||
700M | ProLogis, LP, 4.5%, 8/15/2017 | 734,807 | ||
500M | Simon Property Group, LP, 10.35%, 4/1/2019 | 628,978 | ||
3,246,048 | ||||
Retail-General Merchandise—1.4% | ||||
1,000M | Amazon.com, Inc., 2.6%, 12/5/2019 | 1,025,731 | ||
Telecommunications—1.8% | ||||
500M | AT&T, Inc., 2.45%, 6/30/2020 | 492,840 | ||
800M | Verizon Communications, Inc., 3.65%, 9/14/2018 | 843,862 | ||
1,336,702 | ||||
Utilities—5.8% | ||||
500M | Arizona Public Service Co., 8.75%, 3/1/2019 | 607,910 | ||
500M | Consolidated Edison Co., Inc. of New York, 7.125%, 12/1/2018 | 581,262 | ||
500M | Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, LLC, 6%, 5/1/2018 | 548,288 | ||
175M | Great River Energy Co., 5.829%, 7/1/2017 (a) | 180,803 | ||
500M | Ohio Power Co., 6.05%, 5/1/2018 | 552,925 | ||
500M | Public Service Electric & Gas Co., 1.8%, 6/1/2019 | 499,330 | ||
724M | San Diego Gas & Electric Co., 1.914%, 2/1/2022 | 721,167 | ||
500M | Sempra Energy, 9.8%, 2/15/2019 | 619,237 | ||
4,310,922 | ||||
Total Value of Corporate Bonds (cost $39,877,667) | 39,866,554 |
16 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED | ||||
SECURITIES—15.0% | ||||
Fannie Mae—12.9% | ||||
$3,576M | 3%, 5/1/2021 – 6/1/2030 (b) | $ 3,739,959 | ||
4,543M | 3.5%, 10/1/2025 – 2/1/2027 (b) | 4,817,534 | ||
986M | 4%, 2/1/2024 – 9/1/2024 | 1,043,658 | ||
9,601,151 | ||||
Freddie Mac—2.1% | ||||
413M | 3%, 8/1/2027 | 429,546 | ||
1,063M | 3.5%, 12/1/2025 – 8/1/2026 | 1,126,772 | ||
1,556,318 | ||||
Total Value of Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $11,121,255) | 11,157,469 | |||
ASSET BACKED SECURITIES—15.0% | ||||
Fixed Autos—11.5% | ||||
Ford Credit Auto Owners Trust: | ||||
743M | 0.79%, 5/15/2018 | 743,423 | ||
728M | 1%, 9/15/2017 | 728,556 | ||
250M | Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust, 1.42%, 1/15/2020 | 251,583 | ||
285M | Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Trust, 1.3%, 3/16/2020 | 285,308 | ||
Honda Auto Receivables Owner Trust: | ||||
960M | 1.31%, 10/15/2020 | 963,574 | ||
480M | 1.46%, 10/15/2020 | 482,038 | ||
950M | Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust, 1.48%, 6/15/2021 | 949,691 | ||
400M | Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust, 1.34%, 12/16/2019 | 401,866 | ||
697M | Nissan Auto Receivables Owner Trust, 1%, 7/16/2018 | 698,079 | ||
1,425M | Nissan Master Owner Trust, 1.44%, 2/15/2020 | 1,426,194 | ||
700M | Toyota Auto Receivables Owner Trust, 1.52%, 6/15/2020 | 702,679 | ||
880M | Volkswagen Auto Lease Trust, 1.25%, 12/20/2017 | 877,373 | ||
8,510,364 |
17 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
LIMITED DURATION HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Fixed Financials—3.5% | |||||||
$ 950M | American Express Credit Account Master Trust, 1.26%, 1/15/2020 | $ 953,951 | |||||
Chase Issuance Trust: | |||||||
770M | 1.3%, 2/18/2020 | 772,221 | |||||
300M | 1.84%, 4/15/2022 | 300,117 | |||||
570M | Discover Card Execution Note Trust, 1.04%, 4/15/2019 | 571,317 | |||||
2,597,606 | |||||||
Total Value of Asset Backed Securities (cost $11,094,130) | 11,107,970 | ||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS—6.6% | |||||||
U.S. Treasury Notes: | |||||||
1,680M | 0.375%, 5/31/2016 | 1,681,608 | |||||
645M | 0.5%, 6/15/2016 | 646,226 | |||||
600M | 0.5%, 11/30/2016 | 600,504 | |||||
130M | 0.625%, 6/30/2017 | 130,092 | |||||
1,120M | 1.375%, 4/30/2020 | 1,123,135 | |||||
700M | 1.375%, 8/31/2020 | 700,921 | |||||
Total Value of U.S. Government Obligations (cost $4,863,297) | 4,882,486 | ||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—4.0% | |||||||
Fannie Mae: | |||||||
450M | 1.125%, 7/20/2018 | 452,344 | |||||
265M | 1.5%, 6/22/2020 | 265,180 | |||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
500M | 0.5%, 9/28/2016 | 500,455 | |||||
1,730M | 0.875%, 5/24/2017 | 1,738,167 | |||||
Total Value of U.S. Government Agency Obligations (cost $2,946,746) | 2,956,146 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $69,903,095) | 94.4 | % | 69,970,625 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 5.6 | 4,130,654 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $74,101,279 |
(a) | Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (see Note 4). |
(b) | A portion or all of the security purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis |
(see Note 1G). |
18 |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Corporate Bonds | $ | — | $ | 39,866,554 | $ | — | $ | 39,866,554 | ||||
Residential Mortgage-Backed | ||||||||||||
Securities | — | 11,157,469 | — | 11,157,469 | ||||||||
Asset Backed Securities | — | 11,107,970 | — | 11,107,970 | ||||||||
U.S. Government Obligations | — | 4,882,486 | — | 4,882,486 | ||||||||
U.S. Government Agency | ||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 2,956,146 | — | 2,956,146 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | — | $ | 69,970,625 | $ | — | $ | 69,970,625 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for corporate bonds |
and asset backed securities. |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
See notes to financial statements | 19 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter
GOVERNMENT FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Government Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was 1.90% for Class A shares, 1.04% for Class B shares, 2.21% for Advisor Class shares and 2.38% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 24.5 cents per share for Class A shares, 15.3 cents per share for Class B shares, 25.9 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 27.8 cents per share for Institutional Class shares.
Economic Overview and Market Summary
The U.S. economy grew at an approximately 2% rate during the review period. Growth was saw-toothed: strong in the fourth quarter of 2014, unexpectedly weak in the first quarter of 2015 (due to bad weather and West Coast port strikes), a bounce back in the second quarter, only to fade in the third quarter (due to a strong dollar and slowing growth in China). The consumer was the backbone of the U.S. economy, as evidenced by the rise in housing starts to the highest level since 2008 and record automobile sales. The unemployment rate continued its multi-year decline, falling from 5.9% to 5.1%, although wage growth remained disappointing. Inflation remained subdued with the year-over-year change in consumer prices flat, driven by a 50% fall in the price of oil during the review period. Excluding food and energy, consumer prices increased 1.9%, up from the 1.7% pace in the prior 12 months, but still lower than the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed’s”) target level.
At the beginning of the review period, market expectations were that the Fed would end its zero interest rate policy in mid-2015 based primarily on the relatively low unemployment rate. But the unexpectedly weak first quarter economic growth stayed the Fed’s hand, at which point market expectations shifted to September for a first Fed rate hike. Global financial and economic developments, particularly in China, contributed to substantial financial market volatility in August, including a 10% decline in the U.S. stock market. Consequently, at its September meeting, the Fed again deferred raising interest rates. As the review period ended, the market was placing a less than 50% probability of a rate hike this year, despite the fact that several key Fed board members continued to forecast a move in December.
Interest rates generally moved lower during the review period. The two-year U.S. Treasury note yield, which is very sensitive to Federal Reserve policy, moved slightly higher from 0.57% to 0.63%. Longer-term interest rates fell, and bond prices rose. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell from 2.49% to 2.04%. Most of the move lower in interest rates occurred in the third quarter as oil prices collapsed, global growth slowed, stocks fell worldwide, and the Fed decided not to raise interest rates.
The broad U.S. bond market returned 3.1%, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch. High quality, long-term bonds had the best performance. The Treasury market gained 4.1%, with 10+ year maturity Treasuries gaining 8.7%. Agency mortgage-backed securities returned 3.3%, benefiting from their high credit quality. Corporate bonds gained 1.4%. The sector benefited from the decline in interest rates but wider credit spreads (due primarily to
20 |
record new issue supply) were a drag on performance. High yield bonds had poor performance, losing 3.6%. Spreads moved substantially wider in large part due to weakness in energy companies (the largest sector of the high yield market), as well as other commodity-related firms. Non-dollar government bonds (i.e., foreign government securities) also had a difficult 12 months, down 6.3%, reflecting the headwind of a 12.1% increase in the value of the dollar. The municipal bond market returned 3.2% as it was insulated from many of the global issues which buffeted other sectors of the bond market. Lastly, money market returns continued to be essentially flat due to the Fed’s zero interest rate policy.
Within the mortgage-backed (“MBS”) market, 30-year Ginnie Mae (“GNMA”) mortgages returned 2.7% and 30-year Fannie Mae mortgages (“FNMA”) returned 3.8%. FNMAs benefited from relatively low issuance compared to GNMAs during the period under review. This caused GNMAs to underperform FNMAs. Lower coupon agency MBS posted total returns of 4.4% thus outperformed higher coupon agency MBS. Investors favored lower coupon agency MBS over higher coupons as lower coupons offered higher yields in an environment where yields have remained relatively low. As well, lower coupon MBS benefited more than higher coupons from the decline in interest rates because of the latter’s higher prepayment risk.
Fiscal Year Performance Attribution
The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Citigroup U.S. Government/Mortgage Index, during the review period. Three main factors contributed to the Fund’s underperformance. First, the Fund was underweight in Treasury securities and had minimal exposure to Treasury maturities 10 years and longer. Second, the Fund was underweight in lower coupon agency MBS and overweight higher coupon agency MBS (especially GNMA securities). Lastly, the Fund’s shorter effective duration had a negative impact on performance as interest rates decreased during the review period.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
21 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
GOVERNMENT FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.07% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 997.30 | $5.36 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.71 | $5.42 | |
Class B Shares | 1.89% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 993.01 | $9.44 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,015.59 | $9.55 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.77% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 998.97 | $3.86 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.21 | $3.90 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.65% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 998.99 | $3.26 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.81 | $3.29 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total value of investments. |
22 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
GOVERNMENT FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Government Fund (Class A shares) and the Citigroup U.S. Government/Mortgage Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Government Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the Citigroup U.S. Government/Mortgage Index (the “Index”). The Index is an unmanaged index that is a combination of the Citigroup U.S. Government Index and the Citigroup Mortgage Index. The Citigroup U.S. Government Index tracks the performance of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored indices within the Citigroup U.S. Broad Investment Grade Bond Index. The Citigroup Mortgage Index tracks the performance of the
23 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
GOVERNMENT FUND
mortgage component of the Citigroup U.S. Broad Investment Grade Bond Index, which is comprised of 30- and 15-year GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC pass-throughs and FNMA and FHLMC balloon mortgages. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (4.04%), 0.60% and 2.88%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 1.22%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (3.05%), 0.66% and 2.91%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 0.48%. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 2.10% and 0.68%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 1.60%. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 2.27% and 1.03%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 1.72%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Citigroup and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
*** The S.E.C. 30-Day Yield shown is for September 2015.
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 1.95%.
24 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
GOVERNMENT FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED | ||||
SECURITIES—56.2% | ||||
Fannie Mae—30.7% | ||||
$27,627M | 3%, 5/1/2023 – 1/1/2045 | $ 28,421,389 | ||
29,148M | 3.5%, 8/1/2026 – 4/1/2045 | 30,606,701 | ||
25,433M | 4%, 2/1/2024 – 8/1/2044 | 27,244,664 | ||
8,495M | 4.5%, 11/1/2040 – 1/1/2042 | 9,322,768 | ||
2,995M | 5%, 8/1/2039 – 11/1/2039 | 3,326,760 | ||
2,716M | 5.5%, 7/1/2033 – 10/1/2039 | 3,091,326 | ||
102,013,608 | ||||
Freddie Mac—7.8% | ||||
539M | 3%, 6/1/2021 | 563,628 | ||
12,025M | 3.5%, 9/1/2032 – 10/1/2044 | 12,582,533 | ||
10,071M | 4%, 11/1/2040 – 8/1/2044 | 10,735,784 | ||
1,693M | 5%, 8/1/2039 | 1,898,870 | ||
25,780,815 | ||||
Government National Mortgage Association I | ||||
Program—17.7% | ||||
1,860M | 4%, 11/15/2025 – 6/15/2042 | 2,014,257 | ||
13,494M | 4.5%, 9/15/2033 – 6/15/2040 | 14,842,415 | ||
12,393M | 5%, 6/15/2033 – 4/15/2040 | 13,883,904 | ||
10,877M | 5.5%, 3/15/2033 – 10/15/2039 | 12,402,576 | ||
11,776M | 6%, 2/15/2032 – 4/15/2040 | 13,724,667 | ||
1,686M | 7%, 6/15/2023 – 4/15/2034 | 1,863,507 | ||
58,731,326 | ||||
Total Value of Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $181,323,458) | 186,525,749 |
25 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
GOVERNMENT FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS—17.4% | ||||
$ 5,100M | U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.875%, 8/15/2045 | $ 5,098,541 | ||
U.S. Treasury Notes: | ||||
3,000M | 1.375%, 8/31/2020 | 3,003,945 | ||
5,680M | 1.5%, 5/31/2020 | 5,730,257 | ||
7,600M | 1.625%, 7/31/2020 | 7,693,860 | ||
3,000M | 1.875%, 8/31/2022 | 3,025,860 | ||
11,260M | 2%, 7/31/2022 | 11,454,922 | ||
2,760M | 2%, 2/15/2025 | 2,749,722 | ||
4,600M | 2%, 8/15/2025 | 4,576,522 | ||
3,680M | 2.125%, 12/31/2021 | 3,779,713 | ||
4,500M | 2.25%, 7/31/2021 | 4,667,431 | ||
4,600M | 2.25%, 11/15/2024 | 4,687,087 | ||
1,500M | 2.375%, 8/15/2024 | 1,545,264 | ||
Total Value of U.S. Government Obligations (cost $57,597,127) | 58,013,124 | |||
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | ||||
OBLIGATIONS—11.2% | ||||
Fannie Mae: | ||||
17,600M | 1.125%, 7/20/2018 | 17,691,661 | ||
1,700M | 1.75%, 11/26/2019 | 1,731,178 | ||
4,300M | 1.875%, 9/18/2018 | 4,411,121 | ||
3,025M | 2.625%, 9/6/2024 | 3,101,457 | ||
5,000M | Federal Home Loan Bank, 1%, 5/21/2020 (a) | 5,006,560 | ||
5,000M | Freddie Mac, 3.75%, 3/27/2019 | 5,444,405 | ||
Total Value of U.S. Government Agency Obligations (cost $37,115,081) | 37,386,382 | |||
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED | ||||
SECURITIES—8.0% | ||||
Fannie Mae—6.5% | ||||
2,855M | 2.27%, 1/1/2023 | 2,891,151 | ||
1,300M | 2.96%, 11/1/2018 | 1,363,413 | ||
9,159M | 2.996%, 11/1/2022 | 9,639,439 | ||
2,893M | 3.76%, 4/1/2018 | 3,078,152 | ||
4,500M | 3.84%, 5/1/2018 | 4,798,111 | ||
21,770,266 | ||||
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation—1.5% | ||||
5,000M | Multi-Family Structured Pass-Through, 2.13%, 1/25/2019 | 5,111,760 | ||
Total Value of Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $26,990,770) | 26,882,026 |
26 |
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—5.2% | |||||||
Fannie Mae—4.2% | |||||||
$ 6,132M | 3%, 2/25/2024 | $ 6,397,839 | |||||
6,789M | 4%, 2/25/2025 | 7,430,139 | |||||
13,827,978 | |||||||
Freddie Mac—1.0% | |||||||
3,153M | 3%, 8/15/2039 | 3,280,945 | |||||
Total Value of Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (cost $17,149,644) | 17,108,923 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $320,176,080) | 98.0 | % | 325,916,204 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 2.0 | 6,670,619 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $332,586,823 |
(a) | Denotes a step bond (a zero coupon bond that converts to a fixed interest rate at a |
designated date). |
27 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
GOVERNMENT FUND
September 30, 2015
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Residential Mortgage-Backed | ||||||||||||
Securities | $ | — | $ | 186,525,749 | $ | — | $ | 186,525,749 | ||||
U.S. Government Obligations | — | 58,013,124 | — | 58,013,124 | ||||||||
U.S. Government Agency | ||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 37,386,382 | — | 37,386,382 | ||||||||
Commercial Mortgage-Backed | ||||||||||||
Securities | — | 26,882,026 | — | 26,882,026 | ||||||||
Collateralized Mortgage | ||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 17,108,923 | — | 17,108,923 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | $ | — | $ | 325,916,204 | $ | — | $ | 325,916,204 |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the |
reporting period. |
28 | See notes to financial statements |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Investment Grade Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was 1.12% for Class A shares, 0.27% for Class B shares, 1.53% for Advisor Class shares and 1.48% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 39.4 cents per share for Class A shares, 33.0 cents per share for Class B shares, 40.3 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 43.0 cents per share for Institutional Class shares.
Economic Overview and Market Summary
The U.S. economy grew at an approximately 2% rate during the review period. Growth was saw-toothed: strong in the fourth quarter of 2014, unexpectedly weak in the first quarter of 2015 (due to bad weather and West Coast port strikes), a bounce back in the second quarter, only to fade in the third quarter (due to a strong dollar and slowing growth in China). The consumer was the backbone of the U.S. economy, as evidenced by the rise in housing starts to the highest level since 2008 and record automobile sales. The unemployment rate continued its multi-year decline, falling from 5.9% to 5.1%, although wage growth remained disappointing. Inflation remained subdued with the year-over-year change in consumer prices flat, driven by a 50% fall in the price of oil during the review period. Excluding food and energy, consumer prices increased 1.9%, up from the 1.7% pace in the prior 12 months, but still lower than the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed’s”) target level.
At the beginning of the review period, market expectations were that the Fed would end its zero interest rate policy in mid-2015 based primarily on the relatively low unemployment rate. But the unexpectedly weak first quarter economic growth stayed the Fed’s hand, at which point market expectations shifted to September for a first Fed rate hike. Global financial and economic developments, particularly in China, contributed to substantial financial market volatility in August, including a 10% decline in the U.S. stock market. Consequently, at its September meeting, the Fed again deferred raising interest rates. As the review period ended, the market was placing a less than 50% probability of a rate hike this year, despite the fact that several key Fed board members continued to forecast a move in December.
Interest rates generally moved lower during the review period. The two-year U.S. Treasury note yield, which is very sensitive to Federal Reserve policy, moved slightly higher from 0.57% to 0.63%. Longer-term interest rates fell and bond prices rose. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell from 2.49% to 2.04%. Most of the move lower in interest rates occurred in the third quarter as oil prices collapsed, global growth slowed, stocks fell worldwide, and the Fed decided not to raise interest rates.
The broad U.S. bond market returned 3.1%, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch. High quality, long-term bonds had the best performance. The Treasury market gained 4.1%, with 10+ year maturity Treasuries gaining 8.7%. Agency mortgage-backed securities returned 3.3%, benefiting from their high credit quality. Corporate bonds gained 1.4%. The sector benefited from the decline in interest rates but wider credit spreads (due primarily to record new issue supply) were a drag on performance. High yield bonds had poor performance, losing 3.6%. Spreads moved substantially wider in large part due to
29 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter (continued)
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
weakness in energy companies (the largest sector of the high yield market), as well as other commodity-related firms. Non-dollar government bonds (i.e., foreign government securities) also had a difficult 12 months, down 6.3%, reflecting the headwind of a 12.1% increase in the value of the dollar. The municipal bond market returned 3.2% as it was insulated from many of the global issues which buffeted other sectors of the bond market. Lastly, money market returns continued to be essentially flat due to the Fed’s zero interest rate policy.
Fund Overview and Fiscal Year Performance Attribution
The Fund invests in investment grade fixed income securities. During the period, the majority of the Fund’s assets were invested in investment grade corporate bonds. The Fund also had as much as 2% of its assets invested in high yield securities and 1% invested in U.S. Treasuries.
The corporate bond market began the review period on a weak note with corporate spreads widening due to the rapid and ongoing decline in oil prices and risk aversion towards commodity-related sectors. Lower beta sectors became safe havens for corporate bond investors as riskier assets traded with greater volatility. With the back-drop of continued low Treasury rates, corporate issuers continued to issue new debt at record levels. This led to further spread widening through the review period.
The positive returns of the corporate bond market during the review period were predominantly a result of duration and Treasury curve movement. Of note, corporate bonds with maturities greater than 10 years significantly underperformed shorter maturity debt (i.e., three-to-five years), reflecting the steepening of the Treasury yield curve and an aversion to longer maturities.
The Fund underperformed the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Corporate Index during the review period. The relative performance was predominantly a function of the Fund’s overweight in BBB-rated corporate bonds, which had the lowest returns during the review period. Specifically, the Fund was negatively impacted by its overweight in metals and mining issuers, which experienced increased volatility during the review period. This was partially offset by the Fund’s overweight in financial issuers, which had the highest returns during the review period.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
30 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.04% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 981.65 | $5.17 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.86 | $5.27 | |
Class B Shares | 1.91% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 977.30 | $9.47 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,015.49 | $9.65 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.72% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 983.18 | $3.58 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.46 | $3.65 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.63% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 983.49 | $3.13 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.91 | $3.19 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
TOP TEN SECTORS
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total value of investments. |
31 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Investment Grade Fund (Class A shares) and the Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Master Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Investment Grade Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Master Index (the “Index”). The Index includes publicly-issued, fixed rate, non-convertible investment grade dollar-denominated, S.E.C.-registered corporate debt having at least one year to maturity and an outstanding par value of at least $250 million. Bonds must be rated investment grade based on a composite of Moody’s and S&P. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund
32 |
portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (4.83%), 2.44% and 3.83%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 2.01%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (3.71%), 2.51% and 3.86%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 1.26%. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 1.42% and 1.60%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 2.45%. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 1.38% and 1.86%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 2.55%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Bank of America Merrill Lynch & Co. and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class share are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
*** The S.E.C. 30-day yield shown is for September 2015.
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 2.29%.
33 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
CORPORATE BONDS—95.8% | ||||
Agriculture—.7% | ||||
$3,310M | Cargill, Inc., 6%, 11/27/2017 (a) | $ 3,612,130 | ||
Automotive—1.0% | ||||
5,000M | Johnson Controls, Inc., 5%, 3/30/2020 | 5,488,450 | ||
Chemicals—3.1% | ||||
4,000M | Agrium, Inc., 3.375%, 3/15/2025 | 3,794,504 | ||
3,200M | CF Industries, Inc., 3.45%, 6/1/2023 | 3,050,765 | ||
4,000M | Dow Chemical Co., 4.25%, 11/15/2020 | 4,298,032 | ||
5,000M | LyondellBasell Industries NV, 6%, 11/15/2021 | 5,657,530 | ||
16,800,831 | ||||
Consumer Durables—.8% | ||||
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.: | ||||
2,000M | 2.875%, 12/1/2019 | 2,019,542 | ||
2,300M | 4.7%, 8/15/2020 | 2,535,368 | ||
4,554,910 | ||||
Energy—9.2% | ||||
5,000M | Canadian Oil Sands, Ltd., 7.75%, 5/15/2019 (a) | 5,229,620 | ||
5,000M | Continental Resources, Inc., 5%, 9/15/2022 | 4,381,250 | ||
3,000M | DCP Midstream Operating, LP, 2.5%, 12/1/2017 | 2,755,476 | ||
5,000M | Enbridge Energy Partners, LP, 4.2%, 9/15/2021 | 5,061,535 | ||
5,000M | Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP, 3.45%, 2/15/2023 | 4,443,000 | ||
1,800M | Marathon Oil Corp., 3.85%, 6/1/2025 | 1,596,654 | ||
5,000M | Nabors Industries, Inc., 6.15%, 2/15/2018 | 5,268,905 | ||
2,000M | ONEOK Partners, LP, 3.375%, 10/1/2022 | 1,801,678 | ||
5,800M | Spectra Energy Capital, LLC, 6.2%, 4/15/2018 | 6,286,011 | ||
3,800M | Suncor Energy, Inc., 6.1%, 6/1/2018 | 4,198,711 | ||
4,000M | Valero Energy Corp., 9.375%, 3/15/2019 | 4,881,964 | ||
4,000M | Weatherford International, LLC, 6.35%, 6/15/2017 | 4,094,824 | ||
49,999,628 | ||||
Financial Services—16.1% | ||||
4,000M | American Express Co., 7%, 3/19/2018 | 4,496,560 | ||
American International Group, Inc.: | ||||
3,700M | 3.75%, 7/10/2025 | 3,764,957 | ||
2,000M | 4.7%, 7/10/2035 | 2,068,132 | ||
4,000M | Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 5.3%, 3/15/2020 | 4,515,784 | ||
5,400M | Assured Guaranty U.S. Holding, Inc., 5%, 7/1/2024 | 5,626,001 |
34 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Financial Services (continued) | ||||
$4,300M | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 3.4%, 1/31/2022 | $ 4,511,014 | ||
1,000M | BlackRock, Inc., 5%, 12/10/2019 | 1,120,942 | ||
4,000M | CoBank ACB, 7.875%, 4/16/2018 (a) | 4,574,252 | ||
2,400M | Compass Bank, 6.4%, 10/1/2017 | 2,593,906 | ||
ERAC USA Finance, LLC: | ||||
3,750M | 4.5%, 8/16/2021 (a) | 4,056,139 | ||
1,800M | 3.3%, 10/15/2022 (a) | 1,800,434 | ||
3,000M | 7%, 10/15/2037 (a) | 3,742,089 | ||
6,200M | Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 8.125%, 1/15/2020 | 7,437,241 | ||
General Electric Capital Corp.: | ||||
6,400M | 4.65%, 10/17/2021 | 7,204,384 | ||
3,400M | 6.75%, 3/15/2032 | 4,611,719 | ||
2,700M | Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc., 2.4%, 9/15/2019 (a) | 2,728,142 | ||
1,800M | Harley-Davidson Funding Corp., 6.8%, 6/15/2018 (a) | 2,036,228 | ||
4,000M | Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.95%, 5/1/2022 (a) | 4,330,852 | ||
3,000M | National City Corp., 6.875%, 5/15/2019 | 3,461,196 | ||
4,550M | Protective Life Corp., 7.375%, 10/15/2019 | 5,371,216 | ||
3,000M | Prudential Financial, Inc., 7.375%, 6/15/2019 | 3,535,251 | ||
3,600M | State Street Corp., 3.55%, 8/18/2025 | 3,677,425 | ||
87,263,864 | ||||
Financials—21.6% | ||||
Bank of America Corp.: | ||||
3,250M | 5.65%, 5/1/2018 | 3,548,240 | ||
5,925M | 5%, 5/13/2021 | 6,536,691 | ||
4,625M | 5.875%, 2/7/2042 | 5,427,549 | ||
Barclays Bank, PLC: | ||||
2,000M | 5.125%, 1/8/2020 | 2,237,886 | ||
3,800M | 3.75%, 5/15/2024 | 3,845,710 | ||
3,200M | Capital One Financial Corp., 3.75%, 4/24/2024 | 3,183,686 | ||
Citigroup, Inc.: | ||||
4,200M | 6.125%, 11/21/2017 | 4,580,503 | ||
2,250M | 8.5%, 5/22/2019 | 2,718,731 | ||
2,000M | 4.5%, 1/14/2022 | 2,166,142 | ||
3,000M | Deutsche Bank AG, 3.7%, 5/30/2024 | 2,983,752 | ||
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.: | ||||
2,000M | 5.375%, 3/15/2020 | 2,232,302 | ||
5,900M | 5.75%, 1/24/2022 | 6,776,817 | ||
3,000M | 3.625%, 1/22/2023 | 3,042,012 | ||
7,050M | 6.125%, 2/15/2033 | 8,445,830 |
35 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Financials (continued) | ||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co.: | ||||
$9,200M | 6%, 1/15/2018 | $ 10,055,867 | ||
5,000M | 4.5%, 1/24/2022 | 5,399,305 | ||
Morgan Stanley: | ||||
4,050M | 5.95%, 12/28/2017 | 4,414,921 | ||
5,500M | 6.625%, 4/1/2018 | 6,126,571 | ||
6,000M | 5.5%, 7/28/2021 | 6,785,838 | ||
800M | Standard Chartered, PLC, 3.2%, 4/17/2025 (a) | 747,688 | ||
4,000M | SunTrust Banks, Inc., 6%, 9/11/2017 | 4,326,528 | ||
4,000M | U.S. Bancorp, 3.6%, 9/11/2024 | 4,068,992 | ||
4,000M | UBS AG, 4.875%, 8/4/2020 | 4,442,668 | ||
Wells Fargo & Co.: | ||||
2,900M | 4.6%, 4/1/2021 | 3,184,795 | ||
8,600M | 3.45%, 2/13/2023 | 8,567,991 | ||
900M | 3.9%, 5/1/2045 | 829,184 | ||
116,676,199 | ||||
Food/Beverage/Tobacco—5.2% | ||||
5,225M | Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp., 8.5%, 6/15/2019 | 6,252,616 | ||
4,200M | Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., 6.82%, 5/1/2018 | 4,718,448 | ||
6,000M | Ingredion, Inc., 4.625%, 11/1/2020 | 6,427,626 | ||
2,000M | PepsiCo, Inc., 5%, 6/1/2018 | 2,190,078 | ||
4,000M | Philip Morris International, Inc., 5.65%, 5/16/2018 | 4,419,392 | ||
4,000M | SABMiller Holdings, Inc., 3.75%, 1/15/2022 (a) | 4,105,112 | ||
28,113,272 | ||||
Food/Drug—.8% | ||||
4,000M | CVS Health Corp., 3.875%, 7/20/2025 | 4,131,444 | ||
Forest Products/Container—1.0% | ||||
5,000M | Rock-Tenn Co., 4.9%, 3/1/2022 | 5,432,980 | ||
Health Care—4.0% | ||||
3,100M | Biogen, Inc., 6.875%, 3/1/2018 | 3,474,740 | ||
Express Scripts Holding Co.: | ||||
4,050M | 4.75%, 11/15/2021 | 4,378,568 | ||
1,800M | 3.5%, 6/15/2024 | 1,774,665 | ||
4,000M | Gilead Sciences, Inc., 3.65%, 3/1/2026 | 4,023,704 | ||
4,000M | Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 3.75%, 8/23/2022 | 4,067,212 | ||
4,000M | Mylan, Inc., 3.125%, 1/15/2023 (a) | 3,850,084 | ||
21,568,973 |
36 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Information Technology—1.1% | ||||
$2,500M | Apple, Inc., 2.5%, 2/9/2025 | $ 2,377,610 | ||
800M | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 2.85%, 10/5/2018 (a)(b) | 798,976 | ||
500M | Oracle Corp., 2.95%, 5/15/2025 | 488,067 | ||
1,800M | Pitney Bowes, Inc., 5.75%, 9/15/2017 | 1,937,556 | ||
5,602,209 | ||||
Manufacturing—2.8% | ||||
5,000M | CRH America, Inc., 8.125%, 7/15/2018 | 5,818,865 | ||
4,000M | Ingersoll-Rand Global Holdings Co., Ltd., 6.875%, 8/15/2018 | 4,511,200 | ||
4,550M | Tyco Electronics Group SA, 6.55%, 10/1/2017 | 4,988,270 | ||
15,318,335 | ||||
Media-Broadcasting—3.0% | ||||
1,800M | ABC, Inc., 8.75%, 8/15/2021 | 2,364,372 | ||
3,950M | British Sky Broadcasting Group, PLC, 9.5%, 11/15/2018 (a) | 4,766,386 | ||
2,000M | CBS Corp., 3.375%, 3/1/2022 | 1,990,306 | ||
4,000M | Comcast Corp., 4.25%, 1/15/2033 | 3,982,680 | ||
3,000M | DirecTV Holdings, LLC, 3.8%, 3/15/2022 | 3,023,835 | ||
16,127,579 | ||||
Media-Diversified—1.7% | ||||
5,000M | McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc., 5.9%, 11/15/2017 | 5,374,505 | ||
4,000M | Time Warner, Inc., 3.6%, 7/15/2025 | 3,924,796 | ||
9,299,301 | ||||
Metals/Mining—4.8% | ||||
5,000M | Alcoa, Inc., 6.15%, 8/15/2020 | 5,168,750 | ||
4,000M | ArcelorMittal, 6.125%, 6/1/2018 | 3,930,000 | ||
4,000M | Glencore Finance Canada, Ltd., 4.95%, 11/15/2021 (a) | 3,321,684 | ||
4,200M | Newmont Mining Corp., 5.125%, 10/1/2019 | 4,442,298 | ||
5,000M | Rio Tinto Finance USA, Ltd., 3.75%, 9/20/2021 | 5,130,630 | ||
4,000M | Vale Overseas, Ltd., 5.625%, 9/15/2019 | 4,025,680 | ||
26,019,042 |
37 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Real Estate Investment Trusts—6.2% | ||||
$4,000M | Boston Properties, LP, 5.875%, 10/15/2019 | $ 4,538,936 | ||
Digital Realty Trust, LP: | ||||
2,700M | 5.25%, 3/15/2021 | 2,943,032 | ||
2,250M | 3.95%, 7/1/2022 | 2,250,806 | ||
3,000M | ERP Operating, LP, 3.375%, 6/1/2025 | 2,964,711 | ||
4,000M | HCP, Inc., 5.375%, 2/1/2021 | 4,435,356 | ||
ProLogis, LP: | ||||
3,000M | 4.5%, 8/15/2017 | 3,149,172 | ||
2,000M | 3.35%, 2/1/2021 | 2,029,674 | ||
3,000M | Simon Property Group, LP, 3.375%, 10/1/2024 | 3,022,014 | ||
4,000M | Ventas Realty, LP, 4.75%, 6/1/2021 | 4,320,700 | ||
4,000M | Welltower, Inc., 4%, 6/1/2025 | 4,006,764 | ||
33,661,165 | ||||
Retail-General Merchandise—1.6% | ||||
4,000M | Amazon.com, Inc., 4.8%, 12/5/2034 | 4,122,948 | ||
2,000M | GAP, Inc., 5.95%, 4/12/2021 | 2,167,496 | ||
2,000M | Home Depot, Inc., 5.875%, 12/16/2036 | 2,462,944 | ||
8,753,388 | ||||
Telecommunications—.8% | ||||
4,000M | Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.15%, 9/15/2023 | 4,426,032 | ||
Transportation—3.0% | ||||
4,000M | Burlington North Santa Fe, LLC, 5.15%, 9/1/2043 | 4,290,872 | ||
4,000M | Con-way, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/2018 | 4,142,612 | ||
4,125M | GATX Corp., 4.75%, 6/15/2022 | 4,415,066 | ||
3,000M | Penske Truck Leasing Co., LP, 4.875%, 7/11/2022 (a) | 3,192,549 | ||
16,041,099 | ||||
Utilities—7.3% | ||||
1,800M | Dominion Resources, Inc., 3.9%, 10/1/2025 | 1,823,924 | ||
3,000M | Duke Energy Progress, Inc., 4.15%, 12/1/2044 | 3,025,887 | ||
3,000M | E.ON International Finance BV, 5.8%, 4/30/2018 (a) | 3,277,200 | ||
3,000M | Entergy Arkansas, Inc., 4.95%, 12/15/2044 | 3,026,502 | ||
4,000M | Exelon Generation Co., LLC, 5.2%, 10/1/2019 | 4,375,580 |
38 |
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Utilities (continued) | |||||||
Great River Energy Co.: | |||||||
$ 192M | 5.829%, 7/1/2017 (a) | $ 198,884 | |||||
3,354M | 4.478%, 7/1/2030 (a) | 3,614,354 | |||||
3,000M | Ohio Power Co., 5.375%, 10/1/2021 | 3,426,966 | |||||
4,550M | Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co., 4%, 12/15/2044 | 4,384,794 | |||||
2,507M | San Diego Gas & Electric Co., 1.914%, 2/1/2022 | 2,496,346 | |||||
4,000M | Sempra Energy, 9.8%, 2/15/2019 | 4,953,896 | |||||
4,000M | South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., 5.45%, 2/1/2041 | 4,535,168 | |||||
39,139,501 | |||||||
Total Value of Corporate Bonds (cost $507,002,697) | 518,030,332 | ||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS—2.1% | |||||||
U.S. Treasury Bonds: | |||||||
4,575M | 2.5%, 2/15/2045 | 4,212,843 | |||||
3,200M | 3%, 5/15/2045 | 3,275,584 | |||||
4,000M | 3%, 11/15/2044 | 4,085,728 | |||||
Total Value of U.S. Government Obligations (cost $12,224,740) | 11,574,155 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $519,227,437) | 97.9 | % | 529,604,487 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 2.1 | 11,361,360 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $540,965,847 |
(a) | Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (see Note 4). |
(b) | A portion or all of the security purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis |
(see Note 1G). |
39 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
September 30, 2015
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Corporate Bonds | $ | — | $ | 518,030,332 | $ | — | $ | 518,030,332 | ||||
U.S. Government Agency | ||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 11,574,155 | — | 11,574,155 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | — | $ | 529,604,487 | $ | — | $ | 529,604,487 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for corporate bonds. |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
40 | See notes to financial statements |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Strategic Income Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –2.37% for Class A shares and –1.93% for Advisor Class shares, including dividends of 34.5 cents per share for Class A shares and 37.8 cents per share for Advisor Class shares. In addition, the Fund distributed capital gains of 7.0 cents per share on each class of shares.
Economic Overview and Market Summary
The U.S. economy grew at an approximately 2% rate during the review period. Growth was saw-toothed: strong in the fourth quarter of 2014, unexpectedly weak in the first quarter of 2015 (due to bad weather and West Coast port strikes), a bounce back in the second quarter, only to fade in the third quarter (due to a strong dollar and slowing growth in China). The consumer was the backbone of the U.S. economy, as evidenced by the rise in housing starts to the highest level since 2008 and record automobile sales. The unemployment rate continued its multi-year decline, falling from 5.9% to 5.1%, although wage growth remained disappointing. Inflation remained subdued with the year-over-year change in consumer prices flat, driven by a 50% fall in the price of oil during the review period. Excluding food and energy, consumer prices increased 1.9%, up from the 1.7% pace in the prior 12 months, but still lower than the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed’s”) target level.
At the beginning of the review period, market expectations were that the Fed would end its zero interest rate policy in mid-2015 based primarily on the relatively low unemployment rate. But the unexpectedly weak first quarter economic growth stayed the Fed’s hand, at which point market expectations shifted to September for a first Fed rate hike. Global financial and economic developments, particularly in China, contributed to substantial financial market volatility in August, including a 10% decline in the U.S. stock market. Consequently, at its September meeting, the Fed again deferred raising interest rates. As the review period ended, the market was placing a less than 50% probability of a rate hike this year, despite the fact that several key Fed board members continued to forecast a move in December.
Interest rates generally moved lower during the review period. The two-year U.S. Treasury note yield, which is very sensitive to Federal Reserve policy, moved slightly higher from 0.57% to 0.63%. Longer-term interest rates fell, and bond prices rose. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell from 2.49% to 2.04%. Most of the move lower in interest rates occurred in the third quarter as oil prices collapsed, global growth slowed, stocks fell worldwide and the Fed decided not to raise interest rates.
41 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter (continued)
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
The broad U.S. bond market returned 3.1%, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch. High quality, long-term bonds had the best performance. The Treasury market gained 4.1%, with 10+ year maturity Treasuries gaining 8.7%. Agency mortgage-backed securities returned 3.3%, benefiting from their high credit quality. Corporate bonds gained 1.4%. The sector benefited from the decline in interest rates but wider credit spreads (due primarily to record new issue supply) were a drag on performance. High yield bonds had poor performance, losing 3.6%. Spreads moved substantially wider in large part due to weakness in energy companies (the largest sector of the high yield market), as well as other commodity-related firms. Non-dollar government bonds (i.e., foreign government securities) also had a difficult 12 months, down 6.3%, reflecting the headwind of a 12.1% increase in the value of the dollar. The municipal bond market returned 3.2% as it was insulated from many of the global issues which buffeted other sectors of the bond market.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index returned –0.62%, with dividends reinvested in the Index. Lastly, money market returns continued to be essentially flat due to the Fed’s zero interest rate policy.
Fund Overview and Fiscal Year Performance Attribution
The Fund can invest through institutional class shares in a number of First Investors Funds (Underlying Funds). The average allocations to Underlying Funds as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets and the total returns for the review period and the allocations as a percentage of net assets as of the end of the period were:
Average Allocations, | Allocations, | ||
Review Period | Total Return | 9/30/15 | |
Equity Income Fund | 5.3% | –3.97% | 5.8% |
Floating Rate Fund | 4.6% | 0.47% | 7.5% |
Fund For Income | 38.1% | –2.28% | 37.1% |
Government Fund | 8.7% | 2.38% | 10.2% |
International Opportunities | |||
Bond Fund | 14.6% | –9.36% | 14.0% |
Investment Grade Fund | 17.7% | 1.48% | 10.2% |
Limited Duration High | |||
Quality Bond Fund | 4.6% | 1.21% | 5.0% |
Tax Exempt Income Fund | 3.5% | 2.77% | 5.2% |
Cash | 2.9% | 0.00% | 5.0% |
42 |
For the review period, the Fund returned –2.37% on Class A shares compared to 3.05% for its benchmark, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. Broad Market Index. The Fund was positioned for a continuation of global growth with the expectation of higher interest rates. The Fund’s investments emphasized Underlying Funds that would benefit from growth while minimizing the negative impact of higher interest rates. Consequently, the majority of the Fund’s underperformance occurred in the last quarter of the review period when global growth slowed and interest rates declined. Specifically, the Fund’s allocations to foreign bonds (through International Opportunities Bond Fund), high yield bonds (through Fund For Income), and U.S. stocks (through Equity Income Fund) made substantial negative contributions to the Fund’s performance.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
43 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/3/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 0.56% | |||
Actual* | $1,000.00 | $ 966.99 | $2.76 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,022.26 | $2.84 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.01% | |||
Actual* | $1,000.00 | $ 969.49 | $0.05 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,025.02 | $0.05 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the inception period). | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY FIRST INVESTORS UNDERLYING FUNDS
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total value of investments. |
44 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Strategic Income Fund (Class A shares) and the Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch U.S. Broad Market Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Strategic Income Fund (Class A shares) beginning 4/3/13 (commencement of operations) with a theoretical investment in the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Broad Market Index (the “Index”). The Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated investment grade debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market, including U.S. Treasury, quasi-government, corporate, securitized and collateralized securities. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table it is assumed that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Advisor Class shares performance will be greater than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
45 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since this class is sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been (2.16%). The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 0.24%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Citigroup and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Class A shares and Advisor Class shares are for the period beginning 4/3/13 (commencement of operations).
46 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
STRATEGIC INCOME
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | |||||
MUTUAL FUNDS—95.0% | |||||||
First Investors Income Funds—89.2% | |||||||
1,040,007 | Floating Rate Fund – Institutional Class Shares | $ 9,952,868 | |||||
20,412,467 | Fund For Income – Institutional Class Shares | 48,989,922 | |||||
1,239,997 | Government Fund – Institutional Class Shares | 13,491,164 | |||||
2,138,577 | International Opportunities Bond Fund – | ||||||
Institutional Class Shares | 18,541,466 | ||||||
1,383,268 | Investment Grade Fund – Institutional Class Shares | 13,362,372 | |||||
676,382 | Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund – | ||||||
Institutional Class Shares | 6,635,307 | ||||||
690,033 | Tax Exempt Income Fund – Institutional Class Shares | 6,817,524 | |||||
117,790,623 | |||||||
First Investors Equity Funds—5.8% | |||||||
849,529 | Equity Income Fund – Institutional Class Shares | 7,679,741 | |||||
Total Value of Mutual Funds (cost $134,369,124) | 95.0 | % | 125,470,364 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 5.0 | 6,568,934 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $132,039,298 |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
47 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
STRATEGIC INCOME
September 30, 2015
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Mutual Funds | ||||||||||||
First Investors Income Funds | $ | 117,790,623 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 117,790,623 | ||||
First Investors Equity Funds | 7,679,741 | — | — | 7,679,741 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | $ | 125,470,364 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 125,470,364 |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the |
reporting period. |
48 | See notes to financial statements |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund for the year ended September 30, 2015. During the period the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –9.72% for Class A shares, –9.51% for Advisor Class shares and –9.36% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 28.0 cents per share for Class A shares, 29.2 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 30.4 cents per share for Institutional Class shares.
The Fund invests in sovereign bonds and currencies of countries in the Citigroup World Government Bond ex-U.S. Index as well as some non-index countries, including those of emerging markets. Corporate bonds of countries in the Index may be purchased opportunistically as well. The Fund’s underperformance during the prior 12-month period ended September 30, 2015 is primarily attributable to bond positioning with currency decisions detracting a modest amount as well.
After a volatile period for interest rates, developed-market yields tended to fall slightly while a few developing countries’ bond yields increased on widening credit spreads. Currency volatility for developing economies measurably expanded risk premiums demanded from investors for holding local-currency bonds of countries with close connections to Chinese growth. In particular, the Fund’s exposures to Brazilian and Indonesian bonds, both out-of-benchmark positions, detracted from relative performance during the period. In addition to being exposed to commodity price declines and slower global export demand, both Indonesia and Brazil suffer from a deficiency of savings, leading to a dependence on global liquidity cycles. Investors fear grew during the period that both countries will face challenging financing conditions as the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) moves closer to normalizing interest rates.
Currency decisions modestly detracted from performance. Avoiding the Japanese yen and euro offset much of the negative contribution from exposures to currencies of developing countries. Currencies of developing countries broadly declined in value against the dollar during the period, especially those tied to commodity production, or the Chinese-driven emerging markets growth story. The Fund’s overweight or out-of-benchmark exposure to the Mexican peso, Brazilian real, Indonesian rupiah, South African rand, and Chilean peso stand out as negative contributors to relative performance. Both the yen and euro continued to fall as the Bank of Japan and European Central Bank boosted monetary stimulus which weighed on currency valuations relative to the U.S. dollar.
49 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter (continued)
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
Market Commentary and Outlook
Notably, our global fixed income strategies performance histories are marked with infrequent but occasional drawdowns comparable to the most recent experience. We have had valuation anomalies building across a range of global bond markets all year, and we are now getting the expected policy reaction. The Chinese boosted policy stimulus but so far there is not much to show for it as discussed above. We think that is about to change. Similarly, the Fed has backed off its renormalization rhetoric, but so far it has positioned policy trajectory as delayed more so than being affected by a material shift in the outlook. Consequently, price extremes became more extreme late in the review period, setting up what ultimately should be a bigger case of mean reversion.
Currently, the Fund’s top fixed income holdings are U.K. gilts and Mexican Mbonos. Mexican bond yields are higher than comparable U.S. Treasuries by the widest margin in over three years but the bulk of the valuation opportunity in the Mbonos really lies with the Mexican peso. The currency has been washed out dramatically relative to any objective measure of valuation. Domestic inflation has remained low, the economy has outperformed most of its Latin American neighbors, it has reduced its sensitivity to oil, and Mexico’s exports are tied to the U.S. car industry, which has been strong. As a highly flexible and liquid currency, the peso tends to be used by investors as a vehicle for hedging other emerging market (“EM”) exposure, hence it has been caught up in the general EM/commodity bear market, but should recover when the rest do.
As for U.K. gilts, they function in the Fund partly as a beneficiary of the generally deflationary global environment and partly to balance the risks that something goes very wrong and global growth keeps slipping lower.
Elsewhere, the Fund remains skewed toward many global bond markets in the emerging world, each with their own idiosyncratic profile. But in general many of these markets exhibit high real yields, a by-product of the stagflationary conditions described earlier. Inflation should decline once EM currencies experience a fairly brief period of stability, which would permit central banks to begin easing. The recent rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India are a good example of how a vicious, negative-feedback cycle has evolved into a virtuous one. The low inflation and boost to growth from cutting policy rates has supported the rupee.
In cases of more extreme uncertainty—like the Brazilian bonds in the Fund—we believe investors are being well-compensated to take risk. Long-term bonds yielded over 16% as late as the last week of September. Assuming no change in bond prices, the Brazilian real to dollar exchange rate would have to weaken to 6.24 to lose money
50 |
based on a three-year holding period. The economy is deep in recession and, encouragingly, an anti-corruption drive appears to be in full-swing, which could potentially culminate with the impeachment of President Rousseff. We believe any respite in currency weakness will bring about lower headline inflation and the beginning of policy stimulus.
Looking forward, we believe ultra-supportive monetary policy, cheap energy, devalued currencies, and low interest rates should make 2016 a pivotal period for global growth. The U.S. economy is already advancing at lift-off speed, and we expect the European and Japanese economies to surprise to the upside once the impact of stimulus takes hold. Peripheral European currencies look attractive as an expression of a constructive reflationary European economic outlook while also avoiding direct euro exposure, which we see as potentially being buffeted by both open-ended quantitative easing and the need for deep structural reform. Despite our outlook for better developed market growth, we expect long-term safe-haven yields will remain capped on the upside as a result of the still formidable debt overhang, a benign global inflation environment, a low terminal level for G3 policy rates, and entrenched concerns of global economic fragility. While the downturn in emerging markets has been intensifying as of late, we find select emerging-market currencies offer attractive value and believe most will stabilize in the coming year while offering attractive yields.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
51 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.30% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 928.48 | $6.28 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,018.55 | $6.58 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 1.02% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 928.19 | $4.93 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.96 | $5.17 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.90% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 929.03 | $4.35 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.56 | $4.56 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived and/or assumed. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total value of investments. |
52 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund (Class A shares) and the Citigroup World Government Bond ex-U.S. Index (Unhedged).
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund (Class A shares) beginning 8/20/12 (commencement of operations) with a theoretical investment in the Citigroup World Government Bond ex-U.S. Index (Unhedged) (the “Index”). The Index encompasses an all-inclusive universe of institutionally traded bonds, including all fixed-rate bonds with remaining maturities of one year or longer with amounts outstanding of at least the equivalent of $25 million. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table it is assumed that all dividends and distributions were reinvested.
53 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance will be greater than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been (14.98%) and (6.78%), respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 1.77%. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been (3.90%). Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Citigroup and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Class A shares are for the period beginning 8/17/12 (commencement of operations). The returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
*** The S.E.C. 30-Day Yield shown is for September 2015.
†The Index return is since the inception of Class A shares. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is (2.47%).
54 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
SOVEREIGN BONDS—67.5% | ||||
Mexico—13.8% | ||||
United Mexican States: | ||||
1,109M | MXN | 7.75%, 11/13/2042 | $ 7,247,720 | |
812M | MXN | 8.5%, 5/31/2029 | 5,678,883 | |
889M | MXN | 8.5%, 11/18/2038 | 6,265,580 | |
19,192,183 | ||||
United Kingdom—9.7% | ||||
7,700M | GBP | United Kingdom Gilt, 3.25%, 1/22/2044 | 13,483,800 | |
Australia—8.3% | ||||
4,605M | AUD | New South Wales Treasury Corp., 5%, 8/20/2024 | 3,780,140 | |
Queensland Treasury Corp.: | ||||
3,750M | AUD | 4.75%, 7/21/2025 | 2,983,641 | |
2,515M | AUD | 6%, 7/21/2022 | 2,114,175 | |
3,325M | AUD | 6.25%, 2/21/2020 | 2,708,313 | |
11,586,269 | ||||
Italy—6.9% | ||||
6,070M | EUR | Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro, 5%, 8/1/2039 | 9,557,749 | |
Portugal—5.2% | ||||
Obrigacoes Do Tesouro: | ||||
2,750M | EUR | 4.1%, 4/15/2037 | 3,509,907 | |
2,780M | EUR | 4.95%, 10/25/2023 | 3,762,377 | |
7,272,284 | ||||
Malaysia—3.8% | ||||
Federation of Malaysia: | ||||
14,190M | MYR | 3.48%, 3/15/2023 | 3,063,303 | |
7,020M | MYR | 3.659%, 10/15/2020 | 1,588,214 | |
2,950M | MYR | 4.048%, 9/30/2021 | 664,521 | |
5,316,038 |
55 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
South Africa—3.8% | ||||
Republic of South Africa: | ||||
55,515M | ZAR | 6.5%, 2/28/2041 | $ 3,006,787 | |
17,935M | ZAR | 6.75%, 3/31/2021 | 1,219,479 | |
14,485M | ZAR | 8.75%, 2/28/2048 | 1,009,147 | |
5,235,413 | ||||
New Zealand—3.5% | ||||
New Zealand Government Bonds: | ||||
2,390M | NZD | 5%, 3/15/2019 | 1,647,736 | |
4,375M | NZD | 5.5%, 4/15/2023 | 3,273,143 | |
4,920,879 | ||||
Hungary—3.1% | ||||
Hungary Government Bond: | ||||
940,000M | HUF | 6%, 11/24/2023 | 4,022,808 | |
69,000M | HUF | 7.5%, 11/12/2020 | 305,399 | |
4,328,207 | ||||
Brazil—2.8% | ||||
Nota Do Tesouro Nacional: | ||||
1M | BRL | 9.71%, 1/1/2021 | 105,237 | |
13M | BRL | 9.71%, 1/1/2023 | 2,559,806 | |
6M | BRL | 9.71%, 1/1/2025 | 1,225,971 | |
3,891,014 | ||||
Indonesia—2.7% | ||||
Republic of Indonesia: | ||||
52,000,000M | IDR | 8.375%, 3/15/2034 | 3,091,153 | |
10,900,000M | IDR | 9%, 3/15/2029 | 701,076 | |
3,792,229 | ||||
Poland—2.5% | ||||
12,050M | PLN | Republic of Poland, 4%, 10/25/2023 | 3,457,421 | |
Spain—1.4% | ||||
1,280M | EUR | Bonos Y Oblig Del Estado, 5.15%, 10/31/2044 | 2,023,549 | |
Total Value of Sovereign Bonds (cost $98,293,450) | 94,057,035 |
56 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS—11.5% | ||||
United States | ||||
U.S. Treasury Notes: | ||||
2,455M | USD | 0.089%, 4/30/2017 (a) | $ 2,453,488 | |
13,645M | USD | 0.099%, 1/31/2017 (a) | 13,642,271 | |
Total Value of U.S. Government Obligations (cost $16,102,625) | 16,095,759 | |||
CORPORATE BONDS—9.5% | ||||
Luxembourg—5.0% | ||||
European Investment Bank: | ||||
5,870M | USD | 0.625%, 4/15/2016 | 5,876,704 | |
1,015M | USD | 1.125%, 9/15/2017 | 1,021,075 | |
6,897,779 | ||||
Australia—1.6% | ||||
Macquarie Group, Ltd.: | ||||
1,160M | USD | 1.2968%, 1/31/2017 (a)(b) | 1,165,625 | |
1,030M | USD | 0.9251%, 10/27/2017 (a)(b) | 1,025,854 | |
2,191,479 | ||||
France—1.0% | ||||
1,400M | USD | Dexia Credit Local SA NY, 0.5335%, 6/5/2018 (a)(b) | 1,395,642 | |
Germany—.9% | ||||
1,295M | USD | Deutsche Bank AG London, 0.92435%, 2/13/2017 (a) | 1,297,225 |
57 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
South Korea—.7% | |||||||
1,010M | USD | Export-Import Bank of Korea, 0.9455%, 8/14/2017 (a)(b) | $ 1,008,983 | ||||
New Zealand—.3% | |||||||
470M | USD | ANZ New Zealand International, Ltd. of London, 0.8151%, | |||||
4/27/2017 (a)(b) | 470,118 | ||||||
Total Value of Corporate Bonds (cost $26,286,482) | 13,261,226 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $140,682,557) | 88.5 | % | 123,414,020 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 11.5 | 15,988,606 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $139,402,626 |
(a) | Interest rates are determined and reset periodically. The interest rates above are the rates in effect | |
at September 30, 2015. | ||
(b) | Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (see Note 4). | |
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
AUD | Australian Dollar | |
BRL | Brazilian Real | |
CLP | Colombian Peso | |
EUR | Euro | |
GBP | British Pound | |
HUF | Hungarian Forint | |
IDR | Indonesian Rupiah | |
INR | Indian Rupee | |
JPY | Japanese Yen | |
MXN | Mexican Peso | |
MYR | Malaysian Ringgit | |
NOK | Norwegian Krone | |
NZD | New Zealand Dollar | |
PLN | Polish Zloty | |
SEK | Swedish Krona | |
USD | United States Dollar | |
ZAR | South African Rand |
58 |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Sovereign Bonds | ||||||||||||
Mexico | $ | — | $ | 19,192,183 | $ | — | $ | 19,192,183 | ||||
United Kingdom | — | 13,483,800 | — | 13,483,800 | ||||||||
Australia | — | 11,586,269 | — | 11,586,269 | ||||||||
Italy | — | 9,557,749 | — | 9,557,749 | ||||||||
Portugal | — | 7,272,284 | — | 7,272,284 | ||||||||
Malaysia | — | 5,316,038 | — | 5,316,038 | ||||||||
South Africa | — | 5,235,413 | — | 5,235,413 | ||||||||
New Zealand | — | 4,920,879 | — | 4,920,879 | ||||||||
Hungary | — | 4,328,207 | — | 4,328,207 | ||||||||
Brazil | — | 3,891,014 | — | 3,891,014 | ||||||||
Indonesia | — | 3,792,229 | — | 3,792,229 | ||||||||
Poland | — | 3,457,421 | — | 3,457,421 | ||||||||
Spain | — | 2,023,549 | — | 2,023,549 | ||||||||
U.S. Government Obligations | ||||||||||||
United States | — | 16,095,759 | — | 16,095,759 |
59 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND
September 30, 2015
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Corporate Bonds | ||||||||||||
Luxembourg | $ | — | $ | 6,897,779 | $ | — | $ | 6,897,779 | ||||
Australia | — | 2,191,479 | — | 2,191,479 | ||||||||
France | — | 1,395,642 | — | 1,395,642 | ||||||||
Germany | — | 1,297,225 | — | 1,297,225 | ||||||||
South Korea | — | 1,008,983 | — | 1,008,983 | ||||||||
New Zealand | — | 470,118 | — | 470,118 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | $ | — | $ | 123,414,020 | $ | — | $ | 123,414,020 | ||||
Other Financial Instruments* | $ | — | $ | 141,325 | $ | — | $ | 141,325 |
* | Other financial instruments are foreign exchange contracts and are considered derivative instruments, |
which are valued at the net unrealized appreciation on the instrument. | |
During the year ended September 30, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 investments and | |
Level 2 investments that had a material impact to the Fund. This does not include transfers between | |
Level 1 investments and Level 2 investments due to the Fund utilizing international fair value pricing | |
during the period (see Note 1A). Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
60 | See notes to financial statements |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter
FLOATING RATE FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Floating Rate Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –0.08% for Class A shares, 0.18% for Advisor Class shares and 0.47% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 29.3 cents per share for Class A shares, 31.8 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 33.6 cents per share for Institutional Class shares.
During the year, the Fund lagged its benchmark both before and after fees as share class returns ranged from modestly positive to slightly negative over the period.
The Market
The U.S. senior loan market came under pressure during the first and last quarters of the fiscal year as the price of commodities plunged, then partially recovered, then fell again. Market participants appeared to set their risk appetite in part by the level of oil prices over the period, investing less in loans and other categories of risk assets when oil prices fell and more when they recovered. This occurred as falling oil prices gave investors pause with regard to not only the health of oil producers themselves, but also on the slowing trajectory of global economic growth.
Thus, in the fourth quarter of 2014, U.S. high yield was negatively impacted by a 50% decline in the price of oil. While the U.S. loan market is not heavily invested in the Energy sector, investor demand for loans can fall on broader concerns about global growth. Unlike many fixed income instruments, loans have floating rate coupons which can re-set higher in a rising rate environment. Slowing global growth can make investors less confident that the U.S. Federal Reserve Open Markets Committee (“FOMC”) would increase interest rates, lowering investor appetite for floating rate paper.
Senior loans were resurgent in the first quarter of 2015 and, to a lesser degree, in the second quarter of 2015, as oil prices rebounded, but pulled back as oil prices dropped again in the third quarter of 2015. This later pullback was further exacerbated by low prices for coal and iron ore as slowing global growth became an increasing headwind for commodity prices.
The September 2015 decision of the FOMC to not raise interest rates further cemented the view that lower global growth might slow down the U.S. economic recovery and further reduced pressure on investors to find floating rate investment opportunities.
61 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter (continued)
FLOATING RATE FUND
The Fund
In this challenging environment, the Fund performed largely in two halves, underperforming the benchmark during the first two quarters of the fiscal year and outperforming during the later quarters (before fees and expenses). In the first two quarters, the Fund’s exposure to the Energy sector was higher than that of the market and also more heavily weighted toward credits which could suffer impairment with a long-term decline in the price of oil. This positioning initially cost the portfolio more than the market in the fourth quarter of the review period, as the price of oil fell. We actively engaged in a selling program, reducing the Fund’s exposure in the Energy sector late in the fourth quarter and through the first quarter of 2015. As the price of energy and the fortune of energy companies improved, the benchmark gained more than the Fund, particularly as we had attempted to focus the Fund’s remaining energy exposure on higher-quality, less-leveraged companies and on companies less dependent upon continued drilling to pay their bills. These companies did not pick up as much “market bounce” as the price of oil increased.
During the first quarter of 2015, such risk reduction might have appeared unnecessary given resurgent oil prices. However, we positioned the portfolio with the perspective that volatility in oil, and in commodity sectors more broadly, would actually be likely to continue, particularly as we could not identify sources of growing demand from slowing economies globally and as we could not see significant cuts to oil production and supply. Similarly, we sought to exit positions in iron ore and coal production as global demand softened. These changes were particularly important in helping the portfolio preserve capital better than the benchmark—and notably better than the wider senior loan market which also includes lower-rated loans—in both the second and third quarter of 2015.
