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 811-00051 Selected American Shares, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 (Address of principal executive offices) Thomas D. Tays Davis Selected Advisers, LP 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 (Name and address of agent for service) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (520) 806-7600 Date of fiscal year end: December 31 Date of reporting period: December 31, 2004 ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS PAGE> SELECTED FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT December 31, 2004 SELECTING QUALITY COMPANIES FOR THE LONG TERM(TM) Selected American Shares Selected Special Shares [SELECTED FUNDS LOGO] Selected Daily Government Fund TABLE OF CONTENTS Shareholder Letter.............................................................2 Management's Discussion and Analysis: Selected American Shares..................................................3 Selected Special Shares...................................................4 Fund Performance and Supplementary Information: Selected American Shares..................................................7 Selected Special Shares..................................................11 Selected Daily Government Fund...........................................16 Schedule of Investments: Selected American Shares.................................................18 Selected Special Shares..................................................23 Selected Daily Government Fund...........................................27 Statements of Assets and Liabilities..........................................29 Statements of Operations......................................................31 Statements of Changes in Net Assets...........................................32 Notes to Financial Statements.................................................34 Financial Highlights: Selected American Shares.................................................43 Selected Special Shares..................................................45 Selected Daily Government Fund...........................................47 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.......................49 Fund Information..............................................................50 Directors and Officers........................................................51 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ Dear Fellow Shareholder, As stewards of our customers' savings, the management team and Directors of the Selected Funds recognize the importance of candid, thorough, and regular communication with our shareholders. In our annual and semi-annual reports, we include all of the required quantitative information, such as audited financial statements, detailed footnotes, performance reports, fund holdings, and performance attribution. Also included is a list of positions opened and closed. In addition, we produce a Research Report, for certain funds, which is published semi-annually. In this report, we give a more qualitative perspective on fund performance, discuss our thoughts on individual holdings, and share our investment outlook. You may obtain a copy of the current Research Report either at our website, SelectedFunds.com, or by calling 1-800-243-1575. LOWER COST CLASS D SHARES As we previously advised you, effective May 3, 2004, the existing shares of each of the Selected Funds were renamed Class S shares. These shares are appropriate for all shareholders that have chosen to invest in the Selected Funds through an intermediary. A new class of shares, called Class D shares, was created and are appropriate for all shareholders who have chosen to invest directly with Selected Funds rather than through an intermediary. Class D shares are substantially identical to Class S shares with one important exception. The Class D shares' annual expense ratio is lower, as Class D shares do not incur a 12b-1 fee. As anticipated, the Funds' Class D shares performed slightly better than Class S Shares. Selected American's Class D shares returned 9.08%(1) (non-annualized) over the eight month period since its inception on May 3, 2004, compared to 8.85% for Class S shares over the same period. Selected Special's Class D shares returned 8.91% (non-annualized) over the eight month period since its inception on May 3, 2004, compared to 8.83% for Class S shares over the same period. Please carefully read the Selected Funds' prospectus, dated May 1, 2004, which further describes the Class D shares and note that a minimum account balance of $10,000 in the respective Selected Fund is required to convert from the existing Class S shares to Class D shares. A conversion from one class to another class in the same fund will not be a taxable event. If you would like your shares to be transferred into the lower cost Class D shares, you should call Selected Funds shareholder services at 1-800-243-1575 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Time. Sincerely, /s/ James J. McMonagle /s/ Christopher C. Davis James J. McMonagle Christopher C. Davis Chairman President February 4, 2005 2 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS MARKET ENVIRONMENT During the year ended December 31, 2004, the stock market, as measured by the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index(2), returned 10.88%, the broader Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Index returned 12.62%. U.S. economic activity, as measured by the gross domestic product rose sharply in the first two quarters before falling sharply in the third quarter of 2004. Interest rates, as measured by the 10-year Treasury bond, trended downward over the first three months, rose over the next three months then slowly declined over the last half of the year. After trending sideways during the first seven months of the year, the S&P 500(R) Index went on a sustained rally over the last five months of 2004. SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW Selected American Shares' Class S shares returned 11.97% for the year ended December 31, 2004(1), compared with a return of 10.88% for the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index(2). The Fund's Class D shares returned 9.08% (non-annualized) over the eight month period since its inception on May 3, 2004. The Fund had more invested in financial service companies than in any other single sector. The financial service companies which the Fund owned out-performed the S&P 500(R) Index. Contributors(3) to performance included: American Express(4), Loews, and Moody's. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, American Express increased by 17.60%, Loews increased by 43.59%, and Moody's increased by 44.06%. Energy companies represented one of the Fund's largest sector weightings. As a group, the energy companies the Fund owned significantly out-performed the S&P 500(R) Index. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, ConocoPhillips increased by 35.60%, Devon Energy increased by 36.78%, and EOG Resources increased by 55.21%. Property & casualty insurance companies also represented one of the Fund's largest sector weightings and these companies, as a group, under-performed the S&P 500(R) Index. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, Berkshire Hathaway, Class A increased by 4.33% and Progressive increased by 1.63%. As a group, the health care companies the Fund owned under-performed the S&P 500(R) Index in 2004. The most important contributor in this sector was Cardinal Health, which increased by 15.95% since being purchased in July 2004. The most important detractors from performance were Eli Lilly and Pfizer. Eli Lilly decreased by 17.55% over the year ended December 31, 2004. Pfizer decreased by 25.02% before being sold in December 2004. 3 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - (CONTINUED) PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW - (CONTINUED) Other important contributors to performance included: Tyco International, a diversified manufacturing company, Altria Group, a consumer products company, and Costco, a discount retailing company. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, Tyco International increased by 35.41%, Altria Group increased by 18.38%, and Costco increased by 31.15%. All three companies were among the Fund's ten largest holdings at the end of the year. Other important detractors from performance included: Fifth Third Bancorp, a banking and savings & loan company, H&R Block, a financial services company, and Marsh & McLennan, an insurance brokerage company. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, Fifth Third Bancorp decreased by 17.93% and H&R Block decreased by 9.99%. Marsh & McLennan decreased by 25.46% since being purchased in June 2004. We have built a Fund which is quite different in composition from the S&P 500(R) Index. The Fund's investment strategy is to perform extensive research to buy companies with expanding earnings at value prices and hold them for the long term. We are strong supporters of long-term buy-and-hold investing. SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW Selected Special Shares' Class S shares returned 11.34% for the year ended December 31, 2004(1), compared with a return of 12.62% for the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Index(2). The Fund's Class D shares returned 8.91% (non-annualized) over the eight month period since its inception on May 3, 2004. The Fund had more invested in health care companies than in any other single sector. As a group, the health care companies the Fund owned out-performed the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Index in 2004. The most important contributors(3) in this sector were Lincare Holdings(4), which was up by 48.35% since being purchased in January 2004, and Cardinal Health, which was up by 10.14% since being purchased in July 2004. The Fund also had significant holdings in the automotive sector. Automotive companies in general under-performed the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Index, which hurt the Fund's short-term performance. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, AutoZone was up 7.16% and AutoNation was up 4.57%. Energy companies in general had a productive year in 2004, and the Fund benefited from over-weighting energy companies in the portfolio, which out-performed the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Index. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, Premcor was up by 62.27%. Transocean was up 54.82% since being purchased in January 2004. 4 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - (CONTINUED) PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW - (CONTINUED) The Fund's portfolio managers have been identifying a number of investment opportunities in foreign companies. The Fund ended the year with 28.28% of its portfolio invested in foreign companies. The Fund benefited from these foreign companies as they accounted for approximately 35% of the Fund's total gross return in 2004. The foreign companies that contributed the most to performance were: Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, a diversified company and Lagardere, a media company. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert was up 48.28% and Lagardere was up 26.90%, after adjusting for exchange rates. The most important detractor from performance was Rentokil Initial, a diversified commercial services company, which was down 15.27% since being purchased in January 2004. Other important contributors to performance included Tyco International, a diversified manufacturing company, Garmin, an electronics company, and Apogent Technologies, a medical instruments company. Tyco International was up 35.41% and Garmin was up 12.48%, over the year ended December 31, 2004. Apogent Technologies increased 44.84% before being acquired by Fisher Scientific in August 2004. The Fund held Fisher Scientific at the end of the year. Tyco International and Garmin were included among the Fund's ten largest holdings at the end of the year. Other important detractors from performance included: two retailing companies, Tiffany & Co. and CarMax, Covad Communications, a telecommunications company, and BMC Software, a technology company. Over the year ended December 31, 2004, Tiffany & Co. was down 28.79% and Covad Communications was down 40.28%. CarMax was down 31.34% while it was held in the portfolio. BMC Software decreased 18.71% before being sold in July 2004. Tiffany & Co. was included among the Fund's top ten holdings at the end of the year. The Fund's investment strategy is to perform extensive research to buy companies with expanding earnings at value prices and hold them for the long term. We are strong supporters of long-term buy-and-hold investing. - ------------------------------- This Annual Report is authorized for use by existing shareholders. Prospective shareholders must receive a current Selected Funds prospectus, which contains more information about investment strategies, risks, fees, and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. Selected American Shares' investment objective is to achieve both capital growth and income. In the current market environment, we expect that income will be low. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its objective. The primary risks of an investment in Selected American Shares are: (1) market risk, (2) company risk, (3) foreign country risk, (4) financial services risk, (5) headline risk, and (6) selection risk. See the prospectus for a full description of each risk. Selected Special Shares' investment objective is capital growth. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its objective. The primary risks of an investment in Selected Special Shares are: (1) market risk, (2) company risk, (3) small and medium capitalization risk, (4) foreign country risk, (4) headline risk, and (5) selection risk. See the prospectus for a full description of each risk. 5 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - (CONTINUED) (1) Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will vary so that, when redeemed, an investor's shares may be worth more or less than when purchased. The following tables list the average annual total returns for Class S and Class D shares for the periods ended December 31, 2004. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND NAME 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected American Shares S 11.97% 3.38% 15.13% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Special Shares S 11.34% 1.89% 11.77% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- FUND NAME INCEPTION* -------------------------------------------------- Selected American Shares D 9.08% -------------------------------------------------- Selected Special Shares D 8.91% -------------------------------------------------- * As of May 3, 2004 all of the Funds' outstanding shares were reclassified as Class S shares and Class D shares were newly issued. See the prospectus for a description of Class S and Class D shares. Performance for the period has not been annualized. Fund performance changes over time and current performance may be higher or lower than stated. For more current information please call Selected Funds Shareholder Services at 1-800-243-1575. (2) The definitions of indices quoted in this report appear below. Investments cannot be made directly in the indices. I. