UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
| Investment Company Act file number | 811-4854 |
The Oberweis Funds
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500, Lisle, IL 60532
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
James W. Oberweis The Oberweis Funds 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Copy to: James A. Arpaia Vedder Price P.C. 222 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2600 Chicago, IL 60601 |
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(800) 323-6166
Date of fiscal year end:December 31
Date of reporting period:December 31, 2018
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
Annual Reports for the period 01/01/18 through 12/31/18 is filed herewith
ANNUAL REPORT
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| | | | INVESTOR CLASS | | INSTITUTIONAL CLASS | | |
| | Oberweis Micro-Cap Fund | | OBMCX | | OMCIX | | |
| | Oberweis Small-Cap Opportunities Fund | | OBSOX | | OBSIX | | |
| | Oberweis Small-Cap Value Fund | | OBIVX | | OBVLX | | |
| | Oberweis Global Opportunities Fund (formerly known as Oberweis Emerging Growth Fund) | | OBEGX | | OBGIX | | |
| | Oberweis China Opportunities Fund | | OBCHX | | OCHIX | | |
| | Oberweis International Opportunities Fund | | OBIOX | | — | | |
| | Oberweis Emerging Markets Fund | | OBEMX | | OIEMX | | |
December 31, 2018
oberweisfunds.com
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As of January 1 ,2021, and per The US Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 30e-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940; The Oberweis Funds will no longer mail paper copies of the Funds shareholder reports, unless specifically requested by the shareholder directly from the fund or from your financial advisor, your broker dealer or your bank. The reports will be available on www.oberweisfunds.com and you will be receiving a hard copy notice that directs you to the website.
You will not be affected by this change if you have already elected to receive the reports electronically.
If you wish to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports, you may contact us at 1-800-245-7311 or you may directly contact your financial advisor.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S LETTER(unaudited)
Dear Fellow Oberweis Funds Shareholder,
2018 In Review
2018 was a difficult year for investors. Stocks, bonds, gold and oil all declined as investors grew increasingly fearful of the impact of tariffs and a prolonged US-China trade war, slowing growth, rising interest rates, and tighter monetary policy. In fact, investors were apparently so concerned that they reduced equity exposure late in 2018 at the most frantic pace since the end of 2008 (which, in retrospect, ended up being near the stock market bottom during the Global Financial Crisis).
Among the domestic funds, the Micro-Cap Fund and Small-Cap Opportunities Fund returned -12.30% and -7.23%, respectively (compared to -14.18% and -9.31% for the Russell Micro-Cap Growth and Russell 2000 Growth indices). The Small-Cap Value Fund returned -16.58% (versus -12.86% for the Russell 2000 Value Index). Among our international funds, the International Opportunities Fund returned -24.73% (versus -17.78% for the MSCI World ex-US SCG Index). The China Opportunities Fund returned -26.01% (compared to -23.26% for the MSCI Zhong Hua Small-Cap Growth Index). The Global Opportunities Fund returned -25.66% (versus -14.39% for the MSCI ACWI Small-Cap Index). Since its inception on 5/1/2018, the Emerging Markets Fund returned -21.10% (versus -18.64% for the MSCI EM Small Cap Index).
As one might expect, the environment in the fourth quarter of 2018 was extremely challenging for us, as we invest primarily in small-cap companies with valuations based on misunderstoodlong-termfuture earnings growth. In uncertain times, investors pay less attention tolong-term earnings growth, flocking instead to companies with highnear-term earnings certainty. Following such an environment, however, it becomes much easier for us to find small-cap stocks trading at prices that undervalue the future earnings we expect from the underlying businesses. Periods of high risk aversion often correlate to below-average stock valuations (as is the case currently), and as a result we see an above-average investment opportunity today for small-caps in almost every country we cover. The chart below illustrates the average price/earnings (P/E) ratio of each of the benchmark indices of The Oberweis Funds as of the end of 2018 compared to a year ago. As you can see, valuations have declined for US small-caps, but even more so for international small-caps. Note that although the exact P/E computation methodology can vary between data providers like Russell and MSCI, we believe it is clear that valuations for global small-caps, especially in emerging markets like China, have come down considerably relative to one year ago.
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Benchmark Index | | Benchmark Index Forward P/E as of 12/31/2017 | | Benchmark Index Forward P/E as of 12/31/2018 |
Russell Micro-Cap Growth Index | | | 12.4 | | | | 10.4 | |
Russell 2000 Growth Index | | | 19.4 | | | | 16.5 | |
Russell 2000 Value Index | | | 17.9 | | | | 14.0 | |
MSCI All-Country World (ACWI) Small-Cap Index | | | 19.1 | | | | 14.5 | |
MSCI World ex-US Small-Cap Growth Index | | | 20.0 | | | | 16.1 | |
MSCI EM Small-Cap Index | | | 13.5 | | | | 9.8 | |
MSCI Zhong Hua Small-Cap Growth Index | | | 15.3 | | | | 5.1 | |
In our experience, this type of global valuation contraction, especially when associated with a sharp uptick in volatility, usually reflects a jump in investor fear. In contrast to much of the last five years, when complacency and low volatility were the norm, investor expectations became far more negative in 4Q2018, even in markets with limited evidence of an impending recession. Admittedly, trade wars and rising rates do not help economic growth. But at what
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER(unaudited) (continued)
price are such concerns overly discounted in stock prices? Have investors become worry warts unduly? While we cannot say for certain, fear and great buying opportunities are often neighbors. On average, we believe investors tend to realize above-average long-term returns when buying during periods of depressed valuations.
Valuation Recap
With respect to our growth-oriented funds, the average forward P/E ratio as of December 31, 2018 was 16.0 times for the Global Opportunities Fund (versus 18.4 last quarter), 15.8 times for the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund (versus 18.9 last quarter), 10.6 times for the Micro-Cap Fund (versus 14.9 last quarter), 18.0 times for the International Opportunities Fund (versus 20.5 last quarter), 12.9 times for the China Opportunities Fund (versus 13.5 last quarter), and 18.2 times for the Emerging Markets Fund (versus 16.8 times last quarter). Each of these funds invests in companies with expected earnings growth rates that are higher than that of the broader market, and in companies expected to grow faster than current market expectations. For the Small-Cap Value Fund, the average P/E ratio was 12.4 times (versus 13.9 last quarter).
As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average market capitalization was $3.4 billion for the Global Opportunities Fund, $2.4 billion for the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, $885 million for the Micro-Cap Fund, $2.3 billion for the Small-Cap Value Fund, $3.3 billion for the International Opportunities Fund, $2.2 billion for the Emerging Markets Fund, and $60.9 billion for the China Opportunities Fund. The China Opportunities Fund’s market cap is skewed upward due to two mega-cap holdings; its median market cap is $8.6 billion.
We appreciate your investment in The Oberweis Funds and are grateful for the trust you have shown us with your valuable investments. If you have any questions about your account, please contact shareholder services at (800) 245-7311. Thank you for investing with us in The Oberweis Funds.
Sincerely,
James W. Oberweis, CFA
President & Portfolio Manager
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)
Market Environment
Global equities returned -8.71% in 2018, as measured by the MSCI World Index. Global small-caps, as measured by the MSCI World Small-Cap Index, returned -13.86%. International small-caps underperformed versus U.S. small-caps, as evidenced by the -18.07% return on the MSCI World ex-USA Small-Cap Index. Within the United States, large-cap growth stocks outperformed small-cap growth stocks by 780 basis points, as measured by the respective returns of the Russell 1000 Growth (-1.51%) and Russell 2000 Growth (-9.31%) indices. Within domestic small-cap, growth outperformed value, with the Russell 2000 Growth Index outperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index (-12.86%) by 355 basis points for the year.
Discussion of The Oberweis Funds
The International Opportunities Fund returned -24.73% versus -17.78% for the MSCI World ex-US Small Cap Growth Index. The portfolio benefitted from stock selection in France while stock selection in Japan and Canada detracted from performance. On a sector level, the portfolio benefitted from stock selection in materials while performance was negatively impacted by stock selection in technology. At the stock level, Burford Capital (BUR LN), D A Consortium Holdings (6534 JP), and Ubisoft Entertainment (UBI FP) were among the top contributors to performance; Japan Investment Adviser (7172 JP), Keywords Studios (KWS LN), and Aurelius Equity Opportunities (AR4 GR) were among the top detractors.
The Global Opportunities Fund returned -25.66% versus -14.39% for the MSCI AWCI Small-Cap Index. At the country level, stock selection was adversely affected by the fund’s holdings in China, Japan, and the US. At the sector level, the Fund was negatively impacted by stock selection in technology, consumer discretionary, and industrials. At the stock level, Burlington Stores (BURL), LHC Group (LHCG), and Blucora (BCOR) were among the top contributors to performance; Curo Group (CURO), ams AG (AMS SW), and Open House (3288 JP) were among the top detractors.
The China Opportunities Fund returned -26.01% versus -23.26% for the MSCI Zhong Hua Small Cap Growth Index. The portfolio benefitted from favorable stock selection in industrials while performance was negatively impacted by selection in consumer discretionary and technology. At the stock level, Kingdee International Software Group (268 HK), Baozun (BZUN), and China Tower (788 HK) were among the top contributors; Tencent (700 HK), New Oriental Education & Technology (EDU), and Alibaba (BABA) were among the top detractors.
Since its inception on 5/1/2018, the Emerging Markets Fund returned -21.10% versus -18.64% for the MSCI EM Small Cap Index. At the country level, the portfolio benefitted from stock selection in China while performance was adversely affected by the fund’s holdings in Taiwan and Malaysia. At the sector level, the Fund was positively impacted by stock selection in consumer staples while performance was adversely impacted by selection in consumer discretionary and technology. At the stock level, Fila Korea (081660 KS), TCI Co (8436 TT), and IRS Brasil Resseguros (IRBR3 BS) were among the top contributors to performance; My EG Services (MYEG MK), Beauty Community (BEAUTY TB), and Ennoconn (6414 TT) were among the top detractors.
The Oberweis Micro-Cap Fund returned -12.30% versus -14.18% for the Russell Micro-Cap Growth Index and -9.31% for the Russell 2000 Growth Index. The portfolio benefitted from favorable stock selection in healthcare while performance was adversely impacted by stock selection in technology and producer durables. At the stock level, STAAR Surgical (STAA), DMC Global (BOOM), and LHC Group (LHCG) were among the top contributors to performance. Stein Mart (SMRT), Patrick Industries (PATK), and Bridgepoint Education (BPI) were among the top detractors.
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
The Small-Cap Opportunities Fund returned -7.23% versus -9.31% for the Russell 2000 Growth Index. The fund benefitted from stock selection in healthcare and consumer discretionary, while stock selection in technology and producer durables detracted from performance. STAAR Surgical (STAA), Haemonetics (HAE), and Amedisys (AMED) were among the top contributors to performance; Extreme Networks (EXTR), Mesa Air Group (MESA), and Dave & Busters (PLAY) were among the top detractors.
The Small-Cap Value Fund returned -16.58% versus -12.86% for the Russell 2000 Value Index. The fund benefitted from stock selection in consumer staples while performance was negatively impacted by adverse stock selection in producer durables. Ensign Group (ENSG), FTI Consulting (FCN), and Matson (MATX) were among the top contributors to performance; Triumph Group (TGI), TiVo (TIVO), and CNO Financial Group (CNO) were among the top detractors.
The portfolio turnover rates were 119% for the Micro-Cap Fund, 155% for the Global Opportunities Fund, 160% for the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, 54% for the Small-Cap Value Fund, 85% for the China Opportunities Fund, 145% for the International Opportunities Fund and 111% for the Emerging Markets Fund. The net expense ratios for the investor share class of the Funds were 1.55% for Micro-Cap, 1.50% for Global Opportunities, 1.55% for Small-Cap Value, 1.55% for Small-Cap Opportunities, 1.86% for China Opportunities, 1.60% for International Opportunities and 1.75% for Emerging Markets.
For current performance information, please visit www.oberweisfunds.com.
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Oberweis Micro-Cap Fund
At December 31, 2018
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Asset Allocation (%)
| |
Equities | | | 100.8 | |
Other Liabilities less Assets | | | (0.8 | ) |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Holdings (%)
| |
Vericel Corp. | | | 3.7 | |
Vicor Corp. | | | 3.2 | |
LHC Group, Inc. | | | 2.8 | |
Atricure, Inc. | | | 2.6 | |
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. | | | 2.4 | |
K12, Inc. | | | 2.3 | |
Career Education Corp. | | | 2.3 | |
DMC Global, Inc. | | | 2.3 | |
Quantenna Communications, Inc. | | | 2.2 | |
Veracyte, Inc. | | | 2.2 | |
Other Holdings | | | 74.0 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Industries (%)
| |
Education Services | | | 8.7 | |
Computer Services Software & Systems | | | 8.1 | |
Biotechnology | | | 7.3 | |
Medical Equipment | | | 5.8 | |
Medical & Dental Instruments & Supplies | | | 5.7 | |
Telecommunications Equipment | | | 5.1 | |
Communications Technology | | | 5.0 | |
Healthcare Services | | | 4.0 | |
Recreational Vehicles & Boats | | | 3.7 | |
Air Transport | | | 3.6 | |
Other Industries | | | 43.0 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
Oberweis Small-Cap Opportunities Fund
At December 31, 2018
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Asset Allocation (%)
| |
Equities | | | 100.1 | |
Other Liabilities less Assets | | | (0.1 | ) |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Holdings (%)
| |
Mellanox Technologies Ltd. | | | 4.7 | |
Green Dot Corp. | | | 2.4 | |
Trex Co., Inc. | | | 2.4 | |
Deckers Outdoor Corp. | | | 2.3 | |
SkyWest, Inc. | | | 2.1 | |
Cardtronics PLC | | | 2.0 | |
Care.com, Inc. | | | 2.0 | |
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. | | | 2.0 | |
CyberArk Software Ltd. | | | 1.9 | |
Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. | | | 1.8 | |
Other Holdings | | | 76.4 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Industries (%)
| |
Computer Services Software & Systems | | | 9.2 | |
Medical & Dental Instruments & Supplies | | | 6.6 | |
Healthcare Services | | | 5.9 | |
Diversified Manufacturing Operations | | | 5.6 | |
Semiconductors & Components | | | 5.5 | |
Medical Equipment | | | 5.3 | |
Financial Data & Systems | | | 4.5 | |
Back Office Support | | | 4.0 | |
Air Transport | | | 3.4 | |
Biotechnology | | | 3.3 | |
Other Industries | | | 46.7 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Oberweis Small-Cap Value Fund
At December 31, 2018
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Asset Allocation (%)
| |
Equities | | | 88.2
| |
REITS | | | 13.7 | |
Other Liabilities less Assets | | | (1.9 | ) |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Holdings (%)
| |
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. | | | 3.2 | |
Hersha Hospitality Trust | | | 2.8 | |
Old National Bancorp | | | 2.7 | |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 2.6 | |
Associated Banc-Corp | | | 2.5 | |
Simmons First National Corp. | | | 2.3 | |
Verint Systems, Inc. | | | 2.2 | |
Central Pacific Financial Corp. | | | 2.2 | |
MasTec, Inc. | | | 2.2 | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | | | 2.0 | |
Other Holdings | | | 75.3 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Industries (%)
| |
Banks – Diversified | | | 13.6 | |
Lodging & Resort | | | 5.8 | |
Computer Services Software & Systems | | | 5.6 | |
Specialty Retail | | | 4.8 | |
Insurance – Property-Casualty | | | 4.6 | |
Utilities – Gas Distributors | | | 3.5 | |
Engineering & Contracting Services | | | 3.4 | |
Banks-Savings/Thrifts & Mortgage Lending | | | 3.2 | |
Metal Fabricating | | | 3.0 | |
Health Care | | | 2.9 | |
Other Industries | | | 49.6 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
Oberweis Global Opportunities Fund
At December 31, 2018
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Asset Allocation (%)
| |
Equities | | | 98.2 | |
Other Assets less Liabilities | | | 1.8 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Holdings (%)
| |
DMC Global, Inc. | | | 5.4 | |
Deckers Outdoor Corp. | | | 4.3 | |
Biotelemetry, Inc. | | | 3.7 | |
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. | | | 2.7 | |
CRRC Corp. Ltd. | | | 2.5 | |
Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd. | | | 2.5 | |
Shenzhou International Group Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 2.4 | |
Mellanox Technologies Ltd. | | | 2.4 | |
Vericel Corp. | | | 2.3 | |
Vicor Corp. | | | 2.1 | |
Other Holdings | | | 69.7 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Industries (%)
| |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | | | 9.5 | |
Machinery | | | 7.9 | |
Biotechnology | | | 7.4 | |
Software | | | 7.1 | |
Semiconduct & Semi Equip | | | 6.4 | |
Health Care Provider & Services | | | 5.6 | |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies | | | 4.8 | |
Food Products | | | 4.0 | |
Energy Equipment & Services | | | 4.0 | |
IT Services | | | 4.0 | |
Other Industries | | | 39.3 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Oberweis China Opportunities Fund
At December 31, 2018
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Asset Allocation (%)
| |
Equities | | | 86.3 | |
Other Assets less Liabilities | | | 13.7 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Holdings (%)
| |
Alibaba Group Hldg. Ltd. ADS | | | 6.5 | |
Tencent Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 5.1 | |
Shenzhou International Group Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 3.8 | |
Shanghai International Airport Co. Ltd. | | | 3.0 | |
China Tower Corp. Ltd. | | | 2.8 | |
Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd. | | | 2.6 | |
Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd. | | | 2.5 | |
CSPC Pharmaceuticals Group Ltd. | | | 2.4 | |
China Resources Power Hldgs. Co. Ltd. | | | 2.4 | |
Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd. | | | 2.4 | |
Other Holdings | | | 66.5 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
 | |  |
Top Industries (%)
| |
Internet Software & Services | | | 16.8 | |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | | | 8.2 | |
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders | | | 5.8 | |
Real Estate Management & Development | | | 5.2 | |
Diversified Consumer Services | | | 5.2 | |
Biotechnology | | | 5.1 | |
Beverages | | | 3.9 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | | | 3.3 | |
Transportation Infrastructure | | | 3.0 | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services | | | 2.8 | |
Other Industries | | | 40.7 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
Oberweis International Opportunities Fund
At December 31, 2018
 | |  |
Asset Allocation (%)
| |
Equities | | | 100.9 | |
Other Liabilities less Assets | | | (0.9 | ) |
| | | 100.0 | |
 | |  |
Top Holdings (%)
| |
Burford Capital Ltd. | | | 4.2 | |
Evolution Mining Ltd. | | | 3.3 | |
Teleperformance SE | | | 3.2 | |
Intermediate Capital Group PLC | | | 2.6 | |
ASR Nederland NV | | | 2.5 | |
Parkland Fuel Corp. | | | 2.3 | |
Fancl Corp. | | | 2.3 | |
Systena Corp. | | | 2.2 | |
Afterpay Touch Group Ltd. | | | 2.0 | |
Evolution Gaming Group AB | | | 2.0 | |
Other Holdings | | | 73.4 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
 | |  |
Top Industries (%)
| |
Software | | | 12.7 | |
Capital Markets | | | 8.3 | |
IT Services | | | 7.9 | |
Professional Services | | | 7.5 | |
Food Products | | | 4.5 | |
Oil, Gas & consumable Fuels | | | 4.2 | |
Commercial Services & Supply | | | 4.2 | |
Metals & Mining | | | 4.0 | |
Machinery | | | 3.9 | |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | | | 3.1 | |
Other Industries | | | 39.7 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Oberweis Emerging Markets Fund
At December 31, 2018
 | |  |
Asset Allocation (%)
| |
Equities | | | 99.8 | |
Other Assets less Liabilities | | | 0.2 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
 | |  |
Top Holdings (%)
| |
Tci Co. Ltd. | | | 2.3 | |
PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk | | | 2.2 | |
PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk | | | 2.2 | |
Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd. | | | 2.2 | |
Cj Logistics Corp. | | | 2.2 | |
Douzon Bizon Co. Ltd. | | | 2.2 | |
Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd. | | | 2.2 | |
Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co. Ltd. | | | 2.2 | |
PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk | | | 2.2 | |
Nissin Foods Co. Ltd. | | | 2.1 | |
Other Holdings | | | 78.0 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
 | |  |
Top Industries (%)
| |
Food Products | | | 8.2 | |
Machinery | | | 6.8 | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | | | 5.7 | |
Pharmaceuticals | | | 5.6 | |
Personal Products | | | 5.5 | |
Semiconduct & Semi Equip | | | 4.9 | |
Software | | | 4.4 | |
Food & Staples Retailing | | | 4.2 | |
Information Technology Services | | | 3.9 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | | | 3.5 | |
Other Industries | | | 47.3 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns1(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2018)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment (from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2018)
1 Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month by visiting oberweisfunds.com. Returns are historical and include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Oberweis Funds invest in rapidly growing smaller and medium sized companies, which may offer greater return potential. However, these investments often involve greater risks and volatility. There is no guarantee that the portfolios can achieve their objectives.
The Russell 2000 Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted earnings growth rates. The Russell Microcap Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell microcap companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Microcap Growth Index is represented by the smallest 1,000 securities in the small cap Russell 2000 Index plus the next 1,000 securities. The Russell indices are unmanaged and are not available for investment.
2 Since Inception returns are from commencement of operations on 01/01/96 for the Fund.
3Expense ratio is the total annual net fund operating expense ratio as of 12/31/18. The expense ratio gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursement was 1.57% and 1.33% for the Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.
4The Institutional share class (OMCIX) began on May 1, 2017, returns for prior periods represent synthetic returns.
5The Russell Microcap Growth Index began on July 3, 2000, and the line graph for the Index begins at the same value as the Fund on that date.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns1(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2018)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment (from September 15, 1996 to December 31, 2018)
1Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month by visiting oberweisfunds.com. Returns are historical and include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Oberweis Funds invest in rapidly growing smaller and medium sized companies, which may offer greater return potential. However, these investments often involve greater risks and volatility. There is no guarantee that the portfolios can achieve their objectives.
The Russell 2000 Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted earnings growth rates. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of 2000 companies with small-market capitalizations. The Russell indices are unmanaged and are not available for investment.
2 Since Inception returns are from commencement of operations on 09/15/96 for the Fund.
3Expense ratio is the total annual net fund operating expense ratio as of 12/31/18. The expense ratio gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursement was 2.13% and 1.88% for the Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.
4The Institutional share class (OBSIX) began on May 1, 2017, returns for prior periods represent synthetic returns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns1(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2018)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment (from September 30, 2010 to December 31, 2018)
1 Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month by visiting oberweisfunds.com. Returns are historical and include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Oberweis Funds invest in rapidly growing smaller and medium sized companies, which may offer greater return potential. However, these investments often involve greater risks and volatility. There is no guarantee that the portfolios can achieve their objectives.
The Russell 2000 Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of value oriented stocks of U.S. domiciled companies that are included in the Russell 2000 index. Value-oriented stocks tend to have lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell indices are unmanaged and are not available for investment.
2 Since Inception returns are from commencement of operations on 9/30/10 for the Fund.
3Expense ratio is the total annual net fund operating expense ratio as of 12/31/18. The expense ratio gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursement was 1.29% and 1.57% for Institutional and Investor Class, respectively.
4The Investor Class (OBIVX) began on May 1, 2018, returns of prior periods represent synthetic returns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns1(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2018)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment (from January 7, 1987 to December 31, 2018)
1 Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month by visiting oberweisfunds.com. Returns are historical and include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Oberweis Funds invest in rapidly growing smaller and medium sized companies, which may offer greater return potential. However, these investments often involve greater risks and volatility. There is no guarantee that the portfolios can achieve their objectives.
The MSCI ACWI Small-Cap Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of small cap developed and emerging markets with dividends reinvested net of withholding tax. A sales load of 4% was charged on the Oberweis Global Opportunities Fund until 12/31/91 and is not reflected in the total return figures or graph above.
2 Since Inception returns are from commencement of operations on 01/07/87 for the Fund.
3Expense ratio is the total annual net fund operating expense ratio as of 12/31/18. The expense ratio gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursement was 1.52% and 1.28% for Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.
4The Institutional share class (OBGIX) began on May 1, 2017, returns for prior periods represent synthetic returns.
