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 811-6722 Emerald Mutual Fund (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 1703 Oregon Pike, Suite 101, Lancaster, PA (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Citco Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (Name and address of agent for service) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 800-232-0224 Date of fiscal year end: 06/30/2004 Date of reporting period: 12/31/2003 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 SHAREHOLDERS The following is a copy of the Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the period ended December 31, 2003 pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). [EMERALD LOGO] E M E R A L D ------------- MUTUAL FUNDS DRIVEN BY RESEARCH [GRAPHIC OMITTED] +-------------------------------------------+ | SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT DECEMBER 31, 2003 | +-------------------------------------------+ GROWTH FUND Class A: HSPGX Class C: HSPCX BANK & FINANCE FUND Class A: HSSAX Class C: HSSCX TECHNOLOGY FUND Class A: HSYTX Class C: HSYCX - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 12, 2004 Dear Shareholder: MARKET & ECONOMIC REVIEW AND FUND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS "ECONOMIC EXPANSION CONTINUES" What a wonderful year! The Russell 2000 had its best performance ever. Small outperformed large as it always does in exiting a downturn. Economically speaking, the 3rd Quarter GDP's advance of 8.2% was the best since 1983. "Impressive" is not nearly a strong enough word. In last year's year-end commentary, we went against the consensus forecast of a 5-6% stock market advance and predicted a 20% advance. The S&P 500 did return 28%, but our small cap growth sector was up 48.6%, and proudly Emerald did even better for our clients. Indeed even with a break out of SARS and the IRAQ war, the U.S. economy, stimulated by both monetary and fiscal policy, snapped back after a 3-year tailspin. The fact that the Russell 2000 Growth had the best performance this year pays homage to the asset allocators who hung tough over the last 3 years and also included many who actually added more assets to this sector. To the bold, long-term thinkers go the spoils. The economy ended the year so strongly that above-average growth is almost assured for 2004. For example, jobless claims at 339,000 are now at their lowest level in 3 years, inventory/sales ratios are at historic lows and must be rebuilt, the 3rd quarter 8.2% GDP growth was so good that a sheer multiplier effect will push growth into '04, and finally the manufacturing sector just hit a 20-year high for the ISM manufacturing index. The new orders index also hit new highs. To the surprise of many, the U.S. consumer proved its resiliency once again. This was the main risk coming into 2003, whether the consumer would roll over or provide support until corporate profits and business spending kicked in. The consumer of course was bolstered by strong refinancing activity and a significant cut in tax rates in the second half of the year. These tax rate reductions were actually effective as of January 1st and therefore our tax refunds in '04 will be significantly greater than in '03. For the time being we are in an almost blissful state of low interest rates, strong productivity and strong corporate profits. Throughout early December the Fed Governors were again on the speaking tour all delivering one message -- Rates will stay low for a considerable period of time. This phrase has been removed by the Fed, but we don't see much of a change coming either. It is our conjecture that rates won't increase until at least the May 4th meeting, and quite possibly "considerably" longer. Strong corporate profits as discussed earlier will have a very beneficial impact on a new economic growth cycle of IT and productivity spending. Given this strong economic backdrop, we foresee a market return again above average, and above consensus. For the overall market, we see a 10-15% return and for small cap growth we foresee 15-18%. 1 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT -- CONTINUED - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EMERALD GROWTH FUND PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURN TOTAL TOTAL --------------------------------------------------- RETURNS RETURN SINCE SINCE FUND/INDEX SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS INCEPTION** INCEPTION** - ----------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------- ----------- ----------- Emerald Growth Fund -- Class A* At NAV +27.33% +50.81% +11.37% +12.99% +14.04% +338.86% At MOP +21.27% +43.65% +10.30% +12.44% +13.55% +317.96% Russell 2000G Index +24.48% +48.54% + 0.86% + 5.43% + 7.47% +125.10% Russell 2000 Index +24.92% +47.25% + 7.13% + 9.47% +11.51% +240.73% Morningstar -- Small Company Funds Index +23.45% +44.82% + 7.35% +11.15% +13.03% +296.71% * Prior to 7/1/01 the Fund, called HomeState Pennsylvania Growth Fund, pursued a different investment objective. ** Inception Date: 10/01/92 Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Emerald Growth Fund returns at NAV do not include the effects of the Fund's Class A maximum 4.75% sales charge; returns at MOP do. The Russell 2000 Growth Index measures the performance returns of the Growth segment of the Russell universe. The Morningstar Small-Company Funds Average represents 681, 663, 419, 144 and 56 small-company funds, respectively, for total return without regard to sales charges for the Six Months, One Year, Five Year, Ten Year and Since Inception (10/1/92) periods. All performance results assume reinvestment of dividends. As you review the results above, please note that the Fund has invested in a variety of initial public offerings (IPO's). The performance of IPO's may have a greater impact on the performance results of a smaller fund, and may lessen as the Fund's assets grow. Top 5 Contributors to Performance Over the Last 6 Months: XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) IGEN International (IGEN) Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) Amkor Technology (AMKR) Martek Biosciences (MATK) Top 5 Detractors to Performance Over the Last 6 Months: BioSphere Medical (BSMD) Bombay Co. (BBA) Exact Sciences (EXAS) Interdigital Communications (IDCC) Columbia Laboratories (COB) With such strong performance in 2003, our performance was clearly not just from 1 or 2 sectors or just from the few stocks listed above. Our performance was the result of the fundamental research conducted by Emerald's team of analysts and portfolio managers. Let's take a little time to examine where some of our returns came from. First, our consumer licensing companies like Marvel Enterprises did well in '03 and we expect this to continue in '04. Marvel is a leading character-based entertainment and licensing company who realized a rise in its share price, due to continued strong financial results from licensing activities related to The Hulk fea- 2 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT -- CONTINUED - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ture film and anticipation of the company's strong 2004 feature film pipeline. That pipeline includes a potential box-office blockbuster in Spider-Man 2, as well as Blade 3, The Punisher, and Man-Thing. Our sources indicate that the worldwide Spider-Man 2 licensing program should surpass that of both The Hulk and the initial Spider-Man movie. Despite Marvel's strong financial performance and favorable outlook, the company remains one of the most attractively valued companies in the entertainment industry. Satellite Radio, a consumer item with a new technological delivery system, was also a significant winner in '03. This industry is a duopoly with Sirius (SIRI) & XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) owning the licenses to this new and exciting consumer service. Emerald invested in XMSR because we believe the company is the clear leader in both the OEM channel with its relationships with General Motors and Honda as well as the retail channel with the strong sell-through of its SkyFi and Roadie products. Outside of the consumer sector, we continue to favor more cyclical sectors such as technology, manufacturing and producer durables. Within technology and producer durable sectors, we have and continue to maintain our bullish outlook on capital equipment, for both the semiconductor and flat panel industries, as well as for select component companies, as the industry continues to show signs of recovery. Units have returned to peak levels, average selling prices are stabilizing, capacity utilization is on this rise, and the number of the new fabs being constructed or planned for construction are growing. All of these factors are driving capital expenditures higher, which has been reflected in the upward momentum experienced in both orders and bookings. As a result of these increasingly positive datapoints, a number of our technology and producer durable holdings outperformed their respective indices including: Amkor Technology (AMKR) and ChipPAC (CHPC), two leading contract manufacturers for semiconductor assembly and testing that are benefiting from increased semiconductor unit volumes and the trend to outsourcing; Photon Dynamics (PHTN) and Applied Films (AFCO), manufacturers of capital equipment used to manufacture flat panel displays that are well positioned to take advantage of an accelerating market growth as flat panels are integrated into TVs; LTX Corporation (LTXX) and Credence Systems (CMOS), two manufacturers of semiconductor test equipment that are servicing the need for high-volume testing of new semiconductor packages. Our focus within this area is on companies in two broad categories: leading-edge equipment suppliers positioned to gain market share as the industry evolves to copper interconnections at the 130nm node and below, and suppliers that have the capacity to win market share as production volume improves. In addition to semiconductors, we are increasingly optimistic about the opportunity within information technology. Although there still hasn't been a significant increase in corporate IT spending, there is increasing evidence (i.e., increased bidding activity) suggesting corporations are showing interest in new projects. In the Emerald portfolios DiamondCluster International (DTPI) has been a beneficiary of this interest. DiamondCluster is a leading provider of high-end, technology-focused, strategic consulting services. The company recently returned to profitability as a rebound in demand for its services has led to higher volumes and improved pricing. For the first time in nearly three years, DiamondCluster is actively expanding its consultant workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding project pipeline in both the US and Europe. With Diamond as a leading indicator we believe that much of the interest being expressed will turn into increased IT spending during the course of 2004 with increasing corporate profits being the key enabler. We have focused on niche providers such as Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) an IT services company utilizing 3 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT -- CONTINUED - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- offshore resources positioned to beat the projected 25-30% market growth in 2004, and MICROS Systems (MCRS), a leading provider of Point of Sale technology to the hospitality industry, who is well positioned to capitalize on accelerating demand from the lodging sector, continued strength in the restaurant sector, strong recurring revenue streams, the accretion of the Datavantage acquisition, and a favorable competitive environment. The manufacturing sector is also starting to show signs of life as evidenced by our holding in Wesco International (WCC). Wesco International is a leading distributor of electrical equipment to manufacturers, retailers, utilities and commercial construction firms. Wesco began to see demand stabilize in Q3-03, and our research indicates that demand improved through the 4th quarter. Wesco has substantial operating and financial leverage, which positions the company for rapid growth in earnings as its business environment improves. In addition, during the 4th quarter, the company completed the repurchase of nearly 10% of its outstanding shares, which should boost 2004 EPS by over $0.10 per share. Emerald has also maintained its emphasis on the life sciences sector. Life Science was a strong contributor to Emerald's performance as well as the indices, the major indices [NASDAQ Biotech (NBI) and Amex Biotech (BTK)] rose nearly 40% during the past 12 months. Ever since Dr. Mark D. McClellan, MD., Ph.D. took office in November 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been bending backwards to expedite new drug approvals in sectors where there is a clear clinical / patient benefit. Areas such as AIDS, cardiology, infections, oncology and other life-threatening diseases have seen fast track designations in order to get medicines quickly to patients. This has been very good news for many life-sciences companies, patients and investors as clinical developments time-spans were reduced by years, resulting in tremendous cost savings to companies and investors. We do not expect this to change in the foreseeable future as long as the Commissioner is in place and there are no major embarrassing product recalls. Our oncology exposure included ILEX Oncology (ILXO), Celgene (CELG) and Telik (TELK). Specialty companies included Martek Biosciences (MATK), the infant formula additive providers and Gen-Probe (GPRO), the diagnostic testing and blood screening company (West Nile Virus, etc.), were among our standout performers. Looking forward, we anticipate the strength in life sciences to continue through 2004. The life sciences group as a whole is more financially healthy as many public companies during 2003 took advantage of the extremely low interest rates and a healthy investment climate to access the convertible preferred and private financing markets, clean up their balance sheets, and prepare for the future which we view as positive. More importantly we expect 2004 to bring a number of key approvals such as DNA's Avastin and IMCL's Erbitux early in the year, as well as high quality clinical information made available at major medical meetings. This bodes well for performance in the sector. Outside of what one would consider the core growth areas, Emerald seeks to find growth opportunities within all sectors of the marketplace. In that regard we have experienced a great amount of success in financial services. The bank sector received a boost from an acceleration in merger and acquisition activity that started with the purchase of two community banks in the Mid-Atlantic area. Emerald's insurance exposure for a growth manager is overweighted due to the strong premium cycle that continues for our smaller companies. Earnings 4 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT -- CONTINUED - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- growth continues to be above average and equal to almost any sector except for the highest growth names in the technology sector. EMERALD SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND The Select Banking and Finance Fund provided substantial upside for our shareholders over both the last six months (+25.2%) and the calendar year (+44.6%). After 4 years of very good relative and nominal years averaging over 15%, the Fund still participated in the outstanding rebound that the stock market as a whole registered in 2003. PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURN TOTAL TOTAL --------------------------------------------------- RETURNS RETURN SINCE SINCE FUND/INDEX SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS INCEPTION** INCEPTION** - ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- Emerald Select Banking & Finance Fund -- Class A* At NAV +25.24% +44.58% +24.17% +20.80% +15.77% +173.46% At MOP +19.30% +37.70% +22.17% +19.62% +14.95% +160.44% Russell 2000 Index +24.92% +47.25% + 6.27% + 7.13% + 7.52% + 64.59% Morningstar Financial Funds Average +18.27% +33.31% + 5.03% + 7.71% n/a n/a * Prior to 10/20/98 the Fund, called the Select Opportunities Fund, pursued a different objective. ** Inception Date: 2/18/97 Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Select Banking and Finance Fund returns at NAV do not include the effects of the Fund's Class A maximum 4.75% sales charge; returns at MOP do. