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 | 811-8268 |
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Firsthand Funds |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
|
125 South Market, Suite 1200 San Jose, CA | | 95113 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip code) |
|
Firsthand Capital Management, Inc. 125 South Market, Suite 1200 San Jose, CA 95113 |
(Name and address of agent for service) |
|
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: | (408) 294-2200 | |
|
Date of fiscal year end: | December 31, 2007 | |
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Date of reporting period: | June 30, 2007 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
Include a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-1).
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001104659-07-065954/g214532bi01i001.jpg)
Firsthand Funds
Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders
Firsthand Technology Value Fund ®
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund
Firsthand Global Technology Fund
June 30, 2007
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CONTENTS | |
| |
Performance Summary | 2 |
President’s Letter | 4 |
Shareholder Fee Example | 6 |
Financial Statements | |
Portfolio of Investments | 8 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 14 |
Statements of Operations | 15 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 16 |
Financial Highlights | 18 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 21 |
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
PERIOD RETURNS (average annual total returns as of 6/30/07)
Fund | | YTD Total* | | 1-Year | | 3-Year | | 5-Year | | 10-Year | | Exp. Ratio | |
Firsthand Technology Value Fund® | | 13.72 | % | 18.51 | % | 11.40 | % | 12.85 | % | 4.86 | % | 1.92 | % |
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund | | 10.92 | % | 20.13 | % | 10.84 | % | 12.22 | % | · | | 1.95 | % |
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund | | 9.16 | % | 13.46 | % | 1.09 | % | 5.17 | % | · | | 1.95 | % |
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund | | 13.33 | % | 30.03 | % | 12.66 | % | 15.22 | % | · | | 1.95 | % |
Firsthand Global Technology Fund | | 11.80 | % | 29.05 | % | 6.13 | % | 9.29 | % | · | | 1.95 | % |
Lipper Science and Technology Fund Index | | 10.34 | % | 21.30 | % | 8.73 | % | 11.22 | % | 5.18 | % | · | |
NASDAQ Composite Index | | 8.17 | % | 20.72 | % | 9.13 | % | 12.90 | % | 6.59 | % | · | |
S&P 500 Index | | 6.96 | % | 20.59 | % | 11.68 | % | 10.69 | % | 7.12 | % | · | |
* Not annualized.
Returns assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but do not reflect the impact of taxes. The performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance cannot guarantee future results, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Both the return from and the principal value of an investment in the Funds will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. To obtain performance as of the most recent month-end, please contact Firsthand Funds by calling 1.888.884.2675 or go to www.firsthandfunds.com.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ) is a capitalization-weighted index of all common stocks listed with Nasdaq. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) is a market-weighted index of 500 stocks of well-established companies. Each index represents an unmanaged, broad-based basket of stocks. These indices are typically used as benchmarks for overall market performance. The Lipper Science and Technology Fund Index includes the largest 30 mutual funds in the group, which, by prospectus or portfolio practice, invest at least 80% of their equity portfolios in science and technology stocks.
RETURNS SINCE INCEPTION (average annual total returns as of 6/30/07)
Fund (Inception Date) | | Avg Annual Total Return | | NASDAQ | | S&P 500 | |
Firsthand Technology Value Fund® (5/20/94) | | 14.96 | % | 10.70 | % | 11.48 | % |
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund (12/10/97) | | 8.99 | % | 5.57 | % | 6.30 | % |
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund (5/20/98) | | 4.32 | % | 4.33 | % | 5.04 | % |
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund (9/30/99) | | -9.48 | % | -0.20 | % | 3.74 | % |
Firsthand Global Technology Fund (9/29/00) | | -9.65 | % | -4.46 | % | 2.39 | % |
Each Fund may invest in small-capitalization companies and Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”). These investments will be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies and loss of principal could be greater. The Funds may invest in foreign securities, which will be subject to greater risks than investing in domestic securities. Because the Funds are not diversified, they can take larger positions in fewer companies, increasing their risk profile. The Funds invest in several industries within the technology sector and the relative weightings of these industries in a Fund’s portfolio may change at any time.
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HOLDINGS BY INDUSTRY - % of net assets (as of 6/30/07)
| | Firsthand | | Firsthand | | Firsthand | | | | Firsthand | |
| | Technology | | Technology | | Technology | | Firsthand | | Global | |
| | Value | | Leaders | | Innovators | | e-Commerce | | Technology | |
Industry | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | |
Advanced Materials | | 3.4 | % | · | | · | | · | | · | |
Alternative Energy | | 6.4 | % | · | | 0.5 | % | · | | 3.9 | % |
Communications | | 3.1 | % | 3.4 | % | 1.1 | % | 7.9 | % | 2.5 | % |
Communications Equipment | | 2.4 | % | 7.0 | % | 6.2 | % | · | | 8.5 | % |
Computer | | 1.6 | % | 2.7 | % | 0.6 | % | · | | 2.8 | % |
Consumer Electronics | | · | | · | | · | | 1.0 | % | · | |
Electronic Design Automation | | · | | · | | 4.0 | % | · | | · | |
Electronic Entertainment | | 5.3 | % | · | | · | | · | | 3.2 | % |
Electronic Manufacturing Services | | · | | · | | · | | · | | 4.5 | % |
Intellectual Property | | 4.0 | % | · | | 19.0 | % | · | | · | |
Internet | | 10.0 | % | 10.6 | % | 1.7 | % | 36.4 | % | 5.7 | % |
Media | | · | | · | | · | | 1.9 | % | · | |
Networking | | 4.8 | % | 5.3 | % | 5.4 | % | 3.3 | % | · | |
Other Electronics | | 4.7 | % | 7.5 | % | 11.0 | % | 7.3 | % | 13.8 | % |
Peripherals | | 4.8 | % | 3.8 | % | · | | · | | · | |
Photonics | | 7.0 | % | 7.3 | % | · | | · | | · | |
Semiconductors | | 28.6 | % | 21.3 | % | 27.2 | % | · | | 18.4 | % |
Semiconductor Equipment | | 5.7 | % | 6.6 | % | · | | · | | 10.7 | % |
Services | | 3.3 | % | · | | 9.3 | % | 6.4 | % | 7.8 | % |
Software | | 3.0 | % | 17.6 | % | 6.5 | % | 16.7 | % | 8.5 | % |
Net Cash | | 1.9 | % | 6.9 | % | 7.5 | % | 19.1 | % | 9.7 | % |
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
The first half of 2007 was a good time to own technology stocks. Despite a shudder in March as volatility on the Shanghai index scared global markets for a week or two, and in spite of a fairly weak Q1 earnings season in April, the NASDAQ Composite gained 8.17%, modestly outpacing the S&P 500’s gain of 6.96%. The Lipper Science & Technology index, a more focused benchmark of our peer-group, fared better still, gaining 10.34%.
I am pleased to report that all five Firsthand technology funds outperformed the broad market indices, and that four of the five beat the Lipper index as well. (Please refer to the performance tables on pages 2 and 3 for more details.)
The Funds’ performance was largely driven by the intertwining trends of globalization, the consumer electronics boom, and the emergence of alternative energy technologies.
The PC and internet revolutions of the ‘80s and ‘90s, while enriching many Americans, also empowered millions of people around the world. For a few thousand dollars, you can now set up a fully functional, Internet-connected workplace wherever the talent happens to live. The subsequent global economic boom has been well documented by now, but the ramifications are just beginning to sink in.
International companies are finding their way onto our list of top performers more and more often. Nintendo, China Mobile, Lenovo, Baidu.com, and Sharp each contributed significantly to our funds’ performance. Notice that four out of those five sell primarily to consumers, not to business. We could just as easily add Corning and Nokia to the above list, giving us one Finnish and a single U.S.-based company to complement their Asian counterparts.
Of course, it’s no longer so important where a company is based. Increasingly, it’s about where the customers are—and the good news is that they seem to be everywhere. That’s the bright side of globalization: You may have a lot more competition, but there are a staggering number of new customers out there.
And what are all of those members of the nouveau riche in India and China doing? They are buying cellphones. They are getting on the Internet. They are getting off the bus and onto motor scooters (and aspiring to own a car). They are going to the newly built American-style mall to look for a big-screen TV. In short, they are consuming; and all of those actions add up to a huge increase in the amount of energy they demand. If you think that the price of gasoline is coming back down, my guess is that you haven’t visited India or China lately.
It should come as no surprise, then, that our investments in the alternative energy sector also fared quite well. In the solar power food chain, MEMC, Cypress Semiconductor, and Suntech Power boosted our returns, and in the area of efficiency, Echelon was an outstanding performer.
The Internet also continues to be a major driver of growth. Some of our best-performing stocks included Amazon, aQuantive, Baidu.com, and Equinix. It’s a great example of the way technology trends often play out: The change may not come as quickly as the early enthusiasts
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predicted, but the ultimate effect ends up being even larger than they first hoped. Human behavior, in the aggregate, evolves gradually, but profoundly.
Of course, our Funds were not without disappointments. Investors took profits in some of our most successful stocks of 2006, including Akamai, Intevac, Adobe, and Seagate. On balance, however, it was a very good six months for our portfolio companies, and we are happy with the performance of our Funds.
Looking ahead, there’s quite a bit to be excited about. The Vista upgrade cycle should begin to really kick in later this year, boosting PC unit shipments. More importantly, using Vista will likely mean that we’ll all be “up-spec’ing” our new systems to include much more memory, more powerful CPUs, and graphics cards, along with more storage capacity and, while we are at it, a nice big LCD monitor and really fast Internet connection. That could dramatically benefit the entire PC food chain, not just Microsoft, Intel, and Dell.
Cellphones continue to evolve. What will your next cellphone do that your last one did not? Five years ago the answer was the camera phone. Increasingly, it’s text messaging and checking your e-mails. This year’s game-changer is the iPhone, which combines an innovative display with a wonderful user interface. What’s next? How about location information, so that you can know exactly where you are and where you are going? (Or maybe you just want to meet up with your friends at the mall.) How many years will it be until your credit card lives inside your phone? Each of these transitions will offer a billion-unit opportunity to some key technology companies.
How will you use the Internet? Research and travel were the first categories to be transformed, but they were just the start of the avalanche. Today people are changing the way they look for work and how they socialize. In business, routine correspondence gave way to e-mail, but the bigger story was the way groups of people would start collaborating over distance. What’s next? It’s probably some task or activity that you already do. Someone just needs to figure out how to save you some time, effort, or cost by bringing it online.
Finally, where will your energy come from? Consider the perspectives of the physicist versus the economist. We have been hearing quite a bit of alarming economic analysis and dreary projections about the global demand for energy as compared to the tightly constrained supply. Most of the pundits take the view that existing supplies cannot grow as quickly as demand, if at all. Therefore, we are all going to have to adjust to higher and higher energy prices until the most price sensitive among us simply have to do without.
That may be true in the short term, but consider the physicist’s less dismal view: “Look around you,” he might say, “there is energy, in one form or another, in almost everything you see—and in many things you cannot see. The challenge lies in figuring out how to tap it.” That is the crux of some of the most exciting efforts going on in Silicon Valley today. After all, the technology industry has been applying the same basic approach for decades now: Find a problem and solve it through the commercialization of science.
The challenge is big, and so is the opportunity. Sure, the alternative energy industry is still tiny, with many hurdles to overcome. That’s what it feels like when you are early in the game.
As I said, there is quite a bit to be excited about. Thank you for your investment in Firsthand Funds.
Sincerely,
Kevin Landis
President and Chief Executive Officer
SHAREHOLDER FEE EXAMPLE (unaudited)
Example—In general, mutual fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads), redemption fees, and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, 12b-1 distribution and service fees, non-12b-1 service fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. Note that Firsthand Funds (“Trust”) does not charge transaction fees for 12b-1 distribution and service fees, though you may incur transaction fees if you purchase shares through a broker. The example on the following page is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007.
Actual Expenses—The section of the table at right entitled “Actual” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use this information, 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 section entitled “Actual” under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. If your account is an IRA or other tax-qualified savings plan, your expenses may also have included a $10 annual fee. In either case, the amount of any fee paid through your account would increase the estimate of expenses you paid during the period and decrease your ending account value.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes—The section of the table at right entitled “Hypothetical” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate your actual ending account balance or the expenses you paid for the period. However, you may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Trust to other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. As in the case of the actual expense example, if your account is subject to an IRA fee, the amount of the fee paid through your account would increase the hypothetical expenses you would have paid during the period and decrease the hypothetical ending account value.
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Please note that the expenses shown in the table at right are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. The examples also assume all dividends and distributions have been reinvested.
Firsthand Technology Value Fund
| | Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses Paid | | | |
| | Account Value | | Account Value | | During Period* | | Annualized | |
| | 1/1/07 | | 6/30/07 | | 1/1/07-6/30/07 | | Expense Ratio | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,137.16 | | $ | 10.37 | | 1.93 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,014.78 | | $ | 9.64 | | 1.93 | % |
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund
| | Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses Paid | | | |
| | Account Value | | Account Value | | During Period* | | Annualized | |
| | 1/1/07 | | 6/30/07 | | 1/1/07-6/30/07 | | Expense Ratio | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,109.24 | | $ | 10.09 | | 1.95 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,014.68 | | $ | 9.74 | | 1.95 | % |
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund
| | Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses Paid | | | |
| | Account Value | | Account Value | | During Period* | | Annualized | |
| | 1/1/07 | | 6/30/07 | | 1/1/07-6/30/07 | | Expense Ratio | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,091.63 | | $ | 9.91 | | 1.95 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,014.68 | | $ | 9.74 | | 1.95 | % |
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund
| | Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses Paid | | | |
| | Account Value | | Account Value | | During Period* | | Annualized | |
| | 1/1/07 | | 6/30/07 | | 1/1/07-6/30/07 | | Expense Ratio | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,133.33 | | $ | 10.30 | | 1.95 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,014.68 | | $ | 9.74 | | 1.95 | % |
Firsthand Global Technology Fund
| | Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses Paid | | | |
| | Account Value | | Account Value | | During Period* | | Annualized | |
| | 1/1/07 | | 6/30/07 | | 1/1/07-6/30/07 | | Expense Ratio | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,118.04 | | $ | 10.07 | | 1.95 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,014.68 | | $ | 9.74 | | 1.95 | % |
* Expenses are calculated by multiplying the Fund’s annualized expense ratio listed above by the average account value over the period and multiplying that number by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
** 5% return per year before expenses.
The expenses shown in the table do not reflect any fees that may be charged to you by brokers, financial intermediaries, or other financial institutions.