5The MSCI ACWI Small-Cap Index began on May 31, 1994, and the line graph for the index begins at the same value as the Fund on that date.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns1(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2018)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment (from October 1, 2005 to December 31, 2018)
1Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month by visiting oberweisfunds.com. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Oberweis Funds invest in rapidly growing smaller and medium sized companies, which may offer greater return potential. However, these investments often involve greater risks and volatility. Foreign and emerging market investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and less public disclosure, as well as economic and political risk. There is no guarantee that the portfolios can achieve their objectives.
The MSCI China Small Cap Growth Index is a free float adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the small cap growth equity market performance in China excluding A share classes, with minimum dividends reinvested net of withholding tax.
The MSCI Zhong Hua Small Cap Growth Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the performance of small cap stocks in the developed markets and emerging markets of China and Hong Kong excluding China A shares, with minimum dividends reinvested net of withholding tax.
The MSCI China Net Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted Index of Chinese equities that include China-affiliated corporations and H shares listed on the Hong Kong Exchange, and B shares listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges and P chips and foreign listings with minimum dividends reinvested net of withholding tax.
2 Since Inception returns are from commencement of operations on 10/01/05 for the Fund.
3Expense ratio is the total annual net fund operating expense ratio as of 12/31/18. The expense ratio gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursement was 1.91% and 1.65% for Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.
4The Institutional share class (OCHIX) began on May 1, 2017, returns for prior periods represent synthetic returns.
5The MSCI Zhong Hua Small Cap Growth Index began on May 31, 2007, and the line graph for the Index begins at the same value as the Fund on that date.
6The MSCI China Net Index is replacing the MSCI China Small Cap Growth Index and the MSCI Zhang Hua Small Cap Growth Index. OAM believes the MSCI China Net Index is a more appropriate benchmark index given the China Opportunities Fund’s investment strategy of investing in China and Hong Kong.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns1(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2018)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment (from February 1, 2007 to December 31, 2018)
1Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month by visiting oberweisfunds.com. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Oberweis Funds invest in rapidly growing smaller and medium sized companies, which may offer greater return potential. However, these investments often involve greater risks and volatility. Foreign and emerging market investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and less public disclosure, as well as economic and political risk. There is no guarantee that the portfolios can achieve their objectives.
The MSCI World ex-US Small Cap Growth Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of small cap growth developed and emerging markets excluding the U.S., with minimum dividends reinvested net of withholding tax.
2 Since Inception returns are from commencement of operations on 02/01/07 for the Fund.
3Expense ratio is the total annual net fund operating expense ratio as of 12/31/18. The expense ratio gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursement was 1.77%.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns1(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2018)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment (from May 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018)
1 Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month by visiting oberweisfunds.com. Returns are historical and include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Oberweis Funds invest in rapidly growing smaller and medium sized companies, which may offer greater return potential. However, these investments often involve greater risks and volatility. There is no guarantee that the portfolios can achieve their objectives.
The MSCI EM Small-Cap Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of Small-Cap stocks in 24 emerging markets.
2 Since Inception returns are from commencement of operations on 05/01/2018 for the Fund.
3Expense ratio is the total annual net fund operating expense ratio as of 12/31/18. The expense ratio gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursement was 3.99% and 3.74% for Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
 | |  | |  |
| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Equities – 100.8%
| | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE – 0.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Ducommun, Inc.* | | | 13,800 | | | $ | 501,216 | |
AIR TRANSPORT – 3.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Mesa Air Group, Inc.* | | | 168,800 | | | | 1,301,448 | |
SkyWest, Inc. | | | 25,400 | | | | 1,129,538 | |
| | | | | | | 2,430,986 | |
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY – 2.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Ameresco, Inc.* | | | 99,908 | | | | 1,408,703 | |
BANKS – DIVERSIFIED – 2.1%
| | | | | | | | |
CenterState Bank Corp. | | | 18,000 | | | | 378,720 | |
Enterprise Financial Services Corp. | | | 15,300 | | | | 575,739 | |
Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. | | | 36,800 | | | | 486,496 | |
| | | | | | | 1,440,955 | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY – 7.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 9,100 | | | | 354,445 | |
Champions Oncology, Inc.* | | | 37,233 | | | | 290,790 | |
Veracyte, Inc.* | | | 119,200 | | | | 1,499,536 | |
Vericel Corp.* | | | 144,900 | | | | 2,521,260 | |
Xencor, Inc.* | | | 8,100 | | | | 292,896 | |
| | | | | | | 4,958,927 | |
BUILDING MATERIALS – 1.4%
| | | | | | | | |
PGT Innovations, Inc.* | | | 59,800 | | | | 947,830 | |
CASINOS & GAMBLING – 2.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Eldorado Resorts, Inc.* | | | 36,500 | | | | 1,321,665 | |
COMMERCIAL FINANCE & MORTGAGE CO. – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
On Deck Capital, Inc.* | | | 91,000 | | | | 536,900 | |
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY – 5.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. | | | 61,100 | | | | 1,487,174 | |
Quantenna Communications, Inc.* | | | 104,800 | | | | 1,503,880 | |
Ribbon Communications, Inc.* | | | 85,300 | | | | 411,146 | |
| | | | | | | 3,402,200 | |
COMPUTER SERVICES SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS – 8.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Blucora, Inc.* | | | 38,200 | | | | 1,017,648 | |
Carbonite, Inc.* | | | 45,700 | | | | 1,154,382 | |
MobileIron, Inc.* | | | 260,900 | | | | 1,197,531 | |
OneSpan, Inc.* | | | 67,500 | | | | 874,125 | |
Upland Software, Inc.* | | | 45,800 | | | | 1,244,844 | |
| | | | | | | 5,488,530 | |
CONSUMER SERVICES – MISCELLANEOUS – 1.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Care.com, Inc.* | | | 45,100 | | | | 870,881 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS MICRO-CAP FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
 | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  |
| | SHARES | | VALUE |
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS – 3.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Bandwidth, Inc.* | | | 34,500 | | | $ | 1,405,875 | |
Harsco Corp.* | | | 34,700 | | | | 689,142 | |
| | | | | | | 2,095,017 | |
DIVERSIFIED MATERIALS & PROCESSING – 0.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Synalloy Corp. | | | 35,000 | | | | 580,650 | |
EDUCATION SERVICES – 8.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Bridgepoint Education, Inc.* | | | 200,000 | | | | 1,402,000 | |
Career Education Corp.* | | | 137,359 | | | | 1,568,640 | |
K12, Inc.* | | | 63,468 | | | | 1,573,372 | |
Rosetta Stone, Inc.* | | | 82,700 | | | | 1,356,280 | |
| | | | | | | 5,900,292 | |
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS – 1.3%
| | | | | | | | |
KEMET Corp. | | | 50,900 | | | | 892,786 | |
FINANCIAL DATA & SYSTEMS – 1.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Cardtronics PLC.* | | | 40,000 | | | | 1,040,000 | |
HEALTHCARE SERVICES – 4.0%
| | | | | | | | |
LHC Group, Inc.* | | | 19,960 | | | | 1,873,845 | |
NextGen Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 56,500 | | | | 855,975 | |
| | | | | | | 2,729,820 | |
INSURANCE: MULTI-LINE – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
eHealth, Inc.* | | | 20,000 | | | | 768,400 | |
LEISURE TIME – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Clarus Corp.* | | | 70,500 | | | | 713,460 | |
LUXURY ITEMS – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Movado Group, Inc. | | | 17,400 | | | | 550,188 | |
MACHINERY – INDUSTRIAL – 1.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Columbus McKinnon Corp. | | | 16,500 | | | | 497,310 | |
Twin Disc, Inc.* | | | 46,500 | | | | 685,875 | |
| | | | | | | 1,183,185 | |
MACHINERY – SPECIALTY – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Hurco Cos., Inc. | | | 22,000 | | | | 785,400 | |
MANUFACTURED HOUSING – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Skyline Corp. | | | 51,703 | | | | 759,517 | |
MEDICAL & DENTAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES – 5.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Atricure, Inc.* | | | 57,600 | | | | 1,762,560 | |
CryoLife, Inc.* | | | 36,044 | | | | 1,022,929 | |
Staar Surgical Co.* | | | 34,300 | | | | 1,094,513 | |
| | | | | | | 3,880,002 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS MICRO-CAP FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT – 5.8%
| | | | | | | | |
CareDx, Inc.* | | | 52,300 | | | $ | 1,314,822 | |
Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.* | | | 21,400 | | | | 974,770 | |
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.* | | | 42,600 | | | | 1,617,522 | |
| | | | | | | 3,907,114 | |
MEDICAL SERVICES – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
NeoGenomics, Inc.* | | | 64,700 | | | | 815,867 | |
METAL FABRICATING – 3.2%
| | | | | | | | |
DMC Global, Inc. | | | 43,300 | | | | 1,520,696 | |
Northwest Pipe Co.* | | | 27,300 | | | | 635,817 | |
| | | | | | | 2,156,513 | |
OIL WELL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES – 1.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. | | | 88,800 | | | | 1,073,592 | |
POWER TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT – 3.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Vicor Corp.* | | | 56,530 | | | | 2,136,269 | |
PRODUCER DURABLES – MISCELLANEOUS – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Park-Ohio Hldgs. Corp. | | | 18,200 | | | | 558,558 | |
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES & BOATS – 3.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Malibu Boats, Inc.* | | | 36,778 | | | | 1,279,874 | |
MasterCraft Boat Hldgs., Inc.* | | | 65,900 | | | | 1,232,330 | |
| | | | | | | 2,512,204 | |
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS – ELECTRICAL – 1.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Allied Motion Technologies, Inc. | | | 20,100 | | | | 898,269 | |
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS – GAUGES & METERS – 1.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Vishay Precision Group, Inc.* | | | 41,700 | | | | 1,260,591 | |
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS – POLLUTION CONTROL – 0.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.* | | | 21,101 | | | | 485,534 | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & COMPONENTS – 2.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Camtek Ltd. | | | 100,800 | | | | 682,416 | |
Pixelworks, Inc.* | | | 252,600 | | | | 732,540 | |
| | | | | | | 1,414,956 | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL – 2.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Citi Trends, Inc. | | | 39,300 | | | | 801,327 | |
Stein Mart, Inc.* | | | 500,000 | | | | 535,000 | |
| | | | | | | 1,336,327 | |
STEEL – 0.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.* | | | 25,200 | | | | 408,492 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS MICRO-CAP FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT – 5.1%
| | | | | | | | |
AudioCodes Ltd.* | | | 79,800 | | | $ | 788,424 | |
Knowles Corp.* | | | 97,800 | | | | 1,301,718 | |
Vocera Communications, Inc.* | | | 33,314 | | | | 1,310,906 | |
| | | | | | | 3,401,048 | |
TOBACCO – 0.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Pyxus International, Inc.* | | | 44,700 | | | | 530,140 | |
Total Equities
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $69,950,276) | | | | | | $ | 68,082,984 | |
Total Investments – 100.8%
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $69,950,276) | | | | | | $ | 68,082,984 | |
Other Liabilities Less Assets – (0.8%) | | | | | | | (543,493 | ) |
Net Assets – 100%
| | | | | | $ | 67,539,491 | |
Cost of investments is $70,012,469 for federal income tax purposes and net unrealized depreciation consists of:
* Non-income producing security during the year ended December 31, 2018
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Equities – 100.1%
| | | | | | | | |
AIR TRANSPORT – 3.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Mesa Air Group, Inc.* | | | 16,600 | | | $ | 127,986 | |
SkyWest, Inc. | | | 4,600 | | | | 204,562 | |
| | | | | | | 332,548 | |
BACK OFFICE SUPPORT – 4.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.* | | | 2,100 | | | | 107,751 | |
Insperity, Inc. | | | 1,600 | | | | 149,376 | |
Trinet Group, Inc.* | | | 3,300 | | | | 138,435 | |
| | | | | | | 395,562 | |
BANKS – DIVERSIFIED – 3.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Banner Corp.* | | | 1,800 | | | | 96,264 | |
Enterprise Financial Services Corp. | | | 1,800 | | | | 67,734 | |
First Merchants Corp. | | | 1,600 | | | | 54,832 | |
Peoples Bancorp, Inc. | | | 3,000 | | | | 90,300 | |
| | | | | | | 309,130 | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY – 3.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Fibrogen, Inc.* | | | 800 | | | | 37,024 | |
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 800 | | | | 108,560 | |
Vericel Corp.* | | | 10,100 | | | | 175,740 | |
| | | | | | | 321,324 | |
BUILDING – CLIMATE CONTROL – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. | | | 1,900 | | | | 82,992 | |
BUILDING MATERIALS – 2.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Trex Co., Inc.* | | | 3,900 | | | | 231,504 | |
CHEMICALS-DIVERSIFIED – 1.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Ingevity Corp.* | | | 1,800 | | | | 150,642 | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES – RENTAL & LEASING – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
McGrath RentCorp | | | 1,900 | | | | 97,812 | |
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & PARTS – 1.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 2,200 | | | | 134,882 | |
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY – 1.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. | | | 5,700 | | | | 138,738 | |
COMPUTER SERVICES SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS – 9.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Blucora, Inc.* | | | 3,300 | | | | 87,912 | |
Carbonite, Inc.* | | | 3,100 | | | | 78,306 | |
Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.* | | | 3,600 | | | | 181,548 | |
CyberArk Software Ltd.* | | | 2,500 | | | | 185,350 | |
Envestnet, Inc.* | | | 2,700 | | | | 132,813 | |
SPS Commerce, Inc.* | | | 1,200 | | | | 98,856 | |
Upland Software, Inc.* | | | 5,100 | | | | 138,618 | |
| | | | | | | 903,403 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
CONSTRUCTION – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
EMCOR Group, Inc.* | | | 1,300 | | | $ | 77,597 | |
CONSUMER LENDING – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Enova International, Inc.* | | | 5,900 | | | | 114,814 | |
CONSUMER SERVICES – MISCELLANEOUS – 2.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Care.com, Inc.* | | | 10,300 | | | | 198,893 | |
DIVERSIFIED MATERIALS & PROCESSING – 1.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Cabot Microelectronics Corp. | | | 1,600 | | | | 152,560 | |
DIVERSIFIED METALS & MINERALS – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Materion Corp. | | | 2,100 | | | | 94,479 | |
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS – 5.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Bandwidth, Inc.* | | | 4,400 | | | | 179,300 | |
Canada Goose Hldgs., Inc.* | | | 3,600 | | | | 157,392 | |
Harsco Corp.* | | | 6,200 | | | | 123,132 | |
ITT, Inc. | | | 1,900 | | | | 91,713 | |
| | | | | | | 551,537 | |
DIVERSIFIED RETAIL – 1.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Etsy, Inc.* | | | 2,700 | | | | 128,439 | |
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Hldgs., Inc.* | | | 900 | | | | 59,859 | |
| | | | | | | 188,298 | |
EDUCATION SERVICES – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Career Education Corp.* | | | 9,403 | | | | 107,382 | |
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
KEMET Corp. | | | 4,400 | | | | 77,176 | |
ENVIRONMENTAL, MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY SERVICES – 0.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Brink’s Co. | | | 550 | | | | 35,558 | |
FINANCIAL DATA & SYSTEMS – 4.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Cardtronics PLC* | | | 7,700 | | | | 200,200 | |
Green Dot Corp.* | | | 3,000 | | | | 238,560 | |
| | | | | | | 438,760 | |
HEALTHCARE SERVICES – 5.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Amedisys, Inc.* | | | 700 | | | | 81,977 | |
BioTelemetry, Inc.* | | | 2,800 | | | | 167,216 | |
HMS Hldgs. Corp.* | | | 5,600 | | | | 157,528 | |
LHC Group, Inc.* | | | 1,800 | | | | 168,984 | |
| | | | | | | 575,705 | |
HOTEL/MOTEL – 0.9%
| | | | | | | | |
The Marcus Corp. | | | 2,300 | | | | 90,850 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
INSURANCE – MULTI-LINE – 0.9%
| | | | | | | | |
National General Hldgs. Corp. | | | 3,800 | | | $ | 91,998 | |
INSURANCE – PROPERTY CASUALTY – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
NMI Hldgs., Inc.* | | | 5,300 | | | | 94,605 | |
INTERNATIONAL TRADE & DIVERSIFIED LOGISTICS – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Systemax, Inc. | | | 3,100 | | | | 74,059 | |
MANUFACTURED HOUSING – 2.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Cavco Industries, Inc.* | | | 1,140 | | | | 148,633 | |
Skyline Champion Corp.* | | | 6,500 | | | | 95,485 | |
| | | | | | | 244,118 | |
MEDICAL & DENTAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES – 6.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Atricure, Inc.* | | | 5,400 | | | | 165,240 | |
CryoLife, Inc.* | | | 5,000 | | | | 141,900 | |
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.* | | | 1,000 | | | | 55,810 | |
Staar Surgical Co.* | | | 3,900 | | | | 124,449 | |
Wright Medical Group N.V.* | | | 5,800 | | | | 157,876 | |
| | | | | | | 645,275 | |
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT – 5.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Haemonetics Corp.* | | | 700 | | | | 70,035 | |
iRhythm Technologies, Inc.* | | | 2,000 | | | | 138,960 | |
Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.* | | | 2,500 | | | | 113,875 | |
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.* | | | 5,100 | | | | 193,647 | |
| | | | | | | 516,517 | |
METAL FABRICATING – 1.7%
| | | | | | | | |
DMC Global, Inc. | | | 4,901 | | | | 172,123 | |
PHARMACEUTICALS – 1.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 3,300 | | | | 141,966 | |
POWER TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT – 1.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Vicor Corp.* | | | 4,100 | | | | 154,939 | |
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Novanta, Inc.* | | | 1,600 | | | | 100,800 | |
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES & BOATS – 1.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Malibu Boats, Inc.* | | | 4,500 | | | | 156,600 | |
RESTAURANTS – 1.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. | | | 3,300 | | | | 147,048 | |
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS – CONTROL & FILTER – 0.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Control4 Corp.* | | | 3,800 | | | | 66,880 | |
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS – POLLUTION CONTROL – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Clean Harbors, Inc.* | | | 1,900 | | | | 93,765 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
SEMICONDUCTORS & COMPONENTS – 5.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Mellanox Technologies Ltd.* | | | 5,000 | | | $ | 461,900 | |
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. | | | 700 | | | | 81,375 | |
| | | | | | | 543,275 | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL – 2.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Burlington Stores, Inc.* | | | 800 | | | | 130,136 | |
Five Below, Inc.* | | | 900 | | | | 92,088 | |
| | | | | | | 222,224 | |
TECHNOLOGY – MISCELLANEOUS – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Sanmina Corp.* | | | 3,900 | | | | 93,834 | |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT – 1.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Knowles Corp.* | | | 13,500 | | | | 179,685 | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & SHOES – 2.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Deckers Outdoor Corp.* | | | 1,800 | | | | 230,310 | |
UTILITIES – TELECOMMUNICATIONS – 0.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Vonage Hldgs. Corp.* | | | 8,400 | | | | 73,332 | |
Total Equities (Cost: $10,059,995) | | | | | | $ | 9,845,499 | |
Total Investments – 100.1%
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $10,059,995) | | | | | | $ | 9,845,499 | |
Other Liabilities Less Assets – (0.1%) | | | | | | | (8,024 | ) |
Net Assets – 100% | | | | | | $ | 9,837,475 | |
Cost of investments is $10,095,461 for federal income tax purposes and net unrealized depreciation consists of:
* Non-income producing security during the year ended December 31, 2018
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Equities – 88.2%
| | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE – 1.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Triumph Group, Inc. | | | 35,320 | | | $ | 406,180 | |
AIR TRANSPORT – 1.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Hawaiian Hldgs., Inc. | | | 13,200 | | | | 348,612 | |
Spirit Airlines, Inc.* | | | 2,300 | | | | 133,216 | |
| | | | | | | 481,828 | |
ALUMINUM – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Kaiser Aluminum Corp. | | | 2,380 | | | | 212,510 | |
AUTO PARTS – 2.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Dana, Inc. | | | 10,700 | | | | 145,841 | |
Tenneco, Inc. | | | 8,400 | | | | 230,076 | |
Tower International, Inc. | | | 11,890 | | | | 282,982 | |
| | | | | | | 658,899 | |
BACK OFFICE SUPPORT – 0.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Korn/Ferry International | | | 3,760 | | | | 148,670 | |
BANKS – DIVERSIFIED – 13.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Associated Banc-Corp | | | 34,540 | | | | 683,547 | |
Central Pacific Financial Corp. | | | 24,180 | | | | 588,783 | |
First Commonwealth Financial Corp. | | | 31,800 | | | | 384,144 | |
Hancock Whitney Corp. | | | 11,175 | | | | 387,214 | |
Hope Bancorp, Inc.* | | | 25,500 | | | | 302,430 | |
Old National Bancorp | | | 47,100 | | | | 725,340 | |
Simmons First National Corp. | | | 25,768 | | | | 621,782 | |
| | | | | | | 3,693,240 | |
BANKS-SAVINGS/THRIFTS & MORTGAGE LENDING – 3.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Flushing Financial Corp. | | | 14,700 | | | | 316,491 | |