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance returns of 2000 similar cap companies. Investments cannot be made in an index. The Morningstar Financial Funds Average represents 116, 115, 96 and 62 financial services funds for total return without regard to sales charges for the Six Months, One Year and Three Year, Five Year, and Since Inception (2/18/97) periods, respectively. All performance results assume reinvestment of dividends. This performance was partially a result of moving to a greater weight in insurance companies, diversified financial service companies and investment management companies early in 2003. While these were well timed additions to the portfolio, our greatest exposure (year end 70+%) remained community banks. This segment continues to take market share from its larger competitors, which includes major regionals, national franchises, and money center banks. We believe this trend will continue well into the future providing a continuing attractive sector for the Emerald Fund to invest. The community banking sector in which the Emerald Fund specializes has substantial advantages to its much bigger peers. These include: 1.) Personalized customer services for the retail client as well as the small business segment. 2.) Better asset quality, a focus of Emerald. 3.) Many have lower funding costs through consumer deposits. 4.) Greater opportunities to increase fee income. 5 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT -- CONTINUED - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 5 Contributors to Performance Over the Last 6 Months Commercial Capital Bancorp, Inc. (CCBI) Wilshire State Bank (WSBK) Allegiant Bancorp (ALLE) Capital Crossing Bank (CAPX) Harleysville National Corp. (HNBC) Top 5 Detractors to Performance Over the Last 6 Months Waddell and Reed Financial (WDR) Coast Financial Holdings (CFHI) MBT Financial (MBTF) Sun Bancorp (Pennsylvania) (SUBI) Middleburg Financial (MBRG) The bank sector received a boost from an acceleration in merger and acquisition activity that started with the purchase of 2 community banks in the Mid-Atlantic area. First, PNC Financial took over United National Bank (UNBJ) in Bridgewater, New Jersey and Fleet Financial took over Progress Financial (PGRS) in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Both United National and Progress were holdings in the Bank Fund, enhancing our returns in the 3rd Quarter. The M&A activity continued throughout the year and we believe will be the major theme in 2004 and 2005. Even the largest of the large got into the act with J. P. Morgan acquiring Bank One. All of this activity forces everyone to make a move. For example, our second largest holding, Commercial Capital (CCBI), acquired Hawthorne Financial because of its base of deposits. Emerald believes that this trend has led to slight takeover premiums in bank valuations. While valuations are at their highest level since 1998, though substantially below 1997 levels, we expect continued multiple expansion as consolidation continues into 2004. The community bank sector's major theme is one of market share gains versus their larger competitors. With the demographically generated need for financial services in the retail segment and the expected economic rebound helping small business and small commercial real estate ventures, we see a strong trend in the financial services sector for the next several years. Emerald's insurance exposure for a growth manager is overweighted due to the strong premium cycle that continues for our smaller companies. Earnings growth continues to be above average and equal to almost any sector except for the highest growth names in the technology sector. EMERALD SELECT TECHNOLOGY FUND After 3 years of very different returns in the small cap tech sector, the Fund ramped off the bottom starting on March 12, 2003 and continued to lead the market throughout the year. 6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT -- CONTINUED - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURN TOTAL TOTAL --------------------------------------------------- RETURNS RETURN SINCE SINCE FUND/INDEX SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS INCEPTION** INCEPTION** - ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- Emerald Select Technology Fund -- Class A* At NAV +39.18% +74.83% -20.41% -1.95% -0.24% - 1.47% At MOP +32.60% +66.67% -21.69% -2.89% -1.03% - 6.17% Russell 2000G Index +24.48% +48.54% - 2.03% +0.86% +0.51% + 3.20% Russell 2000 Index +24.92% +47.25% + 6.26% +7.13% +5.49% +39.02% Morningstar-Technology Funds Index +24.71% +55.44% -17.12% -1.14% n/a n/a * Prior to 2/29/00 the Fund, called the Year 2000 Fund, focused on a specific industry within the technology sector. ** Inception Date: 10/31/97 As you review the results above, please note that the Fund has invested in a variety of initial public offerings (IPO's). The performance of IPO's may have a greater impact on the performance results of a smaller fund, and may lessen as the Fund's assets grow. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Emerald Select Technology Fund returns at NAV do not include the effects of the Fund's Class A maximum 4.75% sales charge; returns at MOP do. The Russell 2000 Growth Index measures the performance of the Growth companies in Russell's small cap universe. The Morningstar Technology Funds Average represents 326, 323, 285, and 110 technology funds, respectively, for total return without regard to sales charges for the Six Months, One Year, Three Year, Five Year and Since Inception (10/31/97) periods. All performance results assume reinvestment of dividends. Top 5 Contributors to Performance Over the Last 6 Months XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) Semitool (SMTL) Cognizant Technology (CTSH) Amkor Technology (AMKR) Lexar Media (LEXR) Top 5 Detractors to Performance Over the Last 6 Months WMS Industries (WMS) Interdigital Communications (IDCC) Sanchez Computer (SCAI) Protein Design Labs (PDLI) White Electronics Designs (WEDC) Our emphasis remains on the emergence and proliferation of Flat Panel Displays. Flat Panel replacement for the desktop is continuing at a steady pace, but the real growth is in Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) TV's. Display Search estimates we will have 50 million units by 2008. We expect capital expenditures to rise 43% in 2004 benefitting our holdings, Applied Film Technology (AFCO) and Photon Dynamics (PHTN). We are also focusing on absolute unit growth plays in the Semiconductor Industry. In September 2003, integrated circuits unit volumes exceeded 2000 peak levels. This is quite astounding, considering the 3 year down- 7 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT -- CONTINUED - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- turn the tech sector endured at the beginning of the decade. The problem has been the average selling prices (ASP's) fell rapidly because of too much capacity, a result of the massive overbuilding in 1999 & 2000. But with ASP's now firming and expectations of at least a 5 - 10% increase in 2004, combined with capacity utilization levels moving over 90%, we now expect a significant upcycle in capital spending for new equipment and technologies. With new money being spent on both the front end and back end, we have identified many beneficiaries for the months ahead. On the front end, ion implanter Varian Semiconductor (VSEA) and a deposition and cleaning beneficiary in Semitool (SMTL). On the back end, we believe a strong upcycle for test is occurring, yielding our picks of LTX Corp. (LTXX) and Credence Systems (CMOS). Finally, our big push has been to catch the outsourcing cycle of assembly and test functions. Today only 25 - 30% of this market is outsourced with trends clearly pointing towards a significantly greater amount due to cost efficiencies and the increased complexity involved with new packaging techniques. Our picks in this area are Amkor Technologies (AMKR) and ChipPac (CHPC). IT outsourcing is also a major theme in today's market with the possibility of doubling and doubling again over the next 4 years. Cognizant Technology Solution (CTSH) based in Teaneck, NJ is the clear leader in outsourcing CRM and other solutions for the financial and health care industries. In 2004, we expect IT spending to be finally freed up at the executive level, resulting in a new growth era for software companies. We expect this area to expand throughout 2004 if it develops as we expect. Telecom spending is also finally set for improvement, especially focused on VOIP technology. Beneficiaries in this area include Ixia (XXIA), OpNet (OPNT) and Extreme Networks (EXTR). Life Sciences is important in this fund as we mix and match biotech with small cap technology to diversify the Fund. With a positive outlook for the economy, we look for this fund to continue to build on its success in 2003. MUTUAL FUND CONCERNS On behalf of all of our Trustees, we want to ensure our shareholders that we take our responsibilities at the Emerald Funds with the greatest amount of respect, diligence and commitment to you, our shareholders. We have always believed that adherence to the highest levels of fiduciary responsibility and care is demanded to win and retain your trust and your investment dollar. The shape of the mutual fund industry will change greatly over the next few months and we intend to continue to meet our commitment to you in terms of service, reporting and investment returns. Sincerely, Kenneth G. Mertz II, CFA Stacey L. Sears Chief Investment Officer Co-Portfolio Manager -- Emerald Growth Fund Co-Portfolio Manager -- Emerald Growth Fund Portfolio Manager -- Emerald Bank Fund Portfolio Manager -- Emerald Tech Fund 8 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT -- CONTINUED - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views expressed are the opinions of the portfolio managers as of the reporting date and are subject to change. ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE INFORMATION APPEARING IN THE LETTERS TO SHAREHOLDERS: All performance information is presented on a total return basis unless otherwise noted and reflects the reinvestment of distributions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate with market conditions so that shares may be worth more or less when redeemed than their original cost. Funds that invest in a particular industry or geographic region may involve a greater degree of risk than funds with a more diversified portfolio. All three Emerald Mutual Funds invest in the stocks of smaller-sized companies, which may involve higher risk and increased volatility than the stocks of larger companies. Write or call for a free copy of the Funds' current prospectus, which contains more complete information including management fees, sales charges and other charges and expenses, and which you should read carefully before investing. 9 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ COMMON STOCKS -- 97.24% AUTO & TRANSPORTATION -- 0.71% RAILROADS -- 0.71% Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.* .............................. 25,600 $ 806,400 -------------- CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY -- 19.33% CASINO & GAMBLING -- 0.21% Multimedia Games, Inc.* ............................... 5,900 242,490 -------------- EDUCATION SERVICES -- 0.99% Education Management Corp.* ........................... 36,502 1,133,022 -------------- ENTERTAINMENT -- 1.18% Alliance Gaming Corp.* ................................ 54,500 1,343,425 -------------- HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS -- 0.73% The Bombay Company, Inc.* ............................. 102,300 832,722 -------------- RADIO & TV BROADCASTERS -- 2.74% Entercom Communications Corp.* ........................ 11,970 633,931 XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.* ..................... 94,300 2,485,748 -------------- 3,119,679 -------------- RENTAL & LEASING SERVICES -- 1.68% Aaron Rents, Inc. ..................................... 41,400 833,382 Wesco International, Inc. ............................. 121,700 1,077,045 -------------- 1,910,427 -------------- RESTAURANTS -- 0.63% RARE Hospitatlity International, Inc.* ................ 29,400 718,536 -------------- RETAIL -- 8.48% Aeropostale, Inc.* .................................... 