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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS, June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
Firsthand Technology Value Fund
| | SHARES | | MARKET VALUE | |
COMMON STOCKS - 96.9% ($347,592,632) | | | | | |
Advanced Materials - 3.1% ($11,250,000) | | | | | |
UCT Coatings, Inc., Series B* (1) | | 500,000 | | $ | 11,250,000 | |
| | | | | |
Alternative Energy - 5.9% ($21,309,361) | | | | | |
Evergreen Solar, Inc.* | | 600,000 | | 5,580,000 | |
Itron, Inc.* | | 60,000 | | 4,676,400 | |
Solaicx, Series B* (1)(2) | | 7,396,238 | | 4,137,752 | |
Solaicx, Series C* (1)(2) | | 2,916,581 | | 2,915,210 | |
SoloPower, Series A* (1)(2) | | 2,721,088 | | 3,999,999 | |
| | | | | |
Communications - 3.1% ($11,123,030) | | | | | |
Clearwire Corp.* | | 200,000 | | 4,886,000 | |
ViaSat, Inc.* | | 194,300 | | 6,237,030 | |
| | | | | |
Communications Equipment - 2.4% ($8,508,308) | | | | | |
Harris Corp. | | 80,000 | | 4,364,000 | |
Tekelec, Inc.* | | 287,400 | | 4,144,308 | |
| | | | | |
Computer - 1.6% ($5,786,000) | | | | | |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.* | | 1,100,000 | | 5,786,000 | |
| | | | | |
Electronic Entertainment - 5.3% ($18,954,711) | | | | | |
Nintendo Co., Ltd.-ADR | | 413,407 | | 18,954,711 | |
| | | | | |
Intellectual Property - 3.7% ($13,268,384) | | | | | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common* (1)(2) | | 743,077 | | 461,042 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-D* (1)(2) | | 850,830 | | 3,626,323 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E* (1)(2) | | 4,071,226 | | 7,173,622 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-F* (1)(2) | | 912,453 | | 2,007,397 | |
| | | | | |
Internet - 10.0% ($35,849,691) | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.* | | 215,800 | | 10,496,512 | |
Napster, Inc.* (3) | | 900,000 | | 3,060,000 | |
Netflix, Inc.* | | 700,000 | | 13,573,000 | |
Yahoo! Inc.* | | 321,422 | | 8,720,179 | |
| | | | | |
Networking - 4.8% ($17,271,549) | | | | | |
Caspian Networks, Inc., Common* (1) | | 337 | | 0 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.* | | 480,000 | | 13,368,000 | |
Echelon Corp.* | | 231,000 | | 3,610,530 | |
IP Unity, Inc., Series C* (1) | | 1,104,265 | | 11,043 | |
IP Unity, Inc., Series E* (1) | | 193,042 | | 281,976 | |
Polaris Networks, Inc., Series A* (1) | | 297,848 | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
Other Electronics - 4.7% ($16,762,668) | | | | | |
Intevac, Inc.* | | 621,400 | | 13,210,964 | |
NCR Corp.* | | 67,600 | | 3,551,704 | |
| | | | | |
Peripherals - 4.8% ($17,191,769) | | | | | |
Seagate Technology, Inc. | | 789,700 | | 17,191,769 | |
| | | | | |
Photonics -7.0% ($25,217,850) | | | | | |
Celox Networks, Inc., Common* (1) | | 138,121 | | $ | 0 | |
Celox Networks, Inc., Series A-1* (1) | | 1,000,000 | | 0 | |
Corning, Inc.* | | 987,000 | | 25,217,850 | |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Common* (1) | | 28,513 | | 0 | |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Series A1* (1) | | 129,664 | | 0 | |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Series B1* (1) | | 259,236 | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
Semiconductor Equipment - 5.7% ($20,626,705) | | | | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | 400,000 | | 7,948,000 | |
ASML Holding N.V.* | | 329,900 | | 9,055,755 | |
FormFactor, Inc.* | | 94,594 | | 3,622,950 | |
| | | | | |
Semiconductors - 28.5% ($102,050,923) | | | | | |
AuthenTec, Inc.* (1)(4) | | 639,030 | | 5,777,112 | |
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.-ADR* | | 926,100 | | 8,121,897 | |
Clarisay, Inc., Series B* (1)(2) | | 2,605,306 | | 0 | |
Clarisay, Inc., Series C* (1)(2) | | 7,194,244 | | 0 | |
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.* | | 1,143,000 | | 26,620,470 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Series A* (1)(2) | | 6,030,896 | | 6,845,007 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Series C* (1)(2) | | 1,111,111 | | 1,261,100 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Series D* (1)(2) | | 932,835 | | 1,058,758 | |
Intel Corp. | | 146,500 | | 3,480,840 | |
NVIDIA Corp.* | | 200,000 | | 8,262,000 | |
Qimonda AG-ADR* | | 212,600 | | 3,284,670 | |
Rambus, Inc.* | | 400,000 | | 7,192,000 | |
SanDisk Corp.* | | 200,000 | | 9,788,000 | |
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.* | | 700,000 | | 4,823,000 | |
SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc.* | | 164,600 | | 3,413,804 | |
Soitec S.A.* | | 72,740 | | 1,552,989 | |
TranSwitch Corp.* | | 660,000 | | 1,201,200 | |
TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.* | | 27,600 | | 139,656 | |
Zoran Corp.* | | 460,500 | | 9,228,420 | |
| | | | | |
Services - 3.3% ($11,796,768) | | | | | |
aQuantive, Inc.* | | 158,300 | | 10,099,540 | |
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc., Class A* | | 334,100 | | 1,697,228 | |
| | | | | |
Software - 3.0% ($10,624,915) | | | | | |
Citrix Systems, Inc.* | | 127,000 | | 4,276,090 | |
Comverse Technology, Inc.* | | 304,500 | | 6,348,825 | |
| | | | | |
WARRANTS - 0.9% ($3,091,321) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Advanced Materials - 0.3% ($1,000,002) | | | | | |
UCT Coatings, Inc., B Warrant* (1) | | 600,000 | | 1,000,002 | |
| | | | | |
Alternative Energy - 0.2% ($663,791) | | | | | |
Solaicx, Series C Warrant* (1)(2) | | 670,814 | | 663,791 | |
| | | | | |
Intellectual Property - 0.3% ($1,220,582) | | | | | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., 1-E Warrant* (1)(2) | | 1,257,859 | | 1,216,387 | |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
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| | SHARES | | MARKET VALUE | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant* (1)(2) | | 37,982 | | $ | 4,195 | |
| | | | | |
Networking - 0.0% ($69) | | | | | |
IP Unity, Inc., E Warrant* (1) | | 69,496 | | 69 | |
Polaris Networks, Inc., Convertible Warrant* (1) | | 75,712 | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
Photonics - 0.0% ($0) | | | | | |
Celox Networks, Inc., A-1 Warrant* (1) | | 500,000 | | 0 | |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Common Warrant* (1) | | 3,822 | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
Semiconductors - 0.1% ($206,877) | | | | | |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrants* (1)(2) | | 2,350,000 | | 0 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrants* (1)(2) | | 75,000 | | 13,124 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrants* (1)(2) | | 75,000 | | 13,124 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrants* (1)(2) | | 18,750 | | 3,281 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrants* (1)(2) | | 75,000 | | 13,124 | |
Global Locate, Inc., C Warrant* (1)(2) | | 370,370 | | 87,034 | |
Global Locate, Inc., D Warrant* (1)(2) | | 233,208 | | $ | 77,190 | |
| | | | | |
| | SHARES/ PRINCIPAL | | | |
CONVERTIBLE BONDS - 0.3% ($1,000,000) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Alternative Energy - 0.3% ($1,000,000) | | | | | |
SoloPower, 5.00% (1)(2) | | 1,000,000 | | 1,000,000 | |
| | | | | |
Networking - 0.0% ($0) | | | | | |
Polaris Networks, Inc., 10.00%* (1) | | 100,949 | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
Semiconductors - 0.0% ($0) | | | | | |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00%* (1)(2) | | 2,350,000 | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
CASH EQUIVALENTS - 0.7% ($2,685,967) | | | | | |
PNC Bank Money Market Portfolio | | 2,685,967 | | 2,685,967 | |
| | | | | |
Total Investments (Cost $350,329,468) - 98.8% | | | | 354,369,920 | |
| | | | | |
Other assets in excess of liabilities - 1.2% | | | | 4,137,246 | |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | | | | $ | 358,507,166 | |
| | | | | | | |
(1) Restricted security
(2) Affiliated issuer
(3) Napster, Inc. has the right to put a restriction of public sale on 600,000 shares of the Fund’s Napster, Inc. holding. As of June 30, 2007 there are no restrictions on the Fund’s shares of Napster, Inc.
(4) AuthenTec, Inc. issued an initial public offering on June 27, 2007, as a result a portion or all of the fund’s shares may be restricted from resale for an agreed upon period of time.
* Non-income producing security
ADR American Depositary Receipt
see accompanying notes to financial statements
7
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS, June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund
| | SHARES | | MARKET VALUE | |
COMMON STOCKS - 93.1% ($62,829,166) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Communications - 3.4% ($2,284,444) | | | | | |
China Mobile Hong Kong Ltd.-ADR | | 42,383 | | $ | 2,284,444 | |
| | | | | |
Communications Equipment - 7.0% ($4,748,896) | | | | | |
Nokia Corp.-ADR | | 68,090 | | 1,914,010 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 65,335 | | 2,834,886 | |
| | | | | |
Computer - 2.7% ($1,847,268) | | | | | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 41,400 | | 1,847,268 | |
| | | | | |
Internet - 10.6% ($7,134,027) | | | | | |
eBay, Inc.* | | 103,695 | | 3,336,905 | |
Google, Inc., Class A* | | 7,255 | | 3,797,122 | |
| | | | | |
Networking - 5.3% ($3,577,889) | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.* | | 128,470 | | 3,577,889 | |
| | | | | |
Other Electronics - 7.5% ($5,045,950) | | | | | |
Koninklijke (Royal) Philips Electronics N.V. | | 16,500 | | 698,280 | |
L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc.* | | 212,600 | | 4,347,670 | |
| | | | | |
Peripherals - 3.8% ($2,589,694) | | | | | |
Seagate Technology, Inc. | | 118,957 | | 2,589,694 | |
| | | | | |
Photonics - 7.3% ($4,934,395) | | | | | |
Corning, Inc.* | | 193,127 | | $ | 4,934,395 | |
| | | | | |
Semiconductor Equipment - 6.6% ($4,450,700) | | | | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | 83,500 | | 1,659,145 | |
ASML Holding N.V.* | | 101,696 | | 2,791,555 | |
| | | | | |
Semiconductors - 21.3% ($14,375,017) | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp., Class A* | | 98,025 | | 2,867,231 | |
Intel Corp. | | 99,500 | | 2,364,120 | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.-GDR (1) | | 6,900 | | 2,113,540 | |
SanDisk Corp.* | | 47,300 | | 2,314,862 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.-ADR | | 193,035 | | 2,148,484 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 68,211 | | 2,566,780 | |
| | | | | |
Software - 17.6% ($11,840,886) | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.* | | 82,830 | | 3,325,624 | |
Amdocs Ltd.* | | 95,909 | | 3,819,096 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | 107,250 | | 3,160,658 | |
NICE-Systems Ltd.-ADR* | | 44,200 | | 1,535,508 | |
| | | | | |
CASH EQUIVALENTS - 5.1% ($3,451,652) | | | | | |
PNC Bank Money Market Portfolio | | 3,451,652 | | 3,451,652 | |
| | | | | |
Total Investments (Cost $51,710,897) - 98.2% | | | | 66,280,818 | |
| | | | | |
Other assets in excess of liabilities - 1.8% | | | | 1,183,203 | |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | | | | $ | 67,464,021 | |
(1) | | Rule 144A, Section 4(2), or other security that is restricted as to resale to institutional investors. The Investment Advisor, using Board-approved procedures has deemed these securities to be liquid. |
* | | Non-income producing security |
ADR | | American Depositary Receipt |
GDR | | Global Depositary Receipt |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
8
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS, June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund
| | SHARES | | MARKET VALUE | |
COMMON STOCKS - 89.8% ($20,112,627) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Alternative Energy - 0.5% ($108,100) | | | | | |
Hoku Scientific, Inc.* | | 10,000 | | $ | 108,100 | |
| | | | | |
Communications - 1.1% ($252,000) | | | | | |
Symmetricom, Inc.* | | 30,000 | | 252,000 | |
| | | | | |
Communications Equipment - 6.2% ($1,380,612) | | | | | |
Finisar Corp.* | | 101,855 | | 385,012 | |
Sierra Wireless, Inc.* | | 40,000 | | 995,600 | |
| | | | | |
Computer - 0.6% ($140,620) | | | | | |
Rackable Systems, Inc.* | | 11,377 | | 140,620 | |
| | | | | |
Electronic Design Automation - 4.0% ($903,812) | | | | | |
PDF Solutions, Inc.* | | 76,400 | | 903,812 | |
| | | | | |
Intellectual Property - 18.7% ($4,188,351) | | | | | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common* (1)(2) | | 108,815 | | 67,514 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-C* (1)(2) | | 82,914 | | 1,242,994 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E* (1)(2) | | 1,633,254 | | 2,877,843 | |
| | | | | |
Internet - 1.7% ($387,340) | | | | | |
LivePerson, Inc.* | | 72,400 | | 387,340 | |
| | | | | |
Networking - 5.4% ($1,199,254) | | | | | |
Echelon Corp.* | | 76,198 | | 1,190,975 | |
IP Unity, Inc., Series C* (1) | | 827,957 | | 8,279 | |
| | | | | |
Other Electronics - 11.0% ($2,461,381) | | | | | |
3D Systems Corp.* | | 6,900 | | 171,603 | |
Intevac, Inc.* | | 65,300 | | 1,388,278 | |
Microvision, Inc.* | | 180,300 | | 901,500 | |
| | | | | |
Photonics - 0.0% ($0) | | | | | |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Common* (1) | | 49,979 | | 0 | |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Series A1* (1) | | 227,282 | | 0 | |
| | | | | | |
| | SHARES/ PRINCIPAL | | | |
Semiconductors - 27.2% ($6,102,448) | | | | | | |
AuthenTec, Inc.* (1)(3) | | 233,145 | | $ | 2,051,095 | |
Microtune, Inc.* | | 183,050 | | 957,352 | |
Netlogic Microsystems, Inc.* | | 25,000 | | 796,000 | |
Nextest Systems Corp.* | | 20,200 | | 276,134 | |
PLX Technology, Inc.* | | 38,000 | | 424,080 | |
Ramtron International Corp.* | | 70,000 | | 224,000 | |
SigmaTel, Inc.* | | 102,500 | | 297,250 | |
Silicon Optix, Inc., Series B* (1) | | 1,111,111 | | 350,000 | |
Synaptics, Inc.* | | 20,300 | | 726,537 | |
| | | | | |
Services - 6.9% ($1,538,949) | | | | | |
iGATE Corp.* | | 67,720 | | 543,114 | |
Innovion Corp., Series C* (1)(2) | | 1,500,000 | | 744,675 | |
Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.* | | 10,400 | | 251,160 | |
| | | | | |
Software - 6.5% ($1,449,760) | | | | | |
Verint Systems, Inc.* | | 23,200 | | 726,160 | |
Versant Corp.* | | 30,000 | | 723,600 | |
| | | | | |
WARRANTS - 0.3% ($66,861) | | | | | |
Intellectual Property-0.3% ($66,229) | | | | | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., 1-E Warrant* (1)(2) | | 94,339 | | 66,229 | |
| | | | | |
Photonics - 0.0% ($0) | | | | | |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Common Warrant* (1) | | 6,699 | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
Services - 0.0% ($632) | | | | | |
Innovion Corp., Warrant* (1)(2) | | 602,577 | | 602 | |
Innovion Corp., Warrant* (1)(2) | | 30,129 | | 30 | |
| | | | | |
CONVERTIBLE BOND - 2.4% ($542,319) | | | | | |
Services-2.4% ($542,319) | | | | | |
Innovion Corp., 9.50%* (1)(2) | | 602,577 | | 542,319 | |
| | | | | |
CASH EQUIVALENTS - 10.3% ($2,309,581) | | | | | |
PNC Bank Money Market Portfolio | | 2,309,581 | | 2,309,581 | |
| | | | | |
Total Investments (Cost $27,913,695) - 102.8% | | | | 23,031,388 | |
| | | | | |
Liabilities in excess of other assets - (2.8)% | | | | (621,486 | ) |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | | | | $ | 22,409,902 | |
(1) Restricted security
(2) Affiliated issuer
(3) AuthenTec, Inc. issued an initial public offering on June 27, 2007, as a result a portion or all of the fund’s shares may be restricted from resale for an agreed upon period of time.
