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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-05009
COLORADO BONDSHARES — A TAX-EXEMPT FUND
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
1200 17TH STREET, SUITE 850
DENVER, COLORADO 80202-5808
DENVER, COLORADO 80202-5808
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
FRED R. KELLY, JR.
1200 17TH STREET, SUITE 850
DENVER, COLORADO 80202-5808
1200 17TH STREET, SUITE 850
DENVER, COLORADO 80202-5808
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 303-572-6990
Date of fiscal year end: 09/30
Date of fiscal year end: 09/30
Date of reporting period: 03/31/2010
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May 26, 2010
Dear Shareholders:
If we have learned any lessons from history, one must conclude that the long-term outlook for bonds in general is not presently positive. Judging from the headlines, major municipalities and states as well as sovereign nations around the world face severe budget deficits and possible default on their debt instruments. Fiscal management of our own federal government once considered the envy of the world is misguided and places the U.S. Treasury at risk of a rating downgrade. Prospects for a future resurgence of inflation or other debt degradation are high and increasing. Some analysts are calling for an imminent second recession on the heels of the one we are already experiencing. With all of these storm clouds gathering on the horizon, how could we at Colorado BondShares possibly be sunny and optimistic about our prospects? Please read on.
The not rated bond world is a microcosm of the larger bond universe. While we cannot separate ourselves completely from the fixed income world, there have been times when we react differently from the norm. This, I believe, is one of those times.
Yields on not rated municipal bonds are already high by historic standards. And the difference in yield between high grade bonds and not rated bonds has never, ever, been higher. Virtually all other markets and market segments have seen a remarkable bounce back in value except ours. We have watched patiently and cheered as other markets have recovered from the lows. As counter intuitive as this seems, it is about to be our turn. Frankly, this has taken longer than expected but it isn’t really too surprising considering the enormous disintermediation that occurred in our markets a year and a half ago. When a market freezes up, it takes a little while to thaw. That has been happening ever so gradually over the course of the last year but appears to be accelerating.
Unlike the ill-conceived securitizations that contributed to the financial woes of 2008, municipal bonds are generally a conservative investment medium and have successfully stood the test of time. No security other than U.S. Treasuries has a lower incidence of default. While structuring many of our credits, management incorporated into the documents, the lessons learned from past recessions so as to avoid defaults and provide appropriate relief mechanisms. Furthermore, we have made the portfolio less risky by maintaining a short average maturity and keeping close to half in cash and cash equivalents. The Fund’s dividend remains competitive. Future supply of tax-exempt bonds coming to market is expected to be relatively low, which would possibly add greater scarcity value to the bonds we hold. Income tax rates will likely rise soon making after tax yields even higher on all municipals than they are today.
Our plan for the immediate future is to keep liquid, add to income where possible, reduce risk, buy bargains and ride out the storm. Attached for your review is the semi-annual report which gives a detailed look at the six-month period ended March 31, 2010. Please call us if you develop questions when reviewing this material. Thanks so much for your continued confidence and the business you have sent our way.
Sincerely,
![(-s- Fred R. Kelly, Jr.)](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0000950123-10-057283/d73281d7328110.gif)
Fred R. Kelly, Jr.
Portfolio Manager
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Officers and Trustees
George N. Donnelly, Chairman of the Board
of Trustees, Interim President, Secretary,
Treasurer and Trustee
of Trustees, Interim President, Secretary,
Treasurer and Trustee
Bruce G. Ely, Trustee
James R. Madden, Trustee
Fred R. Kelly, Jr., Portfolio Manager
Investment Adviser
Freedom Funds Management Company |
Transfer, Shareholder Servicing, and Dividend
Disbursing Agent
Freedom Funds Management Company |
Distributor
SMITH HAYES Financial Services Corporation |
Custodian of Portfolio Securities
UMB Bank, N.A. |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Legal Counsel
Kutak Rock LLP |
This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of Colorado BondShares — A Tax-Exempt Fund. This report must be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus of the Fund. The prospectus contains information concerning the investment policies and expenses of the portfolio in addition to other pertinent information. Shares of Colorado BondShares — A Tax-Exempt Fund are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency, and involve investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
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FUND EXPENSES (unaudited)
The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples (actual and hypothetical 5% return) are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.
As a shareholder of Colorado BondShares — A Tax-Exempt Fund (the “Fund”) you can incur two types of costs:
• | Sales charges (front loads) on fund purchases and | |
• | Ongoing fund costs, including management fees, administrative services, and other fund expenses. All mutual funds have operating expenses. Operating expenses, which are deducted from the Fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of the Fund. |
Actual Fund Expenses
The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses. You can estimate the expenses that you paid over the period by using the information below together with the amount you invested. 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 given in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of the table below provides information that is intended to help you compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other mutual funds. The hypothetical “Ending Account Value” is based on the actual expense ratio of the Fund and an assumed 5% rate of return per year before expenses. The results do not apply to your investment because the return used is not the Fund’s actual return. This information is useful for making comparisons with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
Six Months Ended March 31, 2010
Beginning Account | Ending Account | Expenses Paid | ||||||||||
Colorado BondShares – A Tax-Exempt Fund | Value 10/01/09 | Value 03/31/10 | During Period1 | |||||||||
Based on Actual Fund Return | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,015.62 | $ | 2.81 | ||||||
Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return Before Expenses | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,022.20 | $ | 2.82 |
1The expenses shown in this table are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 to reflect the one-half year period.
Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight and help you compare ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges. If transaction costs were included, your total costs would have been higher. You can find more information about the Fund’s expenses in the Financial Statements section of this report. For additional information on operating costs please see the Fund’s prospectus.
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CREDIT QUALITY (Unaudited)
Colorado BondShares — A Tax-Exempt Fund
Based on a Percentage of Total Net Assets as of March 31, 2010
![(CHART)](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0000950123-10-057283/d73281d7328115.gif)
SECTOR BREAKDOWN (Unaudited)
Colorado BondShares A — Tax-Exempt Fund
Based on a Percentage of Total Net Assets as of March 31, 2010
![(CHART)](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0000950123-10-057283/d73281d7328116.gif)
*Cash & cash equivalents include cash, receivables less liabilities.
**Short-term securities include securities with a maturity date of one year or redemption feature of one year or less, as identified in Schedule of Investments.
***This category includes 9.3% pre-refunded bonds which are securities that are collateralized by an amount sufficient to pay both principal and interest.