25,800 707,436 American Eagle Outfitters* ............................ 53,300 874,120 Coldwater Creek Inc.* ................................. 64,507 709,576 Cost Plus, Inc.* ...................................... 17,200 705,200 Global Imaging Systems, Inc.* ......................... 38,900 1,235,075 Guitar Center, Inc.* .................................. 14,700 478,926 Hibbett Sporting Goods, Inc.* ......................... 39,300 1,171,140 HOT Topic, Inc.* ...................................... 38,100 1,122,426 Linens 'N Things, Inc.* ............................... 27,600 830,208 The Wet Seal, Inc.* ................................... 68,150 674,004 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.* .............................. 103,835 1,148,415 -------------- 9,656,526 -------------- 10 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ SERVICES: COMMERCIAL -- 0.65% Genio Group, Inc.* .................................... 47,450 $ 97,273 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.* ............................ 25,015 650,890 -------------- 748,163 -------------- TOYS -- 2.04% Marvel Enterprises, Inc.* ............................. 79,900 2,325,889 -------------- TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY ...................................... 22,030,879 -------------- ENERGY -- 1.68% COAL -- 0.21% Callon Pete Co.* ...................................... 23,000 238,510 -------------- MACHINERY: OIL WELL EQUIPMENT & Services -- 1.14% Cal Dive Intl.* ....................................... 30,600 737,766 Pride International, Inc.* ............................ 30,100 561,064 -------------- 1,298,830 -------------- OIL: CRUDE PRODUCERS -- 0.33% Quicksilver Resources, Inc.* .......................... 11,700 377,910 -------------- TOTAL ENERGY ...................................................... 1,915,250 -------------- FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 9.31% BANKS: REGIONAL -- 4.11% Banc Corp.* ........................................... 23,100 196,350 Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. .............................. 6,900 155,319 Community Banks, Inc. ................................. 22,130 869,930 Harleysville National Corp. ........................... 39,101 1,176,940 S&T Bancorp, Inc. ..................................... 16,250 485,875 Sun Bancorp, Inc. ..................................... 35,990 950,136 Yardville National Bancorp ............................ 33,100 851,993 -------------- 4,686,543 -------------- INSURANCE: MULTI-LINE- 2.05% HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. .......................... 32,600 1,036,680 Penn-America Group, Inc. .............................. 97,680 1,296,213 -------------- 2,332,893 -------------- INSURANCE: PROPERTY-CASUALTY- 2.32% Markel Corp.* ......................................... 2,100 532,371 Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Co.* ................ 31,700 1,547,911 Selective Insurance Group ............................. 17,500 566,300 -------------- 2,646,582 -------------- See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 11 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS -- 0.28% La Quinta Corp.* ...................................... 49,100 $ 314,731 -------------- SAVINGS & LOAN -- 0.55% Commercial Capital Bancorp, Inc.* ..................... 29,501 631,616 -------------- TOTAL FINANCIAL SERVICES .......................................... 10,612,365 -------------- HEALTH CARE -- 21.39% BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH & PRODUCTION -- 6.21% Cubist ................................................ 71,539 869,914 Martek Biosciences Corp.* ............................. 32,650 2,121,271 Maxim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ........................... 27,001 240,308 Telik, Inc.* .......................................... 76,200 1,753,362 Vaxgen, Inc.* ......................................... 221,700 1,755,864 Vicuron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* ........................ 18,000 335,700 -------------- 7,076,419 -------------- DRUGS & PHARMACEUTICALS -- 6.15% Alkermes, Inc.* ....................................... 44,900 606,150 Columbia Laboratories, Inc.* .......................... 49,300 310,590 Dendreon Corp. ........................................ 54,800 441,688 Depomed, Inc. ......................................... 104,600 741,614 ILEX Oncology, Inc.* .................................. 48,002 1,020,043 KV Pharmaceutical Co.* ................................ 61,686 1,572,993 Sciclone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ........................ 27,700 187,806 Medicines Co., The* ................................... 72,300 2,129,958 -------------- 7,010,842 -------------- ELECTRONICS: MEDICAL SYSTEMS -- 2.08% Cardiodynamics Intl. Corp. ............................ 74,700 445,959 EPIX Medical, Inc.* ................................... 26,100 424,908 VISX, Incorporated* ................................... 64,600 1,495,490 -------------- 2,366,357 -------------- HEALTH CARE SERVICES -- 0.79% LabOne, Inc.* ......................................... 27,700 899,419 -------------- HEALTH CARE FACILITIES -- 1.45% Psychiatic Solutions .................................. 18,600 388,740 Renal Care Group, Inc.* ............................... 30,800 1,268,960 -------------- 1,657,700 -------------- 12 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ MEDICAL & DENTAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES -- 4.17% Gen-Probe Incorporated* ............................... 60,500 $ 2,206,435 IGEN International, Inc.* ............................. 18,631 1,097,552 ResMed Inc.* .......................................... 14,100 585,714 Respironics, Inc.* .................................... 19,000 856,710 -------------- 4,746,411 -------------- MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH CARE -- 0.54% ThermoGenesis Corp.* .................................. 118,000 611,240 -------------- TOTAL HEALTH CARE ................................................. 24,368,388 -------------- MATERIALS & PROCESSING -- 3.44% CHEMICALS -- 3.44% Airgas, Inc.* ......................................... 92,200 1,980,456 Cabot Microelectronics Corp.* ......................... 23,000 1,127,000 MacDermid, Inc. ....................................... 23,700 811,488 -------------- 3,918,944 -------------- PRODUCER DURABLES -- 18.51% AEROSPACE -- 1.27% Environmental Tectonics, Inc.* ........................ 190,500 1,451,610 -------------- ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & COMPONENTS -- 0.79% Cohu, Inc. ............................................ 47,200 903,880 -------------- ELECTRICAL: INSTRUMENT GAUGES -- 0.94% Keithley Instruments, Inc. ............................ 47,000 860,100 RAE Systems ........................................... 62,900 213,860 -------------- 1,073,960 -------------- IDENTIFICATION CONTROL & FILTER -- 0.99% ESCO Technologies, Inc.* .............................. 25,800 1,126,170 -------------- MACHINERY: INDUSTRIAL/SPECIALTY -- 1.72% Paragon Technologies, Inc.* ........................... 201,715 1,956,635 MACHINERY: SPECIALTY -- 3.05% Applied Films Corp.* .................................. 65,454 2,161,291 Semitool, Inc.* ....................................... 122,384 1,312,079 -------------- 3,473,370 -------------- See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 13 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ MANUFACTURING -- 1.51% Met-Pro Corp. ......................................... 106,666 $ 1,722,656 -------------- PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT -- 7.45% August Technology Corp. ............................... 8,200 152,111 Brooks Automation, Inc. ............................... 18,500 447,145 Credence Systems Corporation* ......................... 19,500 256,620 Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. .................... 47,703 685,969 LTX Corp. ............................................. 88,200 1,325,646 Mykrolis Corp. ........................................ 58,700 943,896 Photon Dynamics, Inc.* ................................ 53,400 2,148,816 Rudolph Technologies, Inc.* ........................... 39,950 980,373 Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.* ...... 35,300 1,542,257 -------------- 8,482,833 -------------- TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT -- 0.79% Interdigital Communications Corp.* .................... 43,600 899,904 -------------- TOTAL PRODUCER DURABLES ........................................... 21,091,018 -------------- TECHNOLOGY -- 22.61% COMPUTER SERVICES SOFTWARE -- 6.54% Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation* ........... 44,600 2,035,544 Diamond Cluster, Intl.* ............................... 173,500 1,769,700 Micros Systems, Inc.* ................................. 45,372 1,967,331 Opnet Technologies, Inc.* ............................. 25,490 419,566 Opsware, Inc.* ........................................ 130,200 963,480 Zoran Corp.* .......................................... 16,700 290,413 -------------- 7,446,034 -------------- COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY -- 1.87% Extreme Networks, Inc.* ............................... 34,600 249,466 Ixia* ................................................. 69,904 817,877 Seachange International, Inc.* ........................ 43,400 668,360 ViaSat, Inc.* ......................................... 20,835 398,782 -------------- 2,134,485 -------------- COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY -- 1.93% Drexler Technology Corp.* ............................. 29,100 397,797 Lexar Media, Inc.* .................................... 63,600 1,108,548 Neoware Systems, Inc.* ................................ 50,955 698,084 -------------- 2,204,429 -------------- 14 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS -- 2.13% Benchmark Electronics, Inc.* .......................... 33,150 $ 1,153,951 TTM Technologies* ..................................... 47,700 805,176 Universal Display Corp.* .............................. 33,800 462,046 -------------- 2,421,173 -------------- ELECTRONICS -- 4.16% Avid Technology, Inc.* ................................ 39,400 1,891,200 Flir Systems, Inc.* ................................... 22,400 817,600 II-VI, Inc.* .......................................... 55,800 1,439,640 Richardson Electronics Ltd. ........................... 24,310 298,770 Semtech Corp.* ........................................ 13,000 295,490 -------------- 4,742,700 -------------- ELECTRONICS: TECHNOLOGY -- 0.19% Cubic Corp. ........................................... 9,300 213,900 -------------- ELECTRONICS: SEMI-CONDUCTORS -- 5.79% Amkor Technology, Inc.* ............................... 133,705 2,434,768 ChipPAC, Inc.* ........................................ 96,664 733,680 eMagin Corporation* ................................... 20,700 28,566 Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc.* ..................... 22,400 638,175 ON Semiconductor Corp. ................................ 184,300 1,188,735 Virage Logic Corp.* ................................... 59,014 600,173 White Electronic Designs Corp.* ....................... 86,702 762,978 Zilog, Inc.* .......................................... 41,200 214,241 -------------- 6,601,316 -------------- TOTAL TECHNOLOGY .................................................. 25,764,037 -------------- UTILITIES -- 0.26% UTILITIES: TELECOMMUNICATIONS -- 0.26% Dobson Communications Corp. ........................... 44,300 291,051 -------------- TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $78,035,100) ............................ 110,798,332 -------------- See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 15 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL MARKET AMOUNT VALUE --------- ------ SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS -- 2.34% U.S TREASURY OBLIGATIONS -- 2.28% U.S. Treasury Bills due 01/02/04, 0.42% ................... 1,300,000 $ 1,299,970 U.S. Treasury Bills due 01/15/04, 0.72% ................... 1,300,000 1,299,616 ------------- 2,599,586 ------------- VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES # -- 0.06% First American Prime Obligations Fund, 07/06/2004, 0.76% .. 69,756 69,756 ------------- TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $2,669,342) ......................... 2,669,342 ------------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $80,704,442) -- 99.58% ................................... 113,467,674 OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET -- 0.42% ....................................... 473,005 ------------- NET ASSETS -- 100.00% ............................................................ $ 113,940,679 ============= * Non-income producing security # Variable rate demand notes are considered short-term obligations and are payable on demand. Interest rates change periodically on specified dates. The rate listed is as of December 31, 2003. 16 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ COMMON STOCKS -- 97.83% FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 95.86% BANKS: REGIONAL -- 73.77% Abigail Adams National Bancorp ..................... 50,438 $ 958,313 ACNB Corp. ......................................... 12,000 323,700 Alabama National Bancorp ........................... 63,509 3,337,398 Allegiant Bancorp, Inc. ............................ 140,387 3,937,856 Associated Banc-Corp. .............................. 57,900 2,469,435 Banc Corp. ......................................... 83,191 707,124 Bank of Hawaii Corp. ............................... 20,800 877,760 Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. ........................... 111,740 2,515,267 Boston Private Financial Holdings., Inc. ........... 67,500 1,676,700 Camden National Corp. .............................. 75,100 2,280,036 Capital Bank Corp. ................................. 40,500 625,725 Capital Bancorp Limited ............................ 19,800 562,320 Capital Corp of the West* .......................... 37,300 1,478,572 Capital Crossing Bank* ............................. 52,900 2,504,339 Cardinal Financial Corporation ..................... 125,000 1,035,000 Cascade Financial Corporation ...................... 96,250 1,865,229 CB Bancshares, Inc. ................................ 14,040 878,904 Central Pacific Financial Corp. .................... 