N-CSR 1 d829516dncsr.htm N-CSR N-CSR
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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 811-07883

 

 

ICON Funds

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

5299 DTC Blvd.

Suite 1200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Carrie M. Schoffman

5299 DTC Blvd.

Suite 1200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 303-790-1600

Date of fiscal year end: September 30, 2014

Date of reporting period: September 30, 2014

 

 

 


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Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.


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LOGO

2014 ANNUAL REPORT

ICON DIVERSIFIED FUNDS

INVESTMENT UPDATE

ICON Bond Fund

ICON Equity Income Fund

ICON Fund

ICON Long/Short Fund

ICON Opportunities Fund

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

 

LOGO

1-800-764-0442 | www.iconfunds.com


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LOGO

You can now sign up for electronic delivery of ICON Fund shareholder reports, including prospectuses, annual reports, semiannual reports and proxy statements.

When these materials are available, you will receive an email from ICON with instructions on how to view the documents. Statements, transaction confirmations and other documents that are not available online will continue to be sent to you by U.S. mail.

Visit ICON’s website at www.iconfunds.com to learn more and sign up.

You may change or cancel your participation in eDelivery by visiting www.iconfunds.com, or you can request a hard copy of any of the materials free of charge by calling ICON Funds at 1-800-764-0442.

 

1-800-764-0442     •    www.iconfunds.com


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LOGO

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

About This Report (Unaudited)

     2   

Message from Icon Funds (Unaudited)

     6   

Management Overview (Unaudited) and Schedules of Investments

  

ICON Bond Fund

     9   

ICON Equity Income Fund

     17   

ICON Fund

     24   

ICON Long/Short Fund

     29   

ICON Opportunities Fund

     35   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

     40   

Financial Statements

     50   

Financial Highlights

     62   

Notes to Financial Statements

     68   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     88   

Six Month Hypothetical Expense Example (Unaudited)

     89   

Board of Trustees and Fund Officers (Unaudited)

     92   

Other Information (Unaudited)

     95   

Funds Privacy Information

     103   


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ABOUT THIS REPORT (UNAUDITED)

Historical Returns

All total returns mentioned in this Report account for the change in a Fund’s per-share price and the reinvestment of any dividends, capital gain distributions and adjustments for financial statement purposes. If your account is set up to receive Fund distributions in cash rather than to reinvest them, your actual return may differ from these figures. The Funds’ performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The Adviser may have reimbursed certain fees or expenses of some of the Funds. If not for these reimbursements, performance would have been lower. Fund results shown, unless otherwise indicated, are at net asset value. If a sales charge (maximum 5.75%) had been deducted, results would have been lower.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance results represent past performance, and current performance may be higher or lower. Please call 1-800-764-0442 or visit www.iconfunds.com for performance results current to the most recent month-end.

Portfolio Data

This Report reflects ICON’s views, opinions and portfolio holdings as of September 30, 2014, the end of the reporting period. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any sector, industry, security or the Funds.

Opinions and forecasts regarding industries, companies and/or themes, and portfolio composition and holdings are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security, industry or sector. Each Fund’s holdings as of September 30, 2014 are included in each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

According to ICON, value investing is an analytical approach to investing that employs various factors, including projecting earnings growth estimates, in an effort to determine whether securities are over- or underpriced relative to ICON’s estimates of their intrinsic value. Value investing involves risks and uncertainties and does not guarantee better performance or lower costs than other investment methodologies. ICON’s value-to-price ratio (“V/P”) is a ratio of intrinsic value, as calculated using ICON’s proprietary valuation methodology, of a broad range of domestic and international securities within ICON’s system as compared to the current market price of those securities. The ICON system relies on the integrity of the financial statements released to the market as part of our analysis.

 

2   ABOUT THIS REPORT


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This Report contains statements regarding industry or sector themes, new market themes, investment outlook, relative strength, value-to-price ratios, and investment team expectations, beliefs, goals and the like that are based on current expectations, recent individual stock performance relative to current market prices, estimates of company values and other information supplied to the market by the companies we follow. Words such as “expects,” “suggests,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “value,” “intrinsic value,” “indicates,” “believes,” “considers,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements, which are not statements of historical fact. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess. These risks and uncertainties are based on a number of important factors, including, among others: stock price fluctuations; the integrity and accuracy of historical and projected financial and other information supplied by companies to the public or assumptions based on such information supplied; interest rates; bond yields; future earnings growth rates; the risks noted in this Report and other factors beyond the control of our investment team but used by the investment team to influence their assumptions. Therefore, actual outcome may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward looking statements.

There are risks associated with mutual fund investing, including the loss of principal. The likelihood of loss may be greater if you invest for a shorter period of time. There is no assurance that the investment process will consistently lead to successful results.

There are risks associated with selling short, including the risk that the ICON Long/Short Fund may have to cover its short position at a higher price than the short price, resulting in a loss. The ICON Long/Short Fund’s loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited as a loss occurs when the value of a security sold short increases. Call options involve certain risks, such as limited gains and lack of liquidity in the underlying securities, and are not suitable for all investors.

Investing in fixed income securities such as bonds involves interest rate risk. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities generally decreases. Effective May 5, 2014 the ICON Bond Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in high-yield bonds that are below investment grade. Prior to May 5, 2014 the Bond Fund was limited to 25% in below investment grade bonds. The ICON Equity Income Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in high-yield bonds that are below investment grade. ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in high-yield bonds that are below investment grade. High-yield bonds involve a greater risk of default and price volatility than U.S. Government and other higher-quality bonds.

An investment concentrated in sectors and industries may involve greater risk and volatility than a more diversified investment.

 

ABOUT THIS REPORT     3   


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Investments in foreign securities may entail unique risks, including political, market, and currency risks. Financial statements of foreign companies are governed by different accounting, auditing, and financial standards than U.S. companies and may be less transparent and uniform than in the United States. Many corporate governance standards, which help ensure the integrity of public information in the United States, do not exist in foreign countries. In general, there may be less governmental supervision of foreign stock exchanges and securities brokers and issuers. The ICON system relies on the integrity of financial statements released to the market as part of our analysis.

Investments in other mutual fund companies may entail certain risks. For example, the Fund’s performance depends on the underlying funds in which it invests, and it is subject to the risks of the underlying funds. Additionally, an investment by the Fund or underlying fund in exchange-traded funds generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a mutual fund.

The prospectus and statement of additional information contain this and other information about the Funds and are available by visiting www.iconfunds.com or calling 1-800-764-0442. Please read the prospectus and statement of additional information carefully.

Comparative Indexes

The comparative indexes discussed in this Report are meant to provide a basis for judging a Fund’s performance against specific securities indexes. Each index shown accounts for both change in the security price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (except as noted), but does not reflect the costs of managing a mutual fund. The Funds’ portfolios may significantly differ in holdings and composition from the index. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

The unmanaged Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Composite 1500 Index (“S&P Composite 1500 Index”) is a broad-based capitalization-weighted index comprising 1,500 stocks of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap U.S. companies.

 

 

The unmanaged Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index (ex-MBS) represents the union of the U.S. Aggregate Index, the U.S. High-Yield Corporate Index, the 144A Index, the Eurodollar Index and the Emerging Markets Index. All securities in this market-value weighted index have at least one year remaining to maturity and meet certain minimum issue size criteria.

 

 

The unmanaged Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) SmallCap 600 Index (“S&P SmallCap 600 Index”) is a broad-based capitalization-weighted index comprising 600 stocks of small-cap U.S. companies.

 

4   ABOUT THIS REPORT


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Index returns and statistical data included in this Report are provided by FactSet Research Systems.

Financial Intermediary

If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may influence the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

ABOUT THIS REPORT     5   


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MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS (UNAUDITED)

Dear Shareholder,

The graph below shows the S&P Composite 1500 Index and a subset of it, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index (“S&P SmallCap 600 Index”) from 9/30/13 through 10/6/14 (our fiscal year plus a few days into October). It reveals a fragmented, divergent market in 2014. The two indexes moved similarly in late 2013, then diverged in 2014. The 1500, lifted by a few large-cap stocks, moved 7.5% higher year to date through September 30, 2014, while the small-cap component of it is negative for 2014, as highlighted in the table. In addition to that divergence, there have been a few rapid, short term industry and sector theme reversals during each up and down phase, more easily seen on the Small Cap chart. We believe the divergence and the theme reversals can be explained by investors’ reaction to three situations.

 

LOGO

 

Index

  9/30/13-12/31/13      12/31/13-9/30/14  

S&P Composite 1500

    10.3%         7.5%   

S&P SmallCap 600

    9.8%         -3.7%   

The first situation relates to investors’ reactions to a surprise negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Entering the first quarter of 2014, most forecasters were calling for positive real GDP. However, as the quarter unfolded it became apparent that something was wrong. Now, looking back, we know real GDP was at a negative 2.1% pace for the year. Investors flipped from favoring cyclical industries and sectors in late 2013 to favoring defensive, recession proof ones in early 2014. This theme change lasted only three and

 

6   MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS


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a half months for the 1500 Index and one month longer for the 600 Index, too quick for a value-based system to capture.

The second situation involves investors’ reactions to a rise in the U.S. Dollar. From June 30, 2013 through September 30, 2014, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) gained 7.7%, which is still 28.5% below its peak in 2002. It appears many investors and speculators adjusted their equity portfolios, attempting to guess which industries and stocks would either benefit from or be hurt by a stronger US Dollar. We have found economic reactions to currency swings to be less dramatic and slower than theory would suggest so we suspect these investors may be over reacting lately.

The last situation relates to investors’ speculation on rising interest rates. In anticipation of the Federal Reserve ending its quantitative easing program, there appeared to be a popular belief that both short-term and long-term interest rates would increase. Investors who believed this might have adjusted their equity portfolios in anticipation of higher interest rates and their behavior affected stock prices. First, it should be mentioned that ICON believes, and has stated, that interest rates can go low and stay low for many years. We see no support for higher long term interest rates. We sense, however, that we are in the minority with that outlook. We believe the many investors who expect higher interest rates bought stocks they think will benefit from higher rates and sold stocks they think will be hurt by rate increases. For example, it might be that these investors, believing that rising rates will hurt small cap stocks more than large cap stocks, bought large cap issues while avoiding small cap stocks altogether. Similarly, believing that higher rates would have a negative impact on certain industries, they avoided industries in the Consumer Discretionary sector that have an element of consumer borrowing such as the homebuilders, automobile manufacturers and home furnishing industries.

We believe investors’ reactions to a surprise negative GDP quarter, a rise in the US Dollar and an anticipated rise interest rates have contributed to moves in stocks that were not related to value of the stocks themselves. We have seen overpriced stocks (in our opinion) get bid up higher and underpriced stocks taken lower as investors try to get repositioned. This recent trend of positioning equity portfolios for anticipated higher interest rates and a rising US Dollar is stretching the valuation in some industries according to our system. However, according to our methodology, industries favored by these speculators are becoming overpriced while disfavored industries are becoming underpriced. Given this scenario, we expect this behavior to end sometime in the next year.

The first week of October 2014 our ICON market value-to-price (V/P) ratio has been in the 1.06 – 1.10 range, indicating stocks, on average, are priced

 

MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS     7   


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below our estimate of fair value and giving us the expectation that stock prices can move higher over the next year. Over the course of the last year value has grown and prices of some stocks have kept pace, but, as seen in the graph, some have lagged behind. As mentioned above, we believe this disconnect is due to concerns about the strength of the U.S. Dollar and the expectation of rising interest rates. We are finding better value in the cyclical, economically sensitive industries rather than the so-called recession proof industries. With an overall V/P ratio of 1.10 and many industry valuation readings stretched, we will buy the best bargains we can find and have the patience to wait for investors to ultimately recognize value. Our valuation readings, coupled with various supportive conditions such as low inflation, low interest rates, no shortages of capital or commodities and modest economic growth, lead us to believe we are in a favorable setting for owning equities.

 

LOGO

Craig Callahan D.B.A.

Chief Executive Officer

ICON Advisers, Inc.

 

8   MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS


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MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON BOND FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

 

IOBZX

IOBCX

IOBAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmark?

 

A. For the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the ICON Bond Fund (the Fund) Class S shares outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital US Universal Index. The Fund returned 6.01% while the Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index Excluding Mortgage Backed Securities returned 4.60%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. Fiscal year 2014 caught many investors off guard as a largely anticipated bond sell-off turned into a strong rally as yields fell across the board. The yield on the U.S. Generic Government 10-year Treasury began the fiscal year at a value of 2.62%, rose above 3.00% by the end of the calendar year 2013, fell below 2.45% at the end of May 2014 in response to some macro-economic uncertainty, and finally finished the fiscal year at a value of 2.49%. In addition to the rally in the U.S. treasury market, corporate bond spreads tightened throughout the majority of the fiscal year in both investment grade and high yield corporate bonds before experiencing some volatility during the third quarter of 2014. While the ICON Bond Fund maintained a lower overall duration over the course of the time period resulting less relative curve effect, the Fund was able to outperform the broad based fixed income benchmark during the fiscal year through a combination of bond selections within the corporate bond segment of the market and active allocation to both preferred shares and closed-end fund positions. In the corporate bond space, we maintained a lower overall duration relative to the benchmark but selections in the Energy, Financials, and Telecommunications sectors of the market outperformed the market as a whole. As spreads continued to tighten we focused on other segments of the market to produce alpha for our investors, including certain preferred issues. All of our positions in this space produced positive returns, but three specific holdings within the real estate segment of the market did particularly well with one position producing a large gain due to a company issued call. Lastly, holdings within the closed-end segment of the market also produced positive returns as either net asset value (NAV) based movement or discount arbitrage opportunities were realized. The end result of these portfolio adjustments was outperformance during the period for the ICON Bond Fund in the face of a large duration based drag.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     9   


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Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. As stated above, the Fund was able to outperform its benchmark during the fiscal year. Further analysis shows the outperformance stemmed from both selection effect and allocation effect while relative curve effect (gains from interest rate movements) was negative over the fiscal year. Positive selection effect came from both the corporate bond segment of the market where selections within the Energy, Financials, and Telecommunications sectors of the market saw larger spread movement than the broad market, as well as closed-end fund positions where either discount tightening was realized or activist actions resulted in fund tender plays. Positive allocation effect came from strong performance in corporate bonds, closed-end funds, and preferred shares. Finally, negative curve effect resulted from the Fund being positioned in shorter duration securities while there was a large rate rally over the course of the fiscal year. Based on our internal assumption of risk and returns we felt as though duration extension was unwarranted and would rather look to focus on bottom up security selection.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the bond market?

 

A. The end of fiscal year 2014 saw an increase in both spread and interest rate volatility as concerns about domestic and global growth began to emerge. Overall, we generally believe these concerns are unwarranted and the volatility in spread product will create opportunities in the end. While we don’t anticipate a substantial upward movement in interest rates over the course of the next 12 months, the Fund is positioned in the lower portion of its duration range as we move into fiscal year 2015. As in fiscal year 2014, we continue to shy away from interest rate forecasts and remain steadfast in our search for issue specific opportunities. We are looking for opportunities that have the characteristics of credit upgrades, special situations, or anticipated future bond tenders. While future bond market volatility might be substantial, we believe our unique investment methodology will help the Fund navigate the changing market.

 

 

10   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON Bond Fund

Credit Diversification

September 30, 2014

 

Aaa

    12.1%   

A1

    4.2%   

A2

    0.4%   

A3

    8.4%   

Baa1

    10.5%   

Baa2

    5.9%   

Baa3

    12.3%   

Ba1

    3.7%   

Ba2

    3.0%   

Ba3

    4.5%   

B2

    3.2%   

B3

    4.2%   

Caa1

    3.4%   
 

 

 

 
    75.8%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon U.S. Treasury obligations, corporate and foreign corporate bond investments as a percentage of net assets. Ratings based on Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     11   


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ICON Bond Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Bond Fund -
Class S

    5/6/04        6.01%        5.03%        4.63%        4.87%        0.89%        0.75%   

ICON Bond Fund -
Class C

    10/21/02        5.10%        4.14%        3.76%        4.37%        2.06%        1.60%   

ICON Bond Fund -
Class A

    9/30/10        5.77%        N/A        N/A        3.48%        1.34%        1.00%   

ICON Bond Fund -
Class A (including maximum sales charge of 4.75%)

    9/30/10        0.77%        N/A        N/A        2.23%        1.34%        1.00%   

Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index

            4.39%        4.66%        4.90%        5.24%        N/A        N/A   

Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index (ex-MBS)

            4.60%        5.12%        4.92%        5.45%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

12   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON Bond Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Bond Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 5/6/04 to a $10,000 investment made in an unmanaged securities index on that date. Performance for the Bond Fund’s other share classes will vary due to differences in charges and expenses. The Bond Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     13   


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ICON BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount  

Interest

Rate

   

Maturity

Date

    Value  
  Corporate Bonds (57.2%)      
$ 2,000,000      AIG Life Holdings, Inc.     6.63     02/15/29      $ 2,456,090   
  2,798,000      Altria Group, Inc.     9.25     08/06/19        3,642,459   
  1,000,000      Brightstar Corp.(a)     7.25     08/01/18        1,076,250   
  3,450,000      Clearwire Communications LLC / Clearwire Finance, Inc.(a)     14.75     12/01/16        4,286,625   
  1,000,000      Comcast Cable Holdings LLC     10.13     04/15/22        1,387,262   
  2,500,000      Cullen/Frost Capital Trust II(b)     1.78     03/01/34        2,194,746   
  1,300,000      Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.(b)     6.60     05/01/67        1,358,500   
  2,000,000      Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.     10.75     08/01/20        2,220,000   
  1,000,000      Fulton Capital Trust I Ltd.     6.29     02/01/36        965,000   
  780,000      GE Capital Franchise Finance Corp., MTN     7.10     11/30/26        997,229   
  2,500,000      General Electric Capital Corp., Series A, FRN(b)     7.13     06/15/22        2,893,750   
  1,000,000      General Electric Capital Corp., Series B(b)     6.25     12/15/22        1,077,500   
  2,750,000      General Electric Capital Corp. / LJ VP Holdings LLC(a)     3.80     06/18/19        2,929,074   
  1,000,000      Gibson Brands, Inc.(a)     8.88     08/01/18        977,500   
  1,500,000      Goodman Networks, Inc.(c)     12.13     07/01/18        1,575,000   
  1,300,000      GRD Holdings III Corp.(a)     10.75     06/01/19        1,433,250   
  1,000,000      Ingersoll-Rand Co.     6.39     11/15/27        1,192,033   
  1,549,805      Kiowa Power Partners LLC(a)     5.74     03/30/21        1,613,352   
  3,500,000      Lender Processing Services, Inc. / Black Knight Lending Solutions, Inc.     5.75     04/15/23        3,657,500   
  1,000,000      Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.(a)(b)     7.00     03/07/67        1,060,000   
  1,000,000      Masco Corp.     5.95     03/15/22        1,092,500   
  2,439,000      MBIA, Inc.     6.63     10/01/28        2,487,780   
  2,500,000      Prudential Financial, Inc.(b)     8.88     06/15/68        3,015,625   
  300,000      Prudential Holdings LLC, Series FSA(a)     7.25     12/18/23        368,599   
  2,000,000      Prudential Insurance Co. of America(a)     8.30     07/01/25        2,715,978   
  1,000,000      Regions Financial Corp.     7.75     09/15/24        1,195,186   
  1,500,000      SESI LLC     7.13     12/15/21        1,657,500   
  1,000,000      United Refining Co.     10.50     02/28/18        1,065,000   
  1,500,000      UnitedHealth Group, Inc.     3.88     10/15/20        1,606,032   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $54,486,273)

  

  

    54,197,320   
  U.S. Treasury Obligations (12.1%)   
  4,000,000      U.S. Treasury Note     1.88     08/31/17        4,092,812   

 

14   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


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Shares or Principal Amount  

Interest

Rate

   

Maturity

Date

    Value  
$ 3,500,000      U.S. Treasury Note     1.13     12/31/19      $ 3,369,842   
  2,000,000      U.S. Treasury Note     0.25     02/28/15        2,001,718   
  2,000,000      U.S. Treasury Note     0.13     12/31/14        2,000,312   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

(Cost $11,444,296)

  

  

    11,464,684   
  Foreign Corporate Bonds (6.5%)   
  1,000,000      CHC Helicopter S.A.     9.38     06/01/21        1,055,000   
  2,000,000      Drill Rigs Holdings, Inc.(a)     6.50     10/01/17        1,990,000   
  3,000,000      Shelf Drilling Holdings Ltd.(a)(d)     8.63     11/01/18        3,150,000   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Foreign Corporate Bonds

(Cost $6,448,028)

  

  

    6,195,000   
Shares or Principal Amount                 Value  
  Closed-End Mutual Funds (8.9%)   
  38,036      Brookfield High Income Fund, Inc.(d)       $ 356,397   
  256,678      Diversified Real Asset Income Fund(d)         4,550,901   
  30,586      Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.†(d)         734,370   
  81,884      Nuveen Diversified Currency Opportunities Fund         872,884   
  62,575      Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3(d)         855,400   
  12,864      Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund         181,511   
  21,513      Nuveen Municipal Advantage Fund, Inc.         290,210   
  44,414      Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.         608,028   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Closed-End Mutual Funds

(Cost $8,205,003)

        8,449,701   
  Preferred Stocks (7.6%)      
  95,482      American Homes 4 Rent REIT, Series B(e)         2,278,201   
  18,829      Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Series E(d)         484,658   
  104,543      Equity Commonwealth, Series E(d)         2,666,892   
  56,750      Gramercy Property Trust, Inc., Series B(d)         1,427,262   
  12,532      Protective Life Corp.(d)         322,323   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Preferred Stocks

(Cost $7,221,331)

        7,179,336   
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (5.4%)      
  5,128,327      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%         5,128,327   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Collateral for Securities on Loan

(Cost $5,128,327)

        5,128,327   
  Short-Term Investments (4.6%)      
$ 4,407,264      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14         4,407,264   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

(Cost $4,407,264)

        4,407,264   

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     15   


Table of Contents
Shares or Principal Amount             Value  
Total Investments 102.3%

(Cost $97,340,522)

      $ 97,021,632   
Liabilities Less Other Assets (2.3)%         (2,189,725
       

 

 

 
Net Assets 100.0%       $ 94,831,907   
       

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

(a) 144A - Exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, typically only to qualified institutional buyers. Unless otherwise indicated, these securities are not considered to be illiquid.

 

(b) Floating Rate Security. Rate disclosed is as of September 30, 2014.

 

(c) Step Bond - the coupon is at a fixed rate and resets at a specific date and rate. The rate disclosed is as of September 30, 2014.

 

(d) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

(e) Preferred Stock - the coupon is at a fixed rate and resets at a specific date and rate. The rate disclosed is as of September 30, 2014.

 

MTN Medium Term Note

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

16   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON EQUITY INCOME FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

 

IOEZX

IOECX

IEQAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Equity Income Fund (the Fund) Class S shares returned 11.36% for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, lagging its benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 18.57% during the fiscal year. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. Similar to the other diversified funds at ICON, the poor performance of small cap stocks that our system indicated were trading below our estimate of fair value hindered the Fund’s performance. Over the course of the fiscal year, about 20% of the Fund’s holdings had a market capitalization of less than 3 billion. These holdings only returned, on average, around 7% during the fiscal year, well below the 18.57% return of the S&P Composite 1500 Index.

Further, at the commencement of the fiscal year the overall average value-to-price (V/P) ratio according to our methodology for the Health Care sector was below 1.00, indicating that, on average, stocks in the Health Care sector were overpriced. As a result, the Fund had little exposure to the Health Care sector, which turned out to be one of the best preforming sectors over the course of the fiscal year.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. While the availability of dividend paying stocks in the Information Technology sector has improved over the last 5 years, stocks in the sector that were the most attractive according to our methodology did not offer attractive yields. As a result, the Fund only averaged about 6% exposure to this sector during the period. The Fund’s relatively small position in the Information Technology sector had a negative impact on performance as the sector returned around 26% over the fiscal year.

The Fund also had an average exposure of about 13% to preferred stocks and corporate bonds during the fiscal year. While these securities proved beneficial from an income standpoint, and helped the Fund maintain a strong dividend yield, they proved to be a drag on the Fund’s overall performance compared to the benchmark. Furthermore, during the fiscal year the overall market V/P ratio fell below 1.00 according to our valuation metrics. Based on this reading, the Fund held cash during the

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     17   


Table of Contents

fiscal year. On average the cash position was around 6%, which detracted from the Fund’s performance relative to the benchmark given the strong return in the equity market.

A substantial position in the commodity chemical industry, which had an average return of over 55%, proved to be a contributor to the Fund’s performance. However, the performance of the commodity chemical industry was not enough to overcome the negatives stated above.

 

Q. What is the outlook for the ICON Equity Income Fund?

 

A. The overall average V/P ratio for the stocks we track within our system was 1.10 as of October 1, 2014. The dividend rich Utility sector had an average V/P ratio of 1.12 according to our methodology. Given the relatively high reading in the Utilities sector, the Fund has a large allocation in the sector. We also believe the current downward pressure on the 10-year U.S. Treasury should provide a positive environment for dividend paying stocks. Additionally, certain industries within the Consumer Discretionary sector look attractive according to our system, and as of the end of the fiscal year, the Fund held close to 20% weighting in this sector. We will continue to monitor the equity market to find the best combination of value and dividend for our investors.

 

18   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Equity Income Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Financial

    20.9%   

Consumer Discretionary

    17.8%   

Consumer Staples

    11.9%   

Utilities

    10.4%   

Industrials

    9.5%   

Materials

    9.4%   

Information Technology

    4.6%   

Telecommunication

    4.4%   

Energy

    3.7%   

Health Care

    1.8%   
 

 

 

 
    94.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common, convertible preferred and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

ICON Equity Income Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Electric Utilities

    5.2%   

Asset Management & Custody Banks

    4.6%   

Integrated Telecommunication Services

    4.4%   

Soft Drinks

    4.1%   

Agricultural Products

    4.0%   

Department Stores

    3.8%   

Health Care REITs

    3.8%   

Multi-Utilities

    3.6%   

Specialized REIT’s

    3.5%   

Paper Packaging

    3.3%   

Internet Software & Services

    2.3%   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    2.3%   

Diversified Banks

    2.2%   

Diversified Chemicals

    2.2%   

Packaged Foods & Meats

    2.2%   

Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals

    2.1%   

Home Improvement Retail

    2.1%   

Oil & Gas Drilling

    2.1%   

Diversified Support Services

    2.0%   

Computer & Electronics Retail

    1.9%   

Industrial Machinery

    1.9%   

Auto Parts & Equipment

    1.8%   

Commodity Chemicals

    1.8%   

Consumer Finance

    1.8%   

Household Appliances

    1.8%   

Pharmaceuticals

    1.8%   

Residential REIT’s

    1.8%   

Automobile Manufacturers

    1.7%   

Gas Utilities

    1.7%   

Restaurants

    1.7%   
 

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     19   


Table of Contents

ICON Equity Income Fund

Industry Composition (continued)

September 30, 2014

 

Construction & Farm Machinery & Heavy Trucks

    1.6%   

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

    1.6%   

Personal Products

    1.6%   

Regional Banks

    1.6%   

Casinos & Gaming

    1.5%   

Housewares & Specialties

    1.5%   

Insurance Brokers

    1.5%   

Office Services & Supplies

    1.5%   

Aerospace & Defense

    1.4%   

Railroads

    1.1%   
 

 

 

 
    94.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common, convertible preferred and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Equity Income Fund - Class S

    5/10/04        11.36%        12.08%        6.20%        6.75%        1.53%        1.21%   

ICON Equity Income Fund - Class C

    11/8/02        10.26%        10.97%        5.14%        7.18%        2.42%        2.21%   

ICON Equity Income Fund - Class A

    5/31/06        11.07%        11.81%        N/A        5.21%        1.68%        1.46%   

ICON Equity Income Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    5/31/06        4.66%        10.50%        N/A        4.47%        1.68%        1.46%   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        9.41%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

20   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Equity Income Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Equity Income Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 5/10/04 to a $10,000 investment made in an unmanaged securities index on that date. Performance for the Equity Income Fund’s other share classes will vary due to differences in charges and expenses. The Equity Income Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     21   


Table of Contents

ICON EQUITY INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Common Stocks (86.6%)   
  8,500      AbbVie, Inc.   $ 490,960   
  6,400      Agrium, Inc.(a)     569,600   
  6,300      Apple, Inc.     634,725   
  9,200      Arthur J Gallagher & Co.     417,312   
  9,700      Avery Dennison Corp.     433,105   
  22,000      B&G Foods, Inc.     606,100   
  12,900      BCE, Inc.     551,604   
  6,700      Bristow Group, Inc.     450,240   
  7,300      Camden Property Trust, REIT     500,269   
  18,300      CMS Energy Corp.     542,778   
  10,700      Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.     474,652   
  15,200      Corrections Corp. of America, REIT     522,272   
  4,500      Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.     464,355   
  3,300      Cummins, Inc.     435,534   
  11,500      Dow Chemical Co.     603,060   
  10,200      Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.     655,962   
  6,800      Duke Energy Corp.     508,436   
  52,000      First Commonwealth Financial Corp.     436,280   
  12,500      GameStop Corp., Class A(a)     515,000   
  17,900      Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.(a)     475,245   
  13,300      HCP, Inc., REIT     528,143   
  19,100      Healthcare Services Group, Inc.     546,451   
  5,900      Helmerich & Payne, Inc.     577,433   
  6,200      Home Depot, Inc.     568,788   
  7,500      Ingredion, Inc.     568,425   
  14,600      Invesco, Ltd.     576,408   
  12,500      j2 Global, Inc.     617,000   
  11,000      Johnson Controls, Inc.     484,000   
  24,500      Knoll, Inc.     424,095   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  9,800      Laclede Group, Inc.   $ 454,720   
  6,500      Las Vegas Sands Corp.     404,365   
  4,600      LyondellBasell Industries, Class A     499,836   
  9,600      Macy’s, Inc.     558,528   
  22,100      Main Street Capital Corp.     677,144   
  7,100      Nordstrom, Inc.     485,427   
  2,800      Norfolk Southern Corp.     312,480   
  9,700      Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Class A(a)     436,791   
  7,100      Packaging Corp. of America     453,122   
  2,700      Public Storage, REIT     447,768   
  3,800      Raytheon Co.     386,156   
  8,700      SCANA Corp.     431,607   
  8,900      Thor Industries, Inc.     458,350   
  6,000      Tupperware Brands Corp.     414,240   
  8,200      Ventas, Inc., REIT     507,990   
  13,300      Verizon Communications, Inc., Series L     664,867   
  12,600      Westar Energy, Inc.     429,912   
  3,300      Whirlpool Corp.     480,645   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $23,199,660)
    23,682,180   
  Preferred Stocks (3.7%)  
  19,600      Discover Financial Services, Series B(a)     494,116   
  21,000      Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.(a)     518,280   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $998,730)
    1,012,396   
  Convertible Preferred Stocks (4.1%)   
  4,800      Bunge, Ltd.     522,000   
  500      Wells Fargo & Co., Series L     601,255   
   

 

 

 
 
 
 
Total Convertible
Preferred Stocks
(Cost $1,090,147)
    1,123,255   
 

 

22   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (10.4%)   
  2,849,625      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%   $ 2,849,625   
   

 

 

 
 
 
 
Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan
(Cost $2,849,625)
    2,849,625   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Short-Term Investments (1.6%)   
$ 425,747      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14   $ 425,747   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $425,747)
    425,747   
 
 
Total Investments 106.4%
(Cost $28,563,909)
    29,093,203   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(6.4)%
    (1,743,338
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 27,349,865   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     23   


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

 

ICNZX

ICNCX

ICNAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 3.71% over the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, but lagged its benchmark, the S & P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. A year ago, September 30, 2013, the Fund had a favorable sector weighting with Consumer Discretionary at 31.1%, Energy at 18.5%, Industrials at 16.4%, Information Technology at 11.4% and Materials at 2.6%, but the Fund lagged the rising index during the fourth quarter of 2013, due to the Fund’s 6.2% cash holdings. Over the first quarter of 2014, the cyclical sectors hurt the Fund as investors reacted to a surprise negative GDP unfolding. The Fund’s cash holdings were retained until mid-April, when the Fund’s exposure to the Health Care and Financial sectors were increased. Exposure to the Energy sector was reduced by over half in July, but the remaining positions hurt the portfolio with the drop in the price of oil in September 2014.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. The five largest contributions to performance during the fiscal year came from Union Pacific, Walt Disney, Celgene, Questcor Pharmaceuticals and Apple.

Large declines of a few stocks in the Consumer Discretionary, Energy and Materials sectors were too much for the top performing stocks to overcome relative to the benchmark. The five largest detractors from performance were Lulu Lemon Athletica, Lumber Liquidators, Dril-Quip, Oceaneering International and FMC Corporation. In general, the stocks that had the large, and usually quite sudden, declines had one thing in common, analysts revising earnings estimates downward, often accompanied by a surprise event. The downward revisions in earnings estimates were generally short term oriented, for just one or two quarters. As short term revision do not have much effect on our valuation, we continue to hold four of those stocks. Lulu Lemon was sold, the others remain in the portfolio.

 

24   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

In our opinion, three situations influenced investor behavior with regard to equities. Over the first nine months of calendar year 2014, investors repositioned their portfolios for higher long-term interest rates, a rising dollar and a slowing global economy. Stock prices did not respond to value, but instead were driven by these three situations. We expect all three will prove to be passing fads.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the overall market?

 

A. With our overall average market value-to-price (V/P) ratio hitting a sixteen month high of 1.15 in early October 2014, we would expect the broad market to move higher over the next twelve months, posting slightly better than average returns. With investors reacting to the three situations mentioned above, our industry and sector valuation rankings have been altered over the last six months. The current V/P ratios suggest to us that cyclical industries and sectors will lead the market higher, featuring a comeback for the Consumer Discretionary sector.

 

ICON Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Consumer Discretionary

    34.5%   

Health Care

    19.0%   

Materials

    13.4%   

Industrials

    9.0%   

Energy

    8.5%   

Financial

    7.7%   

Information Technology

    7.3%   
 

 

 

 
    99.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     25   


Table of Contents

ICON Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Biotechnology

    11.7%   

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

    8.5%   

Home Improvement Retail

    7.4%   

Pharmaceuticals

    7.3%   

Broadcasting

    6.7%   

Airlines

    4.7%   

Railroads

    4.3%   

Specialty Chemicals

    3.9%   

Paper Products

    3.7%   

Electronic Manufacturing Services

    3.6%   

Consumer Finance

    3.4%   

Home Furnishings

    3.4%   

Diversified Chemicals

    3.3%   

Movies & Entertainment

    3.0%   

Automobile Manufacturers

    2.8%   

Department Stores

    2.8%   

Paper Packaging

    2.5%   

Internet Software & Services

    2.4%   

Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines

    2.3%   

Regional Banks

    2.3%   

Asset Management & Custody Banks

    2.0%   

Cable & Satellite

    1.8%   

Leisure Products

    1.5%   

Specialty Stores

    1.5%   

Auto Parts & Equipment

    1.3%   

Electronic Components

    1.3%   
 

 

 

 
    99.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

ICON Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Fund - Class S

    5/6/04        3.71%        10.33%        3.51%        3.95%        1.23%        1.23%   

ICON Fund - Class C

    11/28/00        2.57%        9.67%        2.79%        3.33%        2.32%        2.26%   

ICON Fund - Class A

    5/31/06        3.36%        9.94%        N/A        0.52%        1.58%        1.51%   

ICON Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    5/31/06        -2.60%        8.65%        N/A        -0.19%        1.58%        1.51%   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        5.37%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Since Inception performance results for Class C shares include returns for certain time periods that were restarted as of June 8, 2004.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

26   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the ICON Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 5/6/04 to a $10,000 investment made in an unmanaged securities index on that date. Performance for the ICON Fund’s other share classes will vary due to differences in charges and expenses. The ICON Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     27   


Table of Contents

ICON FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  Common Stocks (99.4%)  
  42,700      Alaska Air Group, Inc.   $ 1,859,158   
  24,800      Ashland, Inc.     2,581,680   
  7,200      Biogen Idec, Inc.     2,381,832   
  16,900      BorgWarner, Inc.     889,109   
  33,300      CBS Corp., Class B     1,781,550   
  35,900      Celgene Corp.     3,402,602   
  40,600      Clearwater Paper Corp.     2,440,466   
  42,800      CSX Corp.     1,372,168   
  35,700      Delta Air Lines, Inc.     1,290,555   
  36,200      Discovery Communications, Inc., Class A     1,368,360   
  36,200      Discovery Communications, Inc., Class C     1,349,536   
  16,600      Dril-Quip, Inc.     1,484,040   
  94,200      Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.     2,007,402   
  50,800      Encore Capital Group, Inc.†(a)     2,250,948   
  38,600      FMC Corp.     2,207,534   
  28,600      FMC Technologies, Inc.     1,553,266   
  38,200      Home Depot, Inc.     3,504,468   
  13,000      Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC     2,087,280   
  25,600      Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.†(a)     1,468,928   
  32,000      Macy’s, Inc.     1,861,760   
  64,800      Methode Electronics, Inc.     2,389,176   
  16,800      Mohawk Industries, Inc.     2,264,976   
  22,400      Oceaneering International, Inc.     1,459,808   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  26,400      Packaging Corp. of America   $ 1,684,848   
  18,700      Perrigo Co. PLC     2,808,553   
  6,500      Polaris Industries, Inc.     973,635   
  29,300      RigNet, Inc.     1,185,185   
  15,600      Rogers Corp.     854,256   
  13,800      Signature Bank     1,546,428   
  36,000      Thor Industries, Inc.     1,854,000   
  8,300      Time Warner Cable, Inc.     1,190,967   
  15,900      Tractor Supply Co.     978,009   
  13,600      Union Pacific Corp.     1,474,512   
  26,100      Viacom, Inc.,
Class B
    2,008,134   
  29,200      VistaPrint NV†(a)     1,599,868   
  25,900      Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., Class A     1,338,771   
  18,700      Wyndham Worldwide Corp.     1,519,562   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $62,958,534)
    66,273,330   
 
 
Collateral for Securities on
Loan (3.8%)
 
  2,566,103      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     2,566,103   
   

 

 

 
 
 
 
Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan
(Cost $2,566,103)
    2,566,103   
 
 
Total Investments 103.2%
(Cost $65,524,637)
    68,839,433   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(3.2)%
    (2,136,775
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 66,702,658   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

28   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON LONG/SHORT FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

 

IOLZX

IOLCX

ISTAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Long/Short Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 5.32% over the fiscal year but lagged its benchmark, the S & P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014 appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. A year ago, September 30, 2013, the Fund had a favorable sector weighting with Consumer Discretionary at 31.4%, Information Technology at 17.6%, Industrials at 12.3%, Energy at 11.6%, Healthcare at 6.4%, Financial at 5.8% and Materials at 3.1% but the Fund lagged the rising index that next quarter, ending December 31, 2013, due to the Fund’s 8.8% cash holdings and five short positions accounting for 7.4% of assets. By December 31, 2013, the Fund had 19.9% cash and 9.9% short positions. During the first quarter of 2014, the cyclical sectors hurt the Fund as investors reacted to a surprise negative GDP unfolding. By early April cash had increased to 34% of assets while eight short positioned totaled 16.8% of assets. In mid-April cash was reduced to minimal levels and all but two short positions were covered. The Fund’s holdings in the Healthcare and Materials sectors were increased.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. The five largest contributions to performance during the fiscal year came from Celgene Corporation, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Norfolk Southern, Methode Electronics and Time Warner Cable.

