As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 23, 2015
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-04581
CORNERCAP GROUP OF FUNDS
The Peachtree, Suite 1700
1355 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Adam Waldstein
Atlantic Fund Services, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 600
Portland, ME 04101
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (404) 870-0700
Date of fiscal year end: March 31
Date of reporting period: April 1, 2015 – September 30, 2015
ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.
Manager’s Report to Shareholders | 1 | |
| | | |
| CornerCap Balanced Fund | 6 | |
| CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | 8 | |
| CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | 10 | |
| | | |
| CornerCap Balanced Fund | 14 | |
| CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | 21 | |
| CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | 29 | |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 33 | |
| | |
Statements of Operations | 34 | |
| | |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 35 | |
| | | |
| CornerCap Balanced Fund | 36 | |
| CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | 37 | |
| CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | 38 | |
Notes to Financial Statements | 39 | |
Manager’s Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
Dear Shareholders,
Following this shareholder letter are the portfolio valuation and financial reports for the semiannual period ending September 30, 2015. In these reports you will find the fund returns and relevant benchmarks over various periods, the investment holdings, and other financial data for each of our CornerCap funds.
Although claimed by some asset managers, we do not believe that periodic volatility can be avoided for the delivery of strong equity returns over time. We have experienced one of those volatile periods over the last year. In our most recent annual report (3/31/15), our Small Cap Value fund realized a 15.23% six month return for the period ending 3/31/15. In this report for 9/30/15, the fund’s six month return is -8.68% for the period ending 9/30/15. While volatility can be a symptom of risk, it does not define risk. In the near term, fear and greed tend to drive volatility. The best managers of volatility are time and broad diversification.
We work to manage volatility and maximize returns using Fundametrics©, the proprietary research engine that we have been building, measuring, enhancing and accumulating data over the last 35 years. Our research tracks fundamentals from over 5000 companies and markets and offers great insight into what is going on.
To summarize what we are currently seeing:
· | Investors are not sensitive to valuation currently. Whether or not a stock is cheap does not seem to matter right now. Over time, however, valuation matters. |
· | On some level, investors currently prefer big stocks with above-average earnings growth in a challenging economy. But the deeper, more basic story is that investors want what they perceive to be DEFENSE. They want to limit the downside, and they are willing to pay high prices for it. On average, these stocks trade at 20-times earnings (near ten-year highs!), compared to stocks in our more value-sensitive portfolios trading at only 13-times earnings. We like how we are positioned. |
· | We last saw this phenomenon in late 2011 and early 2012. The quest for defense pushed those stocks too high. The key is to avoid following the herd and putting too much emphasis on “low volatility” stocks. They can lose value as investor sentiment shifts. We see better opportunity in other, equally good stocks at better prices. |
Fear is Driving Heavy Emphasis on Defense
We track over 130 data-driven factors in our research. We are able to see at any given time what we believe to be “in favor” and “out of favor” among US investors. Here’s what our analysis suggests:
· | Defensive factors1 have outperformed over the past year. Low volatility is clearly the overwhelming theme. “Low Beta” (a measure of volatility relative to the market) is by far our top performing factor. The problem is that, over time, “Low Beta” does not typically drive the best stock performance. |
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1 such as low stock price volatility, higher dividends, or the largest capitalizations
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | 1 |
Manager’s Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
· | Growth factors2 are also making some contributions. During the past few months, the emphasis has been on near-term visibility on earnings. During periods of fear, people typically compress their time horizons. |
· | Valuation factors3 have collectively posted over the past year the worst returns of the attributes we track, particularly with Large Stocks4. As an aside, valuation is working better in Small Cap5 right now, primarily because small stocks aren’t typically used for defense. Over broader periods, valuation factors have been some of the BEST performing factors. They represent about two-thirds of our criteria for selecting stocks. |
Proliferation of “Low Beta” Funds
When investor demand surges, Wall Street responds with products. By our analysis, 19 funds exist designed to deliver “low beta.” Almost all of them were introduced within the past five years, after the financial crisis of 2008/9.
And since 2012, the amount invested in these funds has increased five-fold, from around $3 billion to about $15 billion (source: Morningstar and CornerCap as of 9/30/15).
Our own take is that a low beta strategy can be fine, where clients are willing to trade long term performance for less volatility. The problem is that investors impatiently buy “low beta” stocks in fear (after they have run up in value) and impatiently sell them when the crisis has passed. Or, they assume “low beta” stocks won’t go down too much.
_________________________________________
2 levels of revenue or earnings growth, both actual or forecasted
3 a measure of how attractive the value of a stock is relative to other stocks
4 defined in our research database at stocks with capitalizations greater than $10 billion
5 defined in our research database as stocks between $500 million and $3 billion
Manager’s Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
Unfortunately, low beta stocks are still stocks. As a group, they can lose value. We prefer a broader, diversified portfolio as the solution.
Defense Has Become Increasingly Expensive
We become concerned when stocks—in this case, low beta stocks—get ahead of themselves.
Consider the following:
· | The average price to earnings ratio6 for low beta stocks is about 20-times (near all-time highs over the past ten year period), compared to only 15-times for what we call “higher beta.” (source: CornerCap as of 9/25/15) |
· | For comparison, the stocks rated “buys” in our research system have an average P/E of 13-times as of 9/25/15. |
· | Examples of low beta high-flyers include Reynolds American (with a P/E of 22x), Eli Lilly (28x), Costco (27x), Nike (31x), Visa (29x), and Expedia (35x), as of 9/25/15, to name a few. Note: none of these stocks are currently held in our Funds. |
· | These are all good companies, but at rich valuations, we expect the risk going forward to be above average for these traditionally defensive stocks. |
Déjà Vu All over Again
We saw a similar development in late 2011, during after-shocks from the financial crisis. Large stocks with high dividends and typically global operations were viewed as “safe havens”. Their P/E multiples averaged 16-times, compared to 14-times for stocks considered more volatile and 10-times for CornerCap “buys.” (source: CornerCap research for 9/28/12.)
During that time, our client portfolios lagged because we were not buying the expensive “defense” at the time. We believe this was a key factor that led to our strong performance in 2013 and 2014.
It’s worth noting that the difference between the stocks perceived to be less volatile vs. those that are considered more volatile is at greater extremes today. Today’s “safe havens” have richer valuations (P/E multiple of 20x today vs. 16x in 2012). There is also a wider spread between “low beta” and “high beta” valuations (i.e., 20x compared to 15x, vs. 16x to 14x).
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of good companies that are being discounted in the market today. Defensive stocks are good companies but on average are expensive. Buying them over the past year may help near-term performance (and
_______________________________________
6 or "P/E", which measures how attractive a company's earnings are when compared to its stock price
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | 3 |
Manager’s Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
comfort) but we believe it would put our long term performance at risk. We must stay with our value-driven approach, which is out of favor in this market. As long as valuation matters over time, we should see better days.
CornerCap Investment Counsel
September 30, 2015
The views in this letter reflect the opinions of CornerCap Group of Funds as of September 30, 2015, and may not necessarily reflect the same views on the date this letter is first published or any time thereafter. These views are intended to help shareholders in understanding the fund’s investment methodology and do not constitute investment advice.
Equity securities, such as common stocks, are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate. Investments made in small and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile and less liquid due to limited resources or product lines and more sensitive to economic factors. The CornerCap Balanced Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolio such as credit, prepayment, call and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline. The CornerCap Balanced Fund invests in ETFs (Exchange- Traded Funds) and is therefore subject to the same risks as the underlying securities in which the ETF invests as well as entails higher expenses than if invested into the underlying ETF directly.
Recent Quarter Table of Returns
for Periods Ending 9/30/2015
Returns for periods over one year are average annual returns.
| 3 Month | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Since Inception Inception Date | Gross Expenses | Net Expenses |
CSCVX | -8.21% | 5.22% | 13.05% | 6.84% | 9.38% | 9/30/92 | 1.50% | 1.30% |
Russell 2000 Value Index | -10.73% | -1.60% | 10.17% | 5.35% | 10.49% | | |
CBLFX | -6.87% | -5.38% | 6.66% | 4.55% | 5.32% | 5/24/97 | 1.34% | 1.14% |
Blended Equity & Debt* | -3.49% | 0.85% | 9.03% | 6.03% | 6.27% | | |
CMCRX | -10.97% | -8.63% | 8.78% | 4.22% | 2.19% | 7/27/00 | 1.50% | 1.20% |
Russell 1000 Value Index | -8.39% | -4.42% | 12.29% | 5.71% | 6.06% | | |
The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. To obtain performance as of the most
Manager’s Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
recent month end, please call (888) 813-8637. The investment return and principal value of your investment will fluctuate, so investors’ shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
* 60% S&P 500 Index and 40% Barclays Capital US Intermediate Government/Credit Index, inception date 5/31/1997
**The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse the Balanced Fund, the Small-Cap Value Fund, and the Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund for “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” that exceed 1.10%, 1.30% and 1.20%, respectively. The contractual agreement cannot be terminated prior to August 1, 2016 without the Board of Trustees' approval.
The views in this letter reflect the opinions of CornerCap Group of Funds as of September 30, 2015, and may not necessarily reflect the same views on the date this letter is first published or any time thereafter. These views are intended to help shareholders in understanding the fund’s investment methodology and do not constitute investment advice.
Equity securities, such as common stocks, are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate. Investments made in small and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile and less liquid due to limited resources or product lines and more sensitive to economic factors. The CornerCap Balanced Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolio such as credit, prepayment, call and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline. The CornerCap Balanced Fund invests in ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and is therefore subject to the same risks as the underlying securities in which the ETF invests as well as entails higher expenses than if invested into the underlying ETF directly.
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (“P/E Ratio”) is the current share price of a stock divided by its earnings per share.
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | 5 |
Manager’s Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
Manager’s Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | 7 |
Manager's Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
Manager's Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | 9 |
Manager's Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |

Manager's Report to Shareholders (Unaudited) |
September 30, 2015 |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | 11 |
Fund Expenses (Unaudited) |
|
As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including wire fees, redemption fees, and low balance fees, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds, and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from April 1, 2015, through September 30, 2015.