Over the fiscal year as whole, the Fund lost the most ground against the benchmark in the Energy sector—largely weighted toward the first half of the fiscal year. The Fund made up some of this ground in the second half of the fiscal year largely through outperformance in the Metals and Mining sector, where we had worked to reposition the Fund, and in Healthcare, a sector to which we made significant commitments. In Metals and Mining in particular, the Fund was underweight to the benchmark in the sector, but strongly outperformed the Index.
Finally, we note the role that a small allocation to high yield bonds has had in the portfolio throughout the fiscal year. As is common in floating rate funds, we have included a small allocation (below 10%) to high yield bonds in the Fund to help enhance trading liquidity. High yield bonds have a similar rating profile as loans, but they may trade with higher yields than loans and may have more ability to experience price increases (and also decreases). Some managers have historically used bonds in an attempt to help increase returns in loan portfolios. In this portfolio, we have instead focused on bonds
62 |
with “loan-like” characteristics to increase portfolio liquidity without seeking to change the Fund’s fundamental risk profile. This decision was instrumental in helping the Fund perform relatively well in the second half of the year when high yield bonds traded off significantly more than loans.
Outlook
After a challenging year, we find that some parts of the U.S. loan market offer attractive value, but not all loans are created equal. The market is clearly differentiating between loans more than has been the case for several years. Companies that disappoint investor expectations are more likely to be quickly rebuked by a re-pricing process, and even healthy companies in the same industry may trade off significantly in sympathy, heightening volatility overall. Volatility may be challenging to manage, but it also presents an environment in which careful investors who are able to sort out meaningful data from the noise and act on it, can benefit significantly over a long time horizon. Short-term investors attempting to time the market without a view on fundamental, credit-by-credit value are, in our opinion, likely to be disappointed.
In light of weaker economic data, we believe the FOMC will be extremely cautious in its approach to rate hikes. For the market, the actual date of any anticipated “lift off” for interest rate increases may be less important than the pace of any rate hikes during this cycle. The Fed recognizes that it is in a very different environment from past rate hiking cycles. With the absence of inflationary pressure, the Fed has the ability to normalize policy at a deliberate and cautious pace, in our opinion. Such a pace can also limit investor appetite for floating rate paper. Nevertheless, loan yields are compelling and loans continue to offer protection against rising rates when the future remains uncertain. All in all, we believe that active management and prudent risk control can help investors safely and positively navigate what is likely to be a changeable environment. Research and work will be keys to identifying the attractive opportunities that are born from moments of uncertainty.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
63 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
FLOATING RATE FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.10% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 999.60 | $5.51 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.55 | $5.57 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.90% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,000.82 | $4.51 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.56 | $4.56 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.70% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,002.79 | $3.51 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.56 | $3.55 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived and/or assumed. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
64 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
FLOATING RATE FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Floating Rate Fund (Class A shares) and the J.P. Morgan BB/B Leveraged Loan Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Floating Rate Fund (Class A shares) beginning 10/21/13 (commencement of operations) with a theoretical investment in the J.P. Morgan BB/B Leveraged Loan Index (the “Index”). The Index is a subset of the J.P. Morgan Leveraged Loan Index, which is designed to represent the investable universe of the U.S. dollar-denominated leveraged loan market. The Index includes U.S. dollar-denominated institutional term loans and fully funded delayed draw term loans which have high yield ratings. However, the most aggressively rated loans and non-rated loans are excluded. Loans can be rated as high as Baa1 and as low as BB3 by Moody’s and also as high as BBB+ and as low as B- by Standard & Poor’s. A loan with the highest allowable rating from each agency will only be included if the company’s overall rating is below investment grade. Loans must be issued by companies domiciled in a developed market, and defaulted loans may remain in the Index only if they remain current on loan obligation payments throughout the default
65 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
FLOATING RATE FUND
process. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table it is assumed that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance will be greater than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for one year and Since Inception would have been (6.01%) and (2.82%), respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 2.19%. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for one year and Since Inception would have been 0.05% and 0.72%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 2.32%. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for one year and Since Inception would have been 0.27% and 0.63%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 2.45%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from J.P. Morgan and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Class A shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the period beginning 10/21/13 (commencement of operations).
*** The S.E.C. 30-Day Yield shown is for September 2015.
66 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FLOATING RATE FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS†—82.9% | ||||
Aerospace/Defense—1.2% | ||||
$ 539M | B/E Aerospace, Inc., 4%, 12/16/2021 | $ 542,321 | ||
876M | TransDigm, Inc., 3.75%, 2/28/2020 | 865,291 | ||
1,407,612 | ||||
Automotive—3.9% | ||||
1,037M | CS Intermediate Holdco 2, LLC, 4%, 4/4/2021 | 1,036,875 | ||
1,292M | FCA US, LLC, 3.5%, 5/24/2017 | 1,286,433 | ||
746M | KAR Auction Services, Inc., 3.5%, 3/11/2021 | 746,565 | ||
891M | Key Safety Systems, Inc., 4.75%, 8/29/2021 | 870,952 | ||
675M | TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC, 4.5%, 6/30/2022 | 666,563 | ||
4,607,388 | ||||
Building Materials—1.5% | ||||
450M | Builders FirstSource, Inc., 6%, 7/29/2022 | 448,032 | ||
499M | Headwaters Inc., 4.5%, 3/24/2022 | 500,620 | ||
785M | USIC Holdings, Inc., 4%, 7/10/2020 | 778,813 | ||
1,727,465 | ||||
Chemicals—4.0% | ||||
997M | A. Schulman, Inc., 4%, 6/1/2022 | 996,254 | ||
306M | Allnex Luxembourg & Cy SCA, Inc., 4.5%, 10/3/2019 | 306,193 | ||
159M | Allnex USA, Inc., 4.5%, 10/3/2019 | 158,869 | ||
752M | Axalta Coating Systems Dutch Holdings BBV, 3.75%, 2/1/2020 | 745,104 | ||
990M | Emerald Performance Materials LLC, 4.5%, 7/30/2021 | 985,050 | ||
673M | Methanol Holdings Trinidad, Inc., 4.25%, 6/30/2022 | 656,480 | ||
500M | Trinseo Materials Operating SCA, 4.25%, 11/5/2021 (a) | 498,125 | ||
425M | Univar USA, Inc., 4.25%, 7/1/2022 | 419,688 | ||
4,765,763 | ||||
Consumer Non-Durables—1.7% | ||||
550M | Jarden Corp., 2.944%, 7/30/2022 | 551,031 | ||
729M | Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc., 4.5%, 12/1/2018 | 729,922 | ||
694M | Spectrum Brands, Inc., 3.75%, 6/23/2022 (a) | 699,074 | ||
1,980,027 |
67 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FLOATING RATE FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Energy—1.4% | ||||
$ 894M | Granite Acquisition, Inc., 5%, 12/17/2021 | $ 876,781 | ||
925M | Jonah Energy, LLC, 7.5%, 5/12/2021 | 749,250 | ||
1,626,031 | ||||
Financial Services—4.6% | ||||
1,728M | Delos Finance Sarl, 3.5%, 3/6/2021 (a) | 1,728,540 | ||
982M | HUB International, Ltd., 4%, 10/2/2020 | 963,017 | ||
1,492M | RPI Finance, 3.5%, 11/9/2020 | 1,494,160 | ||
496M | Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc., 3.75%, 3/1/2021 | 489,812 | ||
980M | Sheridan Investment Partners II, LP, 4.25%, 12/16/2020 | 735,000 | ||
5,410,529 | ||||
Food/Beverage/Tobacco—1.9% | ||||
941M | JBS USA, LLC, 3.75%, 5/25/2018 | 938,266 | ||
738M | Pinnacle Foods Finance, LLC, 3%, 4/29/2020 | 736,948 | ||
583M | Post Holdings, Inc., 3.75%, 6/2/2021 (a) | 584,776 | ||
2,259,990 | ||||
Food/Drug—1.6% | ||||
1,250M | Rite Aid Corp., 4.875%, 6/21/2021 | 1,253,125 | ||
663M | Supervalu, Inc., 4.5%, 3/21/2019 | 665,671 | ||
1,918,796 | ||||
Forest Products/Container—3.2% | ||||
790M | Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., 4%, 12/17/2019 | 790,722 | ||
Berry Plastics Group, Inc.: | ||||
744M | 3.5%, 2/8/2020 | 738,315 | ||
750M | 3.5%, 9/16/2022 (a) | 751,875 | ||
500M | BWAY Holding Co., 5.5%, 8/14/2020 (a) | 498,125 | ||
715M | Exopack Holdings SA, 4.5%, 5/8/2019 | 714,351 | ||
249M | Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., 3.5%, 9/1/2022 | 251,089 | ||
3,744,477 | ||||
Gaming/Leisure—6.9% | ||||
765M | 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc., 4.75%, 5/28/2021 | 738,526 | ||
887M | AMC Entertainment, Inc., 3.5%, 4/30/2020 | 886,425 | ||
950M | ClubCorp Club Operations, Inc., 4.25%, 7/24/2020 | 948,219 | ||
1,045M | Hilton Worldwide Finance, LLC, 3.5%, 10/26/2020 (a) | 1,045,212 | ||
1,081M | La Quinta Intermediate Holdings, LLC, 3.75%, 4/14/2021 | 1,071,114 | ||
986M | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 3.5%, 8/17/2020 | 982,504 |
68 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Gaming/Leisure (continued) | ||||
$ 197M | Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 3.75%, 8/13/2020 | $ 197,673 | ||
893M | Scientific Games International, Inc., 6%, 10/1/2021 | 883,424 | ||
479M | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., 3%, 5/14/2020 | 457,597 | ||
883M | Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc., 3.5%, 5/14/2020 | 873,315 | ||
8,084,009 | ||||
Health Care—8.8% | ||||
273M | Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., 4.25%, 2/11/2022 | 274,302 | ||
985M | Accellent, Inc, 4.5%, 3/12/2021 | 984,384 | ||
Community Health Systems, Inc.: | ||||
229M | 3.75%, 12/31/2019 Term “G” | 229,470 | ||
772M | 4%, 1/27/2021 Term “H” | 774,223 | ||
1,150M | ConvaTec, Inc., 4.25%, 6/15/2020 (a) | 1,149,812 | ||
574M | DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., 3.5%, 6/24/2021 | 574,477 | ||
540M | Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc., 3.1936%, 2/27/2021 | 541,521 | ||
574M | Kindred Healthcare, Inc., 4.25%, 4/9/2021 | 572,831 | ||
574M | Mallinckrodt International Finance S. A., 3.5%, 3/19/2021 | 566,741 | ||
277M | Medpace Holdings, Inc., 4.75%, 4/1/2021 | 276,590 | ||
540M | MPH Acquisition Holdings, LLC, 3.75%, 3/31/2021 | 533,929 | ||
900M | NBTY, Inc., 3.5%, 10/1/2017 | 897,000 | ||
424M | Onex Carestream Health, Inc., 5%, 6/7/2019 | 407,774 | ||
554M | Select Medical Corp., 3.75%, 6/1/2018 | 553,744 | ||
500M | Sterigenics-Nordion Holdings, LLC, 4.25%, 5/16/2022 | 497,500 | ||
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.: | ||||
1,276M | 3.75%, 12/11/2019 | 1,251,995 | ||
279M | 4%, 4/1/2022 | 275,872 | ||
10,362,165 | ||||
Information Technology—5.6% | ||||
2,217M | Activision Blizzard, Inc., 3.25%, 10/3/2020 | 2,222,996 | ||
573M | Applied Systems, Inc., 4.25%, 1/25/2021 | 572,194 | ||
331M | ARRIS Enterprises, Inc., 3.25%, 4/17/2020 | 331,308 | ||
687M | Avago Technologies Cayman, Ltd., 3.75%, 5/6/2021 | 687,458 | ||
343M | DealerTrack Technologies, Inc., 3.5%, 2/28/2021 | 342,589 | ||
Dell International, LLC: | ||||
750M | 3.75%, 10/29/2018 | 749,721 | ||
291M | 4%, 4/29/2020 | 290,655 | ||
498M | Kronos, Inc., 4.5%, 10/30/2019 | 498,321 | ||
870M | Zebra Technologies Corp., 4.75%, 10/27/2021 | 876,869 | ||
6,572,111 |
69 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FLOATING RATE FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Manufacturing—5.9% | ||||
$ 884M | Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., 4.75%, 11/26/2020 | $ 811,853 | ||
496M | Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc., 4.5%, 9/30/2021 | 495,000 | ||
737M | Filtration Group Corp., 4.25%, 11/20/2020 | 737,796 | ||
437M | Gardner Denver, Inc., 4.25%, 7/30/2020 | 412,652 | ||
984M | Husky Injection Molding System, 4.25%, 6/30/2021 | 973,347 | ||
1,029M | Mirror BidCo Corp., 4.25%, 12/28/2019 | 1,027,930 | ||
947M | Onex Wizard Acquisition Co. I Sarl, 4.25%, 3/11/2022 (a) | 944,756 | ||
744M | Rexnord, LLC, 4%, 8/21/2020 | 741,136 | ||
770M | U.S. Farathane, LLC, 6.75%, 12/23/2021 | 773,850 | ||
6,918,320 | ||||
Media-Cable TV—5.4% | ||||
1,372M | CCO Safari III, LLC, 3.5%, 1/24/2023 | 1,364,419 | ||
1,408M | Cequel Communications, LLC, 3.5%, 2/14/2019 | 1,402,039 | ||
1,025M | CSC Holdings, LLC, 5%, 9/23/2022 (a) | 1,020,196 | ||
890M | Gray Television, Inc., 3.75%, 6/13/2021 | 890,630 | ||
1,017M | Numericable US, LLC, 4.5%, 5/21/2020 | 1,011,379 | ||
624M | Raycom TV Broadcasting, LLC, 3.75%, 8/4/2021 | 620,582 | ||
6,309,245 | ||||
Media-Diversified—2.0% | ||||
1,200M | Media General, Inc., 4%, 7/31/2020 | 1,193,366 | ||
613M | Tribune Media Co., 3.75%, 12/28/2020 | 611,564 | ||
575M | Virgin Media Investment Holdings, Ltd., 3.5%, 6/30/2023 | 569,969 | ||
2,374,899 | ||||
Metals/Mining—3.0% | ||||
588M | FMG Resources (August 2006) Property, Ltd., 3.75%, 6/30/2019 | 479,709 | ||
715M | McJunkin Red Man Corp., 4.75%, 11/8/2019 | 699,338 | ||
449M | Novelis, Inc., 4%, 6/2/2022 | 445,181 | ||
1,898M | TMS International Corp., 4.5%, 10/16/2020 | 1,894,606 | ||
3,518,834 | ||||
Real Estate Investment Trusts—.8% | ||||
990M | Realogy Group, LLC, 3.75%, 3/5/2020 | 990,234 | ||
Retail-General Merchandise—8.3% | ||||
1,180M | Dollar Tree, Inc., 3.5%, 7/6/2022 | 1,183,004 | ||
523M | General Nutrition Centers, Inc., 3.25%, 3/4/2019 | 520,167 | ||
995M | Hanesbrands, Inc., 3.25%, 4/29/2022 | 1,001,219 | ||
989M | Hertz Corp., 3.75%, 3/11/2018 | 988,273 |
70 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Retail-General Merchandise (continued) | ||||
$ 699M | Landry’s, Inc., 4%, 4/24/2018 | $ 700,399 | ||
484M | Libbey Glass, Inc., 3.75%, 4/9/2021 | 481,456 | ||
990M | Michaels Stores, Inc., 4%, 1/28/2020 | 991,852 | ||
884M | Neiman Marcus, Inc., 4.25%, 10/25/2020 | 869,030 | ||
1,150M | Party City Holdings, Inc., 4.25%, 8/19/2022 (a) | 1,150,239 | ||
998M | PetSmart, Inc., 4.25%, 3/11/2022 | 997,749 | ||
842M | Restaurant Brands, Inc., 3.75%, 12/10/2021 | 840,147 | ||
9,723,535 | ||||
Services—3.2% | ||||
748M | AECOM, 3.75%, 10/15/2021 | 751,099 | ||
830M | Allied Security Holdings, LLC, 4.25%, 2/12/2021 | 824,761 | ||
975M | Brickman Group, Ltd., LLC, 4%, 12/18/2020 | 964,662 | ||
706M | Doosan Infrascore International, Inc., 4.5%, 5/28/2021 | 709,005 | ||
472M | Monitronics International, Inc., 4.25%, 3/23/2018 | 470,935 | ||
3,720,462 | ||||
Telecommunications—2.1% | ||||
1,150M | CommScope, Inc., 3.75%, 12/29/2022 | 1,150,719 | ||
Level 3 Financing, Inc.: | ||||
285M | 3.5%, 5/31/2022 | 283,397 | ||
1,000M | 4%, 8/1/2019 | 1,000,000 | ||
2,434,116 | ||||
Utilities—2.3% | ||||
723M | Calpine Corp., 3.5%, 5/27/2022 | 715,353 | ||
990M | Dynegy, Inc., 4%, 4/23/2020 | 990,028 | ||
1,000M | HD Supply, Inc., 3.75%, 8/13/2021 | 996,250 | ||
2,701,631 | ||||
Waste Management—.6% | ||||
782M | ADS Waste Holdings, Inc., 3.75%, 10/9/2019 | 773,213 | ||
Wireless Communications—3.0% | ||||
1,095M | GCI Holdings, Inc., 4%, 2/2/2022 | 1,101,967 | ||
1,350M | Intelsat Jackson Holdings, Ltd., 3.75%, 6/30/2019 | 1,319,062 | ||
1,188M | Telesat Canada, 3.5%, 3/28/2019 | 1,180,276 | ||
3,601,305 | ||||
Total Value of Loan Participations (cost $98,226,150) | 97,532,157 |
71 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FLOATING RATE FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
CORPORATE BONDS—9.8% | ||||
Automotive—1.0% | ||||
$ 610M | American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., 7.75%, 11/15/2019 | $ 674,050 | ||
500M | Chrysler Group, LLC, 8.25%, 6/15/2021 | 531,850 | ||
1,205,900 | ||||
Building Materials—.5% | ||||
550M | Building Materials Corp., 6.75%, 5/1/2021 (b) | 587,813 | ||
Consumer Non-Durables—.8% | ||||
500M | Hanesbrands, Inc., 6.375%, 12/15/2020 | 519,375 | ||
400M | Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc., 7.125%, 4/15/2019 | 407,250 | ||
926,625 | ||||
Energy—.1% | ||||
450M | Linn Energy, LLC, 8.625%, 4/15/2020 | 123,750 | ||
Financials—.5% | ||||
626M | Consolidated Energy Finance SA, 6.75%, 10/15/2019 (b) | 594,700 | ||
Forest Products/Container—.4% | ||||
500M | CROWN Americas, LLC, 6.25%, 2/1/2021 | 520,625 | ||
Gaming/Leisure—.1% | ||||
125M | National CineMedia, LLC, 7.875%, 7/15/2021 | 129,375 | ||
Health Care—.5% | ||||
75M | Community Health Systems, Inc., 8%, 11/15/2019 | 78,234 | ||
500M | Endo Finance, LLC, 7.75%, 1/15/2022 (b) | 529,375 | ||
607,609 | ||||
Media-Broadcasting—.4% | ||||
550M | Sinclair Television Group, Inc., 6.375%, 11/1/2021 | 555,500 | ||
Media-Cable TV—1.0% | ||||
550M | Cablevision Systems Corp., 8.625%, 9/15/2017 | 574,750 | ||
550M | CCO Holdings, LLC, 6.5%, 4/30/2021 | 553,781 | ||
1,128,531 |
72 |
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Metals/Mining—1.8% | |||||||
$ 750M | Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 8.25%, 6/1/2020 | $ 798,750 | |||||
750M | Novelis, Inc., 8.375%, 12/15/2017 | 728,438 | |||||
550M | Steel Dynamics, Inc., 6.125%, 8/15/2019 | 565,125 | |||||
2,092,313 | |||||||
Retail-General Merchandise—.3% | |||||||
300M | Sally Holdings, LLC, 6.875%, 11/15/2019 | 312,750 | |||||
Services—.3% | |||||||
325M | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 7%, 9/1/2020 (b) | 341,250 | |||||
Telecommunications—.6% | |||||||
250M | Frontier Communications Corp., 8.875%, 9/15/2020 (b) | 245,625 | |||||
225M | Wind Acquisition Finance SA, 4.75%, 7/15/2020 (b) | 223,313 | |||||
300M | Windstream Services, LLC, 7.75%, 10/15/2020 | 256,125 | |||||
725,063 | |||||||
Utilities—.3% | |||||||
305M | Calpine Corp., 6%, 1/15/2022 (b) | 317,581 | |||||
Wireless Communications—1.2% | |||||||
850M | MetroPCS Wireless, Inc., 6.625%, 11/15/2020 | 865,937 | |||||
518M | UPCB Finance V, Ltd., 7.25%, 11/15/2021 (b) | 549,844 | |||||
1,415,781 | |||||||
Total Value of Corporate Bonds (cost $12,362,187) | 11,585,166 | ||||||
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE NOTES—1.0% | |||||||
Energy—.3% | |||||||
500M | Chesapeake Energy Corp., 3.5388%, 4/15/2019 † | 356,250 | |||||
Utilities—.7% | |||||||
855M | AES Corp., 3.3244%, 6/1/2019 † | 814,387 | |||||
Total Value of Variable and Floating Rate Notes (cost $1,171,073) | 1,170,637 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $111,759,410) | 93.7 | % | 110,287,960 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 6.3 | 7,393,080 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $117,681,040 |
73 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FLOATING RATE FUND
September 30, 2015
† | Interest rates are determined and reset periodically. The interest rates above are the rates in |
effect at September 30, 2015. | |
(a) | A portion or all of the security purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis |
(see Note 1G). | |
(b) | Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (see Note 4). |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Loan Participations | $ | — | $ | 97,532,157 | $ | — | $ | 97,532,157 | ||||
Corporate Bonds | — | 11,585,166 | — | 11,585,166 | ||||||||
Variable & Floating Rate Notes | — | 1,170,637 | — | 1,170,637 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | — | $ | 110,287,960 | $ | — | $ | 110,287,960 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization of loan |
participations and corporate bonds. | |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 and Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
74 | See notes to financial statements |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
FUND FOR INCOME
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Fund For Income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –2.85% for Class A shares, –3.65% for Class B shares, –2.47% for Advisor Class shares and –2.28% for Institutional shares, including dividends of 13.0 cents per share for Class A shares, 10.9 cents per share for Class B shares, 14.0 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 14.5 cents per share for Institutional Class shares.
The Fund outperformed the benchmark (Bank of America Merrill Lynch BB-B U.S. Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index) before the deduction of fees and expenses. Active management worked in the Fund’s favor in a challenging period for the high yield market.
The Market
High yield markets came under pressure during the first and last quarters of the fiscal year as the price of commodities plunged, then partially recovered, then fell again. Market participants appeared to set their risk appetite in part by the level of oil prices over the period, buying less high yield when oil prices fell and more when they recovered. This occurred as falling oil prices gave investors pause with regard to not only the health of oil producers themselves, but also on the slowing trajectory of global economic growth.
Thus, in the fourth quarter of 2014, U.S. high yield was negatively impacted by a 50% decline in the price of oil as energy companies comprised a substantial 14% of the U.S. high yield market (as defined by the Fund’s benchmark) at that time. U.S. high yield was resurgent in the first quarter of 2015 and, to a lesser degree, the second quarter of 2015, as oil prices rebounded, but pulled back as oil prices dropped again in the third quarter of 2015. This latter pullback was further exacerbated by low prices for coal and iron ore, as slowing global growth became an increasing headwind for commodity prices and for high yield commodity producers.
One other event caused the high yield market to pull back near the end of the third quarter of the review period. The September 2015 decision of the U.S. Federal Reserve Open Markets Committee (“FOMC”) to maintain an accommodative posture with regard to the federal funds rate further cemented the view that lower global growth might slow down the U.S. economic recovery. The release of this decision resulted in the high yield market declining over the last two weeks of September, rounding out a weak four-month period of returns.
The Fund
In this challenging environment, the Fund performed relatively well, outperforming the Bank of America Merrill Lynch BB-B U.S. Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index (before fees and expenses) in the three later quarters of the review period and
75 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
underperforming only in the fourth quarter of 2014. During this quarter, the Fund’s exposure to the Energy sector was higher than that of the market and also more heavily weighted toward credits which could suffer impairment with a long-term decline in the price of oil. This positioning initially cost the portfolio performance relative to the market. However, as we entered 2015, we reduced and repositioned the Fund’s energy exposure into higher-quality, less-leveraged companies and into companies less dependent upon continued exploration and production activity in order to make good on their commitments.
During the first quarter of 2015, such risk reduction might have appeared unnecessary given resurgent oil prices. However, we positioned the portfolio with the perspective that volatility in oil, and in commodity sectors more broadly, would actually be likely to continue through 2015, particularly as we could not foresee significant supply production cuts through at least mid-2015. In addition, we could not identify sources of demand growth from slowing economies globally, thereby solidifying our view of a sustained excess supply situation. Similarly, we sought to exit positions in iron ore and coal production as global demand softened. These changes were particularly important in helping the Fund outperform the Bank of America Merrill Lynch BB-B U.S. Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index before the deduction of fees and expenses—and notably better than the wide high yield market which also includes lower-rated CCC credits—in both the second and third quarters of 2015.
Over the year as a whole, the Fund lost the most ground against the benchmark in the Energy sector—largely weighted toward the first half of the year—and in the Banking sector where the Fund is traditionally underweight. The Fund performed better than the market with strong credit selection most notably in Services, Containers, Broadcasting, Healthcare, Aerospace, Cable/Satellite TV, Chemicals, and Metals and Mining. Notably, the Fund did not suffer any bond defaults over the course of the year.
We have been cognizant throughout the year not only of credit risk, but also of duration risk which measures the likely impact on bond prices of an interest rate increase. Typically, bond prices fall when interest rates rise, assuming no change in underlying credit risk. Although the FOMC did not raise rates in September, we have generally preferred not to extend the portfolio’s duration risk since we believe that the best value is found in intermediate maturities. Thus, over the year, we were rewarded both for an overweight allocation to credits with more moderate sensitivity to interest rate risk (three-to-five years in duration) and an underweight in credits with greater sensitivity (five-to-seven years in duration).
76 |
Outlook
After a challenging year, we find that some parts of the U.S. high yield market offer more yield and more attractive total return potential than we have seen in some time, but not all bonds are created equal. Today the market is differentiating between bonds more clearly than has been the case for several years. Companies that disappoint investor expectations are more likely to be quickly rebuked by a re-pricing process, and even healthy companies in the same industry may trade lower in sympathy, heightening market volatility overall. Volatility can be challenging to manage, but it also presents opportunities for careful investors who are able to sort out meaningful data from the noise. These types of environments may benefit investors who have the ability to take a longer time horizon with regard to their investment strategies. Short-term investors attempting to time the market without a view on fundamental, credit-by-credit value are, in our opinion, likely to be disappointed as trades are executed at inopportune times.
In light of weaker economic data, we believe the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) will be extremely cautious in its approach to rate hikes. For the market, the actual date of any anticipated “lift off” for interest rate increases may be less important than the pace of any rate hikes during this cycle. The Fed recognizes that it is in a very different environment from past rate hiking cycles. With the absence of inflationary pressure, the Fed has the ability to normalize policy at a deliberate and cautious pace, in our opinion. Such a pace can also provide the high yield market with the time necessary to adjust to rate increases and absorb them given the market’s high coupon, rather than through price declines. All in all, we believe that active management and prudent risk control can help investors safely and positively navigate what is likely to be a changeable environment. Research and work will be the keys to identifying attractive opportunities that result from moments of uncertainty.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
77 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
FUND FOR INCOME
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.20% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 961.81 | $ 5.90 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.05 | $ 6.07 | |
Class B Shares | 2.00% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 961.49 | $ 9.83 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,015.04 | $10.10 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.90% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 963.90 | $ 4.43 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.56 | $ 4.56 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.78% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 964.94 | $ 3.84 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.16 | $ 3.95 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total value of investments. |
78 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
FUND FOR INCOME
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Fund For Income (Class A shares), the Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch BB-B U.S. Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Fund For Income (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the BofA Merrill Lynch BB-B U.S. Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index (the “Index”). The Index contains all securities in the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Cash Pay High Yield Index rated BB1 through B3, based on an average of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, but caps issuer exposure at 2%. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table it is assumed that all dividends and
79 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (8.52%), 3.91% and 3.75%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 5.44%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (7.36%), 4.08% and 3.78%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 4.94%. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been (2.49%) and 1.05%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 6.07%. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been (2.30%) and 1.49%, respectively, and the S.E.C. 30-Day Yield for September 2015 would have been 6.22%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. The issuers of high yield bonds, in which the Fund primarily invests, pay higher interest rates because they have a greater likelihood of financial difficulty, which could result in their inability to repay the bonds fully when due. Prices of high yield bonds are also subject to greater fluctuations. Index figures are from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
*** The S.E.C. 30-Day Yield shown is for September 2015.
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 2.20%.
80 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
CORPORATE BONDS—89.1% | ||||
Aerospace/Defense—.8% | ||||
Meccanica Holdings USA, Inc.: | ||||
$3,725M | 6.25%, 7/15/2019 (a) | $ 3,995,137 | ||
900M | 7.375%, 7/15/2039 (a) | 956,250 | ||
4,951,387 | ||||
Automotive—3.9% | ||||
American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.: | ||||
3,400M | 6.25%, 3/15/2021 | 3,404,250 | ||
1,175M | 6.625%, 10/15/2022 | 1,186,750 | ||
1,275M | Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., 6%, 12/15/2024 | 1,326,000 | ||
800M | ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc., 6.5%, 6/15/2023 | 804,000 | ||
1,650M | Dana Holding Corp., 6%, 9/15/2023 | 1,670,625 | ||
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV: | ||||
925M | 4.5%, 4/15/2020 | 883,375 | ||
875M | 5.25%, 4/15/2023 | 820,312 | ||
General Motors Co.: | ||||
1,725M | 4.875%, 10/2/2023 | 1,758,098 | ||
1,425M | 6.25%, 10/2/2043 | 1,520,897 | ||
3,300M | Gestamp Funding Luxembourg SA, 5.625%, 5/31/2020 (a) | 3,316,500 | ||
2,375M | Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 5%, 6/1/2022 | 2,351,250 | ||
3,050M | Omega U.S. Sub, LLC, 8.75%, 7/15/2023 (a) | 2,706,875 | ||
500M | Oshkosh Corp., 5.375%, 3/1/2022 | 510,000 | ||
2,050M | Schaeffler Finance BV, 4.75%, 5/15/2021 (a) | 2,029,500 | ||
ZF North America Capital, Inc.: | ||||
550M | 4%, 4/29/2020 (a) | 524,906 | ||
1,225M | 4.5%, 4/29/2022 (a) | 1,162,219 | ||
25,975,557 | ||||
Building Materials—2.3% | ||||
Building Materials Corp.: | ||||
5,650M | 6.75%, 5/1/2021 (a) | 6,038,437 | ||
2,750M | 5.375%, 11/15/2024 (a) | 2,729,375 | ||
1,175M | 6%, 10/15/2025 (a)(b) | 1,192,625 | ||
Cemex SAB de CV: | ||||
1,350M | 9.5%, 6/15/2018 (a) | 1,460,970 | ||
1,825M | 5.7%, 1/11/2025 (a) | 1,637,937 | ||
2,575M | Griffon Corp., 5.25%, 3/1/2022 | 2,459,125 | ||
15,518,469 |
81 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Chemicals—1.7% | ||||
Blue Cube Spinco, Inc.: | ||||
$ 850M | 9.75%, 10/15/2023 (a)(b) | $ 888,250 | ||
975M | 10%, 10/15/2025 (a)(b) | 1,017,656 | ||
1,675M | PolyOne Corp., 5.25%, 3/15/2023 | 1,592,088 | ||
900M | Rayonier AM Products, Inc., 5.5%, 6/1/2024 (a) | 679,500 | ||
3,375M | TPC Group, Inc., 8.75%, 12/15/2020 (a) | 2,902,500 | ||
2,475M | Univar USA, Inc., 6.75%, 7/15/2023 (a) | 2,301,750 | ||
W.R. Grace & Co.: | ||||
1,250M | 5.125%, 10/1/2021 (a) | 1,237,500 | ||
525M | 5.625%, 10/1/2024 (a) | 516,469 | ||
11,135,713 | ||||
Consumer Non-Durables—2.5% | ||||
2,925M | Levi Strauss & Co., 6.875%, 5/1/2022 | 3,151,688 | ||
Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc.: | ||||
400M | 7.125%, 4/15/2019 | 407,250 | ||
6,550M | 5.75%, 10/15/2020 | 6,631,875 | ||
Spectrum Brands Escrow Corp.: | ||||
1,375M | 6.375%, 11/15/2020 | 1,457,500 | ||
1,480M | 6.625%, 11/15/2022 | 1,572,500 | ||
3,200M | Wolverine World Wide, Inc., 6.125%, 10/15/2020 | 3,340,000 | ||
16,560,813 | ||||
Energy—9.3% | ||||
AmeriGas Finance, LLC: | ||||
500M | 6.75%, 5/20/2020 | 508,750 | ||
1,250M | 7%, 5/20/2022 | 1,287,500 | ||
Antero Resources Finance Corp.: | ||||
675M | 6%, 12/1/2020 | 627,750 | ||
950M | 5.375%, 11/1/2021 | 840,750 | ||
Berry Petroleum Co.: | ||||
675M | 6.75%, 11/1/2020 | 239,625 | ||
2,275M | 6.375%, 9/15/2022 | 692,464 | ||
1,200M | Blue Racer Midstream, LLC, 6.125%, 11/15/2022 (a) | 1,146,000 | ||
California Resources Corp.: | ||||
975M | 5%, 1/15/2020 | 631,917 | ||
950M | 5.5%, 9/15/2021 | 584,250 | ||
1,775M | 6%, 11/15/2024 | 1,063,891 |
82 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Energy (continued) | ||||
Calumet Specialty Products Partners, LP: | ||||
$1,625M | 6.5%, 4/15/2021 | $ 1,470,625 | ||
525M | 7.625%, 1/15/2022 | 490,875 | ||
2,275M | 7.75%, 4/15/2023 (a) | 2,100,098 | ||
Chesapeake Energy Corp.: | ||||
1,150M | 7.25%, 12/15/2018 | 957,375 | ||
950M | 6.625%, 8/15/2020 | 710,714 | ||
2,000M | 6.875%, 11/15/2020 | 1,480,000 | ||
1,375M | 5.75%, 3/15/2023 | 903,632 | ||
CONSOL Energy, Inc.: | ||||
1,852M | 8.25%, 4/1/2020 | 1,685,783 | ||
1,300M | 5.875%, 4/15/2022 | 880,750 | ||
950M | Crestwood Midstream Partners, LP, 6.25%, 4/1/2023 (a) | 812,250 | ||
Denbury Resources, Inc.: | ||||
1,075M | 6.375%, 8/15/2021 | 682,625 | ||
1,900M | 5.5%, 5/1/2022 | 1,140,000 | ||
1,800M | Eclipse Resources Corp., 8.875%, 7/15/2023 (a) | 1,458,000 | ||
1,350M | Exterran Partners, LP, 6%, 10/1/2022 | 1,137,375 | ||
1,275M | Ferrellgas, LP, 6.75%, 6/15/2023 (a) | 1,166,625 | ||
1,850M | Forum Energy Technologies, Inc., 6.25%, 10/1/2021 | 1,563,250 | ||
Genesis Energy, LP: | ||||
1,400M | 6.75%, 8/1/2022 | 1,320,900 | ||
1,050M | 6%, 5/15/2023 | 929,250 | ||
2,125M | Gibson Energy, Inc., 6.75%, 7/15/2021 (a) | 2,053,281 | ||
1,625M | Hilcorp Energy I, 5.75%, 10/1/2025 (a) | 1,438,125 | ||
1,900M | Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/2022 | 1,710,000 | ||
Legacy Reserves, LP: | ||||
3,175M | 8%, 12/1/2020 | 2,301,875 | ||
2,750M | 6.625%, 12/1/2021 | 1,883,750 | ||
Linn Energy, LLC: | ||||
625M | 6.5%, 5/15/2019 | 175,000 | ||
1,850M | 6.25%, 11/1/2019 | 481,000 | ||
1,500M | MarkWest Energy Partners, LP, 4.875%, 12/1/2024 | 1,380,000 | ||
1,400M | Matador Resources Co., 6.875%, 4/15/2023 (a) | 1,351,000 | ||
3,025M | Memorial Production Partners, LP, 7.625%, 5/1/2021 | 2,057,000 | ||
NuStar Logistics, LP: | ||||
325M | 4.8%, 9/1/2020 | 312,000 | ||
1,375M | 6.75%, 2/1/2021 | 1,364,250 | ||
1,075M | Rain CII Carbon, LLC, 8.25%, 1/15/2021 (a) | 870,750 | ||
2,250M | Rex Energy Corp., 6.25%, 8/1/2022 | 911,250 | ||
750M | Rice Energy, Inc., 7.25%, 5/1/2023 (a) | 706,875 |
83 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Energy (continued) | ||||
Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC: | ||||
$3,425M | 6.25%, 3/15/2022 | $ 3,202,375 | ||
1,375M | 5.625%, 4/15/2023 | 1,227,188 | ||
2,450M | 5.75%, 5/15/2024 | 2,192,750 | ||
1,725M | 5.625%, 3/1/2025 (a) | 1,526,625 | ||
SM Energy Co.: | ||||
1,175M | 6.5%, 11/15/2021 | 1,122,125 | ||
850M | 5.625%, 6/1/2025 | 733,125 | ||
433M | Suburban Propane Partners, LP, 7.375%, 8/1/2021 | 453,568 | ||
675M | Tesoro Logistics, LP, 6.25%, 10/15/2022 (a) | 661,500 | ||
900M | Ultra Petroleum Corp., 5.75%, 12/15/2018 (a) | 652,500 | ||
2,875M | Unit Corp., 6.625%, 5/15/2021 | 2,371,875 | ||
61,652,811 | ||||
Financials—4.9% | ||||
Ally Financial, Inc.: | ||||
3,650M | 6.25%, 12/1/2017 | 3,841,625 | ||
1,350M | 4.75%, 9/10/2018 | 1,378,687 | ||
3,025M | 8%, 12/31/2018 | 3,342,625 | ||
1,375M | 8%, 11/1/2031 | 1,598,011 | ||
1,200M | Argos Merger Sub, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/2023 (a) | 1,216,500 | ||
4,266M | Consolidated Energy Finance SA, 6.75%, 10/15/2019 (a) | 4,052,700 | ||
General Motors Financial Co., Inc.: | ||||
575M | 3.25%, 5/15/2018 | 582,039 | ||
1,125M | 4.375%, 9/25/2021 | 1,150,105 | ||
800M | 4.25%, 5/15/2023 | 784,931 | ||
International Lease Finance Corp.: | ||||
2,900M | 8.75%, 3/15/2017 | 3,124,750 | ||
7,400M | 8.25%, 12/15/2020 | 8,676,500 | ||
975M | Nielsen Co., (Luxembourg) Sarl, 5.5%, 10/1/2021 (a) | 973,781 | ||
1,650M | Quicken Loans, Inc., 5.75%, 5/1/2025 (a) | 1,555,125 | ||
32,277,379 | ||||
Food/Beverage/Tobacco—2.3% | ||||
1,500M | Barry Callebaut Services SA, 5.5%, 6/15/2023 (a) | 1,591,863 | ||
Constellation Brands, Inc.: | ||||
525M | 4.25%, 5/1/2023 | 524,344 | ||
900M | 4.75%, 11/15/2024 | 911,250 | ||
900M | Dean Foods Co., 6.5%, 3/15/2023 (a) | 915,750 |
84 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Food/Beverage/Tobacco (continued) | ||||
JBS Investments GmbH: | ||||
$1,000M | 7.75%, 10/28/2020 (a) | $ 1,030,000 | ||
1,575M | 7.25%, 4/3/2024 (a) | 1,519,875 | ||
JBS USA, LLC: | ||||
1,150M | 7.25%, 6/1/2021 (a) | 1,198,875 | ||
1,100M | 5.875%, 7/15/2024 (a) | 1,034,000 | ||
1,525M | 5.75%, 6/15/2025 (a) | 1,410,625 | ||
725M | Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., 5.75%, 3/15/2025 (a) | 714,125 | ||
1,075M | Post Holdings, Inc., 7.75%, 3/15/2024 (a) | 1,104,563 | ||
400M | Smithfield Foods, Inc., 6.625%, 8/15/2022 | 423,000 | ||
2,587M | Sun Merger Sub, Inc., 5.875%, 8/1/2021 (a) | 2,658,143 | ||
15,036,413 | ||||
Food/Drug—.3% | ||||
1,675M | Rite Aid Corp., 6.125%, 4/1/2023 (a) | 1,668,719 | ||
Forest Products/Containers—4.3% | ||||
2,175M | Ardagh Packaging Finance, PLC, 6%, 6/30/2021 (a) | 2,088,000 | ||
1,775M | Ball Corp., 5.25%, 7/1/2025 | 1,756,132 | ||
3,650M | Berry Plastics Corp., 5.125%, 7/15/2023 | 3,449,250 | ||
CROWN Americas, LLC: | ||||
650M | 6.25%, 2/1/2021 | 676,812 | ||
1,400M | 4.5%, 1/15/2023 | 1,379,000 | ||
1,100M | Graphic Packaging International, Inc., 4.875%, 11/15/2022 | 1,100,000 | ||
2,675M | Greif, Inc., 7.75%, 8/1/2019 | 2,955,875 | ||
Mercer International, Inc.: | ||||
300M | 7%, 12/1/2019 | 304,500 | ||
1,400M | 7.75%, 12/1/2022 | 1,421,000 | ||
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc.: | ||||
450M | 5%, 1/15/2022 (a) | 429,188 | ||
625M | 5.875%, 8/15/2023 (a) | 630,078 | ||
1,875M | 5.375%, 1/15/2025 (a) | 1,807,031 | ||
450M | 6.375%, 8/15/2025 (a) | 455,344 | ||
1,900M | Resolute Forest Products, Inc., 5.875%, 5/15/2023 | 1,425,000 | ||
Sealed Air Corp.: | ||||
2,300M | 6.5%, 12/1/2020 (a) | 2,530,000 | ||
875M | 4.875%, 12/1/2022 (a) | 868,438 | ||
2,025M | 5.25%, 4/1/2023 (a) | 2,040,188 | ||
3,425M | Silgan Holdings, Inc., 5%, 4/1/2020 | 3,467,813 | ||
28,783,649 |
85 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Gaming/Leisure—3.6% | ||||
$2,800M | 24 Hour Holdings III, LLC, 8%, 6/1/2022 (a) | $ 2,170,000 | ||
1,625M | AMC Entertainment, Inc., 5.75%, 6/15/2025 | 1,584,375 | ||
1,500M | GLP Capital, LP, 4.875%, 11/1/2020 | 1,526,250 | ||
1,350M | Hilton Worldwide Finance, LLC, 5.625%, 10/15/2021 | 1,400,625 | ||
International Game Technology, PLC: | ||||
900M | 5.625%, 2/15/2020 (a) | 877,500 | ||
900M | 6.25%, 2/15/2022 (a) | 841,500 | ||
1,350M | 6.5%, 2/15/2025 (a) | 1,221,750 | ||
2,050M | National CineMedia, LLC, 7.875%, 7/15/2021 | 2,121,750 | ||
1,900M | NCL Corp., Ltd., 5.25%, 11/15/2019 (a) | 1,946,322 | ||
1,700M | Regal Entertainment Group, 5.75%, 3/15/2022 | 1,676,625 | ||
1,650M | Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 5.25%, 11/15/2022 | 1,732,500 | ||
2,400M | Scientific Games International, Inc., 6.625%, 5/15/2021 | 1,740,000 | ||
4,125M | Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/2021 (a) | 4,145,625 | ||
1,000M | Viking Cruises, Ltd., 6.25%, 5/15/2025 (a) | 982,500 | ||
23,967,322 | ||||
Health Care—10.6% | ||||
Community Health Systems, Inc.: | ||||
1,275M | 5.125%, 8/15/2018 | 1,306,875 | ||
3,050M | 8%, 11/15/2019 | 3,181,531 | ||
4,325M | 7.125%, 7/15/2020 | 4,508,812 | ||
DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.: | ||||
1,775M | 5.125%, 7/15/2024 | 1,746,378 | ||
775M | 5%, 5/1/2025 | 745,937 | ||
Endo Finance, LLC: | ||||
2,175M | 5.75%, 1/15/2022 (a) | 2,158,687 | ||
5,825M | 7.75%, 1/15/2022 (a) | 6,167,219 | ||
1,575M | 6%, 7/15/2023 (a) | 1,559,250 | ||
375M | 6%, 2/1/2025 (a) | 366,094 | ||
Fresenius Medical Care U.S. Finance II, Inc.: | ||||
1,150M | 5.625%, 7/31/2019 (a) | 1,231,937 | ||
575M | 4.125%, 10/15/2020 (a) | 576,437 | ||
675M | 4.75%, 10/15/2024 (a) | 669,937 | ||
HCA, Inc.: | ||||
2,075M | 8%, 10/1/2018 | 2,349,730 | ||
4,075M | 6.5%, 2/15/2020 | 4,451,937 | ||
1,875M | 6.25%, 2/15/2021 | 2,001,563 | ||
375M | 5.375%, 2/1/2025 | 372,187 |
86 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Health Care (continued) | ||||
HealthSouth Corp.: | ||||
$ 767M | 7.75%, 9/15/2022 | $ 800,556 | ||
1,150M | 5.125%, 3/15/2023 | 1,111,188 | ||
675M | 5.75%, 11/1/2024 | 668,250 | ||
650M | 5.75%, 11/1/2024 (a) | 643,500 | ||
1,075M | 5.75%, 9/15/2025 (a) | 1,045,438 | ||
2,900M | IMS Health, Inc., 6%, 11/1/2020 (a) | 2,979,750 | ||
1,150M | Jaguar Holding Co., II, 6.375%, 8/1/2023 (a) | 1,121,250 | ||
2,200M | Kindred Escrow Corp., II, 8.75%, 1/15/2023 (a) | 2,392,500 | ||
Mallinckrodt Finance SB: | ||||
775M | 4.875%, 4/15/2020 (a) | 743,031 | ||
1,525M | 5.75%, 8/1/2022 (a) | 1,477,344 | ||
550M | 5.5%, 4/15/2025 (a) | 492,250 | ||
800M | NBTY, Inc., 9%, 10/1/2018 | 820,000 | ||
Tenet Healthcare Corp.: | ||||
3,450M | 6.75%, 2/1/2020 | 3,497,438 | ||
2,275M | 6%, 10/1/2020 | 2,405,813 | ||
775M | 6.75%, 6/15/2023 | 773,063 | ||
800M | Universal Hospital Services, Inc., 7.625%, 8/15/2020 | 754,000 | ||
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.: | ||||
2,025M | 6.75%, 8/15/2018 (a) | 2,064,234 | ||
5,200M | 6.375%, 10/15/2020 (a) | 5,183,750 | ||
1,100M | 5.625%, 12/1/2021 (a) | 1,047,750 | ||
700M | 5.5%, 3/1/2023 (a) | 666,750 | ||
1,325M | 5.875%, 5/15/2023 (a) | 1,269,516 | ||
350M | 6.125%, 4/15/2025 (a) | 334,250 | ||
4,225M | WellCare Health Plans, Inc., 5.75%, 11/15/2020 | 4,409,844 | ||
70,095,976 | ||||
Information Technology—3.4% | ||||
1,075M | Activision Blizzard, Inc., 5.625%, 9/15/2021 (a) | 1,134,125 | ||
725M | Anixter, Inc., 5.125%, 10/1/2021 | 722,281 | ||
Audatex North America, Inc.: | ||||
4,125M | 6%, 6/15/2021 (a) | 4,148,677 | ||
4,175M | 6.125%, 11/1/2023 (a) | 4,211,531 | ||
2,492M | Belden, Inc., 5.5%, 9/1/2022 (a) | 2,423,470 | ||
2,200M | CommScope Technologies Finance, LLC, 6%, 6/15/2025 (a) | 2,116,136 | ||
625M | Denali Borrower, LLC, 5.625%, 10/15/2020 (a) | 651,250 | ||
2,425M | IAC/InterActiveCorp, 4.875%, 11/30/2018 | 2,500,781 |
87 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Information Technology (continued) | ||||
Micron Technology, Inc.: | ||||
$ 350M | 5.875%, 2/15/2022 | $ 346,500 | ||
1,750M | 5.5%, 2/1/2025 | 1,610,000 | ||
950M | MSCI, Inc., 5.75%, 8/15/2025 (a) | 959,500 | ||
1,300M | Open Text Corp., 5.625%, 1/15/2023 (a) | 1,292,688 | ||
825M | Sensata Technologies BV, 5%, 10/1/2025 (a) | 776,531 | ||
22,893,470 | ||||
Manufacturing—2.8% | ||||
2,300M | Amkor Technology, Inc., 6.375%, 10/1/2022 | 2,134,688 | ||
2,775M | Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., 8.5%, 12/1/2021 (a) | 2,490,562 | ||
3,850M | Case New Holland, Inc., 7.875%, 12/1/2017 | 4,081,000 | ||
2,450M | Dematic SA, 7.75%, 12/15/2020 (a) | 2,486,750 | ||
EDP Finance BV: | ||||
1,650M | 6%, 2/2/2018 (a) | 1,756,227 | ||
200M | 5.25%, 1/14/2021 (a) | 211,566 | ||
1,550M | EnPro Industries, Inc., 5.875%, 9/15/2022 | 1,569,375 | ||
2,725M | H&E Equipment Services, Inc., 7%, 9/1/2022 | 2,656,875 | ||
550M | Rexel SA, 5.25%, 6/15/2020 (a) | 565,081 | ||
750M | Trinseo SA, 6.75%, 5/1/2022 (a) | 721,875 | ||
18,673,999 | ||||
Media-Broadcasting—2.3% | ||||
Belo Corp.: | ||||
725M | 7.75%, 6/1/2027 | 786,625 | ||
150M | 7.25%, 9/15/2027 | 157,125 | ||
775M | Media General Financial Sub, 5.875%, 11/15/2022 (a) | 771,125 | ||
3,175M | Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/2020 | 3,282,156 | ||
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.: | ||||
4,075M | 5.375%, 4/1/2021 | 3,998,594 | ||
925M | 6.375%, 11/1/2021 | 934,250 | ||
Sirius XM Radio, Inc.: | ||||
3,750M | 5.75%, 8/1/2021 (a) | 3,766,406 | ||
625M | 6%, 7/15/2024 (a) | 629,688 | ||
1,300M | 5.375%, 4/15/2025 (a) | 1,244,750 | ||
15,570,719 |
88 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Media-Cable TV—8.4% | ||||
Altice Financing SA: | ||||
$ 275M | 7.875%, 12/15/2019 (a) | $ 285,312 | ||
2,225M | 6.625%, 2/15/2023 (a) | 2,145,734 | ||
275M | 7.625%, 2/15/2025 (a) | 257,125 | ||
Altice SA: | ||||
275M | 7.625%, 2/15/2025 (a) | 243,547 | ||
1,700M | 7.75%, 7/15/2025 (a) | 1,504,500 | ||
1,150M | Cable One, Inc., 5.75%, 6/15/2022 (a) | 1,136,200 | ||
Cablevision Systems Corp.: | ||||
2,000M | 8.625%, 9/15/2017 | 2,090,000 | ||
3,100M | 7.75%, 4/15/2018 | 3,107,750 | ||
CCO Holdings, LLC: | ||||
777M | 7%, 1/15/2019 | 793,511 | ||
650M | 5.25%, 3/15/2021 | 641,794 | ||
550M | 6.5%, 4/30/2021 | 553,781 | ||
2,575M | 5.125%, 2/15/2023 | 2,381,875 | ||
2,075M | 5.875%, 5/1/2027 (a) | 1,929,750 | ||
4,400M | Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC, 6.375%, 9/15/2020 (a) | 4,158,000 | ||
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.: | ||||
200M | 7.625%, 3/15/2020 – Series “A” | 200,250 | ||
4,300M | 7.625%, 3/15/2020 – Series “B” | 4,326,875 | ||
1,025M | 6.5%, 11/15/2022 – Series “A” | 1,023,719 | ||
1,775M | 6.5%, 11/15/2022 – Series “B” | 1,788,312 | ||
DISH DBS Corp.: | ||||
5,050M | 7.875%, 9/1/2019 | 5,306,691 | ||
950M | 5%, 3/15/2023 | 798,000 | ||
1,750M | 5.875%, 11/15/2024 | 1,490,781 | ||
3,025M | Gray Television, Inc., 7.5%, 10/1/2020 | 3,111,969 | ||
5,650M | Harron Communications, LP, 9.125%, 4/1/2020 (a) | 6,024,313 | ||
1,775M | Lynx II Corp., 6.375%, 4/15/2023 (a) | 1,772,781 | ||
Midcontinent Communications & Finance Corp.: | ||||
2,250M | 6.25%, 8/1/2021 (a) | 2,250,000 | ||
1,675M | 6.875%, 8/15/2023 (a) | 1,672,906 | ||
Numericable Group SA: | ||||
2,975M | 6%, 5/15/2022 (a) | 2,874,594 | ||
1,225M | 6.25%, 5/15/2024 (a) | 1,182,125 | ||
1,000M | VTR Finance BV, 6.875%, 1/15/2024 (a) | 910,000 | ||
55,962,195 |
89 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Media-Diversified—.9% | ||||
Gannett Co., Inc.: | ||||
$1,700M | 5.125%, 7/15/2020 | $ 1,738,250 | ||
1,600M | 6.375%, 10/15/2023 | 1,684,000 | ||
2,775M | Tribune Media Co., 5.875%, 7/15/2022 (a) | 2,698,688 | ||
6,120,938 | ||||
Metals/Mining—3.7% | ||||
Alcoa, Inc.: | ||||
4,225M | 6.15%, 8/15/2020 | 4,367,594 | ||
800M | 5.125%, 10/1/2024 | 766,000 | ||
Aleris International, Inc.: | ||||
689M | 7.625%, 2/15/2018 | 673,497 | ||
3,340M | 7.875%, 11/1/2020 | 3,256,834 | ||
ArcelorMittal: | ||||
1,275M | 6.125%, 6/1/2018 | 1,252,687 | ||
1,681M | 10.6%, 6/1/2019 | 1,821,784 | ||
750M | 6%, 8/5/2020 | 680,625 | ||
525M | 6.25%, 3/1/2021 | 475,450 | ||
975M | Commercial Metals Co., 4.875%, 5/15/2023 | 858,000 | ||
5,025M | JMC Steel Group, 8.25%, 3/15/2018 (a) | 3,442,125 | ||
1,625M | Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 8.25%, 6/1/2020 | 1,730,625 | ||
Novelis, Inc.: | ||||
2,050M | 8.375%, 12/15/2017 | 1,991,063 | ||
1,200M | 8.75%, 12/15/2020 | 1,161,240 | ||
Steel Dynamics, Inc.: | ||||
650M | 5.125%, 10/1/2021 | 619,125 | ||
675M | 6.375%, 8/15/2022 | 666,563 | ||
1,000M | 5.5%, 10/1/2024 | 919,375 | ||
24,682,587 | ||||
Real Estate Investment Trusts—.5% | ||||
Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc.: | ||||
575M | 6%, 4/15/2023 (a) | 513,187 | ||
1,125M | 8.25%, 10/15/2023 | 967,500 | ||
1,600M | Dupont Fabros Technology, LP, 5.625%, 6/15/2023 | 1,612,000 | ||
3,092,687 |
90 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Retail-General Merchandise—1.4% | ||||
$3,575M | Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., 8.125%, 3/15/2019 (a) | $ 3,324,750 | ||
2,425M | Limited Brands, Inc., 8.5%, 6/15/2019 | 2,843,313 | ||
2,025M | Netflix, Inc., 5.5%, 2/15/2022 (a) | 2,055,375 | ||
1,050M | Party City Holdings, Inc., 6.125%, 8/15/2023 (a) | 1,063,125 | ||
9,286,563 | ||||
Services—6.3% | ||||
ADT Corp.: | ||||
4,050M | 3.5%, 7/15/2022 | 3,604,500 | ||
400M | 4.125%, 6/15/2023 | 362,000 | ||
AECOM: | ||||
1,025M | 5.75%, 10/15/2022 (a) | 1,033,333 | ||
1,650M | 5.875%, 10/15/2024 (a) | 1,666,500 | ||
1,525M | Ashtead Capital, Inc., 6.5%, 7/15/2022 (a) | 1,601,250 | ||
1,725M | CEB, Inc., 5.625%, 6/15/2023 (a) | 1,725,000 | ||
2,425M | CoreLogic, Inc., 7.25%, 6/1/2021 | 2,546,250 | ||
Covanta Holding Corp.: | ||||
1,200M | 7.25%, 12/1/2020 | 1,249,500 | ||
2,225M | 6.375%, 10/1/2022 | 2,280,625 | ||
Geo Group, Inc.: | ||||
1,450M | 5.875%, 1/15/2022 | 1,500,750 | ||
675M | 5.125%, 4/1/2023 | 671,625 | ||
1,450M | 5.875%, 10/15/2024 | 1,471,750 | ||
600M | IHS, Inc., 5%, 11/1/2022 | 579,000 | ||
Iron Mountain, Inc.: | ||||
1,525M | 7.75%, 10/1/2019 | 1,588,288 | ||
4,400M | 5.75%, 8/15/2024 | 4,262,500 | ||
4,650M | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 7%, 9/1/2020 (a) | 4,882,500 | ||
3,650M | LKQ Corp., 4.75%, 5/15/2023 | 3,531,375 | ||
1,725M | Monitronics International, Inc., 9.125%, 4/1/2020 | 1,561,125 | ||
1,675M | PHH Corp., 7.375%, 9/1/2019 | 1,670,813 | ||
2,300M | Reliance Intermediate Holdings, LP, 6.5%, 4/1/2023 (a) | 2,311,500 | ||
1,900M | Safway Group Holding, LLC, 7%, 5/15/2018 (a) | 1,954,625 | ||
42,054,809 | ||||
Telecommunications—4.6% | ||||
CenturyLink, Inc.: | ||||
400M | 5.625%, 4/1/2020 | 373,748 | ||
4,475M | 5.8%, 3/15/2022 | 3,842,906 | ||
1,250M | 6.75%, 12/1/2023 | 1,098,437 |
91 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Telecommunications (continued) | ||||
Citizens Communications Co.: | ||||
$3,225M | 7.125%, 3/15/2019 | $ 3,182,546 | ||
1,400M | 9%, 8/15/2031 | 1,162,000 | ||
Frontier Communications Corp.: | ||||
1,800M | 8.5%, 4/15/2020 | 1,755,000 | ||
525M | 7.125%, 1/15/2023 | 434,122 | ||
3,225M | 11%, 9/15/2025 (a) | 3,128,250 | ||
1,050M | GCI, Inc., 6.75%, 6/1/2021 | 1,073,625 | ||
1,550M | Inmarsat Finance, PLC, 4.875%, 5/15/2022 (a) | 1,511,250 | ||
Sprint Capital Corp.: | ||||
1,300M | 6.9%, 5/1/2019 | 1,147,250 | ||
2,125M | 6.875%, 11/15/2028 | 1,530,000 | ||
Wind Acquisition Finance SA: | ||||
2,000M | 4.75%, 7/15/2020 (a) | 1,985,000 | ||
4,975M | 7.375%, 4/23/2021 (a) | 4,925,250 | ||
Windstream Services, LLC: | ||||
2,050M | 7.75%, 10/15/2020 | 1,750,188 | ||
1,925M | 7.5%, 6/1/2022 | 1,460,594 | ||
30,360,166 | ||||
Transportation—1.4% | ||||
Aircastle, Ltd.: | ||||
550M | 4.625%, 12/15/2018 | 561,619 | ||
2,162M | 6.25%, 12/1/2019 | 2,324,150 | ||
1,050M | American Airlines Group, Inc., 5.5%, 10/1/2019 (a) | 1,064,175 | ||
Fly Leasing, Ltd.: | ||||
2,150M | 6.75%, 12/15/2020 | 2,209,125 | ||
1,900M | 6.375%, 10/15/2021 | 1,923,750 | ||
1,111M | Mobile Mini, Inc., 7.875%, 12/1/2020 | 1,158,218 | ||
9,241,037 | ||||
Utilities—3.0% | ||||
AES Corp.: | ||||
525M | 8%, 6/1/2020 | 595,875 | ||
2,525M | 7.375%, 7/1/2021 | 2,632,312 | ||
1,375M | 5.5%, 3/15/2024 | 1,225,812 | ||
1,275M | ContourGlobal Power Holdings SA, 7.125%, 6/1/2019 (a) | 1,284,690 | ||
2,100M | Dynegy, Inc., 7.375%, 11/1/2022 | 2,128,875 | ||
662M | Indiantown Cogeneration Utilities, LP, 9.77%, 12/15/2020 | 754,113 | ||
3,075M | InterGen NV, 7%, 6/30/2023 (a) | 2,629,125 | ||
1,425M | NRG Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 5/1/2024 | 1,264,688 |
92 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Utilities (continued) | ||||
$2,821M | NSG Holdings, LLC, 7.75%, 12/15/2025 (a) | $ 3,110,410 | ||
1,425M | Talen Energy Supply, LLC, 6.5%, 6/1/2025 (a) | 1,227,281 | ||
1,375M | Terraform Global Operating, LLC, 9.75%, 8/15/2022 (a) | 1,106,875 | ||
Terraform Power Operating, LLC: | ||||
1,650M | 5.875%, 2/1/2023 (a) | 1,464,375 | ||
300M | 6.125%, 6/15/2025 (a) | 260,250 | ||
19,684,681 | ||||
Waste Management—.3% | ||||
2,050M | ADS Waste Holdings, Inc., 8.25%, 10/1/2020 | 2,055,125 | ||
Wireless Communications—3.6% | ||||
Level 3 Financing, Inc.: | ||||
813M | 6.125%, 1/15/2021 | 837,805 | ||
575M | 5.125%, 5/1/2023 (a) | 550,563 | ||
2,375M | MetroPCS Wireless, Inc., 6.625%, 11/15/2020 | 2,419,531 | ||
Neptune Finco Corp.: | ||||
650M | 10.125%, 1/15/2023 (a)(b) | 658,938 | ||
950M | 6.625%, 10/15/2025 (a)(b) | 957,125 | ||
650M | 10.875%, 10/15/2025 (a)(b) | 658,125 | ||
Sprint Nextel Corp.: | ||||
925M | 9.125%, 3/1/2017 | 939,162 | ||
600M | 8.375%, 8/15/2017 | 600,000 | ||
4,350M | 7%, 8/15/2020 | 3,678,447 | ||
2,200M | 6%, 11/15/2022 | 1,661,000 | ||
T-Mobile USA, Inc.: | ||||
5,225M | 6.25%, 4/1/2021 | 5,219,775 | ||
2,725M | 6.625%, 4/1/2023 | 2,704,563 | ||
1,850M | UPCB Finance IV, Ltd., 5.375%, 1/15/2025 (a) | 1,748,250 | ||
1,355M | UPCB Finance V, Ltd., 7.25%, 11/15/2021 (a) | 1,439,156 | ||
24,072,440 | ||||
Total Value of Corporate Bonds (cost $621,113,745) | 591,375,624 | |||
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS†—6.7% | ||||
Aerospace/Defense—.5% | ||||
3,097M | TransDigm, Inc., 3.75%, 2/28/2020 | 3,057,837 | ||
Automotive—.2% | ||||
1,506M | CS Intermediate Holdco 2, LLC, 4%, 4/4/2021 | 1,505,937 |
93 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Building Materials—.4% | ||||
$2,800M | Builders FirstSource, Inc., 6%, 7/29/2022 | $ 2,787,750 | ||
Chemicals—.4% | ||||
2,639M | Axalta Coating Systems Dutch Holdings BBV, 3.75%, 2/1/2020 | 2,615,524 | ||
Energy—.3% | ||||
2,225M | Jonah Energy, LLC, 7.5%, 5/12/2021 | 1,802,250 | ||
Food/Drug—1.2% | ||||
2,095M | Albertson’s, Inc., 5.375%, 3/21/2019 | 2,098,361 | ||
3,215M | Rite Aid Corp., 4.875%, 6/21/2021 | 3,223,038 | ||
2,809M | Supervalu, Inc., 4.5%, 3/21/2019 | 2,819,253 | ||
8,140,652 | ||||
Gaming/Leisure—.2% | ||||
1,535M | Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc., 3.5%, 5/14/2020 | 1,518,369 | ||
Health Care—.9% | ||||
Community Health Systems, Inc.: | ||||
604M | 3.75%, 12/31/2019 | 604,730 | ||
1,112M | 4%, 1/27/2021 | 1,115,118 | ||
3,499M | ConvaTec, Inc., 4.25%, 6/15/2020 (b) | 3,499,437 | ||
775M | Sterigenics-Nordion Holdings, LLC, 4.25%, 5/16/2022 | 771,125 | ||
5,990,410 | ||||
Information Technology—1.0% | ||||
1,440M | ARRIS Enterprises, Inc., 3.25%, 4/17/2020 | 1,440,579 | ||
2,962M | Avago Technologies Cayman, Ltd., 3.75%, 5/6/2021 | 2,964,661 | ||
2,531M | Dell International, LLC, 3.75%, 10/29/2018 | 2,530,435 | ||
6,935,675 | ||||
Media-Diversified—.5% | ||||
3,145M | Tribune Media Co., 3.75%, 12/28/2020 | 3,135,132 | ||
Retail-General Merchandise—.5% | ||||
3,101M | Restaurant Brands, Inc., 3.75%, 12/10/2021 | 3,094,192 | ||
Services—.2% | ||||
800M | Allied Security Holdings, LLC, 4.25%, 2/12/2021 | 794,980 | ||
599M | Brickman Group, Ltd., LLC, 4%, 12/18/2020 | 592,882 | ||
1,387,862 |
94 |
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Utilities—.4% | |||||||
$2,569M | Calpine Corp., 3.5%, 5/27/2022 | $ 2,540,737 | |||||
Total Value of Loan Participations (cost $44,898,793) | 44,512,327 | ||||||
PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES—.7% | |||||||
Transportation | |||||||
4,606M | American Airlines 13-2 B PTT, 5.6%, 1/15/2022 | ||||||
(cost $4,687,641) (a) | 4,704,081 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $670,700,179) | 96.5 | % | 640,592,032 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 3.5 | 23,434,823 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $664,026,855 |
† | Interest rates are determined and reset periodically. The interest rates above are the rates in effect | |
at September 30, 2015. | ||
(a) | Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (see Note 4). | |
(b) | A portion or all of the security purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis | |
(see Note 1G). | ||
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
PTT | Pass-Through Trust |
95 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Corporate Bonds | $ | — | $ | 591,375,624 | $ | — | $ | 591,375,624 | ||||
Loan Participations | — | 44,512,327 | — | 44,512,327 | ||||||||
Pass-Through Certificates | — | 4,704,081 | — | 4,704,081 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | — | $ | 640,592,032 | $ | — | $ | 640,592,032 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization of corporate bonds, |
loan participations and pass-through certificates. | |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
96 |
Portfolio Composition (unaudited)
FUND FOR INCOME
September 30, 2015
The dollar weighted average of credit ratings of all bonds held by the Fund during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, computed on a monthly basis, are set forth below. This information reflects the average composition of the Fund’s assets during the 2015 fiscal year and is not necessarily representative of the Fund as of the end of its 2015 fiscal year, the current fiscal year or at any other time in the future.