56,200 1,688,248 Chester Valley Bancorp ............................. 86,204 1,996,485 Chittenden Coporation .............................. 50,500 1,698,820 Classic Bancshares, Inc. ........................... 14,830 493,097 CNB Florida Bancshares, Inc. ....................... 60,200 1,384,600 Coast Financial Holdings ........................... 61,500 824,100 Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc. ....................... 64,985 1,358,186 Columbia Bancorp ................................... 61,475 1,964,126 Community Bank System, Inc. ........................ 36,800 1,803,200 Community Banks, Inc. .............................. 55,356 2,176,044 Community First Bankshares, Inc. ................... 49,500 1,432,530 ECB Bancorp, Inc. .................................. 13,000 370,500 First Community Bancshares, Inc. ................... 23,690 785,560 First Midwest Cancorp, Inc. ........................ 20,000 648,200 First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc. ................... 80,700 2,421,807 Florida Banks, Inc.* ............................... 36,200 506,800 F.N.B. Corp. ....................................... 52,874 1,874,383 FNB Corp. .......................................... 37,700 1,119,690 FNB Financial Services Corporation ................. 50,000 997,500 Fulton Financial Corp. ............................. 59,805 1,310,328 Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. ....................... 46,300 2,146,931 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 17 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ BANKS: REGIONAL -- 73.77% (CONTINUED) Harleysville National Corp. ........................ 122,078 $3,674,548 Heritage Commerce Corp.* ........................... 30,300 371,175 IBERIABANK Corporation ............................. 60,900 3,593,100 International Bancshares Corp. ..................... 40,856 1,926,360 Lakeland Financial Corp. ........................... 45,000 1,589,400 Leesport Financial Corp. ........................... 41,445 974,786 Legacy Bank of Harrisburg*^ ........................ 56,027 714,344 Local Financial Corp.* ............................. 50,900 1,060,756 Macatawa Bank Corporation .......................... 10,815 306,173 Main Street Banks, Inc. ............................ 162,970 4,318,705 MB Financial Corp. ................................. 87,250 3,175,900 MBT Financial Corp. ................................ 3,837 63,349 Mercantile Bank Corporation ........................ 99,800 3,642,700 Mercantile Bankshares Corp. ........................ 35,000 1,595,300 Middleburg Financial Corp. ......................... 42,700 1,708,000 National Penn Bancshares, Inc. ..................... 24,790 796,255 Northrim BanCorp, Inc. ............................. 160,000 3,672,000 Oak Hill Financial, Inc. ........................... 64,389 1,983,825 Pacific Crest Capital, Inc. ........................ 82,800 2,140,380 Patriot Bank Corp. ................................. 91,381 2,614,410 Pennrock Financial Services Corp. .................. 24,965 775,912 Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. .................. 25,000 587,500 Princeton National Bancorp, Inc. ................... 63,900 1,824,345 PrivateBancorp, Inc. ............................... 28,150 1,281,388 Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. ........................ 41,500 934,580 S&T Bancorp, Inc. .................................. 39,091 1,168,821 Shore Bancshares, Inc. ............................. 2,717 103,491 Sky Financial Group, Inc. .......................... 120,391 3,122,943 Southern Financial Bancorp, Inc. ................... 1 30 Southside Bancshares, Inc. ......................... 66,455 1,229,425 Southwest Bancorp, Inc. ............................ 64,738 1,157,515 Sterling Financial Corp. ........................... 82,600 2,292,150 Summit Bancshares, Inc. ............................ 25,000 696,500 Sun Bancorp, Inc. .................................. 114,437 3,021,143 Sun Bancorp, Inc.* ................................. 29,477 558,884 Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. ..................... 146,920 2,124,757 Union Bankshares Corp. ............................. 88,777 2,707,699 United Community Banks, Inc. ....................... 30,200 993,580 United National Bancorp ............................ 23,100 825,363 Virginia Financial Group, Inc. ..................... 40,700 1,445,664 Webster Financial Corp. ............................ 79,400 3,641,284 Wilshire State Bank* ............................... 178,280 3,462,019 18 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ BANKS: REGIONAL -- 73.77% (CONTINUED) Wintrust Financial Corporation ..................... 21,000 $ 947,100 Yardville National Bancorp ......................... 94,800 2,440,152 ------------ 134,298,524 ------------ DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 2.92% Bear Stearns Companies Inc., The ................... 20,200 1,614,990 E*TRADE Group, Inc.* ............................... 200,600 2,537,590 Legg Mason, Inc. ................................... 10,000 771,800 Stifel Financial Corp. ............................. 20,000 390,000 ------------ 5,314,380 ------------ INSURANCE CARRIERS: MULTI-LINE -- 2.26% Penn America Group, Inc. ........................... 73,500 975,345 HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. ....................... 98,600 3,135,480 ------------ 4,110,825 ------------ INSURANCE CARRIERS: PROPERTY & Casualty -- 10.05% Donegal Group, Inc ................................. 103,600 2,281,272 Erie Indemnity Co. ................................. 27,400 1,161,212 Markel Corp.* ...................................... 9,000 2,281,590 Navigators Group, Inc., The* ....................... 78,700 2,429,469 NCRID Group, Inc. .................................. 63,000 670,950 PartnerRe Ltd. ..................................... 29,000 1,683,450 Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Co.* ............. 74,600 3,642,718 Selective Insurance Group .......................... 44,000 1,423,840 United Fire & Casualty Co. ......................... 67,600 2,728,336 ------------ 18,302,837 ------------ INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES -- 0.87% Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.* ................... 16,000 1,113,440 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. ..................... 20,100 471,546 ------------ 1,584,986 ------------ SAVINGS & LOAN -- 5.99% Commercial Capital Bancorp, Inc.* .................. 200,650 4,295,917 Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. .................... 70,200 2,159,352 First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. ................ 111,200 1,657,992 FloridaFirst Bancorp, Inc. ......................... 29,500 976,450 Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. .................. 47,000 904,750 Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. ...................... 81,200 900,508 ------------ 10,894,969 ------------ TOTAL FINANCIAL SERVICES ....................................... 174,506,521 ------------ See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 19 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS -- 1.97% Entertainment Properties Trust ..................... 70,900 $ 2,460,939 Gladstone Commercial Corp .......................... 25,000 421,250 Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. .................... 50,000 707,500 ------------ TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESMENT TRUSTS ............................. 3,589,689 ------------ TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $140,602,522) ........................ 178,096,210 ------------ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT --------- SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS -- 3.80% U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS -- 2.84% U.S. Treasury Bills due 01/02/2004, 0.43% .......... 1,100,000 1,099,974 U.S. Treasury Bills due 01/08/2004, 0.67% .......... 3,000,000 2,999,563 U.S. Treasury Bills due 01/15/2004, 0.72% .......... 1,070,000 1,069,683 ------------ TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS INVESTMENTS ..................... 5,169,220 ------------ VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES # -- 0.96% First American Prime Obligations Fund, 07/06/2004, 0.76% .............................. 1,744,358 1,744,358 ------------ TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $6,913,578) ............................. 6,913,578 ------------ TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $147,516,100) -- 101.63% ............................ 185,009,788 LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS, NET -- (1.63%) ....................... (2,959,348) NET ASSETS -- 100.00% ....................................................... $182,050,440 ============ * Non-income producing security # Variable rate demand notes are considered short-term obligations and are payable on demand. Interest rates change periodically on specified dates. The rate listed is as of December 31, 2003. ^ Illiquid security. 20 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- SELECT TECHNOLOGY FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ COMMON STOCKS -- 92.23% CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY -- 3.83% RADIO & T.V. BROADCASTERS -- 3.83% XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.* ................... 6,100 $ 160,796 ----------- TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY .................................... 160,796 ----------- HEALTHCARE -- 13.84% BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH & PRODUCTION -- 5.61% Celgene Corp.* ...................................... 1,300 58,526 Maxim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ......................... 5,400 48,060 Telik, Inc.* ........................................ 5,600 128,856 ----------- 235,442 ----------- DRUGS & PHARMACEUTICALS -- 4.92% Alkermes, Inc.* ..................................... 2,700 36,450 ILEX Oncology, Inc.* ................................ 4,400 93,500 Medicines Co. ....................................... 2,600 76,596 ----------- 206,546 ----------- MEDICAL & DENTAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES -- 3.31% Gen-Probe, Inc. ..................................... 3,800 138,586 ----------- TOTAL HEALTHCARE ................................................ 580,574 ----------- MATERIALS & PROCESSING -- 0.82% CHEMICALS -- 0.82% Cabot Microelectronics Corp.* ....................... 700 34,300 ----------- TOTAL MATERIALS & PROCESSING .................................... 34,300 ----------- PRODUCER DURABLES -- 27.98% ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS -- 1.78% COHU, Inc. .......................................... 3,900 74,685 ----------- ELECTRONICS: INSTRUMENTS GAUGES -- 1.83% Keithley Instruments, Inc. .......................... 4,200 76,860 ----------- MACHINERY: SPECIALTY -- 6.81% Applied Films Corp.* ................................ 4,500 148,590 Semitool, Inc.* ..................................... 12,800 137,229 ----------- 285,819 ----------- See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 21 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- SELECT TECHNOLOGY FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ MISCELLANEOUS -- 4.43% Fairchild Semiconductor Corp. ....................... 3,800 $ 94,886 Ultratech, Inc.* .................................... 3,100 91,047 ----------- 185,933 ----------- PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT -- 11.55% August Technology ................................... 500 9,275 Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc.* ................. 5,800 83,404 LTX Corp. ........................................... 3,300 49,599 MYKROLIS Corp. ...................................... 2,700 43,416 Photon Dynamics, Inc.* .............................. 2,400 96,576 Rudolph Technologies, Inc.* ......................... 1,500 36,810 Tessera Technologies ................................ 3,000 56,430 Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.* .... 2,500 109,225 ----------- 484,735 ----------- TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT -- 1.58% Interdigital Communications Corp.* .................. 3,200 66,048 ----------- TOTAL PRODUCER DURABLES ......................................... 1,174,080 ----------- TECHNOLOGY -- 45.76% COMPUTER SERVICES & SOFTWARE -- 10.55% Ansoft Corp. ........................................ 3,300 42,339 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation* ......... 3,200 146,048 MICROS Systems, Inc.* ............................... 3,100 134,416 OPSWARE, Inc. ....................................... 8,700 64,380 Zoran Corporation* .................................. 3,200 55,648 ----------- 442,831 ----------- COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY -- 4.80% Ixia* ............................................... 6,000 70,200 KVH Industries, Inc. ................................ 1,800 49,446 Seachange International, Inc.* ...................... 5,300 81,620 ----------- 201,266 ----------- COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY -- 3.29% Lexar Media, Inc.* .................................. 5,100 88,893 Neoware Systems, Inc.* .............................. 3,600 49,320 ----------- 138,213 ----------- 22 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -- SELECT TECHNOLOGY FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET SHARES VALUE ------ ------ ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS -- 2.91% Benchmark Electronics, Inc.* ........................ 2,700 $ 93,987 Jabil Circuit, Inc.* ................................ 1,000 28,300 ----------- 122,287 ----------- ELECTRONICS -- 5.01% Flir Systems, Inc.* ................................. 2,300 83,950 II-VI, Inc.* ........................................ 2,400 61,920 Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.* ....................... 2,800 64,120 ----------- 209,990 ----------- ELECTRONICS: SEMICONDUCTORS -- 19.20% Amkor Technology, Inc.* ............................. 9,200 167,532 ChipPAC, Inc.* ...................................... 14,700 111,573 eMagin Corporation* ................................. 18,500 25,530 Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc.* ................... 3,500 99,715 Intersil Corporation ................................ 