Actual Expenses – The first line under each Fund of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes – The second line under each Fund of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not each 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 each Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as wire fees, redemption fees, and low balance fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
| Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses |
| Account Value | | Account Value | | Paid During |
| April 1, 2015 | | September 30, 2015 | | Period(a) |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | | | | | | | |
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 926.81 | | $ | 5.30 |
Hypothetical (5% return before taxes) | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 1,019.50 | | $ | 5.55 |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | | | | | | | |
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 913.19 | | $ | 6.22 |
Hypothetical (5% return before taxes) | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 1,018.50 | | $ | 6.56 |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | | | | | | | | |
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 885.81 | | $ | 5.66 |
Hypothetical (5% return before taxes) | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 1,019.00 | | $ | 6.06 |
| | | | | | | | |
| (a) These calculations are based on the expenses incurred in the most recent fiscal half-year. The period’s annualized six-month expense ratio is 1.10% for Balanced Fund; 1.30% for Small-Cap Value Fund and 1.20% for Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund, respectively. The dollar amounts shown as “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to the annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent half-year (183), then divided by 365. |
Fund Expenses (Unaudited) |
|
The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight and help you compare ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, account maintenance fees or charges by processing organizations. The Funds do not charge any account maintenance fee or sales load, but do charge a 1.00% redemption fee that is applicable to all redemptions (sales or exchanges) made within sixty (60) days of an initial purchase of shares; provided, however, that the redemption fee will not apply if the shares to be redeemed are held in a retirement account subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | 13 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
COMMON STOCK (60.1%) | | |
Advertising (0.7%) | | |
| Omnicom Group, Inc. | 2,515 | $ | 165,739 | |
| | | | | |
Aerospace & Defense (1.3%) | | |
| The Boeing Co. | 1,235 | | 161,723 | |
| United Technologies Corp. | 1,830 | | 162,852 | |
| | | | 324,575 | |
Agriculture (0.7%) | | |
| Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | 3,945 | | 163,520 | |
| | | | | |
Auto Manufacturers (2.0%) | | |
| Ford Motor Co. | 12,160 | | 165,011 | |
| General Motors Co. | 5,525 | | 165,861 | |
| PACCAR, Inc. | 2,985 | | 155,727 | |
| | | | 486,599 | |
Auto Parts & Equipment (0.6%) | | |
| Johnson Controls, Inc. | 3,780 | | 156,341 | |
| | | | | |
Banks (9.0%) | | |
| Bank of America Corp. | 10,715 | | 166,940 | |
| BB&T Corp. | 4,935 | | 175,686 | |
| Capital One Financial Corp. | 2,280 | | 165,346 | |
| Citigroup, Inc. | 3,955 | | 196,207 | |
| Fifth Third Bancorp | 9,350 | | 176,808 | |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 2,715 | | 165,534 | |
| Regions Financial Corp. | 16,665 | | 150,152 | |
| State Street Corp. | 2,300 | | 154,583 | |
| SunTrust Banks, Inc. | 4,685 | | 179,154 | |
| The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 985 | | 171,154 | |
| The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | 2,135 | | 190,442 | |
| U.S. Bancorp | 4,115 | | 168,756 | |
| Wells Fargo & Co. | 3,420 | | 175,617 | |
| | | | 2,236,379 | |
Biotechnology (1.4%) | | |
| Amgen, Inc. | 1,225 | | 169,442 | |
| Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 1,830 | | 179,688 | |
| | | | 349,130 | |
Chemicals (2.6%) | | |
| Eastman Chemical Co. | 2,660 | | 172,155 | |
| The Dow Chemical Co. | 4,160 | | 176,384 | |
| The Mosaic Co. | 9,105 | | 283,257 | |
| | | | 631,796 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
14 | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Computers (3.4%) | | |
| Apple, Inc. | 1,630 | $ | 179,789 | |
| EMC Corp. | 6,805 | | 164,409 | |
| Hewlett-Packard Co. | 5,750 | | 147,257 | |
| International Business Machines Corp. | 1,165 | | 168,890 | |
| Western Digital Corp. | 2,320 | | 184,301 | |
| | | | 844,646 | |
Diversified Financial Services (3.3%) | | |
| Ally Financial, Inc.(a) | 7,945 | | 161,919 | |
| American Express Co. | 2,295 | | 170,128 | |
| Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 1,410 | | 153,873 | |
| Discover Financial Services | 3,280 | | 170,527 | |
| Morgan Stanley | 5,005 | | 157,658 | |
| | | | 814,105 | |
Electric (2.2%) | | |
| Entergy Corp. | 2,565 | | 166,982 | |
| Exelon Corp. | 5,675 | | 168,547 | |
| Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | 4,685 | | 197,520 | |
| | | | 533,049 | |
Electrical Components & Equipment (1.3%) | | |
| Emerson Electric Co. | 3,785 | | 167,183 | |
| Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 1,485 | | 150,683 | |
| | | | 317,866 | |
Engineering & Construction (0.6%) | | |
| Fluor Corp. | 3,430 | | 145,261 | |
| | | | | |
Food (0.8%) | | |
| Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A | 4,740 | | 204,294 | |
| | | | | |
Forest Products & Paper (0.6%) | | |
| International Paper Co. | 3,985 | | 150,593 | |
| | | | | |
Healthcare Services (1.4%) | | |
| Aflac, Inc. | 3,110 | | 180,784 | |
| Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 2,640 | | 162,281 | |
| | | | 343,065 | |
Home Furnishings (0.6%) | | |
| Whirlpool Corp. | 1,010 | | 148,733 | |
| | | | | |
Insurance (5.4%) | | |
| ACE, Ltd. | 1,660 | | 171,644 | |
| Lincoln National Corp. | 3,290 | | 156,143 | |
| MetLife, Inc. | 3,960 | | 186,714 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 15 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Insurance (5.4%)(continued) | | | | |
| Prudential Financial, Inc. | 2,100 | $ | 160,041 | |
| The Allstate Corp. | 2,775 | | 161,616 | |
| The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | 3,660 | | 167,555 | |
| The Travelers Cos., Inc. | 1,795 | | 178,656 | |
| Voya Financial, Inc. | 3,870 | | 150,040 | |
| | | | 1,332,409 | |
Internet (0.6%) | | |
| Symantec Corp. | 8,170 | | 159,070 | |
| | | | | |
Leisure Time (0.8%) | | |
| Harley-Davidson, Inc. | 3,400 | | 186,660 | |
| | | | | |
Lodging (0.6%) | | |
| Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | 2,100 | | 150,990 | |
| | | | | |
Media (2.1%) | | |
| Comcast Corp., Class A | 3,405 | | 193,676 | |
| Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., Class A | 3,195 | | 157,162 | |
| Viacom, Inc., Class B | 4,125 | | 177,994 | |
| | | | 528,832 | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing (1.4%) | | |
| Alcoa, Inc. | 18,450 | | 178,227 | |
| Pentair PLC | 3,210 | | 163,838 | |
| | | | 342,065 | |
Oil & Gas (1.2%) | | |
| Ensco PLC, Class A | 10,160 | | 143,053 | |
| Marathon Petroleum Corp. | 3,605 | | 167,019 | |
| | | | 310,072 | |
Oil & Gas Services (0.6%) | | |
| FMC Technologies, Inc.(a) | 4,805 | | 148,955 | |
| | | | | |
Pharmaceuticals (1.9%) | | |
| Express Scripts Holding Co.(a) | 2,185 | | 176,897 | |
| McKesson Corp. | 805 | | 148,949 | |
| Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., ADR | 2,460 | | 138,892 | |
| | | | 464,738 | |
Retail (4.4%) | | |
| Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.(a) | 2,600 | | 148,252 | |
| Best Buy Co., Inc. | 4,450 | | 165,184 | |
| Kohl's Corp. | 3,290 | | 152,360 | |
| Macy's, Inc. | 2,915 | | 149,598 | |
| Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd.(a) | 3,910 | | 165,159 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
16 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Retail (4.4%)(continued) | | | | |
| The Gap, Inc. | 5,290 | $ | 150,765 | |
| Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | 2,510 | | 162,748 | |
| | | | 1,094,066 | |
Semiconductors (2.0%) | | |
| Intel Corp. | 5,765 | | 173,757 | |
| Lam Research Corp. | 2,375 | | 155,159 | |
| Texas Instruments, Inc. | 3,505 | | 173,567 | |
| | | | 502,483 | |
Software (0.7%) | | |
| CA, Inc. | 5,975 | | 163,118 | |
| | | | | |
Telecommunications (3.3%) | | |
| AT&T, Inc. | 5,050 | | 164,529 | |
| CenturyLink, Inc. | 6,150 | | 154,488 | |
| Cisco Systems, Inc. | 6,610 | | 173,512 | |
| Juniper Networks, Inc. | 6,190 | | 159,145 | |
| Verizon Communications, Inc. | 3,735 | | 162,510 | |
| | | | 814,184 | |
Transportation (2.6%) | | |
| CSX Corp. | 6,005 | | 161,534 | |
| Cummins, Inc. | 1,490 | | 161,784 | |
| Union Pacific Corp. | 1,880 | | 166,211 | |
| United Rentals, Inc.(a) | 2,655 | | 159,433 | |
| | | | 648,962 | |
| TOTAL COMMON STOCK (COST $16,589,195) | | | 14,862,295 | |
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (4.3%) | | |
| Guggenheim BulletShares 2015 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF | 20,865 | | 539,986 | |
| Guggenheim BulletShares 2016 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF | 20,135 | | 520,893 | |
| TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (COST $1,085,518) | | | 1,060,879 | |
| | Principal Amount | | Fair Value | |
GOVERNMENT BOND (2.1%) | | |
| U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond, 0.125%, 01/15/2022 | $500,000 | | 514,007 | |
| TOTAL GOVERNMENT BOND (COST $519,835) | | | 514,007 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 17 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Principal Amount | | Fair Value | |
CORPORATE BONDS (32.0%) | | |
Agriculture (0.9%) | | |
| Reynolds American, Inc., 6.750%, 06/15/2017 | $200,000 | $ | 216,508 | |
| | | | | |
Auto Manufacturers (1.4%) | | |
| Ford Motor Co., 9.215%, 09/15/2021 | 275,000 | | 344,694 | |
| | | | | |
Banks (3.7%) | | |
| Bank of America Corp., 4.750%, 08/15/2020 | 250,000 | | 267,514 | |
| The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 5.750%, 01/24/2022 | 300,000 | | 344,404 | |
| The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., MTN, 4.000%, 03/18/2029(b) | 300,000 | | 296,602 | |
| | | | 908,520 | |
Chemicals (1.8%) | | |
| CF Industries, Inc., 7.125%, 05/01/2020 | 250,000 | | 293,900 | |
| The Dow Chemical Co., 2.500%, 02/15/2016 | 150,000 | | 152,112 | |
