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 811-09541
------------
AmeriPrime Advisors Trust
431 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Lynn Wood
Unified Fund Services, Inc.
431 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
- ------------------------------------
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (317) 917-7000
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Date of fiscal year end: 09/04
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Date of reporting period: 09/30/04
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Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with
the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of
any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may
use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review,
inspection and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR,
and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not
required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR
unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget
("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the
information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the
burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information
under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
================================================================================
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
================================================================================
ANNUAL REPORT
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
FUND ADVISOR:
IRON FINANCIAL
TWO NORTHFIELD PLAZA
SUITE 250
NORTHFIELD, IL 60093
TOLL FREE: (877) 322-0575
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FACTORS AFFECTING THE FUND'S PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST YEAR
The Iron Market Opportunity Fund has outperformed its benchmark, The
Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Treasury Bond Index, by more than 1% over the last
fiscal year. This was accomplished in part by positioning a portion of the
portfolio in securities that adjust or float with increases in short term
interest rates. As the fed fund rate has increased from 1% to 1.75% over the
last year, this strategy has proved to be effective. We anticipate the fund's
adjustable and floating rate positions will continue to perform well in the
coming months as short term interest rates continue to trend higher.
As compared to the Fund's benchmark, the portfolio has maintained a
heavy position in government agency bonds. These bonds have provided the Fund
with increased yield over treasuries while maintaining low credit risk. At the
same time, due to low yields and narrow credit spreads, we have found it prudent
to limit the Fund's exposure to lower quality debt at this time. By utilizing
this overall strategy in the current environment, our hope is for the Fund to
provide attractive current income with low volatility in share price over the
next year.
1 YEAR AVERAGE ANNUAL
AVERAGE TOTAL RETURN
ANNUAL SINCE INCEPTION
TOTAL RETURN (OCTOBER 11, 2001)
----------------------- -----------------------
Iron Market Opportunity Fund* 3.12% 3.01%
Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Treasury Bond Index** 2.06% 3.17%
The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not
guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an
investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. The returns shown for Iron Market Opportunity Fund
are net of all recurring expenses. Current performance of the Fund may be lower
or higher than the performance quoted. The Fund's investment objectives, risks,
charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance
data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling
1-877-322-0575.
* Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the
reinvestment of all distributions.
** The Merrill Lynch 1-3 year US Treasury Bond Index is an unmanaged
benchmark that assumes reinvestment of all distributions and excludes the effect
of taxes and fees. The Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of U.S.
Treasury Securities. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however,
an individual can invest in ETF's or other investment vehicles that attempt to
track the performance of a benchmark index. The Funds are distributed by Unified
Financial Securities, Inc., member NASD.
1
[CHART OMITTED]
COMPARISON OF THE GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY
FUND AND THE MERRILL LYNCH 1-3 YEAR US TREASURY BOND INDEX
Iron Market Merrill Lynch
10/11/2001 10,000.00 10,000.00
12/31/2001 10,100.50 10,065.50
3/31/2002 10,223.53 10,070.83
6/30/2002 10,213.93 10,317.60
9/30/2002 10,090.38 10,558.85
12/31/2002 10,337.75 10,657.78
3/31/2003 10,435.77 10,725.42
6/30/2003 10,503.14 10,807.16
9/30/2003 10,590.24 10,851.01
12/31/2003 10,658.15 10,871.05
3/31/2004 10,744.51 10,980.56
6/30/2004 10,828.29 10,859.16
9/30/2004 10,920.39 10,973.29
The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on October
11, 2001 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through September 30, 2004.
THE FUND'S RETURN REPRESENTS PAST PERFORMANCE AND DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE
RESULTS. Returns shown are net of all recurring expenses. The returns shown do
not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment returns and principal
values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or
less than their original purchase price.
2
[GRAPH OMITTED]
FUND HOLDINGS - (UNAUDITED)
- ---------------------------
Iron Market Opportunity Fund Holdings as of September 30, 20041
Fixed Income Mutual Funds - 60.01%
Government Agency Obligations - 36.91%
Corporate Bonds 3.38%
Other Investments 0.83%
Other assets less liabilities (1.13%)
3
1 As a percent of net assets.
2 These mutual funds invest at least 65% of total assets in fixed income
securities.