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Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited)
March 31, 2010
March 31, 2010
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Colorado Municipal Bonds — 49.0% | ||||||||
1,600,000 | Aberdeen Metropolitan District No. 1 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2007, 7.50% to yield 8.00% due 12/1/2035 | $ | 1,386,384 | |||||
800,000 | Adonea Metropolitan District No. 2 LTD Tax (Convertible to Unlimited Tax) G.O. Series 2005A, 6.125% to yield 6.25% due 12/1/2025 | 649,488 | ||||||
2,175,000 | Antelope Heights Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2003, 8.00% due 12/1/2023(b) | 2,687,735 | ||||||
2,000,000 | Arista Metropolitan District Special Revenue Bond Series 2005, 6.75% due 12/1/2035 | 1,427,780 | ||||||
6,000,000 | Arista Metropolitan District Subordinate (Convertible to Parity) Special Revenue Series 2008, 9.25% to yield 8.125% — 11.73% due 12/1/2037 | 5,414,820 | ||||||
1,587,000 | BNC Metropolitan District No. 1 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2004, 8.00% due 6/1/2028 | 1,540,993 | ||||||
1,000,000 | Beacon Pointe Metropolitan District LTD Tax (Convertible to Unlimited Tax) G.O. Series 2005A, 6.125% to yield 6.25% due 12/1/2025 | 887,850 | ||||||
700,000 | Beebe Draw Farms Metropolitan District G.O. Series 1998, 7.00% due 10/1/2018 | 669,844 | ||||||
4,995,000 | Belle Creek Metropolitan District No. 1 G.O. LTD Tax Series 2000, 8.00% due 12/1/2020 | 4,906,638 | ||||||
4,450,000 | Boulder County Development Revenue (Boulder College of Massage Therapy Project) Series 2006A, 6.35% due 10/15/2031 | 3,541,666 | ||||||
2,162,000 | Bradburn Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2004, 8.00% due 12/15/2034 | 1,984,392 | ||||||
1,835,000 | Bradburn Metropolitan District No. 3 G.O. LTD Tax Series 2003, 7.50% due 12/1/2033 | 1,595,661 | ||||||
2,500,000 | Bromley Park Metropolitan District No. 3 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2001B, 8.00% due 12/1/2022(b) | 2,808,725 | ||||||
5,700,000 | Bromley Park Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2002B, 8.00% due 12/1/2022(b) | 6,701,034 | ||||||
3,931,000 | Bromley Park Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2003, 8.00% due 12/1/2028(b) | 4,715,470 | ||||||
500,000 | Castle Oaks Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Series 2005, 6.00% due 12/1/2025 | 400,500 | ||||||
6,465,662 | Colorado Centre Metropolitan District LTD Tax and Special Revenue Series 1992B, 0.00% due 1/1/2032(a)(g)(i)(j) | 161,642 | ||||||
2,009,520 | Colorado Centre Metropolitan District LTD Tax and Special Revenue Series 1992A, principal only, due 1/1/2027(e)(i)(j) | 20,095 | ||||||
2,008,335 | Colorado Centre Metropolitan District LTD Tax and Special Revenue Series 1992A, interest only, 9.00% due 1/1/2027(f)(i)(j) | 1,104,584 |
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Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Colorado Municipal Bonds — (Continued) | ||||||||
1,675,000 | Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority Charter School Revenue (Brighton Charter School Project) Series 2006, 6.00% due 11/1/2036 | $ | 1,042,336 | |||||
790,000 | Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority Charter School Revenue (Crown Pointe Academy) Series 2000, 7.25% due 7/15/2025 | 791,169 | ||||||
1,050,000 | Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority Private School Revenue (Escuela Tlatelolco Project) Series 2000A, 8.50% due 6/1/2022 | 868,045 | ||||||
5,410,000 | Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority Student Housing Revenue (Inn at Auraria LLC Project) Series 2005A, 5.875% due 7/1/2023 | 3,257,145 | ||||||
1,945,000 | Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority Charter School Revenue (Belle Creek Charter School Project) Series 2002A, 7.625% to yield 7.75% due 3/15/2032(b) | 2,257,484 | ||||||
785,000 | Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority Charter School Revenue Refunding and Improvement (Elbert County Charter School Project) Series 2004, 7.375% to yield 7.45% due 3/1/2035 call date 6/1/2010 | 785,267 | ||||||
3,655,000 | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Economic Development Revenue (Micro Business Development Corporation Project) Series 2005, 6.75% due 12/1/2010(a)(j) | 1,606,044 | ||||||
450,000 | Colorado Health Facilities Authority Revenue Extendable Rate Adjustable Securities (Christian Living Communities Project) Series 2006B, 4.65% due 1/1/2037(h) | 442,040 | ||||||
22,615,000 | Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority Tax Increment Revenue (University Village Project) Series 2008A Senior, 7.00% due 12/1/2029 | 19,903,688 | ||||||
7,505,000 | Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority Tax Increment Revenue (University Village Project) Series 2008B Subordinate (Convertible to Senior), 7.50% due 12/15/2029 | 6,553,966 | ||||||
3,455,000 | Conservatory Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2003, 7.50% to yield 1.57% — 7.50% due 12/1/2027(b) | 4,243,604 | ||||||
3,725,000 | Conservatory Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2005, 6.75% due 12/1/2034(b) | 4,423,661 | ||||||
1,030,000 | Country Club Highlands Metropolitan District G.O. Limited Tax Series 2007, 7.25% due 12/1/2037 | 820,622 | ||||||
200,000 | Denver Convention Center Hotel Authority Convention Center Hotel Senior Revenue Refunding Series 2006, 4.50% to yield 8.481% due 12/1/2022 | 176,394 | ||||||
1,865,000 | Denver (City and County of) Subordinate Multifamily Housing Revenue (Capitol Heights Apartments) Series 1999C, 8.00% due 5/1/2032 | 559,519 | ||||||
1,430,000 | Denver (City and County of) Single Family Home Mortgage Revenue (Metro Mayors Caucus Single Family Mortgage Bond Program) Series 2001A, 6.30% to yield 5.80% due 11/1/2032 | 1,462,304 | ||||||
775,000 | Denver West Metropolitan District G.O. Series 1997B, 5.70% due 12/1/2017 | 746,534 |
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Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Colorado Municipal Bonds — (Continued) | ||||||||
385,000 | Eagle Riverview Affordable Housing Corporation Multifamily Housing Project Revenue Series 1999B, 7.00% due 7/1/2029 | $ | 364,745 | |||||
7,210,000 | East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District Water Activity Enterprise, Inc. Step Rate Water Revenue Series 2004, 6.00% due 11/15/2023(c)(h) | 6,001,171 | ||||||
32,155,000 | Ebert Metropolitan District LTD Tax G.O. Refunding Series 2004A, 8.00% to yield 5.05% due 12/1/2034(b) | 39,845,190 | ||||||
5,000,000 | Elbert and Highway 86 Commercial Metropolitan District Public Improvement Fee Revenue Series 2008A, 7.50% due 12/1/2032 | 4,253,700 | ||||||
620,000 | Fort Lupton Golf Course Revenue Anticipation Warrants Senior Series 1996A, 8.50% due 12/15/2015(a) | 51,460 | ||||||
7,000,000 | Fossil Ridge Metropolitan District No. 1 Tax-Supported Revenue Series 2009, 8.50% due 12/1/2039 | 7,082,950 | ||||||
