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 811-06199
Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
1201 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Capitol Services, Inc.
1675 S. State Street, Suite B, Dover, Delaware 19901
(Name and address of agent for service)
With Copies to:
John H. Lively
The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc.
A member firm of The 1940 Act Law GroupTM
11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310
Leawood, Kansas 66211
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 410.837.3234
Date of fiscal year end: March 31
Date of reporting period: September 30, 2015
Item 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
S E M I - A N N U A L R E P O R T | |||
S e p t e m b e r 30, 2015 | |||
Table of Contents | |||
Schedule of Investments | 1 | ||
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 10 | ||
Statements of Operations | 11 | ||
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 12 | ||
Financial Highlights | 15 | ||
Notes to Financial Statements | 23 | ||
Fund Expenses | 30 | ||
Additional Information | 31 | ||
Privacy Policy | 33 |
The Brown Capital Management Small Company Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | ||||
COMMON STOCKS - 96.33% | |||||
Business Services - 23.35% | |||||
4,647,607 | ACI Worldwide, Inc.(a) | $ | 98,157,460 | ||
1,270,725 | ANSYS, Inc.(a) | 112,001,701 | |||
356,497 | Ellie Mae, Inc.(a) | 23,732,005 | |||
743,451 | Guidewire Software, Inc.(a) | 39,090,654 | |||
1,658,462 | MedAssets, Inc.(a) | 33,268,748 | |||
4,342,005 | NIC, Inc.(b) | 76,896,908 | |||
304,711 | Nuance Communications, Inc.(a) | 4,988,119 | |||
1,980,840 | PROS Holdings, Inc.(a)(b) | 43,855,798 | |||
77,800 | Textura Corp.(a) | 2,010,352 | |||
931,946 | Tyler Technologies, Inc.(a) | 139,148,857 | |||
573,150,602 | |||||
Consumer Related - 1.75% | |||||
211,801 | Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Class A | 6,904,712 | |||
1,348,897 | DTS, Inc.(a)(b) | 36,015,550 | |||
42,920,262 | |||||
Industrial Products & Systems - 19.95% | |||||
1,514,625 | Balchem Corp. | 92,043,761 | |||
373,431 | CARBO Ceramics, Inc. | 7,091,455 | |||
2,748,218 | Cognex Corp. | 94,456,253 | |||
2,469,688 | Diodes, Inc.(a)(b) | 52,777,233 | |||
904,051 | Dynamic Materials Corp.(b) | 8,624,646 | |||
1,284,784 | FEI Co. | 93,840,623 | |||
384,664 | FLIR Systems, Inc. | 10,766,745 | |||
726,017 | Geospace Technologies Corp.(a)(b) | 10,026,295 | |||
1,032,805 | Proto Labs, Inc.(a) | 69,197,935 | |||
1,850,727 | Sun Hydraulics Corp.(b) | 50,839,471 | |||
489,664,417 | |||||
Information/Knowledge Management - 19.53% | |||||
1,824,232 | American Software, Inc. - Class A(b) | 17,184,266 | |||
2,093,990 | Blackbaud, Inc. | 117,514,719 | |||
2,257,688 | Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a) | 140,653,962 | |||
2,623,578 | NetScout Systems, Inc.(a) | 92,795,954 | |||
1,795,731 | Quality Systems, Inc. | 22,410,723 | |||
1,796,717 | SolarWinds, Inc.(a) | 70,503,175 | |||
1,607,698 | Vocera Communications, Inc.(a)(b) | 18,343,834 | |||
479,406,633 | |||||
Medical/Health Care - 27.76% | |||||
1,729,152 | Abaxis, Inc.(b) | 76,065,397 | |||
1,074,835 | Bio-Techne Corp. | 99,379,244 | |||
717,401 | Bruker Corp.(a) | 11,786,898 | |||
2,750,736 | Cantel Medical Corp.(b) | 155,966,731 | |||
537,848 | Cyberonics, Inc.(a) | 32,690,401 | |||
740,059 | Incyte Corp., Ltd.(a) | 81,650,710 | |||
2,398,127 | Medidata Solutions, Inc.(a) | 100,985,128 | |||
2,454,120 | Meridian Bioscience, Inc.(b) | 41,965,452 | |||
2,508,452 | Quidel Corp.(a)(b) | 47,359,574 |
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 1 |
The Brown Capital Management Small Company Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | |||||
COMMON STOCKS - 96.33% (continued) | ||||||
Medical/Health Care - 27.76% (continued) | ||||||
1,436,744 | Veeva Systems, Inc. - Class A(a) | $ | 33,634,177 | |||
681,483,712 | ||||||
Miscellaneous - 3.99% | ||||||
2,180,375 | Neogen Corp.(a)(b) | 98,095,071 | ||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,322,319,678) | 2,364,720,697 | |||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.76% | ||||||
92,358,289 | Fidelity Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.14%(c) | 92,358,289 | ||||
Total Short Term Investments (Cost $92,358,289) | 92,358,289 | |||||
Total Value of Investments (Cost $1,414,677,967) - 100.09% | 2,457,078,986 | |||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.09)% | (2,254,309 | ) | ||||
Net Assets - 100.00% | $ | 2,454,824,677 | ||||
(a) | Non-income producing investment. |
(b) | Affiliated company - The Fund owns greater than 5% of the outstanding voting securities of this issuer. See Note 1 for more information. |
(c) | Represents 7 day effective yield at September 30, 2015. |
Common Abbreviations: |
Ltd. - Limited. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Summary of Investments by Sector
Sector | % of Net Assets | Value | |||||
Business Services | 23.35 | % | $ | 573,150,602 | |||
Consumer Related | 1.75 | % | 42,920,262 | ||||
Industrial Products & Systems | 19.95 | % | 489,664,417 | ||||
Information/Knowledge Management | 19.53 | % | 479,406,633 | ||||
Medical/Health Care | 27.76 | % | 681,483,712 | ||||
Miscellaneous | 3.99 | % | 98,095,071 | ||||
Cash and Equivalents | 3.76 | % | 92,358,289 | ||||
Liabilities in excess of other assets | (0.09) | % | (2,254,309) | ||||
Total | 100.00 | % | $ | 2,454,824,677 | |||
The Fund’s classifications of issuers into sectors, industries and sub-industries may differ for financial reporting purposes than for other reporting and compliance purposes. The classifications for purposes of this financial report are unaudited.
2 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management International Equity Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | ||||
COMMON STOCKS - 95.32% | |||||
Bermuda - 2.25% | |||||
9,990 | Invesco, Ltd. | $ | 311,988 | ||
23,097 | Nabors Industries, Ltd. | 218,266 | |||
530,254 | |||||
Canada - 2.25% | |||||
19,300 | Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. | 375,876 | |||
14,301 | Dominion Diamond Corp. | 152,816 | |||
528,692 | |||||
Denmark - 3.11% | |||||
13,657 | Novo Nordisk A/S - Class B | 732,617 | |||
Finland - 1.47% | |||||
9,084 | Kone OYJ - Class B | 345,116 | |||
France - 8.28% | |||||
2,527 | Dassault Systemes SA | 186,362 | |||
1,621 | Essilor International SA | 197,251 | |||
23,866 | Flamel Technologies SA(a)(b) | 389,255 | |||
6,284 | Sanofi | 596,076 | |||
3,744 | Societe BIC SA | 580,677 | |||
1,949,621 | |||||
Germany - 4.51% | |||||
4,168 | Bayerische Motoren Werke AG | 368,953 | |||
12,213 | Carl Zeiss Meditec AG | 341,102 | |||
5,418 | SAP SE | 350,834 | |||
1,060,889 | |||||
Hong Kong - 2.01% | |||||
610,000 | Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd. | 228,257 | |||
126,000 | Kingsoft Corp., Ltd. | 245,495 | |||
473,752 | |||||
Ireland - 14.48% | |||||
10,221 | DCC PLC | 771,390 | |||
15,100 | ICON PLC(a) | 1,071,647 | |||
4,221 | Paddy Power PLC | 486,748 | |||
4,099 | Shire PLC | 279,282 | |||
395,127 | Total Produce PLC | 545,271 | |||
7,646 | Tyco International PLC | 255,835 | |||
3,410,173 | |||||
Israel - 3.58% | |||||
6,165 | Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.(a) | 489,070 | |||
6,274 | Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.(b) | 354,230 | |||
843,300 | |||||
Italy - 2.82% | |||||
31,034 | Azimut Holding SpA | 665,113 | |||
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 3 |
The Brown Capital Management International Equity Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | |||||
COMMON STOCKS - 95.32% (continued) | ||||||
Japan - 10.27% | ||||||
20,000 | Japan Tobacco, Inc. | $ | 616,013 | |||
30,700 | Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. | 623,264 | ||||
20,900 | Rakuten, Inc. | 265,507 | ||||
74,000 | Sapporo Holdings, Ltd. | 287,450 | ||||
31,355 | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. | 624,931 | ||||
2,417,165 | ||||||
Mexico - 2.15% | ||||||
5,659 | Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV(b) | 505,066 | ||||
Netherlands - 4.67% | ||||||
19,880 | QIAGEN NV(a) | 512,904 | ||||
19,068 | Wolters Kluwer NV | 586,145 | ||||
1,099,049 | ||||||
Singapore - 0.64% | ||||||
148,424 | UOB-Kay Hian Holdings, Ltd. | 151,756 | ||||
South Africa - 1.58% | ||||||
13,390 | Sasol, Ltd.(b) | 372,510 | ||||
Spain - 1.68% | ||||||
9,602 | Grifols SA | 395,857 | ||||
Switzerland - 13.02% | ||||||
280 | Givaudan SA | 455,366 | ||||
147 | Lindt & Spruengli AG, Non-Voting | 862,000 | ||||
6,841 | Nestle SA | 514,163 | ||||
2,751 | Roche Holding AG | 725,433 | ||||
1,227 | The Swatch Group AG | 454,491 | ||||
4,139 | Transocean, Ltd. | 53,476 | ||||
3,064,929 | ||||||
United Kingdom - 16.55% | ||||||
86,464 | BAE Systems PLC | 585,584 | ||||
16,990 | Carnival Corp. | 844,403 | ||||
17,504 | Diageo PLC | 468,814 | ||||
238,952 | Man Group PLC | 553,779 | ||||
321,080 | Management Consulting Group PLC | 77,107 | ||||
56,062 | Reed Elsevier PLC | 960,024 | ||||
55,464 | UBM PLC | 407,433 | ||||
3,897,144 | ||||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $21,496,793) | 22,443,003 | |||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.69% | ||||||
869,356 | Fidelity Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.14%(c) | 869,356 | ||||
4 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management International Equity Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | ||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.69% (continued) | |||
Total Short Term Investments (Cost $869,356) | $ | 869,356 | |
Total Value of Investments (Cost $22,366,149) - 99.01% | 23,312,359 | ||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.99% | 233,941 | ||
Net Assets - 100.00% | $ | 23,546,300 | |
(a) | Non-income producing investment. | |
(b) | American Depositary Receipt. | |
(c) | Represents 7 day effective yield at September 30, 2015. |
Common Abbreviations: |
AG - Aktiengesellschaft is a German term that refers to a corporation that is limited by shares, i.e., owned by shareholders. (Germany & Switzerland) |
A/S - Aktieselskabis is a Danish term for a public limited liability corporation. (Denmark) |
Ltd. - Limited. |
NV - Naamloze Vennootschap is the Dutch term for a public limited liability corporation. (Netherlands) |
OYJ - Osakeyhtio is the Finnish equivalent of a limited company. (Finland) |
PLC - Public Limited Company. (Ireland & United Kingdom) |
SA - Generally designates corporations in various countries, mostly those employing the civil law. (France, Spain, Sweden, & Switzerland) |
SAB de CV - A variable capital company. (Mexico) |
SE - SE Regulation. A European Company which can operate on a Europe-wide basis and be governed by Community law directly applicable in all Member States. (Germany) |
SpA - Società Per Azioni is an Italian shared company. (Italy) |
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
Summary of Investments by Sector
Sector | % of Net Assets | Value | |||||
Consumer Discretionary | 22.57 | % | $ | 5,313,805 | |||
Consumer Staples | 16.13 | % | 3,798,777 | ||||
Energy | 4.34 | % | 1,020,128 | ||||
Financials | 9.78 | % | 2,305,900 | ||||
Health Care | 23.76 | % | 5,595,654 | ||||
Industrials | 8.65 | % | 2,035,032 | ||||
Information Technology | 7.50 | % | 1,765,525 | ||||
Materials | 2.59 | % | 608,182 | ||||
Cash and Equivalents | 3.69 | % | 869,356 | ||||
Other assets in excess of liabilities | 0.99 | % | 233,941 | ||||
Total | 100.00 | % | $ | 23,546,300 | |||
The Fund’s classifications of issuers into sectors, industries and sub-industries may differ for financial reporting purposes than for other reporting and compliance purposes. The classifications for purposes of this financial report are unaudited.