The Fund invests primarily in a broad range of fixed income securities
(including investments, which may be extensive, in other mutual funds that
invest primarily in fixed income securities). Fixed income securities include
bonds, notes, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt, government securities,
municipal securities, and short term obligations, such as commercial paper and
repurchase agreements.
AVAILABILITY OF PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE
- ----------------------------------
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the first and third quarters of each fiscal
year on Form N-Q. The Fund's Form N-Qs are available at the SEC's website at
www.sec.gov. The Fund's Form N-Qs may be reviewed and copied at the Public
Reference Room in Washington DC. Information on the operation of the Public
Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
ABOUT YOUR FUND'S EXPENSES - (UNAUDITED)
- ----------------------------------------
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including management
fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This
Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of
investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of
investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000
invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from
March 31, 2004 to September 30, 2004.
3
SUMMARY OF FUND'S EXPENSES - (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------
Actual Expenses
- ---------------
The first line of the table below provides information about actual account
values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together
with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the
period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600
account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number
in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to
estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
- --------------------------------------------
The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical
account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund's actual expense
ratios 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.
- ---------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND BEGINNING ACCOUNT ENDING ACCOUNT EXPENSES PAID DURING
VALUE VALUE PERIOD*
MARCH 31, 2004 SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 MARCH 31 -
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
- ---------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Actual $1,000.00 $1,016.37 $3.63
(1.64% return)**
- ---------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Hypothetical $1,000.00 $1,021.40 $3.64
(5% return before expenses)
- ---------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 0.72%,
multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366
(to reflect the one-half year period).
** Not annualized.
4
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT VALUE
----------------- -------------
CORPORATE BONDS - 3.38%
Bayerische Landesbank, Series YCD, 11.000%, 9/27/2011 (a) $ 1,000,000 $ 995,250
Boeing Capital Corp., 5.650%, 5/15/2006 49,000 51,177
General Motors Acceptance Corp., 6.750%, 1/15/2006 200,000 208,682
General Motors Acceptance Corp., 7.500%, 7/15/2005 100,000 103,750
General Motors Acceptance Corp., Series SMN2, 3.498%, 11/15/2010 (a) 250,000 249,777
General Motors Acceptance Corp., Series SMN2, 3.571%, 6/15/2011 (a) 400,000 398,134
Student Loan Mortgage Association, Series MTNA, 4.000%, 7/25/2014 3,000,000 2,993,730
---------------
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $4,980,025) 5,000,500
----------------
MORTGAGE BACKED BONDS - 0.51%
FNMA, Series #2002-42, 5.500%, 1/25/2016 73,830 74,533
FNMA, Series #2003-91, 3.250%, 9/25/2033 (a) 465,954 465,129
GNMA, Series #2003-75, 5.500%, 9/20/2030 215,413 215,774
---------------
TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED BONDS(Cost $755,485) 755,436
---------------
GOVERNMENT AGENCY BONDS - 36.91%
FEDERAL FARM CREDIT BANK - 0.88%
FFCB, 4.030%, 1/8/2008 1,000,000 1,000,351