1,835,000 | Fronterra Village Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2001, 8.00% due 12/1/2021(b) | 2,074,890 | ||||||
4,500,000 | Fronterra Village Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2003, 8.00% due 12/1/2023(b) | 5,216,985 | ||||||
2,000,000 | Granby Ranch Metropolitan District LTD Tax G.O. Series 2006, 6.75% due 12/1/2036 | 1,536,140 | ||||||
5,750,000 | Grand Elk Ranch GID LTD Tax G.O. Series 2003, 8.00% due 12/1/2023(b) | 6,886,085 | ||||||
1,000,000 | High Plains Metropolitan District LTD Tax (Convertible to Unlimited Tax) G.O. Series 2005A, 6.125% to yield 6.25% due 12/1/2025 | 797,010 | ||||||
2,000,000 | Madre Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2007A, 5.375% due 12/1/2026 | 1,407,980 | ||||||
2,000,000 | Madre Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2007A, 5.50% to yield 6.95% due 12/1/2036 | 1,322,260 | ||||||
6,245,000 | Maher Ranch Metropolitan District No. 4 G.O. LTD Tax Series 2003, 7.80% due 12/1/2027(b) | 7,772,027 | ||||||
1,945,000 | Maher Ranch Metropolitan District No. 4 G.O. LTD Tax Series 2006, 7.00% due 12/1/2036(b) | 2,332,736 | ||||||
30,485,000 | Marin Metropolitan District LTD Tax G.O. Series 2008, 7.75% due 12/1/2028(j) | 26,521,950 | ||||||
11,580,000 | Meadows Metropolitan District No. 1 G.O. LTD Tax Series 1989 A (reissued on 12/29/1993), 7.999% due 6/1/2029(k) | 10,335,613 | ||||||
11,565,000 | Meadows Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. LTD Tax Series 1989 B (reissued on 12/29/1993), 7.999% due 6/1/2029(k) | 10,322,225 | ||||||
11,515,000 | Meadows Metropolitan District No. 7 G.O. LTD Tax Series 1989 C (reissued on 12/29/1993), 7.999% due 6/1/2029(k) | 10,277,598 | ||||||
260,000 | Mount Carbon Metropolitan District LTD Tax and Revenue Refunding Series 2004A, 7.00% due 6/1/2043 | 74,880 |
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Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Colorado Municipal Bonds — (Continued) | ||||||||
2,000,000 | Mount Carbon Metropolitan District LTD Tax and Revenue Refunding Series 2004B, 7.00% due 6/1/2043 | $ | 576,000 | |||||
565,000 | Mount Carbon Metropolitan District LTD Tax and Revenue Refunding Series 2004C, due 6/1/2043(e)(j) | 40 | ||||||
1,000,000 | Mountain Shadows Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2007, 5.50% due 12/1/2027 | 707,460 | ||||||
2,540,000 | Murphy Creek Metropolitan District No. 3 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Refunding and Improvement Series 2006, 6.00% to yield 7.90% due 12/1/2026 | 1,406,169 | ||||||
1,380,000 | Murphy Creek Metropolitan District No. 3 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Refunding and Improvement Series 2006, 6.125% to yield 7.90% due 12/1/2035 | 694,982 | ||||||
1,500,000 | Neu Towne Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2004, 7.20% due 12/1/2023 | 434,250 | ||||||
1,365,000 | North Range Village Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Series 2001, 15.10% due 12/1/2021(b)(h) | 1,690,621 | ||||||
4,585,000 | Northwest Metropolitan District No. 3 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2005, 6.125% to yield 12.00% due 12/1/2025 | 3,722,378 | ||||||
16,500,000 | Northwest Metropolitan District No. 3 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2005, 6.25% to yield 13.00% due 12/1/2035 | 12,549,240 | ||||||
5,300,000 | Plaza Metropolitan District No. 1 Public Improvement Fee/Tax Increment Supported Revenue Series 2003, 8.00% to yield 10.00% due 12/1/2025 | 5,257,123 | ||||||
2,340,000 | Potomac Farms Metropolitan District G.O. Refunding and Improvement (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2007A, 7.25% due 12/1/2037 | 1,689,644 | ||||||
9,000,000 | Ravenna Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Series 2007, 7.00% due 12/1/2037 | 7,311,870 | ||||||
13,350,000 | Reata South Metropolitan District LTD Tax G.O. Series 2007A, 7.25% due 6/1/2037 | 11,379,139 | ||||||
5,205,000 | Rendezvous Residential Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Series 2002, 8.00% due 12/1/2021(b) | 6,222,578 | ||||||
955,000 | Riverdale Peaks II Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2005, 6.40% due 12/1/2025(j) | 672,454 | ||||||
1,135,000 | Riverdale Peaks II Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2005, 6.50% due 12/1/2035(j) | 731,405 | ||||||
1,006,000 | Routt County LID No. 2002-1 Special Assessment Series 2004A, 6.50% to yield 6.59% due 8/1/2024 | 900,561 | ||||||
120,453 | Roxborough Village Metropolitan District Series 1993A, 9.00% due 12/31/2016(i) | 120,603 | ||||||
300,000 | Roxborough Village Metropolitan District Series 1993B, principal only, 0.00% due 12/31/2021(e)(i)(j) | 160,353 |
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Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Colorado Municipal Bonds — (Continued) | ||||||||
906,622 | Roxborough Village Metropolitan District Series 1993C, 9.84% due 12/31/2032(i)(j) | $ | 18,132 | |||||
349,595 | Roxborough Village Metropolitan District Series 1993B, interest only, 10.41% due 12/31/2042(f)(i)(j) | 54,187 | ||||||
2,000,000 | Serenity Ridge Metropolitan District No. 2 Series 2004, 7.375% due 12/1/2024 | 895,600 | ||||||
1,000,000 | Silver Peaks Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2006, 5.75% due 12/1/2036 | 686,630 | ||||||
3,750,000 | Solitude Metropolitan District Senior G.O. LTD Tax Series 2006, 7.00% due 12/1/2026 | 3,286,012 | ||||||
2,000,000 | Southlands Metropolitan District No. 1 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2004, 7.125% to yield 7.18% due 12/1/2034(b) | 2,472,060 | ||||||
475,000 | Southlands Metropolitan District No. 1 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2004, 6.75% to yield 6.80% due 12/1/2016(b) | 553,461 | ||||||
1,000,000 | Southlands Metropolitan District No. 1 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2004, 7.00% to yield 7.05% due 12/1/2024(b) | 1,230,960 | ||||||
3,315,000 | Sterling Hills West Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2001B, 8.00% due 12/1/2021(b) | 3,735,475 | ||||||
3,012,007 | Sterling Hills West Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Series 2004,7.50% due 12/1/2021(b) | 3,790,099 | ||||||
10,000,000 | Stone Ridge Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2007, 7.25% due 12/1/2031 | 8,761,100 | ||||||
1,195,000 | Traditions Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2006, 5.75% due 12/1/2036 | 831,457 | ||||||
10,470,000 | United Water & Sanitation District Revenue Refunding and Improvement Series 2004A, 6.00% due 12/1/2013(j) | 8,828,513 | ||||||
6,190,000 | United Water & Sanitation District Revenue Series 2004B, 6.00% to yield 6.05% due 3/1/2014(j) | 4,874,687 | ||||||
20,400,000 | United Water & Sanitation District (Lupton Lakes Water Storage Project and Water Activity Enterprise) Revenue Series 2006, 6.00% due 3/1/2021 | 19,780,248 | ||||||
7,500,000 | Valagua Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Series 2008, 7.75% due 12/1/2037(j) | 6,375,000 | ||||||