Comparable Quality of | ||
Rated by | Unrated Securities to | |
Moody’s | Bonds Rated by Moody’s | |
Baa1 | 0.02% | 0.00% |
Baa2 | 0.25 | 0.00 |
Baa3 | 1.81 | 0.00 |
Ba1 | 6.58 | 0.00 |
Ba2 | 14.00 | 0.00 |
Ba3 | 19.00 | 0.00 |
BBB- | 0.00 | 0.45 |
BB+ | 0.00 | 0.71 |
BB | 0.00 | 0.55 |
BB- | 0.00 | 0.45 |
B+ | 0.00 | 0.92 |
B | 0.00 | 1.19 |
B- | 0.00 | 0.04 |
B1 | 21.43 | 0.00 |
B2 | 12.16 | 0.00 |
B3 | 16.67 | 0.00 |
Caa1 | 7.22 | 0.00 |
Caa2 | 0.57 | 0.00 |
Caa | 0.29 | 0.00 |
See notes to financial statements | 97 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter
TOTAL RETURN FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Total Return Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –2.65% for Class A shares, –3.44% for Class B shares, –2.24% for Advisor Class shares and –2.28% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 27.5 cents per share for Class A shares, 5.8 cents per share for Class B shares, 31.3 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 28.5 cents per share for Institutional Class shares. In addition, the Fund distributed capital gains of 66.8 cents per share on each class of shares.
Economic Overview
The U.S. economy grew at an approximately 2% rate during the review period. Growth was saw-toothed: strong in the fourth quarter of 2014, unexpectedly weak in the first quarter of 2015 (due to bad weather and West Coast port strikes), a bounce back in the second quarter, only to fade in the third quarter (due to a strong dollar and slowing growth in China). The consumer was the backbone of the U.S. economy, as evidenced by the rise in housing starts to the highest level since 2008 and record automobile sales. The unemployment rate continued its multi-year decline, falling from 5.9% to 5.1%, although wage growth remained disappointing. Inflation remained subdued with the year-over-year change in consumer prices flat, driven by a 50% fall in the price of oil during the review period. Excluding food and energy, consumer prices increased 1.9%, up from the 1.7% pace in the prior 12 months, but still lower than the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed’s”) target level.
At the beginning of the review period, market expectations were that the Fed would end its zero interest rate policy in mid-2015 based primarily on the relatively low unemployment rate. But the unexpectedly weak first quarter economic growth stayed the Fed’s hand, at which point market expectations shifted to September for a first Fed rate hike. Global financial and economic developments, particularly in China, contributed to substantial financial market volatility in August, including a 10% decline in the U.S. stock market. Consequently, at its September meeting, the Fed again deferred raising interest rates. As the review period ended, the market was placing a less than 50% probability of a rate hike this year, despite the fact that several key Fed board members continued to forecast a move in December.
Fixed Income
Interest rates generally moved lower during the review period. The two-year U.S. Treasury note yield, which is very sensitive to Fed policy, moved slightly higher from 0.57% to 0.63%. Longer-term interest rates fell and bond prices rose. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell from 2.49% to 2.04%. Most of the move lower in
98 |
interest rates occurred in the third quarter as oil prices collapsed, global growth slowed, stocks fell worldwide and the Fed decided not to raise interest rates.
The broad U.S. bond market returned 3.1%, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch. High quality, long-term bonds had the best performance. The Treasury market gained 4.1%, with 10+ year maturity Treasuries gaining 8.7%. Agency mortgage-backed securities returned 3.3%, benefiting from their high credit quality. Corporate bonds gained 1.4%. The sector benefited from the decline in interest rates, but wider credit spreads—due primarily to record new issue supply—were a drag on performance. High yield bonds had poor performance, losing 3.6%. Spreads moved substantially wider in large part due to weakness in energy companies (the largest sector of the high yield market), as well as other commodity-related firms. Non-dollar government bonds (i.e., foreign government securities) also had a difficult 12 months, down 6.3%, reflecting the headwind of a 12.1% increase in the value of the dollar. The municipal bond market returned 3.2% as it was insulated from many of the global issues which buffeted other sectors of the bond market. Lastly, money market returns continued to be essentially flat due to the Fed’s zero interest rate policy.
During the review period, the Fund had average bond and cash allocations of 33.7% and 7.5%, respectively. As a percentage of the Fund’s total assets, investment grade corporate bonds were the largest bond allocation at 22.7%, followed by U.S. government securities at 5.9%, mortgage-backed securities at 3.6%, and municipal bonds at 1.5%. The Fund’s overweight in corporate bonds was a negative contributor to performance, although somewhat mitigated by positive security selection. Security selection in the U.S. Government sector, which was based on expectations for higher interest rates, detracted from performance. The Fund benefited from its long-standing policy of not investing in either high yield bonds or non-dollar denominated bonds. Lastly, the decision to underweight bonds in general was a negative factor as bonds outperformed cash due to the decline in interest rates.
Equities
During the period under review, the Fund’s results were driven by a challenging market environment, with heightened volatility during the beginning and ending of the year under review. While macro trends indicated a continuation of the gradually improving economic conditions in the U.S., potential changes in policy from the Fed hung over the markets for most of the past year, keeping stock market returns in check. Increased global economic and market volatility, from countries as diverse as China and Greece, also weighed on the Fund, as any direct or indirect exposure was affected. Many multinational companies also faced significant currency headwinds, as the U.S. dollar rallied nearly 15% in the past year against most major global currencies.
99 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter (continued)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
While U.S. corporate earnings growth has remained positive, absolute rates of growth have decelerated to a low single digit percentage from past years of faster rates of growth. Market valuations have also reached a level where positive re-ratings cannot be supported without robust earnings growth performance continuing. As such, market breadth has narrowed, creating fewer winners and concentrating performance on a lower quantity of high profile names, sectors and strategies.
This fiscal year’s market results had a negative tone overall, with most broad market indices posting results in the red for the period under review. Small- and mid-cap strategies did outperform larger capitalization stocks on a relative basis, as did “growth” style investing over “value”. Dividend-paying stocks were particularly weak, as the rise in U.S. Treasury bond yields for most of the past year caused investors to sell dividend-focused equities and reallocate towards fixed income where returns are more predictable. Investors tended away from companies with consistent profitability, earnings growth and solid balance sheets in favor of shorter-term trading characteristics. Price and technical momentum factors drove outperformance. Mergers and acquisitions activity remained robust, amid low rates and a healthy appetite for fixed income, which continued to drive strong performance, especially in the Healthcare and Utilities sectors.
These conditions produced a challenging and ultimately disappointing year for the Fund on an absolute basis, which continued to invest across all market capitalization segments, allocating 70% of its holdings to large cap, 16% to mid cap and 14% to small-cap stocks (ranges defined by Lipper) as of September 30, 2015.
Given that backdrop, it is not surprising that the Fund’s longtime strategy struggled and underperformed its benchmark for the period under review. The Fund’s large-, mid- and small-cap segments all provided negative returns. The large-cap segments performance was in line with the benchmark on a relative basis while the small- and mid-cap segments underperformed. The Fund saw weakness across the board, with all sectors except Telecommunications and Basic Materials underperforming.
While there were individual investments which benefited the Fund from the Healthcare, Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors, the Fund suffered from broadly weaker stock selection relative to the benchmark most notably in: Healthcare, Industrials, Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary. The Fund also underperformed the Financials sector due to stock selection issues and underweighting versus peers. Another factor affecting relative performance was the narrowing of breadth as noted above. Not owning select names played a greater part in this year’s performance variance than in the past. Finally, dividend-paying stocks also underperformed, a key long-time strategy of the Fund. The Fund’s equity allocation has maintained a 90%+ weighting toward stocks which pay dividends.
100 |
Among the positives, while there were few, they were notable. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, shares of long-term holding L Brands, owner of the Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works retail chains, rose 41% on strong sales and earnings and a special dividend. Automotive-component makers Delphi Automotive and Lear Corporation rallied 26% and 27%, respectively, on increased dollar content per vehicle and greater new car sales worldwide. Within Technology, shares of Avago Technologies rose 45% on increased smartphone component sales and its acquisitions of competitors Broadcom and Emulex. Likewise, chip maker NXP Semiconductors rallied 27% on its semiconductor content improvements and merger with competitor Freescale. In Healthcare, shares of Omnicare, a provider of pharmacy services to nursing homes rose 59% on its being acquired by CVS Caremark. Shares of Cytec, a specialty fiber and composites manufacturer, rallied 58% on its receipt of a takeover offer from European chemical firm, Solvay.
Among the reasons for negative sector performance, the Fund’s Healthcare exposure was hurt by its larger-cap pharmaceuticals and biotech holdings. Shares of Gilead Sciences (the Fund’s largest holding) was down 7% despite robust earnings and a bright outlook. Worries about competition for its Hepatitis C drugs and a lack of visibility in the near-term research and development pipeline weighed on shares. Additionally, shares of Johnson & Johnson, Merck, AbbVie and Mylan also similarly weighed on Fund performance despite solid fundamentals.
Within Industrials, firms with exposure to the Energy sector faced challenges growing their earnings. Shares of tank-car maker Greenbrier, which fell 55%, benefited from the flow of oil from areas where it was transported by rail, namely the Bakken basin. However, the sharp drop in prices has curtailed production from those wells creating a glut of unused tank cars, despite new regulations on tank-car safety prompting fleet upgrades. Additionally, the Fund’s holdings of Tyco International, ITT Corporation and Altra Holdings were weaker during the year, as they sell components and services to the Energy sector as part of their diversified conglomerate structure and are facing modest near-term headwinds.
Within the Consumer Staples sector, shares of Tupperware faced the challenges of a global enterprise. With only 25% of their sales in North America, Tupperware has been hurt by the strong U.S. dollar. While local sales and earnings have performed well, when converted back to U.S. currency, earnings look like they are lower. The shares have sold off 25% over the past year.
Among Consumer Discretionary names, shares of CBS Corporation traded lower by 25% on fears that traditional network TV was losing market share and advertising revenues; this despite its strong primetime ratings and solid cash flows. Automotive
101 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter (continued)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
component makers Johnson Controls and Borg Warner traded lower despite robust global car sales. These stocks got caught up in the Chinese market and economic meltdown, as investors feared about auto sales in that market. This sector was also most notably hurt by our lack of exposure to certain names. We did not own shares of Nike, Amazon, Starbucks and Netflix, as they did not meet our investment criteria. Most years this would not be an issue, however, not owning these stocks this year did impact the Fund’s performance meaningfully in a negative fashion.
Financials was also a source of underperformance during the review period. We have maintained an underweight versus the benchmark over the past several years, as increased regulatory scrutiny has limited profit. The underweighting versus the benchmark hurt the Fund again this year. We have gradually increased our exposures over the past year, from 9.7% to 11% this year. Disappointing performance from credit card issuers Discover Financial and American Express, down 18% and 14% respectively, impacted the Fund’s results. Additionally, shares of Ameriprise traded lower by 9.8% on potential negative implications from new Department of Labor fiduciary standards for financial representatives that have been proposed.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
102 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.18% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 934.10 | $5.69 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.05 | $5.94 | |
Class B Shares | 1.95% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 929.76 | $9.38 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,015.21 | $9.80 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.74% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 935.75 | $3.57 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.24 | $3.73 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.77% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 935.37 | $3.72 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.09 | $3.88 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
TOP TEN SECTORS
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
103 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Total Return Fund (Class A shares), the Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate, Government & Mortgage Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Total Return Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with theoretical investments in the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate, Government & Mortgage Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (the “Indices”). The BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate, Government & Mortgage Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated
104 |
investment grade debt publicly issued in the US domestic market, including U.S. Treasuries, quasi-government securities, corporates, covered bonds and residential mortgage pass-through securities. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of such stocks, which represent all major industries. It is not possible to invest directly in these Indices. In addition, the Indices do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for Ten Years would have been 5.15%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Ten Years would have been 5.13%. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 5.32%. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 5.43%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate, Government & Mortgage Index figures are from Bank of America Merrill Lynch & Co. and Standard & Poor’s 500 Index figures are from Standard & Poor’s and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
†The Index return is for ten years. The S&P 500 Index return and BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate, Government & Mortgage Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are 10.69% and 2.06%, respectively.
105 |
Portfolio of Investments
TOTAL RETURN FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—58.1% | ||||
Consumer Discretionary—10.1% | ||||
210,700 | American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. | $ 3,293,241 | ||
76,730 | BorgWarner, Inc. | 3,191,201 | ||
125,075 | CBS Corporation – Class “B” | 4,990,492 | ||
84,100 | Delphi Automotive, PLC | 6,394,964 | ||
60,000 | Finish Line, Inc. – Class “A” | 1,158,000 | ||
52,660 | Foot Locker, Inc. | 3,789,940 | ||
200,750 | Ford Motor Company | 2,724,177 | ||
27,120 | GNC Holdings, Inc. – Class “A” | 1,096,190 | ||
73,900 | Hanesbrands, Inc. | 2,138,666 | ||
34,560 | Harman International Industries, Inc. | 3,317,414 | ||
53,830 | Home Depot, Inc. | 6,216,827 | ||
122,012 | * | Jarden Corporation | 5,963,947 | |
109,800 | Johnson Controls, Inc. | 4,541,328 | ||
58,245 | L Brands, Inc. | 5,249,622 | ||
59,800 | Lear Corporation | 6,505,044 | ||
44,200 | Magna International, Inc. | 2,122,042 | ||
108,760 | Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | 4,318,860 | ||
57,500 | Penske Automotive Group, Inc. | 2,785,300 | ||
114,400 | Stein Mart, Inc. | 1,107,392 | ||
90,110 | Tupperware Brands Corporation | 4,459,544 | ||
48,100 | Walt Disney Company | 4,915,820 | ||
13,675 | Whirlpool Corporation | 2,013,781 | ||
14,990 | Wyndham Worldwide Corporation | 1,077,781 | ||
83,371,573 | ||||
Consumer Staples—5.8% | ||||
134,950 | Altria Group, Inc. | 7,341,280 | ||
105,890 | Coca-Cola Company | 4,248,307 | ||
81,260 | CVS Health Corporation | 7,839,965 | ||
57,900 | Delhaize Group (ADR) | 1,281,327 | ||
59,600 | * | Koninklijke Ahold NV (ADR) | 1,161,604 | |
24,900 | Nielsen Holdings, PLC | 1,107,303 | ||
112,900 | Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. – Class “A” | 4,660,512 | ||
49,360 | PepsiCo, Inc. | 4,654,648 | ||
88,710 | Philip Morris International, Inc. | 7,037,364 | ||
28,400 | Procter & Gamble Company | 2,043,096 | ||
70,300 | Tyson Foods, Inc. – Class “A” | 3,029,930 | ||
46,870 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | 3,039,051 | ||
47,444,387 |
106 |
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Energy—3.5% | ||||
37,375 | Anadarko Petroleum Corporation | $ 2,257,076 | ||
9,400 | Chevron Corporation | 741,472 | ||
21,845 | Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc. | 399,545 | ||
61,800 | ConocoPhillips | 2,963,928 | ||
67,075 | Devon Energy Corporation | 2,487,812 | ||
54,302 | ExxonMobil Corporation | 4,037,354 | ||
26,500 | Hess Corporation | 1,326,590 | ||
1,997 | Hugoton Royalty Trust | 5,891 | ||
80,101 | Marathon Oil Corporation | 1,233,555 | ||
106,650 | Marathon Petroleum Corporation | 4,941,094 | ||
23,475 | National Oilwell Varco, Inc. | 883,834 | ||
26,150 | Occidental Petroleum Corporation | 1,729,822 | ||
31,250 | Phillips 66 | 2,401,250 | ||
12,200 | Schlumberger, Ltd. | 841,434 | ||
94,860 | Suncor Energy, Inc. | 2,534,659 | ||
28,785,316 | ||||
Financials—7.2% | ||||
36,100 | ACE, Ltd. | 3,732,740 | ||
69,170 | American Express Company | 5,127,572 | ||
45,025 | Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 4,913,578 | ||
160,325 | Brixmor Property Group, Inc. (REIT) | 3,764,431 | ||
43,600 | Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | 1,040,296 | ||
88,810 | Discover Financial Services | 4,617,232 | ||
125,200 | Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (ETF) | 2,837,032 | ||
12,900 | iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ETF) | 1,762,269 | ||
27,600 | iShares Russell 2000 ETF (ETF) | 3,013,920 | ||
119,380 | JPMorgan Chase & Company | 7,278,599 | ||
15,730 | Morgan Stanley | 495,495 | ||
44,625 | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | 3,980,550 | ||
10,700 | SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (ETF) | 2,050,441 | ||
68,300 | SPDR S&P Regional Banking (ETF) | 2,812,594 | ||
146,367 | Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (REIT) | 1,936,435 | ||
105,045 | U.S. Bancorp | 4,307,895 | ||
116,930 | Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. – Class “A” (REIT) | 2,191,268 | ||
71,320 | Wells Fargo & Company | 3,662,282 | ||
59,524,629 |
107 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Health Care—10.9% | ||||
119,560 | Abbott Laboratories | $ 4,808,703 | ||
101,000 | AbbVie, Inc. | 5,495,410 | ||
28,576 | * | Allergan, PLC | 7,767,243 | |
71,780 | Baxalta, Inc. | 2,261,788 | ||
51,430 | Baxter International, Inc. | 1,689,475 | ||
51,100 | Cardinal Health, Inc. | 3,925,502 | ||
47,932 | * | Express Scripts Holding Company | 3,880,575 | |
96,280 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 9,453,733 | ||
60,300 | Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | 3,134,997 | ||
81,400 | Johnson & Johnson | 7,598,690 | ||
2,791 | * | Mallinckrodt, PLC | 178,457 | |
21,250 | McKesson Corporation | 3,931,887 | ||
50,500 | Medtronic, PLC | 3,380,470 | ||
97,745 | Merck & Company, Inc. | 4,827,626 | ||
94,725 | * | Mylan NV | 3,813,629 | |
260,029 | Pfizer, Inc. | 8,167,511 | ||
71,175 | Phibro Animal Health Corporation – Class “A” | 2,251,265 | ||
78,095 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 9,549,457 | ||
73,100 | * | VWR Corporation | 1,877,939 | |
50,715 | Zoetis, Inc. | 2,088,444 | ||
90,082,801 | ||||
Industrials—5.1% | ||||
41,585 | 3M Company | 5,895,505 | ||
70,160 | Altra Industrial Motion Corporation | 1,622,099 | ||
20,785 | Caterpillar, Inc. | 1,358,508 | ||
55,900 | * | Generac Holdings, Inc. | 1,682,031 | |
74,850 | General Electric Company | 1,887,717 | ||
61,900 | Honeywell International, Inc. | 5,861,311 | ||
68,160 | ITT Corporation | 2,278,589 | ||
6,020 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | 1,248,006 | ||
56,900 | Ryder System, Inc. | 4,212,876 | ||
27,130 | Snap-On, Inc. | 4,095,002 | ||
33,110 | * | TAL International Group, Inc. | 452,614 | |
40,530 | Textainer Group Holdings, Ltd. | 668,340 | ||
108,550 | Textron, Inc. | 4,085,822 | ||
75,875 | Tyco International, PLC | 2,538,778 | ||
42,130 | United Technologies Corporation | 3,749,149 | ||
41,636,347 |
108 |
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Information Technology—11.4% | ||||
93,205 | Apple, Inc. | $ 10,280,511 | ||
105,275 | * | ARRIS Group, Inc. | 2,733,992 | |
46,825 | Avago Technologies, Ltd. | 5,853,593 | ||
270,300 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | 7,095,375 | ||
58,400 | * | eBay, Inc. | 1,427,296 | |
254,100 | EMC Corporation | 6,139,056 | ||
133,905 | Hewlett-Packard Company | 3,429,307 | ||
175,675 | Intel Corporation | 5,294,844 | ||
45,500 | International Business Machines Corporation | 6,596,135 | ||
166,885 | Juniper Networks, Inc. | 4,290,613 | ||
188,050 | Mentor Graphics Corporation | 4,631,671 | ||
88,480 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | 2,822,512 | ||
187,185 | Microsoft Corporation | 8,284,808 | ||
42,040 | * | NXP Semiconductors NV | 3,660,423 | |
104,690 | Oracle Corporation | 3,781,403 | ||
50,960 | * | PTC, Inc. | 1,617,470 | |
60,000 | * | Qorvo, Inc. | 2,703,000 | |
75,220 | QUALCOMM, Inc. | 4,041,571 | ||
125,050 | Symantec Corporation | 2,434,724 | ||
43,300 | * | Synaptics, Inc. | 3,570,518 | |
41,710 | TE Connectivity, Ltd. | 2,498,012 | ||
20,400 | * | Yahoo!, Inc. | 589,764 | |
93,776,598 | ||||
Materials—1.9% | ||||
58,910 | Cytec Industries, Inc. | 4,350,503 | ||
63,300 | International Paper Company | 2,392,107 | ||
10,730 | Praxair, Inc. | 1,092,958 | ||
40,610 | RPM International, Inc. | 1,701,153 | ||
71,185 | * | Trinseo SA | 1,797,421 | |
88,714 | WestRock Company | 4,563,448 | ||
15,897,590 | ||||
Telecommunication Services—1.2% | ||||
150,500 | AT&T, Inc. | 4,903,290 | ||
121,225 | Verizon Communications, Inc. | 5,274,500 | ||
10,177,790 |
109 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares or | ||||
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Utilities—1.0% | ||||
33,000 | AGL Resources, Inc. | $ 2,014,320 | ||
127,110 | * | Dynegy, Inc. | 2,627,364 | |
117,400 | Exelon Corporation | 3,486,780 | ||
24,445 | NiSource, Inc. | 453,455 | ||
8,581,919 | ||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $352,357,007) | 479,278,950 | |||
CORPORATE BONDS—22.0% | ||||
Agriculture—.1% | ||||
$ 1,100M | Cargill, Inc., 6%, 11/27/2017 (a) | 1,200,406 | ||
Automotive—.3% | ||||
2,100M | Johnson Controls, Inc., 5%, 3/30/2020 | 2,305,149 | ||
Chemicals—1.1% | ||||
2,000M | Agrium, Inc., 3.375%, 3/15/2025 | 1,897,252 | ||
2,000M | CF Industries, Inc., 3.45%, 6/1/2023 | 1,906,728 | ||
2,000M | Dow Chemical Co., 4.25%, 11/15/2020 | 2,149,016 | ||
1,000M | Lubrizol Corp., 8.875%, 2/1/2019 | 1,223,544 | ||
2,100M | LyondellBasell Industries NV, 6%, 11/15/2021 | 2,376,163 | ||
9,552,703 | ||||
Consumer Durables—.2% | ||||
1,500M | Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 4.7%, 8/15/2020 | 1,653,501 | ||
Energy—2.1% | ||||
1,600M | Canadian Oil Sands, Ltd., 7.75%, 5/15/2019 (a) | 1,673,478 | ||
2,000M | Continental Resources, Inc., 5%, 9/15/2022 | 1,752,500 | ||
1,000M | DCP Midstream Operating, LP, 2.5%, 12/1/2017 | 918,492 | ||
2,000M | Enbridge Energy Partners, LP, 4.2%, 9/15/2021 | 2,024,614 | ||
1,100M | Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP, 3.45%, 2/15/2023 | 977,460 | ||
1,600M | Nabors Industries, Inc., 6.15%, 2/15/2018 | 1,686,050 | ||
1,000M | ONEOK Partners, LP, 3.375%, 10/1/2022 | 900,839 | ||
1,500M | Spectra Energy Capital, LLC, 6.2%, 4/15/2018 | 1,625,693 | ||
1,000M | Suncor Energy, Inc., 6.1%, 6/1/2018 | 1,104,924 | ||
1,600M | Valero Energy Corp., 9.375%, 3/15/2019 | 1,952,786 | ||
1,500M | Weatherford International, LLC, 6.35%, 6/15/2017 | 1,535,559 | ||
16,152,395 |
110 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Financial Services—3.5% | ||||
American Express Co.: | ||||
$ 500M | 6.15%, 8/28/2017 | $ 542,740 | ||
1,100M | 7%, 3/19/2018 | 1,236,554 | ||
1,000M | American International Group, Inc., 4.7%, 7/10/2035 | 1,034,066 | ||
2,000M | Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 5.3%, 3/15/2020 | 2,257,892 | ||
2,500M | Assured Guaranty U.S. Holding, Inc., 5%, 7/1/2024 | 2,604,630 | ||
1,000M | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 3.4%, 1/31/2022 | 1,049,073 | ||
1,100M | BlackRock, Inc., 5%, 12/10/2019 | 1,233,036 | ||
1,000M | CoBank ACB, 7.875%, 4/16/2018 (a) | 1,143,563 | ||
ERAC USA Finance, LLC: | ||||
1,000M | 6.375%, 10/15/2017 (a) | 1,092,543 | ||
1,000M | 4.5%, 8/16/2021 (a) | 1,081,637 | ||
1,000M | 3.3%, 10/15/2022 (a) | 1,000,241 | ||
2,000M | Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 8.125%, 1/15/2020 | 2,399,110 | ||
General Electric Capital Corp.: | ||||
1,000M | 5.625%, 9/15/2017 | 1,089,532 | ||
2,000M | 4.65%, 10/17/2021 | 2,251,370 | ||
1,500M | 6.75%, 3/15/2032 | 2,034,582 | ||
2,000M | Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.95%, 5/1/2022 (a) | 2,165,426 | ||
1,000M | Protective Life Corp., 7.375%, 10/15/2019 | 1,180,487 | ||
2,000M | Prudential Financial, Inc., 7.375%, 6/15/2019 | 2,356,834 | ||
1,000M | Siemens Financieringsmaatschappij NV, 5.75%, 10/17/2016 (a) | 1,049,135 | ||
28,802,451 | ||||
Financials—5.1% | ||||
Bank of America Corp.: | ||||
3,600M | 5.65%, 5/1/2018 | 3,930,358 | ||
1,000M | 5.875%, 2/7/2042 | 1,173,524 | ||
Barclays Bank, PLC: | ||||
1,100M | 6.75%, 5/22/2019 | 1,282,052 | ||
1,000M | 5.125%, 1/8/2020 | 1,118,943 | ||
1,000M | Capital One Financial Corp., 3.75%, 4/24/2024 | 994,902 | ||
Citigroup, Inc.: | ||||
3,600M | 6.125%, 11/21/2017 | 3,926,146 | ||
1,000M | 8.5%, 5/22/2019 | 1,208,325 | ||
1,500M | Deutsche Bank AG, 3.7%, 5/30/2024 | 1,491,876 | ||
2,500M | Fifth Third Bancorp, 3.5%, 3/15/2022 | 2,551,710 | ||
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.: | ||||
2,700M | 5.375%, 3/15/2020 | 3,013,608 | ||
1,000M | 3.625%, 1/22/2023 | 1,014,004 | ||
1,000M | 6.125%, 2/15/2033 | 1,197,990 |
111 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Financials (continued) | ||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co.: | ||||
$ 3,100M | 6%, 1/15/2018 | $ 3,388,390 | ||
1,000M | 4.5%, 1/24/2022 | 1,079,861 | ||
Morgan Stanley: | ||||
2,550M | 6.625%, 4/1/2018 | 2,840,501 | ||
2,000M | 5.5%, 7/28/2021 | 2,261,946 | ||
1,600M | SunTrust Banks, Inc., 6%, 9/11/2017 | 1,730,611 | ||
2,000M | U.S. Bancorp, 3.6%, 9/11/2024 | 2,034,496 | ||
1,500M | UBS AG, 4.875%, 8/4/2020 | 1,666,001 | ||
Wells Fargo & Co.: | ||||
1,600M | 4.6%, 4/1/2021 | 1,757,128 | ||
2,500M | 3.45%, 2/13/2023 | 2,490,695 | ||
42,153,067 | ||||
Food/Beverage/Tobacco—1.1% | ||||
1,750M | Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp., 8.5%, 6/15/2019 | 2,094,178 | ||
1,500M | Diageo Capital, PLC, 5.75%, 10/23/2017 | 1,630,281 | ||
1,000M | Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., 6.82%, 5/1/2018 | 1,123,440 | ||
1,000M | Ingredion, Inc., 4.625%, 11/1/2020 | 1,071,271 | ||
500M | PepsiCo, Inc., 5%, 6/1/2018 | 547,519 | ||
1,000M | Philip Morris International, Inc., 5.65%, 5/16/2018 | 1,104,848 | ||
1,500M | SABMiller Holdings, Inc., 3.75%, 1/15/2022 (a) | 1,539,417 | ||
9,110,954 | ||||
Food/Drug—.1% | ||||
1,000M | CVS Health Corp., 3.875%, 7/20/2025 | 1,032,861 | ||
Forest Products/Container—.2% | ||||
2,000M | Rock-Tenn Co., 4.9%, 3/1/2022 | 2,173,192 | ||
Health Care—.7% | ||||
1,100M | Biogen, Inc., 6.875%, 3/1/2018 | 1,232,972 | ||
2,100M | Express Scripts Holding Co., 4.75%, 11/15/2021 | 2,270,369 | ||
1,000M | Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, 3.2%, 2/1/2022 | 996,762 | ||
1,000M | Mylan, Inc., 3.125%, 1/15/2023 (a) | 962,521 | ||
5,462,624 | ||||
Higher Education—.2% | ||||
1,750M | Yale University, 2.086%, 4/15/2019 | 1,779,402 |
112 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Information Technology—.2% | ||||
$ 1,500M | Apple, Inc., 2.5%, 2/9/2025 | $ 1,426,566 | ||
Manufacturing—.5% | ||||
1,000M | CRH America, Inc., 8.125%, 7/15/2018 | 1,163,773 | ||
1,100M | Ingersoll-Rand Global Holdings Co., Ltd., 6.875%, 8/15/2018 | 1,240,580 | ||
2,000M | Tyco Electronics Group SA, 6.55%, 10/1/2017 | 2,192,646 | ||
4,596,999 | ||||
Media-Broadcasting—1.0% | ||||
1,000M | British Sky Broadcasting Group, PLC, 9.5%, 11/15/2018 (a) | 1,206,680 | ||
1,850M | CBS Corp., 3.375%, 3/1/2022 | 1,841,033 | ||
Comcast Corp.: | ||||
1,600M | 5.15%, 3/1/2020 | 1,807,395 | ||
2,000M | 4.25%, 1/15/2033 | 1,991,340 | ||
1,500M | DirecTV Holdings, LLC, 3.8%, 3/15/2022 | 1,511,917 | ||
8,358,365 | ||||
Media-Diversified—.2% | ||||
1,000M | McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc., 5.9%, 11/15/2017 | 1,074,901 | ||
1,000M | Time Warner, Inc., 3.6%, 7/15/2025 | 981,199 | ||
2,056,100 | ||||
Metals/Mining—.9% | ||||
1,500M | Alcoa, Inc., 6.15%, 8/15/2020 | 1,550,625 | ||
1,600M | ArcelorMittal, 6.125%, 6/1/2018 | 1,572,000 | ||
1,000M | Glencore Finance Canada, Ltd., 4.95%, 11/15/2021 (a) | 830,421 | ||
1,500M | Newmont Mining Corp., 5.125%, 10/1/2019 | 1,586,535 | ||
1,600M | Vale Overseas, Ltd., 5.625%, 9/15/2019 | 1,610,272 | ||
7,149,853 | ||||
Real Estate Investment Trusts—1.4% | ||||
1,500M | Boston Properties, LP, 5.875%, 10/15/2019 | 1,702,101 | ||
1,500M | Digital Realty Trust, LP, 5.25%, 3/15/2021 | 1,635,018 | ||
2,000M | HCP, Inc., 5.375%, 2/1/2021 | 2,217,678 | ||
2,000M | ProLogis, LP, 3.35%, 2/1/2021 | 2,029,674 | ||
1,000M | Simon Property Group, LP, 3.375%, 10/1/2024 | 1,007,338 | ||
2,600M | Ventas Realty, LP, 4.75%, 6/1/2021 | 2,808,455 | ||
11,400,264 |
113 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Retail-General Merchandise—.5% | ||||
$ 1,000M | Amazon.com, Inc., 4.8%, 12/5/2034 | $ 1,030,737 | ||
1,500M | GAP, Inc., 5.95%, 4/12/2021 | 1,625,622 | ||
1,000M | Home Depot, Inc., 5.875%, 12/16/2036 | 1,231,472 | ||
3,887,831 | ||||
Telecommunications—.3% | ||||
2,100M | Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.15%, 9/15/2023 | 2,323,667 | ||
Transportation—.8% | ||||
2,000M | Burlington North Santa Fe, LLC, 5.15%, 9/1/2043 | 2,145,436 | ||
1,000M | Con-way, Inc., 7.25%, 1/15/2018 | 1,035,653 | ||
GATX Corp.: | ||||
1,000M | 4.75%, 6/15/2022 | 1,070,319 | ||
1,000M | 5.2%, 3/15/2044 | 1,030,347 | ||
1,000M | Penske Truck Leasing Co., LP, 4.875%, 7/11/2022 (a) | 1,064,183 | ||
6,345,938 | ||||
Utilities—1.5% | ||||
2,000M | Duke Energy Progress, Inc., 4.15%, 12/1/2044 | 2,017,258 | ||
1,000M | E.ON International Finance BV, 5.8%, 4/30/2018 (a) | 1,092,400 | ||
1,000M | Entergy Arkansas, Inc., 4.95%, 12/15/2044 | 1,008,834 | ||
1,500M | Exelon Generation Co., LLC, 5.2%, 10/1/2019 | 1,640,842 | ||
2,000M | Ohio Power Co., 5.375%, 10/1/2021 | 2,284,644 | ||
2,000M | Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co., 4%, 12/15/2044 | 1,927,382 | ||
1,100M | Sempra Energy, 9.8%, 2/15/2019 | 1,362,321 | ||
1,000M | South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., 5.45%, 2/1/2041 | 1,133,792 | ||
12,467,473 | ||||
Total Value of Corporate Bonds (cost $178,856,634) | 181,391,761 | |||
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED | ||||
SECURITIES—4.8% | ||||
Fannie Mae—3.5% | ||||
951M | 2.5%, 2/1/2030 – 4/1/2030 | 971,284 | ||
5,476M | 3%, 3/1/2027 – 10/14/2045 (b) | 5,633,404 | ||
6,767M | 3.5%, 11/1/2028 – 10/14/2045 (b) | 7,083,343 | ||
5,258M | 4%, 12/1/2040 – 10/14/2045 (b) | 5,622,711 | ||
2,464M | 4.5%, 9/1/2040 | 2,690,878 | ||
3,195M | 5%, 4/1/2040 – 3/1/2042 | 3,559,353 | ||
1,180M | 5.5%, 5/1/2033 – 10/1/2039 | 1,329,297 |
114 |
Principal | ||||
Amount | Security | Value | ||
Fannie Mae (continued) | ||||
$ 953M | 6%, 5/1/2036 – 10/1/2040 | $ 1,079,668 | ||
393M | 6.5%, 11/1/2033 – 6/1/2036 | 448,968 | ||
627M | 7%, 3/1/2032 – 8/1/2032 | 695,998 | ||
29,114,904 | ||||
Freddie Mac—1.3% | ||||
3,007M | 3.5%, 8/1/2026 – 7/1/2044 | 3,171,873 | ||
2,912M | 4%, 11/1/2040 – 4/1/2045 | 3,104,799 | ||
2,314M | 4.5%, 10/1/2040 – 5/1/2044 | 2,530,692 | ||
1,457M | 5.5%, 5/1/2038 – 10/1/2039 | 1,637,594 | ||
10,444,958 | ||||
Total Value of Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $38,911,065) | 39,559,862 | |||
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS—4.8% | ||||
3,500M | U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.125%, 8/15/2044 | 3,664,133 | ||
U.S. Treasury Notes: | ||||
14,000M | 0.06%, 1/31/2016 † | 14,000,112 | ||
4,000M | 0.099%, 1/31/2017 † | 3,999,200 | ||
5,500M | 2%, 2/15/2023 | 5,573,942 | ||
12,000M | 0.625%, 1/15/2024 (TIPS) | 12,228,332 | ||
Total Value of U.S. Government Obligations (cost $39,966,084) | 39,465,719 | |||
MUNICIPAL BONDS—1.5% | ||||
900M | Crowley, TX Indep. Sch. Dist. GO, 5%, 8/1/2045 | 1,023,525 | ||
1,555M | Crystal City, TX Indep. Sch. Dist. GO, 5%, 2/15/2034 | 1,796,460 | ||
2,370M | Duncanville, TX Indep. Sch. Dist. GO, 5%, 2/15/2025 | 2,929,628 | ||
900M | Minnesota State GO, 5%, 8/1/2035 | 1,064,925 | ||
1,900M | New York City, NY Mun. Wtr. Fin. Auth. Wtr. & Swr. Sys. Rev., | |||
5%, 6/15/2039 | 2,173,999 | |||
900M | New York State Dorm. Auth. State Personal Income Tax Rev., | |||
5%, 3/15/2034 | 1,047,636 | |||
1,000M | Texas State Trans. Comn. Mobility Fund, 5%, 10/1/2034 | 1,177,400 | ||
1,000M | Univ. of Oregon Gen. Rev., 5%, 4/1/2045 | 1,140,330 | ||
Total Value of Municipal Bonds (cost $12,110,966) | 12,353,903 |
115 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
September 30, 2015
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—1.5% | |||||||
Fannie Mae—1.0% | |||||||
Fannie Mae: | |||||||
$ 6,000M | 1.75%, 11/26/2019 | $ 6,110,040 | |||||
2,250M | 2.36%, 12/14/2022 | 2,251,381 | |||||
8,361,421 | |||||||
Freddie Mac—.5% | |||||||
Freddie Mac: | |||||||
1,000M | 5.125%, 10/18/2016 | 1,048,869 | |||||
1,500M | 5.125%, 11/17/2017 | 1,636,492 | |||||
1,000M | 1.25%, 5/12/2017 | 1,010,905 | |||||
3,696,266 | |||||||
Total Value of U.S. Government Agency Obligations (cost $11,842,981) | 12,057,687 | ||||||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—7.2% | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
4,500M | 0.035%, 10/27/2015 | 4,499,937 | |||||
16,000M | 0.05%, 11/5/2015 | 15,999,152 | |||||
10,000M | 0.06%, 10/9/2015 | 9,999,960 | |||||
3,800M | 0.09%, 11/12/2015 | 3,799,757 | |||||
8,000M | 0.095%, 10/7/2015 | 7,999,976 | |||||
2,500M | 0.127%, 10/14/2015 | 2,499,983 | |||||
14,200M | Freddie Mac, 0.03%, 11/6/2015 | 14,199,219 | |||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government | |||||||
Agency Obligations (cost $58,997,909) | 58,997,984 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $693,042,646) | 99.9 | % | 823,105,866 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | .1 | 1,064,823 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $824,170,689 |
* | Non-income producing |
(a) | Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (see Note 4). |
(b) | A portion or all of the security purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis |
(see Note 1G). | |
† | Interest rates on adjustable rate bonds are determined and reset periodically. The interest rates |
shown are the rates in effect of September 30, 2015. |
116 |
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
ADR | American Depositary Receipts | |
ETF | Exchange Traded Fund | |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust | |
GO | General Obligation | |
TIPS | Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
117 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
TOTAL RETURN FUND
September 30, 2015
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 479,278,950 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 479,278,950 | ||||
Corporate Bonds | — | 181,391,761 | — | 181,391,761 | ||||||||
Residential Mortgage-Backed | ||||||||||||
Securities | — | 39,559,862 | — | 39,559,862 | ||||||||
U.S. Government Obligations | — | 39,465,719 | — | 39,465,719 | ||||||||
Municipal Bonds | — | 12,353,903 | — | 12,353,903 | ||||||||
U.S. Government Agency | ||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 12,057,687 | — | 12,057,687 | ||||||||
Short-Tem U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Agency Obligations | — | 58,997,984 | — | 58,997,984 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | 479,278,950 | $ | 343,826,916 | $ | — | $ | 823,105,866 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for common |
stocks and corporate bonds. | |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
118 | See notes to financial statements |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
EQUITY INCOME FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Equity Income Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –4.31% for Class A shares, –5.16% for Class B shares, –3.96% for Advisor Class shares and –3.97% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 14.7 cents per share for Class A shares, 7.0 cents per share for Class B shares, 17.1 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 16.9 cents per share for Institutional Class shares. In addition, the Fund distributed capital gains of 46.3 per share for each class of shares.
The Fund primarily invests in dividend-paying stocks and this year, with increased interest rate volatility, the Fund’s high-yielding stocks did not perform well. In the last year we saw the yield on the 10-year Treasury go from a high of 2.48% last September to a low of 1.64% at the end of January. The yield then rose back toward 2.48% in June as the market anticipated that the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) would raise interest rates in the fall. The Fed decision was to hold off on a rate rise and the yield fell back down toward the 2% range this past September. When interest rates fell over the past few years, fixed income investors looked to dividend-paying equities to supplement their income when money market accounts and CD’s no longer offered compelling returns. When interest rates eventually rise again, and those products become more competitive, investors will likely return to fixed income products as they offer almost no volatility compared to equities.
This past year stocks whose yield is in the 2.5% to 3.25% range were down 6.5%. 1 That yield is the sweet spot for our investment process. Stocks whose yields were greater than 3.25% were down 2.6%. Because of this dynamic, the Fund underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500. In fact, stocks that have no yield or yield less than 0.32% were up more than 8% for the year. 2 With our mandate to invest in dividend-paying stocks that offer our investors supplemental income it was hard to compete against the Index whch is not subjected to the same constraints.
While the Fund’s absolute performance was disappointing compared to the benchmark and can be attributed to the factors discussed above, there were a few bright spots that let us know our investment process works. With this low interest rate environment, corporations have access to a lot of capital and it has been a very good year for mergers and acquisitions. The Fund has had five names that were acquired this past year. Omnicare, Inc. was the nation’s largest supplier of geriatric pharmaceuticals and ancillary services to nursing facilities and retirement centers. They were acquired by CVS Health Corporation for $12.8 billion dollar or $98 a share in cash. We first started buying Omnicare in the low $60 because of their niche business that was growing nicely and opportunities for the company to grow margins and improve cash flow dramatically. CVS recognized this and made a compelling offer as Omnicare pharmacy business will fit perfectly with CVS.
Kraft Foods has been a long-time holding for the First Investors Equity Income Fund with its solid earnings growth and a dividend in excess of 3%. Kraft merged with Heinz Company
119 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter (continued)
EQUITY INCOME FUND
with the backing of 3G Capital, a private equity firm that teamed up with Warren Buffet to take Heinz private a few years ago. The merger will make the Kraft Heinz Company the third largest food and beverage company in North America. In addition to the higher share price, because of the deal premium, we also received a $16.50 special dividend when the transaction closed.
Covidien Ltd. has been another long-time holding of the Equity Income Fund. We were pleasantly surprised when fellow rival medical-device maker, Medtronic, offered to buy them for more than $50 billion. Medtronic was not only interested in Covidien’s strong product pipeline, but they were able to execute a tax inversion deal because Covidien is headquartered in Ireland. Medtronic has long been based in Minnesota, but by acquiring Covidien, they were able to move their base to Ireland and lower their taxes. The Fund kept its shares that it received from the deal and Medtronic has worked out well for the Fund.
Cytec Industries, a small-cap specialty material and chemical company, will be acquired by European composite company, Solvay, for $5.5 billion in an all cash deal. Cytec’s strong relationships in aerospace will be a nice fit for Solvay whose specialty is in automotive. The latest company to be acquired from the Equity Income portfolio is Chubb Corporation. They agreed to a $28 billion deal with ACE, who is a leader in the property and casualty insurance. The combined company will become one of the biggest players in both the commercial and property and casualty insurance. Ace should realize substantial synergies from the deal and the earnings accretion should be significant. This is positive for the Fund, as ACE is already a large holding and we think over the long term the stock offers great upside potential.
The Fund’s biggest underperformance compared to the S&P 500 Index on a relative basis came from its large-cap holdings. The Fund is underweight large-cap stocks compared to the S&P 500. The Fund is a multi-cap Fund that has almost 14% of its assets in small-cap names where the S&P 500 has less than 2% in small caps. The S&P 500 is primarily made up of large- and mid-cap names. For example, Amazon.com is a name the Fund would not invest in because it does not pay a dividend, but it is a big component of the S&P 500 and was up close to 58% last year.
The Fund also underperformed on a relative basis in the Consumer Discretionary and Energy sectors. In Consumer Discretionary the Fund’s position in Extended Stay did not perform as we expected. They are a hotel operator that specializes in customers who stay longer than a week and tend to cater to business people that may have to go to multi week training exercises. Extended Stay was in the middle of a big refurbishment of their properties and was also increasing their back office in terms of new software platforms for booking and billing clients. The first couple of months of the refurbishment went well and saw an uptick in earnings and revenue, but the stock eventually declined.
Whirlpool is another disappointing name for the Fund. Despite making two transformative acquisitions that have the potential increase earnings substantially in the long-term, their short-term execution has taken a hit. Volatile currency markets that have hurt revenue and a
120 |
prolonged slowdown in their Latin American operations have led to lower earnings revisions. We still believe they have the ability to turn the operations around and we do look for the shares to recover.
In Energy, our slight overweighting versus the peers hurt performance and with the substantial decline in oil most of our energy names were down anywhere from 30% to 50%. We did trim our position at much higher levels, but severity of the declines even with smaller positions hurt the Fund’s overall performance.
Positive relative performance versus the S&P 500 came from Utilities and the Consumer Staples sector. Despite the volatility in the Treasury markets, a few names in Utilities performed well. Portland General Electric was up over 18% in the past year and NiSource was up over 22% after they spun off their pipeline business. In Consumer Staples, one of the Fund’s largest holdings, Altria Group, was up over 23% this year. They surprised the street with better-than-expected earnings and some nice dividend increases. There has also been speculation that SAB Miller, of which they own 26%, is an acquisition target. It is not clear what would happen next, but what is clear is that there is a significant amount of value for Altria in those shares.
As we look forward, we believe dividend-paying stocks should be a focus for any investor. Dividend-paying stocks tend to outperform non-dividend-paying stocks when interest rates are either rising or falling. If we look at stock returns since the 1970’s, dividend-paying stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 Index. The Fund is focused on finding those stocks that not only provide yield and stability, but also provide dividend growth and appreciation.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
1 US Performance Monitor Bank America Merrill Lynch 01 October 2015 page 4
2 US Performance Monitor Bank America Merrill Lynch 01 October 2015 page 4
121 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
EQUITY INCOME FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.21% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 919.69 | $ 5.79 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,018.90 | $ 6.09 | |
Class B Shares | 2.06% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 915.54 | $ 9.84 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,014.66 | $10.35 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.84% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 920.75 | $ 4.02 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.74 | $ 4.23 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.81% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 921.62 | $ 3.88 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.89 | $ 4.08 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
122 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
EQUITY INCOME FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Equity Income Fund (Class A shares) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Equity Income Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (the “Index”). The Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of such stocks, which represent all major industries. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
123 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
EQUITY INCOME FUND
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Advisor Class were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Advisor Class, the “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 6.95%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Standard & Poor’s and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 10.69%.
124 |
Portfolio of Investments
EQUITY INCOME FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—91.9% | ||||
Consumer Discretionary—10.6% | ||||
155,000 | American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. | $ 2,422,650 | ||
30,568 | CBS Corporation – Class “B” | 1,219,663 | ||
92,700 | Comcast Corporation – Special Shares “A” | 5,306,148 | ||
24,300 | CST Brands, Inc. | 817,938 | ||
40,000 | Delphi Automotive, PLC | 3,041,600 | ||
235,000 | Ford Motor Company | 3,188,950 | ||
180,000 | Hanesbrands, Inc. | 5,209,200 | ||
20,800 | Harman International Industries, Inc. | 1,996,592 | ||
42,200 | Home Depot, Inc. | 4,873,678 | ||
65,000 | Johnson Controls, Inc. | 2,688,400 | ||
34,000 | Lear Corporation | 3,698,520 | ||
36,100 | McDonald’s Corporation | 3,556,933 | ||
82,400 | Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | 3,272,104 | ||
247,300 | Regal Entertainment Group – Class “A” | 4,622,037 | ||
47,933 | Time Warner, Inc. | 3,295,394 | ||
53,500 | Tupperware Brands Corporation | 2,647,715 | ||
21,900 | Walt Disney Company | 2,238,180 | ||
18,800 | Whirlpool Corporation | 2,768,488 | ||
56,864,190 | ||||
Consumer Staples—9.7% | ||||
185,000 | Altria Group, Inc. | 10,064,000 | ||
86,200 | Coca-Cola Company | 3,458,344 | ||
76,700 | CVS Health Corporation | 7,400,016 | ||
20,000 | Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. | 1,581,000 | ||
23,300 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | 2,540,632 | ||
28,066 | Kraft Heinz Company | 1,980,898 | ||
65,000 | Nielsen Holdings, PLC | 2,890,550 | ||
32,400 | Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. – Class “A” | 1,337,472 | ||
63,500 | PepsiCo, Inc. | 5,988,050 | ||
84,500 | Philip Morris International, Inc. | 6,703,385 | ||
77,900 | Procter & Gamble Company | 5,604,126 | ||
39,400 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | 2,554,696 | ||
52,103,169 | ||||
Energy—6.7% | ||||
67,600 | Black Stone Minerals, LP | 932,880 | ||
74,400 | Chevron Corporation | 5,868,672 | ||
106,500 | ConocoPhillips | 5,107,740 | ||
38,000 | Devon Energy Corporation | 1,409,420 |
125 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
EQUITY INCOME FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Energy (continued) | ||||
58,200 | Enable Midstream Partners, LP | $ 735,648 | ||
69,900 | ExxonMobil Corporation | 5,197,065 | ||
34,600 | Halliburton Company | 1,223,110 | ||
94,600 | Marathon Oil Corporation | 1,456,840 | ||
55,400 | Marathon Petroleum Corporation | 2,566,682 | ||
74,500 | Occidental Petroleum Corporation | 4,928,175 | ||
65,500 | Royal Dutch Shell, PLC – Class “A” (ADR) | 3,104,045 | ||
46,300 | Suncor Energy, Inc. | 1,237,136 | ||
62,500 | Williams Companies, Inc. | 2,303,125 | ||
36,070,538 | ||||
Financials—20.1% | ||||
55,600 | ACE, Ltd. | 5,749,040 | ||
151,800 | AllianceBernstein Holding, LP | 4,037,880 | ||
35,000 | American Express Company | 2,594,550 | ||
16,300 | Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 1,778,819 | ||
125,000 | Bank of New York Mellon Corporation | 4,893,750 | ||
151,900 | Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. | 4,183,326 | ||
196,400 | Brixmor Property Group, Inc. (REIT) | 4,611,472 | ||
68,000 | Chesapeake Lodging Trust (REIT) | 1,772,080 | ||
40,556 | Chubb Corporation | 4,974,193 | ||
80,000 | Discover Financial Services | 4,159,200 | ||
250,000 | Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (ETF) | 5,665,000 | ||
54,600 | Invesco, Ltd. | 1,705,158 | ||
95,000 | iShares S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index Fund (ETF) | 3,667,000 | ||
39,000 | iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (ETF) | 2,767,050 | ||
127,800 | JPMorgan Chase & Company | 7,791,966 | ||
160,000 | MetLife, Inc. | 7,544,000 | ||
88,700 | Oritani Financial Corporation | 1,385,494 | ||
128,889 | Outfront Media, Inc. | 2,680,891 | ||
52,900 | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | 4,718,680 | ||
36,700 | Select Income REIT (REIT) | 697,667 | ||
89,000 | SPDR S&P Regional Banking (ETF) | 3,665,020 | ||
249,300 | Sterling Bancorp | 3,707,091 | ||
27,800 | Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2,766,934 | ||
103,300 | U.S. Bancorp | 4,236,333 | ||
168,900 | Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. – Class “A” (REIT) | 3,165,186 | ||
188,500 | Wells Fargo & Company | 9,679,475 | ||
304,900 | WP Glimcher, Inc. (REIT) | 3,555,134 | ||
108,152,389 |
126 |
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Health Care—12.2% | ||||
43,600 | Abbott Laboratories | $ 1,753,592 | ||
101,100 | AbbVie, Inc. | 5,500,851 | ||
10,240 | * | Allergan, PLC | 2,783,334 | |
90,800 | Baxalta, Inc. | 2,861,108 | ||
45,100 | Baxter International, Inc. | 1,481,535 | ||
20,000 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 1,963,800 | ||
52,400 | GlaxoSmithKline, PLC (ADR) | 2,014,780 | ||
104,400 | Johnson & Johnson | 9,745,740 | ||
22,000 | McKesson Corporation | 4,070,660 | ||
55,094 | Medtronic, PLC | 3,687,992 | ||
185,211 | Merck & Company, Inc. | 9,147,571 | ||
18,400 | Perrigo Company, PLC | 2,893,768 | ||
404,224 | Pfizer, Inc. | 12,696,676 | ||
25,500 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 3,118,140 | ||
51,952 | Zoetis, Inc. | 2,139,383 | ||
65,858,930 | ||||
Industrials—10.4% | ||||
28,600 | 3M Company | 4,054,622 | ||
37,000 | A.O. Smith Corporation | 2,412,030 | ||
33,000 | Altra Industrial Motion Corporation | 762,960 | ||
45,000 | Eaton Corporation, PLC | 2,308,500 | ||
15,000 | G&K Services, Inc. – Class “A” | 999,300 | ||
30,000 | * | Generac Holdings, Inc. | 902,700 | |
17,800 | General Dynamics Corporation | 2,455,510 | ||
396,400 | General Electric Company | 9,997,208 | ||
61,900 | Honeywell International, Inc. | 5,861,311 | ||
40,000 | Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (ETF) | 1,995,600 | ||
91,450 | ITT Corporation | 3,057,174 | ||
72,000 | KAR Auction Services, Inc. | 2,556,000 | ||
19,000 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | 3,938,890 | ||
20,000 | Ryder System, Inc. | 1,480,800 | ||
20,000 | Snap-On, Inc. | 3,018,800 | ||
64,075 | Tyco International, PLC | 2,143,950 | ||
46,700 | United Parcel Service, Inc. – Class “B” | 4,608,823 | ||
37,500 | United Technologies Corporation | 3,337,125 | ||
55,891,303 | ||||
Information Technology—10.2% | ||||
59,900 | Apple, Inc. | 6,606,970 | ||
28,600 | Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | 2,298,296 | ||
15,000 | Avago Technologies, Ltd. | 1,875,150 |
127 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
EQUITY INCOME FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Information Technology (continued) | ||||
342,100 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | $ 8,980,125 | ||
105,000 | EMC Corporation | 2,536,800 | ||
244,700 | Intel Corporation | 7,375,258 | ||
105,000 | Juniper Networks, Inc. | 2,699,550 | ||
37,000 | Lexmark International Group, Inc. – Class “A” | 1,072,260 | ||
86,600 | Mentor Graphics Corporation | 2,132,958 | ||
46,800 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | 1,492,920 | ||
62,600 | Microchip Technology, Inc. | 2,697,434 | ||
225,000 | Microsoft Corporation | 9,958,500 | ||
52,800 | QUALCOMM, Inc. | 2,836,944 | ||
39,200 | TE Connectivity, Ltd. | 2,347,688 | ||
54,910,853 | ||||
Materials—3.5% | ||||
36,600 | Cytec Industries, Inc. | 2,702,910 | ||
96,900 | Dow Chemical Company | 4,108,560 | ||
47,600 | DuPont (E.I.) de Nemours & Company | 2,294,320 | ||
95,900 | International Paper Company | 3,624,061 | ||
31,700 | LyondellBasell Industries NV – Class “A” | 2,642,512 | ||
45,000 | Olin Corporation | 756,450 | ||
47,900 | WestRock Company | 2,463,976 | ||
18,592,789 | ||||
Telecommunication Services—3.2% | ||||
226,730 | AT&T, Inc. | 7,386,865 | ||
226,800 | Verizon Communications, Inc. | 9,868,068 | ||
17,254,933 | ||||
Utilities—5.3% | ||||
64,500 | American Electric Power Company, Inc. | 3,667,470 | ||
140,000 | CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 2,525,600 | ||
40,000 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | 2,815,200 | ||
40,000 | Duke Energy Corporation | 2,877,600 | ||
93,000 | Exelon Corporation | 2,762,100 | ||
30,100 | NextEra Energy, Inc. | 2,936,255 | ||
64,000 | Portland General Electric Company | 2,366,080 | ||
155,000 | PPL Corporation | 5,097,950 | ||
76,200 | Vectren Corporation | 3,201,162 | ||
28,249,417 | ||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $396,245,972) | 493,948,511 |
128 |
Shares or | |||||||
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.6% | |||||||
Financials—1.3% | |||||||
800 | Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Series A, 5.5%, 2049 | $ 782,000 | |||||
50,500 | Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Series G (REIT), 5.875%, 2049 | 1,185,235 | |||||
102,800 | JPMorgan Chase & Company, Series Y, 6.125%, 2020 | 2,582,336 | |||||
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. (REIT): | |||||||
46,000 | Series F, 7.125%, 2049 | 1,209,800 | |||||
49,000 | Series G, 6.75%, 2049 | 1,254,155 | |||||
7,013,526 | |||||||
Health Care—.3% | |||||||
1,600 | Allergan, PLC, Series A, 5.5%, 2018 | 1,509,536 | |||||
Total Value of Preferred Stocks (cost $8,621,346) | 8,523,062 | ||||||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—5.9% | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
$14,000M | 0.03%, 10/21/2015 | 13,999,846 | |||||
7,000M | 0.035%, 10/27/2015 | 6,999,902 | |||||
7,000M | 0.05%, 11/5/2015 | 6,999,629 | |||||
3,000M | 0.06%, 10/9/2015 | 2,999,988 | |||||
1,000M | 0.095%, 10/7/2015 | 999,997 | |||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government | |||||||
Agency Obligations (cost $31,999,194) | 31,999,362 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $436,866,512) | 99.4 | % | 534,470,935 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | .6 | 2,972,683 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $537,443,618 |
* | Non-income producing | |
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
ADR | American Depositary Receipts | |
ETF | Exchange Traded Fund | |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
129 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
EQUITY INCOME FUND
September 30, 2015
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 493,948,511 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 493,948,511 | ||||
Preferred Stocks | 8,523,062 | — | — | 8,523,062 | ||||||||
Short-Tem U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Agency Obligations | — | 31,999,362 | — | 31,999,362 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | 502,471,573 | $ | 31,999,362 | $ | — | $ | 534,470,935 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for common stocks |
and preferred stocks. | |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
130 | See notes to financial statements |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Growth & Income Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –5.62% for Class A shares, –6.33% for Class B shares, –5.24% for Advisor Class shares and –5.27% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 18.6 cents per share for Class A shares, 4.1 cents per share for Class B shares, 23.9 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 24.5 cents per share for Institutional Class shares. In addition, the Fund distributed capital gains of $1.045 per share on each class of shares.