FFCB, 4.000%, 5/12/2008 300,000 302,812
----------------
1,303,163
----------------
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK - 15.98%
FHLB Discount Note, 0.000%, 10/01/04 (b) 5,300,000 5,300,000
FHLB, Series IF16, 6.353%, 10/4/2016 770,000 770,294
FHLB, Series VZ11, 3.760%, 5/20/2011 (a) 1,000,000 1,000,000
FHLB, Series CX18, 6.000%, 2/5/2018 (a) 500,000 500,000
FHLB, Series NA16, 6.250%, 12/13/2016 1,000,000 1,007,467
FHLB, 2.200%, 7/28/2006 250,000 247,497
FHLB, 3.000%, 10/28/2011 (a) (c) 850,000 845,520
FHLB, 6.000%, 9/17/2014 (a) 1,900,000 1,900,000
FHLB, 2.125%, 12/14/2005 540,000 537,965
FHLB, 3.600%, 7/15/2019 (a) 4,300,000 4,300,129
FHLB, Series CZ06, 2.100%, 12/29/2006 15,000 14,732
FHLB, 4.500%, 6/30/2008 500,000 508,539
FHLB, 3.550%, 11/7/2007 680,000 680,145
FHLB, Series 7R07, 2.500%, 1/29/2007 (a) 1,000,000 1,000,207
FHLB, 4.300%, 8/18/2008 2,000,000 2,033,684
FHLB, 3.680%, 8/24/2007 2,000,000 2,018,396
FHLB, 2.000%, 4/15/2009 (a) 1,000,000 991,191
---------------
23,655,766
---------------
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION - 4.88%
FHLMC, Series MTN, 4.555%, 10/30/2009 1,000,000 1,001,743
FHLMC, 4.375%, 7/30/2009 2,000,000 2,036,398
FHLMC, Series MTN, 3.000%, 11/25/2008 (a) 500,000 504,199
FHLMC, 3.000%, 5/28/2008 (a) 2,160,000 2,162,197
FHLMC, Series MTN, 8.000%, 6/6/2017 500,000 517,418
FHLMC, 2.290%, 6/2/2009 (a) 1,000,000 999,936
--------------
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of the financial statements. 7,221,891
--------------
5
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - CONTINUED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
PRINCIPAL
GOVERNMENT AGENCY BONDS - 36.91% -CONTINUED AMOUNT VALUE
---------------- ----------------
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION - 15.17%
FNMA, 4.500%, 5/26/2011 (a) $ 125,000 $ 125,292
FNMA, 2.610%, 8/18/2006 150,000 149,638
FNMA, 3.000%, 8/10/2009 (a) 2,000,000 2,004,252
FNMA, 4.040%, 3/16/2009 1,405,000 1,405,666
FNMA, 5.080%, 12/30/2009 1,000,000 1,006,310
FNMA, 3.010%, 12/29/2006 (a) 4,000,000 4,024,160
FNMA, 4.000%, 8/20/2008 422,000 425,944
FNMA, 4.000%, 9/30/2014 (a) 3,000,000 3,004,350
FNMA, 3.000%, 9/30/2009 (a) 3,000,000 3,005,127
FNMA, 5.500%, 7/18/2012 3,000,000 3,054,549
FNMA, 3.000%, 8/18/2006 3,000,000 3,003,432
FNMA, 4.000%, 5/24/2006 1,000,000 1,007,107
FNMA, 5.500%, 10/15/2013 250,000 250,227
-----------------
22,466,054
-----------------
TOTAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY BONDS (Cost $54,529,648) 54,646,874
-----------------
MUNICIPAL BONDS - 0.02%
Illinois Community Colleges, 4.500%, 11/1/2009 25,000 25,487
-----------------
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS (Cost $25,000) 25,487
-----------------
SHARES
-----------
MUTUAL FUNDS - 60.01%
Eaton Vance Floating Rate Mutual Fund 143,364 1,415,003
Fidelity Floating Rate High Income Fund 10,124 100,532
Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund 1,237,613 12,524,648
Gartmore Morley Capital Accumulation Fund - Institutional 1,487,424 14,874,236
Scudder Preservation Plus Income Fund 5,994,838 59,948,384
-----------------
TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS (Cost $89,645,590) 88,862,803
-----------------
PREFERRED SECURITIES - 0.26%
FHLMC, 1.141% (a) 10,000 390,000
------------------
TOTAL PREFERRED SECURITIES (Cost $402,500) 390,000
------------------
MONEY MARKET - 0.04%
First American Prime Obligations Fund, 0.980% (a) 53,635 $ 53,635
-------------------
TOTAL MONEY MARKET (Cost $53,635) 53,635
-------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $150,391,883) - 101.13% $ 149,734,735
--------------------
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF CASH AND OTHER ASSETS - (1.13)% (1,666,106)
--------------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00% $ 148,068,629
=====================
(a) Variable rate security; the coupon rate shown represents that rate at
September 30, 2004.
(b) Part of the holding is pledged as segregated assets for when issued
securities.
(c) When issued security.
6
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of the financial statements.