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 5 |
The Brown Capital Management Mid Company Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | ||||
COMMON STOCKS - 98.12% | |||||
Consumer Discretionary - 31.46% | |||||
16,609 | BorgWarner, Inc. | $ | 690,768 | ||
4,101 | Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.(a) | 793,257 | |||
14,832 | Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. | 735,816 | |||
15,557 | DSW, Inc. - Class A | 393,748 | |||
15,104 | Gentherm, Inc.(a) | 678,472 | |||
12,794 | lululemon athletica, Inc.(a) | 648,016 | |||
18,746 | Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd.(a) | 791,831 | |||
300 | NVR, Inc.(a) | 457,566 | |||
6,320 | Polaris Industries, Inc. | 757,578 | |||
46,486 | PulteGroup, Inc. | 877,191 | |||
11,032 | Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc.(a) | 1,029,396 | |||
23,963 | Toll Brothers, Inc.(a) | 820,493 | |||
7,648 | Tractor Supply Co. | 644,879 | |||
4,218 | Ulta Salon, Inc.(a) | 689,010 | |||
10,008,021 | |||||
Consumer Staples - 1.77% | |||||
11,582 | United Natural Foods(a) | 561,843 | |||
Energy - 0.91% | |||||
19,499 | Atwood Oceanics, Inc. | 288,780 | |||
Financials - 17.63% | |||||
10,452 | Evercore Partners, Inc. - Class A | 525,108 | |||
4,933 | FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | 788,343 | |||
12,196 | Franklin Resources, Inc. | 454,423 | |||
10,665 | MasterCard, Inc. - Class A | 961,130 | |||
30,002 | Stifel Financial Corp.(a) | 1,263,084 | |||
23,262 | T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | 1,616,709 | |||
5,608,797 | |||||
Health Care - 18.51% | |||||
3,279 | Biogen Idec, Inc.(a) | 956,845 | |||
10,628 | Celgene Corp.(a) | 1,149,631 | |||
5,672 | Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a) | 753,298 | |||
8,028 | Masimo Corp.(a) | 309,560 | |||
18,769 | Myriad Genetics, Inc.(a) | 703,462 | |||
11,092 | PAREXEL International Corp.(a) | 686,817 | |||
6,467 | Shire PLC(b) | 1,327,222 | |||
5,886,835 | |||||
Industrials - 14.79% | |||||
9,941 | JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | 709,787 | |||
10,061 | MSC Industrial Direct Co. - Class A | 614,023 | |||
50,336 | Quanta Services, Inc.(a) | 1,218,634 | |||
4,804 | Stericycle, Inc.(a) | 669,245 | |||
47,095 | Trimble Navigation, Ltd.(a) | 773,300 | |||
6,084 | Waters Corp.(a) | 719,190 | |||
4,704,179 | |||||
Information Technology - 11.49% | |||||
20,160 | Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | 1,392,250 |
6 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management Mid Company Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | |||||
COMMON STOCKS - 98.12% (continued) | ||||||
Information Technology - 11.49% (continued) | ||||||
9,247 | ANSYS, Inc.(a) | $ | 815,030 | |||
11,667 | Blackbaud, Inc. | 654,752 | ||||
10,870 | FEI Co. | 793,945 | ||||
3,655,977 | ||||||
Information/Knowledge Management - 1.56% | ||||||
12,608 | SolarWinds, Inc.(a) | 494,738 | ||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $23,232,085) | 31,209,170 | |||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.62% | ||||||
514,306 | Fidelity Institutional Money Market Portfolio, 0.14%(c) | 514,306 | ||||
Total Short Term Investments (Cost $514,306) | 514,306 | |||||
Total Value of Investments (Cost $23,746,391) - 99.74% | 31,723,476 | |||||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.26% | 84,240 | |||||
Net Assets - 100.00% | $ | 31,807,716 | ||||
(a) | Non-income producing investment. | |
(b) | American Depositary Receipt. | |
(c) | Represents 7 day effective yield at September 30, 2015. |
Common Abbreviations: |
Ltd. - Limited. |
PLC - Public Limited Company. (Ireland & United Kingdom) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Summary of Investments by Sector
Sector | % of Net Assets | Value | |||||
Consumer Discretionary | 31.46 | % | $ | 10,008,021 | |||
Consumer Staples | 1.77 | % | 561,843 | ||||
Energy | 0.91 | % | 288,780 | ||||
Financials | 17.63 | % | 5,608,797 | ||||
Health Care | 18.51 | % | 5,886,835 | ||||
Industrials | 14.79 | % | 4,704,179 | ||||
Information Technology | 11.49 | % | 3,655,977 | ||||
Information/Knowledge Management | 1.56 | % | 494,738 | ||||
Cash and Equivalents | 1.62 | % | 514,306 | ||||
Other assets in excess of liabilities | 0.26 | % | 84,240 | ||||
Total | 100.00 | % | $ | 31,807,716 | |||
The Fund’s classifications of issuers into sectors, industries and sub-industries may differ for financial reporting purposes than for other reporting and compliance purposes. The classifications for purposes of this financial report are unaudited.
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 7 |
The Brown Capital Management International Small Company Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | ||||
COMMON STOCKS - 55.14% | |||||
Argentina - 2.59% | |||||
556 | MercadoLibre, Inc. | $ | 50,629 | ||
Austria - 1.33% | |||||
462 | Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG | 26,039 | |||
Canada - 3.23% | |||||
3,570 | The Descartes Systems Group, Inc.(a) | 63,241 | |||
France - 7.26% | |||||
1,346 | Albioma SA | 22,395 | |||
2,849 | Flamel Technologies SA(a)(b) | 46,467 | |||
6,475 | GameLoft SE(a) | 23,804 | |||
1,185 | Interparfums SA | 30,335 | |||
388 | Stallergenes Greer(a) | 19,072 | |||
142,073 | |||||
Germany - 7.70% | |||||
6,125 | Evotec AG(a) | 27,206 | |||
834 | STRATEC Biomedical AG | 48,450 | |||
1,570 | Wirecard AG | 74,918 | |||
150,574 | |||||
Ireland - 5.49% | |||||
934 | Fleetmatics Group PLC(a) | 45,850 | |||
534 | Paddy Power PLC | 61,579 | |||
107,429 | |||||
Israel - 2.31% | |||||
205 | CyberArk Software Ltd.(a) | 10,279 | |||
2,263 | Orbotech Ltd.(a) | 34,963 | |||
45,242 | |||||
Italy - 2.67% | |||||
2,435 | Azimut Holding SpA | 52,186 | |||
Switzerland - 2.17% | |||||
125 | Partners Group Holding AG | 42,357 | |||
United Kingdom - 20.39% | |||||
6,817 | Abcam PLC | 59,915 | |||
2,590 | Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC(a) | 36,790 | |||
1,253 | Fidessa Group PLC | 34,005 | |||
8,530 | GW Pharmaceuticals PLC(a) | 64,390 | |||
2,143 | Paypoint PLC | 33,131 | |||
4,631 | Playtech PLC | 58,041 | |||
24,499 | Vectura Group PLC(a) | 65,042 | |||
1,083 | Victrex PLC | 29,031 |
8 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management International Small Company Fund | ||
Schedule of Investments | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Shares | Value (Note 1) | |||||
COMMON STOCKS - 55.14% (continued) | ||||||
United Kingdom - 20.39% (continued) | ||||||
1,947 | The Vitec Group PLC | $ | 18,394 | |||
398,739 | ||||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,078,859) | 1,078,509 | |||||
Total Value of Investments (Cost $1,078,859) - 55.14% | 1,078,509 | |||||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 44.86% | 877,488 | |||||
Net Assets - 100.00% | $ | 1,955,997 | ||||
(a) | Non-income producing investment. | |
(b) | American Depositary Receipt. |
Common Abbreviations: |
AG - Aktiengesellschaft is a German term that refers to a corporation that is limited by shares, i.e., owned by shareholders. (Austria, Germany & Switzerland) |
Ltd. - Limited. |
PLC - Public Limited Company. (Ireland & United Kingdom) |
SA - Generally designates corporations in various countries, mostly those employing the civil law. (France, Spain, Sweden, & Switzerland) |
SpA - Società Per Azioni is an Italian shared company. (Italy) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Summary of Investments by Sector
Sector | % of Net Assets | Value | |||||
Basic Materials | 1.49 | % | $ | 29,031 | |||
Communications | 2.59 | % | 50,629 | ||||
Consumer Discretionary | 3.15 | % | 61,579 | ||||
Consumer, Non-cyclical | 6.89 | % | 134,833 | ||||
Energy | 1.33 | % | 26,039 | ||||
Financial | 2.17 | % | 42,357 | ||||
Financials | 2.67 | % | 52,186 | ||||
Health Care | 2.38 | % | 46,467 | ||||
Industrial | 2.73 | % | 53,357 | ||||
Not updated | 17.72 | % | 346,811 | ||||
Technology | 12.02 | % | 235,220 | ||||
Other assets in excess of liabilities | 44.86 | % | 877,488 | ||||
Total | 100.00 | % | $ | 1,955,997 | |||
The Fund’s classifications of issuers into sectors, industries and sub-industries may differ for financial reporting purposes than for other reporting and compliance purposes. The classifications for purposes of this financial report are unaudited.