| | | | 446,012 | |
Cosmetics & Personal Care (0.7%) | | |
| The Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., 5.550%, 05/15/2017 | 150,000 | | 160,203 | |
| | | | | |
Diversified Financial Services (3.6%) | | |
| Credit Suisse USA, Inc., 5.375%, 03/02/2016 | 250,000 | | 254,870 | |
| Fiserv, Inc., 4.750%, 06/15/2021 | 300,000 | | 326,941 | |
| Weyerhaeuser Co., 7.125%, 07/15/2023 | 250,000 | | 299,253 | |
| | | | 881,064 | |
Electronics (2.4%) | | |
| Agilent Technologies, Inc., 5.000%, 07/15/2020 | 270,000 | | 293,806 | |
| Tech Data Corp., 3.750%, 09/21/2017 | 300,000 | | 307,658 | |
| | | | 601,464 | |
Entertainment (1.1%) | | |
| International Game Technology, 7.500%, 06/15/2019 | 250,000 | | 263,750 | |
| | | | | |
Food (0.7%) | | |
| Safeway, Inc., 3.950%, 08/15/2020 | 200,000 | | 181,000 | |
| | | | | |
Healthcare Services (1.1%) | | |
| Humana, Inc., 6.300%, 08/01/2018 | 250,000 | | 279,277 | |
| | | | | |
Home Furnishings (0.6%) | | |
| Whirlpool Corp., 6.500%, 06/15/2016 | 150,000 | | 155,954 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
18 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Principal Amount | | Fair Value | |
Insurance (1.7%) | | |
| The Travelers Cos., Inc., 5.900%, 06/02/2019 | $150,000 | $ | 171,491 | |
| WR Berkley Corp., 5.375%, 09/15/2020 | 230,000 | | 256,449 | |
| | | | 427,940 | |
Lodging (1.0%) | | |
| Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., 7.375%, 11/15/2015 | 250,000 | | 251,734 | |
| | | | | |
Media (1.1%) | | |
| DIRECTV Holdings, LLC / DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., 5.000%, 03/01/2021 | 255,000 | | 277,958 | |
| | | | | |
Oil & Gas (1.5%) | | |
| Chesapeake Energy Corp., 6.625%, 08/15/2020 | 285,000 | | 211,789 | |
| Statoil ASA, 6.700%, 01/15/2018 | 150,000 | | 167,188 | |
| | | | 378,977 | |
Pharmaceuticals (1.3%) | | |
| Cardinal Health, Inc., 3.200%, 03/15/2023 | 320,000 | | 317,084 | |
| | | | | |
Retail (6.1%) | | |
| AutoZone, Inc., 5.500%, 11/15/2015 | 150,000 | | 150,819 | |
| Best Buy Co., Inc., 3.750%, 03/15/2016 | 200,000 | | 201,710 | |
| Dillard's, Inc., 6.625%, 01/15/2018 | 275,000 | | 297,392 | |
| Foot Locker, Inc., 8.500%, 01/15/2022 | 385,000 | | 452,375 | |
| Oshkosh Corp., 5.375%, 03/01/2022 | 100,000 | | 101,500 | |
| Walgreen Co., 3.100%, 09/15/2022 | 305,000 | | 300,413 | |
| | | | 1,504,209 | |
Transportation (1.3%) | | |
| US Airways Group, Inc., 6.125%, 06/01/2018 | 300,000 | | 308,250 | |
| | | | | |
| TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (COST $7,962,248) | | | 7,904,598 | |
MUNICIPAL BONDS (1.2%) | | |
Kansas (0.6%) | | |
| Johnson County KS, Build America General Obligations Bonds, Unified School District No. 232, 4.950%, 09/01/2019 | 150,000 | | 154,518 | |
| | | | | |
Texas (0.6%) | | |
| County of Galveston TX, Build America General Obligation Bonds, Series B, 4.200%, 02/01/2017 | 150,000 | | 155,336 | |
| | | | | |
| TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS (COST $301,450) | | | 309,854 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 19 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (1.2%) | | |
| Federated Treasury Obligation Money Market Fund, 7 Day Yield 0.015% | 287,744 | $ | 287,744 | |
| | | | | |
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $287,744) | | | 287,744 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $26,745,990) | 100.9% | $ | 24,939,377 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS | | (0.9)% | | (223,774) | |
NET ASSETS | | 100.0% | $ | 24,715,603 | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Represents a step bond. Rate disclosed is as of September 30, 2015. |
ADR | American Depositary Receipt |
LLC | Limited Liability Company |
PLC | Public Limited Company |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
20 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
COMMON STOCK (97.6%) | | |
Aerospace & Defense (0.8%) | | |
| Kaman Corp. | 9,500 | $ | 340,575 | |
| Triumph Group, Inc. | 7,905 | | 332,642 | |
| | | | 673,217 | |
Auto Parts & Equipment (3.2%) | | |
| American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.(a) | 20,640 | | 411,562 | |
| Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. | 10,245 | | 404,780 | |
| Cooper-Standard Holding, Inc.(a) | 6,650 | | 385,700 | |
| Dana Holding Corp. | 22,555 | | 358,173 | |
| Douglas Dynamics, Inc. | 21,560 | | 428,182 | |
| Group 1 Automotive, Inc. | 4,450 | | 378,917 | |
| Tower International, Inc.(a) | 15,085 | | 358,420 | |
| | | | 2,725,734 | |
Banks (11.9%) | | |
| BBCN Bancorp, Inc. | 28,000 | | 420,560 | |
| Chemical Financial Corp. | 12,490 | | 404,052 | |
| Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. | 11,931 | | 423,670 | |
| Customers Bancorp, Inc.(a) | 16,605 | | 426,748 | |
| Fidelity Southern Corp. | 27,120 | | 573,317 | |
| Financial Institutions, Inc. | 16,900 | | 418,782 | |
| First Busey Corp. | 22,255 | | 442,207 | |
| First Commonwealth Financial Corp. | 45,290 | | 411,686 | |
| First Community Bancshares, Inc. | 23,565 | | 421,814 | |
| First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A | 14,635 | | 407,438 | |
| FirstMerit Corp. | 20,540 | | 362,942 | |
| German American Bancorp, Inc. | 13,895 | | 406,707 | |
| Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. | 9,990 | | 432,567 | |
| Heartland Financial USA, Inc. | 12,470 | | 452,536 | |
| Horizon Bancorp. | 17,295 | | 410,756 | |
| Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. | 35,991 | | 399,860 | |
| MainSource Financial Group, Inc. | 21,065 | | 428,883 | |
| Northrim BanCorp, Inc. | 17,010 | | 492,099 | |
| Tompkins Financial Corp. | 7,760 | | 414,074 | |
| TriCo Bancshares | 17,155 | | 421,498 | |
| Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania | 20,470 | | 393,433 | |
| Walker & Dunlop, Inc.(a) | 15,460 | | 403,197 | |
| WesBanco, Inc. | 12,045 | | 378,815 | |
| Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. | 39,935 | | 419,717 | |
| | | | 10,167,358 | |
Building Materials (1.9%) | | |
| Core Molding Technologies, Inc.(a) | 20,850 | | 384,683 | |
| Global Brass & Copper Holdings, Inc. | 23,775 | | 487,625 | |
| Haynes International, Inc. | 8,760 | | 331,478 | |
| MYR Group, Inc.(a) | 14,930 | | 391,166 | |
| | | | 1,594,952 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 21 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Chemicals (2.2%) | | |
| A Schulman, Inc. | 10,055 | $ | 326,486 | |
| Cabot Corp. | 9,050 | | 285,618 | |
| FutureFuel Corp. | 44,400 | | 438,672 | |
| Innospec, Inc. | 9,030 | | 419,985 | |
| Minerals Technologies, Inc. | 7,885 | | 379,742 | |
| | | | 1,850,503 | |
Coal Operations (0.5%) | | |
| Hallador Energy Co. | 56,730 | | 394,273 | |
| | | | | |
Commercial Services (3.5%) | | |
| American Public Education, Inc.(a) | 17,620 | | 413,189 | |
| Grand Canyon Education, Inc.(a) | 9,515 | | 361,475 | |
| Insperity, Inc. | 9,340 | | 410,306 | |
| Navigant Consulting, Inc.(a) | 29,965 | | 476,743 | |
| Quad/Graphics, Inc. | 22,925 | | 277,393 | |
| RPX Corp.(a) | 27,235 | | 373,664 | |
| TrueBlue, Inc.(a) | 15,770 | | 354,352 | |
| Vectrus, Inc.(a) | 15,960 | | 351,758 | |
| | | | 3,018,880 | |
Computers (2.0%) | | |
| Convergys Corp. | 18,260 | | 421,989 | |
| Mentor Graphics Corp. | 17,945 | | 441,985 | |
| Quality Systems, Inc. | 33,165 | | 413,899 | |
| Sykes Enterprises, Inc.(a) | 16,745 | | 426,998 | |
| | | | 1,704,871 | |
Distribution/Wholesale (0.5%) | | |
| Essendant, Inc. | 12,190 | | 395,322 | |
| | | | | |
Diversified Financial Services (2.9%) | | |
| CRA International, Inc.(a) | 16,740 | | 361,249 | |
| GAIN Capital Holdings, Inc. | 40,800 | | 297,024 | |
| INTL. FCStone, Inc.(a) | 15,415 | | 380,596 | |
| Marlin Business Services Corp. | 19,940 | | 306,877 | |
| PennyMac Financial Services, Inc., Class A(a) | 22,585 | | 361,360 | |
| Piper Jaffray Cos.(a) | 8,905 | | 322,094 | |
| Provident Financial Services, Inc. | 21,535 | | 419,932 | |
| | | | 2,449,132 | |
Electric (2.0%) | | |
| ALLETE, Inc. | 8,700 | | 439,263 | |
| Avista Corp. | 13,175 | | 438,069 | |
| Black Hills Corp. | 10,535 | | 435,517 | |
| Otter Tail Corp. | 15,560 | | 405,493 | |
| | | | 1,718,342 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
22 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Electrical Components & Equipment (0.5%) | | |
| EnerSys, Inc. | 7,720 | $ | 413,638 | |
| | | | | |
Electronics (4.9%) | | |
| AVX Corp. | 27,515 | | 360,171 | |
| Bel Fuse, Inc., Class B | 21,290 | | 413,878 | |
| GSI Group, Inc.(a) | 31,560 | | 401,759 | |
| II-VI, Inc.(a) | 29,320 | | 471,466 | |
| Methode Electronics, Inc. | 15,590 | | 497,321 | |
| Newport Corp.(a) | 20,970 | | 288,337 | |
| Plexus Corp.(a) | 9,995 | | 385,607 | |
| Sanmina Corp.(a) | 19,710 | | 421,203 | |
| Stoneridge, Inc.(a) | 36,070 | | 445,104 | |
| Tech Data Corp.(a) | 7,385 | | 505,872 | |
| | | | 4,190,718 | |
Engineering & Construction (0.8%) | | |
| Aegion Corp.(a) | 22,260 | | 366,845 | |
| Argan, Inc. | 10,405 | | 360,845 | |
| | | | 727,690 | |
Environmental Control (0.4%) | | |
| Tetra Tech, Inc. | 15,805 | | 384,220 | |
| | | | | |
Food (1.9%) | | |
| Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. | 11,470 | | 453,180 | |
| Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A | 9,655 | | 461,799 | |
| SpartanNash Co. | 15,462 | | 399,693 | |
| SUPERVALU, Inc.(a) | 46,120 | | 331,141 | |
| | | | 1,645,813 | |
Forest Products & Paper (1.3%) | | |
| Neenah Paper, Inc. | 6,605 | | 384,939 | |
| PH Glatfelter Co. | 21,980 | | 378,496 | |
| Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. | 10,555 | | 362,881 | |
| | | | 1,126,316 | |
Hand & Machine Tools (0.4%) | | |
| Regal-Beloit Corp. | 6,190 | | 349,425 | |
| | | | | |
Healthcare Products (1.4%) | | |
| Exactech, Inc.(a) | 22,775 | | 396,968 | |
| Haemonetics Corp.(a) | 12,000 | | 387,840 | |
| Halyard Health, Inc.(a) | 13,515 | | 384,367 | |
| | | | 1,169,175 | |
Healthcare Services (2.0%) | | |
| INC Research Holdings, Inc., Class A(a) | 12,474 | | 498,960 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 23 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Healthcare Services (2.0%) (continued) | | | | |
| Magellan Health, Inc.(a) | 7,165 | $ | 397,156 | |
| National HealthCare Corp. | 6,380 | | 388,478 | |
| The Ensign Group, Inc. | 9,340 | | 398,164 | |
| | | | 1,682,758 | |
Home Builders (0.5%) | | |
| Taylor Morrison Home Corp., Class A(a) | 21,905 | | 408,747 | |
| | | | | |
Household Products (1.4%) | | |