2,100 52,185 MEMC Electronics Materials, Inc. .................... 6,000 57,720 ON Semiconductor Corp. .............................. 19,500 125,775 Transmeta Corp. ..................................... 20,000 68,000 Virage Logic Corporation* ........................... 5,000 50,850 Zebra Technologies Corp. ............................ 700 46,459 ----------- 805,339 ----------- TOTAL TECHNOLOGY ................................................ 1,919,926 ----------- TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $2,610,868) ........................... 3,869,676 ----------- OPTIONS -- 4.41% CALL OPTIONS -- 3.10% XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., Jan. 2004, Strike 7.50* .......................... 10,000 185,000 ----------- TOTAL OPTIONS (COST $12,650) .................................... 185,000 ----------- PRINCIPAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS -- 2.50% AMOUNT --------- VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES # -- 2.50% First American Prime Obligations Fund, 07/06/2004, 0.76% ................................ 105,032 105,032 ----------- TOTAL SHORT-TERM SECURITIES (COST $105,032) ..................... 105,032 ----------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $2,728,550) -- 99.14% .............................. 4,159,708 OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET -- 0.86% ................................. 36,163 NET ASSETS -- 100.00% ...................................................... $ 4,195,871 =========== * Non-income producing security # Variable rate demand notes are considered short-term obligations and are payable on demand. Interest rates change periodically on specified dates. The rate listed is as of December 31, 2003. See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 23 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- =================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (UNAUDITED) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECT SELECT BANKING AND TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND FINANCE FUND FUND ------------- ------------- ------------- ASSETS Investments in securities at market value (cost $80,704,442, $147,516,100 and $2,728,550, respectively) ............................. $ 113,467,674 $ 185,009,788 $ 4,159,708 Deposits with brokers for securities sold short ........................... -- -- 21,164 Receivables: Dividends and interest ................................................. 15,104 263,181 254 Investment securities sold ............................................. 1,223,103 -- 300,156 Capital shares sold .................................................... 309,026 1,330,735 8,574 Other assets .............................................................. 43,385 46,050 12,772 ------------- ------------- ------------- Total assets .................................................... 115,058,292 186,649,754 4,502,628 ------------- ------------- ------------- LIABILITIES Payables for: ............................................................. Investment securities purchased ........................................ 882,855 4,296,653 282,972 Capital shares redeemed ................................................ 107,243 174,341 7,826 Advisory fee payable ................................................... 64,118 85,775 3,434 Accrued expenses and other liabilities .................................... 63,397 42,545 12,525 ------------- ------------- ------------- Total liabilities ............................................... 1,117,613 4,599,314 306,757 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net Assets ................................................................ $ 113,940,679 $ 182,050,440 $ 4,195,871 ============= ============= ============= NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: Shares of beneficial interest ............................................. $ 85,829,272 $ 141,605,558 $ 11,547,111 Accumulated net investment income/(loss) .................................. (689,623) (174,476) (50,097) Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) on investments ....................... (3,962,202) 3,125,670 (8,732,301) Net unrealized appreciation on investments ................................ 32,763,232 37,493,688 1,431,158 ------------- ------------- ------------- Total Net Assets ................................................ $ 113,940,679 $ 182,050,440 $ 4,195,871 ============= ============= ============= CLASS A SHARES: Net assets ................................................................ $ 103,931,594 $ 116,462,543 $ 3,782,900 ------------- ------------- ------------- Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, no par value ........ 7,994,561 4,715,251 481,851 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net asset value and redemption price per share ............................ $13.00 $24.70 $7.85 ====== ====== ===== Maximum offering price per share(net asset value plus sales charge of 4.75% of the offering price) .............................. $13.65 $25.93 $8.24 ====== ====== ===== CLASS C SHARES: Net assets ................................................................ $ 10,009,085 $ 65,587,897 $ 412,971 ------------- ------------- ------------- Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, no par value ........ 787,004 2,700,769 53,465 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net asset value and redemption price per share ............................ $12.72 $24.28 $7.72 ====== ====== ===== Maximum offering price per share(net asset value plus sales charge of 1.00% of the offering price) .............................. $12.85 $24.53 $7.80 ====== ====== ===== 24 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- =================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2003 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 ----------------------------------------------- SELECT SELECT BANKING AND TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND FINANCE FUND FUND ------------- ------------ ------------- INVESTMENT INCOME Dividends .............................................................. $ 123,511 $ 1,114,519 $ 579 Interest 13,010 20,079 500 ------------- ------------- ------------- 136,521 1,134,598 1,079 ------------- ------------- ------------- EXPENSES Investment Advisory fees ............................................... 379,819 638,977 18,027 12b-1 fees - Class A ................................................... 164,259 150,820 8,120 12b-1 fees - Class C ................................................... 37,113 223,386 1,787 Shareholder servicing and accounting ................................... 144,569 185,979 5,138 Professional fees ...................................................... 26,362 27,619 3,010 Trustees' fees and expenses ............................................ 4,951 2,837 1,717 Reports to shareholders ................................................ 12,162 15,250 478 Federal and state registration fees .................................... 9,020 12,153 8,405 Custody fees ........................................................... 13,125 11,259 4,125 Other .................................................................. 34,764 40,794 822 ------------- ------------- ------------- Total expenses before fee waivers ................................... 826,144 1,309,074 51,629 Advisory fee waived .................................................... -- -- -- Reimbursement by Advisor ............................................... -- -- 453 ------------- ------------- ------------- Total expenses ...................................................... 826,144 1,309,074 51,176 ------------- ------------- ------------- NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS) .............................................. (689,623) (174,476) (50,097) ------------- ------------- ------------- REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS Net realized gain/(loss) on: Investments ......................................................... 7,603,480 3,711,942 294,673 Short positions ..................................................... -- -- -- Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments Investments ......................................................... 16,448,258 25,000,652 892,709 Short positions ..................................................... -- -- 4,851 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) ................................ 24,051,738 28,712,594 1,192,233 ------------- ------------- ------------- NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ............................................... $ 23,362,115 $ 28,538,118 $ 1,142,136 ============= ============= ============= See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 25 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- =================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS DECEMBER 31, 2003 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED) SELECT SELECT BANKING AND TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND FINANCE FUND FUND ------------- ------------- ------------- OPERATIONS Net investment income/(loss) ......................................... $ (689,623) $ (174,476) $ (50,097) Net realized gain/(loss) Investments ........................................................ 7,603,480 3,711,942 294,673 Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: Investments ........................................................ 16,448,258 25,000,652 897,560 ------------- ------------- ------------- NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ................................. 23,362,115 28,538,118 1,142,136 ------------- ------------- ------------- DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income - Class A ...................................... -- (20,232) -- Net investment income - Class C ...................................... -- -- -- Net realized capital gain - Class A .................................. -- (692,942) -- Net realized capital gain - Class C .................................. -- (364,072) -- ------------- ------------- ------------- TOTAL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS ............. -- (1,077,246) -- ------------- ------------- ------------- CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions ......................................... 7,613,878 67,542,621 281,091 ------------- ------------- ------------- TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS ................................... 30,975,993 95,003,493 1,423,227 NET ASSETS Beginning of period .................................................. 82,964,686 87,046,947 2,772,644 ------------- ------------- ------------- End of period ........................................................ $ 113,940,679 $ 182,050,440 $ 4,195,871 ============= ============= ============= - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2003 SELECT SELECT BANKING AND TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND FINANCE FUND FUND ------------- ------------- ------------- OPERATIONS Net investment income/(loss) ......................................... $ (863,918) $ 20,232 $ (65,373) Net realized gain/(loss) Investments ................................................. (10,131,838) 851,591 (870,592) Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: Investments ................................................. 10,036,527 6,298,246 991,235 NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS ------------- ------------- ------------- RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ................................. (959,229) 7,170,069 55,270 ------------- ------------- ------------- DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM Net investment income - Class A ...................................... -- -- -- Net investment income - Class C ...................................... -- -- -- Net realized capital gain - Class A .................................. -- (631,774) -- Net realized capital gain - Class C .................................. -- (155,228) -- ------------- ------------- ------------- TOTAL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS ............. -- (787,002) -- ------------- ------------- ------------- CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions .................................. (2,386,351) 39,520,392 (503,522) ------------- ------------- ------------- TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS ................................... (3,345,580) 45,903,459 (448,252) NET ASSETS Beginning of period .................................................. 86,310,266 41,143,488 3,220,896 ------------- ------------- ------------- End of period ........................................................ $ 82,964,686 $ 87,046,947 $ 2,772,644 ============= ============= ============= 26 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD GROWTH FUND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED FOR THE FOR THE DECEMBER 31, 2003 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED (UNAUDITED) JUNE 30, 2003 JUNE 30, 2002 CLASS A CLASS A CLASS A ------------------ -------------- -------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................................... $ 10.21 $ 10.26 $ 12.50 ----------- --------- -------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- Net investment loss .................................................... (0.08) (0.10)(1) (0.10)(1) Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments .......................................................... 2.87 0.05 (2.14) ----------- --------- -------- Total from investment operations ................................... 2.79 (0.05) (2.24) ----------- --------- -------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Distributions fom net realized capital gain ........................ -- -- -- ----------- --------- -------- Net asset Value, End of Period ..................................... $ 13.00 $ 10.21 $ 10.26 =========== ========= ======== TOTAL RETURN* .......................................................... 27.33 (0.49)% (17.92)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA $ 103,932 $ 78,060 $ 82,805 Net assets, end of period (in 000s) .................................... 1.58%(2) 1.73% 1.62% Ratio of expenses to average net assets ................................ (1.31)(2) (1.14)% (0.88)% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets ................... 32% 79% 61% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment loss per share represents net investment loss divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Annualized. See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 27 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- CONTINUED - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD GROWTH FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE FOR THE JUNE 30, 2001 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED CLASS A** JUNE 30, 2000 JUNE 30, 1999 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................................... $ 18.31 $ 11.70 $ 13.03 ----------- --------- -------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- Net investment loss .................................................... (0.05)(1) (0.12) (0.01) Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments .......................................................... (1.58) 7.79 (1.18) ----------- --------- -------- Total from investment operations ................................... (1.63) 7.67 (1.19) ----------- --------- -------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Distributions fom net realized capital gain ............................ (4.18) (1.06) (0.14) ----------- --------- -------- Net asset Value, End of Period ......................................... $ 12.50 $ 18.31 $ 11.70 =========== ========= ======== TOTAL RETURN* .......................................................... (9.62)% 66.58% (9.24)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in 000s) .................................... $ 107,325 136,649 $ 98,977 Ratio of expenses to average net assets ................................ 1.56% 1.45% 1.56% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets ................... (0.40)% (0.66)% (0.11)% Portfolio turnover rate ................................................ 60% 102% 88% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment loss per share represents net investment loss divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Annualized 28 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- CONTINUED - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR C SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD GROWTH FUND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE DECEMBER 31, 2003 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED (UNAUDITED) JUNE 30, 2003 JUNE 30, 2002 JUNE 30, 2001 CLASS C CLASS C CLASS C CLASS C** ----------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ....................... $ 10.02 $ 10.14 $ 12.43 $ 18.31 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- Net investment loss ........................................ (0.18) (0.16)(1) (0.17)(1) (0.13)(1) Net realized and unrealized (loss) on investments .......... 2.88 0.04 (2.12) (1.57) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total from investment operations ...................... 2.70 (0.12) (2.29) (1.70) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Distributions fom net realized capital gain ................ -- -- -- (4.18) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Asset Value, End of Period ............................. $ 12.72 $ 10.02 $ 10.14 $ 12.43 ========== ========== ========== ========== Total Return* .............................................. 26.95% (1.18)% (18.42)% (10.08)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in 000s) ........................ $ 10,009 $ 4,905 $ 3,505 $ 1,434 Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets .......... 2.23%(2) 2.38% 2.27% 2.21% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets ....... (1.96)(2) (1.79)% (1.53)% (1.05)% Portfolio turnover rate .................................... 32% 79% 61% 60% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment loss per share represents net investment loss divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Annualized See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 29 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- CONTINUED - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED FOR THE FOR THE DECEMBER 31, 2003 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED (UNAUDITED) JUNE 30, 2003 JUNE 30, 2002 CLASS A CLASS A CLASS A ----------------- ------------- ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................................... $ 19.89 $ 18.36 $ 15.55 ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- Net investment income .................................................. (0.01)(1) 0.03(1) 0.05(1) Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on invetsments ................. 5.01 1.84 3.01 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total from investment operations .............................. 5.00 1.87 3.06 ---------- ---------- ---------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Dividends from net investment income ................................... (0.01) -- (0.08) Dividends in excess of net investment income ........................... -- -- -- Distributions fom net realized capital gain ............................ (0.18) (0.34) (0.17) ---------- ---------- ---------- Total distributions ........................................... (0.19) (0.34) (0.25) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Asset Value, End of Period ......................................... $ 24.70 $ 19.89 18.36 ========== ========== ========== Total Return* .......................................................... 25.24% 10.46% 19.96% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in 000s) .................................... $ 116,462 $ 59,565 $ 34,933 Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .......................... 1.77%(3) 1.98% 2.26% Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................... n/a(2) n/a(2) n/a(2) Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .......................... (0.05)(3) 0.21% 0.28% Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................... n/a(2) n/a(2) n/a(2) Portfolio turnover rate ................................................ 13% 47% 27% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment income per share represents net investment income divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Not applicable: no reimbursements were made by the Adviser. (3) Annualized. 30 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- CONTINUED - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE FOR THE JUNE 30, 2001 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED CLASS A** JUNE 30, 2000 JUNE 30, 1999 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................................... $ 11.20 $ 13.36 $ 13.42 ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- Net investment income .................................................. 0.18(1) 0.08 (0.01) Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on invetsments ................. 4.34 (2.20) (0.05) ---------- ---------- ---------- Total from investment operations .............................. 4.52 (2.12) (0.06) ---------- ---------- ---------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Dividends from net investment income ............................... (0.17) (0.03) -- Dividends in excess of net investment income ....................... -- (0.01) -- Distributions fom net realized capital gain ........................ -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total distributions ........................................... (0.17) (0.04) -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Asset Value, End of Period ......................................... $ 15.55 $ 11.20 $ 13.36 ========== ========== ========== Total Return* .......................................................... 40.72% (15.91)% (0.45)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in 000s) .................................... $ 14,822 $ 10,947 $ 13,131 Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .......................... 2.94%(3) 2.60% 2.60% Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................... 2.35% 2.35% 2.35% Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .......................... 0.79% 0.51% (0.31)% Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................... 1.38% 0.76% (0.05)% Portfolio turnover rate ................................................ 55% 46% 158% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment income per share represents net investment income divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Not applicable: no reimbursements were made by the Adviser. (3) Annualized. See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 31 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- CONTINUED - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR C SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE DECEMBER 31, 2003 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED (UNAUDITED) JUNE 30, 2003 JUNE 30, 2002 JUNE 30, 2001 CLASS C CLASS C CLASS C CLASS C** ----------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ........................... $ 19.62 $ 18.24 $ 15.47 $ 11.20 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- Net investment income/(loss) ................................... (0.08)(1) (0.08)(1) (0.06)(1) 0.10(1) Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on invetsments .............................................. 4.92 1.80 3.00 4.34 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total from investment operations .......................... 4.84 1.72 2.94 4.44 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Dividends from net investment income ........................... -- -- -- (0.17) Distributions fom net realized capital gain .................... (0.18) (0.34) (0.17) -- ========== ========== ========== ========== Total distributions ................................... (0.18) (0.34) (0.17) (0.17) ========== ========== ========== ========== Net Asset Value, End of Period ................................. $ 24.28 $ 19.62 $ 18.24 $ 15.47 ========== ========== ========== ========== Total Return* .................................................. 24.79% 9.69% 19.22% 40.00% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in 000s) ............................ $ 65,588 $ 27,482 $ 6,210 $ 513 Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ................................................... 2.42%(3) 2.63% 2.91% 3.59% Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................................ n/a(2) n/a(2) n/a(2) 3.00% Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ...................................... (0.70)(3) (0.44)% (0.37)% 0.14% Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ....................................... n/a(2) n/a(2) n/a(2) 0.73% Portfolio turnover rate ........................................ 13% 47% 27% 55% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Not applicable: no reimbursements were made by the Adviser. (3) Annualized. 32 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- CONTINUED - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD SELECT TECHNOLOGY FUND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED FOR THE FOR THE DECEMBER 31, 2003 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED (UNAUDITED) JUNE 30, 2003 JUNE 30, 2002 CLASS A CLASS A CLASS A ----------------- ------------- -------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................................... $ 5.64 $ 5.38 $ 12.15 ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- Net investment loss .................................................... (0.09) (0.12) (0.20)(1) Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments ................. 2.30 0.38 (6.15) ---------- ---------- ---------- Total from investment operations .................................... 2.21 0.26 (6.35) ---------- ---------- ---------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Dividends from net realized capital gain ............................... -- -- (0.42) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Asset Value, End of Period ......................................... $ 7.85 $ 5.64 $ 5.38 ========== ========== ========== Total Return* .......................................................... 39.18% 4.83% (53.76)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in 000s) .................................... $ 3,783 $ 2,572 $ 3,132 Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .......................... 2.81%(3) 4.99% 4.66% Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers excluding dividends on short positions ......................................... 2.78%(3) 2.90% 2.90% Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................... 2.78%(3) 2.90% 2.90% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .......................... (2.72)(3) (4.78)% (4.26)% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................... (2.69) (2.69)% (2.50)% Portfolio turnover rate ................................................ 26% 151% 249% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment income per share represents net investment income divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Not applicable: no reimbursements were made by the Adviser. (3) Annualized. See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 33 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- CONTINUED - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD SELECT TECHNOLOGY FUND FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 JUNE 30, 2000 JUNE 30, 1999 CLASS A** CLASS A CLASS A ------------- ------------- ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................................... $ 29.59 $ 12.17 $ 12.09 ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- (0.43)(2) (0.55)(1) (0.22)(1) Net investment loss .................................................... Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on invetsments ................. (13.01) 18.62 0.30 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total from investment operations ................................... (13.44) 18.07 0.08 ---------- ---------- ---------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Dividends from net realized capital gain ............................... (4.00) (0.65) -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Asset Value, End of Period ......................................... $ 12.15 $ 29.59 $ 12.17 ========== ========== ========== Total Return* .......................................................... (51.80)% 148.95% 0.66% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in 000s) .................................... $ 8,054 19,390 $ 9,056 Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .......................... 