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
ASSETS
Investments in securities, at value (cost $150,391,883) $ 149,734,735
Dividends receivable 210,670
Receivable for fund shares sold 1,418,226
Interest receivable 372,402
Other receivables 8,989
Receivable for investments sold 350,000
Prepaid expenses 1,121
-----------------
TOTAL ASSETS 152,096,143
-----------------
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased 1,840,000
Payable for fund shares redeemed 2,059,262
Payable to adviser 56,994
Payable to servicing agent 36,537
Accrued expenses 34,602
Payable to custodian 119
-----------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 4,027,514
-----------------
NET ASSETS $ 148,068,629
=================
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Paid in capital 149,232,686
Accumulated undistributed net investment income 42,510
Accumulated net realized (loss) from investment transactions (549,419)
Net unrealized (depreciation) on investments (657,148)
-----------------
NET ASSETS $ 148,068,629
=================
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized) 14,989,018
-----------------
Net Asset Value,
Offering and redemption price per share $ 9.88
=================
7
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of the financial statements.
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend income $ 2,993,602
Interest income 618,502
--------------
TOTAL INCOME 3,612,104
--------------
EXPENSES
Investment adviser fee 968,530
Administration expenses 81,126
Fund accounting expenses 42,913
Custodian expenses 31,118
Transfer agent expenses 17,850
Auditing expenses 15,405
Legal expenses 9,054
Insurance expenses 7,501
Miscellaneous expenses 5,927
Pricing expenses 4,518
Registration expenses 3,207
Trustee expenses 2,805
Printing expenses 941
--------------
TOTAL EXPENSES 1,190,895
Waived fees (a) (484,265)
--------------
Net operating expenses 706,630
--------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME 2,905,474
--------------
REALIZED & UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
Net realized (loss) on investment securities (263,778)
Capital gain distributions from other investment companies 999,895
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investment securities (688,575)
--------------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment securities 47,542
--------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 2,953,016
==============
(a) See note 3 to the financial statements.
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of the financial statements.
8
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Year ended Year ended
September 30, 2004 September 30, 2003
----------------------- ----------------------
Operations
Net investment income $ 2,905,474 $ 1,694,582
Net realized gain on investment securities 736,117 280,514
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (688,575) 29,948
-------------------- ------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 2,953,016 2,005,044
------------------- -------------------
Distributions
From net investment income (2,887,782) (1,728,542)
From net realized gain (748,902) -
------------------- -------------------
Total distributions (3,636,684) (1,728,542)
------------------- -------------------
Capital Share Transactions
Proceeds from shares sold 192,387,048 139,347,296
Reinvestment of distributions 2,799,670 1,553,652
Amount paid for shares repurchased (124,002,439) (89,967,329)
------------------- ------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting
from share transactions 71,184,279 50,933,619
------------------- ------------------
Total Increase in Net Assets 70,500,611 51,210,121
------------------- ------------------
Net Assets
Beginning of year 77,568,018 26,357,897
------------------- ------------------
End of year $ 148,068,629 $ 77,568,018
=================== ==================
Accumulated undistributed net investment income $ 42,510 $ 24,817
------------------- ------------------
Capital Share Transactions
Shares sold 19,423,908 13,963,230
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions 281,830 158,225
Shares repurchased (12,511,424) (9,029,317)
------------------- ------------------
Net increase from capital share transactions 7,194,314 5,092,138
===========================================
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of the financial statements.
9
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 (a)
-------------------- ------------------- ---------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 9.95 $ 9.75 $ 10.00
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income (loss) 0.28 0.28 0.38
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.02 0.20 (0.29)
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Total from investment operations 0.30 0.48 0.09
-------------------- -------------------- ---------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
From net investment income (0.28) (0.28) (0.34)
From net realized gain (0.09) - -
-------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Total distributions (0.37) (0.28) (0.34)
-------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 9.88 $ 9.95 $ 9.75
===================== ==================== =======================
TOTAL RETURN 3.12% 4.95% 0.90% (b)
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000) $ 148,069 $ 77,568 $ 26,358
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.72% 0.90% 1.45% (c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
before waiver & reimbursement 1.22% 1.33% 1.45% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 2.99% 3.10% 3.94% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets before waiver 2.49% 2.67% 3.94% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate 59.05% 92.97% 626.51%
(a) For the period October 11, 2001 (commencement of operations) to September
30, 2002.
(b) Not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of the financial statements.
10
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION
The Iron Market Opportunity Fund (the "Fund") was organized as a diversified
series of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust (the "Trust") on July 1, 2001 and commenced
operations October 11, 2001. The Trust is an open-end investment company
established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust
dated August 3, 1999 (the "Trust Agreement"). The Trust Agreement permits the
Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") to issue an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest of separate series. The Fund is one of a series of
funds currently offered by the Trust. The Fund's investment objective is to
maximize total return while maintaining low volatility in share price. The Fund
invests primarily in a broad range of fixed income securities (including
investments, which may be extensive, in other mutual funds that invest primarily
in fixed income securities). The investment adviser to the Fund is Iron
Financial Management, Inc (the "Adviser").
NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Securities Valuations - Equity securities generally are valued by using market
quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing
service when the Adviser believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market
value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are
generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a
last sale price, an exchange traded security is generally valued by the pricing
service at its last bid price. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter
market are generally valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official
Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the
Adviser determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the
pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value or when
restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued
as determined in good faith by the Adviser, in conformity with guidelines
adopted by and subject to review of the Board.
Fixed income securities generally are valued by using market quotations, but may
be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Adviser
believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such
securities. A pricing service utilizes electronic data processing techniques
based on yield spreads relating to securities with similar characteristics to
determine prices for normal institutional-size trading units of debt securities
without regard to sale or bid prices. If the Adviser decides that a price
provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market
value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing
service, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities
are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser, subject to
review of the Board of Trustees. Short term investments in fixed income
securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which
subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by using the amortized
cost method of valuation, which the Board has determined will represent fair
value.
Federal Income Taxes- There is no provision for federal income tax. The Fund
intends to continue to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company"
under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by
distributing substantially all of its net investment income and net realized
capital gains.
Security Transactions and Related Income- The Fund follows industry practice and
records security transactions on the trade date. The specific identification
method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and
income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and
interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on
securities purchased are amortized over the life of the respective securities.
11
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 - CONTINUED
NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Dividends and Distributions- The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of
its net investment income, if any, as dividends to its shareholders on at least
an annual basis. The Fund intends to distribute its net realized long term
capital gains and its net realized short term capital gains, if any, at least
once a year. Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance
with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment
for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during
the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ
from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences
are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain
components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax
purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified
in the components of the net assets based on their ultimate characterization for
federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on
net assets, results of operations or net asset values per share of the Funds.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, there was not an investment loss
to reclassify.
NOTE 3. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Fund's investment adviser is Iron Financial Management, Inc. (the
"Adviser").
Under the terms of the management agreement, (the "Agreement"), the Adviser
manages the Fund's investments subject to approval of the Board. As compensation
for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a fee
computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 1.00% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund. For the fiscal year ended September 30,
2004, the Adviser was contractually entitled to receive fees of $968,530 from
the Fund. Effective October 1, 2003, the Adviser has contractually agreed to
waive one-half of its management fees through January 28, 2005. For the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2004, the Adviser has waived $484,265.
The Trust retains Unified Fund Services, Inc. ("Unified"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Unified Financial Services, Inc., to manage the Fund's business
affairs and provide the Fund with administrative services, including all
regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment and personnel. Unified
receives a monthly fee from the Fund equal to an annual rate of 0.10% of the
Fund's assets up to $50 million, 0.07% of the Fund's assets from $50 million to
$100 million, and 0.05% of the Fund's assets over $100 million (subject to a
minimum fee of $2,500 per month). For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004,
Unified earned fees of $81,126 for administrative services provided to the Fund.
Certain Trustees and the officers of the Trust are employees of Unified and/or
shareholders of Unified Financial Services, Inc. (the parent of Unified).
The Trust retains Unified to act as the Fund's transfer agent and to provide
fund accounting services. For its services as transfer agent, Unified receives a
monthly fee from the Fund of $1.25 per shareholder (subject to a minimum monthly
fee of $1,250). For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, Unified earned
fees of $15,448 from the Fund for transfer agent services provided to the Fund
and was reimbursed for $2,402 out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing
transfer agent services to the Fund. For its services as fund accountant,
Unified receives an annual fee from the Fund equal to 0.05% of the Fund's assets
up to $50 million, 0.04% of the Fund's assets from $50 million to $100 million,
and 0.03% of the Fund's assets over $100 million (subject to various monthly
minimum fees, the maximum being $1,667 per month for assets of $10 million or
more). For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004,
12
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 - CONTINUED
NOTE 3. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES- CONTINUED
Unified earned fees of $42,913 from the Fund for fund accounting services
provided to the Fund. Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the "Distributor")
acts as the principal distributor of the Fund's shares. The Fund has adopted a
plan, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that
permits the Fund to pay certain distribution and promotion expenses related to
marketing shares of the Fund; however the plan has not been activated. As a
result there were no 12b-1 payments made to the Distributor for the period ended
September 30, 2004. Certain Trustees have an ownership interest in Unified
Financial Services, Inc. (the parent company of the Distributor), and an officer
of the Trust is an officer of the Distributor. As a result, those persons may be
deemed to be affiliates of the Distributor.