Large declines of a few stocks in the Consumer Discretionary, Energy, Materials and Healthcare sectors were too much for the top performing stocks to overcome relative to the benchmark. The five largest detractors from performance were Lumber Liquidators, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, FMC, RigNet and Dril-Quip. In general, the stocks that had the large, and usually quite sudden, declines had one thing in common, analysts revising earnings estimates downward, often accompanied by a surprise event. The downward revisions in earnings estimates were generally short term oriented, for just one or two quarters. As short term negative revisions do not have much effect on our valuation, we continue to hold those five stocks.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     29   


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In our opinion, three situations influenced investor behavior with regard to equities. Over the first nine months of calendar year 2014, investors repositioned their portfolios for higher long term interest rates, a rising dollar and a slowing global economy. Stock prices did not respond to value, but instead were driven by these three situations. We expect all three will prove to be passing fads.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the overall market?

 

A. With our overall average market value-to-price (V/P) ratio hitting a sixteen month high of 1.15 in early October 2014, we would expect the broad market to move higher over the next twelve months, posting slightly better than average returns. With investors reacting to the three situations mentioned above, our industry and sector valuation rankings have been altered over the last six months. The current V/P ratios suggest to us that cyclical industries and sectors will lead the market higher, featuring a comeback for the Consumer Discretionary sector.

 

ICON Long/Short Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Consumer Discretionary

    31.5 %   

Health Care

    19.9%   

Information Technology

    17.0%   

Materials

    10.9%   

Energy

    7.9%   

Financial

    7.7%   

Industrials

    6.9%   
 

 

 

 
    101.8%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

30   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON Long/Short Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Biotechnology

    12.4%   

Home Improvement Retail

    7.9%   

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

    7.9%   

Pharmaceuticals

    7.5%   

Internet Software & Services

    4.6%   

Railroads

    4.5%   

Electronic Manufacturing Services

    4.4%   

Broadcasting

    3.4%   

Electronic Components

    3.4%   

Paper Packaging

    3.0%   

Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines

    2.9%   

IT Consulting & Other Services

    2.9%   

Home Furnishings

    2.8%   

Leisure Products

    2.8%   

Asset Management & Custody Banks

    2.7%   

Leisure Facilities

    2.7%   

Specialty Stores

    2.7%   

Consumer Finance

    2.6%   

Cable & Satellite

    2.5%   

Housewares & Specialties

    2.5%   

Airlines

    2.4%   

Regional Banks

    2.4%   

Diversified Chemicals

    2.3%   

Paper Products

    2.1%   

Specialty Chemicals

    2.1%   

Data Processing & Outsourced Services

    1.7%   

Commodity Chemicals

    1.4%   

Automobile Manufacturers

    1.3%   
 

 

 

 
    101.8%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

ICON Long/Short Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Long/Short Fund - Class S

    5/6/04        5.32%        9.69%        4.35%        4.14%        1.53%        1.32%   

ICON Long/Short Fund - Class C

    10/17/02        4.30%        8.55%        3.32%        5.11%        2.62%        2.37%   

ICON Long/Short Fund - Class A

    5/31/06        5.02%        9.36%        N/A        1.68%        1.91%        1.61%   

ICON Long/Short Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    5/31/06        -1.05%        8.08%        N/A        0.96%        1.91%        1.61%   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        9.52%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     31   


Table of Contents

ICON Long/Short Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Long/Short Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 5/6/04 to a $10,000 investment made in an unmanaged securities index on that date. Performance for the Long/Short Fund’s other share classes will vary due to differences in charges and expenses. The Long/Short Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

32   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON LONG/SHORT FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Common Stocks (101.8%)  
  18,800      Alaska Air Group, Inc.   $ 818,552   
  7,100      Ashland, Inc.     739,110   
  3,000      Biogen Idec, Inc.     992,430   
  9,500      Cabot Corp.     482,315   
  19,800      Cedar Fair L.P.     935,946   
  14,600      Celgene Corp.     1,383,788   
  12,000      Clearwater Paper Corp.     721,320   
  22,200      Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A†(x)     993,894   
  22,000      CSX Corp.     705,320   
  15,600      Discovery Communications, Inc., Class A     589,680   
  15,600      Discovery Communications, Inc., Class C     581,568   
  5,600      Dril-Quip, Inc.     500,640   
  44,400      Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.     946,164   
  19,900      Encore Capital Group, Inc.†(a)     881,769   
  14,000      FMC Corp.     800,660   
  12,100      FMC Technologies, Inc.     657,151   
  17,300      Home Depot, Inc.     1,587,102   
  14,400      Jarden Corp.     865,584   
  6,800      Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC     1,091,808   
  20,700      Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Class B     972,693   
  20,000      Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.†(a)     1,147,600   
  8,000      Mastercard, Inc., Class A     591,360   
  41,700      Methode Electronics, Inc.     1,537,479   
  7,300      Mohawk Industries, Inc.     984,186   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  7,700      Norfolk Southern Corp.   $ 859,320   
  9,400      Oceaneering International, Inc.(x)     612,598   
  16,000      Packaging Corp. of America     1,021,120   
  9,800      Perrigo Co. PLC     1,471,862   
  6,500      Polaris Industries, Inc.     973,635   
  24,200      RigNet, Inc.     978,890   
  21,200      Rogers Corp.     1,160,912   
  7,300      Signature Bank     818,038   
  8,700      Thor Industries, Inc.(x)     448,050   
  6,100      Time Warner Cable, Inc.(x)     875,289   
  15,400      Tractor Supply Co.     947,254   
  28,800      VistaPrint NV†(a)     1,577,952   
  18,300      Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., Class A     945,927   
  12,400      Wyndham Worldwide Corp.     1,007,624   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $33,372,974)

    35,206,590   
 
 
Collateral for Securities on
Loan (9.9%)
 
  3,405,494      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     3,405,494   
   

 

 

 
 
 

 

Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan

(Cost $3,405,494)

    3,405,494   
 

 

Total Investments 111.7%

(Cost $36,778,468)

    38,612,084   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(11.7)%
    (4,055,305
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 34,556,779   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

(x) All or a portion of the security is pledged as collateral for securities sold short.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     33   


Table of Contents

ICON LONG/SHORT FUND

SCHEDULE OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares     Short Security   Value  
  11,600      Amedisys, Inc.   $ 233,972   
  225,000      Cincinnati Bell, Inc.     758,250   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Securities Sold Short

(Proceeds $999,482)

  $ 992,222   
   

 

 

 

    

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

34   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON OPPORTUNITIES FUND

      

ICONX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Opportunities Fund (the Fund) returned 2.19% over the fiscal year but lagged its benchmark, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, which returned 5.74%. Total returns and other performance statistics as of September 30, 2014 appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmark?

 

A. A year ago, September 30, 2013, the Fund had a favorable sector weighting with Consumer Discretionary at 18.6%, Materials at 12.4%, Information Technology at 12.1%, Financials at 10.5%, Industrials at 11.1%, Energy at 9.9%, and Healthcare at 7.3%, but the Fund lagged the rising index that next quarter due to the Fund’s 17.9% cash holdings. The cash holdings generally resulted from the Fund selling overpriced positions without buying into other positions. Although exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector had been reduced to 11.6% by December 31, 2013, remaining positions in the sector hurt the Fund during the first quarter of 2014 as investors reacted to a surprise negative GDP unfolding. The Fund accumulated more cash until mid-April, when the Fund’s exposure to the Information Technology, Financial and Healthcare sector was increased. Unlike the S&P LargeCap 500 Index, the S&P SmallCap 600 index dropped from mid-April to mid-May. Around that dip, a minor rotation was made to increase the Fund’s exposure to the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary and Healthcare sectors.

While some large-cap stocks did well, pushing the S&P 500 Index to record highs in 2014, small cap stocks were generally stuck in a sideways range, not moving up as much as their large cap counterparts during advances while dropping more during declines. Amidst these oscillations, there were rapid industry and sector theme reversals.

In our opinion, three situations influenced investor behavior with regard to equities. Over the first nine months of calendar year 2014, investors repositioned their portfolios for higher long term interest rates, a rising dollar and a slowing global economy. Stock prices did not respond to value, but instead were driven by these three situations. We expect all three will prove to be passing fads.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     35   


Table of Contents
Q. What were the Fund’s greatest contributors/detractors?

 

A. The five largest contributions to performance during the fiscal year came from Kapstone Paper & Packaging, Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Akorn, Dresser-Rand Group and Janus Capital, which was purchased based on value but enjoyed a sharp surge when a high profile bond manager joined the firm. It was sold the day of that announcement.

The five largest detractors from performance were Lumber Liquidators, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Conn’s, RigNet and World Acceptance. In general, the stocks that had large, and usually quite sudden, declines had one thing in common, analysts revising earnings estimates downward, often accompanied by a surprise event or announcement. The downward revisions in earnings estimates were generally short term oriented, for just one or two quarters. As short term revision do not have much effect on our valuation, we continue to hold all five of those stocks.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the overall market?

 

A. With our overall average market value-to-price (V/P) ratio hitting a sixteen month high of 1.15 in early October 2014, we would expect the broad market to move higher over the next twelve months, posting slightly better than average returns. With investors reacting to the three situations mentioned above, our industry and sector valuation rankings have been altered over the last six months. The current V/P ratios suggest to us that cyclical industries and sectors will lead the market higher and that small-cap stocks will fully participate.

 

ICON Opportunities Fund

Country Composition

September 30, 2014

 

United States

    92.6%   

Netherlands

    3.7%   

Canada

    2.4%   
 

 

 

 
    98.7%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Opportunities Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Information Technology

    21.5%   

Health Care

    20.6%   

Consumer Discretionary

    19.5%   

Materials

    18.4%   

Financial

    9.6%   

Energy

    6.1%   

Industrials

    3.0%   
 

 

 

 
    98.7%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

36   MANAGMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Opportunities Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Biotechnology

    7.6%   

Specialty Chemicals

    7.5%   

Electronic Equipment & Instruments

    7.1%   

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    7.0%   

Consumer Finance

    6.8%   

Internet Software & Services

    6.6%   

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

    6.1%   

Pharmaceuticals

    6.0%   

Automobile Manufacturers

    4.0%   

Paper Products

    3.7%   

Electronic Manufacturing Services

    3.6%   

Restaurants

    3.4%   

Home Improvement Retail

    3.1%   

Aerospace & Defense

    3.0%   

Apparel Retail

    2.7%   

Computer & Electronics Retail

    2.7%   

Commodity Chemicals

    2.4%   

Diversified Chemicals

    2.4%   

Paper Packaging

    2.4%   

Home Furnishings

    2.0%   

Insurance Brokers

    2.0%   

Footwear

    1.6%   

Technology Distributors

    1.6%   

Electronic Components

    1.5%   

Data Processing & Outsourced Services

    1.1%   

Asset Management & Custody Banks

    0.8%   
 

 

 

 
    98.7%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

ICON Opportunities Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Opportunities Fund

    9/28/12        2.19%        15.28%        12.47%        1.52%   

S&P SmallCap 600 Index

            5.74%        17.94%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     37   


Table of Contents

ICON Opportunities Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Opportunities Fund on the inception date of 10/1/12 to a $10,000 investment made in an unmanaged securities index on that date. The Opportunities Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

38   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Common Stocks (98.7%)  
  8,637      Akorn, Inc.   $ 313,264   
  16,600      Albany Molecular Research, Inc.     366,362   
  12,292      Ascena Retail Group, Inc.     163,484   
  6,600      Avery Dennison Corp.     294,690   
  3,400      Bristow Group, Inc.     228,480   
  7,700      Brown & Brown, Inc.     247,555   
  3,079      Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.     413,417   
  14,800      Cambrex Corp.     276,464   
  7,566      Clearwater Paper Corp.     454,792   
  4,894      Coherent, Inc.     300,345   
  10,592      Conn’s, Inc.     320,620   
  5,449      Curtiss-Wright Corp.     359,198   
  16,500      Daktronics, Inc.     202,785   
  1,885      Dril-Quip, Inc.     168,519   
  21,388      Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.     455,778   
  8,873      Encore Capital Group, Inc.     393,163   
  4,665      FEI Co.     351,834   
  6,850      Finish Line, Inc., Class A     171,456   
  152      GameStop Corp., Class A     6,262   
  5,369      HB Fuller Co.     213,149   
  3,612      j2 Global, Inc.     178,288   
  20,100      Landec Corp.     246,225   
  9,000      Lannett Co., Inc.     411,120   
  7,026      Leggett & Platt, Inc.     245,348   
  9,931      Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Class B     466,658   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  8,100      LSB Industries, Inc.   $ 289,251   
  6,565      Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.     376,700   
  4,345      Methanex Corp.     290,246   
  11,771      Methode Electronics, Inc.     433,997   
  7,333      Minerals Technologies, Inc.     452,519   
  3,320      PAREXEL International Corp.     209,459   
  11,502      Perficient, Inc.     172,415   
  5,453      Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc.     284,810   
  8,440      RigNet, Inc.     341,398   
  3,360      Rogers Corp.     183,994   
  5,857      Steven Madden, Ltd.     188,771   
  2,925      SYNNEX Corp.     189,043   
  9,401      Thor Industries, Inc.     484,151   
  4,400      Total System Services, Inc.     136,224   
  8,205      VistaPrint NV     449,552   
  1,782      Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., Class A     92,112   
  2,304      World Acceptance Corp.     155,520   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $12,641,715)
    11,979,418   
 
 
Total Investments 98.7%
(Cost $12,641,715)
    11,979,418   
 
 
Other Assets Less Liabilities
1.3%
    153,277   
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 12,132,695   
   

 

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     39   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON RISK-MANAGED BALANCED FUND

  

Class S
Class C

Class A

 

IOCZX
IOCCX

IOCAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The Risk-Managed Balanced Fund (the Fund) Class S shares returned 6.02% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The S&P Composite 1500 Index rose 18.57% and the Balanced Blended Benchmark was up 12.80%. The Balanced Blended Benchmark is based on a weighting of 60% S&P Composite 1500 Index and 40% Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index, rebalanced monthly. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors influenced the Fund’s relative performance during the period?

 

A.

As we entered fiscal year 2014, our equity valuation model saw the domestic market as approximately fair valued, which was significant because we had been bullish on the equity market as a whole since early 2009. With the market close to fair value, the Fund was positioned conservatively with a 55% equity / 45% fixed income allocation. Additionally, the Fund had a relatively tight hedge on its equity holdings using both S&P 500 out-of-the-money puts and S&P 500 out-of-the-money written calls in an attempt to reduce the overall effect of market volatility on the Fund. While the Fund was positioned based on our valuation discipline, the overall allocation and hedging profile proved to be a disadvantage as the equity market produced strong returns over the first few months of the fiscal year. However, the Fund was able to reduce downside participation and overall volatility as a combination of macro-economic concerns and stretched valuations resulted in reduced equity returns and boosted safer fixed income assets from about mid-January to mid-April 2014. This bout of equity volatility reduced some valuation froth within the market and we began to see upside opportunities in certain sectors. Additionally, during this period, the combination of falling bond yields and historically tight credit spreads reduced the overall attractiveness of the bond market. In response to the opportunities we saw on the equity side and relative fixed income attractiveness, we adjusted the allocation of the Fund towards a more normal balanced fund profile of 60% equities / 40% fixed income. Additionally, the hedge on the equity portion of the Fund was loosened in order to have a better opportunity to participate in the anticipated

 

40   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents
  upside move. This proved to be beneficial as the equity market proceeded to rally aggressively through the end of fiscal year 2014.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. Focusing on the equity portion of the Fund, the largest sector contributor to performance over fiscal year 2014 was the Health Care sector. While the Fund was underweight the sector as a whole due to stretched sector valuations, we saw industry specific opportunities that performed well producing positive benchmark relative selection effect. Other sectors that contributed positively to Fund performance include Materials, Industrials, and Utilities. Overweight positions in all three sectors resulted in positive relative total effect for both the Materials and Industrials sectors but a slight negative total effect for the Utilities sector due to less robust returns on the stock selection side. Inversely, positions in the Energy sector detracted from Fund performance as the combination of an overweight position and underperforming stock selections resulted in a negative relative total effect. Further, both the Information Technology and Financials sectors also produced negative benchmark relative total effect due in large part to underperforming stock selections. Going forward we continue to add to some of the underperforming names within these three sectors as they continue to have attractive valuations according to our system.

Moving to individual stock performance within the Fund, the largest contributors to performance relative to the benchmark were LyondellBasell Industries, Actavis Plc., Biogen Idec Inc., Walt Disney Company, & Gilead Sciences. The five largest detractors from performance relative to the benchmark were Oceaneering International, Waddell & Reed Financial, Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Bristow Group, & Dril-Quip Inc.

Focusing on the fixed income portion of the Fund, fiscal year 2014 caught many investors off guard when a largely anticipated bond sell-off turned into a strong rally as yields fell across the board. The yield on the U.S. Generic Government 10-year Treasury began the fiscal year at a value of 2.62%, rose above 3.00% by the end of the calendar year 2013, fell below 2.45% at the end of May 2014 in response to some macro-economic uncertainty, and finally finished the fiscal year at a value of 2.49%. In addition to the rally in the U.S. treasury market, corporate bond spreads tightened throughout the majority of the fiscal year in both investment grade and high yield corporate bonds before experiencing some volatility during the third quarter of 2014. While the fixed income portion of the Fund maintained a lower overall duration over the course of the time period, resulting in less relative curve effect, the Fund was able to

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     41   


Table of Contents

outperform the broad based fixed income benchmark during the fiscal year through a combination of bond selections within the corporate bond segment of the market and active allocation to both preferred shares and closed-end fund positions. In the corporate bond space, we maintained a lower overall duration relative to the benchmark, but selections in the Energy, Financials, and Telecommunications sectors of the market outperformed the market as a whole. As spreads continued to tighten, we focused on other segments of the market to produce alpha for our investors, including certain preferred issues. All of our positions in this space produced positive returns, but three specific holdings within the real estate segment of the market did particularly well with one position producing a large gain due to a company issued call. Lastly, holdings within the closed-end segment of the market also produced positive returns as either net asset value (NAV) based movement or discount arbitrage opportunities were realized. Overall, during the period, the Fund’s fixed income allocation outperformed the fixed income segment of the benchmark.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook?

 

A. Our equity valuations concluded fiscal year 2014 with a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.10 as of October 1, 2014, giving us confidence there is room for the market to rise in the coming year. Additionally, our system indicates a notable cyclical tilt in the sector opportunities we are seeing with specific emphasis on Consumer Discretionary, Energy, and Materials. The Fund continues to maintain a more normal balanced allocation stance with approximately 60% in equities and 40% in fixed income (including preferred stocks & closed-end funds) although we are looking for opportunities to increase overall equity exposure. The equity hedge has recently been reduced targeting a beta of approximately 0.90, which is at the upper end of our historical range and will be adjusted based on the amount of upside we see in the equity market over the year. In the fixed income portion of the Fund we continue to be very selective in our individual bond holdings as historically tight spreads force us to focus on downside risks. However, the recent volatility seen in the high yield segment of the market is presenting us with opportunities that have been less apparent over the last few years. Additionally, we continue to see opportunity in unique structured bonds like fixed-to-float securities, preferred securities with attractive upside profiles, and closed-end fund discount arbitrage opportunities. As always, we continue to use our bottom up, issue specific approach to find opportunities in the market.

 

42   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Financial

    13.2%   

Information Technology

    11.2%   

Energy

    8.9%   

Materials

    8.4%   

Consumer Discretionary

    7.5%   

Industrials

    5.5%   

Health Care

    4.8%   

Utilities

    2.3%   

Consumer Staples

    1.9%   
 

 

 

 
    63.7%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Data Processing & Outsourced Services

    6.3%   

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

    5.8%   

Consumer Finance

    4.4%   

Commodity Chemicals

    4.1%   

Regional Banks

    4.0%   

Home Improvement Retail

    3.6%   

Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

    3.1%   

Asset Management & Custody Banks

    2.4%   

Railroads

    2.4%   

Cable & Satellite

    2.1%   

IT Consulting & Other Services

    2.1%   

Paper Packaging

    2.1%   

Pharmaceuticals

    1.8%   

Office REIT’s

    1.7%   

Health Care Distributors

    1.6%   

Airlines

    1.4%   

Biotechnology

    1.4%   

Specialty Chemicals

    1.4%   

Hypermarkets & Super Centers

    1.3%   

Internet Software & Services

    1.3%   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    1.1%   

Gas Utilities

    1.0%   

Other Industries (each less
than 1%)

    7.3%   
 

 

 

 
    63.7%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     43   


Table of Contents

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

Credit Diversification

September 30, 2014

 

Aaa

    2.7%   

A1

    1.5%   

A3

    1.9%   

Baa1

    4.1%   

Baa2

    1.7%   

Baa3

    8.6%   

Ba1

    0.7%   

Ba2

    1.0%   

Ba3

    2.1%   

B2

    1.5%   

B3

    1.7%   
 

 

 

 
    27.5%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon U.S. Treasury obligations, corporate and foreign corporate bond investments as a percentage of net assets. Ratings based on Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2013

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund - Class S

    5/6/04        6.02%        7.01%        4.00%        4.16%        1.43%        1.21%   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund - Class C

    11/21/02        5.06%        5.94%        2.94%        4.47%        2.72%        2.22%   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund - Class A

    5/31/06        5.88%        6.78%        N/A        3.43%        2.12%        1.47%   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    5/31/06        -0.21%        5.53%        N/A        2.69%        2.12%        1.47%   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        9.03        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

44   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 5/6/04 to a $10,000 investment made in an unmanaged securities index on that date. Performance for the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund’s other share classes will vary due to differences in charges and expenses. The Risk-Managed Balanced Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     45   


Table of Contents

ICON RISK-MANAGED BALANCED FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Common Stocks (61.3%)  
  9,500      Accenture PLC, Class A   $ 772,540   
  2,800      Actavis PLC     675,584   
  3,600      Alliance Data Systems Corp.     893,772   
  3,900      Apple, Inc.     392,925   
  5,000      Ashland, Inc.     520,500   
  2,700      Atmos Energy Corp.     128,790   
  17,400      Avery Dennison Corp.     776,910   
  1,000      Biogen Idec, Inc.     330,810   
  10,900      Bristow Group, Inc.     732,480   
  6,200      CBS Corp., Class B     331,700   
  10,200      CMS Energy Corp.     302,532   
  14,000      Comcast Corp., Class A     752,920   
  3,800      Costco Wholesale Corp.     476,216   
  14,000      Delta Air Lines, Inc.(x)     506,100   
  12,900      Discover Financial Services(x)     830,631   
  16,900      Encore Capital Group, Inc.†(a)     748,839   
  7,000      EQT Corp.(x)     640,780   
  6,000      Facebook, Inc., Class A†(x)     474,240   
  4,900      Genesee & Wyoming, Inc., Class A     467,019   
  1,700      Gilead Sciences, Inc.     180,965   
  12,000      Healthcare Services Group, Inc.     343,320   
  8,000      Home Depot, Inc.(x)     733,920   
  6,000      International Paper Co.(x)     286,440   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  7,600      Invesco, Ltd.   $ 300,048   
  5,100      Laclede Group, Inc.     236,640   
  10,000      Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.†(x)     573,800   
  8,100      LyondellBasell Industries, Class A(x)     880,146   
  8,000      Mastercard, Inc., Class A(x)     591,360   
  3,000      McKesson Corp.(x)     584,010   
  9,300      Methanex Corp.(x)     621,240   
  13,300      Oceaneering International, Inc.(x)     866,761   
  7,000      Range Resources Corp.(x)     474,670   
  3,400      Reynolds American, Inc.(x)     200,600   
  5,000      Schlumberger, Ltd.     508,450   
  8,300      Signature Bank†(x)     930,098   
  5,000      SVB Financial Group     560,450   
  2,500      SYNNEX Corp.     161,575   
  6,400      Tyco International, Ltd.     285,248   
  5,300      UIL Holdings Corp.     187,620   
  3,800      Union Pacific Corp.(x)     411,996   
  4,000      Visa, Inc., Class A     853,480   
  11,000      Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., Class A     568,590   
  3,500      Walt Disney Co.     311,605   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $21,969,191)

    22,408,320   
 

 

46   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents
Shares or Principal Amount   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Value  
  Corporate Bonds (23.4%)      
$ 500,000      AIG Life Holdings, Inc.     6.63     02/15/29      $ 614,023   
  355,000      AIG Retirement     8.13     04/28/23        453,577   
  328,000      Altria Group, Inc.     9.25     08/06/19        426,993   
  250,000      Brightstar Corp.(b)     7.25     08/01/18        269,063   
  1,156,000      Clearwire Communications LLC / Clearwire Finance, Inc.(b)     14.75     12/01/16        1,436,330   
  500,000      Fulton Capital Trust I Ltd.     6.29     02/01/36        482,500   
  500,000      General Electric Capital Corp. / LJ VP Holdings LLC(b)     3.80     06/18/19        532,559   
  250,000      Goodman Networks, Inc.     12.13     07/01/18        262,500   
  340,000      GRD Holdings III Corp.(b)     10.75     06/01/19        374,850   
  442,801      Kiowa Power Partners LLC(b)     5.74     03/30/21        460,956   
  500,000      Lender Processing Services, Inc. / Black Knight Lending Solutions, Inc.     5.75     04/15/23        522,500   
  250,000      Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.(b)(c)     7.00     03/15/37        265,000   
  250,000      Masco Corp.     5.95     03/15/22        273,125   
  500,000      Prudential Financial, Inc.(c)     8.88     06/15/38        603,125   
  500,000      Prudential Insurance Co. of America(b)     8.30     07/01/25        678,994   
  335,000      SESI LLC     7.13     12/15/21        370,175   
  500,000      United Refining Co.     10.50     02/28/18        532,500   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $8,629,799)

        8,558,770   
Shares or Principal Amount                 Value  
  Closed-End Mutual Funds (4.8%)   
  8,993      BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund, Inc.       $ 126,262   
  47,618      Diversified Real Asset Income Fund         844,267   
  4,067      Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.†(a)         97,649   
  30,538      Nuveen Diversified Currency Opportunities Fund         325,535   
  16,801      Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3         229,670   
  4,374      Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund         61,717   
  4,197      Nuveen Municipal Advantage Fund, Inc.         56,617   
  1,707      Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.         23,369   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Closed-End Mutual Funds

(Cost $1,751,706)

        1,765,086   
Shares or Principal Amount   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Value  
  U.S. Treasury Obligations (2.7%)   
$ 500,000      U.S. Treasury Note     0.63     08/31/17      $ 493,399   
  500,000      U.S. Treasury Note     1.13     12/31/19        481,406   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

(Cost $976,934)

        974,805   

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     47   


Table of Contents
Shares or Principal Amount                 Value  
  Preferred Stocks (2.4%)   
  10,981      American Homes 4 Rent REIT, Series B(d)       $ 262,007   
  14,681      Equity Commonwealth, Series E         374,512   
  10,000      Gramercy Property Trust, Inc., Series B         251,500   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Preferred Stocks

(Cost $893,267)

        888,019   
Shares or Principal Amount   Interest
Rate
    Maturity
Date
    Value  
  Foreign Corporate Bonds (1.4%)   
$ 500,000      Shelf Drilling Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)     8.63     11/01/18      $ 525,000   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Foreign Corporate Bonds

(Cost $538,998)

        525,000   
Underlying Security/Expiration Date/Exercise Price          Contracts*     Value  
  Put Options Purchased (0.2%)      

 
 

S+P 500 Index,
November 2014, 1,900.00

      30      $ 67,500   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Put Options Purchased

(Cost $55,302)

        67,500   
Shares or Principal Amount                 Value  
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (3.9%)   
  1,422,694      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%       $ 1,422,694   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Collateral for Securities on Loan

(Cost $1,422,694)

        1,422,694   
  Short-Term Investments (2.1%)   
$ 754,308      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14         754,308   
       

 

 

 
 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

(Cost $754,308)

        754,308   
 

 

Total Investments 102.2%

(Cost $36,992,199)

        37,364,502   
  Liabilities Less Other Assets (2.2)%         (810,265
       

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%       $ 36,554,237   
       

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

* All options have 100 shares per contract.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

(x) All or a portion of the security is pledged as collateral for call options written.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

(b) 144A - Exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, typically only to qualified institutional buyers. Unless otherwise indicated, these securities are not considered to be illiquid.

 

(c) Fixed rate to floating rate security. Rate disclosed as of September 30, 2014 is currently fixed.

 

(d) Preferred Stock - the coupon is at a fixed rate and resets at a specific date and rate. The rate disclosed is as of September 30, 2014.

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

48   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents

ICON RISK-MANAGED BALANCED FUND

SCHEDULE OF WRITTEN CALL OPTIONS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Underlying Security/

Expiration Date/

Exercise Price

  Contracts*     Value  

S+P 500 Index November 2014, 2,010

    20      $ 36,000   
   

 

 

 

Total Options Written

(Premiums received $57,732)

    $ 36,000   

    

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

* All options have 100 shares per contract.