500,000 | Wheatlands Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2005, 6.00% due 12/1/2025 | 400,500 | ||||||
1,245,000 | Wheatlands Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2008, 8.25% due 12/15/2035 | 1,143,682 | ||||||
2,060,000 | Wildgrass Metropolitan District G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Refunding Series 2007, 6.20% to yield 5.25% due 12/1/2034 | 1,754,234 | ||||||
Total Colorado Municipal Bonds (amortized cost $383,738,151) | $ | 362,721,625 | ||||||
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Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Short-Term Municipal Bonds — 41.4% | ||||||||
9,995,000 | Bachelor Gulch Metropolitan District G.O. Variable Rate Series 2004, 0.30% due 12/1/2023(h) | $ | 9,995,000 | |||||
5,005,000 | Base Village Metropolitan District No. 2 LTD Tax Variable Rate Senior Series 2008A, 0.30% due 12/1/2038(h) | 5,005,000 | ||||||
6,510,000 | Base Village Metropolitan District No. 2 LTD Tax Variable Rate Junior Series 2008B, 0.30% due 12/1/2038(h) | 6,510,000 | ||||||
5,145,000 | Broomfield Village Metropolitan District No. 2 Special Revenue Refunding Series 2003A, 0.72% due 7/1/2032(h) | 5,145,000 | ||||||
10,315,000 | Broomfield Village Metropolitan District No. 2 Special Revenue Refunding Series 2003B, 1.04% due 7/1/2032(h) | 10,315,000 | ||||||
1,470,000 | Castle Pines North Metropolitan District LTD Tax G.O. Variable Rate Refunding Series 2006C, 0.30% due 12/1/2024(h) | 1,470,000 | ||||||
4,400,000 | Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Variable Rate Certificates of Participation Series 2008, 0.30% due 12/1/2033(h) | 4,400,000 | ||||||
8,000,000 | Castle Pines North Finance Corporation Variable Rate Certificates of Participation Series 2009, 0.30% due 12/1/2034(h) | 8,000,000 | ||||||
27,370,000 | Castle Rock (Town of) Certificates of Participation Series 2008, 0.30% due 9/1/2037(h) | 27,370,000 | ||||||
155,000 | Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority Charter School Revenue (Elbert County Charter School Project) Series 2000A, 8.00% due 6/1/2010(b) | 156,948 | ||||||
11,945,000 | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Multi- Family/Project Class I Adjustable Rate 2008 Series C-3, 0.31% due 10/1/2038(h) | 11,945,000 | ||||||
6,290,000 | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Single Family Mortgage Class I Adjustable Rate 2006 Series A-2, 0.31% due 11/1/2034(h) | 6,290,000 | ||||||
7,000,000 | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Single Family Mortgage Class I Adjustable Rate 2005 Series B-2, 0.29% due 5/1/2034(h) | 7,000,000 | ||||||
7,670,000 | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Single Family Mortgage Class I Adjustable Rate 2001 Series AA-3, 0.27% due 5/1/2036(h) | 7,670,000 | ||||||
7,000,000 | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Adjustable Rate Multi-Family Housing Insured Mortgage Revenue 2002 Series AA, 0.29% due 10/1/2030(h) | 7,000,000 | ||||||
15,700,000 | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Single Family Mortgage Class I Adjustable Rate 2006 Series C-2, 0.27% due 11/1/2034(h) | 15,700,000 | ||||||
38,000,000 | State of Colorado General Fund Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes Series 2009A, 2.00% to yield 0.441% due 6/25/2010 | 38,150,100 | ||||||
38,000,000 | State of Colorado Education Loan Program Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes Series 2009A, 2.00% to yield 0.500% due 8/12/2010 | 38,228,760 | ||||||
800,000 | Commerce City Northern Infrastructure General Improvement District G.O. Variable Rate Refunding (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2002, 0.30% due 12/1/2031(h) | 800,000 |
8
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Short-Term Municipal Bonds — (Continued) | ||||||||
10,450,000 | Commerce City Northern Infrastructure General Improvement District G.O. Variable Rate Series 2006, 0.30% due 12/1/2028(h) | $ | 10,450,000 | |||||
1,000,000 | Commerce City Northern Infrastructure General Improvement District G.O. Variable Rate Series 2008, 0.30% due 12/1/2038(h) | 1,000,000 | ||||||
1,095,000 | Conifer Metropolitan District Jefferson County Supplemental Interest Coupons Series 2006, 8.00% due 12/1/2010(d)(j) | 1,026,026 | ||||||
7,000,000 | Cornerstar Metropolitan District Special Revenue Variable Rate Series 2007, 0.72% due 12/1/2037(h) | 7,000,000 | ||||||
2,600,000 | Cornerstone Metropolitan District No. 1 Variable Rate Revenue Series 2006, 0.32% due 12/1/2036(h) | 2,600,000 | ||||||
1,700,000 | City and County of Denver Adjustable Rate Economic Development Revenue (The Western Stock Show Association Project) Series 1999, 0.31% due 7/1/2029(h) | 1,700,000 | ||||||
21,495,000 | Town of Erie Finance Corporation Adjustable Rate Certificates of Participation Series 2005, 1.55% due 11/1/2035(h) | 21,495,000 | ||||||
5,400,000 | Hyland Village Metropolitan District LTD Tax G.O. Variable Rate Series 2008, 0.54% due 12/1/2027(h) | 5,400,000 | ||||||
8,005,000 | McKay Landing Metropolitan District No. 2 Subordinate G.O. LTD Tax Refunding Series 2004B, Capital Appreciation 7.50% due 12/1/2031(b)(d) | 1,695,459 | ||||||
2,285,000 | Meridian Ranch Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Variable Rate Refunding Series 2009, 0.30% due 12/1/2038(h) | 2,285,000 | ||||||
6,500,000 | Town of Mountain Village Housing Authority Housing Facilities Revenue (Village Court Apartments Project) Series 2000, 0.30% due 11/1/2033(h) | 6,500,000 | ||||||
935,000 | North Pines Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Refunding Series 2000, 9.00% due 12/1/2021(b) | 1,007,191 | ||||||
2,680,000 | North Range Village Metropolitan District G.O. LTD Tax Series 2000, 8.00% due 12/1/2020(b) | 2,806,335 | ||||||
130,000 | Ravenna Metropolitan District Supplemental “B” Interest Registered Coupons, 8.25% due 12/1/2010(d) | 123,551 | ||||||
22,335,000 | Solaris Metropolitan District No. 1 Property Tax Revenue Variable Rate Series 2008, 0.54% due 12/1/2038(h) | 22,335,000 | ||||||
3,360,000 | Tabernash Meadows Water and Sanitation District G.O. Series 2000, 8.40% due 6/1/2020(j) | 3,360,000 | ||||||
4,175,000 | Timnath Development Authority Variable Rate Tax Increment Revenue Series 2007, 0.72% due 12/1/2029(h) | 4,175,000 | ||||||
Total Short-Term Municipal Bonds (amortized cost $306,835,424) | $ | 306,109,370 | ||||||
9
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Colorado Capital Appreciation and Zero Coupon Bonds — 7.3% | ||||||||
27,777,698 | Bromley Park Metropolitan District No. 3 Subordinate LTD Tax G.O. Capital Appreciation Series 2006, 8.00% due 12/15/2031(b)(d) | $ | 5,655,817 | |||||
11,175,000 | Bromley Park Metropolitan District No. 2 G.O. LTD Tax Convertible Zero Coupon Series 2007B, 7.00% due 12/15/2037(d) | 7,980,179 | ||||||
520,000 | Colorado Health Facilities Authority Zero Coupon Retirement Housing Revenue (Liberty Heights Project) 1990 Subordinate Series B, 6.97% due 7/15/2020(b)(d) | 343,429 | ||||||