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, purchases and sales of
investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S.
government obligations were as follows:
PURCHASES
U.S. Government Obligations $ 71,594,095
Other 52,615,189
SALES
U.S. Government Obligations $ 22,267,230
Other 33,780,446
As of September 30, 2004, the net unrealized appreciation of investments for tax
purposes was as follows:
Gross appreciation $ 183,571
Gross depreciation (840,719)
------------
Net depreciation
on investments $ (657,148)
============
At September 30, 2004, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax
purposes was $150,391,883. The difference between book cost and tax cost
represents a deferral of losses on wash sales in the amount of $1,807.
NOTE 5. ESTIMATES
Preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the
voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under
Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of September 30, 2004,
Fabco & Co. owned 61.89% of the Fund, for the benefit of others.
13
IRON MARKET OPPORTUNITY FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 - CONTINUED
NOTE 7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2004 and 2003 was as
follows:
2004 2003
---- ----
Distributions paid from
Ordinary Income 2,887,782 $ 1,728,542
Short-term Capital Gain 590,189 -
Long-term Capital Gain 158,713 -
--------------- -----------------
$ 3,636,684 $ 1,728,542
=============== =================
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, the Fund paid quarterly
distributions of net investment income totaling $0.2804 per share. Capital gain
distributions in the amount of $0.0939 per share were paid December 30, 2003, to
shareholders of record on December 29, 2003.
As of September 30, 2004, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated
losses) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income/(accumulated losses) $ 42,510
Undistributed long-term capital gain/(accumulated losses) (547,490)
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) (659,077)
---------------
$ (1,164,057)
===============
The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized depreciation is
attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
NOTE 8. CHANGE OF AUDITORS
On March 3, 2004, McCurdy & Associates CPA's, Inc. ("McCurdy") notified the
Funds of its intention to resign as the Funds' independent auditors upon
selection of replacement auditors.
On March 14, 2004, Cohen McCurdy, Ltd. ("Cohen") was selected to replace McCurdy
& Associates CPA's, Inc. ("McCurdy") as the Fund's independent auditor for the
2004 fiscal year. The Trust's selection of Cohen was approved by both the Audit
Committee and the Board of Trustees.
McCurdy's report on the Fund's financial statements as of September 30, 2003 did
not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified
or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. At the
financial statement date and through the date of the engagement of Cohen, there
were no disagreements between the Fund and McCurdy on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedures, that, if not resolved to the satisfaction of McCurdy, would have
caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in
connection with its reports on the financial statements for such years.
14
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
--------------------------------------------------------
To The Shareholders and
Board of Trustees
Iron Market Opportunity Fund
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of the Iron Market Opportunity Fund as of September
30, 2004, and the related statement of operations, the statement of changes in
net assets and the financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial
statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial highlights based on our audit. The statements of
changes in net assets for the year ended September 30, 2003 and the financial
highlights for the periods indicated prior to September 30, 2004 were audited by
McCurdy & Associates CPA's, Inc., whose audit practice was acquired by Cohen
McCurdy, Ltd. McCurdy & Associates CPA's, Inc. expressed unqualified opinions on
those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the 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
investments and cash held as of September 30, 2004 by correspondence with the
Fund's 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 audit provides 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 Iron
Market Opportunity Fund as of September 30, 2004, the results of its operations,
changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the year then ended, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ Cohen McCurdy
- ---------------------
Westlake, Ohio
November 23, 2004
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (UNAUDITED)
- ---------------------------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
NAME, ADDRESS*, (DATE OF BIRTH), POSITION WITH FUND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND OTHER
COMPLEX,** TERM OF POSITION WITH TRUST DIRECTORSHIPS
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Gary E. Hippenstiel (1947) Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of
Legacy Trust Company, N.A. since 1992. Trustee of AmeriPrime
Trustee, July 2002 to present Funds since 1995 and Unified Series Trust since December 2002.