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     49   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Bond Fund
    ICON
Equity Income
Fund
    ICON
Fund
 

Assets

     

Investments, at cost

  $ 97,340,522      $ 28,563,909      $ 65,524,637   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments, at value

    97,021,632        29,093,203        68,839,433   

Foreign currency, at value(a)

    -        3        -   

Cash

    558,167        -        -   

Receivables:

     

Fund shares sold

    389,744        32,999        8,251   

Investments sold

    1,047,008        1,068,820        1,085,161   

Interest

    1,202,941        -        -   

Dividends

    121,635        95,828        46,758   

Expense reimbursements due from Adviser

    41,692        9,180        881   

Foreign tax reclaims

    -        1,644        476   

Other assets

    28,225        20,005        22,217   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

    100,411,044        30,321,682        70,003,177   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Payables:

     

Due to custodian bank

    -        -        585,592   

Expense recoupment due to adviser

    -        -        1,892   

Investments purchased

    275,300        -        -   

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

    5,128,327        2,849,625        2,566,103   

Fund shares redeemed

    21,180        13,723        39,906   

Distributions due to shareholders

    40,808        37,045        -   

Advisory fees

    46,623        17,055        42,745   

Accrued distribution fees

    2,870        7,455        16,300   

Fund accounting fees

    3,220        908        2,266   

Transfer agent fees

    11,608        7,316        8,546   

Administration fees

    3,868        1,132        2,837   

Trustee fees

    3,042        741        1,250   

Accrued expenses

    42,291        36,817        33,082   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

    5,579,137        2,971,817        3,300,519   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - all share classes

  $ 94,831,907      $ 27,349,865      $ 66,702,658   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class S

  $ 87,674,934      $ 8,022,025      $ 41,577,300   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class C

  $ 2,879,060      $ 5,480,817      $ 17,049,406   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class A

  $ 4,277,913      $ 13,847,023      $ 8,075,952   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

50   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
     ICON
Bond Fund
    ICON
Equity Income
Fund
    ICON
Fund
 

Net Assets Consist of

     

Paid-in capital

  $ 92,833,948      $ 48,957,892      $ 84,596,659   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

    -        2,556        (199,698

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain/(loss)

    2,316,849        (22,139,775     (21,009,099

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (318,890     529,192        3,314,796   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 94,831,907      $ 27,349,865      $ 66,702,658   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)

     

Class S

    8,859,729        539,464        2,863,365   

Class C

    289,756        366,458        1,296,453   

Class A

    433,820        936,234        583,363   

Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)

     

Class S

  $ 9.90      $ 14.87      $ 14.52   

Class C

  $ 9.94      $ 14.96      $ 13.15   

Class A

  $ 9.86      $ 14.79      $ 13.84   

Class A maximum offering price (100%/(100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share

  $ 10.35      $ 15.69      $ 14.68   

†  Includes securities on loan of

  $ 4,940,927      $ 2,761,982      $ 2,483,757   

(a)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $ -      $ 3      $ -   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     51   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Long/Short
Fund
    ICON
Opportunities
Fund
    ICON
Risk-Managed
Balanced
Fund
 

Assets

     

Investments, at cost

  $ 36,778,468      $ 12,641,715      $ 36,992,199   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments, at value

    38,612,084        11,979,418        37,364,502   

Deposits for Short Sales

    1,363,960                 

Cash

           150        166,220   

Cash due from prime broker

    49,523               104,904   

Receivables:

     

Fund shares sold

    102,671        1,626        138,386   

Investments sold

           302,551        151,658   

Interest

                  180,840   

Dividends

    8,500        2,178        41,928   

Expense reimbursements due from Adviser

    27,342        3,464        21,379   

Other assets

    19,865        10,342        24,833   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

    40,183,945        12,299,729        38,194,650   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Options written, at value (premiums received $57,732)

                  36,000   

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds of $999,482)

    992,222                 

Payables:

     

Due to custodian bank

    903,459        16,525          

Expense recoupment due to adviser

           2,396          

Investments purchased

           112,414          

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

    3,405,494               1,422,694   

Fund shares redeemed

    237,995        4,504        65,257   

Distributions due to shareholders

                  15,237   

Advisory fees

    25,453        7,804        22,784   

Accrued distribution fees

    8,261               9,216   

Fund accounting fees

    1,193        295        1,249   

Transfer agent fees

    14,783        104        13,078   

Administration fees

    1,490        518        1,512   

Trustee fees

    977        54        2,147   

Accrued expenses

    35,839        22,420        51,239   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

    5,627,166        167,034        1,640,413   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - all share classes

  $ 34,556,779      $ 12,132,695      $ 36,554,237   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class S

  $ 16,464,700      $      $ 20,071,336   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class C

  $ 6,931,872      $      $ 9,468,578   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class A

  $ 11,160,207      $      $ 7,014,323   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

52   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
     ICON
Long/Short
Fund
    ICON
Opportunities
Fund
    ICON
Risk-Managed
Balanced
Fund
 

Net Assets Consist of

     

Paid-in capital

  $ 89,723,691      $ 12,630,376      $ 49,833,986   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

    (217,386            8,257   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain/(loss)

    (56,790,402     164,616        (13,682,041

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    1,840,876        (662,297     394,035   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 34,556,779      $ 12,132,695      $ 36,554,237   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)

           930,553          

Class S

    894,143               1,435,428   

Class C

    414,204               734,169   

Class A

    620,510               512,529   

Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)

  $      $ 13.04      $   

Class S

  $ 18.41      $      $ 13.98   

Class C

  $ 16.74      $      $ 12.90   

Class A

  $ 17.99      $      $ 13.69   

Class A maximum offering price (100%/(100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share

  $ 19.09      $      $ 14.53   

†  Includes securities on loan of

  $ 3,330,635      $      $ 1,371,368   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     53   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Bond Fund
        
ICON
Equity Income
Fund
    ICON
Fund
 

Investment Income

     

Interest

  $ 3,255,494      $ 51,957      $ 1,197   

Dividends

    1,696,634        1,069,829        471,515   

Income from securities lending, net

    21,380        19,863        11,782   

Foreign taxes withheld

    -        (12,644     -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

    4,973,508        1,129,005        484,494   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

     

Advisory fees

    586,814        180,686        314,468   

Distribution fees:

     

Class C

    22,234        52,378        183,794   

Class A

    11,915        32,160        23,327   

Fund accounting fees

    19,933        4,909        8,528   

Transfer agent fees

    78,443        45,553        69,925   

Administration fees

    48,732        12,004        20,889   

Custody fees

    10,091        3,375        2,224   

Registration fees:

    -        -        -   

Class S

    9,925        3,135        6,089   

Class C

    10,995        11,330        13,185   

Class A

    5,320        13,783        11,710   

Insurance expense

    10,340        2,518        4,679   

Trustee fees and expenses

    11,585        2,777        4,296   

Audit and tax service expense

    30,881        33,014        25,989   

Interest expense

    323        -        656   

Recoupment of previously reimbursed expenses

    -        -        2,336   

Dividends on Short positions

    -        -        -   

Prime broker expense

    -        -        -   

Other expenses

    47,018        18,073        24,716   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses before expense reimbursement

    904,549        415,695        716,811   

Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement

    (136,560     (42,058     (6,978
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Expenses

    767,989        373,637        709,833   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income/(Loss)

    4,205,519        755,368        (225,339
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)

     

Net realized gain/(loss) on:

     

Investments

    2,391,782        1,899,560        9,583,650   

Foreign currency

    -        (342     -   

Written options

    -        -        -   

Securities sold short

    -        -        -   

Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:

     

Investments

    (923,132     (234,459     (8,157,199

Written options

    -        -        -   

Securities sold short

    -        -        -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    1,468,650        1,664,759        1,426,451   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

  $ 5,674,169      $ 2,420,127      $ 1,201,112   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

54   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents

ICON
Long/Short
Fund

    ICON
Opportunities
Fund
    ICON
Risk-Managed
Balanced
Fund
 
   
$ 390      $ 28      $ 887,610   
  300,901        15,315        1,079,401   
  12,364        -        12,222   
  (1,556     (177     (3,906

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  312,099        15,166        1,975,327   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   
  269,903        17,935        504,620   
   
  67,902        -        78,335   
  30,670        -        18,105   
  6,445        481        13,697   
  72,836        2,144        81,996   
  15,818        1,190        33,525   
  2,426        1,542        11,825   
  -        2,416        -   
  3,913        -        12,653   
  11,703        -        13,134   
  13,619        -        14,131   
  2,585        52        2,311   
  3,268        134        8,608   
  30,649        23,553        36,990   
  815        33        1,402   
 
 
    
1,498
 
  
    2,396        56,437   
  7,151        -        -   
  15,324        -        -   
  22,394        6,608        50,597   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
 
    
578,919
 
  
    58,484        938,366   

 

(50,612

    (22,580     (33,132

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  528,307        35,904        905,234   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (216,208     (20,738     1,070,093   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   
   
  2,884,882        185,354        3,623,064   
  110        -        (225
  -        -        (236,539
  (83,967     -        -   
   
  (2,013,226     (737,258     (642,983
  -        -        (51,140
  118,101        -        -   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  905,900        (551,904     2,692,177   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

$

689,692

  

  $ (572,642   $ 3,762,270   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     55   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     ICON Bond Fund     ICON Equity Income Fund  
     Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
    Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
 

Operations

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 4,205,519      $ 2,021,727      $ 755,368      $ 732,722   

Net realized gain/(loss)

    2,391,782        1,808,686        1,899,218        3,820,735   

Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (923,132     (4,582,127     (234,459     (1,112,159
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    5,674,169        (751,714     2,420,127        3,441,298   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

       

Net investment income

       

Class S

    (3,980,600     (1,805,047     (212,507     (178,301

Class C

    (91,693     (52,646     (119,845     (149,518

Class A

    (207,239     (164,226     (399,464     (432,403

Net realized gains

       

Class S

    (1,221,845     (2,116,924              

Class C

    (33,641     (105,020              

Class A

    (84,193     (208,330              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease from dividends and distributions

    (5,619,211     (4,452,193     (731,816     (760,222
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions

       

Shares sold

       

Class S

    25,808,977        31,999,432        4,320,227        3,798,256   

Class C

    1,037,215        632,592        1,565,617        927,685   

Class A

    2,174,465        4,177,547        4,270,619        2,858,550   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

       

Class S

    5,037,958        3,841,503        176,730        149,125   

Class C

    110,073        138,412        77,814        89,166   

Class A

    193,306        295,490        329,999        345,076   

Shares repurchased

       

Class S

    (31,574,518     (24,400,107     (1,950,944     (6,510,218

Class C

    (1,273,625     (1,313,187     (1,969,692     (1,400,893

Class A

    (4,849,752     (4,723,102     (4,496,032     (2,627,276
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions

    (3,335,901     10,648,580        2,324,338        (2,370,529
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (3,280,943     5,444,673        4,012,649        310,547   

Net Assets

       

Beginning of year

    98,112,850        92,668,177        23,337,216        23,026,669   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 94,831,907      $ 98,112,850      $ 27,349,865      $ 23,337,216   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

56   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON Fund      ICON Long/Short Fund  

Year ended
September 30,
2014

    Year ended
September 30,
2013
     Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
 
      

$

(225,339

  $ (14,644    $ (216,208   $ (71,602
  9,583,650        10,379,428         2,801,025        3,297,252   

 

(8,157,199

    (2,025,607      (1,895,125     393,306   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1,201,112

  

    8,339,177         689,692        3,618,956   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

  

      
      
         (125,155               
                          
         (44,656               
      
                          
                          
                          

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
      

 

(169,811

              

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
      
      
  39,338,371        1,504,207         20,303,844        2,493,788   
  701,776        1,236,829         1,899,217        327,531   
  714,468        764,166         8,514,859        2,592,668   

 

  

  

      
         120,377                  
                          
         44,027                  
      
  (5,050,068     (19,499,579      (8,631,931     (1,876,720
  (3,026,141     (4,565,141      (1,322,859     (1,225,560
  (3,010,830     (5,671,280      (6,591,448     (11,397,248

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

29,667,576

  

    (26,066,394      14,171,682        (9,085,541

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

30,868,688

  

    (17,897,028      14,861,374        (5,466,585
      
  35,833,970        53,730,998         19,695,405        25,161,990   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 66,702,658      $ 35,833,970       $ 34,556,779      $ 19,695,405   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     57   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)

 

     ICON Bond Fund     ICON Equity Income Fund  
     Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
    Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
 

Transactions in Fund Shares

       

Shares sold

       

Class S

    2,592,865        3,191,749        290,158        289,905   

Class C

    103,517        61,887        106,051        70,831   

Class A

    218,528        410,034        287,965        223,575   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

       

Class S

    509,394        377,817        11,918        11,531   

Class C

    11,098        13,538        5,226        6,865   

Class A

    19,561        28,997        22,426        26,724   

Shares repurchased

       

Class S

    (3,173,085     (2,382,798     (133,350     (515,509

Class C

    (127,850     (129,966     (135,659     (107,050

Class A

    (490,776     (467,338     (306,449     (205,513
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease)

    (336,748     1,103,920        148,286        (198,641
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, beginning of year

    9,920,053        8,816,133        1,693,870        1,892,511   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, end of year

    9,583,305        9,920,053        1,842,156        1,693,870   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

  $ -      $ -      $ 2,556      $ 2,975   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

58   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON Fund      ICON Long/Short Fund  

Year ended
September 30,
2014

    Year ended
September 30,
2013
     Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
 
      
      
  2,703,725        121,654         1,088,517        155,240   
  52,934        109,668         111,610        21,806   
  51,369        64,470         467,016        167,924   
      
  -        10,835         -        -   
  -        -         -        -   
  -        4,134         -        -   
      
  (339,356     (1,656,644      (467,545     (120,447
  (226,841     (402,626      (77,860     (85,591
  (214,698     (464,696      (361,119     (749,427

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2,027,133        (2,213,205      760,619        (610,495

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2,716,048        4,929,253         1,168,238        1,778,733   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  4,743,181        2,716,048         1,928,857        1,168,238   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (199,698   $ (14,662    $ (217,386   $ (81,756

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     59   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)

 

     ICON
Opportunities Fund
    ICON
Risk-Managed Balanced Fund
 
     Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
    Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
 

Operations

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (20,738   $ (234   $ 1,070,093      $ 295,869   

Net realized gain/(loss)

    185,354        21,034        3,386,300        2,597,727   

Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (737,258     74,961        (694,123     (1,535,643
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (572,642     95,761        3,762,270        1,357,953   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

       

Net investment income

    -        -        -        -   

Class S

    -        -        (870,218     (204,302

Class C

    -        -        (73,148     (22,634

Class A

    -        -        (106,307     (62,534

Net realized gains

    (20,853     -        -        -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease from dividends and distributions

    (20,853     -        (1,049,673     (289,470
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions

       

Shares sold

    13,145,752        261,714        -        -   

Class S

    -        -        26,547,394        39,722,666   

Class C

    -        -        4,329,625        3,869,861   

Class A

    -        -        2,947,462        4,944,567   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

    20,653        -        -        -   

Class S

    -        -        828,672        197,831   

Class C

    -        -        65,822        20,831   

Class A

    -        -        84,606        50,930   

Shares repurchased

    (882,170     (15,520     -        -   

Class S

    -        -        (52,784,217     (3,787,847

Class C

    -        -        (874,718     (660,084

Class A

    -        -        (4,139,537     (1,569,911
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions

    12,284,235        246,194        (22,994,891     42,788,844   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets

    11,690,740        341,955        (20,282,294     43,857,327   

Net Assets

       

Beginning of year

    441,955        100,000        56,836,531        12,979,204   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 12,132,695      $ 441,955      $ 36,554,237      $ 56,836,531   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

60   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
     ICON
Opportunities Fund
    ICON
Risk-Managed Balanced Fund
 
     Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
    Year ended
September 30,
2014
    Year ended
September 30,
2013
 

Transactions in Fund Shares

       

Shares sold

    960,435        25,233        -        -   

Class S

    -        -        1,936,186        2,970,024   

Class C

    -        -        340,349        315,370   

Class A

    -        -        217,425        382,141   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

    1,537        -        -        -   

Class S

    -        -        59,893        15,160   

Class C

    -        -        5,143        1,753   

Class A

    -        -        6,237        4,052   

Shares repurchased

    (65,353     (1,299     -        -   

Class S

    -        -        (3,796,455     (292,509

Class C

    -        -        (68,822     (56,142

Class A

    -        -        (307,113     (125,458
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease)

    896,619        23,934        (1,607,157     3,214,391   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, beginning of year

    33,934        10,000        4,289,283        1,074,892   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, end of year

    930,553        33,934        2,682,126        4,289,283   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

  $ -      $ -      $ 8,257      $ -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     61   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

              
Income/(loss) from  investment operations
    Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Bond Fund

           

Class S**

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 9.89      $ 0.43 (f)    $ 0.15      $ 0.58      $ (0.44   $ (0.13

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.51        0.24        (0.32     (0.08     (0.24     (0.30

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.11        0.38        0.59        0.97        (0.40     (0.17

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.79        0.47        (0.46     0.01        (0.47     (0.22

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.26        0.48        0.57        1.05        (0.48     (0.04

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    9.93        0.34 (f)      0.15        0.49        (0.35     (0.13

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.55        0.15        (0.32     (0.17     (0.15     (0.30

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.15        0.31        0.57        0.88        (0.31     (0.17

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.83        0.39        (0.46     (0.07     (0.39     (0.22

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.30        0.39        0.57        0.96        (0.39     (0.04

Class A***

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    9.89        0.43 (f)      0.12        0.55        (0.45     (0.13

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.51        0.21        (0.32     (0.11     (0.21     (0.30

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.11        0.36        0.58        0.94        (0.37     (0.17

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.81        0.46        (0.46     -        (0.48     (0.22

ICON Equity Income Fund

           

Class S**

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.80        0.52        1.04        1.56        (0.49     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    12.18        0.47        1.65        2.12        (0.50     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.21        0.43        2.03        2.46        (0.49     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.96        0.50        (0.71     (0.21     (0.54     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.26        0.47        0.64        1.11        (0.41     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.88        0.36        1.06        1.42        (0.34     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    12.25        0.35        1.65        2.00        (0.37     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.16        0.29        2.06        2.35        (0.26     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.85        0.37        (0.72     (0.35     (0.34     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.16        0.36        0.64        1.00        (0.31     -   

Class A***

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.73        0.47        1.04        1.51        (0.45     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    12.12        0.45        1.63        2.08        (0.47     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.15        0.39        2.03        2.42        (0.45     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.90        0.47        (0.71     (0.24     (0.51     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.21        0.46        0.63        1.09        (0.40     -   

 

62   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)
to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
      
Before

expense
limitation/
recoupment
and  transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and  transfer
agent
earnings
credits(b)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and  transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and  transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ (0.57   $ 9.90        6.01   $ 87,675        0.86     0.75     4.22     4.33 %(f)      175.95
  (0.54     9.89        (0.84 )%      88,313        0.89     0.75     2.19     2.33     96.56
  (0.57     10.51        9.93     81,381        0.88     0.75     3.46     3.59     51.28
  (0.69     10.11        0.15     881        1.18     0.75     4.08     4.51     32.13
  (0.52     10.79        10.45     1,049        1.39     0.75     3.95     4.59     63.47
               
  (0.48     9.94        5.10     2,879        2.27     1.60     2.75     3.42 %(f)      175.95
  (0.45     9.93        (1.66 )%      3,008        2.06     1.60     1.02     1.48     96.56
  (0.48     10.55        8.98     3,772        2.28     1.60     2.35     3.03     51.28
  (0.61     10.15        (0.68 )%      3,879        2.16     1.60     3.11     3.67     32.13
  (0.43     10.83        9.52     4,544        2.46     1.60     2.88     3.74     63.47
               
  (0.58     9.86        5.77     4,278        1.44     1.00     3.84     4.28 %(f)      175.95
  (0.51     9.89        (1.08 )%      6,792        1.34     1.00     1.71     2.06     96.56
  (0.54     10.51        9.66     7,515        1.31     1.00     3.13     3.44     51.28
  (0.70     10.11        (0.02 )%      249        5.83     1.01     (0.38 )%      4.44     32.13
               
               
  (0.49     14.87        11.36     8,022        1.38     1.20     3.36     3.54     147.56
  (0.50     13.80        17.76     5,116        1.53     1.21     3.28     3.60     162.82
  (0.49     12.18        24.43     7,123        1.47     1.21     3.31     3.57     122.39
  (0.54     10.21        (2.40 )%      142        3.99     1.20     1.45     4.24     142.75
  (0.41     10.96        11.04     88        7.66     1.20     (2.01 )%      4.45     123.33
               
  (0.34     14.96        10.26     5,481        2.45     2.20     2.21     2.46     147.56
  (0.37     13.88        16.58     5,423        2.42     2.21     2.49     2.70     162.82
  (0.26     12.25        23.31     5,146        2.62     2.20     2.09     2.51     122.39
  (0.34     10.16        (3.47 )%      3,874        2.53     2.20     2.85     3.18     142.75
  (0.31     10.85        9.99     3,569        2.97     2.20     2.68     3.46     123.33
               
  (0.45     14.79        11.07     13,847        1.59     1.45     3.08     3.22     147.56
  (0.47     13.73        17.49     12,798        1.68     1.46     3.24     3.45     162.82
  (0.45     12.12        24.10     10,758        1.69     1.45     3.11     3.35     122.39
  (0.51     10.15        (2.66 )%      2,871        1.91     1.45     3.55     4.01     142.75
  (0.40     10.90        10.84     1,521        4.59     1.45     1.19     4.32     123.33

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     63   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Fund

           

Class S**

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 14.00      $ - (d)    $ 0.52      $ 0.52      $ -      $ -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.34        0.07        2.66        2.73        (0.07     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.82        0.07        2.45        2.52        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    9.04        (0.07     (0.15     (0.22     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    9.07        (0.01     0.11        0.10        (0.13     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    12.82        (0.14     0.47        0.33        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.42        (0.07     2.47        2.40        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.17        (0.04     2.29        2.25        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    8.36        (0.05     (0.14     (0.19     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    8.37        (0.04     0.11        0.07        (0.08     -   

Class A***

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.39        (0.05     0.50        0.45        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.85        0.02        2.56        2.58        (0.04     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.46        0.03        2.36        2.39        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    8.67        (0.07     (0.14     (0.21     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    8.73        (0.08     0.10        0.02        (0.08     -   

ICON Long/Short Fund(c)

           

Class S**

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    17.48        (0.06     0.99        0.93        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    14.56        0.01        2.91        2.92        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    11.61        0.02        2.93        2.95        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    11.90        0.02        (0.31     (0.29     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    11.80        0.03        0.29        0.32        (0.22     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    16.05        (0.24     0.93        0.69        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    13.52        (0.14     2.67        2.53        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.89        (0.11     2.74        2.63        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    11.29        (0.11     (0.29     (0.40     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    11.19        (0.08     0.27        0.19        (0.09     -   

Class A***

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    17.13        (0.12     0.98        0.86        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    14.31        (0.02     2.84        2.82        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    11.44        (0.02     2.89        2.87        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    11.77        (0.02     (0.31     (0.33     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    11.67        -        0.28        0.28        (0.18     -   

 

64   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net  investment
income/(loss)
to average net assets
 
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits(b)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ -      $ 14.52        3.71   $ 41,577        1.10     1.10     0.02     0.02     64.51
  (0.07     14.00        24.27     6,986        1.23     1.23     0.59     0.59     32.68
  -        11.34        28.57     22,952        1.18     1.18     0.61     0.61     23.73
  -        8.82        (2.43 )%      133        2.52     2.52     (0.72 )%      (0.72 )%      57.93
  (0.13     9.04        1.10     406        1.90     1.90     (0.06 )%      (0.06 )%      123.12
               
  -        13.15        2.57     17,050        2.26     2.25     (1.09 )%      (1.08 )%      64.51
  -        12.82        23.03     18,848        2.32     2.26     (0.64 )%      (0.58 )%      32.68
  -        10.42        27.54     18,378        2.35     2.28     (0.48 )%      (0.41 )%      23.73
  -        8.17        (2.27 )%      17,884        2.27     2.27     (0.50 )%      (0.50 )%      57.93
  (0.08     8.36        0.84     24,573        2.25     2.25     (0.45 )%      (0.45 )%      123.12
               
  -        13.84        3.36     8,076        1.56     1.50     (0.38 )%      (0.32 )%      64.51
  (0.04     13.39        23.90     10,000        1.58     1.51     0.12     0.19     32.68
  -        10.85        28.25     12,401        1.54     1.54     0.27     0.27     23.73
  -        8.46        (2.42 )%      1,245        2.52     2.52     (0.75 )%      (0.75 )%      57.93
  (0.08     8.67        0.22     1,362        2.68     2.68     (0.88 )%      (0.88 )%      123.12
               
               
  -        18.41        5.32     16,465        1.45     1.32     (0.47 )%      (0.34 )%      64.81
  -        17.48        20.05     4,774        1.53     1.32     (0.14 )%      0.07     32.63
  -        14.56        25.41     3,471        2.18     1.35     (0.70 )%      0.13     54.26
  -        11.61        (2.44 )%      42        7.76     1.65     (5.96 )%      0.15     67.28
  (0.22     11.90        2.63     132        5.80     2.15     (3.39 )%      0.25     136.50
               
  -        16.74        4.30     6,932        2.57     2.38     (1.58 )%      (1.39 )%      64.81
  -        16.05        18.71     6,108        2.62     2.37     (1.21 )%      (0.96 )%      32.63
  -        13.52        24.15     6,004        2.95     2.41     (1.44 )%      (0.90 )%      54.26
  -        10.89        (3.54 )%      5,546        3.14     2.70     (1.38 )%      (0.94 )%      67.28
  (0.09     11.29        1.65     9,547        3.60     3.19     (1.14 )%      (0.73 )%      136.50
               
  -        17.99        5.02     11,160        1.81     1.63     (0.82 )%      (0.64 )%      64.81
  -        17.13        19.71     8,813        1.91     1.61     (0.45 )%      (0.16 )%      32.63
  -        14.31        25.09     15,687        2.09     1.65     (0.58 )%      (0.14 )%      54.26
  -        11.44        (2.80 )%      1,213        3.23     1.91     (1.46 )%      (0.14 )%      67.28
  (0.18     11.77        2.34     1,855        3.65     2.45     (1.21 )%      (0.01 )%      136.50

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     65   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Opportunities Fund

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 13.02      $ (0.12   $ 0.41 (e)    $ 0.29      $ -      $ (0.27

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.00        (0.01     3.03        3.02        -        -   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

           

Class S**

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.40        0.24        0.56        0.80        (0.22     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    12.32        0.24        1.04        1.28        (0.20     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.88        0.15        1.44        1.59        (0.15     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.96        0.12        (0.05     0.07        (0.15     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.61        0.08        0.33        0.41        (0.06     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    12.39        0.09        0.54        0.63        (0.12     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.41        0.09        0.98        1.07        (0.09     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.09        0.02        1.34        1.36        (0.04     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.15        0.01        (0.05     (0.04     (0.02     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    9.88        (0.02     0.29        0.27        -        -   

Class A***

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.12        0.20        0.57        0.77        (0.20     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    12.06        0.18        1.05        1.23        (0.17     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.66        0.11        1.41        1.52        (0.12     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.72        0.09        (0.05     0.04        (0.10     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.39        0.05        0.33        0.38        (0.05     -   

 

(x) Calculated using the average shares method.  
* The total return calculation is for the period indicated and excludes any sales charges.  
** Class S shares were formerly named Class Z shares prior to January 23, 2012.  
*** Class I shares merged into Class A on January 23, 2012. The results of each class prior to the merger may have been different than what is presented.  
(a) Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level and is not annualized for periods less than a year.  
(b) The Fund’s operating expenses, not including interest expense, are contractually limited to the amounts discussed in Note 3. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the interest expense.  
(c) The Fund’s operating expenses, not including dividends on short positions, are contractually limited to 1.25% for Class S, 2.30% for Class C and 1.55% for Class A. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the dividends on short positions.  
(d) Amount less than $0.005.  
(e) The per share amount does not correspond to activity reflected in the Statement of Operations due to timing of shareholder activity during the period.  
(f) Investment income per share of Class S, Class C and Class A reflects a large, non-recurring dividend which amounted to $0.07, $0.06 and $0.08 per share of each class respectively. Excluding this non-recurring dividend, the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets would have been 3.59% for Class S, 2.84% for Class C and 3.55 for Class A.  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

66   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)

to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits(b)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
$ (0.27   $ 13.04        2.19   $ 12,133        2.44     1.50     (1.81 )%      (0.87 )%      45.99
         13.02        30.20     442        12.47     1.52     (11.02 )%      (0.07 )%      52.22
               
               
  (0.22     13.98        6.02     20,071        1.22     1.20     1.72     1.74     137.48
  (0.20     13.40        10.51     43,350        1.43     1.21     1.65     1.87     98.30
  (0.15     12.32        14.65     6,692        1.80     1.24     0.69     1.25     71.06
  (0.15     10.88        0.51     60        7.22     1.23     (4.94 )%      1.05     67.61
  (0.06     10.96        3.90     62        10.41     1.31     (8.34 )%      0.75     114.34
               
  (0.12     12.90        5.06     9,469        2.33     2.20     0.61     0.74     137.48
  (0.09     12.39        9.45     5,667        2.72     2.22     0.22     0.72     98.30
  (0.04     11.41        13.47     2,243        3.25     2.23     (0.79 )%      0.23     71.06
  (0.02     10.09        (0.45 )%      2,099        2.95     2.23     (0.66 )%      0.06     67.61
         10.15        2.73     2,609        3.36     2.30     (1.27 )%      (0.21 )%      114.34
               
  (0.20     13.69        5.88     7,014        1.65     1.45     1.29     1.49     137.48
  (0.17     13.12        10.28     7,819        2.12     1.47     0.81     1.46     98.30
  (0.12     12.06        14.28     4,045        2.16     1.48     0.28     0.96     71.06
  (0.10     10.66        0.32     1,982        2.08     1.48     0.20     0.80     67.61
  (0.05     10.72        3.69     4,020        2.62     1.59     (0.57 )%      0.46     114.34

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     67   


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

1.  Organization

The ICON Bond Fund (“Bond Fund”), ICON Equity Income Fund (“Equity Income Fund”), ICON Fund (“ICON Fund”), ICON Long/Short Fund (“Long/Short Fund”), ICON Opportunities Fund (“Opportunities Fund”) and ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund (“Risk-Managed Balanced Fund”) are series funds (individually a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are part of the ICON Funds (the “Trust”), a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end investment management company. Each Fund, with the exception of the Opportunities Fund, offers three classes of shares: Class S, Class C and Class A. The Opportunities Fund is a single-class fund. All classes have equal rights as to earnings, assets and voting privileges except that each Class may bear different distribution fees, registration costs, legal costs, mailing and printing costs and shareholder servicing costs and each Class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. There are currently eleven other active Funds within the Trust. Those Funds are covered by separate prospectuses and shareholder reports.

Each Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par shares. The investment objective of the Bond Fund is maximum total return. The investment objective of the Equity Income Fund is modest capital appreciation and income. The investment objective of the ICON Fund is long-term capital appreciation with a secondary objective of capital preservation. The investment objective of the Opportunities Fund is to provide capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Long/Short Fund is capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund is modest capital appreciation and income.

The Funds may have elements of risk, including the risk of loss of principal. There is no assurance that the investment process will consistently lead to successful results. An investment concentrated in sectors and industries may involve greater risk and volatility than a more diversified investment. Securities of small companies generally involve greater risks than investments in larger companies. Small company securities tend to be more volatile and less liquid than equity securities of larger companies. Investing in fixed income securities such as bonds involves interest rate risk. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities generally decreases. Additionally, the Bond Fund, Equity Income Fund and the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund may invest in medium-and lower-quality debt securities. High-yield bonds involve a greater risk of default and price volatility than U.S. government and other high-quality bonds. The Long/Short Fund engages

 

68   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


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in short selling; there are risks associated with selling short, including the risk that the Long/Short Fund may have to cover its short position at a higher price than the short sale, resulting in a loss. The Long/Short Fund’s loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited as a loss occurs when the value of a security sold short increases. The Risk-Managed Balanced Fund invests in call options; selling/writing call options involve certain risks, such as limited gains and lack of liquidity of the underlying securities, and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in foreign securities and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar-denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability. Financial statements of foreign companies are governed by different accounting, auditing, and financial standards than U.S. companies and may be less transparent and uniform than in the United States. Many corporate governance standards, which help ensure the integrity of public information in the United States, may not exist in some foreign countries. In general, there may be less governmental supervision of foreign stock exchanges and securities brokers and issuers. There are also risks associated with small- and mid-cap investing, including limited product lines, less liquidity and small market share.

The ICON Fund and Long/Short Fund have significant weights in the Consumer Discretionary sector which may cause the Fund’s performance to be susceptible to the economic, business and/or other developments that may affect this sector.

In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into various agreements that provide for general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as any potential exposure involving future claims that may be made against each Fund is unknown. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

2.  Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     69   


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Investment Valuation

The Funds’ securities and other assets, excluding options on securities indexes, are valued at the closing price as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (normally 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) each day the NYSE is open, except that securities traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) are normally valued by the Funds at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price provided by NASDAQ each business day. Options on securities indexes are valued at the close of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (normally 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

The Funds use pricing services to obtain the market value of securities in their portfolios; if a pricing service is not able to provide a price, or the pricing service’s valuation is considered inaccurate or does not in the Funds’ judgment reflect the market value of the security, prices may be obtained through market quotations from independent broker/dealers. If market quotations from these sources are not readily available, the Funds’ securities or other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (“Board”) or pursuant to procedures approved by the Board.

Lacking any sales that day, a security is valued at the current closing bid price (or yield equivalent thereof) or based on quotes obtained from dealers making a market for the security. Options are valued at their closing mid-price on the market with the most volume. Mid-price is the average of the closing bid and closing ask prices. Debt securities with a remaining maturity of greater than 60 days are valued using the evaluated bid price supplied by the pricing service. The evaluated bid price supplied by the pricing service is based upon a matrix valuation system which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings. Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are generally valued at amortized cost or original cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. Currency rates as of the close of the NYSE are used to convert foreign security values into U.S. dollars.

 

70   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


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Securities of investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded. Investments in shares of funds that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value per share of such fund. Securities in the underlying funds, including restricted securities are valued in accordance with the valuation policy of such fund.

The Funds’ securities traded in countries outside of the Western Hemisphere are fair valued daily by utilizing the quotations of an independent pricing service, unless the Board determines that use of another valuation methodology is appropriate. The purposes of daily fair valuation are to avoid stale prices and to take into account, among other things, any significant events occurring after the close of foreign markets. The pricing service uses statistical analyses and quantitative models to adjust local market prices using factors such as subsequent movements and changes in the prices of indexes, securities and exchange rates in other markets to determine fair value as of the time a Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”). The valuation assigned to fair-value securities for purposes of calculating a Fund’s NAV may differ from the security’s most recent closing market price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs.

Various inputs are used to determine the value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

Level 2 — significant observable inputs other than Level 1quoted prices (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk).

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs.

Observable inputs are those based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds, and unobservable inputs reflect the Funds’ own assumptions based on the best information available. The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investments at that level. For example, non-U.S. equity securities actively traded in foreign markets may be reflected in Level 2 despite the availability of closing prices, because the Funds evaluate and determine whether those closing prices reflect fair value at the close of the NYSE or require

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     71   


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

adjustment, as described above. The following table summarizes the Funds’ investments, based on the inputs used to determine their values on September 30, 2014:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
       

ICON Bond Fund*

       

Assets

       

Corporate Bonds

  $ -      $ 54,197,320      $ -      $ 54,197,320   

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    -        11,464,684        -        11,464,684   

Foreign Corporate Bonds

    -        6,195,000        -        6,195,000   

Closed-End Mutual Funds

    8,449,701        -        -        8,449,701   

Preferred Stocks

    4,512,444        2,666,892        -        7,179,336   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        5,128,327        -        5,128,327   

Short-Term Investments

    -        4,407,264        -        4,407,264   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 12,962,145      $ 84,059,487      $ -      $ 97,021,632   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 23,682,180      $ -      $ -      $ 23,682,180   

Preferred Stocks

    1,012,396        -        -        1,012,396   

Convertible Preferred Stocks

    1,123,255        -        -        1,123,255   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        2,849,625        -        2,849,625   

Short-Term Investments

    -        425,747        -        425,747   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 25,817,831      $ 3,275,372      $ -      $ 29,093,203   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 66,273,330      $ -      $ -      $ 66,273,330   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        2,566,103        -        2,566,103   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 66,273,330      $ 2,566,103      $ -      $ 68,839,433   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Long/Short Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 35,206,590      $ -      $ -      $ 35,206,590   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        3,405,494        -        3,405,494   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 35,206,590      $ 3,405,494      $ -      $ 38,612,084   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

       

Securities Sold Short

       

Common Stock

  $ (992,222   $ -      $ -      $ (992,222
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (992,222   $ -      $ -      $ (992,222
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

72   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
       

ICON Opportunities Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 11,979,418      $ -      $ -      $ 11,979,418   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 11,979,418      $ -      $ -      $ 11,979,418   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 22,408,320      $ -      $ -      $ 22,408,320   

Corporate Bonds

    -        8,558,770        -        8,558,770   

Closed-End Mutual Funds

    1,765,086        -        -        1,765,086   

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    -        974,805        -        974,805   

Preferred Stocks

    513,507        374,512        -        888,019   

Foreign Corporate Bonds

    -        525,000        -        525,000   

Put Options Purchased

    67,500        -        -        67,500   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        1,422,694        -        1,422,694   

Short-Term Investments

    -        754,308        -        754,308   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 24,754,413      $ 12,610,089      $ -      $ 37,364,502   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

       

Written Call Options

  $ (36,000   $ -      $ -      $ (36,000
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (36,000   $ -      $ -      $ (36,000
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Please refer to the Schedule of Investments and the Sector/Industry Classification and Credit Diversification tables for additional security details.

No Level 3 securities were held in any of the Funds at September 30, 2014.

For the year ended September 30, 2014, there was no transfer activity between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. The end of period timing recognition is used for transfers between levels of the Fund’s assets and liabilities.

Fund Share Valuation

Fund shares are sold and redeemed on a daily basis at net asset value. Net asset value per share is determined daily as of the close of trading on the NYSE on each day the NYSE is open for trading by dividing the total value of the Fund’s investments and other assets, less liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding.

Foreign Currency Translation

The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     73   


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

foreign currency are translated daily into U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the respective dates of the transactions. Purchases and sales of securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the contractual currency exchange rates established at the time of each trade.

The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, resulting from changes in the exchange rates and changes in market prices of securities held.

Options Transactions

The Funds’ use of derivatives for the year ended September 30, 2014 was limited to purchased and written options.

The Risk-Managed Balanced Fund’s primary investment strategy involves the use of options. Each of the other Funds may also purchase and/or write (sell) call and put options on any security in which it may invest. The Funds utilize options to hedge against changes in market conditions or to provide market exposure while trying to reduce transaction costs.

Option contracts involve market risk and liquidity risk and can be highly volatile. Should prices of securities or securities indexes move in an unexpected manner, the Funds may not achieve the desired benefits and may realize losses and thus be in a worse position than if such strategies had not been utilized.

When a Fund writes a put or call option, an amount equal to the premium received is included on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires on its stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, a gain or loss is realized. If a written call option on an individual security is exercised, a gain or loss is realized for the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from the sale are increased by the premium originally received. If a written call option on a securities index is exercised, a gain or loss is realized as determined by the premium originally received, the exercise price and the market value of the index. If a written put option on

 

74   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


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an individual security is exercised, the cost of the security acquired is decreased by the premium originally received. As a writer of an option, a Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the individual security or securities index underlying the written option. Additionally, written call options may involve the risk of limited gains.

Each Fund may also purchase put and call options. When a Fund purchases a put or call option, an amount equal to the premium paid is included on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an investment, and is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase or sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized. If the Fund exercises a call option on an individual security, the cost of the security acquired is increased by the premium paid for the call. If the Fund exercises a put option on an individual security, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such a sale are decreased by the premium originally paid. If the Fund exercises a put or a call option on a security index, a gain or loss is realized as determined by the premium originally paid, the exercise price and the market value of the index. Written and purchased options are non-income producing securities.

As of September 30, 2014, the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund engaged in written call and purchased put options transactions. All open option contracts are included on each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

The Risk-Managed Balanced Fund’s written options are collateralized by cash and/or securities held in a segregated account at the Fund’s custodian. The securities pledged as collateral are included on the Schedule of Investments. Such collateral is restricted from the Fund’s use. The cash collateral held for the prime broker and/or borrowings from the prime broker are included on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The number of options contracts written and the premiums received by the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund during the year ended September 30, 2014, were as follows:

 

    Risk-Managed Balanced Fund  
     Number of
Contracts
    Premiums
Received
 

Options outstanding, beginning of period

    75      $ 175,547   

Options written during period

    1,030        1,874,392   

Options closed during period

    (1,085     (1,992,207
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options outstanding, end of period

    20      $ 57,732   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     75   


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The following is a summary of how these derivatives are treated in the financial statements and their impact on the Funds:

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments as of September 30, 2014

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 
Derivatives not accounted for
as hedging instruments
  Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location
  Fair
Value
    Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location
  Fair
Value
 

Purchased option contracts

       

Equity risk

       

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

 

Investments,

at value

  $ 67,500       

Written option contracts

       

Equity risk

       

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

     

Options written,

at value

  $ 36,000   

Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Operations

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments
 

Location of Gain/(Loss)

on Derivatives
Recognized in Operations

  Amount  

Purchased option contracts

   

Equity risk

   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

  Net realized gain/(loss) from Investment transactions   $ (1,450,983

Written option contracts

   

Equity risk

   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

  Net realized gain/(loss) from written option transactions   $ (236,539

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) on Derivatives Recognized in Operations

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging

instruments

  Location of Gain/(Loss)
on Derivatives
Recognized in Operations
  Amount  

Purchased option contracts

   

Equity risk

   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

  Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   $ 87,099   

 

76   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging

instruments

  Location of Gain/(Loss)
on Derivatives
Recognized in Operations
  Amount  

Written option contracts

   

Equity risk

   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

  Change in unrealized net appreciation/ (depreciation) on written options   $ (51,140

For the year ended September 30, 2014, the Fund’s quarterly holdings of options contracts were as follows:

 

    ICON Risk-
Managed
Balanced Fund
    ICON Risk-
Managed
Balanced Fund
 
Quarter Ended   Number of Purchased Options
Contracts Outstanding
    Number of
Written Options
Contracts
Outstanding
 

December 31, 2013

    184        120   

March 31, 2014

    120        140   

June 30, 2014

    250        50   

September 30, 2014

    30        20   

The Funds value derivatives at fair value, as described above, and recognize changes in fair value currently in the results of operations. Accordingly, the Funds do not follow hedge accounting, even for derivatives employed as economic hedges.