6,375,000 | Conifer Metropolitan District Jefferson County Supplemental Interest Coupons Series 2006, 8.00% due 12/1/2011-2031(d)(j) | 2,109,589 | ||||||
14,000,000 | PV Water and Sanitation Metropolitan District Capital Appreciation Revenue Series 2006, 6.00% due 12/15/2017(d) | 8,344,140 | ||||||
440,000 | Potomac Farms Metropolitan District Convertible Capital Appreciation G.O. Refunding and Improvement (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Series 2007B, 7.25% due 12/1/2023(d) | 384,771 | ||||||
4,085,000 | Ravenna Metropolitan District Supplemental “B” Interest Registered Coupons, 8.25% due 12/1/2011-12/1/2023(d) | 2,118,772 | ||||||
8,000,000 | Southglenn Metropolitan District Subordinate Convertible Capital Appreciation Special Revenue Series 2008, 8.125% due 12/15/2030(d) | 7,267,600 | ||||||
4,390,000 | Traditions Metropolitan District No. 2 Subordinate G.O. (LTD Tax Convertible to Unlimited Tax) Convertible Capital Appreciation Series 2008, 8.50% due 12/15/2037(d) | 3,118,393 | ||||||
7,130,000 | United Water & Sanitation District Ravenna Project Water Activity Enterprise Capital Appreciation Subordinate Series 2007, 6.125% due 12/1/2037(d) | 5,493,665 | ||||||
10,045,000 | United Water & Sanitation District Ravenna Project Water Activity Enterprise Capital Appreciation Revenue Refunding Series 2009, 6.50% due 12/15/2016(d) | 6,864,050 | ||||||
2,286,030 | United Water & Sanitation District Ravenna Project Water Activity Enterprise Capital Appreciation Subordinate Series 2006B, 7.00% due 12/15/2011(d) | 2,117,527 | ||||||
6,530,000 | Wildwing Metropolitan District No. 1 Capital Appreciation Revenue Series 2008, 7.50% due 12/1/2023(d) | 2,033,834 | ||||||
Total Colorado Capital Appreciation and Zero Coupon Bonds (amortized cost $56,783,026) | $ | 53,831,766 | ||||||
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Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
Face Amount | Value | |||||||
Other Municipal Bonds — 2.3% | ||||||||
4,904,915 | Freddie Mac Multifamily Variable Rate Certificates Series M001 Class B, 27.33% due 4/1/2037(g)(j) | $ | 4,904,915 | |||||
637,000 | The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Kansas City, Missouri Multi-family Housing Revenue (Alexandria Apartments) Series 2005A, 6.75% due 1/1/2028 | 569,554 | ||||||
980,000 | The Industrial Development Authority of the City of St. Louis, Missouri Senior Housing Revenue (Grant School Apartments) Series 2005A, 6.75% due 5/1/2027 | 764,586 | ||||||
1,535,000 | Santee Sioux Nation Tribal Health Care Revenue (Indian Health Service Joint Venture Construction Program Project) Series 2009, 7.75% due 10/1/2012 | 1,540,019 | ||||||
3,915,000 | Santee Sioux Nation Tribal Health Care Revenue (Indian Health Service Joint Venture Construction Program Project) Series 2009, 8.00% due 10/1/2014 | 3,936,024 | ||||||
5,000,000 | Uinta County School District Number 6 G.O. Refunding Series 2006, 7.00% to yield 4.40% due 12/1/2020 | 5,560,200 | ||||||
Total Other Municipal Bonds (amortized cost $18,069,088) | $ | 17,275,298 | ||||||
Colorado Taxable Notes — 0.0% | ||||||||
227,347 | Note receivable from Tabernash Meadows, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, 24.00% due 2/9/2002(a)(j) | $ | 227,347 | |||||
Total Colorado Taxable Notes (amortized cost $227,347) | $ | 227,347 | ||||||
Total investments, at value | 89.1 | % | $ | 740,165,406 | ||||||
Other assets net of liabilities | 10.9 | % | 90,236,704 | |||||||
Net assets | 100.0 | % | $ | 830,402,110 | ||||||
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Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Schedule of Investments (unaudited) — (Continued)
(a) | Defaulted or non-income producing based upon the financial condition of the issuer (see footnote 2 to notes to financial statements). | |
(b) | Originally issued as general obligation bonds but are now pre-refunded and are secured by an escrow fund consisting entirely of direct U.S. Government obligations. | |
(c) | Represents securities whose blended characteristics are reflective of a zero coupon bond and a step rate bond. Interest rate shown represents effective yield at acquisition. | |
(d) | Interest rate shown for capital appreciation and zero coupon bonds represents the effective yield at the date of acquisition. | |
(e) | Principal-only certificate represents the right to receive the principal payments on the underlying debt security upon maturity. The price of this security is typically more volatile than that of coupon-bearing bonds of the same maturity. | |
(f) | Interest-only certificate represents the right to receive semi-annual interest payments on the underlying debt security. The principal amount of the underlying security represents the notional amount on which current interest is calculated. The interest rate shown represents the effective yield at the date of acquisition. | |
(g) | Interest rate disclosed for cash flow bond represents the effective yield at March 31, 2010. Income on this security is derived from the cash flow of the issuer. | |
(h) | Represents current interest rate for a variable or step rate bond. | |
(i) | Terms of security have been restructured since the original issuance. The total face amount of all such restructured securities approximates $12,160,187 and a market value of $1,639,596 or less than 1% of net assets, respectively, as of March 31, 2010. | |
(j) | Securities valued at fair value (see footnote 2 to notes to the financial statements). | |
(k) | See footnote 7 to notes to the financial statements for further information on purchase accrued interest related to these bonds. | |
The following abbreviations are used in the descriptions of securities included in the Schedule of Investments: |
G.O. — General Obligation
GID — General Improvement District
LID — Local Improvement District
LTD — Limited
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
12
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)
March 31, 2010
ASSETS | ||||
Investments, at value (amortized cost $765,653,036) | $ | 740,165,406 | ||
— see accompanying schedule | ||||
Cash | 25,905,716 | |||
Interest receivable | 21,029,300 | |||
Purchase accrued (note 7) | 44,435,834 | |||
Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold | 1,430,783 | |||
TOTAL ASSETS | 832,967,039 | |||
LIABILITIES | ||||
Payables and other liabilities: | ||||
Dividends payable | 1,541,191 | |||
Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed | 615,792 | |||
Management fees payable | 350,841 | |||
Accrued expenses payable | 57,105 | |||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 2,564,929 | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 830,402,110 | ||
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | ||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 855,898,324 | ||
Accumulated undistributed (overdistributed) net investment income | (25 | ) | ||
Accumulated net realized gain and (loss) | (8,559 | ) | ||
