UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-4626
THE CASCADES TRUST
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)
120 West 45th Street, Suite 3600
New York, New York 10036
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Joseph P. DiMaggio
120 West 45th Street, Suite 3600
New York, New York 10036
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 697-6666
Date of fiscal year end: 3/31/16
Date of reporting period: 9/30/16
FORM N-CSR
ITEM 1. | REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS |
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Semi-Annual Report September 30, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Please Save the Dates for Your 2017 Shareholder Meetings Wednesday, May 10, Mini Outreach, Valley River Inn, Eugene Thursday, May 11, Oregon Convention Center, Portland Details will be available on our website as the date approaches: www.aquilafunds.com or through your financial professional |
![]() | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon “The Role of Trustees” Serving Oregon investors since 1986 | ![]() |
November, 2016
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
As you may be aware, the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) is the primary federal law governing the structure and operation of mutual funds. It is enforced and regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and defines, among other things, certain responsibilities of Trustees.
Under applicable state law, Trustees are charged, as their primary responsibility, with safeguarding the interests of shareholders. As such, your Trustees seek to act in your best interests, putting your interests ahead of their own interests and those of anyone else, in overseeing the policies and procedures of Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon (your “Trust”), as well as the services provided by your Trust’s key service providers.
Your Trustees’ key role is to be alert and sensitive to any conflicts of interest. By law, a substantial number of the Trustees must be “independent,” meaning that they have no affiliation with any sponsoring or support organization of the Trust. This requirement is in place in an effort to enhance Trustee impartiality. In order to ensure that your Board of Trustees continually maintains adequate independence, your Trustees complete a questionnaire on an annual basis which is, in turn, reviewed by your Trust’s legal counsel. It is also worthy to note that, at all times, a significant percentage of the Trustees must have been elected by you, the shareholders.
The 1940 Act requires your Board of Trustees to review certain of your Trust’s contracts on at least an annual basis, at which time, the majority of your Trustees, including a majority of the independent Trustees, must be present in person. Moreover, in their review of the contracts with your Trust’s adviser and sub-adviser, the Trustees seek to consider certain factors and their conclusions are disclosed to you in your Trust’s next annual or semi-annual report (as is the case with this semi-annual report). Your Trustees’ other key responsibilities include oversight of your Trust’s compliance policies and procedures, valuation and risk management.
Your Board of Trustees oversees the business of your Trust through regular quarterly and ad hoc board meetings, committee meetings (which focus on specific subject matters) and frequent communications. These meetings allow Trustees to be brought up-to-date on the affairs of your Trust, ask questions, and deliberate and vote on issues important to your Trust and its shareholders.
Selection and nomination of independent Trustees is by the existing independent Trustees. As detailed in the Nominating Committee Charter which is available on your Trust’s website (www.aquilafunds.com), your Board of Trustees seeks to develop and maintain a board of high quality, independence and integrity to best serve your interests. The Trustees associated with the Aquila Group of Funds are additionally selected on the basis of being accomplished individuals of diverse backgrounds from various parts of the United States, including Oregon. Through this diversity, we strive to provide your Trust with a broad breadth and balance of knowledge and experience. Biographical and other information on your Board of Trustees is available on our website and, by law, is included in your Trust’s annual report and Statement of Additional Information.
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Although, not required, Trustees in the Aquila Group of Funds self-impose some additional criteria.
• | In addition to overseeing your Trust, all Trustees are also fellow shareholders. While Trustees, like any investor, must consider, among other things, their own personal investment objectives (including tax benefits afforded the investment by their state of residence) when deciding upon the size of their investment in Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon, we believe it is important that each Trustee has “some skin the game.” |
• | Consideration is given to including local residents as Trustees. In this way, the Trust can benefit from their hands-on insight and knowledge of their State. |
In short, your Board of Trustees are your “watchdogs,” looking over operations of Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon.
It has been our experience that those who have undertaken to serve as Trustees diligently devote their energies, talents and experience to furthering the interests of you, our shareholders.
Sincerely,
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0000791049-17-000003/dsig.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0000791049-17-000003/dsig2.jpg)
Diana P. Herrmann, Vice Chair and President
Any information in this Shareholder Letter regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Trust’s historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. These statements should not be relied upon for any other purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that any market forecasts discussed will be realized.
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Mutual fund investing involves risk and loss of principal is possible.
The market prices of the Trust’s securities may rise or decline in value due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. When market prices fall, the value of your investment may go down. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread.
The value of your investment may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in interest rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term securities. Conversely, when interest rates fall, the value of your investment may rise. Interest rates in the U.S. recently have been historically low , so the Trust faces a heightened risk that interest rates may rise. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the Trust.
Investments in the Trust are subject to possible loss due to the financial failure of the issuers of underlying securities and their inability to meet their debt obligations.
The value of municipal securities can be adversely affected by changes in the financial condition of one or more individual municipal issuers or insurers of municipal issuers, regulatory developments, legislative actions, and by uncertainties and public perceptions concerning these and other factors. The Trust may be affected significantly by adverse economic, political or other events affecting state and other municipal issuers in which it invests, and may be more volatile than a more geographically diverse fund.
If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise its right to prepay its securities, and the Trust could be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security.
A portion of income may be subject to local, state, Federal and/or alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax.
These risks may result in share price volatility.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that any market forecasts discussed will be realized.
Any information in this Semi-Annual Report regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Trust’s historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. These statements should not be relied upon for any other purposes.
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal Amount | General Obligation Bonds (45.3%) | Rating Moody’s, S&P | Value | ||||||
City & County (6.6%) | |||||||||
Bend, Oregon | |||||||||
$ | 2,435,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/24 | Aa2/NR/NR | $ | 2,776,631 | ||||
Canby, Oregon | |||||||||
1,405,000 | 4.000%, 12/01/24 AGMC | ||||||||
Insured | A2/NR/NR | 1,569,680 | |||||||
1,060,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/27 | A2/NR/NR | 1,215,407 | ||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon Refunding | |||||||||
1,135,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/24 | Aa2/NR/NR | 1,294,241 | ||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon Tax Allocation | |||||||||
705,000 | 6.500%, 05/01/20 | NR/NR/NR* | 706,664 | ||||||
Eugene, Oregon | |||||||||
2,110,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/18 | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,254,704 | ||||||
1,430,000 | 4.000%, 12/01/18 | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,524,094 | ||||||
Gresham, Oregon Full Faith and Credit | |||||||||
Refunding and Project Obligations | |||||||||
1,545,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/23 | Aa3/NR/NR | 1,895,236 | ||||||
Hillsboro, Oregon | |||||||||
345,000 | 3.500%, 06/01/17 Series B | Aa3/NR/NR | 351,031 | ||||||
Lebanon, Oregon Refunding | |||||||||
1,050,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/24 | A2/NR/NR | 1,263,486 | ||||||
1,165,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/25 | A1/NR/NR | 1,447,757 | ||||||
McMinnville, Oregon Refunding | |||||||||
2,075,000 | 5.000%, 02/01/27 | Aa3/NR/NR | 2,578,768 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon Public Safety | |||||||||
1,345,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 Series A | Aaa/NR/NR | 1,741,318 | ||||||
2,130,000 | 4.125%, 06/01/26 Series A | Aaa/NR/NR | 2,285,383 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon Limited Tax Improvement | |||||||||
500,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/22 2011 Series A | Aa1/NR/NR | 501,255 | ||||||
215,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/24 2014 Series A | Aa1/NR/NR | 216,146 | ||||||
Redmond, Oregon Refunding | |||||||||
735,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/23 Series A | A1/NR/NR | 871,783 | ||||||
City of Salem, Oregon | |||||||||
1,585,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/17 | NR/AA/NR | 1,618,190 | ||||||
1,750,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/29 | NR/AA/NR | 1,928,115 | ||||||
Springfield, Oregon | |||||||||
1,765,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/24 | Aa3/NR/NR | 2,098,426 | ||||||
1,830,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/25 | Aa3/NR/NR | 2,200,026 |
1 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | General Obligation Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
City & County (continued) | |||||||||
Springfield, Oregon (continued) | |||||||||
$ | 1,640,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/26 | Aa3/NR/NR | $ | 1,990,812 | ||||
Washington County, Oregon | |||||||||
3,800,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/26 | Aa1/NR/NR | 4,931,868 | ||||||
5,055,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/29 Series B | Aaa/NR/NR | 5,987,344 | ||||||
Total City & County | 45,248,365 | ||||||||
Community College (5.2%) | |||||||||
Blue Mountain Community College | |||||||||
District, Umatilla County | |||||||||
970,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/27 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,124,094 | ||||||
Central Oregon Community College District | |||||||||
1,850,000 | 4.750%, 06/15/22 | NR/AA+/NR | 2,097,382 | ||||||
2,195,000 | 4.750%, 06/15/23 | NR/AA+/NR | 2,485,947 | ||||||
2,175,000 | 4.750%, 06/15/26 | NR/AA+/NR | 2,460,773 | ||||||
Chemeketa, Oregon Community | |||||||||
College District | |||||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 | NR/AA+/NR | 2,518,440 | ||||||
Clackamas, Oregon Community | |||||||||
College District | |||||||||
1,405,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 Series A | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,742,341 | ||||||
Columbia Gorge, Oregon Community | |||||||||
College District, Refunding | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/24 | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,141,230 | ||||||
Lane, Oregon Community College | |||||||||
1,840,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/24 | NR/AA+/NR | 2,205,774 | ||||||
1,750,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/24 | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,065,385 | ||||||
Linn Benton, Oregon Community College | |||||||||
1,520,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/27 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,910,974 | ||||||
Mount Hood, Oregon Community | |||||||||
College District Refunding | |||||||||
1,865,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/27††† | Aa3/NR/NR | 2,368,886 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/29††† | Aa3/NR/NR | 1,252,160 | ||||||
Oregon Coast Community College | |||||||||
District State | |||||||||
1,770,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,117,557 | ||||||
2 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Rating | |||||||||
Principal | Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | General Obligation Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
Community College (continued) | |||||||||
Portland, Oregon Community | |||||||||
College District | |||||||||
$ | 7,915,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/28 | Aa1/AA/NR | $ | 8,727,712 | ||||
Rogue, Oregon Community | |||||||||
College District | |||||||||
1,375,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/29 Series B | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,612,256 | ||||||