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged index of 500 selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Index is adjusted for dividends, weighted towards stocks with large market capitalization, and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. II. The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Index measures the performance of all U.S. headquartered equity securities with readily available price data. Over 6,500 capitalization weighted security returns are used to adjust the Index. The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 is a broad measure of the entire U.S. stock market. (3) A company or sector's contribution to the Fund's performance is a product both of its appreciation or depreciation and it's weighting within the Fund. For example, a 5% holding that rises 20% has twice as much impact as a 1% holding that rises 50%. (4) This Management Discussion & Analysis discusses a number of individual companies. The information provided in this report does not provide information reasonably sufficient upon which to base an investment decision and should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. The schedule of investments lists each Fund's holdings of each company discussed. Shares of the Selected Funds are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency, and involve investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. 6 SELECTED FUNDS FUND OVERVIEW SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. At December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ [PIE CHART OMITTED] PORTFOLIO MAKEUP SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (% OF FUND NET ASSETS) (% OF STOCK HOLDINGS) - ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ Common Stocks 97.3% Cable Television 3.6% Short Term Investments, Financial Services 21.6% Other Assets & Liabilities 2.7% Health Care 4.0% Retailing 3.3% Technology 2.7% Diversified 5.0% Insurance 16.2% Energy 8.9% Food & Restaurants 3.4% Banks and Savings & Loans 12.5% Industrial 2.8% Consumer Products 5.4% Other 10.6% TOP 10 HOLDINGS STOCK SECTOR % OF FUND NET ASSETS - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- American Express Co. Financial Services 6.76% Altria Group, Inc. Consumer Products 5.25% Tyco International Ltd. Diversified Manufacturing 4.45% American International Group, Inc. Multi-Line Insurance 4.42% Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class A Property/Casualty Insurance 4.07% HSBC Holdings PLC Banks and Savings & Loan Associations 3.69% Comcast Corp., Special Class A Cable Television 3.48% Costco Wholesale Corp. Discount Retailer 3.18% Wells Fargo & Co. Banks and Savings & Loan Associations 3.13% JPMorgan Chase & Co. Financial Services 3.09% 7 SELECTED FUNDS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY - January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NEW POSITIONS ADDED (1/1/04-12/31/04) (Highlighted Positions are those greater than 0.50% of Net Assets) DATE OF 1ST % OF 12/31/04 SECURITY SECTOR PURCHASE FUND NET ASSETS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cardinal Health, Inc. Health Care 07/14/04 1.28% Comcast Corp., Special Class A Cable Television 01/14/04 3.48% Hunter Douglas NV Manufacturing 10/18/04 0.02% IAC/InterActiveCorp E-Commerce/Services 08/04/04 0.54% Iron Mountain Inc. Business Services 09/21/04 0.93% Marsh & McLennan Cos, Inc. Insurance Brokers 06/28/04 1.03% Nokia Oyj, ADR Telecommunications 04/14/04 0.28% Rentokil Initial PLC Diversified Commercial Services 01/13/04 0.40% SK Telecom Co., Ltd., ADR Telecommunications 04/14/04 0.47% Transocean Inc. Energy 01/23/04 0.69% POSITIONS CLOSED (1/1/04-12/31/04) (Gains and losses greater than $10 million are highlighted) SECURITY SECTOR DATE OF FINAL SALE GAIN/(LOSS) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agere Systems Inc., Class A Electronics 11/17/04 $ (32,098,510) Janus Capital Group Inc. Investment Firms 04/29/04 (20,556,016) Kraft Foods Inc., Class A Food/Beverage & Restaurant 08/10/04 (914,476) Marriott International, Inc., Class A Hotels & Motels 08/30/04 11,380,901 Merck & Co., Inc Health Care 07/29/04 (1,883,526) Pfizer Inc. Health Care 12/22/04 (5,933,232) 8 SELECTED FUNDS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. CLASS S FUND PERFORMANCE ================================================================================ - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN EXPENSE EXAMPLE FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 BEGINNING ENDING EXPENSES PAID ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE DURING PERIOD* (07/01/04) (12/31/04) (07/01/04-12/31/04) ---------- ---------- ------------------- One Year....................... 11.97% Actual.................... $1,000.00 $1,073.77 $4.74 Five Years..................... 3.38% Hypothetical (5% return Ten Years...................... 15.13% before expenses)........ $1,000.00 $1,020.56 $4.62 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio (0.91%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). See Notes to Performance on page 17 for a description of the "Expense Example". $10,000 INVESTED OVER TEN YEARS. Let's say you invested $10,000 in Selected American Shares, Class S on December 31, 1994. As the chart below shows, by December 31, 2004 the value of your investment would have grown to $40,919 - a 309.19% increase on your initial investment. For comparison, the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Stock Index is also presented on the chart below. S&P 500 SAS - S 1994 10,000.00 10,000.00 1995 13,753.00 13,809.00 1996 16,909.00 18,054.00 1997 22,548.00 24,777.00 1998 28,992.00 28,808.00 1999 35,091.00 34,661.00 2000 31,897.00 37,895.00 2001 28,109.00 33,661.00 2002 21,899.00 27,918.00 2003 28,177.00 36,544.00 2004 31,241.00 40,919.00 The Standard & Poor's 500(R) Stock Index is an unmanaged index of 500 selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The index is adjusted for dividends, weighted towards stocks with large market capitalization, and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The performance data for Selected American Shares contained in this report represents past performance and assumes that all distributions were reinvested, and should not be considered as an indication of future performance from an investment in the Fund today. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when redeemed. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 9 SELECTED FUNDS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. CLASS D FUND PERFORMANCE ================================================================================ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL RETURN EXPENSE EXAMPLE FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 BEGINNING ENDING EXPENSES PAID ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE DURING PERIOD* (07/01/04) (12/31/04) (07/01/04-12/31/04) ---------- ---------- ------------------- Life of Class (May 3, 2004 Actual.................... $1,000.00 $1,075.61 $3.34 through December 31, 2004)....... 9.08% Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)........ $1,000.00 $1,021.92 $3.25 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio (0.64%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). See Notes to Performance on page 17 for a description of the "Expense Example". $10,000 INVESTED AT INCEPTION. Let's say you invested $10,000 in Selected American Shares, Class D Shares on May 3, 2004 (inception of class). As the chart below shows, by December 31, 2004 the value of your investment would have grown to $10,908 - a 9.08% increase on your initial investment. For comparison, the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Stock Index is also presented on the chart below. S&P 500 SAS - D 5/3/04 10,000.00 10,000.00 12/31/04 10,976.00 10,908.00 The Standard & Poor's 500(R) Stock Index is an unmanaged index of 500 selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The index is adjusted for dividends, weighted towards stocks with large market capitalization, and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The performance data for Selected American Shares contained in this report represents past performance and assumes that all distributions were reinvested, and should not be considered as an indication of future performance from an investment in the Fund today. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when redeemed. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 10 SELECTED FUNDS FUND OVERVIEW SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. At December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ [PIE CHART OMITTED] PORTFOLIO MAKEUP SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (% OF FUND NET ASSETS) (% OF STOCK HOLDINGS) - ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ Common Stocks 98.5% Automotive 7.9% Short Term Investments, Retailing 7.7% Other Assets & Liabilities 1.5% Manufacturing 3.2% Electronics 6.8% Health Care 8.0% Technology 3.5% Food/Beverage & Restaurant 5.4% Distributors 4.4% Insurance 7.1% Telecommunications 6.9% Information/Information Processing 2.6% Diversified 10.0% Media 6.5% Financial Services/Banking 6.3% Energy 7.5% Other 6.2% TOP 10 HOLDINGS STOCK SECTOR % OF FUND NET ASSETS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Groupe Bruxelles Lambert S.A. Diversified 4.78% Lagardere S.C.A. Media 4.43% AutoNation, Inc. Automotive 3.96% AutoZone, Inc. Automotive 3.83% Tyco International Ltd. Diversified Manufacturing 3.35% Tiffany & Co. Retailing 2.91% Garmin Ltd. Electronics 2.82% Golden West Financial Corp. Banks and Savings & Loan Associations 2.78% Premcor Inc. Energy 2.70% Reynolds & Reynolds Co., Class A Information/Information Processing 2.55% 11 SELECTED FUNDS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY - January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NEW POSITIONS ADDED (1/1/04-12/31/04) (Highlighted Positions are those greater than 1.25% of Net Assets) DATE OF 1ST % OF 12/31/04 SECURITY SECTOR PURCHASE FUND NET ASSETS - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A Retailing 02/26/04 - Amorepacific Corp. Consumer Products 07/09/04 0.64% Brown & Brown, Inc. Insurance Brokers 10/14/04 0.28% Cardinal Health, Inc. Health Care 07/01/04 1.82% CarMax, Inc. Retailing 04/23/04 - EOG Resources, Inc. Energy 05/03/04 - Hunter Douglas NV Manufacturing 03/25/04 2.53% IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Health Care 07/27/04 0.99% Kmart Holding Corp. Discount Retailer 07/02/04 1.32% Lincare Holdings Inc. Health Care 01/14/04 1.55% Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd. Food/Beverage & Restaurant 07/09/04 0.76% Lotte Confectionery Co., Ltd. Food/Beverage & Restaurant 07/09/04 0.84% Marsh & McLennan Cos, Inc. Insurance Brokers 06/28/04 2.47% Mohawk Industries, Inc. Manufacturing 05/18/04 0.67% 99 Cents Only Stores Discount Retailer 05/18/04 1.56% Nong Shim Holdings Co., Ltd. Diversified 07/09/04 0.36% Rentokil Initial PLC Diversified Commercial Services 01/07/04 1.34% SK Telecom Co., Ltd., ADR Telecommunications 04/14/04 0.48% Tae Young Corp. Building & Heavy Construction 07/09/04 0.02% Telewest Global, Inc. Telecommunications 12/07/04 0.78% Transocean Inc. Energy 01/28/04 1.39% Unilever NV, CVA Food/Beverage & Restaurant 01/07/04 1.72% WH Smith PLC Retailing 09/01/04 0.31% 12 SELECTED FUNDS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY - January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ POSITIONS CLOSED (1/1/04-12/31/04) (Gains and losses greater than $250,000 are highlighted) SECURITY SECTOR DATE OF FINAL SALE GAIN/(LOSS) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A Retailing 09/28/04 $ 1,862 Agere Systems Inc., Class A Electronics 11/17/04 11,378 Altria Group, Inc. Consumer Products 09/20/04 612,555 AT&T Wireless Services Inc. Telecommunications 02/23/04 383,182 Automatic Data Processing, Inc. Information/Information Processing 06/25/04 145,662 Belo Corp., Class A Media 01/20/04 434,530 Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class A Property/ Casualty Insurance 09/20/04 308,492 BMC Software, Inc. Technology 07/19/04 (371,472) CarMax, Inc. Retailing 07/15/04 (338,540) Diageo PLC, ADR Food/Beverage & Restaurant 01/14/04 94,009 Electrolux AB, Series B Manufacturing 06/28/04 (56,081) EOG Resources, Inc. Energy 06/02/04 337 Equifax Inc. Information/Information Processing 07/06/04 62,892 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Class B Semiconductors 12/08/04 61,854 HSBC Holdings PLC Banks and Savings & Loan Associations 01/21/04 144 Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Employee Staffing 04/26/04 278,859 Marriott International, Inc., Class A Hotels & Motels 10/07/04 95,581 Northern Trust Corp. Financial Services 02/02/04 666,160 Papa John's International, Inc. Food/Beverage & Restaurant 06/02/04 99,754 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Technology 01/14/04 262,751 Takefuji Corp. Financial Services 12/22/04 48,619 13 SELECTED FUNDS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. CLASS S FUND PERFORMANCE ================================================================================ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN EXPENSE EXAMPLE FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 BEGINNING ENDING EXPENSES PAID ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE DURING PERIOD* (07/01/04) (12/31/04) (07/01/04-12/31/04) ---------- ---------- ------------------- One Year........................... 11.34% Actual................... $1,000.00 $1,081.05 $6.12 Five Years......................... 1.89% Hypothetical (5% return Ten Years.......................... 11.77% before expenses)....... $1,000.00 $1,019.25 $5.94 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio (1.17%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). See Notes to Performance on page 17 for a description of the "Expense Example". $10,000 INVESTED OVER TEN YEARS. Let's say you invested $10,000 in Selected Special Shares, Class S shares on December 31, 1994. As the chart below shows, by December 31, 2004 the value of your investment would have grown to $30,435 - a 204.35% increase on your initial investment. For comparison, the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Stock Index is also presented on the chart below. DJ Wilshire 5000 SSS - S 1994 10,000.00 10,000.00 1995 13,645.00 13,424.00 1996 16,539.10 15,016.00 1997 21,714.19 19,057.00 1998 26,801.83 23,729.00 1999 33,116.34 27,722.00 2000 29,509.97 27,418.00 2001 26,272.72 23,466.00 2002 20,792.23 19,332.00 2003 27,370.90 27,336.00 2004 30,825.10 30,435.00 The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Stock Index measures the performance of all U.S. headquartered equity securities with readily available price data. Over 6,500 capitalization weighted security returns are used to adjust the index. The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 is a broad measure of the entire U.S. stock market. The performance data for Selected Special Shares contained in this report represents past performance and assumes that all distributions were reinvested, and should not be considered as an indication of future performance from an investment in the Fund today. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when redeemed. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 14 SELECTED FUNDS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. CLASS D FUND PERFORMANCE ================================================================================ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL RETURN EXPENSE EXAMPLE FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 BEGINNING ENDING EXPENSES PAID ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE DURING PERIOD* (07/01/04) (12/31/04) (07/01/04-12/31/04) ---------- ---------- ------------------- Life of Class (May 3, 2004 Actual.................... $1,000.00 $1,081.87 $4.76 through December 31, 2004)........ 8.91% Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)........ $1,000.00 $1,020.56 $4.62 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio (0.91%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). See Notes to Performance on page 17 for a description of the "Expense Example". $10,000 INVESTED AT INCEPTION. Let's say you invested $10,000 in Selected Special Shares, Class D shares on May 3, 2004 (inception of class). As the chart below shows, by December 31, 2004 the value of your investment would have grown to $10,891 - an 8.91% increase on your initial investment. For comparison, the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Stock Index is also presented on the chart below. DJ Wilshire 5000 SSS - D 5/3/04 10,000.00 10,000.00 12/31/04 11,115.00 10,891.00 The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Stock Index measures the performance of all U.S. headquartered equity securities with readily available price data. Over 6,500 capitalization weighted security returns are used to adjust the index. The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 is a broad measure of the entire U.S. stock market. The performance data for Selected Special Shares contained in this report represents past performance and assumes that all distributions were reinvested, and should not be considered as an indication of future performance from an investment in the Fund today. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when redeemed. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 15 SELECTED FUNDS FUND OVERVIEW SELECTED CAPITAL PRESERVATION TRUST - SELECTED DAILY GOVERNMENT FUND At December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ [PIE CHART OMITTED] PORTFOLIO MAKEUP MATURITY DIVERSIFICATION* (% OF FUND NET ASSETS) (% OF PORTFOLIO'S HOLDINGS) - ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ FANNIE MAE 30.0% 0-30 Days 64.8% FREDDIE MAC 4.8% 31-90 Days 21.7% Federal Home Loan Bank 30.4% 91-180 Days 11.3% Federal Farm Credit Bank 2.3% 181-397 Days 2.2% Repurchase Agreements, Other Assets & Liabilities 32.5% *The maturity dates of floating rate securities used in the Maturity Diversification chart are considered to be the effective maturities, based on the reset dates of the securities' variable rates. See the Fund's Schedule of Investments for a listing of the floating rate securities. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPENSE EXAMPLE - CLASS S BEGINNING ENDING EXPENSES PAID ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE DURING PERIOD* (07/01/04) (12/31/04) (07/01/04-12/31/04) ---------- ---------- ------------------- Actual.................... $1,000.00 $1,004.98 $3.48 Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)........ $1,000.00 $1,021.67 $3.51 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPENSE EXAMPLE - CLASS D BEGINNING ENDING EXPENSES PAID ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE DURING PERIOD* (07/01/04) (12/31/04) (07/01/04-12/31/04) ---------- ---------- ------------------- Actual.................... $1,000.00 $1,006.24 $2.22 Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)........ $1,000.00 $1,022.92 $2.24 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio (0.69% and 0.44% for Class S and Class D, respectively), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). See Notes to Performance on page 17 for a description of the "Expense Example". 16 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO PERFORMANCE ================================================================================ THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURE PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE FUNDS' EXPENSE EXAMPLE, WHICH APPEARS IN EACH CLASS'S FUND PERFORMANCE SECTION IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT. PLEASE REFER TO THIS INFORMATION WHEN REVIEWING THE EXPENSE EXAMPLE FOR EACH CLASS. EXAMPLE As a shareholder of the Fund, you only incur ongoing costs, including advisory and administrative fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. The Expense Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Expense Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period indicated, which for each class is from 07/01/04 to 12/31/04. Please note that the Expense Example is general and does not reflect certain account specific costs, which may increase your total costs of investing in the Fund. If these account specific costs were included in the Expense Example, the expenses would have been higher. ACTUAL EXPENSES The information represented in the row entitled "Actual" provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this row, 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 under the heading "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid for on your account during this period. HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES The information represented in the row entitled "Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)" provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund's actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and 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. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only. Therefore, the information in the row entitled "Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)" is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. 17 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE SHARES SECURITY (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ COMMON STOCK - (97.31%) AUTOMOTIVE - (0.86%) 690,300 AutoZone, Inc.*................................... $ 63,031,293 -------------- BANKS AND SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATIONS - (12.14%) 1,849,000 Fifth Third Bancorp............................... 87,457,700 3,639,600 Golden West Financial Corp. ...................... 223,544,232 16,078,885 HSBC Holdings PLC................................. 270,773,350 7,034,096 Lloyds TSB Group PLC.............................. 63,742,713 330,000 State Street Corp. ............................... 16,209,600 3,696,560 Wells Fargo & Co. ................................ 229,741,204 -------------- 891,468,799 -------------- BUILDING MATERIALS - (1.37%) 930,600 Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. .................. 49,935,996 924,100 Vulcan Materials Co. ............................. 50,465,101 -------------- 100,401,097 -------------- BUSINESS SERVICES - (1.94%) 1,241,000 D&B Corp.*........................................ 74,025,650 2,244,000 Iron Mountain Inc.*............................... 68,419,560 -------------- 142,445,210 -------------- CABLE TELEVISION - (3.48%) 7,773,000 Comcast Corp., Special Class A*................... 255,576,240 -------------- CONSUMER PRODUCTS - (5.25%) 6,307,500 Altria Group, Inc. ............................... 385,388,250 -------------- DISCOUNT RETAILER - (3.18%) 4,817,000 Costco Wholesale Corp. ........................... 233,190,970 -------------- DIVERSIFIED COMMERCIAL SERVICES - (0.40%) 10,411,500 Rentokil Initial PLC.............................. 29,471,477 -------------- DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING - (4.45%) 9,139,764 Tyco International Ltd. .......................... 326,655,165 -------------- E-COMMERCE/SERVICES - (0.54%) 1,445,000 IAC/InterActiveCorp*.............................. 39,896,450 -------------- ENERGY - (8.67%) 2,070,080 ConocoPhillips.................................... 179,745,046 3,720,842 Devon Energy Corp. ............................... 144,815,171 1,588,100 EOG Resources, Inc. .............................. 113,326,816 2,540,800 Occidental Petroleum Corp. ....................... 148,281,088 1,188,000 Transocean Inc.*.................................. 50,359,320 -------------- 636,527,441 -------------- 18 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. - (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE SHARES SECURITY (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ COMMON STOCK - (CONTINUED) FINANCIAL SERVICES - (18.91%) 8,807,800 American Express Co. ........................... $ 496,495,686 4,704,189 Citigroup Inc. ................................. 226,647,826 2,314,000 H&R Block, Inc. ................................ 113,386,000 5,817,240 JPMorgan Chase & Co. ........................... 226,930,532 1,958,000 Loews Corp. .................................... 137,647,400 1,132,800 Moody's Corp. .................................. 98,383,680 1,957,400 Providian Financial Corp.* ..................... 32,238,378 835,860 Takefuji Corp. ................................. 56,385,767 -------------- 1,388,115,269 -------------- FOOD/BEVERAGE & RESTAURANT - (3.29%) 7,300,881 Diageo PLC...................................... 103,926,236 2,157,750 Heineken Holding NV, Class A.................... 64,991,093 1,304,800 Hershey Foods Corp. ............................ 72,468,592 -------------- 241,385,921 -------------- HEALTH CARE - (3.90%) 1,610,000 Cardinal Health, Inc. .......................... 93,621,500 1,180,000 Eli Lilly and Co. .............................. 66,965,000 2,311,500 HCA Inc. ....................................... 92,367,540 670,000 Novartis AG, Registered......................... 33,646,801 -------------- 286,600,841 -------------- INDUSTRIAL - (2.75%) 3,786,700 Sealed Air Corp.*............................... 201,717,509 -------------- INSURANCE BROKERS - (1.72%) 2,112,700 Aon Corp. ...................................... 50,409,022 2,304,000 Marsh & McLennan Cos, Inc. ..................... 75,801,600 -------------- 126,210,622 -------------- INVESTMENT FIRMS - (2.07%) 315,099 Julius Baer Holding, Ltd. AG.................... 94,515,892 1,039,864 Morgan Stanley.................................. 57,733,249 -------------- 152,249,141 -------------- LIFE INSURANCE - (0.55%) 658,000 Principal Financial Group, Inc. ................ 26,938,520 400,000 Sun Life Financial Inc. ........................ 13,416,000 -------------- 40,354,520 -------------- MANUFACTURING - (0.02%) 21,500 Hunter Douglas NV............................... 1,142,354 -------------- MEDIA - (1.59%) 1,282,459 Lagardere S.C.A. ............................... 92,185,052 2,235,400 WPP Group PLC................................... 24,539,798 -------------- 116,724,850 -------------- 19 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. - (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE SHARES SECURITY (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ COMMON STOCK - (CONTINUED) MULTI-LINE INSURANCE - (4.42%) 4,939,325 American International Group, Inc. ............. $ 324,365,473 -------------- PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE - (7.68%) 3,402 Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class A*............... 299,035,800 6,366 Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B*............... 18,690,576 288,400 Chubb Corp. .................................... 22,177,960 20,000 Markel Corp.*................................... 7,280,000 2,553,200 Progressive Corp. (Ohio)........................ 216,613,488 -------------- 563,797,824 -------------- PUBLISHING - (0.54%) 483,300 Gannett Co., Inc. .............................. 39,485,610 -------------- REAL ESTATE - (1.92%) 2,938,388 Centerpoint Properties Trust (b)................ 140,719,401 -------------- REINSURANCE - (1.41%) 1,679,000 Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. ................... 103,812,570 -------------- TECHNOLOGY - (2.65%) 1,428,600 Lexmark International, Inc., Class A*........... 121,431,000 2,735,000 Microsoft Corp. ................................ 73,051,850 -------------- 194,482,850 -------------- TELECOMMUNICATIONS - (0.75%) 1,325,000 Nokia Oyj, ADR.................................. 20,762,750 1,537,000 SK Telecom Co., Ltd., ADR (c)................... 34,198,250 -------------- 54,961,000 -------------- TRANSPORTATION - (0.86%) 740,500 United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B............ 63,283,130 -------------- Total Common Stock - (identified cost $4,747,734,762)............ 7,143,461,277 -------------- 20 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. - (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE PRINCIPAL SECURITY (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - (2.55%) $60,656,000 Goldman, Sachs & Co. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.25%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $60,667,373 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $61,869,120)... $ 60,656,000 67,396,000 Nomura Securities International, Inc. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.35%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $67,409,198 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $68,743,920)............................... 67,396,000 59,135,000 UBS Financial Services Inc. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.27%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $59,146,186 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $60,317,700).... 59,135,000 ------------ Total Repurchase Agreements - (identified cost $187,187,000)............... 187,187,000 ------------ INVESTMENT OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED - (0.42%) MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS - (0.26%) 18,759,892 UBS Private Money Market LLC, 2.144268% (identified cost $18,759,892).................... 18,759,892 ------------ REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - (0.16%) 3,889,000 Goldman, Sachs & Co. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.25%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $3,889,729 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $3,966,780)................................ 3,889,000 4,321,000 Nomura Securities International, Inc. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.35%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $4,321,846 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $4,407,420)...................................... 4,321,000 3,790,000 UBS Financial Services Inc. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.27%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $3,790,717 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $3,865,800)..... 3,790,000 ------------ Total Repurchase Agreements - (identified cost $12,000,000)................ 12,000,000 ------------ Total Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned - (identified cost $30,759,892)................................... 