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 9 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Small Company | International Equity | International Small | ||||||||||||||
Fund | Fund | Mid Company Fund | Company Fund | |||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated Investments, at cost | $ | 934,740,804 | $ | 22,366,149 | $ | 23,746,391 | $ | 1,078,859 | ||||||||
Affiliated Investments, at cost | 479,937,163 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Unaffiliated Investments, at value (Note 1) | $ | 1,723,062,760 | $ | 23,312,359 | $ | 31,723,476 | $ | 1,078,509 | ||||||||
Affiliated Investments, at value (Note 1) | 734,016,226 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Total Investments, at value | $ | 2,457,078,986 | $ | 23,312,359 | $ | 31,723,476 | $ | 1,078,509 | ||||||||
Cash | 1,347,736 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Foreign Cash, at value | – | 2,264 | * | – | – | |||||||||||
Receivables: | ||||||||||||||||
Fund shares sold | 3,115,484 | 200,000 | 107,000 | 1,956,350 | ||||||||||||
Dividends, interest and reclaims, at value | 525,842 | 49,606 | * | 11,344 | – | |||||||||||
Prepaid expenses | 52,276 | 18,666 | 17,683 | – | ||||||||||||
Due from Advisor | – | – | – | 590 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | 2,462,120,324 | 23,582,895 | 31,859,503 | 3,035,449 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Payables: | ||||||||||||||||
Investments purchased | 1,739,832 | – | – | 1,078,782 | ||||||||||||
Fund shares redeemed | 3,018,221 | – | 18,447 | – | ||||||||||||
Accrued expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Advisory fees | 2,055,888 | 1,925 | 3,682 | – | ||||||||||||
Administration fees | 25,346 | 2,924 | 517 | 267 | ||||||||||||
Trustees’ fees | 8,599 | 8,599 | 7,500 | 72 | ||||||||||||
Custody fees | 40,311 | 64 | 1,312 | 27 | ||||||||||||
Transfer agent fees | 47,311 | 2,719 | 367 | 93 | ||||||||||||
Chief compliance officer fees | 298 | – | – | 28 | ||||||||||||
12b-1 fees - Investor Class | 297,948 | 269 | 3,790 | – | ||||||||||||
Legal and audit fees | 20,000 | 17,509 | 16,026 | 160 | ||||||||||||
Printing fees | 35,681 | 726 | – | – | ||||||||||||
Other expenses | 6,212 | 1,860 | 146 | 23 | ||||||||||||
Total Liabilities | 7,295,647 | 36,595 | 51,787 | 1,079,452 | ||||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 2,454,824,677 | $ | 23,546,300 | $ | 31,807,716 | $ | 1,955,997 | ||||||||
Net Assets Consist of: | ||||||||||||||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 1,204,456,751 | $ | 24,727,898 | $ | 10,456,211 | $ | 1,956,350 | ||||||||
Accumulated net investment income/(loss) | (16,324,780 | ) | 135,435 | (42,299 | ) | (80 | ) | |||||||||
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) on investments, affiliated | ||||||||||||||||
investments and foreign currency transactions | 224,291,687 | (2,260,743 | ) | 13,416,719 | – | |||||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, | ||||||||||||||||
affiliated investments and foreign currency translations | 1,042,401,019 | 943,710 | 7,977,085 | (273 | ) | |||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 2,454,824,677 | $ | 23,546,300 | $ | 31,807,716 | $ | 1,955,997 | ||||||||
Investor Class: | ||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Maximum Offering Price and Redemption Price Per | ||||||||||||||||
Share | $ | 71.42 | $ | 11.80 | $ | 23.37 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 1,766,634,513 | $ | 1,276,240 | $ | 17,563,234 | $ | 49,991 | ||||||||
Shares Outstanding, no par value (unlimited shares authorized) | 24,736,689 | 108,123 | 751,370 | 5,000 | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class: | ||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Maximum Offering Price and Redemption Price Per | ||||||||||||||||
Share | $ | 71.99 | $ | 11.83 | $ | 23.65 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 688,190,164 | $ | 22,270,060 | $ | 14,244,482 | $ | 1,906,006 | ||||||||
Shares Outstanding, no par value (unlimited shares authorized) | 9,559,309 | 1,883,031 | 602,347 | 190,635 |
* | At Cost; $2,270 for Foreign Cash and $52,100 for dividends and reclaims. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
10 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Statements of Operations | For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Small Company | International Equity | International Small | ||||||||||||||
Fund | Fund | Mid Company Fund | Company Fund(a) | |||||||||||||
Investment Income: | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends | $ | 2,668,588 | $ | 271,230 | $ | 220,991 | $ | – | ||||||||
Dividends from affiliated investments | 2,823,515 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Foreign taxes withheld | – | (28,838 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||
Total Investment Income | 5,492,103 | 242,392 | 220,991 | ��� | ||||||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Advisory fees (Note 2) | 13,494,615 | 96,471 | 197,397 | – | ||||||||||||
Administration fees (Note 2) | 148,391 | 4,471 | 3,466 | 267 | ||||||||||||
Transfer agent fees (Note 2) | 228,404 | 17,025 | 21,251 | 93 | ||||||||||||
Custody fees | 135,125 | 6,152 | 3,974 | 27 | ||||||||||||
Registration fees | 27,497 | 18,445 | 18,529 | – | ||||||||||||
12b-1 Fees - Investor Class (Note 2) | 2,013,076 | 1,926 | 26,413 | – | ||||||||||||
Legal fees (Note 2) | 23,161 | 22,919 | 37,919 | 97 | ||||||||||||
Audit and tax preparation fees | 7,499 | 6,751 | 5,267 | 64 | ||||||||||||
Trustees’ fees and expenses | 17,820 | 17,820 | 16,720 | 72 | ||||||||||||
Compliance services fees (Note 2) | 7,048 | 6,751 | 6,751 | 28 | ||||||||||||
Printing fees | 115,631 | 1,303 | 6,487 | – | ||||||||||||
Other expenses | 33,242 | 3,533 | 2,291 | 22 | ||||||||||||
Total Expenses | 16,251,509 | 203,567 | 346,465 | 670 | ||||||||||||
Expenses waived/reimbursed by Advisor - Investor Class (Note 2) | – | (7,203 | ) | (38,751 | ) | (15 | ) | |||||||||
Expenses waived/reimbursed by Advisor - Institutional Class | ||||||||||||||||
(Note 2) | – | (87,249 | ) | (44,424 | ) | (575 | ) | |||||||||
Net Expenses | 16,251,509 | 109,115 | 263,290 | 80 | ||||||||||||
Net Investment Income/(Loss) | (10,759,406 | ) | 133,277 | (42,299 | ) | (80 | ) | |||||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on: | ||||||||||||||||
Net realized gain from investments | 107,633,065 | 2,448 | 11,674,219 | – | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain from affiliated investments | 17,263,439 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain from foreign currency transactions | – | 2,113 | – | – | ||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments | (234,795,514 | ) | (1,933,306 | ) | (15,648,381 | ) | (350 | ) | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation of foreign currency | ||||||||||||||||
translations | – | 444 | – | 77 | ||||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments and Foreign Currencies | (109,899,010 | ) | (1,928,301 | ) | (3,974,162 | ) | (273 | ) | ||||||||
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting From Operations | $ | (120,658,416 | ) | $ | (1,795,024 | ) | $ | (4,016,461 | ) | $ | (353 | ) | ||||
(a) | The Fund commenced operations on September 30, 2015. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 11 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
Small Company Fund | International Equity Fund | |||||||||||||||
For the Six | For the Six | |||||||||||||||
Months Ended | For the | Months Ended | For the | |||||||||||||
September 30, 2015 | Year Ended | September 30, 2015 | Year Ended | |||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | March 31, 2015 | (Unaudited) | March 31, 2015(a) | |||||||||||||
Operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $ | (10,759,406 | ) | $ | (15,876,075 | ) | $ | 133,277 | $ | 62,956 | ||||||
Net realized gain from investments, affiliated investments and foreign currency transactions | 124,896,504 | 212,581,573 | 4,561 | 287,582 | ||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments, affiliated investments and foreign currency translations | (234,795,514 | ) | 33,163,113 | (1,932,862 | ) | (344,136 | ) | |||||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (120,658,416 | ) | 229,868,611 | (1,795,024 | ) | 6,402 | ||||||||||
Distributions to Shareholders: (Note 4) | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | ||||||||||||||||
Investor | – | – | – | (963 | ) | |||||||||||
Institutional | – | – | – | (38,193 | ) | |||||||||||
Net realized gains from investment transactions | ||||||||||||||||
Investor | – | (103,255,113 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||
Institutional | – | (32,436,915 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions | – | (135,692,027 | ) | – | (39,156 | ) | ||||||||||
Capital Share Transactions: | ||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | ||||||||||||||||
Investor | 195,527,727 | 408,533,002 | 277,637 | 8,428,994 | ||||||||||||
Institutional | 126,741,455 | 226,926,945 | 10,914,343 | 13,344,544 | ||||||||||||
Reinvested dividends and distributions | ||||||||||||||||
Investor | – | 99,003,547 | – | 890 | ||||||||||||
Institutional | – | 29,240,949 | – | 14,577 | ||||||||||||
Shares redeemed, net of redemption fees (Note1) | ||||||||||||||||
Investor | (411,500,061 | ) | (802,266,300 | ) | (596,307 | ) | (14,449,298 | ) | ||||||||
Institutional | (64,184,463 | ) | (190,048,037 | ) | (190,542 | ) | (175,740 | ) | ||||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital | ||||||||||||||||
Share Transactions | (153,415,342 | ) | (228,609,894 | ) | 10,405,131 | 7,163,967 | ||||||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets | (274,073,758 | ) | (134,433,311 | ) | 8,610,107 | 7,131,213 | ||||||||||
Net Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning of Period | 2,728,898,435 | 2,863,331,746 | 14,936,193 | 7,804,980 | ||||||||||||
End of Period | $ | 2,454,824,677 | $ | 2,728,898,435 | $ | 23,546,300 | $ | 14,936,193 | ||||||||
Accumulated Net Investment Income/(Loss) | $ | (16,324,780 | ) | $ | (5,565,374 | ) | $ | 135,435 | $ | 2,158 |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
12 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
Small Company Fund | International Equity Fund | |||||||||||||||
For the Six | For the Six | |||||||||||||||
Months Ended | For the | Months Ended | For the | |||||||||||||
September 30, 2015 | Year Ended | September 30, 2015 | Year Ended | |||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | March 31, 2015 | (Unaudited) | March 31, 2015(a) | |||||||||||||
Share Information: | ||||||||||||||||
Investor Class: | ||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 2,589,875 | 5,739,473 | 21,272 | 664,042 | ||||||||||||
Reinvested distributions | – | 1,416,360 | – | 76 | ||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (5,380,520 | ) | (11,344,488 | ) | (45,401 | ) | (1,151,557 | ) | ||||||||
Net Decrease in Capital Shares | (2,790,645 | ) | (4,188,655 | ) | (24,129 | ) | (487,439 | ) | ||||||||
Shares Outstanding, Beginning of Year | 27,527,334 | 31,715,989 | 132,252 | 619,691 | ||||||||||||
Shares Outstanding, End of Year | 24,736,689 | 27,527,334 | 108,123 | 132,252 | ||||||||||||
Share Information: | ||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class: | ||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 1,667,584 | 3,171,478 | 848,157 | 1,062,472 | ||||||||||||
Reinvested distributions | – | 415,650 | – | 1,240 | ||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (841,923 | ) | (2,653,926 | ) | (14,943 | ) | (13,895 | ) | ||||||||
Net Increase in Capital Shares | 825,661 | 933,202 | 833,214 | 1,049,817 | ||||||||||||
Shares Outstanding, Beginning of Year | 8,733,648 | 7,800,446 | 1,049,817 | – | ||||||||||||
Shares Outstanding, End of Year | 9,559,309 | 8,733,648 | 1,883,031 | 1,049,817 | ||||||||||||