Total Community College | 35,830,911 | ||||||||
Higher Education (1.3%) | |||||||||
Oregon State Higher Education | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/25 Series C | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,263,290 | ||||||
1,795,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/27 Series C | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 2,254,017 | ||||||
Oregon State, Oregon University System | |||||||||
1,170,000 | 4.000%, 08/01/25 Series B | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,331,776 | ||||||
1,090,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/25 Series N | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,353,257 | ||||||
Oregon State, Oregon University | |||||||||
System Projects | |||||||||
2,365,000 | 4.000%, 08/01/26 Series H | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 2,646,033 | ||||||
Total Higher Education | 8,848,373 | ||||||||
Hospital (0.8%) | |||||||||
Pacific Communities Health District, | |||||||||
Oregon | |||||||||
1,220,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/29 | A1/NR/NR | 1,522,877 | ||||||
1,060,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/30 | A1/NR/NR | 1,315,842 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/31 | A1/NR/NR | 1,236,460 | ||||||
1,200,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/32 | A1/NR/NR | 1,475,568 | ||||||
Total Hospital | 5,550,747 | ||||||||
Housing (0.1%) | |||||||||
State of Oregon Veterans’ Welfare | |||||||||
550,000 | 4.800%, 12/01/22 | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 565,306 | ||||||
400,000 | 4.900%, 12/01/26 | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 411,556 | ||||||
Total Housing | 976,862 |
3 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | General Obligation Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
School District (20.7%) | |||||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #12 (North Clackamas) | |||||||||
$ | 2,450,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 | Aa1/AA+/NR | $ | 3,074,946 | ||||
1,500,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/26 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,877,670 | ||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #46 (Oregon Trail) | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/22 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,109,170 | ||||||
1,865,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/28 Series A | NR/AA+/NR | 2,062,280 | ||||||
1,800,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/29 Series A | NR/AA+/NR | 1,988,370 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/32 Series A | NR/AA+/NR | 2,204,240 | ||||||
3,780,000 | 4.750%, 06/15/32 Series A | NR/AA+/NR | 4,130,444 | ||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #62 (Oregon City) | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/29 MAC Insured | A1/AA/NR | 1,192,370 | ||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #86 (Canby) | |||||||||
1,800,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/24 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,168,766 | ||||||
1,110,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 Series A | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,339,437 | ||||||
Clackamas & Washington Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District No. 3JT | |||||||||
(West Linn-Wilsonville) | |||||||||
3,500,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/26 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 4,488,400 | ||||||
5,500,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 7,006,945 | ||||||
1,115,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/28 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,409,137 | ||||||
Deschutes County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #6 (Sisters) | |||||||||
1,735,000 | 5.250%, 06/15/19 AGMC Insured | A2/AA+/NR | 1,928,557 | ||||||
1,030,000 | 5.250%, 06/15/21 AGMC Insured | A2/AA+/NR | 1,219,839 | ||||||
Deschutes and Jefferson Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District #02J | |||||||||
(Redmond) | |||||||||
80,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/21 NPFG/ FGIC | ||||||||
Insured | Aa1/NR/NR | 80,290 | |||||||
1,025,000 | zero coupon, 06/15/23 | Aa1/NR/NR | 928,650 | ||||||
Hood River County, Oregon | |||||||||
School District | |||||||||
1,410,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/29 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,657,356 |
4 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | General Obligation Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
School District (continued) | |||||||||
Hood River County, Oregon | |||||||||
School District (continued) | |||||||||
$ | 1,135,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/30 | NR/AA+/NR | $ | 1,323,240 | ||||
1,200,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/31 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,391,028 | ||||||
Jefferson County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #509J | |||||||||
1,400,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,715,952 | ||||||
Klamath County, Oregon School District | |||||||||
1,250,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/24 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,537,475 | ||||||
Lane County, Oregon School District | |||||||||
#4J (Eugene) Refunding | |||||||||
1,130,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/23 | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,267,397 | ||||||
2,850,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/24 | Aa1/NR/NR | 3,259,203 | ||||||
2,765,000 | 3.000%, 06/15/24 | Aa1/NR/NR | 3,067,436 | ||||||
4,575,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/26 | Aa1/NR/NR | 5,681,830 | ||||||
Lane County, Oregon School District | |||||||||
#19 (Springfield) | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,267,500 | ||||||
1,735,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,181,537 | ||||||
Lane County, Oregon School District | |||||||||
#69 (Junction City) | |||||||||
630,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 | Aa1/NR/NR | 804,964 | ||||||
Lane & Douglas Counties, Oregon | |||||||||
School District #45J3 | |||||||||
2,665,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/27 Series B | Aa1/NR/NR | 3,168,712 | ||||||
Lincoln County, Oregon School District | |||||||||
2,370,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/24 Series A | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,645,560 | ||||||
Marion County, Oregon School District | |||||||||
#103 (Woodburn) | |||||||||
2,140,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,708,491 | ||||||
2,260,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/28 | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,835,441 | ||||||
Marion & Clackamas Counties, Oregon | |||||||||
School District #4J (Silver Falls) | |||||||||
1,260,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/24 | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,557,045 | ||||||
Morrow County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #1 | |||||||||
1,710,000 | 5.250%, 06/15/19 AGMC Insured | A2/AA+/NR | 1,904,649 |
5 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | General Obligation Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
School District (continued) | |||||||||
Multnomah County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #1J (Portland) | |||||||||
$ | 2,970,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/26 Series B | Aa1/AA+/NR | $ | 3,775,464 | ||||
Multnomah County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #7 (Reynolds) | |||||||||
5,680,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/26 Series A | Aa1/NR/NR | 7,252,167 | ||||||
1,500,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 Series A | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,902,630 | ||||||
1,825,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/28 Series A | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,296,379 | ||||||
Multnomah County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #7 (Reynolds) Refunding | |||||||||
1,165,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/29 | Aa3/NR/NR | 1,332,294 | ||||||
Multnomah County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #40 (David Douglas) | |||||||||
1,500,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/23 Series A | NR/AA+/NR | 1,806,390 | ||||||
Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District #10 | |||||||||
(Gresham-Barlow) | |||||||||
4,275,000 | 5.250%, 06/15/19 AGMC Insured | Aa1/AA+/NR | 4,757,947 | ||||||
Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District #28JT | |||||||||
(Centennial) | |||||||||
2,680,000 | 5.250%, 12/15/18 AGMC Insured | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,924,121 | ||||||
Polk, Marion & Benton Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District #13J (Central) | |||||||||
1,515,000 | 4.000%, 02/01/28 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,734,948 | ||||||
Union County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #1 (La Grande) | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,256,450 | ||||||
Wasco County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #12 (The Dalles) | |||||||||
1,400,000 | 5.500%, 06/15/17 AGMC Insured | A2/AA/NR | 1,445,262 | ||||||
1,790,000 | 5.500%, 06/15/20 AGMC Insured | A2/AA/NR | 2,068,703 | ||||||
Washington County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #48J (Beaverton) | |||||||||
2,750,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/25 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 3,119,022 | ||||||
2,275,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/23 Series B | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,607,013 | ||||||
5,290,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/24 Series B | Aa1/AA+/NR | 6,033,986 | ||||||
3,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 Series 2014B | Aa1/AA+/NR | 3,742,980 |
6 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | General Obligation Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
School District (continued) | |||||||||
Washington County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #48J (Beaverton) (continued) | |||||||||
$ | 3,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/28 Series 2014B | Aa1/AA+/NR | $ | 3,674,760 | ||||
1,845,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/29 Series 2014B | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,245,217 | ||||||
1,015,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/29 Series 2016 | Aa3/NR/NR | 1,184,657 | ||||||
Washington Clackamas & Yamhill | |||||||||
Counties, Oregon School District #88J | |||||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,566,680 | ||||||
Washington Multnomah & Yamhill | |||||||||
Counties, Oregon School District #1J | |||||||||
(Hillsboro) | |||||||||
1,535,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/25 | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,754,490 | ||||||
Yamhill County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #40 (McMinnville) | |||||||||
2,255,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/26 | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,586,440 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/29 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,177,360 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/30 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,164,890 | ||||||
Total School Districts | 142,594,577 | ||||||||
Special District (3.3%) | |||||||||
Bend, Oregon Metropolitan Park & | |||||||||
Recreational District | |||||||||
1,430,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/27 | Aa3/NR/NR | 1,614,971 | ||||||
Metro, Oregon | |||||||||
4,000,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/26 Series A | Aaa/AAA/NR | 4,556,520 | ||||||
Tualatin Hills, Oregon Park & | |||||||||
Recreational District | |||||||||
3,480,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/23 | Aa1/NR/NR | 4,295,851 | ||||||
4,725,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/24 | Aa1/NR/NR | 5,955,673 | ||||||
2,775,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/26 | Aa1/NR/NR | 3,542,454 | ||||||
Tualatin Valley, Oregon Fire & Rescue | |||||||||
Rural Fire Protection District | |||||||||
1,235,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/26 | Aaa/NR/NR | 1,378,038 | ||||||
1,170,000 | 4.000%, 06/01/27 | Aaa/NR/NR | 1,299,917 | ||||||
Total Special District | 22,643,424 | ||||||||
State (6.6%) | |||||||||
State of Oregon | |||||||||
750,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/25 Series A | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 943,335 |
7 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Rating | |||||||||
Principal | Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | General Obligation Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
State (continued) | |||||||||
State of Oregon (continued) | |||||||||
$ | 3,000,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/23 Series L | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | $ | 3,529,110 | ||||
1,125,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/24 Series L | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,319,569 | ||||||
1,470,000 | 4.000%, 11/01/26 Series M | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,653,427 | ||||||
2,125,000 | 4.000%, 05/01/25 Series O | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 2,380,871 | ||||||
State of Oregon Alternative | |||||||||
Energy Project | |||||||||
1,255,000 | 4.750%, 04/01/29 Series B | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,376,597 | ||||||
500,000 | 6.000%, 10/01/29 Series B | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 551,515 | ||||||
State of Oregon Article XI-G Community | |||||||||
College Projects | |||||||||
1,160,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/27 Series J | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,483,280 | ||||||
State of Oregon Article XI-G Higher | |||||||||