30,759,892 ------------ 21 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. - (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2004 ================================================================================ Total Investments - (100.28%) - (identified cost $4,965,681,654) - (a)........................... $7,361,408,169 Liabilities Less Other Assets - (0.28%)........... (20,432,769) --------------- Net Assets - (100%)............................. $7,340,975,400 =============== *Non-Income Producing Security. (a) Aggregate cost for Federal Income Tax purposes is $4,971,348,915. At December 31, 2004, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities for Federal Income Tax purposes is as follows: Unrealized appreciation........................... $2,516,377,290 Unrealized depreciation........................... (126,318,036) --------------- Net unrealized appreciation ................... $2,390,059,254 =============== (b) Affiliated company. Represents ownership of at least 5% of the voting securities of the issuer and is an affiliate, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, at or during the year ended December 31, 2004. The aggregate fair value of the securities of affiliated companies held by the Fund as of December 31, 2004, amounts to $140,719,401. Transactions during the period in which the issuers were affiliates are as follows: Shares Gross Gross Shares Dividend Security December 31, 2003 Additions Reductions December 31, 2004 Income - -------- ----------------- --------- ---------- ----------------- ------ Centerpoint Properties Trust 1,469,194 1,469,194 - 2,938,388 $ 3,117,042 (c) Loaned security - See Note 7 of the Notes to Financial Statements. SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 22 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE SHARES SECURITY (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ COMMON STOCK - (98.56%) AUTOMOTIVE - (7.79%) 227,000 AutoNation, Inc.*................................... $ 4,360,670 46,100 AutoZone, Inc.*..................................... 4,209,391 ----------- 8,570,061 ----------- BANKS AND SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATIONS - (4.11%) 22,700 Commerce Bancorp, Inc. ............................. 1,461,880 49,800 Golden West Financial Corp. ........................ 3,058,716 ----------- 4,520,596 ----------- BUILDING & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION - (0.02%) 600 Tae Young Corp. .................................... 21,735 ----------- BUILDING PRODUCTS - (1.24%) 32,000 Home Depot, Inc. ................................... 1,367,680 ----------- BUSINESS SERVICES - (0.55%) 10,200 D&B Corp.*.......................................... 608,430 ----------- CHEMICALS - (2.40%) 43,600 Sigma-Aldrich Corp. ................................ 2,636,056 ----------- CONSUMER PRODUCTS - (0.64%) 2,800 Amorepacific Corp. ................................. 701,893 ----------- DISCOUNT RETAILER - (4.35%) 33,600 Costco Wholesale Corp. ............................. 1,626,576 14,700 Kmart Holding Corp.*................................ 1,451,919 106,000 99 Cents Only Stores*............................... 1,712,960 ----------- 4,791,455 ----------- DISTRIBUTORS - (4.37%) 78,700 Aramark Corp., Class B.............................. 2,086,337 84,000 Hughes Supply, Inc. ................................ 2,717,400 ----------- 4,803,737 ----------- DIVERSIFIED - (5.14%) 64,812 Groupe Bruxelles Lambert S.A. ...................... 5,255,388 6,970 Nong Shim Holdings Co., Ltd. ....................... 395,227 ----------- 5,650,615 ----------- DIVERSIFIED COMMERCIAL SERVICES - (1.34%) 520,000 Rentokil Initial PLC................................ 1,471,946 ----------- DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING - (3.35%) 103,000 Tyco International Ltd. ............................ 3,681,220 ----------- ELECTRONICS - (6.68%) 75,300 Agilent Technologies, Inc.*......................... 1,814,730 37,300 Applied Materials, Inc.*............................ 637,830 23 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. - (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE SHARES SECURITY (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ COMMON STOCK - (CONTINUED) ELECTRONICS - (CONTINUED) 51,100 Garmin Ltd. ....................................... $ 3,101,770 211,128 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ADR... 1,792,477 ------------ 7,346,807 ------------ ENERGY - (7.41%) 68,000 Calpine Corp.*..................................... 267,920 22,900 PetroChina Co. Ltd., ADR........................... 1,229,501 70,500 Premcor Inc........................................ 2,972,985 58,700 Sempra Energy...................................... 2,153,116 36,100 Transocean Inc.*................................... 1,530,279 ------------ 8,153,801 ------------ FINANCIAL SERVICES - (1.75%) 49,500 JPMorgan Chase & Co. .............................. 1,930,995 ------------ FOOD/BEVERAGE & RESTAURANT - (5.37%) 32,125 Heineken Holding NV, Class A....................... 967,600 900 Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd. ................. 834,621 1,200 Lotte Confectionery Co., Ltd. ..................... 919,243 40,200 McDonald's Corp. .................................. 1,288,812 28,400 Unilever NV, CVA................................... 1,896,496 ------------ 5,906,772 ------------ HEALTH CARE - (7.87%) 42,100 AmerisourceBergen Corp. ........................... 2,470,428 34,400 Cardinal Health, Inc. ............................. 2,000,360 22,380 Fisher Scientific International Inc.* ............. 1,396,064 20,000 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* ......................... 1,090,200 39,900 Lincare Holdings Inc.*............................. 1,701,336 ------------ 8,658,388 ------------ INDUSTRIAL - (1.27%) 26,200 Sealed Air Corp.*.................................. 1,395,674 ------------ INFORMATION/INFORMATION PROCESSING - (2.55%) 105,900 Reynolds & Reynolds Co., Class A................... 2,807,409 ------------ INSURANCE BROKERS - (2.74%) 7,000 Brown & Brown, Inc. ............................... 304,850 82,500 Marsh & McLennan Cos, Inc. ........................ 2,714,250 ------------ 3,019,100 INVESTMENT FIRMS - (0.30%) 1,100 Julius Baer Holding, Ltd. AG....................... 329,952 ------------ LIFE INSURANCE - (0.73%) 20,300 AFLAC Inc. ........................................ 808,752 ------------ 24 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. - (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE SHARES SECURITY (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ COMMON STOCK - (CONTINUED) MANUFACTURING - (3.20%) 52,430 Hunter Douglas NV................................ $ 2,785,749 8,100 Mohawk Industries, Inc.*......................... 739,125 ------------ 3,524,874 ------------ MEDIA - (6.44%) 67,800 Lagardere S.C.A. ................................ 4,873,564 40,500 WPP Group PLC, ADR............................... 2,213,730 ------------ 7,087,294 ------------ PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE - (0.94%) 13,485 Cincinnati Financial Corp. ...................... 596,846 1,200 Markel Corp.*.................................... 436,800 ------------ 1,033,646 ------------ REINSURANCE - (2.55%) 9,000 Everest Re Group, Ltd. .......................... 806,040 32,375 Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. .................... 2,001,746 ------------ 2,807,786 ------------ RETAILING - (3.22%) 100,000 Tiffany & Co. ................................... 3,197,000 57,600 WH Smith PLC..................................... 345,404 ------------ 3,542,404 ------------ TECHNOLOGY - (3.45%) 556,164 Compal Electronics, Inc. ........................ 554,590 8,000 Lexmark International, Inc., Class A*............ 680,000 96,100 Microsoft Corp. ................................. 2,566,831 ------------ 3,801,421 ------------ TELECOMMUNICATIONS - (6.79%) 441,600 Covad Communications Group, Inc.*................ 945,024 66,700 Motorola, Inc. .................................. 1,147,240 96,000 Nokia Oyj........................................ 1,510,080 158,500 Nokia Oyj, ADR................................... 2,483,695 23,500 SK Telecom Co., Ltd., ADR........................ 522,875 49,300 Telewest Global, Inc.*........................... 862,750 ------------ 7,471,664 ------------ Total Common Stock - (identified cost $80,214,701)................ 108,452,163 ------------ 25 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. - (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2004 ================================================================================ VALUE PRINCIPAL SECURITY (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - (1.59%) U.S. TREASURY BILLS - (0.44%) $ 490,000 2.055%, 02/24/05 - (identified cost $488,490) - (b)............... $ 488,490 ------------- REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - (1.15%) 408,000 Goldman, Sachs & Co. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.25%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $408,077 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $416,160)................................ 408,000 454,000 Nomura Securities International, Inc. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.35%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $454,089 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $463,080)...................................... 454,000 398,000 UBS Financial Services Inc. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.27%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $398,075 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $405,960).......... 398,000 ------------- Total Repurchase Agreements - (identified cost $1,260,000)............... 1,260,000 ------------- Total Short Term Investments - (identified cost $1,748,490)............... 1,748,490 ------------- Total Investments - (100.15%) - (identified cost $81,963,191) - (a)........ 110,200,653 Liabilities Less Other Assets - (0.15%)........ (160,070) ------------- Net Assets - (100%).......................... $110,040,583 ============= *Non-Income Producing Security. (a) Aggregate cost for Federal Income Tax purposes is $82,448,752. At December 31, 2004, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities for Federal Income Tax purposes is as follows: Unrealized appreciation........................ $ 29,274,943 Unrealized depreciation........................ (1,523,042) ------------- Net unrealized appreciation ................. $ 27,751,901 ============= (b) A sufficient amount of liquid assets has been designated to cover outstanding written put options, as follows (see Note 8 of the Notes to Financial Statements): Contracts Premium Subject to Put Puts Expiration Date Exercise Price Value Received - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (48) Kmart Holding Corp. 01/20/07 $100.00 $(97,920) $(97,233) SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 26 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED CAPITAL PRESERVATION TRUST - SELECTED DAILY GOVERNMENT FUND DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE PRINCIPAL (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ FANNIE MAE - (30.03%) $ 800,000 2.06%, 01/12/05...................................... $ 799,496 2,000,000 2.03%, 01/26/05...................................... 1,997,181 1,000,000 1.65%, 02/08/05 (c).................................. 1,000,000 2,000,000 1.50%, 02/14/05 (c).................................. 1,997,873 1,300,000 7.125%, 02/15/05..................................... 1,307,417 6,000,000 2.35%, 02/18/05 (b).................................. 6,000,058 5,000,000 1.40%, 02/25/05...................................... 5,000,000 2,500,000 2.00%, 03/23/05...................................... 2,488,750 375,000 2.46%, 03/23/05 (b).................................. 374,902 50,000 7.375%, 03/28/05..................................... 50,560 3,000,000 2.265%, 04/28/05 (b)................................. 2,999,855 2,000,000 1.40%, 05/03/05...................................... 2,000,000 3,000,000 1.91625%, 07/06/05 (b)............................... 2,999,178 3,000,000 2.25%, 07/26/05 (b).................................. 2,999,658 750,000 2.33%, 12/09/05 (b).................................. 749,395 750,000 2.39%, 12/19/05 (b).................................. 749,353 ------------ Total FANNIE MAE - (identified cost $33,513,676)... 33,513,676 ------------ FEDERAL FARM CREDIT BANK - (2.24%) 500,000 5.72%, 04/13/05...................................... 504,659 2,000,000 2.269%, 06/10/05 (b)................................. 2,000,000 ------------ Total Federal Farm Credit Bank - (identified cost $2,504,659)..................... 2,504,659 ------------ FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK - (30.40%) 2,000,000 1.958%, 01/05/05 (b)................................. 1,999,999 150,000 4.485%, 01/11/05..................................... 150,103 500,000 2.09%, 01/19/05...................................... 499,478 500,000 2.09%, 01/21/05...................................... 499,419 5,000,000 1.45%, 03/11/05...................................... 5,000,000 1,500,000 2.405%, 03/15/05 (b)................................. 1,499,746 1,000,000 1.625%, 04/15/05..................................... 997,490 1,000,000 2.338%, 04/25/05 (b)................................. 999,983 5,000,000 1.30%, 04/27/05...................................... 5,000,000 2,000,000 1.55%, 05/06/05...................................... 2,000,000 2,000,000 1.625%, 06/15/05..................................... 1,990,713 5,000,000 2.328%, 07/26/05 (b)................................. 4,999,432 3,150,000 2.205%, 08/02/05 (b)................................. 3,149,671 2,055,000 1.50%, 08/19/05...................................... 2,039,321 100,000 6.05%, 09/08/05...................................... 102,285 3,000,000 2.30688%, 09/16/05 (b)............................... 2,999,192 ------------ Total Federal Home Loan Bank - (identified cost $33,926,832).................... 33,926,832 ------------ 27 SELECTED FUNDS SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS SELECTED CAPITAL PRESERVATION TRUST - SELECTED DAILY GOVERNMENT FUND DECEMBER 31, 2004 VALUE PRINCIPAL (NOTE 1) ================================================================================ FREDDIE MAC - (4.81%) $ 1,000,000 1.875%, 01/15/05....................................$ 999,847 2,000,000 2.085%, 02/01/05.................................... 1,996,409 2,000,000 3.875%, 02/15/05.................................... 2,004,468 100,000 4.25%, 04/11/05..................................... 100,453 250,000 1.50%, 07/29/05..................................... 248,159 25,000 2.01%, 01/27/06..................................... 24,715 ------------ Total FREDDIE MAC - (identified cost $5,374,051).. 5,374,051 ------------ REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - (32.40%) 11,716,000 Goldman, Sachs & Co. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.25%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $11,718,197 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $11,950,320).......... 11,716,000 13,018,000 Nomura Securities International, Inc. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.35%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $13,020,549 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $13,278,360)...................................... 13,018,000 11,423,000 UBS Financial Services Inc. Joint Repurchase Agreement, 2.27%, 01/03/05, dated 12/31/04, repurchase value of $11,425,161 (collateralized by: U.S. Government obligations in a pooled cash account, total market value $11,651,460).......... 