Short Sales

The Long/Short Fund may engage in short sales (selling securities it does not own) as part of its normal investment activities. The Long/Short Fund enters into short positions in equity securities identified as being overvalued in management’s opinion.

Short sales involve market risk. If a security sold short increases in price, the Long/Short Fund may have to cover its short position at a higher price than the short sale price, resulting in a loss. These short sales are collateralized by cash and/or securities held with the Fund’s prime broker and in a segregated account at the Fund’s custodian. The collateral required is determined daily by reference to the market value of the short positions. Such collateral for the Fund is restricted from use. The cash collateral that is restricted from use is included on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as “Deposits for short sales.” The securities pledged as collateral that are restricted from use are included on the Schedule of Investments. Dividends

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

received on short sales are treated as an expense on the Statement of Operations. Liabilities for securities sold short are closed out by purchasing the applicable securities for delivery to the Fund’s prime broker. As of September 30, 2014, the Long/Short Fund engaged in short selling. The short positions are included in the Schedule of Securities Sold Short on the Schedule of Investments.

Securities Lending

Under procedures adopted by the Board, the Funds may lend securities to certain approved brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income. The Funds retain certain benefits of owning the securities, including receipt of dividends or interest generated by the security, but give up other rights including the right to vote proxies. The Funds retain the ability to recall the loans at any time and could do so in order to vote proxies or to sell the loaned securities. Each loan is collateralized by cash that generally exceeds the value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined daily at the close of business of the Funds and any additional required collateral is delivered to each Fund on the next business day.

Generally, in the event of borrower default, the Funds have the right to use the collateral to offset any losses incurred. In the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral, there may be a potential loss to the Funds. Some of these losses may be indemnified by the lending agent.

 

The Funds have elected to invest the cash collateral in the State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio which is disclosed on the Schedule of Investments. The Funds bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of collateral. The net securities lending income earned by the Funds for the year ended September 30, 2014, is included in the Statement of Operations.

For the year ended September 30, 2014, the following Funds had securities with the following values on loan

 

Fund   Loaned Securities     Collateral  

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 4,940,927      $ 5,128,327   

ICON Equity Income Fund

    2,761,982        2,849,625   

ICON Fund

    2,483,757        2,566,103   

ICON Long/Short Fund

    3,330,635        3,405,494   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    1,371,368        1,422,694   

The value of the collateral above could include collateral held for securities that were sold on or before September 30, 2014. It may also include collateral received from the pre-funding of security loans.

 

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Income Taxes, Dividends, and Distributions

The Funds intend to continue to qualify as regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and, accordingly, the Funds will generally not be subject to federal and state income taxes or federal excise taxes to the extent that they intend to make sufficient distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains.

Dividends paid by the Funds from net investment income and distributions of net realized short-term gains are, for federal income tax purposes, taxable as ordinary income to shareholders.

Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded by the Funds on the ex-dividend/distribution date. The Bond Fund distributes net investment income, if any, to shareholders monthly. The Equity Income Fund and the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund intend to distribute net investment income, if any, to shareholders quarterly. The other Funds distribute income, if any, annually. The Funds distribute net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least annually, if not offset by capital loss carryforwards. The Funds may utilize equalization accounting for tax purposes and designate earnings and profits, including net realized gains distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares, as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax periods and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements.

The Funds file U.S. tax returns. While the statute of limitations remains open to examine the Funds’ U.S. tax returns filed for the past three years, no examinations are in progress or anticipated at this time. The Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Certain foreign countries impose a capital gains tax which is accrued by the Funds based on the unrealized appreciation, if any, on affected securities. Any accrual would reduce a Fund’s NAV. The tax is paid when the gain is realized.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Investment Income

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income is accrued as earned. Certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the Funds are informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Discounts and premiums on fixed income securities purchased are accreted or amortized to income over the life of the respective securities.

Investment Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day after the trade date. However, for financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

Allocation of Expenses

Each class of a Fund’s shares bears expenses incurred specifically on its behalf and, in addition, each class bears a portion of general expenses, based upon relative net assets of each class. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a specific Fund in the Trust are apportioned between all Funds in the Trust based upon relative net assets. In calculating the net asset value per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses other than class-specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the proportion of net assets.

Below are the class level expenses that are included on the Statement of Operations:

 

Fund  

Legal

Expense

   

Printing

and Postage

Expense

   

Transfer

Agent

Expense

 

ICON Bond Fund

     

Class S

  $ 12,869      $ 10,901      $ 59,965   

Class C

    394        737        5,388   

Class A

    639        1,831        13,091   

ICON Equity Income Fund

     

Class S

    327        2,869        14,451   

Class C

    295        1,316        9,002   

Class A

    725        3,726        22,100   

 

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Fund  

Legal

Expense

   

Printing

and Postage

Expense

   

Transfer

Agent

Expense

 

ICON Fund

     

Class S

  $ 638      $ 3,010      $ 13,900   

Class C

    924        6,306        37,749   

Class A

    472        3,105        18,275   

ICON Long/Short Fund

     

Class S

    714        4,180        28,609   

Class C

    380        2,286        14,158   

Class A

    655        5,471        30,069   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

     

Class S

    3,591        25,177        53,562   

Class C

    699        2,219        13,159   

Class A

    603        2,923        15,275   

3.  Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fees

ICON Advisers, Inc. (“ICON Advisers”) serves as investment adviser to the Funds and is responsible for managing the Funds’ portfolios of securities. ICON Advisers receives a monthly management fee that is computed daily at an annual rate of 0.60% of average daily net assets of the Bond Fund, 0.75% of average daily net assets of the Equity Income Fund, ICON Fund, Opportunities Fund and Risk-Managed Balanced Fund, and 0.85% of average daily net assets of the Long/Short Fund.

ICON Advisers has contractually agreed to limit the Funds’ expenses (exclusive of brokerage, interest, taxes, dividends on short sales and extraordinary expenses) to the extent necessary to ensure that the Funds’ expenses do not exceed the following amounts:

 

Fund   Fund     Class S     Class C     Class A  

ICON Bond Fund

    -        0.75%        1.60%        1.00%   

ICON Equity Income Fund

    -        1.20%        2.20%        1.45%   

ICON Fund

    -        1.25%        2.25%        1.50%   

ICON Long/Short Fund

    -        1.25%        2.30%        1.55%   

ICON Opportunities Fund

    1.50%        -        -        -   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    -        1.20%        2.20%        1.45%   

The Funds’ expense limitations, excluding the Bond Fund Class A, all classes of the ICON Fund and the Opportunities Fund, will continue in effect until at least January 31, 2021. Limitations for the Bond Fund Class A, all classes of the ICON Fund and the Opportunities Fund will continue in effect until at

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     81   


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

least January 31, 2015. To the extent ICON Advisers reimburses or absorbs fees and expenses, it may seek payment of such amounts for up to three years after the expenses were reimbursed or absorbed. A Fund will make no such payment, however, if the total Fund operating expenses exceed the expense limits in effect at the time the expenses were reimbursed or at the time these payments are proposed.

As of September 30, 2014 the following amounts were available for recoupment by ICON Advisers based upon their potential expiration dates:

 

Fund   2015     2016     2017  

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 132,550      $ 148,484      $ 136,560   

ICON Equity Income Fund

    58,289        52,885        42,058   

ICON Fund

    3,772        18,393        6,978   

ICON Long/Short Fund

    70,576        56,161        50,612   

ICON Opportunities Fund

    -        33,963        22,580   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    49,968        40,835        33,132   

Accounting, Custody and Transfer Agent Fees

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) serves as the fund accounting agent for the Funds. For its services, the Trust pays State Street a fee that is calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust.

State Street is the custodian of the Trust’s investments. For its services, the Trust pays State Street asset-based fees that vary according to the number of positions and transactions, plus out-of-pocket expenses.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) is the Trust’s transfer agent. For these services, the Trust pays a per account fee, plus certain other transaction Cusip charges and out-of-pocket expenses. BFDS may pay each Fund transfer agent earnings credits. Transfer agent earnings credits are credits received for interest which results from overnight balances used by BFDS for clearing shareholder transactions.

Administrative Services

The Trust has entered into an administrative services agreement with ICON Advisers pursuant to which ICON Advisers oversees the administration of the Trust’s business and affairs. This agreement provides for an annual fee of 0.05% on the Trust’s first $1.5 billion of average daily net assets, 0.045% on the next $1.5 billion of average daily net assets, 0.040% on the next $2 billion of average daily net assets and 0.030% on average daily net assets

 

82   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


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over $5 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2014, each Fund’s payment for administrative services to ICON Advisers is included on the Statement of Operations. The administrative services agreement provides that ICON Advisers will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with matters to which the administrative services agreement relates, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence by ICON Advisers in the performance of its duties.

ICON Advisers has a sub-administration agreement under which State Street assists ICON Advisers with the administration and business affairs of the Trust. For its services, ICON Advisers pays State Street a fee that is calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust.

Distribution Fees

The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“12b-1 Plan”) under which the Funds are authorized to compensate the Funds’ distributor, ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI”) (an affiliate of the adviser) for the sale and distribution of shares and for other shareholder services. Under the 12b-1 Plan, Bond Fund Class C shareholders pay an annual distribution and service fee of 0.85% of average daily net assets and Class A shareholders pay an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. The shareholders of the other Funds pay an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets for Class C shares and an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets for Class A shares. There is no annual distribution and service fee for Class S shares. The total amount paid under the 12b-1 plans by the Funds is shown on the Statement of Operations.

Other Related Parties

Certain Officers and Directors of ICON Advisers are also Officers and Trustees of the Funds; however, such Officers and Trustees (with the exception of the Chief Compliance Officer, “CCO”) receive no compensation from the Funds. The Trust paid $120,000 of the CCO’s salary and the remaining portion is paid by ICON Advisers. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statement of Operations.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The Funds may reimburse ICON Advisers for legal work performed for the Funds by its attorneys outside of the advisory and administration contracts. The Board of Trustees reviews and approves such reimbursements. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statement of Operations.

4.  Borrowings

The Trust has entered into a Line of Credit agreement/arrangement with State Street to provide temporary funding for redemption requests. The maximum borrowing is limited to $150 million. Interest on domestic borrowings is charged at a rate quoted and determined by State Street. The Risk-Managed Balanced and Long/Short Funds may also have borrowings with the prime broker as a result of brokerage requirements. Interest on domestic borrowing with the prime broker is charged at the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%.

For the year ended September 30, 2014 the average outstanding loan by Fund was as follows:

 

Fund   Average Borrowing
(10/1/13-9/30/14)
    Average Interest Rates
(10/1/13-9/30/14)
 

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 23,658        1.31

ICON Fund*

    47,795        1.31   

ICON Long/Short Fund*

    34,886        1.71   

ICON Opportunities Fund

    2,367        1.31   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    116,267        1.83   

 

* Fund had outstanding borrowings under these agreements/arrangements as of September 30, 2014.

5.  Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

For the year ended September 30, 2014, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding securities sold short, short-term securities and written options contracts) was as follows:

 

Fund   Purchases of
Securities
    Proceeds
from Sales of
Securities
    Purchases of
Long Term U.S.
Government
Obligations
   

Proceeds

from Sales of
Long-Term U.S.
Government
Obligations

 

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 147,582,711      $ 147,419,801      $ 15,867,695      $ 19,632,578   

ICON Equity Income Fund

    35,160,566        33,364,899        -        -   

ICON Fund

    58,784,504        26,525,517        -        -   

 

84   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


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Fund   Purchases of
Securities
    Proceeds
from Sales of
Securities
    Purchases of
Long Term U.S.
Government
Obligations
   

Proceeds

from Sales of
Long-Term U.S.
Government
Obligations

 

ICON Long/Short Fund

  $ 34,146,492      $ 16,689,675      $ -      $ -   

ICON Opportunities Fund

    13,391,710        1,222,359        -        -   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    82,420,069        101,538,038        4,969,453        7,992,227   

6.  Federal Income Tax

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between U.S. GAAP and federal income tax purposes that are permanent in nature are reclassified within the capital accounts. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the NAVs of the Funds. These differences are due to differing treatments for items such as deferrals of wash sale losses, foreign currency transactions, and net investment losses.

For the year ended September 30, 2014 the following Funds had capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund   Amounts     Expires  

ICON Equity Income Fund

  $ 3,040,715        2017   
    19,089,764        2018   

ICON Fund

    1,175,675        2017   
    19,833,424        2018   

ICON Long/Short Fund

    37,506,125        2017   
    19,325,857        2018   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    13,551,114        2018   

Future capital loss carryforward utilization in any given year may be limited if there are substantial shareholder redemptions or contributions. During the year ended September 30, 2014 the following Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund   Amount  

ICON Equity Income Fund

  $ 1,930,719   

ICON Fund

    9,331,874   

ICON Long/Short Fund

    2,797,232   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    3,516,915   

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     85   


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”) capital losses generated by a fund may be carried over indefinitely, but these losses must be used prior to the utilization of any pre-enactment capital losses. Since pre-enactment capital losses may only be carried forward for eight years there may be a greater likelihood that all or a portion of each fund’s pre-enactment capital losses will expire unused.

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, were as follows:

 

    Distributions Paid from    

Total
Distributions
Paid

 
Fund   Ordinary
Income
    Net Long-
Term Gains
   

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 4,279,532      $ 1,339,679      $ 5,619,211   

ICON Equity Income Fund

    731,816        -        731,816   

ICON Opportunities Fund

    20,853        -        20,853   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    1,049,673        -        1,049,673   

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:

 

    Distributions Paid from        
Fund   Ordinary
Income
    Net Long-
Term Gains
   

Total

Distributions
Paid

 

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 2,021,727      $ 2,430,466      $ 4,452,193   

ICON Equity Income Fund

    760,222        -        760,222   

ICON Fund

    169,811        -        169,811   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    289,470        -        289,470   

As of September 30, 2014, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund   Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
    Undistributed
Capital Gains
    Late Year
Loss
Deferral**
    Capital Loss
Carryover
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)*
    Accumulated
Earnings/
(Deficit)
 

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 1,362,114      $ 972,907      $ -      $ -      $ (337,062   $ 1,997,959   

ICON Equity Income Fund

    -        -        -        (22,130,479     522,452        (21,608,027

ICON Fund

    -        -        (199,698     (21,009,099     3,314,796        (17,894,001

ICON Long/Short Fund

    -        -        (217,386     (56,831,982     1,882,456        (55,166,912

ICON Opportunities Fund

    104,033        60,583        -        -        (662,297     (497,681

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    8,257        -        -        (13,551,114     263,108        (13,279,749

 

* Differences between the book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

86   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


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** The Funds have elected to defer certain qualified late-year losses in accordance with federal income tax rules. These losses are treated as having arisen on the first day of the following fiscal year.

As of September 30, 2014, cost on investments for federal income tax purposes and the amount of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund   Cost     Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 97,358,694      $ 726,175      $ (1,063,237   $ (337,062

ICON Equity Income Fund

    28,570,649        1,222,296        (699,742     522,554   

ICON Fund

    65,524,637        6,107,929        (2,793,133     3,314,796   

ICON Long/Short Fund

    36,736,888        4,162,207        (2,287,011     1,875,196   

ICON Opportunities Fund

    12,641,715        256,938        (919,235     (662,297

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    37,089,195        1,658,499        (1,383,192     275,307   

7.  Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-08, Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2013-08”). This update sets forth a new approach for determining whether a public or private company is an investment company and sets certain measurement and disclosure requirements for an investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the 1940 Act automatically meets the criteria of ASU 2013-08 and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. Management does not expect this guidance to have an impact on the Funds’ financial statements.

8.  Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events and determined that there are no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     87   


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of the ICON Funds:

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ICON Bond Fund, ICON Equity Income Fund, ICON Fund, ICON Long/Short Fund, ICON Opportunities Fund, and ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund (six of the portfolios constituting ICON Funds, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”) at September 30, 2014, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2014 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

LOGO

Denver, Colorado

November 19, 2014

 

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SIX MONTH HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE EXAMPLE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (UNAUDITED)

Example

As a shareholder of a Fund you may pay two types of fees: transaction fees and fund-related fees. Certain funds charge transaction fees, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees. Funds also incur various ongoing expenses, including management fees, distribution and/or service fees, and other fund expenses, which are indirectly paid by shareholders.

This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the various ICON Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. This Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the six-month period (4/1/14 – 9/30/14).

Actual Expenses

The first line in the table for each Fund provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The Example includes, but is not limited to, management fees, 12b-1 fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees. However, the Example does not include client specific fees, such as the $15 fee charged to IRA accounts, or the $15 fee charged for wire redemptions. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line for each Fund under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line in the table for each Fund provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads),

 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE   89


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redemption fees, or exchange fees that may be charged by other funds. Therefore, this information is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

    

Beginning

Account

Value

4/1/14

   

Ending

Account

Value

9/30/14

   

Expense Paid

During Period

4/1/14 - 9/30/14*

   

Annualized

Expense Ratio

4/1/14 - 9/30/14*

 

Actual Expenses

       

ICON Bond Fund

       

Class S

  $ 1,000      $ 1,023.20      $ 3.80        0.75%   

Class C

    1,000        1,018.50        8.10        1.60%   

Class A

    1,000        1,022.00        5.07        1.00%   

ICON Equity Income Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,036.70        6.13        1.20%   

Class C

    1,000        1,031.40        11.20        2.20%   

Class A

    1,000        1,035.60        7.40        1.45%   

ICON Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        976.50        5.15        1.04%   

Class C

    1,000        970.50        11.11        2.25%   

Class A

    1,000        974.00        7.42        1.50%   

ICON Long/Short Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        977.70        6.40        1.29%   

Class C

    1,000        972.70        11.62        2.35%   

Class A

    1,000        976.70        7.93        1.60%   

ICON Opportunites Fund

    1,000        962.40        7.38        1.50%   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,022.60        6.08        1.20%   

Class C

    1,000        1,019.00        11.13        2.20%   

Class A

    1,000        1,022.60        7.35        1.45%   

Hypothetical (assuming a 5% return before expenses)

       

ICON Bond Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,021.31        3.80     

Class C

    1,000        1,017.05        8.09     

Class A

    1,000        1,020.05        5.06     

ICON Equity Income Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,019.05        6.07     

Class C

    1,000        1,014.04        11.11     

Class A

    1,000        1,017.80        7.33     

 

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Beginning

Account

Value

4/1/14

   

Ending

Account

Value

9/30/14

   

Expense Paid

During Period

4/1/14 - 9/30/14*

   

Annualized

Expense Ratio

4/1/14 - 9/30/14*

ICON Fund

       

Class S

  $ 1,000      $ 1,019.85      $ 5.27     

Class C

    1,000        1,013.79        11.36     

Class A

    1,000        1,017.55        7.59     

ICON Long/Short Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,018.60        6.53     

Class C

    1,000        1,013.29        11.86     

Class A

    1,000        1,017.05        8.09     

ICON Opportunities Fund

    1,000        1,017.55        7.59     

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,019.05        6.07     

Class C

    1,000        1,014.04        11.11     

Class A

    1,000        1,017.80        7.33     

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s six month expense ratio annualized, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

Total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included (maximum 5.75%), returns would be lower.

 

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND FUND OFFICERS

(UNAUDITED)

The ICON Funds Board of Trustees (“Board”) consists of four Trustees who oversee the 17 ICON Funds (the “Funds”). The Board is responsible for general oversight of the Funds’ business and for assuring that the Funds are managed in the best interest of the Funds’ shareholders. The Trustees, and their ages, and principal occupations are set forth below. The address of the Trustees is 5299 DTC Blvd., Suite 1200, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Trustees have no official term of office and generally serve until they resign or are not re-elected.

Interested Trustee

Craig T. Callahan, 63, Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as Chief Executive Officer (2013-present); President (1998 to 2013 and 2014 to present); and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers. Dr. Callahan is also Executive Vice President (2005 to present); Director (1991 to present); and was previously President (1998 to 2005) and Chief Compliance Officer (2005) of IDI. Dr. Callahan also serves as the President (1998 to present) and Chairman of the Board of Directors (1994 to present) of IM&R, the parent company of ICON Advisers and IDI.

Independent Trustees

Glen F. Bergert, 64. Mr. Bergert has been a Trustee of the Funds since 1999. Mr. Bergert is President of Venture Capital Management LLC (1997 to present), General Partner of SOGNO Partners LP, a venture capital company (2001 to present), General Partner of Bergert Properties, LLP, a real estate holding company (1997 to present), General Partner of Pyramid Real Estate Partnership, a real estate development company (1998 to present), General Partner of Chamois Partners, LP, a venture capital company (2004 to present) and was previously a General Partner with KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP (1979 to 1997). Mr. Bergert is also a Director of Delta Dental of California, an insurance company (2013 to present and 2006 to 2012), Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, an insurance company (1998 to 2009 and 2010 to present), Dentegra Group, Inc, an insurance holding company (2010 to 2014) and Delta Reinsurance Corporation (2000 to 2009 and 2011 to 2014). Mr. Bergert was a Director of Herre Bros, Inc., a contracting company (1998 to 2011).

 

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John C. Pomeroy, Jr., 67. Mr. Pomeroy has been a Trustee of the Funds since November 2002. Mr. Pomeroy is Chief Investment Officer and Director of Investments, Pennsylvania State University (2001 to present) and was Portfolio Manager and Product Manager, Trinity Investment Management Corporation (1989 to 2001).

R. Michael Sentel, 66. Mr. Sentel has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Mr. Sentel is a Senior Attorney with the U.S. Department of Education (1996 to present). Mr. Sentel also provides legal representation as a sole practitioner with an emphasis on corporate and transactional law. He served as general counsel to numerous public companies and served on the board of directors of one of these clients. Mr. Sentel began his legal career with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement and served as a Branch Chief (1980 to 1981). Later he served as the Section Chief for the Professional Liability Section of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. with responsibility for the Rocky Mountain Region (1991 to 1994).

The Officers of the Funds are:

Craig T. Callahan, 63, Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as Chief Executive Officer (2013-present); President (1998 to 2013 and 2014 to present); and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers. Dr. Callahan is also Executive Vice President (2005 to present); Director (1991 to present); and was previously President (1998 to 2005) and Chief Compliance Officer (2005) of IDI. Dr. Callahan also serves as the President (1998 to present) and Chairman of the Board of Directors (1994 to present) of IM&R, the parent company of ICON Advisers and IDI.

Donald Salcito, 61. Mr. Salcito serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Funds (November 15, 2006 to present). Mr. Salcito is also Executive Vice President and General Counsel (September 2005 to present) of ICON Advisers; Director of IM&R (2005 to present); Executive Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel of IDI (2005 to present). Previously, he was a Partner in various national law firms, practicing in the securities law area. (1980 to 2005).

Carrie M. Schoffman, 41. Ms. Schoffman has been a Vice President and Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer of the Funds since June 2013. Ms. Schoffman is also Chief Compliance Officer (2013 to present and 2004 to 2008) and Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2013 to present) of the ICON Funds. She is Senior Vice President (2011 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2013 to present and 2004 to 2011) of ICON Advisers. Previously, she was a Staff Accountant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (2003 to 2004) and also an Experienced Manager (2001 to 2003) and a Senior Associate/Associate (1996 to 2001) at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

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Lesley Caviness, 48. Ms. Caviness serves as Assistant Treasurer of the Funds (2014 to present). She has worked at ICON (2007-2008 and 2010 – present) in fund accounting, compliance, business intelligence and performance capacities. Prior to working at ICON, Ms. Caviness was a Real Estate Broker at Seasons Real Estate Group (2008-2012) and Signature Real Estate (2014-present), Finance Manager at Navigant (2000-2007), and Associate/Senior Associate (1996 to 2000) at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Renewal of Investment Advisory Agreement

On September 3, 2014 the Board of Trustees, including all of the Trustees that are not “interested persons” of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved continuation of the Advisory Agreements with the Adviser for each Fund for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2014.

In determining to renew the investment advisory agreements between ICON Funds (the “Trust”) and ICON Advisers, Inc. (“ICON” or the “Adviser”) the Trustees requested, was provided with and reviewed data with respect to the Adviser, its personnel, and the services provided and to be provided to each Fund by the Adviser under the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated October 9, 1996, as amended (related to the Sector Funds, the International Funds and ICON Funds) and under the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated July 9, 2002 and effective October 1, 2002, as amended (related to the U.S. Diversified Funds — Bond, Risk-Managed Equity, Equity Income and Long/Short Funds) (collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”), for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2014. The Trustees agreed that consideration of the Advisory Agreements should also include consideration of other agreements between the Adviser and the Trust that impact provisions of the Advisory Agreements, including, in particular, expense limitation agreements dated January 22, 2014, as amended May 5, 2014 (for ICON Emerging Markets Fund) and as amended effective September 30, 2014 (for the ICON High Yield Bond Fund).

The Trustees were provided with and reviewed data with respect to the Adviser, its personnel, and the services provided and to be provided to each Fund by the Adviser under the Trust’s Advisory Agreements, Administrative Services Agreement and Expense Limitation Agreement and the Distribution Agreement with ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI”). The data included information concerning advisory, distribution and administrative services provided to the Funds by ICON and its related companies; information concerning other businesses of those companies; comparative data related to exchange traded funds versus the Sector Funds; and comparative data obtained from Strategic Insight (“SI”) related to Fund performance and Fund expenses (the “SI Report”). The data also included an analysis of the management style to be applied and the style applied to the Funds’ ratings of the Funds’ performance in their management style on the AthenaInvest system (the “AthenaInvest Data”) and a presentation on the Adviser’s investment model.

The Board convened a meeting with SI to discuss the SI Report and the information contained within the SI Report on August 20, 2014. Management

 

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personnel participated in the SI meeting convened to discuss the data for and with the Board. Included in the 15(c) discussion was a briefing on factors affecting the ICON investment model; expenses and expense ratios of each Fund and other ICON managed products; relative performance of each Fund; status of expense reimbursements to the Funds by the Adviser; sales and marketing initiatives; specific business factors affecting IDI; the work load on ICON as adviser and administrator to the Funds; current profitability of ICON; current quality control procedures in place to show consistency in the management of the investment model, modification to the investment model, and staffing levels and staff morale.

The Independent Trustees were represented by independent legal counsel in this process. Prior to acting on the proposed contract renewals and after participating in the meeting with SI and management, the Independent Trustees met separately as a group in private sessions with their independent legal counsel to review and discuss the foregoing information. Based on these discussions, independent legal counsel and/or the Lead Independent Trustee also contacted management and SI to request additional information and to discuss responses to questions raised during the process and the meeting with SI. In addition, the Board received materials from legal counsel discussing the legal standards applicable to their consideration of the ICON-Trust agreements.

In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board reviewed information relating to ICON’s operations and personnel. Among other things, the Adviser provided biographical information on its professional staff and descriptions of its organizational and management structure. In the course of their deliberations the Board evaluated, among other things, information relating to the investment philosophy, strategies and techniques used in managing each Fund, the qualifications and experience of ICON’s investment personnel, ICON’s compliance programs, ICON’s brokerage practices, including the extent to which the Adviser obtains research through “soft dollar” arrangements with the Funds’ brokerage, compliance reports on the foregoing, and the financial and non-financial resources available to provide services required under the Advisory Agreement.

During the discussion, the SI Report and the AthenaInvest Data were discussed and management personnel showed performance for each fund and discussed the factors affecting performance. The Board inquired from SI whether there was any correlation between fund expenses and performance, and SI saw no correlation with the ICON Funds. During the discussion on performance, management personnel noted that the markets continue to experience volatility and that when the markets are volatile, it affects the performance of the ICON system; during the last three – four years ICON’s

 

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style of management, intrinsic valuation, has not been in favor and performance has been affected by three primary factors: quality, cash and shorter duration theme reversals. The Trustees noted that Advisers’ performance relative to other valuation managers as judged by the AthenaInvest system is in line, but in relation to other strategy managers, valuation is underperforming Future Growth, Social Considerations, Competitive Position, Quantitative and Profitability. The Board believes this information supports the view that an active valuation manager is in a very difficult setting and indicates this setting has been particularly difficult for managers buying what they consider to be value stocks. Management noted that the ICON system is designed to handle one to two year industry themes; and that the Adviser has stuck to its system as specified in Fund disclosure documents, holding the stocks and industries that appear inexpensive in relation to ICON’s calculating of value and ridden through the volatility. SI also noted that from a performance point of view, the Funds in the SI Report are compared using the Morningstar data, and there is no Morningstar category for “all cap” funds. For the period July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014 and for the six month period ending June 30, 2014, five of the 18 ICON Funds out-performed their benchmarks.

The Board addressed style consistency with the Adviser. Management advised that, based on the Adviser’s own analysis, and with the restructuring of the Adviser, the Adviser has continued an additional level of review on the Portfolio Managers (“PMs”) to make sure they are adhering to the ICON System; the Senior Vice President of Fund Management has been systematically tracking the Funds’ performance; he evaluates each of the ICON Funds to help ensure all PMs are investing consistently and in accordance with the ICON System by evaluating the Funds from an attribution perspective in monthly meetings. Management also advised that part of his responsibilities require him to evaluate the ICON system and that this effort has resulted in improvements to the ICON methodology, when necessary.

In connection with reviewing data bearing upon the nature, quality, and extent of services furnished by ICON to each Fund, the Board assessed data concerning ICON’s staffing, systems and facilities. The Board also assessed ICON’s non-Trust business to see if there are any initiatives that would dilute service to the Trust. The Board concluded:

A.  That the breadth and the quality of investment advisory and other services being provided to each Fund is satisfactory, as evidenced in part by efforts to address and improve the performance record of each Fund when compared with the performance records of a peer group of comparable funds and markets in general;

 

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B.  That the breadth and the quality of investment advisory and other services being provided to each Fund are satisfactory, as evidenced in part by the AthenaInvest Data (ratings based on an assessment of fund strategy), the Adviser’s performance is competitive with other fund managers in the value style group, and the Adviser has applied a disciplined approach in the style specified in the Funds’ offering document;

C.  That ICON has made significant expenditures in the past year and in prior years to ensure that it has the sophisticated systems and the highly trained personnel necessary for it to be able to continue to provide quality service to the Funds’ shareholders, including the dedication of substantial resources to ICON’s investment and methodology;

D.  That the Board, after considering compliance reports and compliance initiatives undertaken during the year and conducting individual interviews with selected PMs, is satisfied with the research and portfolio management, that research and portfolio management is being constantly evaluated and improved upon; and that the PMs are evaluating trading services constantly, the Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management of the nature, quality and scope required by the Funds; and

E.  The risks assumed by ICON in providing investment advisory services to each Fund, including the capital commitments which have been made in the past and which continue to be made by ICON to ensure the continuation of the highest quality of service to the Trust, is made with the recognition that shareholders may redeem their shares at any time without notice and the Trust’s advisory relationship with ICON may be terminated at any time and must be renewed on an annual basis.

In considering the reasonableness of the fees paid to the Adviser for managing each Fund, the Board reviewed, among other things, data concerning other funds from the SI Report, financial statements of the Adviser and an analysis of the profitability of the Adviser, and its affiliates, and their relationship with each Fund over various time periods. Such analysis identified all revenues and other benefits received by the Adviser and its affiliates from managing each Fund, the costs associated with providing such services and the resulting profitability to the Adviser and its affiliates and a comparison of similar data from reports filed by publicly traded firms.

The Board assessed actual (net) fees for advisory services and Fund expense ratios under the contractual relationship (the Advisory agreements and the Expense Limitation Agreements) with the Adviser as opposed to the fees specified in the applicable Advisory Agreement and expense ratios without

 

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application of the expense limitations and concluded that the focus should be on actual expense ratios after application of the Expense Limitation Agreements.

The Board considered the current and anticipated asset levels of each Fund and the contractual commitments of the Adviser to waive fees and pay expenses of the Funds from time to time to limit the total expenses of the Funds. In this regard the Board discussed asset levels in each Fund covered by the Advisory Agreements due to the relative Fund performance, and the industry wide sales in equity and actively managed funds due to the uncertainty of the markets. ICON’s ability to provide the services called for under the Advisory Agreements was assessed in light of current and projected asset levels. Fund expenses and expense ratios were also assessed in light of current and projected asset levels. The Board concluded that the Adviser has the resources necessary to provide the services called for under the Advisory Agreements; that profitability to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Funds, and services provided to the Funds, is not excessive; and that the Adviser is not realizing material benefits from economies of scale that would warrant adjustments to the fees for any Fund at this time. The Board of Trustees concluded that, in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and the levels of profitability associated with providing these services, the fees charged by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreements to each Fund are reasonable.

In connection with assessing data bearing on the fairness of fee arrangements, the Board considered the SI Report. It was noted that SI was selected at the May Board meeting to prepare its report, an extensive analysis of the expense data of other comparable funds; and that Trustee input was solicited and provided in the process. Among other information discussed, it was noted that:

A.  the advisory fee structures of the Funds are within the range of funds considered in the comparison with advisory fees and expense ratios of other similarly managed funds as set forth in the comparative data;

B.  ICON has contractually agreed to impose expense limitations on each and every Fund at a cost to ICON;

C.  ICON has contractually committed to break points in its fees so that economies of scale could be realized as a Fund grows in assets, for the benefit of Fund shareholders.

The Board also considered the fees charged by the Adviser to other advisory clients as outlined in its Registration Application on Form ADV in connection with assessing data bearing on the fairness of fee arrangements. The Trustees noted that certain ICON institutional/sub-advised type accounts

 

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have lower fees than the fees paid by the Funds for a number of reasons, including but not limited to, those clients call for different commitments of time, institutional clients have low and predictable turnover of assets, in competition joint costs are apportioned among paying customers according to elasticity of demand and the Adviser has a limited level of responsibility in sub-managed accounts, or accounts with an investor agent/advisor.

The Board noted that the Funds’ redemptions were similar to industry averages which showed two things: 1) that the Funds’ Performance was not adversely impacting fund redemptions, and 2) that the fees and costs were competitive when compared to size. The Board noted that there are thousands of mutual funds competing; that investors can search and trade funds on the internet or on platforms at very little or no cost; and that if the Adviser were overcharging for its services, with its performance being what it is, the Board would have expected redemptions in excess of industry norms.

The Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management at a fair, reasonable and competitive price.

In connection with assessing the direct and indirect benefits to ICON from serving as the Funds’ adviser, the Board discussed services provided under the Distribution Agreement and the Administrative Services Agreement which are in addition to services under the Advisory Agreements. It was noted that IDI does not charge a fee to the Funds for its services and that ICON’s fee for administrative services appears to be consistent with such fees in other fund groups. The Board noted that ICON receives research assistance (primarily in the form of data) from the use of soft dollars generated from Fund portfolio transactions; that such research assists ICON in providing quality advisory services; that Trust and Adviser compliance personnel continuously evaluate and report on the soft-dollar arrangements and related costs; and the Board concluded that the arrangements are consistent with Fund brokerage practices and benefit the Funds and their shareholders.

Based on these considerations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that: 1) the continuation of the Advisory Agreements was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders, 2) the services to be performed under the Advisory Agreements were required for the operation of the Funds, 3) the advisory services were satisfactory to the Funds in the past, and 4) the fees for the advisory services and other benefits from the relationship with the Trust received by ICON, and its affiliates, were consistent with fees paid by similar funds and other clients of ICON, and were reasonable in light of the comparative data, and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s length in light of all the circumstances.

 

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Supplemental Tax Information

For corporate shareholders, the following percentage of the total ordinary income dividends paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, qualifies for the corporate dividends received deduction for the following Funds:

 

Fund   Dividends
Received
Deduction
 

ICON Equity Income Fund

    78.7

ICON Opportunities Fund

    22.7

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    62.9

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the following funds paid qualified dividend income:

 

Fund   Amount  

ICON Equity Income Fund

    91.1%   

ICON Opportunities Fund

    23.1%   

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund

    73.4%   

The Funds designate the following amounts, or the maximum amount needed, as long-term capital gain distributions qualifying for the maximum 20% income tax rate for individuals:

 

Fund   Amount  

ICON Bond Fund

  $ 1,339,679   

Portfolio Holdings

Information related to the 10 largest portfolio holdings of each Fund is made available at www.iconfunds.com within approximately 10 business days after month-end. Additionally, a complete list of each Fund’s holdings is made available approximately 30 days after month-end. Each ICON Fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of its fiscal year with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on Form N-Q. The ICON Funds’ Forms N-Q are available at www.sec.gov or may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Proxy Voting

A summarized description of the policies and procedures the ICON Funds use to vote proxies is available free of charge at www.iconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-764-0442.