(a) | The Fund began offering Institutional Class Shares on August 1, 2014. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 13 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
International Small | ||||||||||||
Mid Company Fund | Company Fund | |||||||||||
For the Six | For the Period | |||||||||||
Months Ended | For the | Ended | ||||||||||
September 30, 2015 | Year Ended | September 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | March 31, 2015 | (Unaudited)(a) | ||||||||||
Operations: | ||||||||||||
Net investment loss | $ | (42,299 | ) | $ | (320,327 | ) | $ | (80 | ) | |||
Net realized gain from investments | 11,674,219 | 6,726,962 | – | |||||||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments | (15,648,381 | ) | (2,000,138 | ) | (273 | ) | ||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (4,016,461 | ) | 4,406,497 | (353 | ) | |||||||
Distributions to Shareholders: (Note 4) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gains from investment transactions | ||||||||||||
Investor | – | (1,791,192 | ) | – | ||||||||
Institutional | – | (3,669,095 | ) | – | ||||||||
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions | – | (5,460,288 | ) | – | ||||||||
Capital Share Transactions: | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | ||||||||||||
Investor | 672,432 | 7,563,754 | 50,000 | |||||||||
Institutional | 1,819,639 | 8,928,537 | 1,906,350 | |||||||||
Reinvested dividends and distributions | ||||||||||||
Investor | – | 1,697,912 | – | |||||||||
Institutional | – | 3,433,315 | – | |||||||||
Shares redeemed, net of redemption fees (Note 1) | ||||||||||||
Investor | (3,864,999 | ) | (15,282,123 | ) | – | |||||||
Institutional | (42,350,665 | ) | (8,554,873 | ) | – | |||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | (43,723,593 | ) | (2,213,479 | ) | 1,956,350 | |||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets | (47,740,054 | ) | (3,267,268 | ) | 1,955,997 | |||||||
Net Assets: | ||||||||||||
Beginning of Period | 79,547,770 | 82,815,038 | – | |||||||||
End of Period | $ | 31,807,716 | $ | 79,547,770 | $ | 1,955,997 | ||||||
Accumulated Net Investment Loss | $ | (42,299 | ) | $ | – | $ | (80 | ) | ||||
Share Information: | ||||||||||||
Investor Class: | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 26,295 | 287,518 | 5,000 | |||||||||
Reinvested distributions | – | 68,658 | – | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (149,241 | ) | (587,635 | ) | – | |||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Capital Shares | (122,946 | ) | (231,459 | ) | 5,000 | |||||||
Shares Outstanding, Beginning of Period | 874,316 | 1,105,775 | – | |||||||||
Shares Outstanding, End of Period | 751,370 | 874,316 | 5,000 | |||||||||
Share Information: | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class: | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 72,853 | 339,688 | 190,635 | |||||||||
Reinvested distributions | – | 137,498 | – | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (1,576,623 | ) | (327,641 | ) | – | |||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Capital Shares | (1,503,770 | ) | 149,545 | 190,635 | ||||||||
Shares Outstanding, Beginning of Period | 2,106,117 | 1,956,572 | – | |||||||||
Shares Outstanding, End of Period | 602,347 | 2,106,117 | 190,635 | |||||||||
(a) | The Fund commenced operations on September 30, 2015. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
14 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management Small Company Fund | ||
Financial Highlights | For a share outstanding throughout the period presented. |
For the | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | For the | For the | For the | For the | For the | ||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investor Class | 2015 (Unaudited) | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | March 31, 2012(a) | March 31, 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | $ | 75.13 | $ | 72.39 | $ | 57.91 | $ | 49.32 | $ | 47.88 | $ | 36.44 | |||||||||||||
Income/(Loss) from Investment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Loss | (0.32 | )(b) | (0.47 | )(b) | (0.54 | )(b) | (0.07 | )(b) | (0.31 | )(b) | (0.23 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain/(Loss) on Investments | (3.39 | ) | 7.12 | 16.22 | 9.47 | 1.75 | 11.86 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total from Investment Operations | (3.71 | ) | 6.65 | 15.68 | 9.40 | 1.44 | 11.63 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions (from capital gains) | – | (3.91 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (0.81 | ) | – | (0.19 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total Distributions | – | (3.91 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (0.81 | ) | – | (0.19 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, End of Year | $ | 71.42 | $ | 75.13 | $ | 72.39 | $ | 57.91 | $ | 49.32 | $ | 47.88 | |||||||||||||
Total Return(c) | (4.94 | %)(d) | 9.59 | % | 27.12 | % | 19.36 | % | 3.01 | % | 31.98 | % | |||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | $ | 1,766,635 | $ | 2,068,125 | $ | 2,295,960 | $ | 1,666,796 | $ | 1,457,641 | $ | 1,178,279 | |||||||||||||
Average Net Assets for the Year (000s) | $ | 2,013,076 | $ | 2,020,100 | $ | 2,089,066 | $ | 1,391,562 | $ | 1,340,963 | $ | 854,095 | |||||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.25 | %(e)(f) | 1.25 | %(f) | 1.25 | %(f) | 1.27 | %(f) | 1.21 | %(f) | 1.19 | % | |||||||||||||
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets | (0.85 | %)(e) | (0.65 | %) | (0.81 | %) | (0.13 | %) | (0.68 | %) | (0.68 | %) | |||||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 6 | %(d) | 11 | % | 5 | % | 15 | % | 21 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||
(a) | Prior to December 1, 2011 the Fund offered one class of shares, which was converted to Investor Shares on that date. | |
(b) | Calculated using average shares method. | |
(c) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(d) | Not Annualized. | |
(e) | Annualized. | |
(f) | Includes 12b-1 Plan expenses, based upon the 12b-1 Plan adopted by the Fund on December 1, 2011. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 15 |
The Brown Capital Management Small Company Fund | ||
Financial Highlights | For a share outstanding throughout the period presented. |
For the | ||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | For the | For the | For the | For the | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | 2015 (Unaudited) | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | March 31, 2012(a) | |||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | $ | 75.66 | $ | 72.74 | $ | 58.06 | $ | 49.35 | $ | 43.19 | ||||||||||
Income/(Loss) from Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Income/(Loss)(b) | (0.25 | ) | (0.32 | ) | (0.41 | ) | 0.24 | (0.08 | ) | |||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gain/(Loss) on Investments | (3.42 | ) | 7.15 | 16.29 | 9.28 | 6.24 | ||||||||||||||
Total from Investment Operations | (3.67 | ) | 6.83 | 15.88 | 9.52 | 6.16 | ||||||||||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions (from capital gains) | – | (3.91 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (0.81 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
Total Distributions | – | (3.91 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (0.81 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, End of Period | $ | 71.99 | $ | 75.66 | $ | 72.74 | $ | 58.06 | $ | 49.35 | ||||||||||
Total Return(c) | (4.85 | %)(d) | 9.80 | % | 27.40 | % | 19.59 | % | 14.26 | %(d) | ||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets, End of Period (000s) | $ | 688,190 | $ | 660,774 | $ | 567,372 | $ | 209,600 | $ | 5,465 | ||||||||||
Average Net Assets for the Period (000s) | $ | 685,847 | $ | 599,850 | $ | 380,193 | $ | 85,751 | $ | 2,086 | ||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | 1.06 | %(e) | 1.05 | % | 1.05% | 1.08 | % | 1.21 | %(e) | |||||||||||
Ratio of Net Investment Income/(Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||
to Average Net Assets | (0.65 | %)(e) | (0.45 | %) | (0.60 | %) | 0.47 | % | (0.59 | %)(e) | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 6 | %(d) | 11 | % | 5 | % | 15 | % | 21 | %(d)(f) | ||||||||||
(a) | The Fund began offering Institutional Class Shares on December 15, 2011. | |
(b) | Calculated using average shares method. | |
(c) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(d) | Not Annualized. | |
(e) | Annualized. | |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate is calculated at the Fund level and represents the year ended March 31, 2012. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
16 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management International Equity Fund | ||
Financial Highlights | For a share outstanding throughout the period presented. |
For the | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | For the | For the | For the | For the | For the | |||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
Investor Class | 2015 (Unaudited) | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | March 31, 2012(a) | March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | $ | 12.63 | $ | 12.59 | $ | 10.35 | $ | 9.06 | $ | 10.02 | $ | 9.57 | ||||||||||||
Income/(Loss) from Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Income | 0.12 | (b) | 0.10 | (b) | 0.02 | (b) | 0.10 | (b) | 0.04 | (b) | 0.05 | |||||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments | (0.95 | ) | (0.05 | ) | 2.38 | 1.26 | (0.88 | ) | 0.59 | |||||||||||||||
Total from Investment Operations | (0.83 | ) | 0.05 | 2.40 | 1.36 | (0.84 | ) | 0.64 | ||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends (from net investment income) | – | (0.01 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.19 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total Distributions | – | (0.01 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.19 | ) | |||||||||||||
Redemption Fees Added to Paid-in Capital (Note 1) | – | 0.00 | (c) | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, End of Year | $ | 11.80 | $ | 12.63 | $ | 12.59 | $ | 10.35 | $ | 9.06 | $ | 10.02 | ||||||||||||
Total Return(d) | (6.57 | %)(e) | 0.40 | % | 23.31 | % | 15.03 | % | (8.22 | %) | 6.79 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | $ | 1,276 | $ | 1,671 | $ | 7,805 | $ | 6,424 | $ | 9,758 | $ | 10,696 | ||||||||||||
Average Net Assets for the Year (000s) | $ | 1,541 | $ | 4,014 | $ | 6,959 | $ | 7,307 | $ | 10,017 | $ | 11,461 | ||||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Excluding Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 2.19 | %(f)(g) | 2.84 | %(g) | 3.47 | %(g) | 3.50 | %(g) | 3.02 | %(g) | 2.91 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Including Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 1.25 | %(f)(g) | 1.60 | %(g)(h) | 2.00 | %(g) | 2.00 | %(g) | 2.00 | %(g) | 2.00 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of Net Investment Income to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Net Assets | 1.81 | %(f) | 0.79 | % | 0.20 | % | 1.13 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.48 | % | ||||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 1 | %(e) | 12 | % | 9 | % | 10 | % | 17 | % | 28 | % | ||||||||||||
(a) | Prior to December 1, 2011 the Fund offered one class of shares, which was converted to Investor Shares on that date. | |
(b) | Calculated using average shares method. | |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. | |
(d) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(e) | Not Annualized. | |
(f) | Annualized. | |
(g) | Includes 12b-1 Plan expenses, based upon the 12b-1 Plan adopted by the Fund on December 1, 2011. | |
(h) | Effective June 30, 2014, the net expense limitation changed from 1.75% to 1.00%, excluding 12b-1 fees. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 17 |