3.41% 2.67% 3.01% Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers excluding Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................... 2.90% n/a(2) 2.90% dividends on short positions ......................................... 2.90% n/a(2) 2.94% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .......................... (2.76)% (2.17)% (2.27)% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ........................... (2.25)% n/a(2) (2.16)% Portfolio turnover rate ................................................ 193% 199% 200% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment loss per share represents net investment loss divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Not applicable: no reimbursements were made by the Adviser. (3) Annualized. 34 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================================================================== EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- CONTINUED - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR C SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD SELECT TECHNOLOGY FUND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE DECEMBER 31, 2003 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED (UNAUDITED) JUNE 30, 2003 JUNE 30, 2002 JUNE 30, 2001 CLASS C CLASS C CLASS C CLASS C** ----------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ........................... $ 5.56 $ 5.33 $ 12.10 $ 29.59 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS - --------------------------------- Net investment loss ............................................ (0.11)(1) (0.15)(1) (0.24)(1) (0.37) Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on invetsments ............................................... 2.27 0.38 (6.11) (13.12) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total from investment operations ...................... 2.16 0.23 (6.35) (13.49) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- LESS DISTRIBUTIONS - ------------------ Dividends from net realized capital gain ....................... -- -- (0.42) (4.00) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Asset Value, End of Period ................................. $ 7.72 $ 5.56 $ 5.33 $ 12.10 ========== ========== ========== ========== Total Return* .................................................. 38.85% 4.32% (53.99)% (52.00)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in 000s) ............................ $ 413 $ 201 $ 89 $ 301 Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ................................................. 3.31%(2) 5.49% 5.16% 3.91% Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers ...................................... 3.28%(2) 3.40% 3.40% 3.40% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets before reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .................................... (3.22)(2) (5.28)% (4.76)% (3.26)% Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets after reimbursement by Adviser and waivers .................................... (3.19)(2) (3.19)% (3.00)% (2.75)% Portfolio turnover rate ........................................ 26% 151% 249% 193% * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. ** On July 1, 2000, the Class C Shares went effective and the existing class of shares was designated Class A Shares. (1) Net investment loss per share represents net investment loss divided by the average shares outstanding throughout the period. (2) Annualized. See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements 35 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 1 -- DESCRIPTION OF FUNDS The HomeState Group (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company, was established as a Pennsylvania common law trust on August 26, 1992, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trust has established three series: the Emerald Growth Fund, the Emerald Select Banking and Finance Fund and the Emerald Select Technology Fund (each a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). Effective July 1, 2000, the Board voted to name the Fund family the Emerald Mutual Funds. The Emerald Growth Fund commenced operations on October 1, 1992. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term growth of capital through capital appreciation. To pursue its objective, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common and preferred stocks. Prior to July 1, 2001, the Fund was named the HomeState Pennsylvania Growth Fund and had a narrower investment objective. The Emerald Select Banking and Finance Fund commenced operations on February 18, 1997. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term growth through capital appreciation. Income is a secondary objective. To pursue its objective, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of banking and financial services companies. Prior to October 20, 1998, the Fund was named the HomeState Select Opportunities Fund and had a different investment objective. The Emerald Select Technology Fund commenced operations on October 31, 1997. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation by investing in a non-diversified portfolio of equity securities of public companies in the technology sector. To pursue its objective, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in such companies. Prior to February 29, 2000, the Fund was named HomeState Year 2000 Fund and had a narrower investment objective. The Funds issued a second class of shares, Class C Shares, and renamed the initial class as Class A Shares on July 1, 2000. The two classes differ principally in their respective distribution expenses and arrangements as well as their respective sale and contingent deferred sales charge arrangements. Both classes of shares have identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Class A Shares are subject to an initial sales charge of 4.75% imposed at the time of purchase. Class C Shares are subject to an initial sales charge of 1.00% imposed at the time of purchase, as well as a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") for redemptions made within one year of purchase, in accordance with the Fund's prospectus. The CDSC is 1.00% of the lesser of the current market value or the cost of shares being redeemed. Certain funds invest a high percentage of their assets in specific sectors of the market, especially technology, banking and financial. As a result, the economic and regulatory developments in a particular sector of the market, positive or negative, have a greater impact on the fund's net asset value and will cause its shares to fluctuate more than if the fund did not concentrate in investments in a particular sector. 36 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 2 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the trust: SECURITY VALUATION -- Investment securities and securities sold short traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the security's principal exchange, which is usually at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, unless there are no transactions on the valuation date, in which case they are valued at the mean between the closing asked and bid prices. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the last reported sales price unless there is no reported sales price, in which case the mean between the closing asked and bid price is used. An option contract is valued at the last sales price as quoted on the principal exchange on which such option is traded, or in the absence of a sale, the mean between the last bid and ask prices. Debt securities with maturities of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Where market quotations are not readily available, securities are valued using methods, which the Board of Trustees believe, in good faith, accurately reflects their fair value. INCOME REGOGNITION -- Interest income is accrued as earned. Dividend income and expense for securities sold short is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income, expense (other than expenses attributable to a specific class) and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on the fair value of settled shares. Expenses that are directly related to one of the Funds are charged directly to that Fund. Other operating expenses are prorated to the Funds on the basis of relative net assets. All discounts and premiums are amortized on the effective interest method for tax and financial reporting purposes. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS -- Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Funds record distributions to shareholders on the ex-dividend date. Net gains realized from securities transactions, if any, would normally be distributed to shareholders in August and December. The amounts of distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from those amounts determined under generally accepted accounting principles. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, reclassifications are made in the capital accounts in the period that the difference arises. The Funds may utilize earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES -- The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies, including the distribution of all of their taxable income and realized capital gains. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is considered necessary in the financial statements. USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and 37 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. OPTION WRITING/PURCHASING -- The Emerald Select Banking and Finance Fund and the Emerald Select Technology Fund may write or purchase financial options contracts solely for the purpose of hedging their existing portfolio securities, or securities that the funds intend to purchase, against fluctuations in fair value caused by changes in prevailing market interest rates. When the funds write or purchase an option, an amount equal to the premium received or paid by the funds is recorded as a liability or an asset and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written or purchased. Premiums received or paid from writing or purchasing options, which expire unexercised, are treated by the funds on the expiration date as realized gains or losses. The difference between the premium and the amount paid or received on effecting a closing purchase or sale transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain or loss. If an option is exercised, the premium paid or received is added to the cost of the purchase or proceeds from the sale in determining whether the funds have realized a gain or loss on investment transactions. The funds as writer of an option, may have no control over whether the underlying securities may be sold (call) or purchased (put) and as a result bear the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. SHORT SALES -- The Emerald Select Banking and Finance Fund and the Emerald Select Technology Fund may sell securities short. Short sales are transactions in which the funds sell a security they do not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the funds must borrow the security to deliver to the buyer. The funds then are obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it in the open market at some later date. The funds will incur a loss if the market price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the funds replace the borrowed security. The funds will realize a gain if the security declines in value between those dates. There can be no assurance that securities necessary to cover a short position will be available for purchase. All short sales must be fully collateralized. The funds maintain collateral consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the market value of their respective short positions. The funds are liable for any dividends payable on securities while those securities are in a short position. OTHER -- Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. NOTE 3 -- CAPITAL STOCK At December 31, 2003, each Fund had an authorized unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value. The follow table summarizes the capital share transactions of each Fund: 38 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GROWTH FUND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 JUNE 30, 2003 ------------------------ -------------------------- CLASS A CLASS A ------------------------ -------------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Sales ......................... 1,298,990 $ 15,460,392 3,369,304 $ 29,767,827 Reinvested distributions....... -- -- -- -- Redemptions.................... (951,609) (11,349,848) (3,789,010) (33,445,226) --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Net increase (decrease)........ 347,381 $ 4,110,544 (419,706) $ (3,677,399) --------- ============ ---------- ============ SHARES OUTSTANDING: Beginning of period......... 7,647,180 8,066,886 --------- ---------- End of period............... 7,994,561 7,647,180 ========= ========== FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 JUNE 30, 2003 ------------------------ -------------------------- CLASS C CLASS C ------------------------ -------------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT ---------- ----------- ---------- ------------ Sales.......................... 342,223 $ 4,037,238 223,373 $ 1,979,685 Reinvested distributions....... -- -- -- -- Redemptions.................... (44,748) (533,904) (79,534) (688,637) ---------- ----------- ---------- ------------ Net increase (decrease)........ 297,475 $ 3,503,334 143,839 $ 1,291,048 ---------- =========== ---------- ============ SHARES OUTSTANDING: Beginning of period......... 489,529 345,690 ---------- ---------- End of period............... 787,004 489,529 ========== ========== Total Net Increase (Decrease).. $ 7,613,878 $ (2,386,351) =========== ============ 39 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECT BANKING AND FINANCE FUND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 JUNE 30, 2003 ------------------------ -------------------------- CLASS A CLASS A ------------------------ -------------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Sales.......................... 