During the period under review, the Fund’s results were driven by a challenging market environment, with heightened volatility during the beginning and ending of the year under review. While macro trends indicated a continuation of the gradually improving economic conditions in the U.S., potential changes in policy from the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) hung over the markets for most of the past year, keeping stock market returns in check. Increased global economic and market volatility, from countries as diverse as China and Greece, also weighed on the Fund, as any direct or indirect exposure was affected. Many multinational companies also faced significant currency headwinds, as the U.S. Dollar rallied nearly 15% in the past year against most major global currencies.
While U.S. corporate earnings growth has remained positive, absolute rates of growth have decelerated to a low single digit percentage from the past years’ faster rates of growth. Market valuations have also reached a level where positive re-ratings cannot be supported without robust earnings growth performance continuing. As such, market breadth has narrowed, creating fewer winners and concentrating performance on a lower quantity of high profile names, sectors and strategies.
This fiscal year’s market results had a negative tone overall, with most broad market indices posting results in the red for the period under review. Small- and mid-cap strategies did outperform larger capitalization stocks on a relative basis, as did “growth” style investing over “value”. Dividend-paying stocks were particularly weak, as the rise in U.S. Treasury bond yields for most of the past year caused investors to sell dividend-focused equities and reallocate towards fixed income where returns are more predictable. Investors tended away from companies with consistent profitability, earnings growth, and solid balance sheets in favor of more shorter-term trading characteristics. Price and technical momentum factors drove outperformance. Mergers and acquisitions activity remained robust though, amid low rates, a healthy appetite for fixed income, and continued to drive strong performance, especially in the Healthcare and Utilities sectors.
These conditions produced a challenging and ultimately disappointing year for the Fund on an absolute basis, which continued to invest across all market capitalization segments,
131 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter (continued)
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
allocating 70% of its holdings to large-cap, 16% to mid-cap and 14% to small-cap stocks (ranges defined by Lipper) as of September 30, 2015.
Given that backdrop, it is not surprising that the Fund’s longtime strategy struggled and underperformed its benchmark for the period under review. The Fund’s large-, mid- and small-cap segments all provided negative returns. The large-cap segments performance was in line with the benchmark on a relative basis, while the small- and mid-cap segments underperformed. The Fund saw weakness across the board, with all sectors except Telecommunications and Basic Materials underperforming.
While there were individual investments which benefited the Fund from the Healthcare, Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors, the Fund suffered from broadly weaker stock selection relative to the benchmark most notably in: Healthcare, Industrials, Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary. The Fund also underperformed the Financials sector due to stock selection issues and underweighting versus peers. Another factor affecting relative performance was the narrowing of breadth as noted above. Not owning select names played a greater part in this year’s performance variance than in the past. Finally, dividend-paying stocks also underperformed, a key longtime strategy of the Growth & Income Fund. The Fund has maintained a 90%+ weighting toward stocks which pay dividends.
Among the positives, while there were few, they were notable. Within Consumer Discretionary, shares of long-term holding L Brands, owner of the Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works retail chains rose 41% on strong sales and earnings and a special dividend. Automotive component makers Delphi Automotive and Lear Corporation rallied 26% and 27%, respectively on increased dollar content per vehicle and greater new car sales worldwide. Within Technology, shares of Avago Technologies rose 45% on increased smartphone component sales and its acquisitions of competitors Broadcom and Emulex. Likewise, chip maker NXP Semiconductors rallied 27% on its semiconductor content improvements and merger with competitor, Freescale. In Healthcare, shares of Omnicare, a provider of pharmacy services to nursing homes rose 59% on its being acquired by CVS Caremark. Shares of Cytec, a specialty fiber and composites manufacturer rallied 58% on its receipt of a takeover offer from European chemical firm, Solvay.
Among the reasons for negative sector performance, the Fund’s Healthcare exposure was hurt by its larger-cap pharmaceutical and biotech holdings. Shares of Gilead Sciences (the Fund’s largest holding) was down 7% despite robust earnings and a bright outlook. Worries about competition for its Hepatitis C drugs and lack of visibility in the near term R&D pipeline, weighed on shares. Additionally, shares of Johnson & Johnson, Merck, AbbVie and Mylan also similarly weighed on Fund performance despite solid fundamentals.
132 |
Within Industrials, firms with exposure to the Energy sector faced challenges growing their earnings. Shares of tank-car maker Greenbrier, which fell 55%, benefited from the flow of oil from areas where it was transported by rail, namely the Bakken basin. However the sharp drop in prices has curtailed production from those wells creating a glut of unused tank cars, despite new regulations on tank-car safety prompting fleet upgrades. Additionally, the Fund’s holdings of Tyco International, ITT Corporation and Altra Holdings were weaker during the year as they sell components and services to the Energy space as part of their diversified conglomerate structure and are facing modest near-term headwinds.
Within the Consumer Staples sector, shares of Tupperware faced the challenges of a global enterprise. With only 25% of their sales in North America, Tupperware has been hurt by the strong U.S. dollar. While local sales and earnings have performed well, when converted back to U.S. currency, earnings look like they are lower. The shares have sold off 25% over the past year.
Among Consumer Discretionary names, shares of CBS Corporation traded lower by 25% on fears that traditional network TV was losing market share and advertising revenues. This despite its strong primetime ratings and solid cash flows. Automotive component makers Johnson Controls and Borg Warner traded lower despite robust global car sales. These stocks got caught up in the Chinese market and economic meltdown, as investors feared about auto sales in that market. This sector was also most notably hurt by our lack of exposure to certain names. We did not own shares of Nike, Amazon, Starbucks and Netflix, as they did not meet our investment criteria. Most years this would not be an issue. However, not owning these stocks this year did impact the Fund’s performance meaningfully in a negative fashion.
Financials were also a source of underperformance. We have maintained an underweight versus the benchmark over the past several years, as increased regulatory scrutiny has limited profit. The underweighting versus the benchmark hurt the Fund again this year. We have gradually increased our exposures over the past year, from 9.7% to 11% this year. Disappointing performance from credit card issuers Discover Financial and American Express, down 18% and 14% respectively, impacted the Fund’s results. Additionally, shares of Ameriprise traded lower by 9.8% on potential negative implications from new Department of Labor fiduciary standards for financial representatives that have been proposed.
Thank you for your patience as we work through a difficult market environment. Our goal has been to stay true to our long-term investment approach. Changing one’s strategy every year to meet the short term is never a good thing. This past year has been
133 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter (continued)
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
a challenge for this investment style. While it would be easy to capitulate, and buy the current strategy in favor, we have not wavered. We have maintained our discipline and continue to focus on the long-term horizon with the goal of providing you solid results over time consistent with what you have been accustomed to in the past.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
134 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.15% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 894.28 | $5.43 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.20 | $5.79 | |
Class B Shares | 1.92% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 891.02 | $9.05 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,015.36 | $9.65 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.75% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 896.03 | $3.55 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.19 | $3.78 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.76% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 896.12 | $3.59 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.14 | $3.83 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
135 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Growth & Income Fund (Class A shares) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Growth & Income Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (the “Index”). The Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of such stocks, which represent all major industries. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
136 |
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Advisor Class and Institutional Class were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Advisor Class, the “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 8.23%. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 8.30%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Standard & Poor’s and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 10.69%.
137 |
Portfolio of Investments
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—98.0% | ||||
Consumer Discretionary—17.0% | ||||
700,000 | American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. | $ 10,941,000 | ||
260,000 | BorgWarner, Inc. | 10,813,400 | ||
425,000 | CBS Corporation – Class “B” | 16,957,500 | ||
305,000 | Delphi Automotive, PLC | 23,192,200 | ||
200,000 | Finish Line, Inc. – Class “A” | 3,860,000 | ||
175,000 | Foot Locker, Inc. | 12,594,750 | ||
675,000 | Ford Motor Company | 9,159,750 | ||
99,900 | GNC Holdings, Inc. – Class “A” | 4,037,958 | ||
250,000 | Hanesbrands, Inc. | 7,235,000 | ||
115,000 | Harman International Industries, Inc. | 11,038,850 | ||
180,000 | Home Depot, Inc. | 20,788,200 | ||
405,600 | * | Jarden Corporation | 19,825,728 | |
365,000 | Johnson Controls, Inc. | 15,096,400 | ||
200,000 | L Brands, Inc. | 18,026,000 | ||
200,000 | Lear Corporation | 21,756,000 | ||
148,400 | Magna International, Inc. | 7,124,684 | ||
360,000 | Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | 14,295,600 | ||
191,000 | Penske Automotive Group, Inc. | 9,252,040 | ||
401,700 | Stein Mart, Inc. | 3,888,456 | ||
300,000 | Tupperware Brands Corporation | 14,847,000 | ||
160,000 | Walt Disney Company | 16,352,000 | ||
50,000 | Whirlpool Corporation | 7,363,000 | ||
55,000 | Wyndham Worldwide Corporation | 3,954,500 | ||
282,400,016 | ||||
Consumer Staples—9.6% | ||||
450,000 | Altria Group, Inc. | 24,480,000 | ||
360,000 | Coca-Cola Company | 14,443,200 | ||
270,000 | CVS Health Corporation | 26,049,600 | ||
192,400 | Delhaize Group (ADR) | 4,257,812 | ||
200,000 | * | Koninklijke Ahold NV (ADR) | 3,898,000 | |
90,300 | Nielsen Holdings, PLC | 4,015,641 | ||
375,000 | Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. – Class “A” | 15,480,000 | ||
165,000 | PepsiCo, Inc. | 15,559,500 | ||
295,000 | Philip Morris International, Inc. | 23,402,350 | ||
105,000 | Procter & Gamble Company | 7,553,700 | ||
253,800 | Tyson Foods, Inc. – Class “A” | 10,938,780 | ||
160,000 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | 10,374,400 | ||
160,452,983 |
138 |
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Energy—6.3% | ||||
138,000 | Anadarko Petroleum Corporation | $ 8,333,820 | ||
35,000 | Chevron Corporation | 2,760,800 | ||
81,200 | Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc. | 1,485,148 | ||
230,000 | ConocoPhillips | 11,030,800 | ||
245,000 | Devon Energy Corporation | 9,087,050 | ||
200,000 | ExxonMobil Corporation | 14,870,000 | ||
100,000 | Hess Corporation | 5,006,000 | ||
6,920 | Hugoton Royalty Trust | 20,414 | ||
300,000 | Marathon Oil Corporation | 4,620,000 | ||
354,498 | Marathon Petroleum Corporation | 16,423,892 | ||
90,000 | National Oilwell Varco, Inc. | 3,388,500 | ||
100,000 | Occidental Petroleum Corporation | 6,615,000 | ||
115,000 | Phillips 66 | 8,836,600 | ||
48,300 | Schlumberger, Ltd. | 3,331,251 | ||
350,200 | Suncor Energy, Inc. | 9,357,344 | ||
105,166,619 | ||||
Financials—12.3% | ||||
120,000 | ACE, Ltd. | 12,408,000 | ||
250,000 | American Express Company | 18,532,500 | ||
150,000 | Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 16,369,500 | ||
532,500 | Brixmor Property Group, Inc. (REIT) | 12,503,100 | ||
145,000 | Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | 3,459,700 | ||
300,000 | Discover Financial Services | 15,597,000 | ||
450,000 | Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (ETF) | 10,197,000 | ||
50,000 | iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ETF) | 6,830,500 | ||
100,000 | iShares Russell 2000 ETF (ETF) | 10,920,000 | ||
396,730 | JPMorgan Chase & Company | 24,188,628 | ||
56,300 | Morgan Stanley | 1,773,450 | ||
150,000 | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | 13,380,000 | ||
40,000 | SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (ETF) | 7,665,200 | ||
250,000 | SPDR S&P Regional Banking (ETF) | 10,295,000 | ||
486,339 | Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (REIT) | 6,434,265 | ||
355,000 | U.S. Bancorp | 14,558,550 | ||
400,000 | Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. – Class “A” (REIT) | 7,496,000 | ||
237,050 | Wells Fargo & Company | 12,172,518 | ||
204,780,911 |
139 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Health Care—18.1% | ||||
400,000 | Abbott Laboratories | $ 16,088,000 | ||
335,000 | AbbVie, Inc. | 18,227,350 | ||
95,000 | * | Allergan, PLC | 25,821,950 | |
240,000 | Baxalta, Inc. | 7,562,400 | ||
175,000 | Baxter International, Inc. | 5,748,750 | ||
170,000 | Cardinal Health, Inc. | 13,059,400 | ||
160,000 | * | Express Scripts Holding Company | 12,953,600 | |
320,000 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 31,420,800 | ||
200,500 | Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | 10,423,995 | ||
270,625 | Johnson & Johnson | 25,262,844 | ||
9,375 | * | Mallinckrodt, PLC | 599,438 | |
70,900 | McKesson Corporation | 13,118,627 | ||
167,960 | Medtronic, PLC | 11,243,242 | ||
325,000 | Merck & Company, Inc. | 16,051,750 | ||
350,000 | * | Mylan NV | 14,091,000 | |
869,301 | Pfizer, Inc. | 27,304,744 | ||
240,000 | Phibro Animal Health Corporation – Class “A” | 7,591,200 | ||
260,000 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 31,792,800 | ||
246,800 | * | VWR Corporation | 6,340,292 | |
168,905 | Zoetis, Inc. | 6,955,508 | ||
301,657,690 | ||||
Industrials—8.5% | ||||
140,000 | 3M Company | 19,847,800 | ||
255,000 | Altra Industrial Motion Corporation | 5,895,600 | ||
77,000 | Caterpillar, Inc. | 5,032,720 | ||
200,000 | * | Generac Holdings, Inc. | 6,018,000 | |
250,000 | General Electric Company | 6,305,000 | ||
209,700 | Honeywell International, Inc. | 19,856,493 | ||
226,700 | ITT Corporation | 7,578,581 | ||
20,000 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | 4,146,200 | ||
189,700 | Ryder System, Inc. | 14,045,388 | ||
90,000 | Snap-On, Inc. | 13,584,600 | ||
125,100 | * | TAL International Group, Inc. | 1,710,117 | |
149,600 | Textainer Group Holdings, Ltd. | 2,466,904 | ||
361,200 | Textron, Inc. | 13,595,568 | ||
275,000 | Tyco International, PLC | 9,201,500 | ||
140,000 | United Technologies Corporation | 12,458,600 | ||
141,743,071 |
140 |
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Information Technology—19.1% | ||||
310,000 | Apple, Inc. | $ 34,193,000 | ||
350,000 | * | ARRIS Group, Inc. | 9,089,500 | |
160,000 | Avago Technologies, Ltd. | 20,001,600 | ||
900,000 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | 23,625,000 | ||
200,000 | * | eBay, Inc. | 4,888,000 | |
850,000 | EMC Corporation | 20,536,000 | ||
475,000 | Hewlett-Packard Company | 12,164,750 | ||
583,775 | Intel Corporation | 17,594,979 | ||
151,425 | International Business Machines Corporation | 21,952,082 | ||
555,000 | Juniper Networks, Inc. | 14,269,050 | ||
625,000 | Mentor Graphics Corporation | 15,393,750 | ||
290,900 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | 9,279,710 | ||
625,000 | Microsoft Corporation | 27,662,500 | ||
140,000 | * | NXP Semiconductors NV | 12,189,800 | |
350,000 | Oracle Corporation | 12,642,000 | ||
180,000 | * | PTC, Inc. | 5,713,200 | |
220,000 | * | Qorvo, Inc. | 9,911,000 | |
250,000 | QUALCOMM, Inc. | 13,432,500 | ||
455,500 | Symantec Corporation | 8,868,585 | ||
158,300 | * | Synaptics, Inc. | 13,053,418 | |
150,000 | TE Connectivity, Ltd. | 8,983,500 | ||
75,000 | * | Yahoo!, Inc. | 2,168,250 | |
317,612,174 | ||||
Materials—3.2% | ||||
200,000 | Cytec Industries, Inc. | 14,770,000 | ||
210,000 | International Paper Company | 7,935,900 | ||
40,000 | Praxair, Inc. | 4,074,400 | ||
135,000 | RPM International, Inc. | 5,655,150 | ||
247,400 | * | Trinseo SA | 6,246,850 | |
295,000 | WestRock Company | 15,174,800 | ||
53,857,100 | ||||
Telecommunication Services—2.1% | ||||
500,000 | AT&T, Inc. | 16,290,000 | ||
425,000 | Verizon Communications, Inc. | 18,491,750 | ||
34,781,750 |
141 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares or | |||||||
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Utilities—1.8% | |||||||
109,600 | AGL Resources, Inc. | $ 6,689,984 | |||||
450,000 | * | Dynegy, Inc. | 9,301,500 | ||||
425,000 | Exelon Corporation | 12,622,500 | |||||
81,200 | NiSource, Inc. | 1,506,260 | |||||
30,120,244 | |||||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $1,134,388,526) | 1,632,572,558 | ||||||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—2.0% | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
$ 6,000M | 0.04%, 10/27/2015 | 5,999,916 | |||||
3,000M | 0.06%, 10/9/2015 | 2,999,988 | |||||
9,000M | 0.06%, 11/9/2015 | 8,999,460 | |||||
13,000M | 0.095%, 10/7/2015 | 12,999,961 | |||||
2,500M | 0.127%, 10/14/2015 | 2,499,982 | |||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government | |||||||
Agency Obligations (cost $33,498,881) | �� | 33,499,307 | |||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $1,167,887,407) | 100.0 | % | 1,666,071,865 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | .0 | 656,315 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $1,666,728,180 |
* | Non-income producing | |
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
ADR | American Depositary Receipts | |
ETF | Exchange Traded Fund | |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
142 |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 1,632,572,558 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,632,572,558 | ||||
Short-Term U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Agency Obligations | — | 33,499,307 | — | 33,499,307 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | 1,632,572,558 | $ | 33,499,307 | $ | — | $ | 1,666,071,865 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for common stocks. |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
See notes to financial statements | 143 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
GLOBAL FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Global Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund outperformed the MSCI ACWI Index, returning 0.87% for Class A shares, 0.09% for Class B shares, 1.37% for Advisor Class shares and 1.37% for Institutional Class shares, on a net asset value basis. The Fund distributed capital gains of $1.514 per share for each class of shares.
Accommodative global monetary policy continued to be a central theme in late 2014 and early 2015. The Bank of Japan unexpectedly expanded its quantitative easing (“QE”) policy and the People’s Bank of China surprised markets with its first rate cut in two years. Investors cheered after the European Central Bank over-delivered on already-high expectations with its bold announcement of an open-ended sovereign QE program to combat record-low inflation and stimulate growth in Europe. Late in the second quarter of 2015, the Greek debt crisis took center stage. Despite the default and fears of contagion among the European peripheral countries, global economic data remained constructive, with continued signs of a gradual recovery in the U.S. and Europe. A continued boom in corporate takeovers also fueled bullish sentiment.
Global investors breathed a collective sigh of relief after the Greek parliament approved the tough austerity measures and German lawmakers voted in favor of starting negotiations on Greece’s third bailout package. However, investor fears were amplified in mid-August when China unexpectedly devalued its currency, triggering concerns about global disinflationary trends, a weaker-than-anticipated global growth backdrop, and a competitive currency-devaluation race. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to leave policy rates unchanged in September, coupled with an unexpectedly dovish policy statement, led to concerns about the U.S. economy.
Within the MSCI All Country World Index, only three of the ten sectors posted positive absolute returns. Consumer Discretionary (+5.2%), Consumer Staples (+3.1%), and Healthcare (+3.0%) sectors led the Index, while the Energy (–33.3%), Materials (–23.1%), and Telecommunications Services (–7.9%) sectors lagged the broader market. On a regional basis, only the Developed Middle East (+3.13%) posted positive absolute results for the review period. Japan (–1.9%) and North America (–2.2%) declined the least, while Emerging Markets (–19.0%) and Emerging Middle East (–17.9%) lagged.
The Fund’s relative outperformance was primarily due to strong security selection within Industrials, Financials, Healthcare, Consumer Discretionary, and Materials sectors, which more than offset weaker stock selection in the Energy sector.
Sector allocation, a residual result of our bottom-up stock selection process, also contributed positively to relative returns. Underweight allocations to the weaker-performing Energy and Materials sectors and an overweight allocation to the stronger Healthcare sector contributed to relative outperformance. An underweight to the stronger performing Consumer Staples
144 |
sector partially offset these positive relative results. On a regional basis, security selection within North America and Europe ex UK drove relative outperformance, more than offsetting weaker selection within Emerging Markets. Regional allocation was also additive.
Top contributors to relative performance included biopharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, stock and futures exchange Hong Kong Exchange, and e-commerce company, Amazon.
The largest detractors from relative performance included American oil and gas exploration company Anadarko Petroleum, Greek bank Alpha Bank, and South Korean memory semiconductor supplier SK Hynix.
From a regional perspective, we were underweight in the Emerging Markets countries. Our positioning remained mostly concentrated in China and India, and aside from the heightened volatility, we are comfortable with the companies we own and have selectively added where appropriate. We also remained favorable toward some of the Indian financial stocks as technology has begun to deliver tangible benefits to the banks and cyclical improvements in the economy are helping to reduce the flow of problem loans. Additionally, the Fund maintained an overweight in North America. At the end of the review period, the portfolio’s largest overweight allocations relative to the Index were in the Healthcare, Consumer Discretionary, and Information Technology sectors, while the largest underweight positions were in the Energy, Materials, and Utilities sectors.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
145 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
GLOBAL FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.45% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 933.16 | $ 6.99 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,017.70 | $ 7.29 | |
Class B Shares | 2.24% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 929.36 | $10.77 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,013.76 | $11.25 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 1.04% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 935.20 | $ 5.02 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.74 | $ 5.24 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 1.01% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 935.44 | $ 4.87 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.89 | $ 5.09 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
146 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
GLOBAL FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Global Fund (Class A shares) and the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) All Country World Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Global Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the MSCI All Country World Index (the “Index”). The Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging market country indices. The Index consists of 45 country indices including 24 developed and 21 emerging market country indices. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested.
147 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
GLOBAL FUND
Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (5.00%), 6.55% and 4.39%, respectively. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (3.17%), 6.72% and 4.33%, respectively. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 1.32% and 8.48%, respectively. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 1.32% and 8.63%, respectively. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 5.07%.
148 |
Portfolio of Investments
GLOBAL FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—96.4% | ||||
United States—64.8% | ||||
62,820 | Accenture, PLC – Class “A” | $ 6,172,693 | ||
20,080 | Advance Auto Parts, Inc. | 3,805,762 | ||
40,340 | * | Alkermes, PLC | 2,366,748 | |
41,940 | * | Allergan, PLC | 11,399,711 | |
13,110 | * | Alliance Data Systems Corporation | 3,395,228 | |
17,131 | * | Amazon.com, Inc. | 8,769,188 | |
97,770 | American Airlines Group, Inc. | 3,796,409 | ||
46,257 | American International Group, Inc. | 2,628,323 | ||
109,835 | Anadarko Petroleum Corporation | 6,632,936 | ||
20,670 | Apple, Inc. | 2,279,901 | ||
737,280 | Bank of America Corporation | 11,486,822 | ||
41,780 | Becton, Dickinson & Company | 5,542,535 | ||
7,430 | * | Biogen, Inc. | 2,168,148 | |
16,081 | BlackRock, Inc. | 4,783,615 | ||
229,700 | Bristol-Myers Squibb Company | 13,598,240 | ||
153,680 | * | CBRE Group, Inc. – Class “A” | 4,917,760 | |
5,388 | * | Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | 3,880,707 | |
167,359 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | 4,393,174 | ||
99,410 | Delphi Automotive, PLC | 7,559,136 | ||
61,642 | Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. | 3,020,458 | ||
44,270 | Edison International | 2,792,109 | ||
56,820 | Eli Lilly & Company | 4,755,266 | ||
25,400 | * | Envestnet, Inc. | 761,238 | |
29,160 | Equifax, Inc. | 2,833,769 | ||
113,357 | Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. – Class “A” | 9,145,643 | ||
49,980 | * | Facebook, Inc. – Class “A” | 4,493,202 | |
47,100 | Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. | 2,235,837 | ||
36,874 | Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 6,407,226 | ||
18,365 | * | Google, Inc. – Class “C” | 11,173,633 | |
72,301 | Halliburton Company | 2,555,840 | ||
63,866 | Harley-Davidson, Inc. | 3,506,243 | ||
35,230 | * | HCA, Inc. | 2,725,393 | |
187,260 | Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. | 4,295,744 | ||
75,710 | Honeywell International, Inc. | 7,168,980 | ||
20,620 | * | Illumina Inc. | 3,625,408 | |
28,460 | IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. | 6,687,815 | ||
98,950 | Invesco, Ltd. | 3,090,209 | ||
28,077 | L Brands, Inc. | 2,530,580 | ||
27,540 | Manpower Group, Inc. | 2,255,251 | ||
12,785 | McKesson Corporation | 2,365,609 | ||
113,481 | Merck & Company, Inc. | 5,604,827 |
149 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
GLOBAL FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
United States (continued) | ||||
148,670 | * | Micron Technology, Inc. | $ 2,227,077 | |
243,784 | Microsoft Corporation | 10,789,880 | ||
191,731 | Mondelez International, Inc. – Class “A” | 8,027,777 | ||
35,490 | * | Monster Beverage Corporation | 4,796,119 | |
44,360 | Mylan NV | 1,785,934 | ||
154,915 | Nielsen Holdings, PLC | 6,889,070 | ||
69,510 | Northern Trust Corporation | 4,737,802 | ||
2,361 | * | Priceline.com, Inc. | 2,920,226 | |
9,320 | * | Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 4,335,105 | |
62,554 | Robert Half International, Inc. | 3,200,263 | ||
55,330 | * | SBA Communications Corporation – Class “A” | 5,795,264 | |
30,715 | * | Teledyne Technologies, Inc. | 2,773,564 | |
38,268 | * | United Continental Holdings, Inc. | 2,030,117 | |
62,635 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 7,266,286 | ||
32,367 | VF Corporation | 2,207,753 | ||
128,410 | Visa, Inc. | 8,945,041 | ||
22,973 | Vulcan Materials Company | 2,049,192 | ||
41,485 | * | WABCO Holdings, Inc. | 4,348,873 | |
32,128 | Western Digital Corporation | 2,552,248 | ||
103,538 | WisdomTree Investments, Inc. | 1,670,068 | ||
292,954,975 | ||||
Japan—6.7% | ||||
142,600 | Asics Corporation | 3,398,758 | ||
41,900 | Daito Trust Construction Company, Ltd. | 4,257,241 | ||
214,300 | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | 6,396,151 | ||
71,100 | M3, Inc. | 1,412,957 | ||
74,000 | Olympus Corporation | 2,308,675 | ||
162,850 | Seven & I Holdings Company, Ltd. | 7,431,360 | ||
119,000 | Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | 4,512,517 | ||
17,384 | Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. | 649,466 | ||
30,367,125 | ||||
France—5.3% | ||||
118,294 | Airbus Group SE | 7,005,414 | ||
147,478 | BNP Paribas SA | 8,682,682 | ||
36,601 | Essilor International SA | 4,471,509 | ||
169,930 | Orange SA | 2,576,027 | ||
10,808 | Valeo SA | 1,467,486 | ||
24,203,118 |
150 |
Shares | Security | Value | ||
China—3.5% | ||||
70,665 | * | Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (ADR) | $ 4,167,115 | |
18,562 | * | Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) | 2,550,604 | |
1,467,000 | China Life Insurance Co., Ltd. | 5,111,582 | ||
388,000 | ENN Energy Holdings, Ltd. | 1,868,507 | ||
1,102,000 | PICC Property and Casualty Company, Ltd. | 2,158,480 | ||
15,856,288 | ||||
United Kingdom—2.9% | ||||
79,491 | AstraZeneca, PLC | 5,041,190 | ||
519,043 | Sky, PLC | 8,211,772 | ||
13,252,962 | ||||
Germany—2.8% | ||||
22,311 | Beiersdorf AG | 1,977,680 | ||
42,373 | Brenntag AG | 2,286,197 | ||
258,380 | Vonovia SE | 8,316,270 | ||
12,580,147 | ||||
India—2.8% | ||||
164,821 | Axis Bank, Ltd. | 1,249,957 | ||
20,550 | HDFC Bank, Ltd. (ADR) | 1,255,399 | ||
1,654,938 | ICICI Bank Ltd. | 6,839,674 | ||
868,456 | State Bank of India | 3,150,408 | ||
12,495,438 | ||||
Netherlands—1.6% | ||||
180,473 | ING Groep NV – CVA | 2,551,019 | ||
53,031 | * | NXP Semiconductors NV | 4,617,409 | |
7,168,428 | ||||
Spain—1.0% | ||||
132,811 | Industria de Diseno Textil SA | 4,453,371 | ||
Belgium—.9% | ||||
37,797 | Anheuser-Busch InBev NV | 4,019,942 | ||
South Korea—.8% | ||||
135,529 | SK Hynix, Inc. | 3,865,358 |
151 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
GLOBAL FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares or | |||||||
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Sweden—.8% | |||||||
100,821 | Hennes & Mauritz AB – B Shares | $ 3,683,635 | |||||
Italy—.7% | |||||||
72,923 | Banca Generali SpA | 2,057,106 | |||||
196,277 | FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA | 1,304,383 | |||||
3,361,489 | |||||||
Mexico—.6% | |||||||
381,360 | * | Cemex SAB de CV | 2,665,706 | ||||
Canada—.6% | |||||||
134,500 | Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. | 2,621,465 | |||||
Hong Kong—.4% | |||||||
77,098 | Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd. | 1,768,705 | |||||
Switzerland—.2% | |||||||
18,606 | * | Julius Baer Group, Ltd. | 844,936 | ||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $435,757,015) | 436,163,088 | ||||||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—3.4% | |||||||
United States | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
$9,400M | 0.035%, 10/27/2015 | 9,399,868 | |||||
4,000M | 0.095%, 10/7/2015 | 3,999,988 | |||||
2,000M | 0.127%, 10/14/2015 | 1,999,986 | |||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government | |||||||
Agency Obligations (cost $15,399,607) | 15,399,842 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $451,156,622) | 99.8 | % | 451,562,930 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | .2 | 735,201 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $452,298,131 |
* | Non-income producing | |
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
ADR | American Depositary Receipts |
152 |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||
United States | $ | 292,954,975 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 292,954,975 | ||||
Japan | — | 30,367,125 | — | 30,367,125 | ||||||||
France | — | 24,203,118 | — | 24,203,118 | ||||||||
China | 6,717,719 | 9,138,569 | — | 15,856,288 | ||||||||
United Kingdom | — | 13,252,962 | — | 13,252,962 | ||||||||
Germany | — | 12,580,147 | — | 12,580,147 | ||||||||
India | 1,255,399 | 11,240,039 | — | 12,495,438 | ||||||||
Netherlands | — | 7,168,428 | — | 7,168,428 | ||||||||
Spain | — | 4,453,371 | — | 4,453,371 | ||||||||
Belgium | — | 4,019,942 | — | 4,019,942 | ||||||||
South Korea | — | 3,865,358 | — | 3,865,358 | ||||||||
Sweden | — | 3,683,635 | — | 3,683,635 | ||||||||
Italy | — | 3,361,489 | — | 3,361,489 | ||||||||
Mexico | 2,665,706 | — | — | 2,665,706 | ||||||||
Canada | 2,621,465 | — | — | 2,621,465 | ||||||||
Hong Kong | — | 1,768,705 | — | 1,768,705 | ||||||||
Switzerland | — | 844,936 | — | 844,936 | ||||||||
Short-Term U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Agency Obligations | — | 15,399,842 | — | 15,399,842 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | 306,215,264 | $ | 145,347,666 | $ | — | $ | 451,562,930 |
* | Includes certain foreign securities that were fair valued due to fluctuation in U.S. securities markets |
exceeding a predetermined level or a foreign market being closed; therefore, $129,947,824 of | |
investment securities were classified as Level 2 instead of Level 1. | |
Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities as of September 30, 2015 resulted from securities | |
priced previously with an official close price (Level 1 securities) or securities fair valued by the | |
Valuation Committee (Level 2 securities). Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 as of September 30, 2015 | |
were $48,217,418. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period. |
See notes to financial statements | 153 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
SELECT GROWTH FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Select Growth Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was 6.12% for Class A shares, 5.30% for Class B shares, 6.61% for Advisor Class shares and 6.56% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 0.1 cents per share for Class A shares, 0.8 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 1.5 cents per share for Institutional Class shares. The Fund did not declare dividends for Class B shares.
The Fund’s solid performance for the period was helped by finding companies that continue to deliver earnings in excess of expectations that still trade at reasonable valuations. While high growth by itself was not an attribute investors favored, unexpected growth factors such as positive estimate revisions and positive earnings surprises proved to be in demand. In a similar vein, deep value factors such as low price-to-book and high dividend yield were laggards during the year, but value measured by low price-to-earnings ratios were favored by investors. Thus, attributes that we favor while selecting stocks for the Fund were also preferred by the market during the fiscal year.
The market started the fiscal year with very strong performance that lasted for almost three quarters as several data points showed signs of improvement in the United States economy. A continuing improvement in the number of job-openings coupled with a firmer housing market, along with accommodative central bankers both domestically and abroad, allowed investors to feel more optimistic. But a correction in Chinese A-shares in June brought forth considerable uncertainty about the strength of the global economy. Also, a continual seesaw in language from various Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) sources created a guessing game in regards to the timing of the first rate hike in nine years. As a result, the fiscal third quarter ended with a gain of just a quarter of a percent, while the fourth quarter was dominated by a 9% correction in August and September.
The Fund’s solid performance for the fiscal year was helped by the Industrials and Healthcare sectors. In Industrials, Alaska Air Group delivered great earnings from both lower fuel costs and a continuing successful broadening of its route offerings into the lower 48 states. The stock also performed well during the previous fiscal year and added an 84% return this year to last year’s 41% gain. Railcar component manufacturer Wabtec was also a strong performer both years as demand for railcars remained robust. Its stock gained 18% this year to follow up last year’s 29% return. In the Healthcare sector, strong demand for diagnostic and surgical technology allowed Hologic to post a 22% gain. Also, the Fund took a position in clinical research provider Covance which resulted in a quick 28% gain when LabCorp acquired the company. After the
154 |
announcement, the Fund replaced the position with a similar company Quintiles Transnational, which posted a 21% return since purchase.
On the negative side, Consumer Discretionary was a challenging sector for the Fund. It was the best performing sector in the benchmark with a 13% return, and the Fund’s holdings did not keep pace. Although Starbucks and Home Depot gained an admirable 53% and 28%, respectively, losses in Garmin, Kohl’s, and Coach dominated. Garmin’s inability to capitalize on its superior products in the wearable fitness tracker segment resulted in shares declining 20% before the position was sold. Kohl’s disappointing store traffic, despite a multi-year rejuvenation program, saw the stock falter 32% before the Fund exited the position. Finally, Coach experienced sluggish international results, although a new head of design at the company has the fashion world looking at the brand with great anticipation. Its stock declined 31% during the fiscal year, but the Fund continues to hold the position.
We are pleased to have generated a solid return, both relative to the benchmark and in absolute terms, during the fiscal year. We continue to believe that equities should be able to generate healthy returns going forward as slow and steady economic growth should provide a solid foundation for strong earnings growth by the companies held by the Fund. We continue to believe our focus on high quality companies where earnings will exceed market expectations is the key to generating excess returns over the long term.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
155 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
SELECT GROWTH FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.25% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 943.27 | $ 6.06 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,018.70 | $ 6.29 | |
Class B Shares | 2.03% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 940.00 | $ 9.82 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,014.81 | $10.20 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.84% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 945.97 | $ 4.08 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.74 | $ 4.23 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.82% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 946.14 | $ 3.98 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.84 | $ 4.13 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
156 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
SELECT GROWTH FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Select Growth Fund (Class A shares) and the Russell 3000 Growth Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Select Growth Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the Russell 3000 Growth Index (the “Index”). The Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 3000 Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values (the Russell 3000 Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization). It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
157 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
SELECT GROWTH FUND
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Advisor Class and Institutional Class were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Advisor Class the “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 13.86%. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 14.05%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Frank Russell and Company and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 12.72%.
158 |
Portfolio of Investments
SELECT GROWTH FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—97.7% | ||||
Consumer Discretionary—16.3% | ||||
245,200 | Coach, Inc. | $ 7,093,636 | ||
594,800 | Gentex Corporation | 9,219,400 | ||
133,800 | Home Depot, Inc. | 15,452,562 | ||
93,100 | NIKE, Inc. – Class “B” | 11,448,507 | ||
254,400 | Starbucks Corporation | 14,460,096 | ||
119,000 | Wyndham Worldwide Corporation | 8,556,100 | ||
66,230,301 | ||||
Consumer Staples—9.1% | ||||
92,900 | Clorox Company | 10,732,737 | ||
95,700 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | 10,435,128 | ||
445,100 | Kroger Company | 16,054,757 | ||
37,222,622 | ||||
Energy—4.0% | ||||
43,000 | Chevron Corporation | 3,391,840 | ||
46,400 | ExxonMobil Corporation | 3,449,840 | ||
70,600 | Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | 3,336,556 | ||
191,200 | SM Energy Company | 6,126,048 | ||
16,304,284 | ||||
Financials—9.4% | ||||
237,100 | Bank of New York Mellon Corporation | 9,282,465 | ||
125,200 | Discover Financial Services | 6,509,148 | ||
42,800 | IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. | 10,057,572 | ||
53,800 | Travelers Companies, Inc. | 5,354,714 | ||
182,600 | Voya Financial, Inc. | 7,079,402 | ||
38,283,301 | ||||
Health Care—18.8% | ||||
52,100 | * | Allergan, PLC | 14,161,301 | |
44,900 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | 8,365,319 | ||
121,000 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 11,880,990 | ||
321,000 | * | Hologic, Inc. | 12,560,730 | |
55,900 | Johnson & Johnson | 5,218,265 | ||
68,600 | McKesson Corporation | 12,693,058 | ||
165,700 | * | Quintiles Transnational Holdings, Inc. | 11,527,749 | |
76,407,412 |
159 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
SELECT GROWTH FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares or | |||||||
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Industrials—14.5% | |||||||
209,900 | Alaska Air Group, Inc. | $ 16,676,555 | |||||
87,400 | Boeing Company | 11,445,030 | |||||
146,200 | C. H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | 9,909,436 | |||||
122,100 | Cintas Corporation | 10,470,075 | |||||
76,300 | General Dynamics Corporation | 10,525,585 | |||||
59,026,681 | |||||||
Information Technology—23.5% | |||||||
142,300 | Amdocs, Ltd. | 8,094,024 | |||||
84,700 | * | ANSYS, Inc. | 7,465,458 | ||||
191,200 | Apple, Inc. | 21,089,360 | |||||
326,900 | * | Aspen Technology, Inc. | 12,392,779 | ||||
359,000 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | 9,423,750 | |||||
76,700 | * | F5 Networks, Inc. | 8,881,860 | ||||
80,500 | FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | 12,864,705 | |||||
235,200 | Hewlett-Packard Company | 6,023,472 | |||||
370,100 | Juniper Networks, Inc. | 9,515,271 | |||||
95,750,679 | |||||||
Materials—2.1% | |||||||
100,000 | LyondellBasell Industries NV – Class “A” | 8,336,000 | |||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $307,868,888) | 397,561,280 | ||||||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—2.0% | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
$1,000M | 0.035%, 10/27/2015 | 999,986 | |||||
3,000M | 0.04%, 10/27/2015 | 2,999,958 | |||||
2,000M | 0.05%, 11/5/2015 | 1,999,894 | |||||
1,000M | 0.06%, 11/9/2015 | 999,940 | |||||
1,300M | 0.127%, 10/14/2015 | 1,299,990 | |||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government | |||||||
Agency Obligations (cost $8,299,666) | 8,299,768 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $316,168,554) | 99.7 | % | 405,861,048 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | .3 | 1,292,212 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $407,153,260 |
* | Non-income producing |
160 |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 397,561,280 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 397,561,280 | ||||
Short-Term U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Obligations | — | 8,299,768 | — | 8,299,768 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | 397,561,280 | $ | 8,299,768 | $ | — | $ | 405,861,048 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for common stocks. |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 and Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
See notes to financial statements | 161 |
Portfolio Managers’ Letter
OPPORTUNITY FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Opportunity Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –1.16% for Class A shares, –1.94% for Class B shares, –0.87% for Advisor Class shares and –0.74% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 6.2 cents per share for Class A shares, 8.5 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 20.0 cents per share for Institutional Class shares. The Fund did not declare dividends on Class B shares. In addition, the Fund distributed capital gains of $2.695 per share for each class of shares.
During the period under review, the Fund’s results were affected by market volatility and challenging macroeconomic conditions. Potential policy changes by the Federal Reserve Board, economic weakness in China and Greece, and a strengthening U.S. dollar were among the equity market’s notable overhangs. While domestic corporate earnings have continued to grow, they have also started to show signs of deceleration. The domestic equity markets need accelerating earnings growth to justify higher valuations. In such a market, market breadth narrows to fewer outperforming stocks and sectors. Not surprisingly then, most broad market indices are down this fiscal year.
Given that backdrop, it’s not surprising that the Fund underperformed the S&P 400 Mid-Cap Index. On a relative basis, sector weighting of the Financial sector, as well as stock selection in the Industrial sector, were the primary reasons for underperformance. For the year, the Fund carried a significant underweight in the Financial sector. Unfortunately, Financials turned out to be the S&P 400 Mid-Cap Index’s best performing sector. In the Industrials sector, Greenbrier Companies, Inc.—a maker of railroad freight cars in North America and Europe—suffered from an anticipated decline in crude oil moved by rail in North America.
Among positive contributors to relative performance, the Fund’s stock selection within the Utilities sector helped. AGL Resources—a natural gas utility operating in Georgia and southern Tennessee—agreed to be acquired by The Southern Company. Likewise, WEC Energy Group—an electric utility operating in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota—benefited from news that cost reductions from its acquisition of Integrys Energy Group may exceed expectations.
162 |
The Fund’s absolute performance was mainly attributable to investments in Information Technology and Healthcare. Among our Information Technology stocks, Avago Technologies Ltd—a maker of semiconductor components for smartphones and other end markets—made a well-received acquisition (LSI Corporation). It also reported strong-than-expected demand in the smartphone market. Among our healthcare stocks, Omnicare, Inc.—a provider of pharmaceutical services to the geriatric community—announced that it had agreed to be acquired by CVS Health Corporation.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
163 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
OPPORTUNITY FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.19% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 899.33 | $5.64 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.00 | $5.99 | |
Class B Shares | 1.96% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 895.86 | $9.26 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,015.16 | $9.85 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 0.91% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 900.67 | $4.31 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.39 | $4.58 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.78% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 901.27 | $3.70 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,021.04 | $3.93 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
164 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
OPPORTUNITY FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Opportunity Fund (Class A shares) and the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Opportunity Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index (the “Index”). The Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index of 400 stocks designed to measure performance of the mid-range sector of the U.S. stock market. It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
165 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
OPPORTUNITY FUND
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 11.18% and the Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 11.37%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Standard & Poor’s and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 8.69%.
166 |
Portfolio of Investments
OPPORTUNITY FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—92.8% | ||||
Consumer Discretionary—20.6% | ||||
600,000 | American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. | $ 9,378,000 | ||
175,000 | * | Belmond, Ltd. – Class “A” | 1,769,250 | |
1,000 | * | Bojangles’, Inc. | 16,900 | |
160,000 | BorgWarner, Inc. | 6,654,400 | ||
7,900 | CST Brands, Inc. | 265,914 | ||
235,000 | Delphi Automotive, PLC | 17,869,400 | ||
300,000 | Finish Line, Inc. – Class “A” | 5,790,000 | ||
130,000 | Foot Locker, Inc. | 9,356,100 | ||
39,900 | GNC Holdings, Inc. – Class “A” | 1,612,758 | ||
230,000 | Hanesbrands, Inc. | 6,656,200 | ||
75,000 | Harman International Industries, Inc. | 7,199,250 | ||
55,000 | * | Helen of Troy, Ltd. | 4,911,500 | |
255,600 | * | Jarden Corporation | 12,493,728 | |
90,000 | L Brands, Inc. | 8,111,700 | ||
120,000 | Lear Corporation | 13,053,600 | ||
230,000 | Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | 9,133,300 | ||
50,000 | Nordstrom, Inc. | 3,585,500 | ||
186,000 | Penske Automotive Group, Inc. | 9,009,840 | ||
25,000 | Ralph Lauren Corporation | 2,954,000 | ||
450,000 | Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. | 7,308,000 | ||
260,000 | * | ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. | 8,723,000 | |
326,600 | Stein Mart, Inc. | 3,161,488 | ||
420,000 | * | TRI Pointe Group, Inc. | 5,497,800 | |
215,000 | Tupperware Brands Corporation | 10,640,350 | ||
40,000 | Whirlpool Corporation | 5,890,400 | ||
425,000 | * | William Lyon Homes – Class “A” | 8,755,000 | |
25,000 | Wyndham Worldwide Corporation | 1,797,500 | ||
181,594,878 | ||||
Consumer Staples—6.0% | ||||
131,800 | Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. | 7,197,598 | ||
250,000 | Coty, Inc. – Class “A” | 6,765,000 | ||
267,900 | Delhaize Group (ADR) | 5,928,627 | ||
20,000 | McCormick & Company, Inc. | 1,643,600 | ||
257,500 | Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. – Class “A” | 10,629,600 | ||
217,500 | Pinnacle Foods, Inc. | 9,108,900 | ||
94,233 | Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. | 2,948,551 | ||
200,000 | Tyson Foods, Inc. – Class “A” | 8,620,000 | ||
52,841,876 |
167 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
OPPORTUNITY FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Energy—2.5% | ||||
69,000 | Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc. | $ 1,262,010 | ||
30,000 | * | Dril-Quip, Inc. | 1,746,600 | |
80,000 | EOG Resources, Inc. | 5,824,000 | ||
90,000 | EQT Corporation | 5,829,300 | ||
85,000 | Hess Corporation | 4,255,100 | ||
80,000 | National Oilwell Varco, Inc. | 3,012,000 | ||
21,929,010 | ||||
Financials—14.4% | ||||
65,000 | Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 7,093,450 | ||
220,000 | Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. | 6,058,800 | ||
308,600 | Brixmor Property Group, Inc. (REIT) | 7,245,928 | ||
182,000 | Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | 4,342,520 | ||
210,000 | Discover Financial Services | 10,917,900 | ||
150,000 | Douglas Emmett, Inc. (REIT) | 4,308,000 | ||
45,000 | Federal Realty Investment Trust (REIT) | 6,140,250 | ||
360,000 | Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (ETF) | 8,157,600 | ||
115,000 | First Republic Bank | 7,218,550 | ||
100,000 | iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ETF) | 13,661,000 | ||
116,000 | iShares Russell 2000 ETF (ETF) | 12,667,200 | ||
120,000 | Nasdaq, Inc. | 6,399,600 | ||
200,000 | National General Holdings Corporation | 3,858,000 | ||
150,000 | * | Realogy Holdings Corporation | 5,644,500 | |
225,000 | SPDR S&P Regional Banking (ETF) | 9,265,500 | ||
210,600 | Sterling Bancorp | 3,131,622 | ||
441,500 | Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (REIT) | 5,841,045 | ||
175,000 | Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. – Class “A” | 6,084,750 | ||
128,036,215 | ||||
Health Care—16.9% | ||||
37,000 | * | Alere, Inc. | 1,781,550 | |
95,000 | * | Allergan, PLC | 25,821,950 | |
80,000 | * | Centene Corporation | 4,338,400 | |
75,000 | DENTSPLY International, Inc. | 3,792,750 | ||
140,000 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 13,746,600 | ||
195,500 | Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | 10,164,045 | ||
169,000 | * | Lannett Company, Inc. | 7,016,880 | |
80,000 | McKesson Corporation | 14,802,400 | ||
95,000 | Perrigo Company, PLC | 14,940,650 | ||
285,000 | Phibro Animal Health Corporation – Class “A” | 9,014,550 |
168 |
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Health Care (continued) | ||||
375,000 | * | Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. | $ 16,935,000 | |
125,000 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 15,285,000 | ||
446,400 | * | VWR Corporation | 11,468,016 | |
149,107,791 | ||||
Industrials—10.1% | ||||
160,000 | A.O. Smith Corporation | 10,430,400 | ||
222,500 | Altra Industrial Motion Corporation | 5,144,200 | ||
50,000 | G&K Services, Inc. – Class “A” | 3,331,000 | ||
135,000 | * | Generac Holdings, Inc. | 4,062,150 | |
224,100 | ITT Corporation | 7,491,663 | ||
82,500 | J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | 5,890,500 | ||
85,200 | Nielsen Holdings, PLC | 3,788,844 | ||
65,000 | * | Nortek, Inc. | 4,115,150 | |
165,000 | Regal Beloit Corporation | 9,314,250 | ||
40,000 | Roper Industries, Inc. | 6,268,000 | ||
139,800 | Ryder System, Inc. | 10,350,792 | ||
75,000 | Snap-On, Inc. | 11,320,500 | ||
40,100 | * | TAL International Group, Inc. | 548,167 | |
185,000 | Textron, Inc. | 6,963,400 | ||
89,019,016 | ||||
Information Technology—12.5% | ||||
292,100 | * | ARRIS Group, Inc. | 7,585,837 | |
105,000 | Avago Technologies, Ltd. | 13,126,050 | ||
90,000 | * | Fiserv, Inc. | 7,794,900 | |
360,000 | Juniper Networks, Inc. | 9,255,600 | ||
100,000 | Lam Research Corporation | 6,533,000 | ||
400,000 | Mentor Graphics Corporation | 9,852,000 | ||
251,800 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | 8,032,420 | ||
255,000 | * | PTC, Inc. | 8,093,700 | |
160,000 | * | Qorvo, Inc. | 7,208,000 | |
275,000 | Symantec Corporation | 5,354,250 | ||
124,800 | * | Synaptics, Inc. | 10,291,008 | |
100,000 | TE Connectivity, Ltd. | 5,989,000 | ||
275,000 | Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (ETF) | 10,862,500 | ||
109,978,265 |
169 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
OPPORTUNITY FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares or | |||||||
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Materials—5.0% | |||||||
128,000 | Cytec Industries, Inc. | $ 9,452,800 | |||||
110,000 | International Paper Company | 4,156,900 | |||||
40,000 | Praxair, Inc. | 4,074,400 | |||||
55,000 | Sigma-Aldrich Corporation | 7,640,600 | |||||
287,400 | * | Trinseo SA | 7,256,850 | ||||
220,000 | WestRock Company | 11,316,800 | |||||
43,898,350 | |||||||
Utilities—4.8% | |||||||
154,500 | AGL Resources, Inc. | 9,430,680 | |||||
350,000 | * | Dynegy, Inc. | 7,234,500 | ||||
69,000 | NiSource, Inc. | 1,279,950 | |||||
144,800 | Portland General Electric Company | 5,353,256 | |||||
135,000 | SCANA Corporation | 7,595,100 | |||||
200,000 | WEC Energy Group, Inc. | 10,444,000 | |||||
41,337,486 | |||||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $592,493,807) | 817,742,887 | ||||||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—6.4% | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
$20,000M | 0.035%, 10/27/2015 | 19,999,720 | |||||
6,000M | 0.04%, 10/27/2015 | 5,999,916 | |||||
3,000M | 0.05%, 11/13/2015 | 2,999,802 | |||||
5,000M | 0.06%, 10/9/2015 | 4,999,980 | |||||
4,000M | 0.095%, 10/7/2015 | 3,999,988 | |||||
2,500M | 0.127%, 10/14/2015 | 2,499,982 | |||||
16,000M | Freddie Mac, 0.025%, 10/29/2015 | 15,999,744 | |||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government | |||||||
Agency Obligations (cost $56,498,586) | 56,499,132 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $648,992,393) | 99.2 | % | 874,242,019 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | .8 | 6,955,032 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $881,197,051 |
* | Non-income producing |
170 |
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
ADR | American Depositary Receipts | |
ETF | Exchange Traded Fund | |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 817,742,887 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 817,742,887 | ||||
Short-Term U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Agency Obligations | — | 56,499,132 | — | 56,499,132 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | 817,742,887 | $ | 56,499,132 | $ | — | $ | 874,242,019 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for common stocks. |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
See notes to financial statements | 171 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Special Situations Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was 0.12% for Class A shares, –0.67% for Class B shares, 0.46% for Advisor Class shares and 0.60% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 3.8 cents per share for Class A shares, 7.7 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 15.5 cents per share for Institutional Class shares. The Fund did not declare dividends on Class B shares. In addition, the Fund distributed capital gains of $1.425 per share for each class of shares.
The Fund’s absolute performance was mainly attributable to investments in healthcare stocks. Among healthcare stocks, Centene Corporation—a Medicaid managed care provider—reported better-than-expected results despite concerns that prescription drug costs and geographic expansion expenses would hurt profits. Additionally, Omnicare, Inc.—a provider of pharmaceutical services to the geriatric community—announced that it had agreed to be acquired by CVS Health Corporation.
On a relative basis, the Fund underperformed the Russell 2000 Index primarily due to investments in Industrial and Information Technology stocks. Among Industrial stocks, NCI Building Systems—a maker of metal products for low-rise buildings—has been impacted by ongoing softness in the nonresidential construction market. Among Information Technology stocks, Qorvo, Inc.—a maker of semiconductors for mobile devices—suffered from an unexpected drop-off in wireless infrastructure spending in China.
Among positive contributors to relative performance, the Fund’s stock selection within the Energy and Healthcare sectors helped. Among energy stocks held by the Fund, Western Refining—a crude oil refiner and marketer—benefited from strong gasoline demand and solid margins. Among healthcare stocks, Centene Corporation and Omnicare, Inc. both performed well for the reasons discussed above.
172 |
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
173 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.31% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 900.90 | $ 6.21 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,018.40 | $ 6.59 | |
Class B Shares | 2.11% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 897.50 | $ 9.98 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,014.41 | $10.60 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 1.01% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 902.56 | $ 4.79 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.89 | $ 5.09 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.87% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 903.19 | $ 4.13 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,020.59 | $ 4.38 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). Expenses paid during the | |
period are net of expenses waived. | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
174 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors Special Situations Fund (Class A shares) and the Russell 2000 Index.
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors Special Situations Fund (Class A shares) beginning 9/30/05 with a theoretical investment in the Russell 2000 Index (the “Index”). The Index is an unmanaged Index that measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in the Russell 3000 Index (which represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market). It is not possible to invest directly in this Index. In addition, the Index does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
175 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (5.66%), 9.98% and 6.73%, respectively. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years would have been (4.40%), 10.25% and 6.65%, respectively. The Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 0.45% and 8.40% respectively. The Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return for One Year and Since Inception would have been 0.59% and 7.31% respectively. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Index figures are from Frank Russell and Company and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
†The Index return is for ten years. The Index return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares is 8.69%.
176 |
Portfolio of Investments
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—91.3% | ||||
Consumer Discretionary—18.2% | ||||
170,000 | * | 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. – Class “A” | $ 1,547,000 | |
324,000 | American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. | 5,064,120 | ||
183,000 | * | Belmond, Ltd. – Class “A” | 1,850,130 | |
202,500 | * | Century Communities, Inc. | 4,019,625 | |
4,800 | CST Brands, Inc. | 161,568 | ||
126,000 | Entravision Communications Corporation – Class “A” | 836,640 | ||
144,000 | Finish Line, Inc. – Class “A” | 2,779,200 | ||
229,000 | * | Fox Factory Holding Corporation | 3,860,940 | |
175,000 | Hanesbrands, Inc. | 5,064,500 | ||
37,500 | Harman International Industries, Inc. | 3,599,625 | ||
158,000 | * | Jarden Corporation | 7,723,040 | |
117,000 | * | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | 2,812,680 | |
62,500 | Oxford Industries, Inc. | 4,617,500 | ||
97,500 | Penske Automotive Group, Inc. | 4,722,900 | ||
130,500 | * | Performance Sports Group, Ltd. | 1,751,310 | |
249,500 | Regal Entertainment Group – Class “A” | 4,663,155 | ||
316,500 | Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. | 5,139,960 | ||
179,500 | * | ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. | 6,022,225 | |
72,000 | * | Starz – Class “A” | 2,688,480 | |
219,000 | * | TRI Pointe Group, Inc. | 2,866,710 | |
78,000 | Tupperware Brands Corporation | 3,860,220 | ||
55,000 | * | Visteon Corporation | 5,568,200 | |
180,000 | * | William Lyon Homes – Class “A” | 3,708,000 | |
123,000 | Winnebago Industries, Inc. | 2,355,450 | ||
87,283,178 | ||||
Consumer Staples—2.7% | ||||
50,700 | Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. | 2,768,727 | ||
109,500 | Coty, Inc. – Class “A” | 2,963,070 | ||
112,000 | Pinnacle Foods, Inc. | 4,690,560 | ||
80,000 | Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. | 2,503,200 | ||
12,925,557 | ||||
Energy—1.7% | ||||
3,100 | * | Dril-Quip, Inc. | 180,482 | |
59,500 | iShares U.S. Energy ETF (ETF) | 2,042,040 | ||
140,000 | Western Refining, Inc. | 6,176,800 | ||
8,399,322 |
177 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Financials—22.1% | ||||
147,000 | American Financial Group, Inc. | $ 10,129,770 | ||
90,500 | Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd. | 4,205,535 | ||
125,500 | * | Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. | 2,321,750 | |
195,000 | Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. | 5,370,300 | ||
207,000 | Brixmor Property Group, Inc. (REIT) | 4,860,360 | ||
109,500 | Brown & Brown, Inc. | 3,391,215 | ||
166,000 | Douglas Emmett, Inc. (REIT) | 4,767,520 | ||
32,388 | Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd. | 1,976,640 | ||
84,500 | * | FCB Financial Holdings, Inc. – Class “A” | 2,756,390 | |
44,500 | Federal Realty Investment Trust (REIT) | 6,072,025 | ||
256,000 | FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc. (REIT) | 1,809,920 | ||
395,000 | Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (ETF) | 8,950,700 | ||
160,500 | * | Green Bancorp, Inc. | 1,839,330 | |
63,000 | iShares Russell 2000 ETF (ETF) | 6,879,600 | ||
164,000 | OceanFirst Financial Corporation | 2,824,080 | ||
54,000 | Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. | 2,651,940 | ||
66,500 | Simmons First National Corporation – Class “A” | 3,187,345 | ||
233,500 | SPDR S&P Regional Banking (ETF) | 9,615,530 | ||
422,500 | Sterling Bancorp | 6,282,575 | ||
401,500 | * | Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (REIT) | 5,536,685 | |
248,500 | Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (REIT) | 3,287,655 | ||
195,000 | TCF Financial Corporation | 2,956,200 | ||
131,500 | Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. – Class “A” (REIT) | 2,464,310 | ||
60,000 | Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. – Class “A” | 2,086,200 | ||
106,223,575 | ||||
Health Care—10.5% | ||||
53,500 | * | ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 2,113,785 | |
132,500 | * | Centene Corporation | 7,185,475 | |
134,000 | * | DepoMed, Inc. | 2,525,900 | |
154,500 | * | Exactech, Inc. | 2,692,935 | |
110,000 | Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | 5,718,900 | ||
140,250 | * | Horizon Pharma, PLC | 2,779,755 | |
69,500 | * | ICON, PLC | 4,932,415 | |
66,000 | * | Lannett Company, Inc. | 2,740,320 | |
106,000 | * | Nobilis Health Corporation | 553,320 | |
105,000 | PerkinElmer, Inc. | 4,825,800 | ||
155,500 | Phibro Animal Health Corporation – Class “A” | 4,918,465 | ||
94,100 | * | Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. | 3,076,129 | |
243,000 | * | VWR Corporation | 6,242,670 | |
50,305,869 |
178 |
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Industrials—13.4% | ||||
105,000 | A.O. Smith Corporation | $ 6,844,950 | ||
125,000 | Altra Industrial Motion Corporation | 2,890,000 | ||
37,500 | G&K Services, Inc. – Class “A” | 2,498,250 | ||
73,000 | * | Generac Holdings, Inc. | 2,196,570 | |
48,500 | Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (ETF) | 2,419,665 | ||
158,000 | ITT Corporation | 5,281,940 | ||
209,500 | Kforce, Inc. | 5,505,660 | ||
281,800 | * | NCI Building Systems, Inc. | 2,978,626 | |
17,000 | * | Nortek, Inc. | 1,076,270 | |
72,000 | Orbital ATK, Inc. | 5,174,640 | ||
88,000 | * | Patrick Industries, Inc. | 3,475,120 | |
92,500 | Regal Beloit Corporation | 5,221,625 | ||
118,500 | Ryder System, Inc. | 8,773,740 | ||
49,500 | Snap-On, Inc. | 7,471,530 | ||
37,000 | Standex International Corporation | 2,787,950 | ||
64,596,536 | ||||
Information Technology—14.5% | ||||
103,500 | * | Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. | 2,722,050 | |
175,000 | * | ARRIS Group, Inc. | 4,544,750 | |
100,000 | * | Autobytel, Inc. | 1,677,000 | |
73,500 | Avnet, Inc. | 3,136,980 | ||
147,000 | CDW Corporation | 6,006,420 | ||
86,500 | * | CommScope Holding Company, Inc. | 2,597,595 | |
41,000 | IAC/InterActiveCorp | 2,676,070 | ||
27,000 | iShares U.S. Technology ETF (ETF) | 2,670,300 | ||
249,500 | Mentor Graphics Corporation | 6,145,185 | ||
174,500 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | 5,566,550 | ||
130,500 | * | Microsemi Corporation | 4,283,010 | |
89,000 | MKS Instruments, Inc. | 2,984,170 | ||
152,000 | * | Newport Corporation | 2,090,000 | |
227,000 | * | Orbotech, Ltd. | 3,507,150 | |
78,000 | * | OSI Systems, Inc. | 6,002,880 | |
148,500 | * | PTC, Inc. | 4,713,390 | |
36,500 | * | Qorvo, Inc. | 1,644,325 | |
47,700 | * | Synaptics, Inc. | 3,933,342 | |
69,000 | * | Verint Systems, Inc. | 2,977,350 | |
69,878,517 |
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Portfolio of Investments (continued)
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares or | |||||||
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Materials—4.4% | |||||||
97,500 | AptarGroup, Inc. | $ 6,431,100 | |||||
317,000 | * | Ferro Corporation | 3,471,150 | ||||
50,000 | Olin Corporation | 840,500 | |||||
51,500 | Sensient Technologies Corporation | 3,156,950 | |||||
172,700 | * | Trinseo SA | 4,360,675 | ||||
51,250 | WestRock Company | 2,636,300 | |||||
20,896,675 | |||||||
Utilities—3.8% | |||||||
61,000 | AGL Resources, Inc. | 3,723,440 | |||||
170,500 | * | Dynegy, Inc. | 3,524,235 | ||||
98,500 | Portland General Electric Company | 3,641,545 | |||||
61,000 | SCANA Corporation | 3,431,860 | |||||
71,000 | WEC Energy Group, Inc. | 3,707,620 | |||||
18,028,700 | |||||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $386,568,595) | 438,537,929 | ||||||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—6.2% | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
$ 3,600M | 0.035%, 10/27/2015 | 3,599,949 | |||||
10,000M | 0.04%, 10/27/2015 | 9,999,860 | |||||
12,000M | 0.05%, 11/5/2015 | 11,999,364 | |||||
4,207M | Freddie Mac, 0.025%, 10/30/2015 | 4,206,933 | |||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government | |||||||
Agency Obligations (cost $29,805,952) | 29,806,106 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $416,374,547) | 97.5 | % | 468,344,035 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 2.5 | 12,203,825 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $480,547,860 |
* | Non-income producing | |
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
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The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 438,537,929 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 438,537,929 | ||||
Short-Term U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Agency Obligations | — | 29,806,106 | — | 29,806,106 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | 438,537,929 | $ | 29,806,106 | $ | — | $ | 468,344,035 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for common stocks. |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 or Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended | |
September 30, 2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
See notes to financial statements | 181 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
REAL ESTATE FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors Real Estate Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 1. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –9.67% for Class A shares, –9.45% for Advisor Class shares and –9.45% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 7.2 cents per share for Class A shares, 7.4 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 9.4 cents per share for Institutional Class shares.