| ACCO Brands Corp.(a) | 50,715 | | 358,555 | |
| ARC Document Solutions, Inc.(a) | 63,130 | | 375,623 | |
| Ennis, Inc. | 29,160 | | 506,218 | |
| | | | 1,240,396 | |
Insurance (6.2%) | | |
| AMERISAFE, Inc. | 9,830 | | 488,846 | |
| Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd. | 8,615 | | 400,339 | |
| Employers Holdings, Inc. | 19,220 | | 428,414 | |
| FBL Financial Group, Inc., Class A | 6,945 | | 427,256 | |
| Federated National Holding Co. | 17,485 | | 419,990 | |
| Fidelity & Guaranty Life | 16,845 | | 413,376 | |
| Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.(a) | 21,860 | | 431,298 | |
| Maiden Holdings, Ltd. | 30,475 | | 422,993 | |
| National General Holdings Corp. | 22,450 | | 433,060 | |
| Selective Insurance Group, Inc. | 15,585 | | 484,070 | |
| The Navigators Group, Inc.(a) | 5,615 | | 437,858 | |
| Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. | 16,035 | | 473,674 | |
| | | | 5,261,174 | |
Internet (0.8%) | | |
| Perficient, Inc.(a) | 21,165 | | 326,576 | |
| Web.com Group, Inc.(a) | 17,215 | | 362,892 | |
| | | | 689,468 | |
Leisure Services (0.4%) | | |
| Speedway Motorsports, Inc. | 21,355 | | 385,458 | |
| | | | | |
Lodging (0.9%) | | |
| Interval Leisure Group, Inc. | 19,850 | | 364,446 | |
| Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.(a) | 22,340 | | 389,610 | |
| | | | 754,056 | |
Machinery - Construction & Mining (0.4%) | | |
| Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. | 6,620 | | 382,835 | |
| | | | | |
Machinery - Diversified (2.0%) | | |
| Alamo Group, Inc. | 7,875 | | 368,156 | |
| Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. | 7,705 | | 293,946 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
24 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Machinery - Diversified (2.0%) (continued) | | | | |
| DXP Enterprises, Inc.(a) | 14,115 | $ | 385,057 | |
| Kadant, Inc. | 9,050 | | 353,040 | |
| Terex Corp. | 18,540 | | 332,608 | |
| | | | 1,732,807 | |
Media (0.5%) | | |
| Time, Inc. | 20,605 | | 392,525 | |
| | | | | |
Metal Fabricate & Hardware (0.5%) | | |
| Worthington Industries, Inc. | 15,585 | | 412,691 | |
| | | | | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing (6.2%) | | |
| AZZ, Inc. | 8,330 | | 405,588 | |
| Barnes Group, Inc. | 11,060 | | 398,713 | |
| Chase Corp. | 11,145 | | 439,001 | |
| Columbus McKinnon Corp. | 21,745 | | 394,889 | |
| Crane Co. | 8,455 | | 394,088 | |
| Fabrinet(a) | 21,345 | | 391,254 | |
| Federal Signal Corp. | 26,595 | | 364,617 | |
| Hillenbrand, Inc. | 15,655 | | 407,187 | |
| Insteel Industries, Inc. | 24,795 | | 398,704 | |
| LB Foster Co., Class A | 29,470 | | 361,892 | |
| Lydall, Inc.(a) | 14,670 | | 417,948 | |
| Park-Ohio Holdings Corp. | 4,927 | | 142,193 | |
| TriMas Corp.(a) | 24,385 | | 398,695 | |
| Trinseo SA(a) | 15,830 | | 399,707 | |
| | | | 5,314,476 | |
Office Furnishings (0.5%) | | |
| Herman Miller, Inc. | 14,235 | | 410,537 | |
| | | | | |
Oil & Gas (1.8%) | | |
| Atwood Oceanics, Inc. | 13,800 | | 204,378 | |
| Delek US Holdings, Inc. | 10,735 | | 297,360 | |
| Denbury Resources, Inc. | 139,660 | | 340,770 | |
| Panhandle Oil and Gas, Inc., Class A | 20,675 | | 334,108 | |
| Rowan Cos. PLC, Class A | 23,000 | | 371,450 | |
| | | | 1,548,066 | |
Oil & Gas Services (2.0%) | | |
| Bristow Group, Inc. | 13,605 | | 355,907 | |
| Chesapeake Utilities Corp. | 8,705 | | 462,061 | |
| Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. | 34,235 | | 360,494 | |
| Matrix Service Co.(a) | 22,025 | | 494,902 | |
| | | | 1,673,364 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 25 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Packaging & Containers (0.4%) | | |
| Silgan Holdings, Inc. | 7,115 | $ | 370,265 | |
| | | | | |
Pharmaceuticals (1.1%) | | |
| Nutraceutical International Corp.(a) | 21,865 | | 516,233 | |
| Omega Protein Corp.(a) | 26,625 | | 451,826 | |
| | | | 968,059 | |
Real Estate Investment Trusts (5.0%) | | |
| Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. REIT | 25,365 | | 247,816 | |
| Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. REIT | 15,823 | | 221,997 | |
| Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. REIT | 29,780 | | 181,658 | |
| CareTrust REIT, Inc. | 20,555 | | 233,299 | |
| CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. REIT | 14,080 | | 193,600 | |
| Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. REIT | 33,905 | | 210,550 | |
| Chatham Lodging Trust REIT | 13,150 | | 282,462 | |
| CoreSite Realty Corp. REIT | 4,740 | | 243,826 | |
| DiamondRock Hospitality Co. REIT | 20,420 | | 225,641 | |
| Inland Real Estate Corp. REIT | 23,445 | | 189,905 | |
| Lexington Realty Trust REIT | 26,800 | | 217,080 | |
| Medical Properties Trust, Inc. REIT | 26,800 | | 296,408 | |
| One Liberty Properties, Inc. REIT | 10,475 | | 223,432 | |
| Ryman Hospitality Properties REIT | 4,175 | | 205,535 | |
| Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. | 8,485 | | 196,682 | |
| Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. REIT | 20,770 | | 242,386 | |
| Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. REIT | 16,890 | | 223,455 | |
| The Geo Group, Inc. REIT | 7,725 | | 229,741 | |
| Whitestone REIT | 20,580 | | 237,287 | |
| | | | 4,302,760 | |
Retail (6.3%) | | |
| Bloomin' Brands, Inc. | 17,565 | | 319,332 | |
| Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc.(a) | 29,905 | | 337,029 | |
| Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.(a) | 20,475 | | 386,773 | |
| DSW, Inc., Class A | 12,770 | | 323,209 | |
| Express, Inc.(a) | 23,925 | | 427,540 | |
| Genesco, Inc.(a) | 5,855 | | 334,145 | |
| Movado Group, Inc. | 17,380 | | 448,925 | |
| Nautilus, Inc.(a) | 26,100 | | 391,500 | |
| Rocky Brands, Inc. | 23,315 | | 330,840 | |
| Shoe Carnival, Inc. | 16,580 | | 394,604 | |
| Stein Mart, Inc. | 39,250 | | 379,940 | |
| The Finish Line, Inc., Class A | 16,730 | | 322,889 | |
| Tilly's, Inc., Class A(a) | 44,715 | | 329,102 | |
| World Fuel Services Corp. | 10,355 | | 370,709 | |
| Zumiez, Inc.(a) | 17,370 | | 271,493 | |
| | | | 5,368,030 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
26 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Savings & Loans (3.6%) | | |
| Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. | 15,080 | $ | 415,303 | |
| Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. | 25,455 | | 430,189 | |
| First Defiance Financial Corp. | 12,280 | | 448,957 | |
| Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.(a) | 20,460 | | 420,658 | |
| Flushing Financial Corp. | 19,975 | | 399,900 | |
| HomeStreet, Inc.(a) | 21,525 | | 497,227 | |
| United Financial Bancorp, Inc. | 32,960 | | 430,128 | |
| | | | 3,042,362 | |
Semiconductors (3.3%) | | |
| Brooks Automation, Inc. | 38,565 | | 451,596 | |
| Cohu, Inc. | 35,960 | | 354,566 | |
| Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(a) | 21,880 | | 444,164 | |
| IXYS Corp. | 33,475 | | 373,581 | |
| Microsemi Corp.(a) | 11,760 | | 385,963 | |
| MKS Instruments, Inc. | 11,435 | | 383,416 | |
| Photronics, Inc.(a) | 42,835 | | 388,085 | |
| | | | 2,781,371 | |
Software (2.8%) | | |
| Coherent, Inc.(a) | 6,080 | | 332,576 | |
| Constant Contact, Inc.(a) | 17,180 | | 416,443 | |
| ePlus, Inc.(a) | 5,475 | | 432,908 | |
| Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.(a) | 78,230 | | 386,456 | |
| PDF Solutions, Inc.(a) | 35,160 | | 351,600 | |
| SolarWinds, Inc.(a) | 10,985 | | 431,052 | |
| | | | 2,351,035 | |
Technology (0.5%) | | |
| TeleTech Holdings, Inc. | 16,815 | | 450,474 | |
| | | | | |
Telecommunications (2.1%) | | |
| Comtech Telecommunications Corp. | 11,650 | | 240,106 | |
| FairPoint Communications, Inc.(a) | 25,255 | | 389,180 | |
| Gray Television, Inc.(a) | 28,985 | | 369,849 | |
| NETGEAR, Inc.(a) | 13,650 | | 398,170 | |
| Polycom, Inc.(a) | 38,295 | | 401,332 | |
| | | | 1,798,637 | |
Transportation (3.4%) | | |
| Aaron’s, Inc. | 13,850 | | 500,123 | |
| Air Transport Services Group, Inc.(a) | 44,100 | | 377,055 | |
| ArcBest Corp. | 13,360 | | 344,287 | |
| Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc.(a) | 18,065 | | 332,396 | |
| Swift Transportation Co.(a) | 19,590 | | 294,242 | |
| Teekay Tankers, Ltd., Class A | 56,520 | | 389,988 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 27 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Transportation (3.4%) (continued) | | | | |
| Universal Truckload Services, Inc. | 18,595 | $ | 289,524 | |
| Werner Enterprises, Inc. | 15,475 | | 388,423 | |
| | | | 2,916,038 | |
| TOTAL COMMON STOCK (COST $86,159,667) | | | 83,337,968 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $86,159,667) | 97.6% | $ | 83,337,968 | |
TOTAL ASSETS IN EXCESS OF OTHER LIABILITIES | | 2.4% | | 2,036,474 | |
NET ASSETS | | 100.0% | $ | 85,374,442 | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
PLC | Public Limited Company |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
28 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
COMMON STOCK (98.1%) | | |
Advertising (1.1%) | | |
| Omnicom Group, Inc. | 1,755 | $ | 115,655 | |
| | | | | |
Aerospace & Defense (2.2%) | | |
| The Boeing Co. | 935 | | 122,438 | |
| United Technologies Corp. | 1,310 | | 116,577 | |
| | | | 239,015 | |
Agriculture (1.0%) | | |
| Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | 2,440 | | 101,138 | |
| | | | | |
Auto Manufacturers (3.4%) | | |
| Ford Motor Co. | 8,480 | | 115,073 | |
| General Motors Co. | 3,890 | | 116,778 | |
| PACCAR, Inc. | 2,430 | | 126,773 | |
| | | | 358,624 | |
Auto Parts & Equipment (1.1%) | | |
| Johnson Controls, Inc. | 2,850 | | 117,876 | |
| | | | | |
Banks (15.4%) | | |
| Bank of America Corp. | 7,765 | | 120,979 | |
| BB&T Corp. | 3,510 | | 124,956 | |
| Capital One Financial Corp. | 1,690 | | 122,559 | |
| Citigroup, Inc. | 2,485 | | 123,281 | |
| Fifth Third Bancorp | 7,435 | | 140,596 | |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 2,210 | | 134,744 | |
| Regions Financial Corp. | 13,660 | | 123,077 | |
| State Street Corp. | 1,640 | | 110,224 | |
| SunTrust Banks, Inc. | 3,465 | | 132,501 | |
| The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 720 | | 125,107 | |
| The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | 1,415 | | 126,218 | |
| U.S. Bancorp | 3,285 | | 134,718 | |
| Wells Fargo & Co. | 2,455 | | 126,064 | |
| | | | 1,645,024 | |
Biotechnology (2.1%) | | |
| Amgen, Inc. | 840 | | 116,189 | |
| Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 1,105 | | 108,500 | |
| | | | 224,689 | |