* Non-income producing security
see accompanying notes to financial statements
9
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS, June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund
| | SHARES | | MARKET VALUE | |
COMMON STOCKS - 80.9% ($35,593,205) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Communications - 7.9% ($3,455,568) | | | | | |
Comcast Corp., Special Class A* | | 22,500 | | $ | 629,100 | |
Equinix, Inc.* | | 15,000 | | 1,372,050 | |
Internap Network Services Corp.* | | 23,715 | | 341,970 | |
NeuStar, Inc.* | | 38,400 | | 1,112,448 | |
| | | | | |
Consumer Electronics - 1.0% ($422,380) | | | | | |
Shutterfly, Inc.* | | 19,600 | | 422,380 | |
| | | | | |
Internet - 36.4% ($16,009,223) | | | | | |
51job, Inc.-ADR* | | 17,368 | | 330,166 | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.* | | 40,000 | | 1,945,600 | |
Baidu.com, Inc.-ADR* | | 6,100 | | 1,024,678 | |
CyberSource Corp.* | | 41,814 | | 504,277 | |
eBay, Inc.* | | 60,000 | | 1,930,800 | |
Google, Inc., Class A* | | 2,700 | | 1,413,126 | |
IAC/InterActiveCorp* | | 9,200 | | 318,412 | |
LivePerson, Inc.* | | 140,000 | | 749,000 | |
Monster Worldwide, Inc.* | | 34,900 | | 1,434,390 | |
Napster, Inc.* | | 64,400 | | 218,960 | |
Netflix, Inc.* | | 19,300 | | 374,227 | |
The9 Ltd.-ADR* | | 30,000 | | 1,387,800 | |
ValueClick, Inc.* | | 46,300 | | 1,363,998 | |
Visual Sciences, Inc.* | | 58,667 | | 907,579 | |
Yahoo! Inc.* | | 77,634 | | 2,106,210 | |
| | | | | |
Media - 1.9% ($840,981) | | | | | |
News Corp., Class B | | 36,660 | | $ | 840,981 | |
| | | | | |
Networking - 3.3% ($1,467,695) | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.* | | 52,700 | | 1,467,695 | |
| | | | | |
Other Electronics - 7.3% ($3,211,121) | | | | | |
L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc.* | | 75,000 | | 1,533,750 | |
VeriFone Holdings, Inc.* | | 47,585 | | 1,677,371 | |
| | | | | |
Services - 6.4% ($2,834,150) | | | | | |
aQuantive, Inc.* | | 26,500 | | 1,690,700 | |
First Data Corp. | | 35,000 | | 1,143,450 | |
| | | | | |
Software - 16.7% ($7,352,087) | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.* | | 48,069 | | 1,929,970 | |
Amdocs Ltd.* | | 16,000 | | 637,120 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | 70,000 | | 2,062,900 | |
Oracle Corp.* | | 91,100 | | 1,795,581 | |
VeriSign, Inc.* | | 29,200 | | 926,516 | |
| | | | | |
CASH EQUIVALENTS - 16.2% ($7,146,882) | | | | | |
PNC Bank Money Market Portfolio | | 7,146,882 | | 7,146,882 | |
| | | | | |
Total Investments (Cost $32,838,495) - 97.1% | | | | 42,740,087 | |
| | | | | |
Other assets in excess of liabilities - 2.9% | | | | 1,274,408 | |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | | | | $ | 44,014,495 | |
* Non-income producing security
ADR American Depositary Receipt
see accompanying notes to financial statements
10
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS, June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
Firsthand Global Technology Fund
| | SHARES | | MARKET VALUE | |
COMMON STOCKS - 90.3% ($11,401,511) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Alternative Energy - 3.9% ($493,749) | | | | | |
Renewable Energy Corp. A.S.* | | 3,500 | | $ | 136,343 | |
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.-ADR* | | 9,800 | | 357,406 | |
| | | | | |
Communications - 2.5% ($313,446) | | | | | |
Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.-ADR | | 14,100 | | 313,446 | |
| | | | | |
Communications Equipment - 8.5% ($1,072,767) | | | | | |
Alvarion Ltd.* | | 85,335 | | 796,175 | |
TomTom N.V.* | | 5,400 | | 276,592 | |
| | | | | |
Computer - 2.8% ($353,802) | | | | | |
Lenovo Group Ltd.-ADR | | 30,000 | | 353,802 | |
| | | | | |
Electronic Entertainment - 3.2% ($398,895) | | | | | |
Nintendo Co., Ltd.-ADR | | 8,700 | | 398,895 | |
| | | | | |
Electronics Manufacturing Services - 4.5% ($570,038) | | | | | |
Hon Hai Precision-GDR | | 19,470 | | 336,487 | |
Quanta Computer, Inc.-GDR | | 29,984 | | 233,551 | |
| | | | | |
Internet - 5.7% ($723,929) | | | | | |
51job, Inc.-ADR* | | 8,880 | | 168,809 | |
The9 Ltd.-ADR* | | 12,000 | | 555,120 | |
| | | | | |
Other Electronics - 13.8% ($1,738,589) | | | | | |
Intevac, Inc.* | | 20,400 | | 433,704 | |
Koninklijke (Royal) Philips Electronics N.V. | | 5,400 | | 228,528 | |
LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.-ADR* | | 22,200 | | 502,386 | |
Sharp Corp. | | 30,288 | | 573,971 | |
| | | | | |
Semiconductor Equipment - 10.7% ($1,354,544) | | | | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | 28,672 | | $ | 569,713 | |
ASML Holding N.V.* | | 8,500 | | 233,325 | |
Tokyo Electron Ltd. | | 7,500 | | 551,506 | |
| | | | | |
Semiconductors - 18.4% ($2,323,921) | | | | | |
Chartered Semiconductor | | | | | |
Manufacturing Ltd.-ADR* | | 55,942 | | 490,611 | |
Qimonda AG-ADR* | | 20,996 | | 324,388 | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.-GDR (1) | | 1,499 | | 459,159 | |
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.* | | 18,700 | | 128,843 | |
STMicroelectronics N.V.-ADR | | 10,582 | | 203,069 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.-ADR | | 21,002 | | 233,758 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 6,500 | | 244,595 | |
Zoran Corp.* | | 11,951 | | 239,498 | |
| | | | | |
Services - 7.8% ($988,223) | | | | | |
iGATE Corp.* | | 27,989 | | 224,472 | |
Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.* | | 33,831 | | 199,264 | |
Navteq Corp.* | | 7,400 | | 313,316 | |
Tele Atlas N.V.* | | 11,900 | | 251,171 | |
| | | | | |
Software - 8.5% ($1,069,608) | | | | | |
Amdocs Ltd.* | | 9,500 | | 378,290 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A* | | 1,763 | | 132,384 | |
Dassault Systemes S.A.-ADR | | 3,900 | | 245,934 | |
Verint Systems, Inc.* | | 10,000 | | 313,000 | |
| | | | | |
CASH EQUIVALENTS-10.6% ($1,335,187) | | | | | |
PNC Bank Money Market Portfolio | | 1,335,187 | | 1,335,187 | |
| | | | | |
Total Investments (Cost $10,497,670) - 100.9% | | | | 12,736,698 | |
| | | | | |
Liabilities in excess of other assets-(0.9)% | | | | (118,189 | ) |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS-100.0% | | | | $ | 12,618,509 | |
(1) Rule 144A, Section 4(2), or other security that is restricted as to resale to institutional investors. The Investment Advisor, using Board-approved procedures has deemed these securities to be liquid.