During the period under review, market participants primarily focused on two events—the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) meeting in September and the Chinese economy, but the Federal Reserve unexpectedly kept interest rates constant. Many market participants had anticipated a rate hike in September. In addition, concerns about China’s economic growth have caused a rout in commodity prices. Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) were not immune to this challenging environment.
Sector allocation and stock selection in the Apartment, Office and Industrial sectors contributed positively to the Fund’s performance relative to its benchmark, the Dow Jones U.S. Select REIT Total Return Index. Most of the negative effects were from stock selection in the Storage and Diversified sectors.
In the Apartment sector, overweight positions in Associated Estates and Home Properties proved to be especially beneficial. Both were trading at significant discount to Net Asset Value (“NAV”) and were bought out by private equity funds.
Our position in Public Storage also aided performance. It consistently generates high return on invested capital and has a strong balance sheet. Strong customer demand and healthy fundamentals benefited the company.
Our position in Select Income REIT detracted from performance. Despite owning a diversified triple-net lease portfolio and an attractive Hawaiian ground lease asset, investors became concerned about the company’s acquisition of RMR Advisors—the external advisor of Select Income REIT.
At the end of the review period, the Fund maintained an overweight exposure to Single Tenant, Regional Malls, and an underweight exposure to Apartments and Shopping Centers.
182 |
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
1 The Fund’s performance and the performance of its benchmark index are since April 6, 2015, the date the Fund commenced operations.
183 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
REAL ESTATE FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/6/15)* | (9/30/15) | (4/6/15–9/30/15)** |
Class A Shares | 1.45% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 903.32 | $6.73 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,017.31 | $7.13 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 1.12% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 905.49 | $5.87 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,018.92 | $5.09 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 1.00% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 905.49 | $4.65 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.50 | $4.92 |
* | Commencement of operations. |
** | Actual expenses reflect only from the commencement of operations to the end of the period |
covered (April 6, 2015 through September 30, 2015). Therefore expenses shown are lower than | |
would be expected for a six month period. Actual expenses for the six-month period will be | |
reflected in future reports. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio multiplied by the | |
average account value over the period, multiplied by 178/365 (to reflect the inception period). | |
Expenses paid during the period are net of expenses waived and/or assumed. | |
*** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
TOP TEN SECTORS
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
184 |
Portfolio of Investments
REAL ESTATE FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—98.9% | ||||
Apartments REITs—14.8% | ||||
7,292 | American Campus Communities, Inc. | $ 264,262 | ||
9,625 | Apartment Investment & Management Company – Class “A” | 356,317 | ||
15,513 | AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | 2,711,983 | ||
5,025 | Camden Property Trust | 371,347 | ||
1,233 | Education Realty Trust, Inc. | 40,627 | ||
38,781 | Equity Residential | 2,913,229 | ||
914 | Essex Property Trust, Inc. | 204,206 | ||
3,328 | Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | 272,463 | ||
5,592 | Post Properties, Inc. | 325,958 | ||
11,522 | UDR, Inc. | 397,279 | ||
7,857,671 | ||||
Diversified REITs—7.6% | ||||
14,070 | CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. | 62,189 | ||
49,637 | Corrections Corporation of America | 1,466,277 | ||
2,437 | Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | 159,185 | ||
23,273 | Duke Realty Corporation | 443,351 | ||
2,487 | DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. | 64,364 | ||
317 | Liberty Property Trust | 9,989 | ||
23,318 | Retail Properties of America, Inc. – Class “A” | 328,551 | ||
1,822 | STORE Capital Corporation | 37,643 | ||
15,660 | Vornado Realty Trust | 1,415,977 | ||
2,840 | Whitestone REIT | 32,745 | ||
4,020,271 | ||||
Health Care REITs—13.9% | ||||
16,296 | Care Capital Properties, Inc. | 536,627 | ||
52,265 | HCP, Inc. | 1,946,871 | ||
1,630 | Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. | 40,505 | ||
3,260 | Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. | 79,903 | ||
1,650 | LTC Properties, Inc. | 70,405 | ||
6,730 | Omega Heathcare Investors, Inc. | 236,560 | ||
9,605 | Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. | 222,644 | ||
31,065 | Senior Housing Properties Trust | 503,253 | ||
49,949 | Ventas, Inc. | 2,800,141 | ||
14,472 | Welltower, Inc. | 980,044 | ||
7,416,953 |
185 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
REAL ESTATE FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
Hotels REITs—4.5% | ||||
34,102 | Hospitality Properties Trust | $ 872,329 | ||
82,014 | Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | 1,296,641 | ||
4,550 | LaSalle Hotel Properties | 129,174 | ||
9,270 | Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | 122,642 | ||
2,420,786 | ||||
Manufactured Homes REITs—3.3% | ||||
25,109 | Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | 1,470,634 | ||
4,100 | Sun Communities, Inc. | 277,816 | ||
1,748,450 | ||||
Mortgage REITs—2.3% | ||||
65,227 | American Capital Agency Corporation | 1,219,745 | ||
Office Property REITs—10.3% | ||||
9,758 | Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | 826,210 | ||
20,270 | BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. | 404,995 | ||
15,291 | Boston Properties, Inc. | 1,810,454 | ||
5,700 | Brandywine Realty Trust | 70,224 | ||
17,825 | Corporate Office Properties Trust | 374,860 | ||
5,120 | Douglas Emmett, Inc. | 147,046 | ||
20,990 | * | Equity Commonwealth | 571,768 | |
424 | Franklin Street Properties Corporation | 4,558 | ||
7,118 | Mack-Cali Realty Corporation | 134,388 | ||
22,290 | New York REIT, Inc. | 224,237 | ||
27,737 | Paramount Group, Inc. | 465,982 | ||
12,680 | Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. – Class “A” | 226,845 | ||
2,102 | SL Green Realty Corporation | 227,352 | ||
5,488,919 | ||||
Regional Malls REITs—19.6% | ||||
52,967 | CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. | 728,296 | ||
38,028 | General Growth Properties, Inc. | 987,587 | ||
6,790 | Macerich Company | 521,608 | ||
5,692 | Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust | 112,872 | ||
28,191 | Simon Property Group, Inc. | 5,179,251 | ||
40,621 | Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. | 1,339,274 | ||
22,579 | Taubman Centers, Inc. | 1,559,757 | ||
10,428,645 |
186 |
Shares | Security | Value | |||||
Shopping Centers REITs—5.9% | |||||||
1,282 | Acadia Realty Trust | $ 38,550 | |||||
5,800 | Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. | 36,018 | |||||
17,366 | DDR Corporation | 267,089 | |||||
16,570 | Equity One, Inc. | 403,314 | |||||
3,990 | Federal Realty Investment Trust | 544,436 | |||||
35,200 | Kimco Realty Corporation | 859,936 | |||||
7,090 | Kite Realty Group Trust | 168,813 | |||||
2,580 | Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust | 38,726 | |||||
5,202 | Regency Centers Corporation | 323,304 | |||||
4,795 | Weingarten Realty Investors | 158,762 | |||||
23,471 | WP Glimcher, Inc. | 273,672 | |||||
3,112,620 | |||||||
Single Tenant REITs—4.5% | |||||||
4,551 | National Retail Properties, Inc. | 165,065 | |||||
11,573 | Realty Income Corporation | 548,444 | |||||
78,564 | Select Income REIT | 1,493,502 | |||||
22,170 | Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. | 202,634 | |||||
2,409,645 | |||||||
Storage REITs—10.5% | |||||||
3,306 | CubeSmart | 89,956 | |||||
13,262 | Extra Space Storage, Inc. | 1,023,296 | |||||
32,615 | Iron Mountain, Inc. | 1,011,717 | |||||
14,982 | Public Storage | 3,170,641 | |||||
2,883 | Sovran Self Storage, Inc. | 271,867 | |||||
5,567,477 | |||||||
Warehouse/Industrial REITs—1.7% | |||||||
2,110 | DCT Industrial Trust, Inc. | 71,023 | |||||
3,127 | EastGroup Properties, Inc. | 169,421 | |||||
3,320 | First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. | 69,554 | |||||
15,760 | ProLogis, Inc. | 613,064 | |||||
923,062 | |||||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $55,062,419) | 98.9 | % | 52,614,244 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 1.1 | 582,239 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $53,196,483 |
* | Non-income producing |
187 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
REAL ESTATE FUND
September 30, 2015
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
REITs | Real Estate Investment Trusts |
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 52,614,244 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 52,614,244 |
* | The Portfolio of Investments provides information on the industry categorization for common stocks. |
There were no transfers into or from Level 1 and Level 2 by the Fund for the year ended September 30, | |
2015. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period. |
188 | See notes to financial statements |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter
INTERNATIONAL FUND
Dear Investor:
This is the annual report for the First Investors International Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. During the period, the Fund’s return on a net asset value basis was –2.78% for Class A shares, –3.55% for Class B shares, –2.45% for Advisor Class shares and –2.33% for Institutional Class shares, including dividends of 4.8 cents per share for Class A shares, 5.0 cents per share for Advisor Class shares and 10.4 cents per share for Institutional Class shares. The Fund did not declare dividends for Class B shares.
Global equity markets were negative for the fiscal year, with emerging markets suffering far worse than their developed market counterparts. Concerns over China’s weak macroeconomic data, Beijing’s unexpected move to devalue its currency, and substantial Chinese equity market volatility, led to a global market sell-off in August. Renewed concerns over global growth and uncertainty driven by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision in September to postpone the pending rate hike also impacted global equities. European equities declined, as the effects of the Chinese slowdown weighed on investor sentiment. However, European economic data was encouraging in the third quarter of 2015. After reaching highs in late April, emerging markets experienced steep declines and currencies of many developing countries tumbled as well.
While we do not have a directional outlook, we do not believe the impending change in monetary policy in the U.S. will not meaningfully impact our portfolio. We expect to see more ongoing volatility globally, but more specifically in China, where there is uncertainty surrounding the economic situation and policy response. We continue to find opportunities in Consumer Staples, specifically in the tobacco space in Europe, where tobacco volume has stabilized, the market has become more consolidated and companies have strong pricing power. So far, we do not see the underpinnings of an emerging market crisis similar to that of 1997. In fact, the recent broad-based emerging market sell-off presents attractive value opportunities for the long-term investor, though short-term risks persist. The recent extreme global market volatility only makes stock selection more critical. We believe that the superior earnings profiles of the companies we seek to own will continue to leave us well-positioned over a full economic cycle.
On a sector basis, an overweight to Consumer Staples and stock selection in Financials were the largest contributors to relative performance. Stock selection in the Information Technology sector and a lack of exposure to the Telecommunication Services sector detracted from relative returns. The following discussion highlights specific stocks—those that provided the largest contribution to absolute performance and those that were the largest detractors for the fiscal year. As bottom-up stock pickers, we hope that you find this useful and gain a greater understanding of how we invest your capital.
189 |
Portfolio Manager’s Letter (continued)
INTERNATIONAL FUND
Stocks that Helped Absolute Performance
HDFC Bank is a high-quality Indian private sector bank, which has been a cornerstone investment in the portfolio for many years. We believe that cutting its benchmark lending rate (base rate) will likely accelerate its market share gains. HDFC Bank is the largest privately owned retail bank in India with a network of 3,659 branches and 11,633 ATMs (many outside of branches) across 2,287 towns and cities nationwide at calendar year end 2014. The bank has delivered solid growth while maintaining high credit and underwriting standards. HDFC Bank has a strong deposit franchise and powerful technology backbone that has allowed it to significantly grow earnings over the past 10 years.
Paddy Power, an Irish gaming company, has been a long-held and successful position in our strategies. It is predominantly a technology company as much of the gambling industry has moved online. The company has a powerful brand and a fun, innovative and edgy image. Its business footprint currently spans only jurisdictions where it can operate legally, which is a rarity in the global online gaming marketplace. Most competitors in the online space have been happy to cross into geographies where gambling is not legal, tempted by the short-term buck to be made. Paddy Power has consistently kept its gaming nose clean and mainly operates in Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Australia through direct or business-to-business operating ventures. Specifically, Paddy Power has been extremely successful in Australia and, by and far, has become the market leader there. Paddy Power’s stock performed well during the review period with results that exceeded expectations. The company announced that it had reached an agreement on the key terms of a merger with Betfair, which would create one the world’s largest public online betting and gaming companies. In our view, the merger brings together two very strong businesses to create an even stronger business. And, since Betfair is currently managed by many former Paddy Power employees, it is a good cultural fit. We believe the combined company will be a long-term industry winner in online gaming, particularly in the UK. In our view, Paddy Power has a bright future as penetration to online continues to grow and the company is growing its online business with existing customers.
Stocks that Hurt Absolute Performance
Baidu disappointed for the period under review with continued weakness in margins as the company is spending heavily on marketing to drive adoption of its online-to-offline (O2O) platforms. We agree that longer term O2O is the right strategy as it allows Baidu to take a higher share of revenues from completed transactions in local service areas, such as food delivery. Longer term, as search revenue slows down, we think O2O transactions will become a more important growth driver for the company;
190 |
however, shorter term the investment required is impacting margins. The majority of these investments, we believe, are discretionary and will be pulled back over the years. The core search business continues to perform well with revenue growth in the 30-35% range as the investments the company has made in promoting mobile search are coming to fruition. However, the O2O strategy is not driving incremental revenue growth for the near term and intense competition for the O2O markets continues to be strong. This is necessitating Baidu to spend more aggressively on marketing and promotion to try to win market share, which is not value added from a shareholders perspective, and continues to drag down margins.
Enbridge is the largest liquid pipeline in Canada. It is the backbone system to move oil from the Alberta region to Eastern Canada and the United States. We think that the recent underperformance of the stock reflects the sharp correction in oil prices. In a scenario of long-term low oil prices, there is risk that oil producers in Canada will need to start cutting production targets. This will have a negative impact on Enbridge’s long-term growth trajectory.
Thank you for placing your trust in Foresters Financial. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
191 |
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
INTERNATIONAL FUND
The examples below show the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and will help you in comparing these costs with costs of other mutual funds. Please refer to page 3 for a detailed explanation of the information presented in these examples.
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses Paid | |
Expense | Account Value | Account Value | During Period | |
Expense Example | Ratio | (4/1/15) | (9/30/15) | (4/1/15–9/30/15)* |
Class A Shares | 1.61% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 961.25 | $ 7.87 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,016.90 | $ 8.10 | |
Class B Shares | 2.44% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 957.57 | $11.91 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,012.76 | $12.24 | |
Advisor Class Shares | 1.20% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 963.02 | $ 5.87 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,018.95 | $ 6.04 | |
Institutional Class Shares | 1.10% | |||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 963.80 | $ 5.39 | |
Hypothetical** | $1,000.00 | $1,019.45 | $ 5.54 |
* | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). | |
** | Assumed rate of return of 5% before expenses. |
Portfolio Composition
BY SECTOR
Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change. Percentages are as of September 30, 2015, |
and are based on the total market value of investments. |
192 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited)
INTERNATIONAL FUND
Comparison of change in value of $10,000 investment in the First Investors International Fund (Class A shares), the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) EAFE Index (Gross) and the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) EAFE Index (Net).
The graph compares a $10,000 investment in the First Investors International Fund (Class A shares) beginning 6/27/06 (commencement of operations) with theoretical investments in the MSCI EAFE Index (Gross) and the MSCI EAFE Index (Net) (the “Indices”). The Indices are free float-adjusted market capitalization indices that measure developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The Indices consist of 21 developed market country indices. The MSCI EAFE Index (Gross) is calculated on a total-return basis with the maximum possible dividend reinvestment (before taxes). The MSCI EAFE Index (Net) is calculated on a total-return basis with the minimum possible dividend reinvestment (after taxes). The Indices are unmanaged and it is not possible to invest directly in these Indices. In addition, the Indices do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the
193 |
Cumulative Performance Information (unaudited) (continued)
INTERNATIONAL FUND
active management of a mutual fund portfolio. For purposes of the graph and the accompanying table, unless otherwise indicated, it has been assumed that the maximum sales charge was deducted from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. Class B shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares performance may be greater than or less than that shown in the line graph above for Class A shares based on differences in sales loads and fees paid by shareholders investing in the different classes.
*Average Annual Total Return figures (for the periods ended 9/30/15) include the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. “N.A.V. Only” returns are calculated without sales charges. The Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are based on the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” returns are adjusted for the applicable deferred sales charge (maximum of 4% in the first year). The Advisor Class and Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” returns shown are the same as the N.A.V. Only returns since these classes are sold without sales charges. During the periods shown, some of the expenses of the Fund were waived or assumed. If such expenses had been paid by the Fund, the Class A “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 2.55%, the Class B “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 2.60%, the Advisor Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been (0.10%) and the Institutional Class “S.E.C. Standardized” Average Annual Total Return Since Inception would have been 0.14%. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. The graph and the returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 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 the original cost. Indices figures are from Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. and all other figures are from Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc.
**The Since Inception returns for Class A shares and Class B shares are for the periods beginning 6/27/06 (commencement of operations for those classes). The Since Inception returns for Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are for the periods beginning 4/1/13 (commencement of operations for those classes).
†The Index return is since the inception of Class A shares. The MSCI EAFE Index (Gross) return and MSCI EAFE Index (Net) return since inception of the Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares are 2.52% and 2.05%, respectively.
194 |
Portfolio of Investments
INTERNATIONAL FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
COMMON STOCKS—94.9% | ||||
United Kingdom—21.9% | ||||
287,270 | British American Tobacco, PLC | $ 15,850,281 | ||
142,124 | Diageo, PLC | 3,818,421 | ||
258,647 | Domino’s Pizza Group, PLC | 3,480,209 | ||
119,698 | Imperial Tobacco Group, PLC | 6,188,224 | ||
2,519,461 | Lloyds Banking Group, PLC | 2,868,298 | ||
162,239 | * | Persimmon, PLC | 4,937,948 | |
119,580 | Reckitt Benckiser Group, PLC | 10,844,175 | ||
144,739 | SABMiller, PLC | 8,196,229 | ||
56,183,785 | ||||
Switzerland—13.3% | ||||
793 | Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG | 4,649,466 | ||
20,028 | * | DKSH Holding, Ltd. | 1,270,628 | |
168,362 | Nestle SA – Registered | 12,661,780 | ||
41,431 | Roche Holding AG – Genusscheine | 10,998,752 | ||
243,005 | UBS Group AG | 4,492,708 | ||
34,073,334 | ||||
United States—11.2% | ||||
7,590 | Accenture, PLC – Class “A” | 745,793 | ||
8,342 | * | Google, Inc. – Class “C” | 5,075,440 | |
172,136 | * | PayPal Holdings, Inc. | 5,343,101 | |
153,080 | Philip Morris International, Inc. | 12,143,836 | ||
4,476 | * | Priceline Group Inc. | 5,536,185 | |
28,844,355 | ||||
India—11.2% | ||||
633,702 | HDFC Bank, Ltd. | 10,352,206 | ||
8,095 | HDFC Bank, Ltd. (ADR) | 494,524 | ||
662,228 | Housing Development Finance Corporation, Ltd. | 12,269,439 | ||
1,137,323 | ITC, Ltd. | 5,702,838 | ||
28,819,007 |
195 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INTERNATIONAL FUND
September 30, 2015
Shares | Security | Value | ||
France—7.4% | ||||
28,150 | Air Liquide SA | $ 3,337,263 | ||
183,543 | Bureau Veritas SA | 3,874,666 | ||
39,278 | Essilor International SA | 4,798,555 | ||
8,815 | Hermes International | 3,208,792 | ||
21,197 | L’Oreal SA | 3,684,357 | ||
18,903,633 | ||||
Germany—4.9% | ||||
45,455 | Bayer AG | 5,831,836 | ||
31,300 | Fresenius Medical Care AG & Company | 2,446,264 | ||
66,728 | SAP AG | 4,322,910 | ||
12,601,010 | ||||
Australia—4.2% | ||||
88,664 | CSL, Ltd. | 5,579,929 | ||
99,306 | Ramsay Health Care, Ltd. | 4,095,785 | ||
86,543 | Sonic Healthcare, Ltd. | 1,113,149 | ||
10,788,863 | ||||
Canada—4.1% | ||||
103,185 | Alimentation Couche-Tard – Class “B” | 4,753,701 | ||
154,804 | Enbridge, Inc. | 5,750,194 | ||
10,503,895 | ||||
Denmark—3.7% | ||||
23,104 | Coloplast A/S – Series “B” | 1,638,050 | ||
147,428 | Novo Nordisk A/S – Series “B” | 7,955,889 | ||
9,593,939 | ||||
Netherlands—3.4% | ||||
216,884 | Unilever NV-CVA | 8,693,840 | ||
Spain—2.5% | ||||
335,489 | Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA | 2,836,854 | ||
87,947 | Grifols SA | 3,636,273 | ||
6,473,127 |
196 |
Shares or | |||||||
Principal | |||||||
Amount | Security | Value | |||||
Hong Kong—2.1% | |||||||
301,911 | Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings, Ltd. | $ 2,705,956 | |||||
482,472 | Link REIT (REIT) | 2,656,216 | |||||
5,362,172 | |||||||
Japan—2.0% | |||||||
26,900 | Daito Trust Construction Company, Ltd. | 2,733,169 | |||||
134,600 | Unicharm Corporation | 2,384,020 | |||||
5,117,189 | |||||||
South Africa—1.3% | |||||||
27,663 | Naspers, Ltd. | 3,466,926 | |||||
Ireland—1.2% | |||||||
27,841 | Paddy Power, PLC | 3,221,338 | |||||
South Korea—.5% | |||||||
3,679 | Amorepacific Corporation | 1,198,870 | |||||
Total Value of Common Stocks (cost $195,522,784) | 243,845,283 | ||||||
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY | |||||||
OBLIGATIONS—4.1% | |||||||
United States | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank: | |||||||
$1,500M | 0.05%, 11/5/2015 | 1,499,921 | |||||
7,500M | 0.06%, 11/9/2015 | 7,499,550 | |||||
1,500M | 0.127%, 10/14/2015 | 1,499,990 | |||||
Total Value of Short-Term U.S. Government | |||||||
Agency Obligations (cost $10,499,371) | 10,499,461 | ||||||
Total Value of Investments (cost $206,022,155) | 99.0 | % | 254,344,744 | ||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities | 1.0 | 2,709,796 | |||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $257,054,540 |
* | Non-income producing | |
Summary of Abbreviations: | ||
ADR | American Depositary Receipts | |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
197 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
INTERNATIONAL FUND
September 30, 2015
The Fund’s assets and liabilities are classified into the following three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available. |
The inputs methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For example, U.S. Government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
The following is a summary, by category of Level, of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||
United Kingdom | $ | — | $ | 56,183,785 | $ | — | $ | 56,183,785 | ||||
Switzerland | — | 34,073,334 | — | 34,073,334 | ||||||||
United States | 28,844,355 | — | — | 28,844,355 | ||||||||
India | 494,524 | 28,324,483 | — | 28,819,007 | ||||||||
France | — | 18,903,633 | — | 18,903,633 | ||||||||
Germany | — | 12,601,010 | — | 12,601,010 | ||||||||
Australia | — | 10,788,863 | — | 10,788,863 | ||||||||
Canada | 10,503,895 | — | — | 10,503,895 | ||||||||
Denmark | — | 9,593,939 | — | 9,593,939 | ||||||||
Netherlands | — | 8,693,840 | — | 8,693,840 | ||||||||
Spain | — | 6,473,127 | — | 6,473,127 | ||||||||
Hong Kong | — | 5,362,172 | — | 5,362,172 | ||||||||
Japan | — | 5,117,189 | — | 5,117,189 | ||||||||
South Africa | — | 3,466,926 | — | 3,466,926 | ||||||||
Ireland | — | 3,221,338 | — | 3,221,338 | ||||||||
South Korea | — | 1,198,870 | — | 1,198,870 |
198 |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Short-Term U.S. Government | ||||||||||||
Agency Obligations | $ | — | $ | 10,499,461 | $ | — | $ | 10,499,461 | ||||
Total Investments in Securities* | $ | 39,842,774 | $ | 214,501,970 | $ | — | $ | 254,344,744 |
* | Includes certain foreign securities that were fair valued due to fluctuation in U.S. securities markets |
exceeding a predetermined level or a foreign market being closed; therefore, $204,002,509 of | |
investment securities were classified as Level 2 instead of Level 1. | |
Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities as of September 30, 2015 resulted from securities | |
priced previously with an official close price (Level 1 securities) or securities fair valued by the | |
Valuation Committee (Level 2 securities). Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 as of September 30, | |
2015 were $168,681,326. Transfers, if any, between Levels are recognized at the end of the | |
reporting period. |
See notes to financial statements | 199 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
September 30, 2015
LIMITED | |||||||||||
CASH | DURATION HIGH | INVESTMENT | |||||||||
MANAGEMENT | QUALITY BOND | GOVERNMENT | GRADE | ||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||
Investments in securities: | |||||||||||
At identified cost | $ | 109,286,744 | $ | 69,903,095 | $ | 320,176,080 | $ | 519,227,437 | |||
At value (Note 1A) | $ | 109,286,744 | $ | 69,970,625 | $ | 325,916,204 | $ | 529,604,487 | |||
Cash | 3,077,919 | 5,473,609 | 4,767,107 | 6,822,951 | |||||||
Receivables: | |||||||||||
Investment securities sold | — | — | 1,493,226 | 3,142,311 | |||||||
Interest | 811 | 581,831 | 1,000,965 | 6,658,547 | |||||||
Shares sold | — | 79,069 | 129,070 | 180,618 | |||||||
Other assets | 7,358 | 3,831 | 20,300 | 32,566 | |||||||
Total Assets | 112,372,832 | 76,108,965 | 333,326,872 | 546,441,480 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||
Payables: | |||||||||||
Investment securities purchased | — | 1,581,024 | — | 4,108,237 | |||||||
Shares redeemed | 185,879 | 351,849 | 446,495 | 851,315 | |||||||
Dividends payable | — | 10,921 | 52,398 | 151,078 | |||||||
Accrued advisory fees | — | 18,699 | 149,979 | 244,459 | |||||||
Accrued shareholder servicing costs | 36,482 | 12,435 | 46,320 | 68,301 | |||||||
Accrued expenses | 30,642 | 32,758 | 44,857 | 52,243 | |||||||
Total Liabilities | 253,003 | 2,007,686 | 740,049 | 5,475,633 | |||||||
Net Assets | $ | 112,119,829 | $ | 74,101,279 | $ | 332,586,823 | $ | 540,965,847 | |||
Net Assets Consist of: | |||||||||||
Capital paid in | $ | 112,119,829 | $ | 75,028,406 | $ | 341,891,751 | $ | 543,495,469 | |||
Undistributed net investment income (deficit) | — | (661,994 | ) | 96,314 | (10,606,832 | ) | |||||
Accumulated net realized loss on investments | — | (332,663 | ) | (15,141,366 | ) | (2,299,840 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments | — | 67,530 | 5,740,124 | 10,377,050 | |||||||
Total | $ | 112,119,829 | $ | 74,101,279 | $ | 332,586,823 | $ | 540,965,847 |
200 | See notes to financial statements | 201 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
September 30, 2015
LIMITED | |||||||||||
CASH | DURATION HIGH | INVESTMENT | |||||||||
MANAGEMENT | QUALITY BOND | GOVERNMENT | GRADE | ||||||||
Net Assets: | |||||||||||
Class A | $ | 109,565,939 | $ | 26,852,242 | $ | 265,855,524 | $ | 458,703,652 | |||
Class B | $ | 287,362 | N/A | $ | 2,514,419 | $ | 3,623,457 | ||||
Advisor Class | N/A | $ | 40,501,965 | $ | 50,189,515 | $ | 63,613,728 | ||||
Institutional Class | $ | 2,266,528 | $ | 6,747,072 | $ | 14,027,365 | $ | 15,025,010 | |||
Shares outstanding (Note 8): | |||||||||||
Class A | 109,565,939 | 2,750,378 | 24,553,872 | 47,577,561 | |||||||
Class B | 287,362 | N/A | 232,831 | 378,631 | |||||||
Advisor Class | N/A | 4,133,490 | 4,629,899 | 6,580,924 | |||||||
Institutional Class | 2,266,528 | 687,914 | 1,289,643 | 1,554,741 | |||||||
Net asset value and redemption price | |||||||||||
per share – Class A | $ | 1.00 | # | $ | 9.76 | $ | 10.83 | $ | 9.64 | ||
Maximum offering price per share – Class A | |||||||||||
(Net asset value/.9425)* | N/A | $ | 10.36 | $ | 11.49 | $ | 10.23 | ||||
Net asset value and offering price per share – | |||||||||||
Class B** | $ | 1.00 | N/A | $ | 10.80 | $ | 9.57 | ||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | |||||||||||
per share – Advisor Class | N/A | $ | 9.80 | $ | 10.84 | $ | 9.67 | ||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | |||||||||||
per share – Institutional Class | $ | 1.00 | $ | 9.81 | $ | 10.88 | $ | 9.66 |
# | Also maximum offering price per share. |
* | On purchases of $100,000 or more, the sales charge is reduced (Note 8). |
** | Redemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable |
(Note 8). |
202 | See notes to financial statements | 203 |
INTERNATIONAL | ||||||||||||
STRATEGIC | OPPORTUNITIES | FLOATING | FUND FOR | |||||||||
INCOME | BOND | RATE | INCOME | |||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||
Investments in securities: | ||||||||||||
Cost — Unaffiliated issuers | $ | — | $ | 140,682,557 | $ | 111,759,410 | $ | 670,700,179 | ||||
Cost — Affiliated issuers (Note 2) | 134,369,124 | — | — | — | ||||||||
Total cost of investments | $ | 134,369,124 | $ | 140,682,557 | $ | 111,759,410 | $ | 670,700,179 | ||||
Value — Unaffiliated issuers (Note 1A) | $ | — | $ | 123,414,020 | $ | 110,287,960 | $ | 640,592,032 | ||||
Value — Affiliated issuers (Note 2) | 125,470,364 | — | — | — | ||||||||
Total value of investments | 125,470,364 | 123,414,020 | 110,287,960 | 640,592,032 | ||||||||
Cash | 6,047,512 | 14,604,996 | 12,191,889 | 19,890,700 | ||||||||
Receivables: | ||||||||||||
Investment securities sold | — | — | 2,246,350 | 2,167,229 | ||||||||
Dividends and interest | 438,897 | 1,483,446 | 577,351 | 11,948,605 | ||||||||
Shares sold | 316,648 | 71,759 | 73,717 | 112,136 | ||||||||
Unrealized gain on foreign exchange contracts (Note 7) | — | 684,898 | — | — | ||||||||
Other assets | 7,309 | 8,299 | 8,120 | 41,136 | ||||||||
Total Assets | 132,280,730 | 140,267,418 | 125,385,387 | 674,751,838 | ||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Payables: | ||||||||||||
Investment securities purchased | — | — | 7,469,939 | 8,541,067 | ||||||||
Shares redeemed | 167,226 | 109,830 | 88,010 | 1,042,142 | ||||||||
Dividends payable | 14,677 | 62,044 | 34,054 | 600,212 | ||||||||
Unrealized loss on foreign exchange contracts (Note 7) | — | 543,573 | — | — | ||||||||
Accrued advisory fees | 5,434 | 79,995 | 37,301 | 390,710 | ||||||||
Accrued shareholder servicing costs | 14,261 | 24,676 | 18,161 | 87,895 | ||||||||
Accrued expenses | 39,834 | 44,674 | 56,882 | 62,957 | ||||||||
Total Liabilities | 241,432 | 864,792 | 7,704,347 | 10,724,983 | ||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 132,039,298 | $ | 139,402,626 | $ | 117,681,040 | $ | 664,026,855 | ||||
Net Assets Consist of: | ||||||||||||
Capital paid in | $ | 140,583,201 | $ | 160,793,350 | $ | 121,994,482 | $ | 859,007,419 | ||||
Undistributed net investment income (deficit) | 317,168 | (4,123,681 | ) | (337,720 | ) | (6,558,667 | ) | |||||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency | ||||||||||||
transactions | 37,689 | — | (2,504,272 | ) | (158,313,750 | ) | ||||||
Net unrealized depreciation in value of investments and foreign | ||||||||||||
currency transactions | (8,898,760 | ) | (17,267,043 | ) | (1,471,450 | ) | (30,108,147 | ) | ||||
Total | $ | 132,039,298 | $ | 139,402,626 | $ | 117,681,040 | $ | 664,026,855 | ||||
204 | See notes to financial statements | 205 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
September 30, 2015
INTERNATIONAL | |||||||||||
STRATEGIC | OPPORTUNITIES | FLOATING | FUND FOR | ||||||||
INCOME | BOND | RATE | INCOME | ||||||||
Net Assets: | |||||||||||
Class A | $ | 131,733,530 | $ | 69,393,974 | $ | 57,101,489 | $ | 567,248,652 | |||
Class B | N/A | N/A | N/A | $ | 3,375,997 | ||||||
Advisor Class | $ | 305,768 | $ | 50,911,982 | $ | 50,121,914 | $ | 41,698,650 | |||
Institutional Class | N/A | $ | 19,096,670 | $ | 10,457,637 | $ | 51,703,556 | ||||
Shares outstanding (Note 8): | |||||||||||
Class A | 14,168,480 | 8,043,166 | 5,959,187 | 237,161,390 | |||||||
Class B | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1,414,862 | |||||||
Advisor Class | 32,920 | 5,889,312 | 5,231,281 | 17,460,467 | |||||||
Institutional Class | N/A | 2,201,586 | 1,092,442 | 21,543,628 | |||||||
Net asset value and redemption price per share — Class A | |||||||||||
$ | 9.30 | $ | 8.63 | $ | 9.58 | $ | 2.39 | ||||
Maximum offering price per share — Class A (Net asset value/.9425)* | |||||||||||
$ | 9.87 | $ | 9.16 | $ | 10.16 | $ | 2.54 | ||||
Net asset value and offering price per share — Class B** | |||||||||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | $ | 2.39 | |||||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | |||||||||||
per share — Advisor Class | $ | 9.29 | $ | 8.64 | $ | 9.58 | $ | 2.39 | |||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | |||||||||||
per share — Institutional Class | N/A | $ | 8.67 | $ | 9.57 | $ | 2.40 |
* | On purchases of $100,000 or more, the sales charge is reduced (Note 8). |
** | Redemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable |
(Note 8). |
206 | See notes to financial statements | 207 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
TOTAL | EQUITY | GROWTH & | |||||||||
RETURN | INCOME | INCOME | GLOBAL | ||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||
Investments in securities: | |||||||||||
At identified cost | $ | 693,042,646 | $ | 436,866,512 | $ | 1,167,887,407 | $ | 451,156,622 | |||
At value (Note 1A) | $ | 823,105,866 | $ | 534,470,935 | $ | 1,666,071,865 | $ | 451,562,930 | |||
Cash | 2,314,982 | 3,458,140 | 4,179,824 | 1,455,091 | |||||||
Receivables: | |||||||||||
Investment securities sold | 3,810,035 | 873,956 | 1,627,505 | 830,194 | |||||||
Dividends and interest | 3,317,773 | 968,861 | 2,238,364 | 603,328 | |||||||
Shares sold | 461,487 | 194,142 | 757,712 | 205,599 | |||||||
Other assets | 49,345 | 32,326 | 101,711 | 26,218 | |||||||
Total Assets | 833,059,488 | 539,998,360 | 1,674,976,981 | 454,683,360 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||
Payables: | |||||||||||
Investment securities purchased | 6,913,877 | 1,592,551 | 4,798,641 | 1,449,350 | |||||||
Shares redeemed | 1,324,802 | 517,928 | 2,157,984 | 459,892 | |||||||
Accrued advisory fees | 478,503 | 327,499 | 953,756 | 339,891 | |||||||
Accrued shareholder servicing costs | 110,713 | 71,752 | 228,651 | 63,765 | |||||||
Accrued expenses | 60,904 | 45,012 | 109,769 | 72,331 | |||||||
Total Liabilities | 8,888,799 | 2,554,742 | 8,248,801 | 2,385,229 | |||||||
Net Assets | $ | 824,170,689 | $ | 537,443,618 | $ | 1,666,728,180 | $ | 452,298,131 | |||
Net Assets Consist of: | |||||||||||
Capital paid in | $ | 681,974,377 | $ | 419,460,202 | $ | 1,089,907,536 | $ | 426,645,305 | |||
Undistributed net investment income (deficit) | (4,740,199 | ) | 2,447,299 | 5,909,198 | 239,384 | ||||||
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and | |||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | 16,873,291 | 17,931,694 | 72,726,988 | 25,013,295 | |||||||
Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments and | |||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | 130,063,220 | 97,604,423 | 498,184,458 | 400,147 | |||||||
Total | $ | 824,170,689 | $ | 537,443,618 | $ | 1,666,728,180 | $ | 452,298,131 |
208 | See notes to financial statements | 209 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
TOTAL | EQUITY | GROWTH & | |||||||||
RETURN | INCOME | INCOME | GLOBAL | ||||||||
Net Assets: | |||||||||||
Class A | $ | 784,281,032 | $ | 485,341,881 | $ | 1,496,803,205 | $ | 331,381,766 | |||
Class B | $ | 8,269,526 | $ | 3,846,944 | $ | 19,315,753 | $ | 3,404,591 | |||
Advisor Class | $ | 975,704 | $ | 38,481,562 | $ | 141,229,066 | $ | 114,556,337 | |||
Institutional Class | $ | 30,644,427 | $ | 9,773,231 | $ | 9,380,156 | $ | 2,955,437 | |||
Shares outstanding (Note 8): | |||||||||||
Class A | 43,076,846 | 53,981,834 | 73,544,621 | 45,632,617 | |||||||
Class B | 461,371 | 435,988 | 1,018,281 | 575,086 | |||||||
Advisor Class | 53,440 | 4,273,595 | 6,901,861 | 15,568,716 | |||||||
Institutional Class | 1,675,033 | 1,080,751 | 459,953 | 399,884 | |||||||
Net asset value and redemption price per share — Class A | $ | 18.21 | $ | 8.99 | $ | 20.35 | $ | 7.26 | |||
Maximum offering price per share — Class A (Net asset value/.9425)* | |||||||||||
$ | 19.32 | $ | 9.54 | $ | 21.59 | $ | 7.70 | ||||
Net asset value and offering price per share — Class B** | $ | 17.92 | $ | 8.82 | $ | 18.97 | $ | 5.92 | |||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | $ | 18.26 | $ | 9.00 | $ | 20.46 | $ | 7.36 | |||
per share — Advisor Class | |||||||||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | $ | 18.29 | $ | 9.04 | $ | 20.39 | $ | 7.39 | |||
per share — Institutional Class |
* | On purchases of $100,000 or more, the sales charge is reduced (Note 8). |
** | Redemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable |
(Note 8). |
210 | See notes to financial statements | 211 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
SELECT | SPECIAL | REAL | ||||||||||
GROWTH | OPPORTUNITY | SITUATIONS | ESTATE | INTERNATIONAL | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||
Investments in securities: | ||||||||||||
At identified cost | $ | 316,168,554 | $ | 648,992,393 | $ | 416,374,547 | $ | 55,062,419 | $ | 206,022,155 | ||
At value (Note 1A) | $ | 405,861,048 | $ | 874,242,019 | $ | 468,344,035 | $ 52,614,244 | $ | 254,344,744 | |||
Cash | 1,588,435 | 821,963 | 1,157,110 | 421,946 | 1,720,988 | |||||||
Receivables: | ||||||||||||
Investment securities sold | — | 9,228,688 | 11,363,224 | 149,432 | 1,201,203 | |||||||
Dividends and interest | 195,078 | 749,865 | 427,990 | 183,576 | 1,123,271 | |||||||
Shares sold | 260,463 | 704,717 | 367,028 | 112,617 | 111,305 | |||||||
Other assets | 23,340 | 52,355 | 28,062 | 63,617 | 15,123 | |||||||
Total Assets | 407,928,364 | 885,799,607 | 481,687,449 | 53,545,432 | 258,516,634 | |||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Payables: | ||||||||||||
Investment securities purchased | — | 2,836,722 | 159,877 | 268,182 | 902,565 | |||||||
Shares redeemed | 432,110 | 1,057,708 | 532,677 | 31,046 | 249,896 | |||||||
Accrued advisory fees | 251,181 | 529,866 | 327,160 | — | 204,912 | |||||||
Accrued shareholder servicing costs | 56,320 | 119,885 | 77,081 | 11,813 | 54,145 | |||||||
Accrued expenses | 35,493 | 58,375 | 42,794 | 37,908 | 50,576 | |||||||
Total Liabilities | 775,104 | 4,602,556 | 1,139,589 | 348,949 | 1,462,094 | |||||||
Net Assets | $ | 407,153,260 | $ | 881,197,051 | $ | 480,547,860 | $ | 53,196,483 | $ | 257,054,540 | ||
Net Assets Consist of: | ||||||||||||
Capital paid in | $ | 276,755,867 | $ | 579,610,454 | $ | 401,467,411 | $ 55,602,728 | $ | 237,416,048 | |||
Undistributed net investment income | 787,612 | 1,035,020 | 15,377 | 17,294 | 1,142,919 | |||||||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | ||||||||||||
and foreign currency transactions | 39,917,287 | 75,301,951 | 27,095,584 | 24,636 | (29,845,142 | ) | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of investments | ||||||||||||
and foreign currency transactions | 89,692,494 | 225,249,626 | 51,969,488 | (2,448,175 | ) | 48,340,715 | ||||||
Total | $ | 407,153,260 | $ | 881,197,051 | $ | 480,547,860 | $ | 53,196,483 | $ | 257,054,540 |
212 | See notes to financial statements | 213 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
SELECT | SPECIAL | REAL | ||||||||
GROWTH | OPPORTUNITY | SITUATIONS | ESTATE | INTERNATIONAL | ||||||
Net Assets: | ||||||||||
Class A | $ | 352,650,992 | $ | 818,955,412 | $ | 432,235,233 | $ | 11,409,606 | $ | 194,991,039 |
Class B | $ | 4,100,943 | $ | 9,691,397 | $ | 3,617,991 | N/A | $ | 2,093,761 | |
Advisor Class | $ | 46,793,204 | $ | 48,321,916 | $ | 38,789,730 | $ | 40,823,868 | $ | 57,622,966 |
Institutional Class | $ | 3,608,121 | $ | 4,228,326 | $ | 5,904,906 | $ | 963,009 | $ | 2,346,774 |
Shares outstanding (Note 8): | ||||||||||
Class A | 30,292,085 | 21,671,883 | 17,101,638 | 1,273,936 | 15,415,134 | |||||
Class B | 396,621 | 313,828 | 182,817 | N/A | 175,107 | |||||
Advisor Class | 3,990,030 | 1,265,747 | 1,528,576 | 4,545,212 | 4,515,155 | |||||
Institutional Class | 306,534 | 111,079 | 231,818 | 107,457 | 183,599 | |||||
Net asset value and redemption price per share — Class A | $ | 11.64 | $ | 37.79 | $ | 25.27 | $ | 8.96 | $ | 12.65 |
Maximum offering price per share — Class A | ||||||||||
(Net asset value/.9425)* | $ | 12.35 | $ | 40.10 | $ | 26.81 | $ | 9.51 | $ | 13.42 |
Net asset value and offering price per share — Class B** | $ | 10.34 | $ | 30.88 | $ | 19.79 | N/A | $ | 11.96 | |
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | $ | 11.73 | $ | 38.18 | $ | 25.38 | $ | 8.98 | $ | 12.76 |
per share — Advisor Class | ||||||||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | ||||||||||
per share — Institutional Class | $ | 11.77 | $ | 38.07 | $ | 25.47 | $ | 8.96 | $ | 12.78 |
* | On purchases of $100,000 or more, the sales charge is reduced (Note 8). |
** | Redemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable |
(Note 8). |
214 | See notes to financial statements | 215 |
Statements of Operations
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
Year Ended September 30, 2015
LIMITED | ||||||||||||
CASH | DURATION HIGH | INVESTMENT | ||||||||||
MANAGEMENT | QUALITY BOND | GOVERNMENT | GRADE | |||||||||
Investment Income | ||||||||||||
Interest | $ | 105,166 | $ | 799,164 | $ | 8,956,158 | $ | 21,530,453 | ||||
Expenses (Notes 1 and 3): | ||||||||||||
Advisory fees | 540,756 | 373,390 | 2,206,387 | 3,638,910 | ||||||||
Distribution plan expenses – Class A | — | 55,440 | 837,029 | 1,417,128 | ||||||||
Distribution plan expenses – Class B | 2,832 | N/A | 28,436 | 40,883 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Class A | 471,979 | 23,912 | 445,913 | 684,701 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Class B | 1,280 | N/A | 8,168 | 12,990 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Advisor Class | N/A | 66,348 | 67,090 | 69,322 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Institutional Class | 876 | 1,574 | 3,305 | 6,970 | ||||||||
Professional fees | 29,631 | 34,105 | 44,320 | 65,785 | ||||||||
Custodian fees | 16,196 | 12,227 | 26,320 | 29,603 | ||||||||
Registration fees | 57,499 | 50,124 | 61,998 | 67,002 | ||||||||
Reports to shareholders | 16,997 | 9,000 | 19,632 | 25,202 | ||||||||
Trustees' fees | 5,644 | 2,408 | 16,988 | 28,172 | ||||||||
Other expenses | 19,702 | 22,342 | 64,648 | 56,191 | ||||||||
Total expenses | 1,163,392 | 650,870 | 3,830,234 | 6,142,859 | ||||||||
Less: Expenses waived and/or assumed (Note 3) | (1,057,804 | ) | (179,140 | ) | (367,731 | ) | (597,659 | ) | ||||
Expenses paid indirectly (Note 1G) | (422 | ) | (395 | ) | (1,542 | ) | (1,066 | ) | ||||
Net expenses | 105,166 | 471,335 | 3,460,961 | 5,544,134 | ||||||||
Net investment income | — | 327,829 | 5,495,197 | 15,986,319 | ||||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Note 2): | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | — | (5,345 | ) | 508,308 | 4,891,028 | |||||||
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments | — | 160,513 | 595,745 | (14,533,465 | ) | |||||||
Net gain (loss) on investments | — | 155,168 | 1,104,053 | (9,642,437 | ) | |||||||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | — | $ | 482,997 | $ | 6,599,250 | $ | 6,343,882 |
216 | See notes to financial statements | 217 |
Statements of Operations
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
Year Ended September 30, 2015
INTERNATIONAL | ||||||||||||
STRATEGIC | OPPORTUNITIES | FLOATING | FUND FOR | |||||||||
INCOME | BOND | RATE | INCOME | |||||||||
Investment Income | ||||||||||||
Interest | $ | — | $ | 3,555,377 | (a) | $ | 3,945,362 | $ | 39,016,151 | |||
Dividends from affiliate (Note 2) | 4,975,596 | — | — | — | ||||||||
Total income | 4,975,596 | 3,555,377 | 3,945,362 | 39,016,151 | ||||||||
Expenses (Notes 1 and 3): | ||||||||||||
Advisory fees | 60,182 | 1,030,013 | 619,729 | 5,035,653 | ||||||||
Distribution plan expenses – Class A | 360,090 | 230,906 | 164,777 | 1,816,945 | ||||||||
Distribution plan expenses – Class B | N/A | N/A | N/A | 39,602 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Class A | 145,186 | 159,901 | 90,012 | 937,421 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Class B | N/A | N/A | N/A | 10,244 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Advisor Class | 68 | 68,543 | 68,966 | 68,143 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Institutional Class | N/A | 5,459 | 1,777 | 14,657 | ||||||||
Professional fees | 56,109 | 19,133 | 64,798 | 81,268 | ||||||||
Custodian fees | 10,325 | 60,329 | 56,615 | 38,376 | ||||||||
Registration fees | 43,500 | 47,500 | 56,199 | 65,001 | ||||||||
Reports to shareholders | 8,484 | 13,458 | 15,003 | 35,002 | ||||||||
Trustees’ fees | 6,160 | 6,504 | 4,778 | 35,637 | ||||||||
Other expenses | 16,896 | 22,113 | 78,282 | 106,638 | ||||||||
Total expenses | 707,000 | 1,663,859 | 1,220,936 | 8,284,587 | ||||||||
Less: Expenses waived and/or assumed (Note 3) | — | (62,359 | ) | (198,431 | ) | (155,280 | ) | |||||
Expenses paid indirectly (Note 1G) | (584 | ) | (315 | ) | (1,811 | ) | (4,654 | ) | ||||
Net expenses | 706,416 | 1,601,185 | 1,020,694 | 8,124,653 | ||||||||
Net investment income | 4,269,180 | 1,954,192 | 2,924,668 | 30,891,498 | ||||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Affiliate and | ||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Transactions (Notes 2 and 7): | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||||||||||||
Investments | — | (672,098 | ) | (2,287,337 | ) | (15,066,252 | ) | |||||
Affiliate | (229,431 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||
Capital gain distribution from affiliate | 274,361 | — | — | — | ||||||||
Foreign currency transactions | — | (604,749 | ) | — | — | |||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, affiliate and | ||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | 44,930 | (1,276,847 | ) | (2,287,337 | ) | (15,066,252 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized loss on: | ||||||||||||
Investments | — | (14,633,847 | ) | (547,178 | ) | (35,320,472 | ) | |||||
Affiliate | (7,633,115 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||
Foreign currency transactions | — | (40,072 | ) | — | — | |||||||
Net unrealized loss on investments, affiliate and | ||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | (7,633,115 | ) | (14,673,919 | ) | (547,178 | ) | (35,320,472 | ) | ||||
Net loss on investments, affiliate and | ||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | (7,588,185 | ) | (15,950,766 | ) | (2,834,515 | ) | (50,386,724 | ) | ||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting | ||||||||||||
from Operations | $ | (3,319,005 | ) | $ | (13,996,574 | ) | $ | 90,153 | $ | (19,495,226 | ) |
(a) Net of $61,786 foreign taxes withheld. |
218 | See notes to financial statements | 219 |
Statements of Operations
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
Year Ended September 30, 2015
TOTAL | EQUITY | GROWTH & | ||||||||||
RETURN | INCOME | INCOME | GLOBAL | |||||||||
Investment Income | ||||||||||||
Dividends | $ | 10,127,726 | (a) | $ | 15,641,008 | (b) | $ | 37,431,088 | (c) | $ | 6,605,493 | (d) |
Interest | 8,669,092 | 16,677 | 9,627 | 4,462 | ||||||||
Total income | 18,796,818 | 15,657,685 | 37,440,715 | 6,609,955 | ||||||||
Expenses (Notes 1 and 3): | ||||||||||||
Advisory fees | 5,866,316 | 4,200,243 | 12,466,702 | 4,271,271 | ||||||||
Distribution plan expenses – Class A | 2,429,517 | 1,571,735 | 4,994,646 | 1,054,989 | ||||||||
Distribution plan expenses – Class B | 93,939 | 48,505 | 234,611 | 39,025 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Class A | 1,122,025 | 714,279 | 2,268,246 | 632,871 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Class B | 20,222 | 13,651 | 50,111 | 10,989 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Advisor Class | 591 | 21,880 | 50,617 | 65,937 | ||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Institutional Class | 6,131 | 2,963 | 3,910 | 976 | ||||||||
Professional fees | 68,371 | 49,222 | 135,045 | 51,846 | ||||||||
Custodian fees | 38,772 | 22,490 | 58,350 | 153,794 | ||||||||
Registration fees | 77,499 | 71,000 | 77,999 | 65,011 | ||||||||
Reports to shareholders | 40,000 | 24,940 | 85,167 | 27,365 | ||||||||
Trustees’ fees | 43,670 | 29,546 | 94,720 | 22,303 | ||||||||
Other expenses | 98,304 | 56,992 | 167,317 | 83,771 | ||||||||
Total expenses | 9,905,357 | 6,827,446 | 20,687,441 | 6,480,148 | ||||||||
Less: Expenses waived (Note 3) | — | — | — | (224,804 | ) | |||||||
Expenses paid indirectly (Note 1G) | (6,367 | ) | (4,405 | ) | (13,426 | ) | (107 | ) | ||||
Net expenses | 9,898,990 | 6,823,041 | 20,674,015 | 6,255,237 | ||||||||
Net investment income | 8,897,828 | 8,834,644 | 16,766,700 | 354,718 | ||||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | ||||||||||||
and Foreign Currency Transactions (Note 2): | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||||||||||||
Investments | 26,452,055 | 19,155,363 | 94,097,022 | 25,872,856 | ||||||||
Foreign currency transactions | — | — | — | (75,846 | ) | |||||||
Net realized gain on investments and | ||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | 26,452,055 | 19,155,363 | 94,097,022 | 25,797,010 | ||||||||
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and | ||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | (60,504,263 | ) | (52,104,589 | ) | (207,594,775 | ) | (25,481,813 | ) | ||||
Net gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | (34,052,208 | ) | (32,949,226 | ) | (113,497,753 | ) | 315,197 | |||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | (25,154,380 | ) | $ | (24,114,582 | ) | $ | (96,731,053 | ) | $ | 669,915 |
(a) Net of $23,190 foreign taxes withheld | |
(b) Net of $36,921 foreign taxes withheld | |
(c) Net of $85,829 foreign taxes withheld | |
(d) Net of $425,241 foreign taxes withheld |
220 | See notes to financial statements | 221 |
Statements of Operations
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
Year Ended September 30, 2015
SELECT | SPECIAL | REAL | ||||||||||||||
GROWTH | OPPORTUNITY | SITUATIONS | ESTATE | INTERNATIONAL | ||||||||||||
Investment Income | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends | $ | 5,784,440 | $ | 12,001,382 | (e) | $ | 6,958,613 | $ | 613,702 | $ | 5,099,661 | (f) | ||||
Interest | 3,615 | 21,963 | 5,519 | — | 3,694 | |||||||||||
Total income | 5,788,055 | 12,023,345 | 6,964,132 | 613,702 | 5,103,355 | |||||||||||
Expenses (Notes 1 and 3): | ||||||||||||||||
Advisory fees | 3,049,614 | 6,565,534 | 4,059,679 | 133,310 | 2,446,486 | |||||||||||
Distribution plan expenses – Class A | 1,087,627 | 2,594,539 | 1,373,346 | 10,905 | 599,615 | |||||||||||
Distribution plan expenses – Class B | 47,320 | 114,400 | 42,488 | N/A | 24,774 | |||||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Class A | 592,955 | 1,261,005 | 772,974 | 8,236 | 467,818 | |||||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Class B | 11,634 | 25,123 | 12,011 | N/A | 8,990 | |||||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Advisor Class | 21,243 | 71,612 | 58,674 | 28,870 | 65,561 | |||||||||||
Shareholder servicing costs – Institutional Class | 1,099 | 1,298 | 1,892 | 214 | 733 | |||||||||||
Professional fees | 38,347 | 70,121 | 44,982 | 68,169 | 34,783 | |||||||||||
Custodian fees | 14,928 | 35,737 | 28,344 | 11,773 | 137,425 | |||||||||||
Registration fees | 57,501 | 72,749 | 66,500 | 47,700 | 60,147 | |||||||||||
Reports to shareholders | 21,953 | 48,175 | 30,053 | 513 | 22,911 | |||||||||||
Trustees’ fees | 20,848 | 47,514 | 25,616 | 659 | 12,482 | |||||||||||
Other expenses | 35,105 | 87,421 | 56,602 | 5,788 | 43,847 | |||||||||||
Total expenses | 5,000,174 | 10,995,228 | 6,573,161 | 316,137 | 3,925,572 | |||||||||||
Less: Expenses waived and/or assumed (Note 3) | — | — | (49,106 | ) | (106,277 | ) | — | |||||||||
Expenses paid indirectly (Note 1G) | (309 | ) | (6,934 | ) | (3,759 | ) | (191 | ) | (208 | ) | ||||||
Net expenses | 4,999,865 | 10,988,294 | 6,520,296 | 209,669 | 3,925,564 | |||||||||||
Net investment income | 788,190 | 1,035,051 | 443,836 | 404,033 | 1,177,991 | |||||||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | ||||||||||||||||
and Foreign Currency Transactions (Note 2): | ||||||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||||||||||||||||
Investments | 46,613,802 | 79,081,123 | 29,671,829 | 24,636 | (7,227,757 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign currency transactions | — | — | — | — | (6,914 | ) | ||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | ||||||||||||||||
and foreign currency transactions | 46,613,802 | 79,081,123 | 29,671,829 | 24,636 | (7,234,671 | ) | ||||||||||
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and | ||||||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | (25,403,387 | ) | (92,521,856 | ) | (30,358,590 | ) | (2,448,175 | ) | (1,841,871 | ) | ||||||
Net gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | 21,210,415 | (13,440,733 | ) | (686,761 | ) | (2,423,539 | ) | (9,076,542 | ) | |||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 21,998,605 | $ | (12,405,682 | ) | $ | (242,925 | ) | $ | (2,019,506 | ) | $ | (7,898,551 | ) |
(e) Net of $3,577 foreign taxes withheld |
(f) Net of $532,827 foreign taxes withheld |
222 | See notes to financial statements | 223 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
LIMITED DURATION HIGH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CASH MANAGEMENT | QUALITY BOND | GOVERNMENT | INVESTMENT GRADE | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | * | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 327,829 | $ | 28,328 | $ | 5,495,197 | $ | 6,379,840 | $ | 15,986,319 | $ | 17,649,460 | |||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | — | — | (5,345 | ) | 1,982 | 508,308 | (19,344 | ) | 4,891,028 | 13,046,431 | |||||||||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | — | — | 160,513 | (92,983 | ) | 595,745 | (259,062 | ) | (14,533,465 | ) | (206,910 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
from operations | — | — | 482,997 | (62,673 | ) | 6,599,250 | 6,101,434 | 6,343,882 | 30,488,981 | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends to Shareholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income – Class A | — | — | (374,031 | ) | (30,500 | ) | (6,284,056 | ) | (7,662,961 | ) | (18,811,340 | ) | (20,331,273 | ) | |||||||||||
Net investment income – Class B | — | — | N/A | N/A | (40,261 | ) | (62,062 | ) | (137,263 | ) | (179,088 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net investment income – Advisor Class | N/A | N/A | (727,935 | ) | (28,533 | ) | (983,837 | ) | (480,975 | ) | (2,173,339 | ) | (1,094,669 | ) | |||||||||||
Net investment income – Institutional Class | — | — | (122,625 | ) | (64,687 | ) | (277,127 | ) | (198,725 | ) | (1,004,576 | ) | (750,388 | ) | |||||||||||
Total dividends | — | — | (1,224,591 | ) | (123,720 | ) | (7,585,281 | ) | (8,404,723 | ) | (22,126,518 | ) | (22,355,418 | ) | |||||||||||
Share Transactions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 188,680,191 | 211,817,957 | 20,758,682 | 13,237,212 | 22,736,328 | 45,726,997 | 64,028,514 | 81,171,489 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | — | — | 368,085 | 30,054 | 5,929,898 | 7,192,044 | 17,580,395 | 18,921,205 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (187,201,946) | (234,002,418) | (2,923,219 | ) | (4,316,496 | ) | (51,829,306 | ) | (116,060,110 | ) | (84,613,640 | ) | (176,833,988) | ||||||||||||
1,478,245 | (22,184,461 | ) | 18,203,548 | 8,950,770 | (23,163,080 | ) | (63,141,069 | ) | (3,004,731 | ) | (76,741,294 | ) | |||||||||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 402,446 | 697,875 | N/A | N/A | 227,686 | 276,364 | 480,991 | 479,354 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | — | — | N/A | N/A | 38,392 | 58,547 | 132,854 | 171,931 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (519,111 | ) | (864,912 | ) | N/A | N/A | (1,001,688 | ) | (1,768,116 | ) | (1,606,746 | ) | (2,158,463 | ) | |||||||||||
(116,665 | ) | (167,037 | ) | N/A | N/A | (735,610 | ) | (1,433,205 | ) | (992,901 | ) | (1,507,178 | ) | ||||||||||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | N/A | N/A | 16,943,269 | 25,824,235 | 20,916,906 | 52,153,063 | 27,816,452 | 71,243,411 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | N/A | N/A | 726,768 | 28,441 | 980,039 | 474,247 | 2,161,838 | 1,078,449 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | N/A | N/A | (2,406,247 | (146,922 | ) | (5,282,685 | ) | (18,897,640 | ) | (9,123,361 | ) | (27,970,711 | ) | ||||||||||||
N/A | N/A | 15,263,790 | 25,705,754 | 16,614,260 | 33,729,670 | 20,854,929 | 44,351,149 | ||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 1,209,104 | 3,463,169 | 7,903,190 | 11,067,703 | 18,491,366 | 9,215,018 | 6,813,608 | 16,142,663 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | — | — | 23,070 | 29,424 | 68,616 | 16,394 | 258,070 | 70,885 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (1,537,953 | ) | (868,792 | ) | (6,235,545 | (5,882,438 | ) | (15,338,142 | ) | (3,085,830 | ) | (13,616,604 | ) | (3,456,464 | ) | ||||||||||
(328,849 | ) | 2,594,377 | 1,690,715 | 5,214,689 | 3,221,840 | 6,145,582 | (6,544,926 | ) | 12,757,084 | ||||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) from share transactions | 1,032,731 | (19,757,121 | ) | 35,158,053 | 39,871,213 | (4,062,590 | ) | (24,699,022 | ) | 10,312,371 | (21,140,239 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 1,032,731 | (19,757,121 | ) | 34,416,459 | 39,684,820 | (5,048,621 | ) | (27,002,311 | ) | (5,470,265 | ) | (13,006,676 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of year | 111,087,098 | 130,844,219 | 39,684,820 | — | 337,635,444 | 364,637,755 | 546,436,112 | 559,442,788 | |||||||||||||||||
End of year† | $ | 112,119,829 | $ | 111,087,098 | $ | 74,101,279 | $ | 39,684,820 | $ | 332,586,823 | $ | 337,635,444 | $ | 540,965,847 | $ | 546,436,112 | |||||||||
†Includes undistributed net investment income (deficit) of | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (661,994 | ) | $ | (78,674 | ) | $ | 96,314 | $ | 157,488 | $ | (10,606,832 | ) | $ | (7,197,945 | ) |
*From May 19, 2014 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2014. |
224 | See notes to financial statements | 225 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
LIMITED DURATION HIGH | |||||||||||||||||||
CASH MANAGEMENT | QUALITY BOND | GOVERNMENT | INVESTMENT GRADE | ||||||||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | * | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Shares Issued and Redeemed | |||||||||||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | 188,680,191 | 211,817,957 | 2,109,083 | 1,329,865 | 2,088,784 | 4,190,804 | 6,481,146 | 8,191,662 | |||||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | — | — | 37,457 | 3,032 | 544,048 | 659,440 | 1,778,652 | 1,903,981 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | (187,201,946 | ) | (234,002,418 | ) | (297,576 | ) | (431,483 | ) | (4,761,934 | ) | (10,645,942 | ) | (8,571,448 | ) | (17,813,078 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in Class A shares outstanding | 1,478,245 | (22,184,461 | ) | 1,848,964 | 901,414 | (2,129,102 | ) | (5,795,698 | ) | (311,650 | ) | (7,717,435 | ) | ||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | 402,446 | 697,875 | N/A | N/A | 20,883 | 25,432 | 48,899 | 48,509 | |||||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | — | — | N/A | N/A | 3,530 | 5,382 | 13,513 | 17,366 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | (519,111 | ) | (864,912 | ) | N/A | N/A | (92,010 | ) | (162,492 | ) | (162,547 | ) | (218,455 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in Class B shares outstanding | (116,665 | ) | (167,037 | ) | N/A | N/A | (67,597 | ) | (131,678 | ) | (100,135 | ) | (152,580 | ) | |||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | N/A | N/A | 1,716,139 | 2,599,761 | 1,921,902 | 4,795,733 | 2,813,445 | 7,160,663 | |||||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | N/A | N/A | 73,663 | 2,870 | 89,969 | 43,538 | 218,769 | 107,780 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | N/A | N/A | (244,128 | ) | (14,815 | ) | (485,035 | ) | (1,736,298 | ) | (920,368 | ) | (2,799,465 | ) | |||||