Chemicals (3.3%) | | |
| Eastman Chemical Co. | 1,915 | | 123,939 | |
| The Dow Chemical Co. | 2,785 | | 118,084 | |
| The Mosaic Co. | 3,645 | | 113,396 | |
| | | | 355,419 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 29 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Computers (5.8%) | | |
| Apple, Inc. | 1,135 | $ | 125,190 | |
| EMC Corp. | 5,575 | | 134,692 | |
| Hewlett-Packard Co. | 4,295 | | 109,995 | |
| International Business Machines Corp. | 915 | | 132,648 | |
| Western Digital Corp. | 1,435 | | 113,996 | |
| | | | 616,521 | |
Diversified Financial Services (5.5%) | | |
| Ally Financial, Inc.(a) | 5,615 | | 114,434 | |
| American Express Co. | 1,680 | | 124,538 | |
| Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 1,015 | | 110,767 | |
| Discover Financial Services | 2,405 | | 125,036 | |
| Morgan Stanley | 3,340 | | 105,210 | |
| | | | 579,985 | |
Electric (3.6%) | | |
| Entergy Corp. | 1,830 | | 119,133 | |
| Exelon Corp. | 4,015 | | 119,246 | |
| Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | 3,340 | | 140,814 | |
| | | | 379,193 | |
Electrical Components & Equipment (2.0%) | | |
| Emerson Electric Co. | 2,415 | | 106,670 | |
| Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 1,085 | | 110,095 | |
| | | | 216,765 | |
Engineering & Construction (1.0%) | | |
| Fluor Corp. | 2,490 | | 105,452 | |
| | | | | |
Food (1.3%) | | |
| Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A | 3,180 | | 137,058 | |
| | | | | |
Forest Products & Paper (0.9%) | | |
| International Paper Co. | 2,480 | | 93,719 | |
| | | | | |
Healthcare Services (1.0%) | | |
| Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 1,755 | | 107,880 | |
| | | | | |
Household Products (1.0%) | | |
| Whirlpool Corp. | 755 | | 111,181 | |
| | | | | |
Insurance (10.0%) | | |
| ACE, Ltd. | 1,205 | | 124,597 | |
| Aflac, Inc. | 2,170 | | 126,142 | |
| Lincoln National Corp. | 2,345 | | 111,294 | |
| MetLife, Inc. | 2,255 | | 106,323 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
30 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Insurance (10.0%) (continued) | | | | |
| Prudential Financial, Inc. | 1,480 | $ | 112,791 | |
| The Allstate Corp. | 2,080 | | 121,139 | |
| The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | 2,530 | | 115,823 | |
| The Travelers Cos., Inc. | 1,360 | | 135,361 | |
| Voya Financial, Inc. | 2,835 | | 109,913 | |
| | | | 1,063,383 | |
Internet (1.1%) | | |
| Symantec Corp. | 5,745 | | 111,855 | |
| | | | | |
Leisure Time (1.2%) | | |
| Harley-Davidson, Inc. | 2,370 | | 130,113 | |
| | | | | |
Lodging (1.0%) | | |
| Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | 1,535 | | 110,367 | |
| | | | | |
Media (2.0%) | | |
| Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., Class A | 1,995 | | 98,134 | |
| Viacom, Inc., Class B | 2,730 | | 117,800 | |
| | | | 215,934 | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing (2.2%) | | |
| Alcoa, Inc. | 13,140 | | 126,932 | |
| Pentair PLC | 2,115 | | 107,950 | |
| | | | 234,882 | |
Oil & Gas (2.0%) | | |
| Ensco PLC, Class A | 7,605 | | 107,078 | |
| Marathon Petroleum Corp. | 2,250 | | 104,243 | |
| | | | 211,321 | |
Oil & Gas Services (0.9%) | | |
| FMC Technologies, Inc.(a) | 3,195 | | 99,045 | |
| | | | | |
Pharmaceuticals (3.1%) | | |
| Express Scripts Holding Co.(a) | 1,480 | | 119,821 | |
| McKesson Corp. | 600 | | 111,018 | |
| Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., ADR | 1,840 | | 103,886 | |
| | | | 334,725 | |
Retail (7.2%) | | |
| Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.(a) | 1,820 | | 103,776 | |
| Best Buy Co., Inc. | 3,325 | | 123,424 | |
| Kohl's Corp. | 1,995 | | 92,389 | |
| Macy's, Inc. | 2,145 | | 110,081 | |
| Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd.(a) | 2,660 | | 112,358 | |
| The Gap, Inc. | 3,695 | | 105,308 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 31 |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | | |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
Retail (7.2%) (continued) | | | | |
| Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | 1,790 | $ | 116,064 | |
| | | | 763,400 | |
Semiconductors (3.5%) | | |
| Intel Corp. | 4,355 | | 131,259 | |
| Lam Research Corp. | 1,700 | | 111,061 | |
| Texas Instruments, Inc. | 2,540 | | 125,781 | |
| | | | 368,101 | |
Software (1.1%) | | |
| CA, Inc. | 4,285 | | 116,980 | |
| | | | | |
Telecommunications (6.7%) | | |
| AT&T, Inc. | 3,450 | | 112,401 | |
| CenturyLink, Inc. | 4,335 | | 108,895 | |
| Cisco Systems, Inc. | 4,950 | | 129,937 | |
| Comcast Corp., Class A | 2,185 | | 124,283 | |
| Juniper Networks, Inc. | 4,620 | | 118,780 | |
| Verizon Communications, Inc. | 2,805 | | 122,046 | |
| | | | 716,342 | |
Transportation (4.4%) | | |
| CSX Corp. | 4,400 | | 118,360 | |
| Cummins, Inc. | 1,030 | | 111,837 | |
| Union Pacific Corp. | 1,380 | | 122,006 | |
| United Rentals, Inc.(a) | 1,970 | | 118,299 | |
| | | | 470,502 | |
| TOTAL COMMON STOCK (COST $11,721,889) | | | 10,452,144 | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (2.4%) | | |
| Federated Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund, 7 Day Yield 0.015% | 254,438 | | 254,438 | |
| | | | | |
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $254,438) | | | 254,438 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $11,976,327) | 100.5% | $ | 10,706,582 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS | | (0.5)% | | (55,502) | |
NET ASSETS | | 100.0% | $ | 10,651,080 | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
ADR | American Depositary Receipt |
PLC | Public Limited Company |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
32 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | 60 | | | CornerCap Balanced Fund | | | | CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | | | CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | |
ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments, at value (Cost $26,745,990, $86,159,667 and $11,976,327, respectively) | $ | 24,939,377 | | | $ | 83,337,968 | | | $ | 10,706,582 | |
Cash | | | - | | | | 2,616,973 | | | | - | |
Receivable for fund shares subscribed | | | 24,975 | | | | 91,769 | | | | 53,542 | |
Receivable for investments sold | | | - | | | | 882,562 | | | | - | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 104,725 | | | | 139,195 | | | | 13,835 | |
| | Total assets | | | 25,069,077 | | | | 87,068,467 | | | | 10,773,959 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 165,461 | | | | 1,576,471 | | | | 113,459 | |
Payable for fund shares redeemed | | | 166,736 | | | | 28,331 | | | | - | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 15,059 | | | | 53,720 | | | | 5,019 | |
Other expenses payable | | | 6,218 | | | | 35,503 | | | | 4,401 | |
| | Total liabilities | | | 353,474 | | | | 1,694,025 | | | | 122,879 | |
Net assets | | $ | 24,715,603 | | | $ | 85,374,442 | | | $ | 10,651,080 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PRICING OF SHARES (NOTE 2): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 24,715,603 | | | $ | 85,374,442 | | | $ | 10,651,080 | |
Shares Outstanding | | | 1,824,181 | | | | 6,011,255 | | | | 874,445 | |
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share | | $ | 13.55 | | | $ | 14.20 | | | $ | 12.18 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 23,789,432 | | | $ | 82,032,892 | | | $ | 10,039,614 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 303,764 | | | | 158,081 | | | | 93,965 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investments | | | 2,429,020 | | | | 6,005,168 | | | | 1,787,246 | |
Net unrealized depreciation in value of investments | | | (1,806,613 | ) | | | (2,821,699 | ) | | | (1,269,745 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 24,715,603 | | | $ | 85,374,442 | | | $ | 10,651,080 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 33 |
Statements of Operations | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | | | CornerCap Balanced Fund | | | | CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | | | CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends, (net of foreign withholding taxes of $290, $0 and $212, respectively) | | $ | 184,211 | | | $ | 679,960 | | | $ | 119,620 | | |
Interest | | | 163,437 | | | | - | | | | - | | |
Total investment income | | | 347,648 | | | | 679,960 | | | | 119,620 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advisory fees | | | 133,307 | | | | 443,727 | | | | 57,084 | | |
Operating expenses | | | 39,992 | | | | 221,862 | | | | 28,542 | | |
Total expenses | | | 173,299 | | | | 665,589 | | | | 85,626 | | |
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser | | | (26,662 | ) | | | (88,746 | ) | | | (17,126 | ) | |
Net expenses | | | 146,637 | | | | 576,843 | | | | 68,500 | | |
Net investment income | | | 201,011 | | | | 103,117 | | | | 51,120 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 301,928 | | | | 1,619,867 | | | | 198,612 | | |
Change in unrealized depreciation of investments | | | (2,460,935 | ) | | | (9,727,414 | ) | | | (1,583,504 | ) | |
Net loss on investments | | | (2,159,007 | ) | | | (8,107,547 | ) | | | (1,384,892 | ) | |
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | (1,957,996 | ) | | $ | (8,004,430 | ) | | $ | (1,333,772 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
34 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | | |
| | |
| | | | CornerCap Balanced Fund | | CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund |
| | | | For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) | | | For the Year Ended March 31, 2015 | | For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) | | | For the Year Ended March 31, 2015 | | For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) | | | For the Year Ended March 31, 2015 |
OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 201,011 | | | | $ | 369,232 | | | $ | 103,117 | | | | $ | 111,647 | | | $ | 51,120 | | | | $ | 124,642 | |
| Net realized gain on investments | | | 301,928 | | | | | 3,187,612 | | | | 1,619,867 | | | | | 7,272,052 | | | | 198,612 | | | | | 2,389,525 | |
| Change in unrealized depreciation of investments | | | (2,460,935 | ) | | | | (2,301,112 | ) | | | (9,727,414 | ) | | | | (1,540,105 | ) | | | (1,583,504 | ) | | | | (1,658,144 | ) |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (1,957,996 | ) | | | | 1,255,732 | | | | (8,004,430 | ) | | | | 5,843,594 | | | | (1,333,772 | ) | | | | 856,023 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| From net investment income | | | - | | | | | (366,495 | ) | | | - | | | | | (78,979 | ) | | | - | | | | | (114,458 | ) |