The Brown Capital Management International Equity Fund | ||
Financial Highlights | For a share outstanding throughout the period presented. |
For the | ||||||||
Six Months | ||||||||
Ended | For the | |||||||
September 30, 2015 | Period Ended | |||||||
Institutional Class | (Unaudited) | March 31, 2015(a) | ||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | $ | 12.64 | $ | 12.56 | ||||
Income/(Loss) from Investment Operations: | ||||||||
Net Investment Income(b) | 0.08 | 0.03 | ||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments | (0.89 | ) | 0.09 | (c) | ||||
Total from Investment Operations | (0.81 | ) | 0.12 | |||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||
Dividends (from net investment income) | – | (0.04 | ) | |||||
Total Distributions | – | (0.04 | ) | |||||
Net Asset Value, End of Period | $ | 11.83 | $ | 12.64 | ||||
Total Return(d) | (6.41 | %)(e) | 0.94 | %(e) | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||
Net Assets, End of Period (000s) | $ | 22,270 | $ | 13,266 | ||||
Average Net Assets for the Period (000s) | $ | 19,897 | $ | 12,783 | ||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Excluding Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 1.88 | %(f) | 2.54 | %(f) | ||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Including Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 1.00 | %(f) | 1.00 | %(f) | ||||
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | 1.20 | %(f) | 0.37 | %(f) | ||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 1 | %(e) | 12 | %(e)(g) | ||||
(a) | The Fund began offering Institutional Class Shares on August 1, 2014. | |
(b) | Calculated using average shares method. | |
(c) | The amount of net realized and unrealized gain on investment per share for the period ended March 31, 2015 does not accord with the amounts in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of purchases and sales of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values. | |
(d) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(e) | Not Annualized. | |
(f) | Annualized. | |
(g) | Portfolio turnover rate is calculated at the Fund level and represents the year ended March 31, 2015. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
18 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management Mid Company Fund | ||
Financial Highlights | For a share outstanding throughout the period presented. |
For the | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | For the | For the | For the | For the | For the | |||||||||||||||||||
2015 | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
Investor Class | (Unaudited)(a) | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | March 31, 2012(b) | March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | $ | 26.49 | $ | 26.92 | $ | 21.87 | $ | 20.76 | $ | 20.39 | $ | 15.71 | ||||||||||||
Income/(Loss) from Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Loss | (0.05 | )(c) | (0.15 | )(c) | (0.14) | (c) | (0.06) | (c) | (0.10) | (c) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain/(Loss) on Investments | (3.07 | ) | 1.53 | 5.19 | 1.52 | 0.49 | 4.81 | |||||||||||||||||
Total from Investment Operations | (3.12 | ) | 1.38 | 5.05 | 1.46 | 0.39 | 4.75 | |||||||||||||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions (from capital gains) | – | (1.81 | ) | – | (0.35 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total Distributions | – | (1.81 | ) | – | (0.35 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, End of Year | $ | 23.37 | $ | 26.49 | $ | 26.92 | $ | 21.87 | $ | 20.76 | $ | 20.39 | ||||||||||||
Total Return(d) | (11.78 | %)(e) | 5.60 | % | 23.09 | % | 7.24 | % | 1.94 | % | 30.30 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | $ | 17,563 | $ | 23,163 | $ | 29,763 | $ | 25,404 | $ | 36,400 | $ | 23,484 | ||||||||||||
Average Net Assets for the Year (000s) | $ | 21,130 | $ | 28,207 | $ | 28,217 | $ | 25,883 | $ | 30,165 | $ | 12,678 | ||||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Excluding Fee Waivers and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reimbursements | 1.52 | %(f)(g) | 1.28 | %(g) | 1.27 | %(g) | 1.41 | %(g) | 1.63 | %(g) | 2.03 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Including Fee Waivers and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reimbursements | 1.15 | %(f)(g) | 1.15 | %(g) | 1.15 | %(g) | 1.15 | %(g) | 1.25 | %(g) | 1.30 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets | (0.37 | %)(f) | (0.57 | %) | (0.58 | %) | (0.32 | %) | (0.52 | %) | (0.54 | %) | ||||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 17 | %(e) | 41 | % | 16 | % | 29 | % | 18 | % | 38 | % | ||||||||||||
(a) | Prior to July 29, 2015, the Brown Capital Management Mid Company Fund was known as the Brown Capital Management Mid-Cap Fund. | |
(b) | Prior to December 1, 2011 the Fund offered one class of shares, which was converted to Investor Shares on that date. | |
(c) | Calculated using average shares method. | |
(d) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(e) | Not Annualized. | |
(f) | Annualized. | |
(g) | Includes 12b-1 Plan expenses, based upon the 12b-1 Plan adopted by the Fund on December 1, 2011. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 19 |
The Brown Capital Management Mid Company Fund | ||
Financial Highlights | For a share outstanding throughout the period presented. |
For the | ||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | For the | For the | For the | For the | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class | (Unaudited)(a) | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | March 31, 2012(b) | |||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | $ | 26.77 | $ | 27.11 | $ | 21.94 | $ | 20.77 | $ | 17.52 | ||||||||||
Income/(Loss) from Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Loss(c) | (0.00 | )(d) | (0.08 | ) | (0.08 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gain/(Loss) on Investments | (3.12 | ) | 1.55 | 5.25 | 1.53 | 3.28 | ||||||||||||||
Total from Investment Operations | (3.12 | ) | 1.47 | 5.17 | 1.52 | 3.27 | ||||||||||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions (from capital gains) | – | (1.81 | ) | – | (0.35 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total Distributions | – | (1.81 | ) | – | (0.35 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, End of Period | $ | 23.65 | $ | 26.77 | $ | 27.11 | $ | 21.94 | $ | 20.77 | ||||||||||
Total Return(e) | (11.65 | %)(f) | 5.90 | % | 23.56 | % | 7.53 | % | 18.70 | %(f) | ||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets, End of Period (000s) | $ | 14,244 | $ | 56,385 | $ | 53,052 | $ | 39,017 | $ | 5,948 | ||||||||||
Average Net Assets for the Period (000s) | $ | 31,509 | $ | 53,622 | $ | 45,629 | $ | 28,187 | $ | 1,884 | ||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Excluding Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 1.18 | %(g) | 1.04 | % | 1.02 | % | 1.15 | % | 1.42 | %(g) | ||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Including Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 0.90 | %(g) | 0.90 | % | 0.90 | % | 0.90 | % | 0.90 | %(g) | ||||||||||
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets | (0.02 | %)(g) | (0.30 | %) | (0.33 | %) | (0.03 | %) | (0.12 | %)(g) | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 17 | %(f) | 41 | % | 16 | % | 29 | % | 18 | %(f)(h) | ||||||||||
(a) | Prior to July 29, 2015, the Brown Capital Management Mid Company Fund was known as the Brown Capital Management Mid-Cap Fund. | |
(b) | The Fund began offering Institutional Class Shares on December 15, 2011. | |
(c) | Calculated using average shares method. | |
(d) | Less than $0.005 per share. | |
(e) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(f) | Not Annualized. | |
(g) | Annualized. | |
(h) | Portfolio turnover rate is calculated at the Fund level and represents the year ended March 31, 2012. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
20 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management International Small Company Fund | ||
Financial Highlights | For a share outstanding throughout the period presented. |
For the | ||||
Period Ended | ||||
Investor Class | September 30, 2015(a) | |||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | $ | 10.00 | ||
Income/(Loss) from Investment Operations: | ||||
Net Investment Income(b) | (0.00 | )(c) | ||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | – | |||
Total from Investment Operations | (0.00) | (c) | ||
Net Asset Value, End of Year | $ | 10.00 | ||
Total Return(d) | – | %(e) | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | $ | 50 | ||
Average Net Assets for the Year (000s) | $ | 50 | ||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Excluding Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 12.54 | %(f) | ||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Including Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 1.26 | %(f) | ||
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets | (1.26 | %)(f) | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | – | %(e) | ||
(a) | The Fund began offering Investor Class Shares on September 30, 2015. | |
(b) | Calculated using average shares method. | |
(c) | Less than ($0.005) per share. | |
(d) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(e) | Not Annualized. | |
(f) | Annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 21 |
The Brown Capital Management International Small Company Fund | ||
Financial Highlights | For a share outstanding throughout the period presented. |
For the | ||||
Period Ended | ||||
Institutional Class | September 30, 2015(a) | |||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | $ | 10.00 | ||
Income/(Loss) from Investment Operations: | ||||
Net Investment Income(b) | (0.00 | )(c) | ||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | – | |||
Total from Investment Operations | (0.00 | )(c) | ||
Net Asset Value, End of Period | $ | 10.00 | ||
Total Return(d) | – | %(e) | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||
Net Assets, End of Period (000s) | $ | 1,906 | ||
Average Net Assets for the Period (000s) | $ | 1,906 | ||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Excluding Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 12.54 | %(f) | ||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Including Fee Waivers and Reimbursements | 1.50 | %(f) | ||
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets | (1.50 | %)(f) | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | – | %(e) | ||
(a) | The Fund began offering Institutional Class Shares on September 30, 2015. | |
(b) | Calculated using average shares method. | |
(c) | Less than ($0.005) per share. | |
(d) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(e) | Not Annualized. | |
(f) | Annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||
22 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Notes to Financial Statements | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The Brown Capital Management Small Company Fund (“Small Company Fund”), The Brown Capital Management International Equity Fund (“International Equity Fund”), The Brown Capital Management Mid Company Fund (“Mid Company Fund”), and The Brown Capital Management International Small Company Fund (“International Small Company Fund”) (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) are each a series portfolio of Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds (the “Trust”). The Trust is a Delaware statutory trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as amended, as an open-ended management investment company. Each of the Funds in this report are classified as diversified management investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. |