Net increase in Advisor Class shares outstanding | N/A | N/A | 1,545,674 | 2,587,816 | 1,526,836 | 3,102,973 | 2,111,846 | 4,468,978 | |||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | 1,209,104 | 3,463,169 | 801,095 | 1,106,791 | 1,695,349 | 842,500 | 686,431 | 1,630,886 | |||||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | — | — | 2,338 | 2,954 | 6,280 | 1,499 | 26,108 | 7,117 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | (1,537,953 | ) | (868,792 | ) | (632,276 | ) | (592,988 | ) | (1,398,152 | ) | (282,544 | ) | (1,398,255 | ) | (349,768 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in Institutional Class | (328,849 | ) | 2,594,377 | 171,157 | 516,757 | 303,477 | 561,455 | (685,716 | ) | 1,288,235 | |||||||||
shares outstanding |
*From May 19, 2014 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2014. |
226 | See notes to financial statements | 227 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
INTERNATIONAL | FLOATING | FUND FOR | |||||||||||||||||||||||
STRATEGIC INCOME | OPPORTUNITIES BOND | RATE | INCOME | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | * | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 4,269,180 | $ | 2,423,869 | $ | 1.954.192 | $ | 2,313,398 | $ | 2,924,668 | $ | 1,492,165 | $ | 30,891,498 | $ | 33,051,834 | |||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, affiliate and | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | (229,431 | ) | 697,928 | (1,276,847 | ) | (270,864 | ) | (2,287,337 | ) | (7,835 | ) | (15,066,252 | ) | 6,767,267 | |||||||||||
Capital gain distributions from affiliate (Note 2) | 274,361 | 100,350 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
affiliate and foreign currency transactions | (7,633,115 | ) | (665,576 | ) | (14,673,919 | ) | 535,302 | (547,178 | ) | (924,272 | ) | (35,320,472 | ) | (3,544,808 | ) | ||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
from operations | (3,319,005 | ) | 2,556,571 | (13,996,574 | ) | 2,577,836 | 90,153 | 560,058 | (19,495,226 | ) | 36,274,293 | ||||||||||||||
Distributions to Shareholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income – Class A | (4,250,570 | ) | (2,130,034 | ) | (2,294,314 | ) | (2,397,230 | ) | (1,651,739 | ) | (1,126,276 | ) | (31,122,480 | ) | (34,202,186 | ) | |||||||||
Net investment income – Class B | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | (170,838 | ) | (227,682 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net investment income – Advisor Class | (13,030 | ) | (7,391 | ) | (1,318,823 | ) | (280,534 | ) | (1,387,153 | ) | (486,626 | ) | (2,154,704 | ) | (807,661 | ) | |||||||||
Net investment income – Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | (586,454 | ) | (289,799 | ) | (203,347 | ) | (108,512 | ) | (2,774,913 | ) | (1,802,302 | ) | |||||||||||
Net realized gains – Class A | (801,079 | ) | (22,344 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Net realized gains – Class B | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains – Advisor Class | (2,497 | ) | (63 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Net realized gains – Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (5,067,176 | ) | (2,159,832 | ) | (4,199,591 | ) | (2,967,563 | ) | (3,242,239 | ) | (1,721,414 | ) | (36,222,935 | ) | (37,039,831 | ) | |||||||||
Share Transactions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 51,014,186 | 61,761,010 | 10,795,963 | 22,197,260 | 16,227,394 | 84,453,964 | 56,372,212 | 88,358,374 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 4,892,843 | 2,063,899 | 2,206,234 | 2,306,579 | 1,602,638 | 1,080,800 | 26,804,294 | 29,346,065 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (17,348,984 | ) | (10,026,335 | ) | (13,802,724 | ) | (43,936,569 | ) | (9,445,295 | ) | (34,565,629 | ) | (89,743,444 | ) | (144,333,701) | ||||||||||
38,558,045 | 53,798,574 | (800,527 | ) | (19,432,730 | ) | 8,384,737 | 50,969,135 | (6,566,938 | ) | (26,629,262 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 335,094 | 920,956 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 133,486 | 182,565 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | (1,489,533 | ) | (1,414,505 | ) | |||||||||||||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | (1,020,953 | ) | (310,984 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 183,408 | 455,009 | 24,726,998 | 37,423,299 | 21,065,167 | 39,741,189 | 31,328,538 | 41,261,269 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 15,496 | 7,328 | 1,314,831 | 276,872 | 1,382,219 | 478,322 | 2,117,050 | 784,845 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (194,201 | ) | (140,379 | ) | (3,203,191 | ) | (3,255,720 | ) | (5,957,676 | ) | (4,793,984 | ) | (19,431,815 | ) | (9,955,691 | ) | |||||||||
4,703 | 321,958 | 22,838,638 | 34,444,451 | 16,489,710 | 35,425,527 | 14,013,773 | 32,090,423 | ||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | N/A | N/A | 5,543,928 | 12,728,446 | 11,763,251 | 5,506,088 | 12,712,337 | 25,179,719 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | N/A | N/A | 117,098 | 15,013 | 25,267 | 6,590 | 607,766 | 157,410 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | N/A | N/A | (163,462 | ) | (3,462,799 | ) | (6,462,400 | ) | (113,423 | ) | (380,862 | ) | (521,931 | ) | |||||||||||
N/A | N/A | 5,497,564 | 9,280,660 | 5,326,118 | 5,399,255 | 12,939,241 | 24,815,198 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net increase from share transactions | 38,562,748 | 54,120,532 | 27,535,675 | 24,292,381 | 30,200,565 | 91,793,917 | 19,365,123 | 29,965,375 | |||||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 30,176,567 | 54,517,271 | 9,339,510 | 23,902,654 | 27,048,479 | 90,632,561 | (36,353,038 | ) | 29,199,837 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of year | 101,862,731 | 47,345,460 | 130,063,116 | 106,160,462 | 90,632,561 | — | 700,379,893 | 671,180,056 | |||||||||||||||||
End of year† | $ | 132,039,298 | $ | 101,862,731 | $ | 139,402,626 | $ | 130,063,116 | $ | 117,681,040 | $ | 90,632,561 | $ | 664,026,855 | $ | 700,379,893 | |||||||||
†Includes undistributed net investment income (deficit) of | $ | 317,168 | $ | 310,748 | $ | (4,123,681 | ) | $ | (852,208 | ) | $ | (337,720 | ) | $ | (197,266 | ) | $ | (6,558,667 | ) | $ | (4,787,781 | ) | |||
*From October 21, 2013 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2014. |
228 | See notes to financial statements | 229 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
INTERNATIONAL | FUND FOR | ||||||||||||||||||
STRATEGIC INCOME | OPPORTUNITIES BOND | FLOATING RATE | INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | * | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Shares Issued and Redeemed | |||||||||||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | 5,237,519 | 6,172,502 | 1,143,107 | 2,244,112 | 1,666,860 | 8,442,630 | 22,197,151 | 33,280,697 | |||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 503,915 | 205,859 | 236,312 | 232,553 | 164,946 | 108,155 | 10,597,619 | 11,057,224 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | (1,790,431 | ) | (1,001,182 | ) | (1,480,513 | ) | (4,410,954 | ) | (972,258 | ) | (3,451,146 | ) | (35,402,127 | ) | (54,349,959 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in Class A shares outstanding | 3,951,003 | 5,377,179 | (101,094 | ) | (1,934,289 | ) | 859,548 | 5,099,639 | (2,607,357 | ) | (10,012,038 | ) | |||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 133,419 | 347,575 | |||||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 52,815 | 68,849 | |||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | (584,990 | ) | (533,762 | ) | |||||||||
Net decrease in Class B shares outstanding | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | (398,756 | ) | (117,338 | ) | |||||||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 18,657 | 45,636 | 2,652,774 | 3,729,318 | 2,163,592 | 3,969,777 | 12,284,664 | 15,465,806 | |||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 1,596 | 731 | 141,696 | 27,485 | 142,291 | 47,955 | 838,705 | 295,797 | |||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (19,853 | ) | (13,949 | ) | (341,032 | ) | (321,028 | ) | (611,893 | ) | (480,441 | ) | (7,666,834 | ) | (3,758,058 | ) | |||
Net increase in Advisor Class shares outstanding | 400 | 32,418 | 2,453,438 | 3,435,775 | 1,693,990 | 3,537,291 | 5,456,535 | 12,003,545 | |||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | N/A | N/A | 586,609 | 1,267,310 | 1,211,598 | 551,165 | 4,969,991 | 9,477,561 | |||||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | N/A | N/A | 12,596 | 1,506 | 2,603 | 661 | 238,961 | 59,086 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | N/A | N/A | (17,746 | ) | (359,024 | ) | (662,209 | ) | (11,376 | ) | (151,240 | ) | (195,720 | ) | |||||
Net increase in Institutional Class shares outstanding | N/A | N/A | 581,459 | 909,792 | 551,992 | 540,450 | 5,057,712 | 9,340,927 |
*From October 21, 2013 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2014. |
230 | See notes to financial statements | 231 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
TOTAL RETURN | EQUITY INCOME | GROWTH & INCOME | GLOBAL | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 8,897,828 | $ | 8,407,620 | $ | 8,834,644 | $ | 7,244,968 | $ | 16,766,700 | $ | 14,016,507 | $ | 354,718 | $ | 239,972 | |||||||||
Net realized gain on investments and | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | 26,452,055 | 25,772,693 | 19,155,363 | 30,301,068 | 94,097,022 | 70,159,616 | 25,797,010 | 79,139,149 | |||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | (60,504,263 | ) | 35,444,536 | (52,104,589 | ) | 33,659,925 | (207,594,775 | ) | 156,112,611 | (25,481,813 | ) | (46,358,367 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
from operations | (25,154,380 | ) | 69,624,849 | (24,114,582 | ) | 71,205,961 | (96,731,053 | ) | 240,288,734 | 669,915 | 33,020,754 | ||||||||||||||
Distributions to Shareholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income – Class A | (11,458,210 | ) | (11,589,796 | ) | (7,764,142 | ) | (7,308,606 | ) | (13,548,001 | ) | (14,693,099 | ) | — | (1,571,087 | ) | ||||||||||
Net investment income – Class B | (28,623 | ) | (84,218 | ) | (35,071 | ) | (33,822 | ) | (47,198 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Net investment income – Advisor Class | (19,854 | ) | (16,709 | ) | (640,384 | ) | (215,775 | ) | (1,481,022 | ) | (443,703 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Net investment income – Institutional Class | (333,411 | ) | (50,101 | ) | (150,672 | ) | (152,607 | ) | (109,473 | ) | (116,706 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Net realized gains – Class A | (26,531,506 | ) | (15,149,081 | ) | (23,687,499 | ) | (8,100,460 | ) | (74,526,500 | ) | (51,578,337 | ) | (57,930,649 | ) | (4,253,988 | ) | |||||||||
Net realized gains – Class B | (334,083 | ) | (229,503 | ) | (250,819 | ) | (105,356 | ) | (1,191,667 | ) | (937,957 | ) | (798,140 | ) | (67,698 | ) | |||||||||
Net realized gains – Advisor Class | (45,598 | ) | (24 | ) | (1,557,015 | ) | (18 | ) | (6,144,693 | ) | (37 | ) | (12,698,968 | ) | (15 | ) | |||||||||
Net realized gains – Institutional Class | (97,905 | ) | (53,776 | ) | (368,685 | ) | (129,941 | ) | (449,195 | ) | (270,881 | ) | (522,230 | ) | (35,709 | ) | |||||||||
Total distributions | (38,849,190 | ) | (27,173,208 | ) | (34,454,287 | ) | (16,046,585 | ) | (97,497,749 | ) | (68,040,720 | ) | (71,949,987 | ) | (5,928,497 | ) | |||||||||
Share Transactions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 146,851,394 | 144,374,381 | 72,214,654 | 85,872,353 | 176,073,369 | 230,925,355 | 39,149,881 | 88,234,191 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 37,605,795 | 26,449,062 | 31,157,447 | 15,249,050 | 87,532,440 | 65,872,831 | 57,247,510 | 5,753,231 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (106,907,221 | ) | (109,213,517 | ) | (75,721,110 | ) | (117,865,104 | ) | ( 224,370,769 | ) | (365,688,742 | ) | (42,810,677 | ) | (102,920,706 | ) | |||||||||
77,549,968 | 61,609,926 | 27,650,991 | (16,743,701 | ) | 39,235,040 | (68,890,556 | ) | 53,586,714 | (8,933,284 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 1,026,008 | 1,484,620 | 405,159 | 623,623 | 1,676,093 | 2,413,322 | 528,779 | 441,711 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 362,686 | 313,625 | 284,695 | 139,178 | 1,236,146 | 936,712 | 796,759 | 67,598 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (2,508,178 | ) | (2,589,358 | ) | (2,114,353 | ) | (2,039,550 | (6,693,763 | ) | (8,384,142 | ) | (1,190,031 | ) | (1,222,951 | ) | ||||||||||
(1,119,484 | ) | (791,113 | ) | (1,424,499 | ) | (1,276,749 | (3,781,524 | ) | (5,034,108 | ) | 135,507 | (713,642 | ) | ||||||||||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 502,020 | 2,798,827 | 22,718,011 | 38,036,716 | 69,126,846 | 133,528,089 | 61,955,545 | 73,936,631 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 62,481 | 15,483 | 2,187,179 | 214,429 | 7,597,309 | 440,632 | 12,687,159 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (1,615,735 | ) | (733,664 | ) | (14,707,043 | ) | (7,273,987 | ) | (43,145,322 | ) | (16,342,521 | ) | (11,240,272 | ) | (9,881,401 | ) | |||||||||
(1,051,234 | ) | 2,080,646 | 10,198,147 | 30,977,158 | 33,578,833 | 117,626,200 | 63,402,432 | 64,055,245 | |||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 30,633,716 | 3,082,826 | 3,376,843 | 7,047,542 | 1,078,751 | 9,598,181 | 392,755 | 2,976,002 | |||||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 431,287 | 103,878 | 154,468 | 62,617 | 558,667 | 387,588 | 522,230 | 35,709 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (631,455 | ) | (439,595 | ) | (205,211 | ) | (5,441,217 | ) | (914,920 | ) | (1,078,926 | ) | (492,398 | ) | (231,983 | ) | |||||||||
30,433,548 | 2,747,109 | 3,326,100 | 1,668,942 | 722,498 | 8,906,843 | 422,587 | 2,779,728 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net increase from share transactions | 105,812,798 | 65,646,568 | 39,750,739 | 14,625,650 | 69,754,847 | 52,608,379 | 117,547,240 | 57,188,047 | |||||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 41,809,228 | 108,098,209 | (18,818,130 | ) | 69,785,026 | (124,473,955 | ) | 224,856,393 | 46,267,168 | 84,280,304 | |||||||||||||||
Net Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of year | 782,361,461 | 674,263,252 | 556,261,748 | 486,476,722 | 1,791,202,135 | 1,566,345,742 | 406,030,963 | 321,750,659 | |||||||||||||||||
End of year† | $ | 824,170,689 | $ | 782,361,461 | $ | 537,443,618 | 556,261,748 | $ | 1,666,728,180 | $ | 1,791,202,135 | $ | 452,298,131 | $ | 406,030,963 | ||||||||||
†Includes undistributed net investment income (deficit) of | $ | (4,740,199 | ) | $ | (4,206,683 | ) | $ | 2,447,299 | $ | 2,202,699 | $ | 5,909,198 | $ | 4,328,044 | $ | 239,384 | $ | (39,488 | ) |
232 | See notes to financial statements | 233 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
TOTAL RETURN | EQUITY INCOME | GROWTH & INCOME | GLOBAL | ||||||||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Shares Issued and Redeemed | |||||||||||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | 7,527,965 | 7,452,842 | 7,336,596 | 8,880,010 | 7,787,049 | 10,508,710 | 4,901,776 | 10,363,103 | |||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 1,955,683 | 1,370,681 | 3,209,850 | 1,572,760 | 3,935,976 | 2,994,974 | 7,684,230 | 669,759 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | (5,496,779 | ) | (5,641,693 | ) | (7,705,002 | ) | (12,182,540 | ) | (9,912,533 | ) | (16,660,016 | ) | (5,352,471 | ) | (12,264,036 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in Class A shares outstanding | 3,986,869 | 3,181,830 | 2,841,444 | (1,729,770 | ) | 1,810,492 | (3,156,332 | ) | 7,233,535 | (1,231,174 | ) | ||||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | 53,736 | 78,340 | 41,958 | 65,461 | 79,295 | 117,647 | 78,767 | 60,567 | |||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 19,166 | 16,587 | 29,766 | 14,671 | 59,459 | 45,560 | 130,402 | 9,184 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | (131,276 | ) | (136,994 | ) | (218,351 | ) | (214,501 | ) | (316,708 | ) | (408,507 | ) | (179,418 | ) | (168,404 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in Class B shares outstanding | (58,374 | ) | (42,067 | ) | (146,627 | ) | (134,369 | ) | (177,954 | ) | (245,300 | ) | 29,751 | (98,653 | ) | ||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | 25,472 | 143,455 | 2,306,935 | 3,918,285 | 3,040,101 | 6,074,233 | 7,646,436 | 8,758,177 | |||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 3,241 | 784 | 225,617 | 21,322 | 340,669 | 19,212 | 1,684,881 | 2 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | (82,493 | ) | (37,076 | ) | (1,476,879 | ) | (721,805 | ) | (1,865,063 | ) | (707,345 | ) | (1,398,555 | ) | (1,122,362 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in Advisor Class shares outstanding | (53,780 | ) | 107,163 | 1,055,673 | 3,217,802 | 1,515,707 | 5,386,100 | 7,932,762 | 7,635,817 | ||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||||||||||
Sold | 1,538,175 | 164,468 | 347,901 | 742,515 | 47,708 | 458,273 | 48,763 | 365,617 | |||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 22,600 | 5,378 | 15,831 | 6,432 | 25,118 | 17,604 | 69,078 | 4,128 | |||||||||||
Redeemed | (32,545 | ) | (23,100 | ) | (20,738 | ) | (534,328 | ) | (40,741 | ) | (48,063 | ) | (61,001 | ) | (26,838 | ) | |||
Net increase in Institutional Class shares outstanding | 1,528,230 | 146,746 | 342,994 | 214,619 | 32,085 | 427,814 | 56,840 | 342,907 |
234 | See notes to financial statements | 235 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
SELECT GROWTH | OPPORTUNITY | SPECIAL SITUATIONS | REAL ESTATE | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | * | |||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 788,190 | $ | 151,237 | $ | 1,035,051 | $ | 1,327,725 | $ | 443,836 | $ | 303,663 | $ | 404,033 | |||||||
Net realized gain on investments and | |||||||||||||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | 46,613,802 | 24,549,198 | 79,081,123 | 54,891,351 | 29,671,829 | 23,112,572 | 24,636 | ||||||||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | |||||||||||||||||||||
and foreign currency transactions | (25,403,387 | ) | 35,452,488 | (92,521,856 | ) | 49,674,327 | (30,358,590 | ) | 25,222,633 | (2,448,175 | ) | ||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting | |||||||||||||||||||||
from operations | 21,998,605 | 60,152,923 | (12,405,682 | ) | 105,893,403 | (242,925 | ) | 48,638,868 | (2,019,506 | ) | |||||||||||
Distributions to Shareholders | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income – Class A | (33,918 | ) | (137,030 | ) | (1,230,423 | ) | (3,087,350 | ) | (614,851 | ) | — | (68,828 | ) | ||||||||
Net investment income – Class B | — | — | — | — | — | — | N/A | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income – Advisor Class | (23,472 | ) | — | (78,489 | ) | — | (83,726 | ) | — | (309,011 | ) | ||||||||||
Net investment income – Institutional Class | (4,324 | ) | — | (18,948 | ) | (13,000 | ) | (33,545 | ) | — | (8,900 | ) | |||||||||
Net realized gains – Class A | — | — | (53,444,769 | ) | (46,623,738 | ) | (22,889,551 | ) | (66,745,164 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Net realized gains – Class B | — | — | (913,751 | ) | (963,735 | ) | (282,955 | ) | (931,080 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||
Net realized gains – Advisor Class | — | — | (2,495,521 | ) | (73 | ) | (1,540,363 | ) | (179 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Net realized gains – Institutional Class | — | — | (255,417 | ) | (184,762 | ) | (307,598 | ) | (841,692 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Total distributions | (61,714 | ) | (137,030 | ) | (58,437,318 | ) | (50,872,658 | ) | (25,752,589 | ) | (68,518,115 | ) | (386,739 | ) | |||||||
Share Transactions | |||||||||||||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 54,416,494 | 53,114,679 | 136,372,505 | 122,773,450 | 62,551,504 | 58,194,508 | 12,123,983 | ||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 33,809 | 136,182 | 54,304,871 | 49,375,149 | 23,373,326 | 66,412,691 | 67,795 | ||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (52,380,060 | ) | (95,715,532 | ) | (111,164,893 | ) | (146,548,697 | ) | (56,620,386 | ) | (90,955,373 | ) | (301,713 | ) | |||||||
2,070,243 | (42,464,671 | ) | 79,512,483 | 25,599,902 | 29,304,444 | 33,651,826 | 11,890,065 | ||||||||||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 429,281 | 386,548 | 880,576 | 1,414,422 | 405,103 | 380,874 | N/A | ||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | — | — | 913,334 | 960,343 | 282,325 | 930,707 | N/A | ||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (1,488,363 | ) | (1,717,261 | ) | (3,260,835 | ) | (4,831,017 | ) | (1,245,404 | ) | (1,382,358 | ) | N/A | ||||||||
(1,059,082 | ) | (1,330,713 | ) | (1,466,925 | ) | (2,456,252 | ) | (557,976 | ) | (70,777 | ) | N/A | |||||||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 23,956,222 | 37,235,367 | 26,801,133 | 38,736,137 | 18,421,121 | 30,546,664 | 43,112,696 | ||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 23,442 | — | 2,559,289 | 73 | 1,621,689 | 179 | 308,971 | ||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (10,552,736 | ) | (6,791,191 | ) | (12,916,191 | ) | (4,324,733 | ) | (5,321,986 | ) | (4,688,154 | ) | (765,928 | ) | |||||||
13,426,928 | 30,444,176 | 16,444,231 | 34,411,477 | 14,720,824 | 25,858,689 | 42,655,739 | |||||||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 802,590 | 2,935,532 | 1,039,954 | 3,896,239 | 795,472 | 6,063,035 | 1,048,520 | ||||||||||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 4,324 | — | 274,365 | 197,762 | 341,142 | 841,692 | 8,900 | ||||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (450,856 | ) | (321,723 | ) | (593,271 | ) | (461,518 | ) | (666,944 | ) | (895,279 | ) | (496 | ) | |||||||
356,058 | 2,613,809 | 721,048 | 3,632,483 | 469,670 | 6,009,448 | 1,056,924 | |||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) from share transactions | 14,794,147 | (10,737,399 | ) | 95,210,837 | 61,187,610 | 43,936,962 | 65,449,186 | 55,602,728 | |||||||||||||
Net increase in net assets | 36,731,038 | 49,278,494 | 24,367,837 | 116,208,355 | 17,941,448 | 45,569,939 | 53,196,483 | ||||||||||||||
Net Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | 370,422,222 | 321,143,728 | 856,829,214 | 740,620,859 | 462,606,412 | 417,036,473 | — | ||||||||||||||
End of year† | $ | 407,153,260 | $ | 370,422,222 | $ | 881,197,051 | $ | 856,829,214 | $ | 480,547,860 | $ | 462,606,412 | $ | 53,196,483 | |||||||
†Includes undistributed net investment income of | $ | 787,612 | $ | 61,136 | $ | 1,035,020 | $ | 1,327,725 | $ | 15,377 | $ | 303,663 | $ | 17,294 |
*From April 6, 2015 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2015. |
236 | See notes to financial statements | 237 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
SELECT GROWTH | OPPORTUNITY | SPECIAL SITUATIONS | REAL ESTATE | ||||||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | * | |||||||||
Shares Issued and Redeemed | |||||||||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||||||||
Sold | 4,524,618 | 5,061,027 | 3,318,481 | 3,041,896 | 2,296,761 | 2,135,234 | 1,299,792 | ||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 2,865 | 13,057 | 1,372,375 | 1,233,146 | 892,452 | 2,538,712 | 7,665 | ||||||||||
Redeemed | (4,363,924 | ) | (9,110,597 | ) | (2,705,324 | ) | (3,653,483 | ) | (2,072,629 | ) | (3,369,616 | ) | (33,521 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in Class A shares outstanding | 163,559 | (4,036,513 | ) | 1,985,532 | 621,559 | 1,116,584 | 1,304,330 | 1,273,936 | |||||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 40,379 | 41,564 | 26,080 | 41,918 | 18,935 | 17,126 | N/A | ||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | — | — | 28,077 | 28,599 | 13,685 | 44,235 | N/A | ||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (139,374 | ) | (182,682 | ) | (96,523 | ) | (138,149 | ) | (58,315 | ) | (63,202 | ) | N/A | ||||
Net decrease in Class B shares outstanding | (98,995 | ) | (141,118 | ) | (42,366 | ) | (67,632 | ) | (25,695 | ) | (1,841 | ) | N/A | ||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 1,974,720 | 3,509,456 | 644,299 | 970,944 | 670,808 | 1,162,137 | 4,594,793 | ||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 1,978 | — | 64,158 | 2 | 61,802 | 7 | 34,846 | ||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (883,130 | ) | (613,112 | ) | (310,019 | ) | (103,667 | ) | (194,572 | ) �� | (171,645 | ) | (84,427 | ) | |||
Net increase in Advisor Class shares outstanding | 1,093,568 | 2,896,344 | 398,438 | 867,279 | 538,038 | 990,499 | 4,545,212 | ||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||||||||
Sold | 66,313 | 307,236 | 25,177 | 99,807 | 29,003 | 214,447 | 106,509 | ||||||||||
Issued for distributions reinvested | 364 | — | 6,904 | 4,925 | 12,966 | 32,040 | 1,005 | ||||||||||
Redeemed | (36,602 | ) | (30,895 | ) | (14,276 | ) | (11,488 | ) | (24,349 | ) | (32,328 | ) | (57 | ) | |||
Net increase in Institutional Class shares outstanding | 30,075 | 276,341 | 17,805 | 93,244 | 17,620 | 214,159 | 107,457 |
*From April 6, 2015 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2015. |
238 | See notes to financial statements | 239 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
INTERNATIONAL | |||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations | |||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 1,177,991 | $ | 996,055 | |||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and | |||||||||||
foreign currency transactions | (7,234,671 | ) | 4,446,110 | ||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | |||||||||||
and foreign currency transactions | (1,841,871 | ) | 4,414,390 | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting | |||||||||||
from operations | (7,898,551 | ) | 9,856,555 | ||||||||
Dividends to Shareholders | |||||||||||
Net investment income – Class A | (712,515 | ) | (446,680 | ) | |||||||
Net investment income – Class B | — | — | |||||||||
Net investment income – Advisor Class | (140,251 | ) | — | ||||||||
Net investment income – Institutional Class | (18,281 | ) | — | ||||||||
Total dividends | (871,047 | ) | (446,680 | ) | |||||||
Share Transactions | |||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 34,322,329 | 56,437,318 | |||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | 707,912 | 444,022 | |||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (26,787,203 | ) | (89,103,615 | ) | |||||||
8,243,038 | (32,222,275 | ) | |||||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 194,517 | 324,644 | |||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | — | — | |||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (920,495 | ) | (755,235 | ) | |||||||
(725,978 | ) | (430,591 | ) | ||||||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 30,826,438 | 40,013,722 | |||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | 139,818 | — | |||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (6,399,457 | ) | (4,422,545 | ) | |||||||
24,566,799 | 35,591,177 | ||||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 444,822 | 2,538,693 | |||||||||
Reinvestment of dividends | 18,281 | — | |||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (395,447 | ) | (289,287 | ) | |||||||
67,656 | 2,249,406 | ||||||||||
Net increase from share transactions | 32,151,515 | 5,187,717 | |||||||||
Net increase in net assets | 23,381,917 | 14,597,592 | |||||||||
Net Assets | |||||||||||
Beginning of year | 233,672,623 | 219,075,031 | |||||||||
End of year† | $ | 257,054,540 | $ | 233,672,623 | |||||||
†Includes undistributed net investment income of | $ | 1,142,919 | $ | 842,889 |
240 | See notes to financial statements |
INTERNATIONAL | |||||||||||
Year Ended September 30 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Shares Issued and Redeemed | |||||||||||
Class A: | |||||||||||
Sold | 2,600,533 | 4,368,338 | |||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | 54,835 | 34,908 | |||||||||
Redeemed | (2,031,442 | ) | (6,840,847 | ) | |||||||
Net increase (decrease) in Class A shares outstanding | 623,926 | (2,437,601 | ) | ||||||||
Class B: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 15,517 | 26,251 | |||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | — | — | |||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (73,691 | ) | (60,153 | ) | |||||||
Net decrease in Class B shares outstanding | (58,174 | ) | (33,902 | ) | |||||||
Advisor Class: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 2,303,344 | 3,011,540 | |||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | 10,772 | — | |||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (484,106 | ) | (326,473 | ) | |||||||
Net increase in Advisor Class shares outstanding | 1,830,010 | 2,685,067 | |||||||||
Institutional Class: | |||||||||||
Sold | 33,320 | 200,933 | |||||||||
Issued for dividends reinvested | 1,407 | — | |||||||||
Redeemed | (29,837 | ) | (22,302 | ) | |||||||
Net increase in Institutional Class shares outstanding | 4,890 | 178,631 |
241 |
Notes to Financial Statements
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
1. Significant Accounting Policies—First Investors Income Funds (“Income Funds”) and First Investors Equity Funds (“Equity Funds”), each a Delaware statutory trust (each a “Trust”, collectively, “the Trusts”), are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as open-end management investment companies and operate as series funds. The Income Funds issue shares of beneficial interest in the Cash Management Fund, Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund, Government Fund, Investment Grade Fund, Strategic Income Fund, International Opportunities Bond Fund, Floating Rate Fund and Fund For Income. All of the Income Funds are diversified funds, except International Opportunities Bond Fund, which is a non-diversified fund. The Equity Funds issue shares of beneficial interest in the Total Return Fund, Equity Income Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Global Fund, Select Growth Fund, Opportunity Fund, Special Situations Fund, Real Estate Fund and International Fund (each a “Fund”, collectively, “the Funds”). All of the Equity Funds are diversified funds, except Real Estate Fund, which is a non-diversified fund. The Trusts account separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each Fund. The objective of each Fund as of September 30, 2015, is as follows:
Cash Management Fund seeks to earn a high rate of current income consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity.
Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund seeks current income consistent with low volatility of principal.
Government Fund seeks to achieve a significant level of current income which is consistent with security and liquidity of principal.
Investment Grade Fund seeks to generate a maximum level of income consistent with investment in investment grade debt securities.
Strategic Income Fund seeks a high level of current income.
International Opportunities Bond Fund seeks total return consisting of income and capital appreciation.
Floating Rate Fund seeks a high level of current income.
Fund For Income seeks high current income.
Total Return Fund seeks high, long-term total investment return consistent with moderate investment risk.
Equity Income Fund seeks total return.
Growth & Income Fund seeks long-term growth of capital and current income.
242 |
Global Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Select Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Opportunity Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Special Situations Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Real Estate Fund seeks total return.
International Fund primarily seeks long-term capital growth.
A. Security Valuation—Except as provided below, a security listed or traded on an exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market is valued at its last sale price on the exchange or market where the security is principally traded, and lacking any sales, the security is valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices. Securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market (including securities listed on exchanges whose primary market is believed to be OTC) are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices based on quotes furnished by a market maker for such securities or an authorized pricing service. Fixed income securities, other than short-term debt securities held by the Cash Management Fund, are priced based upon valuations that are provided by a pricing service. Other securities may also be priced based upon valuations that are provided by pricing services approved by the Trusts’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The pricing services consider security type, rating, market condition and yield data as well as market quotations, prices provided by market makers and other available information in determining value. The net asset value of the Strategic Income Fund is derived from the net asset values of the underlying Funds in which it invests.
The Funds monitor for significant events occurring prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange that could have a material impact on the value of any securities that are held by the Funds. Examples of such events include trading halts, natural disasters, political events and issuer-specific developments. If the Valuation Committee of Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. (“FIMCO”) decides that such events warrant using fair value estimates, it will take such events into consideration in determining the fair values of such securities. If market quotations or prices are not readily available or determined to be unreliable, the securities will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. The Funds also use estimates from a pricing service to fair value foreign equity securities in the event that fluctuation in U.S. securities markets exceed a predetermined level or if a foreign market is closed. For valuation purposes, where applicable, quotations of foreign securities in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollar equivalents using the foreign exchange quotation in effect.
243 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
The Cash Management Fund values its portfolio securities in accordance with the amortized cost method of valuation under Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act. Amortized cost is an approximation of market value of an instrument, whereby the difference between its acquisition cost and market value at maturity is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the instrument. The effect of changes in the market value of a security as a result of fluctuating interest rates is not taken into account and thus the amortized cost method of valuation may result in the value of a security being higher or lower than its actual market value.
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), investments held by the Funds are carried at “fair value”. As defined by ASC 820, fair value is the price that a fund would receive upon selling an investment in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment under current market conditions. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments.
In addition to defining fair value, ASC 820 established a three-tier hierarchy of inputs to establish a classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad Levels listed below:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities that the Fund 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 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 relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumption about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
Equity securities traded on an exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy to the extent that they are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied. The underlying Funds in which Strategic Income Fund invests are also categorized in Level 1. Foreign securities that are fair valued in the event that fluctuations in U.S. securities markets exceed a predetermined level or if a foreign market is closed are categorized in Level 2. Variable and floating rate, corporate, sovereign and municipal bonds, asset backed, U.S. Government and U.S. Government Agency securities, pass-through certificates
244 |
and loan participations are categorized in Level 2 to the extent that the inputs are observable and timely, otherwise they would be categorized in Level 3. Short-term notes that are valued at amortized cost by the Cash Management Fund are categorized in Level 2. Foreign exchange contracts that are considered derivative instruments and are valued at the net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the instruments are categorized in Level 2. Securities that are fair valued by the Valuation Committee may be categorized in either Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relative significance of the unobservable valuation inputs.
The aggregate value by input level, as of September 30, 2015, for each Fund’s investments is included following each Fund’s portfolio of investments.
B. Federal Income Taxes—No provision has been made for federal income taxes on net income or capital gains since it is the policy of each Fund to continue to comply with the special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to investment companies, and to make sufficient distributions of income and capital gains (in excess of any available capital loss carryovers) to relieve it from all, or substantially all, such taxes. At September 30, 2015, capital loss carryovers were as follows:
Capital Loss Carryovers | |||||||||||||||
Not Subject | |||||||||||||||
to Expiration | |||||||||||||||
Long | Short | ||||||||||||||
Fund | Total | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Term | Term | ||||||||
Limited Duration High | |||||||||||||||
Quality Bond | $ | 15,824 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 15,824 | |
Government | 13,043,564 | 1,063,550 | — | — | 40,595 | — | 11,939,419 | ||||||||
Investment Grade | 2,299,840 | — | 2,299,840 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
Floating Rate | 187,767 | — | — | — | — | 11,131 | 176,636 | ||||||||
Fund For Income | 139,605,724 | 5,033,118 | 23,949,720 | 110,622,886 | — | — | — | ||||||||
International | 23,181,274 | — | — | 19,627,323 | 2,191,242 | 1,178,506 | 184,203 |
During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Investment Grade, International Opportunities Bond, Fund For Income and Select Growth Funds utilized capital loss carryovers in the amounts of $2,159,716, $305,637, $95,657 and $6,696,515, respectively.
As a result of the passage of the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (“the Modernization Act of 2010”), losses incurred in fiscal year 2010 and beyond retain their character as short-term or long-term, have no expiration date and are utilized prior to capital loss carryovers occurring prior to the enactment of the Modernization Act of 2010.
245 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax years 2012–2014, or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2015 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, New York State, New York City and foreign jurisdictions where the Funds make significant investments; however, the Funds are not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.
C. Distributions to Shareholders—Dividends from net investment income of the Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund, Government Fund, Investment Grade Fund, Strategic Income Fund, International Opportunities Bond Fund, Floating Rate Fund and Fund For Income are generally declared daily and paid monthly. The Cash Management Fund declares distributions, if any, daily and pays distributions monthly. Distributions are declared from the total of net investment income plus or minus all realized short-term gains and losses on investments. Dividends from net investment income, if any, of Total Return Fund, Equity Income Fund, Growth & Income Fund and Real Estate Fund are declared and paid quarterly. Dividends from net investment income, if any, of Global Fund, Select Growth Fund, Opportunity Fund, Special Situations Fund and International Fund are declared and paid annually. Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, of each of the Funds are normally declared and paid annually. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for capital loss carryforwards, deferral of wash sales losses, post-October capital losses, late loss deferrals, net operating losses and foreign currency transactions.
D. Expense Allocation—Expenses directly charged or attributable to a Fund are paid from the assets of that Fund. General expenses of the Trusts are allocated among and charged to the assets of each Fund on a fair and equitable basis, which may be based on the relative assets of each Fund or the nature of the services performed and relative applicability to each Fund.
E. Use of Estimates—The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
246 |
F. Foreign Currency Translations—The accounting records of International Opportunities Bond Fund, Global Fund and International Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend income and certain expenses are translated to U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
International Opportunities Bond Fund, Global Fund and International Fund do not isolate that portion of gains and losses on investments which is due to changes in foreign exchange rates from that which is due to changes in market prices of the investments. These changes are included with the net realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments.
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions include gains and losses from the sales of foreign currency and gains and losses on accrued foreign dividends and related withholding taxes.
G. Other—Security transactions are generally accounted for on the first business day following the date the securities are purchased or sold, except for financial reporting purposes, which is trade date. Investments in securities issued on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis are generally reflected in the assets of the Funds on the first business day following the date the securities are purchased and the Funds segregate assets for these transactions. Cost of securities is determined and gains and losses are based on the identified cost basis for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or for certain foreign dividends, as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the dividends. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Bond discounts and premiums are accreted or amortized using the interest method. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. The Bank of New York Mellon serves as custodian for the Funds and may provide credits against custodian charges based on uninvested cash balance of the Funds. For the year ended September 30, 2015, the Income Funds and Equity Funds received credits in the amount of $10,789 and $2,089, respectively. For the period October 1, 2014 through March 15, 2015, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. served as custodian for the Strategic Income Fund, the International Opportunities Bond Fund, Total Return Fund, Equity Income Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Global Fund, Select Growth Fund, Opportunity Fund, Special Situations Fund and International Fund. Certain of the Equity Funds reduced expenses through brokerage service arrangements. For the year ended September 30, 2015, expenses were reduced by a total of $33,617 for certain of the Equity Funds under these arrangements.
247 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
2. Security Transactions —For the year ended September 30, 2015, purchases and sales of securities and long-term U.S. Government obligations (excluding U.S. Treasury bills, short-term securities and foreign currencies) were as follows:
Long-Term U.S. | ||||||||
Securities | Government Obligations | |||||||
Cost of | Proceeds | Cost of | Proceeds | |||||
Fund | Purchases | of Sales | Purchases | of Sales | ||||
Limited Duration | ||||||||
High Quality Bond | $ | 58,572,956 | $ | 28,231,752 | $ | 5,985,425 | $ | 2,653,523 |
Government | 151,230,273 | 194,301,486 | 117,384,207 | 78,167,595 | ||||
Investment Grade | 192,529,177 | 194,638,013 | 12,229,152 | — | ||||
Strategic Income | 78,722,571 | 47,003,156 | — | — | ||||
International Opportunities Bond | 69,847,174 | 42,387,903 | 24,686,480 | 37,194,482 | ||||
Floating Rate | 75,777,514 | 47,526,571 | — | — | ||||
Fund For Income | 338,055,723 | 319,066,636 | — | — | ||||
Total Return | 366,017,338 | 287,950,258 | 28,478,807 | 20,779,531 | ||||
Equity Income | 141,399,539 | 126,607,894 | — | — | ||||
Growth & Income | 407,973,352 | 448,113,385 | — | — | ||||
Global | 463,355,149 | 426,210,632 | — | — | ||||
Select Growth | 206,312,933 | 193,952,297 | — | — | ||||
Opportunity | 326,973,371 | 335,639,875 | — | — | ||||
Special Situations | 207,885,700 | 216,186,212 | — | — | ||||
Real Estate | 61,231,461 | 6,010,536 | — | — | ||||
International | 97,870,668 | 65,396,220 | — | — |
248 |
At September 30, 2015, aggregate cost and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
Gross | Gross | Net Unrealized | |||||||
Aggregate | Unrealized | Unrealized | Appreciation | ||||||
Fund | Cost | Appreciation | Depreciation | (Depreciation) | |||||
Limited Duration | |||||||||
High Quality Bond | $ | 70,705,125 | $ | 99,482 | $ | 833,982 | $ | (734,500 | ) |
Government | 320,195,650 | 6,776,176 | 1,055,622 | 5,720,554 | |||||
Investment Grade | 530,063,143 | 9,702,317 | 10,160,973 | (458,656 | ) | ||||
Strategic Income | 134,381,047 | — | 8,910,683 | (8,910,683 | ) | ||||
International Opportunities | |||||||||
Bond | 141,464,251 | 484,512 | 18,534,743 | (18,050,231 | ) | ||||
Floating Rate | 112,112,320 | 279,711 | 2,104,071 | (1,824,360 | ) | ||||
Fund For Income | 677,281,245 | 3,975,833 | 40,665,046 | (36,689,213 | ) | ||||
Total Return | 699,443,847 | 145,013,395 | 21,351,376 | 123,662,019 | |||||
Equity Income | 437,044,103 | 119,277,741 | 21,850,909 | 97,426,832 | |||||
Growth & Income | 1,173,916,822 | 551,133,558 | 58,978,515 | 492,155,043 | |||||
Global | 451,453,094 | 27,997,519 | 27,887,683 | 109,836 | |||||
Select Growth | 316,168,554 | 100,343,127 | 10,650,633 | 89,692,494 | |||||
Opportunity | 648,992,393 | 261,418,863 | 36,169,237 | 225,249,626 | |||||
Special Situations | 416,813,942 | 79,029,477 | 27,499,384 | 51,530,093 | |||||
Real Estate | 55,144,287 | 585,310 | 3,115,353 | (2,530,043 | ) | ||||
International | 206,432,782 | 53,699,031 | 5,787,069 | 47,911,962 |
249 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
The Strategic Income Fund may invest in Institutional Class shares of the Cash Management Fund, Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund, Government Fund, Investment Grade Fund, International Opportunities Bond Fund, Floating Rate Fund, Fund For Income, Equity Income Fund, Tax Exempt Income Fund and Tax Exempt Opportunities Fund. During the year ended September 30, 2015, purchases and sales of shares, dividends, capital gain distributions received and realized gains (losses) recognized by Strategic Income Fund from investments in these Funds were as follows:
Balance | Balance | Realized | |||||||||||||||
of Shares | of Shares | Gain (Loss) | |||||||||||||||
Held | Purchases/ | Sales/ | Held | Value | Dividend | Capital Gain | on Security | ||||||||||
Fund | 9/30/2014 | Additions | Reductions | 9/30/2015 | 9/30/2015 | Income | Distributions | Transactions | |||||||||
Equity Income | 537,395 | 312,134 | — | 849,529 | $ | 7,679,741 | $ | 113,452 | $ | 274,361 | $ | — | |||||
Floating Rate | 511,753 | 1,170,647 | (642,393 | ) | 1,040,007 | 9,952,868 | 195,136 | — | (113,645 | ) | |||||||
Fund For Income | 15,394,099 | 5,018,368 | — | 20,412,467 | 48,989,922 | 2,611,064 | — | — | |||||||||
Government | 930,033 | 1,692,047 | (1,382,083 | ) | 1,239,997 | 13,491,164 | 261,991 | — | 77,501 | ||||||||
International | |||||||||||||||||
Opportunities Bond | 1,554,759 | 583,818 | — | 2,138,577 | 18,541,466 | 566,255 | — | — | |||||||||
Investment Grade | 2,069,648 | 686,319 | (1,372,699 | ) | 1,383,268 | 13,362,372 | 928,100 | — | (163,304 | ) | |||||||
Limited Duration High | |||||||||||||||||
Quality Bond | 512,318 | 795,732 | (631,668 | ) | 676,382 | 6,635,307 | 120,319 | — | (45,743 | ) | |||||||
Tax Exempt Income | — | 1,285,090 | (595,057 | ) | 690,033 | 6,817,524 | 179,279 | — | 15,760 | ||||||||
21,510,005 | 11,544,155 | (4,623,900 | ) | 28,430,260 | $ | 125,470,364 | $ | 4,975,596 | $ | 274,361 | $ | (229,431 | ) |
The financial statements of each of the Funds in which Strategic Income had investments as of September 30, 2015 are included in this report except Tax Exempt Income Fund, whose most recent financial statements are available as of June 30, 2015 and can be viewed by visiting our website www.forestersfinancial.com or by calling 1-800-423-4026 or by writing to us at the following address: Foresters Financial Services, Inc., 40 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005.
3. Advisory Fee and Other Transactions With Affiliates —Certain officers of the Trusts are officers of the Trusts’ investment adviser, FIMCO, their underwriter, Foresters Financial Services, Inc. (“FFS”) and their transfer agent, Foresters Investor Services, Inc. (“FIS”). Trustees of the Trusts who are not officers or directors of FIMCO or its affiliates are remunerated by the Funds. For the year ended September 30, 2015, total trustees fees accrued by the Income Funds and Equity Funds amounted to $106,291 and $297,358, respectively.
The Investment Advisory Agreements provide as compensation to FIMCO for each Fund, an annual fee, payable monthly, at the following rates:
Cash Management Fund —.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has voluntarily waived the Fund’s entire advisory
250 |
fee of $540,756 and assumed $473,333 of other Fund expenses to prevent a negative yield on the Fund’s shares.
Limited Duration High Quality Bond, Government and Investment Grade Funds —.66% on the first $500 million of each Fund’s average daily net assets, declining by .02% on each $500 million thereafter, down to .60% on average daily net assets over $1.5 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has waived, pursuant to an expense limitation agreement, $179,140 in advisory fees to limit the Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund’s overall expense ratio (exclusive of certain expenses) to 1.05% on Class A shares, .75% on Advisor Class shares and .60% on Institutional Class shares. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has voluntarily waived $367,731, in advisory fees on Government Fund to limit the advisory fee to .55% of its average daily net assets. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has voluntarily waived $597,659 in advisory fees on Investment Grade Fund to limit the advisory fee to .55% of its average daily net assets.
Strategic Income Fund —.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Floating Rate Fund —.60% on the first $250 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets, .55% on the next $250 million, .50% on the next $500 million and .45% on the next $1 billion and .40% on average daily net assets over $2 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has waived, pursuant to an expense limitation agreement, $53,011 in advisory fees to limit the Fund’s overall expense ratio (exclusive of certain expenses) to 1.10% on Class A shares, .90% on Advisor Class shares and .70% on Institutional Class shares. FIMCO waived an additional $145,420 in advisory fees during the period.
International Opportunities Bond Fund and Fund For Income —.75% on the first $250 million of each Fund’s average daily net assets, .72% on the next $250 million, .69% on the next $250 million, .66% on the next $500 million, declining by .02% on each $500 million thereafter, down to .60% on average daily net assets over $2.25 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has assumed, pursuant to an expense limitation agreement, $62,359 of expenses to limit the International Opportunities Bond Fund’s overall expense ratio (exclusive of certain expenses) to 1.30% on Class A shares. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has voluntarily waived $155,280 in advisory fees on Fund For Income to limit the advisory fee to .70% of its average daily net assets.
Total Return Fund —.75% on the first $300 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets, .70% on the next $200 million, .65% on the next $500 million, .60% on the next $1 billion, .55% on the next $1 billion, down to .50% on average daily net assets over $3 billion.
251 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
Equity Income, Growth & Income, Select Growth, Opportunity and Real Estate Funds —.75% on the first $300 million of each Fund’s average daily net assets, .72% on the next $200 million, .69% on the next $250 million, .66% on the next $500 million, declining by .02% on each $500 million thereafter, down to .60% on average daily net assets over $2.25 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has waived, pursuant to an expense limitation agreement $106,277 in advisory fees to limit the Real Estate Fund’s overall expense ratio (exclusive of certain expenses) to 1.45% on Class A shares, 1.12% on Advisor Class shares and 1.00% on Institutional Class shares.
Global Fund —.95% on the first $600 million, .92% on the next $400 million, .90% on the next $500 million and .88% on average daily net assets over $1.5 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has voluntarily waived $224,804 in advisory fees to limit the advisory fee to .90% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Special Situations Fund —.90% on the first $200 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets, .75% on the next $300 million, .72% on the next $250 million, .69% on the next $250 million, .66% on the next $500 million and .64% on average daily net assets over $1.5 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO has voluntarily waived $49,106 advisory fees to limit the advisory fee to .80% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
International Fund —.98% on the first $300 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets, .95% on the next $300 million, .92% on the next $400 million, .90% on the next $500 million and .88% on average daily net assets over $1.5 billion.
For the year ended September 30, 2015, total advisory fees accrued to FIMCO by the Income Funds and Equity Funds were $13,505,020 and $43,059,155, respectively, of which $2,101,356 and $380,187, respectively, was voluntarily waived by FIMCO as noted above.
FIMCO has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund (“LDHQ”) to limit LDHQ’s total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend costs related to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses, if any) to 1.05% of the average daily net assets on Class A shares, .75% of the average daily net assets on Advisor Class shares and .60% of the average daily net assets on Institutional Class shares. The agreement expires on January 31, 2016. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO assumed $179,140, under the terms of the agreement. FIMCO and LDHQ have agreed that any expenses of LDHQ assumed by FIMCO pursuant to this agreement be repaid to FIMCO by LDHQ within three years after the date the fee limitation and/
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or expense reimbursement has been made by FIMCO, provided that such repayment does not cause the expenses of LDHQ’s Class A shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares to exceed the applicable expense ratio in place at the time the expenses are waived or assumed. For the period May 19, 2014 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2015, FIMCO assumed $322,288 under the terms of the agreement of which $143,148 expires on September 30, 2017 and $179,140 expires on September 30, 2018. The expense limitation agreement may be terminated or amended prior to January 31, 2016, with the approval of the Board.
FIMCO had entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Strategic Income Fund (“SIF”) to limit SIF’s total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend costs related to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses, if any) to 1.30% of the average daily net assets on Class A shares and 1.00% of the average daily net assets on Advisor Class shares. The agreement expired on January 31, 2015. For the period October 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015, FIMCO did not have to assume any expenses of SIF.
FIMCO has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the International Opportunities Bond Fund (“IOBF”) to limit IOBF’s total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend costs related to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses, if any) to 1.30% of the average daily net assets on the Class A shares. The agreement expires on January 31, 2016. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO assumed $62,359 under the terms of the agreement. FIMCO and IOBF have agreed that any expenses of IOBF assumed by FIMCO pursuant to this agreement be repaid to FIMCO by IOBF within three years after the date the fee limitation and/or expense reimbursement has been made by FIMCO, provided that such repayment does not cause the expenses of IOBF’s Class A shares to exceed the applicable expense ratio in place at the time the expenses are waived or assumed. For the period August 20, 2012 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2015, the total organizational expenses and expenses incurred in excess of the above stated limitation was $663,596 of which $278,248 expired on September 30, 2015 and $228,243 expires on September 30, 2016, $94,746 expires on September 30, 2017 and $62,359 expires on September 30, 2018. The expense limitation agreement may be terminated or amended prior to January 31, 2016, with the approval of the Board.
FIMCO has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Floating Rate Fund (“FRF”) to limit FRF’s total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend costs related to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation
253 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
expenses, if any) to 1.10% of the average daily net assets on the Class A shares, .90% of the average daily net assets on Advisor Class shares and .70% of the average daily net assets on Institutional Class shares. The agreement expires on January 31, 2016. For the year ended September 30, 2015, FIMCO assumed $198,431, under the terms of the agreement. FIMCO and FRF have agreed that any expenses of FRF assumed by FIMCO pursuant to this agreement be repaid to FIMCO by FRF within three years after the date the fee limitation and/or expense reimbursement has been made by FIMCO, provided that such repayment does not cause the expenses of FRF’s Class A shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares to exceed the applicable expense ratio in place at the time the expenses are waived or assumed. For the period October 21, 2013 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2015, FIMCO assumed $421,966 under the terms of the agreement of which $223,535 expires on September 30, 2017 and $198,431 expires on September 30, 2018. The expense limitation agreement may be terminated or amended prior to January 31, 2016, with the approval of the Board.
FIMCO has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Real Estate Fund (“REIT”) to limit REIT’s total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend costs related to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses, if any) to 1.45% of the average daily net assets on the Class A shares, 1.12% of the average daily net assets on Advisor Class shares and 1.00% of the average daily net assets on Institutional Class shares. The agreement expires on April 6, 2016. FIMCO and REIT have agreed that any expenses of REIT assumed by FIMCO pursuant to this agreement be repaid to FIMCO by REIT within three years after the date the fee limitation and/or expense reimbursement has been made by FIMCO, provided that such repayment does not cause the expenses of REIT’s Class A shares, Advisor Class shares and Institutional Class shares to exceed the applicable expense ratio in place at the time the expenses are waived or assumed. For the period April 6, 2015 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2015, FIMCO assumed $106,277 under the terms of the agreement of which $106,277 expires on September 30, 2018. The expense limitation agreement may be terminated or amended prior to April 6, 2016, with the approval of the Board.
For the year ended September 30, 2015, FFS, as underwriter, received from the Income Funds and Equity Funds $6,296,002 and $23,946,559, respectively, in commissions in connection with the sale of shares of the Funds, after allowing $31,594 and $116,586, respectively, to other dealers. For the year ended September 30, 2015, shareholder servicing costs for the Income Funds and Equity Funds included
254 |
$3,005,756 and $7,566,336, respectively, in transfer agent fees accrued to FIS, of which $43,715 was voluntarily waived by FIS on the Cash Management Fund.
Pursuant to Distribution Plans adopted under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act, each Fund, other than the Cash Management Fund, is authorized to pay FFS a fee up to .30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares and 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares on an annualized basis each fiscal year, payable monthly. The Cash Management Fund is authorized to pay FFS a fee up to 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. The fee consists of a distribution fee and a service fee. The service fee is paid for the ongoing servicing of clients who are shareholders of that Fund. For the year ended September 30, 2015, total distribution plan fees accrued to FFS by the Income Funds and Equity Funds amounted to $4,994,068 and $16,361,981, respectively.
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, serves as investment subadviser to International Opportunities Bond Fund. Muzinich & Co., Inc., serves as investment subadviser to Floating Rate Fund and Fund For Income. Wellington Management Company, LLP serves as investment subadviser to Global Fund. Smith Asset Management Group, L.P. serves as investment subadviser to Select Growth Fund. Vontobel Asset Management, Inc. serves as investment subadviser to International Fund. The subadvisers are paid by FIMCO and not by the Funds.
4. Restricted Securities —Certain restricted securities are exempt from the registration requirements under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 and may only be sold to qualified institutional investors. Unless otherwise noted, these 144A securities are deemed to be liquid. At September 30, 2015, Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund held six 144A securities with an aggregate value of $2,988,161 representing 4.0% of the Fund’s net assets, Investment Grade Fund held nineteen 144A securities with an aggregate value of $59,982,803 representing 11.1% of the Fund’s net assets, International Opportunities Bond Fund held five 144A securities with an aggregate value of $5,066,222 representing 3.6% of the Fund’s net assets, Floating Rate Fund held eight 144A securities with an aggregate value of $3,389,501 representing 2.9% of the Fund’s net assets, Fund For Income held one hundred forty-nine 144A securities with an aggregate value of $256,496,919 representing 38.6% of the Fund’s net assets and Total Return Fund held fourteen 144A securities with an aggregate value of $17,102,051 representing 2.1% of the Fund’s net assets. Certain restricted securities are exempt from the registration requirements under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and may only be sold to qualified investors. Unless otherwise noted, these Section 4(2) securities are deemed to be liquid. At September 30, 2015, Cash Management Fund held six Section 4(2) securities with an aggregate value of $20,996,749 representing 18.7% of the Fund’s net assets. These securities are valued as set forth in Note 1A.