| From net realized gain on investments | | | - | | | | | (2,348,112 | ) | | | - | | | | | (7,714,238 | ) | | | - | | | | | (875,657 | ) |
Total Distributions to Shareholders | | | - | | | | | (2,714,607 | ) | | | - | | | | | (7,793,217 | ) | | | - | | | | | (990,115 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions (see Note 3) | (183,349 | ) | | | | 4,795,321 | | | | 8,200,597 | | | | | 27,367,188 | | | | 371,448 | | | | | 895,024 | |
| Redemption fees | | | | | | | | - | | | | 966 | | | | | - | | | | 300 | | | | | 116 | |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | (183,349 | ) | | | | 4,795,321 | | | | 8,201,563 | | | | | 27,367,188 | | | | 371,748 | | | | | 895,140 | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (2,141,345 | ) | | | | 3,336,446 | | | | 197,133 | | | | | 25,417,565 | | | | (962,024 | ) | | | | 761,048 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | 26,856,948 | | | | | 23,520,502 | | | | 85,177,309 | | | | | 59,759,744 | | | | 11,613,104 | | | | | 10,852,056 | |
| End of period* | | $ | 24,715,603 | | | | $ | 26,856,948 | | | $ | 85,374,442 | | | | $ | 85,177,309 | | | $ | 10,651,080 | | | | $ | 11,613,104 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | Including undistributed net investment income of: | | $ | 303,764 | | | | $ | 102,753 | | | $ | 158,081 | | | | $ | 54,964 | | | $ | 93,965 | | | | $ | 42,845 | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 35 |
Financial Highlights | | |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Selected data for each share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated: | Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended March 31, 2014 | | Year Ended March 31, 2013 | | Year Ended March 31, 2012 | | Year Ended March 31, 2011 |
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Asset value, beginning of period | $ | 14.62 | | | $ | 15.51 | | | $ | 14.03 | | | $ | 13.51 | | | $ | 13.65 | | | $ | 12.82 | |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | 0.11 | (a) | | | 0.22 | (a) | | | 0.23 | (a) | | | 0.24 | | | | 0.24 | | | | 0.26 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | (1.18 | ) | | | 0.59 | | | | 2.09 | | | | 0.78 | | | | (0.07 | ) | | | 0.97 | |
Total Income/(Loss) from Investment Operations | | (1.07 | ) | | | 0.81 | | | | 2.32 | | | | 1.02 | | | | 0.17 | | | | 1.23 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | — | | | | (0.23 | ) | | | (0.22 | ) | | | (0.24 | ) | | | (0.31 | ) | | | (0.40 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investments | | — | | | | (1.47 | ) | | | (0.62 | ) | | | (0.26 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | | — | | | | (1.70 | ) | | | (0.84 | ) | | | (0.50 | ) | | | (0.31 | ) | | | (0.40 | ) |
Paid-in Capital from Redemption fees | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.00 | (b) | | | 0.00 | (b) | | | 0.00 | (b) | | | 0.00 | (b) |
Net Asset value, end of period | $ | 13.55 | | | $ | 14.62 | | | $ | 15.51 | | | $ | 14.03 | | | $ | 13.51 | | | $ | 13.65 | |
Total Return | | (7.32 | )%(c) | 5.12 | % | | 16.76 | % | | 7.85 | % | | 1.47 | % | | 9.78 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $24,716 | | | $26,857 | | | $23,521 | | | $19,290 | | | $18,538 | | | $18,427 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | 1.51 | %(d) | 1.45 | % | | 1.54 | % | | 1.82 | % | | 1.64 | % | | 2.13 | % |
Net expenses | | 1.10 | %(d) | 1.10 | % | | 1.10 | % | | 1.10 | % | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.30 | % |
Gross expenses | | 1.30 | %(d)(f) | 1.30 | %(f) | 1.30 | %(f) | | 1.30 | %(f) | | 1.30 | %(f) | | 1.30 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 26 | %(c) | 87 | % | | 43 | % | | 40 | % | | 38 | % | | 31 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during each period. |
(b) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(c) | Not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Effective October 1, 2011, the Adviser agreed to limit expenses at 1.10%. Prior to October 1, 2011, no expense cap was in place. |
(f) | Reflects the expense ratio excluding any waivers and/or reimbursements. |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
36 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
Financial Highlights | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
Selected data for each share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated: | Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended March 31, 2014 | | Year Ended March 31, 2013 | | Year Ended March 31, 2012 | | Year Ended March 31, 2011 |
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Asset value, beginning of period | $ | 15.55 | | | $ | 16.25 | | | $ | 13.74 | | | $ | 12.98 | | | $ | 13.51 | | | $ | 10.57 | |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | 0.02 | (a) | | | 0.03 | (a) | | | — | (a) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | (1.37 | ) | | | 1.21 | | | | 4.51 | | | | 1.56 | | | | (0.53 | ) | | | 2.94 | |
Total Income/(Loss) from Investment Operations | | (1.35 | ) | | | 1.24 | | | | 4.51 | | | | 1.56 | | | | (0.53 | ) | | | 2.94 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | — | | | | (0.02 | ) | | | — | | | | (0.13 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investments | | — | | | | (1.92 | ) | | | (2.00 | ) | | | (0.67 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | | — | | | | (1.94 | ) | | | (2.00 | ) | | | (0.80 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Paid-in Capital from Redemption Fees(a) | | 0.00 | (b) | | 0.00 | (b) | | | 0.00 | (b) | | | 0.00 | (b) | | | 0.00 | (b) | | | 0.00 | (b) |
Net Asset value, end of period | $ | 14.20 | | | $ | 15.55 | | | $ | 16.25 | | | $ | 13.74 | | | $ | 12.98 | | | $ | 13.51 | |
Total Return | | (8.68 | )%(c) | 8.21 | % | | 33.09 | % | | 12.70 | % | | (3.92 | )% | | 27.81 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $85,374 | | | $85,177 | | | $59,760 | | | $36,600 | | | $22,922 | | | $22,872 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | 0.23 | %(d) | 0.17 | % | | 0.02 | % | | 0.74 | % | | 0.30 | % | | (0.62 | )% |
Net expenses | | 1.30 | %(d) | 1.30 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.40 | %(e) | | 1.50 | % |
Gross expenses | | 1.50 | %(d)(f) | 1.50 | %(f) | 1.50 | %(f) | | 1.50 | %(f) | | 1.50 | %(f) | | 1.50 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 70 | %(c) | 112 | % | | 109 | % | | 131 | % | | 56 | % | | 61 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during each period. |
(b) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(c) | Not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Effective October 1, 2011, the Adviser agreed to limit expenses at 1.30%. Prior to October 1, 2011, no expense cap was in place. |
(f) | Reflects the expense ratio excluding any waivers and/or reimbursements. |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 37 |
Financial Highlights | | |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap ValueFund | | |
Selected data for each share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated: | Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended March 31, 2014 | | Year Ended March 31, 2013 | | Year Ended March 31, 2012 | | Year Ended March 31, 2011(a) |
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Asset value, beginning of period | $ | 13.75 | | | $ | 13.87 | | | $ | 10.88 | | | $ | 10.07 | | | $ | 10.41 | | | $ | 9.16 | |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | 0.06 | (b) | | | 0.15 | (b) | | | 0.12 | (b) | | | 0.10 | | | | 0.08 | | | | 0.02 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | (1.63 | ) | | | 0.91 | | | | 2.97 | | | | 0.81 | | | | (0.34 | )(c) | | | 1.23 | |
Total Income/(Loss) from Investment Operations | | (1.57 | ) | | | 1.06 | | | | 3.09 | | | | 0.91 | | | | (0.26 | ) | | | 1.25 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | — | | | | (0.14 | ) | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.08 | ) | | | — | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investments | | — | | | | (1.04 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | | — | | | | (1.18 | ) | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.08 | ) | | | — | |
Paid-in Capital from Redemption Fees(a) | | 0.00 | (d) | | 0.00 | (d) | | | 0.00 | (d) | | | 0.00 | (d) | | | 0.00 | (d) | | | 0.00 | (d) | |
Net Asset value, end of period | $ | 12.18 | | | $ | 13.75 | | | $ | 13.87 | | | $ | 10.88 | | | $ | 10.07 | | | $ | 10.41 | |
Total Return | | (11.42 | )%(e) | 7.46 | % | | 28.42 | % | | 9.16 | % | | (2.42 | )% | | 13.65 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $10,651 | | | $11,613 | | | $10,852 | | | $8,163 | | | $5,560 | | | $3,955 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | 0.90 | %(f) | 1.03 | % | | 0.98 | % | | 1.20 | % | | 0.98 | % | | 0.24 | % | |
Net expenses | | 1.20 | %(f) | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | % | | 1.25 | %(g) | | 1.38 | % | |
Gross expenses | | 1.50 | %(f)(h) | 1.50 | %(e) | 1.50 | % | | 1.50 | % | | 1.50 | % | | 1.38 | % | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 41 | %(e) | 125 | % | | 60 | % | | 43 | % | | 35 | % | | 136 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | Prior to July 29, 2010, the CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund was known as the CornerCap Contrarian Fund. | |
(b) | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during each period. | |
(c) | Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value for the year, and may not reconcile with the the aggregate gains and losses in the Statements of Operations due to share transactions for the year. | |
(d) | Less than $0.005 per share. | |
(e) | Not annualized. | |
(f) | Annualized. | |
(g) | Effective October 1, 2011, the Adviser agreed to limit expenses at 1.20%. Prior to October 1, 2011, the expense cap in place was 1.30%. | |
(h) | Reflects the expense ratio excluding any waivers and/or reimbursements. | |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
38 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
Notes to Financial Statements | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
The CornerCap Group of Funds (the “Funds”) was organized on January 6, 1986 as a Massachusetts Business Trust (the “Trust”) and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified open-end management investment company.