Oritani Financial Corp. | | | 36,500 | | | | 538,375 | |
| | | | | | | 854,866 | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY – 0.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Myriad Genetics, Inc.* | | | 5,130 | | | | 149,129 | |
CHEMICALS – DIVERSIFIED – 0.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 7,800 | | | | 150,462 | |
COMMERCIAL FINANCE & MORTGAGE – 0.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Walker & Dunlop, Inc. | | | 2,166 | | | | 93,680 | |
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & PARTS – 2.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 7,710 | | | | 472,700 | |
Wabash National Corp. | | | 13,900 | | | | 181,812 | |
| | | | | | | 654,512 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY – 1.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Netgear, Inc.* | | | 7,100 | | | $ | 369,413 | |
Plantronics, Inc.* | | | 1,600 | | | | 52,960 | |
| | | | | | | 422,373 | |
COMPUTER SERVICES SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS – 5.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Caci International, Inc.* | | | 1,800 | | | | 259,254 | |
SYNNEX Corp.* | | | 1,700 | | | | 137,428 | |
Tivo Corp. | | | 54,961 | | | | 517,183 | |
Verint Systems, Inc.* | | | 14,280 | | | | 604,187 | |
| | | | | | | 1,518,052 | |
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY – 1.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Synaptics, Inc.* | | | 9,300 | | | | 346,053 | |
CONSUMER SERVICES MISCELLANEOUS – 0.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Cars.com, Inc.* | | | 7,300 | | | | 156,950 | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING – 0.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Bemis Co., Inc. | | | 2,130 | | | | 97,767 | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Stifel Financial Corp. | | | 5,150 | | | | 213,313 | |
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS – 0.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Federal Signal Corp. | | | 6,780 | | | | 134,922 | |
DIVERSIFIED RETAIL – 0.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Big Lots, Inc. | | | 4,500 | | | | 130,140 | |
DRUG & GROCERY STORE CHAINS – 1.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Spartannash Co. | | | 14,423 | | | | 247,787 | |
Weis Markets, Inc. | | | 2,560 | | | | 122,317 | |
| | | | | | | 370,104 | |
ENGINEERING & CONTRACTING SERVICES – 3.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Mas tec, Inc.* | | | 14,400 | | | | 584,064 | |
Tetra Tech, Inc. | | | 6,480 | | | | 335,470 | |
| | | | | | | 919,534 | |
ENTERTAINMENT – 0.9%
| | | | | | | | |
AMC Entertainment Hldgs., Inc. | | | 20,100 | | | | 246,828 | |
FINANCIAL DATA & SYSTEMS – 0.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Corelogic, Inc.* | | | 6,900 | | | | 230,598 | |
FOODS – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
B&G Foods, Inc. | | | 9,900 | | | | 286,209 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
HEALTHCARE SERVICES – 1.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Ensign Group, Inc. | | | 9,240 | | | $ | 358,420 | |
MEDNAX, Inc.* | | | 4,800 | | | | 158,400 | |
| | | | | | | 516,820 | |
INSURANCE – LIFE – 1.6%
| | | | | | | | |
CNO Financial Group, Inc. | | | 28,830 | | | | 428,990 | |
INSURANCE – PROPERTY-CASUALTY – 4.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Heritage Insurance Hldgs., Inc. | | | 22,193 | | | | 326,681 | |
Proassurance Corp. | | | 12,968 | | | | 525,982 | |
Radian Group, Inc. | | | 23,700 | | | | 387,732 | |
| | | | | | | 1,240,395 | |
MACHINERY – AGRICULTURAL – 1.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Agco Corp. | | | 8,250 | | | | 459,278 | |
MACHINERY – CONSTRUCTION & HANDLING – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. | | | 4,900 | | | | 303,604 | |
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT – 1.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Bruker Corp. | | | 13,560 | | | | 403,681 | |
METAL FABRICATING – 3.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Timken Co. | | | 11,200 | | | | 417,984 | |
Worthington Industries, Inc. | | | 11,500 | | | | 400,660 | |
| | | | | | | 818,644 | |
METALS & MINERALS – DIVERSIFIED – 0.3%
| | | | | | | | |
U.S. Silica Hldgs. Inc. | | | 8,456 | | | | 86,082 | |
OIL CRUDE PRODUCER – 2.7%
| | | | | | | | |
CNX Resources Corp.* | | | 30,067 | | | | 343,365 | |
Gulfport Energy Corp.* | | | 40,900 | | | | 267,895 | |
W&T Offshore, Inc.* | | | 32,600 | | | | 134,312 | |
| | | | | | | 745,572 | |
OIL WELL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES – 0.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Oil States International, Inc.* | | | 11,045 | | | | 157,723 | |
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES & BOATS – 0.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Winnebago Industries, Inc.* | | | 5,100 | | | | 123,471 | |
RESTAURANTS – 1.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Cheesecake Factory, Inc. | | | 8,060 | | | | 350,691 | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & COMPONENTS – 2.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | | | 30,600 | | | | 551,106 | |
SHIPPING – 1.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Matson, Inc. | | | 11,780 | | | | 377,196 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
SPECIALTY RETAIL – 4.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Murphy USA, Inc.* | | | 3,810 | | | $ | 291,998 | |
Penske Automotive Group, Inc. | | | 3,490 | | | | 140,717 | |
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. | | | 17,020 | | | | 858,659 | |
| | | | | | | 1,291,374 | |
STEEL – 1.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Carpenter Technology Corp. | | | 10,250 | | | | 365,003 | |
TECHNOLOGY – MISCELLANEOUS – 2.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Benchmark Electronics, Inc. | | | 17,900 | | | | 379,122 | |
Plexus Corp.* | | | 4,300 | | | | 219,644 | |
| | | | | | | 598,766 | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & SHOES – 2.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | | | 16,950 | | | | 540,536 | |
UTILITIES – ELECTRIAL – 2.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Portland General Electric Co. | | | 15,400 | | | | 706,090 | |
UTILITIES – GAS DISTRIBUTORS – 3.5%
| | | | | | | | |
New Jersey Resources Corp. | | | 10,500 | | | | 479,535 | |
Southwest Gas Hldgs., Inc. | | | 6,450 | | | | 493,425 | |
| | | | | | | 972,960 | |
UTILITIES – WATER – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
American States Water Co. | | | 4,150 | | | | 278,216 | |
Total Equities
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $25,887,683) | | | | | | $ | 23,893,017 | |
Real Estate Investment Trusts – 13.7%
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE – 2.9%
| | | | | | | | |
National Health Investors, Inc. | | | 3,365 | | | | 254,192 | |
Physicians Realty Trust | | | 33,281 | | | | 533,494 | |
| | | | | | | 787,686 | |
LODGING & RESORT – 5.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Hersha Hospitality Trust | | | 44,005 | | | | 771,848 | |
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. | | | 7,005 | | | | 467,163 | |
Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 20,200 | | | | 347,440 | |
| | | | | | | 1,586,451 | |
OFFICE – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Cousins Properties, Inc. | | | 35,265 | | | | 278,594 | |
OTHER SPECIALTY – 0.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Geo Group, Inc. | | | 8,200 | | | | 161,540 | |
RESIDENTIAL – 0.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Dynex Capital, Inc. | | | 31,745 | | | | 181,580 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND (continued)
Schedule of InvestmentsDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
RETAIL – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. | | | 16,400 | | | $ | 331,607 | |
STORAGE – 1.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Life Storage, Inc. | | | 4,515 | | | | 419,849 | |
Total Real Estate Investment Trusts (Cost: $3,863,914) | | | | | | $ | 3,747,307 | |
Total Investments – 101.9% (Cost: $29,751,597) | | | | | | $ | 27,640,324 | |
Other Liabilities Less Assets – (1.9%) | | | | | | | (518,854 | ) |
Net Assets – 100% | | | | | | $ | 27,121,470 | |
Cost of Investments is $29,828,529 for federal income tax purposes and net unrealized depreciation consists of:
* Non-income producing security during the year ended December 31, 2018
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Schedule Of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Equities – 98.2%
| | | | | | | | |
AUSTRALIA – 1.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Afterpay Touch Group Ltd.* | | | 55,300 | | | $ | 483,702 | |
CANADA – 2.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Canada Goose Hldgs., Inc.* | | | 9,400 | | | | 410,968 | |
TFI International, Inc. | | | 13,200 | | | | 341,313 | |
| | | | | | | 752,281 | |
CHINA – 14.2%
| | | | | | | | |
58.com, Inc.* | | | 7,600 | | | | 411,996 | |
Anton Oilfied Services Group* | | | 5,992,000 | | | | 597,096 | |
Baozun, Inc.* | | | 13,400 | | | | 391,414 | |
Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd.* | | | 166,000 | | | | 936,449 | |
CRRC Corp. Ltd.* | | | 980,000 | | | | 955,746 | |
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.* | | | 410,000 | | | | 588,545 | |
Health & Happiness International Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 100,000 | | | | 573,491 | |
Shenzhou International Group Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 80,000 | | | | 909,268 | |
| | | | | | | 5,364,005 | |
DENMARK – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
SimCorp A/S* | | | 6,500 | | | | 445,778 | |
FRANCE – 3.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Edenred* | | | 13,500 | | | | 497,186 | |
Teleperformance SE* | | | 4,500 | | | | 719,857 | |
| | | | | | | 1,217,043 | |
GERMANY – 4.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Aixtron SE* | | | 40,000 | | | | 387,764 | |
Puma SE* | | | 1,300 | | | | 635,999 | |
S&T AG | | | 26,000 | | | | 470,592 | |
| | | | | | | 1,494,355 | |
HONG KONG – 1.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Nissin Foods Co. Ltd. | | | 1,109,000 | | | | 509,215 | |
ISRAEL – 3.7%
| | | | | | | | |
CyberArk Software Ltd.* | | | 6,400 | | | | 474,496 | |
Mellanox Technologies Ltd.* | | | 9,800 | | | | 905,324 | |
| | | | | | | 1,379,820 | |
JAPAN – 5.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Fancl Corp. | | | 22,000 | | | | 561,292 | |
Net One Systems Co. Ltd. | | | 28,000 | | | | 493,891 | |
Outsourcing, Inc. | | | 40,000 | | | | 382,569 | |
Systena Corp.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 576,382 | |
| | | | | | | 2,014,134 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule Of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
NETHERLANDS – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. | | | 9,600 | | | $ | 309,746 | |
NORWAY – 2.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Flex LNG Ltd.* | | | 250,000 | | | | 358,960 | |
Petroleum Geo-Services Co. ASA* | | | 140,000 | | | | 191,491 | |
Subsea 7 SA* | | | 36,400 | | | | 354,702 | |
| | | | | | | 905,153 | |
SWEDEN – 7.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Betsson AB* | | | 64,100 | | | | 530,176 | |
Evolution Gaming Group AB | | | 8,200 | | | | 473,467 | |
Fortnox AB | | | 86,350 | | | | 650,816 | |
MIPS AB* | | | 35,000 | | | | 429,857 | |
THQ Nordic AB* | | | 26,000 | | | | 425,477 | |
Vitrolife AB* | | | 13,500 | | | | 225,517 | |
| | | | | | | 2,735,310 | |
SWITZERLAND – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Logitech International S.A. | | | 13,200 | | | | 416,969 | |
UNITED KINGDOM – 2.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Fevertree Drinks PLC | | | 15,000 | | | | 420,585 | |
Nomad Foods Ltd.* | | | 25,830 | | | | 431,878 | |
| | | | | | | 852,463 | |
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – 48.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Atricure, Inc.* | | | 14,000 | | | | 428,400 | |
Benchmark Electronics, Inc. | | | 20,000 | | | | 423,600 | |
Bio Telemetry, Inc.* | | | 23,100 | | | | 1,379,532 | |
Blucora, Inc.* | | | 16,900 | | | | 450,216 | |
Burlington Stores, Inc.* | | | 3,200 | | | | 520,544 | |
Carbonite, Inc.* | | | 21,200 | | | | 535,512 | |
Deckers Outdoor Corp.* | | | 12,800 | | | | 1,637,760 | |
Diamondback Energy, Inc. | | | 5,400 | | | | 500,580 | |
DMC Global, Inc. | | | 57,700 | | | | 2,026,424 | |
Green Dot Corp.* | | | 8,400 | | | | 667,968 | |
Gulfport Energy Corp.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 327,500 | |
Haemonetics Corp.* | | | 4,000 | | | | 400,200 | |
HMS Hldgs.Corp.* | | | 24,300 | | | | 683,559 | |
Lhc Group, Inc.* | | | 8,000 | | | | 751,040 | |
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 5,700 | | | | 773,490 | |
Malibu Boats, Inc.* | | | 13,100 | | | | 455,880 | |
MobileIron, Inc.* | | | 118,800 | | | | 545,292 | |
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. | | | 5,900 | | | | 685,875 | |
PGT Innovations, Inc.* | | | 30,000 | | | | 475,500 | |
Skyline Champion Corp.* | | | 27,800 | | | | 408,382 | |
SkyWest, Inc. | | | 9,100 | | | | 404,677 | |
Synaptics, Inc.* | | | 12,000 | | | | 446,520 | |
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.* | | | 26,500 | | | | 1,006,205 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule Of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Trex Co., Inc.* | | | 10,200 | | | $ | 605,472 | |
Vericel Corp.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 869,999 | |
Vicor Corp.* | | | 21,300 | | | | 804,926 | |
| | | | | | | 18,215,053 | |
Total Equities (Cost: $40,805,103) | | | | | | $ | 37,095,027 | |
Total Investments – 98.2% (Cost: $40,805,103) | | | | | | $ | 37,095,027 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities – 1.8% | | | | | | | 688,586 | |
Net Assets – 100% | | | | | | $ | 37,783,613 | |
Cost of investments is $41,134,081 for federal income tax purposes and net unrealized depreciation consists of:
(a) Certain Securities Were Fair Valued Under The Discretion Of The Board Of Trustees (See Note 2)
* Non-income producing security during the year ended December 31, 2018
SECTOR ALLOCATIONS (As a percentage of Net Assets) (Unaudited)
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Communication Services | | | 2.2 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 18.1 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 6.6 | % |
Energy | | | 6.2 | % |
Financials | | | 3.0 | % |
Health Care | | | 21.2 | % |
Industrials | | | 19.1 | % |
Information Technology | | | 21.0 | % |
Materials | | | 0.8 | % |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS CHINA OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Equities – 86.3%
| | | | | | | | |
BEVERAGES – 3.9%
| | | | | | | | |
China Resources Beer Hldgs. Co. Ltd. | | | 250,000 | | | $ | 873,188 | |
Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd. | | | 21,975 | | | | 1,898,172 | |
| | | | | | | 2,771,360 | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY – 5.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd. | | | 319,932 | | | | 1,804,820 | |
Hualan Biological Engineering, Inc.* | | | 289,895 | | | | 1,388,538 | |
Shanghai Haohai Biological Technology Co. Ltd. | | | 90,000 | | | | 449,397 | |
| | | | | | | 3,642,755 | |
CAPITAL MARKETS – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.* | | | 30,000 | | | | 868,144 | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICE & SUPPLY – 1.7%
| | | | | | | | |
A-Living Services Co. Ltd.* | | | 900,000 | | | | 1,220,612 | |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS – 1.8%
| | | | | | | | |
China Resources Cement Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 1,400,000 | | | | 1,260,456 | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES – 5.2%
| | | | | | | | |
China New Higher Education Group Ltd. | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 1,091,884 | |
New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. ADS* | | | 24,000 | | | | 1,315,440 | |
TAL Education Group ADS* | | | 50,000 | | | | 1,334,000 | |
| | | | | | | 3,741,324 | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES – 2.8%
| | | | | | | | |
China Tower Corp. Ltd.* | | | 10,500,000 | | | | 1,984,548 | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS – 3.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Henan Pinggao Electric Co. Ltd.* | | | 1,099,982 | | | | 1,299,769 | |
Sunny Optical Technology Group Co. Ltd. | | | 120,000 | | | | 1,066,599 | |
| | | | | | | 2,366,368 | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES – 1.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Anton Oilfield Services Group* | | | 8,500,000 | | | | 846,689 | |
SPT Energy Group Inc.* | | | 6,500,000 | | | | 394,292 | |
| | | | | | | 1,240,981 | |
ENTERTAINMENT – 2.3%
| | | | | | | | |
NetEase, Inc. | | | 7,000 | | | | 1,647,590 | |
Tencent Music Entertainment Group.* | | | 1,000 | | | | 13,220 | |
| | | | | | | 1,660,810 | |
FOOD PRODUCTS – 1.7%
| | | | | | | | |
Health & Happiness International Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 220,000 | | | | 1,255,859 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS CHINA OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co. Ltd. | | | 1,100,000 | | | $ | 890,620 | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE – 1.7%
| | | | | | | | |
China International Travel Service Corp. Ltd. | | | 139,907 | | | | 1,228,609 | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES – 0.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai* | | | 79,921 | | | | 417,271 | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS – 5.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Canvest Environmental Protection Group Co. Ltd. | | | 900,000 | | | | 473,533 | |
China Everbright Greentech Ltd. | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 853,585 | |
China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd. | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 1,089,075 | |
China Resources Power Hldgs. Co. Ltd.* | | | 900,000 | | | | 1,730,924 | |
| | | | | | | 4,147,117 | |
INSURANCE – 1.5%
| | | | | | | | |
China Taiping Insurance Hldgs. Co. Ltd. | | | 400,000 | | | | 1,098,270 | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES – 16.8%
| | | | | | | | |
21Vianet Group, Inc.* | | | 110,000 | | | | 950,400 | |
Alibaba Group Hldg. Ltd. ADS* | | | 34,000 | | | | 4,660,380 | |
Autohome, Inc.* | | | 9,000 | | | | 704,070 | |
Baozun, Inc.* | | | 40,000 | | | | 1,168,400 | |
Momo, Inc.* | | | 40,000 | | | | 950,000 | |
Tencent Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 91,000 | | | | 3,649,065 | |
| | | | | | | 12,082,315 | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES – 0.5%
| | | | | | | | |
GDS Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 15,000 | | | | 346,350 | |
MACHINERY – 2.3%
| | | | | | | | |
CRRC Corp. Ltd.* | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 1,658,642 | |
METALS & MINING – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Maanshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd.* | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 881,170 | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS – 2.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd.* | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 1,695,933 | |
PHARMACEUTICALS – 2.4%
| | | | | | | | |
CSPC Pharmaceuticals Group Ltd. | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,731,690 | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT – 5.2%
| | | | | | | | |
China Jinmao Hldgs. Group Ltd. | | | 3,400,000 | | | | 1,528,383 | |
China Overseas Property Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 438,669 | |
China Resources Land Ltd.* | | | 250,000 | | | | 960,986 | |
Sunac China Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 250,000 | | | | 814,124 | |
| | | | | | | 3,742,162 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS CHINA OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
SOFTWARE – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd. | | | 900,000 | | | $ | 795,352 | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS – 8.2%
| | | | | | | | |
ANTA Sports Products Ltd. | | | 290,000 | | | | 1,390,652 | |
JNBY Design Ltd. | | | 750,000 | | | | 1,051,657 | |
Li Ning Co. Ltd.* | | | 700,000 | | | | 750,909 | |
Shenzhou International Group Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 240,000 | | | | 2,720,132 | |
| | | | | | | 5,913,350 | |
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE – 3.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Shanghai International Airport Co. Ltd. | | | 289,960 | | | | 2,148,508 | |
UTILITIES – GAS – 1.7%
| | | | | | | | |
ENN Energy Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 140,000 | | | | 1,241,682 | |
Total Equities
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $58,449,936) | | | | | | $ | 62,032,258 | |
Total Investments – 86.3%
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $58,449,936) | | | | | | $ | 62,032,258 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities – 13.7% | | | | | | | 9,809,393 | |
Net Assets – 100% | | | | | | $ | 71,841,651 | |
Cost of investments is $58,878,260 for federal income tax purposes and net unrealized appreciation consists of:
* Non-income producing security during the year ended December 31, 2018
ADS — American depositary share
(a) Certain securities were fair valued under the discretion of the Board of Trustees (See Note 2).
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (As a percentage of Net Assets) (Unaudited)
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China (Includes the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong) | | | 86.3 | % |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Equities – 100.9%
| | | | | | | | |
AUSTRALIA – 11.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Afterpay Touch Group Ltd.* | | | 1,133,200 | | | $ | 9,911,948 | |
ALS Ltd. | | | 1,169,700 | | | | 5,588,576 | |
Altium Ltd. | | | 535,700 | | | | 8,199,364 | |
Evolution Mining Ltd. | | | 6,292,100 | | | | 16,367,969 | |
nearmap Ltd.* | | | 3,594,600 | | | | 3,801,445 | |
NEXTDC Ltd.* | | | 2,151,160 | | | | 9,268,109 | |
WiseTech Global Ltd. | | | 492,600 | | | | 5,872,550 | |
| | | | | | | 59,009,961 | |
BELGIUM – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Argenx SE* | | | 61,800 | | | | 5,937,126 | |
CANADA – 11.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Air Canada* | | | 385,500 | | | | 7,330,486 | |
ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc.* | | | 473,700 | | | | 4,993,073 | |
Canada Goose Hldgs., Inc.* | | | 180,700 | | | | 7,900,204 | |
Colliers International Group, Inc. | | | 83,300 | | | | 4,593,947 | |
Gibson Energy, Inc. | | | 463,100 | | | | 6,336,587 | |
Martinrea International, Inc. | | | 313,900 | | | | 2,497,036 | |
Parex Resources, Inc.* | | | 257,847 | | | | 3,088,045 | |
Parkland Fuel Corp. | | | 452,200 | | | | 11,705,793 | |
TFI International, Inc. | | | 319,500 | | | | 8,261,317 | |
| | | | | | | 56,706,488 | |
CHINA – 6.8%
| | | | | | | | |
AK Medical Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 4,754,000 | | | | 2,628,800 | |
BOC Aviation Ltd. | | | 275,800 | | | | 2,035,063 | |
Health & Happiness International Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 1,046,000 | | | | 5,998,714 | |
Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd. | | | 7,232,000 | | | | 6,393,770 | |
SSY Group Ltd. | | | 4,956,000 | | | | 3,677,332 | |
Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.* | | | 944,400 | | | | 6,033,366 | |
Yihai International Hldg. Ltd.* | | | 2,901,000 | | | | 7,061,391 | |
| | | | | | | 33,828,436 | |
DENMARK – 3.4%
| | | | | | | | |
GN Store Nord A/S* | | | 61,800 | | | | 2,315,586 | |
Netcompany Group A/S* | | | 203,500 | | | | 6,881,751 | |
SimCorp A/S* | | | 110,300 | | | | 7,564,513 | |
| | | | | | | 16,761,850 | |
FRANCE – 5.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Edenred* | | | 263,200 | | | | 9,693,287 | |
Teleperformance SE | | | 98,200 | | | | 15,708,872 | |
| | | | | | | 25,402,159 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
GERMANY – 6.3%
| | | | | | | | |