 

 

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Information about how the ICON Funds voted proxies related to each Fund’s portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available free of charge at www.iconfunds.com or on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

Cost Basis Information

Effective January 1, 2012, federal law requires mutual fund companies to maintain and report a shareholder’s cost basis by tax lot, gain/loss information and holding period of covered shares to the Internal Revenue Service on Form 1099. Covered shares are mutual fund shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012. A fund is not required to maintain and report information for shares not deemed as covered.

The new law requires each fund to elect a default tax identification methodology in order to perform the required reporting. As a result, the Trust has chosen Average Cost as its default tax identification methodology. This is the method each Fund will use. However, at the time of purchase or upon the sale of covered shares, shareholders may choose a different tax identification method. Furthermore, if you purchase shares through a financial intermediary, please contact the intermediary to find out what default tax identification method they will use. We recommend that you consult your tax adviser to determine which tax identification methodology best suits your individual tax situation.

For More Information

This report is for the general information of the Funds’ shareholders and is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. You may obtain a copy of the prospectus, which contains information about the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and share classes of each ICON Fund, by visiting www.iconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-764-0442. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

ICON Distributors, Inc., Distributor.

 

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ICON FUNDS PRIVACY INFORMATION

 

FACTS   WHAT DOES ICON DO
WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
 
Why?   Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
 
What?  

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

n  Social Security number and account balances

 

n  income and transaction history

 

n  checking account information and wire transfer instructions

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 
How?   All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons ICON chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information   Does ICON share?   Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

  Yes   No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

  No   We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies   No   We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business

purposes —

information about your transactions and experiences

  No   We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business

purposes —

information about your creditworthiness

  No   We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you   No   We don’t share

 

Questions?   Call 1-800-764-0442 for the ICON Funds and 1-800-828-4881 for ICON Advisers, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

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Page 2    

 

Who we are     
Who is providing this notice?    ICON Funds, ICON Advisers, Inc., and ICON Distributors, Inc. (collectively “ICON”)
What we do     
How does ICON protect my personal information?   

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

Contracts with our service providers require them to restrict access to your non-public personal information, and to maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards against unintended disclosure.

How does ICON collect my personal information?   

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

n  open an account or enter into an investment advisory contract

 

n  provide account information or give us your contact information

 

n  make a wire transfer

 

We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?   

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

n  sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

 

n  affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

n  sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions     
Affiliates   

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

n  Our affiliates include financial companies such as ICON Funds, ICON Advisers, Inc., and ICON Distributors, Inc.

Nonaffiliates   

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

n  Nonaffiliates we share with can include financial companies such as custodians, transfer agents, registered representatives, financial advisers and nonfinancial companies such as fulfillment, proxy voting, and class action service providers

Joint marketing   

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

n  ICON doesn’t jointly market

 

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For more information about the ICON Funds, contact us:

By Telephone    1-800-764-0442
By Mail   

ICON Funds

P.O. Box 55452

Boston, MA 02205-8165

In Person   

ICON Funds

5299 DTC Boulevard, 12th Floor Greenwood Village, CO 80111

On the Internet    www.iconfunds.com
By E-Mail    info@iconadvisers.com

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

LOGO

2014 ANNUAL REPORT

ICON INTERNATIONAL FUNDS

INVESTMENT UPDATE

ICON Emerging Markets Fund (formerly known as ICON

Asia-Pacific Region Fund)

ICON International Equity Fund

 

 

LOGO

1-800-764-0442 | www.iconfunds.com


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LOGO

You can now sign up for electronic delivery of ICON Fund shareholder reports, including prospectuses, annual reports, semiannual reports and proxy statements.

When these materials are available, you will receive an email from ICON with instructions on how to view the documents. Statements, transaction confirmations and other documents that are not available online will continue to be sent to you by U.S. mail.

Visit ICON’s website at www.iconfunds.com to learn more and sign up.

You may change or cancel your participation in eDelivery by visiting www.iconfunds.com, or you can request a hard copy of any of the materials free of charge by calling ICON Funds at 1-800-764-0442.

 

1-800-764-0442     •    www.iconfunds.com


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

About This Report (Unaudited)

     2   

Message from ICON Funds (Unaudited)

     5   

Management Overview (Unaudited) and Schedules of Investments

  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund (formerly known as Asia-Pacific Region Fund)

     8   

ICON International Equity Fund

     17   

Financial Statements

     28   

Financial Highlights

     36   

Notes to Financial Statements

     40   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     56   

Six Month Hypothetical Expense Example (Unaudited)

     57   

Board of Trustees and Fund Officers (Unaudited)

     59   

Other Information (Unaudited)

     62   

Funds Privacy Information

     70   


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ABOUT THIS REPORT (UNAUDITED)

Historical Returns

All total returns mentioned in this Report account for the change in a Fund’s per-share price and the reinvestment of any dividends, capital gain distributions and adjustments for financial statement purposes. If your account is set up to receive Fund distributions in cash rather than to reinvest them, your actual return may differ from these figures. The Funds’ performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The Adviser may have reimbursed certain fees or expenses of some of the Funds. If not for these reimbursements, performance would have been lower. Fund results shown, unless otherwise indicated, are at net asset value. If a sales charge (maximum 5.75%) had been deducted, results would have been lower.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance results represent past performance, and current performance may be higher or lower. Please call 1-800-764-0442 or visit www.iconfunds.com for performance results current to the most recent month-end.

Portfolio Data

This Report reflects ICON’s views, opinions and portfolio holdings as of September 30, 2014, the end of the reporting period. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any sector, industry, security or the Funds.

Opinions and forecasts regarding industries, companies and/or themes, and portfolio composition and holdings are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security, industry or sector. Each Fund’s holdings as of September 30, 2014 are included in each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

According to ICON, value investing is an analytical approach to investing that employs various factors, including projecting earnings growth estimates, in an effort to determine whether securities are over- or underpriced relative to ICON’s estimates of their intrinsic value. Value investing involves risks and uncertainties and does not guarantee better performance or lower costs than other investment methodologies. ICON’s value-to-price ratio (“V/P”) is a ratio of intrinsic value, as calculated using ICON’s proprietary valuation methodology, of a broad range of domestic and international securities

 

2   ABOUT THIS REPORT


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within ICON’s system as compared to the current market price of those securities. The ICON system relies on the integrity of the financial statements released to the market as part of our analysis.

This Report contains statements regarding industry or sector themes, new market themes, investment outlook, relative strength, value-to-price ratios, and investment team expectations, beliefs, goals and the like that are based on current expectations, recent individual stock performance relative to current market prices, estimates of company values and other information supplied to the market by the companies we follow. Words such as “expects,” “suggests,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “value,” “intrinsic value,” “indicates,” “believes,” “considers,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements, which are not statements of historical fact. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess. These risks and uncertainties are based on a number of important factors, including, among others: stock price fluctuations; the integrity and accuracy of historical and projected financial and other information supplied by companies to the public or assumptions based on such information supplied; interest rates; bond yields; future earnings growth rates; the risks noted in this report and other factors beyond the control of our investment team but used by the investment team to influence their assumptions. Therefore, actual outcome may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward looking statements.

There are risks associated with mutual fund investing, including the loss of principal. The likelihood of loss may be greater if you invest for a shorter period of time. There is no assurance that the investment process will consistently lead to successful results.

An investment in a region fund may involve greater risk and volatility than a diversified fund. An investment concentrated in sectors and industries may involve greater risk and volatility than a more diversified investment.

Investments in foreign securities may entail unique risks, including political, market, and currency risks. Financial statements of foreign companies are governed by different accounting, auditing, and financial standards than U.S. companies and may be less transparent and uniform than in the United States. Many corporate governance standards, which help ensure the integrity of public information in the United States, do not exist in foreign countries. In general, there may be less governmental supervision of foreign stock exchanges and securities brokers and issuers. The ICON system relies on the integrity of financial statements released to the market as part of our analysis.

 

ABOUT THIS REPORT     3   


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The prospectus and statement of additional information contain this and other information about the Funds and are available by visiting www.iconfunds.com or calling 1-800-764-0442. Please read the prospectus and statement of additional information carefully.

Comparative Indexes

The comparative indexes discussed in this Report are meant to provide a basis for judging a Fund’s performance against specific securities indexes. Each index shown accounts for both change in the security price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (except as noted), but does not reflect the costs of managing a mutual fund. The total return figures for the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) indexes assume change in security prices and the deduction of local taxes. The Funds’ portfolios may significantly differ in holdings and composition from the indexes. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets (Brazil, Chile, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates).

 

 

The MSCI All Country World Index ex-United States (“ACWI ex-U.S.”) is a leading unmanaged benchmark of international stock performance. The capitalization-weighted index is representative of the performance of securities of companies located in developed and emerging markets outside of the United States.

Index returns and statistical data included in this Report are provided by FactSet Research Systems.

Financial Intermediary

If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may influence the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

4   ABOUT THIS REPORT


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MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS (UNAUDITED)

Dear Shareholder,

The graph below shows the S&P Composite 1500 Index and a subset of it, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index (“S&P SmallCap 600 Index”) from 9/30/13 through 10/6/14 (our fiscal year plus a few days into October). It reveals a fragmented, divergent market in 2014. The two indexes moved similarly in late 2013, then diverged in 2014. The 1500, lifted by a few large-cap stocks, moved 7.5% higher year to date through September 30, 2014, while the small-cap component of it is negative for 2014, as highlighted in the table. In addition to that divergence, there have been a few rapid, short term industry and sector theme reversals during each up and down phase, more easily seen on the Small Cap chart. We believe the divergence and the theme reversals can be explained by investors’ reaction to three situations.

LOGO

 

Index

  9/30/2013-
12/31/13
     12/31/13-
9/30/14
 

S&P Composite 1500

    10.3%         7.5%   

S&P SmallCap 600

    9.8%         -3.7%   

The first situation relates to investors’ reactions to a surprise negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Entering the first quarter of 2014, most forecasters were calling for positive real GDP. However, as the quarter unfolded it became apparent that something was wrong. Now, looking back, we know real GDP was at a negative 2.1% pace for the year. Investors flipped from favoring cyclical industries and sectors in late 2013 to favoring defensive, recession proof ones in early 2014. This theme change lasted only three and

 

MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS     5   


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a half months for the 1500 Index and one month longer for the 600 Index, too quick for a value-based system to capture.

The second situation involves investors’ reactions to a rise in the U.S. Dollar. From June 30, 2013 through September 30, 2014, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) gained 7.7%, which is still 28.5% below its peak in 2002. It appears many investors and speculators adjusted their equity portfolios, attempting to guess which industries and stocks would either benefit from or be hurt by a stronger US Dollar. We have found economic reactions to currency swings to be less dramatic and slower than theory would suggest so we suspect these investors may be over reacting lately.

The last situation relates to investors’ speculation on rising interest rates. In anticipation of the Federal Reserve ending its quantitative easing program, there appeared to be a popular belief that both short-term and long-term interest rates would increase. Investors who believed this might have adjusted their equity portfolios in anticipation of higher interest rates and their behavior affected stock prices. First, it should be mentioned that ICON believes, and has stated, that interest rates can go low and stay low for many years. We see no support for higher long term interest rates. We sense, however, that we are in the minority with that outlook. We believe the many investors who expect higher interest rates bought stocks they think will benefit from higher rates and sold stocks they think will be hurt by rate increases. For example, it might be that these investors, believing that rising rates will hurt small cap stocks more than large cap stocks, bought large cap issues while avoiding small cap stocks altogether. Similarly, believing that higher rates would have a negative impact on certain industries, they avoided industries in the Consumer Discretionary sector that have an element of consumer borrowing such as the homebuilders, automobile manufacturers and home furnishing industries.

We believe investors’ reactions to a surprise negative GDP quarter, a rise in the US Dollar and an anticipated rise interest rates have contributed to moves in stocks that were not related to value of the stocks themselves. We have seen overpriced stocks (in our opinion) get bid up higher and underpriced stocks taken lower as investors try to get repositioned. This recent trend of positioning equity portfolios for anticipated higher interest rates and a rising US Dollar is stretching the valuation in some industries according to our system. However, according to our methodology, industries favored by these speculators are becoming overpriced while disfavored industries are becoming underpriced. Given this scenario, we expect this behavior to end sometime in the next year.

The first week of October 2014 our ICON market value-to-price (V/P) ratio has been in the 1.06 – 1.10 range, indicating stocks, on average, are priced

 

6   MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS


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below our estimate of fair value and giving us the expectation that stock prices can move higher over the next year. Over the course of the last year value has grown and prices of some stocks have kept pace, but, as seen in the graph, some have lagged behind. As mentioned above, we believe this disconnect is due to concerns about the strength of the U.S. Dollar and the expectation of rising interest rates. We are finding better value in the cyclical, economically sensitive industries rather than the so-called recession proof industries. With an overall V/P ratio of 1.10 and many industry valuation readings stretched, we will buy the best bargains we can find and have the patience to wait for investors to ultimately recognize value. Our valuation readings, coupled with various supportive conditions such as low inflation, low interest rates, no shortages of capital or commodities and modest economic growth, lead us to believe we are in a favorable setting for owning equities.

 

LOGO

Craig Callahan D.B.A.

Chief Executive Officer

ICON Advisers, Inc.

 

MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS     7   


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MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON EMERGING MARKETS FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

   

(formerly known as ICON ASIA-PACIFIC FUND)

        

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmark?

 

A.

Effective May 5, 2014, the ICON Emerging Markets Fund (Emerging Markets Fund or the Fund) changed its focus from the Asia-Pacific region to a focus on emerging markets. The Emerging Markets Fund Class S returned 1.78% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, while its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, returned 4.66%, and the MSCI All Country Asia-Pacific Index gained 4.03%.

The ICON Emerging Markets Fund Class S returned -1.18% for the period September 30, 2013, through May 4, 2014, underperforming its benchmark during that period, the MSCI All Country Asia-Pacific Index, which returned 1.02%.

The ICON Emerging Markets Fund Class S returned 3.00% for the period from May 5, 2014 through September 30, 2014, outperforming its benchmark during that period, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which returned 1.89%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. While the U.S. economy showed signs of improvement during fiscal year 2014, economic growth outside the U.S. - including Europe, Japan and China - appeared to be concerning to investors. Geopolitical problems also worried investors, as tensions flared between Ukraine and Russia, and martial law was declared in Thailand. Despite these headwinds, global stock markets generally advanced. Globally, central banks maintained loose monetary policy and rates remained low.

 

     Asia-Pacific Region Focus Time Period

During the period when the focus of the Fund was on the Asia-Pacific region, India and Indonesia led all countries due in large part to market expectations of election wins by political parties perceived by investors to be positive for economic growth. On average, the Fund was overweight relative to the benchmark in both countries. India and Indonesia added positively to relative performance. China and Japan were the biggest laggards in the benchmark, as investors worried over slowing economic growth in China and whether or not Japan’s aggressive

 

8   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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combination of monetary, fiscal and structural policies would actually prove effective. The Fund, on average, was underweight in both China and Japan relative to the benchmark during the period, however, positioning in both countries detracted from relative performance.

From a sector perspective, the Information Technology sector led all sectors, followed by the Health Care sector. Fund positioning in the Health Care sector contributed to relative performance. Positioning in the Information Technology sector detracted the most of any sector relative to benchmark performance, primarily due to stock selection. The Consumer Discretionary and Materials sectors were the biggest laggards in the benchmark. Positioning in the Materials sector contributed to relative performance while positioning in the Consumer Discretionary sector detracted from relative performance.

 

     Emerging Markets Focus Time Period

During the period after the focus of the Fund had shifted to emerging markets, India and Thailand were amongst the top performing countries. India outperformed other countries as it became clear that a political coalition seen by investors as positive for economic growth would win Indian elections. The Fund participated in India’s outperformance, adding the most of any country to performance relative to the benchmark. Following a violent political crisis lasting several months, Thailand came under martial law in May 2014. After a short period of uncertainty, investors generally came to a favorable view of the coup, seeing it as an effective and peaceful way to end Thailand’s political crisis, and Thai stocks responded positively. Given the uncertainty in Thailand, the Fund was underweight during the period resulting in a slight negative total effect relative to the benchmark.

In terms of sectors, Health Care and Telecommunication Services led during the period, and the Fund’s positioning within both sectors added the most to performance relative to the benchmark. Materials and Consumer Discretionary were the two worst performing sectors within the benchmark. The Fund’s holdings in the Consumer Discretionary sector was the largest detractor of any sector from relative performance.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. Asia-Pacific Region Focus Time Period

The top country contributors to Fund performance during the period when the focus of the Fund was on the Asia-Pacific region were Australia and India. Japan and Thailand detracted the most from Fund performance. The top sector contributors to performance during the

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     9   


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period were Financials, led by the diversified banks industry, and Health Care, led by the biotechnology industry.

From a total effect standpoint, countries that added the most to relative performance included Singapore, India and Australia. Japan and Thailand detracted the most relative to the benchmark. In terms of sectors, the Financials, Energy and Health Care sectors added the most to performance relative to the benchmark. The Information Technology and Industrials sectors detracted the most in terms of performance relative to the benchmark.

With equity valuations appearing stretched during the period, a higher than average allocation to cash was used for defensive purposes, which contributed positively to benchmark relative performance. Currency movements had a positive effect on relative returns. The Fund did not employ currency hedging during the period.

Emerging Markets Region Focus Time Period

The top country contributors to Fund performance during the period when the focus of the Fund was on emerging markets were China and India. Hong Kong and Brazil detracted the most from Fund performance. The top sector contributors to Fund performance during the period were Telecommunications Services, led by the wireless telecommunications services industry, and Health Care, led by the pharmaceuticals industry. The Consumer Discretionary and Energy sectors detracted from Fund performance.

From a total effect standpoint, countries that added the most to relative performance included India, South Korea and China. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mexico detracted the most relative to the benchmark. In terms of sectors, Health Care, Telecommunication Services and Materials added the most to performance relative to the benchmark. The Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors detracted the most in terms of performance relative to the benchmark.

With equity valuations appearing stretched during the period, a higher than average allocation to cash was used for defensive purposes, which detracted from benchmark relative performance. Currency movements had a positive effect on relative returns. The Fund did not employ currency hedging during the period.

 

10   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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Q. What is your investment outlook for emerging markets?

 

A. Fiscal year 2014 ended with an emerging markets value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 0.92, indicating that, on average, emerging markets stocks are overpriced according to our system. Having surpassed our estimates of fair value, we have built up a cash position that we intend to put toward better bargains as they present themselves. Economic growth outside of the United States is a key concern for investors, particularly as it relates to China and Europe, and monetary policy remains loose globally. Geopolitical issues, such as the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, continue to be a concern to investors.

Although our system indicates emerging markets in general are overvalued, there are still many areas demonstrating good bargains according to our system. Examples of countries where we see opportunities include South Korea and India, and the Fund is overweight in both countries. From a sector perspective, we are seeing the most value in the Information Technology sector, maintaining overweight positions in higher value industries like IT consulting & other services and internet software & services.

At ICON, we continue to look for sectors and industries that our system identifies as trading at a discount to fair value. Guided by our disciplined, systematic and non-emotional approach to investing, we see several opportunities in the current environment and remain watchful for new prospective investments. As always we remain ready to reallocate and adapt as our investment system dictates.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     11   


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ICON Emerging Markets Fund

Country Composition

September 30, 2014

 

South Korea

    22.3%   

India

    15.2%   

China

    11.1%   

Hong Kong

    7.9%   

Brazil

    6.5%   

Malaysia

    5.3%   

Taiwan

    4.4%   

Philippines

    2.3%   

Poland

    2.2%   

Thailand

    1.1%   

Turkey

    0.9%   

Hungary

    0.8%   
 

 

 

 
    80.0%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Information Technology

    18.8%   

Financial

    15.9%   

Consumer Discretionary

    11.3%   

Consumer Staples

    9.2%   

Industrials

    7.7%   

Telecommunication

    7.1%   

Health Care

    5.3%   

Utilities

    2.9%   

Energy

    1.8%   
 

 

 

 
    80.0%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services

    7.1%   

Diversified Banks

    6.8%   

Internet Software & Services

    5.8%   

IT Consulting & Other Services

    5.4%   

Semiconductors

    4.4%   

Pharmaceuticals

    4.1%   

Airport Services

    3.2%   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    3.2%   

Automobile Manufacturers

    2.9%   

Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders

    2.9%   

Household Products

    2.8%   

Casinos & Gaming

    2.5%   

Property & Casualty Insurance

    2.5%   

Advertising

    2.4%   

Catalog Retail

    2.3%   

Life & Health Insurance

    2.3%   

Tobacco

    2.3%   

Highways & Railtracks

    2.2%   

Reinsurance

    2.2%   

Real Estate Development

    2.1%   

Brewers

    1.6%   

Personal Products

    1.6%   

Marine Ports & Services

    1.5%   

Biotechnology

    1.2%   

Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation

    1.0%   

Other Industries (each less than 1%)

    3.7%   
 

 

 

 
    80.0%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

12   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON Emerging Markets Fund^

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund - Class S

    2/25/97        1.78%        5.86%        7.54%        3.06%        1.64%        1.64%   

ICON Emerging Markets Fund - Class C

    1/25/08        0.92%        4.88%        N/A        -0.25%        3.76%        2.56%   

ICON Emerging Markets Fund - Class A

    5/31/06        1.68%        5.67%        N/A        2.40%        2.97%        1.81%   

ICON Emerging Markets Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    5/31/06        -4.14%        4.42%        N/A        1.67%        2.97%        1.81%   

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

            4.66%        4.76%        11.03%        6.70%        N/A        N/A   

MSCI All Country Asia-Pacific Index

            4.03%        6.39%        7.32%        3.45%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain expenses on Class C and Class A shares; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

^ Effective May 5, 2014, the ICON Emerging Markets Fund changed its focus from the Asia-Pacific region to a focus on emerging markets. The benchmark for the Fund is now the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Prior to May 5, 2014, the benchmark was the MSCI All Country Asia-Pacific Index.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     13   


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ICON Emerging Markets Fund^

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Emerging Markets Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 2/25/97 to a $10,000 investment made in an unmanaged securities index on that date. The Emerging Markets Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends, capital gain distributions and tax return of capital, but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

^ Effective May 5, 2014, the ICON Emerging Markets Fund changed its focus from the Asia-Pacific region to a focus on emerging markets. The benchmark for the Fund is now the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Prior to May 5, 2014, the benchmark was the MSCI All Country Asia-Pacific Index.

 

14   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON EMERGING MARKETS FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Common Stocks (78.3%)   
  3,200      Aditya Birla Nuvo, Ltd.*   $ 83,659   
  24,500      AMBEV S.A.**     160,547   
  1,100      Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.*     130,909   
  422,000      Beijing Capital International Airport Co., Ltd.*     321,806   
  15,300      Biocon, Ltd.*     123,376   
  2,200      CCC S.A.*     84,746   
  32,000      CCR S.A.**     219,369   
  650,000      Chaoda Modern Agriculture Holdings, Ltd.***(a)     -   
  11,100      Cheil Worldwide, Inc.*     234,927   
  50,000      China Merchants Holdings International Co., Ltd.*     154,426   
  80,000      China Overseas Land & Investment, Ltd.*     205,102   
  64,000      China Resources Power Holdings Co., Ltd.*     172,439   
  50,000      China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co., Ltd. *     108,287   
  750      CJ O Shopping Co., Ltd.*     228,579   
  4,400      Coca-Cola Icecek AS*     94,676   
  220,000      Datang International Power Generation Co., Ltd.*     115,085   
  6,400      Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Ltd.*     334,727   
  25,000      Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.*     145,151   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  15,200      HDFC Bank, Ltd.*   $ 213,526   
  16,000      Hengan International Group Co., Ltd.*     157,198   
  9,200      Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.*     253,545   
  2,800      Infosys, Ltd.*     170,285   
  50,000      Intouch Holdings PCL*     111,602   
  38,000      ITC, Ltd.*     227,799   
  3,000      Kangwon Land, Inc.*     101,641   
  2,400      Kolao Holdings*     38,161   
  20,784      Korean Reinsurance Co.*     222,379   
  580      LG Household & Health Care, Ltd.*     278,334   
  55,000      Malayan Banking Bhd*     166,971   
  240      NAVER Corp.*     183,330   
  3,400      Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.*     234,607   
  16,000      Ping An Insurance Group Co., Ltd*     120,252   
  5,000      Richter Gedeon Nyrt*     78,082   
  286      Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.*     320,322   
  63,000      SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd*     79,104   
  1,350      SK Telecom Co., Ltd.*     371,375   
  110,000      Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.*     437,924   
  6,300      Tech Mahindra, Ltd.*     252,831   
  26,945      Tencent Holdings, Ltd.*     400,286   
 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     15   


Table of Contents
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  4,500      Ultrapar Participacoes S.A.**   $ 95,249   
  77,000      UMW Holdings Bhd*     287,835   
  12,000      Wipro, Ltd.*     116,292   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $8,021,120)
    7,836,741   
  Preferred Stock (1.7%)   
  12,500      Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.**     172,965   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $196,055)
    172,965   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Short-Term Investments (19.1%)   
$ 1,912,832      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14   $ 1,912,832   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $1,912,832)
    1,912,832   
 
 
Total Investments 99.1%
(Cost $10,130,007)
    9,922,538   
 
 
Other Assets Less Liabilities
0.9%
    86,261   
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 10,008,799   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

* The value of foreign securities fair valued (Note 2) as of September 30, 2014 was 73.6% of net assets.

 

** This security is considered a Level 1 security. See Note 2 for further details.

 

*** This security is considered a Level 3 security. See Note 2 for further details.

 

(a) This security is considered to be illiquid. The value of this security at September 30, 2014 was $0, which represents 0.0% of the Fund’s Net Assets.

 

16   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

 

ICNEX

IIQCX

IIQAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmark?

 

A. The ICON International Equity Fund (the International Equity Fund or the Fund) Class S returned -0.51% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, while the MSCI All Country World Index ex-U.S. (ACWI ex-U.S.) returned 5.22%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. As we have seen in years past, we finished the fiscal year with global stock market gains amidst the backdrop of numerous global and local undercurrents. Europe emerged from recession, albeit at a tepid pace of economic growth due to the backdrop of ongoing tension with Russia and Ukraine. In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan saw mixed results from the prior year’s stimulation measures, bringing into question the viability of its long-term success. Additionally, China continued on its trajectory of slow economic growth. China’s slow growth is in accord with similar lackluster data seen in much of the major economies worldwide. Global central bank accommodation and monetary stimulus persisted, ultimately acting as a backstop to any protracted economic malaise. Despite the macro concerns, relatively low global interest rates and credit spreads have been supportive to company earnings and ultimately helped drive equity prices higher on the whole during the year. As the period closed, we saw modest upside in the global markets overall with a mixture of some regions showing great bargains and others appearing slightly overpriced.

At the beginning of the fiscal year, our valuation model signaled a slightly overpriced market overall and pointed the Fund towards an overweight position in the defensive themed sectors of Consumer Staples and Health Care. However, gradual lowering of global interest rates had a beneficial effect on our estimate of value, ultimately leading us to increase positions in some of the more economically sensitive areas, most notably the Industrials and Information Technology sectors. From a regional perspective, the most significant allocation change during the years was an increase in European equities and a decrease in Asia-Pacific. Despite the ongoing issues that loom over the world economy and rotations that may seem contrarian, our discipline and focus on value

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     17   


Table of Contents

guided our rotations, which we believe will benefit the Fund going forward.

As a multi-cap manager, we are not limited by restrictions on market capitalization. However, following our valuation readings lead to a concentration in small and mid-cap companies during the period, resulting in an underweight position in large-cap stocks relative to the benchmark. Large-cap stocks outperformed their small and mid-cap peers, which detracted from the Fund’s relative performance.

Currency movements worldwide throughout the fiscal year also had a negative impact on the Fund’s returns. The appreciation of the British Pound and the South Korean Won was unable to offset the losses in many other foreign currencies as the U.S. dollar broadly strengthened throughout the year. Currency hedging was not used during the fiscal year.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. The Fund’s primary contributors to benchmark relative performance came from the Materials, Health Care and Information Technology sectors. Specifically, overweight positions in the health care supplies industry within the Health Care sector and IT consulting & other services industry within the Information Technology Sector benefitted performance relative to the benchmark. Further, an underweight position relative to the benchmark in the poor performing Materials sector, specifically in the diversified metals & mining, gold, and steel industries, was beneficial as we saw commodity-related weakness over the period.

Conversely, performance of the Consumer Discretionary sector was a detractor, as the specialty stores and auto parts & equipment industries hindered the Fund’s returns. The Industrials sector was another notable source of relative underperformance as the sector underperformed the benchmark, particularly in the Europe region where the electrical components & equipment and building products industries had negative returns. Finally, the oil & gas equipment & services industry within the Energy sector suffered losses as commodity weakness over the period had an adverse effect on companies’ stock prices. With the gradual lowering of interest rates and declines in stock prices, most notably within Europe, our valuation methodology is showing us better bargains than we saw at the beginning of the year. As such, we see modest upside to the market, with the best bargains coming from the Information Technology and Industrials sectors.

 

18   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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While return differentials amongst geographic regions were relatively muted, we saw a clear differentiation among certain countries throughout the year. Emerging market countries in the Asia-Pacific region such as India, Indonesia, and China posted strong returns despite our methodology indicating lower value and less upside. Conversely, countries in Europe posted weaker gains despite our methodology indicating better bargains. Most notably, Germany saw weak gains as macro and geopolitical concerns ultimately took hold; this country had a larger allocation in the Fund relative to the benchmark and proved to be unhelpful from a country allocation perspective. As the period ended, the emerging markets, as well as Asia-Pacific region as a whole, appeared overvalued according to our system while Europe and other developed market countries in general showed the most upside globally.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the international equity market?

 

A. After another year of positive equity returns of this bull market, our system estimates that international equities, on average, still remain below our estimate of their intrinsic value. At the end of the period, international markets as a whole had a value-to-price (V/P) reading of 1.08, implying that, on average, our estimate of fair value for stocks is about 8% higher than where they are currently trading. Risk aversion amongst investors remains and corporate earnings have grown despite ongoing economic struggles and geopolitical concerns. While global economic growth has languished outside of the United States, interest rates remain low, thanks in great part to loose monetary policy and extraordinary central bank intervention.

According to our valuation system, Europe represents the best opportunity from a regional perspective, with Asia-Pacific showing the least upside. Despite some improvements in sentiment and equity prices in the emerging market countries, overall they still remain overvalued according to our metrics and do not warrant an overweight exposure within the Fund. Based on our methodology, developed market countries in Europe show attractive upside in countries such as France, Sweden, Austria, and Germany. As of the end of the fiscal year 2014 we estimate that, on average, fair value for European equities is 24% higher than where prices are currently trading. Within the Western Hemisphere, Canada and Mexico look attractive to our system while Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines, are currently showing the most value in the Asia-Pacific region.

From a sector perspective, we are still tilted towards the Information Technology and Industrials sectors. Within our system, Materials is now the most over-valued sector, followed by Utilities; Fund holdings in both

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     19   


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of these sectors are underweight their respective benchmark weightings as we see little upside within these areas.

At ICON we continue to seek out industries that our system identifies as trading at a discount to fair value. Guided by our disciplined, systematic and non-emotional approach to investing, we see numerous opportunities amidst the recent turbulence and volatility. We believe it is nearly impossible to accurately time market bottoms and we believe rallies do not offer invitations. Therefore, given our current valuations, we remain almost fully invested. As market conditions dictate, we will adjust accordingly.

 

ICON International Equity Fund Country Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Germany

    26.7%   

France

    14.7%   

United Kingdom

    8.9%   

Sweden

    5.4%   

Australia

    5.2%   

Switzerland

    5.0%   

South Korea

    4.8%   

Hong Kong

    4.4%   

Japan

    3.9%   

Canada

    3.8%   

Netherlands

    2.8%   

Singapore

    2.6%   

Ireland

    1.5%   

Thailand

    1.4%   

Denmark

    1.3%   

Norway

    1.1%   

Italy

    0.9%   

Spain

    0.9%   

United States

    0.9%   

United Arab Emirates

    0.8%   

India

    0.8%   

Bermuda

    0.7%   

China

    0.6%   

Turkey

    0.5%   

Luxembourg

    0.4%   

South Africa

    0.4%   
 

 

 

 
    100.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON International Equity Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Industrials

    27.6%   

Information Technology

    19.6%   

Health Care

    18.5%   

Consumer Discretionary

    13.6%   

Energy

    9.4%   

Materials

    3.8%   

Telecommunication

    2.9%   

Financial

    2.5%   

Consumer Staples

    1.3%   

Utilities

    1.2%   
 

 

 

 
    100.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

20   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON International Equity Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Pharmaceuticals

    7.9%   

Industrial Conglomerates

    6.9%   

Industrial Machinery

    4.3%   

Auto Parts & Equipment

    4.0%   

Internet Software & Services

    4.0%   

Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

    4.0%   

Semiconductors

    3.8%   

IT Consulting & Other Services

    3.6%   

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

    3.5%   

Air Freight & Logistics

    3.0%   

Wireless Telecommunication Services

    2.9%   

Biotechnology

    2.7%   

Building Products

    2.7%   

Diversified Support Services

    2.7%   

Electronic Equipment & Instruments

    2.7%   

Health Care Equipment

    2.2%   

Aerospace & Defense

    2.1%   

Application Software

    2.1%   

Automobile Manufacturers

    2.1%   

Health Care Services

    2.0%   

Trading Companies & Distributors

    1.8%   

Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods

    1.7%   

Asset Management & Custody Banks

    1.7%   

Broadcasting

    1.5%   

Data Processing & Outsourced Services

    1.5%   

Construction & Engineering

    1.4%   

Health Care Supplies

    1.4%   

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    1.4%   

Commodity Chemicals

    1.3%   

Advertising

    1.2%   

Gas Utilities

    1.2%   

Integrated Oil & Gas

    1.2%   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    1.2%   

Electrical Components & Equipment

    1.1%   

Specialty Chemicals

    1.0%   

Other Industries (each less than 1%)

    10.6%   
 

 

 

 
    100.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common and preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     21   


Table of Contents

ICON International Equity Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON International Equity Fund - Class S

    2/18/97        -0.51%        1.91%        4.76%        5.24%        1.45%        1.45%   

ICON International Equity Fund - Class C

    2/19/04        -1.56%        0.79%        3.34%        2.49%        2.77%        2.56%   

ICON International Equity Fund - Class A

    5/31/06        -0.85%        1.53%        N/A        -0.72%        2.19%        1.81%   

ICON International Equity Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    5/31/06        -6.58%        0.32%        N/A        -1.42%        2.19%        1.81%   

MSCI ACWI ex-U.S.