* Non-income producing security
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
see accompanying notes to financial statements
11
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | Firsthand | | Firsthand | | Firsthand | | | | Firsthand | |
| | Technology | | Technology | | Technology | | Firsthand | | Global | |
| | Value | | Leaders | | Innovators | | e-Commerce | | Technology | |
| | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment securities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers at acquisition cost | | $ | 309,403,136 | | $ | 51,710,897 | | $ | 19,331,846 | | $ | 32,838,495 | | $ | 10,497,670 | |
Affiliated issuers at acquisition cost | | 40,926,332 | | — | | 8,581,849 | | — | | — | |
Total acquisition cost | | $ | 350,329,468 | | $ | 51,710,897 | | $ | 27,913,695 | | $ | 32,838,495 | | $ | 10,497,670 | |
Unaffiliated issuers at market value | | $ | 317,792,461 | | $ | 66,280,818 | | $ | 17,489,182 | | $ | 42,740,087 | | $ | 12,736,698 | |
Affiliated issuers at market value | | 36,577,459 | | — | | 5,542,206 | | — | | — | |
Total market value (Note 2) | | 354,369,920 | | 66,280,818 | | 23,031,388 | | 42,740,087 | | 12,736,698 | |
Cash | | 1 | | — | | — | | 1 | | — | |
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $192,028) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 193,774 | |
Receivable for securities sold | | 7,104,075 | | 2,405,619 | | — | | 1,292,682 | | — | |
Receivable from dividends, interest, and reclaims | | 42,684 | | 63,477 | | 3,309 | | 25,327 | | 10,296 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | | 82,740 | | 3,601 | | — | | 49,958 | | 9,561 | |
Deferred trustee compensation (Note 5) | | 100,383 | | 64,809 | | 64,809 | | 64,809 | | 52,331 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | 361,699,803 | | 68,818,324 | | 23,099,506 | | 44,172,864 | | 13,002,660 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | |
Payable for securities purchased | | 2,127,259 | | 696,806 | | 131,915 | | — | | 229,528 | |
Payable to affiliates (Note 4) | | 564,609 | | 109,244 | | 34,983 | | 70,102 | | 20,085 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | | 400,386 | | 483,444 | | 457,897 | | 23,458 | | 82,207 | |
Payable for trustee compensation (Note 5) | | 100,383 | | 64,809 | | 64,809 | | 64,809 | | 52,331 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES | | 3,192,637 | | 1,354,303 | | 689,604 | | 158,369 | | 384,151 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 358,507,166 | | $ | 67,464,021 | | $ | 22,409,902 | | $ | 44,014,495 | | $ | 12,618,509 | |
Net Assets consist of: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Paid-in-capital | | $ | 3,048,527,880 | | $ | 380,953,365 | | $ | 400,956,305 | | $ | 432,152,252 | | $ | 88,530,267 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | (3,212,950 | ) | (329,243 | ) | (156,669 | ) | (277,105 | ) | (76,357 | ) |
Accumulated net realized losses from security transactions, foreign currency and options | | (2,690,848,216 | ) | (327,730,022 | ) | (373,507,427 | ) | (397,762,244 | ) | (78,076,175 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, foreign currency and options | | 4,040,452 | | 14,569,921 | | (4,882,307 | ) | 9,901,592 | | 2,240,774 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 358,507,166 | | $ | 67,464,021 | | $ | 22,409,902 | | $ | 44,014,495 | | $ | 12,618,509 | |
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value) | | 8,735,129 | | 3,006,458 | | 2,044,452 | | 9,598,154 | | 2,513,334 | |
Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per share (Note 2) | | $ | 41.04 | | $ | 22.44 | | $ | 10.96 | | $ | 4.59 | | $ | 5.02 | |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
12
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the six months ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | Firsthand | | Firsthand | | Firsthand | | | | Firsthand | |
| | Technology | | Technology | | Technology | | Firsthand | | Global | |
| | Value | | Leaders | | Innovators | | e-Commerce | | Technology | |
| | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 14,137 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | |
Interest from affiliated security | | 1,370 | | — | | — | | — | | — | |
Dividends | | 429,826 | | 367,414 | | 67,643 | | 140,521 | | 50,856 | |
Foreign tax withholding | | — | | (20,741 | ) | — | | — | | (3,085 | ) |
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME | | 445,333 | | 346,673 | | 67,643 | | 140,521 | | 47,771 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment advisory fees (Note 4) | | 2,844,343 | | 519,935 | | 172,548 | | 321,250 | | 95,451 | |
Administration fees (Note 4) | | 808,081 | | 155,981 | | 51,764 | | 96,376 | | 28,636 | |
Trustees fees | | 9,162 | | 5,915 | | 5,915 | | 5,915 | | 4,776 | |
GROSS EXPENSES | | 3,661,586 | | 681,831 | | 230,227 | | 423,541 | | 128,863 | |
Investment advisory fees waived | | (9,162 | ) | (5,915 | ) | (5,915 | ) | (5,915 | ) | (4,776 | ) |
TOTAL NET EXPENSES | | 3,652,424 | | 675,916 | | 224,312 | | 417,626 | | 124,087 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INVESTMENT LOSS | | (3,207,091 | ) | (329,243 | ) | (156,669 | ) | (277,105 | ) | (76,316 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) | | | | | | | | | | | |
ON INVESTMENTS | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-affliliated | | (46,940,043 | ) | 7,228,674 | | 832,494 | | 3,490,547 | | 1,030,614 | |
Net realized loss from | | | | | | | | | | | |
foreign currency | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (386 | ) |
Net realized gains from options transactions | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 10,301 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments, options, and foreign currency | | 98,115,365 | | 259,917 | | 1,222,065 | | 1,862,129 | | 454,190 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS | | 51,175,322 | | 7,488,591 | | 2,054,559 | | 5,352,676 | | 1,494,719 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 47,968,231 | | $ | 7,159,348 | | $ | 1,897,890 | | $ | 5,075,571 | | $ | 1,418,403 | |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
13
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the periods ended June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006
| | Firsthand Technology | | Firsthand Technology | |
| | Value Fund | | Leaders Fund | |
| | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | |
FROM OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (3,207,091 | ) | $ | (7,353,818 | ) | $ | (329,243 | ) | $ | (1,048,215 | ) |
Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions and foreign currency | | (46,940,043 | ) | (41,253,937 | ) | 7,228,674 | | 6,421,035 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency | | 98,115,365 | | 84,354,819 | | 259,917 | | 1,296,937 | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | 47,968,231 | | 35,747,064 | | 7,159,348 | | 6,669,757 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from shares sold | | 46,753,935 | | 74,780,962 | | 1,430,043 | | 16,888,756 | |
Payment for shares redeemed | | (107,154,642 | ) | (186,195,469 | ) | (15,118,592 | ) | (70,574,184 | ) |
Net decrease in net assets from capital share transactions | | (60,400,707 | ) | (111,414,507 | ) | (13,688,549 | ) | (53,685,428 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL DECREASE IN NET ASSETS | | (12,432,476 | ) | (75,667,443 | ) | (6,529,201 | ) | (47,015,671 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | 370,939,642 | | 446,607,085 | | 73,993,222 | | 121,008,893 | |
End of period | | $ | 358,507,166 | | $ | 370,939,642 | | $ | 67,464,021 | | $ | 73,993,222 | |
Accumulated Net Investment Loss | | $ | (3,212,950 | ) | $ | (5,859 | ) | $ | (329,243 | ) | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL SHARE ACTIVITY: | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 1,192,929 | | 2,061,368 | | 67,951 | | 831,474 | |
Shares redeemed | | (2,736,792 | ) | (5,265,528 | ) | (719,368 | ) | (3,558,712 | ) |
Net decrease in shares outstanding | | (1,543,863 | ) | (3,204,160 | ) | (651,417 | ) | (2,727,238 | ) |
Shares outstanding, beginning of period | | 10,278,992 | | 13,483,152 | | 3,657,875 | | 6,385,113 | |
Shares outstanding, end of period | | 8,735,129 | | 10,278,992 | | 3,006,458 | | 3,657,875 | |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
14
| | Firsthand Technology | | Firsthand e-Commerce | | Firsthand Global | |
| | Innovators Fund | | Fund | | Technology Fund | |
| | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | |
FROM OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (156,669 | ) | $ | (659,530 | ) | $ | (277,105 | ) | $ | (602,127 | ) | $ | (76,316 | ) | $ | (130,899 | ) |
Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions, options, and foreign currency | | 832,494 | | (1,669,773 | ) | 3,490,547 | | 6,071,777 | | 1,040,529 | | 939,292 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency | | 1,222,065 | | 5,294,190 | | 1,862,129 | | 1,453,550 | | 454,190 | | 1,190,808 | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | 1,897,890 | | 2,964,887 | | 5,075,571 | | 6,923,200 | | 1,418,403 | | 1,999,201 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from shares sold | | 2,184,207 | | 15,161,725 | | 9,049,467 | | 1,874,047 | | 522,504 | | 923,944 | |
Payment for shares redeemed | | (8,202,248 | ) | (21,072,083 | ) | (10,415,354 | ) | (11,435,881 | ) | (2,641,786 | ) | (6,032,464 | ) |
Net decrease in net assets from capital share transactions | | (6,018,041 | ) | (5,910,358 | ) | (1,365,887 | ) | (9,561,834 | ) | (2,119,282 | ) | (5,108,520 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
IN NET ASSETS | | (4,120,151 | ) | (2,945,471 | ) | 3,709,684 | | (2,638,634 | ) | (700,879 | ) | (3,109,319 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | 26,530,053 | | 29,475,524 | | 40,304,811 | | 42,943,445 | | 13,319,388 | | 16,428,707 | |
End of period | | $ | 22,409,902 | | $ | 26,530,053 | | $ | 44,014,495 | | $ | 40,304,811 | | $ | 12,618,509 | | $ | 13,319,388 | |
Accumulated Net Investment Loss | | $ | (156,669 | ) | $ | — | | $ | (277,105 | ) | $ | — | | $ | (76,357 | ) | $ | (41 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL SHARE ACTIVITY: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 201,119 | | 1,418,225 | | 2,118,540 | | 497,725 | | 110,832 | | 221,017 | |
Shares redeemed | | (800,351 | ) | (2,095,438 | ) | (2,480,364 | ) | (3,159,194 | ) | (566,486 | ) | (1,450,092 | ) |
Net decrease in shares outstanding | | (599,232 | ) | (677,213 | ) | (361,824 | ) | (2,661,469 | ) | (455,654 | ) | (1,229,075 | ) |
Shares outstanding, beginning of period | | 2,643,684 | | 3,320,897 | | 9,959,978 | | 12,621,447 | | 2,968,988 | | 4,198,063 | |
Shares outstanding, end of period | | 2,044,452 | | 2,643,684 | | 9,598,154 | | 9,959,978 | | 2,513,334 | | 2,968,988 | |
* Unaudited
see accompanying notes to financial statements
15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a share outstanding throughout each period
Firsthand Technology Value Fund
| | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | | 12/31/05 | | 12/31/04 | | 12/31/03 | | 12/31/02 | |
Net asset value at beginning of period | | $ | 36.09 | | $ | 33.12 | | $ | 29.48 | | $ | 31.57 | | $ | 18.09 | | $ | 41.25 | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | (0.37 | ) | (0.72 | ) | (0.62 | ) | (0.49 | ) | (0.40 | ) | (0.46 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | | 5.32 | | 3.69 | | 4.26 | | (1.60 | ) | 13.88 | | (22.72 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | 4.95 | | 2.97 | | 3.64 | | (2.09 | ) | 13.48 | | (23.18 | ) |
Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 2) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 0.00 | (A) | 0.02 | |
Net asset value at end of period | | $ | 41.04 | | $ | 36.09 | | $ | 33.12 | | $ | 29.48 | | $ | 31.57 | | $ | 18.09 | |
Total return | | 13.72 | %(B) | 8.97 | % | 12.35 | % | (6.62% | ) | 74.52 | % | (56.15% | ) |
Net assets at end of period (millions) | | $ | 358.5 | | $ | 370.9 | | $ | 446.6 | | $ | 586.9 | | $ | 877.4 | | $ | 492.7 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver | | 1.93 | %(C) | 1.93 | % | 1.92 | % | 1.90 | % | 1.90 | % | 1.89 | % |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets after waiver | | 1.93 | %(C) | 1.92 | % | 1.92 | % | 1.90 | % | 1.90 | % | 1.89 | % |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets | | (1.69 | )%(C) | (1.70 | )% | (1.81 | )% | (1.41 | )% | (1.64 | )% | (1.56 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 21 | %(B) | 47 | % | 42 | % | 17 | % | 38 | % | 44 | % |
* | | Unaudited. |
(A) | | Amount is less than $0.01. |
(B) | | Not annualized. |
(C) | | Annualized. |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
16
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund
| | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | | 12/31/05 | | 12/31/04 | | 12/31/03 | | 12/31/02 | |
Net asset value at beginning of period | | $ | 20.23 | | $ | 18.95 | | $ | 16.75 | | $ | 17.23 | | $ | 10.65 | | $ | 18.86 | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | (0.11 | ) | (0.29 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.30 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.26 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | | 2.32 | | 1.57 | | 2.43 | | (0.18 | ) | 6.82 | | (7.96 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | 2.21 | | 1.28 | | 2.20 | | (0.48 | ) | 6.58 | | (8.22 | ) |
Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 2) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 0.00 | (A) | 0.01 | |
Net asset value at end of period | | $ | 22.44 | | $ | 20.23 | | $ | 18.95 | | $ | 16.75 | | $ | 17.23 | | $ | 10.65 | |
Total return | | 10.92 | %(B) | 6.75 | % | 13.13 | % | (2.79% | ) | 61.78 | % | (43.53% | ) |
Net assets at end of period (millions) | | $ | 67.5 | | $ | 74.0 | | $ | 121.0 | | $ | 113.9 | | $ | 156.1 | | $ | 105.0 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver | | 1.97 | %(C) | 1.96 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets after waiver | | 1.95 | %(C) | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets | | (0.95 | )%(C) | (1.13 | )% | (1.43 | )% | (1.58 | )% | (1.65 | )% | (1.63 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 21 | %(B) | 53 | % | 43 | % | 22 | % | 28 | % | 46 | % |
* | | Unaudited. |
(A) | | Amount is less than $0.01. |
(B) | | Not annualized. |
(C) | | Annualized. |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
17
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund
| | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | | 12/31/05 | | 12/31/04 | | 12/31/03 | | 12/31/02 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value at beginning of period | | $ | 10.04 | | $ | 8.88 | | $ | 10.08 | | $ | 11.56 | | $ | 7.42 | | $ | 16.40 | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | (0.08 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.22 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.20 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | | 1.00 | | 1.41 | | (1.01 | ) | (1.26 | ) | 4.31 | | (8.80 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | 0.92 | | 1.16 | | (1.20 | ) | (1.48 | ) | 4.14 | | (9.00 | ) |
Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 2) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 0.00 | (A) | 0.02 | |
Net asset value at end of period | | $ | 10.96 | | $ | 10.04 | | $ | 8.88 | | $ | 10.08 | | $ | 11.56 | | $ | 7.42 | |
Total return | | 9.16 | %(B) | 13.06 | % | (11.90% | ) | (12.80% | ) | 55.80 | % | (54.76% | ) |
Net assets at end of period (millions) | | $ | 22.4 | | $ | 26.5 | | $ | 29.5 | | $ | 58.2 | | $ | 88.1 | | $ | 62.6 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver | | 2.00 | %(C) | 1.99 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets after waiver | | 1.95 | %(C) | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets | | (1.36 | )%(C) | (2.12 | )% | (1.68 | )% | (1.83 | )% | (1.67 | )% | (1.66 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 11 | %(B) | 64 | % | 41 | % | 41 | % | 64 | % | 53 | % |
* | | Unaudited. |
(A) | | Amount is less than $0.01. |
(B) | | Not annualized. |
(C) | | Annualized. |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
18
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund
| | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | | 12/31/05 | | 12/31/04 | | 12/31/03 | | 12/31/02 | |
Net asset value at beginning of period | | $ | 4.05 | | $ | 3.40 | | $ | 3.23 | | $ | 3.06 | | $ | 2.08 | | $ | 3.33 | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | (0.03 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.04 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | | 0.57 | | 0.71 | | 0.23 | | 0.23 | | 1.03 | | (1.21 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | 0.54 | | 0.65 | | 0.17 | | 0.17 | | 0.98 | | (1.25 | ) |
Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 2) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 0.00 | (A) | 0.00 | (A) |
Net asset value at end of period | | $ | 4.59 | | $ | 4.05 | | $ | 3.40 | | $ | 3.23 | | $ | 3.06 | | $ | 2.08 | |
Total return | | 13.33 | %(B) | 19.12 | % | 5.26 | % | 5.56 | % | 47.12 | % | (37.54% | ) |
Net assets at end of period (millions) | | $ | 44.0 | | $ | 40.3 | | $ | 42.9 | | $ | 55.6 | | $ | 66.4 | | $ | 51.8 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver | | 1.98 | %(C) | 1.98 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets after waiver | | 1.95 | %(C) | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets | | (1.29 | )%(C) | (1.51 | )% | (1.66 | )% | (1.90 | ) % | (1.72 | )% | (1.69 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 24 | %(B) | 59 | % | 55 | % | 22 | % | 46 | % | 61 | % |
* | | Unaudited. |
(A) | | Amount is less than $0.01. |
(B) | | Not annualized. |
(C) | | Annualized. |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
19
Firsthand Global Technology Fund
| | 6 Mos. Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 6/30/07* | | 12/31/06 | | 12/31/05 | | 12/31/04 | | 12/31/03 | | 12/31/02 | |
Net asset value at beginning of period | | $ | 4.49 | | $ | 3.91 | | $ | 4.28 | | $ | 4.61 | | $ | 2.42 | | $ | 5.14 | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | (0.03 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.07 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | | 0.56 | | 0.62 | | (0.31 | ) | (0.23 | ) | 2.24 | | (2.65 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | 0.53 | | 0.58 | | (0.37 | ) | (0.33 | ) | 2.19 | | (2.72 | ) |
Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 2) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 0.00 | (A) | 0.00 | (A) |
Net asset value at end of period | | $ | 5.02 | | $ | 4.49 | | $ | 3.91 | | $ | 4.28 | | $ | 4.61 | | $ | 2.42 | |
Total return | | 11.80 | %(B) | 14.83 | % | (8.64 | )% | (7.16 | )% | 90.50 | % | (52.92 | )% |
Net assets at end of period (millions) | | $ | 12.6 | | $ | 13.3 | | $ | 16.4 | | $ | 32.5 | | $ | 57.3 | | $ | 20.2 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver | | 2.03 | %(C) | 2.04 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets after waiver | | 1.95 | %(C) | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets | | (1.20 | )%(C) | (0.90 | )% | (1.20 | )% | (1.69 | )% | (1.77 | )% | (1.73 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 28 | %(B) | 70 | % | 23 | % | 15 | % | 50 | % | 26 | % |
* | | Unaudited. |
(A) | | Amount is less than $0.01. |
(B) | | Not annualized. |
(C) | | Annualized. |
see accompanying notes to financial statements
20
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
1. Organization
Each of Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund, Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund, Firsthand e-Commerce Fund, and Firsthand Global Technology Fund (individually the “Fund”, and collectively the “Funds”) is a non-diversified series of Firsthand Funds (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, was organized on November 8, 1993. The inception dates for the Funds listed in this report (the date on which a net asset value was first determined for that Fund) are as follows:
Fund | | Inception Date |
Firsthand Technology Value Fund | | May 20, 1994* |
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund | | December 10, 1997 |
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund | | May 20, 1998 |
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund | | September 30, 1999 |
Firsthand Global Technology Fund | | September 29, 2000 |
* Firsthand Technology Value Fund Investor Class commenced operations on May 20, 1994; the SEC effective date for the Investor Class is December 15, 1994. Each Fund currently offers one class of shares-Investor Class shares.