AIXTRON SE* | | | 411,100 | | | $ | 3,985,240 | |
Aurelius Equity Opportunities SE | | | 203,923 | | | | 7,414,405 | |
Bechtle AG* | | | 27,800 | | | | 2,165,457 | |
MorphoSys AG* | | | 50,200 | | | | 5,124,950 | |
Puma SE | | | 15,492 | | | | 7,579,152 | |
S&T AG | | | 282,700 | | | | 5,116,779 | |
| | | | | | | 31,385,983 | |
HONG KONG – 0.1%
| | | | | | | | |
PC Partner Group Ltd. | | | 2,708,000 | | | | 602,258 | |
IRELAND – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Kingspan Group PLC | | | 126,800 | | | | 5,435,533 | |
ISRAEL – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Attunity Ltd.* | | | 211,700 | | | | 4,166,256 | |
JAPAN – 19.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Aruhi Corp. | | | 352,100 | | | | 6,384,837 | |
Daifuku Co. Ltd.* | | | 154,800 | | | | 7,018,712 | |
Fancl Corp. | | | 441,000 | | | | 11,251,347 | |
Fuji Soft, Inc. | | | 214,100 | | | | 8,108,364 | |
Japan Investment Adviser Co. Ltd. | | | 280,800 | | | | 7,897,098 | |
Jeol Ltd. | | | 232,100 | | | | 3,481,788 | |
Kamakura Shinsho Ltd.* | | | 295,800 | | | | 3,774,037 | |
Krosaki Harima Corp. | | | 82,500 | | | | 4,970,378 | |
Kusuri no Aoki Hldgs. Co. Ltd. | | | 138,800 | | | | 8,767,441 | |
Maruwa Co. Ltd. | | | 114,200 | | | | 5,840,287 | |
Net One Systems Co. Ltd. | | | 516,900 | | | | 9,117,587 | |
NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. | | | 110,600 | | | | 2,189,319 | |
Outsourcing, Inc. | | | 624,200 | | | | 5,969,982 | |
Systena Corp. | | | 953,600 | | | | 10,992,764 | |
| | | | | | | 95,763,941 | |
NETHERLANDS – 4.9%
| | | | | | | | |
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group NV | | | 110,800 | | | | 3,574,988 | |
ASM International NV* | | | 94,300 | | | | 3,888,071 | |
ASR Nederland NV | | | 318,000 | | | | 12,582,788 | |
BE Semiconductor Industries NV* | | | 173,200 | | | | 3,651,051 | |
Elastic NV* | | | 8,600 | | | | 614,728 | |
| | | | | | | 24,311,626 | |
NORWAY – 2.2%
| | | | | | | | |
BW Offshore Ltd.* | | | 680,700 | | | | 2,487,545 | |
Subsea 7 SA | | | 202,248 | | | | 1,970,817 | |
Tomra Systems ASA* | | | 281,800 | | | | 6,346,544 | |
| | | | | | | 10,804,906 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
SWEDEN – 7.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Evolution Gaming Group AB | | | 171,400 | | | $ | 9,896,612 | |
Fabege AB* | | | 712,700 | | | | 9,525,895 | |
Hansa Biopharma AB* | | | 152,800 | | | | 4,780,038 | |
Securitas AB* | | | 295,300 | | | | 4,757,229 | |
Tele2 AB | | | 681,440 | | | | 8,690,893 | |
| | | | | | | 37,650,667 | |
SWITZERLAND – 1.6%
| | | | | | | | |
Georg Fischer AG | | | 6,356 | | | | 5,099,292 | |
Logitech International SA | | | 83,300 | | | | 2,631,327 | |
| | | | | | | 7,730,619 | |
UNITED KINGDOM – 17.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Burford Capital Ltd. | | | 982,000 | | | | 20,714,868 | |
Fevertree Drinks PLC | | | 277,391 | | | | 7,777,766 | |
Future PLC* | | | 429,200 | | | | 2,618,689 | |
GVC Hldgs. PLC | | | 251,731 | | | | 2,160,985 | |
Halma PLC | | | 177,700 | | | | 3,095,459 | |
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC* | | | 88,000 | | | | 1,924,291 | |
Intermediate Capital Group PLC | | | 1,103,600 | | | | 13,163,306 | |
Just Eat PLC* | | | 235,800 | | | | 1,763,301 | |
Keywords Studios PLC | | | 646,900 | | | | 8,829,534 | |
Learning Technologies Group PLC | | | 4,817,104 | | | | 4,254,106 | |
Nomad Foods Ltd.* | | | 557,400 | | | | 9,319,728 | |
Ocado Group PLC* | | | 250,900 | | | | 2,528,826 | |
Pagegroup PLC | | | 1,115,344 | | | | 6,406,760 | |
Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC | | | 29,900 | | | | 2,379,795 | |
| | | | | | | 86,937,414 | |
Total Equities
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $564,058,822) | | | | | | $ | 502,435,223 | |
Total Investments – 100.9%
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $564,058,822) | | | | | | $ | 502,435,223 | |
Other Liabilities Less Assets – (0.9%) | | | | | | | (4,271,541 | ) |
Net Assets – 100% | | | | | | $ | 498,163,682 | |
Cost of investments Is $573,417,428 for federal income tax purposes and net unrealized depreciation consists of:
(a) Certain securities were fair valued under the discretion of the Board of Trustees (See Note 2)
* Non-income producing security during the year ended December 31, 2018
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND (continued)
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
SECTOR ALLOCATIONS (As a percentage of Net Assets) (Unaudited)
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Communication Services | | | 3.0 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 7.3 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 10.1 | % |
Energy | | | 5.1 | % |
Financials | | | 13.7 | % |
Health Care | | | 7.2 | % |
Industrials | | | 20.2 | % |
Information Technology | | | 26.3 | % |
Materials | | | 5.1 | % |
Real Estate | | | 2.9 | % |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Equities – 99.8%
| | | | | | | | |
BRAZIL – 4.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Arco Platform Ltd.* | | | 1,500 | | | $ | 33,180 | |
B2W – Companhia Digital* | | | 3,400 | | | | 36,862 | |
Fleury SA | | | 12,100 | | | | 61,752 | |
IRB-Brasil Resseguros SA | | | 3,300 | | | | 71,061 | |
Odontoprev SA | | | 18,800 | | | | 66,696 | |
| | | | | | | 269,551 | |
CHILE – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Geopark Ltd.* | | | 5,053 | | | | 69,832 | |
CHINA – 22.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Avichina Industry & Technology Co. Ltd. | | | 188,000 | | | | 118,123 | |
Baozun, Inc.* | | | 2,200 | | | | 64,262 | |
China Isotope & Radiation Corp. | | | 54,200 | | | | 107,286 | |
China Traditional Chinese Medicine Hldgs. Co. Ltd. | | | 180,000 | | | | 104,821 | |
Chinasoft International Ltd. | | | 136,000 | | | | 67,561 | |
Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd.* | | | 20,600 | | | | 60,899 | |
Han’s Laser Technology Industry Group Co. Ltd.* | | | 11,000 | | | | 48,854 | |
Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd. | | | 38,000 | | | | 70,366 | |
Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd. | | | 159,000 | | | | 140,512 | |
Li Ning Co. Ltd.* | | | 79,000 | | | | 84,746 | |
Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd.* | | | 17,300 | | | | 50,918 | |
Sichuan Swellfun Co. Ltd.* | | | 29,100 | | | | 134,844 | |
Xiabuxiabu Catering Management China Hldgs. Co. Ltd. | | | 79,000 | | | | 124,697 | |
Yantai Jereh Oilfield Services Group Co. Ltd.* | | | 30,700 | | | | 66,961 | |
Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co. Ltd.* | | | 27,700 | | | | 51,375 | |
Zhejiang Supor Co. Ltd. | | | 18,200 | | | | 139,344 | |
| | | | | | | 1,435,569 | |
HONG KONG – 4.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Goodbaby International Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 215,000 | | | | 67,544 | |
Kerry Logistics Network Ltd.* | | | 46,000 | | | | 68,261 | |
Nissin Foods Co. Ltd. | | | 299,000 | | | | 137,462 | |
| | | | | | | 273,267 | |
INDIA – 14.3%
| | | | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd. | | | 7,251 | | | | 139,541 | |
Escorts Ltd.* | | | 10,789 | | | | 109,119 | |
Info Edge (India) Ltd. | | | 4,750 | | | | 98,017 | |
Jubilant Foodworks Ltd. | | | 6,930 | | | | 124,276 | |
L&T Technology Services Ltd. | | | 4,232 | | | | 103,556 | |
MakeMyTrip Ltd.* | | | 2,600 | | | | 63,258 | |
Oberoi Realty Ltd.* | | | 15,934 | | | | 100,616 | |
Sanofi India Ltd.* | | | 1,237 | | | | 112,874 | |
Vinati Organics Ltd.* | | | 2,900 | | | | 68,680 | |
| | | | | | | 919,937 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS EMERGING MARKETS FUND (continued)
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
INDONESIA – 6.6%
| | | | | | | | |
PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk* | | | 1,339,000 | | | $ | 138,902 | |
PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk* | | | 277,000 | | | | 143,464 | |
PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk | | | 2,550,500 | | | | 142,778 | |
| | | | | | | 425,144 | |
MALAYSIA – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
My E.G. Services Bhd* | | | 292,000 | | | | 68,893 | |
MEXICO – 4.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Alsea, S.A.B. De CV* | | | 23,600 | | | | 61,426 | |
Gruma, S.A.B. De CV | | | 2,940 | | | | 33,317 | |
Grupo Herdez, S.A.B. De CV | | | 15,600 | | | | 32,547 | |
Grupo Lala, S.A.B. De CV | | | 69,500 | | | | 74,586 | |
Prologis Property Mexico SA De CV | | | 21,500 | | | | 33,150 | |
Telesites, S.A.B De CV* | | | 57,500 | | | | 34,351 | |
| | | | | | | 269,377 | |
SINGAPORE – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Sea Ltd.* | | | 5,900 | | | | 66,788 | |
SOUTH AFRICA – 3.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Adcock Ingram Hldgs. Ltd. | | | 15,900 | | | | 68,960 | |
Clicks Group Ltd. | | | 10,172 | | | | 135,356 | |
| | | | | | | 204,316 | |
SOUTH KOREA – 17.1%
| | | | | | | | |
AfreecaTV Co. Ltd.* | | | 1,976 | | | | 69,735 | |
Cafe24 Corp.* | | | 1,138 | | | | 112,216 | |
Cj Logistics Corp.* | | | 937 | | | | 140,156 | |
Cosmax, Inc. | | | 594 | | | | 69,391 | |
Douzone Bizon Co. Ltd. | | | 3,001 | | | | 139,848 | |
Fila Korea Ltd. | | | 1,514 | | | | 73,129 | |
Haimarrow Food Service Co. Ltd.* | | | 28,453 | | | | 53,913 | |
Hotel Shilla Co. Ltd. | | | 1,248 | | | | 85,603 | |
Jeju Air Co. Ltd.* | | | 2,153 | | | | 64,736 | |
Koh Young Technology, Inc.* | | | 1,463 | | | | 108,310 | |
Nice Information Service Co. Ltd.* | | | 7,305 | | | | 71,617 | |
Ssangyong Cement Industry Co. Ltd. | | | 20,100 | | | | 113,060 | |
| | | | | | | 1,101,714 | |
TAIWAN – 15.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Airtac International Group | | | 9,000 | | | | 88,283 | |
Chailease Hldg. Co. Ltd.* | | | 10,000 | | | | 31,542 | |
Chroma Ate, Inc. | | | 28,000 | | | | 107,609 | |
Hiwin Technologies Corp. | | | 12,120 | | | | 87,440 | |
Innodisk Corp. | | | 28,413 | | | | 93,739 | |
LandMark Optoelectronics Corp. | | | 7,000 | | | | 51,434 | |
Lungyen Life Service Corp.* | | | 32,000 | | | | 58,409 | |
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. | | | 18,000 | | | | 83,100 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS EMERGING MARKETS FUND (continued)
Schedule of Investments(a)December 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Sinbon Electronics Co. Ltd. | | | 20,000 | | | $ | 53,875 | |
Taiwan Family Mart Co. Ltd.* | | | 9,000 | | | | 62,150 | |
Taiwan Union Technology Corp.* | | | 22,000 | | | | 64,406 | |
Tci Co. Ltd. | | | 8,746 | | | | 147,171 | |
Wei Chuan Foods Corp.* | | | 49,000 | | | | 35,481 | |
| | | | | | | 964,639 | |
THAILAND – 2.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Bangkok Chain Hospital PCL* | | | 158,400 | �� | | | 81,294 | |
Mega Lifesciences PCL | | | 80,200 | | | | 70,822 | |
| | | | | | | 152,116 | |
TURKEY – 2.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Sok Marketler Ticaret A.S.* | | | 34,900 | | | | 70,888 | |
Ulker Biskuvi Sanayi A.S. | | | 25,000 | | | | 69,295 | |
| | | | | | | 140,183 | |
UNITED KINGDOM – 1.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Stock Spirits Group PLC | | | 24,628 | | | | 65,289 | |
Total Equities
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $6,758,235) | | | | | | $ | 6,426,615 | |
Total Investments – 99.8%
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $6,758,235) | | | | | | $ | 6,426,615 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities – 0.2% | | | | | | | 10,607 | |
Net Assets – 100% | | | | | | $ | 6,437,222 | |
Cost of investments is $6,881,113 for federal income tax purposes and net unrealized depreciation consists of:
(a) Certain securities were fair valued under the discretion of the Board of Trustees (See Note 2).
* Non-income producing security during the period ended December 31, 2018
SECTOR ALLOCATIONS (As a percentage of Net Assets) (Unaudited)
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Communication Services | | | 4.2 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 21.9 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 21.0 | % |
Energy | | | 2.1 | % |
Financials | | | 1.6 | % |
Health Care | | | 10.5 | % |
Industrials | | | 15.6 | % |
Information Technology | | | 18.0 | % |
Materials | | | 2.8 | % |
Real Estate | | | 2.1 | % |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2018
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| | MICRO-CAP FUND | | SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND |
ASSETS
| |
Investment securities at value(a) | | $ | 68,082,984 | | | $ | 9,845,499 | | | $ | 27,640,324 | |
Cash | | | — | | | | 144,660 | | | | — | |
Receivable from fund shares sold | | | 119,162 | | | | 1,621 | | | | — | |
Receivable from securities sold | | | — | | | | 21,053 | | | | 723,876 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 3,406 | | | | 22,412 | | | | 56,658 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 38,660 | | | | 14,068 | | | | 11,936 | |
Total Assets | | | 68,244,212 | | | | 10,049,313 | | | | 28,432,794 | |
LIABILITIES
| |
Payable to custodian bank | | | 309,256 | | | | — | | | | 1,129,478 | |
Payable for fund shares redeemed | | | 272,227 | | | | 151,417 | | | | 125,000 | |
Payable for securities purchased | | | — | | | | 30,761 | | | | — | |
Payable to advisor (see note 3) | | | 63,839 | | | | 106 | | | | 25,635 | |
Payable to distributor | | | 12,566 | | | | 1,237 | | | | 31 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 46,833 | | | | 28,317 | | | | 31,180 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 704,721 | | | | 211,838 | | | | 1,311,324 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 67,539,491 | | | $ | 9,837,475 | | | $ | 27,121,470 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Investor Class | | $ | 53,094,182 | | | $ | 5,299,447 | | | $ | 141,266 | |
Institutional Class | | | 14,445,309 | | | | 4,538,028 | | | | 26,980,204 | |
Total | | $ | 67,539,491 | | | $ | 9,837,475 | | | $ | 27,121,470 | |
SHARES OUTSTANDING
| |
(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value)
| | | | | | | �� | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | 2,889,544 | | | | 447,961 | | | | 8,511 | |
Institutional Class | | | 782,240 | | | | 381,225 | | | | 1,625,672 | |
Total | | | 3,671,784 | | | | 829,186 | | | | 1,634,183 | |
NET ASSET VALUE
| |
Investor Class, offering price and redemption price | | $ | 18.37 | | | $ | 11.83 | | | $ | 16.60 | |
Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price | | $ | 18.47 | | | $ | 11.90 | | | $ | 16.60 | |
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
| |
Capital | | $ | 70,829,221 | | | $ | 10,087,437 | | | $ | 30,547,489 | |
Accumulated loss | | | (3,289,730 | ) | | | (249,962 | ) | | | (3,426,019 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 67,539,491 | | | $ | 9,837,475 | | | $ | 27,121,470 | |
| |
(a) Investment securities at cost | | $ | 69,950,276 | | | $ | 10,059,995 | | | $ | 29,751,597 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2018 (continued)
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| | GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | CHINA OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND |
ASSETS
| |
Investment securities at value(a) | | $ | 37,095,027 | | | $ | 62,032,258 | | | $ | 502,435,223 | |
Cash | | | 779,761 | | | | 10,653,181 | | | | — | |
Receivable from fund shares sold | | | 6,486 | | | | 23,683 | | | | 836,259 | |
Receivable from securities sold | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,600,451 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 15,704 | | | | 3,472 | | | | 1,202,884 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 20,485 | | | | 19,448 | | | | 54,183 | |
Other Receivables | | | 5,423 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total Assets | | | 37,922,886 | | | | 72,732,042 | | | | 512,129,000 | |
LIABILITIES
| |
Payable to custodian bank | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6,115,784 | |
Payable for fund shares redeemed | | | 61,874 | | | | 270,493 | | | | 6,953,156 | |
Payable for securities purchased | | | — | | | | 452,345 | | | | — | |
Payable to advisor (see note 3) | | | 28,944 | | | | 81,284 | | | | 502,010 | |
Payable to distributor | | | 6,404 | | | | 13,743 | | | | 120,753 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 42,051 | | | | 72,526 | | | | 273,615 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 139,273 | | | | 890,391 | | | | 13,965,318 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 37,783,613 | | | $ | 71,841,651 | | | $ | 498,163,682 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Investor Class | | $ | 28,846,992 | | | $ | 60,843,668 | | | $ | 498,163,682 | |
Institutional Class | | | 8,936,621 | | | | 10,997,983 | | | | — | |
Total | | $ | 37,783,613 | | | $ | 71,841,651 | | | $ | 498,163,682 | |
SHARES OUTSTANDING
| |
(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | 1,460,511 | | | | 6,507,805 | | | | 31,115,162 | |
Institutional Class | | | 450,493 | | | | 1,174,788 | | | | — | |
Total | | | 1,911,004 | | | | 7,682,593 | | | | 31,115,162 | |
NET ASSET VALUE
| |
Investor Class, offering price and redemption price | | $ | 19.75 | | | $ | 9.35 | | | $ | 16.01 | |
Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price | | $ | 19.84 | | | $ | 9.36 | | | $ | — | |
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
| |
Capital | | $ | 42,775,730 | | | $ | 70,292,326 | | | $ | 597,329,116 | |
Accumulated earnings (loss) | | | (4,992,117 | ) | | | 1,549,325 | | | | (99,165,434 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 37,783,613 | | | $ | 71,841,651 | | | $ | 498,163,682 | |
(a) Investment securities at cost | | $ | 40,805,103 | | | $ | 58,449,936 | | | $ | 564,058,822 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2018 (continued)
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| | EMERGING MARKETS FUND |
ASSETS
| |
Investment securities at value(a) | | $ | 6,426,615 | |
Cash | | | 2,921 | |
Receivable from securities sold | | | 343,646 | |
Receivable from advisor (see note 3) | | | 7,659 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 4,991 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 2,603 | |
Total Assets | | | 6,788,435 | |
LIABILITIES
| |
Payable to custodian bank | | | 316,330 | |
Payable to distributor | | | 90 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 34,793 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 351,213 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 6,437,222 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Investor Class | | $ | 425,595 | |
Institutional Class | | | 6,011,627 | |
Total | | $ | 6,437,222 | |
SHARES OUTSTANDING
| |
(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value)
| | | | |
Investor Class | | | 53,947 | |
Institutional Class | | | 760,754 | |
Total | | | 814,701 | |
NET ASSET VALUE
| |
Investor Class, offering price and redemption price | | $ | 7.89 | |
Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price | | $ | 7.90 | |
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
| |
Capital | | $ | 7,744,291 | |
Accumulated loss | | | (1,307,069 | ) |
Net assets | | $ | 6,437,222 | |
(a) Investment securities at cost | | $ | 6,758,235 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2018
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| | MICRO-CAP FUND | | SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND |
INVESTMENT INCOME
| |
Dividends(a) | | $ | 227,092 | | | $ | 59,290 | | | $ | 895,603 | |
Total investment income | | | 227,092 | | | | 59,290 | | | | 895,603 | |
EXPENSES
| |
Investment advisory fees (see note 3) | | | 544,564 | | | | 47,670 | | | | 374,630 | |
Management fees (see note 3) | | | 363,043 | | | | 47,670 | | | | — | |
Distribution fees and shareholder services (see note 3) | | | 191,141 | | | | 16,562 | | | | 218 | |
Transfer agent fees and expenses | | | 126,730 | | | | 26,177 | | | | 19,479 | |
Custodian fees and expenses | | | 64,601 | | | | 43,137 | | | | 45,048 | |
Federal and state registration fees | | | 47,794 | | | | 35,675 | | | | 12,899 | |
Audit fees | | | 16,461 | | | | 16,445 | | | | 16,339 | |
Other | | | 33,495 | | | | 7,154 | | | | 15,919 | |
Total expenses before reimbursed expenses | | | 1,387,829 | | | | 240,490 | | | | 484,532 | |
Earnings credit (see note 6) | | | (13,827 | ) | | | (3,979 | ) | | | (1,485 | ) |
Expense reimbursement (see note 3) | | | — | | | | (65,022 | ) | | | (122 | ) |
Total expenses | | | 1,374,002 | | | | 171,489 | | | | 482,925 | |
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) | | | (1,146,910 | ) | | | (112,199 | ) | | | 412,678 | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) FROM INVESTMENTS
| |
Net realized gains on investment transactions | | | 14,871,831 | | | | 1,667,407 | | | | 510,706 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments | | | (25,431,397 | ) | | | (2,374,509 | ) | | | (6,670,179 | ) |
Net realized/unrealized losses on investments | | | (10,559,566 | ) | | | (707,102 | ) | | | (6,159,473 | ) |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (11,706,476 | ) | | $ | (819,301 | ) | | $ | (5,746,795 | ) |
a Dividends are net of foreign withholding tax of $3,878 for the Micro-Cap Fund.
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Operations Year/Period Ended December 31, 2018
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| | GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | CHINA OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | EMERGING MARKETS FUND(b) |
INVESTMENT INCOME
| |
Dividends(a) | | $ | 398,566 | | | $ | 1,226,967 | | | $ | 11,567,396 | | | $ | 64,824 | |
Interest | | | — | | | | — | | | | 410,908 | | | | — | |
Total investment income | | | 398,566 | | | | 1,226,967 | | | | 11,978,304 | | | | 64,824 | |
EXPENSES
| |
Investment advisory fees (see note 3) | | | 231,775 | | | | 1,293,983 | | | | 10,366,435 | | | | 50,571 | |
Management fees (see note 3) | | | 206,775 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Distribution fees and shareholder services (see note 3) | | | 103,444 | | | | 223,943 | | | | 2,073,287 | | | | 561 | |
Transfer agent fees and expenses | | | 58,839 | | | | 143,209 | | | | 1,216,720 | | | | 13,694 | |
Custodian fees and expenses | | | 74,407 | | | | 172,201 | | | | 675,138 | | | | 66,255 | |
Federal and state registration fees | | | 44,960 | | | | 37,638 | | | | 35,855 | | | | 1,068 | |
Audit fees | | | 20,937 | | | | 19,673 | | | | 20,959 | | | | 15,922 | |
Other | | | 20,709 | | | | 48,674 | | | | 263,735 | | | | 3,947 | |
Total expenses before reimbursed expenses | | | 761,846 | | | | 1,939,321 | | | | 14,652,129 | | | | 152,018 | |
Earnings credit (see note 6) | | | (13,332 | ) | | | (49,313 | ) | | | (276,796 | ) | | | (4,051 | ) |
Expense reimbursement (see note 3) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1,106,296 | ) | | | (86,720 | ) |
Total Expenses | | | 748,514 | | | | 1,890,008 | | | | 13,269,037 | | | | 61,247 | |
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) | | | (349,948 | ) | | | (663,041 | ) | | | (1,290,733 | ) | | | 3,577 | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) FROM INVESTMENTS
| |
Net realized gains (losses) on investment transactions | | | 293,183 | | | | 15,163,929 | | | | 43,767,479 | | | | (971,637 | ) |
Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions | | | (7,838 | ) | | | 830 | | | | 16,562 | | | | (29,490 | ) |
Net realized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | 285,345 | | | | 15,164,759 | | | | 43,784,041 | | | | (1,001,127 | ) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | | | (13,357,065 | ) | | | (40,802,932 | ) | | | (241,937,861 | ) | | | (331,567 | ) |
Net realized/unrealized losses on investments and foreign currencies | | | (13,071,720 | ) | | | (25,638,173 | ) | | | (198,153,820 | ) | | | (1,332,694 | ) |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (13,421,668 | ) | | $ | (26,301,214 | ) | | $ | (199,444,553 | ) | | $ | (1,329,117 | ) |
(a) Dividends are net of foreign withholding tax of $23,241, $36,361, $1,102,737, and $7,787 for the Global Opportunities Fund, China Opportunities Fund, International Opportunities Fund, and Emerging Markets Fund, respectively.