Education | |||||||||
500,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/25 Series O | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 646,005 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/26 Series O | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,285,330 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/27 Series O | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,278,690 | ||||||
State of Oregon Article XI-Q State Projects | |||||||||
2,140,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/28 | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 2,748,316 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/30 | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,268,130 | ||||||
3,000,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/31 | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 3,786,450 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/31 | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 2,524,300 | ||||||
1,195,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/28 Series D | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,538,335 | ||||||
1,255,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/29 Series D | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,601,593 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/30 Series D | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 1,268,130 | ||||||
2,300,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/28 Series F | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 2,909,316 | ||||||
State of Oregon Department of | |||||||||
Administrative Services COP, | |||||||||
Unrefunded balance | |||||||||
1,815,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/27 Series C | Aa2/AA/AA | 2,024,161 | ||||||
1,195,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/28 Series C | Aa2/AA/AA | 1,331,170 | ||||||
State of Oregon Department of | |||||||||
Administrative Services, Oregon | |||||||||
Opportunity Refunding | |||||||||
6,210,000 | 5.000%, 12/01/19 | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | 6,998,235 |
8 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | General Obligation Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
State (continued) | |||||||||
State of Oregon Higher Education | |||||||||
$ | 1,000,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/28 Series A | Aa1/AA+/AA+ | $ | 1,272,090 | ||||
Total State | 45,717,955 | ||||||||
Water & Sewer (0.7%) | |||||||||
Gearheart, Oregon | |||||||||
1,060,000 | 4.500%, 03/01/26 AGMC Insured | A2/NR/NR | 1,183,066 | ||||||
Pacific City, Oregon Joint Water - | |||||||||
Sanitary Authority | |||||||||
1,830,000 | 4.800%, 07/01/27 | NR/NR/NR* | 1,838,052 | ||||||
Rockwood, Oregon Water Peoples | |||||||||
Utility District Water Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding | |||||||||
1,270,000 | 4.250%, 08/15/26 | A1/NR/NR | 1,417,320 | ||||||
Total Water & Sewer | 4,438,438 | ||||||||
Total General Obligation Bonds | 311,849,652 | ||||||||
Revenue Bonds (31.6%) | |||||||||
City & County (2.6%) | |||||||||
Local Oregon Capital Assets Program | |||||||||
COP Cottage Grove | |||||||||
2,375,000 | 5.000%, 09/15/25 Series 2013A | Baa2/NR/NR | 2,610,054 | ||||||
Newport, Oregon Urban Renewal | |||||||||
Obligations, Refunding | |||||||||
565,000 | 4.500%, 06/15/22 Series B | NR/AA-/NR | 632,608 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon Revenue Refunding | |||||||||
Limited Tax, Oregon Convention Center | |||||||||
2,825,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/24 | Aa1/NR/NR | 3,297,057 | ||||||
4,265,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/27 | Aa1/NR/NR | 4,960,877 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon Revenue Refunding | |||||||||
Limited Tax | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 4.000%, 04/01/22 Series A | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,069,470 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon River District Urban | |||||||||
Renewal and Redevelopment | |||||||||
1,600,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/22 Series B | A1/NR/NR | 1,914,176 | ||||||
1,830,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/23 Series B | A1/NR/NR | 2,164,030 |
9 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Revenue Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
City & County (continued) | |||||||||
Portland, Oregon Urban Renewal and | |||||||||
Redevelopment, Refunding, | |||||||||
North Macadam | |||||||||
$ | 1,000,000 | 4.000%, 06/15/25 Series B | A1/NR/NR | $ | 1,073,080 | ||||
Total City & County | 17,721,352 | ||||||||
Electric (0.9%) | |||||||||
Eugene, Oregon Electric Utility | |||||||||
Refunding System | |||||||||
2,500,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/29 Series A | Aa2/AA-/AA- | 3,173,400 | ||||||
745,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/30 Series A | Aa2/AA-/AA- | 939,601 | ||||||
Northern Wasco County, Oregon Peoples | |||||||||
Utility District (McNary Dam | |||||||||
Fishway Hydroelectric Project), | |||||||||
Refunding | |||||||||
1,585,000 | 5.000%, 12/01/21 Series A | NR/AA-/NR | 1,877,369 | ||||||
Total Electric | 5,990,370 | ||||||||
Higher Education (2.6%) | |||||||||
Forest Grove, Oregon Student Housing | |||||||||
(Oak Tree Foundation) | |||||||||
5,465,000 | 5.500%, 03/01/37 | NR/NR/NR* | 5,517,409 | ||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority | |||||||||
(Lewis & Clark College Project) | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 5.250%, 10/01/24 Series A | A3/A-/NR | 1,182,240 | ||||||
3,000,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/27 Series A | A3/A-/NR | 3,495,030 | ||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority | |||||||||
(Linfield College Project) | |||||||||
1,180,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/22 Series A | Baa1/NR/NR | 1,379,585 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/23 Series A | Baa1/NR/NR | 1,181,890 | ||||||
1,220,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/31 Series A 2010 | Baa1/NR/NR | 1,376,136 | ||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding (Reed College Project) | |||||||||
1,500,000 | 5.000%, 07/01/29 Series A | Aa2/AA-/NR | 1,697,760 | ||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority | |||||||||
(Willamette University) | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 4.000%, 10/01/24 | NR/A/NR | 1,089,660 |
10 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Revenue Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
Higher Education (continued) | |||||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority | |||||||||
(Willamette University) (continued) | |||||||||
$ | 670,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/32 (unrefunded portion) | NR/A/NR | $ | 693,939 | ||||
Total Higher Education | 17,613,649 | ||||||||
Hospital (6.7%) | |||||||||
Medford, Oregon Hospital Facilities | |||||||||
Authority Revenue Refunding, | |||||||||
Asante Health Systems | |||||||||
9,000,000 | 5.500%, 08/15/28 AGMC Insured | NR/AA/NR | 10,389,420 | ||||||
Oregon Health Sciences University | |||||||||
11,550,000 | zero coupon, 07/01/21 NPFG Insured | Aa3/AA-/AA- | 10,108,444 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 07/01/23 Series A | Aa3/AA-/AA- | 2,409,140 | ||||||
1,250,000 | 5.000%, 07/01/28 Series B | Aa3/AA-/AA- | 1,598,125 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 07/01/33 Series B | Aa3/AA-/AA- | 1,244,220 | ||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding, Legacy Health Systems | |||||||||
2,000,000 | 4.250%, 03/15/17 | A1/AA-/NR | 2,029,640 | ||||||
3,000,000 | 4.500%, 03/15/18 | A1/AA-/NR | 3,152,400 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 4.750%, 03/15/24 | A1/AA-/NR | 1,113,330 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 03/15/30 | A1/AA-/NR | 1,109,580 | ||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding, Samaritan Health Services | |||||||||
1,500,000 | 4.375%, 10/01/20 | NR/BBB+/NR | 1,659,000 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 4.500%, 10/01/21 | NR/BBB+/NR | 2,194,000 | ||||||
1,520,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/23 | NR/BBB+/NR | 1,684,130 | ||||||
1,795,000 | 4.875%, 10/01/25 | NR/BBB+/NR | 1,964,466 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/30 | NR/BBB+/NR | 2,170,480 | ||||||
Salem, Oregon Hospital Facility | |||||||||
Authority (Salem Hospital) | |||||||||
2,000,000 | 5.750%, 08/15/23 | NR/A+/A+ | 2,182,500 | ||||||
1,075,000 | 5.000%, 08/15/27 Series A | NR/A+/A+ | 1,078,687 | ||||||
Total Hospital | 46,087,562 |
11 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Revenue Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
Housing (0.6%) | |||||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon Housing | |||||||||
Authority Multifamily Housing Revenue | |||||||||
(Easton Ridge Apartments Project) | |||||||||
$ | 1,310,000 | 4.000%, 09/01/27 Series A | Aa3/NR/NR | $ | 1,414,342 | ||||
Portland, Oregon Urban Renewal and | |||||||||
Redevelopment, Interstate Corridor | |||||||||
1,390,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 Series B | A1/NR/NR | 1,618,627 | ||||||
State of Oregon Housing and | |||||||||
Community Services | |||||||||
1,150,000 | 1.800%, 01/01/23 | Aa2/NR/NR | 1,158,476 | ||||||
125,000 | 5.350%, 07/01/30 | Aa2/NR/NR | 127,445 | ||||||
Total Housing | 4,318,890 | ||||||||
Lottery (4.7%) | |||||||||
Oregon State Department of | |||||||||
Administration Services | |||||||||
(Lottery Revenue) | |||||||||
1,015,000 | 5.250%, 04/01/26 Series A | Aa2/AAA/NR | 1,197,527 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/26 Series A | Aa2/AAA/NR | 2,543,200 | ||||||
1,715,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/24 Series B | Aa2/AAA/NR | 2,061,190 | ||||||
1,500,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/25 Series B | Aa2/AAA/NR | 1,799,265 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/25 Series B | Aa2/AAA/NR | 1,252,680 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/24 Series C | Aa2/AAA/NR | 2,516,680 | ||||||
3,000,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/26 Series C | Aa2/AAA/NR | 3,814,800 | ||||||
8,500,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/26 Series D | Aa2/AAA/NR | 10,808,600 | ||||||
4,000,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/28 Series D | Aa2/AAA/NR | 5,028,520 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/29 Series D | Aa2/AAA/NR | 1,248,190 | ||||||
Total Lottery | 32,270,652 | ||||||||
Transportation (6.2%) | |||||||||
Oregon State Department Transportation | |||||||||
Highway Usertax, Senior Lien | |||||||||
3,605,000 | 5.000%, 11/15/24 Series A | Aa1/AAA/AA+ | 4,436,097 | ||||||
2,425,000 | 5.000%, 11/15/25 Series A | Aa1/AAA/AA+ | 2,976,008 | ||||||
1,040,000 | 5.000%, 11/15/26 Series A | Aa1/AAA/AA+ | 1,324,284 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 11/15/26 Series A | Aa1/AAA/AA+ | 1,247,450 | ||||||
8,000,000 | 5.000%, 11/15/28 Series A | Aa1/AAA/AA+ | 10,061,200 |
12 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Revenue Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
Transportation (continued) | |||||||||
Port Portland, Oregon Airport Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding, Portland International | |||||||||
Airport Series 23 | |||||||||
$ | 2,525,000 | 5.000%, 07/01/26 | NR/AA-/NR | $ | 3,201,296 | ||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 07/01/28 | NR/AA-/NR | 1,253,070 | ||||||
2,390,000 | 5.000%, 07/01/29 | NR/AA-/NR | 2,981,716 | ||||||
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation | |||||||||
District, Oregon Capital Grant Receipt | |||||||||
1,685,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/24 Series A | A3/A/NR | 1,966,580 | ||||||
3,480,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/26 Series A | A3/A/NR | 4,057,889 | ||||||
3,000,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/27 Series A | A3/A/NR | 3,488,790 | ||||||
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation | |||||||||
District, Oregon Senior Lien | |||||||||
Payroll Tax | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 09/01/25 Series A | Aaa/AAA/NR | 1,296,540 | ||||||
1,650,000 | 5.000%, 09/01/29 Series A | Aaa/AAA/NR | 2,114,986 | ||||||
2,010,000 | 5.000%, 09/01/29 Series B | Aaa/AAA/NR | 2,523,877 | ||||||
Total Transportation | 42,929,783 | ||||||||
Water & Sewer (7.3%) | |||||||||
Ashland, Oregon Refunding | |||||||||
1,025,000 | 4.000%, 05/01/17 AGMC Insured | NR/AA+/NR | 1,043,860 | ||||||
Clean Water Services, Oregon | |||||||||
Refunding (Senior Lien) | |||||||||
760,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/27††† | Aa1/AAA/NR | 1,002,828 | ||||||
Eugene, Oregon Water Utility System | |||||||||
115,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/28 | Aa2/AA/AA+ | 147,396 | ||||||
450,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/29 | Aa2/AA/AA+ | 571,212 | ||||||
Grants Pass, Oregon | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 4.000%, 12/01/23 | NR/AA-/NR | 1,146,460 | ||||||
Madras, Oregon | |||||||||
725,000 | 4.500%, 02/15/27 | Baa1/NR/NR | 789,279 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon Water System (First Lien) | |||||||||
3,230,000 | 5.000%, 05/01/27 Series A | Aaa/NR/NR | 4,028,456 | ||||||
3,500,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/28 Series A | Aa2/AA/NR | 4,368,455 |
13 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Revenue Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
Water & Sewer (continued) | |||||||||
Portland, Oregon Sewer System | |||||||||
(Second Lien) | |||||||||
$ | 3,005,000 | 5.000%, 03/01/28 Series A | Aa3/AA-/NR | $ | 3,397,814 | ||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/25 Series B | Aa3/AA-/NR | 2,514,880 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/26 Series B | Aa3/AA-/NR | 2,534,620 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/27 Series B | Aa3/AA-/NR | 2,496,260 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon Water System Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding (Sr. Lien) | |||||||||