The financial statement and notes to financial statement for Firsthand Health Sciences Fund are disclosed in a separate report.
Each Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital.
Firsthand Technology Value Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in high-technology companies that Firsthand Capital Management, Inc. (the “Investment Adviser”) believes are undervalued and have potential for capital appreciation.
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in high-technology companies that the Investment Adviser believes hold dominant competitive positions in high-growth industries.
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in high-technology companies that the Investment Adviser considers to be best positioned to introduce “breakthrough” products in the fastest growing markets in the technology sector.
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies that provide the products, services, and technologies to facilitate the growth of electronic commerce.
Firsthand Global Technology Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in high-technology companies, both domestic and foreign, that the Investment Adviser considers best positioned to benefit significantly from the adoption of new technologies worldwide.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of the Funds’ significant accounting policies:
Securities Valuation—A Fund’s portfolio of securities is valued as follows:
1. Securities traded on stock exchanges, or quoted by NASDAQ, are valued according to the NASDAQ official closing price, if applicable, or at their last reported sale price as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time). If a security is not traded that day, the security will be valued at its most recent bid price.
2. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but not quoted by NASDAQ, are valued at the last sale price (or, if the last sale price is not readily available, at the most recent closing bid price as quoted by brokers that make markets in the securities) at the close of trading on the NYSE.
3. Securities traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market.
4. Securities and other assets that do not have market quotations readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith using procedures established by the Board of Trustees.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. As of June 30, 2007, the Funds do not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the financial statement amounts, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements on changes in net assets for the period.
Share Valuation—The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of each Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. A Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the NYSE is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share of each Fund is equal to a Fund’s net asset value per share. Prior to April 30, 2003, shares of each Fund were
21
charged a 2% redemption fee on shares redeemed or exchanged within 180 days of purchase. These fees were deducted from the redemption proceeds otherwise payable to the shareholder. Each Fund retained the fee charged as paid-in capital and such fees became part of that Fund’s daily NAV calculation.
Repurchase Agreements—Repurchase agreements, which must be secured with collateral of a credit quality at least equal to a Fund’s investment criteria for its portfolio securities, are valued at cost, which, together with accrued interest, approximates market value. At the time a Fund enters into a repurchase agreement, the value of the underlying securities, including accrued interest, will equal or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement, and in the case of a repurchase agreement exceeding one day, the seller will agree that the value of the underlying securities, including accrued interest, will at all times equal or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default by the seller of a repurchase agreement, a Fund could experience delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses.
Investment Income—Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued as earned. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized over the lives of the respective securities. Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Company’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.
Foreign Securities—Each Fund may invest in companies that trade on U.S. exchanges as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), on foreign exchanges, or on foreign over-the-counter markets. Investing in the securities of foreign companies exposes your investment in a Fund to risk. Foreign stock markets tend to be more volatile than the U.S. market due to economic and/or political instability and the regulatory conditions in some countries. In addition, some of the securities in which the Fund may invest may be denominated in foreign currencies, the value of which may decline against the U.S. dollar. An investment in foreign securities may be subject to high levels of foreign taxation, including foreign taxes withheld at the source.
Options—The Funds (other than Firsthand Technology Value Fund) may purchase put and call options to attempt to provide protection against adverse price effects from anticipated changes in prevailing prices of securities or stock indices. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The Fund as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.
The number of option contracts written and the premiums received during the period ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund | | Firsthand Global Technology Fund | |
| | Number of | | Premiums | | Number of | | Premiums | |
| | Contracts | | Received | | Contracts | | Received | |
Options outstanding, beginning of period | | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | — | |
Options written during period | | 990 | | 57,309 | | 349 | | 24,551 | |
Options expired during period | | — | | — | | (99 | ) | (10,301 | ) |
Options closed during period | | — | | — | | — | | | |
Options exercised during period | | (990 | ) | (57,309 | ) | (250 | ) | (14,250 | ) |
Options outstanding, end of period | | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | — | |
Distributions to Shareholders—Each Fund expects to distribute its net investment income and net realized gains, if any, annually. Distributions from net investment income and capital gains are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Reclassification of Capital Accounts—The Funds account and report for distributions to shareholders in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Statement of Position 93-2: Determination, Disclosure, and Financial Statement Presentation of Income, Capital and Return of Capital Distributions by Investment Companies. For the year ended December 31, 2006, each Fund recorded the following reclassifications to the accounts listed below:
| | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | Paid-in-Capital | | Accumulated Net Investment Loss | | Accumulated Net Realized Gain | |
Firsthand Technology Value Fund | | $ | (7,365,314 | ) | $ | 7,347,959 | | $ | 17,355 | |
Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund | | (1,048,215 | ) | 1,048,215 | | — | |
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund | | (659,530 | ) | 659,530 | | — | |
Firsthand e-Commerce Fund | | (602,127 | ) | 602,127 | | — | |
Firsthand Global Technology Fund | | (134,793 | ) | 130,858 | | 3,935 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Security Transactions—Security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day following the trade date, however, for financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Securities sold are valued on a specific identification basis.
Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
22
financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Federal Income Tax—Each Fund has elected, and intends to qualify annually, for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As provided in the Code, in any fiscal year in which a Fund so qualifies and distributes at least 90% of its taxable net income, the Fund (but not the shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the income distributed. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made. To avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, each Fund intends to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the 12 months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years. The following information is based upon the federal income tax cost of portfolio investments as of June 30, 2007.
| | Firsthand Technology Value Fund | | Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund | | Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund | | Firsthand e-Commerce Fund | | Firsthand Global Technology Fund | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 69,122,084 | | $ | 17,106,730 | | $ | 5,611,445 | | $ | 10,377,811 | | $ | 2,316,750 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | (84,025,080 | ) | (2,752,095 | ) | (10,575,350 | ) | (478,940 | ) | (129,480 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | $ | (14,902,996 | ) | $ | 14,354,635 | | $ | (4,963,905 | ) | $ | 9,898,871 | | $ | 2,187,270 | |
Federal income tax cost | | $ | 369,272,916 | | $ | 51,926,183 | | $ | 27,995,293 | | $ | 32,841,216 | | $ | 10,549,428 | |
The difference between the acquisition cost and the federal income tax cost of portfolio investments is due to certain timing differences in the recognition of capital losses under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and income tax regulations. As of December 31, 2006, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes as follows:
| | Expiring 2008 | | Expiring 2009 | | Expiring 2010 | | Expiring 2011 | | Expiring 2012 | | Expiring 2013 | | Expiring 2014 | |
TVFQX | | $ | — | | $ | 1,092,189,416 | | $ | 634,016,220 | | $ | 330,969,371 | | $ | 333,067,019 | | $ | 165,213,285 | | $ | 61,327,300 | |
TLFQX | | 1,393,299 | | 134,863,157 | | 109,312,900 | | 53,324,264 | | 33,348,418 | | 2,501,372 | | — | |
TIFQX | | — | | 195,444,987 | | 87,067,727 | | 61,543,691 | | 7,252,266 | | 11,273,401 | | 11,757,575 | |
TEFQX | | — | | 253,923,260 | | 141,312,315 | | 6,014,495 | | — | | — | | — | |
GTFQX | | — | | 46,795,483 | | 13,149,532 | | 16,183,628 | | — | | 2,936,303 | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TVFQX: Firsthand Technology Value Fund, TLFQX: Firsthand Technology Leaders Fund, TIFQX: Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund, TEFQX: Firsthand e-Commerce Fund, GTFQX: Firsthand Global Technology Fund.
For Firsthand Technology Value Fund, $7,924,308 of the $1,092,189,416 capital loss carryforward expiring in 2009 was acquired in the reorganization with Firsthand Communications Fund.
As required, effective June 29, 2007 (or applicable effective date), the Funds adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. The adoption of FIN 48 did not impact the Funds’ net assets or results of operations.
3. Investment Transactions
Investment transactions (excluding short-term investments) were as follows for the period ended June 30, 2007.
| | Firsthand | | Firsthand | | Firsthand | | | | Firsthand | |
| | Technology | | Technology | | Technology | | Firsthand | | Global | |
| | Value | | Leaders | | Innovators | | e-Commerce | | Technology | |
| | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | | Fund | |
Purchase of investment securities | | $ | 76,107,286 | | $ | 14,150,927 | | $ | 2,530,531 | | $ | 8,860,296 | | $ | 3,232,070 | |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities | | $ | 143,288,250 | | $ | 31,125,970 | | $ | 10,209,130 | | $ | 16,008,859 | | $ | 5,926,036 | |
4. Investment Advisory and Administration Agreements
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of the Investment Adviser or Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”). Citi serves as the sub-administrator, investment accounting agent, shareholder servicing and transfer agent. PFPC Trust Company serves as the custodian for the Trust. Effective August 1, 2007, the BISYS Group, Inc., was acquired by and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Citi.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Each Fund’s investments are managed by the Investment Adviser pursuant to the terms of a master investment advisory agreement. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser provides each Fund with investment research, advice, management, and supervision and manages the investment and reinvestment of assets of each Fund consistent with each Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and limitations. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is responsible for (i) compensation of any of the Fund’s trustees, officers, and employees who are interested persons of the Investment Adviser; and (ii) compensation of the Investment Adviser’s personnel and other expenses incurred in connection with the provision of portfolio management services under the Advisory Agreement.
23
For the services it provides under the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser receives from each Fund, on a monthly basis, an advisory fee at the annual rate of 1.50% of its average daily net assets. The Advisory Agreement requires the Investment Adviser to waive fees and, if necessary, to reimburse expenses of each such Fund to the extent necessary to limit a Fund’s total operating expenses to 1.95% of its average net assets up to $200 million, 1.90% of such assets from $200 million to $500 million, 1.85% of such assets from $500 million to $1 billion, and 1.80% of such assets in excess of $1 billion.
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
The Trust has entered into a separate Administration Agreement with the Investment Adviser. The agreement obligates the Investment Adviser to provide administrative and general supervisory services to each Fund (the “Administration Agreement”). Under the Administration Agreement, the Investment Adviser renders supervisory and corporate administrative services to the Trust, as well as oversees the maintenance of all books and records with respect to each Fund’s securities transactions and each Fund’s book of accounts in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The Investment Adviser also arranges for the preservation of journals, ledgers, corporate documents, brokerage account records, and other records as required by the 1940 Act.
The Investment Adviser is responsible for the equipment, staff, office space, and facilities necessary to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. Under the Administration Agreement, the Investment Adviser has assumed responsibility for payment of all of each Fund’s operating expenses excluding brokerage and commission expenses; fees payable under “Rule 12b-1 plans”, if any, and shareholder servicing plans, if any; litigation costs; and any extraordinary and non-recurring expenses. For the services it provides under the Administration Agreement, the Investment Adviser receives a fee from each Fund at the annual rate of 0.45% of its average daily net assets up to $200 million, 0.40% of such assets from $200 million to $500 million, 0.35% of such assets from $500 million to $1 billion, and 0.30% of such assets in excess of $1 billion. The Investment Adviser has entered into a Sub-Administration Agreement with Citi. Under this agreement, the Investment Adviser (not the Funds) pays to Citi the fees for the administrative services provided by Citi.
5. Deferred Compensation Agreement With Trustees
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, the Trust entered into a deferred compensation agreement with the independent trustees of the Trust.