(b) For the period from May 1, 2018 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2018
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
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| | MICRO-CAP FUND |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
FROM OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment loss | | $ | (1,146,910 | ) | | $ | (1,076,053 | ) |
Net realized gains on investment transactions | | | 14,871,831 | | | | 11,722,651 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments | | | (25,431,397 | ) | | | 9,173,971 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | (11,706,476 | ) | | | 19,820,569 | |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONSa
| |
Distributions from net realized gains on investments
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | — | | | | (9,902,719 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | (810,980 | ) |
Distributions to shareholders
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | (8,933,141 | ) | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | (2,426,127 | ) | | | — | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (11,359,268 | ) | | | (10,713,699 | ) |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 47,105,782 | | | | 32,884,653 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 8,353,191 | | | | 9,263,021 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (76,102,803 | ) | | | (25,827,723 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from investor class share transactions | | | (20,643,830 | ) | | | 16,319,951 | |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 11,741,602 | | | | 8,757,354 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 2,127,970 | | | | 652,087 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (4,215,275 | ) | | | (374,873 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 9,654,297 | | | | 9,034,568 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions | | | (10,989,533 | ) | | | 25,354,519 | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (34,055,277 | ) | | | 34,461,389 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Beginning of year | | | 101,594,768 | | | | 67,133,379 | |
End of year | | $ | 67,539,491 | | | $ | 101,594,768 | |
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 1,754,020 | | | | 1,309,936 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 460,739 | | | | 372,278 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (2,997,151 | ) | | | (1,059,253 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from investor class share transactions | | | (782,392 | ) | | | 622,961 | |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 469,754 | | | | 359,795 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 116,793 | | | | 25,693 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (175,598 | ) | | | (14,197 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 410,949 | | | | 371,291 | |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (371,443 | ) | | | 994,251 | |
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| a. | Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See "New Accounting Pronouncements" in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information. The dividends and distributions to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 have not been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
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| | SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
FROM OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment loss | | $ | (112,199 | ) | | $ | (136,379 | ) |
Net realized gains on investment transactions | | | 1,667,407 | | | | 1,882,024 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments | | | (2,374,509 | ) | | | 571,386 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | (819,301 | ) | | | 2,317,031 | |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONSa
| |
Distributions from net realized gains on investments
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | — | | | | (454,519 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | (214,960 | ) |
Distributions to shareholders
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | (1,232,801 | ) | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | (1,019,030 | ) | | | — | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (2,251,831 | ) | | | (669,479 | ) |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 641,144 | | | | 273,777 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,035,895 | | | | 392,178 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (2,223,654 | ) | | | (3,971,165 | ) |
Net decrease from investor class share transactions | | | (546,615 | ) | | | (3,305,210 | ) |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 1,725,341 | | | | 3,245,758 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 881,812 | | | | 176,791 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (249,334 | ) | | | (52,229 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 2,357,819 | | | | 3,370,320 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions | | | 1,811,204 | | | | 65,110 | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (1,259,928 | ) | | | 1,712,662 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Beginning of year | | | 11,097,403 | | | | 9,384,741 | |
End of year | | $ | 9,837,475 | | | $ | 11,097,403 | |
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 37,677 | | | | 17,281 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 88,766 | | | | 23,783 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (137,706 | ) | | | (257,517 | ) |
Net decrease from investor class share transactions | | | (11,263 | ) | | | (216,453 | ) |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 103,838 | | | | 209,323 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 75,048 | | | | 10,702 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (14,441 | ) | | | (3,245 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 164,445 | | | | 216,780 | |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 153,182 | | | | 327 | |
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| a. | Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See "New Accounting Pronouncements" in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information. The dividends and distributions to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 have not been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
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| | SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 | | Year Ended June 30, 2017 |
FROM OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment income | | $ | 412,678 | | | $ | 192,768 | | | $ | 384,351 | |
Net realized gains on investments | | | 510,706 | | | | 1,020,274 | | | | 3,472,379 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments | | | (6,670,179 | ) | | | 2,105,541 | | | | 2,010,640 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | (5,746,795 | ) | | | 3,318,583 | | | | 5,867,370 | |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONSa
| |
Distributions from net investment income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | — | | | | (787 | ) | | | (2,679 | ) |
Investor Class | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | (240,756 | ) | | | (344,543 | ) |
Class N | | | — | | | | — | c | | | — | c |
Distributions from net realized gains on investments:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | — | | | | (29,087 | ) | | | (95 | ) |
Investor Class | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | (2,802,857 | ) | | | (9,713 | ) |
Class N | | | — | | | | (2 | ) | | | — | c |
Distributions to shareholders
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | (7,694 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | (2,624,018 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (2,631,712 | ) | | | (3,073,489 | ) | | | (357,030 | ) |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
| |
Capital received as a result of fund merger – Institutional Class | | | — | | | | 35,475,705 | | | | — | |
Proceeds from sale of shares:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | — | | | | — | | | | 24,059 | |
Investor Class | | | 202,860 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | 1,564,222 | | | | 5,452,620 | | | | 1,503,960 | |
Class N | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | — | | | | 29,874 | | | | 2,774 | |
Investor Class | | | 7,694 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | 2,498,962 | | | | 2,661,999 | | | | 307,866 | |
Class N | | | — | | | | 2 | | | | — | |
Redemption of shares:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | — | | | | (369,336 | ) | | | (2,000 | ) |
Investor Class | | | (30,413 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | (9,881,634 | ) | | | (37,256,215 | ) | | | (2,364,192 | ) |
Class N | | | — | | | | (24 | ) | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (5,638,309 | ) | | | 5,994,625 | | | | (527,533 | ) |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (14,016,816 | ) | | | 6,239,719 | | | | 4,982,807 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Beginning of period | | | 41,138,286 | | | | 34,898,567 | | | | 29,915,760 | |
End of periodb | | $ | 27,121,470 | | | $ | 41,138,286 | | | $ | 34,898,567 | |
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| a. | Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See "New Accounting Pronouncements" in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information. The dividends and distributions to shareholders for the period ended December 31, 2017 and year ended June 30, 2017 have not been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
| b. | Net Assets — End of period includes Accumulated Net Investment Income of $19,605 as of December 31, 2017 and $132,187 as of June 30, 2017. |
| c | Amount represents less than $.50 |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
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| | SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 | | Year Ended June 30, 2017 |
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
| |
Class A:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,206 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | — | | | | 1,460 | | | | 127 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | — | | | | (17,723 | ) | | | (93 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | — | | | | (16,263 | ) | | | 1,240 | |
Investor Class:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 9,456 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 465 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (1,410 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 8,511 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Institutional Class:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued resulting from Fund merger | | | — | | | | 1,697,578 | | | | — | |
Shares sold | | | 76,085 | | | | 257,417 | | | | 73,691 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 138,863 | | | | 129,651 | | | | 14,135 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (491,253 | ) | | | (1,780,166 | ) | | | (111,722 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (276,305 | ) | | | 304,480 | | | | (23,896 | ) |
Class N:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less shares redeemed | | | — | | | | (1 | ) | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | — | | | | (1 | ) | | | — | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
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| | GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
FROM OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment loss | | $ | (349,948 | ) | | $ | (341,777 | ) |
Net realized gains on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 285,345 | | | | 11,149,592 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currencies | | | (13,357,065 | ) | | | 3,465,577 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | (13,421,668 | ) | | | 14,273,392 | |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONSa
| |
Distributions from net realized gains on investments
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | — | | | | (5,692,754 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | (961,071 | ) |
Distributions to shareholders
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | (1,823,563 | ) | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | (566,071 | ) | | | — | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (2,389,634 | ) | | | (6,653,825 | ) |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 1,438,571 | | | | 3,448,729 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,693,376 | | | | 5,304,989 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (9,899,387 | ) | | | (13,391,316 | ) |
Net decrease from investor class share transactions | | | (6,767,440 | ) | | | (4,637,598 | ) |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 5,289,720 | | | | 7,588,033 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 420,522 | | | | 714,308 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (1,123,166 | ) | | | (113,425 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 4,587,076 | | | | 8,188,916 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions | | | (2,180,364 | ) | | | 3,551,318 | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (17,991,666 | ) | | | 11,170,885 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Beginning of year | | | 55,775,279 | | | | 44,604,394 | |
End of year | | $ | 37,783,613 | | | $ | 55,775,279 | |
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 52,448 | | | | 117,925 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 86,529 | | | | 187,721 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (365,778 | ) | | | (467,054 | ) |
Net decrease from investor class share transactions | | | (226,801 | ) | | | (161,408 | ) |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 191,721 | | | | 257,221 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 21,401 | | | | 25,241 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (41,357 | ) | | | (3,734 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 171,765 | | | | 278,728 | |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (55,036 | ) | | | 117,319 | |
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| a. | Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See "New Accounting Pronouncements" in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information. The dividends and distributions to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 have not been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
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| | CHINA OPPORTUNITIES FUND |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
FROM OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment loss | | $ | (663,041 | ) | | $ | (387,846 | ) |
Net realized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | 15,164,759 | | | | 8,522,065 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currencies | | | (40,802,932 | ) | | | 38,207,646 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | (26,301,214 | ) | | | 46,341,865 | |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONSa
| |
Distributions from net investment Income
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | — | | | | (104,879 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | (46,048 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gains on investments
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | — | | | | (6,243,179 | ) |
Institutional Class | | | — | | | | (825,329 | ) |
Distributions to shareholders
| | | | | | | | |
Investor Class | | | (12,901,481 | ) | | | — | |
Institutional Class | | | (2,397,417 | ) | | | — | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (15,298,898 | ) | | | (7,219,435 | ) |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 9,110,210 | | | | 8,819,867 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 12,149,224 | | | | 5,898,283 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (32,230,182 | ) | | | (35,910,445 | ) |
Net decrease from investor class share transactions | | | (10,970,748 | ) | | | (21,192,295 | ) |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 3,404,811 | | | | 13,012,093 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,934,174 | | | | 692,275 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (2,203,507 | ) | | | (1,554,104 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 3,135,478 | | | | 12,150,264 | |
Net decrease from capital share transactions | | | (7,835,270 | ) | | | (9,042,031 | ) |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (49,435,382 | ) | | | 30,080,399 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Beginning of year | | | 121,277,033 | | | | 91,196,634 | |
End of yearb | | $ | 71,841,651 | | | $ | 121,277,033 | |
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 600,816 | | | | 577,487 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,304,965 | | | | 374,732 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (2,117,871 | ) | | | (2,566,998 | ) |
Net decrease from investor class share transactions | | | (212,090 | ) | | | (1,614,778 | ) |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 233,934 | | | | 938,237 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 207,529 | | | | 44,038 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (151,037 | ) | | | (97,912 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 290,426 | | | | 884,362 | |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | 78,336 | | | | (730,416 | ) |
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| a. | Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See "New Accounting Pronouncements" in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information. The dividends and distributions to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 have not been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
| b. | Net Assets — End of year includes Accumulated Net Investment Loss of ($643,888) as of December 31, 2017. |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
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| | INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
FROM OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment loss | | $ | (1,290,733 | ) | | $ | (1,475,111 | ) |
Net realized gains on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | 43,784,041 | | | | 151,795,537 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currencies | | | (241,937,861 | ) | | | 129,791,921 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | (199,444,553 | ) | | | 280,112,347 | |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONSa
| |
Distributions from net investment income | | | — | | | | (2,293,493 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gains on investments | | | — | | | | (93,265,395 | ) |
Distributions to shareholders | | | (86,597,641 | ) | | | — | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (86,597,641 | ) | | | (95,558,888 | ) |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
| |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 66,625,866 | | | | 165,879,893 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 72,325,843 | | | | 81,251,448 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (260,138,165 | ) | | | (234,806,437 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (121,186,456 | ) | | | 12,324,904 | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (407,228,650 | ) | | | 196,878,363 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Beginning of year | | | 905,392,332 | | | | 708,513,969 | |
End of yearb | | $ | 498,163,682 | | | $ | 905,392,332 | |
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
| |
Shares sold | | | 2,747,655 | | | | 7,123,857 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 4,566,026 | | | | 3,193,844 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (11,713,358 | ) | | | (9,902,311 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | | | (4,399,677 | ) | | | 415,390 | |
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| a. | Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See "New Accounting Pronouncements" in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information. The dividends and distributions to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 have not been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
| b. | Net Assets — End of year includes Accumulated Net Investment Loss of ($3,099,384) as of December 31, 2017. |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
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| | EMERGING MARKETS FUNDa |
| | Period Ended December 31, 2018 |
FROM OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment income | | $ | 3,577 | |
Net realized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | (1,001,127 | ) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currencies | | | (331,567 | ) |
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations | | | (1,329,117 | ) |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
| |
Investor Class
| | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 498,649 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (1,064 | ) |
Net increase from investor class share transactions | | | 497,585 | |
Institutional Class
| | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 7,787,235 | |
Redemption of shares (see note 5) | | | (518,481 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 7,268,754 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions | | | 7,766,339 | |
Total increase in net assets | | | 6,437,222 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Beginning of period | | | — | |
End of period | | $ | 6,437,222 | |
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
| |
Investor Class
| | | | |
Shares sold | | | 54,090 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (143 | ) |
Net increase from investor class share transactions | | | 53,947 | |
Institutional Class
| | | | |
Shares sold | | | 826,722 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (65,968 | ) |
Net increase from institutional class share transactions | | | 760,754 | |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 814,701 | |
| a. | For the period from May 1, 2018 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2018. |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018
1. Description of Organization
Description of business. The Oberweis Funds (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified open-end management investment company. The Trust is authorized to operate numerous Funds under various trading strategies. The Trust consists of eight Funds of which seven are in this report: the Oberweis Micro-Cap Fund, the Oberweis Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, the Oberweis Small-Cap Value Fund, the Oberweis Global Opportunities Fund, the Oberweis China Opportunities Fund, the Oberweis International Opportunities Fund, and the Oberweis Emerging Markets Fund (collectively, “the Funds”) are each a series of the Trust. Effective February 22, 2018, the Oberweis Emerging Growth Fund was renamed Global Opportunities Fund, the change is in name only. Each Fund in this report except for Oberweis International Opportunities Fund currently offers two classes of shares: Investor Class and Institutional Class. Oberweis International Opportunities Fund offers only Investor Class shares. Each class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except each class may be subject to different class expenses as outlined in the relevant prospectus and each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters solely affecting such class.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Funds are an investment company and follow accounting and reporting guidance under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”
Investment valuation. Investments in securities are stated at value as of the close of the regular trading session on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 3 p.m., Central Standard Time). Each listed and unlisted security for which last sale information is regularly reported is valued at the last reported sales price on that day. If there has been no sale on such day, then such security is valued at the current day’s bid price. Any unlisted security for which last sale information is not regularly reported and any listed debt security which has an inactive listed market for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available is valued at the closing bid price determined on the basis of reasonable inquiry. Restricted securities and any other securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued by appraisal at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the Board of Trustees. Short-term debt obligations, commercial paper and repurchase agreements are valued on the basis of quoted yields for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type or on the basis of amortized cost.
The Oberweis Global Opportunities Fund, the Oberweis China Opportunities Fund, the Oberweis Emerging Markets Fund and the Oberweis International Opportunities Fund hold foreign equity securities. Foreign securities are fair valued as described in the following circumstances. Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is completed each day at various times prior to the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE. Due to the time differences between the closings of the relevant foreign securities exchanges and the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE for the Funds, the Funds will fair value their foreign investments when it is determined that the market quotations for the foreign investments either are not readily available or are unreliable and, therefore, do not represent fair value.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
When the fair value prices are utilized, these prices will attempt to reflect the impact of the U.S. financial markets’ perceptions and trading activities on the Funds’ foreign investments since the last closing prices of the foreign investments were calculated on their primary foreign securities markets or exchanges. For these purposes, the Board of Trustees of the Trust has determined that movements in relevant indices, after the close of the foreign securities exchanges, may demonstrate that market quotations are unreliable, and may trigger fair value pricing for certain securities. Consequently, fair valuation of portfolio securities may occur on a daily basis. In determining fair value prices, the Trust utilizes data furnished by an independent pricing service (and that data draws upon, among other information, the market values of foreign investments). When a Fund uses fair value pricing, the values assigned to the Fund’s foreign investments may not be the quoted or published prices of the investments on their primary markets or exchanges.
Fair Value Measurements. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance, the Funds utilize the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” to define fair value, set out a framework for measuring fair value, and expand disclosures regarding fair value measurements.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three levels listed below:
| • | Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. |
| • | Level 2 – Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc). |
| • | Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). |
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ net assets as of December 31, 2018:
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| | MICRO-CAP FUND | | SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND |
Level 1 – Equities | | $ | 68,082,984 | | | $ | 9,845,499 | | | $ | 23,893,017 | |
REITS | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,747,307 | |
Total Level 1 | | | 68,082,984 | | | | 9,845,499 | | | | 27,640,324 | |
Level 2 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Level 3 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total Investments | | $ | 68,082,984 | | | $ | 9,845,499 | | | $ | 27,640,324 | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
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| | GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | CHINA OPPORTUNITIES FUND | | INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND |
Level 1 – Equities
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia | | $ | 2,183,230 | | | $ | 51,846,570 | | | $ | 4,166,256 | |
Total Europe | | | 1,082,694 | | | | — | | | | 15,871,582 | |
Total North America | | | 18,967,334 | | | | — | | | | 56,706,488 | |
Total Level 1 | | | 22,233,258 | | | | 51,846,570 | | | | 76,744,326 | |
Level 2 – Equities
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia | | | 7,083,944 | | | | 10,185,688 | | | | 130,194,635 | |
Total Australia | | | 483,702 | | | | — | | | | 59,009,961 | |
Total Europe | | | 7,294,123 | | | | — | | | | 236,486,301 | |
Total Level 2 | | | 14,861,769 | | | | 10,185,688 | | | | 425,690,897 | |
Level 3 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total Investments | | $ | 37,095,027 | | | $ | 62,032,258 | | | $ | 502,435,223 | |
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| | EMERGING MARKETS FUND |
Level 1 – Equities
| | | | |
Total Asia | | $ | 2,211,259 | |
Total Africa | | | 204,316 | |
Total Europe | | | 205,472 | |
Total North America | | | 269,377 | |
Total South America | | | 339,383 | |
Total Level 1 | | | 3,229,807 | |
Level 2 – Equities
| | | | |
Total Asia | | | 3,196,808 | |
Total Level 2 | | | 3,196,808 | |
Level 3 | | | — | |
Total Investments | | $ | 6,426,615 | |
The Funds’ assets include certain foreign securities for which a third party statistical pricing service may be employed for purposes of fair market valuation. The pricing service provides fair market valuation on days when the movement in relevant indices exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange to determine the value of investments, assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments and foreign currencies.
Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies. Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include future political and economic developments, and the
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries.
Certain countries also may impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers of industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available and result in a lack of liquidity and a high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.
Fund Share Valuation. Fund shares are sold and redeemed on a continuous basis at net asset value. On each day the NYSE is open for trading, the net asset value per share is determined as of the later of the close of the NYSE or the CBOE by dividing the total value of each Fund’s investments and other assets, less liabilities, by the number of each Fund’s shares outstanding.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the information is available to the Fund, and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes amortization of premium and discount. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Income and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
Fund Expense Allocations. The Funds account separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each Fund. Direct expenses of each Fund or class are charged to that Fund or class while general expenses are allocated pro-rata among the Funds based on net assets or other appropriate methods.
Federal Income Taxes and Dividends to Shareholders. It is the policy of the Funds to continue to comply with all requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“the Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders. The Funds have met the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies for the year/period ended December 31, 2018. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Income and capital gains of the Funds are determined in accordance with both tax regulations and accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). Such treatment may result in temporary and permanent differences between tax basis earnings and earnings reported for financial statement purposes. These reclassifications, which have no impact on the net asset value of the Funds, are primarily attributable to certain differences in computation of distributable income and capital gains under federal tax rules versus GAAP.
Certain Funds may utilize earnings and profits on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.
For the year/period ended December 31, 2018, permanent book and tax basis differences resulting primarily from differing treatments for net operating losses, foreign currency transactions, passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) adjustments and the tax practice known as equalization, were identified and reclassified among the components of the Funds’ net assets.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
GAAP requires that certain components of net assets 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 December 31,2018, permanent differences in book and tax accounting have been reclassified to paid in capital and accumulated earnings (loss) as follows:
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| | Increases/(Decrease) |
| | Capital | | Accumulated Earnings (Loss) |
Micro-Cap Fund | | $ | 4,473,893 | | | $ | (4,473,893 | ) |
Global Opportunities Fund | | $ | (41,906 | ) | | $ | 41,906 | |
Small-Cap Opportunities Fund | | $ | 190,076 | | | $ | (190,076 | ) |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | $ | 241,822 | | | $ | (241,822 | ) |
China Opportunities Fund | | $ | 593,801 | | | $ | (593,801 | ) |
International Opportunities Fund | | $ | 9,147,207 | | | $ | (9,147,207 | ) |
Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | (22,048 | ) | | $ | 22,048 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:
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| | Distributions Paid from Ordinary Income | | Distributions Paid from Net Long-Term Capital Gains | | Total Distributions Paid |
Micro-Cap Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,359,268 | | | $ | 11,359,268 | |
Global Opportunities Fund | | $ | 25,508 | | | $ | 2,364,126 | | | $ | 2,389,634 | |
Small-Cap Opportunities Fund | | $ | 254,039 | | | $ | 1,997,792 | | | $ | 2,251,831 | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | $ | 259,889 | | | $ | 2,371,823 | | | $ | 2,631,712 | |
China Opportunities Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 15,298,898 | | | $ | 15,298,898 | |
International Opportunities Fund | | $ | 13,882,345 | | | $ | 72,715,296 | | | $ | 86,597,641 | |
Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year/period ended December 31, 2017 was as follows:
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| | Distributions Paid from Ordinary Income | | Distributions Paid from Net Long-Term Capital Gains | | Total Distributions Paid |
Micro-Cap Fund | | $ | 2,350,684 | | | $ | 8,363,015 | | | $ | 10,713,699 | |
Global Opportunities Fund | | $ | 324,320 | | | $ | 6,329,505 | | | $ | 6,653,825 | |
Small-Cap Opportunities Fund | | $ | 92,935 | | | $ | 576,544 | | | $ | 669,479 | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | $ | 854,535 | | | $ | 2,218,954 | | | $ | 3,073,489 | |
China Opportunities Fund | | $ | 1,111,686 | | | $ | 6,107,749 | | | $ | 7,219,435 | |
International Opportunities Fund | | $ | 13,065,063 | | | $ | 82,493,825 | | | $ | 95,558,888 | |
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Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
As of December 31, 2018, the following Funds had net capital loss carryforwards to offset future net capital gains, if any, to the extent provided by treasury regulations:
Post-October capital losses and Qualified late-year losses incurred after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Funds’ next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Post October capital losses and qualifed late year losses treated arising on January 1, 2019 are as follows:
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| | Post October Capital Losses |
| | Late Year Losses | | Short-Term | | Long-Term | | Total |
Micro-Cap Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,972,614 | | | $ | (612,368 | ) | | $ | 1,360,246 | |
Global Opportunities Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 809,893 | | | $ | 143,102 | | | $ | 952,995 | |
Small-Cap Opportunities Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 286,974 | | | $ | 950,840 | | | $ | 1,237,814 | |
China Opportunities Fund | | $ | 856 | | | $ | 1,658,513 | | | $ | (54,699 | ) | | $ | 1,603,814 | |
International Opportunities Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | 28,365,929 | | | $ | (126,692 | ) | | $ | 28,239,237 | |
Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | 9,308 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
As of December 31, 2018 the components of accumulated earnings (loss) on a tax basis were as follows:
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| | Undistributed ordinary income (deficit) | | Undistributed long-term capital gains | | Accumulated capital and other losses | | Unrealized Appreciation on investments | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) foreign currency translations |
Micro-Cap Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1,360,245 | ) | | $ | (1,929,485 | ) | | $ | — | |
Global Opportunities Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (952,995 | ) | | $ | (4,039,054 | ) | | $ | (68 | ) |
Small-Cap Opportunities Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (249,962 | ) | | $ | — | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1,237,814 | ) | | $ | (2,188,205 | ) | | $ | — | |
China Opportunities Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1,604,670 | ) | | $ | 3,153,998 | | | $ | (3 | ) |
International Opportunities Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (28,239,237 | ) | | $ | (70,982,205 | ) | | $ | 56,008 | |
Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (852,624 | ) | | $ | (454,498 | ) | | $ | 53 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses consists of timing differences related to wash sales, Post-October losses and capital loss carryforwards.
The Funds have reviewed all open tax years and major jurisdictions and concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial
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Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
statements. Open tax years are those that are open for exam by taxing authorities and, as of December 31, 2018, open Federal tax years include the tax years ended 2015 through 2018. The Funds have no examinations in progress and are also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Indemnifications. Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its present and former Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
3. Transactions with affiliates
The Funds have written agreements with Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. (“OAM”) as the Funds’ investment advisor and manager. Oberweis Securities, Inc. (“OSI”), the Funds’ principal distributor, is an affiliate of OAM.
Investment advisory agreement. Under the Advisory Agreement, OAM provides investment advisory services to the Micro-Cap, Global Opportunities, and Small-Cap Opportunities Funds and pursuant to a separate Management Agreement, OAM provides non-investment advisory management services such as administrative, compliance and accounting services to these Funds. For investment advisory services, the Micro-Cap Fund paid monthly investment advisory fees at an annual rate equal to .60% of average daily net assets. The Global Opportunities Fund paid monthly investment advisory fees at an annual rate equal to .45% of the first $50 million of average daily net assets and .40% of average daily net assets in excess of $50 million. The Small-Cap Opportunities Fund paid monthly investment advisory fees at an annual rate equal to .40% of average daily net assets. For investment advisory and management services, the Small-Cap Value Fund, the China Opportunities Fund, the International Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund paid monthly investment advisory and management fees at an annual rate equal to 1.00%, 1.25%, 1.25% and 1.25% of average daily net assets, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Micro-Cap Fund, Global Opportunities Fund and Small-Cap Opportunities Fund incurred investment advisory fees totaling $544,564, $231,775 and $47,670, respectively. For the year/period ended December 31, 2018, the Small-Cap Value Fund, China Opportunities Fund, Emerging Market Fund and International Opportunities Fund incurred investment advisory fees totaling $374,630, $1,293,983, $50,571 and $10,366,435 respectively.
Management agreement. For management services and facilities furnished, the Micro-Cap Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, and Small-Cap Opportunities Fund each paid a monthly fee at an annual rate equal to .40% of average daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Micro-Cap Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, and Small-Cap Opportunities Fund incurred management fees totaling $363,043, $206,775, and $47,670, respectively.
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Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
Expense reimbursement. OAM is contractually obligated to reduce its investment and management fees or reimburse the Micro-Cap Fund and Global Opportunities Fund Investor Class Shares to the extent that total ordinary operating expenses, as defined, exceed in any one year the following amounts expressed as a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets: 1.80% of the first $50 million; plus 1.60% of average daily net assets in excess of $50 million. OAM is contractually obligated to reduce its investment and management fees or reimburse Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, China Opportunities Fund, International Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund Investor Class Shares to the extent that total ordinary operating expenses in any one year 1.55%, 1.55%, 2.24%, 1.60% and 1.75% expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, respectively. OAM is contractually obligated to reduce its investment and management fees or reimburse the Global Opportunities Fund and Micro-Cap Fund Institutional Class Shares to the extent that total ordinary operating expenses, as defined, exceed in any one year the following amounts expressed as a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets: 1.55% of the first $50 million; plus 1.35% of average daily net assets in excess of $50 million. OAM is also contractually obligated to reduce its management fees or reimburse the Small-Cap Value Fund (Institutional Class) to the extent that total ordinary operating expenses, as defined, exceed 1.30% expressed as a percentage of the Funds’ average daily assets. OAM is contractually obligated to reduce its investment and management fees or reimburse the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, China Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund Institutional Class Shares to the extent that total ordinary operating expenses, as defined, exceed in any one year 1.30%, 1.99% and 1.50% expressed as a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets, respectively. For the year/period ended December 31, 2018 OAM reimbursed the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, and the International Opportunities Fund in the amount of $65,022, $122, $86,720, and $1,106,296, respectively.