2,015,675 $ 45,265,894 2,369,609 $ 42,220,507 Reinvested distributions....... 26,278 592,917 32,653 561,072 Redemptions.................... (321,730) (7,123,940) (1,309,520) (22,280,216) --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Net increase (decrease)........ 1,720,223 $ 38,734,871 1,092,742 $ 20,501,363 --------- ============ ---------- ============ SHARES OUTSTANDING: Beginning of period...... 2,995,028 1,902,286 --------- ---------- End of period............ 4,715,251 2,995,028 ========= ========== FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 JUNE 30, 2003 ----------------------- -------------------------- CLASS C CLASS C ----------------------- -------------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Sales.......................... 1,340,148 $ 29,712,410 1,095,725 $ 19,616,804 Reinvested distributions....... 11,968 267,327 8,541 145,578 Redemptions.................... (52,309) (1,171,987) (43,826) (743,353) --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Net increase (decrease)........ 1,299,807 $ 28,807,750 1,060,440 $ 19,019,029 --------- ============ ---------- ============ SHARES OUTSTANDING: Beginning of period...... 1,400,962 340,522 --------- ---------- End of period............ 2,700,769 1,400,962 ========= ========== Total Net Increase (Decrease).. $ 67,542,621 $ 39,520,392 ============ ============ 40 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECT TECHNOLOGY FUND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 JUNE 30, 2003 ------------------------ -------------------------- CLASS A CLASS A ------------------------ -------------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Sales.......................... 65,273 $ 453,765 63,360 $ 306,900 Reinvested distributions....... -- -- -- -- Redemptions.................... (39,682) (278,401) (189,450) (890,405) ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Net increase (decrease)........ 25,591 $ 175,364 (126,090) $ (583,505) ---------- ============ ---------- ============ SHARES OUTSTANDING: Beginning of period...... 456,260 582,350 ---------- ---------- End of period............ 481,851 456,260 ========== ========== FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 JUNE 30, 2003 ------------------------ -------------------------- CLASS C CLASS C ------------------------ -------------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Sales.......................... 22,317 $ 138,971 20,250 $ 83,480 Reinvested distributions....... -- -- -- -- Redemptions.................... (4,920) (33,244) (806) (3,497) ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Net increase (decrease)........ 17,397 $ 105,727 19,444 $ 79,983 ---------- ============ ---------- ============ SHARES OUTSTANDING: Beginning of period...... 36,068 16,624 ---------- ---------- End of period............ 53,465 36,068 ========== ========== Total Net Increase (Decrease).. $ 281,091 $ (503,522) ============ ============ NOTE 4 -- INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS During the six months ended December 31, 2003, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding securities sold short, options, and short-term investments) were as follows: SELECT BANKING SELECT TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND AND FINANCE FUND FUND ------------- ---------------- ----------------- Purchases..................... $36,024,799 $80,744,135 $1,312,204 Sales......................... 31,604,528 15,896,431 886,349 41 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At December 31, 2003, the total cost of securities and the net realized gains and losses on securities sold for Federal income tax purposes are different from amounts reported for financial reporting purposes generally due to wash sales which cannot be used for Federal income tax purposes in the current year and have been deferred for use in future years. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for securities (including short sales) held by the Funds at December 31, 2003, were as follows: TAX BASIS NET COST FOR UNREALIZED TAX BASIS GROSS TAX BASIS GROSS FEDERAL INCOME APPRECIATION UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FUND TAX PURPOSES (DEPRECIATION) APPRECIATION DEPRECIATION - ---- -------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------- Growth Fund...................... $ 80,894,973 $32,572,701 $34,757,388 $(2,184,687) Select Banking and Finance Fund.. 147,633,523 37,376,265 37,846,796 (470,531) Select Technology Fund........... 2,730,657 1,429,051 1,513,606 (84,555) At June 30, 2003, undistributed ordinary income and long-term capital gains for tax purposes are as follows: UNDISTRIBUTED LONG-TERM CAPITAL LOSS POST-OCTOBER ORDINARY INCOME CAPITAL GAINS CARRYFORWARDS LOSSES --------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Growth Fund...................... $ -- -- $10,087,274 $1,287,878 Select Banking and Finance Fund.. 20,232 $588,165 -- -- Select Technology Fund........... -- -- 9,024,907 -- The Growth Fund realized, on a tax basis, post-October losses through June 30, 2003 of $1,287,878, which are not recognized for tax purposes until the first day of the following fiscal year. At June 30, 2003, the Growth Fund had accumulated capital loss carryforwards for Federal income tax purposes of $10,087,274 of which $617,464 expires in 2010 and $9,469,810 expires in 2011 and the Select Technology Fund had accumulated capital loss carryforwards for Federal income tax purposes of $9,024,907 of which $7,175,920 expires in 2010 and $1,848,987 expires in 2011. To the extent the Funds realize future net capital gains, those gains will be offset by any unused capital loss carryforwards. During the year ended June 30, 2003, the Funds utilized no capital loss carryovers. Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with U.S. Federal tax regulations, which may differ from those amounts determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, they are charged or credited to paid-in-capital or accumulated net realized gain, as appropriate, in the period that the differences arise. Accordingly, the following permanent differences as of June 30, 2003, primarily attributable to certain net operating losses, which for tax purposes are not available to offset future income, were reclassified to the following accounts: 42 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME PAID IN CAPITAL -------------- --------------- Growth Fund...................... $863,918 $(863,918) Select Technology Fund........... 65,373 (65,373) The tax components of dividends paid during the six months were as follows: LONG-TERM ORDINARY INCOME CAPITAL GAINS --------------- ------------- Growth Fund...................... -- -- Select Banking and Finance Fund.. $20,232 $1,057,014 Select Technology Fund........... -- -- NOTE 5 -- EXPENSES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED PARTIES Emerald Advisers, Inc. serves as the investment adviser (the "Adviser") to the Funds for which it receives investment advisory fees from each Fund. The fee for the Emerald Growth Fund is based on average daily net assets at the annual rate of 0.75% on assets up to and including $250 million, 0.65% for assets in excess of $250 million up to and including $500 million, 0.55% for assets in excess of $500 million up to and including $750 million, and 0.45% for assets in excess of $750 million. The fee for the Emerald Select Banking and Finance Fund and the Emerald Select Technology Fund is based on average daily net assets at the annual rate of 1.00% on assets up to and including $100 million and 0.90% for assets in excess of $100 million. Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, Emerald Advisers, Inc., may also waive or reimburse the Funds for certain expenses. Through October 31, 2004, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse other expenses to the extent that the Fund's total operating expenses exceeds the following: CLASS A CLASS C --------- --------- Growth Fund.................... 2.25% 2.90% Select Banking and Finance Fund 2.35% 3.00% Select Technology Fund......... 2.90% 3.40% The following table summarizes the advisory fees and expense waivers/reimbursements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. ADVISORY FEE/ GROSS OTHER EXPENSES ADVISORY WAIVED/REIMBURSED -------- ----------------- Growth Fund........................................ $ 379,819 $ -- Select Banking and Finance Fund.................... 638,977 -- Select Technology Fund............................. 18,027 453 43 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 6 -- OTHER AGREEMENTS The Emerald Growth, Emerald Select Banking and Finance, and Emerald Select Technology Funds have adopted distribution plans (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Citco Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc. ("CMFD") is the sole distributor of the trust shares pursuant to a distribution agreement with each fund. The Plans provide that the Funds will pay CMFD for services provided and expenses incurred promoting the sale of shares of the Funds or maintaining or improving services provided to shareholders by CMFD or dealers. Under the Class A Plan, the Growth and Select Banking and Finance Funds will reimburse CMFD at an annual rate up to 0.35% and the Select Technology Fund will reimburse CMFD at an annual rate up to 0.50%, payable monthly, of the average net assets attributable to such class of shares. Under the Class C Plans, the Funds will reimburse CMFD at an annual rate up to 1.00%, payable monthly, of which, 0.25% is a shareholder service fee and 0.75% is for distribution-related expenses, of the average daily net assets attributable to such class of shares. For the six months ended December 31, 2003, the Funds paid CMFD under the terms of the Plan as follows: INCURRED EXPENSES FOR INCURRED EXPENSES FOR SIX MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED CLASS A DECEMBER 31, 2003 CLASS C DECEMBER 31, 2003 -------- --------------------- ------- ---------------------- Growth Fund...................... 0.35% $ 164,259 1.00% $ 37,113 Select Banking and Finance Fund.. 0.35% 150,820 1.00% 223,386 Select Technology Fund........... 0.50% 8,120 1.00% 1,787 Citco Mutual Fund Services, Inc. serves as transfer agent, administrator and accounting services agent for the Funds. U.S. Bank,N.A. serves as custodian for the Funds. The Funds' Declaration of Trust provides that each Trustee affiliated with the Funds' Adviser shall serve without compensation and each Trustee who is not so affiliated shall receive fees from each Fund and expense reimbursements for each Trustees' meeting attended. A member of the Funds' Board of Trustees who is not affiliated with the Adviser is employed as a practicing attorney and is a partner in the law firm of Duane Morris LLP the Funds' legal counsel. Legal fees aggregating $10,958.31, $13,708.86 and $418.41 were incurred by the Emerald Growth Fund, the Emerald Select Banking and Finance Fund and the Emerald Select Technology Fund, Respectively, to Duane, Morris & Hecksher, LLP during the six months ended December 31, 2003. 44 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================================================ EMERALD MUTUAL FUNDS -------------------- INVESTMENT ADVISER BOARD OF TRUSTEES - ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- EMERALD ADVISERS, INC. J. BARTON HARRISON LANCASTER, PA RICH MASTERSON KENNETH G. MERTZ II, CFA SCOTT C. PENWELL, ESQ. DISTRIBUTOR H.J. ZOFFER, PHD - ------------------------------ CITCO MUTUAL FUND DISTRIBUTORS VALLEY FORGE, PA FUND MANAGEMENT -------------------------------------------- EMERALD ADVISERS, INC. ADMINISTRATOR AND 1703 OREGON PIKE, SUITE 101 TRANSFER AGENT P.O. BOX 10666 - ------------------------------- LANCASTER, PA 17605 CITCO MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC. VALLEY FORGE, PA SHAREHOLDER SERVICES -------------------------------------------- CITCO MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC. CUSTODIAN P.O. BOX C1100 - ------------------------------- SOUTHEASTERN, PA 19398-1100 U.S. BANK, N.A. CINCINNATI, OH TELEPHONE NUMBERS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS -------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------- THE FUND (800) 232-0224 PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP MARKETING/BROKER SERVICES (800) 232-6572 MILWAUKEE, WI SHAREHOLDER SERVICES (800) 232-0224 LEGAL COUNSEL 24 HOUR PRICING INFORMATION - ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- DUANE MORRIS LLP 1-800-232-0224 HARRISBURG, PA www.emeraldmutualfunds.com This report is for the general information of Fund shareholders. For more detailed information about the Fund, please consult a copy of the Fund's current prospectus. This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by a copy of the current prospectus. ================================================================================ 02/04 ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS. Not applicable for Semi-Annual Reports. ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. Not applicable for Semi-Annual Reports. ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. Not applicable for Semi-Annual Reports. ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. Not applicable. ITEM 6. [RESERVED] 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 PURCHASERS. Not applicable. ITEM 9. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Not applicable at this time. ITEM 10. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. (a) The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers or persons performing similar functions have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 11. EXHIBITS (a) Exhibit 99.CERT Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is filed herewith. (b) Exhibit 99.906CERT Certifications 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) Emerald Mutual Funds By (Signature and Title) /s/ Daniel W. Moyer IV ----------------------------- Daniel W. Moyer IV President Date March 9, 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 (Signature and Title) /s/ Daniel W. Moyer IV ----------------------------- Daniel W. Moyer IV President Date March 9, 2004 By (Signature and Title) /s/ Kenneth G. Mertz ----------------------------- Kenneth G. Mertz Treasurer Date March 9, 2004