Trustee of CCMI Funds since June 2003. Trustee of Access
Variable Insurance Trust, since April 2003.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen A. Little (1946) President and founder, The Rose, Inc., a registered investment
advisor, since April 1993. Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds since
Trustee, November 2002 to present December 2002 and Unified Series Trust since December 2002.
Trustee of CCMI Funds since June 2003.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel J. Condon (1950) President, 2004 to present, Vice President and General
Manager, 1990 to 2003, International Crankshaft Inc., an
Trustee, November 2002 to present automotive equipment manufacturing company, 1990 to present;
Trustee, The Unified Funds, from 1994 to 2002; Trustee,
Firstar Select Funds, a REIT mutual fund, from 1997 to 2000.
Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds since December 2002 and Unified
Series Trust since December 2002. Trustee of CCMI Funds since
June 2003.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Interested Trustees and Principal Officers
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Name, Address*, (Date of Birth), Position with Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years
Fund Complex,** Term of Position with Trust and Other Directorships
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy L. Ashburn (1950)*** Employed by Unified Financial Services, Inc., Chairman of
Unified Financial Services, Inc. from 1989 to 2004, Chief Executive
Officer from 1989 to 1992 and 1994 to April 2002, and President November
1997 to April 2000.Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds since December 2002 1994 to
April 2002, and Unified Series Trust since October 2002. Trustee of CCMI
Trustee and Chairman, November 2002 to present Funds since June 2003.
President, December 2002 to July 2004
Asst. Secretary, December 2003 to present
Secretary, June 2003 to December 2003
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Ronald C. Tritschler (1952)****
Chief Executive Officer, Director and legal counsel
of The Webb Companies, a national real estate company,
from 2001 to present; Executive Vice President
Trustee, November 2002 to present and Director of The Webb Companies from 1990 to 2000;
Director, First State Financial, from 1998 to present;
Director, Vice President and legal counsel for The
Traxx Companies, an owner and operator of convenience stores,
from 1989 to present. Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds since December
2002 and Unified Series Trust since December 2002. Trustee of
CCMI Funds since June 2003.
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony J. Ghoston (1959) Executive Vice President of Unified Fund Services, Inc. since
June 2004; Senior Vice President of Unified Fund Services, Inc.
President, July 2004 to present April 2003 to June 2004; Senior Vice President and Chief
Information Officer of Unified Financial Services since 1997.
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas G. Napurano (1941) Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Unified
Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust's
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, October administrator and Distributor; Director, Unified Financial
2002 to present Services, Inc., from 1989 to March 2002. CFO of AmeriPrime
Funds since October 2002 and Unified Series Trust since
December 2002. CFO of CCMI Funds since June 2003.
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Freddie Jacobs, Jr. (1970) Vice President, Unified Fund Services, Inc., December 2003 to
present; Employed by U.S. Bancorp, 1998 to December 2003.
Secretary, September 2004 to present Secretary of AmeriPrime Funds, Unified Series Trust, and CCMI
Funds since September 2004; Principal Accounting Officer,
Lindbergh Funds, since February 2004;
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
* The address for each of the trustees and officers is 431 N. Pennsylvania,
Indianapolis, IN 46204.
** Fund Complex refers to AmeriPrime Advisors Trust, AmeriPrime Funds and
Unified Series Trust. The Fund Complex consists of 26 series.
*** Mr. Ashburn is an "interested person" of the Trust because he is an officer
of the Trust. In addition, he may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the
Trust because he has an ownership interest in Unified Financial Services, Inc.,
the parent of the Distributor of certain series in the Fund Complex. Mr. Ashburn
resigned his positions as Trustee and Chairman effective October 13, 2004.
**** Mr. Tritschler may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Trust
because he has an ownership interest in Unified Financial Services, Inc., the
parent of the Distributor of certain series in the Fund Complex.
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") includes additional
information about the trustees and is available, without charge, upon request.
You may call toll-free (877) 322-0575 to request a copy of the SAI or to make
shareholder inquiries.