11,423,000 ------------ Total Repurchase Agreements - (identified cost $36,157,000)..................... 36,157,000 ------------ Total Investments - (99.88%) - (identified cost $111,476,218) - (a)............ 111,476,218 Other Assets Less Liabilities - (0.12%)........... 130,317 ------------ Net Assets - (100%).............................$111,606,535 ============ (a) Aggregate cost for Federal Income Tax purposes is $111,476,218. (b) The interest rates on floating rate securities, shown as of December 31, 2004, may change daily or less frequently and are based on indices of market rates. For purposes of amortized cost valuation, the maturity dates of these securities are considered to be the effective maturities, based on the reset dates of the securities' variable rates. (c) The interest rates on variable rate securities represent the current rate as of December 31, 2004. SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 28 SELECTED FUNDS STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES At December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ SELECTED SELECTED DAILY AMERICAN SPECIAL GOVERNMENT SHARES SHARES FUND --------------- -------------- -------------- ASSETS: Investments in securities, at value * (see accompanying Schedules of Investments): Unaffiliated companies................................. $ 7,189,928,876 $ 110,200,653 $ 111,476,218 Affiliated companies................................... 140,719,401 - - Collateral of securities loaned (Note 7)............... 30,759,892 - - Cash..................................................... 166,493 2,643 3,372 Receivables: Dividends and interest................................. 10,834,488 75,520 248,434 Capital stock sold..................................... 15,113,394 18,792 66,731 Prepaid expenses....................................... 61,614 3,453 4,901 --------------- -------------- -------------- Total assets......................................... 7,387,584,158 110,301,061 111,799,656 --------------- -------------- -------------- LIABILITIES: Return of collateral loaned (Note 7).................... 30,759,892 - - Payables: Capital stock reacquired.............................. 9,955,149 38,090 44,432 Accrued expenses........................................ 2,419,306 59,455 39,724 Accrued management fees................................. 3,474,411 65,013 29,318 Options written, at value (premiums received $97,233) (see accompanying Schedule of Investments)............ - 97,920 - Distributions payable................................... - - 79,647 --------------- -------------- -------------- Total liabilities.................................. 46,608,758 260,478 193,121 --------------- -------------- -------------- NET ASSETS ................................................ $ 7,340,975,400 $ 110,040,583 $ 111,606,535 =============== ============== ============== NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: Par value of shares of capital stock.................... $ 248,874,001 $ 2,212,637 $ 11,160,654 Additional paid-in capital.............................. 5,262,828,003 80,060,765 100,445,881 Overdistributed net investment income................... (2,946,989) (26,300) - Accumulated net realized losses from investments and foreign currency transactions..................... (563,510,381) (444,001) - Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions......... 2,395,730,766 28,237,482 - --------------- -------------- -------------- $ 7,340,975,400 $ 110,040,583 $ 111,606,535 =============== ============== ============== * Including cost for Unaffiliated companies, Affiliated companies, and Collateral of securities loaned of $4,906,293,583, $28,628,179, and $30,759,892 respectively for Selected American Shares; and securities valued at $29,728,225 were on loan from Selected American Shares, and Collateral received for securities on loan is valued at $30,759,892. Including cost of $81,963,191 for Selected Special Shares. Including repurchase agreements and cost of $36,157,000 and $111,476,218, respectively for Selected Daily Government Fund. 29 SELECTED FUNDS STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - (Continued) At December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ SELECTED SELECTED DAILY AMERICAN SPECIAL GOVERNMENT SHARES SHARES FUND --------------- -------------- -------------- CLASS S SHARES: Net Assets............................................. $ 6,659,830,282 $ 90,535,595 $ 106,643,435 Shares Outstanding..................................... 180,617,523 7,280,337 106,643,435 Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share (Net Assets divided by Shares Outstanding). $ 36.87 $ 12.44 $ 1.00 =========== ========== ========== CLASS D SHARES: Net Assets............................................. $ 681,145,118 $ 19,504,988 $ 4,963,100 Shares Outstanding..................................... 18,481,678 1,570,209 4,963,100 Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share (Net Assets divided by Shares Outstanding). $ 36.86 $ 12.42 $ 1.00 =========== ========== ========== SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30 SELECTED FUNDS STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the year ended December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ SELECTED SELECTED DAILY AMERICAN SPECIAL GOVERNMENT SHARES SHARES FUND -------------- -------------- -------------- INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS): Income: Dividends Unaffiliated companies*............................... $ 104,369,164 $ 1,537,743 $ - Affiliated companies.................................. 3,117,042 - - Interest................................................ 2,980,651 26,074 1,576,133 Security lending fees................................... 339,361 - - -------------- -------------- -------------- Total income........................................ 110,806,218 1,563,817 1,576,133 -------------- -------------- -------------- Expenses: Management fees (Note 2)................................ 36,126,515 690,416 336,876 Custodian fees.......................................... 1,123,448 45,320 19,302 Transfer agent fees Class S............................................... 5,120,319 99,652 35,364 Class D............................................... 96,640 7,009 2,799 Audit fees.............................................. 45,600 14,400 12,000 Legal fees.............................................. 90,432 6,186 5,427 Reports to shareholders................................. 666,085 9,013 7,458 Directors' fees and expenses............................ 403,633 6,302 10,270 Registration and filing fees............................ 77,107 40,896 45,142 Miscellaneous........................................... 67,769 7,099 3,101 Payments under distribution plan - Class S (Note 3)..... 15,768,451 229,881 274,547 -------------- -------------- -------------- Total expenses...................................... 59,585,999 1,156,174 752,286 Expenses paid indirectly (Note 6)................... (43,326) (68) (15) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net expenses........................................ 59,542,673 1,156,106 752,271 -------------- -------------- -------------- Net investment income............................... 51,263,545 407,711 823,862 -------------- -------------- -------------- REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: Net realized gain (loss) from: Investment transactions................................ (46,701,415) 4,741,318 - Foreign currency transactions.......................... (130,018) (12,424) - Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments during the period...................... 764,724,720 5,967,301 - -------------- -------------- -------------- Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency................................... 717,893,287 10,696,195 - -------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations... $ 769,156,832 $ 11,103,906 $ 823,862 ============== ============== ============== * Net of foreign taxes withheld as follows............... $ 3,003,268 $ 89,669 - SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 SELECTED FUNDS STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS For the year ended December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ SELECTED SELECTED DAILY AMERICAN SPECIAL GOVERNMENT SHARES SHARES FUND --------------- -------------- -------------- OPERATIONS: Net investment income................................... $ 51,263,545 $ 407,711 $ 823,862 Net realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions................................. (46,831,433) 4,728,894 - Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments........................................ 764,724,720 5,967,301 - --------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations.... 769,156,832 11,103,906 823,862 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income Class S............................................... (46,865,527) (297,243) (793,973) Class D............................................... (5,914,843) (100,305) (29,889) Realized gains from investment transactions Class S............................................... - (3,731,939) - Class D............................................... - (745,595) - Return of capital Class S............................................... (1,832,879) - - Class D............................................... (231,325) - - CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from Capital share transactions (Note 5) Class S............................................... 12,354,275 (10,581,291) (6,209,091) Class D............................................... 636,424,037 18,739,902 4,963,100 --------------- -------------- -------------- Total increase (decrease) in net assets..................... 1,363,090,570 14,387,435 (1,245,991) NET ASSETS: Beginning of year....................................... 5,977,884,830 95,653,148 112,852,526 ---------------- --------------- -------------- End of year*............................................ $ 7,340,975,400 $ 110,040,583 $ 111,606,535 ================ =============== ============== *Including overdistributed net investment income of... $ (2,946,989) $ (26,300) - SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 32 SELECTED FUNDS STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS For the year ended December 31, 2003 SELECTED SELECTED DAILY AMERICAN SPECIAL GOVERNMENT SHARES SHARES FUND --------------- -------------- -------------- OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)............................ $ 38,972,047 $ (283,799) $ 626,278 Net realized gain (loss) from investments, foreign currency transactions and payments by affiliates...... (139,108,059) 4,736,622 - Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments........................................ 1,469,948,314 21,631,485 - --------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations.... 1,369,812,302 26,084,308 626,278 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income................................... (35,901,174) - (626,278) Realized gains from investment transactions............. - (3,656,693) - Return of capital....................................... (2,024,047) - - CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 5)................................................ 300,352,365 13,463,555 (3,333,974) --------------- -------------- -------------- Total increase (decrease) in net assets..................... 1,632,239,446 35,891,170 (3,333,974) NET ASSETS: Beginning of year....................................... 4,345,645,384 59,761,978 116,186,500 --------------- -------------- -------------- End of year*............................................ $ 5,977,884,830 $ 95,653,148 $ 112,852,526 =============== ============== ============== *Including overdistributed net investment income of... $ (1,300,146) $ (24,039) - SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 33 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Selected Funds (the Funds) consist of Selected American Shares, Inc., (American Shares, Inc.), Selected Special Shares, Inc., (Special Shares, Inc.), and the Selected Capital Preservation Trust (the Trust). The Trust consists of the Daily Government Fund. Selected U.S. Government Income Fund, previously a series of the Trust, liquidated its assets on March 16, 2004. The Funds and Trust are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as diversified, open-end management investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of financial statements. American Shares, Inc. and Special Shares, Inc. are diversified, professionally managed stock-oriented funds. Selected Daily Government Fund (Daily Government) seeks to provide a high level of current income from short-term money market securities consistent with prudent investment management, preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity. It invests in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements in respect thereto. An investment in any of the Funds, as with any mutual fund, includes risks that vary depending upon the fund's investment objectives and policies. There is no assurance that the investment objective of any fund will be achieved. A fund's return and net asset value will fluctuate, although Daily Government seeks to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share. Effective May 3, 2004, the existing shares of the Funds were renamed Class S shares and a new class of shares, Class D shares, commenced operations. The Class S shares and Class D shares are sold at net asset value. Income, expenses (other than those attributable to a specific class) and gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets represented by each class. Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the operations of that class. All classes have identical rights with respect to voting (exclusive of each Class' distribution arrangement), liquidation and distributions. A. VALUATION OF SECURITIES - Securities listed on national securities exchanges are valued at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation. Securities traded in the over the counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are stated at the last quoted bid price. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or whose values have been affected by a significant event occurring after the close of their primary markets, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors/Trustees. Daily Government uses the amortized cost method of valuing investment securities, which represents fair value. These valuation procedures are reviewed and subject to approval by the Board of Directors/Trustees. B. MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - The Funds, along with other affiliated funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into one or more master repurchase agreement accounts. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements, secured by U.S. government securities. Securities pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements are held by a custodian bank until the agreements mature. Each agreement requires that the market value of the collateral be sufficient to cover payments of interest and principal; however, in the event of default by the other party to the agreement, retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. C. CURRENCY TRANSLATION - The market values of all assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the financial statements after translation to the U.S. dollar based upon the mean between the bid and offered quotations of the currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. The cost basis of such assets and liabilities is determined based upon historical exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect as accrued or incurred. 