Net unrealized (depreciation) of investments | (25,487,630 | ) | ||
NET ASSETS | $ | 830,402,110 | ||
NET ASSET PRICE AND REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE (based on 91,407,126 shares of beneficial interest outstanding at March 31, 2010 unlimited number of no par value shares authorized) | $ | 9.09 | ||
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE (net asset value plus sales charge of 4.75% of offering price) | $ | 9.54 | ||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Statement of Operations (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2010
INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||
Interest | $ | 20,447,931 | ||
EXPENSES | ||||
Management fees (note 4) | 2,020,694 | |||
Custodian fees (note 5) | 16,485 | |||
Legal and auditing fees | 87,828 | |||
Portfolio pricing fees | 9,972 | |||
Registration fees | 12,465 | |||
Shareholders’ reports | 44,878 | |||
Transfer agency expenses (note 4) | 69,808 | |||
Trustees’ fees | 1,600 | |||
Other | 19,967 | |||
Total expenses | 2,283,697 | |||
Custody credits (note 5) | (5,485 | ) | ||
Net expenses | 2,278,212 | |||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 18,169,719 | |||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 182,494 | |||
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (5,770,417 | ) | ||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | (5,587,923 | ) | ||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 12,581,796 | ||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
14
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)
Six Months | Year Ended | |||||||
Ended March 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 18,169,719 | $ | 36,799,629 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 182,494 | 64,262 | ||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (5,770,417 | ) | (6,053,210 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 12,581,796 | 30,810,681 | ||||||
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income | (18,169,719 | ) | (37,513,360 | ) | ||||
Distributions to shareholders from net realized gain | — | (341,221 | ) | |||||
Total distributions to shareholders | (18,169,719 | ) | (37,854,581 | ) | ||||
FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 67,634,557 | 127,419,962 | ||||||
Reinvested dividends and distributions | 11,279,019 | 24,469,841 | ||||||
Redemption of shares | (37,552,285 | ) | (105,319,142) | |||||
Increase in net assets derived from beneficial interest transactions | 41,361,291 | 46,570,661 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 35,773,368 | 39,526,761 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 794,628,742 | 755,101,981 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 830,402,110 | $ | 794,628,742 | ||||
Accumulated undistributed (overdistributed) net investment income | $ | (25 | ) | $ | (25 | ) | ||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Financial Highlights
Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | For Fiscal Years Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For a share outstanding throughout the period | 3/31/2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, beginning of period | $ | 9.15 | $ | 9.24 | $ | 9.51 | $ | 9.45 | $ | 9.41 | $ | 9.35 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income(3) | 0.20 | 0.43 | 0.49 | 0.55 | 0.47 | 0.48 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.00 | (0.07 | ) | (0.26 | ) | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.07 | ||||||||||||||||
Increase from investment operations | 0.20 | 0.36 | 0.23 | 0.60 | 0.53 | 0.55 | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income | (0.20 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.48 | ) | (0.54 | ) | (0.47 | ) | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||||
Distributions in excess of net investment income | — | — | — | — | (0.01 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Distributions from realized capital gains | — | (0.01 | ) | (0.02 | ) | — | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total Distributions | (0.20 | ) | (0.45 | ) | (0.50 | ) | (0.54 | ) | (0.49 | ) | (0.49 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | (0.06 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.27 | ) | 0.06 | 0.04 | 0.06 | |||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, end of period | $ | 9.09 | $ | 9.15 | $ | 9.24 | $ | 9.51 | $ | 9.45 | $ | 9.41 | ||||||||||||
Total Return, at Net Asset Value(1) | 1.56 | %+ | 4.02 | % | 2.53 | % | 6.59 | %* | 5.72 | % | 6.14 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 4.48 | %** | 4.80 | % | 5.23 | % | 5.78 | % | 4.97 | % | 5.10 | % | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | 0.56 | %** | 0.55 | % | 0.57 | % | 0.61 | % | 0.61 | % | 0.58 | % | ||||||||||||
Net expenses | 0.56 | %** | 0.55 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.56 | % | 0.57 | % | 0.55 | % | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 830,402 | $ | 794,629 | $ | 755,102 | $ | 577,654 | $ | 440,563 | $ | 368,429 | ||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate(2) | 1.20 | %+ | 7.39 | % | 7.04 | % | 13.75 | % | 5.27 | % | 4.40 | % | ||||||||||||
(1) | Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends reinvested on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in the total returns. | |
(*) | The total return for fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 includes an interest payment of approximately $3.8 million representing four years of unpaid interest relating to the Fund’s holding of United Airlines/Denver International Airport bonds that is a non-recurring event outside of the control of the Fund. | |
(2) | The portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period by the monthly average of the value of portfolio securities owned during the period. Sales of securities include the proceeds of securities which have been called, or for which payment has been made through redemption or maturity. Securities with a maturity date of one year or less at the time of acquisition are excluded from the calculation. Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) for the period March 31, 2010 were $5,450,000 and $21,759,342, respectively. | |
(3) | Net investment income per share was calculated using an average shares method. | |
+ | Not Annualized | |
** | Annualized |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
16
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
(1) | Organization |
Colorado BondShares — A Tax-Exempt Fund (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, open-end management company. The Fund’s investment objectives are to maximize income exempt from federal income taxes and from personal income taxes of the State of Colorado to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and to seek opportunities for capital appreciation. The Fund’s investment adviser is Freedom Funds Management Company (“Freedom Funds”). The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund.