255 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
5. Derivatives —Some of the Funds may invest in derivatives such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts (“options”), to increase income, hedge against changes in interest rates or enhance potential return.
The Funds may enter into interest rate futures contracts on U.S. Treasury obligations and options thereon that are traded on a U.S. exchange. An interest rate futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and the purchase by another party of a specified amount of a particular financial instrument (debt security) at a specified price, date, time and place. Such investments may be used for, among other purposes, the purpose of hedging against changes in the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities due to anticipated changes in interest rates and market conditions. A public market exists for interest rate futures contracts covering a number of debt securities, including long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, 10-year U.S. Treasury Notes and three-month U.S. Treasury Bills. No price is paid upon entering into futures contracts. Instead, upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to deposit with their custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker through which the transaction is effected an amount of cash or U.S. Government securities generally equal to 3%-5% or less of the contract value. This amount is known as “initial margin.”
An option on an interest rate futures contract generally gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option. The Funds may purchase put and call options on interest rate futures contracts on U.S. Treasury obligations which are traded on a U.S. exchange as a hedge against changes in interest rates, and may enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate existing positions. There is no guarantee such closing transactions can be effected. When writing a call or put option on a futures contract, margin also must be deposited in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Initial margin on futures contracts is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to a Fund upon termination of the transaction, assuming all obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, a Fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment. Subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the broker, are made on a daily basis as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as “marking to market.” Variation margin does not involve borrowing to finance the futures transactions, but rather represents a daily settlement of a Fund’s obligation to or from a clearing organization. A Fund is also obligated to make initial and variation margin payments when it writes options on futures contracts.
256 |
To the extent that a Fund participates in the futures or options markets, it will incur investment risks and transaction costs to which it would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. The use of these strategies involves certain special risks, including: (1) dependence on the ability of the Funds’ investment adviser, FIMCO to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates and securities prices; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of futures contracts and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged; (3) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; (4) the leverage (if any) that is created by investing in the option or futures contract; and (5) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time. If FIMCO’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities and interest rate markets is inaccurate, the adverse consequences to that Fund may leave it in a worse position than if such strategies were not used.
For the year ended September 30, 2015, the Funds had no open investments in futures contracts or options.
6. High Yield Credit Risk —The investments of Floating Rate Fund and Fund For Income in high yield securities, whether rated or unrated, may be considered speculative and subject to greater market fluctuations and risks of loss of income and principal than lower-yielding, higher-rated, fixed-income securities. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer may be significantly greater for holders of high-yielding securities, because such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.
7. Foreign Exchange Contracts —The International Opportunities Bond Fund may enter into foreign exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies at negotiated rates at future dates. These contracts are considered derivative instruments and the Fund may invest in them in order to hedge its currency exposure in bond positions or to gain currency exposure held by the Fund. The Fund could be exposed to risk if counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts or if the value of the foreign currency changes unfavorably. Foreign exchange contracts are “marked-to-market” daily at the applicable translation rate and the resulting unrealized gains and losses are reflected in the Fund’s assets. During the period, the Fund used currency forwards to hedge currency exposure from certain bonds as well as to gain currency exposure in certain countries.
257 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
The International Opportunities Bond Fund had the following foreign exchange
contracts open at September 30, 2015:
Unrealized | ||||||||||||||
Settlement | Foreign | Receive | Appreciation | |||||||||||
Counterparty | Date | Currency | (Deliver) | Asset (1) | Liability (1) | (Depreciation) | ||||||||
Citibank | 10/16/15 | NZD | (6,420,000 | ) | $ | 4,272,510 | $ | 4,104,308 | $ | 168,202 | ||||
Morgan Stanley | 10/16/15 | NZD | (665,000 | ) | 418,979 | 425,135 | (6,156 | ) | ||||||
HSBC | 10/19/15 | CLP | 662,000,000 | 951,102 | 1,026,197 | (75,095 | ) | |||||||
HSBC | 10/20/15 | NOK | 51,900,000 | 6,096,415 | 6,335,295 | (238,880 | ) | |||||||
BCI | 10/20/15 | NOK | 4,400,000 | 516,844 | 536,190 | (19,346 | ) | |||||||
HSBC | 10/21/15 | SEK | 57,400,000 | 6,857,867 | 6,747,226 | 110,641 | ||||||||
BCI | 10/21/15 | SEK | 4,700,000 | 561,533 | 567,249 | (5,716 | ) | |||||||
HSBC | 10/23/15 | CLP | 1,335,000,000 | 1,918,007 | 2,033,883 | (115,876 | ) | |||||||
HSBC | 11/10/15 | CLP | 1,743,000,000 | 2,504,184 | 2,529,570 | (25,386 | ) | |||||||
Citibank | 11/13/15 | EUR | (1,920,000 | ) | 2,102,362 | 2,145,419 | (43,057 | ) | ||||||
Citibank | 11/13/15 | EUR | 630,000 | 703,966 | 711,333 | (7,367 | ) | |||||||
Citibank | 12/4/15 | JPY | 843,000,000 | 7,027,049 | 7,033,743 | (6,694 | ) | |||||||
HSBC | 12/14/15 | GBP | (8,200,000 | ) | 12,603,400 | 12,404,508 | 198,892 | |||||||
Citibank | 12/14/15 | GBP | (190,000 | ) | 293,050 | 287,421 | 5,629 | |||||||
BCI | 12/16/15 | INR | 370,000,000 | 5,636,807 | 5,472,159 | 164,648 | ||||||||
HSBC | 1/15/16 | CLP | 2,315,000,000 | 3,325,982 | 3,314,834 | 11,148 | ||||||||
HSBC | 1/29/16 | CLP | 930,400,000 | 1,336,714 | 1,310,976 | 25,738 | ||||||||
Net unrealized gain on open foreign exchange contracts | $ | 141,325 |
A summary of abbreviations for foreign currency appears at the end of the International Opportunities Bond Fund’s portfolio of investments.
Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities —Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The guidance requires retrospective application for all comparative periods presented.
A Fund may mitigate credit risk with respect to OTC derivative counterparties through credit support annexes included with an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements or other Master Netting Agreements which are the standard contracts governing most derivative transactions between the Fund and each of its counterparties. These agreements may allow the Fund and each counterparty to offset certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables against each other and/or with collateral, which is generally held by the Fund’s custodian. The amount of collateral moved to/from applicable counterparties is based upon minimum transfer amounts specified in the agreement. To the extent amounts
258 |
due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance.
The International Opportunities Bond Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities (“SOAL”) presents financial instruments on a gross basis, therefore there are no net amounts and no offset amounts within the SOAL to present below. Gross amounts of the financial instruments, amounts related to financial instruments/cash collateral not offset in the SOAL and net amounts are presented below:
Description/Financial | Gross Amounts | ||||||||
Instrument/Statement | Presented in | ||||||||
of Assets and Liabilities | Statement of Assets | Financial | |||||||
Category | Counterparty | and Liabilities | Instruments* | Net Amount | |||||
Unrealized gain on foreign | |||||||||
exchange contracts | BCI | $ | 164,648 | $ | (25,062 | ) | $ | 139,586 | |
Citibank | 173,831 | (57,118 | ) | 116,713 | |||||
HSBC | 346,419 | (346,419 | ) | — | |||||
Total | $ | 684,898 | $ | (428,599 | ) | $ | 256,299 | ||
Unrealized loss on foreign | |||||||||
exchange contracts | BCI | $ | 25,062 | $ | (25,062 | ) | $ | — | |
Citibank | 57,118 | (57,118 | ) | — | |||||
HSBC | 455,237 | (346,419 | ) | 108,818 | |||||
Morgan Stanley | 6,156 | — | 6,156 | ||||||
Total | $ | 543,573 | $ | (428,599 | ) | $ | 114,974 |
*Amounts relate to master netting arrangements (for example, ISDA) which have been determined by the Fund to be legally enforceable in the event of default and where certain other criteria are met in accordance with applicable offsetting accounting guidance.
During the year ended September 30, 2015, the volume of derivative activity for the International Opportunities Bond Fund based on average monthly market values was $27,679,141 for forward foreign currency contracts (to buy) and $17,666,869 for forward foreign currency contracts (to sell).
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments —The fair value of derivative instruments on the International Opportunities Bond Fund as of September 30, 2015, was as follows:
Assets Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | ||||||||
Derivatives not accounted for | |||||||||
as hedging instruments under | Statements of Assets | Statements of Assets | |||||||
ASC 815 | and Liabilities Location | Value | and Liabilities Location | Value | |||||
Foreign exchange contracts: | Unrealized appreciation | Unrealized depreciation | |||||||
of foreign exchange | of foreign exchange | ||||||||
contracts | $ | 684,898 | contracts | $ | (543,573 | ) |
259 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
The effect of International Opportunities Bond Fund’s derivative instruments on the
Statement of Operations are as follows:
Amount of Realized Gain or Loss Recognized on Derivatives | ||
Derivatives not accounted | Net Realized Loss | |
for as hedging instruments | on Foreign Exchange | |
under ASC 815 | Transactions | |
Foreign exchange transactions | ||
International Opportunities Bond Fund | $ 56,437 | |
Amount of Change in Unrealized Gain or Loss Recognized on Derivatives | ||
Derivatives not accounted | Net Unrealized Depreciation | |
for as hedging instruments | on Foreign Exchange | |
under ASC 815 | Transactions | |
Foreign exchange transactions | ||
International Opportunities Bond Fund | $ 40,072 |
8. Capital —The Trusts are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest without par value. The Trusts consist of the Funds listed on the cover page, each of which is a separate and distinct series of the Trusts. Each Fund has designated four classes of shares, Class A, Class B, Advisor Class and Institutional Class shares (each, a “Class”) except for Cash Management Fund which has designated only Class A, Class B and Institutional Class shares, Strategic Income Fund which has designated only Class A and Advisor Class shares and Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund, International Opportunities Bond Fund, Floating Rate Fund and Real Estate Fund which have designated only Class A, Advisor Class and Institutional Class shares. Advisor Class and Institutional Class shares became available for sale to the public in May 2013 and October 2013, respectively. Not all classes of shares of each Fund may be available in all jurisdictions. Each share of each Class has an equal beneficial interest in the assets, has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and is subject to the same terms and conditions except that expenses allocated to a Class may be borne solely by that Class as determined by the Board and a Class may have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that Class. Cash Management Fund’s Class A, Class B and Institutional Class shares are sold without an initial sales charge; however, its Class B shares may only be acquired through an exchange of Class B shares from another First Investors eligible Fund or through the reinvestment of dividends on Class B shares and are generally subject to a contingent deferred sales charge at the rate of 4% in the first year and declining to 0% over a six-year period, which is payable to FFS as underwriter of the Trusts. The shares sold by the other Funds have a public offering price that reflects different sales charges and expense levels. Class A shares are sold with an initial sales charge of up to 5.75% of the amount
260 |
invested and together with the Class B shares are subject to distribution plan fees as described in Note 3. Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge, but are generally subject to a contingent deferred sales charge which declines in steps from 4% to 0% over a six-year period. Class B shares automatically convert into Class A shares after eight years. There are no sales charges associated with the purchase of Advisor Class and Institutional Class shares. Realized and unrealized gains or losses, investment income and expenses (other than distribution plan fees and shareholder servicing costs) are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets to each class.
9. Litigation —The Blue Chip and Equity Income Funds have been named, and have received notice that they may be putative members of the proposed defendant class of shareholders, in a lawsuit filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on November 1, 2010, by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Company (the “Committee”). The Committee is seeking to recover all payments made to beneficial owners of common stock in connection with a leveraged buyout of the Tribune Company (“LBO”), including payments made in connection with a 2007 tender offer into which the Blue Chip and Equity Income Funds tendered their shares of common stock of the Tribune Company. On December 9, 2011, the Blue Chip Fund was reorganized into the Growth & Income Fund pursuant to a Plan of Reorganization and Termination, whereby all of the assets of the Blue Chip Fund were transferred to the Growth & Income Fund, the Growth & Income Fund assumed all of the liabilities of the Blue Chip Fund, including any contingent liabilities with respect to pending or threatened litigation or actions, and shareholders of Blue Chip Fund became shareholders of Growth & Income Fund. The adversary proceeding brought by the Committee has been transferred to the Southern District of New York and administratively consolidated with other similar suits as discussed below. In addition, on June 2, 2011, the Blue Chip and Equity Income Funds were named as defendants in a lawsuit brought in connection with the Tribune Company’s LBO by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, in its capacity as successor indenture trustee for a certain series of Senior Notes, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, in its capacity as successor indenture trustee for a certain series of Senior Notes, and Wilmington Trust Company, in its capacity as successor indenture trustee for the PHONES Notes (together, the “Bondholder Plaintiffs”) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York. The Blue Chip and Equity Income Funds have also been named in a similar suit filed on behalf of participants in Tribune defined-compensation plans (the “Retiree Plaintiffs”). As with the Bondholder Plaintiffs and the Committee, the Retiree Plaintiffs seek to recover payments of the proceeds of the LBO. (All of these suits have been removed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and administratively consolidated with other substantially similar suits against other former Tribune shareholders (the “MDL
261 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
Proceeding”).) On September 23, 2013, the Judge in the MDL Proceeding dismissed various state law constructive fraudulent transfer suits, resulting in the Funds being dismissed from the Bondholder and Retiree Plaintiffs’ actions. On September 30, 2013, counsel for the plaintiffs in those suits appealed the MDL Judge’s dismissal ruling to the Second Circuit. The extent of the Funds’ potential liability in any such actions has not been determined. The Funds have been advised by counsel that the Funds could be held liable to return all or part of the proceeds received in any of these actions, as well as interest and court costs, even though the Funds had no knowledge of, or participation in, any misconduct. The Equity Income Fund received proceeds of $1,526,566 in connection with the LBO, representing 0.28% of its net assets as of September 30, 2015. The Blue Chip Fund received proceeds of $790,772 in connection with the LBO, representing 0.05% of the net assets of Growth & Income Fund as of September 30, 2015. The Equity Income and Growth & Income Funds cannot predict the outcomes of these proceedings, and thus have not accrued any of the amounts sought in the various actions in the accompanying financial statements.
10. Tax Components of Capital and Distributions to Shareholders —The tax character of distributions declared for the years ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 were as follows:
Year Ended September 30, 2015 | Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Distributions | Distributions | |||||||||||||||
Declared from | Declared from | |||||||||||||||
Long-Term | Long-Term | |||||||||||||||
Ordinary | Capital | Return of | Ordinary | Capital | Return of | |||||||||||
Fund | Income | Gain | Capital | Total | Income | Gain | Capital | Total | ||||||||
Limited Duration | ||||||||||||||||
High Quality Bond | $ | 1,224,591 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,224,591 | $ | 123,720 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 123,720 |
Government | 7,585,281 | — | — | 7,585,281 | 8,404,723 | — | — | 8,404,723 | ||||||||
Investment Grade | 22,126,518 | — | — | 22,126,518 | 22,355,418 | — | — | 22,355,418 | ||||||||
Strategic Income | 4,655,015 | 412,161 | — | 5,067,176 | 2,159,832 | — | — | 2,159,832 | ||||||||
International | ||||||||||||||||
Opportunities Bond | 3,070,013 | 498,738 | 630,840 | 4,199,591 | 2,839,293 | — | 128,270 | 2,967,563 | ||||||||
Floating Rate | 3,242,239 | — | — | 3,242,239 | 1,721,414 | — | — | 1,721,414 | ||||||||
Fund For Income | 36,222,935 | — | — | 36,222,935 | 37,039,831 | — | — | 37,039,831 | ||||||||
Total Return | 15,245,813 | 23,603,377 | — | 38,849,190 | 14,824,484 | 12,348,724 | — | 27,173,208 | ||||||||
Equity Income | 12,187,459 | 22,266,828 | — | 34,454,287 | 7,710,810 | 8,335,775 | — | 16,046,585 | ||||||||
Growth & Income | 25,018,848 | 72,478,901 | — | 97,497,749 | 26,536,648 | 41,504,072 | — | 68,040,720 | ||||||||
Global | 14,285,060 | 57,664,927 | — | 71,949,987 | 2,589,434 | 3,339,063 | — | 5,928,497 | ||||||||
Select Growth | 61,714 | — | — | 61,714 | 137,030 | — | — | 137,030 | ||||||||
Opportunity | 9,995,954 | 48,441,364 | — | 58,437,318 | 12,208,079 | 38,664,579 | — | 50,872,658 | ||||||||
Special Situations | 3,162,126 | 22,590,463 | — | 25,752,589 | 7,180,385 | 61,337,730 | — | 68,518,115 | ||||||||
Real Estate | 386,739 | — | — | 386,739 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
International | 871,047 | — | — | 871,047 | 446,680 | — | — | 446,680 |
262 |
As of September 30, 2015, the components of distributable earnings (deficit) on a tax
basis were as follows:
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Undistributed | Undistributed | Capital | Other | Unrealized | Distributable | |||||||||||
Ordinary | Capital | Losses | Accumulated | Appreciation | Earnings | |||||||||||
Fund | Income | Gains | Carryover | Losses* | (Depreciation | (Deficit)** | ||||||||||
Limited Duration High | $ | 139,911 | $ | — | $ | (15,824 | ) | $ | (316,714 | ) | $ | (734,500 | ) | $ | (927,127 | ) |
Quality Bond | ||||||||||||||||
Government | 96,314 | — | (13,043,564 | ) | (2,078,232 | ) | 5,720,554 | (9,304,928 | ) | |||||||
Investment Grade | 228,874 | — | (2,299,840 | ) | — | (458,656 | ) | (2,529,622 | ) | |||||||
Strategic Income | 571,164 | — | — | (204,384 | ) | (8,910,683 | ) | (8,543,903 | ) | |||||||
International | ||||||||||||||||
Opportunities Bond | — | — | — | (3,200,662 | ) | (18,190,063 | )† | (21,390,725 | ) | |||||||
Floating Rate | 15,190 | — | (187,767 | ) | (2,316,505 | ) | (1,824,360 | ) | (4,313,442 | ) | ||||||
Fund For Income | 5,711 | — | (139,605,724 | ) | (18,691,338 | ) | (36,689,213 | ) | (194,980,564 | ) | ||||||
Total Return | 1,292,879 | 17,241,414 | — | — | 123,662,019 | 142,196,312 | ||||||||||
Equity Income | 2,447,296 | 18,109,288 | — | — | 97,426,832 | 117,983,416 | ||||||||||
Growth & Income | 10,775,900 | 73,889,701 | — | — | 492,155,043 | 576,820,644 | ||||||||||
Global | 309,714 | 25,309,767 | — | (70,330 | ) | 103,675 | † | 25,652,826 | ||||||||
Select Growth | 787,612 | 39,917,287 | — | — | 89,692,494 | 130,397,393 | ||||||||||
Opportunity | 2,323,902 | 74,013,069 | — | — | 225,249,626 | 301,586,597 | ||||||||||
Special Situations | 15,377 | 27,534,979 | — | — | 51,530,093 | 79,080,449 | ||||||||||
Real Estate | 29,247 | 94,551 | — | — | (2,530,043 | ) | (2,406,245 | ) | ||||||||
International | 1,142,919 | — | (23,181,274 | ) | (6,253,241 | ) | 47,930,088 | † | 19,638,492 |
* | Other accumulated losses consist primarily of late loss deferral, post-October loss deferrals and capital |
loss carryovers that cannot yet be utilized. | |
** | Differences between book distributable earnings and tax distributable earnings consist primarily of wash |
sales and amortization of bond premium and discounts. | |
† | Includes currency appreciation (depreciation) for International Opportunities Bond, Global and |
International Funds in the amounts of $(139,832), $(6,161) and $18,126, respectively. |
263 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
September 30, 2015
For the year ended September 30, 2015, the following reclassifications were made to reflect permanent differences between book and tax reporting which are primarily due to the differences between book and tax treatment of investments in real estate trusts, bond premium amortization, foreign currency transactions, paydowns on securities, fund organization expenses and expiration of capital loss carryovers.
Undistributed | Accumulated | |||||||
Ordinary Income | Capital Gains | |||||||
Fund | Capital Paid In | (Deficit) | (Losses) | |||||
Limited Duration High | ||||||||
Quality Bond | $ (860) | $ 313,442 | $ (312,582 | ) | ||||
Government | (1,909,474 | ) | 2,028,910 | (119,436 | ) | |||
Investment Grade | — | 2,731,312 | (2,731,312 | ) | ||||
Strategic Income | (840 | ) | 840 | — | ||||
International Opportunities Bond | (630,840 | ) | (1,026,075 | ) | 1,656,915 | |||
Floating Rate | — | 177,121 | (177,121 | ) | ||||
Fund For Income | (22,548,433 | ) | 3,560,550 | 18,987,883 | ||||
Total Return | — | 2,408,752 | (2,408,752 | ) | ||||
Equity Income | — | 225 | (225 | ) | ||||
Growth & Income | — | 148 | (148 | ) | ||||
Global | — | (75,846 | ) | 75,846 | ||||
Opportunity | — | 104 | (104 | ) | ||||
International | — | (6,914 | ) | 6,914 |
11. New Fund —On May 21, 2015, the Board approved the establishment of a new series of the First Investors Income Funds, First Investors Balanced Income Fund (the “Balanced Income Fund”). The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified fund and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of Class A, Advisor Class and Institutional Class. The primary investment objective of the Fund is to seek income and its secondary investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. The Fund commenced operations on October 1, 2015.
12. Name Changes —On September 21, 2015, First Investors Management Company, Inc. changed its name to Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc., First Investors Corporation changed its name to Foresters Financial Services, Inc. and Administrative Data Management Company Corp. changed its name to Foresters Investor Services, Inc. The name changes did not result in any changes in the organization, management or corporate structure of the entities and did not affect the provisions of any currently existing agreements between the companies and the First Investors Funds.
264 |
13. Subsequent Events —Subsequent events occurring after September 30, 2015 have been evaluated for potential impact to this report through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no subsequent events to report that would have a material impact on the Funds’ financial statements.
265 |
Financial Highlights
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
The following table sets forth the per share operating performance data for a share outstanding,
total return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for each fiscal year ended
September 30 unless otherwise indicated.
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net Realized | Net Asset | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Net | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Investment | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Investment | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Income | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | Income | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Income | Expenses | *** | (Loss) | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
CASH MANAGEMENT FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $ 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | $1.00 | 0.00 | % | $148,171 | .17 | % | .17 | % | .00 | % | 1.06 | % | (.89 | )% | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 135,028 | .12 | .12 | .00 | 1.02 | (.90 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 130,272 | .11 | .11 | .00 | .97 | (.86 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 108,088 | .08 | .08 | .00 | 1.02 | (.94 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 109,566 | .10 | .10 | .00 | 1.08 | (.98 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1,519 | .17 | .17 | .00 | 1.81 | (1.64 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 896 | .12 | .12 | .00 | 1.77 | (1.65 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 571 | .12 | .12 | .00 | 1.72 | (1.60 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 404 | .08 | .08 | .00 | 1.64 | (1.56 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 287 | .10 | .10 | .00 | 1.72 | (1.62 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | †† | 1 | .15 | † | .15 | † | .00 | † | 2.60 | † | (2.45 | )† | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 2,595 | .08 | .08 | .00 | .66 | (.58 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 1.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.00 | 0.00 | 2,267 | .10 | .10 | .00 | .67 | (.57 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
LIMITED DURATION HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014(e) | $10.00 | $ — | (c) | $(.05 | ) | $(.05 | ) | $.06 | — | $.06 | $9.89 | (.50 | )%†† | $ 8,911 | 1.05 | %† | 1.05 | %† | .15 | %† | 3.37 | %† | (2.17 | )%† | 19 | %†† | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.89 | .03 | (c) | .04 | .07 | .20 | — | .20 | 9.76 | .67 | 26,852 | 1.05 | 1.05 | .37 | 1.32 | .10 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014(e) | 10.00 | .02 | (c) | (.05 | ) | (.03 | ) | .06 | — | .06 | 9.91 | (.28 | )†† | 25,649 | .75 | † | .75 | † | .46 | † | 1.02 | † | .19 | † | 19 | †† | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.91 | .06 | (c) | .05 | .11 | .22 | — | .22 | 9.80 | 1.08 | 40,502 | .75 | .75 | .66 | 1.09 | .32 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014(e) | 10.00 | .02 | (c) | (.03 | ) | (.01 | ) | .07 | — | .07 | 9.92 | (.14 | )†† | 5,125 | .60 | † | .60 | † | .53 | † | 3.32 | † | (2.19 | )† | 19 | †† | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.92 | .08 | (c) | .04 | .12 | .23 | — | .23 | 9.81 | 1.21 | 6,747 | .60 | .60 | .81 | .92 | .49 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
266 | 267 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets Before Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Waived, Assumed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | or Reimbursed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net Realized | Net Asset | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Net | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Investment | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Investment | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Income | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | Income | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Income | Expenses | *** | (Loss) | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
GOVERNMENT FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $11.36 | $.36 | $.28 | $.64 | $.41 | — | $.41 | $11.59 | 5.73 | % | $346,828 | 1.12 | % | 1.12 | % | 3.12 | % | 1.23 | % | 3.01 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 11.59 | .27 | .04 | .31 | .38 | — | .38 | 11.52 | 2.71 | 382,064 | 1.10 | 1.10 | 2.28 | 1.21 | 2.17 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 11.52 | .17 | (.43 | ) | (.26 | ) | .32 | — | .32 | 10.94 | (2.29 | ) | 355,264 | 1.10 | 1.10 | 1.57 | 1.21 | 1.46 | 101 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 10.94 | .19 | (c) | — | .19 | .26 | — | .26 | 10.87 | 1.71 | 289,928 | 1.07 | 1.07 | 1.76 | 1.18 | 1.65 | 138 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 10.87 | .17 | (c) | .04 | .21 | .25 | — | .25 | 10.83 | 1.90 | 265,856 | 1.08 | 1.08 | 1.60 | 1.19 | 1.49 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 11.35 | .26 | .29 | .55 | .33 | — | .33 | 11.57 | 4.94 | 7,284 | 1.82 | 1.82 | 2.42 | 1.93 | 2.31 | 35 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 11.57 | .17 | .07 | .24 | .30 | — | .30 | 11.51 | 2.11 | 6,393 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 1.59 | 1.91 | 1.47 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 11.51 | .07 | (.42 | ) | (.35 | ) | .24 | — | .24 | 10.92 | (3.06 | ) | 4,717 | 1.84 | 1.84 | .82 | 1.95 | .71 | 101 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 10.92 | .10 | (c) | (.01 | ) | .09 | .17 | — | .17 | 10.84 | .86 | 3,255 | 1.89 | 1.89 | .94 | 2.00 | .83 | 138 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 10.84 | .08 | (c) | .03 | .11 | .15 | — | .15 | 10.80 | 1.04 | 2,514 | 1.91 | 1.91 | .78 | 2.02 | .67 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 11.29 | .10 | (.30 | ) | (.20 | ) | .15 | — | .15 | 10.94 | (1.75 | )†† | 1 | .95 | † | .95 | † | 1.68 | † | 5.17 | † | (2.54 | )† | 101 | †† | ||||||||||||||||
2014 | 10.94 | .23 | (c) | (.04 | ) | .19 | .27 | — | .27 | 10.86 | 1.73 | 33,699 | .73 | .73 | 2.06 | .84 | 1.95 | 138 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 10.86 | .21 | (c) | .03 | .24 | .26 | — | .26 | 10.84 | 2.21 | 50,190 | .78 | .78 | 1.89 | .89 | 1.78 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 11.29 | .14 | (.31 | ) | (.17 | ) | .16 | — | .16 | 10.96 | (1.54 | )†† | 4,656 | .68 | † | .68 | † | 2.14 | † | .81 | † | 2.01 | † | 101 | †† | ||||||||||||||||
2014 | 10.96 | .24 | (c) | (.01 | ) | .23 | .29 | — | .29 | 10.90 | 2.08 | 10,753 | .65 | .65 | 2.17 | .76 | 2.06 | 138 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 10.90 | .22 | (c) | .04 | .26 | .28 | — | .28 | 10.88 | 2.38 | 14,027 | .65 | .65 | 2.03 | .76 | 1.92 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
268 | 269 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net Realized | Net Asset | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Net | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Investment | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Investment | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Income | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | Income | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Income | Expenses | *** | (Loss) | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
INVESTMENT GRADE FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $ 9.81 | $.40 | $(.16 | ) | $ .24 | $.43 | — | $.43 | $ 9.62 | 2.48 | % | $437,094 | 1.11 | % | 1.11 | % | 3.94 | % | 1.22 | % | 3.83 | % | 34 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 9.62 | .38 | .68 | 1.06 | .41 | — | .41 | 10.27 | 11.22 | 531,896 | 1.08 | 1.08 | 3.54 | 1.19 | 3.43 | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 10.27 | .35 | (.46 | ) | (.11 | ) | .38 | — | .38 | 9.78 | (1.10 | ) | 543,955 | 1.07 | 1.07 | 3.20 | 1.18 | 3.09 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.78 | .31 | (c) | .22 | .53 | .39 | — | .39 | 9.92 | 5.50 | 475,090 | 1.05 | 1.05 | 3.11 | 1.16 | 3.00 | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.92 | .28 | (c) | (.17 | ) | .11 | .39 | — | .39 | 9.64 | 1.12 | 458,704 | 1.04 | 1.04 | 2.85 | 1.15 | 2.74 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 9.81 | .33 | (.16 | ) | .17 | .36 | — | .36 | 9.62 | 1.81 | 9,976 | 1.81 | 1.81 | 3.24 | 1.92 | 3.13 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 9.62 | .32 | .66 | .98 | .34 | — | .34 | 10.26 | 10.41 | 8,036 | 1.78 | 1.78 | 2.84 | 1.89 | 2.74 | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 10.26 | .27 | (.45 | ) | (.18 | ) | .32 | — | .32 | 9.76 | (1.82 | ) | 6,161 | 1.84 | 1.84 | 2.42 | 1.94 | 2.32 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.76 | .22 | (c) | .22 | .44 | .33 | — | .33 | 9.87 | 4.53 | 4,727 | 1.92 | 1.92 | 2.24 | 2.03 | 2.13 | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.87 | .20 | (c) | (.17 | ) | .03 | .33 | — | .33 | 9.57 | .27 | 3,623 | 1.92 | 1.92 | 1.98 | 2.03 | 1.87 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 10.23 | .08 | (.34 | ) | (.26 | ) | .19 | — | .19 | 9.78 | (2.53 | )†† | 1 | .95 | † | .95 | † | 2.64 | † | 5.17 | † | (1.58 | )† | 33 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.78 | .34 | (c) | .20 | .54 | .40 | — | .40 | 9.92 | 5.61 | 44,351 | .69 | .69 | 3.38 | .80 | 3.27 | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.92 | .31 | (c) | (.16 | ) | .15 | .40 | — | .40 | 9.67 | 1.53 | 63,614 | .73 | .73 | 3.17 | .84 | 3.06 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 10.23 | .14 | (.38 | ) | (.24 | ) | .20 | — | .20 | 9.79 | (2.37 | )† | 9,326 | .66 | † | .66 | † | 3.06 | † | .77 | † | 2.95 | † | 33 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.79 | .35 | (c) | .23 | .58 | .43 | — | .43 | 9.94 | 5.98 | 22,269 | .63 | .63 | 3.51 | .74 | 3.40 | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.94 | .32 | (c) | (.17 | ) | .15 | .43 | — | .43 | 9.66 | 1.48 | 15,025 | .63 | .63 | 3.26 | .74 | 3.15 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(g) | $10.00 | $.14 | (a) | $(.23 | ) | $(.09 | ) | $.13 | $— | $.13 | $ 9.78 | (.87 | )%†† | $ 47,344 | 1.30 | %†(b) | 1.30 | %†(b) | 2.88 | %†(a) | 2.10 | %†(b) | 2.08 | %†(a) | 19 | %†† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.78 | .32 | (a)(c) | .12 | .44 | .28 | .00 | (d) | .28 | 9.94 | 4.55 | 101,540 | .80 | (b) | .80 | (b) | 3.18 | (a) | .68 | (b) | 3.30 | (a) | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.94 | .34 | (a)(c) | (.57 | ) | (.23 | ) | .34 | .07 | .41 | 9.30 | (2.37 | ) | 131,734 | .59 | (b) | .59 | (b) | 3.55 | (a) | N/A | N/A | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(g) | 10.00 | .14 | (a) | (.22 | ) | (.08 | ) | .15 | — | .15 | 9.77 | (.79 | )†† | 1 | 1.00 | †(b) | 1.00 | †(b) | 2.89 | †(a) | 14.79 | †(b) | (10.90) | †(a) | 19 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.77 | .36 | (a)(c) | .11 | .47 | .32 | .00 | (d) | .32 | 9.92 | 4.82 | 323 | .36 | (b) | .36 | (b) | 3.62 | (a) | .29 | (b) | 3.69 | (a) | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.92 | .38 | (a)(c) | (.56 | ) | (.18 | ) | .38 | .07 | .45 | 9.29 | (1.93 | ) | 306 | .19 | (b) | .19 | (b) | 3.95 | (a) | N/A | N/A | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
270 | 271 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net Realized | Net Asset | Net | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Net | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Investment | Investment | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Investment | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Income | Income | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | Income | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | (Loss) | Expenses | *** | (Loss) | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BOND FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012(i) | $10.00 | $.01 | $ .23 | $.24 | $.02 | $— | $.02 | $10.22 | 2.35 | %†† | $19,563 | 1.30 | %† | 1.30 | %† | 1.10 | %† | 9.76 | %† | (6.12 | )%† | 5 | %†† | ||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 10.22 | .25 | (.32 | ) | (.07 | ) | .30 | .01 | .31 | 9.84 | (.72 | ) | 99,161 | 1.30 | 1.30 | .68 | 1.83 | .15 | 53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.84 | .21 | (c) | .07 | .28 | .27 | — | .27 | 9.85 | 2.84 | 80,197 | 1.30 | 1.30 | 2.06 | 1.41 | 1.95 | 76 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.85 | .12 | (c) | (1.06 | ) | (.94 | ) | .28 | — | .28 | 8.63 | (9.72 | ) | 69,394 | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.29 | 1.38 | 1.21 | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 10.23 | .08 | (.31 | ) | (.23 | ) | .15 | — | .15 | 9.85 | (2.26 | )†† | 1 | 1.07 | † | 1.07 | † | (1.43 | )† | 5.23 | † | (5.59 | ) | 53 | †† | ||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.85 | .24 | (c) | .04 | .28 | .28 | — | .28 | 9.85 | 2.81 | 33,851 | 1.10 | 1.10 | 2.21 | N/A | N/A | 76 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.85 | .14 | (c) | (1.06 | ) | (.92 | ) | .29 | — | .29 | 8.64 | (9.51 | ) | 50,912 | 1.04 | 1.04 | 1.56 | N/A | N/A | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 10.23 | .12 | (.35 | ) | (.23 | ) | .15 | — | .15 | 9.85 | (2.26 | )†† | 6,998 | .96 | † | .96 | † | (1.31 | )† | N/A | N/A | 53 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.85 | .25 | (c) | .06 | .31 | .28 | — | .28 | 9.88 | 3.19 | 16,014 | .93 | .93 | 2.43 | N/A | N/A | 76 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.88 | .17 | (c) | (1.08 | ) | (.91 | ) | .30 | — | .30 | 8.67 | (9.36 | ) | 19,097 | .90 | .90 | 1.69 | N/A | N/A | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||||
FLOATING RATE FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014(f) | $10.00 | $.21 | (c) | $(.10 | ) | $.11 | $.23 | — | $.23 | $ 9.88 | 1.12 | %†† | $50,361 | 1.10 | %† | 1.10 | %† | 2.21 | %† | 1.58 | %† | 1.73 | %† | 26 | %†† | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.88 | .26 | (c) | (.27 | ) | (.01 | ) | .29 | — | .29 | 9.58 | (.08 | ) | 57,101 | 1.10 | 1.10 | 2.72 | 1.33 | 2.49 | 49 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014(f) | 10.00 | .25 | (c) | (.11 | ) | .14 | .26 | — | .26 | 9.88 | 1.43 | †† | 34,942 | .90 | † | .90 | † | 2.63 | † | .95 | † | 2.58 | 26 | †† | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.88 | .28 | (c) | (.26 | ) | .02 | .32 | — | .32 | 9.58 | .18 | 50,122 | .90 | .90 | 2.92 | 1.03 | 2.79 | 49 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014(f) | 10.00 | .27 | (c) | (.13 | ) | .14 | .28 | — | .28 | 9.86 | 1.36 | †† | 5,329 | .70 | † | .70 | † | 2.76 | † | 1.06 | † | 2.40 | 26 | †† | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.86 | .30 | (c) | (.25 | ) | .05 | .34 | — | .34 | 9.57 | .47 | 10,458 | .70 | .70 | 3.17 | .90 | 2.97 | 49 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
272 | See notes to financial statements | 273 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net Realized | Net Asset | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Net | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Net | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Investment | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Investment | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | Income | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Income | Expenses | *** | Income | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
FUND FOR INCOME | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $2.49 | $.17 | $(.14 | ) | $.03 | $.17 | — | $.17 | $2.35 | 1.00 | % | $504,839 | 1.27 | % | 1.27 | % | 6.43 | % | 1.30 | % | 6.40 | % | 75 | % | |||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2.35 | .16 | .25 | .41 | .16 | — | .16 | 2.60 | 17.79 | 602,370 | 1.26 | 1.26 | 6.01 | 1.29 | 5.98 | 54 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2.60 | .15 | (.01 | ) | .14 | .15 | — | .15 | 2.59 | 5.55 | 647,603 | 1.23 | 1.23 | 5.17 | 1.25 | 5.15 | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2.59 | .12 | (c) | .02 | .14 | .14 | — | .14 | 2.59 | 5.38 | 621,618 | 1.21 | 1.21 | 4.67 | 1.23 | 4.65 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2.59 | .11 | (c) | (.18 | ) | (.07 | ) | .13 | — | .13 | 2.39 | (2.85 | ) | 567,249 | 1.21 | 1.21 | 4.39 | 1.23 | 4.37 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2.49 | .15 | (.13 | ) | .02 | .16 | — | .16 | 2.35 | .38 | 7,580 | 1.97 | 1.97 | 5.75 | 2.00 | 5.72 | 75 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2.35 | .13 | .26 | .39 | .14 | — | .14 | 2.60 | 17.01 | 5,659 | 1.96 | 1.96 | 5.31 | 1.99 | 5.28 | 54 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2.60 | .13 | (.01 | ) | .12 | .13 | — | .13 | 2.59 | 4.84 | 5,001 | 1.99 | 1.99 | 4.42 | 2.01 | 4.40 | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2.59 | .10 | (c) | .02 | .12 | .12 | — | .12 | 2.59 | 4.67 | 4,690 | 2.02 | 2.02 | 3.86 | 2.04 | 3.84 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2.59 | .09 | (c) | (.18 | ) | (.09 | ) | .11 | — | .11 | 2.39 | (3.65 | ) | 3,376 | 2.01 | 2.01 | 3.60 | 2.03 | 3.58 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 2.66 | .06 | (.05 | ) | .01 | .08 | — | .08 | 2.59 | .23 | †† | 1 | 1.03 | † | 1.03 | † | 4.59 | † | 5.13 | † | .49 | † | 60 | †† | |||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2.59 | .12 | (c) | .02 | .14 | .14 | — | .14 | 2.59 | 5.42 | 31,132 | .91 | .91 | 4.83 | .93 | 4.81 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2.59 | .12 | (c) | (.18 | ) | (.06 | ) | .14 | — | .14 | 2.39 | (2.47 | ) | 41,699 | .93 | .93 | 4.65 | .95 | 4.63 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(h) | 2.66 | .03 | (.01 | ) | .02 | .08 | — | .08 | 2.60 | .66 | †† | 18,575 | .81 | † | .81 | † | 4.93 | † | .83 | † | 4.91 | † | 60 | †† | |||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2.60 | .13 | (c) | .02 | .15 | .15 | — | .15 | 2.60 | 5.59 | 42,941 | .78 | .78 | 5.07 | .80 | 5.05 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2.60 | .12 | (c) | (.17 | ) | (.05 | ) | .15 | — | .15 | 2.40 | (2.28 | ) | 51,704 | .78 | .78 | 4.81 | .80 | 4.79 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||
* Calculated without sales charges.
** Net of expenses waived or assumed (Note 3).
*** The ratios do not include a reduction of expenses from cash balances maintained with the custodian or
from brokerage service arrangements (Note 1G).
† Annualized
Not annualized
(a) Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends
by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. The ratio does not include net
investment income of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b) Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(c) Based on average shares during the period.
(d) Due to rounding, amount is less than .005 per share.
(e) For the period May 19, 2014 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2014.
(f) For the period October 21, 2013 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2014.
(g) For the period April 3, 2013 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2013.
(h) For the period April 1, 2013 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2013.
(i) For the period August 20, 2012 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2012.
274 | See notes to financial statements | 275 |
Financial Highlights
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
The following table sets forth the per share operating performance data for a share outstanding,
total return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for each fiscal year ended
September 30, except as otherwise indicated.
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net Realized | Net Asset | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Net | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Net | Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Investment | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Investment | Turnover | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | Income | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Gain | Expenses | *** | Loss | Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN FUND | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $14.19 | $.31 | $(.06 | ) | $ .25 | $.34 | $— | $.34 | $14.10 | 1.65 | % | $384,720 | 1.33 | % | 1.33 | % | 1.97 | % | N/A | N/A | 36 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 14.10 | .30 | 2.71 | 3.01 | .30 | — | .30 | 16.81 | 21.46 | 532,551 | 1.32 | 1.32 | 1.79 | N/A | N/A | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 16.81 | .27 | 1.99 | 2.26 | .34 | .24 | .58 | 18.49 | 13.77 | 664,054 | 1.26 | 1.26 | 1.45 | N/A | N/A | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 18.49 | .22 | (a) | 1.65 | 1.87 | .31 | .42 | .73 | 19.63 | 10.18 | 767,354 | 1.19 | 1.19 | 1.14 | N/A | N/A | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 19.63 | .21 | (a) | (.68 | ) | (.47 | ) | .28 | .67 | .95 | 18.21 | (2.65 | ) | 784,281 | 1.18 | 1.18 | 1.05 | N/A | N/A | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 13.96 | .19 | (.04 | ) | .15 | .23 | — | .23 | 13.88 | 1.01 | 12,961 | 2.03 | 2.03 | 1.30 | N/A | N/A | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 13.88 | .18 | 2.65 | 2.83 | .18 | — | .18 | 16.53 | 20.49 | 10,872 | 2.02 | 2.02 | 1.09 | N/A | N/A | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 16.53 | .15 | 1.95 | 2.10 | .22 | .24 | .46 | 18.17 | 12.98 | 10,207 | 2.01 | 2.01 | .71 | N/A | N/A | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 18.17 | .07 | (a) | 1.61 | 1.68 | .16 | .42 | .58 | 19.27 | 9.29 | 10,016 | 1.97 | 1.97 | .36 | N/A | N/A | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 19.27 | .06 | (a) | (.68 | ) | (.62 | ) | .06 | .67 | .73 | 17.92 | (3.44 | ) | 8,270 | 1.96 | 1.96 | .27 | N/A | N/A | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 17.62 | .09 | .95 | 1.04 | .17 | — | .17 | 18.49 | 5.89 | †† | 1 | 1.01 | † | 1.01 | † | 1.40 | † | 4.76 | %† | (2.35 | )%† | 32 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 18.49 | .29 | (a) | 1.60 | 1.89 | .32 | .42 | .74 | 19.64 | 10.34 | 2,106 | .78 | .78 | 1.46 | N/A | N/A | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 19.64 | .29 | (a) | (.69 | ) | (.40 | ) | .31 | .67 | .98 | 18.26 | (2.24 | ) | 976 | .78 | .78 | 1.44 | N/A | N/A | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 17.62 | .10 | .95 | 1.05 | .17 | — | .17 | 18.50 | 5.98 | †† | 1 | .82 | † | .82 | † | 1.48 | † | 4.35 | † | (2.05 | )† | 32 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 18.50 | .30 | (a) | 1.63 | 1.93 | .36 | .42 | .78 | 19.65 | 10.55 | 2,885 | .78 | .78 | 1.55 | N/A | N/A | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 19.65 | .29 | (a) | (.70 | ) | (.41 | ) | .28 | .67 | .95 | 18.29 | (2.28 | ) | 30,644 | .77 | .77 | 1.47 | N/A | N/A | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
276 | 277 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net Realized | Net Asset | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Net | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Investment | Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Investment | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Income | Turnover | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | Income | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Gain | Expenses | *** | (Loss) | Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
EQUITY INCOME FUND(b) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $ 6.50 | $.11 | $(.30 | ) | $(.19 | ) | $.11 | $— | $.11 | $ 6.20 | (3.12 | )% | $317,550 | 1.35 | % | 1.35 | % | 1.60 | % | N/A | N/A | 29 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 6.20 | .13 | 1.44 | 1.57 | .10 | — | .10 | 7.67 | 25.36 | 392,001 | 1.33 | 1.33 | 1.75 | N/A | N/A | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 7.67 | .14 | 1.32 | 1.46 | .14 | — | .14 | 8.99 | 19.14 | 475,422 | 1.28 | 1.28 | 1.66 | N/A | N/A | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 8.99 | .13 | (a) | 1.16 | 1.29 | .14 | .15 | .29 | 9.99 | 14.48 | 510,981 | 1.21 | 1.22 | 1.33 | N/A | N/A | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.99 | .15 | (a) | (.54 | ) | (.39 | ) | .15 | .46 | .61 | 8.99 | (4.31 | ) | 485,342 | 1.21 | 1.21 | 1.52 | N/A | N/A | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 6.40 | .06 | (.30 | ) | (.24 | ) | .06 | — | .06 | 6.10 | (3.87 | ) | 7,947 | 2.05 | 2.05 | .90 | N/A | N/A | 29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 6.10 | .08 | 1.42 | 1.50 | .05 | — | .05 | 7.55 | 24.56 | 6,939 | 2.03 | 2.03 | 1.02 | N/A | N/A | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 7.55 | .09 | 1.28 | 1.37 | .08 | — | .08 | 8.84 | 18.21 | 6,337 | 2.05 | 2.05 | .90 | N/A | N/A | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 8.84 | .05 | (a) | 1.13 | 1.18 | .05 | .15 | .20 | 9.82 | 13.49 | 5,721 | 2.06 | 2.06 | .49 | N/A | N/A | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.82 | .06 | (a) | (.53 | ) | (.47 | ) | .07 | .46 | .53 | 8.82 | (5.16 | ) | 3,847 | 2.06 | 2.06 | .67 | N/A | N/A | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 8.40 | .08 | .58 | .66 | .07 | — | .07 | 8.99 | 7.87 | †† | 1 | 1.01 | † | 1.01 | † | 1.78 | † | 4.68 | %† | (1.89 | )%† | 32 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 8.99 | .17 | (a) | 1.13 | 1.30 | .15 | .15 | .30 | 9.99 | 14.57 | 32,160 | .81 | .81 | 1.71 | N/A | N/A | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.99 | .19 | (a) | (.55 | ) | (.36 | ) | .17 | .46 | .63 | 9.00 | (3.96 | ) | 38,482 | .84 | .84 | 1.90 | N/A | N/A | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 8.40 | .04 | .63 | .67 | .05 | — | .05 | 9.02 | 7.95 | †† | 4,717 | .86 | † | .86 | † | 1.74 | † | .86 | † | 1.74 | † | 32 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.02 | .17 | (a) | 1.16 | 1.33 | .17 | .15 | .32 | 10.03 | 14.88 | 7,399 | .80 | .80 | 1.76 | N/A | N/A | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 10.03 | .19 | (a) | (.55 | ) | (.36 | ) | .17 | .46 | .63 | 9.04 | (3.97 | ) | 9,773 | .81 | .81 | 1.93 | N/A | N/A | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
278 | 279 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net Realized | Net Asset | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Net | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Net | Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Investment | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Investment | Turnover | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | Income | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Gain | Expenses | *** | Loss | Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
GROWTH & INCOME FUND | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $12.91 | $.19 | $(.14 | ) | $.05 | $.18 | $— | $.18 | $12.78 | .25 | % | 625,562 | 1.34 | % | 1.34 | % | 1.33 | % | N/A | N/A | 24 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 12.78 | .21 | 3.81 | 4.02 | .14 | — | .14 | 16.66 | 31.60 | 1,225,684 | 1.29 | 1.29 | 1.35 | N/A | N/A | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 16.66 | .20 | 3.90 | 4.10 | .22 | — | .22 | 20.54 | 24.86 | 1,538,582 | 1.22 | 1.22 | 1.11 | N/A | N/A | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 20.54 | .18 | (a) | 2.92 | 3.10 | .20 | .68 | .88 | 22.76 | 15.26 | 1,632,920 | 1.15 | 1.15 | .80 | N/A | N/A | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 22.76 | .20 | (a) | (1.37 | ) | (1.17 | ) | .19 | 1.05 | 1.24 | 20.35 | (5.62 | ) | 1,496,803 | 1.15 | 1.15 | .89 | N/A | N/A | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 12.14 | .08 | (.12 | ) | (.04 | ) | .09 | — | .09 | 12.01 | (.44 | ) | 19,635 | 2.04 | 2.04 | .66 | N/A | N/A | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 12.01 | .10 | 3.58 | 3.68 | .05 | — | .05 | 15.64 | 30.71 | 27,306 | 1.99 | 1.99 | .63 | N/A | N/A | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 15.64 | .06 | 3.67 | 3.73 | .11 | — | .11 | 19.26 | 24.02 | 27,762 | 1.96 | 1.96 | .37 | N/A | N/A | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 19.26 | — | (a) | 2.73 | 2.73 | — | .68 | .68 | 21.31 | 14.32 | 25,497 | 1.93 | 1.93 | .02 | N/A | N/A | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 21.31 | .02 | (a) | (1.27 | ) | (1.25 | ) | .04 | 1.05 | 1.09 | 18.97 | (6.33 | ) | 19,316 | 1.93 | 1.93 | .11 | N/A | N/A | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 18.49 | .13 | 2.00 | 2.13 | .08 | — | .08 | 20.54 | 11.53 | †† | 1 | .97 | † | .97 | † | 1.31 | † | 4.60 | %† | (2.32 | )%† | 20 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 20.54 | .27 | (a) | 2.91 | 3.18 | .20 | .68 | .88 | 22.84 | 15.67 | 123,039 | .74 | .74 | 1.17 | N/A | N/A | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 22.84 | .29 | (a) | (1.38 | ) | (1.09 | ) | .24 | 1.05 | 1.29 | 20.46 | (5.24 | ) | 141,229 | .75 | .75 | 1.29 | N/A | N/A | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 18.49 | .15 | 2.00 | 2.15 | .09 | — | .09 | 20.55 | 11.64 | †† | 1 | .78 | † | .78 | † | 1.50 | † | 4.19 | † | (1.91 | )† | 20 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 20.55 | .27 | (a) | 2.92 | 3.19 | .28 | .68 | .96 | 22.78 | 15.75 | 9,746 | .74 | .74 | 1.21 | N/A | N/A | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 22.78 | .29 | (a) | (1.39 | ) | (1.10 | ) | .24 | 1.05 | 1.29 | 20.39 | (5.27 | ) | 9,380 | .75 | .75 | 1.29 | N/A | N/A | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
280 | 281 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A D A T A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net | Net Realized | Net Asset | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Investment | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Investment | Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Income | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Income | Turnover | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | (Loss) | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Gain | Expenses | *** | (Loss) | Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
GLOBAL FUND | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $6.14 | $.01 | $(.61 | ) | $(.60 | ) | $— | $ — | $ — | $5.54 | (9.77 | )% | $241,494 | 1.67 | % | 1.67 | % | .18 | % | 1.70 | % | .15 | % | 103 | % | |||||||||||||||||
2012 | 5.54 | .03 | 1.24 | 1.27 | .02 | — | .02 | 6.79 | 22.88 | 283,328 | 1.68 | 1.69 | .44 | 1.70 | .42 | 94 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 6.79 | .05 | 1.20 | 1.25 | .03 | — | .03 | 8.01 | 18.56 | 317,329 | 1.60 | 1.61 | .66 | 1.62 | .65 | 92 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 8.01 | — | (a) | .80 | .80 | .04 | .11 | .15 | 8.66 | 10.00 | 332,416 | 1.49 | 1.49 | .03 | 1.54 | (.02 | ) | 154 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 8.66 | — | (a) | .11 | .11 | — | 1.51 | 1.51 | 7.26 | .87 | 331,382 | 1.47 | 1.47 | (.01 | ) | 1.52 | (.06 | ) | 97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 5.36 | (.09 | ) | (.46 | ) | (.55 | ) | — | — | — | 4.81 | (10.26 | ) | 4,515 | 2.37 | 2.37 | (.55 | ) | 2.40 | (.58 | ) | 103 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 4.81 | (.09 | ) | 1.15 | 1.06 | .01 | — | .01 | 5.86 | 21.99 | 4,388 | 2.38 | 2.39 | (.27 | ) | 2.40 | (.29 | ) | 94 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 5.86 | (.07 | ) | 1.09 | 1.02 | .02 | — | .02 | 6.86 | 17.55 | 4,419 | 2.36 | 2.36 | (.10 | ) | 2.38 | (.12 | ) | 92 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 6.86 | (.06 | )(a) | .69 | .63 | — | .11 | .11 | 7.38 | 9.18 | 4,023 | 2.31 | 2.31 | (.79 | ) | 2.36 | (.84 | ) | 154 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 7.38 | (.05 | )(a) | .10 | .05 | — | 1.51 | 1.51 | 5.92 | .09 | 3,405 | 2.28 | 2.28 | (.82 | ) | 2.33 | (.87 | ) | 97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 7.28 | .06 | .67 | .73 | — | — | — | 8.01 | 10.03 | †† | 1 | 1.27 | † | 1.27 | † | 1.46 | † | 4.88 | † | (2.15 | )† | 92 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 8.01 | — | (a) | .82 | .82 | — | .11 | .11 | 8.72 | 10.24 | 66,590 | 1.06 | 1.06 | .53 | 1.11 | .48 | 154 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 8.72 | .03 | (a) | .12 | .15 | — | 1.51 | 1.51 | 7.36 | 1.37 | 114,556 | 1.06 | 1.06 | .43 | 1.11 | .38 | 97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 7.28 | .06 | .68 | .74 | — | — | — | 8.02 | 10.17 | †† | 1 | 1.14 | † | 1.14 | † | 1.55 | † | 4.59 | † | (1.90 | )† | 92 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 8.02 | — | (a) | .84 | .84 | — | .11 | .11 | 8.75 | 10.48 | 3,001 | 1.03 | 1.03 | .48 | 1.08 | .43 | 154 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 8.75 | .04 | (a) | .11 | .15 | — | 1.51 | 1.51 | 7.39 | 1.37 | 2,955 | 1.02 | 1.02 | .45 | 1.07 | .40 | 97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
282 | See notes to financial statements | 283 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net | Net Realized | Net Asset | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Investment | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Net | Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Income | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Investment | Turnover | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | (Loss) | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | Return | * | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Gain | Expenses | *** | Loss | Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
SELECT GROWTH FUND | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $5.79 | $(.02 | ) | $ .54 | $ .52 | $— | — | $— | $ 6.31 | 8.98 | % | $203,243 | 1.45 | % | 1.45 | % | (.28 | )% | N/A | N/A | 62 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 6.31 | (.03 | ) | 1.70 | 1.67 | — | — | — | 7.98 | 26.47 | 271,019 | 1.42 | 1.42 | (.35 | ) | N/A | N/A | 53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 7.98 | .02 | 1.24 | 1.26 | — | — | — | 9.24 | 15.79 | 315,833 | 1.35 | 1.35 | .25 | N/A | N/A | 71 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.24 | — | (a) | 1.73 | 1.73 | .00 | (b) | — | .00 | (b) | 10.97 | 18.77 | 330,595 | 1.27 | 1.27 | .03 | N/A | N/A | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 10.97 | .02 | (a) | .65 | .67 | .00 | (b) | — | .00 | (b) | 11.64 | 6.12 | 352,651 | 1.25 | 1.25 | .16 | N/A | N/A | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 5.33 | (.07 | ) | .51 | .44 | — | — | — | 5.77 | 8.26 | 6,692 | 2.15 | 2.15 | (.98 | ) | N/A | N/A | 62 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 5.77 | (.09 | ) | 1.57 | 1.48 | — | — | — | 7.25 | 25.65 | 5,853 | 2.12 | 2.12 | (1.07 | ) | N/A | N/A | 53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 7.25 | (.06 | ) | 1.15 | 1.09 | — | — | — | 8.34 | 15.03 | 5,308 | 2.10 | 2.10 | (.48 | ) | N/A | N/A | 71 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 8.34 | (.07 | )(a) | 1.55 | 1.48 | — | — | — | 9.82 | 17.75 | 4,868 | 2.06 | 2.06 | (.76 | ) | N/A | N/A | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 9.82 | (.07 | )(a) | .59 | .52 | — | — | — | 10.34 | 5.30 | 4,101 | 2.03 | 2.03 | (.63 | ) | N/A | N/A | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 8.46 | .01 | .79 | .80 | — | — | — | 9.26 | 9.46 | †† | 1 | 1.02 | † | 1.02 | † | .25 | † | 4.63 | %† | (3.36 | )%† | 71 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.26 | .06 | (a) | 1.69 | 1.75 | — | — | — | 11.01 | 18.90 | 31,902 | .83 | .83 | .51 | N/A | N/A | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 11.01 | .07 | (a) | .66 | .73 | .01 | — | .01 | 11.73 | 6.61 | 46,793 | .84 | .84 | .57 | N/A | N/A | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 8.46 | .02 | .79 | .81 | — | — | — | 9.27 | 9.57 | †† | 1 | .89 | † | .89 | † | .39 | † | 4.32 | † | (3.04 | )† | 71 | †† | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 9.27 | .05 | (a) | 1.74 | 1.79 | — | — | — | 11.06 | 19.31 | 3,057 | .83 | .83 | .48 | N/A | N/A | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 11.06 | .07 | (a) | .66 | .73 | .02 | — | .02 | 11.77 | 6.56 | 3,608 | .82 | .82 | .59 | N/A | N/A | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
284 | 285 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net | Net Realized | Net Asset | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Investment | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Net | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Income | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Investment | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | (Loss) | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | * | Return | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Gain | Expenses | *** | Loss | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
OPPORTUNITY FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $23.46 | $.17 | $ .49 | $ .66 | $.05 | $ — | $ .05 | $24.07 | 2.77 | % | $415,392 | 1.36 | % | 1.36 | % | .62 | % | N/A | N/A | 37 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 24.07 | .26 | 6.10 | 6.36 | .17 | .89 | 1.06 | 29.37 | 26.99 | 529,886 | 1.35 | 1.35 | .94 | N/A | N/A | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 29.37 | .18 | 9.64 | 9.82 | .26 | .80 | 1.06 | 38.13 | 34.47 | 726,942 | 1.28 | 1.28 | .56 | N/A | N/A | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 38.13 | .07 | (a) | 5.29 | 5.36 | .16 | 2.43 | 2.59 | 40.90 | 14.20 | 805,113 | 1.20 | 1.20 | .16 | N/A | N/A | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 40.90 | .04 | (a) | (.39 | ) | (.35 | ) | .06 | 2.70 | 2.76 | 37.79 | (1.16 | ) | 818,955 | 1.20 | 1.20 | .11 | N/A | N/A | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 20.44 | (.10 | ) | .52 | .42 | .01 | — | .01 | 20.85 | 2.04 | 15,025 | 2.06 | 2.06 | (.04 | ) | N/A | N/A | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 20.85 | .01 | 5.31 | 5.32 | .13 | .89 | 1.02 | 25.15 | 26.12 | 13,129 | 2.05 | 2.05 | .15 | N/A | N/A | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 25.15 | (.12 | ) | 8.26 | 8.14 | .22 | .80 | 1.02 | 32.27 | 33.49 | 13,677 | 2.02 | 2.02 | (.18 | ) | N/A | N/A | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 32.27 | (.21 | )(a) | 4.47 | 4.26 | — | 2.43 | 2.43 | 34.10 | 13.32 | 12,145 | 1.99 | 1.99 | (.63 | ) | N/A | N/A | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 34.10 | (.23 | )(a) | (.29 | ) | (.52 | ) | — | 2.70 | 2.70 | 30.88 | (1.94 | ) | 9,691 | 1.97 | 1.97 | (.67 | ) | N/A | N/A | 37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 33.13 | .16 | 4.89 | 5.05 | — | — | — | 38.18 | 15.24 | †† | 1 | .98 | † | .98 | † | .91 | † | 4.48 | %† | (2.59 | )%† | 40 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 38.18 | .23 | (a) | 5.22 | 5.45 | — | 2.43 | 2.43 | 41.20 | 14.43 | 35,733 | .90 | .90 | .51 | N/A | N/A | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 41.20 | .16 | (a) | (.40 | ) | (.24 | ) | .08 | 2.70 | 2.78 | 38.18 | (.87 | ) | 48,322 | .91 | .91 | .40 | N/A | N/A | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 33.13 | .19 | 4.89 | 5.08 | — | — | — | 38.21 | 15.33 | †† | 1 | .85 | † | .85 | † | 1.06 | † | 4.17 | † | (2.26 | )† | 40 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 38.21 | .24 | (a) | 5.30 | 5.54 | .17 | 2.43 | 2.60 | 41.15 | 14.66 | 3,838 | .79 | .79 | .58 | N/A | N/A | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 41.15 | .22 | (a) | (.40 | ) | (.18 | ) | .20 | 2.70 | 2.90 | 38.07 | (.74 | ) | 4,228 | .78 | .78 | .52 | N/A | N/A | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
286 | 287 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net | Net Realized | Net Asset | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Investment | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Investment | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Income | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Income | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | (Loss) | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | * | Return | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Gain | Expenses | *** | (Loss) | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $20.66 | $.03 | $ 1.03 | $1.06 | $ — | $ — | $ — | $21.72 | 5.13 | % | $285,220 | 1.44 | % | 1.44 | % | .13 | % | 1.54 | % | .03 | % | 73 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 21.72 | .01 | 4.46 | 4.47 | .03 | 1.76 | 1.79 | 24.40 | 21.19 | 342,939 | 1.43 | 1.43 | .03 | 1.53 | (.07 | ) | 41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 24.40 | .11 | 4.68 | 4.79 | .12 | 1.00 | 1.12 | 28.07 | 20.47 | 412,102 | 1.39 | 1.39 | .42 | 1.47 | .34 | 110 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 28.07 | .02 | (a) | 3.16 | 3.18 | — | 4.60 | 4.60 | 26.65 | 11.65 | 425,957 | 1.33 | 1.33 | .06 | 1.38 | .01 | 55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 26.65 | .02 | (a) | .07 | .09 | .04 | 1.43 | 1.47 | 25.27 | .12 | 432,235 | 1.32 | 1.32 | .07 | 1.33 | .06 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 17.95 | (.13 | ) | .92 | .79 | — | — | — | 18.74 | 4.40 | 5,884 | 2.14 | 2.14 | (.55 | ) | 2.24 | (.65 | ) | 73 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 18.74 | (.15 | ) | 3.84 | 3.69 | — | 1.76 | 1.76 | 20.67 | 20.33 | 5,085 | 2.13 | 2.13 | (.67 | ) | 2.23 | (.77 | ) | 41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 20.67 | (.10 | ) | 3.96 | 3.86 | .08 | 1.00 | 1.08 | 23.45 | 19.62 | 4,932 | 2.13 | 2.13 | (.29 | ) | 2.21 | (.37 | ) | 110 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 23.45 | (.17 | )(a) | 2.62 | 2.45 | — | 4.60 | 4.60 | 21.30 | 10.71 | 4,441 | 2.16 | 2.16 | (.77 | ) | 2.21 | (.82 | ) | 55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 21.30 | (.16 | )(a) | .08 | (.08 | ) | — | 1.43 | 1.43 | 19.79 | (.67 | ) | 3,618 | 2.13 | 2.13 | (.74 | ) | 2.14 | (.75 | ) | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 25.71 | .01 | 2.37 | 2.38 | — | — | — | 28.09 | 9.26 | †† | 1 | 1.16 | † | 1.16 | † | .08 | † | 4.82 | † | (3.58 | )† | 110 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 28.09 | .12 | (a) | 3.10 | 3.22 | — | 4.60 | 4.60 | 26.71 | 11.82 | 26,458 | 1.01 | 1.01 | .39 | 1.06 | .34 | 55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 26.71 | .10 | (a) | .08 | .18 | .08 | 1.43 | 1.51 | 25.38 | .46 | 38,790 | 1.02 | 1.03 | .37 | 1.04 | .36 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 25.71 | .06 | 2.37 | 2.43 | — | — | — | 28.14 | 9.45 | †† | 1 | .84 | † | .84 | † | .42 | † | 4.43 | † | (3.17 | )† | 110 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 28.14 | .14 | (a) | 3.16 | 3.30 | — | 4.60 | 4.60 | 26.84 | 12.10 | 5,750 | .89 | .89 | .51 | .94 | .46 | 55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 26.84 | .14 | (a) | .08 | .22 | .16 | 1.43 | 1.59 | 25.47 | .60 | 5,905 | .88 | .88 | .51 | .89 | .50 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
REAL ESTATE FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015(c) | $10.00 | $.09 | (a) | $(1.06 | ) | $(.97 | ) | $.07 | — | $.07 | $ 8.96 | (9.67 | )%†† | $ 11,410 | 1.45 | %† | 1.45 | %† | 1.99 | %† | 2.31 | %† | 1.13 | %† | 18 | %†† | |||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015(c) | 10.00 | .11 | (a) | (1.06 | ) | (.95 | ) | .07 | — | .07 | 8.98 | (9.45 | )†† | 40,824 | 1.12 | † | 1.12 | † | 2.36 | † | 1.63 | † | 1.85 | † | 18 | †† | |||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015(c) | 10.00 | .09 | (a) | (1.04 | ) | (.95 | ) | .09 | — | .09 | 8.96 | (9.45 | )†† | 963 | 1.00 | † | 1.00 | † | 2.08 | † | 2.18 | † | .90 | † | 18 | †† | |||||||||||||||||
288 | 289 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
P E R S H A R E D A T A | R A T I O S S U P P L E M E N T A L D A T A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to Average Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions | Ratio to Average | Assets Before Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations | from | Net Assets** | Waived or Assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset | Net | Net Realized | Net Asset | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value, | Investment | and Unrealized | Total from | Net | Net | Value, | Net Assets | Net Expenses | Net Expenses | Net | Net | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Income | Gain (Loss) on | Investment | Investment | Realized | Total | End of | Total | End of Year | After Fee | Before Fee | Investment | Investment | Turnover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Period | (Loss) | Investments | Operations | Income | Gain | Distributions | Year | * | Return | (in thousands) | Credits | Credits | *** | Gain | Expenses | *** | (Loss) | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
INTERNATIONAL FUND | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | $10.18 | $.12 | $(.59 | ) | $(.47 | ) | $.17 | — | $.17 | $ 9.54 | (4.70 | )% | $128,479 | 1.88 | % | 1.88 | % | 1.20 | % | N/A | N/A | 30 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 9.54 | .10 | 2.20 | 2.30 | .16 | — | .16 | 11.68 | 24.34 | 165,797 | 1.82 | 1.82 | .86 | N/A | N/A | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 11.68 | .04 | .81 | .85 | — | — | — | 12.53 | 7.28 | 215,873 | 1.71 | 1.71 | .34 | N/A | N/A | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 12.53 | .05 | (a) | .50 | .55 | .02 | — | .02 | 13.06 | 4.43 | 193,174 | 1.66 | 1.66 | .39 | N/A | N/A | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 13.06 | .05 | (a) | (.41 | ) | (.36 | ) | .05 | — | .05 | 12.65 | (2.78 | ) | 194,991 | 1.64 | 1.64 | .40 | N/A | N/A | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 9.91 | .01 | (.52 | ) | (.51 | ) | .16 | — | .16 | 9.24 | (5.30 | ) | 2,983 | 2.58 | 2.58 | .30 | N/A | N/A | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 9.24 | (.04 | ) | 2.19 | 2.15 | .14 | — | .14 | 11.25 | 23.50 | 3,328 | 2.52 | 2.52 | (.02 | ) | N/A | N/A | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 11.25 | (.11 | ) | .84 | .73 | — | — | — | 11.98 | 6.49 | 3,200 | 2.46 | 2.46 | (.45 | ) | N/A | N/A | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 11.98 | (.05 | )(a) | .47 | .42 | — | — | — | 12.40 | 3.51 | 2,893 | 2.49 | 2.49 | (.42 | ) | N/A | N/A | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 12.40 | (.06 | )(a) | (.38 | ) | (.44 | ) | — | — | — | 11.96 | (3.55 | ) | 2,094 | 2.47 | 2.47 | (.49 | ) | N/A | N/A | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 12.79 | .06 | (.30 | ) | (.24 | ) | — | — | — | 12.55 | (1.88 | )†† | 1 | 1.45 | † | 1.45 | † | .97 | † | 5.30 | %† | (2.88 | )%† | 31 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 12.55 | .14 | (a) | .44 | .58 | — | — | — | 13.13 | 4.62 | 35,249 | 1.27 | 1.27 | .98 | N/A | N/A | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 13.13 | .11 | (a) | (.43 | ) | (.32 | ) | .05 | — | .05 | 12.76 | (2.45 | ) | 57,623 | 1.24 | 1.24 | .83 | N/A | N/A | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013(d) | 12.79 | .08 | (.31 | ) | (.23 | ) | — | — | — | 12.56 | (1.80 | )†† | 1 | 1.19 | † | 1.19 | † | 1.23 | † | 4.84 | † | (2.42 | )† | 31 | †† | ||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 12.56 | .12 | (a) | .51 | .63 | — | — | — | 13.19 | 5.02 | 2,357 | 1.17 | 1.17 | .93 | N/A | N/A | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 13.19 | .12 | (a) | (.43 | ) | (.31 | ) | .10 | — | .10 | 12.78 | (2.33 | ) | 2,347 | 1.14 | 1.14 | .89 | N/A | N/A | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
* Calculated without sales charges.