            5.22%        6.50%        7.54%        5.55%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Fund’s name and investment strategy changed effective January 29, 2004. The Fund’s past performance would have been different if the current strategy had been in effect. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain expenses Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

22   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON International Equity Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the International Equity Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 2/18/97 to a $10,000 investment made in an unmanaged securities index on that date. Performance for the International Equity Fund’s other share classes will vary due to differences in charges and expenses. The International Equity Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends, capital gain distributions and tax return of capital, but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     23   


Table of Contents

ICON INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Common Stocks (99.2%)  
  8,000      AAK AB*   $ 417,173   
  22,000      Aalberts Industries NV*     569,588   
  16,000      Accor S.A.*     708,611   
  284,000      Afren PLC*     476,706   
  10,250      Airbus Group NV*     644,319   
  3,854      ALK-Abello AS*     464,808   
  20,700      Arcadis NV*     684,675   
  58,400      Ashtead Group PLC*     982,455   
  16,129      AtoS*     1,167,996   
  28,295      Aveva Group PLC**     705,946   
  41,000      Babcock International Group PLC*     723,476   
  9,300      Bayer AG*     1,293,986   
  112,000      Beijing Enterprises Holdings, Ltd.*     962,349   
  62,000      Berendsen PLC*     982,445   
  6,510      Bertrandt AG*     830,688   
  34,660      Bonavista Energy Corp.**(b)     398,608   
  146,000      BP PLC*     1,068,039   
  10,000      CANCOM SE*(b)     385,262   
  13,300      Cap Gemini S.A.*     953,790   
  18,580      Carl Zeiss Meditec AG*(b)     539,180   
  7,000      Cewe Stiftung & Co. KGAA*     461,473   
  1,702,000      Chaoda Modern Agriculture Holdings, Ltd. ***(a)     -   
  25,400      Cie de St-Gobain*     1,160,564   
  3,100      Constellation Software, Inc.**     779,159   
  4,700      Continental AG*     890,308   
  12,100      CSL, Ltd.*     784,392   
  940,000      CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd.*     781,935   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  6,600      Daetwyler Holding AG*   $ 868,186   
  37,150      Deutsche Lufthansa AG*     583,334   
  22,600      Deutsche Post AG*     720,376   
  50,000      Dialog Semiconductor PLC*     1,396,045   
  10,700      DMG Mori Seiki AG*     300,526   
  147,368      DNO ASA*     461,446   
  8,500      Dollarama, Inc.**     721,014   
  75,000      Dragon Oil PLC*     725,834   
  70,000      Duksan Hi-Metal Co., Ltd.*     745,320   
  80,000      Elekta AB, Class B*(b)     786,344   
  49,650      Essentra PLC*     639,863   
  11,500      Essilor International S.A.*     1,261,178   
  1,602,000      Ezion Holdings, Ltd.*     2,269,340   
  2,779      Feintool International Holding AG*     232,290   
  26,000      Freenet AG*     674,156   
  23,100      Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA*     1,140,423   
  9,050      Gerresheimer AG*     585,463   
  24,000      Getinge AB, Class B*     602,577   
  10,458      GFK SE*     453,444   
  10,200      Gildan Activewear, Inc.**     558,020   
  18,889      Grammer AG*     726,975   
  132,000      Gran Tierra Energy, Inc.**     729,568   
  18,600      Grifols S.A.*     760,105   
  13,500      Hankook Tire Co., Ltd.*     657,796   
  12,500      Hexagon AB, Class B*     395,255   
 

 

24   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  18,000      Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC*   $ 504,275   
  50,000      Horizon North Logistics, Inc.**(b)     226,796   
  52,000      Husqvarna AB, Class B*     366,623   
  79,000      Hutchison Whampoa, Ltd.*     954,999   
  123,000      Infineon Technologies AG*     1,266,031   
  10,357      Ingenico*     1,057,707   
  43,000      Innox Corp.*     610,244   
  67,000      Insurance Australia Group, Ltd.*     359,077   
  330,000      Intouch Holdings PCL*     736,570   
  54,000      James Hardie Industries PLC*(b)     564,962   
  9,200      Jardine Matheson Holdings, Ltd.*     548,216   
  83,595      Jenoptik AG*     934,802   
  25,000      Kakaku.com, Inc.*(b)     355,096   
  40,000      Keller Group PLC*     568,649   
  440,000      Kerry Logistics Network, Ltd.*     686,509   
  11,000      Kia Motors Corp.*     558,679   
  19,500      Kintetsu World Express, Inc.*     743,596   
  38,300      Koninklijke Philips NV*     1,217,932   
  12,800      Leoni AG*     694,746   
  69,000      Lindab International AB*     588,405   
  23,400      Mazda Motor Corp.*     588,615   
  900      NAVER Corp.*     687,489   
  300,000      Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp.*     778,840   
  3,700      Norbert Dentressangle S.A.**     532,614   
  13,354      Norma Group SE*     556,494   
  19,000      Perpetual, Ltd.*     733,262   
  18,500      Petrofac, Ltd.*     309,987   
  81,000      Petroleum Geo-Services ASA*(b)     511,888   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  5,900      Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG*   $ 495,769   
  33,228      Plastic Omnium S.A.*     793,399   
  141,000      Platinum Asset Management, Ltd.*     747,039   
  100,000      Power Finance Corp., Ltd.*     377,494   
  160,000      Primary Health Care, Ltd.*     611,286   
  17,100      ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG*     677,935   
  280,000      PTT Global Chemical PCL*     525,911   
  2,370      Rational AG*     704,427   
  16,300      REA Group, Ltd.*     616,568   
  49,000      Recordati S.p.A.*     801,401   
  31,000      RIB Software AG*     423,308   
  4,000      Roche Holding AG*     1,181,212   
  4,800      Rockwool International AS, Class B*     693,684   
  4,500      RTL Group S.A.*     385,448   
  17,765      Rubis SCA*     1,023,352   
  930      Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.*     1,041,607   
  7,830      Sanofi*     885,343   
  66,200      Santos, Ltd.*     791,795   
  12,500      Schneider Electric SE*     959,030   
  22,000      Seadrill, Ltd.*(b)     587,805   
  10,350      SHW AG*     436,588   
  13,450      Siemens AG*     1,600,443   
  260      Sika AG*     898,995   
  16,900      SKF AB, Class B*     351,829   
  10,000      Softbank Corp.*     698,489   
  7,800      Sopra Group S.A.*     707,032   
  9,400      Stada Arzneimittel AG*     372,374   
  56,000      Sun TV Network, Ltd.*     306,211   
  28,900      Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B*     686,696   
  1,230      Swatch Group AG*     582,893   
  6,300      Tecan Group AG*(b)     661,272   
 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     25   


Table of Contents
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  12,066      Ted Baker PLC*   $ 363,381   
  35,000      Tencent Holdings, Ltd.*     519,949   
  23,350      Travis Perkins PLC*     627,358   
  33,000      Trelleborg AB, Class B*     570,340   
  62,000      Truworths International, Ltd.*     372,889   
  90,000      Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri*     470,481   
  142,000      UDG Healthcare PLC**     761,513   
  31,786      United Internet AG*     1,349,580   
  6,000      Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.**     786,196   
  2,600      Volkswagen AG*     537,212   
  37,200      Wirecard AG*     1,368,091   
  3,300      XING AG*     350,704   
  76,000      Yahoo! Japan Corp.*(b)     288,872   
  39,000      Zodiac Aerospace*     1,243,656   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $97,436,808)
    88,292,769   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Preferred Stocks (1.2%)   
  8,700      Biotest AG**(b)   $ 882,819   
  2,100      Porsche Automobil Holding SE*     167,523   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $1,243,116)
    1,050,342   
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (5.4%)   
  4,850,216      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     4,850,216   
   

 

 

 
 
 
 
Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan
(Cost $4,850,216)
    4,850,216   
 
 
Total Investments 105.8%
(Cost $103,530,140)
    94,193,327   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(5.8)%
    (5,151,762
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 89,041,565   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.
* The value of foreign securities fair valued (Note 2) as of September 30, 2014 was 92.4% of net assets.

 

** This security is considered a Level 1 security. See Note 2 for further details.

 

*** This security is considered a Level 3 security. See Note 2 for further details.

 

(a) This security is considered to be illiquid. The value of this security at September 30, 2014 was $0, which represents 0.0% of the Fund’s Net Assets.

 

(b) All or a portion of the security was on loan September 30, 2014.

 

26   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


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Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Emerging
Markets Fund
    ICON
International
Equity Fund
 

Assets

   

Investments, at cost

  $ 10,130,007      $ 103,530,140   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments, at value

    9,922,538        94,193,327   

Foreign currency, at value(a)

    70,978        495,465   

Receivables:

   

Fund shares sold

    26        96,550   

Investments sold

           688,195   

Dividends

    27,727        86,455   

Expense reimbursements due from Adviser

    44,369        7,125   

Foreign tax reclaims

    3,567        49,115   

Other assets

    12,423        21,258   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

    10,081,628        95,637,490   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

   

Payables:

   

Due to custodian bank

    -        1,577,186   

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

    -        4,850,216   

Fund shares redeemed

    7,376        5,924   

Advisory fees

    8,576        76,834   

Accrued distribution fees

    685        4,926   

Fund accounting fees

    366        2,507   

Transfer agent fees

    5,553        10,915   

Administration fees

    427        3,825   

Trustee fees

    649        2,030   

Capital gains tax

    428        4,052   

Accrued expenses

    48,769        57,510   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

    72,829        6,595,925   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - all share classes

  $ 10,008,799      $ 89,041,565   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class S

  $ 8,941,257      $ 80,356,301   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class C

  $ 762,179      $ 4,596,701   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class A

  $ 305,363      $ 4,088,563   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

28   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
     ICON
Emerging
Markets Fund
    ICON
International
Equity Fund
 

Net Assets Consist of

   

Paid-in capital

  $ 17,713,202      $ 181,987,167   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

    (18,814     71,689   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain/(loss)

    (7,476,535     (83,669,440

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (209,054     (9,347,851
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 10,008,799      $ 89,041,565   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)

   

Class S

    651,626        6,837,633   

Class C

    57,810        428,892   

Class A

    22,267        350,992   

Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)

   

Class S

  $ 13.72      $ 11.75   

Class C

  $ 13.18      $ 10.72   

Class A

  $ 13.71      $ 11.65   

Class A maximum offering price (100%/(100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share

  $ 14.55      $ 12.36   

†  Includes securities on loan of

  $ -      $ 4,612,892   

(a)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 71,707      $ 497,175   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     29   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Emerging
Markets Fund
    ICON
International
Equity Fund
 

Investment Income

   

Interest

  $ 233      $ 689   

Dividends

    375,431        1,315,262   

Income from securities lending, net

    3,666        53,643   

Foreign taxes withheld

    (35,051     (132,868
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

    344,279        1,236,726   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

   

Advisory fees

    202,838        670,042   

Distribution fees:

   

Class C

    7,411        54,614   

Class A

    1,219        12,618   

Fund accounting fees

    4,172        13,608   

Transfer agent fees

    38,827        72,226   

Administration fees

    10,111        33,376   

Custody fees

    16,687        31,968   

Registration fees:

   

Class S

    15,679        10,665   

Class C

    11,200        10,556   

Class A

    9,453        10,574   

Insurance expense

    4,146        7,007   

Trustee fees and expenses

    2,865        6,629   

Audit and tax service expense

    42,879        36,758   

Interest expense

    30,773        7,441   

Other expenses

    59,430        77,392   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses before expense reimbursement

    457,690        1,055,474   

Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement

    (68,831     (29,665
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Expenses

    388,859        1,025,809   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income/(Loss)

    (44,580     210,917   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)

   

Net realized gain/(loss) on:

   

Investments

    2,609,559        7,551,567   

Foreign currency

    (37,546     (271,659

Net realized capital gains tax

    (52,013     (35,013

Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:

   

Investments and foreign currency

    (2,445,367     (11,848,195

Net unrealized capital gains tax

    53,375        32,201   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    128,008        (4,571,099
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

  $ 83,428      $ (4,360,182
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

30   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents

 

(This page is intentionally left blank)


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     ICON Emerging Markets Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 

Operations

   

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (44,580   $ 166,249   

Net realized gain/(loss)

    2,609,559        1,463,941   

Net realized gain/(loss) from foreign currency

    (37,546     (71,832

Net realized capital gains tax

    (52,013     (7,727

Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (2,391,992     2,743,851   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    83,428        4,294,482   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

   

Net investment income

   

Class S

    (59,304     (268,567

Class C

    -        (1,055

Class A

    (1,490     (1,610

Return of Capital

   

Class S

    -        -   

Class A

    -        -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease from dividends and distributions

    (60,794     (271,232
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions

   

Shares sold

   

Class S

    6,840,980        7,722,364   

Class C

    123,445        382,870   

Class A

    75,466        657,009   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

   

Class S

    56,463        261,722   

Class C

    -        983   

Class A

    1,270        1,367   

Shares repurchased

   

Class S

    (27,023,177     (20,783,912

Class C

    (198,478     (514,739

Class A

    (562,635     (605,518
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions

    (20,686,666     (12,877,854
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (20,664,032     (8,854,604

Net Assets

   

Beginning of year

    30,672,831        39,527,435   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 10,008,799      $ 30,672,831   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

32   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON International Equity Fund  

Year Ended
September 30,
2014

    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 
 
$ 210,917      $ 308,378   
  7,551,567        2,688,672   
  (271,659     (330,659
  (35,013     (62,403
  (11,815,994     1,946,719   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (4,360,182     4,550,707   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
 
  -        (9,742
  -        -   
  -        (252
 
  -        (223,901
  -        (5,798

 

 

   

 

 

 
  -        (239,693

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
 
  54,955,281        9,502,457   
  194,693        98,284   
  353,579        474,307   
 
  -        228,381   
  -        -   
  -        5,066   
 
  (12,360,031     (27,357,099
  (1,233,291     (1,585,047
  (1,312,960     (2,106,904

 

 

   

 

 

 
  40,597,271        (20,740,555

 

 

   

 

 

 
  36,237,089        (16,429,541
 
  52,804,476        69,234,017   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 89,041,565      $ 52,804,476   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     33   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)

 

     ICON Emerging Markets Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 

Transactions in Fund Shares

   

Shares sold

   

Class S

    496,107        591,915   

Class C

    9,218        31,082   

Class A

    5,468        47,998   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

   

Class S

    4,198        20,871   

Class C

    -        81   

Class A

    94        109   

Shares repurchased

   

Class S

    (1,998,939     (1,573,311

Class C

    (15,076     (40,887

Class A

    (41,663     (46,439
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease)

    (1,540,593     (968,581
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, beginning of year

    2,272,296        3,240,877   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, end of year

    731,703        2,272,296   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

  $ (18,814   $ 45,365   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

34   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON International Equity Fund  

Year Ended
September 30,
2014

    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 
 
 
  4,258,487        846,277   
  16,869        9,335   
  28,338        41,741   
 
  -        20,247   
  -        -   
  -        450   
 
  (986,622     (2,383,691
  (107,336     (150,212
  (106,543     (186,779

 

 

   

 

 

 
  3,103,193        (1,802,632

 

 

   

 

 

 
  4,514,324        6,316,956   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  7,617,517        4,514,324   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 71,689      $ 1,008   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     35   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 13.51      $ (0.03   $ 0.27      $ 0.24      $ (0.03   $ -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    12.21        0.06        1.33        1.39        (0.09     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.12        0.11        2.02        2.13        (0.04     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    12.35        0.07        (2.30     (2.23            -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.64        0.01        1.89        1.90        (0.19     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.06        (0.11     0.23        0.12               -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.84        (0.05     1.28        1.23        (0.01     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    9.88        0.01        1.95        1.96               -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    12.17        (0.02     (2.27     (2.29            -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.54        (0.05     1.82        1.77        (0.14     -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.51        (0.04     0.27        0.23        (0.03     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    12.17        0.04        1.33        1.37        (0.03     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    10.10        0.09        2.00        2.09        (0.02     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    12.35        0.04        (2.29     (2.25            -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.63        0.02        1.86        1.88        (0.16     -   

 

36   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)

to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ (0.03   $ 13.72        1.78   $ 8,942        2.11     1.88 %(d)      (0.42 )%      (0.19 )%      92.17
  (0.09     13.51        11.44     29,053        1.64     1.64     0.46     0.46     59.98
  (0.04     12.21        21.16     37,969        1.50     1.50     0.96     0.96     71.84
  -        10.12        (18.06 )%      55,637        1.59     1.59     0.55     0.55     71.03
  (0.19     12.35        18.02     70,854        1.63     1.63     0.13     0.13     100.41
               
  -        13.18        0.92     762        4.65     2.78 %(b)      (2.70 )%      (0.83 )%      92.17
  (0.01     13.06        10.44     832        3.76     2.56 %(b)      (1.63 )%      (0.43 )%      59.98
  -        11.84        19.84     869        3.91     2.55 %(b)      (1.28 )%      0.08     71.84
  -        9.88        (18.82 )%      792        4.40     2.55 %(b)      (2.02 )%      (0.17 )%      71.03
  (0.14     12.17        17.02     441        9.04     2.57 %(b)      (6.91 )%      (0.44 )%      100.41
               
  (0.03     13.71        1.68     305        4.32     1.95 %(b)      (2.65 )%      (0.28 )%      92.17
  (0.03     13.51        11.29     789        2.97     1.81 %(b)      (0.82 )%      0.34     59.98
  (0.02     12.17        20.73     690        2.88     1.80 %(b)      (0.31 )%      0.77     71.84
  -        10.10        (18.22 )%      768        3.05     1.81 %(b)      (0.97 )%      0.27     71.03
  (0.16     12.35        17.91     1,149        5.17     1.82 %(b)      (3.13 )%      0.22     100.41

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     37   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from Return
of Capital
 

ICON International Equity Fund

           

Class S**

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 11.81      $ 0.06      $ (0.12   $ (0.06   $ -      $ -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.05        0.07        0.74        0.81        - (c)      (0.05

Year ended September 30, 2012

    9.22        0.16        1.78        1.94        (0.11     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    12.11        0.14        (2.95     (2.81     (0.08     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    11.13        0.13        1.06        1.19        (0.21     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    10.89        (0.08     (0.09     (0.17     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.26        (0.04     0.67        0.63        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.56        (0.02     1.72        1.70        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    11.30        - (c)      (2.74     (2.74     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    10.40        (0.01     1.01        1.00        (0.10     -   

Class A***

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    11.75        - (c)      (0.10     (0.10     -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.99        0.04        0.73        0.77        - (c)      (0.01

Year ended September 30, 2012

    9.16        0.11        1.77        1.88        (0.05     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    12.04        0.10        (2.94     (2.84     (0.04     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    11.07        0.08        1.06        1.14        (0.17     -   

 

(x) Calculated using the average shares method.  
* The total return calculation is for the period indicated and excludes any sales charges.  
** Class S shares were formerly named Class Z shares prior to January 23, 2012.  
*** Class I shares merged into Class A on January 23, 2012. The results of each class prior to the merger may have been different than what is presented.  
(a) Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level and is not annualized for periods less than a year.  
(b) The Fund’s operating expenses, not including interest expense, are contractually limited to the amounts discussed in Note 3. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the interest expense.  
(c) Amount less than $0.005.  
(d) Effective May, 5, 2014, Class S’s operating expenses, not including interest expense, were contractually limited to the amounts discussed in Note 3. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the interest expense.  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

38   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)

to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits(b)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ -      $ 11.75        (0.51 )%    $ 80,356        1.41     1.41     0.44     0.44     192.93
  (0.05     11.81        7.33     42,105        1.45     1.45     0.65     0.65     137.83
  (0.11     11.05        21.19     56,152        1.39     1.39     1.47     1.47     121.82
  (0.08     9.22        (23.38 )%      6,826        1.45     1.45     1.12     1.12     91.46
  (0.21     12.11        10.87     12,806        1.43     1.36     1.06     1.12     111.29
               
  -        10.72        (1.56 )%      4,597        2.82     2.56     (0.99 )%      (0.73 )%      192.93
  -        10.89        6.14     5,657        2.77     2.56     (0.63 )%      (0.42 )%      137.83
  -        10.26        19.86     6,773        2.72     2.55     (0.41 )%      (0.24 )%      121.82
  -        8.56        (24.25 )%      8,050        2.64     2.55     (0.11 )%      (0.02 )%      91.46
  (0.10     11.30        9.65     13,990        2.69     2.55     (0.21 )%      (0.07 )%      111.29
               
  -        11.65        (0.85 )%      4,089        2.12     1.81     (0.27 )%      0.04     192.93
  (0.01     11.75        7.03     5,043        2.19     1.81     (0.06 )%      0.32     137.83
  (0.05     10.99        20.61     6,309        2.01     1.80     0.85     1.06     121.82
  (0.04     9.16        (23.65 )%      2,640        2.03     1.80     0.56     0.79     91.46
  (0.17     12.04        10.38     5,358        2.16     1.80     0.33     0.68     111.29

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     39   


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

1.  Organization

The ICON Emerging Markets Fund (“Emerging Markets Fund”) and ICON International Equity Fund (“International Equity Fund”) are series funds (individually a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are part of the ICON Funds (the “Trust”), a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end investment management company. Each Fund offers three classes of shares: Class S, Class C and Class A. All classes have equal rights as to earnings, assets and voting privileges except that each Class may bear different distribution fees, registration costs, legal costs, mailing and printing costs and shareholder servicing costs and each Class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. There are currently fifteen other active Funds within the Trust. Those Funds are covered by separate prospectuses and shareholder reports.

Each Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par shares. The Funds primarily invest in foreign securities; the Emerging Markets Fund primarily invests in securities of issuers whose principal activities are in emerging market, or are economically tied to an emerging market country. The investment objective of each Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

The Funds may have elements of risk, including the risk of loss of principal. There is no assurance that the investment process will consistently lead to successful results. An investment concentrated in sectors and industries may involve greater risk and volatility than a more diversified investment. Investments in foreign securities and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar-denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability. Financial statements of foreign companies are governed by different accounting, auditing, and financial standards than U.S. companies and may be less transparent and uniform than in the United States. Many corporate governance standards, which help ensure the integrity of public information in the United States, may not exist in some foreign countries. In general, there may be less governmental supervision of foreign stock exchanges and securities brokers and issuers. There are also risks associated with small-and mid-cap investing, including limited product lines, less liquidity, and small market share. Securities of emerging or developing market companies may

 

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be less liquid and more volatile than securities in countries with more mature markets.

The International Equity Fund has a significant weighting in Germany which may cause the Fund’s performance to be susceptible to the economic, business and/or other developments that may affect that country.

In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into various agreements that provide for general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as any potential exposure involving future claims that may be made against each Fund is unknown. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

2.  Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Investment Valuation

The Funds’ securities and other assets, excluding options on securities indexes, are valued at the closing price as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (normally 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) each day the NYSE is open, except that securities traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) are normally valued by the Funds at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price provided by NASDAQ each business day. Options on securities indexes are valued at the close of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (normally 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

The Funds use pricing services to obtain the market value of securities in their portfolios; if a pricing service is not able to provide a price, or the pricing service’s valuation is considered inaccurate or does not in the Funds’ judgment reflect the market value of the security, prices may be obtained

 

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through market quotations from independent broker/dealers. If market quotations from these sources are not readily available, the Funds’ securities or other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (“Board”) or pursuant to procedures approved by the Board.

Lacking any sales that day, a security is valued at the current closing bid price (or yield equivalent thereof) or based on quotes obtained from dealers making a market for the security. Options are valued at their closing mid-price on the market with the most volume. Mid-price is the average of the closing bid and closing ask prices. Debt securities with a remaining maturity of greater than 60 days are valued using the evaluated bid price supplied by the pricing service. The evaluated bid price supplied by the pricing service is based upon a matrix valuation system which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings. Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are generally valued at amortized cost or original cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. Currency rates as of the close of the NYSE are used to convert foreign security values into U.S. dollars.

Securities of investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded. Investments in shares of funds that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value per share of such fund. Securities in the underlying funds, including restricted securities are valued in accordance with the valuation policy of such fund.

The Funds’ securities traded in countries outside of the Western Hemisphere are fair valued daily by utilizing the quotations of an independent pricing service, unless the Board determines that use of another valuation methodology is appropriate. The purposes of daily fair valuation are to avoid stale prices and to take into account, among other things, any significant events occurring after the close of foreign markets. The pricing service uses statistical analyses and quantitative models to adjust local market prices using factors such as subsequent movements and changes in the prices of indexes, securities and exchange rates in other markets to determine fair value as of the time a Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”). The valuation assigned to fair-value securities for purposes of calculating a Fund’s NAV may differ from the security’s most recent closing market price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs.

 

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Various inputs are used to determine the value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

Level 2 — significant observable inputs other than Level 1quoted prices (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk).

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs.

Observable inputs are those based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds, and unobservable inputs reflect the Funds’ own assumptions based on the best information available. The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investments at that level. For example, non-U.S. equity securities actively traded in foreign markets may be reflected in Level 2 despite the availability of closing prices, because the Funds evaluate and determine whether those closing prices reflect fair value at the close of the NYSE or require adjustment, as described above. The following table summarizes the Funds’ investments, based on the inputs used to determine their values on September 30, 2014:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

       

South Korea

  $ -      $ 2,232,593      $         -      $ 2,232,593   

India

    -        1,522,495        -        1,522,495   

China

    -        1,114,627        -        1,114,627   

Hong Kong

    -        785,405        0 **      785,405   

Malaysia

    -        533,910        -        533,910   

Other Countries

    475,165        1,172,546        -        1,647,711   

Preferred Stock

       

Brazil

    172,965        -        -        172,965   

Short-Term Investments

    -        1,912,832        -        1,912,832   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 648,130      $ 9,274,408      $ 0      $ 9,922,538   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

ICON International Equity Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

       

Germany

  $ -      $ 22,750,143      $         -      $ 22,750,143   

France

    532,614        12,565,977        -        13,098,591   

United Kingdom

    705,946        7,246,634        -        7,952,580   

Sweden

    -        4,765,242        -        4,765,242   

Australia

    -        4,643,419        -        4,643,419   

Other Countries

    4,960,874        30,121,920        0 **      35,082,794   

Preferred Stocks

       

Germany

    882,819        167,523        -        1,050,342   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        4,850,216        -        4,850,216   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 7,082,253      $ 87,111,074      $ 0      $ 94,193,327   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Please refer to the Schedule of Investments and the Sector/Industry Classification and Country Composition tables for additional security details.

 

** Chaoda Modern Agriculture Holdings, Ltd. is illiquid and valued with a zero market value for the year ended September 30, 2014.

There were no significant Level 3 securities held in any of the Funds at September 30, 2014.

For the ICON Emerging Markets Fund, there was no significant transfer activity between Level 1 and Level 2.

For the ICON International Equity Fund, common stocks valued at $705,946 were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 during the year ended September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2013, these securities were valued using quoted market prices in active markets with fair value adjustment factors; at September 30, 2014, these securities were valued using quoted market prices in active markets without using fair value adjustment factors.

The end of year timing recognition is used for the transfers between levels of the Fund’s assets and liabilities.

 

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A roll forward of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the Year ended September 30, 2014 for the Emerging Markets Fund and the International Equity Fund, is as follows:

 

     Common Stocks
Hong Kong
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

 

Beginning balance 9/30/13

  $ 0

Purchases

            -   

Sales

    -   

Accrued discounts/(premiums)

    -   

Total realized gains/(losses)

    -   

Total change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    -   

Transfers in to Level 3

    -   

Transfers out of Level 3

    -   
 

 

 

 

Ending balance 9/30/14

  $ 0
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments held at 9/30/14

  $ -   
 

 

 

 

ICON International Equity Fund

 

Beginning balance 9/30/13

  $ 0

Purchases

    -   

Sales

    -   

Accrued discounts/(premiums)

    -   

Total realized gains/(losses)

    -   

Total change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    -   

Transfers in to Level 3

    -   

Transfers out of Level 3

    -   
 

 

 

 

Ending balance 9/30/14

  $ 0
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments held at 9/30/14

  $ -   
 

 

 

 

 

* Chaoda Modern Agriculture Holdings, Ltd. is illiquid and valued with a zero market value for the year ended September 30, 2014.

Fund Share Valuation

Fund shares are sold and redeemed on a daily basis at net asset value. Net asset value per share is determined daily as of the close of trading on the NYSE on each day the NYSE is open for trading by dividing the total value of the Fund’s investments and other assets, less liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated daily into U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the respective dates of the transactions. Purchases and sales of securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the contractual currency exchange rates established at the time of each trade.

The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, resulting from changes in the exchange rates and changes in market prices of securities held.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

The Funds may enter into short-term forward foreign currency contracts. A forward foreign currency contract is an agreement between contracting parties to exchange an amount of currency at some future time at an agreed upon rate. The Funds use forward foreign currency contracts to manage foreign currency exposure with respect to transactional hedging, positional hedging, cross hedging and proxy hedging.

These contracts involve market risk and do not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of those securities decline. The Funds could be exposed to risk if the value of the currency changes unfavorably. Additionally, the Funds could be exposed to counterparty risk if the counterparties are unable to meet the terms of the contracts.

These contracts are marked-to-market daily. Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions represent disposition of foreign currencies, and the difference between the amount recorded at the time of the transaction and the U.S. dollar amount actually received. Any realized gain or loss incurred by the Funds due to foreign currency translation is included on the Statement of Operations. At September 30, 2014, the Emerging Markets Fund and International Equity Fund had no outstanding forward foreign currency contracts.

 

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Securities Lending

Under procedures adopted by the Board, the Funds may lend securities to certain approved brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income. The Funds retain certain benefits of owning the securities, including receipt of dividends or interest generated by the security, but give up other rights including the right to vote proxies. The Funds retain the ability to recall the loans at any time and could do so in order to vote proxies or to sell the loaned securities. Each loan is collateralized by cash that generally exceeds the value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined daily at the close of business of the Funds and any additional required collateral is delivered to each Fund on the next business day.

Generally, in the event of borrower default, the Funds have the right to use the collateral to offset any losses incurred. In the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral, there may be a potential loss to the Funds. Some of these losses may be indemnified by the lending agent.

The Funds have elected to invest the cash collateral in the State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio which is disclosed on the Schedule of Investments. The Funds bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of collateral. The net securities lending income earned by the Funds for the year ended September 30, 2014, is included in the Statement of Operations.

For the year ended September 30, 2014, the following Funds had securities with the following values on loan:

 

Fund   Loaned Securities     Collateral  

ICON International Equity Fund

  $ 4,612,892      $ 4,850,216   

The value of the collateral above could include collateral held for securities that were sold on or before September 30, 2014. It may also include collateral received from the pre-funding of security loans.

Income Taxes, Dividends, and Distributions

The Funds intend to continue to qualify as regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and, accordingly, the Funds will generally not be subject to federal and state income taxes or federal excise taxes to the extent that they intend to make sufficient distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Dividends paid by the Funds from net investment income and distributions of net realized short-term gains are, for federal income tax purposes, taxable as ordinary income to shareholders.

Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded by the Funds on the ex-dividend/distribution date. The Funds distribute income and net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least annually, if not offset by capital loss carryforward. The Funds may utilize equalization accounting for tax purposes and designate earnings and profits, including net realized gains distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares, as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements.

The Funds file U.S. tax returns. While the statute of limitations remains open to examine the Funds’ U.S. tax returns filed for the past three years, no examinations are in progress or anticipated at this time. The Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Certain foreign countries impose a capital gains tax which is accrued by the Funds based on the unrealized appreciation, if any, on affected securities. Any accrual would reduce a Fund’s NAV. The tax is paid when the gain is realized.

Investment Income

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income is accrued as earned. Certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the Funds are informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Discounts and premiums on fixed income securities purchased are accreted or amortized to income over the life of the respective securities.

 

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Investment Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day after the trade date. However, for financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

Allocation of Expenses

Each class of a Fund’s shares bears expenses incurred specifically on its behalf and, in addition, each class bears a portion of general expenses, based upon relative net assets of each class. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a specific Fund in the Trust are apportioned between all Funds in the Trust based upon relative net assets. In calculating the net asset value per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses other than class-specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the proportion of net assets.

Below are the class level expenses that are included on the Statement of Operations:

 

Fund   Legal
Expense
    Printing
and Postage
Expense
    Transfer
Agent
Expense
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

     

Class S

  $ 3,044      $ 17,611      $ 36,159   

Class C

    179        268        1,423   

Class A

    89        563        1,246   

ICON International Equity Fund

     

Class S

    6,700        13,789        42,158   

Class C

    521        2,897        15,358   

Class A

    482        3,843        14,710   

3.  Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fees

ICON Advisers, Inc. (“ICON Advisers”) serves as investment adviser to the Funds and is responsible for managing the Funds’ portfolios of securities. ICON Advisers receives a monthly management fee that is computed daily at an annual rate of 1.00% of each Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

ICON Advisers has contractually agreed to limit the Funds’ operating expenses (exclusive of brokerage, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) to the extent necessary to ensure that the Funds’ expenses do not exceed the following amounts:

 

Fund   Class S     Class C     Class A  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

    1.55%        2.55%        1.80%   

ICON International Equity Fund

    1.55%        2.55%        1.80%   

The Funds’ expense limitations will continue in effect until at least January 31, 2021 for Class C, Class A and International Equity Fund Class S. Effective May 5, 2014, ICON Advisors has contractually agreed to limit the total expenses of the Emerging Markets Fund Class S shares to an annual rate of 1.55% in effect until at least January 31, 2016. To the extent ICON Advisers reimburses or absorbs fees and expenses, it may seek payment of such amounts for up to three years after the expenses were reimbursed or absorbed. A Fund will make no such payment, however, if the total Fund operating expenses exceed the expense limits in effect at the time the expenses were reimbursed or at the time these payments are proposed.

As of September 30, 2014 the following amounts were available for recoupment by ICON Advisers based upon their potential expiration dates:

 

Fund   2015     2016     2017  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 22,319      $ 18,421      $ 62,550   

ICON International Equity Fund

    25,950        33,867        29,665   

Accounting, Custody and Transfer Agent Fees

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) serves as the fund accounting agent for the Funds. For its services, the Trust pays State Street a fee that is calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust.

State Street is the custodian of the Trust’s investments. For its services, the Trust pays State Street asset-based fees that vary according to the number of positions and transactions, plus out-of-pocket expenses.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) is the Trust’s transfer agent. For these services, the Trust pays a per account fee, plus certain other transaction Cusip charges and out-of-pocket expenses. BFDS may pay each Fund transfer agent earnings credits. Transfer agent earnings credits are credits received for interest which results from overnight balances used by BFDS for clearing shareholder transactions.

 

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Administrative Services

The Trust has entered into an administrative services agreement with ICON Advisers pursuant to which ICON Advisers oversees the administration of the Trust’s business and affairs. This agreement provides for an annual fee of 0.05% on the Trust’s first $1.5 billion of average daily net assets, 0.045% on the next $1.5 billion of average daily net assets, 0.040% on the next $2 billion of average daily net assets and 0.030% on average daily net assets over $5 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2014, each Fund’s payment for administrative services to ICON Advisers is included on the Statement of Operations. The administrative services agreement provides that ICON Advisers will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with matters to which the administrative services agreement relates, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence by ICON Advisers in the performance of its duties.

ICON Advisers has a sub-administration agreement with State Street under which State Street assists ICON Advisers with the administration and business affairs of the Trust. For its services, ICON Advisers pays State Street a fee that is calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust.

Distribution Fees

The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“12b-1 Plan”) under which the Funds are authorized to compensate the Funds’ distributor, ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI”) (an affiliate of the adviser) for the sale and distribution of shares and for other shareholder services. Under the 12b-1 Plan, Class A shareholders pay an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. The Class C shareholders pay an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets. There is no annual distribution and service fee for Class S shares. The total amount paid under the 12b-1 plans by the Funds, if any, is shown on the Statement of Operations.

Other Related Parties

Certain Officers and Directors of ICON Advisers are also Officers and Trustees of the Funds; however, such Officers and Trustees (with the exception of the Chief Compliance Officer, “CCO”) receive no compensation from the Funds. The Trust paid $120,000 of the CCO’s salary and the remaining portion is

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

paid by ICON Advisers. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statement of Operations.

The Fund may reimburse ICON Advisers for legal work performed for the Fund by its attorneys outside of the advisory and administration contracts. The Board of Trustees reviews and approves such reimbursements. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statement of Operations.

4.  Borrowings

The Trust has entered into a Line of Credit agreement/arrangement with State Street to provide temporary funding for redemption requests. The maximum borrowing is limited to $150 million. Interest on domestic borrowings is charged at a rate quoted and determined by State Street. The average interest rate charged for the year ended September 30, 2014 was 1.31%.

For the year ended September 30, 2014 the average outstanding loan by Fund was as follows:

 

Fund   Average Borrowing
(10/1/13-9/30/14)
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 12,793   

ICON International Equity Fund*

    50,693   

 

* Fund had outstanding borrowings under these agreements/arrangements as of September 30,2014.

5.  Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

For the year ended September 30, 2014, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) was as follows:

 

Fund   Purchases of
Securities
    Proceeds
from Sales of
Securities
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 16,393,890      $ 36,994,152   

ICON International Equity Fund

    164,082,794        119,058,795   

 

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6.  Federal Income Tax

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between U.S. GAAP and federal income tax purposes that are permanent in nature are reclassified within the capital accounts. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the NAVs of the Funds. These differences are due to differing treatments for items such as deferrals of wash sale losses, foreign currency transactions, and net investment losses.

For the year ended September 30, 2014 the following Funds had capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund   Amounts     Expires  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 7,143,674        2017   

ICON International Equity Fund

    53,195,839        2017   
    27,012,993        2018   
    3,460,576        Unlimited   

Future capital loss carryforward utilization in any given year may be limited if there are substantial shareholder redemptions or contributions. During the year ended September 30, 2014 the following Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund   Amount  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 2,958,821   

ICON International Equity Fund

    7,395,495   

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”) capital losses generated by a fund may be carried over indefinitely, but these losses must be used prior to the utilization of any pre-enactment capital losses. Since pre-enactment capital losses may only be carried forward for eight years there may be a greater likelihood that all or a portion of each fund’s pre-enactment capital losses will expire unused.