Officers and trustees. Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and/or directors of OAM and OSI. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust made no direct payments to its officers and paid $125,000 to its unaffiliated trustees.
Distribution and shareholder service agreement. The Funds have a distribution and shareholder services agreement with OSI. For services under the distribution and shareholder services agreement, the Funds pay OSI a fee at the annual rate of .25% of the average daily net assets of Investor Class Shares as compensation for services. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Micro-Cap Fund, Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, China Opportunities Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, Small Cap Value Fund and International Opportunities Fund incurred distribution fees totaling $191,141, $16,562, $103,444, $223,943, $561, $218, and $2,073,287 respectively.
Affiliated Commissions. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Micro-Cap Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, China Opportunities Fund, Emerging Markets Fund and International Opportunities Fund did not execute any security transactions through OSI and therefore did not pay commissions to OSI.
4. Investment transactions
The cost of securities purchased and proceeds from securities sold during the year/period ended December 31, 2018, other than options written and money market investments, aggregated $103,835,916 and $121,913,935, respectively, for the Micro-Cap Fund, $77,270,723 and $82,883,210, respectively, for the Global Opportunities Fund, $18,051,821 and $18,473,209, respectively, for the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, $19,917,931 and $27,060,073,
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Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
respectively, for the Small-Cap Value Fund, $81,476,550 and $111,395,632, respectively, for the China Opportunities Fund, $1,121,425,677, and $1,244,695,556, respectively, for the International Opportunities Fund, $14,040,340 and $6,306,817, respectively, for the Emerging Markets Fund. The Funds did not hold government securities during the year/period ended December 31, 2018.
The Funds may write covered call options. The premiums received provide a partial hedge (protection) against declining prices and enables each Fund to generate a higher return during years when OAM does not expect the underlying security to make any major price moves in the near future but still deems the underlying security to be, over the long term, an attractive investment for each Fund. The Funds write covered call options for which premiums received are recorded as liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options that expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options, which are either exercised or closed, are offset against the proceeds received or amount paid on the transaction to determine realized gains or losses. Amounts recovered for securities litigation are included in the realized gains of the Fund and are recorded when received. The Funds did not write covered call options during the year/period ended December 31, 2018.
5. Redemption fees
The Oberweis Funds are designed for long-term investors. To discourage market timers redemptions of shares of the Micro-Cap Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, and Small-Cap Opportunities Fund within 90 days of purchase are subject to a 1% redemption fee of the total redemption amount and 2% for the China Opportunities Fund, the Emerging Markets Fund and the International Opportunities Fund. The redemption fee is deducted from the redemption proceeds and is retained by the Fund.
The redemption fee is retained by the Funds for the expense they incur in connection with shareholder redemptions. Redemption fees received by the Micro-Cap Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, China Opportunities Fund, Emerging Markets Fund and International Opportunities Fund were $93,302, $2,601, $278, $28,089, $2 and $39,762, respectively, for the year/period ended December 31, 2018, and were recorded as a reduction of the redemption of shares in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
6. Earnings credits and interest charges
The Trust, as part of the agreement with the Custodian, receives credits against its custodian fees on its uninvested cash balances and is allowed to borrow for temporary purposes. Borrowings are not to exceed 5% of the value of each Fund’s total assets at the time of any such borrowing. Interest on amounts borrowed is calculated at the prime rate and is payable monthly. During the year/period ended December 31, 2018, the Micro-Cap Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, China Opportunities Fund, Emerging Markets Fund and International Opportunities Fund received credits of $13,827, $13,332, $3,979, $1,485, $49,313, 4,051 and $276,796, respectively. During the year/period ended December 31, 2018, the Micro-Cap Fund, the Small Cap Opportunities Fund, the Global Opportunities Fund, the China Opportunities Fund, the Emerging Markets Fund, the International Opportunities Fund and the Small-Cap Value Fund incurred interest charges of $6,332, $43, $1,619, $2,552, $118, $10,321 and $2,137 respectively, which is included in custodian fees and expenses in the Statements of Operations.
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Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
7. New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities, held at a premium, to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; which continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying this provision.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, which changes certain fair value measurement disclosure requirements. The new ASU, in addition to other modifications and additions, removes the requirement to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, and the policy for the timing of transfers between levels. For investment companies, the amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is allowed. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of the ASU and any impact on the financial statement disclosures.
In September 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to US GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, if any, on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. The amendments also removed the requirement for parenthetical disclosure of undistributed net investment income on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.
8. Subsequent events
The Funds have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.
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Financial Highlights
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
b The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a For the period from May 1, 2017 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2017.
b The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d Not Annualized.
e Annualized.
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
b The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a For the period from May 1, 2017 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2017.
b The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d Not Annualized.
e Annualized.
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout the period is as follows:
Notes:
a For the period from May 1, 2018 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2018.
b The net investment income per share data was determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian, and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d Annualized
e Not Annualized
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
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Institutional Class
| | SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Period Ended December 31, 2017a | | Year Ended June 30, 2017d | | Year Ended June 30, 2016d | | Year Ended June 30, 2015d |
Net asset value at beginning of period | | $ | 21.63 | | | $ | 21.63 | | | $ | 18.28 | | | $ | 19.35 | | | $ | 20.00 | |
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment incomeb | | | .23 | | | | .11 | | | | .24 | | | | .24 | | | | .25 | |
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | | | (3.71 | ) | | | 1.83 | | | | 3.33 | | | | (.88 | ) | | | (.54 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | (3.48 | ) | | | 1.94 | | | | 3.57 | | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.29 | ) |
Less dividends and distributions:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distribution from net realized gains on investments | | | (1.49 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.22 | ) |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.06 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.14 | ) |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (1.55 | ) | | | (1.94 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.43 | ) | | | (.36 | ) |
Net asset value at end of period | | $ | 16.60 | | | $ | 21.63 | | | $ | 21.63 | | | $ | 18.28 | | | $ | 19.35 | |
Total Return (%) | | | (16.45 | ) | | | 9.48 | f | | | 19.50 | | | | (3.08 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) |
RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
| |
Net Assets at end of period (in thousands) | | $ | 26,980 | | | $ | 41,138 | | | $ | 34,548 | | | $ | 29,642 | | | $ | 29,536 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (%) | | | 1.29 | | | | 1.97 | e | | | 2.00 | | | | 2.03 | | | | 2.01 | |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (%)c | | | 1.29 | | | | 1.30 | e | | | 1.30 | | | | 1.30 | | | | 1.30 | |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) | | | 1.10 | | | | 1.05 | e | | | 1.15 | | | | 1.37 | | | | 1.26 | |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | | | 54 | | | | 35 | f | | | 76 | | | | 62 | | | | 70 | |
Notes:
a For the period from July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017
b The net investment income per share data was determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d The financial highlights set forth herein include the historical financial highlights of the Cozad Small Cap Value Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”). The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Oberweis Small-Cap Value Fund on September 29, 2017. Information prior to September 29, 2017 reflects the performance of the Predecessor Fund’s Class I shares.
e Annualized
f Not Annualized
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
b The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a For the period from May 1, 2017 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2017.
b The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d Annualized.
e Not Annualized.
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
b The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a For the period from May 1, 2017 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2017.
b The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d Annualized.
e Not Annualized
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a The net investment income (loss) per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
b The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
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Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout the period is as follows:
Notes:
a For the period from May 1, 2018 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2018.
b The net investment loss per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian, and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d Annualized.
e Not Annualized
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Financial Highlights (continued)
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
Notes:
a For the period from May 1, 2018 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2018.
b The net investment income per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian, and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d Annualized.
e Not Annualized
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Trustees of The Oberweis Funds
and the Shareholders of Oberweis Micro-Cap Fund, Oberweis Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Oberweis Small-Cap Value Fund, Oberweis Global Opportunities Fund, Oberweis China Opportunities Fund, Oberweis International Opportunities Fund, and Oberweis Emerging Markets Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Oberweis Micro-Cap Fund, Oberweis Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Oberweis Global Opportunities Fund (formerly known as Oberweis Emerging Growth Fund), Oberweis China Opportunities Fund, and Oberweis International Opportunities Fund, each a series of shares of beneficial interest in The Oberweis Funds, (the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2018, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended and the financial highlights as noted in the table below, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). The financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015 were audited by other auditors whose report, dated February 25, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on such financial highlights.
We have also audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Oberweis Emerging Markets Fund (collectively with the above entities, the “Funds”), including the schedule of investments as of December 31, 2018, and the related statement of operations, the statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights for the period May 1, 2018 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2018 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).
We have also audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Oberweis Small Cap Value Fund (collectively with the above entities, the “Funds”), including the schedule of investments as of December 31, 2018, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended and the statements of changes in net assets for the year then ended and for the period July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and the financial highlights as noted in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). The statement of changes in net assets for the year ended June 30, 2017, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2017 were audited by other auditors whose report, dated August 29, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion on such financial highlights.
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| | Financial Highlights |
Investor Class: Micro-Cap Fund Small-Cap Opportunities Fund Global Opportunities Fund China Opportunities Fund International Opportunities Fund | | For each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018 |
Investor Class: Small-Cap Value Fund Emerging Markets Fund | | For the period May 1, 2018 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2018 |
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)
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| | Financial Highlights |
Institutional Class: Micro-Cap Fund Small-Cap Opportunities Fund Global Opportunities Fund China Opportunities Fund | | For the period May 1, 2017 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2018 |
Institutional Class: Small-Cap Value Fund Emerging Markets Fund | | For the period July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2018 For the period May 1, 2018 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2018 |
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of December 31, 2018, and the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the years or periods in the two-year period then ended and their financial highlights as detailed above, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities law and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2018 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
BBD, LLP
We have served as the auditor of one or more of the Funds in The Oberweis Funds since 2016.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 28, 2019
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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE OBERWEIS FUNDS (unaudited)
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Name, Address and Age
| | Position Held with Fund | | Term of Office and Length of Time Served |
NONINTERESTED TRUSTEES |
Katherine Smith Dedrick (61) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Trustee | | Trustee since November, 20041 |
Gary D. McDaniel (70) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Trustee | | Trustee since April, 20041 |
James G. Schmidt (71) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Trustee | | Trustee since December, 20031 |
INTERESTED TRUSTEES |
James D. Oberweis (72) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Trustee2 | | Trustee since July, 19861 |
James W. Oberweis (44) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | President | | Officer since August, 19963 |
Patrick B. Joyce (59) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Executive Vice President Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer | | Officer since October, 19943 |
David I. Covas (43) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Vice President | | Officer since August, 20043 |
Kenneth S. Farsalas (48) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Vice President | | Officer since August, 20093 |
Eric V. Hannemann (45) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Secretary | | Officer since August, 20053 |
1 Unless otherwise noted, each trustee shall serve as a trustee of the Fund until the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such trustee or of a successor to such trustee, and until the election and qualification of his successor, if any, elected at such meeting, or until such trustee sooner dies, resigns, retires or is removed.
2 James D. Oberweis is an interested trustee of the Fund since he is a shareholder of Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., the Fund’s investment advisor.
3 Elected annually by board of trustees.
The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about Fund officers and trustees and is available upon request without charge, by calling the Fund at 800-323-6166.
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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE OBERWEIS FUNDS (unaudited)(continued)
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Principal Occupation Last Five Years
| | Number of Portfolios Overseen by Trustee | | Other Directorships |
|
President – Smith Dedrick Properties, Inc., 2016 to present; President – KSD Law P.C., 2015 to present; President – KSD Global Consulting, Inc., 2015 to present; Executive Committee Member, Risk Worldwide NZ Ltd., 2011 to 2016; President – Aggressive Publishing, Inc., 2010 to present; Member – Risk Worldwide LLC, 2007 to 2016; Partner – Childress Duffy, Ltd., 2007 to 2015. | | 8 | | None |
Chairman – Star Packaging Corp., 2012 to 2013. | | 8 | | None |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer – Federal Heath Sign Co., May 2003 to present. | | 8 | | None |
|
Illinois State Senator, January 2013 to present; Chairman – Oberweis Dairy, Inc. December, 1986 to present. Chairman – Diamond Marketing Solutions November, 2009 to 2013. | | 8 | | None |
President – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., September, 2001 to present; Portfolio Manager from December, 1995 to present; President and Director – Oberweis Securities, Inc., September, 1996 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., September, 1994 to present; Executive Vice President and Director – Oberweis Securities, Inc. September, 1996 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
Vice President – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., September, 2003 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
Vice President – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., November 2004 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
Vice President of Accounting – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. and Oberweis Securities, Inc., June, 2004 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
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Supplemental Information(Unaudited)
Qualified Dividend Income
For the year ended December 31, 2018, 37.80% and 100%, of the dividends paid from net investment income for the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund respectively are designated as qualified dividend income.
Corporate Dividends Received Deduction
For the year ended December 31, 2018, 36.56% and 100% of the dividends paid from net investment income qualifies for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders of the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund, respectively.
Long-term Capital Gain
The Micro-Cap Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, China Opportunities Fund and International Opportunities Fund designate $11,359,268, $2,364,126, $1,997,792, $2,374029, $15,298,897, and $72,715,296 respectively, as long-term capital gain distribution.
Proxy Voting:
The Oberweis Funds has delegated authority to vote proxies related to the Funds’ (Micro-Cap Fund, Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, Global Opportunities Fund, China Opportunities Fund, International Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund) Portfolio securities to the Funds’ investment advisor, Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. (“OAM”). A description of the policies and procedures that OAM uses in fulfilling this responsibility is available, without charge upon request, by calling 1-800-323-6166. It also appears on www.oberweisfunds.com and in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information, which can be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov. Information on how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12 month period ended December 31 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-323-6166, and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Availability of Schedules of Portfolio Investments:
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio investments with the SEC for the first and third quarter of each fiscal year (March 31 and September 30) on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available, without charge, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Approval of Investment Advisory Contracts:
The Investment Advisory Agreement between The Oberweis Funds (the “Trust”) and Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. (“OAM”) with respect to the Micro-Cap, Global Opportunities and Small-Cap Opportunities Funds and the Investment Advisory and Management Agreements for each of the China Opportunities Fund, International Opportunities Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund (collectively, the “Agreements”) were last approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including all of the trustees who are not parties to such Agreements or interested persons of any such party (the “independent trustees”), on August 16, 2018. The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the independent trustees, determined that approval of the Agreements was in the best interests of the shareholders of each Fund. The independent trustees were assisted by legal counsel in making their determination.
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Supplemental Information(Unaudited) (continued)
The Board noted that OAM has been associated with each Fund since its inception. The Board recognized that a long-term relationship with a capable, conscientious investment advisor is in the best interests of shareholders, and that shareholders have invested in the Funds knowing that OAM manages the Funds and knowing the investment advisory fee schedules.
Nature, Quality and Extent of Services. With respect to the nature, quality and extent of the services provided by OAM pursuant to the Agreements, as applicable, the Board considered the background and history of OAM, the functions performed by OAM and the personnel providing such services, management capabilities, information contained in OAM’s Form ADV, OAM’s financial condition and the compliance reports provided to the Board, and the culture of compliance created by OAM, including the competency of the chief compliance officer of the Trust. The Board also considered the experience, academic background, long tenure and structure as well as the growth of the portfolio management/strategy investment teams and their respective roles, the investment process with respect to the types of investments held by the Funds as well as the honesty and integrity of OAM, and that OAM personnel are open and forthright with the Board. In addition, the Board considered that OAM is a research-oriented firm that conducts extensive research. Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that the nature and extent of services provided to each Fund by OAM were appropriate, and that the quality of such services was good.
The Board then reviewed the reports prepared by OAM containing information on total returns and average annual total returns of the Funds over various periods of time, as compared to relevant market indices and other mutual funds pursuing broadly similar strategies in addition to the information presented at the meeting. The Board noted that the peer group mutual funds had been provided by OAM at a previous meeting, and includes funds currently in existence that were similar in investment objective to each of the respective Funds. Based on the information provided as to the Investor Class Shares, the Board concluded for the period ended July 31, 2018 that: (i) as to the Micro-Cap Fund, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees five of the six other mutual funds in the report, outperformed one of the six other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market indices for the year-to-date period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees four of the six other mutual funds in the report, outperformed two of the six other mutual funds in the report and in one instance outperformed and in the other instance performed in line with the relevant market indices for the one-year period, the Fund outperformed in varying degrees the six other mutual funds in the report and the two relevant market indices for the three-year and five-year periods, the Fund outperformed in varying degrees four of the six other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with two of the six other mutual funds in the report and in one instance outperformed and in the other instance performed in line with the relevant market indices for the 10-year period; (ii) as to the Global Opportunities Fund, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees five of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed one of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with four of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market index for the year-to-date period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees seven of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees two of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market index for the one-year period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees eight of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed one of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market index for the three-year period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees two of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees four of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in
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Supplemental Information(Unaudited) (continued)
line with four of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and outperformed the relevant market index for the five-year period, the Fund underperformed one of the six other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees four of the six other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the six other mutual funds in the report and outperformed the relevant market index for the ten-year period; (iii) as to the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees the eight other mutual funds in the report and in one instance underperformed and in the other instance performed in line with the two relevant market indices for the year-to-date period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees all but one of the eight other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the eight other mutual funds in the report and in one instance underperformed and in the other instance outperformed the relevant market indices for the one-year period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees the eight other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market indices for the three-year period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees six of the eight other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with two of the eight other mutual funds in the report and performed in line with the relevant market indices for the five-year period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees the eight other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market indices for the 10-year period; (iv) as to the China Opportunities Fund, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees four of the nine other mutual funds in the report, outperformed one of the nine other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with four of the nine other mutual funds and in once instance underperformed and in the other instance performed in line with the relevant market indices for the year-to-date period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees three of the nine other mutual funds in the report, outperformed three of the nine other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with three of the nine other mutual funds in the report and outperformed in varying degrees the relevant market indices for the one-year period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees seven of the nine other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with two of the nine other mutual funds in the report and outperformed in varying degrees the relevant market indices for the three-year period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees five of the nine other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees two of the nine other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with two of the nine other mutual funds in the report and outperformed in varying degrees the relevant market indices for the five-year period, the Fund outperformed in varying degrees six of the seven other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the seven other mutual funds in the report and outperformed in varying degrees the relevant market indices for the 10-year period; (v) as to the International Opportunities Fund, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees five of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees four of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and performed in line with the relevant market index for the year-to-date period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees three of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees five of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with two of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and outperformed the relevant market index for the one-year period, the Fund outperformed in varying degrees seven of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with three of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and outperformed the relevant market index for the three-year period, the Fund outperformed in varying degrees nine of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and outperformed the relevant market index for the five-year period, the Fund outperformed in varying degrees six of the eight other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with two of the eight other mutual funds in the report and outperformed the relevant market index for the 10-year period; and (vi) as to the Small-Cap Value Fund, the Fund underperformed in varying
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Supplemental Information(Unaudited) (continued)
degrees two of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees seven of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with two of the 11 other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market index for the year-to-date period, the fund underperformed in varying degrees three of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees seven of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the 11 other mutual funds in the report and performed in line with the relevant market index for the one-year period, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees four of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees six of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the 11 other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market index for the three-year period, the Fund underperformed two of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees six of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with three of the 11 other mutual funds in the report and underperformed the relevant market index for the five-year period, the Fund underperformed two of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees eight of the 11 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the 11 other mutual funds in the report and performed in line with the relevant market index for the inception-to-date period.
Fees and Expenses. For each Fund, the Board compared the amounts paid to OAM for advisory and management services and each Fund’s Investor Class Shares’ expense ratio with other mutual funds pursuing broadly similar strategies, as included in the reports prepared by OAM.
This information showed that the advisory and management fees of the Micro-Cap Fund were the same as two of the six other mutual funds, lower than three of the six other mutual funds and higher than one of the six other mutual funds, the advisory and management fees of the Global Opportunities Fund were the same as two of the 10 other mutual funds, lower than five of the 10 other mutual funds, and higher than three of the 10 other mutual funds, the advisory and management fees of the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund were the same as one of the eight other mutual funds, lower than four of the eight other mutual funds and higher than three of the eight other mutual funds, the advisory and management fees of the China Opportunities Fund were higher than all but one of the nine other mutual funds, the advisory and management fees of the International Opportunities Fund were the same as two of the 10 other mutual funds, lower than two of the 10 other mutual funds and higher than six of the 10 other mutual funds, and the advisory and management fees of the Small-Cap Value Fund were the same as two of the 11 other mutual funds, lower than five of the 11 other mutual funds and higher than four of the 11 other mutual funds.
The information also showed that the expense ratio of the Micro-Cap Fund was higher than three of the six other mutual funds, the expense ratio of the Global Opportunities Fund was higher than six of the 10 other mutual funds, the expense ratio of the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund was the highest relative to the eight other mutual funds, the expense ratio of the China Opportunities Fund was higher than eight of the nine other mutual funds, the expense ratio of the International Opportunities Fund was higher than nine of the 10 other mutual funds, and the expense ratio of the Small-Cap Value Fund was higher than four of the 11 other mutual funds. The Board also noted that the Small-Cap Opportunities Fund was significantly smaller in size relative to the eight other funds in the report.
In addition, the Board considered amounts paid to OAM by other clients where applicable. With respect to OAM’s other clients, the Board recognized that the mix of services provided, the level of responsibility required under the Agreements with the Funds, and the regulatory
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and operational requirements with respect to the Funds, were greater than OAM’s obligations for similar client accounts, and that the advisory fees of such accounts are less relevant to the Board’s consideration because they reflect different competitive forces than those in the mutual fund marketplace. Based on the information considered, the Board concluded that each Fund’s advisory and management fees were reasonable and/or appropriate in amount, given the quality of services provided and taking into consideration relevant circumstances.
Profitability. With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by OAM, the Board considered the advisory fees received by OAM from each of the Funds as well as the level, quality and expense of OAM’s staff and the services that OAM provides. The Board also considered the explanation from OAM that the profits realized by OAM specifically from the relationship with the Funds could not be identified due to the impracticality of expense allocation, noting the difficulty of breaking down profitability related to and among the Funds versus other advisory accounts because management and personnel time and services are not allocated between the various types of accounts, and OAM believed that while the profits could not be itemized, the overall profitability of OAM was average and was within a reasonable range relative to other investment advisory firms, that the advisory fees charged the Funds were consistent with other advisory clients, and that OAM reimburses the Funds if expense ratios exceed certain limits. Based on this information, the Board concluded for each Fund that OAM’s profitability was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale. The Board also considered the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as each Fund grows, and whether fee levels reflect economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. The Board noted that the advisory fee for the Global Opportunities Fund has a breakpoint designed to share economies of scale with shareholders. The Board also noted asset capacity constraints for the Funds that limit economies of scale and the expense reimbursements made by OAM to several of the Funds. The Board concluded with respect to each Fund that each Fund’s advisory and management fees reflect an appropriate recognition of any economies of scale.
Other Benefits to OAM and Its Affiliates. The Board considered the character and amount of other incidental benefits received by OAM and its affiliates from their relationship with the Funds, including fees received by an affiliate of OAM for distribution services and benefits to OAM related to soft dollars generated by the Funds as well as other OAM advisory clients. The Board also noted that during the past year none of the Funds’ brokerage transactions had been placed through the affiliated broker-dealer of OAM.
After due consideration of all of the information and factors deemed relevant by the Board, and based upon its own business judgment and the conclusions reached, the Board determined to approve the continuance of the Agreements. The Board of Trustees, including the independent trustees, did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all-important or controlling, and considered all factors together.