1,275,000 | 4.000%, 05/01/25 Series A | Aaa/NR/NR | 1,401,340 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon Water System Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding (Jr. Lien) | |||||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/23 | Aa1/NR/NR | 2,467,460 | ||||||
Prineville, Oregon Refunding | |||||||||
1,255,000 | 4.400%, 06/01/29 AGMC Insured | NR/AA/NR | 1,404,834 | ||||||
Seaside, Oregon Wastewater System | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 4.250%, 07/01/26 | A3/NR/NR | 1,103,600 | ||||||
Tigard, Oregon Water System Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding | |||||||||
2,025,000 | 4.000%, 08/01/21 | A1/AA-/NR | 2,273,670 | ||||||
2,565,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/24 | A1/AA-/NR | 3,113,115 | ||||||
Washington County, Oregon Clean | |||||||||
Water Services Sewer (Senior Lien) | |||||||||
1,010,000 | 4.000%, 10/01/22 Series B | Aa1/AAA/NR | 1,143,401 | ||||||
1,500,000 | 4.000%, 10/01/23 Series B | Aa1/AAA/NR | 1,690,380 | ||||||
2,850,000 | 4.000%, 10/01/26 Series B | Aa1/AAA/NR | 3,173,817 | ||||||
2,745,000 | 4.000%, 10/01/28 Series B | Aa1/AAA/NR | 3,042,970 | ||||||
Washington County, Oregon Clean | |||||||||
Water Services Sewer | |||||||||
4,000,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/28 | Aa1/AAA/NR | 4,482,560 | ||||||
Woodburn, Oregon Wastewater Revenue | |||||||||
Refunding | |||||||||
1,090,000 | 5.000%, 03/01/21 Series A | A2/NR/NR | 1,255,560 | ||||||
Total Water and Sewer | 50,594,227 | ||||||||
Total Revenue Bonds | 217,526,485 |
14 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Pre-Refunded Bonds (21.3%)††† | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
Pre-Refunded General | |||||||||
Obligation Bonds (12.0%) | |||||||||
Community College (0.6%) | |||||||||
Chemeketa, Oregon Community | |||||||||
College District | |||||||||
$ | 1,010,000 | 5.500%, 06/15/24 | NR/AA+/NR | $ | 1,088,477 | ||||
1,235,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/25 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,320,586 | ||||||
1,540,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/26 | NR/AA+/NR | 1,646,722 | ||||||
Total Community College | 4,055,785 | ||||||||
Higher Education (0.4%) | |||||||||
State of Oregon Board of Higher Education | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/34 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,074,300 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/38 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,074,300 | ||||||
500,000 | 5.750%, 08/01/29 Series A | Aa1/AA+/NR | 543,915 | ||||||
Total Higher Education | 2,692,515 | ||||||||
School District (7.9%) | |||||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #12 (North Clackamas) | |||||||||
9,250,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/29 AGMC Insured | Aa1/AA+/NR | 9,517,048 | ||||||
8,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 AGMC | ||||||||
Insured Series B | Aa1/AA+/NR | 8,230,960 | |||||||
Clackamas County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #46 (Oregon Trail) | |||||||||
2,000,000 | 4.500%, 06/15/30 AGMC Insured | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,050,840 | ||||||
Clackamas & Washington Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District No. 3JT | |||||||||
(West Linn-Wilsonville) | |||||||||
1,110,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/26 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,229,924 | ||||||
2,850,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/27 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 3,157,914 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 4.500%, 06/15/29 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,189,540 | ||||||
1,965,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/30 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,177,299 | ||||||
3,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/33 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 3,324,120 | ||||||
500,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/34 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 554,020 | ||||||
Columbia & Washington Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District #47J | |||||||||
(Vernonia) | |||||||||
3,430,000 | 5.00%, 06/15/27 | NR/AA+/NR | 3,927,693 |
15 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Pre-Refunded Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
School District (continued) | |||||||||
Deschutes and Jefferson Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District #02J | |||||||||
(Redmond) | |||||||||
$ | 5,000,000 | 6.000%, 06/15/31 | Aa1/NR/NR | $ | 5,430,450 | ||||
Jackson County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #549C (Medford) | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 4.625%, 06/15/27 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,063,010 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/33 | Aa1/AA+/NR | 1,069,300 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 4.750%, 12/15/29 AGMC Insured | Aa1/AA+/NR | 2,092,720 | ||||||
Lane County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #19 (Springfield) | |||||||||
3,425,000 | zero coupon, 06/15/29 AGMC Insured | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,951,154 | ||||||
Polk, Marion & Benton Counties, | |||||||||
Oregon School District #13J (Central) | |||||||||
1,520,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/21 AGMC Insured | A2/AA+/NR | 1,563,882 | ||||||
Washington County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #48J (Beaverton) | |||||||||
1,280,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/31 AGC Insured | Aa3/AA/NR | 1,416,320 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 5.125%, 06/01/36 AGC Insured | Aa3/AA/NR | 1,109,770 | ||||||
Yamhill County, Oregon School | |||||||||
District #40 (McMinnville) | |||||||||
1,205,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/19 AGMC Insured | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,239,788 | ||||||
1,375,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/22 AGMC Insured | Aa1/NR/NR | 1,414,696 | ||||||
Total School District | 54,710,448 | ||||||||
Special District (0.3%) | |||||||||
Metro, Oregon | |||||||||
1,100,000 | 5.000%, 06/01/18 | Aaa/AAA/NR | 1,130,360 | ||||||
Tualatin Hills, Oregon Park & | |||||||||
Recreational District | |||||||||
1,000,000 | 4.250%, 06/01/24 | Aa1/AA/NR | 1,086,870 | ||||||
Total Special District | 2,217,230 |
16 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Pre-Refunded Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
State (2.8%) | |||||||||
State of Oregon Department of | |||||||||
Administrative Services | |||||||||
$ | 2,660,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/23 NPFG/ FGIC Insured | Aa2/AA/NR | $ | 2,668,193 | ||||
2,945,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/24 NPFG/ FGIC Insured | Aa2/AA/NR | 2,954,071 | ||||||
1,475,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/26 NPFG/ FGIC Insured | Aa2/AA/NR | 1,479,543 | ||||||
3,880,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/27 NPFG/ FGIC Insured | Aa2/AA/NR | 3,891,950 | ||||||
5,000,000 | 5.125%, 05/01/33 | Aa2/AA/AA | 5,526,450 | ||||||
State of Oregon Department of | |||||||||
Administrative Services COP | |||||||||
1,455,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/27 Series C | NR/NR/NR* | 1,630,648 | ||||||
960,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/28 Series C | NR/NR/NR* | 1,075,891 | ||||||
Total State | 19,226,746 | ||||||||
Total Pre-Refunded General | |||||||||
Obligation Bonds | 82,902,724 | ||||||||
Pre-Refunded Revenue Bonds (9.3%) | |||||||||
Electric (1.2%) | |||||||||
Eugene, Oregon Electric Utility | |||||||||
5,635,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/30 | Aa2/AA-/AA- | 6,053,681 | ||||||
Eugene, Oregon Electric Utility | |||||||||
Refunding System | |||||||||
2,000,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/27 Series A | Aa2/AA-/AA- | 2,366,360 | ||||||
Total Electric | 8,420,041 | ||||||||
Higher Education (1.6%) | |||||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority | |||||||||
(University of Portland) | |||||||||
3,000,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/32 | NR/A-/NR | 3,182,880 | ||||||
Oregon State Facilities Authority | |||||||||
(Willamette University) | |||||||||
1,830,000 | 5.000%, 10/01/32 | NR/NR/NR* | 1,904,078 | ||||||
Portland, Oregon Economic | |||||||||
Development (Broadway Project) | |||||||||
5,000,000 | 6.500%, 04/01/35 | A1/A/NR | 5,550,700 | ||||||
Total Higher Education | 10,637,658 | ||||||||
17 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Principal | Rating Moody’s, S&P | ||||||||
Amount | Pre-Refunded Bonds (continued) | and Fitch | Value | ||||||
Hospital (1.8%) | |||||||||
Deschutes County, Oregon Hospital | |||||||||
Facilities Authority (Cascade Health) | |||||||||
$ | 3,500,000 | 8.000%, 01/01/28 | A2/NR/NR | $ | 4,044,390 | ||||
3,250,000 | 5.375%, 01/01/35 AMBAC Insured | A2/NR/NR | 3,429,985 | ||||||
Oregon Health Sciences University | |||||||||
4,500,000 | 5.750%, 07/01/39 Series A | Aa3/AA-/AA- | 5,083,830 | ||||||
Total Hospital | 12,558,205 | ||||||||
Lottery (1.9%) | |||||||||
Oregon State Department of Administration | |||||||||
Services (Lottery Revenue) | |||||||||
3,000,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/27 AGMC Insured | Aa2/AAA/A+ | 3,061,950 | ||||||
6,285,000 | 5.250%, 04/01/26 | NR/NR/NR* | 7,409,198 | ||||||
2,500,000 | 5.000%, 04/01/29 | Aa2/AAA/NR | 2,747,150 | ||||||
Total Lottery | 13,218,298 | ||||||||
Transportation (1.6%) | |||||||||
Jackson County, Oregon Airport Revenue | |||||||||
750,000 | 5.250%, 12/01/32 Syncora Guarantee, | ||||||||
Inc. Insured | Baa1/NR/NR | 787,500 | |||||||
Oregon State Department Transportation | |||||||||
Highway Usertax (Senior Lien) | |||||||||
1,865,000 | 5.000%, 11/15/23 Series A | Aa1/AAA/NR | 2,063,417 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 4.625%, 11/15/25 Series A | Aa1/AAA/NR | 2,193,460 | ||||||
3,540,000 | 4.625%, 11/15/26 Series A | Aa1/AAA/NR | 3,554,479 | ||||||
2,155,000 | 5.000%, 11/15/28 Series A | Aa1/AAA/NR | 2,164,719 | ||||||
Total Transportation | 10,763,575 | ||||||||
Water & Sewer (1.2%) | |||||||||
Lane County, Oregon Metropolitan | |||||||||
Wastewater | |||||||||
2,500,000 | 5.250%, 11/01/28 | Aa2/AA/NR | 2,722,750 | ||||||
Portland Oregon Sewer System | |||||||||
Refunding (Second Lien) | |||||||||
5,000,000 | 5.000%, 06/15/33 Series B | Aa3/AA-/NR | 5,346,500 | ||||||
Total Water and Sewer | 8,069,250 |
18 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Value | |||||||||||
Total Pre-Refunded Revenue Bonds | $ | 63,667,027 | |||||||||
Total Pre-Refunded Bonds | 146,569,751 | ||||||||||
Total Investments | |||||||||||
(cost $636,727,707-note 4) | 98.2 | % | 675,945,888 | ||||||||
Other assets less liabilities | 1.8 | 12,504,750 | |||||||||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | $ | 688,450,638 | |||||||
Percent of | |||||||||||
Portfolio Distribution By Quality Rating | Investments† | ||||||||||
Aaa of Moody’s or AAA of S&P | 14.1 | % | |||||||||
Pre-refunded bonds†† | 21.7 | ||||||||||
Aa of Moody’s or AA of S&P or Fitch | 54.1 | ||||||||||
A of Moody’s or S&P or Fitch | 6.4 | ||||||||||
Baa of Moody’s or BBB of S&P | 2.5 | ||||||||||
Not Rated* | 1.2 | ||||||||||
100.0 | % |
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATION | ||
AGC - Assured Guaranty Corp. | ||
AGMC - Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. | ||
AMBAC - American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp. | ||
COP - Certificates of Participation | ||
FGIC - Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. | ||
MAC - Municipal Assurance Corp. | ||
NPFG - National Public Finance Guarantee | ||
NR - Not Rated | ||
* | Any security not rated (“NR”) by any of the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO”) has been determined by the Investment Sub-Adviser to have sufficient quality to be ranked in the top credit four ratings if a credit rating were to be assigned by a NRSRO. | |
† | Where applicable, calculated using the highest rating of the three NRSRO. | |
†† | Pre-refunded bonds are bonds secured by an escrow account, comprised of U.S. Government Obligations (unless otherwise noted), to retire the bonds at their earliest call date. | |
††† | Security purchased on a delayed delivery or when-issued basis. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
19 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MONTH SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited) (unaudited)
ASSETS | ||||
Investments at value (cost $636,727,707) | $ | 675,945,888 | ||
Cash | 8,735,531 | |||
Interest receivable | 8,998,084 | |||
Receivable for Trust shares sold | 1,273,942 | |||
Other assets | 37,253 | |||
Total assets | 694,990,698 | |||
LIABILITIES | ||||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 4,618,535 | |||
Payable for Trust shares redeemed | 1,310,894 | |||
Management fees payable | 235,795 | |||
Dividends payable | 288,174 | |||
Distribution and service fees payable | 7,167 | |||
Accrued expenses payable | 79,495 | |||
Total liabilities | 6,540,060 | |||
ASSETS | $ | 688,450,638 | ||
Net Assets consist of: | ||||
Capital Stock - Authorized an unlimited number of shares, par | ||||
value $0.01 per share | $ | 607,341 | ||
Additional paid-in capital | 649,558,788 | |||
Net unrealized appreciation on investments (note 4) | 39,218,181 | |||
Undistributed net investment income | 751,636 | |||
Accumulated net realized loss on investments | (1,685,308 | ) | ||
$ | 688,450,638 | |||
CLASS A | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 431,793,927 | ||
Capital shares outstanding | 38,079,837 | |||
Net asset value and redemption price per share | $ | 11.34 | ||
Maximum offering price per share (100/96 of $11.34) | $ | 11.81 | ||
CLASS C | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 40,597,372 | ||
Capital shares outstanding | 3,583,801 | |||
Net asset value and offering price per share | $ | 11.33 | ||
Redemption price per share (* a charge of 1% is imposed on the | ||||