The primary investment objective of the Small Company Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Current income is a secondary consideration in selecting portfolio investments. The Small Company Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective principally through investments in equity securities of those companies with operating revenues of $250 million or less at the time of initial investment. Prior to December 1, 2011 the Fund offered one class of shares. On that date the share class of the Fund was converted to Investor Shares. On December 15, 2011 the Fund began to offer Institutional Shares. |
The primary investment objective of the International Equity Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Current income is a secondary consideration in selecting portfolio investments. The International Equity Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in equity securities of non-U.S. based companies. Prior to December 1, 2011 the Fund offered one class of shares. On that date the share class of the Fund was converted to Investor Shares. |
The primary investment objective of the Mid Company Fund (previously the Mid-Cap Fund) is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Current income is a secondary consideration in selecting portfolio investments. The Mid Company Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in a portfolio of equity securities of companies with total operating revenues of $500 million to $10 billion at the time of initial investment (“mid sized companies”). Prior to December 1, 2011 the Fund offered one class of shares. On that date the share class of the Fund was converted to Investor Shares. On December 15, 2011 the Fund began to offer Institutional Shares. Prior to December 31, 2008, the Mid-Cap Fund offered two classes of shares (Institutional Shares and Investor Shares). On that date, the Investor Shares were converted into a class of shares that was previously designated as “Institutional Shares” and subsequently re-designated, as of December 1, 2011, as the “Investor Class” shares. |
The primary investment objective of the International Small Company Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Current income is a secondary consideration in selecting portfolio investments. The International Small Company Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in the equity securities of non-U.S. based companies with total operating revenues of $500 million or less at the time of the initial investment (“small companies”). The Fund commenced operations on September 30, 2015 and offers Investor and Institutional shares classes. |
Income, expenses (other than distribution and service fees, which were only attributable to the Investor Shares), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments and foreign currencies were allocated to each class of shares based upon its relative net assets. |
The following accounting policies have been consistently followed by the Funds and are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Each Fund is considered an investment company for financial reporting purposes under GAAP. |
Investment Valuation |
The Funds’ investments in securities are carried at value. Securities listed on an exchange or quoted on a national market system are valued at the last sales price as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Securities that are principally traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (“NASDAQ”) exchange are generally valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Other securities that are traded in the domestic over-the-counter market and listed securities for which last sales price is available, are generally valued at the last sales price as of the valuation time. In the absence of sales and NOCP, such securities are valued at the most recent bid price. Securities and assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available or which cannot be accurately valued using the Funds’ normal pricing procedures are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under policies approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. Fair value pricing may be used, for example, in situations where (i) a security, such as a small-cap stock, mid-cap stock, or foreign security, is so thinly traded that there have been no transactions for that stock over an extended period of time or the validity of a market quotation received is questionable; (ii) an event occurs after the close of the exchange on which a portfolio security is principally traded that is likely to have changed the value of the security prior to a Fund’s net asset value calculation; (iii) the exchange on which the security is principally traded closes early; or (iv) trading of the particular portfolio security is halted during the day and does not resume prior to a Fund’s net asset value calculation. A security’s “fair value” price may differ from the price next available for that security using the Funds’ normal pricing procedures. Instruments with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. |
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 23 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Notes to Financial Statements | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 | – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; |
Level 2 | – | Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and |
Level 3 | – | Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.
An investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level input, individually or in the aggregate, that is significant to fair value measurement. The valuation techniques used by the Funds to measure fair value during the six months ended September 30, 2015 maximized the use of observable inputs and minimized the use of unobservable inputs.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Funds’ assets as of September 30, 2015:
Small Company Fund: | ||||||||||||||||
Valuation Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 2,364,720,697 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 2,364,720,697 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 92,358,289 | – | – | 92,358,289 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,457,078,986 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 2,457,078,986 | ||||||||
International Equity Fund: | ||||||||||||||||
Valuation Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 22,443,003 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 22,443,003 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 869,356 | – | – | 869,356 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 23,312,359 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 23,312,359 | ||||||||
Mid Company Fund: | ||||||||||||||||
Valuation Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 31,209,170 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 31,209,170 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 514,306 | – | – | 514,306 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 31,723,476 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 31,723,476 | ||||||||
24 | www.browncapital.com |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Notes to Financial Statements | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Small Company International Fund: | |||||||||||||
Valuation Inputs | |||||||||||||
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 1,078,509 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 1,078,509 | |||||
Total | $ | 1,078,509 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 1,078,509 | |||||
* See Schedule of Investments for industry/country classifications.
It is the Funds’ policy to recognize transfers into and out of all levels at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3 during the period.
For the period ended September 30, 2015, the Funds did not have investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in determining fair value.
Foreign Currency Translation (International Equity Fund)
Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of securities and income items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date.
The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the recorded amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign taxes withheld, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities held at the end of the reporting period.
Affiliated Companies
If a Fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities, either directly or indirectly, of a particular issuer, the 1940 Act deems such an issuer to be an “affiliate” of the Fund. As of and during the six months ended September 30, 2015, the Small Company Fund owned 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuers identified in the table below and therefore those issuers are considered affiliates of that Fund for purposes of the 1940 Act.
Market Value at | Realized | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share Balance | Share Balance at | September 30, | Gains | |||||||||||||||||||
Security Name | at April 1, 2015 | Purchases | Sales | September 30, 2015 | 2015 | Dividends | (Losses) | |||||||||||||||
Abaxis, Inc. | 1,837,113 | – | 107,961 | 1,729,152 | $ | 76,065,397 | $ | 392,289 | $ | 744,640 | ||||||||||||
American Software Inc. (Cl A) | 1,935,376 | – | 111,144 | 1,824,232 | 17,184,266 | 375,961 | 42,016 | |||||||||||||||
Balchem Corp.(a) | 1,610,055 | – | 95,430 | 1,514,625 | 92,043,761 | – | 286,825 | |||||||||||||||
Blackbaud Inc.(a) | 2,608,142 | – | 514,152 | 2,093,990 | 117,514,719 | 583,089 | 13,186,449 | |||||||||||||||
Cantel Medical Corp. | 2,923,149 | – | 172,413 | 2,750,736 | 155,966,731 | 146,157 | 5,773,804 | |||||||||||||||
Diodes Inc. | 2,650,693 | – | 181,005 | 2,469,688 | 52,777,233 | – | (531,296 | ) | ||||||||||||||
DTS, Inc. | 736,183 | 682,580 | 69,866 | 1,348,897 | 36,015,550 | – | (593,253 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Dynamic Materials Corp. | 968,140 | – | 64,089 | 904,051 | 8,624,646 | 74,888 | (1,231,441 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Geospace Technologies Corp. | 775,447 | – | 49,430 | 726,017 | 10,026,295 | – | (810,944 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Meridian Bioscience, Inc. | 2,267,916 | 313,476 | 127,272 | 2,454,120 | 41,965,452 | 907,166 | (846,431 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Neogen Corp. | 2,320,132 | – | 139,757 | 2,180,375 | 98,095,071 | – | 2,595,694 | |||||||||||||||
Netscout Systems Inc.(a) | 2,784,456 | – | 160,878 | 2,623,578 | 92,795,954 | – | 2,342,137 | |||||||||||||||
NIC Inc. | 4,615,448 | – | 273,443 | 4,342,005 | 76,896,908 | – | (1,601,689 | ) | ||||||||||||||
PROS Holdings, Inc. | 2,105,553 | – | 124,713 | 1,980,840 | 43,855,798 | – | (650,091 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Quidel Corporation | 2,670,694 | – | 162,242 | �� | 2,508,452 | 47,359,574 | – | (1,281,241 | ) | |||||||||||||
Sun Hydraulics Corp | 2,297,114 | – | 446,387 | 1,850,727 | 50,839,471 | 343,965 | (405,716 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Vocera Communications Inc. | 1,705,518 | – | 97,820 | 1,607,698 | 18,343,834 | – | 243,976 | |||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,036,370,660 | 2,823,515 | 17,263,439 | |||||||||||||||||||
(a) | As of September 30, 2015 no longer an affiliate. |
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 25 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Notes to Financial Statements | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Investment Transactions and Investment Income
Investment transactions are accounted for as of the date purchased or sold (trade date). Dividend income is recorded on the ex–dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded as soon as the Trust is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex–dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes amortization of discounts and premiums. Gains and losses are determined on the high cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes.