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, were as follows:

 

Fund   Distributions
Paid from
Ordinary Income
    Distributions
Paid from
Return of Capital
    Total
Distributions
Paid
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 60,794      $         -      $ 60,794   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:

 

Fund   Distributions
Paid from
Ordinary Income
    Distributions
Paid from
Return of Capital
    Total
Distributions
Paid
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 271,232      $ -      $ 271,232   

ICON International Equity Fund

    9,994        229,699        239,693   

As of September 30, 2014, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund   Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
    Late Year
Loss
Deferral**
    Capital Loss
Carryover
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)*
    Total
Accumulated
Earnings/
(Deficit)
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ -      $ (351,675   $ (7,143,674   $ (209,054   $ (7,704,403

ICON International Equity Fund

    71,689        -        (83,669,408     (9,347,883     (92,945,602

 

* Differences between the book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

** The Funds have elected to defer certain qualified late-year losses in accordance with federal income tax rules. These losses are treated as having arisen on the first day of the following fiscal year.

As of September 30, 2014, cost on investments for federal income tax purposes and the amount of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund   Cost     Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 10,130,007      $ 750,998      $ (958,467   $ (207,469

ICON International Equity Fund

    103,530,172        2,291,463        (11,628,308     (9,336,845

7.  Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-08, Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2013-08”). This update sets forth a new approach for determining whether a public or private company is an investment company and sets certain measurement

 

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and disclosure requirements for an investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the 1940 Act automatically meets the criteria of ASU 2013-08 and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. Management does not expect this guidance to have an impact on the Funds’ financial statements.

8.  Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events and determined that there are no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of the ICON Funds:

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ICON Emerging Markets Fund (formerly the ICON Asia-Pacific Region Fund) and ICON International Equity Fund (two of the portfolios constituting ICON Funds, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”) at September 30, 2014, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2014 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Denver, Colorado

November 19, 2014

 

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SIX MONTH HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE EXAMPLE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (UNAUDITED)

Example

As a shareholder of a Fund you may pay two types of fees: transaction fees and fund-related fees. Certain funds charge transaction fees, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees. Funds also incur various ongoing expenses, including management fees, distribution and/or service fees, and other fund expenses, which are indirectly paid by shareholders.

This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the various ICON Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. This Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the six-month period (4/1/14 – 9/30/14).

Actual Expenses

The first line in the table for each Fund provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The Example includes, but is not limited to, management fees, 12b-1 fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees. However, the Example does not include client specific fees, such as the $15 fee charged to IRA accounts, or the $15 fee charged for wire redemptions. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line for each Fund under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line in the table for each Fund provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads),

 

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redemption fees, or exchange fees that may be charged by other funds. Therefore, this information is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

     Beginning
Account
Value
4/1/14
    Ending
Account
Value
9/30/14
    Expense Paid
During Period
4/1/14 - 9/30/14*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
4/1/14 -  9/30/14*
 

Actual Expenses

  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  

Class S

  $ 1,000      $ 1,017.00      $ 10.82        2.14%   

Class C

    1,000        1,012.30        15.23        3.02%   

Class A

    1,000        1,016.30        11.32        2.24%   

ICON International Equity Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        931.10        6.68        1.38%   

Class C

    1,000        925.70        12.41        2.57%   

Class A

    1,000        929.00        8.80        1.82%   

Hypothetical (assuming a 5% return before expenses)

       

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

  

     

Class S

    1,000        1,014.34        10.81     

Class C

    1,000        1,009.93        15.22     

Class A

    1,000        1,013.84        11.31     

ICON International Equity Fund

  

     

Class S

    1,000        1,018.15        6.98     

Class C

    1,000        1,012.18        12.96     

Class A

    1,000        1,015.94        9.20     

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s six month expense ratio annualized and multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

Total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included (maximum 5.75%), returns would be lower.

 

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND FUND OFFICERS (UNAUDITED)

The ICON Funds Board of Trustees (“Board”) consists of four Trustees who oversee the 17 ICON Funds (the “Funds”). The Board is responsible for general oversight of the Funds’ business and for assuring that the Funds are managed in the best interest of the Funds’ shareholders. The Trustees, and their ages, and principal occupations are set forth below. The address of the Trustees is 5299 DTC Blvd., Suite 1200, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Trustees have no official term of office and generally serve until they resign or are not re-elected.

Interested Trustee

Craig T. Callahan, 63, Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as Chief Executive Officer (2013-present); President (1998 to 2013 and 2014 to present); and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers. Dr. Callahan is also Executive Vice President (2005 to present); Director (1991 to present); and was previously President (1998 to 2005) and Chief Compliance Officer (2005) of IDI. Dr. Callahan also serves as the President (1998 to present) and Chairman of the Board of Directors (1994 to present) of IM&R, the parent company of ICON Advisers and IDI.

Independent Trustees

Glen F. Bergert, 64. Mr. Bergert has been a Trustee of the Funds since 1999. Mr. Bergert is President of Venture Capital Management LLC (1997 to present), General Partner of SOGNO Partners LP, a venture capital company (2001 to present), General Partner of Bergert Properties, LLP, a real estate holding company (1997 to present), General Partner of Pyramid Real Estate Partnership, a real estate development company (1998 to present), General Partner of Chamois Partners, LP, a venture capital company (2004 to present) and was previously a General Partner with KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP (1979 to 1997). Mr. Bergert is also a Director of Delta Dental of California, an insurance company (2013 to present and 2006 to 2012), Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, an insurance company (1998 to 2009 and 2010 to present), Dentegra Group, Inc, an insurance holding company (2010 to 2014) and Delta Reinsurance Corporation (2000 to 2009 and 2011 to 2014). Mr. Bergert was a Director of Herre Bros, Inc., a contracting company (1998 to 2011).

John C. Pomeroy, Jr., 67. Mr. Pomeroy has been a Trustee of the Funds since November 2002. Mr. Pomeroy is Chief Investment Officer and Director

 

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of Investments, Pennsylvania State University (2001 to present) and was Portfolio Manager and Product Manager, Trinity Investment Management Corporation (1989 to 2001).

R. Michael Sentel, 66. Mr. Sentel has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Mr. Sentel is a Senior Attorney with the U.S. Department of Education (1996 to present). Mr. Sentel also provides legal representation as a sole practitioner with an emphasis on corporate and transactional law. He served as general counsel to numerous public companies and served on the board of directors of one of these clients. Mr. Sentel began his legal career with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement and served as a Branch Chief (1980 to 1981). Later he served as the Section Chief for the Professional Liability Section of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. with responsibility for the Rocky Mountain Region (1991 to 1994).

The Officers of the Funds are:

Craig T. Callahan, 63, Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as Chief Executive Officer (2013-present); President (1998 to 2013 and 2014 to present); and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers. Dr. Callahan is also Executive Vice President (2005 to present); Director (1991 to present); and was previously President (1998 to 2005) and Chief Compliance Officer (2005) of IDI. Dr. Callahan also serves as the President (1998 to present) and Chairman of the Board of Directors (1994 to present) of IM&R, the parent company of ICON Advisers and IDI.

Donald Salcito, 61. Mr. Salcito serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Funds (November 15, 2006 to present). Mr. Salcito is also Executive Vice President and General Counsel (September 2005 to present) of ICON Advisers; Director of IM&R (2005 to present); Executive Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel of IDI (2005 to present). Previously, he was a Partner in various national law firms, practicing in the securities law area. (1980 to 2005).

Carrie M. Schoffman, 41. Ms. Schoffman has been a Vice President and Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer of the Funds since June 2013. Ms. Schoffman is also Chief Compliance Officer (2013 to present and 2004 to 2008) and Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2013 to present) of the ICON Funds. She is Senior Vice President (2011 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2013 to present and 2004 to 2011) of ICON Advisers. Previously, she was a Staff Accountant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (2003 to 2004) and also an Experienced Manager (2001 to 2003) and a Senior Associate/Associate (1996 to 2001) at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

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Lesley Caviness, 48. Ms. Caviness serves as Assistant Treasurer of the Funds (2014 to present). She has worked at ICON (2007-2008 and 2010 – present) in fund accounting, compliance, business intelligence and performance capacities. Prior to working at ICON, Ms. Caviness was a Real Estate Broker at Seasons Real Estate Group (2008-2012) and Signature Real Estate (2014 - present), Finance Manager at Navigant (2000-2007), and Associate/Senior Associate (1996 to 2000) at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Renewal of Investment Advisory Agreement

On September 3, 2014 the Board of Trustees, including all of the Trustees that are not “interested persons” of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved continuation of the Advisory Agreements with the Adviser for each Fund for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2014.

In determining to renew the investment advisory agreements between ICON Funds (the “Trust”) and ICON Advisers, Inc. (“ICON” or the “Adviser”) the Trustees requested, was provided with and reviewed data with respect to the Adviser, its personnel, and the services provided and to be provided to each Fund by the Adviser under the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated October 9, 1996, as amended (related to the Sector Funds, the International Funds and ICON Funds) and under the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated July 9, 2002 and effective October 1, 2002, as amended (related to the U.S. Diversified Funds — Bond, Risk-Managed Equity, Equity Income and Long/Short Funds) (collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”), for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2014. The Trustees agreed that consideration of the Advisory Agreements should also include consideration of other agreements between the Adviser and the Trust that impact provisions of the Advisory Agreements, including, in particular, expense limitation agreements dated January 22, 2014, as amended May 5, 2014 (for ICON Emerging Markets Fund) and as amended effective September 30, 2014 (for the ICON High Yield Bond Fund).

The Trustees were provided with and reviewed data with respect to the Adviser, its personnel, and the services provided and to be provided to each Fund by the Adviser under the Trust’s Advisory Agreements, Administrative Services Agreement and Expense Limitation Agreement and the Distribution Agreement with ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI”). The data included information concerning advisory, distribution and administrative services provided to the Funds by ICON and its related companies; information concerning other businesses of those companies; comparative data related to exchange traded funds versus the Sector Funds; and comparative data obtained from Strategic Insight (“SI”) related to Fund performance and Fund expenses (the “SI Report”). The data also included an analysis of the management style to be applied and the style applied to the Funds’ ratings of the Funds’ performance in their management style on the AthenaInvest system (the “AthenaInvest Data”) and a presentation on the Adviser’s investment model.

The Board convened a meeting with SI to discuss the SI Report and the information contained within the SI Report on August 20, 2014. Management

 

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personnel participated in the SI meeting convened to discuss the data for and with the Board. Included in the 15(c) discussion was a briefing on factors affecting the ICON investment model; expenses and expense ratios of each Fund and other ICON managed products; relative performance of each Fund; status of expense reimbursements to the Funds by the Adviser; sales and marketing initiatives; specific business factors affecting IDI; the work load on ICON as adviser and administrator to the Funds; current profitability of ICON; current quality control procedures in place to show consistency in the management of the investment model, modification to the investment model, and staffing levels and staff morale.

The Independent Trustees were represented by independent legal counsel in this process. Prior to acting on the proposed contract renewals and after participating in the meeting with SI and management, the Independent Trustees met separately as a group in private sessions with their independent legal counsel to review and discuss the foregoing information. Based on these discussions, independent legal counsel and/or the Lead Independent Trustee also contacted management and SI to request additional information and to discuss responses to questions raised during the process and the meeting with SI. In addition, the Board received materials from legal counsel discussing the legal standards applicable to their consideration of the ICON-Trust agreements.

In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board reviewed information relating to ICON’s operations and personnel. Among other things, the Adviser provided biographical information on its professional staff and descriptions of its organizational and management structure. In the course of their deliberations the Board evaluated, among other things, information relating to the investment philosophy, strategies and techniques used in managing each Fund, the qualifications and experience of ICON’s investment personnel, ICON’s compliance programs, ICON’s brokerage practices, including the extent to which the Adviser obtains research through “soft dollar” arrangements with the Funds’ brokerage, compliance reports on the foregoing, and the financial and non-financial resources available to provide services required under the Advisory Agreement.

During the discussion, the SI Report and the AthenaInvest Data were discussed and management personnel showed performance for each fund and discussed the factors affecting performance. The Board inquired from SI whether there was any correlation between fund expenses and performance, and SI saw no correlation with the ICON Funds. During the discussion on performance, management personnel noted that the markets continue to experience volatility and that when the markets are volatile, it affects the performance of the ICON system; during the last three – four years ICON’s

 

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style of management, intrinsic valuation, has not been in favor and performance has been affected by three primary factors: quality, cash and shorter duration theme reversals. The Trustees noted that Advisers’ performance relative to other valuation managers as judged by the AthenaInvest system is in line, but in relation to other strategy managers, valuation is underperforming Future Growth, Social Considerations, Competitive Position, Quantitative and Profitability. The Board believes this information supports the view that an active valuation manager is in a very difficult setting and indicates this setting has been particularly difficult for managers buying what they consider to be value stocks. Management noted that the ICON system is designed to handle one to two year industry themes; and that the Adviser has stuck to its system as specified in Fund disclosure documents, holding the stocks and industries that appear inexpensive in relation to ICON’s calculating of value and ridden through the volatility. SI also noted that from a performance point of view, the Funds in the SI Report are compared using the Morningstar data, and there is no Morningstar category for “all cap” funds. For the period July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014 and for the six month period ending June 30, 2014, five of the 18 ICON Funds out-performed their benchmarks.

The Board addressed style consistency with the Adviser. Management advised that, based on the Adviser’s own analysis, and with the restructuring of the Adviser, the Adviser has continued an additional level of review on the Portfolio Managers (“PMs”) to make sure they are adhering to the ICON System; the Senior Vice President of Fund Management has been systematically tracking the Funds’ performance; he evaluates each of the ICON Funds to help ensure all PMs are investing consistently and in accordance with the ICON System by evaluating the Funds from an attribution perspective in monthly meetings. Management also advised that part of his responsibilities require him to evaluate the ICON system and that this effort has resulted in improvements to the ICON methodology, when necessary.

In connection with reviewing data bearing upon the nature, quality, and extent of services furnished by ICON to each Fund, the Board assessed data concerning ICON’s staffing, systems and facilities. The Board also assessed ICON’s non-Trust business to see if there are any initiatives that would dilute service to the Trust. The Board concluded:

A.  That the breadth and the quality of investment advisory and other services being provided to each Fund is satisfactory, as evidenced in part by efforts to address and improve the performance record of each Fund when compared with the performance records of a peer group of comparable funds and markets in general;

 

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B.  That the breadth and the quality of investment advisory and other services being provided to each Fund are satisfactory, as evidenced in part by the AthenaInvest Data (ratings based on an assessment of fund strategy), the Adviser’s performance is competitive with other fund managers in the value style group, and the Adviser has applied a disciplined approach in the style specified in the Funds’ offering document;

C.  That ICON has made significant expenditures in the past year and in prior years to ensure that it has the sophisticated systems and the highly trained personnel necessary for it to be able to continue to provide quality service to the Funds’ shareholders, including the dedication of substantial resources to ICON’s investment and methodology;

D.  That the Board, after considering compliance reports and compliance initiatives undertaken during the year and conducting individual interviews with selected PMs, is satisfied with the research and portfolio management, that research and portfolio management is being constantly evaluated and improved upon; and that the PMs are evaluating trading services constantly, the Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management of the nature, quality and scope required by the Funds; and

E.  The risks assumed by ICON in providing investment advisory services to each Fund, including the capital commitments which have been made in the past and which continue to be made by ICON to ensure the continuation of the highest quality of service to the Trust, is made with the recognition that shareholders may redeem their shares at any time without notice and the Trust’s advisory relationship with ICON may be terminated at any time and must be renewed on an annual basis.

In considering the reasonableness of the fees paid to the Adviser for managing each Fund, the Board reviewed, among other things, data concerning other funds from the SI Report, financial statements of the Adviser and an analysis of the profitability of the Adviser, and its affiliates, and their relationship with each Fund over various time periods. Such analysis identified all revenues and other benefits received by the Adviser and its affiliates from managing each Fund, the costs associated with providing such services and the resulting profitability to the Adviser and its affiliates and a comparison of similar data from reports filed by publicly traded firms.

The Board assessed actual (net) fees for advisory services and Fund expense ratios under the contractual relationship (the Advisory agreements and the Expense Limitation Agreements) with the Adviser as opposed to the fees specified in the applicable Advisory Agreement and expense ratios without

 

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application of the expense limitations and concluded that the focus should be on actual expense ratios after application of the Expense Limitation Agreements.

The Board considered the current and anticipated asset levels of each Fund and the contractual commitments of the Adviser to waive fees and pay expenses of the Funds from time to time to limit the total expenses of the Funds. In this regard the Board discussed asset levels in each Fund covered by the Advisory Agreements due to the relative Fund performance, and the industry wide sales in equity and actively managed funds due to the uncertainty of the markets. ICON’s ability to provide the services called for under the Advisory Agreements was assessed in light of current and projected asset levels. Fund expenses and expense ratios were also assessed in light of current and projected asset levels. The Board concluded that the Adviser has the resources necessary to provide the services called for under the Advisory Agreements; that profitability to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Funds, and services provided to the Funds, is not excessive; and that the Adviser is not realizing material benefits from economies of scale that would warrant adjustments to the fees for any Fund at this time. The Board of Trustees concluded that, in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and the levels of profitability associated with providing these services, the fees charged by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreements to each Fund are reasonable.

In connection with assessing data bearing on the fairness of fee arrangements, the Board considered the SI Report. It was noted that SI was selected at the May Board meeting to prepare its report, an extensive analysis of the expense data of other comparable funds; and that Trustee input was solicited and provided in the process. Among other information discussed, it was noted that:

A.  the advisory fee structures of the Funds are within the range of funds considered in the comparison with advisory fees and expense ratios of other similarly managed funds as set forth in the comparative data;

B.  ICON has contractually agreed to impose expense limitations on each and every Fund at a cost to ICON;

C.  ICON has contractually committed to break points in its fees so that economies of scale could be realized as a Fund grows in assets, for the benefit of Fund shareholders.

The Board also considered the fees charged by the Adviser to other advisory clients as outlined in its Registration Application on Form ADV in connection with assessing data bearing on the fairness of fee arrangements. The Trustees noted that certain ICON institutional/sub-advised type accounts

 

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have lower fees than the fees paid by the Funds for a number of reasons, including but not limited to, those clients call for different commitments of time, institutional clients have low and predictable turnover of assets, in competition joint costs are apportioned among paying customers according to elasticity of demand and the Adviser has a limited level of responsibility in sub-managed accounts, or accounts with an investor agent/advisor.

The Board noted that the Funds’ redemptions were similar to industry averages which showed two things: 1) that the Funds’ Performance was not adversely impacting fund redemptions, and 2) that the fees and costs were competitive when compared to size. The Board noted that there are thousands of mutual funds competing; that investors can search and trade funds on the internet or on platforms at very little or no cost; and that if the Adviser were overcharging for its services, with its performance being what it is, the Board would have expected redemptions in excess of industry norms.

The Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management at a fair, reasonable and competitive price.

In connection with assessing the direct and indirect benefits to ICON from serving as the Funds’ adviser, the Board discussed services provided under the Distribution Agreement and the Administrative Services Agreement which are in addition to services under the Advisory Agreements. It was noted that IDI does not charge a fee to the Funds for its services and that ICON’s fee for administrative services appears to be consistent with such fees in other fund groups. The Board noted that ICON receives research assistance (primarily in the form of data) from the use of soft dollars generated from Fund portfolio transactions; that such research assists ICON in providing quality advisory services; that Trust and Adviser compliance personnel continuously evaluate and report on the soft-dollar arrangements and related costs; and the Board concluded that the arrangements are consistent with Fund brokerage practices and benefit the Funds and their shareholders.

Based on these considerations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that: 1) the continuation of the Advisory Agreements was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders, 2) the services to be performed under the Advisory Agreements were required for the operation of the Funds, 3) the advisory services were satisfactory to the Funds in the past, and 4) the fees for the advisory services and other benefits from the relationship with the Trust received by ICON, and its affiliates, were consistent with fees paid by similar funds and other clients of ICON, and were reasonable in light of the comparative data, and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s length in light of all the circumstances.

 

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Supplemental Tax Information

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the following funds paid qualified dividend income:

 

Fund   Amount  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

    100

The Funds had no long-term capital gain distributions qualifying for the maximum 20% income tax rate for individuals.

Portfolio Holdings

Information related to the 10 largest portfolio holdings of each Fund is made available at www.iconfunds.com within approximately 10 business days after month-end. Additionally, a complete list of each Fund’s holdings is made available approximately 30 days after month-end. Each ICON Fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of its fiscal year with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on Form N-Q. The ICON Funds’ Forms N-Q are available at www.sec.gov or may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Proxy Voting

A summarized description of the policies and procedures the ICON Funds use to vote proxies is available free of charge at www.iconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-764-0442.

Information about how the ICON Funds voted proxies related to each Fund’s portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available free of charge at www.iconfunds.com or on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

Cost Basis Information

Effective January 1, 2012, federal law requires mutual fund companies to maintain and report a shareholder’s cost basis by tax lot, gain/loss information and holding period of covered shares to the Internal Revenue Service on Form 1099. Covered shares are mutual fund shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012. A fund is not required to maintain and report information for shares not deemed as covered.

The new law requires each fund to elect a default tax identification methodology in order to perform the required reporting. As a result, the Trust has chosen Average Cost as its default tax identification methodology.

 

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This is the method each Fund will use. However, at the time of purchase or upon the sale of covered shares, shareholders may choose a different tax identification method. Furthermore, if you purchase shares through a financial intermediary, please contact the intermediary to find out what default tax identification method they will use. We recommend that you consult your tax adviser to determine which tax identification methodology best suits your individual tax situation.

For More Information

This report is for the general information of the Funds’ shareholders and is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. You may obtain a copy of the prospectus, which contains information about the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and share classes of each ICON Fund, by visiting www.iconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-764-0442. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

ICON Distributors, Inc., Distributor.

 

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ICON FUNDS PRIVACY INFORMATION

 

FACTS  

WHAT DOES ICON DO

WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

 
Why?   Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
 
What?  

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

n  Social Security number and account balances

 

n  income and transaction history

 

n  checking account information and wire transfer instructions

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 
How?   All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons ICON chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information   Does ICON share?   Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

  Yes   No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

  No   We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies   No   We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your transactions and experiences

  No   We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your creditworthiness

  No   We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you   No   We don’t share

 

Questions?   Call 1-800-764-0442 for the ICON Funds and 1-800-828-4881 for ICON Advisers, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

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Page 2    

 

Who we are    
Who is providing this notice?   ICON Funds, ICON Advisers, Inc., and ICON Distributors, Inc. (collectively “ICON”)
What we do    
How does ICON protect my personal information?  

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

Contracts with our service providers require them to restrict access to your non-public personal information, and to maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards against unintended disclosure.

How does ICON collect my personal information?  

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

n  open an account or enter into an investment advisory contract

 

n  provide account information or give us your contact information

 

n  make a wire transfer

 

We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?  

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

n  sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

 

n  affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

n  sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions    
Affiliates  

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

n  Our affiliates include financial companies such as ICON Funds, ICON Advisers, Inc., and ICON Distributors, Inc.

Nonaffiliates  

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

n  Nonaffiliates we share with can include financial companies such as custodians, transfer agents, registered representatives, financial advisers and nonfinancial companies such as fulfillment, proxy voting, and class action service providers

Joint marketing  

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

n  ICON doesn’t jointly market

 

FUNDS PRIVACY INFORMATION     71   


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For more information about the ICON Funds, contact us:

By Telephone    1-800-764-0442
By Mail    ICON Funds
P.O. Box 55452
Boston, MA 02205-8165
In Person    ICON Funds
5299 DTC Boulevard, 12th Floor
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
On the Internet    www.iconfunds.com
By E-Mail    info@iconadvisers.com

 

LOGO


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LOGO

2014 ANNUAL REPORT

ICON SECTOR FUNDS

INVESTMENT UPDATE

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

ICON Energy Fund

ICON Financial Fund

ICON Healthcare Fund

ICON Industrials Fund

ICON Information Technology Fund

ICON Materials Fund

ICON Utilities Fund

 

LOGO

1-800-764-0442 | www.iconfunds.com


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LOGO

You can now sign up for electronic delivery of ICON Fund shareholder reports, including prospectuses, annual reports, semiannual reports and proxy statements.

When these materials are available, you will receive an email from ICON with instructions on how to view the documents. Statements, transaction confirmations and other documents that are not available online will continue to be sent to you by U.S. mail.

Visit ICON’s website at www.iconfunds.com to learn more and sign up.

You may change or cancel your participation in eDelivery by visiting www.iconfunds.com, or you can request a hard copy of any of the materials free of charge by calling ICON Funds at 1-800-764-0442.

 

1-800-764-0442     •     www.iconfunds.com


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

About This Report (Unaudited)

     2   

Message from ICON Funds (Unaudited)

     5   

Management Overview (Unaudited) and Schedules of Investments

  

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

     8   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

     14   

ICON Energy Fund

     19   

ICON Financial Fund

     25   

ICON Healthcare Fund

     31   

ICON Industrials Fund

     36   

ICON Information Technology Fund

     42   

ICON Materials Fund

     48   

ICON Utilities Fund

     54   

Financial Statements

     60   

Financial Highlights

     76   

Notes to Financial Statements

     86   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     104   

Six Month Hypothetical Expense Example (Unaudited)

     105   

Board of Trustees and Fund Officers (Unaudited)

     108   

Other Information (Unaudited)

     111   

Funds Privacy Information

     119   


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ABOUT THIS REPORT (UNAUDITED)

Historical Returns

All total returns mentioned in this Report account for the change in a Fund’s per-share price and the reinvestment of any dividends, capital gain distributions and adjustments for financial statement purposes. If your account is set up to receive Fund distributions in cash rather than to reinvest them, your actual return may differ from these figures. The Funds’ performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. The Adviser may have reimbursed certain fees or expenses of some of the Funds. If not for these reimbursements, performance would have been lower. Fund results shown, unless otherwise indicated, are at net asset value. If a sales charge (maximum 5.75%) had been deducted, results would have been lower.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance results represent past performance, and current performance may be higher or lower. Please call 1-800-764-0442 or visit www.iconfunds.com for performance results current to the most recent month-end.

Portfolio Data

This Report reflects ICON’s portfolio holdings as of September 30, 2014, the end of the reporting period. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any sector, industry, security or the Funds.

Opinions and forecasts regarding industries, companies and/or themes, and portfolio composition and holdings are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security, industry or sector. Each Fund’s holdings as of September 30, 2014 are included in each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

According to ICON, value investing is an analytical approach to investing that employs various factors, including projecting earnings growth estimates, in an effort to determine whether securities are over- or underpriced relative to ICON’s estimates of their intrinsic value. Value investing involves risks and uncertainties and does not guarantee better performance or lower costs than other investment methodologies. ICON’s value-to-price ratio (“V/P”) is a ratio of intrinsic value, as calculated using ICON’s proprietary valuation methodology, of a broad range of domestic and international securities

 

2   ABOUT THIS REPORT


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within ICON’s system as compared to the current market price of those securities. The ICON system relies on the integrity of the financial statements released to the market as part of our analysis.

This Report contains statements regarding industry or sector themes, new market themes, investment outlook, relative strength, value-to-price ratios, and investment team expectations, beliefs, goals and the like that are based on current expectations, recent individual stock performance relative to current market prices, estimates of company values and other information supplied to the market by the companies we follow. Words such as “expects,” “suggests,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “value,” “intrinsic value,” “indicates,” “believes,” “considers,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements, which are not statements of historical fact. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess. These risks and uncertainties are based on a number of important factors, including, among others: stock price fluctuations; the integrity and accuracy of historical and projected financial and other information supplied by companies to the public or assumptions based on such information supplied; interest rates; bond yields; future earnings growth rates; the risks noted in this Report and other factors beyond the control of our investment team but used by the investment team to influence their assumptions. Therefore, actual outcome may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward looking statements.

There are risks associated with mutual fund investing, including the loss of principal. The likelihood of loss may be greater if you invest for a shorter period of time. There is no assurance that the investment process will consistently lead to successful results.

An investment concentrated in sectors and industries may involve greater risk and volatility than a more diversified investment. Investments in foreign securities may entail unique risks, including political, market, and currency risks. Financial statements of foreign companies are governed by different accounting, auditing, and financial standards than U.S. companies and may be less transparent and uniform than in the United States. Many corporate governance standards, which help ensure the integrity of public information in the United States, do not exist in foreign countries. In general, there may be less governmental supervision of foreign stock exchanges and securities brokers and issuers. The ICON system relies on the integrity of financial statements released to the market as part of our analysis.

The prospectus and statement of additional information contain this and other information about the Funds and are available by visiting

 

ABOUT THIS REPORT     3   


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www.iconfunds.com or calling 1-800-764-0442. Please read the prospectus and statement of additional information carefully.

Comparative Indexes

The comparative indexes discussed in this Report are meant to provide a basis for judging the Funds’ performance against specific securities indexes. Each index shown accounts for both change in security price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (except as noted), but does not reflect the costs of managing a mutual fund. The Funds’ portfolios may significantly differ in holdings and composition from the indexes. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

The unmanaged Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Composite 1500 Index (“S&P Composite 1500 Index”) is a broad-based capitalization-weighted index comprising 1,500 stocks of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap U.S. companies.

 

 

The capitalization-weighted S&P 1500 Sector and Industry Indexes are based on specific classifications determined by S&P.

 

 

The unmanaged NASDAQ Composite (“NASDAQ”) Index is a broad-based capitalization-weighted index of all NASDAQ National Market and Small-Cap stocks.

 

 

Total returns for the S&P 1500 Consumer Discretionary Index and the S&P 1500 Industrials Index include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions beginning January 1, 2002. Index returns with reinvested dividends and distributions are unavailable prior to that date.

Index returns and statistical data included in this Report are provided by FactSet Research Systems.

Financial Intermediary

If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may influence the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

4   ABOUT THIS REPORT


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MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS (UNAUDITED)

Dear Shareholder,

The graph below shows the S&P Composite 1500 Index and a subset of it, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index (“S&P SmallCap 600 Index”) from 9/30/13 through 10/6/14 (our fiscal year plus a few days into October). It reveals a fragmented, divergent market in 2014. The two indexes moved similarly in late 2013, then diverged in 2014. The 1500, lifted by a few large-cap stocks, moved 7.5% higher year to date through September 30, 2014, while the small-cap component of it is negative for 2014, as highlighted in the table. In addition to that divergence, there have been a few rapid, short term industry and sector theme reversals during each up and down phase, more easily seen on the Small Cap chart. We believe the divergence and the theme reversals can be explained by investors’ reaction to three situations.

 

LOGO

 

Index

  9/30/13-12/31/13      12/31/13-9/30/14  

S&P Composite 1500

    10.3%         7.5%   

S&P SmallCap 600

    9.8%         -3.7%   

The first situation relates to investors’ reactions to a surprise negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Entering the first quarter of 2014, most forecasters were calling for positive real GDP. However, as the quarter unfolded it became apparent that something was wrong. Now, looking back, we know real GDP was at a negative 2.1% pace for the year. Investors flipped from favoring cyclical industries and sectors in late 2013 to favoring defensive, recession proof ones in early 2014. This theme change lasted only three and

 

MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS     5   


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a half months for the 1500 Index and one month longer for the 600 Index, too quick for a value-based system to capture.

The second situation involves investors’ reactions to a rise in the U.S. Dollar. From June 30, 2013 through September 30, 2014, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) gained 7.7%, which is still 28.5% below its peak in 2002. It appears many investors and speculators adjusted their equity portfolios, attempting to guess which industries and stocks would either benefit from or be hurt by a stronger US Dollar. We have found economic reactions to currency swings to be less dramatic and slower than theory would suggest so we suspect these investors may be over reacting lately.

The last situation relates to investors’ speculation on rising interest rates. In anticipation of the Federal Reserve ending its quantitative easing program, there appeared to be a popular belief that both short-term and long-term interest rates would increase. Investors who believed this might have adjusted their equity portfolios in anticipation of higher interest rates and their behavior affected stock prices. First, it should be mentioned that ICON believes, and has stated, that interest rates can go low and stay low for many years. We see no support for higher long term interest rates. We sense, however, that we are in the minority with that outlook. We believe the many investors who expect higher interest rates bought stocks they think will benefit from higher rates and sold stocks they think will be hurt by rate increases. For example, it might be that these investors, believing that rising rates will hurt small cap stocks more than large cap stocks, bought large cap issues while avoiding small cap stocks altogether. Similarly, believing that higher rates would have a negative impact on certain industries, they avoided industries in the Consumer Discretionary sector that have an element of consumer borrowing such as the homebuilders, automobile manufacturers and home furnishing industries.

We believe investors’ reactions to a surprise negative GDP quarter, a rise in the US Dollar and an anticipated rise interest rates have contributed to moves in stocks that were not related to value of the stocks themselves. We have seen overpriced stocks (in our opinion) get bid up higher and underpriced stocks taken lower as investors try to get repositioned. This recent trend of positioning equity portfolios for anticipated higher interest rates and a rising US Dollar is stretching the valuation in some industries according to our system. However, according to our methodology, industries favored by these speculators are becoming overpriced while disfavored industries are becoming underpriced. Given this scenario, we expect this behavior to end sometime in the next year.

The first week of October 2014 our ICON market value-to-price (V/P) ratio has been in the 1.06 – 1.10 range, indicating stocks, on average, are priced

 

6   MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS


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below our estimate of fair value and giving us the expectation that stock prices can move higher over the next year. Over the course of the last year value has grown and prices of some stocks have kept pace, but, as seen in the graph, some have lagged behind. As mentioned above, we believe this disconnect is due to concerns about the strength of the U.S. Dollar and the expectation of rising interest rates. We are finding better value in the cyclical, economically sensitive industries rather than the so-called recession proof industries. With an overall V/P ratio of 1.10 and many industry valuation readings stretched, we will buy the best bargains we can find and have the patience to wait for investors to ultimately recognize value. Our valuation readings, coupled with various supportive conditions such as low inflation, low interest rates, no shortages of capital or commodities and modest economic growth, lead us to believe we are in a favorable setting for owning equities.

 

LOGO

Craig Callahan D.B.A.

Chief Executive Officer

ICON Advisers, Inc.

 

MESSAGE FROM ICON FUNDS     7   


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MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

  

ICCCX

ICCEX

ICCAX

 

Q. How did the Fund Perform relative to its benchmark?

 

A. The ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 7.24% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, while the benchmark S&P Composite 1500 Consumer Discretionary Index rose 11.32%. The broad market S&P Composite 1500 Index gained 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors influenced the Fund’s relative performance during the period?

 

A. The broad market performed well over the past year but the Consumer Discretionary sector lagged the U.S. equity market. Despite the gradual pace of economic growth, the U.S. economy suffered a setback in the first quarter of 2014, which provided a headwind for stocks in the Consumer Discretionary sector. However, as the U.S. Federal Reserve winds down its quantitative easing program, interest rates remain low and monetary policy remains loose. Over the fiscal year 2014, consumer confidence rose, unemployment fell, and inflation remained subdued by historical standards. All these factors could remain as tailwinds for the U.S. consumer and should be supportive for companies and industries in this sector of the economy.

At the start of this fiscal year, our valuation model indicated the Consumer Discretionary sector, as well as the U.S. equity market as a whole, were slightly over valued. Our model provides us with an estimate of the intrinsic value of a stock, which can then be compared to where it is trading in the market. As value acting as our primary tenet, we held cash in the first quarter of the period. This year’s harsh winter contributed to an unexpected slowdown in U.S. economic growth as well as declines in the sector. As our system dictated, cash was invested as better bargains emerged throughout the year.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s Composition affect performance?

 

A.

The restaurants industry was the greatest contributor to the Fund’s performance over the period on an industry level. Despite the Fund’s holdings in the restaurants industry being underweight relative to the benchmark, the Fund was able to outperform the benchmark in this industry based on strong stock selection over the period. Holdings in

 

8   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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  companies like Yum! Brands and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers were strong contributors to relative performance, and avoiding large benchmark laggards such as McDonald’s also proved beneficial. The movies & entertainment industry was another positive contributor, as holdings in Walt Disney and Twenty-First Century Fox contributed positively to the Fund’s performance.

The specialty stores industry was the Fund’s largest detractor to relative performance on the industry level. Overweight positions in Outerwall, GNC Holdings, and PetSmart detracted from performance of the Fund relative to the benchmark. Auto parts & equipment was another industry detractor to relative performance with Fund holdings in Dorman Products and BorgWarner hurting from the Fund’s performance.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the Consumer Discretionary sector?