The investment objective of the CornerCap Balanced Fund and CornerCap Small‐Cap Value Fund is to obtain capital appreciation and current income, whereas the CornerCap Large/Mid‐Cap Value Fund’s investment objective is to obtain capital appreciation.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Accounting Estimates – In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure for contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Security Valuation – Portfolio securities including common stocks, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), open‐end funds, closed‐end funds, and U.S. Government and Agency obligations that are listed on national securities exchanges or the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last sale price as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time or, in the absence of recorded sales, at the closing bid price on such exchanges or such system. Based on obtaining active market quotes, common stocks and exchange traded funds are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Corporate bonds, municipal bonds, certificates of deposit and U.S. Government and Agency obligations are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, and are priced based upon valuations provided by a recognized independent, third party pricing agent. Third‐party pricing agents value these securities by employing methodologies that utilize actual market transactions, broker‐supplied valuations, or other methodologies designed to identify the market value for such securities. Such methodologies generally consider such factors as security prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings, and developments relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations. Unlisted securities that are not included on such exchanges or systems are valued at the mean of the quoted bid and asked prices on the over‐the counter market. Shares of a registered investment company, including money market funds, that are not traded on an exchange are valued at that investment company’s net asset value per share and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser under procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the Funds’ Board of Trustees and will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments.
Security Transactions, Investment Income and Other – Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized over the lives of the respective securities, using the effective interest method. In the event of a security in default, a portion of interest receivable that was once recognized as interest income is written off and treated as a reduction of interest income.
Federal Income Taxes – For Federal income tax purposes, the Funds currently qualify, and intend to remain qualified, as regulated investment companies (“RICs”) under the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”), as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing their investment company taxable net income including
|
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 39 |
Notes to Financial Statements | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
any excess realized gain which has not been offset by capital loss carryforwards, if any, to their shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise taxes has been made. As of and during the six months ended September 30, 2015, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds file U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return but which can be extended to six years in certain circumstances. Tax returns for open years of 2012-2014 and as of and during the six months ended September 30, 2015, have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the six months, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.
Distributions to Shareholders – Distributions from net investment income and distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, will be declared and paid at least annually. Income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Fair Value Measurements – A three-tier hierarchy has been established to classify fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments as of the reporting period end. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of September 30, 2015:
|
40 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
Notes to Financial Statements | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
CornerCap Balanced Fund:
| Valuation Inputs | |
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Common Stocks | $ | 14,862,295 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 14,862,295 |
Exchange Traded Funds | | 1,060,879 | | - | | - | | 1,060,879 |
Government Bond | | - | | 514,007 | | - | | 514,007 |
Corporate Bonds | | - | | 7,904,598 | | - | | 7,904,598 |
Municipal Bonds | | - | | 309,854 | | - | | 309,854 |
Short-Term Investments | | 287,744 | | - | | - | | 287,744 |
Total | $ | 16,210,918 | $ | 8,728,459 | $ | - | $ | 24,939,377 |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund:
| Valuation Inputs | |
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Common Stocks | $ | 83,337,968 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 83,337,968 |
Total | $ | 83,337,968 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 83,337,968 |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund:
| Valuation Inputs | |
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Common Stocks | $ | 10,452,144 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 10,452,144 |
Short-Term Investments | | 254,438 | | - | | | | 254,438 |
Total | $ | 10,706,582 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 10,706,582 |
* See Schedule of Investments for industry classification.
The Funds recognize transfers between levels as of the beginning of the annual period in which the transfer occurred. There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 and 2 during the six months ended September 30, 2015.
For the six months ended September 30, 2015, the Funds did not have significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in determining fair value of any investments. Therefore, a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value is not applicable. The Funds did not hold any derivative instruments at any time during the six months.
3. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
On September 30, 2015, there was an unlimited number of no par-value shares of beneficial interest authorized for each Fund. Subject to certain exceptions, each Fund charges a 1% redemption fee calculated as a percentage of the amount redeemed. This is applicable to all redemptions (sales or exchanges) made within sixty days of initial purchase of shares of the applicable Fund. The redemption fees charged during the six months are disclosed on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
|
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 41 |
Notes to Financial Statements | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
CornerCap Balanced Fund: | 35574 | | | | 42277 | # | # | | | | | 42094 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 | | Year Ended March 31, 2015 |
| | | Shares | | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | | Amount | |
| Shares Sold | 210,271 | | | $ | 3,045,286 | | | 363,579 | | | $ | 5,540,649 | |
| Shares Issued in Reinvestment of Dividends | - | | | | - | | | 183,973 | | | | 2,711,768 | |
| Total | 210,271 | | | | 3,045,286 | | | 547,552 | | | | 8,252,417 | |
| Less Shares Redeemed | (223,120 | ) | | | (3,228,635 | ) | | (226,634 | ) | | | (3,457,096 | ) |
| Net increase (decrease) | (12,849 | ) | | $ | (183,349 | ) | | 320,918 | | | $ | 4,795,321 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund: | 35574 | | | | 42277 | # | # | | | | | 42094 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 | | Year Ended March 31, 2015 |
| | | Shares | | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | | Amount | |
| Shares Sold | 733,106 | | | $ | 11,253,270 | | | 1,598,514 | | | $ | 24,616,043 | |
| Shares Issued in Reinvestment of Dividends | - | | | | - | | | 523,914 | | | | 7,780,119 | |
| Total | 733,106 | | | | 11,253,270 | | | 2,122,428 | | | | 32,396,162 | |
| Less Shares Redeemed | (199,025 | ) | | | (3,052,673 | ) | | (321,780 | ) | | | (5,028,974 | ) |
| Net increase (decrease) | 534,081 | | | $ | 8,201,563 | | | 1,800,648 | | | $ | 27,367,188 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund: | 35574 | | | | 42277 | # | # | | | | | 42094 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 | | Year Ended March 31, 2015 |
| | | Shares | | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | | Amount | |
| Shares Sold | 117,619 | | | $ | 1,568,127 | | | 197,580 | | | $ | 2,776,016 | |
| Shares Issued in Reinvestment of Dividends | - | | | | - | | | 70,614 | | | | 987,891 | |
| Total | 117,619 | | | | 1,568,127 | | | 268,194 | | | | 3,763,907 | |
| Less Shares Redeemed | (87,473 | ) | | | (1,196,679 | ) | | (206,515 | ) | | | (2,868,883 | ) |
| Net increase (decrease) | 30,146 | | | $ | 371,448 | | | 61,679 | | | $ | 895,140 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
4. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain was recorded by the Funds. Distributions from
|
42 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
Notes to Financial Statements | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
net investment income and distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, will be declared and paid at least annually.
The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | CornerCap Balanced Fund |
Distributions Paid From: | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Ordinary Income | | $ | 1,168,009 | | $ | 420,002 |
Long-term capital gains | | | 1,546,598 | | | 700,002 |
Total | | $ | 2,714,607 | | $ | 1,120,004 |
| | CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund |
Distributions Paid From: | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Ordinary Income | | $ | 3,289,628 | | $ | 4,603,756 |
Long-term capital gains | | | 4,503,589 | | | 1,786,741 |
Total | | $ | 7,793,217 | | $ | 6,390,497 |
| | CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund |
Distributions Paid From: | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Ordinary Income | | $ | 389,070 | | $ | 80,252 |
Long-term capital gains | | | 601,045 | | | - |
Total | | $ | 990,115 | | $ | 80,252 |
As of March 31, 2015, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | CornerCap Balanced Fund | | | | CornerCap Small-CapValue Fund | | | | CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 344,611 | | | $ | 1,707,310 | | | $ | 266,442 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investments | | | 1,885,234 | | | | 2,732,955 | | | | 1,366,994 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 654,322 | | | | 6,905,715 | | | | 311,802 | |
Total | | $ | 2,884,167 | | | $ | 11,345,980 | | | $ | 1,945,238 | |
As of March 31, 2015, the Funds had no capital loss carryforwards to reduce the Funds’ taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investments.
The amount of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and the cost of investment securities for tax purposes, including short-term securities at September 30, 2015, were as follows:
|
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 43 |
Notes to Financial Statements | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| CornerCap Balanced Fund | CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund |
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | $ | 706,843 | | $ | 5,243,464 | | $ | 384,401 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | | (2,513,456 | ) | | (8,065,163 | ) | | (1,654,146 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | $ | (1,806,613 | ) | $ | (2,821,699 | ) | $ | (1,269,745 | ) |
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 26,745,990 | | $ | 86,159,667 | | $ | 11,976,327 | |
5. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Each of the Funds has an Investment Advisory Agreement with CornerCap Investment Counsel (the “Adviser”), pursuant to which the Adviser receives an Advisory Fee from each Fund, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily net assets. Under the terms of each Advisory Agreement, the Adviser manages the Funds’ investments subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees. The amount of expenses paid to the Adviser are reflected in the Statements of Operations and the amount of current liabilities are reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
In addition, each Fund and the Adviser have an Operating Services Agreement whereby the Adviser receives an Operating Services Fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.30%, 0.50% and 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the CornerCap Balanced Fund, CornerCap Small‐Cap Value Fund, and CornerCap Large/Mid‐Cap Value Fund, respectively. The amounts of expenses paid to the Adviser as Operating Services Fees are reflected in the Statements of Operations and the amount of current liabilities are reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse each of the Funds so as to limit each Fund’s “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses) as reflected in the following table:
Fund | | Total Annual Fund Operating Expense Limitation |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | 1.10% |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | 1.30% |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | | 1.20% |
The contractual agreements cannot be terminated prior to August 1, 2016, without the Board of Trustees’ approval.