redemption proceeds, or on the original price, whichever is | ||||
lower, if redeemed during the first 12 months after purchase) | $ | 11.33 | * | |
CLASS Y | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 216,059,339 | ||
Capital shares outstanding | 19,070,492 | |||
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 11.33 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
20 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Investment Income: | ||||||||
Interest income | $ | 10,884,492 | ||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Management fees (note 3) | $ | 1,353,788 | ||||||
Distribution and service fees (note 3) | 518,786 | |||||||
Trustees’ fees and expenses (note 6) | 188,998 | |||||||
Transfer and shareholder servicing agent fees | 154,004 | |||||||
Legal fees | 144,151 | |||||||
Shareholders’ reports and proxy statements | 79,059 | |||||||
Registration fees and dues | 23,852 | |||||||
Insurance | 13,805 | |||||||
Auditing and tax fees | 12,734 | |||||||
Custodian fees | 10,398 | |||||||
Chief compliance officer services (note 3) | 4,492 | |||||||
Miscellaneous | 26,278 | |||||||
Total expenses | 2,530,345 | |||||||
Management fees waived (note 3) | (27,141 | ) | ||||||
Net expenses | 2,503,204 | |||||||
Net investment income | 8,381,288 | |||||||
| ||||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | ||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) from securities | ||||||||
transactions | (36,234 | ) | ||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation on | ||||||||
investments | (64,660 | ) | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on | ||||||||
investments | (100,894 | ) | ||||||
Net change in net assets resulting from | ||||||||
operations | $ | 8,280,394 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
21 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, 2016 | Year Ended | |||||||
(unaudited) | March 31, 2016 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 8,381,288 | $ | 15,900,695 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) from | ||||||||
securities transactions | (36,234 | ) | (147,244 | ) | ||||
Change in unrealized appreciation | ||||||||
on investments | (64,660 | ) | 1,766,157 | |||||
Change in net assets resulting | ||||||||
from operations | 8,280,394 | 17,519,608 | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS (note 9): | ||||||||
Class A Shares: | ||||||||
Net investment income | (5,165,549 | ) | (10,880,969 | ) | ||||
Class C Shares: | ||||||||
Net investment income | (294,572 | ) | (622,407 | ) | ||||
Class Y Shares: | ||||||||
Net investment income | (2,566,011 | ) | (4,285,509 | ) | ||||
Change in net assets from | ||||||||
distributions | (8,026,132 | ) | (15,788,885 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (note 7): | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 81,839,080 | 138,561,096 | ||||||
Reinvested dividends and | ||||||||
distributions | 6,521,569 | 12,902,274 | ||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (35,462,669 | ) | (72,991,968 | ) | ||||
Change in net assets from | ||||||||
capital share transactions | 52,897,980 | 78,471,402 | ||||||
Change in net assets | 53,152,242 | 80,202,125 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 635,298,396 | 555,096,271 | ||||||
End of period* | $ | 688,450,638 | $ | 635,298,396 | ||||
* Includes undistributed net investment income of: | $ | 751,636 | $ | 396,480 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
22 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
1. Organization
Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon (the “Trust”) (from inception until the close of business on October 11, 2013, the Trust operated under the name Tax-Free Trust of Oregon) is the sole portfolio of The Cascades Trust. The Cascades Trust (the “Business Trust”) is an open-end investment company, which was organized on October 17, 1985, as a Massachusetts business trust and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. Class A Shares are sold at net asset value plus a sales charge of varying size (depending upon a variety of factors) paid at the time of purchase and bear a distribution fee. Class C Shares are sold at net asset value with no sales charge payable at the time of purchase but with a level charge for service and distribution fees for six years thereafter. Class C Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares after six years. Class Y Shares are sold only through authorized financial institutions acting for investors in a fiduciary, advisory, agency, custodial or similar capacity, and are not offered directly to retail customers. Class Y Shares are sold at net asset value with no sales charge, no redemption fee, no contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) and no distribution fee. Class I Shares are offered and sold only through financial intermediaries and are not offered directly to retail customers. Class I Shares are sold at net asset value with no sales charge and no redemption fee or CDSC, although a financial intermediary may charge a fee for effecting a purchase or other transaction on behalf of its customers. Class I Shares carry a distribution and a service fee. As of the report date, there were no Class I Shares outstanding. All classes of shares represent interests in the same portfolio of investments and are identical as to rights and privileges but differ with respect to the effect of sales charges, the distribution and/or service fees borne by each class, expenses specific to each class, voting rights on matters affecting a single class and the exchange privileges of each class.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies.
a) | Portfolio valuation: Municipal securities are valued each business day based upon information provided by a nationally prominent independent pricing service and periodically verified through other pricing services. In the case of securities for which market quotations are readily available, securities are valued by the pricing service at the mean of bid and asked quotations. If a market quotation or a valuation from the pricing service is not readily available, the security is valued at fair value determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees. |
b) | Fair value measurements: The Trust follows a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Trust’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Trust’s investments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy: |
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access.
23 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Trust’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, based on the best information available.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the valuation inputs, representing 100% of the Trust’s investments, used to value the Trust’s net assets as of September 30, 2016:
Valuation Inputs | Investments in Securities | ||||
Level 1 – Quoted Prices | $ | – | |||
Level 2 – Other Significant Observable | |||||
Inputs – Municipal Bonds* | 675,945,888 | ||||
Level 3 – Significant Unobservable Inputs | – | ||||
Total | $ | 675,945,888 |
*See schedule of investments for a detailed listing of securities.
c) | Subsequent events: In preparing these financial statements, the Trust has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date these financial statements were issued. |
d) | Securities transactions and related investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are reported on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded daily on the accrual basis and is adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of original issue and market discount. |
e) | Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the Trust to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to certain investment companies. The Trust intends to make distributions of income and securities profits sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, Federal income and excise taxes. |
Management has reviewed the tax positions for each of the open tax years (2013–2015) or expected to be taken in the Fund’s 2016 tax returns and has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements.
f) | Multiple class allocations: All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses), and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative net assets of each class. Class-specific expenses, which include distribution and service fees and any other items that are specifically attributed to a particular class, are also charged directly to such class on a daily basis. |
24 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
g) | Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
h) | Reclassification of capital accounts: Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. For the year ended March 31, 2016, there were no items identified that have been reclassified among components of net assets. |
i) | The Trust is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services-Investment Companies”. |
3. Fees and Related Party Transactions
a) Management Arrangements:
Aquila Investment Management LLC (the “Manager”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aquila Management Corporation, the Trust’s founder and sponsor, serves as the Manager for the Trust under an Advisory and Administration Agreement with the Trust. The portfolio management of the Trust has been delegated to a Sub-Adviser as described below. Under the Advisory and Administrative Agreement, the Manager provides all administrative services to the Trust, other than those relating to the day-to-day portfolio management. The Manager’s services include providing the office of the Trust and all related services as well as overseeing the activities of the Sub-Adviser and managing relationships with all the various support organizations to the Trust such as the shareholder servicing agent, custodian, legal counsel, auditors and distributor and additionally maintaining the Trust’s accounting books and records. For its services, the Manager is entitled to receive a fee which is payable monthly and computed as of the close of business each day at the annual rate of 0.40% of net assets of the Trust. Beginning on January 1, 2011, the Manager determined to contractually waive its fees to the extent necessary in order to pass savings through to the shareholders recognized under the Sub-Advisory Agreement (as described below) such that its fees are as follows: the annual rate shall be equivalent to 0.40% of net assets of the Trust up to $400 million; 0.38% of the Trust’s net assets above that amount to $1 billion and 0.36% of the Trust’s net assets above $1 billion. For the six months ended September 30, 2016, the Trust incurred management fees of $1,353,788, of which $27,141 was waived.
Kirkpatrick Pettis Capital Management (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the Investment Sub-Adviser for the Trust under a Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Manager and the Sub-Adviser. Under this agreement, the Sub-Adviser continuously provides, subject to oversight of the Manager and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the investment program of the Trust and the composition of its portfolio, arranges for the purchases and sales of portfolio securities, and provides for daily pricing of the Trust’s portfolio. For its services, the Sub-Adviser is entitled to receive a fee from the Manager which is payable monthly and computed as of the close of business each day at the annual rate of 0.18% of net assets of the Trust up to $400 million; 0.16% of net assets above $400 million up to $1 billion; and 0.14% of net assets above $1 billlion.
25 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Under a Compliance Agreement with the Manager, the Manager is compensated by the Trust for Chief Compliance Officer related services provided to enable the Trust to comply with Rule 38a-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Specific details as to the nature and extent of the services provided by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser are more fully defined in the Trust’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
b) Distribution and Service Fees:
The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under one part of the Plan, with respect to Class A Shares, the Trust is authorized to make distribution fee payments to broker-dealers or others (“Qualified Recipients”) selected by Aquila Distributors LLC (the “Distributor”), including, but not limited to, any principal underwriter of the Trust, with which the Distributor has entered into written agreements contemplated by the Rule and which have rendered assistance in the distribution and/or retention of the Trust’s shares or servicing of shareholder accounts. The Trust makes payment of this distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.15% of the Trust’s average net assets represented by Class A Shares. For the six months ended September 30, 2016, distribution fees on Class A Shares amounted to $325,685 of which the Distributor retained $14,476.
Under another part of the Plan, the Trust is authorized to make payments with respect to Class C Shares to Qualified Recipients which have rendered assistance in the distribution and/or retention of the Trust’s Class C shares or servicing of shareholder accounts. These payments are made at the annual rate of 0.75% of the Trust’s average net assets represented by Class C Shares and for the six months ended September 30, 2016, amounted to $144,826. In addition, under a Shareholder Services Plan, the Trust is authorized to make service fee payments with respect to Class C Shares to Qualified Recipients for providing personal services and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts. These payments are made at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Trust’s average net assets represented by Class C Shares and for the six months ended September 30, 2016, amounted to $48,275. The total of these payments made with respect to Class C Shares amounted to $193,101 of which the Distributor retained $41,303.