Under the deferred compensation agreement, each independent trustee may elect to defer some or all of his trustee fees. Each independent trustee is paid an annual retainer of $24,000, $6,000 for each regular meeting attended in person, and $1,000 for each special meeting attended. Deferred fees may be deemed invested in the Firsthand Funds selected by each independent trustee on a tax-deferred basis and deferred fees (and the income, gains, and losses credited during the deferral period) are payable at least two years after deferral date. Upon payment of any deferred fees (and the income, gains, and losses credited during the deferral period), each Fund will expense its pro rata share of those fees.
6. Investments in Affiliates and Restricted Securities
Affiliated issuers, as defined by the 1940 Act, are those in which a Fund’s holdings represent 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer. A summary of each Fund’s investments in affiliates, if any, for the period ended June 30, 2007, is noted below:
| | SHARE ACTIVITY | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Sales/ | | | | | | | | | |
| | Balance | | | | Maturity/ | | Balance | | Realized | | Value | | Acquition | |
Affiliate | | 12/31/06 | | Purchases | | Expiration | | 6/30/07 | | Gain(Loss) | | 6/30/07 | | Cost | |
Firsthand Technology Value Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Clarisay, Inc., Series B (1) | | 2,605,306 | | — | | — | | 2,605,306 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 2,383,855 | |
Clarisay, Inc., Series C | �� | 7,194,244 | | — | | — | | 7,194,244 | | — | | — | | 2,000,000 | |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrant | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | — | |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrant | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | — | |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrant | | 250,000 | | — | | — | | 250,000 | | — | | — | | — | |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrant | | 100,000 | | — | | — | | 100,000 | | — | | — | | — | |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrant | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | — | |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrant | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | — | |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% | | 250,000 | | — | | — | | 250,000 | | — | | — | | 250,000 | |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% | | 100,000 | | — | | — | | 100,000 | | — | | — | | 100,000 | |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 500,000 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Series A (1) | | 6,030,896 | | — | | — | | 6,030,896 | | — | | 6,845,007 | | 5,144,354 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Series C | | 1,111,111 | | — | | — | | 1,111,111 | | — | | 1,261,100 | | 1,000,000 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Series D | | 932,835 | | — | | — | | 932,835 | | — | | 1,058,758 | | 749,999 | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrant | | 75,000 | | — | | — | | 75,000 | | — | | 13,124 | | — | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrant | | 18,750 | | — | | — | | 18,750 | | — | | 3,281 | | — | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrant | | 75,000 | | — | | — | | 75,000 | | — | | 13,124 | | — | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrant | | 75,000 | | — | | — | | 75,000 | | — | | 13,124 | | — | |
Global Locate, Inc., Series C Warrant | | 370,370 | | — | | — | | 370,370 | | — | | 87,034 | | — | |
Global Locate, Inc., Series D Warrant | | 233,208 | | — | | — | | 233,208 | | — | | 77,190 | | — | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-D | | 850,830 | | — | | — | | 850,830 | | — | | 3,626,323 | | 4,315,500 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E | | 4,071,226 | | — | | — | | 4,071,226 | | — | | 7,173,622 | | 4,315,500 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-F (2) | | — | | 912,453 | | — | | 912,453 | | — | | 2,007,397 | | 2,007,397 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
24
| | SHARE ACTIVITY | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Sales/ | | | | | | | | | |
| | Balance | | | | Maturity/ | | Balance | | Realized | | Value | | Acquition | |
Affiliate | | 12/31/06 | | Purchases | | Expiration | | 6/30/07 | | Gain(Loss) | | 6/30/07 | | Cost | |
Firsthand Technology Value Fund (continued) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common | | 743,077 | | — | | — | | 743,077 | | $ | — | | $ | 461,042 | | 3,684,494 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E Warrant | | 1,257,859 | | — | | — | | 1,257,859 | | — | | 1,216,387 | | — | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant | | 37,982 | | — | | — | | 37,982 | | — | | 4,195 | | — | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant (3) | | 59,147 | | — | | 59,147 | | — | | — | | — | | — | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., 5.00% | | — | | 2,000,000 | | 2,000,000 | | — | | — | | — | | — | |
Solaicx, Series B (4) | | 6,000,000 | | 1,396,238 | | — | | 7,396,238 | | — | | 4,137,752 | | 4,396,238 | |
Solaicx, Series C | | — | | 2,916,581 | | — | | 2,916,581 | | — | | 2,915,210 | | 3,578,995 | |
Solaicx, Series C Warrant | | — | | 670,814 | | — | | 670,814 | | — | | 663,791 | | — | |
Solaicx, 10.25% | | 1,333,334 | | — | | 1,333,334 | | — | | — | | — | | — | |
SoloPower, Series A | | 2,721,088 | | — | | — | | 2,721,088 | | — | | 3,999,999 | | 3,999,999 | |
SoloPower, 5.00% | | — | | 1,000,000 | | — | | 1,000,000 | | — | | 1,000,000 | | 1,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Innovion Corp., Series C | | 1,500,000 | | — | | — | | 1,500,000 | | — | | 744,675 | | $ | 3,000,000 | |
Innovion Corp., Warrant | | 602,577 | | — | | — | | 602,577 | | — | | 602 | | — | |
Innovion Corp., 9.50% | | 602,577 | | — | | — | | 602,577 | | — | | 542,319 | | 602,577 | |
Innovion Corp., Warrant | | 30,129 | | — | | — | | 30,129 | | — | | 30 | | — | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-C | | 82,914 | | — | | — | | 82,914 | | — | | 1,242,994 | | 1,731,250 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E | | 1,633,254 | | — | | — | | 1,633,254 | | — | | 2,877,843 | | 1,731,249 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common | | 108,815 | | — | | — | | 108,815 | | — | | 67,514 | | 1,516,773 | |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E Warrant | | 94,339 | | — | | — | | 94,339 | | — | | 66,229 | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | | Amounts include shares from the merger of Firsthand Communications Fund into Firsthand Technology Value Fund. |
(2) | | 912,453 shares of Silicon Genesis, Series 1-F purchased at $2.20 with matured principal and interest of Silicon Genesis, 5.00% Note |
(3) | | Expired 05/01/07 |
(4) | | Additional 1,396,238 shares of Solaicx, Series B purchased at $1.00 with matured principal and interest of Solaicx, 10.25% Note |
Restricted securities include securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and securities that are subject to restrictions on resale. A Fund may invest in restricted securities that are consistent with a Fund’s investment objective and investment strategies. A Fund will not invest in a restricted security if, immediately after and as a result of the investment in such security, more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense either upon demand by the Fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Investments in restricted securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. It is possible that the estimated value may differ significantly from the amount that might ultimately be realized in the near term, and the difference could be material. As of June 30, 2007, the Funds were invested in the following restricted securities:
Security | | Acquisition Date | | Shares | | Cost | | Value | | % of Net Assets | |
Firsthand Technology Value Fund | | | | | | | | | | | |
AuthenTec, Inc. (1) | | Various | | 539,030 | | $ | 1,225,758 | | $ | 4,742,112 | | 1.32 | % |
Caspian Networks, Inc., Common | | February 21, 2002 | | 337 | | 3,378,104 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Celox Networks, Inc., Common | | April 17, 2001 | | 138,121 | | 14,999,941 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Celox Networks, Inc., Series A-1 P/S | | August 23, 2002 | | 1,000,000 | | 1,200,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Celox Networks, Inc., Series A-1 Warrants | | August 23, 2002 | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% C/N | | July 7, 2003 | | 500,000 | | 500,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% C/N | | August 7, 2003 | | 500,000 | | 500,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% C/N | | November 10, 2003 | | 500,000 | | 500,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% C/N | | June 3, 2003 | | 500,000 | | 500,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% C/N | | September 12, 2003 | | 250,000 | | 250,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., 8.00% C/N | | September 19, 2003 | | 100,000 | | 100,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., Series B P/S | | January 24, 2001 | | 2,605,306 | | 2,383,855 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., Series C P/S | | August 28, 2002 | | 7,194,244 | | 2,000,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrants | | September 19, 2003 | | 100,000 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrants | | August 7, 2003 | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrants | | June 3, 2003 | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrants | | November 10, 2003 | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrants | | September 12, 2003 | | 250,000 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Clarisay, Inc., Warrants | | July 7, 2003 | | 500,000 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
25
Security | | Acquisition Date | | Shares | | Cost | | Value | | % of Net Assets | |
Firsthand Technology Value Fund (continued) | | | | | | | | | | | |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrants | | September 8, 2003 | | 75,000 | | $ | — | | $ | 13,124 | | 0.00 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrants | | May 4, 2004 | | 18,750 | | — | | 3,281 | | 0.00 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrants | | July 7, 2004 | | 75,000 | | — | | 13,124 | | 0.00 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Board Warrants | | July 1, 2005 | | 75,000 | | — | | 13,124 | | 0.00 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Series A P/S | | October 5, 2001 | | 5,861,664 | | 5,000,000 | | 6,652,930 | | 1.86 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Series A P/S | | March 28, 2002 | | 169,232 | | 144,355 | | 192,077 | | 0.05 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Series C P/S | | May 15, 2003 | | 1,111,111 | | 1,000,000 | | 1,261,100 | | 0.35 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Series C Warrants | | May 15, 2003 | | 370,370 | | — | | 87,034 | | 0.02 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Series D P/S | | April 2, 2004 | | 621,890 | | 500,000 | | 705,839 | | 0.20 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Series D P/S | | April 26, 2005 | | 310,945 | | 249,999 | | 352,919 | | 0.10 | % |
Global Locate, Inc., Series D Warrants | | April 26, 2005 | | 233,208 | | — | | 77,190 | | 0.02 | % |
IP Unity, Inc., Series E Warrants | | August 4, 2004 | | 69,496 | | 69 | | 69 | | 0.00 | % |
IP Unity, Inc., Series C P/S | | July 27, 2001 | | 1,104,265 | | 1,987,677 | | 11,043 | | 0.00 | % |
IP Unity, Inc., Series E P/S | | August 4, 2004 | | 193,042 | | 313,307 | | 281,976 | | 0.08 | % |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Common (2) | | Various | | 28,513 | | 1,800,638 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Common Warrants | | December 31, 2003 | | 3,822 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Series A1 P/S (2) | | Various | | 129,664 | | 200,071 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Series B1 P/S | | June 9, 2005 | | 259,236 | | 400,000 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Polaris Networks, Inc., 10.00% C/N | | April 12, 2004 | | 50,475 | | 50,475 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Polaris Networks, Inc., 10.00% C/N | | July 14, 2004 | | 50,474 | | 50,474 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Polaris Networks, Inc., Convertible Warrants | | March 29, 2004 | | 75,712 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Polaris Networks, Inc., Series A P/S | | November 16, 2001 | | 297,848 | | 297,848 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E Warrants | | October 31, 2003 | | 1,257,859 | | — | | 1,216,387 | | 0.34 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common | | April 30, 2002 | | 726,424 | | 3,684,494 | | 450,710 | | 0.13 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common (3) | | November 21, 2005 | | 16,653 | | — | | 10,332 | | 0.00 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrants | | November 4, 2003 | | 37,982 | | — | | 4,195 | | 0.00 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-D P/S | | April 30, 2002 | | 850,830 | | 4,315,500 | | 3,626,323 | | 1.01 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E P/S | | November 4, 2003 | | 4,071,226 | | 4,315,500 | | 7,173,622 | | 2.00 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-F P/S | | June 29, 2007 | | 912,453 | | 2,007,397 | | 2,007,397 | | 0.56 | % |
Solaicx, Series B P/S | | December 16, 2005 | | 6,000,000 | | 3,000,000 | | 3,356,641 | | 0.94 | % |
Solaicx, Series B P/S | | January 19, 2007 | | 1,396,238 | | 1,396,238 | | 781,111 | | 0.22 | % |
Solaicx, Series C P/S | | April 23, 2007 | | 2,916,581 | | 3,578,995 | | 2,915,210 | | 0.81 | % |
Solaicx, Series C Warrants | | April 23, 2007 | | 670,814 | | — | | 663,791 | | 0.19 | % |
SoloPower, Series A P/S | | June 29, 2006 | | 2,721,088 | | 3,999,999 | | 3,999,999 | | 1.12 | % |
SoloPower, 5.00% C/N | | June 21, 2007 | | 1,000,000 | | 1,000,000 | | 1,000,000 | | 0.28 | % |
UCT Coatings, Inc., Series B P/S | | October 5, 2004 | | 500,000 | | 5,000,000 | | 11,250,000 | | 3.14 | % |
UCT Coatings, Inc., Series Common Warrants (4) | | October 5, 2004 | | 600,000 | | — | | 1,000,002 | | 0.28 | % |
| | | | | | $ | 71,830,694 | | $ | 53,862,662 | | 15.02 | % |
Security | | Acquisition Date | | Shares | | Cost | | Value | | % of Net Assets | |
Firsthand Technology Innovators Fund | | | | | | | | | | | |
AuthenTec, Inc. (1) | | Various | | 233,145 | | $ | 467,400 | | $ | 2,051,095 | | 9.15 | % |
Innovion Corp., 9.50%, C/N | | December 30, 2003 | | 602,577 | | 602,577 | | 542,319 | | 2.42 | % |
Innovion Corp., Series C P/S | | February 23, 2001 | | 1,500,000 | | 3,000,000 | | 744,675 | | 3.32 | % |
Innovion Corp., Warrant | | December 30, 2003 | | 602,577 | | — | | 602 | | 0.00 | % |
Innovion Corp., Warrant | | March 7, 2005 | | 30,129 | | — | | 30 | | 0.00 | % |
IP Unity, Inc., Series C P/S | | July 27, 2001 | | 827,957 | | 1,490,323 | | 8,279 | | 0.04 | % |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Common (2) | | Various | | 49,979 | | 3,156,250 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Common Warrants | | December 31, 2003 | | 6,699 | | — | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Luminous Networks, Inc., Series A1 P/S (2) | | Various | | 227,282 | | 350,694 | | — | | 0.00 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E Warrant | | February 26, 2003 | | 94,339 | | — | | 66,229 | | 0.30 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common | | March 8, 2001 | | 102,135 | | 1,516,773 | | 63,370 | | 0.28 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common (3) | | November 21, 2005 | | 6,680 | | — | | 4,145 | | 0.02 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-C P/S | | March 8, 2001 | | 82,914 | | 1,731,250 | | 1,242,994 | | 5.55 | % |
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E P/S | | November 4, 2003 | | 1,633,254 | | 1,731,249 | | 2,877,843 | | 12.84 | % |
Silicon Optix, Inc., Series B P/S | | November 7, 2003 | | 1,111,111 | | 1,000,000 | | 350,000 | | 1.56 | % |
| | | | | | $ | 15,046,516 | | $ | 7,951,581 | | 35.48 | % |
26
(1) | | As a result of Authentec, Inc.’s IPO offering, all previous preferred shares and warrants were exchanged into common stock. Shares are subject to resale restriction for a period of time pursuant to a lock-up agreement. |
(2) | | As a result of a new round of financing on June 9, 2005, certain shares of Luminous Series D P/S and Series E P/S were converted into certain Common and Series A1 P/S shares. The original acquisition date for the Series D P/S shares was May 31, 2001, and the original acquisition date for the Series E P/S shares was October 16, 2003. The new Common and Series A1 P/S will carry the original acquisition date of the Series D and Series E P/S. |
(3) | | Shares granted at no cost by issuer. |
(4) | | 3:1 stock split |
P/S | | Preferred Stock |
C/N | | Convertible Note |
7. Risks
Because the return on and value of an investment in each Fund will fluctuate in response to stock market movements, the most significant risk of investing in a Fund is that you may lose money. Stocks and other equity securities are subject to market risks and fluctuations in value due to earnings, as well as economic, political, or regulatory events, and other factors beyond the Investment Adviser’s control. The Funds are designed for long-term investors who can accept the risks of investing in a fund with significant common stock holdings in high-technology industries.