Expense Examples:
As a shareholder of The Oberweis Funds, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including redemption fees and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (and/or service) 12b-1 fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in The Oberweis Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 investment at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period.
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Supplemental Information(Unaudited) (continued)
Actual Expenses:
The first line for each Fund in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information below; together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000=8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the table under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes:
The second line for each Fund in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return.
The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line for each Fund in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | Beginning Account Value 7/1/18 | | Ending Account Value 12/31/18 | | Expenses Paid During Period 7/1/18– 12/31/18* | | Expense Ratio During Period 7/1/18– 12/31/18 |
MICRO-CAP FUND
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 795.92 | | | $ | 7.02 | | | | 1.55 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,017.39 | | | $ | 7.88 | | | | 1.55 | % |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 797.86 | | | $ | 5.98 | | | | 1.32 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,018.55 | | | $ | 6.72 | | | | 1.32 | % |
SMALL-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 855.24 | | | $ | 7.25 | | | | 1.55 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,017.39 | | | $ | 7.88 | | | | 1.55 | % |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 855.63 | | | $ | 6.08 | | | | 1.30 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,018.65 | | | $ | 6.61 | | | | 1.30% | |
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Supplemental Information(Unaudited) (continued)
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | Beginning Account Value 7/1/18 | | Ending Account Value 12/31/18 | | Expenses Paid During Period 7/1/18– 12/31/18* | | Expense Ratio During Period 7/1/18– 12/31/18 |
SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 809.58 | | | $ | 7.07 | | | | 1.55 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,017.39 | | | $ | 7.88 | | | | 1.55 | % |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 810.46 | | | $ | 5.89 | | | | 1.29 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,018.70 | | | $ | 6.56 | | | | 1.29 | % |
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 745.98 | | | $ | 6.6 | | | | 1.50 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,017.64 | | | $ | 7.63 | | | | 1.50 | % |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 746.81 | | | $ | 5.5 | | | | 1.25 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,018.90 | | | $ | 6.36 | | | | 1.25 | % |
CHINA OPPORTUNITIES FUND
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 730.29 | | | $ | 8.11 | | | | 1.86 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,015.83 | | | $ | 9.45 | | | | 1.86 | % |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 730.91 | | | $ | 7.02 | | | | 1.61 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,017.09 | | | $ | 8.19 | | | | 1.61 | % |
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 751.49 | | | $ | 7.06 | | | | 1.60 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,017.14 | | | $ | 8.13 | | | | 1.60 | % |
EMERGING MARKETS FUND
| |
Investor Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 830.53 | | | $ | 8.07 | | | | 1.75 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,016.38 | | | $ | 8.89 | | | | 1.75 | % |
Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 831.58 | | | $ | 6.92 | | | | 1.50 | % |
Hypothetical | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,017.64 | | | $ | 7.63 | | | | 1.50 | % |
* Expenses are equal to the average account value times the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year.
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Trustees and Officers
James D. Oberweis
Trustee
Gary D. McDaniel
Trustee
James W. Oberweis
President
David I. Covas
Vice President
Kenneth S. Farsalas
Vice President
Katherine Smith Dedrick
Trustee
James G. Schmidt
Trustee
Patrick B. Joyce
Executive Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer
Treasurer
Eric V. Hannemann
Secretary
Manager and Investment Advisor
Oberweis Asset Management, Inc.
3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500, Lisle, IL 60532
800-323-6166
oberweisfunds.com
Distributor
Oberweis Securities, Inc.
3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500, Lisle, IL 60532
630-577-2300
oberweisfunds.com
Custodian
UMB Bank, n.a.
928 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106
Transfer Agent
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 711, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0711
800-245-7311
Counsel
Vedder Price P.C.
222 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
BBD LLP
1835 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Oberweis Funds
Micro-Cap Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
Small-Cap Opportunities Fund
Small-Cap Value Fund
China Opportunities Fund
International Opportunities Fund
Emerging Markets Fund
800-245-7311
oberweisfunds.com
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oberweisfunds.com
800-323-6166
630-577-2300
Shareholder Services
800-245-7311
3333 Warrenville Road
Suite 500
Lisle, IL 60532
ANNUAL REPORT
Oberweis International Opportunities Institutional Fund (OBIIX)
December 31, 2018
oberweisfunds.com
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As of January 1, 2021, and per The US Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 30e-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940; The Oberweis Funds will no longer mail paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports, unless specifically requested by the shareholder directly from the fund or from your financial advisor, your broker dealer or your bank. The reports will be available on www.oberweisfunds.com and you will be receiving a hard copy notice that directs you to the website.
You will not be affected by this change if you have already elected to receive the reports electronically.
If you wish to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports, you may contact us at 1-800-245-7311 or you may directly contact your financial advisor.
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PRESIDENT AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S LETTER(unaudited)
Dear Shareholder:
Thank you for your investment in the Oberweis International Opportunities Institutional Fund (OBIIX). This Fund is managed by a team led by Ralf Scherschmidt and seeks to invest in small and mid-cap companies primarily outside of the United States which are experiencing positive fundamental changes not yet fully reflected in market prices.
The Year in Review
2018 was a difficult year for investors. Stocks, bonds, gold and oil all declined as investors grew increasingly fearful of the impact of tariffs and a prolonged US-China trade war, resulting slowing growth, rising interest rates, and tighter monetary policy. In the fourth quarter, investors became so concerned that they reduced equity exposure late in 2018 at the most frantic pace since the end of 2008, right around the stock market bottom.
As one might expect, this type of environment can be challenging for our team in the short-term, as we invest in small-cap companies with valuations based primarily on misunderstood future earnings. When the market focuses too much on near-term earnings rather than long-term earnings, our strategy faces short-term headwinds. We expect these difficult periods to occur occasionally, but fortunately, they have been the exception rather than the rule. As fear spread during the fourth quarter, valuations within our asset class notably contracted. The average P/E of our benchmark index dropped from 20.0x at the end of 2017 to 16.1x at the end of 2018. During times of fear and volatility, it is not unusual for the market to over-discount risk for international small cap growth stocks. In our experience, out-of-favor periods for our process often lead to attractive valuations, which can set the stage for unusually favorable purchase opportunities, which in turn improves the odds of favorable returns once the headwinds subside.
For the year, the Oberweis International Opportunities Institutional Fund returned -23.91% versus -17.78% for the MSCI World ex-US Small Cap Growth Index. In the fourth quarter, the Fund returned -22.20% versus -17.49% for the benchmark. The deficit in this year’s return relative to our benchmark was primarily attributable to unfavorable stock selection in Japan and Canada. Within Japan, data from SMBC Nikko shows that companies with negative earnings revisions outperformed those with positive revisions. This is the antithesis of our strategy, which seeks companies reporting positive earnings surprises which we believe are materially misunderstood and undervalued on future earnings. As a result, our holdings should naturally experience positive revisions, and over the long-term our experience shows that such securities tend to outperform the market. In the short-term, however, this is not always the case. In these instances, so long as our holdings continue to report good earnings in accordance with our philosophy, we will continue to hold them. In terms of positive contribution, France was our best contributing country thanks to favorable stock selection. At a sector level, healthcare was our largest detractor while financials was our largest contributing sector.
Additionally, after being cautious on economically sensitive companies over the course of 2018, given the uncertainty over tariffs and a trade war, we found and owned instead more companies exposed to secular themes. These stocks can be cheap and undervalued on future earnings, but may look more expensive on current-year earnings. During environments like 2018, when the market becomes overly focused on near-term earnings, many of these companies sold off as the market gave less weight to future earnings. Ultimately we believe these companies will earn far more than what the market is expecting, therefore making valuations attractive.
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PRESIDENT AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S LETTER(unaudited) (continued)
Outlook
Our research indicates that there have been only two other times in the last decade in which valuations for international small-caps have been as low as today. As challenging as difficult economic periods may be, they often turn out to be attractive times to buy international small-cap stocks. Periods of high risk aversion often correlate to below-average stock valuations (as is the case currently), and we see an above-average investment opportunity today. According to data supplied by Empirical Research Partners, our universe of developed world ex-US small-cap equities trade at the cheapest valuations since January 2012 and about 30% below the long-term average. Of course, no one can predict the future and it’s difficult to assess how long it might take for valuations to revert closer to historical means.
From a macro perspective, while we hope that some sort of positive trade resolution takes place between the U.S. and China, we are not holding our breath. We also expect challenges from slowing growth in China, a more tepid housing market in the U.S., balance sheet reductions by major central banks and various political uncertainties globally to weigh on markets from time to time in 2019. However, we see many of these risks as discounted and therefore see an opportunity for long-term investors to take advantage of a favorable entry point.
We appreciate your investment in The Oberweis Funds and are grateful for the trust you have shown us with your valuable investments. If you have any questions about your account, please contact shareholder services at (800) 245-7311. Thank you for investing with us in The Oberweis Funds.
Sincerely,
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE(unaudited)
Market Environment
Global equities returned -8.71% in 2018, as measured by the MSCI World Index. Global small-caps, as measured by the MSCI World Small-Cap Index, returned -13.86%. U.S. small-caps outperformed International small-caps, as evidenced by the -18.07% return on the MSCI World ex-US Small-Cap Index vs. -11.01% for the Russell 2000 index. Non-US small cap growth companies slightly outperformed Non-US small-cap value companies. The MSCI World ex-USA Small-Cap Growth Index return -17.78% versus -18.38% for the MSCI World ex-USA Small-Cap Value Index.
Discussion of The International Opportunities institutional Fund
The International Opportunities Institutional Fund returned -23.91% versus -17.78% for the MSCI World ex-US Small Cap Growth Index. The portfolio was negatively impacted from adverse stock selection in Japan, and Canada, offset by positive stock selection in France. On a sector level, the portfolio benefitted from positive stock selection in Financials, and was negatively impacted by negative stock selection and an underweight in Health Care. At the stock level, Burford Capital Ltd. (BUR LN), DA Consortium Holdings Inc. (6534 JP), and Ubisoft Entertainment SA (UBI FP) were among the top contributors to performance; Japan Investment Adviser Co. Ltd (7172 JP), Keywords Studios Plc. (KWS LN), and Aurelius Equity Opportunities SE & Co KGaA (AR4 GY) were among the top detractors.
At year-end, the portfolio was invested in 81 stocks in 16 countries. Our top five country weightings (portfolio weighting versus the MSCI World ex-US Small Cap Growth Index) at the end of the quarter were Japan (18.9% vs. 28.7%), the United Kingdom (16.9% vs. 16.6%), Australia (11.5% vs. 6.7%), Canada (11.1% vs. 8.7%), and Sweden (7.4% vs. 5.3%). On a sector basis, the portfolio is overweight information technology (25.4% vs. 13.8%) and underweight consumer discretionary (7.2% vs. 14.5%)
For current performance information, please visit www.oberweisfunds.com.
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE(unaudited) (continued)
Oberweis International Opportunities Institutional Fund
At December 31, 2018
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Asset Allocation (%) | |
Equities | | | 98.3 | |
Other Assets less Liabilities | | | 1.7 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Holdings (%) | |
Burford Capital Ltd. | | | 4.0 | |
Evolution Mining Ltd. | | | 3.2 | |
Teleperformance Sa | | | 3.1 | |
Intermediate Capital Group Plc | | | 2.6 | |
ASR Nederland N.V. | | | 2.5 | |
Parkland Fuel Co. | | | 2.3 | |
Fancl Corp. | | | 2.2 | |
Systena Corp. | | | 2.2 | |
Evolution Gaming | | | 1.9 | |
Afterpay Touch Group Ltd. | | | 1.9 | |
Other Holdings | | | 74.1 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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Top Industries (%) | |
Software | | | 12.3 | |
Capital Markets | | | 8.1 | |
Information Technology Services | | | 7.6 | |
Professional Services | | | 7.4 | |
Food Products | | | 4.4 | |
Oil, Gas, & Consumable Fuels | | | 4.1 | |
Commercial Services & Supply | | | 4.1 | |
Metals & Mining | | | 3.9 | |
Machinery | | | 3.8 | |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | | | 3.0 | |
Other Industries | | | 41.3 | |
| | | 100.0 | |
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION ON FUND PERFORMANCE(unaudited) (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns1(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2018)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment (from March 10, 2014 to December 31, 2018)
1 Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and include changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month by visiting oberweisfunds.com. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Oberweis Funds invest in rapidly growing smaller and medium sized companies, which may offer greater return potential. However, these investments often involve greater risks and volatility. Foreign and emerging market investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and less public disclosure, as well as economic and political risk. There is no guarantee that the portfolios can achieve their objectives.
The MSCI World ex-US Small Cap Growth Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of small cap growth developed and emerging markets excluding the U.S., with minimum dividends reinvested net of withholding tax.
2 Since Inception returns are from commencement of operations on 03/10/14 for the Fund.
3 Expense ratio is the total annual net fund operating expense ratio as of 12/31/18. The expense ratio gross of any fee waivers, earnings credit or expense reimbursement was 1.11%.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Schedule of InvestmentsaDecember 31, 2018
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
Equities – 98.3%
| | | | | | | | |
AUSTRALIA – 11.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Afterpay Touch Group Ltd.* | | | 1,663,500 | | | $ | 14,550,411 | |
ALS Ltd. | | | 1,728,000 | | | | 8,256,014 | |
Altium Ltd. | | | 785,004 | | | | 12,015,183 | |
Evolution Mining Ltd. | | | 9,246,700 | | | | 24,053,924 | |
nearmap Ltd.* | | | 5,299,592 | | | | 5,604,548 | |
NEXTDC Ltd.* | | | 3,143,880 | | | | 13,545,167 | |
WiseTech Global Ltd. | | | 733,900 | | | | 8,749,217 | |
| | | | | | | 86,774,464 | |
BELGIUM – 1.2%
| | | | | | | | |
Argenx SE* | | | 91,200 | | | | 8,761,584 | |
CANADA – 11.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Air Canada* | | | 566,000 | | | | 10,762,789 | |
ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc.* | | | 694,900 | | | | 7,324,649 | |
Canada Goose Hldgs., Inc.* | | | 266,700 | | | | 11,660,124 | |
Colliers International Group, Inc. | | | 122,400 | | | | 6,750,290 | |
Gibson Energy, Inc. | | | 682,500 | | | | 9,338,632 | |
Martinrea International, Inc. | | | 461,100 | | | | 3,667,994 | |
Parex Resources, Inc.* | | | 376,900 | | | | 4,513,855 | |
Parkland Fuel Corp. | | | 668,200 | | | | 17,297,237 | |
TFI International, Inc. | | | 470,700 | | | | 12,170,898 | |
| | | | | | | 83,486,468 | |
CHINA – 6.6%
| | | | | | | | |
AK Medical Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 6,964,000 | | | | 3,850,855 | |
BOC Aviation Ltd. | | | 406,400 | | | | 2,998,729 | |
Health & Happiness International Hldgs. Ltd.* | | | 1,540,500 | | | | 8,834,626 | |
Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd. | | | 10,471,000 | | | | 9,257,351 | |
SSY Group Ltd. | | | 7,322,000 | | | | 5,432,895 | |
Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.* | | | 1,390,900 | | | | 8,885,862 | |
Yihai International Hldg. Ltd.* | | | 4,288,000 | | | | 10,437,519 | |
| | | | | | | 49,697,837 | |
DENMARK – 3.3%
| | | | | | | | |
GN Store Nord A/S* | | | 90,887 | | | | 3,405,447 | |
Netcompany Group A/S* | | | 301,609 | | | | 10,199,499 | |
SimCorp A/S* | | | 160,506 | | | | 11,007,704 | |
| | | | | | | 24,612,650 | |
FRANCE – 5.0%
| | | | | | | | |
Edenred* | | | 386,303 | | | | 14,226,998 | |
Teleperformance SE | | | 145,400 | | | | 23,259,369 | |
| | | | | | | 37,486,367 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Schedule of InvestmentsaDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
GERMANY – 6.1%
| | | | | | | | |
AIXTRON SE* | | | 606,800 | | | $ | 5,882,373 | |
Aurelius Equity Opportunities SE | | | 299,200 | | | | 10,878,566 | |
Bechtle AG* | | | 39,900 | | | | 3,107,976 | |
MorphoSys AG* | | | 74,200 | | | | 7,575,125 | |
Puma SE | | | 22,859 | | | | 11,183,310 | |
S&T AG | | | 418,360 | | | | 7,572,182 | |
| | | | | | | 46,199,532 | |
HONG KONG – 0.1%
| | | | | | | | |
PC Partner Group Ltd. | | | 3,390,000 | | | | 753,935 | |
IRELAND – 1.1%
| | | | | | | | |
Kingspan Group PLC | | | 188,900 | | | | 8,097,572 | |
ISRAEL – 0.8%
| | | | | | | | |
Attunity Ltd.* | | | 312,500 | | | | 6,150,000 | |
JAPAN – 18.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Aruhi Corp. | | | 523,900 | | | | 9,500,187 | |
Daifuku Co. Ltd.* | | | 228,400 | | | | 10,355,773 | |
Fancl Corp. | | | 655,200 | | | | 16,716,288 | |
Fuji Soft, Inc. | | | 317,000 | | | | 12,005,377 | |
Japan Investment Adviser Co. Ltd. | | | 417,300 | | | | 11,735,966 | |
Jeol Ltd. | | | 345,800 | | | | 5,187,429 | |
Kamakura Shinsho Ltd.* | | | 438,100 | | | | 5,589,607 | |
Krosaki Harima Corp. | | | 124,500 | | | | 7,500,752 | |
Kusuri no Aoki Hldgs. Co. Ltd. | | | 205,100 | | | | 12,955,347 | |
Maruwa Co. Ltd. | | | 169,500 | | | | 8,668,377 | |
Net One Systems Co. Ltd. | | | 764,100 | | | | 13,477,942 | |
NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. | | | 163,700 | | | | 3,240,430 | |
Outsourcing, Inc. | | | 933,000 | | | | 8,923,411 | |
Systena Corp. | | | 1,430,100 | | | | 16,485,687 | |
| | | | | | | 142,342,573 | |
NETHERLANDS – 4.7%
| | | | | | | | |
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group NV | | | 163,982 | | | | 5,290,918 | |
ASM International NV* | | | 137,200 | | | | 5,656,875 | |
ASR Nederland NV | | | 469,928 | | | | 18,594,353 | |
BE Semiconductor Industries NV* | | | 252,500 | | | | 5,322,693 | |
Elastic NV* | | | 12,100 | | | | 864,908 | |
| | | | | | | 35,729,747 | |
NORWAY – 2.1%
| | | | | | | | |
BW Offshore Ltd.* | | | 988,000 | | | | 3,610,539 | |
Subsea 7 SA | | | 298,600 | | | | 2,909,724 | |
Tomra Systems ASA* | | | 415,000 | | | | 9,346,401 | |
| | | | | | | 15,866,664 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Schedule of InvestmentsaDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
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| | SHARES | | VALUE |
SWEDEN – 7.4%
| | | | | | | | |
Evolution Gaming Group AB | | | 254,006 | | | $ | 14,666,271 | |
Fabege AB* | | | 1,052,000 | | | | 14,060,954 | |
Hansa Biopharma AB* | | | 224,469 | | | | 7,022,058 | |
Securitas AB* | | | 438,547 | | | | 7,064,912 | |
Tele2 AB | | | 1,016,235 | | | | 12,960,774 | |
| | | | | | | 55,774,969 | |
SWITZERLAND – 1.5%
| | | | | | | | |
Georg Fischer AG | | | 8,831 | | | | 7,084,935 | |
Logitech International SA | | | 122,033 | | | | 3,854,847 | |
| | | | | | | 10,939,782 | |
UNITED KINGDOM – 16.9%
| | | | | | | | |
Burford Capital Ltd. | | | 1,439,967 | | | | 30,375,485 | |
Fevertree Drinks PLC | | | 412,100 | | | | 11,554,872 | |
Future PLC* | | | 628,400 | | | | 3,834,073 | |
GVC Hldgs. PLC | | | 370,268 | | | | 3,178,566 | |
Halma PLC | | | 259,625 | | | | 4,522,558 | |
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC* | | | 130,100 | | | | 2,844,889 | |
Intermediate Capital Group PLC | | | 1,635,157 | | | | 19,503,509 | |
Just Eat PLC* | | | 349,200 | | | | 2,611,300 | |
Keywords Studios PLC | | | 945,676 | | | | 12,907,526 | |
Learning Technologies Group PLC | | | 7,034,941 | | | | 6,212,734 | |
Nomad Foods Ltd.* | | | 823,705 | | | | 13,772,349 | |
Ocado Group PLC* | | | 368,000 | | | | 3,709,081 | |
Pagegroup PLC | | | 1,641,100 | | | | 9,426,809 | |
Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC | | | 43,938 | | | | 3,497,104 | |
| | | | | | | 127,950,855 | |
Total Equities
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $839,601,362) | | | | | | $ | 740,624,999 | |
Total Investments – 98.3%
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost: $839,601,362) | | | | | | $ | 740,624,999 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities – 1.7% | | | | | | | 12,512,878 | |
Net Assets – 100% (Equivalent to $8.54 per share based on 88,148,626 shares outstanding) | | | | | | $ | 753,137,877 | |
Cost of investments Is $851,833,895 for federal income tax purposes and net unrealized appreciation consists of:
a Certain Securities Were Fair Valued Under The Discretion Of The Board Of Trustees, See Note 2
* Non-income producing security during the year ended December 31, 2018
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Schedule of InvestmentsaDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
SECTOR ALLOCATIONS (As a Percentage of Net Assets) (unaudited)
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Communication Services | | | 3.0 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 7.2 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 9.9 | % |
Energy | | | 5.0 | % |
Financials | | | 13.4 | % |
Health Care | | | 7.0 | % |
Industrials | | | 19.7 | % |
Information Technology | | | 25.4 | % |
Materials | | | 4.9 | % |
Real Estate | | | 2.8 | % |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Statement of Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2018
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ASSETS
| |
Investment securities at value(a) | | $ | 740,624,999 | |
Cash | | | 10,331,955 | |
Receivable from fund shares sold | | | 1,160,167 | |
Receivable from securities sold | | | 6,077,876 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 1,302,571 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 63,083 | |
Total Assets | | | 759,560,651 | |
LIABILITIES
| |
Payable for fund shares redeemed | | | 5,620,619 | |
Payable to advisor (see note 3) | | | 687,195 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 114,960 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 6,422,774 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 753,137,877 | |
SHARES OUTSTANDING
| |
(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value) | | | 88,148,626 | |
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price | | $ | 8.54 | |
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
| |
Capital | | $ | 894,701,309 | |
Accumulated loss | | | (141,563,432 | ) |
Net Assets | | $ | 753,137,877 | |
(a) Investment securities at cost | | $ | 839,601,362 | |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Statement of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2018
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INVESTMENT INCOME
| |
Dividendsa | | $ | 13,781,586 | |
Interest | | | 667,774 | |
Total Investment Income | | | 14,449,360 | |
EXPENSES
| |
Investment advisory fees (see note 3) | | | 10,113,210 | |
Transfer agent fees and expenses | | | 101,045 | |
Custodian fees and expenses | | | 754,576 | |
Other | | | 297,760 | |
Total expenses before reimbursed expenses | | | 11,266,591 | |
Earnings credit (see note 6) | | | (388,193 | ) |
Total Expenses | | | 10,878,398 | |
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | | | 3,570,962 | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) FROM INVESTMENTS
| |
Net realized gains on investment transactions | | | 35,672,099 | |
Net realized gains on foreign currency transactions | | | 3,500 | |
Net realized gains on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 35,675,599 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | | | (291,580,762 | ) |
Net realized/unrealized losses on investments and foreign currencies | | | (255,905,163 | ) |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (252,334,201 | ) |
a Dividends are net of foreign withholding tax of $1,309,395
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
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| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
FROM OPERATIONS
| |
Net investment income | | $ | 3,570,962 | | | $ | 2,615,820 | |
Net realized gains on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | 35,675,599 | | | | 129,406,891 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation\(depreciation) on investments and foreign currencies | | | (291,580,762 | ) | | | 166,909,708 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | (252,334,201 | ) | | | 298,932,419 | |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONSa
| |
Distributions from net investment income | | | — | | | | (5,879,772 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gains on investments | | | — | | | | (65,543,743 | ) |
Distribution to shareholders | | | (92,069,574 | ) | | | — | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (92,069,574 | ) | | | (71,423,515 | ) |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
| |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 152,538,019 | | | | 238,552,396 | |
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions | | | 86,901,523 | | | | 65,203,577 | |
Redemption of shares | | | (183,014,889 | ) | | | (147,624,476 | ) |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 56,424,653 | | | | 156,131,497 | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | (287,979,122 | ) | | | 383,640,401 | |
NET ASSETS
| |
Beginning of year | | | 1,041,116,999 | | | | 657,476,598 | |
End of yearb | | $ | 753,137,877 | | | $ | 1,041,116,999 | |
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
| |
Shares sold | | | 12,650,333 | | | | 21,517,739 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 10,284,204 | | | | 5,118,020 | |
Less shares redeemed | | | (16,298,575 | ) | | | (12,753,063 | ) |
Net increase from capital share transactions | | | 6,635,962 | | | | 13,882,696 | |
| a. | Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See “New Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information. The dividends and distributions to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 have not been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
| b. | Net Assets- End of Year includes Accumulated Net Investment Loss of ($ 3,846,101) as of December 31, 2017. |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018
1. Description of Organization
Description of business. The Oberweis Funds (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified open-end management investment company. The Trust is authorized to operate numerous Funds under various trading strategies. The Oberweis International Opportunities Institutional Fund (the “Fund”) is one fund in a series issued by the Trust.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services — Investment Companies.”