(2) | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
The preparation of financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the reporting period. The following summarizes the significant accounting policies of the Fund:
(a) | Investment Valuation and Risk |
Securities for which there is no last sales price are valued by an independent pricing service based on evaluated prices which consider such factors as transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various relationships between securities, or are fair valued by management.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (or are otherwise no longer valid or reliable) are valued at fair value determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. This can occur in the event of, among other things, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, market disruptions, intra-day trading halts, and extreme market volatility. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other mutual funds to determine net asset value or the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security. Short-term holdings are valued at current market quotations or amortized cost whichever management believes best approximates fair value.
ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a fair value hierarchy that classifies securities based on valuation techniques used to measure fair value and distinguish between observable inputs (market data obtained from independent sources) and the reporting entities own assumptions which are not readily observable to market participants. The fair value hierarchy gives
17
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) — (Continued)
the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Level 1 Inputs: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 Inputs: Significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability including management’s own assumptions. Unobservable inputs shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments as defined by ASC 820-10 hierarchy levels as of March 31, 2010:
Quoted Prices in Active | Significant Other | Significant Other | ||||||||||
Markets for Identical | Observable Inputs | Observable Inputs | Balance as of | |||||||||
Assets (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | March 31, 2010 | |||||||||
$0 | $ | 677,408,443 | $ | 62,756,963 | $ | 740,165,406 |
Level 3, Beginning | ||||||||||||||||
Balance | Realized and | Net Transfers In | ||||||||||||||
September 30, | Unrealized Gains | Purchases, Sales | and/or Out of | Balance as of | ||||||||||||
2009 | (Losses) | and Settlements | Level 3 | March 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||
$71,242,410 | $ | 537,553 | $ | (2,023,000 | ) | $ | (7,000,000 | ) | $ | 62,756,963 |
Purchase Accrued (note 7) |
Level 3, Beginning | ||||||||||||||||
Balance | Realized and | Net Transfers In | ||||||||||||||
September 30, | Unrealized Gains | Purchases, Sales | and/or Out of | Balance as of | ||||||||||||
2009 | (Losses) | and Settlements | Level 3 | March 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||
$44,026,872 | — | — | — | $ | 44,026,872 |
18
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) — (Continued)
In reference to ASC 820-10-4, the category breakdown for 03/31/2010 is depicted as follows:
Categories by revenue source | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||
General Obligation Bonds | — | 324,800,576 | 42,315,457 | |||||||||
Revenue | — | 167,631,117 | 1,833,391 | |||||||||
Housing | — | 65,825,708 | 4,904,915 | |||||||||
Water and Sewer | — | 48,600,801 | 13,703,200 | |||||||||
Sales and Use | — | 48,760,254 | — | |||||||||
Education | — | 12,700,060 | — | |||||||||
Healthcare | — | 6,261,512 | — | |||||||||
Public Facilities | — | 1,927,854 | — | |||||||||
Special Assessment | — | 900,561 | — | |||||||||
TOTAL | — | 677,408,443 | 62,756,963 |
From September 30, 2009 to March 31, 2010, there were no Level 1 securities.
Fixed-income securities owned by the Fund are subject to interest-rate risk, credit risk, prepayment risk and market risk. The Fund invests in non-rated securities which may be subject to a greater degree of credit risk and risk of loss of income and principal and may be more sensitive to economic conditions than lower yielding, higher rated fixed income securities. The Fund concentrates its investments in Colorado and, therefore, may be impacted by specific events, issuers or factors affecting Colorado. The Fund may have more credit risk related to the economic conditions of Colorado than a portfolio with a broader geographical diversification.
(b) | Income Tax Information and Distributions to Shareholders |
The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all its net investment income and any net realized gain on investments not offset by capital loss carryforwards to shareholders. The Fund distributes investment income monthly and due to the tax-exempt nature of its investments the income is generally non-taxable to the shareholders. The Fund distributes net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders at least annually. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to the differing treatment of tax allocations.
The Fund has adopted ASC 740-10 for income tax purposes. ASC 740-10 provides guidance on how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements.
19
Table of Contents
Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) — (Continued)
ASC 740-10 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax return to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. The adoption of ASC 740-10 did not result in the recording of any tax benefit or expense in the current period. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations.
ASC 740-10 requires management of the fund to analyze all open tax years, as defined by statute of limitations, for all major jurisdictions, including federal and certain state tax authorities. As of March 31, 2010, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund has no examinations in progress and is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
(c) | Defaulted or Non-income Producing Investments |
The Fund discontinues the accrual of interest income on municipal bonds when the securities become delinquent as to payment of principal or interest, or when the Fund’s investment adviser determines that an uncertainty exists as to the realization of all or a portion of the principal balance. The face amount of bonds for which the accrual of interest income has been discontinued approximates $10,968,009 and such bonds have a value of $2,046,493 or less than 1% of net assets, as of March 31, 2010. These securities have been identified on the accompanying Schedule of Investments.
(d) | Investment Transactions and Revenue Recognition |
Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date). Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term securities, aggregated $5,450,000 and $21,759,342, respectively.
Dividends to shareholders are declared each business day and paid monthly. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are calculated using the identified-cost basis, which is the same basis the Fund uses for federal income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis.
Variable rate demand notes (VRDN) purchased by the Fund may be put back to the designated remarketing agent for the issue at par, for settlement within seven days, and accordingly are treated as short-term holdings. These notes bear interest at a rate that resets daily, weekly or monthly. On March 31, 2010, the interest rates paid on these notes ranged from 0.27% to 1.55%.
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Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) — (Continued)
(e) | Classification of Distributions to Shareholders |
The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain was recorded by the Fund.
(f) | Securities Purchased on a When-Issued Basis |
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and may increase or decrease in value prior to the delivery date. The Fund maintains segregated assets with a market value equal to or greater than the amount of its purchases commitments. The Fund did not have any when-issued securities at March 31, 2010.