Each Fund is non-diversified. A risk of being non-diversified is that a significant change in the value of one company will have a greater impact on the Fund than it would if the Fund diversified its investments. Another risk for the Fund is its concentration of investments in companies within high-technology industries. The value of high-technology companies can, and often does, fluctuate dramatically and may expose you to greater-than-average financial and market risk.
8. Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
The Funds have adopted proxy voting procedures pursuant to which the Funds delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds to the Investment Adviser as part of the Investment Adviser’s general management of the Funds, subject to the Board of Trustees’ continuing oversight. A copy of the Funds’ proxy voting policy and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1.888.884.2675. Information regarding how the Investment Adviser voted these proxies for the one-year period ended June 30, 2007, is available by calling the same number and on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov on Form N-PX. The Funds’ voting record is also available on the Funds’ website at www.firsthandfunds.com/proxy.
9. Portfolio Holdings
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1.800.SEC.0330.
27
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001104659-07-065954/g214532bi05i001.jpg)
Firsthand Funds
P.O. Box 183120
Columbus, OH 43218-3120
1.888.884.2675
www.firsthandfunds.com
Investment Adviser
Firsthand Capital Management, Inc.
125 South Market
Suite 1200
San Jose, CA 95113
www.firsthandcapital.com
Distributor
ALPS Distributors, Inc.
1290 Broadway
Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80203
Transfer Agent
Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc.
P.O. Box 183120
Columbus, OH 43218-3120
1.888.884.2675
This report is provided for the general information of the shareholders of Firsthand Funds. This report is not intended for distribution to prospective investors in the Funds, unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. For more complete information about Firsthand Funds, please call toll free 1.888.884.2675 or visit www.firsthandfunds.com for a prospectus, which contains more information, including risks, fees, and expenses. Read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
Firsthand Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Firsthand, Technology Value Fund, and the interlocking “F” design are registered trademarks of Firsthand Capital Management, Inc.
Printed on chlorine-free paper.
FHF000265, exp. 8/31/2008
28
Firsthand Funds
Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders
Firsthand Health Sciences Fund
June 30, 2007
Holdings by Industry*
| | % of Net Assets | |
| | | |
Drug Manufacturers | | 67.0 | % |
Biotechnology | | 24.1 | % |
Medical Appliances & Equipment | | 6.8 | % |
Medical Instruments & Supplies | | 3.3 | % |
Diagnostic Substances | | 3.1 | % |
Drug Delivery | | 1.7 | % |
Drug Related Products | | 1.1 | % |
Other | | (7.1 | )% |
* Based on percentage of net assets as of 6/30/07.
Firsthand Health Sciences Fund
Portfolio of Investments
As of 06/30/07
(unaudited)
| | SHARES | | VALUE | |
COMMON STOCKS— 107.1% ($1,498,640) | | | | | |
Biotechnology— 24.1% ($337,351) | | | | | |
Amgen, Inc.* | | 1,183 | | $ | 65,408 | |
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | 760 | | 31,282 | |
Biogen Idec, Inc.* | | 304 | | 16,264 | |
Conjuchem Biotechnologies, Inc. | | 19,000 | | 6,521 | |
CV Therapeutics, Inc.* | | 2,020 | | 26,684 | |
Genzyme Corp.* | | 896 | | 57,702 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.* | | 1,740 | | 67,460 | |
Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | 4,021 | | 40,532 | |
Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | 2,053 | | 25,498 | |
Diagnostic Substances— 3.1% ($43,607) | | | | | |
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.* | | 2,237 | | 19,954 | |
Myriad Genetics, Inc.* | | 636 | | 23,653 | |
Drug Delivery— 1.7% ($23,360) | | | | | |
Alkermes, Inc* | | 1,600 | | 23,360 | |
Drug Manufacturers— 67.0% ($938,624) | | | | | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | 1,460 | | 65,787 | |
Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | 570 | | 28,631 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | 1,437 | | 45,352 | |
Cardiome Pharma Corp.* | | 1,780 | | 16,394 | |
Celgene Corp.* | | 506 | | 29,009 | |
Dynavax Technologies Corp.* | | 6,400 | | 26,496 | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 2,230 | | 124,612 | |
Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | 1,590 | | 27,685 | |
Novartis AG - ADR | | 2,170 | | 121,672 | |
Novo Nordisk A/S - ADR | | 280 | | 30,425 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 4,603 | | 117,699 | |
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | 2,060 | | 44,434 | |
Roche Holdings - Genus | | 220 | | 39,034 | |
Sawai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | 630 | | 21,684 | |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 2,267 | | 69,007 | |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - ADR | | 1,570 | | 64,762 | |
Wyeth | | 1,150 | | 65,941 | |
Drug Related Products— 1.1% ($15,134) | | | | | |
Labopharm, Inc.* | | 5,310 | | 15,134 | |
Medical Appliances & Equipment— 6.8% ($94,880) | | | | | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* | | 350 | | 48,569 | |
Medtronic, Inc. | | 893 | | 46,311 | |
Medical Instruments & Supplies— 3.3% ($45,684) | | | | | |
Boston Scientific Corp.* | | 1,000 | | 15,340 | |
Thoratec Corp.* | | 1,650 | | 30,344 | |
| | | | | |
Total Investments (Cost $1,467,699) — 107.1% | | | | 1,498,640 | |
| | | | | |
Liabilities in excess of other assets — (7.1)% | | | | (98,905 | ) |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS — 100.0% | | | | $ | 1,399,735 | |
* Non-income producing security
ADR American Depositary Receipt
Example - In general, mutual fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads), redemption fees, and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, 12b-1 distribution and service fees, non-12b-1 service fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. Note that Firsthand Funds (“Trust”) does not charge transaction fees for 12b-1 distribution and service fees, though you may incur transaction fees if you purchase shares through a broker.
The example on the following page is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007.
Actual Expenses - The section of the table at right entitled “Actual” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use this information, 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 section entitled “Actual” under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. If your account is an IRA or other tax-qualified savings plan, your expenses may also have included a $10 annual fee. In either case, the amount of your fee paid through your account would increase the estimate of expenses you paid during the period and decrease your ending account value.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes - The section of the table at right entitled “Hypothetical” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate your actual ending account balance or the expenses you paid for the period. However, you may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Trust to other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. As in the case of the actual expense example, if your account is subject to an IRA fee, the amount of the fee paid through your account would increase the hypothetical expenses you would have paid during the period and decrease the hypothetical ending account value.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table at right are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. The examples also assume all dividends and distributions have been reinvested.
| | Beginning | | Ending | | Expenses Paid | | | |
| | Account Value | | Account Value | | During Period* | | Annualized | |
| | 1/1/07 | | 6/30/07 | | 1/1/07 - 6/30/07 | | Expense Ratio | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Firsthand Health Sciences Fund | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 9.84 | | 1.95 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000.00 | | $ | 1,014.68 | | $ | 9.74 | | 1.95 | % |
1
* Expenses are calculated by multiplying the Fund’s annualized expense ratio listed above by the average account value over the period and multiplying that number by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
** 5% return per year before expenses.
The expenses shown in the table do not reflect any fees that may be charged to you by brokers, financial intermediaries or other financial institutions.
2
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | Firsthand Health Sciences Fund | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investment securities: | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers at acquisition cost | | $ | 1,467,699 | |
Total acquisition cost | | $ | 1,467,699 | |
Unaffiliated issuers at market value | | $ | 1,498,640 | |
Receivable from dividends, interest, and reclaims | | 1,029 | |
Reclaims receivable | | 168 | |
Deferred trustee compensation (Note 5) | | 14,872 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | 1,514,709 | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable to custodian | | 24,202 | |
Payable to affiliates (Note 4) | | 2,458 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | | 73,442 | |
Payable for trustee compensation (Note 5) | | 14,872 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES | | 114,974 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 1,399,735 | |
Net Assets consist of: | | | |
Paid-in-capital | | 1,298,627 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | (4,874 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gains from security transactions and foreign currency | | 75,031 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency | | 30,951 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 1,399,735 | |
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value) | | 127,308 | |
Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per share (Note 2) | | $ | 10.99 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the six months ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | Firsthand Health Sciences Fund | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | |
Dividends | | 10,846 | |
Foreign tax withholding | | (561 | ) |
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME | | 10,285 | |
EXPENSES | | | |
Investment advisory fees (Note 4) | | 11,661 | |
Administration fees (Note 4) | | 3,498 | |
Trustees Fees | | 1,357 | |
GROSS EXPENSES | | 16,516 | |
Investment advisory fees waived | | (1,357 | ) |
TOTAL NET EXPENSES | | 15,159 | |
NET INVESTMENT LOSS | | (4,874 | ) |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS | | | |
Net realized gains from security transactions Non-affliliated | | 64,027 | |
Net realized (losses) from foreign currency | | (493 | ) |
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency | | (57,817 | ) |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS | | 5,717 | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 843 | |
| | | | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the periods ended June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006
| | Firsthand Health Sciences Fund | |
| | Six Months Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 06/30/07 | | 12/31/06(A) | |
| | (unaudited) | | | |
FROM OPERATIONS: | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (4,874 | ) | $ | (10,397 | ) |
Net realized gains from security transactions and foreign currency | | 63,534 | | 21,894 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency | | (57,817 | ) | 88,768 | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | 843 | | 100,265 | |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | |
Proceeds from shares sold | | 706,179 | | 1,197,394 | |
Payment for shares redeemed | | (800,017 | ) | (304,929 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions | | (93,838 | ) | 892,465 | |
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | | (92,995 | ) | 992,730 | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | 1,492,730 | | 500,000 | |
End of period | | $ | 1,399,735 | | $ | 1,492,730 | |
Accumulated Net Investment Loss | | $ | (4,874 | ) | $ | — | |
CAPITAL SHARE ACTIVITY: | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 65,225 | | 115,350 | |
Shares redeemed | | (73,785 | ) | (29,482 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding | | (8,560 | ) | 85,868 | |
Shares outstanding, beginning of period | | 135,868 | | 50,000 | |
Shares outstanding, end of period | | 127,308 | | 135,868 | |
(A) There was no income earned or expenses incurred from the date of initial capitalization (December 30, 2005) to December 31, 2005.
See accompanying notes to financial statements
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS - FIRSTHAND HEALTH SCIENCES FUND
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | Six Months | | | |
| | Ended | | Year Ended | |
| | 06/30/07 | | 12/31/06(A) | |
| | (unaudited) | | | |
Net asset value at beginning of period | | $ | 10.99 | | $ | 10.00 | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | (0.04 | ) | (0.08 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | | 0.04 | | 1.07 | |
Total from investment operations | | — | | 0.99 | |
Net asset value at end of period | | $ | 10.99 | | $ | 10.99 | |
Total return | | 0.00 | %(B) | 9.90 | % |
Net assets at end of period (millions) | | $ | 1.4 | | $ | 1.5 | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver | | 2.12 | %(C) | 2.66 | % |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets after waiver | | 1.95 | %(C) | 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets | | (0.63 | )%(C) | (0.84 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 81 | %(B) | 53 | % |
(A) There was no income earned or expenses incurred from the date of initial capitalization (December 30, 2005) to December 31, 2005.
(B) Not annualized.
(C) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
1. Organization
Firsthand Health Sciences Fund (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified series of Firsthand Funds (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, was organized on November 8, 1993. The inception date for the Fund (the date on which a net asset value was first determined for that Fund) is December 30, 2005.
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital.
Firsthand Health Sciences Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in companies principally engaged in the research, development, production or distribution of products and services in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, health care and medical industries.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of the Fund’s significant accounting policies:
Securities Valuation—The Fund’s portfolio of securities is valued as follows:
1. Securities traded on stock exchanges, or quoted by NASDAQ, are valued according to the NASDAQ official closing price, if applicable, or at their last reported sale price as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time). If a security is not traded that day, the security will be valued at its most recent bid price.
2. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but not quoted by NASDAQ, are valued at the last sale price (or, if the last sale price is not readily available, at the most recent closing bid price as quoted by brokers that make markets in the securities) at the close of trading on the NYSE.