PROXY VOTING
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how
to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how
the Fund voted those proxies during the twelve month period ended June 30, 2004,
are available without charge, upon request: (1) by calling the Fund at (877)
322-0575; and (2) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
TRUSTEES
Timothy L. Ashburn, Chairman*
Gary E. Hippenstiel
Stephen A. Little
Daniel J. Condon
Ronald C. Tritschler
OFFICERS
Anthony J. Ghoston, President
Thomas G. Napurano, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Freddie Jacobs, Jr., Secretary
FUND'S ADVISER
Iron Financial
Two Northfield Plaza
Suite 250
Northfield, IL 60093
DISTRIBUTOR
Unified Financial Securities, Inc.
431 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Cohen McCurdy, Ltd.
826 Westpoint Pkwy., Ste. 250
Westlake, OH 44145
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut St., Suite 1400
Cincinnati, OH 45202
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT
AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
Unified Fund Services, Inc.
431 N. Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
*Mr. Ashburn resigned his positions as trustee and chairman effective October
14, 2004.
This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who
have received the Fund's prospectus which contains information about the Fund's
management fee and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before
investing.
Distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc.
Member NASD/SIPC
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has
adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or
controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these
individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.
(b) For purposes of this item, "code of ethics" means written standards that are
reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
(1) Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling
of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal
and professional relationships;
(2) Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure
in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or
submits to, the Commission and in other public
communications made by the registrant;
(3) Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and
regulations;
(4) The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to
an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and
(5) Accountability for adherence to the code.
(c) Amendments: During the period covered by the report, there have not been any
amendments to the provisions of the code of ethics.
(d) Waivers: During the period covered by the report, the registrant has not
granted any express or implicit waivers from the provisions of the code of
ethics.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
(a) The registrant's board of trustees has determined that the registrant does
not have an audit committee financial expert. The committee members and the full
Board considered a possibility of adding a member that would qualify as an
expert. The audit committee determined that, although none of its members meet
the technical definition of an audit committee expert, the committee has
sufficient financial expertise to adequately perform its duties under the Audit
Committee Charter without the addition of a qualified expert.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
(a) Audit Fees
-----------
FY 2003 $ 12,710
FY 2004 $ 13,096
(b) Audit-Related Fees
------------------
Registrant Adviser
FY 2003 $ 0 $ 0
FY 2004 $ 0 $ 0
Nature of the fees:
(c) Tax Fees
---------
Registrant Adviser
---------- -------
FY 2003 $ 3110 $ 0
FY 2004 $ 675 $ 0
Nature of the fees: preparation of the 1120 RIC
(d) ALL OTHER FEES
--------------
Registrant Adviser
FY 2003 $ 0 $ 0
FY 2004 $ 670 $ 0
Nature of the fees: consents
(e) (1) AUDIT COMMITTEE'S PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES
---------------------------------------
The audit committee has not adopted pre-approval policies and
procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(2) PERCENTAGES OF SERVICES APPROVED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
-------------------------------------------------------
None of the services described in paragraph (b) through (d) of this
Item were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of
Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) During audit of registrant's financial statements for the most recent
fiscal year, less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal
accountant's engagement were attributed to work performed by persons other
than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.
(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant for
services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's
investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily
portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another
investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under
common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the
registrant:
Registrant Adviser
FY 2003 $ 3,110 $ 0
FY 2004 $ 1,345 $ 0
(h) Not applicable. The auditor performed no services for the registrant's
investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common
control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the
registrant.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED COMPANIES. NOT APPLICABLE.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. Not Applicable - Schedule Filed With Item 1.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END FUNDS.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 8. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END FUNDS. Not applicable.
ITEM 9. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The registrant has not adopted procedures by which shareholders may
recommend nominees to the registrant's board of trustees.
ITEM 10. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Based on an evaluation of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of September 22, 2004, the disclosure controls and procedures are
reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Forms
N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.
(b) There were no significant changes in the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's second fiscal
half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 11. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Code is filed herewith.- Annual
(a)(2) Certifications by the registrant's principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act
of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are
filed herewith.
(a)(3) Not Applicable
(b) Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) AmeriPrime Advisor's Trust
By
* /s/ Anthony J. Ghoston
Anthony J. Ghoston, President
Date December 3, 2004
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/ Anthony J. Ghoston
Anthony J. Ghoston, President
Date December 3, 2004
By
* /s/ Thomas G. Napurano
Thomas G. Napurano, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date December 3, 2004 `