(3) | Shares of Beneficial Interest |
The Fund has an unlimited number of no par value shares of beneficial interest authorized. Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
March 31, 2010 | September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||
Shares sold | 7,459,727 | $ | 67,634,557 | 14,083,865 | $ | 127,419,962 | ||||||||||
Dividends reinvested | 1,239,264 | 11,279,019 | 2,706,423 | 24,469,841 | ||||||||||||
8,698,991 | 78,913,576 | 16,790,288 | 151,889,803 | |||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (4,155,336 | ) | (37,552,285 | ) | (11,638,156 | ) | (105,319,142 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 4,543,655 | $ | 41,361,291 | 5,152,132 | $ | 46,570,661 | ||||||||||
(4) | Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates |
Management fees paid to Freedom Funds were in accordance with the investment advisory agreement with the Fund which provides for an annual fee equivalent to 0.5% of the net assets of the Fund. Freedom Funds pays all expenses associated with advertising, marketing, and distributing the Fund’s shares and serves as the transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and registrar for the Fund. Freedom Funds provided certain transfer agency and shareholder services as part of the management fee
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Colorado BondShares
A Tax-Exempt Fund
A Tax-Exempt Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) — (Continued)
arrangement for the period ended March 31, 2010. Transfer agency expenses on the Statement of Operations represent direct expenses charged to the Fund by third parties.
Allen Insurance, an affiliate of the investment advisor, acted as agent for the Fidelity Bond and the Errors and Omissions insurance policy maintained by the Fund and as a result received compensation in the form of commissions. The policies were provided by Traveler’s Insurance Company and all the commissions referred to above were paid by Travelers. Allen Insurance received no compensation directly from the assets of the Fund.
(5) | Custody Credits |
Expenses paid indirectly by the Fund represent earnings credits on cash balances maintained with the Fund’s custodian bank, UMB Bank, N.A. The earnings credits resulted in offsetting custodian fees of $5,485, for the year ended March 31, 2010.
(6) | Indemnification |
From time to time the Fund may be involved in certain disputes and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of its business. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the outcome of these proceedings, in management’s opinion, based on a review with legal counsel, none of these disputes and legal actions is expected to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these matters may arise from time to time that may harm the Fund’s business.
(7) | Purchase Accrued Interest |
Purchase accrued interest is typically a component of a municipal bond purchase and is paid on settlement date. The accrual period begins on the last interest payment (or original issue date) and runs through the day immediately preceding the settlement date. The Fund has purchased three bonds from the Meadows Metropolitan Districts No. 1, 2 and 7 with an aggregate balance of purchase accrued of $44,026,872 (99.08% of the March 31, 2010 balance of $44,435,834). Since this amount bears interest at the rate of 7.999% and will be received over an uncertain period of years, it has been fair valued in accordance with ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.
(8) | Subsequent Events |
Management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events in the Fund’s financial statements through the date of this report. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.
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Officers and Trustees of the Fund (unaudited)
The following tables list the trustees and officers of the Fund, together with their address, age, positions held with the Fund, the term of each office held and the length of time served in each office, principal business occupations during the past five years and other directorships, if any, held by each trustee and officer. Each trustee and officer has served in that capacity for the Fund continuously since originally elected or appointed. The Board supervises the business activities of the Fund. Each trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Fund unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed.
Non-Interested Trustees
Position held with | Principal Occupation | |||||
the Fund and Length | During the | Other Directorships | ||||
Name, Address and Age | of Time Served | Past Five Years: | Held By Director | |||
Bruce G. Ely 1200 17th Street, Suite 850 Denver CO 80202 Age: 59 | Trustee since July 2002 | Mr. Ely is currently a Regional Director for Cutwater Asset Management in Colorado. | None | |||
James R. Madden 1200 17th Street, Suite 850 Denver CO 80202 Age: 66 | Trustee since September 2004 | Mr. Madden has owned Madden Enterprises, a real estate company that owns and leases commercial buildings and real estate, for the past thirty years. He is also a stockholder and director of Community Bank in western Kansas. He has been a bank director for 25 years. | None | |||
Interested Trustees* | ||||||
George N. Donnelly 1200 17th Street, Suite 850 Denver CO 80202 Age: 63 | Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Trustee since inception of the Fund in 1987 and Interim President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Fund since September 26, 2008 | Mr. Donnelly was a Senior Regional Vice President for Phoenix Life Insurance Company until his retirement in January 2010. | None |
*George N. Donnelly is an “interested person” of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) by virtue of his position as both an officer and a trustee of the Fund as described in the table above. None of the trustees nor the officers of the Fund has any position with the Investment Adviser, the principal underwriter of the Fund, the distribution agent of the Fund, the service agent of the Fund or the custodian of the Fund, or any affiliates thereof. There is no family relationship between any officers and trustees of the Fund.
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Other Information (Unaudited)
Proxy Voting Record
The Fund does not invest in equity securities. Accordingly, there were no matters relating to a portfolio security considered during the 12 months ended June 30, 2009 with respect to which the Fund was entitled to vote. Applicable regulations require us to inform you that the foregoing proxy voting information is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov or you may call us at 1-800-572-0069.
Quarterly Statement of Investments
The Fund files a complete statement of investments with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-732-0330 or you may call us at 1-800-572-0069.
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Item 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not required in this filing.
Item 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not required in this filing.
Item 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not required in this filing.
Item 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable.
Item 6. INVESTMENTS.
(a) Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this report.
(b) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
Item 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
Item 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
Item 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
The registrant has not adopted procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.
Item 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The registrant has adopted and maintained disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the registrant’s reports under the Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required under the SEC’s rules and forms and that the information is accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by Rule 30a-3(b) of the Act, the registrant carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within the 90-day period prior to the filing date of this report. Based on the foregoing, the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) during the registrant’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) | Not applicable (See Item 2(f)(3) of this report). | |
(a)(2)(i) (99.302) | Interim President’s (Principal Executive Officer) Section 302 Certification | |
(a)(2)(ii) (99.302) | Interim Treasurer’s (Principal Financial Officer) Section 302 Certification | |
(a)(3) | Not applicable. | |
(b) (99.906) | Combined Interim President & Treasurer (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) Section 906 Certification |
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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.
COLORADO BONDSHARES — A TAX-EXEMPT FUND | ||
By: | /s/ George N. Donnelly | |
George N. Donnelly, | ||
Interim President, Secretary and Treasurer | ||
Date: June 10, 2010 |
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.
/s/ George N. Donnelly | ||
George N. Donnelly, | ||
Interim President, Secretary and Treasurer | ||
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) | ||
Date: June 10, 2010 |