** Net of expenses waived or assumed (Note 3).
*** The ratios do not include a reduction of expenses from cash balances maintained with the custodian or
from brokerage service arrangements (Note 1G).
† Annualized
Not annualized
(a) Based on average shares during the period.
(b) Due to rounding, amount is less than .005 per share.
(c) For the period April 6, 2015 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2015.
(d) For the period April 1, 2013 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2013.
(e) Prior to September 4, 2012, known as Value Fund.
290 | See notes to financial statements | 291 |
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
First Investors Income Funds and First Investors Equity Funds
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments of the Cash Management Fund, Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund, Government Fund, Investment Grade Fund, Strategic Income Fund, International Opportunities Bond Fund, Floating Rate Fund and Fund For Income (each a series of First Investors Income Funds), and the Total Return Fund, Equity Income Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Global Fund, Select Growth Fund, Opportunity Fund, Special Situations Fund, Real Estate Fund and International Fund (each a series of First Investors Equity Funds), as of September 30, 2015, the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated thereon. 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 are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Funds’ 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 includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Where brokers have not replied to our confirmation requests, we have carried out other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
292 |
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Cash Management Fund, Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund, Government Fund, Investment Grade Fund, Strategic Income Fund, International Opportunities Bond Fund, Floating Rate Fund, Fund For Income, Total Return Fund, Equity Income Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Global Fund, Select Growth Fund, Opportunity Fund, Special Situations Fund, Real Estate Fund and International Fund, as of September 30, 2015, and the results of their operations, changes in their net assets, and their financial highlights for the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 25, 2015
293 |
Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
Annual Consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreements and the Sub-Advisory Agreements with Muzinich & Co., Inc. and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC.
The First Investors Income Funds’ (the “Trust”) investment advisory agreements with the Trust’s investment adviser and, as applicable, sub-advisers, on behalf of each of the Trust’s funds, can remain in effect after an initial term of no greater than two years only if they are renewed at least annually thereafter (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of each fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreement, as applicable) or “interested persons” of any party thereto (the “Independent Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting called specifically for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has four regularly scheduled and two informal meetings each year and takes into account throughout the year matters bearing on the approval of the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable). In particular, the Board and its standing committees also consider at each meeting at least certain of the factors that are relevant to the annual renewal of each fund’s advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable), including investment performance, sub-adviser updates and reviews, reports with respect to brokerage and portfolio transactions, portfolio turnover rates, compliance monitoring, and the services and support provided to each fund and its shareholders. In addition the Board meets with representatives of each sub-adviser in person at least once per year.
On April 16, 2015 (the “April Meeting”), the Independent Trustees met in person with senior management personnel of First Investors Management Company, Inc. (“FIMCO”), the Trust’s investment adviser, Trust counsel, independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”) and others to give preliminary consideration to information bearing on the continuation of the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable) with respect to each fund. The primary purpose of the April Meeting was to ensure that the Independent Trustees had ample opportunity to consider matters they deemed relevant in determining whether to continue the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable), and to request any additional information they considered reasonably necessary to their deliberations. The Independent Trustees also met in executive session with Independent Legal Counsel to consider the continuation of the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable) outside the presence of management. As part of the April Meeting, the Independent Trustees asked FIMCO to respond to certain additional questions prior to the contract approval meeting of the Board to be held on May 21, 2015 (the “May Meeting”). In addition, Independent Legal Counsel, in conjunction
294 |
with the Board, and personnel from FIMCO reviewed each sub-adviser’s response in connection with the request for information with respect to the applicable sub-advisory agreements and requested follow-up information or clarifications from each sub-adviser, as applicable, which was provided in time for the May Meeting.
At the May Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between FIMCO and each of the following funds (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”): Fund For Income, Investment Grade Fund, Government Fund, International Opportunities Bond Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Floating Rate Fund, Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund and Cash Management Fund. In addition, at the May Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the sub-advisory agreements (each, a “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”) with: (1) Muzinich & Co., Inc. (“Muzinich”) with respect to the Fund For Income and Floating Rate Fund; and (2) Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine”) with respect to the International Opportunities Bond Fund. The Fund For Income, Floating Rate Fund and International Opportunities Bond Fund are collectively referred to as the “Sub-Advised Funds.” In reaching its decisions to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement for each Fund and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Sub-Advised Funds, the Board considered information furnished and discussed throughout the year at regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings as well as a wide range of information provided specifically in relation to the renewal of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements for the April Meeting and May Meeting. Information furnished at Board and/or Committee meetings throughout the year included FIMCO’s analysis of each Fund’s investment performance and the performance of the sub-advisers to the respective Sub-Advised Funds, presentations given by representatives of FIMCO, Muzinich and Brandywine and various reports on compliance and other services provided by FIMCO and its affiliates. In preparation for the April Meeting and/or May Meeting, the Independent Trustees requested and received information compiled by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, that included, among other things: (1) the investment performance over various time periods and the fees and expenses of each Fund as compared to a comparable group of funds as determined by Lipper (“Peer Group”); and (2) comparative information on each Fund’s volatility versus total return. Additionally, in response to specific requests from the Independent Trustees in connection with the April Meeting and/or May Meeting, FIMCO furnished, and the Board considered, information concerning various aspects of its operations, including: (1) the nature, extent and quality of services provided by FIMCO and its affiliates to the Funds, including investment
295 |
Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees (continued)
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
advisory and administrative services to the Funds including, as applicable, services in connection with selecting, overseeing and evaluating the sub-advisers; (2) the actual management fees paid by each Fund to FIMCO; (3) the costs of providing services to each Fund and the profitability of FIMCO and its affiliate, Administrative Data Management Corp. (“ADM”), the Funds’ affiliated transfer agent, from the relationship with each Fund; and (4) any “fall out” or ancillary benefits accruing to FIMCO or its affiliates as a result of the relationship with each Fund. FIMCO also provided, and the Board considered, an analysis of the overall profitability of the First Investors mutual fund business that included various entities affiliated with FIMCO as well as comparative profitability information based on analysis performed by FIMCO of the financial statements of certain publicly-traded mutual fund asset managers. The Board also considered FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s personnel and methods, including the education, experience of key personnel, and the number of their advisory and analytical personnel; general information regarding the compensation of FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s advisory personnel; FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s investment management process; FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s compliance program; the time and attention of FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s personnel devoted to the management of the Funds; FIMCO and each sub-adviser’s cyber-security practices and related controls; and material pending, threatened or settled litigation involving FIMCO and each sub-adviser, and any ongoing or completed audits, investigations or examinations by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board also considered information provided by FIMCO on management’s initiatives for increasing Fund assets and new product development, enhanced sales and marketing efforts (including selling Fund shares through independent channels and increasing the size of the sales force), continuing efforts as deemed practicable to reduce expenses and improve performance of the Funds, and improving the efficiency of back-office operations and services. In addition to evaluating, among other considerations, the written information provided by FIMCO, the Board also evaluated the answers to questions posed by the Board to representatives of FIMCO.
In addition, in response to specific requests from the Independent Trustees in connection with the April Meeting and/or May Meeting, Muzinich and Brandywine furnished, and the Board reviewed, information concerning various aspects of their respective operations, including: (1) the nature, extent and quality of services provided by Muzinich and Brandywine to the applicable Sub-Advised Funds; (2) the sub-advisory fee rates charged by Muzinich and Brandywine and a comparison of those fee rates to the fee rates of Muzinich and Brandywine for providing advisory services to other investment companies or accounts or compared to their standard fee schedule, as applicable, with an investment mandate similar to the applicable Sub-Advised Funds; (3) profitability and/or financial information provided by Muzinich and
296 |
Brandywine; and (4) any “fall out” or ancillary benefits accruing to Muzinich and Brandywine as a result of the relationship with each applicable Sub-Advised Fund. The Board also considered FIMCO’s representations that it found the sub-adviser responses to the information request in connection with the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreements to be satisfactory and raising no issues of general concern.
In considering the information and materials described above, the Independent Trustees took into account management style, investment strategies and prevailing market conditions. Moreover, the Independent Trustees received assistance from and met separately with Independent Legal Counsel during both the April Meeting and May Meeting and were provided with a written description of their statutory responsibilities and the legal standards that are applicable to approvals of advisory agreements (and sub-advisory agreements, as applicable). Although the Advisory Agreement for all of the Funds and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Sub-Advised Funds were considered at the same Board meeting, the Independent Trustees addressed each Fund separately during the April Meeting and May Meeting.
Based on all of the information presented, the Board, including a majority of its Independent Trustees, determined on a Fund-by-Fund basis that the fees charged under the Advisory Agreement and each Sub-Advisory Agreement are reasonable in relation to the services that are provided under each Agreement. The Board did not identify any single factor as being of paramount importance in reaching its conclusions and determinations with respect to the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for each Fund and Sub-Advisory Agreements. Although not meant to be all-inclusive, the following describes some of the factors that were considered by the Board in deciding to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for each Fund and the Sub-Advisory Agreements with Muzinich and Brandywine.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
In examining the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by FIMCO, the Board recognized that FIMCO is dedicated to providing investment management services exclusively to the Funds and the other funds in the First Investors fund complex and that, unlike many other mutual fund managers, FIMCO is not in the business of providing management services to hedge funds, pension funds or private accounts. In this connection, the Board was advised that certain key FIMCO personnel provide separately managed account services to a FIMCO-affiliated investment adviser, but that these personnel spend most of their time serving their FIMCO clients. As a result, the Board considered that FIMCO’s personnel devote substantially all of their time to serving the funds in the First Investors fund complex. The Board also considered management’s explanation regarding the significant costs involved in providing the
297 |
Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees (continued)
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
level of personal service that the First Investors fund complex seeks to deliver to its shareholders, which are primarily shareholders in the broad middle market.
The Board noted that FIMCO has undertaken extensive responsibilities as manager of the Funds, including: (1) the provision of investment advice to the Funds; (2) implementing policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with each Fund’s investment objectives and policies; (3) the review of brokerage arrangements; (4) oversight of general portfolio compliance with applicable laws; (5) the provision of certain administrative services to the Funds, including fund accounting; (6) the implementation of Board directives as they relate to the Funds; and (7) evaluating and monitoring any sub-advisers on an ongoing basis, including, but not limited to, monitoring each sub-adviser’s investment performance, evaluating each sub-adviser’s compliance program on an annual basis and monitoring investments for compliance purposes, including monitoring each sub-adviser’s soft dollar practices (as applicable), portfolio allocation and best execution. The Board noted that FIMCO provided the same sorts of administrative and other services, except for direct management of the portfolio, for the Sub-advised Funds as it does for the other funds. The Board noted that FIMCO provides not only advisory services, but historically also has provided certain administrative personnel and services that many other advisers do not provide without imposition of separate fees. The Board also noted the steps that FIMCO has taken to encourage strong performance, including providing significant incentives to portfolio managers and analysts based on Fund performance. In addition, the Board considered information regarding the overall financial strength of FIMCO and its affiliates and the resources and staffing in place with respect to the services provided to the Funds.
The Board also considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by FIMCO’s affiliates, including transfer agency and distribution services. The Board took into account the fact that ADM is dedicated to providing transfer agency services exclusively to the Funds and the other funds in the First Investors fund complex. As a result, ADM can tailor its processes and services to satisfy the needs of the Funds’ shareholder base. The Board noted that the Funds’ shares are distributed primarily through First Investors Corporation (“FIC”), which is an affiliate of FIMCO.
Furthermore, the Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the investment management services provided by Muzinich and Brandywine to the applicable Sub-Advised Funds. The Board considered Muzinich’s and Brandywine’s investment management process in managing the applicable Sub-Advised Funds and the experience and capability of its personnel responsible for the portfolio management of the applicable Sub-Advised Funds. The Board also considered information regarding the
298 |
resources and staffing in place with respect to the services provided by each sub-adviser. Additionally, with respect to the Sub-Advised Funds, the Board considered the differences in fees paid by each applicable Fund to FIMCO and the fees paid by FIMCO to each sub-adviser, as well as representations by FIMCO that these fee differentials are warranted by its ongoing services and assumption of risks.
Based on the information considered, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to each Fund by FIMCO and the applicable Sub-Advised Funds by Muzinich and Brandywine were appropriate and consistent with the terms of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements, as applicable, and supported approval of the Advisory Agreement and each Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance
The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of each of the Funds. While consideration was given to performance reports and discussions held at prior Board or Committee meetings, as applicable, particular attention was given to the performance information compiled by Lipper. In particular, the Board reviewed the total return of each Fund over the most recent calendar year (“1-year period”) and the annualized total return over the most recent three calendar year period (“3-year period”) and five calendar year period (“5-year period”). In addition, the Board considered the total return information provided by FIMCO for each Fund through April 30, 2015. The Board also reviewed the annual yield of each Fund for each of the past five calendar years. With regard to the total return and yield information, the Board considered the total return and yield of each Fund on a percentile and quintile basis as compared to its Peer Group. For purposes of the data provided, the first quintile is defined as 20% of the funds in the applicable Peer Group with the highest performance or yield, as applicable, and the fifth quintile is defined as 20% of the funds in the applicable Peer Group with the lowest performance or yield. The Board also considered FIMCO’s representations that it imposes relatively stringent limits on the ability of portfolio managers to invest in risky asset classes or employ aggressive techniques.
On a Fund-by-Fund basis, the total return performance reports indicated, and the Board noted, that: (i) the Investment Grade Fund fell within the top three quintiles for each of the 1-year period, 3-year period and 5-year period; (ii) the International Opportunities Bond Fund fell within the second quintile for the 1-year period, the only full year of its operation; (iii) the Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund had not yet completed a full year of operating history and therefore no performance information was provided by Lipper; and (iv) all of the other Funds fell within the fourth or fifth quintile for each of the applicable performance periods shown by Lipper. The Trustees also considered that, in the current market and interest-rate environment,
299 |
Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees (continued)
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
comparative information regarding performance and contractual fee rates of money market funds such as the Cash Management Fund is of relatively limited utility.
The Board also reviewed the yields of the Funds and noted that the yield for: (i) the Fund For Income fell within one of the top three quintiles for two of the past five calendar years; (ii) the Government Fund fell within one of the top two quintiles for each of the past five calendar years; (iii) the Investment Grade Fund fell within one of the top three quintiles for each of the past five calendar years; (iv) the International Opportunities Bond Fund fell within the top two quintiles for the past two calendar years, which was the only information available due to its short operating history; and (v) the Cash Management Fund fell outside of the top three quintiles for each of the past five calendar years. The Board also noted that the yields for the short one-year operating history of the Strategic Income Fund and Floating Rate Fund fell outside of the top three quintiles. There was no yield information available for the Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund due to its short operating history. Moreover, the Board considered the volatility versus total return data provided by Lipper as well as FIMCO’s representation that it believes that the Funds use a more conservative investment style than many of their peers.
Based on the information considered, the Board concluded that the investment performance of each Fund was either (a) acceptable or better, or (b) subject to reasonable steps to monitor or address underperformance.
Fund Expenses, Costs of Services, Economies of Scale and Related Benefits
Management Fees and Expenses. The Board also gave substantial consideration to the fees payable under each Fund’s Advisory Agreement as well as under the Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Sub-Advised Funds.
The Board reviewed the information compiled by Lipper comparing each Fund’s contractual management fee rate (at common asset levels) and actual management fee rate (which included the effect of any fee waivers) as a percentage of average net assets to other funds in its Peer Group. In this regard, the Board considered the contractual and actual management fees of each Fund on a quintile basis as compared to its Peer Group and noted the relative position of each Fund within the Peer Group. The Board also considered that FIMCO provides not only advisory services but also certain administrative personnel to the Funds under each Fund’s Advisory Agreement and that many other advisers do not provide such administrative personnel under their advisory agreements and that FIMCO also provides certain administrative services without the imposition of a separate fee. The Board considered that FIMCO informed the Board that it intends to: (i) extend, on a voluntary basis, the existing total expense cap limitation for the Cash Management Fund until May 31, 2016; and (ii) extend,
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on a voluntary basis, the existing management fee caps for the Fund For Income, Government Fund and Investment Grade Fund respectively until May 31, 2016. The Board also noted that it had previously approved the continuation of the contractual total expense caps on the Floating Rate Fund, International Opportunities Bond Fund and Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund until January 31, 2016. The Board also considered that, with respect to the Cash Management Fund, FIMCO was waiving all of its management fees and reimbursing a portion of other expenses to avoid a negative return for shareholders due to the historically low interest rate environment. In particular, the Board noted that: (i) the contractual and actual management fees for the Fund For Income, Investment Grade Fund, Government Fund and International Opportunities Bond Fund were outside of the top three quintiles of their respective Peer Groups; (ii) the Strategic Income Fund’s contractual and actual management fees were in the first quintile of its Peer Group; (iii) the Floating Rate Fund’s contractual management fee was in the second quintile and actual management fee was in the first quintile of its Peer Group; and (iv) the Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund’s and Cash Management Fund’s contractual management fee was in the fourth quintile and actual management fee was in the first quintile of their respective Peer Groups.
The Board also reviewed the information compiled by Lipper comparing each Fund’s Class A share total expense ratio, taking into account FIMCO’s expense waivers (as applicable), and the ratio of the sum of actual management and other non-management fees (i.e., fees other than management, transfer agency and 12b-1/ non-12b-1 fees) to other funds in its Peer Group, including on a quintile basis. In particular, the Board noted that (i) the total expense ratio for each Fund except the Strategic Income Fund, Floating Rate Fund and Cash Management Fund was not in the top three quintiles of their respective Peer Groups; and (ii) the ratio of the sum of actual management and other non-management fees was in the top three quintiles for all of the Funds except the Fund For Income, Investment Grade Fund, Government Fund and International Opportunities Bond Fund. In considering the level of the total expense ratio and the ratio of the sum of actual management and other non-management fees, the Board took into account management’s explanation that: (i) the average account size of many of the First Investors funds is small by comparison to the industry average account size and that funds with small average account sizes generally have higher expenses ratios than funds with larger average account sizes; (ii) there are significant costs involved in providing the level of personal service that the First Investors fund complex seeks to deliver to its shareholders; (iii) overall Fund expenses cover certain check-writing and wiring privileges for Cash Management Fund shareholders at no additional cost; and (iv) Lipper expense comparisons do not take into account the size of a fund complex, and as a result, in most cases
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Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees (continued)
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
the First Investors funds are compared to funds in complexes that are much larger than First Investors. The Board also noted that Lipper’s customized expense groups tend to be fairly small in number and the funds included in the Peer Group generally change from year to year, thereby introducing an element of randomness that affects comparative results each year. While recognizing the limitations inherent in Lipper’s methodology, the Board believed that the data provided by Lipper was a generally appropriate measure of comparative expenses.
In considering the sub-advisory fee rates charged by and costs and profitability of Muzinich and Brandywine with regard to the respective Sub-Advised Funds, the Board noted that FIMCO pays Muzinich or Brandywine, as the case may be, a sub-advisory fee from its own advisory fee rather than each Fund paying Muzinich or Brandywine a fee directly. The Board also considered arrangements pursuant to which Muzinich (but not its Sub-Advised Funds) pays a portion of its sub-advisory fee to a solicitor that introduced Muzinich to FIMCO. Muzinich and Brandywine provided, and the Board reviewed, information comparing the fees charged by Muzinich and Brandywine for services to the respective Sub-Advised Funds versus the fee rates of Muzinich and Brandywine for providing advisory services to other comparable investment companies or accounts or compared to their standard fee schedule, as applicable. Based on a review of this information, the Board noted that the fees charged by Muzinich and Brandywine, as the case may be, for services to each applicable Sub-Advised Fund appeared competitive to the fees Muzinich and Brandywine charge to their other comparable investment companies or accounts or compared to their standard fee schedule, as applicable.
The foregoing comparisons assisted the Trustees by providing them with a basis for evaluating each Fund’s management fee and expense ratio on a relative basis and the Board concluded that each Fund’s management fees appeared reasonable in relation to the services and benefits provided to each Fund.
Profitability. The Board reviewed the materials it received from FIMCO regarding its revenues and costs in providing investment management and certain administrative services to the Funds. In particular, the Board considered the analysis of FIMCO’s profitability with respect to each Fund, calculated for the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as overall profitability information relating to the past five calendar years. The Board also considered the information provided by FIMCO comparing the profitability of certain publicly-traded mutual fund asset managers as analyzed by FIMCO based on publicly available financial statements and noted FIMCO’s analysis that its profit margin is significantly lower than the average of, and lower overall than any of, such publicly-traded managers. In reviewing the profitability information, the Board also considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that may accrue to FIMCO
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and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Funds, which are discussed below. Based on the information provided, the Board also noted that FIMCO operates the Strategic Income Fund, Limited Duration High Quality Bond Fund and Cash Management Fund at a loss. The Board acknowledged that, as a business matter, FIMCO was entitled to earn reasonable profits for its services to the Funds and concluded that the level of profitability to FIMCO of its contractual arrangements with each Fund did not appear so high as to call into question the appropriateness of the fees paid to FIMCO by any Fund or otherwise to preclude the proposed continuation of the Advisory Agreement for any of the Funds. The Board also considered the profitability and/or financial information provided by Muzinich and Brandywine.
Economies of Scale. With respect to whether economies of scale are realized by FIMCO and the extent to which any economies of scale are reflected in the level of management fee rates charged, the Board considered that the Advisory Agreement fee schedule for each Fund, except the Strategic Income Fund and Cash Management Fund, includes breakpoints to account for management economies of scale as each Fund’s assets increase. With respect to the Strategic Income Fund and Cash Management Fund, the Board concluded that the fee structure is appropriate at current asset levels.
“Fall Out” or Ancillary Benefits. The Board considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that may accrue to FIMCO, Muzinich and Brandywine as a result of their relationship with the Funds. In that regard, the Board considered the fact that FIMCO and Brandywine may receive research from broker-dealers that execute brokerage transactions for the funds in the First Investors fund complex. However, the Board noted that FIMCO and Brandywine must select brokers based on each Fund’s requirements for seeking best execution. The Board considered the fact that Muzinich does not engage in any soft dollar arrangements. The Board also considered the profits earned or losses incurred by ADM and the income received by FIC as a result of FIMCO’s management of the First Investors funds.
* * * |
In summary, based on all relevant information and factors, none of which was individually determinative of the outcome, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the Advisory Agreement and each Sub-Advisory Agreement.
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Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
Annual Consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreements and the Sub-Advisory Agreements with Wellington Management Company, LLP, Smith Group Asset Management, LP and Vontobel Asset Management, Inc.
The First Investors Equity Funds’ (the “Trust”) investment advisory agreements with the Trust’s investment adviser and, as applicable, sub-advisers, on behalf of each of the Trust’s funds, can remain in effect after an initial term of no greater than two years only if they are renewed at least annually thereafter (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of each fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable) or “interested persons” of any party thereto (the “Independent Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting called specifically for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has four regularly scheduled and two informal meetings each year and takes into account throughout the year matters bearing on the approval of the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable). In particular, the Board and its standing committees also consider at each meeting at least certain of the factors that are relevant to the annual renewal of each fund’s advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable), including investment performance, sub-adviser updates and reviews, reports with respect to brokerage and portfolio transactions, use of soft dollars for research products and services, portfolio turnover rates, compliance monitoring, and the services and support provided to each fund and its shareholders. In addition, the Board meets with representatives of each sub-adviser in person at least once per year.
On April 16, 2015 (the “April Meeting”), the Independent Trustees met in person with senior management personnel of First Investors Management Company, Inc. (“FIMCO”), the Trust’s investment adviser, Trust counsel, independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”) and others to give preliminary consideration to information bearing on the continuation of the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable) with respect to each fund. The primary purpose of the April Meeting was to ensure that the Independent Trustees had ample opportunity to consider matters they deemed relevant in determining whether to continue the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable), and to request any additional information they considered reasonably necessary to their deliberations. The Independent Trustees also met in executive session with Independent Legal Counsel to consider the continuation of the advisory agreement (or sub-advisory agreements, as applicable) outside the presence of management. As part of the April Meeting, the Independent Trustees asked FIMCO to respond to certain additional questions prior to the contract approval meeting of the Board
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to be held on May 21, 2015 (the “May Meeting”). In addition, Independent Legal Counsel, in conjunction with the Board, and personnel from FIMCO reviewed each sub-adviser’s response in connection with the request for information with respect to the applicable sub-advisory agreements and requested follow-up information or clarifications from each sub-adviser, as applicable, which was provided in time for the May Meeting.
At the May Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between FIMCO and each of the following funds (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”): Growth & Income Fund, Opportunity Fund, Total Return Fund, Equity Income Fund, Special Situations Fund, Select Growth Fund, Global Fund and International Fund. In addition, at the May Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and collectively the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”) with: (1) Wellington Management Company, LLP (“WMC”) with respect to the Global Fund; (2) Smith Group Asset Management, LP (“Smith Group”) with respect to the Select Growth Fund; and (3) Vontobel Asset Management, Inc. (“Vontobel”) with respect to the International Fund. The Global Fund, Select Growth Fund and International Fund are collectively referred to as the “Sub-Advised Funds.”
In reaching its decisions to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement for each Fund and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Sub-Advised Funds, the Board considered information furnished and discussed throughout the year at regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings as well as a wide range of information provided specifically in relation to the renewal of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements for the April Meeting and May Meeting. Information furnished at Board and/or Committee meetings throughout the year included FIMCO’s analysis of each Fund’s investment performance and the performance of the sub-advisers to the respective Sub-Advised Funds, presentations given by representatives of FIMCO, WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel and various reports on compliance and other services provided by FIMCO and its affiliates. In preparation for the April Meeting and/or May Meeting, the Independent Trustees requested and received information compiled by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, that included, among other things: (1) the investment performance over various time periods and the fees and expenses of each Fund as compared to a comparable group of funds as determined by Lipper (“Peer Group”); and (2) comparative information on each Fund’s volatility versus total return. Additionally, in response to specific requests from the Independent Trustees in connection with the April Meeting and/or May Meeting, FIMCO furnished, and the Board considered, information concerning various aspects of its operations, including: (1) the nature, extent and
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Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees (continued)
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
quality of services provided by FIMCO and its affiliates to the Funds, including investment advisory and administrative services to the Funds including, as applicable, services in connection with selecting, overseeing and evaluating the sub-advisers; (2) the actual management fees paid by each Fund to FIMCO; (3) the costs of providing services to each Fund and the profitability of FIMCO and its affiliate, Administrative Data Management Corp. (“ADM”), the Funds’ affiliated transfer agent, from the relationship with each Fund; and (4) any “fall out” or ancillary benefits accruing to FIMCO or its affiliates as a result of the relationship with each Fund. FIMCO also provided, and the Board considered, an analysis of the overall profitability of the First Investors mutual fund business that included various entities affiliated with FIMCO as well as comparative profitability information based on analysis performed by FIMCO of the financial statements of certain publicly-traded mutual fund asset managers. The Board also considered FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s personnel and methods, including the education, experience of key personnel, and the number of their advisory and analytical personnel; general information regarding the compensation of FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s advisory personnel; FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s investment management process; FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s compliance program; the time and attention of FIMCO’s and each sub-adviser’s personnel devoted to the management of the Funds; FIMCO and each sub-adviser’s cybersecurity practices and related controls; and material pending, threatened or settled litigation involving FIMCO and each sub-adviser, and any ongoing or completed audits, investigations or examinations by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board also considered information provided by FIMCO on management’s initiatives for increasing Fund assets and new product development, enhanced sales and marketing efforts (including selling Fund shares through independent channels and increasing the size of the sales force), continuing efforts as deemed practicable to reduce expenses and improve performance of the Funds, and improving the efficiency of back-office operations and services. In addition to evaluating, among other considerations, the written information provided by FIMCO, the Board also evaluated the answers to questions posed by the Board to representatives of FIMCO.
In addition, in response to specific requests from the Independent Trustees in connection with the April Meeting and/or May Meeting, WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel furnished, and the Board reviewed, information concerning various aspects of their respective operations, including: (1) the nature, extent and quality of services provided by WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel to the applicable Sub-Advised Funds; (2) the sub-advisory fee rates charged by WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel and a comparison of those fee rates to the fee rates of WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel for providing advisory services to other investment companies or accounts or compared to their standard fee schedule, as applicable, with an investment mandate similar
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to the applicable Sub-Advised Funds; (3) profitability and/or financial information provided by WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel; and (4) any “fall out” or ancillary benefits accruing to WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel as a result of the relationship with each applicable Sub-Advised Fund. The Board also considered FIMCO’s representations that it found the sub-adviser responses to the information request in connection with the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreements to be satisfactory and raising no issues of general concern.
In considering the information and materials described above, the Independent Trustees took into account management style, investment strategies and prevailing market conditions. Moreover, the Independent Trustees received assistance from and met separately with Independent Legal Counsel during both the April Meeting and May Meeting and were provided with a written description of their statutory responsibilities and the legal standards that are applicable to approvals of advisory agreements (and sub-advisory agreements, as applicable). Although the Advisory Agreement for all of the Funds and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Sub-Advised Funds were considered at the same Board meeting, the Independent Trustees addressed each Fund separately during the April Meeting and May Meeting.
Based on all of the information presented, the Board, including a majority of its Independent Trustees, determined on a Fund-by-Fund basis that the fees charged under the Advisory Agreement and each Sub-Advisory Agreement are reasonable in relation to the services that are provided under each Agreement. The Board did not identify any single factor as being of paramount importance in reaching its conclusions and determinations with respect to the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for each Fund and Sub-Advisory Agreements. Although not meant to be all-inclusive, the following describes some of the factors that were considered by the Board in deciding to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for each Fund and Sub-Advisory Agreements with WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
In examining the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by FIMCO, the Board recognized that FIMCO is dedicated to providing investment management services exclusively to the Funds and the other funds in the First Investors fund complex and that, unlike many other mutual fund managers, FIMCO is not in the business of providing management services to hedge funds, pension funds or private accounts. In this connection, the Board was advised that certain key FIMCO personnel provide separately managed account services to a FIMCO-affiliated investment adviser, but that these personnel spend most of their time serving their FIMCO clients. As a result, the Board considered that FIMCO’s personnel devote substantially all of their time to serving the funds in the First Investors fund complex. The Board also considered
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Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees (continued)
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
management’s explanation regarding the significant costs involved in providing the level of personal service that the First Investors fund complex seeks to deliver to its shareholders, which are primarily shareholders in the broad middle market.
The Board noted that FIMCO has undertaken extensive responsibilities as manager of the Funds, including: (1) the provision of investment advice to the Funds; (2) implementing policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with each Fund’s investment objectives and policies; (3) the review of brokerage arrangements; (4) oversight of general portfolio compliance with applicable laws; (5) the provision of certain administrative services to the Funds, including fund accounting; (6) the implementation of Board directives as they relate to the Funds; and (7) evaluating and monitoring any sub-advisers on an ongoing basis, including, but not limited to, monitoring each sub-adviser’s investment performance, evaluating each sub-adviser’s compliance program on an annual basis and monitoring investments for compliance purposes, including monitoring each sub-adviser’s soft dollar practices, portfolio allocation and best execution. The Board also noted that FIMCO provided the same sorts of administrative and other services, except for direct management of the portfolio, for the Sub-advised Funds as it does for the other funds. The Board noted that FIMCO provides not only advisory services, but historically also has provided certain administrative personnel and services that many other advisers do not provide without imposition of separate fees. The Board also noted the steps that FIMCO has taken to encourage strong performance, including providing significant incentives to portfolio managers and analysts based on Fund performance. In addition, the Board considered information regarding the overall financial strength of FIMCO and its affiliates and the resources and staffing in place with respect to the services provided to the Funds.
The Board also considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by FIMCO’s affiliates, including transfer agency and distribution services. The Board took into account the fact that ADM is dedicated to providing transfer agency services exclusively to the Funds and the other funds in the First Investors fund complex. As a result, ADM can tailor its processes and services to satisfy the needs of the Funds’ shareholder base. The Board noted that the Funds’ shares are distributed primarily through First Investors Corporation (“FIC”), which is an affiliate of FIMCO.
Furthermore, the Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the investment management services provided by WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel to the applicable Sub-Advised Funds. The Board considered WMC’s, Smith Group’s and Vontobel’s investment management process in managing the applicable Sub-Advised Funds and the experience and capability of their respective personnel responsible for
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the portfolio management of the applicable Sub-Advised Funds. The Board also considered information regarding the resources and staffing in place with respect to the services provided by each sub-adviser. Additionally, with respect to the Sub-Advised Funds, the Board considered the differences in fees paid by each applicable Fund to FIMCO and the fees paid by FIMCO to each sub-adviser, as well as representations by FIMCO that these fee differentials are warranted by its ongoing services and assumption of risks.
Based on the information considered, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to each Fund by FIMCO and the applicable Sub-Advised Funds by WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel were appropriate and consistent with the terms of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements, as applicable, and supported approval of the Advisory Agreement and each Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance
The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of each of the Funds. While consideration was given to performance reports and discussions held at prior Board or Committee meetings, as applicable, particular attention was given to the performance information compiled by Lipper. In particular, the Board reviewed the performance of each Fund over the most recent calendar year (“1-year period”) and the annualized performance over the most recent three calendar year period (“3-year period”) and five calendar year period (“5-year period”). In addition, the Board considered the performance information provided by FIMCO for each Fund through April 30, 2015. With regard to the performance information, the Board considered the performance of each Fund on a percentile and quintile basis as compared to its Peer Group. For purposes of the performance data provided, the first quintile is defined as 20% of the funds in the applicable Peer Group with the highest performance and the fifth quintile is defined as 20% of the funds in the applicable Peer Group with the lowest performance. The Board also considered FIMCO’s representations that it imposes relatively stringent limits on the ability of portfolio managers to invest in risky asset classes or employ aggressive techniques.
On a Fund-by-Fund basis, the performance reports indicated, and the Board noted, that each Fund except the Equity Income Fund fell within one of the top three quintiles for at least one of the performance periods provided by Lipper. In particular, the Board noted that: (i) the Growth & Income Fund fell within the top three quintiles for the 3-year period and 5-year period; (ii) the Opportunity Fund and Total Return Fund fell within the first quintile for the 3-year period and 5-year period; (iii) the Select Growth Fund and Global Fund fell within the top three quintiles for each of the 1-year period, 3-year period and 5-year period; (iv) the International Fund fell
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Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees (continued)
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
within the first quintile for the 1-year period and 5-year period. The Board noted that the Equity Income Fund’s performance was in the fourth quintile for the three-year period and the fifth quintile for the one- and five-year periods, respectively. With respect to the Equity Income Fund, the Board noted that FIMCO changed the portfolio manager for the Fund in November 2011 and that the changes implemented by the new portfolio manager have led to more recent improved performance. With respect to the Special Situations Fund, the Board noted that the Fund’s performance was in the second quintile for the 1-year period, but not in the top three quintiles for the other periods provided by Lipper. However, the Board considered that FIMCO had recommended, and the Board had approved, the termination of the Special Situations Fund’s sub-adviser in September 2013 and that the Fund’s performance had improved since FIMCO began managing the Fund internally rather than using a sub-adviser. The Board also considered the volatility versus total return data provided by Lipper as well as FIMCO’s representation that it believes that the Funds use a more conservative investment style than many of their peers.
Based on the information considered, the Board concluded that the investment performance of each Fund was either (a) acceptable or better, or (b) subject to reasonable steps to monitor or address underperformance.
Fund Expenses, Costs of Services, Economies of Scale and Related Benefits
Management Fees and Expenses. The Board also gave substantial consideration to the fees payable under each Fund’s Advisory Agreement as well as under the Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Sub-Advised Funds.
The Board reviewed the information compiled by Lipper comparing each Fund’s contractual management fee rate (at common asset levels) and actual management fee rate (which included the effect of any fee waivers) as a percentage of average net assets to other funds in its Peer Group. In this regard, the Board considered the contractual and actual management fees of each Fund on a quintile basis as compared to its Peer Group and noted the relative position of each Fund within the Peer Group. The Board also considered that FIMCO provides not only advisory services but also certain administrative personnel to the Funds under each Fund’s Advisory Agreement and that many other advisers do not provide such administrative personnel under their advisory agreements and that FIMCO also provides certain administrative services without the imposition of a separate fee. The Board also considered that FIMCO informed the Board that it intends to extend, on a voluntary basis, the existing management fee cap for the Special Situations Fund and Global Fund until May 31, 2016. In particular, the Board noted that: (i) the contractual and actual management fees for all of the Funds except the Total Return Fund, International Fund and Global Fund were in the top three quintiles of their respective Peer Groups; (ii) the Total Return Fund’s
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contractual and actual management fees were in the fifth quintile of its Peer Group; (iii) the Global Fund’s contractual and actual management fees were in the fourth quintile of its Peer Group; and (iv) the International Fund’s contractual management fee was in the fourth quintile and actual management fee was in the third quintile of its Peer Group.
The Board also reviewed the information compiled by Lipper comparing each Fund’s Class A share total expense ratio, taking into account FIMCO’s expense waivers (as applicable), and the ratio of the sum of actual management and other non-management fees (i.e., fees other than management, transfer agency and 12b-1/ non-12b-1 fees) to other funds in its Peer Group, including on a quintile basis. In particular, the Board noted that: (i) the total expense ratio for each Fund except the Opportunity Fund and Special Situations Fund was not in the top three quintiles of their respective Peer Groups; and (ii) the ratio of the sum of actual management and other non-management fees was in the top three quintiles for all of the Funds except the Total Return Fund and Global Fund. In considering the level of the total expense ratio and the ratio of the sum of actual management and other non-management fees, the Board took into account management’s explanation that: (i) the Funds have average account sizes that are relatively small compared with the industry average and that funds with small average account sizes generally have higher expense ratios than funds with larger average account sizes; (ii) there are significant costs involved in providing the level of personal service that the First Investors fund complex seeks to deliver to its shareholders; and (iii) Lipper expense comparisons do not take into account the size of a fund complex, and as a result, in certain cases the First Investors funds are compared to funds in complexes that are much larger than First Investors. The Board also noted that Lipper’s customized expense groups tend to be fairly small in number and the funds included in the Peer Group generally change from year to year, thereby introducing an element of randomness that affects comparative results each year. While recognizing the limitations inherent in Lipper’s methodology, the Board believed that the data provided by Lipper was a generally appropriate measure of comparative expenses.
In considering the sub-advisory fee rates charged by and costs and profitability of WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel with regard to the respective Sub-Advised Funds, the Board noted that FIMCO pays WMC, Smith Group or Vontobel, as the case may be, a sub-advisory fee from its own advisory fee rather than each Fund paying WMC, Smith Group or Vontobel a fee directly. The Board also considered an arrangement pursuant to which Smith Group and Vontobel (but not the Sub-Advised Funds) each pays a portion of its sub-advisory fee to a solicitor that introduced each such subadviser to FIMCO. WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel provided, and the Board reviewed, information comparing the fees charged by WMC, Smith Group
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Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees (continued)
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
and Vontobel for services to the respective Sub-Advised Funds versus the fee rates of WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel for providing advisory services to other comparable investment companies or accounts or compared to their standard fee schedule, as applicable. Based on a review of this information, the Board noted that the fees charged by WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel, as the case may be, for services to each applicable Sub-Advised Fund appeared competitive to the fees WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel charge to their other comparable investment companies or accounts or compared to their standard fee schedule, as applicable.
The foregoing comparisons assisted the Trustees by providing them with a basis for evaluating each Fund’s management fee and expense ratio on a relative basis and the Board concluded that each Fund’s management fees appeared reasonable in relation to the services and benefits provided to each Fund.
Profitability. The Board reviewed the materials it received from FIMCO regarding its revenues and costs in providing investment management and certain administrative services to the Funds. In particular, the Board considered the analysis of FIMCO’s profitability with respect to each Fund, calculated for the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as overall profitability information relating to the past five calendar years. The Board also considered the information provided by FIMCO comparing the profitability of certain publicly-traded mutual fund asset managers as analyzed by FIMCO based on publicly available financial statements and noted FIMCO’s analysis that its profit margin is significantly lower than the average of, and lower overall than any of, such publicly-traded managers. In reviewing the profitability information, the Board also considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that may accrue to FIMCO and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Funds, which are discussed below. The Board acknowledged that, as a business matter, FIMCO was entitled to earn reasonable profits for its services to the Funds and concluded that the level of profitability to FIMCO of its contractual arrangements with each Fund did not appear so high as to call into question the appropriateness of the fees paid to FIMCO by any Fund or otherwise to preclude the proposed continuation of the Advisory Agreement for any of the Funds. The Board also considered the profitability and/or financial information provided by WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel.
Economies of Scale. With respect to whether economies of scale are realized by FIMCO and the extent to which any economies of scale are reflected in the level of management fee rates charged, the Board considered that the Advisory Agreement fee schedule for each Fund includes breakpoints to account for management economies of scale as each Fund’s assets increase.
“Fall Out” or Ancillary Benefits. The Board considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that may accrue to FIMCO, WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel as a result of
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their relationship with the Funds. In that regard, the Board considered the fact that FIMCO, WMC, Smith Group and Vontobel may receive research from broker-dealers that execute brokerage transactions for the funds in the First Investors fund complex. However, the Board noted that FIMCO and the sub-advisers must select brokers based on each Fund’s requirements for seeking best execution. The Board also considered the profits earned or losses incurred by ADM and the income received by FIC as a result of FIMCO’s management of the First Investors funds.
* * * |
In summary, based on all relevant information and factors, none of which was individually determinative of the outcome, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the Advisory Agreement and each Sub-Advisory Agreement.
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Board Considerations of Advisory Contracts and Fees
(unaudited)
FIRST INVESTORS BALANCED INCOME FUND
Consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the First Investors Balanced Income Fund
At the September 17, 2015 meeting (the “September Meeting”) of the Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) of the First Investors Income Funds (the “Trust”), the Board, including a majority of Board members who are not interested persons of the Trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), discussed and approved, for the new First Investors Balanced Income Fund (the “New Fund”), the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with First Investors Management Company, Inc. (“FIMCO”).
The Trustees were provided with preliminary materials relating to the New Fund by FIMCO initially in connection with a Board meeting held on May 21, 2015 and then more detailed materials in advance of and at the September Meeting. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the approval of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below. In addition, the Trustees met in person with senior officers of FIMCO, Trust counsel, independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”) and others to receive information on, and discuss the approval of, the Advisory Agreement.
In making their determinations, the Trustees took into account management style, investment strategies, investment philosophy and process, FIMCO’s past performance and FIMCO’s personnel that would be serving the New Fund. In evaluating the Advisory Agreement, the Trustees also reviewed information provided by FIMCO, including the terms of the Advisory Agreement and information regarding fee arrangements, including the structure of the advisory fee, the method of computing fees, and the frequency of payment of fees. Among other things, the Trustees also reviewed information comparing the New Fund’s advisory fee rate and projected total expenses with a peer group of other similar funds compiled by Lipper, Inc., an independent provider of investment company data.
After extensive discussion and consideration among themselves, and with FIMCO representatives, Trust counsel and Independent Legal Counsel, including during an executive session with Independent Legal Counsel held the day before the September Meeting, the Trustees concluded as follows with respect to the New Fund:
• The nature and extent of the investment advisory services to be provided to the New Fund by FIMCO were consistent with the terms of the Advisory Agreement;
• The prospects for satisfactory investment performance of the New Fund were reasonable;
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• Shareholders of the New Fund may benefit from economies of scale in the future as assets grow due to breakpoints included in the fee schedule for the Advisory Agreement;
• Shareholders of the New Fund may benefit from FIMCO’s agreement to impose a voluntary advisory fee waiver which would reduce the advisory fee for the New Fund to the rate at the first breakpoint in the advisory fee schedule;
• Shareholders of the New Fund may benefit from FIMCO’s agreement that total expenses of the New Fund would be capped under an expense limitation agreement pursuant to which FIMCO or the New Fund’s transfer agent, an affiliate of FIMCO, will limit total annual operating expenses to a certain level for each class of shares of the New Fund;
• The cost of services to be provided by FIMCO to the New Fund and the profits to be realized by FIMCO and its affiliates from their relationship with the New Fund would be assessed after a reasonable period of New Fund operations; and
• FIMCO may receive certain “fall out” or ancillary benefits by obtaining research and other services from broker-dealers that execute brokerage transactions for the New Fund.
Based on all relevant information and factors, none of which was individually determinative of the outcome, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the approval of the Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the New Fund and its shareholders and unanimously approved such Advisory Agreement.
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FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
Trustees and Officers *
Length of | ||||
Time Served | Number of | Other | ||
Position(s) | (including with | Portfolios in | Trusteeships/ | |
Name, Year of Birth | Held with | Predecessor | Fund Complex | Directorships |
and Address | Funds | Funds) | Overseen | Held |
DISINTERESTED TRUSTEES | ||||
Susan E. Artmann (1954) | Trustee | Since 11/1/12 | 45 | None |
c/o First Investors Funds, | ||||
Legal Department | ||||
40 Wall Street | ||||
New York, NY 10005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Retired. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of HSBC Insurance North America (2012-2013); Executive Vice President and President (2008-2011) of HSBC Taxpayer Financial Services.
Mary J. Barneby (1952) | Trustee | Since 11/1/12 | 45 | None |
c/o First Investors Funds, | ||||
Legal Department | ||||
40 Wall Street | ||||
New York, NY 10005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Connecticut (since October 2012); Executive Director of UBS Financial Services, Inc. and Head of Stamford Private Wealth Office (2002-2012).
Charles R. Barton, III (1965) | Trustee | Since 1/1/06 | 45 | None |
c/o First Investors Funds, | ||||
Legal Department | ||||
40 Wall Street | ||||
New York, NY 10005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Chief Operating Officer (since 2007), Board Director (since 1989, currently Ex-Officio) and Trustee (since 1994) of The Barton Group/Barton Mines Corporation (mining and industrial abrasives distribution); President of Noe Pierson Corporation (land holding and management services provider) (since 2004).
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Length of | ||||
Time Served | Number of | Other | ||
Position(s) | (including with | Portfolios in | Trusteeships/ | |
Name, Year of Birth | Held with | Predecessor | Fund Complex | Directorships |
and Address | Funds | Funds) | Overseen | Held |
DISINTERESTED TRUSTEES (continued) | ||||
Arthur M. Scutro, Jr. (1941) | Trustee and | Trustee since | 45 | None |
c/o First Investors Funds, | Chairman | 1/1/06 and | ||
Legal Department | Chairman | |||
40 Wall Street | since 1/1/13 | |||
New York, NY 10005 | ||||
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: | ||||
None/Retired | ||||
Mark R. Ward (1952) | Trustee | Since 1/1/10 | 45 | None |
c/o First Investors Funds, | ||||
Legal Department | ||||
40 Wall Street | ||||
New York, NY 10005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Self-employed, consultant (since 2008)
*Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term with the Funds, until his/her successor is elected.
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FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
Trustees and Officers * (continued)
Length of | ||||
Time Served | Number of | Other | ||
Position | (including with | Portfolios in | Trusteeships/ | |
Name, Year of Birth | Held with | Predecessor | Fund Complex | Directorships |
and Address | Funds | Funds) | Overseen | Held |
OFFICER(S) WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES | ||||
William Lipkus (1964) | President | Since 2014 | N/A | None |
c/o First Investors Funds, | ||||
Legal Department | ||||
40 Wall Street | ||||
New York, NY 10005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (since 2012), Treasurer (1999-2013), Chief Financial Officer (1997-2013) and Chief Administrative Officer (2012-2014) of Foresters Financial Holding Company, Inc. (formerly, First Investors Consolidated Corporation); Director (since 2007), Chairman (since 2012, Chief Administrative Officer (2012-2014) and Chief Financial Officer (1998-2013) of Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. (formerly, First Investors Management Company, Inc.); Director (since 2011), Chairman (since 2012), Chief Financial Officer (1998-2013), Treasurer (1999-2013) and, Chief Administrative Officer (2012-2014) of Foresters Financial Services, Inc. (formerly, First Investors Corporation); Chairman (since 2012), Director (since 2007) Chief Administrative Officer (2012-2014). Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (1998-2013) of Foresters Investor Services, Inc.(formerly, Administrative Data Management Corp.); Director and Chairman (since 2012), Vice President (1996-2014), Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (1996-2013) and Chief Administrative Officer (2012-2014) of Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company, (formerly, First Investors Life Insurance Company); and Board of Managers and Chairman (since 2012) and Chief Financial Officer (2012-2013) of Foresters Advisory Services, LLC (formerly, First Investors Advisory Services, LLC).
Joseph I. Benedek (1957) | Treasurer | Since 1988 | N/A | None |
c/o Foresters Investment | ||||
Management Company, Inc. | ||||
Raritan Plaza I | ||||
Edison, NJ 08837 | ||||
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: | ||||
Treasurer of Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. (formerly, First Investors Management Company, Inc.) | ||||
Mary Carty (1950) | Secretary | Since 2010 | N/A | None |
c/o First Investors Funds, | ||||
Legal Department | ||||
40 Wall Street | ||||
New York, NY 10005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
General Counsel of Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. (formerly, First Investors Management Company, Inc.) and various affiliated companies since December 2012; Assistant Counsel of Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. (formerly, First Investors Management Company, Inc.) (2010-2012).
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Length of | ||||
Time Served | Number of | Other | ||
Position | (including with | Portfolios in | Trusteeships/ | |
Name, Year of Birth | Held with | Predecessor | Fund Complex | Directorships |
and Address | Funds | Funds) | Overseen | Held |
OFFICER(S) WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES (continued) | ||||
Marc S. Milgram (1957) | Chief | Since 2010 | N/A | None |
c/o First Investors Funds, | Compliance | |||
Legal Department | Officer | |||
40 Wall Street | ||||
New York, NY 10005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
First Investors Federal Savings Bank, President (2000-2011), Treasurer (1987-2011) and Director (2004-2011).
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FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
FIRST INVESTORS EQUITY FUNDS
Shareholder Information | |
Investment Adviser | Underwriter |
Foresters Investment Management | Foresters Financial Services, Inc. |
Company, Inc. | 40 Wall Street |
40 Wall Street | New York, NY 10005 |
New York, NY 10005 | |
Subadviser | Custodian |
(International Opportunities Bond Fund) | The Bank of New York Mellon |
Brandywine Global Investment | 225 Liberty Street |
Management, LLC | New York, NY 10286 |
2929 Arch Street | |
Philadelphia, PA 19104 | |
Subadviser | Transfer Agent |
(Floating Rate Fund and Fund For Income) | Foresters Investor Services, Inc. |
Muzinich & Co., Inc. | Raritan Plaza I – 8th Floor |
450 Park Avenue | Edison, NJ 08837-3620 |
New York, NY 10022 | |
Subadviser | Independent Registered Public |
(Global Fund) | Accounting Firm |
Wellington Management Company, LLP | Tait, Weller & Baker LLP |
280 Congress Street | 1818 Market Street |
Boston, MA 02210 | Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
Subadviser | Legal Counsel |
(Select Growth Fund) | K&L Gates LLP |
Smith Asset Management Group, L.P. | 1601 K Street, N.W. |
100 Crescent Court | Washington, DC 20006 |
Dallas, TX 75201 | |
Subadviser | |
(International Fund) | |
Vontobel Asset Management, Inc. | |
1540 Broadway | |
New York, NY 10036 |
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A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to vote proxies relating to a portfolio’s securities is available, without charge, upon request by calling toll free 1-800-423-4026 or can be viewed online or downloaded from the EDGAR database on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) internet website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is available, without charge, upon request in writing or by calling 1-800-423-4026 and on the SEC’s internet website at http://www.sec.gov.
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year. The Funds’ Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; and may also 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. The schedule of portfolio holdings is available, without charge, upon request in writing or by calling 1-800-423-4026.
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Item 2. Code of Ethics
As of September 30, 2015, the Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer. There were no revisions made to the code of ethics during the fiscal year October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015.
For the year ended September 30, 2015, there were no waivers granted from a provision of the code of ethics.
A copy of the Registrant's code of ethics is filed under Item 12(a)(1).
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert
During the reporting period the Registrant's Board determined that it had at least one "audit committee financial expert" serving on its audit committee. Arthur M. Scutro, Jr. and Mark R. Ward were the "audit committee financial experts" during all or part of the period and were considered to be "independent" as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||
September 30, | ||||||
----------------- | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
---- | ---- | |||||
(a) Audit Fees | ||||||
First Investors Income Funds | $ | 207,550 | $ | 196,450 | ||
(b) Audit-Related Fees | ||||||
First Investors Income Funds | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||
(c) Tax Fees | ||||||
First Investors Income Funds | $ | 38,250 | $ | 37,500 | ||
Nature of services: tax returns preparation and tax compliance | ||||||
(d) All Other Fees | ||||||
First Investors Income Funds | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||
(e)(1) Audit committee's pre-approval policies |
The Charter of the Audit Committee requires the Audit Committee (a) to pre-approve, and to recommend to the full Board, the selection, retention or termination of the independent auditors to
provide audit, review or attest services to the First Investors Funds (“Funds”) and, in connection therewith, evaluate the independence of the auditors and to obtain the auditors’ specific representations as to their independence; (b) to pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided to the Funds by the independent auditor; and (c) to pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the Funds’ independent auditor to the Funds’ investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Funds’ investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the Funds, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds. The Audit Committee has not adopted pre-approval policies or procedures to permit the services in (b) and (c) above to be pre-approved by other means.
(e)(2) None, or 0%, of the services relating to the Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees paid by the Registrant and Related Entities disclosed above were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (which permits audit committee approval after the start of the engagement with respect to services other than audit review or attest services, if certain conditions are satisfied).
(f) Not Applicable
(g) Aggregate non-audit fees billed by the Registrant's accountant for services rendered to the Registrant and the Registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant for the two fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $169,000 and $170,500, respectively.
(h) Not Applicable
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants
Not applicable
Item 6. Schedule of Investments
(a) Schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
(b) Not applicable
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers
Not applicable
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
There were no material changes to the procedure by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant's Board of Trustees.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures
(a) The Registrant's President and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective, based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
(b) There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits
(a)(1) Code of Ethics - Filed herewith
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Filed herewith
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - 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.
First Investors Income Funds
By | /S/ WILLIAM LIPKUS |
William Lipkus | |
President and Principal Executive Officer | |
Date: | November 25, 2015 |
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/ WILLIAM LIPKUS |
William Lipkus | |
President and Principal Executive Officer | |
By | /S/ JOSEPH I. BENEDEK |
Joseph I. Benedek | |
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | |
Date: | November 25, 2015 |