34 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED) D. FOREIGN CURRENCY - The Funds may enter into forward purchases or sales of foreign currencies to hedge certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities against declines in market value relative to the U.S. dollar. Forward currency contracts are marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Funds as an unrealized gain or loss. When the forward currency contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the forward currency contract at the time it was opened and value at the time it was closed. Investments in forward currency contracts may expose the Funds to risks resulting from unanticipated movements in foreign currency exchange rates or failure of the counter-party to the agreement to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from the sales and maturities of investments, sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds' books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at fiscal year end, resulting from changes in the exchange rate. The Funds include foreign currency gains and losses realized on the sale of investments together with market gains and losses on such investments in the statement of operations. E. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - It is each Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income, including any net realized gains on investments not offset by loss carryovers, to shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is required. At December 31, 2004, American Shares, Inc. had post October 2004 losses of approximately $21,992,000 available to offset future capital gains, if any, which expire in 2013. At December 31, 2004, the Funds had available for federal income tax purposes unused capital loss carryforwards as follows: AMERICAN SHARES, INC. ------------ EXPIRING -------- 12/31/2009 $ 67,867,000 12/31/2010 296,227,000 12/31/2011 109,428,000 12/31/2012 63,796,000 --------------- TOTAL $ 537,318,000 F. USE OF ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 35 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED) G. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME - Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed) with realized gain or loss on the sale of securities being determined based upon identified cost. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, which includes accretion of discount and amortization of premium, is accrued as earned. H. DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES FEES AND EXPENSES - The Funds set up a Rabbi Trust to provide for the deferred compensation plan for independent Directors/Trustees that enables them to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of annual fees they are entitled to receive. The value of an eligible Director's/Trustee's account is based upon years of service and fees paid to each Director/Trustee during the years of service. The amount paid to the Director/Trustee under the plan will be determined based upon the performance of the Selected Funds. I. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS - Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Net investment income (loss), net realized gains (losses), and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments may differ for financial statement and tax purposes primarily because of the recognition of certain foreign currency gains (losses) as ordinary income (loss) for tax purposes and the tax deferral of losses on "wash sale" transactions. The character of dividends and distributions made during the fiscal year from net investment income and net realized securities gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividends and distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which income or realized gain was recorded by the Funds. The Funds adjust the classification of distributions to shareholders to reflect the differences between financial statement amounts and distributions determined in accordance with income tax regulations. Accordingly, during the year ended December 31, 2004, for Selected American Shares, amounts have been reclassified to reflect a decrease in undistributed net investment loss of $1,934,186, a decrease in accumulated net realized loss of $130,018, and a decrease in paid in capital of $2,064,204; for Selected Special Shares, amounts have been reclassified to reflect an increase in undistributed net investment loss of $12,424 and a corresponding decrease in accumulated net realized loss of $12,424. 36 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS - (CONTINUED) The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, was as follows: Ordinary Long-Term Return of Income Capital Gain Capital Total ------ ------------ ------- ----- Selected American Shares 2004........................ $ 52,780,370 $ - $ 2,064,204 $ 54,844,574 2003........................ 35,901,174 - 2,024,047 37,925,221 Selected Special Shares 2004........................ 1,271,257 3,603,825 - 4,875,082 2003........................ 1,898,668 1,758,025 - 3,656,693 Selected Daily Government Fund 2004........................ 823,862 - - 823,862 2003........................ 626,278 - - 626,278 As of December 31, 2004 the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows: SELECTED SELECTED AMERICAN SPECIAL SHARES SHARES ------ ------ Undistributed net investment income............. $ - $ - Accumulated net realized losses from investments and foreign currency transactions.................................. (559,309,964) - Undistributed long term capital gain............ - 41,559 Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments................................ 2,390,063,505 27,751,922 --------------- -------------- Total...................................... $ 1,830,753,541 $ 27,793,481 =============== ============== 37 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES Advisory fees are paid monthly to Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (the "Adviser"), the Fund's investment adviser. Until May 3, 2004 the rate for American Shares, Inc. was 0.65% on the first $500 million of average net assets, 0.60% of the average net assets on the next $500 million, 0.55% of the average net assets on the next $2 billion, 0.54% of the average net assets on the next $1 billion, 0.53% of the average net assets on the next $1 billion, 0.52% of the average net assets on the next $1 billion, 0.51% of the average net assets on the next $1 billion and 0.50% of the average net assets in excess of $7 billion. Effective May 3, 2004, the Advisory fee was changed from 0.50% of the average net assets in excess of $7 billion to 0.50% of the average net assets on the next $3 billion, and 0.485% of the average net assets in excess of $10 billion. The rate for Special Shares, Inc. is 0.70% on the first $50 million of average net assets, 0.675% on the next $100 million, 0.65% on the next $100 million, and 0.60% of average net assets in excess of $250 million. Advisory fees paid during the year ended December 31, 2004, approximated 0.55% and 0.69% of average net assets for American Shares, Inc. and Special Shares, Inc., respectively. The rate for the Daily Government Fund is 0.30% of average net assets. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street Bank") is the Funds' primary transfer agent. The Adviser is also paid for certain transfer agent services. The fee paid to the Adviser for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $192,876, $11,435, and $3,504 for American Shares, Inc., Special Shares, Inc., and Daily Government, respectively. Certain Directors/Trustees and officers of the Funds are also Directors/Trustees and officers of the general partner of the Adviser. Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc. ("DSA-NY"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, acts as sub-adviser to the Funds. The Funds pay no fees directly to DSA-NY. NOTE 3 - DISTRIBUTION For services under the distribution agreement, the Funds' Class S shares pay a fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 2004, American Shares, Inc., Special Shares, Inc., and Daily Government incurred distribution services fees totaling $15,768,451, $229,881, and $274,547, respectively. There are no distribution service fees for the Funds' Class D shares. NOTE 4 - PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) during the year ended December 31, 2004 were as follows: AMERICAN SPECIAL SHARES, INC. SHARES, INC. ------------ ------------ Cost of purchases............ $ 970,919,639 $ 33,031,448 Proceeds of sales............ $ 178,298,592 $ 29,697,956 38 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 5 - CAPITAL STOCK At December 31, 2004, there were 300 million shares of capital stock of American Shares, Inc. ($1.25 par value per share) authorized. At December 31, 2004, there were 50 million shares of capital stock of Special Shares, Inc. ($0.25 par value per share) authorized. At December 31, 2004, there were unlimited shares of capital stock of Selected Capital Preservation Trust ($0.10 par value per share) authorized. Transactions in capital stock were as follows: CLASS S YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 ---------------------------------------------------- AMERICAN SPECIAL SHARES SHARES DAILY INC. INC. GOVERNMENT -------------- -------------- -------------- Shares sold........................................ 41,612,398 1,251,817 7,244,394 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions..... 1,266,365 320,624 748,379 -------------- -------------- -------------- 42,878,763 1,572,441 7,992,773 Shares redeemed/transferred out.................... (42,465,137) (2,466,385) (14,201,864) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease)........................ 413,626 (893,944) (6,209,091) ============== ============== ============== Proceeds from shares sold.......................... $1,433,572,159 $ 14,996,979 $ 7,244,394 Proceeds from shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.................... 45,994,205 3,879,551 748,379 -------------- -------------- -------------- 1,479,566,364 18,876,530 7,992,773 Cost of shares redeemed/transferred out............ (1,467,212,089) (29,457,821) (14,201,864) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease)........................ $ 12,354,275 $ (10,581,291) $ (6,209,091) ============== ============== ============== YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 ---------------------------------------------------- AMERICAN SPECIAL SHARES SHARES DAILY INC. INC. GOVERNMENT -------------- -------------- -------------- Shares sold........................................ 34,874,537 2,003,231 10,583,488 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions..... 1,117,524 298,010 640,691 -------------- -------------- -------------- 35,992,061 2,301,241 11,224,179 Shares redeemed.................................... (26,149,475) (1,067,330) (14,558,153) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease)........................ 9,842,586 1,233,911 (3,333,974) ============== ============== ============== Proceeds from shares sold.......................... $ 985,458,597 $ 20,328,439 $ 10,583,488 Proceeds from shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.................... 35,661,013 3,439,034 640,691 -------------- -------------- -------------- 1,021,119,610 23,767,473 11,224,179 Cost of shares redeemed............................ (720,767,245) (10,303,918) (14,558,153) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease)........................ $ 300,352,365 $ 13,463,555 $ (3,333,974) ============== ============== ============== 39 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 5 - CAPITAL STOCK - (CONTINUED) CLASS D MAY 3, 2004 (INCEPTION OF OFFERING) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004 ---------------------------------------------------- AMERICAN SPECIAL SHARES SHARES DAILY INC. INC. GOVERNMENT -------------- -------------- -------------- Shares sold/transferred in........................... 18,753,501 1,555,774 6,333,859 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions....... 155,056 64,217 26,236 -------------- -------------- -------------- 18,908,557 1,619,991 6,360,095 Shares redeemed...................................... (426,879) (49,782) (1,396,995) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase....................................... 18,481,678 1,570,209 4,963,100 ============== ============== ============== Proceeds from shares sold/transferred in............. $ 645,807,961 $ 18,546,678 $ 6,333,859 Proceeds from shares issued in reinvestment of distributions................................... 5,626,979 775,744 26,236 -------------- -------------- -------------- 651,434,940 19,322,422 6,360,095 Cost of shares redeemed.............................. (15,010,903) (582,520) (1,396,995) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net increase....................................... $ 636,424,037 $ 18,739,902 $ 4,963,100 ============== ============== ============== NOTE 6 - EXPENSES PAID INDIRECTLY Under an agreement with the custodian bank, each Fund's custodian fees are reduced for earnings on cash balances maintained at the custodian by the Funds. During the year ended December 31, 2004, such reductions amounted to $1,638, $68, and $15 for American Shares, Inc., Special Shares, Inc., and Daily Government, respectively. American Shares, Inc. has entered into agreements with certain brokers whereby the Fund's operating expenses are reduced by a portion of the commissions paid to such brokers. Portfolio transactions are allocated to these brokers only when the Fund's traders make a good faith determination that such brokers can achieve best execution, not withstanding the operating expense reductions. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the reduction amounted to $41,688. NOTE 7 - SECURITIES LOANED American Shares, Inc. (the "Fund") has entered into a securities lending arrangement with UBS Financial Services Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the Fund receives fee income from lending transactions; in exchange for such fees, UBS Financial Services Inc. is authorized to loan securities on behalf of the Fund, against receipt of collateral at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. As of December 31, 2004, the Fund had on loan securities valued at $29,728,225; cash of $30,759,892 was received as collateral for the loans. The Fund bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the collateral available for return to a borrower due to a loss in an approved investment. NOTE 8 - OPTION ACTIVITY Each Fund may purchase or sell options (including "put options") to pursue its investment objective or for hedging purposes. When selling a put option, the purchaser receives the right to sell, and the writer (the Fund) the obligation to buy, the underlying investment at the exercise price during the option period. 