B. The Funds and the Adviser have entered into the following agreements whereby the Adviser pays any associated fees from the Operating Services Fees it receives from the Funds to Fund operational service providers pursuant to the following agreements: 1) Atlantic Fund Administration, LLC (d/b/a Atlantic Fund Services) (“Atlantic”) provides fund accounting, fund administration services and transfer agency services to each Fund. Pursuant to an Atlantic services agreement, the Adviser pays Atlantic customary fees for its services from the Operating Services Fee it receives from the Funds. Atlantic also provides certain shareholder report production, and EDGAR conversion and filing services; 2) Foreside Fund Services, LLC serves as each Fund’s distributor (the “Distributor”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Adviser or Atlantic or their affiliates.
Certain officers and directors of the Funds are also officers and directors of the Adviser.
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44 | | www.cornercapfunds.com |
Notes to Financial Statements | | |
| | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
6. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
Investment transactions for the six months ended September 30, 2015, excluding U.S. Government and Agency securities and short-term investments, were as follows:
Fund | | Cost of Investments Purchased | | Proceeds from Investments Sold |
CornerCap Balanced Fund | | $ | 7,743,189 | | $ | 6,685,155 |
CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund | | | 69,441,954 | | | 59,684,260 |
CornerCap Large/Mid-Cap Value Fund | | | 4,898,871 | | | 4,565,253 |
| | | | | | |
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of September 30, 2015, Charles Schwab & Co. held approximately 49.68%, 82.70% and 64.92% of the CornerCap Balanced Fund, CornerCap Small‐Cap Value Fund, and CornerCap Large/Mid‐Cap Value Fund, respectively. The shares are held under omnibus accounts (whereby the transactions of two or more shareholders are combined and carried in the name of the originating broker rather than designated separately).
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
Subsequent events occurring after the date of this report through the date these financial statements were issued have been evaluated for potential impact and the Funds have had no such events.
|
Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 45 |
Additional Information (Unaudited) | | |
| | September 30, 2015 |
A copy of the policies and procedures the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds toll‐free at (888) 813‐8637 or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12‐month period ended June 30 is also available without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds toll‐free at (888) 813‐8637 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
2. AVAILABILITY OF QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE
Each of the Funds files its complete schedule of positions with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N‐Q. The Funds’ Form N‐Q is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Form N‐Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1‐800‐SEC‐0330. If any of the Funds make the information on Form N‐Q available to shareholders on its website or upon request, the information may be obtained by calling the Funds toll‐free at (888) 813‐8637.
3. COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES
No interested Trustee, officer, or employee of the Funds receives any compensation from the Funds for serving as an officer or Trustee of the Funds. Each Independent Trustee receives $3,000 for each Trustees meeting attended in‐person and $2,000 for each Trustees meeting attended by telephone. Members of the Audit Committee are paid $1,000 per Audit Committee meeting, and the Audit Committee Chairman is paid $2,000 per Audit Committee meeting. The Audit Committee will normally meet twice a year.
4. RENEWAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that the Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”), including all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Funds (“Independent Trustees”), annually review the Funds’ investment advisory agreements with Adviser (the “Agreements”) and consider whether or not to re-approve them for an additional year. At its meeting on May 14, 2015, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, conducted such a review and approved the continuation of the Funds’ Agreements. Legal counsel directed the Board to a memorandum legal counsel had prepared that summarized the trustees’ fiduciary duties and responsibilities in reviewing and approving the Agreements. Legal counsel discussed with the Trustees the types of information that should be reviewed by the Board and their responsibilities in making an informed decision regarding the approval of the continuance of the Agreements. Andrew B. Sachs, of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP and Counsel to the Fund, then reviewed with the Board a memorandum from Adviser addressed to the Trustees that provided information regarding Adviser and its business (the “Memorandum”). In deciding on whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the Board considered numerous factors, including:
(i) | The Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided by CornerCap. In this regard, the Board considered the responsibilities CornerCap would have under each of the Agreements. The Board reviewed the operating and investment advisory services provided by CornerCap to each Fund, including, without limitation, its investment advisory services since the Fund’s inception, its coordination of services for the Fund among the Fund’s service providers, its compliance procedures and practices, its efforts to promote the Funds and assist in its distribution and its provision of officers for the Trust. After reviewing the foregoing information and further information in CornerCap’s Memorandum, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by CornerCap were satisfactory and adequate for each of the Funds. |
(ii) | The Investment Performance of the Funds and CornerCap. In this regard, the Board compared the performance of each Fund with the performance of its benchmark index, comparable funds with similar objectives and size managed by other investment advisers and comparable peer group indices. The Board also considered the consistency of CornerCap’s management of the Funds |
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| with the Funds’ investment objectives and policies. After reviewing the Funds’ short- and long-term investment performance, CornerCap’s experience managing the Funds, CornerCap’s historical investment performance and other factors, the Board concluded that the investment performance of each Fund and CornerCap was satisfactory. |
(iii) | The Costs of the Services to be Provided and Profits to be Realized by CornerCap and its Affiliates from the Relationship with the Funds. In this regard, the Board considered CornerCap’s staffing, personnel and methods of operating; CornerCap’s compliance policies and procedures; the financial condition of CornerCap and the level of commitment to the Funds and CornerCap by the principals of CornerCap; the asset levels of the Funds; and the overall fees and expenses of the Funds. The Board also considered CornerCap’s past and future expected profitability with respect to the Funds. The Board then reviewed the fees and expenses of each Fund, and compared them to other funds similar in terms of the type of fund, the style of investment management, the size of the fund and the nature of the fund’s investment strategy, among other factors. Specifically, the Board determined that each Fund’s net expense ratio was lower than some of its comparable funds and higher than others. The Board also compared the fees charged by CornerCap to its separate account clients, noting that there were differences, but also noting the differences in the level of service CornerCap is required to provide to the Funds. Following this comparison and upon further consideration and discussion of the foregoing, the Board concluded that the fees to be paid to CornerCap by each Fund under the Agreements are appropriate and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s length. |
(iv) | The Extent to Which Economies of Scale Would be Realized as the Funds Grow and Whether Advisory Fee Levels Reflect These Economies of Scale for the Benefit of the Funds’ Investors. Following discussion of the Funds’ asset levels, expectations for growth, levels of fees and past adjustments to expense limitation agreements, the Board determined that each Fund’s fee arrangement was appropriate and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s length, and that each Fund’s overall fee structure provided for savings and protection for shareholders at lower asset levels. |
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The business affairs of the Funds are managed under the direction of the Funds’ Board of Trustees in accordance with the laws of the State of Massachusetts. Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of the Funds are set forth below. Trustees who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the trust as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” Trustees who are deemed to be interested persons of Funds as defined in the 1940 Act are referred to as “Interested Trustees”. The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the trustees and is available upon request by calling toll-free 1-888-813-8637.
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position with the Trust, Term of Office and Tenure | Number of Funds in Complex Overseen by Trustee | Principal Occupation(s) during past 5 years | Other Trusteeships/Directorships by Trustee |
Thomas E. Quinn The Peachtree, Suite 1700 1355 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Born: 1945 | Trustee, President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer since 1992 | 3 | Chief Executive Officer, CornerCap Investment Counsel; President, Church Investment Group (non-profit) 2013-present. | None |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Name, Address* and Year of Birth | Position with the Trust, Term of Office and Tenure | Number of Funds in Complex Overseen by Trustee | Principal Occupation(s) during past 5 years | Other Trusteeships/Directorships by Trustee |
Richard L. Boger Born: 1946 | Trustee since 1992 | 3 | President & CEO, Lex-Tek International, Inc. (a financial services and software consulting company), (1991-present); Managing Trustee, Boger-Owen FNON (2012-present); Business Manager, Owen Holdings, LLLP (2003-2013); Heathland Holdings, LLLP (2004-present); and General Partner, Shawnee Meadow Holdings, LLLP (2004-present) (real estate and related companies). | Director, Gray Television, Inc., since 1991. |
Laurin M. McSwain Born: 1951 | Trustee since 1994 | 3 | Attorney, Lefkoff, Duncan, Grimes, McSwain & Hass, (2003-present). | None |
Leslie W. Gates Born: 1955 | Trustee since 2006 | 3 | Retired, 2005; Partner, Williams Benater & Libby, LLP (CPA Firm) (1989-2004). | None |
G. Harry Durity Born: 1946 | Trustee (1992-2004, since 2010) | 3 | Director, Overland Solutions, Inc. (Private Company) since January 2009; Senior Advisor, Consultant, New Mountain Capital, LLC since May 2005. | Director, National Medical Health Card; Director, Website Pros, Inc.; Director, Alexander Mann Solutions (Private Company) |
*All Independent Trustees can be contacted via the Funds at:
c/o CornerCap Group of Funds, P.O. Box 588, Portland, ME 04112.
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OFFICERS
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position with the Trust, Term of Office and Tenure | Number of Funds in Complex Overseen by Trustee | Principal Occupation(s) during past 5 years | Other Trusteeships/Directorships by Trustee |
Richard T Bean The Peachtree, Suite 1700 1355 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Born: 1962 | Vice President of the Funds since 1996 | N/A | Vice President of the Funds and Portfolio Manager, CornerCap Investment Counsel. | N/A |
John A. Hackney The Peachtree, Suite 1700 1355 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Born: 1966 | Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Secretary of the Funds since 1999 | N/A | Chief Compliance Officer, CornerCap Investment Counsel. | N/A |
Gene A. Hoots The Peachtree, Suite 1700 1355 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Born: 1939 | Vice President of the Funds since 1992 | N/A | Vice President of the Funds and Chairman Emeritus of CornerCap Investment Counsel. | N/A |
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Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2015 | | 49 |
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS.
(a) | Included as part of the report to shareholders under Item 1. |
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND 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 COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Note applicable.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) The Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer 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 (the “Act”)) are effective, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 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 Act) 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) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) of the Act, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Exhibits filed herewith).
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) of the Act, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Exhibit 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.
Registrant CornerCap Group of Funds
By /s/ Thomas E. Quinn
Thomas E. Quinn
President
Date November 17, 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/ Thomas E. Quinn
Thomas E. Quinn
President (Principal Executive Officer) and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
Date November 17, 2015