Specific details about the Plans are more fully defined in the Trust’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Under a Distribution Agreement, the Distributor serves as the exclusive distributor of the Trust’s shares. Through agreements between the Distributor and various brokerage and advisory firms (“intermediaries”), the Trust’s shares are sold primarily through the facilities of these intermediaries having offices within Oregon, with the bulk of any sales commissions inuring to such intermediaries. For six months ended September 30, 2016, total commissions on sales of Class A Shares amounted to $675,006 of which the Distributor received $114,673.
26 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
4. Purchases and Sales of Securities
During the six months ended September 30, 2016, purchases of securities and proceeds from the sales of securities aggregated $86,188,349 and $26,820,887, respectively.
At September 30, 2016, the aggregate tax cost for all securities was $636,716,801. At September 30, 2016, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of value over tax cost amounted to $39,609,561 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of tax cost over value amounted to $380,474 for a net unrealized appreciation of $39,229,087.
5. Portfolio Orientation
Since the Trust invests principally and may invest entirely in double tax-free municipal obligations of issuers within Oregon, it is subject to possible risks associated with economic, political, or legal developments or industrial or regional matters specifically affecting Oregon and whatever effects these may have upon Oregon issuers’ ability to meet their obligations. For example, Measure 5, a 1990 amendment to the Oregon Constitution, as well as Measures 47 and 50, limit the taxing and spending authority of certain Oregon governmental entities. These amendments could have an adverse effect on the general financial condition of certain municipal entities that would impair the ability of certain Oregon issuers to pay interest and principal on their obligations.
6. Trustees’ Fees and Expenses
At September 30, 2016 there were 9 Trustees, one of whom is affiliated with the Manager and is not paid any fees. The total amount of Trustees’ service fees (for carrying out their responsibilities) and attendance fees paid during the six months ended September 30, 2016 was $146,881. Attendance fees are paid to those in attendance at regularly scheduled quarterly Board Meetings and meetings of the Independent Trustees held prior to each quarterly Board Meeting, as well as additional meetings (such as Audit, Nominating, Shareholder and special meetings). Trustees are reimbursed for their expenses such as travel, accommodations, and meals incurred in connection with attendance at Board Meetings and at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. For the six months ended September 30, 2016, such meeting-related expenses amounted to $42,117.
27 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
7. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in Capital Shares of the Fund were as follows:
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2016 (unaudited) | March 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||
Class A Shares: | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 2,559,464 | $ | 29,143,823 | 4,643,760 | $ | 52,197,170 | ||||||||||
Reinvested dividends and | ||||||||||||||||
distributions | 370,311 | 4,209,836 | 801,541 | 9,009,868 | ||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (1,821,809 | ) | (20,743,475 | ) | (3,632,067 | ) | (40,806,416 | ) | ||||||||
Net change | 1,107,966 | 12,610,184 | 1,813,234 | 20,400,622 | ||||||||||||
Class C Shares: | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 670,913 | 7,633,056 | 1,076,387 | 12,080,121 | ||||||||||||
Reinvested dividends and | ||||||||||||||||
distributions | 23,099 | 262,334 | 50,289 | 564,728 | ||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (282,599 | ) | (3,214,632 | ) | (763,237 | ) | (8,571,011 | ) | ||||||||
Net change | 411,413 | 4,680,758 | 363,439 | 4,073,838 | ||||||||||||
Class Y Shares: | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 3,961,365 | 45,062,201 | 6,608,503 | 74,283,805 | ||||||||||||
Reinvested dividends and | ||||||||||||||||
distributions | 180,137 | 2,049,399 | 296,004 | 3,327,678 | ||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (1,011,433 | ) | (11,504,562 | ) | (2,097,410 | ) | (23,614,541 | ) | ||||||||
Net change | 3,130,069 | 35,607,038 | 4,807,097 | 53,996,942 | ||||||||||||
Total transactions in Fund | ||||||||||||||||
shares | 4,649,448 | $ | 52,897,980 | 6,983,770 | $ | 78,471,402 |
8. Securities Traded on a When-Issued Basis
The Trust may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued basis. When-issued transactions arise when securities are purchased or sold by the Trust with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Trust at the time of entering into the transaction. Beginning on the date the Trust enters into a when-issued transaction, cash or other liquid securities are segregated in an amount equal to or greater than the value of the when-issued transaction. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and their current value is determined in the same manner as for other securities.
9. Income Tax Information and Distributions
The Trust declares dividends daily from net investment income and makes payments monthly. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed annually and are taxable. These distributions are paid in additional shares at the net asset value per share, in cash, or in a combination of both, at the shareholder’s option.
28 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (unaudited)
The Trust intends to maintain, to the maximum extent possible, the tax-exempt status of interest payments received from portfolio municipal securities in order to allow dividends paid to shareholders from net investment income to be exempt from regular Federal and State of Oregon income taxes. Due to differences between financial statement reporting and Federal income tax reporting requirements, distributions made by the Trust may not be the same as the Trust’s net investment income, and/ or net realized securities gains. Further, a portion of the dividends may, under some circumstances, be subject to taxes at ordinary income and/or capital gain rates. As a result of the passage of the Regulated Investment Company Act of 2010 (the “Act”), losses incurred in this fiscal year and beyond retain their character as short-term or long-term, have no expiration date and are utilized before capital losses incurred prior to the enactment of the Act. At March 31, 2016, the Trust had capital loss carry forwards of $1,606,817 of which $1,280,554 is short-term and $326,263 is long-term with no expiration date.
As of March 31, 2016, the Trust had October capital loss deferrals of $42,257 which will be recognized in the following year.
The tax character of distributions was as follows:
Year | Year | |||||||
Ended | Ended | |||||||
March 31, 2016 | March 31, 2015 | |||||||
Net tax-exempt income | $ | 15,788,885 | $ | 15,444,808 | ||||
Ordinary income | – | – | ||||||
Capital gain | – | – | ||||||
$ | 15,788,885 | $ | 15,444,808 |
As of March 31, 2016, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Unrealized appreciation | $ | 39,523,879 | ||||||
Undistributed tax-exempt income | 263,313 | |||||||
Accumulated net loss on investments | (1,606,817 | ) | ||||||
Other temporary differences | (150,128 | ) | ||||||
$ | 38,030,247 |
The difference between book basis and tax basis undistributed income is due to the timing difference, and other temporary differences, in recognizing dividends paid and the tax treatment of discount amortization.
29 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a share outstanding throughout each period
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | Year | Year | Year | Six Months | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
9/30/16 (unaudited) | Ended 3/31/16 | Ended 3/31/15 | Ended 3/31/14 | Ended 3/31/13† | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 11.33 | $ | 11.31 | $ | 11.01 | $ | 11.37 | $ | 11.53 | $ | 11.12 | $ | 11.18 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(1) | 0.14 | 0.31 | 0.33 | 0.35 | 0.18 | 0.37 | 0.38 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net gain (loss) on securities (both | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
realized and unrealized) | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.30 | (0.36 | ) | (0.11 | ) | 0.41 | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.15 | 0.32 | 0.63 | (0.01 | ) | 0.07 | 0.78 | 0.32 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions (note 9): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.14 | ) | (0.30 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.37 | ) | (0.38 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Distributions from capital gains | – | – | – | – | (4) | (0.05 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.14 | ) | (0.30 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.37 | ) | (0.38 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 11.34 | $ | 11.33 | $ | 11.31 | $ | 11.01 | $ | 11.37 | $ | 11.53 | $ | 11.12 | ||||||||||||||
Total return (not reflecting sales charge) | 1.29 | %(2) | 2.91 | % | 5.80 | % | (0.04 | )% | 0.54 | %(2) | 7.14 | % | 3.05 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $ | 432 | $ | 419 | $ | 398 | $ | 385 | $ | 425 | $ | 419 | $ | 380 | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.74 | %(3) | 0.74 | % | 0.74 | % | 0.73 | % | 0.71 | %(3) | 0.74 | % | 0.76 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
average net assets | 2.51 | %(3) | 2.72 | % | 2.96 | % | 3.16 | % | 3.08 | %(3) | 3.29 | % | 3.55 | % | ||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 4 | %(2) | 7 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 3 | %(2) | 8 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||
Expense and net investment income ratios without the effect of the contractual waiver of management fees were (note 3): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.75 | %(3) | 0.74 | % | 0.74 | % | 0.74 | % | 0.72 | %(3) | 0.75 | % | 0.76 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
average net assets | 2.50 | %(3) | 2.72 | % | 2.96 | % | 3.16 | % | 3.07 | %(3) | 3.28 | % | 3.55 | % |
__________________
(1) | Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method. |
(2) | Not annualized. |
(3) | Annualized. |
(4) | Amount represents less than $0.01. |
† | Effective December 1, 2012, the Trust changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to March 31. The information presented is for the period October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013. |
Note: | On January 1, 2011, Kirkpatrick Pettis Capital Management became the Trust’s Investment Sub-Adviser, replacing FAF Advisors, Inc. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
30 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
Class C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | Year | Year | Year | Six Months | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
9/30/16 (unaudited) | Ended 3/31/16 | Ended 3/31/15 | Ended 3/31/14 | Ended 3/31/13† | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 11.32 | $ | 11.30 | $ | 11.00 | $ | 11.36 | $ | 11.52 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 11.17 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(1) | 0.09 | 0.21 | 0.24 | 0.25 | 0.13 | 0.27 | 0.29 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net gain (loss) on securities (both | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
realized and unrealized) | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.30 | (0.36 | ) | (0.11 | ) | 0.42 | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.10 | 0.23 | 0.54 | (0.11 | ) | 0.02 | 0.69 | 0.23 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions (note 9): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.09 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.29 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Distributions from capital gains | – | – | – | – | (4) | (0.05 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.09 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.29 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 11.33 | $ | 11.32 | $ | 11.30 | $ | 11.00 | $ | 11.36 | $ | 11.52 | $ | 11.11 | ||||||||||||||
Total return (not reflecting CDSC) | 0.86 | %(2) | 2.05 | % | 4.91 | % | (0.89 | )% | 0.11 | %(2) | 6.24 | % | 2.18 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $ | 41 | $ | 36 | $ | 32 | $ | 29 | $ | 39 | $ | 38 | $ | 27 | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 1.60 | %(3) | 1.59 | % | 1.58 | % | 1.58 | % | 1.56 | %(3) | 1.59 | % | 1.61 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
average net assets | 1.67 | %(3) | 1.86 | % | 2.11 | % | 2.31 | % | 2.23 | %(3) | 2.42 | % | 2.70 | % | ||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 4 | %(2) | 7 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 3 | %(2) | 8 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||
Expense and net investment income ratios without the effect of the contractual waiver of management fees were (note 3): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 1.61 | %(3) | 1.59 | % | 1.59 | % | 1.59 | % | 1.57 | %(3) | 1.59 | % | 1.61 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
average net assets | 1.66 | %(3) | 1.86 | % | 2.10 | % | 2.31 | % | 2.22 | %(3) | 2.42 | % | 2.70 | % |
__________________
(1) | Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method. |
(2) | Not annualized. |
(3) | Annualized. |
(4) | Amount represents less than $0.01. |
† | Effective December 1, 2012, the Trust changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to March 31. The information presented is for the period October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013. |
Note: | On January 1, 2011, Kirkpatrick Pettis Capital Management became the Trust’s Investment Sub-Adviser, replacing FAF Advisors, Inc. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
31 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
AQUILA TAX-FREE TRUST OF OREGON
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
Class Y | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | Year | Year | Year | Six Months | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
9/30/16 (unaudited) | Ended 3/31/16 | Ended 3/31/15 | Ended 3/31/14 | Ended 3/31/13† | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 11.32 | $ | 11.30 | $ | 11.00 | $ | 11.36 | $ | 11.52 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 11.18 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(1) | 0.15 | 0.32 | 0.35 | 0.36 | 0.18 | 0.39 | 0.40 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net gain (loss) on securities (both | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
realized and unrealized) | – | 0.02 | 0.30 | (0.36 | ) | (0.11 | ) | 0.41 | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.15 | 0.34 | 0.65 | – | 0.07 | 0.80 | 0.33 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions (note 9): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.14 | ) | (0.32 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.39 | ) | (0.40 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Distributions from capital gains | – | – | – | – | (4) | (0.05 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.14 | ) | (0.32 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.39 | ) | (0.40 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 11.33 | $ | 11.32 | $ | 11.30 | $ | 11.00 | $ | 11.36 | $ | 11.52 | $ | 11.11 | ||||||||||||||
Total return | 1.36 | % (2) | 3.08 | % | 5.97 | % | 0.11 | % | 0.61 | %(2) | 7.30 | % | 3.11 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $ | 216 | $ | 180 | $ | 126 | $ | 87 | $ | 89 | $ | 84 | $ | 71 | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.59 | %(3) | 0.59 | % | 0.58 | % | 0.58 | % | 0.56 | %(3) | 0.59 | % | 0.61 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
average net assets | 2.66 | %(3) | 2.86 | % | 3.10 | % | 3.31 | % | 3.23 | %(3) | 3.44 | % | 3.70 | % | ||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 4 | %(2) | 7 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 3 | %(2) | 8 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||
Expense and net investment income ratios without the effect of the contractual waiver of management fees were (note 3): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.60 | %(2) | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % | 0.57 | %(3) | 0.60 | % | 0.61 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
average net assets | 2.65 | %(3) | 2.86 | % | 3.10 | % | 3.31 | % | 3.22 | %(3) | 3.43 | % | 3.70 | % |
__________________
(1) | Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method. |
(2) | Not annualized. |
(3) | Annualized. |
(4) | Amount represents less than $0.01. |
† | Effective December 1, 2012, the Trust changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to March 31. The information presented is for the period October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013. |
Note: | On January 1, 2011, Kirkpatrick Pettis Capital Management became the Trust’s Investment Sub-Adviser, replacing FAF Advisors, Inc. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
32 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
Analysis of Expenses (unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Trust, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including front-end sales charges with respect to Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) with respect to Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (“12b-1”) and/or service fees; and other Trust expenses. The table below is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Trust and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The table below is based on an investment of $1,000 invested on April 1, 2016 and held for the six months ended September 30, 2016.