40 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 8 - OPTION ACTIVITY - (CONTINUED) When writing a put option on a security, to secure its obligation to pay for the underlying security, each Fund will deposit, in escrow, liquid assets with a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the underlying securities. Each Fund therefore foregoes the opportunity of investing the segregated assets. The premium each Fund receives from writing a put option represents a profit, as long as the price of the underlying investment remains equal to or above the exercise price of the put. However, each Fund also assumes the obligation, during the option period, to buy the underlying investment from the buyer of the put at the exercise price, even if the value of the investment falls below the exercise price. See the Statement of Additional Information for more information concerning the Funds' use of options. Options are valued daily based upon the Funds' valuation procedures (Note 1) and unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded. The Funds will realize a gain or loss upon the expiration or closing of the option transaction. Put options written are reported as a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are reported in the Statement of Operations. Written put option activity for the year ended December 31, 2004 was as follows: SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES ------------------------ Number of Amount of Contracts Premiums --------- -------- Options outstanding as of December 31, 2003........ - - Options written................................ 48 $ 97,233 Options closed or expired...................... - - Options exercised.............................. - - --------- --------- Options outstanding as of December 31, 2004........ 48 $ 97,233 ========= ========= NOTE 9 - BANK BORROWINGS Each Fund may borrow up to 5% of its assets from a bank to purchase portfolio securities, or for temporary and emergency purposes. The purchase of securities with borrowed funds creates leverage in the Fund. Each Fund has entered into an agreement, which enables it to participate with certain other funds managed by the Adviser in an unsecured line of credit with a bank, which permits borrowings up to $50 million, collectively. Interest is charged based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to the overnight Federal Funds Rate plus 0.75%. The Funds had no borrowings outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2004. NOTE 10 - PAYMENTS BY AFFILIATES Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. reimbursed each fund for commissions paid to certain broker dealers which received brokerage which was directed for sale of fund shares from January 1, 2000 to July 31, 2003. The amount paid to Selected American Shares, Inc. in 2003 was $119,713. 41 SELECTED FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) December 31, 2004 ================================================================================ NOTE 11 - LITIGATION MATTERS On June 2, 2004, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of investors in certain mutual funds ("Funds") managed by Davis Selected Advisers L.P. including the Selected Funds. The plaintiffs claim that Davis Selected Advisers L.P. and its affiliates, and the individual directors of the Funds (collectively the "Defendants") used Fund assets to pay brokers to market the Funds and that the Defendants disguised such payments as brokerage commissions and further failed to disclose such payments in public filings or elsewhere. The lawsuit seeks damages of unspecified amounts. Three substantially identical proposed class action lawsuits were filed against the Defendants later in June and July 2004 in the United States Court for the Southern District of New York. All four suits have been consolidated into a single action. Davis Selected Advisers L.P. believes the actions are without merit and the Defendants intend to vigorously defend the proceedings. Although no determination can be made at this time, the Funds do not expect this lawsuit to have a material adverse effect on the assets or results of the Funds. 42 SELECTED FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. ================================================================================ The following financial information represents selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period: CLASS S YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.... $ 33.17 $ 25.51 $ 30.99 $ 35.33 $ 35.80 ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Income (Loss) From Investment Operations Net Investment Income.................. .26 .22 .17 .14 .15 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)...................... 3.71 7.65 (5.45) (4.10) 2.98 ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Total From Investment Operations.... 3.97 7.87 (5.28) (3.96) 3.13 Dividends and Distributions Dividends from Net Investment Income... (.26) (.20) (.17) (.14) (.14) Distributions from Realized Gains...... - - - (.24) (3.46) Dividends in Excess of Net Investment Income................... - - - -(4) - Return of Capital..................... (.01) (.01) (.03) - - ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Total Dividends and Distributions... (.27) (.21) (.20) (.38) (3.60) ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Net Asset Value, End of Period.......... $ 36.87 $ 33.17 $ 25.51 $ 30.99 $ 35.33 ======= ======= ======== ======= ======== Total Return(1)......................... 11.97% 30.90% (17.06)% (11.17)% 9.33% Ratios/Supplemental Data Net Assets, End of Period (000,000 omitted)................... $6,660 $5,978 $4,346 $5,565 $5,707 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .92% .94%(3) .94%(3) .94%(3) .92% Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets.................. .76% .80% .61% .45% .52% Portfolio Turnover Rate(2)............. 3% 8% 19% 20% 22% (1) Assumes hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. (2) The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. (3) Ratio of expenses to average net assets after the reduction of expenses paid indirectly was .93% for 2003, 2002, and 2001. (4) Less than $0.005 per share. SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 43 SELECTED FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. ================================================================================ The following financial information represents selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period: CLASS D MAY 3, 2004 (INCEPTION OF CLASS) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004 ----------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.... $ 34.12 ------- Income From Investment Operations Net Investment Income.................. .18 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains...... 2.91 ------- Total From Investment Operations.... 3.09 ------- Dividends and Distributions Dividends from Net Investment Income... (.34) Return of Capital..................... (.01) ------- Total Dividends and Distributions... (.35) ------- Net Asset Value, End of Period.......... $ 36.86 ======= Total Return(1)........................... 9.08% Ratios/Supplemental Data Net Assets, End of Period (000,000 omitted)................... $681 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .65%* Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets.................. 1.10%* Portfolio Turnover Rate(2)............. 3% (1) Assumes hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period (or inception of offering), with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are not annualized for periods of less than one full year. (2) The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. * Annualized SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 44 SELECTED FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. ================================================================================ The following financial information represents selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period: CLASS S YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....... $ 11.70 $ 8.61 $ 10.50 $ 13.68 $ 16.17 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Income (Loss) From Investment Operations Net Investment Income (Loss)............. .05 (.04) (.04) (.02) - Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)......................... 1.26 3.60 (1.81) (1.95) (.25) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total From Investment Operations....... 1.31 3.56 (1.85) (1.97) (.25) Dividends and Distributions Dividends from Net Investment Income...... (.04) - - - - Distributions from Realized Gains......... (.53) (.47) (.04) (1.21) (2.24) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total Dividends and Distributions...... (.57) (.47) (.04) (1.21) (2.24) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net Asset Value, End of Period............. $ 12.44 $ 11.70 $ 8.61 $ 10.50 $ 13.68 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Total Return(1)............................ 11.34% 41.40% (17.62)% (14.41)% (1.10)% Net Assets, End of Period (000 omitted).. $90,536 $95,653 $59,762 $73,092 $95,222 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets.. 1.17% 1.21% 1.17%(3) 1.15%(3) 1.15% Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets..................... .37% (.39)% (.46)% (.20)% (.25)% Portfolio Turnover Rate(2)............... 30% 46% 46% 117% 35% (1) Assumes hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. (2) The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. (3) Had the Adviser not absorbed certain expenses, the ratio of expenses to average net assets for 2002 and 2001 would have been 1.21% and 1.18%, respectively. SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 45 SELECTED FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. ================================================================================ The following financial information represents selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period: CLASS D MAY 3, 2004 (INCEPTION OF CLASS) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004 ----------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....... $ 11.97 ------- Income From Investment Operations Net Investment Income.................... .05 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains........ 1.00 ------- Total From Investment Operations....... 1.05 ------- Dividends and Distributions Dividends from Net Investment Income...... (.07) Distributions from Realized Gains......... (.53) ------- Total Dividends and Distributions...... (.60) ------- Net Asset Value, End of Period............. $ 12.42 ======= Total Return(1)............................ 8.91% Net Assets, End of Period (000 omitted).. $19,505 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets.. .91%* Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets..................... .86%* Portfolio Turnover Rate(2)............... 30% (1) Assumes hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period (or inception of offering), with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are not annualized for periods of less than one full year. (2) The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. * Annualized SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 46 SELECTED FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED DAILY GOVERNMENT FUND ================================================================================ The following financial information represents selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period: CLASS S YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........ $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Income From Investment Operations Net Investment Income..................... .007 .005 .013 .037 .056 Dividends and Distributions Dividends from Net Investment Income...... (.007) (.005) (.013) (.037) (.056) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net Asset Value, End of Period.............. $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Total Return(1)............................. 0.73% 0.54% 1.32% 3.73% 5.80% Ratios/Supplemental Data Net Assets, End of Period (000 omitted) $106,643 $112,853 $116,187 $112,380 $130,126 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .68% .67% .67% .66% .67% Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets................... .72% .54% 1.30% 3.73% 5.68% (1) Assumes hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 47 SELECTED FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED DAILY GOVERNMENT FUND ================================================================================ The following financial information represents selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period: CLASS D MAY 3, 2004 (INCEPTION OF CLASS) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004 ----------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.... $ 1.000 ------- Income From Investment Operations Net Investment Income.................. .007 Dividends and Distributions Dividends from Net Investment Income... (.007) ------- Net Asset Value, End of Period.......... $ 1.000 ======= Total Return(1)......................... 0.74% Ratios/Supplemental Data Net Assets, End of Period (000 omitted) $4,963 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .44%* Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets............... 1.21%* (1) Assumes hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period (or inception of offering), with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are not annualized for periods of less than one full year. * Annualized SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 48 SELECTED FUNDS REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ================================================================================ To the Shareholders and Board of Directors/Trustees of Selected American Shares, Inc., Selected Special Shares, Inc., and Selected Capital Preservation Trust: We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Selected American Shares, Inc., Selected Special Shares, Inc., and Daily Government Fund (a series of Selected Capital Preservation Trust), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2004 and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2004, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Selected American Shares, Inc., Selected Special Shares, Inc., and Daily Government Fund as of December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ KPMG LLP Denver, Colorado February 4, 2005 49 SELECTED FUNDS For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 (Unaudited) ================================================================================ FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION In early 2005, shareholders will receive information regarding all dividends and distributions paid to them by the Funds during calendar year 2004. Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require the Funds to report this information to the Internal Revenue Service. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from the information reported as distributions taxable to certain shareholders for the calendar year ended 2004 with their 2004 Form 1099-DIV. SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. Income dividends paid by the Fund during the calendar year ended 2004 should be multiplied by 100% to arrive at the net amount eligible for the corporate dividend-received deduction. For the calendar year ended 2004 certain dividends paid by the Fund constitute qualified dividend income for Federal Income Tax purposes. The Fund designates $52,780,370 as qualified dividend income. SELECTED SPECIAL SHARES, INC. During the calendar year ended 2004, the Fund declared and paid long-term capital gain distributions in the amount of $3,603,825. Dividends paid by the Fund during the calendar year ended 2004, which are not designated as capital gain distributions, should be multiplied by 100% to arrive at the net amount eligible for the corporate dividend-received deduction. For the calendar year ended 2004 certain dividends paid by the Fund constitute qualified dividend income for Federal Income Tax purposes. The Fund designates $1,271,257 as qualified dividend income. PORTFOLIO PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Funds has adopted Portfolio Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures under which the Funds vote proxies relating to securities held by the Funds. A description of the Funds' Portfolio Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds toll-free at 1-800-243-1575, (ii) on the Funds' website at www.selectedfunds.com, and (iii) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Funds are required to file Form N-PX, with its complete proxy voting record for the 12 months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. The Funds' Form N-PX filing is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds toll-free at 1-800-243-1575, (ii) on the Funds' website at www.selectedfunds.com, and (iii) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. FORM N-Q 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' Form N-Q is available without charge upon request by calling 1-800-243-1575 or on the Funds' website at www.selectedfunds.com or on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Funds' Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. 50 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ DIRECTORS For the purposes of their service as directors to the Selected Funds, the business address for each of the directors is 2949 E. Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85706. Each Director serves until the age of 75, or until his or her resignation, death or removal. NUMBER OF TERM OF PORTFOLIOS IN OTHER POSITION(S) OFFICE AND FUND COMPLEX DIRECTORSHIPS HELD WITH LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY HELD BY NAME AND AGE FUND TIME SERVED DURING PAST FIVE YEARS DIRECTOR DIRECTOR - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS WILLIAM P. BARR Director director Executive Vice President and 3 None (born 5/23/50) since 1994 General Counsel, Verizon (formerly GTE Corporation before it merged with Bell Atlantic) since July 1994; Attorney General of the United States from August 1991 to January 1993; Deputy Attorney General from May 1990 to August 1991; Assistant Attorney General from April 1989 to May 1990; Partner with the law firm of Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge from 1984 to April 1989 and January 1993 to August 1994. FLOYD A. BROWN Director director Retired staff announcer and 3 None (born 11/5/30) since 1975 program host for WGN Radio and Television, Chicago, Illinois; sole proprietor of The Floyd Brown Co., Elgin, Illinois (advertising, media production and mass media marketing). JEROME E. HASS Director director Professor of Finance and 3 None (born 6/1/40) since 1997 Business Strategy, Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University; Consultant, National Economic Research Associates; former Chief of Division of Economic Research of the Federal Power Commission and Special Assistant to James R. Schlesinger at the Executive Office of the President of the United States. KATHERINE L. Director director Vice President, International 3 None MACWILLIAMS since 1997 Finance, Coors Brewing (born 1/19/56) Company; former Treasurer, Coors Brewing Company and Adolph Coors Company; former Vice President of Capital Markets for UBS Securities in New York; former member of the Board of International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. 51 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ DIRECTORS - CONTINUED NUMBER OF TERM OF PORTFOLIOS IN OTHER POSITION(S) OFFICE AND FUND COMPLEX DIRECTORSHIPS HELD WITH LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY HELD BY NAME AND AGE FUND TIME SERVED DURING PAST FIVE YEARS DIRECTOR DIRECTOR - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS - CONTINUED JAMES J. MCMONAGLE Director/ director Chairman of the Selected Funds 3 None (born 10/1/44) Chairman since 1990 Board of Directors; Of Counsel to Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP (law firm); Formerly Senior Vice President and General Counsel of University Hospitals Health System, Inc. and University Hospitals of Cleveland from 1990 to 2002; Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, from 1976 to 1990. RICHARD O'BRIEN Director director Retired Corporate Economist 3 Director and past (born 9/12/45) since 1996 for Hewlett-Packard Company; President, Silicon former Chairman of the Valley Roundtable; Economic Advisory Council of former Director, the California Chamber of National Commerce. Association of Business Economists, Director, Family Services Agency of San Francisco. MARSHA WILLIAMS Director director Executive Vice President and 15 Director of the (born 3/28/51) since 1996 Chief Financial Officer of Davis Funds Equity Office Properties Trust (consisting of 12 (a real estate investment portfolios); trust); former Chief Director, Modine Administrative Officer of Manufacturing, Crate & Barrel (home Inc.(heat transfer furnishings retailer); former technology); Vice President and Treasurer, Director, Chicago Amoco Corporation (oil & gas Bridge & Iron company). Company, N.V. (industrial construction and engineering) INSIDE DIRECTORS* ANDREW A. DAVIS Director director President or Vice President of 15 Director of the Davis (born 6/25/63) since 1998 each Selected Fund and Davis Funds (consisting of Fund; President, Davis 12 portfolios). Selected Advisers, L.P., and also serves as an executive officer in certain companies affiliated with the Adviser. 52 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ DIRECTORS - CONTINUED NUMBER OF TERM OF PORTFOLIOS IN OTHER POSITION(S) OFFICE AND FUND COMPLEX DIRECTORSHIPS HELD WITH LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY HELD BY NAME AND AGE FUND TIME SERVED DURING PAST FIVE YEARS DIRECTOR DIRECTOR - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INSIDE DIRECTORS* - CONTINUED CHRISTOPHER C. Director director Chief Executive Officer, 15 Director of the DAVIS since 1998 President or Vice President of Davis Funds (born 7/13/65) each Selected Fund and Davis (consisting of 12 Fund; Chairman and Chief portfolios). Executive Officer, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., and also serves as an executive officer in certain companies affiliated with the Adviser, including sole member of the Adviser's general partner, Davis Investments, LLC; Employee of Shelby Cullom Davis & Co., a registered broker/dealer. * Andrew A. Davis and Christopher C. Davis own partnership units (directly, indirectly or both) of the Adviser and are considered to be "interested persons" of the Funds as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940. Andrew A. Davis and Christopher C. Davis are brothers. 53 SELECTED FUNDS 2949 East Elvira Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706 ================================================================================ DIRECTORS OFFICERS William P. Barr James J. McMonagle Floyd A. Brown Chairman Andrew A. Davis Christopher C. Davis Christopher C. Davis President Jerome Hass Andrew A. Davis James J. McMonagle Vice President Katherine L. MacWilliams Kenneth C. Eich Richard O'Brien Executive Vice President & Marsha Williams Principal Executive Officer Sharra L. Reed Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer Douglas A. Haines Vice President & Principal Accounting Officer Thomas D. Tays Vice President & Secretary Arthur Don Assistant Secretary INVESTMENT ADVISER Davis Selected Advisers, L.P 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 (800) 243-1575 DISTRIBUTOR Davis Distributors, LLC 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona 85706 TRANSFER AGENT & CUSTODIAN State Street Bank and Trust Company c/o Selected Funds P.O. Box 8243 Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8243 AUDITORS KPMG LLP 707 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2700 Denver, Colorado 80202 COUNSEL Seyfarth Shaw LLP 55 East Monroe Street, Suite 4200 Chicago, Illinois 60603-5803 ================================================================================ FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SELECTED FUNDS, INCLUDING MANAGEMENT FEE, CHARGES AND EXPENSES, SEE THE CURRENT PROSPECTUS WHICH MUST PRECEDE OR ACCOMPANY THIS REPORT. THE FUNDS' STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTAINS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' DIRECTORS AND IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE UPON REQUEST BY CALLING 1-800-243-1575. QUARTERLY FACT SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE FUNDS' WEBSITE AT WWW.SELECTEDFUNDS.COM. ================================================================================ INVESTMENT ADVISER Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, AZ 85706 DISTRIBUTOR Davis Distributors, LLC 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101 Tucson, AZ 85706 TRANSFER AGENT AND CUSTODIAN State Street Bank & Trust Company c/o Selected Funds P.O. Box 8243 Boston, MA 02266-8243 LEGAL COUNSEL Seyfarth Shaw LLP 55 East Monroe Street, Suite 4200 Chicago, IL 60603-5803 AUDITORS KPMG LLP 707 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2700 Denver, CO 80202 800-243-1575 selectedfunds.com ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS 	 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 	 similiar functions. 	 Exhibit A of the code of ethics was amended July 30, 2004 to reflect Douglas A. Haines as Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. 	 A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this form N-CSR. ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT 	 The registrant's board of directors has determined that independant 	 trustees Katherine MacWilliams and Marsha Williams qualify as "audit 	 committee financial experts", as defined in Item 3 of form N-CSR. ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 	(a) Audit Fees. The aggregate Audit Fees billed by KPMG LLP ("KPMG") 	 for professional services rendered for the audits of the financial 	 statements, or services that are normally provided in connection 	 with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the fiscal 	 year ends December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were $45,735 and 	 $37,365, respectively. 	(b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate Audit-Related Fees billed by 	 KPMG for assurance and related services that are reasonably 	 related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's 	 financial statements, but not reported as Audit Fees for the 	 fiscal year ends December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were $0 and $0, respectively. 	(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate Tax Fees billed by KPMG for professional 	 services rendered for tax compliance, tax advise and tax planning 	 for the fiscal year ends December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 	 were $2,420 and $5,280, respectively. 	 Fees included in the Tax Fee category comprise all services 	 performed by professional staff in the independent accountant's 	 tax division except those services related to the audit. These 	 services include preparation of tax returns, tax advice related to 	 mergers and a review of the fund income and capital gain 	 distributions. 	(d) All Other Fees. The aggregate Other Fees billed by KPMG for all 	 other non-audit services rendered to the fund for the fiscal year 	 ends December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were $0 and $0, respectively. 	(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. 	 The fund Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit and non-audit 	 services provided by the independent accountant relating to the 	 operations or financial reporting of the funds. Prior to the 	 commencement of any audit or non-audit services to a fund, the 	 Audit Committee reviews the services to determine whether they are 	 appropriate and permissible under applicable law. 	 The fund Audit Committee has adopted a policy whereby audit and 	 non-audit services performed by the fund independent accountant 	 require pre-approval in advance at regularly scheduled Audit 	 Committee meetings. If such a service is required between 	 regularly scheduled Audit Committee meetings, pre-approval may be 	 authorized by the Audit Committee Chairperson with ratification at 	 the next scheduled audit committee meeting. 	(2) No services included in (b) - (d) above were approved pursuant to 	 paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. 	(f) Not applicable 	(g) The Funds' independent accountant did not provide any services to 	 the investment advisor or any affiliate for the fiscal years ended 	 December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003. The fund has not paid any fees for non-audit not previously disclosed in items 4 (b)-(d). 	(h) The registrant's audit committee of the board of trustees has 	 considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were 	 rendered to the registrant's 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. No such services were 	 rendered. ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS - Not Required ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - Not Applicable ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES - Not Applicable ITEM 8. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PERSONS - Not Applicable ITEM 9. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 	 There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders 	 may recommend nominees to the registrant's Board of Trustees. ITEM 10. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 	 (a) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial 	 officer have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and 	 procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company 	 Act of 1940, as amended) are effective as of a date within 90 days 	 of the filing date of this report. 	 (b) There have been no significant changes in the registrant's internal 	 controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these 	 controls. ITEM 11. EXHIBITS 	 EX-99.CODE ETH - Code of Ethics 	 EX-99.CERT - Section 302 Certification 	 EX-99.906 CERT - Section 906 Certification 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 it behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES, INC. By /s/ Kenneth C. Eich Kenneth C. Eich Principal Executive Officer Date: March 4, 2005 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By /s/ Kenneth C. Eich Kenneth C. Eich Principal Executive Officer Date: March 4, 2005 By /s/ Douglas A. Haines Douglas A. Haines Principal Financial officer Date: March 4, 2005