Expenses
Each Fund bears expenses incurred specifically on its behalf, as well as a portion of general Trust expenses, which are allocated according to methods reviewed annually by the Trustees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to the class incurring the expense. Common expenses, which are not attributable to a specific class, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon its proportionate share of total net assets of the Fund. Expenses not directly billed to a particular Fund are allocated proportionally among all Funds daily in relation to net assets of each Fund or another reasonable measurement. Fees provided under the distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder service plans for a particular class of the Funds’ are charged to the operations of such class.
Dividend Distributions
Each of the Funds may declare and distribute dividends from net investment income (if any) annually. Distributions from capital gains (if any) are generally declared and distributed annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on ex–date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in the net assets from operations during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management believes the estimates and security valuations are appropriate; however, actual results may differ from those estimates, and the security valuations reflected in the financial statements may differ from the value the Funds ultimately realize upon sale of the securities.
Federal Income Taxes
No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies.
Fees on Redemptions
The redemption fee is not a fee to finance sales or sales promotion expenses, but is paid to the International Equity Fund and the International Small Company Fund to defray the costs of liquidating an investor and discouraging short term trading of the Funds’ shares. No redemption fee will be imposed on redemptions initiated by the Funds. During the six months ended September 30, 2015, the International Equity Fund and the International Small Company Fund had redemption fees of $3.76 and $0, respectively.
2. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS |
Advisor |
Advisory Fees | |||||||||||||||||
Expense | Advisory | ||||||||||||||||
Fund | Average Net Assets | Rate | Limitation Ratio | Fees Waived | Expenses Reimbursed | ||||||||||||
Small Company Fund | On all assets | 1.00% | 1.25% | $ | – | $ – | |||||||||||
International Equity Fund | First $100 million | 0.90% | 1.75% | ||||||||||||||
Over $100 million | 0.75% | 33,370 | 19,348 | ||||||||||||||
Mid Company Fund | On all assets | 0.75% | 0.90% | 48,878 | – | ||||||||||||
International Small Company Fund | On all assets | 1.00% | 1.25% | – | – | ||||||||||||
In the interest of limiting expenses of the Funds, the Advisor has entered into expense limitation agreements with the Trust, with respect to each of the Funds (“Expense Limitation Agreements”), pursuant to which the Advisor has agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses so that the total annual operating expenses of the Funds (other than interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund’s business, and amounts, if any, payable under a Rule 12b–1 distribution plan) do not exceed certain limits, which are
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The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Notes to Financial Statements | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
(at the time this report is being produced) for the Small Company Fund, the International Equity Fund, the Mid Company Fund and the International Small Company Fund, 1.25%, 1.75%, 0.90% and 1.25% of the average daily net assets of those Funds, respectively.
Each of the Funds may, at a later date, reimburse the Advisor the management fees waived or limited and other expenses assumed and paid by the Advisor pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreements during any of the previous three (3) fiscal years, provided that the particular Fund has reached a sufficient asset size to permit such reimbursement to be made without causing the total annual expense ratio of the particular Fund to exceed the percentage limits as described above. Consequently, no reimbursement by any of the Funds will be made unless: (i) the particular Fund’s assets exceed $20 million for the Small Company Fund and the International Equity Fund or $15 million for the Mid Company Fund; (ii) the particular Fund’s total annual expense ratio is less than the percentage described above; and (iii) the payment of such reimbursement has been approved by the Trustees on a quarterly basis.
Fund | Expires March 31, 2016 | Expires March 31, 2017 | Expires March 31, 2018 | Expires March 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||
International Equity Fund | $ | 109,688 | $ | 102,451 | $ | 179,158 | $ | 94,452 | |||||||||
Mid Company Fund | 137,539 | 87,360 | 112,214 | 83,175 | |||||||||||||
International Small Company Fund | – | – | – | 590 |
Administrator
ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS” and the “Administrator”) serves as the Trust’s administrator pursuant to an Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement (“Administration Agreement”) with the Trust. As compensation for its services to the Trust, ALPS receives an annual administration fee.
Compliance Services
The principal owner of Watermark Solutions, LLC serves as the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer pursuant to an agreement with the Trust. As compensation for its services to the Trust, Watermark Solutions, LLC receives an annual compliance services fee. ALPS provides services which assist the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer in monitoring and testing the policies and procedures of the Trust in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a–1 under the 1940 Act. ALPS is compensated under the Administration Agreement for these services.
Transfer Agent
ALPS serves as transfer, dividend paying, and shareholder servicing agent for the Funds pursuant to a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement. ALPS is compensated under this agreement for these services.
Distributor
ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) serves as the Funds’ distributors. The Distributor acts as an agent for the Funds and the distributor of their shares.
12b-1 Plan
Each Fund has adopted, with respect to its Investor Class shares, a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (collectively, the “Plans”) under which each Fund may incur expenses related to distribution of its shares and for services provided to shareholders. Payments under a Plan are made to the distributor, which uses them to pay distribution and shareholder service expenses on behalf of and as agent of the Fund. The amount payable by the Mid Company Fund, the International Equity Fund and the International Small Company Fund under the Plan is 0.25% of average daily net assets for the year and 0.20% of average daily net assets for the Small Company Fund. The Plans are compensation plans, which means that payments are made to the distributor regardless of 12b-1 expenses actually incurred. Therefore, payments under a Plan may exceed distribution and shareholder service expenses incurred pursuant to the Plan, and the distributor is permitted to return the excess to the Advisor. It is also possible that 12b-1 expenses paid by the Advisor for a period will exceed the payments received by the Funds, in which case the Advisor may pay such excess expenses out of its own resources. The Plans require that the Distributor act in the Funds’ best interests in expending the payments it receives from the Funds and use payments solely for the purpose of paying distribution expenses on behalf of the Funds. The Funds’ Distributor verifies all payment amounts to be made to brokers that have properly executed dealer agreements with the Funds before such payments are made.
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 27 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Notes to Financial Statements | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES |
For the six months ended September 30, 2015, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short–term securities, are shown in the following table. |
Fund | Purchases of Securities | Proceeds From Sales of Securities | ||||||
Small Company Fund | $ | 164,544,590 | $ | 362,625,357 | ||||
International Equity Fund | 10,358,352 | 286,012 | ||||||
Mid Company Fund | 8,368,595 | 51,321,226 | ||||||
International Small Company Fund | 1,078,859 | – |
4. FEDERAL INCOME TAX |
The Funds recognize the tax benefit or expenses of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management reviewed the tax positions in the open tax years of 2012-2014 and as of and during the six months ended September 30, 2015, and determined that the Funds do not have a liability for uncertain tax positions. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.
At September 30, 2015, the tax–basis cost of investments were as follows:
Small Company Fund | International Equity Fund | Mid Company Fund | International Small Company Fund | |||||||||||||
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | $ | 1,129,582,230 | $ | 3,111,924 | $ | 9,381,486 | $ | 2,213 | ||||||||
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | (101,266,674 | ) | (2,334,866 | ) | (1,580,878 | ) | (2,563 | ) | ||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 1,028,315,556 | $ | 777,058 | $ | 7,800,608 | $ | (350 | ) | |||||||
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 1,428,763,430 | $ | 22,535,301 | $ | 23,922,868 | $ | 1,078,859 | ||||||||
The difference between book–basis and tax–basis net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the deferral of losses from wash sales, and passive foreign investment companies. Pursuant to federal income tax regulations applicable to investment companies, recognition of capital and ordinary losses on certain transactions is deferred until the subsequent tax year. As of March 31, 2015, there were no post-October capital loss deferrals on any of the Brown Capital Funds. Small Company Fund, International Equity Fund and Mid Company Fund elect to defer to the period ending March 31, 2016, late year ordinary losses in the amounts of $5,565,374, $0, and $0, respectively.
Capital Loss Carryforwards – Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (“the Modernization Act”), net capital losses recognized in tax years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and the character of the losses is retained as short-term and/or long-term. Under the law in effect prior to the Modernization Act, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term. As a transition rule, the Modernization Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.
Accumulated capital losses noted below represent pre-enactment net capital loss carryforwards, as of March 31, 2015, that may be available to offset future realized capital gains and thereby reduce future taxable gains distributions. The following table shows the expiration dates of the pre-enactment carryovers.
Expiring in 2017 | Expiring in 2018 | ||||||
Small Company Fund | $ | – | $ | – | |||
International Equity Fund | 1,235,307 | 806,096 | |||||
Mid Company Fund | – | – |
Brown Capital Management International Equity Fund had post-enactment capital losses for long-term in the amount of $334,275.
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The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Notes to Financial Statements | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Distributions during the fiscal year shown were characterized for tax purposes as follows:
Small Company Fund | International Equity Fund | Mid Company Fund | |||||||||||||||||
Distributions Paid From: | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Ordinary Income | $ | – | $ | 5,124,126 | $ | 39,156 | $ | 99,270 | $ | 1,272,256 | $ | – | |||||||
long-term capital gains | 135,692,028 | 40,941,362 | – | – | 4,188,031 | – | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 135,692,028 | $ | 46,065,488 | $ | 39,156 | $ | 99,270 | $ | 5,460,287 | $ | – | |||||||
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
6. TRUSTEE AND OFFICER FEES |
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 29 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Fund Expenses | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.