3. Securities traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market.
4. Securities and other assets that do not have market quotations readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith using procedures established by the Board of Trustees.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements— In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. As of June 30, 2007, the Funds do not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the financial statement amounts, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements on changes in net assets for the period.
Share Valuation—The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. A Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the NYSE is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share of the Fund is equal to the Fund’s net asset value per share. Prior to April 30, 2003, shares of the Fund were charged a 2% redemption fee on shares redeemed or exchanged within 180 days of purchase. These fees were deducted from the redemption proceeds otherwise payable to the
shareholder. The Fund retained the fee charged as paid-in capital and such fees became part of that Fund’s daily NAV calculation.
Repurchase Agreements—Repurchase agreements, which must be secured with collateral of a credit quality at least equal to a Fund’s investment criteria for its portfolio securities, are valued at cost, which, together with accrued interest, approximates market value. At the time the Fund enters into a repurchase agreement, the value of the underlying securities, including accrued interest, will equal or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement, and in the case of a repurchase agreement exceeding one day, the seller will agree that the value of the underlying securities, including accrued interest, will at all times equal or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default by the seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses.
Investment Income—Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued as earned. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized over the lives of the respective securities. Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Company’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rites.
Foreign Securities—The Fund may invest in companies that trade on U.S. exchanges as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), on foreign exchanges, or on foreign over-the-counter markets. Investing in the securities of foreign companies exposes your investment in a Fund to risk. Foreign stock markets tend to be more volatile than the U.S. market due to economic and/or political instability and the regulatory conditions in some countries. In addition, some of the securities in which the Fund may invest may be denominated in foreign currencies, the value of which may decline against the U.S. dollar. An investment in foreign securities may be subject to high levels of foreign taxation, including foreign taxes withheld at the source.
Options—The Fund may purchase put and call options to attempt to provide protection against adverse price effects from anticipated changes in prevailing prices of securities or stock indices. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The Fund as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. The Funds did not write any options during the period ended June 30, 2007.
Distributions to Shareholders—The Fund expects to distribute its net investment income and net realized gains, if any, annually. Distributions from net investment income and capital gains are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Reclassification of Capital Accounts—The Fund accounts and reports for distributions to shareholders in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Statement of Position 93-2: Determination, Disclosure, and Financial Statement Presentation of Income, Capital and Return of Capital Distributions by Investment Companies. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Fund recorded the following reclassifications to the accounts listed below:
| | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | Paid-in-Capital | | Accumulated Net Investment Loss | | Accumulated Net Realized (Loss) | |
Firsthand Health Sciences Fund | | — | | 10,397 | | (10,397 | ) |
Security Transactions— Security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day following the trade date, however, for financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Securities sold are valued on a specific identification basis.
Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Federal Income Tax—The Fund has elected, and intends to qualify annually, for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As provided in the Code, in any fiscal year in which a Fund so qualifies and distributes at least 90% of its taxable net income, the Fund (but not the shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the income distributed. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made. To avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund intends to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the 12 months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years. The following information is based upon the federal income tax cost of portfolio investments as of June 30, 2007.
| | Firsthand Health Science Fund | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 132,574 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | (126,279 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | $ | 6,295 | |
Federal income tax cost | | $ | 1,492,345 | |
The difference between the acquisition cost and the federal income tax cost of portfolio investments is due to certain timing differences in the recognition of capital losses under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and income tax regulations. As of December 31, 2006, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes.
As required, effective June 29, 2007 (or applicable effective date), the Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. The adoption of FIN 48 did not impact the Fund’s net assets or results of operations.
3. Investment Transactions
Investment transactions (excluding short-term investments) were as follows for the period ended June 30, 2007.
| | Firsthand Health Sciences Fund | |
Purchase of investment securities | | $ | 1,356,892 | |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities | | $ | 1,244,605 | |
4. Investment Advisory and Administration Agreements
Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of the Investment Adviser or BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“BISYS”). BISYS serves as the sub-administrator, investment accounting agent, shareholder servicing and transfer agent. PFPC Trust Company serves as the custodian for the Trust.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Each Fund’s investments are managed by the Investment Adviser pursuant to the terms of a master investment advisory agreement (for all Funds except Firsthand Health Sciences Fund) and an investment advisory agreement (with respect to Firsthand Health Sciences Fund) (the “Advisory Agreements”). Under the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser provides each Fund with investment research, advice, management, and supervision and manages the investment and reinvestment of assets of each Fund consistent with each Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and limitations. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is responsible for (i) compensation of any of the Fund’s trustees, officers, and employees who are interested persons of the Investment Adviser; and (ii) compensation of the Investment Adviser’s personnel and other expenses incurred in connection with the provision of portfolio management services under the Advisory Agreements.
For the services it provides under the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser receives from each Fund, on a monthly basis, an advisory fee at the annual rate of 1.50% of its average daily net assets. The Advisory Agreement requires the Investment Adviser to waive fees and, if necessary, to reimburse expenses of each such Fund to the extent necessary to limit a Fund’s total operating expenses to 1.95% of its average net assets up to $200 million, 1.90% of such assets from $200 million to $500 million, 1.85% of such assets from $500 million to $1 billion, and 1.80% of such assets in excess of $1 billion.
The Investment Adviser has appointed Sectoral Asset Management, Inc., as the sub-advisor for the Firsthand Health Sciences Fund. Under this agreement, the Investment Advisor (not the Fund) pays the fees for the sub-advisory services.
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
The Trust has entered into a separate Administration Agreement with the Investment Adviser. The agreement obligates the Investment Adviser to provide administrative and general supervisory services to the Fund (the “Administration Agreement”). Under the Administration Agreement, the Investment Adviser renders supervisory and corporate administrative services to the Trust, as well as oversees the maintenance of all books and records with respect to the Fund’s securities transactions and the Fund’s book of accounts in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The Investment Adviser also arranges for the preservation of journals, ledgers, corporate documents, brokerage account records, and other records as required by the 1940 Act.
The Investment Adviser is responsible for the equipment, staff, office space, and facilities necessary to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. Under the Administration Agreement, the Investment Adviser has assumed responsibility for payment of all of the Fund’s operating expenses excluding brokerage and commission expenses; fees payable under “Rule 12b-1 plans”, if any, and shareholder servicing plans, if any; litigation costs; and any extraordinary and non-recurring expenses. For the services it provides under the Administration Agreement, the Investment Adviser receives a fee from the Fund at the annual rate of 0.45% of its average daily net assets up to $200 million, 0.40% of such assets
from $200 million to $500 million, 0.35% of such assets from $500 million to $1 billion, and 0.30% of such assets in excess of $1 billion. The Investment Adviser has entered into a Sub-Administration Agreement with BISYS. Under this agreement, the Investment Adviser (not the Funds) pays to BISYS the fees for the administrative services provided by BISYS.
5. Deferred Compensation Agreement With Trustees
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, the Trust entered into a deferred compensation agreement with the independent trustees of the Trust.
Under the deferred compensation agreement, each independent trustee may elect to defer some or all of his trustee fees. Each independent trustee is paid an annual retainer of $24,000, $6,000 for each regular meeting attended in person, and $1,000 for each special meeting attended. Deferred fees may be deemed invested in the Firsthand Funds selected by each independent trustee on a tax-deferred basis and deferred fees (and the income, gains, and losses credited during the deferral period) are payable at least two years after deferral date. Upon payment of any deferred fees (and the income, gains, and losses credited during the deferral period), the Fund will expense its pro rata share of those fees.
6. Investments in Affiliates and Restricted Securities
Affiliated issuers, as defined by the 1940 Act, are those in which a Fund’s holdings represent 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer. The Fund had no investments in affiliates, for the period ended June 30, 2007.
Restricted securities include securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and securities that are subject to restrictions on resale. A Fund may invest in restricted securities that are consistent with a Fund’s investment objective and investment strategies. A Fund will not invest in a restricted security if, immediately after and as a result of the investment in such security, more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense either upon demand by the Fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Investments in restricted securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. It is possible that the estimated value may differ significantly from the amount that might ultimately be realized in the near term, and the difference could be material. As of June 30, 2007, the Fund had no investments restricted securities:
7. Risks
Because the return on and value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate in response to stock market movements, the most significant risk of investing in a Fund is that you may lose money. Stocks and other equity securities are subject to market risks and fluctuations in value due to earnings, as well as economic, political, or regulatory events, and other factors beyond the Investment Adviser’s control. The Fund is designed for long-term investors who can accept the risks of investing in a fund with significant common stock holdings in high-technology industries.
The Fund is non-diversified. A risk of being non-diversified is that a significant change in the value of one company will have a greater impact on the Fund than it would if the Fund diversified its investments. Another risk for the Fund is its concentration of investments in companies within high-technology industries. The value of high-technology companies can, and often does, fluctuate dramatically and may expose you to greater-than-average financial and market risk.
8. Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
The Funds has adopted proxy voting procedures pursuant to which the Funds delegates the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund to the Investment Adviser as part of the Investment Adviser’s general management of the Fund, subject to the Board of Trustees’ continuing oversight. A copy of the Fund proxy voting policy and procedures is available without charge, upon
request, by calling 1.888.884.2675. Information regarding how the Investment Adviser voted these proxies for the one-year period ended June 30, 2007, is available by calling the same number and on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov on Form N-PX. The Funds’ voting record is also available on the Funds’ website at www.firsthandfunds.com/proxy.
9. Portfolio Holdings
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q will be available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1.800.SEC.0330.
10. Subsequent Event
Effective August 1 The BISYS Group Inc was acquired by and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Citi.
Firsthand Funds
P.O. Box 183120
Columbus, OH 43218-3120
1.888.884.2675
www.firsthandfunds.com
Investment Adviser
Firsthand Capital Management, Inc.
125 South Market
Suite 1200
San Jose, CA 95113
www.firsthandcapital.com
Distributor
ALPS Distributors, Inc.
1625 Broadway
Suite 2200
Denver, CO 80202
Transfer Agent
BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc.
P.O. Box 183120
Columbus, OH 43218-3120
1.888.884.2675
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Disclose whether, as of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party. If the registrant has not adopted such a code of ethics, explain why it has not done so.
Not applicable – only for annual reports.
The registrant must briefly describe the nature of any amendment, during the period covered by the report, to a provision of its code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item. The registrant must file a copy of any such amendment as an exhibit pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), unless the registrant has elected to satisfy paragraph (f) of this Item by posting its code of ethics on its website pursuant to paragraph (f)(2) of this Item, or by undertaking to provide its code of ethics to any person without charge, upon request, pursuant to paragraph (f)(3) of this Item.
If the registrant has, during the period covered by the report, granted a waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more items set forth in paragraph (b) of this Item, the registrant must briefly describe the nature of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted, and the date of the waiver.
Not applicable – only for annual reports.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
(a) (1) Disclose that the registrant’s board of directors has determined that the registrant either:
(i) Has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee; or
(ii) Does not have an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.
(2) If the registrant provides the disclosure required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this Item, it must disclose the name of the audit committee financial expert and whether that person is “independent.” In order to be considered “independent” for purposes of this Item, a member of an audit committee may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee:
(i) Accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the issuer; or
(ii) Be an “interested person” of the investment company as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-
2(a)(19)).
(3) If the registrant provides the disclosure required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this Item, it must explain why it does not
have an audit committee financial expert.
Not applicable – only for annual reports.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) Disclose, under the caption Audit Fees, the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
(b) Disclose, under the caption Audit-Related Fees, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
(c) Disclose, under the caption Tax Fees, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
(d) Disclose, under the caption All Other Fees, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
(e) (1) Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(2) Disclose the percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) If greater than 50 percent, disclose the percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.
(g) Disclose the aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant.
(h) Disclose whether the registrant’s audit committee of the board of directors has considered whether the provision of nonaudit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any subadviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved
pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
Not applicable – only for annual reports.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
(a) If the registrant is a listed issuer as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act (17CFR 240.10A-3), state whether or not the registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)). If the registrant has such a committee, however designated, identify each committee member. If the entire board of directors is acting as the registrant’s audit committee as specified in Section 3(a)(58)(B) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(B)), so state.
(b) If applicable, provide the disclosure required by Rule 10A-3(d) under the Exchange Act (17CFR 240.10A-3(d)) regarding an exemption from the listing standards for all audit committees.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
File Schedule I – Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period as set forth in § 210.12-12 of Regulation S-X, unless the schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
Not applicable.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
A closed-end management investment company that is filing an annual report on this Form N-CSR must, unless it invests exclusively in non-voting securities, describe the policies and procedures that it uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the company uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of its shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the company’s investment adviser; principal underwriter; or any affiliated person (as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(3)) and the rules thereunder) of the company, its investment adviser, or its principal underwriter, on the other. Include any policies and procedures of the company’s investment adviser, or any other third party, that the company uses, or that are used on the company’s behalf, to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company that is filing an annual report on this Form N-CSR, provide the information specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Item with respect to portfolio managers.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, provide the information specified in paragraph (b) of this Item with respect to any purchase made by or on behalf of the registrant or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10b-18(a)(3)), of shares or other units of any class of the registrant’s equity securities that is registered by the registrant pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 781).
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Describe any material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(G) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101), or this Item.
Not applicable.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Disclose the conclusions of the registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, regarding the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that these disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed and are operating effectively to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
(b) Disclose any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting 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) File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form. Letter or number the exhibits in the sequence indicated.
(a)(1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the
registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit.
Not applicable - Only effective for annual reports.
(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2).
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) are attached hereto.
(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons.
Not applicable.
(b) If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by rule 30a-2(b) under the Act as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant incorporates it by reference.
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) are furnished herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) | Firsthand Funds |
| |
| |
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Kevin M. Landis |
| Kevin M. Landis |
| President |
| |
Date | August 28, 2007 | |
| | | | |
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/ Kevin M. Landis |
| Kevin M. Landis |
| President |
| |
Date | August 28, 2007 | |
| | | |
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Aaron Masek |
| Aaron Masek |
| Treasurer |
| |
Date | August 28, 2007 | |
| | | |
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.