Actual Expenses
This table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information provided in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. To estimate the expenses you paid on your account, divide your ending account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 ending account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During the Period”.
Six months ended September 30, 2016
Actual | ||||
Total Return | Beginning | Ending | Expenses | |
Without | Account | Account | Paid During | |
Sales Charges(1) | Value | Value | the Period(2) | |
Class A | 1.29% | $1,000.00 | $1,012.90 | $3.73 |
Class C | 0.86% | $1,000.00 | $1,008.60 | $8.06 |
Class Y | 1.36% | $1,000.00 | $1,013.60 | $2.98 |
(1) | Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, at net asset value and does not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales charges with respect to Class A shares or the applicable CDSC with respect to Class C shares. Total return is not annualized; as such, it may not be representative of the total return for the year. |
(2) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio of 0.74%, 1.60% and 0.59% for the Trust’s Class A, C and Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
33 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
Analysis of Expenses (unaudited) (continued)
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5.00% per year before expenses, which is not the Trust’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 the information provided in this table to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Trust and other mutual funds. To do so, compare this 5.00% hypothetical example relating to the Trust with the 5.00% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other mutual funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table below are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, with respect to Class A shares. The example does not reflect the deduction of CDSC with respect to Class C shares. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different mutual funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Six months ended September 30, 2016
Hypothetical | ||||
Annualized | Beginning | Ending | Expenses | |
Total | Account | Account | Paid During | |
Return | Value | Value | the Period(1) | |
Class A | 5.00% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.36 | $3.75 |
Class C | 5.00% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.05 | $8.09 |
Class Y | 5.00% | $1,000.00 | $1,022.11 | $2.99 |
(1) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio of 0.74%, 1.60% and 0.59% for the Trust’s Class A, C and Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period) |
34 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
Shareholder Meeting Results (unaudited)
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon (the “Trust”) was held on May 5, 2016. The holders of shares representing 89% of the total net asset value of the shares entitled to vote were present in person or by proxy. At the meeting, the following matters were voted upon and approved by the shareholders (the resulting votes are presented below).
1. To elect Trustees
Dollar Amount of Votes: | ||
Trustee | For | Withheld |
Gary C. Cornia | $552,801,945 | $ 7,682,792 |
James A. Gardner | $551,289,267 | $ 9,195,470 |
Diana P. Herrmann | $553,409,819 | $ 7,074,918 |
Henry H. Hewitt | $549,338,301 | $11,146,436 |
Edmund P. Jensen | $553,296,610 | $ 7,188,127 |
John W. Mitchell | $550,991,812 | $ 9,492,925 |
Patricia L. Moss | $550,865,375 | $ 9,619,362 |
Ralph R. Shaw | $552,678,436 | $ 7,806,301 |
Nancy Wilgenbusch | $553,667,189 | $ 6,817,548 |
2. To ratify the selection of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm
Dollar Amount of Votes: | ||
For | Against | Abstain |
$549,931,760 | $1,081,837 | $9,471,094 |
35 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
Shareholder Meeting Results (unaudited)
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon (the “Trust”) was held on May 5, 2016. The holders of shares representing 61% of the total net asset value of the shares entitled to vote were present in person or by proxy. At the meeting, the following matters were voted upon and approved by the shareholders (the resulting votes are presented below).
Dollar Amount of Votes | ||||
1. Approve an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust regarding: | ||||
For | Against | Abstain | ||
1A. | Future Amendments | $333,857,428 | $16,815,316 | $34,356,860 |
1B. | Termination | $315,869,082 | $34,791,578 | $34,368,932 |
1C. | Annual Shareholder | |||
Meetings | $337,121,133 | $15,626,556 | $32,281,937 | |
1E. | Indemnification/liability | |||
of Trustees, officers and | ||||
employees | $332,804,183 | $17,546,558 | $34,678,897 | |
1F. | Shareholder/Derivative | |||
Actions | $316,384,550 | $33,778,919 | $34,866,157 | |
1G. | Number of | |||
Trustees/Vacancies | $334,439,587 | $15,876,080 | $34,713,949 | |
1H. | Series and classes | $337,704,281 | $11,653,128 | $35,672,229 |
1I. | Other changes effected | |||
by Amended Declaration | $317,129,077 | $31,614,272 | $36,286,243 |
36 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
Shareholder Meeting Results (unaudited)
A reconvened Special Meeting of Shareholders of Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon (the “Trust”) was held on June 6, 2016. The holders of shares representing 54% of the total net asset value of the shares entitled to vote were present in person or by proxy. At the meeting, the following matters were voted upon and approved by the shareholders (the resulting votes are presented below).
Dollar Amount of Votes | ||||
1. | Approve changes to the Trust’s fundamental policies relating to: | |||
For | Against | Abstain | ||
2A. | Permitted Trust investments | $297,107,432 | $14,157,392 | $25,323,665 |
2B. | Investments in voting | |||
securities, other | ||||
investment companies | ||||
and certain other | ||||
instruments | $296,620,447 | $14,799,785 | $25,168,257 | |
2C. | Concentration of Trust | |||
investments | $296,934,852 | $14,418,080 | $25,235,500 | |
2D. | Lending of Trust assets | $286,723,626 | $23,666,974 | $26,197,854 |
2E | Borrowing of money | $285,991,122 | $23,987,202 | $26,610,096 |
2F. | Issuance of senior securities | $295,626,020 | $15,764,044 | $25,198,368 |
2G | Investments in commodities | $288,352,771 | $23,215,586 | $25,020,086 |
2H | Certain affiliated transactions | $290,757,743 | $18,982,527 | $26,848,150 |
2I. | Investments in real estate | $293,150,281 | $19,225,072 | $24,213,090 |
2J. | Restrictions on control | |||
investments | $293,757,446 | $16,124,552 | $26,706,434 | |
2K. | Restrictions on short sales | |||
and use of margin | $293,670,658 | $18,801,687 | $24,116,063 | |
2L. | Underwriting | $295,203,203 | $15,743,692 | $25,641,571 |
37 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
Information Available (unaudited)
Much of the information that the funds in the Aquila Group of Funds produce is automatically sent to you and all other shareholders. Specifically, you are routinely sent your Trust’s entire list of portfolio securities twice a year in the semi-annual and annual reports you receive. Additionally, under Trust policies, the Manager publicly discloses the complete schedule of the Trust’s portfolio holdings, as of each calendar quarter, generally by the 15th day after the end of each calendar quarter. Such information remains accessible until the next schedule is made publicly available. You may obtain a copy of the Trust’s portfolio holdings schedule for the most recently completed period by visiting the Trust’s website at www.aquilafunds.com. Whenever you wish to see a listing of your Trust’s portfolio other than in your shareholder reports, please check our website at www.aquilafunds.com or call us at 1-800-437-1020.
The Trust additionally files a complete list of its portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarter ends of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Forms N-Q are available free of charge on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. You may also review or, for a fee, copy the forms at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Proxy Voting Record (unaudited)
During the 12 month period ended June 30, 2016, the Trust did not vote any proxies. Applicable regulations require us to inform you that the Trust’s proxy voting information is available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
Federal Tax Status of Distributions (unaudited)
This information is presented in order to comply with a requirement of the Internal Revenue Code. No action on the part of shareholders is required.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, $15,788,885 of dividends paid by Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon, constituting 100% of total dividends paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, were exempt-interest dividends.
Prior to February 15, 2017, shareholders will be mailed the appropriate tax form(s) which will contain information on the status of distributions paid for the 2016 calendar year.
38 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
Additional Information (unaudited)
Renewal of the Advisory and Administration Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement
Aquila Investment Management LLC (the “Manager”) serves as the investment adviser to the Trust pursuant to an Advisory and Administration Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Davidson Fixed Income Management, Inc., doing business as Kirkpatrick Pettis Capital Management (the “Sub-Adviser”), serves as the sub-adviser to the Trust pursuant to a Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Manager and the Sub-Adviser (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). In order for the Manager and the Sub-Adviser to continue to serve in their respective roles, the Trustees of the Trust must determine annually whether to renew the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for the Trust.
In considering whether to approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees requested and obtained such information as they deemed reasonably necessary. Contract review materials were provided to the Trustees in August, 2016. The independent Trustees met telephonically on August 31, 2016 and in person on September 17, 2016 to review and discuss the contract review materials. The Trustees considered, among other things, information presented by the Manager and Sub-Adviser. They also considered information presented in a report prepared by an independent consultant with respect to the Trust’s fees, expenses and investment performance, which included comparisons of the Trust’s investment performance against peers and the Trust’s benchmark and comparisons of the advisory fee payable by the Trust under the Advisory Agreement against the advisory fees paid by the Trust’s peers, as well as information regarding the operating margins of certain investment advisory firms (the “Consultant’s Report”). The Trustees also discussed the memorandum provided by Trust counsel that summarized the legal standards and other considerations that are relevant to the Trustees in their deliberations regarding the renewal of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Trustees took into account the information related to the Trust provided to the Trustees at each regularly scheduled meeting. The Trustees considered the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement separately as well as in conjunction with each other to determine their combined effects on the Trust.