Investment valuation. Investments in securities are stated at value as of the close of the regular trading session on the New York Stock Exchange (``NYSE”) (generally 3 p.m., Central Standard Time). Each listed and unlisted security for which last sale information is regularly reported is valued at the last reported sales price on that day. If there has been no sale on such day, then such security is valued at the current day’s bid price. Any unlisted security for which last sale information is not regularly reported and any listed debt security which has an inactive listed market for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the closing bid price determined on the basis of reasonable inquiry. Options are valued at the last reported bid price on the primary exchange as of the close of the regular trading session of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (“CBOE”). Restricted securities and any other securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued by appraisal at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the Board of Trustees. Short-term debt obligations, commercial paper and repurchase agreements are valued on the basis of quoted yields for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type or on the basis of amortized cost.
The Fund holds foreign equity securities. Foreign securities are fair valued as described in the following circumstances. Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is completed each day at various times prior to the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE. Due to the time differences between the closings of the relevant foreign securities exchanges and the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE for the Fund, the Fund will fair value its foreign investments when it is determined that the market quotations for the foreign investments either are not readily available or are unreliable and, therefore, do not represent fair value. When the fair value prices are utilized, these prices will attempt to reflect the impact of the U.S. financial markets’ perceptions and trading activities on the Fund’s foreign investments since the last closing prices of the foreign investments were calculated on their primary foreign securities markets or exchanges. For these purposes, the Board of Trustees of the Trust has determined that movements in relevant indices, after the close of the foreign securities exchanges, may demonstrate that market quotations are unreliable, and may trigger fair value pricing for certain securities. Consequently, fair valuation of portfolio securities may occur on a daily basis. In determining fair value prices, the Trust utilizes data furnished by an independent pricing service (and that data draws upon, among other information, the market values of foreign investments). When a Fund uses fair value pricing, the values assigned to the
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
Fund’s foreign investments may not be the quoted or published prices of the investments on their primary markets or exchanges.
Fair Value Measurements. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance, the Fund utilizes the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” to define fair value, set out a framework for measuring fair value, and expand disclosures regarding fair value measurements. The Fair Value Measurement Standard applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three levels listed below:
| • | Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. |
| • | Level 2 – Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc). |
| • | Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). |
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets as of December 31, 2018:
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| | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Investment Securities
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equities
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia | | $ | 6,150,000 | | | $ | 192,794,345 | | | $ | — | |
Total Australia | | | — | | | | 86,774,464 | | | | — | |
Total Europe | | | 23,398,841 | | | | 348,020,881 | | | | — | |
Total North America | | | 83,486,468 | | | | — | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 113,035,309 | | | $ | 627,589,690 | | | $ | — | |
The Fund’s assets may include certain foreign securities for which a third party statistical pricing service may be employed for purposes of fair market valuation. The pricing service provides fair market valuation on days when the movement in relevant indices exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange to determine the value of investments, assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments and foreign currencies.
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies. Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include future political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries.
Certain countries also may impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers of industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available and result in a lack of liquidity and a high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.
Fund share valuation. Fund shares are sold and redeemed on a continuous basis at net asset value. On each day the NYSE is open for trading, the net asset value per share is determined as of the later of the close of the NYSE or the CBOE by dividing the total value of investments and other assets, less liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding.
Investment transactions and investment income. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the information is available to the Fund, and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes amortization of premium and discount. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Gains and losses on premiums from expired options are recognized on the date of expiration.
Federal income taxes and dividends to shareholders. It is the policy of the Fund to continue to comply with all requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“the Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders. The Fund has met the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies for the year ended December 31, 2018. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Income and capital gains of the Fund are determined in accordance with both tax regulations and GAAP. Such treatment may result in temporary and permanent differences between tax basis earnings and earnings reported for financial statement purposes. These reclassifications, which have no impact on the net asset value of the Fund, are primarily attributable to certain differences in computation of distributable income and capital gains under federal tax rules versus GAAP.
The Fund may utilize earnings and profits on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, permanent book and tax differences resulting primarily from differing treatments for foreign currency transactions, and passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) adjustments were identified and reclassified among the components of the Fund’s net assets.
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
GAAP requires that certain components of net assets 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 December 31, 2018, permanent differences in book and tax accounting have been reclassified to paid in capital and accumulated loss as follows:
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows:
Post-October capital losses and Qualified late-year losses incurred after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Funds’ next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2018, International Opportunities Institutional Fund had $30,399,577 post-October capital losses and no qualified late-year loss deferred to January 1, 2019.
As of December 31, 2018 the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Accumulated capital and other losses consists of timing differences related to wash sales and Post October losses.
The Fund has reviewed all open tax years and major jurisdictions and concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Open tax years are those that are open for exam by taxing authorities and, as of December 31, 2018, open Federal tax years include the tax years ended 2015 through 2018. The Fund has no examinations in progress and is also not aware of any tax positions for which
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Indemnifications. Under the Trusts’ organizational documents, its present and former Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Trusts’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
3. Transactions with affiliates
The Fund has written agreements with Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. (“OAM”) as the Fund’s investment adviser and manager. Oberweis Securities, Inc. (“OSI”), the Fund’s principal distributor, is an affiliate of OAM.
Investment advisory agreement. Under the Advisory Agreement, OAM provides investment advisory and management services to the Fund. The Fund paid monthly investment advisory and management fees at an annual rate equal to 1.00% of average daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the International Opportunities Institutional Fund incurred investment advisory and management fees totaling $10,113,210.
Expense reimbursement. OAM is contractually obligated to reduce its investment and management fees or reimburse the International Opportunities Institutional Fund to the extent that total ordinary operating expenses, as defined, exceed in any one year 1.10% expressed as a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 2018 OAM reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $0.
Officers and trustees. Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and/or directors of OAM and OSI. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust made no direct payments to its officers and paid $125,000 to its unaffiliated trustees.
Affiliated Commissions. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund did not execute any security transactions through OSI and therefore did not pay commissions to OSI.
4. Investment transactions
The cost of securities purchased and proceeds from securities sold during the year ended December 31, 2018, other than options written and money market investments, aggregated $1,423,321,803 and $1,348,514,854, respectively. The Fund did not hold government securities during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Fund may write covered call options. The premiums received provide a partial hedge (protection) against declining prices and enables the Fund to generate a higher return during years when OAM does not expect the underlying security to make any major price moves in the near future but still deems the underlying security to be, over the long term, an attractive investment for the Fund. The Fund may write covered call options for which premiums received are recorded as liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options that expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options, which are either exercised or closed, are offset against the proceeds received or amount paid on the transaction to determine realized gains or losses. Amounts recovered for securities litigation are included in the realized gains of the Fund and are recorded when received. The Fund did not write covered call options during the year ended December 31, 2018.
5. Redemption fee
The Fund is designed for long-term investors. To discourage market timers, redemptions of shares within 90 days of purchase are subject to a 2% redemption fee of the total redemption amount. The redemption fee is deducted from the redemption proceeds and is retained by the Fund.
The redemption fee is retained by the Fund for the expense they incur in connection with shareholder redemptions. Redemption fees received by the Fund were $62,433 and $22,640 for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and were recorded as a reduction of the redemption of shares in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
6. Earnings credits and interest charges
The Trust, as part of the agreement with the Custodian, receives credits against its custodian fees on its uninvested cash balances and is allowed to borrow for temporary purposes. Borrowings are not to exceed 5% of the value of each Fund’s total assets at the time of any such borrowing. Interest on amounts borrowed is calculated at the prime rate and is payable monthly. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund received credits of $388,193. The Fund incurred interest charges of $2,188, which is included in custodian fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations.
7. New accounting pronouncements
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities, held at a premium, to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; which continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying this provision.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, which changes certain fair value measurement disclosure requirements. The new ASU, in addition to other modifications and additions, removes the requirement to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, and the policy for the timing of transfers between levels. For investment companies, the amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is allowed. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of the ASU and any impact on the financial statement disclosures.
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Notes to Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 (continued)
In September 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements under Regulation S-X to conform to US GAAP, including: (i) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; and (ii) an amendment to require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, if any, on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. The amendments also removed the requirement for parenthetical disclosure of undistributed net investment income on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.
8. Subsequent events
The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Financial Highlights
Per share income and capital for a share outstanding throughout each period is as follows:
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Financial Highlights (continued)
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| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | | Year Ended December 31, 2017 | | Year Ended December 31, 2016 | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | Period Ended December 31, 2014a |
RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
| |
Net Assets at end of year (in thousands) | | $ | 753,138 | | | $ | 1,041,117 | | | $ | 657,477 | | | $ | 361,402 | | | $ | 178,991 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (%) | | | 1.11 | | | | 1.15 | | | | 1.18 | | | | 1.28 | | | | 1.39 | d |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (%)c | | | 1.08 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 1.10 | d |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) | | | .35 | | | | .29 | | | | .47 | | | | .59 | | | | .11 | d |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | | | 145 | | | | 168 | | | | 123 | f | | | 211 | | | | 152 | ef |
Notes:
a For the period from March 10, 2014 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2014.
b The net investment income per share data and the redemption fee data were determined using average shares outstanding during the period.
c The ratios in this row reflect the impact, if any, of expense offset arrangements with the custodian and expense reimbursement from the advisor.
d Annualized.
e Not annualized.
f Excludes the value of portfolio securities received as a result of in-kind purchases of the Fund's capital shares.
g Less than $0.005 per share
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Trustees of The Oberweis Funds
and the Shareholders of Oberweis International Opportunities Institutional Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Oberweis International Opportunities Institutional Fund, a series of shares of beneficial interest in The Oberweis Funds (the “Fund”), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2018, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the years in the three-year period then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2018, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the years in the three-year period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015 were audited by other auditors whose report, dated February 25, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on such financial highlights.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities law and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2018 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
BBD, LLP
We have served as the auditor of one or more of the Funds in The Oberweis Funds since 2016.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 28, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE OBERWEIS FUNDS (unaudited)
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Name, Address and Age
| | Position Held with Fund | | Term of Office and Length of Time Served |
NONINTERESTED TRUSTEES |
Katherine Smith Dedrick (61) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Trustee | | Trustee since November, 20041 |
Gary D. McDaniel (70) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Trustee | | Trustee since April, 20041 |
James G. Schmidt (71) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Trustee | | Trustee since December, 20031 |
INTERESTED TRUSTEES |
James D. Oberweis (72) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Trustee2 | | Trustee since July, 19861 |
James W. Oberweis (44) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | President | | Officer since August, 19963 |
Patrick B. Joyce (59) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Executive Vice President Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer | | Officer since October, 19943 |
David I. Covas (43) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Vice President | | Officer since August, 20043 |
Kenneth S. Farsalas (48) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Vice President | | Officer since August, 20093 |
Eric V. Hannemann (45) 3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 | | Secretary | | Officer since August, 20053 |
1 Unless otherwise noted, each trustee shall serve as a trustee of the Fund until the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such trustee or of a successor to such trustee, and until the election and qualification of his successor, if any, elected at such meeting, or until such trustee sooner dies, resigns, retires or is removed.
2 James D. Oberweis is an interested trustee of the Fund since he is a shareholder of Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., the Fund’s investment advisor.
3 Elected annually by board of trustees.
The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about Fund officers and trustees and is available upon request without charge, by calling the Fund at 800-323-6166.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE OBERWEIS FUNDS (unaudited)(continued)
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Principal Occupation Last Five Years
| | Number of Portfolios Overseen by Trustee | | Other Directorships |
|
President – Smith Dedrick Properties, Inc., 2016 to present; President – KSD Law P.C., 2015 to present; President – KSD Global Consulting, Inc., 2015 to present; Executive Committee Member, Risk Worldwide NZ Ltd., 2011 to 2016; President – Aggressive Publishing, Inc., 2010 to present; Member – Risk Worldwide LLC, 2007 to 2016; Partner – Childress Duffy, Ltd., 2007 to 2015. | | 8 | | None |
Chairman – Star Packaging Corp., 2012 to 2013. | | 8 | | None |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer – Federal Heath Sign Co., May 2003 to present. | | 8 | | None |
|
Illinois State Senator, January 2013 to present; Chairman – Oberweis Dairy, Inc. December, 1986 to present. Chairman – Diamond Marketing Solutions November, 2009 to 2013. | | 8 | | None |
President – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., September, 2001 to present; Portfolio Manager from December, 1995 to present; President and Director – Oberweis Securities, Inc., September, 1996 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., September, 1994 to present; Executive Vice President and Director – Oberweis Securities, Inc. September, 1996 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
Vice President – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., September, 2003 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
Vice President – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc., November 2004 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
Vice President of Accounting – Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. and Oberweis Securities, Inc., June, 2004 to present. | | Not Applicable | | None |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Supplemental Information(unaudited)
Qualified Dividend Income:
For the year ended December 31, 2018, 100% of the dividends paid from net investment income for the International Opportunities Institutional Fund is designated as qualified dividend income.
Long-term Capital Gain:
The International Opportunities Institutional Fund designates $76,180,423 as long-term capital gain distribution.
Proxy Voting:
The Oberweis Funds has delegated authority to vote proxies related to the Oberweis International Opportunities Institutional Fund Portfolio securities to the Funds’ investment adviser, Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. (“OAM”). A description of the policies and procedures that OAM uses in fulfilling this responsibility is available, without charge upon request, by calling 1-800-323-6166. It also appears on www.oberweisfunds.com and in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information, which can be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov. Information on how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12 month period ended December 31 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-323-6166, and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Availability of Schedules of Portfolio Investments:
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio investments with the SEC for the first and third quarter of each fiscal year (March 31 and September 30) on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available, without charge, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Approval of Investment Advisory Contracts:
The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between The Oberweis Funds (the “Trust”) and Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. (“OAM”) (the “Agreement”) with respect to the International Opportunities Institutional Fund (the “Fund”) was last approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including all of the trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or interested persons of any such party (the “independent trustees”), on August 16, 2018. The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the independent trustees, determined that approval of the Agreement was in the best interests of the shareholders of the Fund. The independent trustees were assisted by legal counsel in making their determination.
The Board noted that OAM has been associated with the Fund since its inception. The Board recognized that a long-term relationship with a capable, conscientious investment adviser is in the best interests of shareholders, and that shareholders have invested in the Fund knowing that OAM manages the Fund and knowing the investment advisory fee schedule.
Nature, Quality and Extent of Services. With respect to the nature, quality and extent of the services provided by OAM pursuant to the Agreement, the Board considered the background and history of OAM, the functions performed by OAM and the personnel providing such services, management capabilities, information contained in OAM’s Form ADV, OAM’s financial condition and the compliance reports provided to the Board, and the culture of
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Supplemental Information(unaudited) (continued)
compliance created by OAM, including the competency of the chief compliance officer of the Trust. The Board also considered the experience, academic background, long tenure and structure as well as the growth of the portfolio management/strategy investment team and its role, the investment process with respect to the types of investments held by the Fund, as well as the honesty and integrity of OAM, and that OAM personnel are open and forthright with the Board. In addition, the Board considered that OAM is a research-oriented firm that conducts extensive research. Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that the nature and extent of services provided to the Fund by OAM was appropriate, and that the quality of such services was good.
The Board then reviewed the reports prepared by OAM containing information on total returns and average annual total returns of the Fund over various periods of time, as compared to the relevant market index and other mutual funds pursuing broadly similar strategies in addition to the information presented at the meeting. The Board noted that the peer group mutual funds had been provided by OAM at a previous meeting, and include funds currently in existence that were similar in investment objective to the Fund. Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that for the period ended July 31, 2018, the Fund underperformed in varying degrees five of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees four of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with one of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and performed in line with the relevant market index for the year-to-date period, the Fund underperformed three of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, outperformed in varying degrees five of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with two of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and outperformed the relevant market index for the one-year period, the Fund outperformed in varying degrees seven of the 10 other mutual funds in the report, performed in line with three of the 10 other mutual funds in the report and outperformed the relevant market index for the three-year period.
Fees and Expenses. The Board compared the amounts paid to OAM for advisory and management services for the Fund and the Fund’s expense ratio with other mutual funds pursuing broadly similar strategies, as included in the reports prepared by OAM. This information showed that the advisory and management fees of the Fund were the same as two of the 10 other mutual funds, lower than five of the 10 other mutual funds, and higher than three of the 10 other mutual funds. The information also showed that the expense ratio of the Fund was the lowest relative to the 10 other mutual funds. In addition, the Board considered amounts paid to OAM by other clients. With respect to OAM’s other clients, the Board recognized that the mix of services provided, the level of responsibility required under the Agreement with the Fund, and the regulatory and operational requirements with respect to the Fund were greater than OAM’s obligations for similar client accounts, and that the advisory fees of such accounts are less relevant to the Board’s consideration because they reflect different competitive forces than those in the mutual fund marketplace. Based on the information considered, the Board concluded that the Fund’s advisory and management fees were reasonable and/or appropriate in amount, given the quality of services provided and taking into consideration relevant circumstances.
Profitability. With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by OAM, the Board considered the advisory fees received by OAM from the Fund as well as the level, quality and expense of OAM’s staff and the services that OAM provides. The Board also considered the explanation from OAM that the profits realized by OAM specifically from the relationship with the Fund could not be identified due to the impracticality of expense allocation, noting the difficulty of breaking down profitability related to the Fund versus the other Oberweis Funds and advisory accounts because management and personnel time and
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OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Supplemental Information(unaudited) (continued)
services are not allocated between the various types of accounts, and OAM believed that while the profits could not be itemized, the overall profitability of OAM was average and within a reasonable range relative to other investment advisory firms, that the advisory fees charged the Fund were consistent with other advisory clients, and that OAM reimburses the Fund if the expense ratio exceeds certain limits. Based on this information, the Board concluded that OAM’s profitability was not unreasonable.
Economies of Scale. The Board also considered the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows, and whether fee levels reflect economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. The Board also noted asset capacity constraints for the Fund that limits economies of scale. The Board concluded that the Fund’s advisory and management fees reflect an appropriate recognition of any economies of scale.
Other Benefits to OAM and Its Affiliates. The Board considered the character and amount of other incidental benefits received by OAM and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund including benefits to OAM related to soft dollars generated by the Fund as well as other OAM advisory clients. The Board also noted that during the past year none of the Fund’s brokerage transactions had been placed through the affiliated broker-dealer of OAM.
After due consideration of all of the information and factors deemed relevant by the Board and based upon its own business judgment and the conclusions reached, the Board determined to approve the continuance of the Agreement. The Board of Trustees, including the independent trustees, did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all-important or controlling, and considered all factors together.
Expense Examples:
As a shareholder of The Oberweis Funds, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including redemption fees and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (and/or service) 12b-1 fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in The Oberweis Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 investment at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period.
Actual Expenses:
The first line for each Fund in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information below; together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000=8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the table under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes:
The second line for each Fund in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBERWEIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INSTITUTIONAL FUND
Supplemental Information(unaudited) (continued)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Trustees and Officers
James D. Oberweis
Trustee
Gary D. McDaniel
Trustee
James W. Oberweis
President
David I. Covas
Vice President
Kenneth S. Farsalas
Vice President
Katherine Smith Dedrick
Trustee
James G. Schmidt
Trustee
Patrick B. Joyce
Executive Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer
Treasurer
Eric V. Hannemann
Secretary
Manager and Investment Advisor
Oberweis Asset Management, Inc.
3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500, Lisle, IL 60532
800-323-6166
oberweisfunds.com
Distributor
Oberweis Securities, Inc.
3333 Warrenville Road, Suite 500, Lisle, IL 60532
630-577-2300
oberweisfunds.com
Custodian
UMB Bank, n.a.
928 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106
Transfer Agent
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 711, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0711
800-245-7311
Counsel
Vedder Price P.C.
222 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
BBD, LLP
1835 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
International Opportunities Institutional Fund
800-245-7311
oberweisfunds.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
oberweisfunds.com
800-323-6166
630-577-2300
Shareholder Services
800-245-7311
3333 Warrenville Road
Suite 500
Lisle, IL 60532
| (a) | As of December 31, 2018, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions. |
| | |
| (b) | During the period covered by this report, there were not any amendments to a provision of the Code of Ethics adopted in 2(a) above. |
| | |
| (c) | During the period covered by this report, there were no waivers, including any implicit waivers, from a provision of the Code of Ethics described in 2(a) above that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions. |
| (d) | A copy of the code of ethics may be obtained upon request, without charge, by contacting the registrant in writing at its principal executive office. |
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
| (a) | The registrant’s board of trustees has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on the audit committee. |
| (b) | The audit committee financial expert is James G. Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt is independent as defined in Form N-CSR Item 3 (a) (2). |
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
(a)-(d)
| | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2018 |
Audit fees | | 102,000 | | 120,400 |
Audit-Related Fees | | N/A | | N/A |
Tax Fees | | 25,000 | | 29,000 |
All Other Fees | | N/A | | N/A |
Audit Fees include amounts related to the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and services normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Tax Fees principally include tax compliance, tax advice, tax planning and preparation of tax returns.
(e)(1) The registrant’s audit committee pre-approves all audit services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant for the registrant and all non-audit services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant for the registrant, its investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser (“Adviser Affiliate”) that provides ongoing services to the registrant, if the engagement by the investment adviser or Adviser Affiliate relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant.
(e)(2) No services included in (b) – (d) above were approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) Not Applicable.
(g) The aggregate fees billed for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year by the registrant’s principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant, its investment, and Adviser Affiliate that provides ongoing services to the registrant for 2018 and 2017 were $29,000. and $25,000, respectively.
(h) Non-audit services rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser and any Adviser Affiliate that were not pre-approved pursuant to Paragraph (c) (7) (ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X were considered by the registrant’s audit committee as to whether they were compatible with maintaining the principal account’s independence.
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
Not Applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
See Schedule in Item 1.
ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not Applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not Applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. |
Not Applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees since registrant last disclosed such procedures in its proxy statement dated April 16, 2004.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
| (a) | The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3 (c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17CFR 270.30a-3(c)) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)). |
| (b) | There has been no change to the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
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(a) (1) | | Code of Ethics applicable to its Principal Executive and Principal Accounting Officers pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto as Exhibit 99.406. Code of Ethics. |
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(a) (2) | | Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17CFR 270.30a-2) in the exact form set forth below: EX-99.CERT attached hereto. |
| |
(a) (3) | | Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23 c-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not Applicable to the registrant. |
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(b) | | If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)), Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S. C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. EX-99.906 CERT attached hereto. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| | |
(Registrant)The Oberweis Funds |
| |
By (Signature and Title*) | | /s/ James W. Oberweis |
| | James W. Oberweis |
| | President, The Oberweis Funds |
Date 03/08/2019
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 (Signature and Title*) | | /s/ James W. Oberweis |
| | James W. Oberweis |
| | President, The Oberweis Funds |
Date 03/08/2019
| | |
By (Signature and Title*) | | /s/ Patrick B. Joyce |
| | Patrick B. Joyce |
| | Executive Vice President and Treasurer, |
| | The Oberweis Funds |
Date 03/08/2019
/*/ | Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature. |