Actual Expenses – The first line of the table below provides information about the actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes – The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not each Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in each Fund and other funds by comparing these 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Expenses | |||||||||||||
Paid During | |||||||||||||
Period | |||||||||||||
Beginning | Ending | April 1, 2015 to | |||||||||||
Account Value | Account Value | Expense | September 30, | ||||||||||
April 1, 2015 | September 30, 2015 | Ratio(a) | 2015(b) | ||||||||||
Small Company Fund | |||||||||||||
Investor | |||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 950.60 | 1.25% | $ | 6.10 | ||||||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,018.75 | 1.25% | $ | 6.31 | ||||||
Institutional | |||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 951.50 | 1.06% | $ | 5.17 | ||||||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,019.70 | 1.06% | $ | 5.35 | ||||||
International Equity Fund | |||||||||||||
Investor | |||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 934.30 | 1.25% | $ | 6.04 | ||||||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,018.75 | 1.25% | $ | 6.31 | ||||||
Institutional | |||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 935.90 | 1.00% | $ | 4.84 | ||||||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,020.00 | 1.00% | $ | 5.05 | ||||||
Mid Company Fund | |||||||||||||
Investor | |||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 882.20 | 1.15% | $ | 5.41 | ||||||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,019.25 | 1.15% | $ | 5.81 | ||||||
Institutional | |||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 883.50 | 0.90% | $ | 4.24 | ||||||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,020.50 | 0.90% | $ | 4.55 | ||||||
International Small Company Fund | |||||||||||||
Investor(c) | |||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,000.00 | 1.26% | $ | 0.03 | ||||||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,018.70 | 1.26% | $ | 6.36 | ||||||
Institutional(c) | |||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,000.00 | 1.50% | $ | 0.04 | ||||||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,017.50 | 1.50% | $ | 7.57 |
(a) | Annualized, based on the Fund’s most recent fiscal half-year expenses. | |
(b) | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (183), divided by 366. | |
(c) | The actual expense paid during the period is based on the commencement of operations on September 30, 2015. |
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The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Additional Information | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD |
2. QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS |
3. INITIAL APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT FOR BROWN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY FUND |
The Board discussed the arrangements between the Advisor and the Trust with respect to the Fund. The Board reflected on its discussions regarding the Agreement with representatives of the Advisor, the expense limitation agreement to be put in place for the Fund and the manner in which the Fund was to be managed. Counsel referred the Board to the Meeting materials, which included, among other things, a memorandum from Counsel addressing the duties of Trustees regarding the approval of the proposed Agreement, a letter from Counsel to the Advisor and the Advisor’s responses to that letter, information on the Advisor’s financial information, a fee comparison analysis for the Fund and comparable mutual funds, and the discussion regarding the Expense Limitation Agreement to be put in place although it was noted that the Advisor had not yet determined the level of the fee cap at this time. Counsel reviewed with the Board the memorandum from Counsel and the proposed Agreement and Expense Limitation Agreement. Counsel outlined the various factors the Board should consider in deciding whether to approve the Agreement.
In deciding whether to approve the Agreement, the Trustees considered numerous factors, including:
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided by the Advisor
In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by the Advisor, the Trustees reviewed the responsibilities of the Advisor under the Agreement. The Trustees reviewed the services currently being provided by the Advisor to the existing Funds and the services proposed for the Fund including, without limitation, the quality of its investment advisory services since each Fund’s commencement of operations (including research and recommendations with respect to portfolio securities); its procedures for formulating investment decisions and assuring compliance with each Fund’s investment objectives and limitations; and its efforts to promote the Funds and grow the Funds’ assets. The Trustees noted that certain employees of the Advisor served as officers of the Trust, including as a principal executive officer and principal financial officer, without additional compensation. The Trustees considered the coordination of services for the Fund among the Advisor and the service providers and the Independent Trustees. The Trustees noted the quality of the Advisor’s personnel and the commitment to enhance its resources and systems; and the continued cooperation with the Independent Trustees and Counsel. The Trustees evaluated the Advisor’s personnel, including the education and experience of its personnel. After reviewing the foregoing and further information by the Advisor, the Board concluded that the quality, extent, and nature of the services to be provided by the Advisor were satisfactory and adequate for the Fund.
Investment Performance of the New Series and the Advisor
The Board noted that the Fund had not commenced operations and no investment performance information was available. The Trustees, however, considered the performance information of the Advisor’s International Small Company Composite.
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 31 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Additional Information | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Costs of the Services to be Provided and Profits to be Realized by the Advisor
In considering the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by the Advisor from the relationship with the Fund, the Trustees considered the Advisor’s staffing, personnel, and methods of operating; the financial condition of the Advisor; the expected asset levels of the Fund; and the projected overall expenses of the Fund. The Trustees considered the expected fees and expenses of the Fund (including the management fee) relative to other funds comparable in terms of the type of fund, the nature of its investment strategy, its intended style of investment management, and its size, among other factors and found the overall expense ratio (after expense waivers) to be on the high end of the Fund’s prospective peers. It was noted that the Morningstar peer group category had a median management fee of 0.98% and the Fund’s proposed management fee was set at 1.25%. Following this analysis and upon further consideration and discussion of the foregoing, the Board concluded that the fees to be paid to the Advisor by the Fund were fair and reasonable.
Economies of Scale
In this regard, the Board considered the Fund’s fee arrangements with the Advisor. The Trustees determined that although the management fee would stay the same as asset levels increased, the shareholders of the Fund would benefit from the expense limitation arrangement proposed to be put in place for the Fund. The Trustees noted that the Advisor had not yet determined the rate of the expense limitation arrangement. The Trustees considered that, while the management fee would remain the same at all asset levels, the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from economies of scale under the agreements with service providers other than the Advisor. Following further discussion of the expected asset levels, expectations for growth, and levels of fees, the Board determined that the Fund’s fee arrangements, in light of all the facts and circumstances, were fair and reasonable and that the expense limitation arrangement provided potential savings or protection for the benefit of the Fund’s investors.
Advisor’s Practices Regarding Possible Conflicts of Interest and Benefits to the Advisor
In considering the Advisor’s practices regarding conflicts of interest, the Trustees evaluated the potential for conflicts of interest and considered such matters as the experience and ability of the advisory personnel assigned to the Fund; the basis for soft dollar payments with broker-dealers; the basis of decisions to buy or sell securities for the Fund and the Advisor’s other accounts; the method for bunching portfolio securities transactions; and the substance and administration of the Advisor’s code of ethics. Following further consideration and discussion, the Board of Trustees indicated that the Advisor’s standards and practices relating to the identification and mitigation of possible conflicts of interests were satisfactory. The Board of Trustees considered that the Advisor may benefit from the Fund by being able to place a smaller account with or in the Fund.
Based upon all of the foregoing considerations, the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to any investment advisory agreement between the Trust and its investment advisers or interested persons of any such party, voting separately, approved the Agreement upon the terms and for the compensation described therein.
****
Note that following the March 23, 2015 meeting of the Board of Trustees (as described directly above), the Board of Trustees met again on June 16, 2015 and considered a proposal from the Advisor to reduce the advisory fee for the Fund from 1.25% to 1.00%. It was noted that upon further review by the Advisor’s Management Committee of the fee structure for the Fund, a business decision was made to propose to reduce the fee to 1.00%. The Board of Trustees approved the lower fee noting that a more competitive fee would be one set at 1.00% rather than 1.25%. The Trustees indicated their belief that prior findings, as well as the process pursuant to which those prior findings were made at the March 23, 2015, were valid, reflective of their business decision and consistent with the applicable legal standards as described to them by legal counsel to the Trust. They also indicated that the finding to lower the fee was also a valid business judgment that was in the best interest of shareholders.
****
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The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Privacy Policy | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
FACTS | WHAT DOES THE BROWN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT MUTUAL FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? | |
Why? | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. | |
What? | The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include: | |
n | Social Security number and assets | |
n | Account balances and transaction history | |
n | Checking account information and wire transfer instructions | |
When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. | ||
How? | All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds choose to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
Reasons we can share your personal information | Does the Fund share? | Can you limit this sharing? |
For our everyday business purposes – such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus | Yes | No |
For our marketing purposes – to offer our products and services to you | No | We don’t share |
For joint marketing with other financial companies | No | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your transactions and experiences | No | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness | No | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | No | We don’t share |
Questions? | Call 1-877-892-4226 |
Semi-Annual Report | September 30, 2015 | 33 |
The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds | ||
Privacy Policy | September 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Page 2 | |
Who we are | |
Who is providing this notice? | The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds, on behalf of each of its series: The Brown Capital Management Small Company Fund, The Brown Capital Management Mid Company Fund, The Brown Capital Management International Equity Fund and The Brown Capital Management International Small Company Fund. |
What we do | ||
How do The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds protect my personal information? | To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. | |
We require any companies that help provide our services to you to protect the confidentiality of the personal information they receive. | ||
How does The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds collect my personal information? | We collect your personal information, for example, when you | |
n | Open an account or give us your account information | |
n | Make deposits or withdrawals from our account | |
n | Pay us by check or make a wire transfer | |
We also collect your personal information from other companies. | ||
Why can’t I limit all sharing? | Federal law gives you the right to limit only | |
n | sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness | |
n | affiliates from using your information to market to you | |
n | sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you | |
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
Definitions | ||
Affiliates | Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. | |
n | Brown Capital Management, LLC, the investment advisor, is an affiliate of The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds. | |
Nonaffiliates | Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. | |
n | The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds do not share information with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. | |
Joint Marketing | A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you. | |
n | The Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds do not jointly market. |
34 | www.browncapital.com |
Must be accompanied or preceded by a prospectus.
Funds distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc. 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203
Item 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable.
Item 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable.
Item 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable.
Item 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable.
Item 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
A copy of the schedule of investments of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
Item 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable.
Item 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable.
Item 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. |
Not applicable.
Item 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
None.
Item 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures (as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report. | |
(b) | There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) | Not applicable. | |
(a)(2) | Certifications required by Item 12.(a)(2) of Form N-CSR are filed herewith as Exhibit 12.(a)(2). | |
(a)(3) | Not applicable. | |
(b) | Certifications required by Item 12.(b) of Form N-CSR are filed herewith as Exhibit 12.(b). |
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.
Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds
By: (Signature and Title) | /s/ Keith A. Lee | ||
Keith A. Lee | |||
Trustee, President and Principal Executive Officer |
Date: November 30, 2015
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: (Signature and Title) | /s/ Keith A. Lee | ||
Keith A. Lee | |||
Trustee, President and Principal Executive Officer, | |||
Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds |
Date: November 30, 2015
By: (Signature and Title) | /s/ Cecil E. Flamer | ||
Cecil E. Flamer | |||
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, | |||
Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds |
Date: November 30, 2015