At the meeting held on September 17, 2016, based on their evaluation of the information provided by the Manager, the Sub-Adviser and the independent consultant, the Trustees of the Trust, including the independent Trustees voting separately, unanimously approved the renewal of each of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement until September 30, 2017. In considering the renewal of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees considered various factors, including the factors described below. The Trustees did not identify any single factor as the controlling factor in determining to approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement or the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser
The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services that had been provided by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser to the Trust, taking into account the investment objectives and strategies of the Trust. The Trustees reviewed the terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
39 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
The Manager has retained the Sub-Adviser to provide investment management of the Trust’s portfolio. The Trustees reviewed the Sub-Adviser’s investment approach for the Trust. The Trustees considered the personnel of the Sub-Adviser who provide investment management services to the Trust. The Trustees noted the extensive experience of the Sub-Adviser’s portfolio manager, Mr. Christopher Johns, and his comprehensive understanding regarding the economy of the State of Oregon and the securities in which the Trust invests. The Trustees also noted the contributions of Mr. Timothy Iltz, Vice President of the Sub-Adviser and municipal bond credit analyst, to the Sub-Adviser’s investment analysis with respect to the Trust’s portfolio. The Trustees noted that, compared to other Oregon state-specific municipal bond-funds, the portfolio of the Trust generally was of higher quality, and that the Trust did not hold any securities subject to the alternative minimum tax. The Trustees also noted that the Trust did not own any Puerto Rico municipal bonds during the review period, unlike certain of the funds in the Trust’s Peer Group (as defined below).
The Trustees considered that the Manager and the Sub-Adviser had provided all advisory services to the Trust that the Trustees deemed necessary or appropriate, including the specific services that the Trustees have determined are required for the Trust, given that it seeks to provide shareholders with as high a level of current income exempt from Oregon state and regular Federal income taxes as is consistent with preservation of capital.
The Trustees also noted that the Manager has additionally provided all administrative services to the Fund and provided the Fund with personnel (including Fund officers) and other resources that are necessary for the Fund’s business management and operations. The Trustees considered the nature and extent of the Manager’s supervision of third-party service providers, including the Fund’s fund accountant, shareholder servicing agent and custodian.
Based on these considerations, the Trustees concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services that had been provided by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser to the Trust were satisfactory and consistent with the terms of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, respectively.
The investment performance of the Trust
The Trustees reviewed the Trust’s performance (Class A shares) and compared its performance to the performance of:
• | the funds in the Trust’s peer group (the “Peer Group”), as selected by the independent consultant (six Oregon intermediate and long municipal bond funds, as classified by Morningstar, that charge a front-end sales charge); |
• | the funds in the Trust’s product category for performance (the “Product Category for Performance”) (all funds in the Peer Group and, withoutduplication, all funds (and all classes) included in the Morningstar Single-State Intermediate Municipal Bond Funds category); and |
40 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
• | the Trust’s benchmark index, the Barclays Capital Quality Intermediate Municipal Bond Index. |
The Trustees considered that the materials included in the Consultant’s Report indicated that the Trust’s average annual total return was lower than the average annual total return of the funds in the Peer Group for the one, three, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2016 and higher than the average annual total return of the funds in the Peer Group for the ten-year period ended June 30, 2016. The Trustees considered that the Trust’s average annual total return was lower than the average annual total return of the funds in the Product Category for Performance for the one-year period ended June 30, 2016 but higher than the average annual total return of the funds in the Product Category for Performance for the three, five and ten-year periods ended June 30, 2016. They also considered that the Trust’s average annual return was higher than the average annual return of the benchmark index for the three and five-year periods ended June 30, 2016 but lower than the average annual return of the benchmark index for the one and ten-year periods ended June 30, 2016. The Trustees determined that, as reflected in the Consultant’s Report, the Trust delivered satisfactory results on a risk-adjusted basis for the three and five-year periods ended June 30, 2016 (as evidenced by its Sharpe ratio) when compared to the funds in the Product Category for Performance.
The Trustees discussed the Trust’s performance record with the Manager and considered the Manager’s view that the Trust’s performance, as compared to its peer group, was explained in part by the Trust’s generally higher-quality portfolio and lower duration. The Trustees noted that, unlike the Fund’s returns, the performance of the benchmark index did not reflect any fees or expenses.
The Trustees considered the Fund’s investment performance to be consistent with the investment objectives of the Fund. Evaluation of this factor indicated to the Trustees that renewal of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement would be appropriate.
Advisory and Sub-Advisory Fees and Trust Expenses
The Trustees evaluated the fee payable under the Advisory Agreement. They noted that the Manager, and not the Trust, paid the Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Trustees evaluated both the fee under the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the portion of the advisory fee paid under the Advisory Agreement and retained by the Manager. The Trustees reviewed the Trust’s advisory fees and expenses and compared them to the advisory fee and expense data for:
• | the funds in the Peer Group (as defined above); and |
• | the funds in the product category for expenses (the “Product Category for Expenses”) (Morningstar Single-State Intermediate Municipal Bond Funds and Morningstar Single State Long Municipal Bond Funds from states within which 4-7 mutual funds are operating, with similar operating expense structures). |
41 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
The Trustees considered that the Trust’s contractual advisory fee was lower than the average contractual advisory fee of the funds in the Peer Group (at the Trust’s current asset level) and lower than the asset-weighted average contractual advisory fee of the funds in the Product Category for Expenses (at various asset levels). They also noted that the Trust’s management fee and expenses (for Class A shares) were lower than the average actual management fee and expenses, respectively, of the funds in both the Product Category for Expenses and the Peer Group (after giving effect to fee waivers and expense reimbursements in effect for those funds).
The Trustees reviewed management fees charged by each of the Manager and the Sub-Adviser to its other clients. It was noted that the Manager does not have any other clients except for other funds in the Aquila Group of Funds. The Trustees noted that, in most instances, the fee rates for those clients were comparable to the fees paid to the Manager by the Trust. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, the Trustees noted that the fee rates for its other clients were generally lower than the fees paid to the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Trust. In evaluating the fees associated with the client accounts, the Trustees took into account the respective demands, resources and complexity associated with the Trust and those client accounts.
The Trustees concluded that the advisory and sub-advisory fees were reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided to the Trust by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser.
Profitability
The Trustees received materials from each of the Manager and the Sub-Adviser and from the independent consultant related to profitability. The Manager provided information which showed the profitability to the Manager of its services to the Trust, as well as the profitability of Aquila Distributors LLC of distribution services provided to the Trust. The independent consultant provided publicly available data regarding the profitability of other asset managers in comparison to the overall profitability of the Manager.
The Trustees considered the information provided by the Manager regarding the profitability of the Manager with respect to the advisory services provided by the Manager to the Trust, including the methodology used by the Manager in allocating certain of its costs to the services provided to the Trust. The Trustees also considered information regarding the profitability of the Manager provided to the Trustees by the independent consultant. The Trustees concluded that profitability to the Manager with respect to advisory services provided to the Trust was at the low end of the profitability data provided to the Trustees with respect to much larger publicly traded asset managers and supported the renewal of the Advisory Agreement.
The Trustees also considered information provided by the Sub-Adviser regarding the profitability of the Sub-Adviser with respect to the sub-advisory services provided by the Sub-Adviser to the Trust. The Trustees concluded that the profitability of the Sub-Adviser with respect to sub-advisory services provided to the Trust supported the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
42 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
The extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Trust grows
The Trustees considered the extent to which the Manager and the Sub-Adviser may realize economies of scale or other efficiencies in managing the Trust. They noted that the Trust has in place breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule based on the size of the Trust. In addition, it was noted that the Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees to the extent necessary so that the annual rate payable under the Advisory Agreement shall be equivalent to 0.40% on the Trust’s net assets up to $400 million; 0.38% on assets above that amount to $1 billion in net assets and 0.36% on net assets thereafter. Accordingly, the Trustees concluded that economies of scale were being appropriately shared with the Trust.
Benefits derived or to be derived by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser and their affiliates from their relationships with the Trust
The Trustees observed that, as is generally true of most fund complexes, the Manager and Sub-Adviser and their affiliates, by providing services to a number of funds or other investment clients including the Trust, were able to spread costs as they would otherwise be unable to do. The Trustees noted that while that could produce efficiencies and increased profitability for the Manager and Sub-Adviser and their affiliates, it also makes their services available to the Trust at favorable levels of quality and cost which are more advantageous to the Trust than would otherwise have been possible.
43 | Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Oregon
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Founders
Lacy B. Herrmann (1929-2012)
Aquila Management Corporation, Sponsor
Manager
AQUILA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC
120 West 45th Street, Suite 3600
New York, New York 10036
Investment Sub-Adviser
KIRKPATRICK PETTIS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
2 Centerpointe Drive, Suite 500
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
Board of Trustees
James A. Gardner, Chair
Diana P. Herrmann, Vice Chair
Gary C. Cornia
Henry H. Hewitt
Edmund P. Jensen
John W. Mitchell
Patricia L. Moss
Ralph R. Shaw
Nancy Wilgenbusch
Officers
Diana P. Herrmann, President
Charles E. Childs, III, Executive Vice President and Secretary
Marie E. Aro, Senior Vice President
Paul G. O’Brien, Senior Vice President
Christine L. Neimeth, Vice President
Randall S. Fillmore, Chief Compliance Officer
Joseph P. DiMaggio, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Distributor
AQUILA DISTRIBUTORS LLC
120 West 45th Street, Suite 3600
New York, New York 10036
Transfer and Shareholder Servicing Agent
BNY MELLON INVESTMENT SERVICING (US) INC.
4400 Computer Drive
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
Custodian
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
225 Liberty Street
New York, New York 10286
Further information is contained in the Prospectus,
which must precede or accompany this report.
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. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
Included in Item 1 above
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. |
The Board of Directors of the Registrant has adopted a Nominating Committee Charter which provides that the Nominating Committee (the 'Committee') may consider and evaluate nominee candidates properly submitted by shareholders if a vacancy among the Independent Trustees of the Registrant occurs and if, based on the Board's then current size, composition and structure, the Committee determines that the vacancy should be filled. The Committee will consider candidates submitted by shareholders on the same basis as it considers and evaluates candidates recommended by other sources. A copy of the qualifications and procedures that must be met or followed by shareholders to properly submit a nominee candidate to the Committee may be obtained by submitting a request in writing to the Secretary of the Registrant.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
(a) Based on their evaluation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, the registrant's chief financial and executive officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the registrant are appropriately designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the registrant's reports that are filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are accumulated and communicated to registrant's management, including its principal executive officer(s) and principal financial officer(s), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(b) There have been no significant changes in registrant's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect registrant's internal controls subsequent to the date of the most recent evaluation, including no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses that required corrective action.
ITEM 12. | EXHIBITS. |
(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(b) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
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.
THE CASCADES TRUST
By: | /s/ Diana P. Herrmann | |
Vice Chair, President and Trustee February 2, 2017 | ||
By: | /s/ Joseph P. DiMaggio | |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer February 2, 2017 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/ Diana P. Herrmann | |
Diana P. Herrmann Vice Chair, President and Trustee February 2, 2017 | ||
By: | /s/ Joseph P. DiMaggio | |
Joseph P. DiMaggio Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer February 2, 2017 |
THE CASCADES TRUST
EXHIBIT INDEX
(a) (2) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(b) Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.