 

A. At the close of the fiscal year, our model indicates the Consumer Discretionary sector has a an overall average value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.10; or in other words, we believe the average fair value for the stocks in the Consumer Discretionary sector as a whole is approximately 10% higher than where the stocks are currently trading. Given this V/P reading, the Fund remains nearly fully invested as there are many industry opportunities that look attractive from a value perspective. For example, the motorcycle manufacturers and auto parts & equipment industries are among the best bargains within the sector according to our system, and the Fund maintains an overweight position relative to the benchmark in both. As always, we look to value as our primary guide and will adjust our positioning as market conditions dictate.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     9   


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ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Consumer Discretionary

    97.6%   
 

 

 

 
    97.6%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Movies & Entertainment

    12.4%   

Restaurants

    9.9%   

Auto Parts & Equipment

    9.6%   

Automotive Retail

    8.8%   

Home Improvement Retail

    8.1%   

Cable & Satellite

    7.5%   

Apparel, Accessories &
Luxury Goods

    7.4%   

Motorcycle Manufacturers

    5.5%   

Broadcasting

    4.9%   

General Merchandise Stores

    4.2%   

Footwear

    3.8%   

Distributors

    3.7%   

Housewares & Specialties

    2.7%   

Specialty Stores

    2.3%   

Homefurnishing Retail

    2.0%   

Homebuilding

    1.6%   

Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines

    1.6%   

Apparel Retail

    1.0%   

Household Appliances

    0.6%   
 

 

 

 
    97.6%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

10   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Consumer Discretionary
Fund - Class S

    7/9/97        7.24%        18.86%        7.46%        5.86%        1.38%        1.38%   

ICON Consumer Discretionary
Fund - Class C

    9/30/10        5.91%        N/A        N/A        17.06%        3.68%        2.75%   

ICON Consumer Discretionary
Fund - Class A

    9/30/10        6.95%        N/A        N/A        17.77%        1.78%        1.78%   

ICON Consumer Discretionary
Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        0.79%        N/A        N/A        16.05%        1.78%        1.78%   

S&P 1500 Consumer Discretionary Index

            11.32%        21.12%        9.40%        8.42%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        6.94%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The performance of the S&P 1500 Consumer Discretionary Index includes the reinvestment of the dividends and capital gain distributions beginning on January 1, 2002. Additional information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     11   


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ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 7/9/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

12   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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ICON CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  Common Stocks (97.6%)  
  13,000      Advance Auto Parts, Inc.   $ 1,693,900   
  4,300      AutoZone, Inc.     2,191,538   
  37,800      BorgWarner, Inc.     1,988,658   
  22,100      Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.     2,967,367   
  33,600      CBS Corp., Class B     1,797,600   
  81,200      Comcast Corp., Class A     4,366,936   
  14,600      Discovery Communications, Inc., Class A     551,880   
  14,600      Discovery Communications, Inc.     544,288   
  20,400      Dollar Tree, Inc.     1,143,828   
  36,700      Dorman Products, Inc.†(a)     1,470,202   
  24,000      Finish Line, Inc., Class A     600,720   
  28,300      Fox Factory Holding Corp.     438,650   
  20,200      Gildan Activewear, Inc.(a)     1,105,344   
  55,300      Harley-Davidson, Inc.     3,218,460   
  31,000      Hibbett Sports, Inc.     1,321,530   
  33,500      Home Depot, Inc.     3,073,290   
  26,600      Jarden Corp.     1,598,926   
  28,400      Johnson Controls, Inc.     1,249,600   
  25,600      LGI Homes, Inc.     470,016   
  80,900      LKQ Corp.     2,151,131   
  21,700      Lululemon Athletica, Inc.†(a)     911,617   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  28,400      Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.†(a)   $ 1,629,592   
  5,700      Magna International, Inc.     540,987   
  11,000      Michael Kors Holdings Ltd.     785,290   
  45,600      Movado Group, Inc.     1,507,536   
  24,600      Nike, Inc., Class B     2,194,320   
  8,400      O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.     1,263,024   
  96,000      Pier 1 Imports, Inc.     1,141,440   
  7,100      Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.     477,759   
  37,500      Starbucks Corp.     2,829,750   
  21,000      Target Corp.     1,316,280   
  21,100      Time Warner, Inc.     1,586,931   
  15,800      Toll Brothers, Inc.     492,328   
  35,200      Viacom, Inc., Class B     2,708,288   
  33,600      Walt Disney Co.     2,991,408   
  2,500      Whirlpool Corp.     364,125   
  5,500      Wyndham Worldwide Corp.     446,930   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $57,910,571)
    57,131,469   
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (9.4%)   
  5,485,890      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     5,485,890   
   

 

 

 
 
 
 
Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan
(Cost $5,485,890)
    5,485,890   
 
 
Total Investments 107.0%
(Cost $63,396,461)
    62,617,359   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(7.0)%
    (4,110,697
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 58,506,662   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     13   


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MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON CONSUMER STAPLES FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

  

ICLEX

ICLCX

ICRAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Consumer Staples Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 13.32% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, while its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Consumer Staples Index, returned 16.90%, and the S&P Composite 1500 Index gained 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. The broad U.S. market performed well over the course of fiscal year 2014. Performance, during the continuation of a multi-year rally, was notably impressive considering the headwinds investors faced, such as economic growth concerns internationally, especially in relation to China and Europe, and the winding down of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing program. Despite tapering, interest rates remained low and monetary policy continued to be accommodative. Further, the U.S. economy continued to show signs of improvement, providing a boost to domestic equity markets.

The Consumer Staples sector, however, lagged the broad U.S. market during the period. Much of the sector’s underperformance occurred early in the period as investors were cautious towards the sector for a variety of reasons including market saturation and sluggish wage growth in developed markets as well as growth concerns and currency headwinds in emerging markets. Harsh weather in the U.S. at the start of 2014 was also a factor in the sector’s returns. Investors returned to Consumer Staples in the second half of the fiscal year, however, causing the sector to outperform the broad U.S. market during this time frame.

From a valuation standpoint, we began the period with an average value-to-price (V/P) ratio for the sector of 1.05. Leadership in fiscal year 2014 was dominated by alcoholic beverage companies. The distillers & vintners and brewer industries each returned in excess of 38%. The Fund participated in the upside move in the distillers & vintners industry, but the Fund’s positioning in the brewers industry detracted from Fund performance on a relative basis. The drug retail industry also experienced solid returns during the period, however, the Fund was underweight this space for much of the year. As a result, the drug retail industry detracted the most from relative performance in fiscal year 2014.

 

14   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

A. Industry returns within the sector varied significantly, from 40% for the top-performing industry to -7% for the worst performing industry. This highlights the significant role that industry rotation can play in sector investing.

The top industry contributors to Fund performance during fiscal year 2014 were the soft drinks, tobacco, household products and packaged foods & meats industries. The food retail industry detracted from Fund performance.

From a total effect standpoint, industries that contributed to performance relative to the benchmark included personal products, distillers & vintners, household products and food distributors. Although packaged foods & meats was a key contributor to absolute performance of the Fund, stock selection caused it to detract from benchmark relative performance. Other industries that detracted from performance relative to the benchmark included drug retail and brewers.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the Consumer Staples sector?

 

A. At the end of fiscal year 2014, the Consumer Staples sector had a V/P ratio of 1.05, similar to where we started the year and indicating that our system still sees upside potential for the sector. Industries within the sector that are showing value according to our system include agricultural products and food distributors. We anticipate that the Consumer Staples sector will continue to serve as a safe haven relative to economically sensitive sectors. As always, we remain ready to reallocate and adapt as our investment system dictates.

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Consumer Staples

    94.9%   
 

 

 

 
    94.9%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Packaged Foods & Meats

    21.8%   

Soft Drinks

    15.8%   

Household Products

    13.2%   

Food Distributors

    9.6%   

Agricultural Products

    9.2%   

Drug Retail

    9.2%   

Tobacco

    8.5%   

Brewers

    4.2%   

Hypermarkets & Super Centers

    3.4%   
 

 

 

 
    94.9%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     15   


Table of Contents

ICON Consumer Staples Fund Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund - Class S

    5/9/97        13.32%        13.07%        6.31%        8.52%        1.51%        1.51%   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund - Class C

    9/30/10        12.17%        N/A        N/A        12.33%        2.61%        2.50%   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund - Class A

    9/30/10        12.99%        N/A        N/A        13.39%        1.84%        1.75%   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        6.45%        N/A        N/A        11.74%        1.84%        1.75%   

S&P 1500 Consumer Staples Index

            16.90%        15.77%        10.97%        8.04%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        7.48%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The performance of the S&P 1500 Consumer Staples Index includes the reinvestment of the dividends and capital gain distributions beginning on January 1, 2002. Additional information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

16   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 5/9/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     17   


Table of Contents

ICON CONSUMER STAPLES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  Common Stocks (94.9%)   
  26,100      Andersons, Inc.   $ 1,641,168   
  5,700      Boston Beer Co., Inc., Class A†(a)     1,264,032   
  15,800      Bunge, Ltd.     1,330,834   
  20,600      Church & Dwight Co., Inc.     1,445,296   
  28,000      Coca-Cola Co.     1,194,480   
  29,100      Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.     1,290,876   
  14,000      Colgate-Palmolive Co.     913,080   
  23,000      ConAgra Foods, Inc.     759,920   
  8,100      Costco Wholesale Corp.     1,015,092   
  22,500      CVS Caremark Corp.     1,790,775   
  16,900      Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.     1,086,839   
  19,200      Flowers Foods, Inc.     352,512   
  14,200      Hershey Co.     1,355,106   
  18,700      Ingredion, Inc.     1,417,273   
  14,400      J.M. Smucker Co.     1,425,456   
  12,700      McCormick & Co., Inc.     849,630   
  12,500      PepsiCo, Inc.     1,163,625   
  13,500      Philip Morris International, Inc.     1,125,900   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  19,200      Procter & Gamble Co.   $ 1,607,808   
  24,200      Reynolds American, Inc.     1,427,800   
  45,500      Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A     1,791,335   
  19,800      United Natural Foods, Inc.     1,216,908   
  16,100      Walgreen Co.     954,247   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $26,578,237)
    28,419,992   
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (3.3%)   
  1,001,000      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     1,001,000   
   

 

 

 
 
 

 

Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan

(Cost $1,001,000)

    1,001,000   
  Short-Term Investments (19.8%)   
$ 5,918,949      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14     5,918,949   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $5,918,949)
    5,918,949   
 
 
Total Investments 118.0%
(Cost $33,498,186)
    35,339,941   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(18.0)%
    (5,401,999
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 29,937,942   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

18   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON ENERGY FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

  

ICENX

ICEEX

ICEAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, the ICON Energy Fund Class S returned 1.92%, underperforming its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Energy Index, which returned 11.11%. The ICON Energy Fund also lagged the broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. The Energy sector’s underperformance relative to the broader market was particularly disappointing given ICON’s valuation readings for the sector overall. On October 1, 2013, ICON calculated a value-to-price (V/P) ratio for the Energy sector at 1.11, and ICON’s average V/P ratio for the overall market was .99 at the time. While the 11.11% rise in the Energy sector was in line with our estimation of the sector’s value, the 18.57% raise in the broader market was somewhat surprising. Both domestic oil and natural gas production continued to increase over the course of the fiscal year through the development of unconventional reserves. While this should have resulted in upward pricing pressure in the energy sector, these positive conditions appeared to be tempered by an oil price decline late in the fiscal year.

At the start of the fiscal year, Brent oil was priced at around $108 a barrel. Through most of the year oil pricing was fairly stable reaching a low of $103 in early November 2013 and a high of $115 in mid-June. Since the high, the oil price faced significant downward pressure as global economies showed signs of slowing. Additional price pressure on oil came from a strengthening U.S. dollar, which, since the end of June, has appreciated about 7.7% against a basket of major world currencies. By the end of the fiscal year, Brent fell below $95 a barrel. Prior to the end of June, the Energy sector was outpreforming the broader market. From the end of June to the end of the fiscal year the S&P Composite 1500 Energy Index fell over 9.0%, resulting in the sector lagging the broader market for the fiscal year.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A.

The Fund’s composition had a large impact on its relative underperformance compared to the S&P 1500 Energy Index. Over the

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     19   


Table of Contents
  course of the fiscal year, the oil & gas equipment and services industry was the largest over weight industry in the Fund compared to the benchmark. The overweight position was based in large part on its attractive V/P readings. While the oil & gas equipment and services industry did outpace the broader S&P Composite 1500 Energy Index, up over 15% during the fiscal year, the Fund’s stock selection for the industry was a significant detractor from the Fund’s returns. Individual stocks from the industry that had attractive valuation, based on our methodology, underperformed, especially in the first half of 2014. As the price per barrel of oil reached a high of $115 in mid-June, it appeared the stocks that lead the Energy sector were trading based on momentum while the stocks with attractive valuations based on our methodology lagged notably. The net result was that the stocks selected to represent the oil & gas equipment industry in the Fund had negative returns, which was the single biggest factor in the Fund’s underperformance.

The oil & gas refining and marketing industry was the second largest overweight industry in the Fund compared to the benchmark during the fiscal year. On average, the stocks held in the Fund from this industry, were up over 35% and had a positive impact on the Fund’s performance compared to its benchmark. Additionally, the Fund held stocks from the gas utilities industry, which also had a positive effect on the Fund’s relative performance to the benchmark. However, the positive impact of holdings in these two industries was not sufficient to overcome the negative impact from the oil & gas equipment and services industry discussed earlier.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the Energy sector?

 

A. At the end of the fiscal year the average V/P ratio for the Energy sector was 1.11 while the average V/P ratio for the overall market was 1.06. As discussed earlier, the last quarter of the fiscal year saw a large drop in the price of crude oil, which, in turn, lead to downward pressure on forward looking earnings per share for companies with the most exposure to oil pricing. As a result of this negative pressure on a key component of our valuation equation in the Energy sector, the Fund has taken advantage of its ability to hold securities outside of the energy sector. The Fund, as of the end of the fiscal year, has holdings in both the gas utilities and multi-utilities industries in the Utilities sector as well as the railroads industry in the Utilities sector. Over the course of the upcoming fiscal year we are looking for sign of stabilization in forward looking earnings within the Energy sector and will reposition the Fund as our valuation methodology dictates.

 

20   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Energy Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Energy

    84.8%   

Utilities

    8.1%   

Industrials

    1.8%   
 

 

 

 
    94.7%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Energy Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

    36.7%   

Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

    29.1%   

Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing

    8.1%   

Integrated Oil & Gas

    7.2%   

Gas Utilities

    4.8%   

Oil & Gas Drilling

    3.7%   

Multi-Utilities

    3.3%   

Railroads

    1.8%   
 

 

 

 
    94.7%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     21   


Table of Contents

ICON Energy Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Energy Fund - Class S

    11/5/97        1.92%        7.83%        10.20%        11.59%        1.29%        1.29%   

ICON Energy Fund - Class C

    9/30/10        0.83%        N/A        N/A        8.74%        2.35%        2.35%   

ICON Energy Fund - Class A

    9/30/10        1.67%        N/A        N/A        9.59%        1.61%        1.61%   

ICON Energy Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        -4.16%        N/A        N/A        7.98%        1.61%        1.61%   

S&P 1500 Energy Index

            11.11%        12.38%        11.28%        9.71%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        6.74%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

22   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Energy Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 11/5/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     23   


Table of Contents

ICON ENERGY FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  Common Stocks (94.7%)  
  93,600      Anadarko Petroleum Corp.   $ 9,494,784   
  346,600      Atmos Energy Corp.     16,532,820   
  305,700      Baker Hughes, Inc.     19,888,842   
  297,200      Bristow Group, Inc.     19,971,840   
  244,600      Cameron International Corp.     16,236,548   
  123,800      Chevron Corp.     14,771,816   
  740,200      CMS Energy Corp.     21,954,332   
  312,700      ConocoPhillips     23,927,804   
  207,400      Continental Resources, Inc.†(a)     13,787,952   
  218,800      Dril-Quip, Inc.     19,560,720   
  275,600      EOG Resources, Inc.     27,289,912   
  441,200      EQT Corp.     40,387,448   
  345,300      Exxon Mobil Corp.     32,475,465   
  392,200      FMC Technologies, Inc.     21,300,382   
  410,300      Halliburton Co.     26,468,453   
  249,400      Helmerich & Payne, Inc.     24,408,778   
  322,000      Laclede Group, Inc.     14,940,800   
  103,100      Marathon Petroleum Corp.     8,729,477   
  305,500      National Oilwell Varco, Inc.     23,248,550   
  198,800      Noble Energy, Inc.     13,589,968   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  105,800      Norfolk Southern Corp.   $ 11,807,280   
  518,800      Oceaneering International, Inc.     33,810,196   
  187,850      Phillips 66     15,274,083   
  321,300      RigNet, Inc.     12,996,585   
  478,700      Schlumberger, Ltd.     48,679,003   
  370,800      SM Energy Co.     28,922,400   
  338,200      Southwestern Energy Co.     11,820,090   
  210,600      Tesoro Corp.     12,842,388   
  360,300      Valero Energy Corp.     16,671,081   
  294,800      Whiting Petroleum Corp.     22,861,740   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $597,025,133)
    624,651,537   
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (1.8%)   
  11,860,729      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     11,860,729   
   

 

 

 
 
 

 

Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan

(Cost $11,860,729)

    11,860,729   
  Short-Term Investments (5.7%)   
$ 37,692,998      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14     37,692,998   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $37,692,998)
    37,692,998   
 
 
Total Investments 102.2%
(Cost $646,578,860)
    674,205,264   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(2.2)%
    (14,798,990
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 659,406,274   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

24   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON FINANCIAL FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

  

ICFSX

ICOCX

ICFAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Financial Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 7.27% for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, lagging both its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Financial Index, which returned 17.04%, and its broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014 appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. For most of the fiscal year the government yield curve remained relatively steep. This is generally a positive environment for the banking stocks within the Financial sector. However, most of the benefit of the steep yield curve was offset by narrow credit spreads, reducing the profitability of banking stocks that rely primarily on lending revenue. Companies in the regional banks industry were up about 12% for the fiscal year and companies in the thrifts & mortgage industry were up only about 6%. Both of these industries lagged behind the 18.57% return for the broader market.

Lending standards remained bifurcated over the fiscal year as consumer lending policies eased while mortgage lending practices remained tight. When analyzing the amount of dollars lent by segmented and credit score, low credit score mortgage loans still have not returned to pre-2008 levels. That is in stark contrast to auto lending, which has experienced a notable recovery. These tight lending practices in mortgage lending led to lower growth in the mortgage finance markets, a negative environment for the Financial sector.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A.

At the start of the fiscal year the value-to-price (V/P) ratio for the Financial sector was .93 according to our methodology, the lowest value of any sector in the market. Based on this weak valuation reading, the Fund held cash during the course of the fiscal year. Given the strong returns in the Financial sector over the fiscal year, the Fund’s cash position was the largest detractor from overall performance. While the consumer finance industry had positive returns, up over 17% during the fiscal year, the stocks from the industry selected to be held in the Fund

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     25   


Table of Contents
  underperformed, causing the next largest detraction from the Fund’s performance relative to the benchmark. World Acceptance Corp., a consumer finance company, detracted from the Fund’s performance as it fell nearly 20% by the end of March 2014 as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau began an inquiry into the company’s lending practices.

The Fund was overweight in the real estate services industry during the course of the fiscal year and the Fund’s holdings in that industry contributed to the Fund’s returns. The Fund’s holdings in the property & casualty insurance industry also had a positive impact on the Fund’s performance. However, the positive impact of holdings in these two industries was not enough to overcome the underperformance discussed earlier.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the Financials sector?

 

A. As of September 30, 2014, the average V/P ratio for the Financial sector was 1.11 while the average V/P ratio for the overall market was 1.06. Based on our valuation methodology, several industries in the Financial sector are attractive to our system looking forward. The real estate services, asset management & custody banks, and consumer finance industries all have V/P ratios greater than 1.20. As such, the Fund is heavily weighted in these industries. We will continue to look for opportunities in the Financial sector over the year as guided by value.

 

ICON Financial Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Financial

    92.8%   

Information Technology

    2.2%   
 

 

 

 
    95.0%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Financial Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Asset Management &
Custody Banks

    21.5%   

Diversified Banks

    17.5%   

Consumer Finance

    16.8%   

Regional Banks

    9.9%   

Real Estate Services

    7.8%   

Health Care REITs

    5.4%   

Property & Casualty Insurance

    4.8%   

Multi-line Insurance

    4.1%   

Insurance Brokers

    3.0%   

Data Processing &
Outsourced Services

    2.2%   

Specialized Finance

    2.0%   
 

 

 

 
    95.0%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

26   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Financial Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Financial Fund - Class S

    7/1/97        7.27%        6.88%        -1.02%        3.79%        1.47%        1.47%   

ICON Financial Fund -
Class C

    9/30/10        7.93%        N/A        N/A        9.23%        3.19%        2.51%   

ICON Financial Fund -
Class A

    9/30/10        7.20%        N/A        N/A        9.72%        1.88%        1.76%   

ICON Financial Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        1.02%        N/A        N/A        8.11%        1.88%        1.76%   

S&P 1500 Financials Index

            17.04%        11.34%        0.77%        4.14%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        7.04%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     27   


Table of Contents

ICON Financial Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 7/1/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

28   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON FINANCIAL FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  Common Stocks (95.0%)   
  4,900      Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.   $ 981,764   
  2,900      Alliance Data Systems Corp.     719,983   
  16,100      American Express Co.     1,409,394   
  8,400      American Financial Group, Inc.     486,276   
  15,900      American International Group, Inc.     858,918   
  4,900      Aon PLC     429,583   
  24,400      BancorpSouth, Inc.     491,416   
  14,500      BB&T Corp.     539,545   
  17,700      Brown & Brown, Inc.     569,055   
  10,100      Credicorp, Ltd.     1,549,239   
  15,900      Discover Financial Services     1,023,801   
  13,400      Eaton Vance Corp.     505,582   
  34,500      Encore Capital Group, Inc.†(a)     1,528,695   
  22,000      FirstService Corp.     1,148,840   
  11,700      GAMCO Investors, Inc.     827,658   
  32,000      Glacier Bancorp, Inc.     827,520   
  16,700      HCP, Inc., REIT     663,157   
  14,700      Invesco, Ltd.     580,356   
  20,000      Janus Capital Group, Inc.(a)     290,800   
  11,100      Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.     1,402,374   
  28,900      JPMorgan Chase & Co.     1,740,936   
  13,700      Main Street Capital Corp.     419,768   
  7,000      Moody’s Corp.     661,500   
  5,500      Northern Trust Corp.     374,165   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  13,400      Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., REIT   $ 458,146   
  16,600      Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc.     867,018   
  34,400      SEI Investments Co.     1,243,904   
  8,000      Signature Bank     896,480   
  4,600      SVB Financial Group     515,614   
  9,400      T Rowe Price Group, Inc.     736,960   
  18,400      U.S. Bancorp     769,672   
  10,600      Ventas, Inc., REIT     656,670   
  21,700      Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., Class A     1,121,673   
  32,800      Wells Fargo & Co.     1,701,336   
  10,600      World Acceptance Corp.     715,500   
  21,200      WR Berkley Corp.     1,013,360   
  16,500      XL Group PLC     547,305   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $30,739,675)
    31,273,963   
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (5.7%)   
  1,860,075      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     1,860,075   
   

 

 

 
 
 

 

Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan

(Cost $1,860,075)

    1,860,075   
  Short-Term Investments (3.6%)   
$ 1,173,764      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14     1,173,764   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $1,173,764)
    1,173,764   
 
 
Total Investments 104.3%
(Cost $33,773,514)
    34,307,802   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(4.3)%
    (1,410,073
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 32,897,729   
   

 

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     29   


Table of Contents

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

30   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON HEALTHCARE FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

  

ICHCX

ICHEX

ICHAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Healthcare Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 32.27% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, outperforming both its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P Composite1500 Health Care Index, which returned 27.47%, and its broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. The broad market performed well over the past year, and the Health Care sector outperformed all other sectors in the U.S. equity market. Despite many of the ongoing geopolitical concerns and worries about the pace of economic growth, the U.S. economy has remained stronger than much of the world, which has provided a boost to the local equity markets. As the U.S. Federal Reserve winds down its quantitative easing program, interest rates remain low and monetary policy remains loose. Mergers & acquisitions in the sector, as well as ongoing advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and industries, factored in to the sector’s gains. The Health Care sector enjoyed a relatively steady climb higher over the year with very few periods of drops in prices as a whole. The latter half of the fiscal year brought gains, but not without periods of volatility. Despite the positive gains, the sector remained overvalued according to our methodology for much of the fiscal year, which in turn resulted in cash positions being held in the Fund. Despite cash positions, our system found opportunities in a number of industries, and ultimately the Fund was able to capitalize on these opportunities and outperform the benchmark for the fiscal year.

 

Q. What were the Fund’s greatest contributors/detractors?

 

A.

Pharmaceuticals was the greatest industry contributor to the Fund’s outperformance relative to the benchmark during the fiscal year. Despite being underweight in the pharmaceuticals industry relative to the benchmark, the Fund was able to outperform based on individual stock selection within the industry over the period. Companies like Actavis Inc. and Perrigo Co. Plc were strong contributors to relative performance. Additionally, the biotechnology industry contributed to the Fund’s relative performance, as the industry showed the best value according to

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     31   


Table of Contents
  our methodology coming into the year and was ultimately the top performer of the ten industries within the Health Care sector. The Fund’s overweight position in the biotechnology industry relative to the benchmark and stock selection within the industry, including companies such as Biogen Idec and Gilead Sciences, contributed to the Fund’s performance.

The life sciences tools & services industry was the Fund’s largest detractor to relative performance on an industry level, as overweight positions in Covance and PerkinElmer underperformed relative to the benchmark. The health care equipment industry was also a slight detractor to relative performance from holdings in St. Jude Medical and Thoratec. Additionally, as our value metrics indicated over-priced conditions for the Health Care stocks as whole, cash was held for temporary defensive reasons. The cash position was a detractor to performance during the period.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the Health Care sector?

 

A. According to our methodology, Health Care has one of the lowest valuation readings of all the sectors in the market with a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.00; in other words, we see Health Care stocks currently trading at our estimate of fair value. This relatively low value reading has been the case for most of the last year and the Fund’s cash position has been increased with the expectation that if value increases there will be better opportunities in the future. However, not all industries within the sector are over-priced. We continue to see the best upside in industries such as biotechnology, health care distributors, and life sciences tools & services. As always, we look to value as our primary guide and will adjust our positioning as market conditions dictate.

 

ICON Healthcare Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Health Care

    78.9%   
 

 

 

 
    78.9%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Healthcare Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Pharmaceuticals

    26.2%   

Health Care Equipment

    20.2%   

Biotechnology

    15.9%   

Health Care Distributors

    8.0%   

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    7.0%   

Health Care Services

    1.0%   

Health Care Supplies

    0.6%   
 

 

 

 
    78.9%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

32   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Healthcare Fund Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Healthcare Fund - Class S

    2/24/97        32.27%        19.90%        10.44%        10.98%        1.39%        1.39%   

ICON Healthcare Fund - Class C

    9/30/10        30.73%        N/A        N/A        22.47%        4.42%        2.50%   

ICON Healthcare Fund - Class A

    9/30/10        31.72%        N/A        N/A        23.36%        1.69%        1.69%   

ICON Healthcare Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        24.13%        N/A        N/A        21.54%        1.69%        1.69%   

S&P 1500 Health Care Index

            27.47%        20.06%        10.75%        9.47%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        7.51%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     33   


Table of Contents

ICON Healthcare Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 2/24/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

34   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON HEALTHCARE FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  Common Stocks (78.9%)   
  155,000      AbbVie, Inc.   $ 8,952,800   
  28,775      Actavis PLC     6,942,832   
  24,400      Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.     4,046,008   
  34,000      Allergan, Inc.     6,058,460   
  89,500      Baxter International, Inc.     6,423,415   
  21,300      Biogen Idec, Inc.     7,046,253   
  15,000      Cambrex Corp.     280,200   
  63,800      Cardinal Health, Inc.     4,779,896   
  59,800      Celgene Corp.     5,667,844   
  46,000      Covance, Inc.     3,620,200   
  18,000      CR Bard, Inc.     2,568,780   
  26,500      Cyberonics, Inc.     1,355,740   
  27,000      Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.     575,370   
  35,282      Gilead Sciences, Inc.     3,755,769   
  52,000      Globus Medical, Inc.     1,022,840   
  14,400      Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC     2,312,064   
  78,700      Johnson & Johnson     8,388,633   
  118,000      Lannett Co., Inc.     5,390,240   
  41,000      McKesson Corp.     7,981,470   
  29,000      MEDNAX, Inc.     1,589,780   
  101,700      Medtronic, Inc.     6,300,315   
  52,000      PerkinElmer, Inc.     2,267,200   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  14,100      Perrigo Co. PLC   $ 2,117,679   
  11,900      Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.     4,290,188   
  107,500      St Jude Medical, Inc.     6,463,975   
  72,000      Stryker Corp.     5,814,000   
  41,000      Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.     4,989,700   
  41,000      Thoratec Corp.     1,095,930   
  12,300      Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.     1,613,760   
  18,000      Varian Medical Systems, Inc.     1,442,160   
  22,800      West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.     1,020,528   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $117,273,334)

    126,174,029   
  Short-Term Investments (25.7%)   
$ 41,082,556      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14     41,082,556   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $41,082,556)
    41,082,556   
 
 
Total Investments 104.6%
(Cost $158,355,890)
    167,256,585   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(4.6)%
    (7,402,058
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 159,854,527   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     35   


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON INDUSTRIALS FUND

  

Class S

Class C
Class A

  

ICTRX

ICICX

ICIAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Industrials Fund (the Fund) Class S shares returned 11.14% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, while its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P 1500 Industrials Index, returned 15.27%, and the S&P Composite 1500 Index returned 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. The broad U.S. market performed well over the course of fiscal year 2014. Performance this year, during the continuation of a multi-year rally, was notably impressive considering the headwinds investors faced such as economic growth concerns internationally, especially in relation to China and Europe, and the winding down of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing program. Despite tapering, interest rates remained low and monetary policy continued to be accommodative. Further, the U.S. economy continued to show signs of improvement, providing a boost to domestic equity markets. The Industrials sector, however, lagged the broad U.S. market during the period.

From a valuation standpoint, according to our system, we began the period with a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.04 for the Industrials sector. Fiscal year 2014 saw a continuation of leadership in industries in the Industrials sector that are more closely tied to domestic economic growth, a trend that began in fiscal year 2013. Transportation-related stocks in particular were among the strongest performers in the sector and U.S. markets as a whole, during fiscal year 2014. Seeing good value in several transportation-related industries, the Fund participated in this trend thanks to overweight positions in the airlines, railroads and trucking industries. The airlines industry led the sector, as carriers have maintained capacity discipline since slashing available seats during the previous recession, resulting in better pricing power and improved growth expectations. The benchmark’s heaviest weighted industry, aerospace & defense, posted solid returns during the period. However, because we saw better values in other areas of the sector, the Fund was underweight this industry during the period. Selection effect, primarily related to aerospace & defense, was a key driver of Fund underperformance relative to the benchmark during fiscal year 2014.

 

36   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents
Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. Investors clearly favored transportation-related industries during fiscal year 2014, as these industries outperformed all other industries in the sector. Indeed, airlines, railroads, and trucking each returned in excess of 28% during the period while the next closest industry returned 18%, highlighting the importance of industry allocation.

The top industry contributors to Fund performance during fiscal year 2014 included railroads, aerospace & defense, airlines, and industrial machinery. The research & consulting services and construction & engineering industries detracted from performance.

From a total effect standpoint, industries that helped the Fund relative to the benchmark included electrical components & equipment, industrial machinery, security & alarm services, railroads and trucking. Although the aerospace & defense industry was a key contributor to absolute performance of the Fund, stock selection caused it to detract from benchmark relative performance. Other industries that detracted from performance relative to the benchmark included construction & engineering and trading companies & distributors. With equity valuations appearing stretched at times during the period, a higher than average allocation to cash was used for defensive purposes, which detracted from benchmark relative performance.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the Industrials sector?

 

A. At the end of fiscal year 2014, the Industrials sector had a V/P ratio of 1.07, indicating that our system still sees upside potential for the sector. Specific industries that are showing value according to our system are airlines and railroads. We continue to look for industries that our system identifies as trading at a discount to fair value. Guided by our disciplined, systematic and non-emotional approach to investing, we see several opportunities in the current environment and remain watchful for new prospective investments. As always we remain ready to reallocate and adapt as our investment system dictates.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     37   


Table of Contents

ICON Industrials Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Industrials

    98.4%   
 

 

 

 
    98.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Industrials Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Aerospace & Defense

    22.2%   

Railroads

    16.0%   

Industrial Machinery

    10.8%   

Airlines

    9.9%   

Industrial Conglomerates

    8.9%   

Trading Companies & Distributors

    7.0%   

Construction & Engineering

    5.9%   

Security & Alarm Services

    4.3%   

Construction & Farm Machinery & Heavy Trucks

    3.9%   

Trucking

    3.8%   

Diversified Support Services

    3.1%   

Electrical Components & Equipment

    1.7%   

Research & Consulting Services

    0.9%   
 

 

 

 
    98.4%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

38   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Industrials Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Industrials Fund - Class S

    5/9/97        11.14%        14.17%        7.17%        5.43%        1.46%        1.46%   

ICON Industrials Fund - Class C

    9/30/10        9.95%        N/A        N/A        11.65%        9.86%        2.50%   

ICON Industrials Fund - Class A

    9/30/10        10.81%        N/A        N/A        12.17%        2.09%        1.75%   

ICON Industrials Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        4.42%        N/A        N/A        10.51%        2.09%        1.75%   

S&P 1500 Industrials Index

            15.27%        17.38%        8.73%        7.89%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        7.48%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     39   


Table of Contents

ICON Industrials Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 5/9/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

40   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON INDUSTRIALS FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  Common Stocks (98.4%)   
  30,000      Alaska Air Group, Inc.   $ 1,306,200   
  5,700      Alliant Techsystems, Inc.     727,548   
  5,000      Boeing Co.     636,900   
  10,000      Caterpillar, Inc.     990,300   
  5,600      Corporate Executive Board Co.     336,392   
  21,700      Crane Co.     1,371,657   
  16,700      Curtiss-Wright Corp.     1,100,864   
  11,000      Danaher Corp.     835,780   
  50,500      Delta Air Lines, Inc.     1,825,575   
  10,000      Eaton Corp. PLC     633,700   
  15,000      Flowserve Corp.     1,057,800   
  15,000      Fluor Corp.     1,001,850   
  94,500      General Electric Co.     2,421,090   
  15,000      Genesee & Wyoming, Inc., Class A     1,429,650   
  40,000      Healthcare Services Group, Inc.     1,144,400   
  5,000      Honeywell International, Inc.     465,600   
  12,500      Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.     610,250   
  5,500      JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.     407,275   
  45,400      JetBlue Airways Corp.     482,148   
  5,000      Landstar System, Inc.     360,950   
  4,500      Middleby Corp.     396,585   
  11,300      MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A     965,698   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  14,400      Norfolk Southern Corp.   $ 1,607,040   
  5,000      Pall Corp.     418,500   
  5,000      Precision Castparts Corp.     1,184,400   
  18,400      Primoris Services Corp.     493,856   
  11,900      Raytheon Co.     1,209,278   
  7,000      Ryder System, Inc.     629,790   
  5,800      Snap-on, Inc.     702,264   
  35,000      Tyco International, Ltd.     1,559,950   
  26,000      Union Pacific Corp.     2,818,920   
  26,100      United Technologies Corp.     2,756,160   
  5,300      Wabtec Corp.     429,512   
  5,000      WESCO International, Inc.     391,300   
  4,700      WW Grainger, Inc.     1,182,755   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $27,634,105)
    35,891,937   
  Short-Term Investments (1.9%)   
$ 680,799      State Street Euro Dollar Time
Deposit (USD),
0.01%, 10/01/14
    680,799   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $680,799)
    680,799   
 
 
Total Investments 100.3%
(Cost $28,314,904)
    36,572,736   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(0.3)%
    (117,091
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 36,455,645   
   

 

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     41   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

  

ICTEX

ICTFX

ICTTX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Information Technology Fund (the Fund) Class S shares returned 18.44% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, while its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Information Technology Index, returned 27.00%, and the S&P Composite 1500 Index gained 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. The broad U.S. market performed well over the course of fiscal year 2014. Performance this year, during the continuation of a multi-year rally, was notably impressive considering the headwinds investors faced such as economic growth concerns internationally, especially in relation to China and Europe, and the winding down of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing program. Despite tapering, interest rates remained low and monetary policy continued to be accommodative. Further, the U.S. economy continued to show signs of improvement, providing a boost to domestic equity markets. The Information Technology sector outperformed the broad U.S. market during the period.

From a valuation standpoint, according to our system, we began the period with a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.04 for the Information Technology sector. The Information Technology sector was led by the technology hardware storage & peripherals industry, as Apple, the sector’s largest benchmark weight, rallied during the second half of the fiscal year on well received earnings reports and market expectations for changes to its product mix. The semiconductor industry was also amongst the sector’s leadership, driven by expectations for increases in chip demand thanks to several reasons, including advances in cloud services, mobile technology and an increasing number of everyday devices, like cars and refrigerators, becoming connected (the so-called “internet of things”). The Fund participated in the gains of the semiconductor industry; however, seeing better opportunities elsewhere in the sector, the Fund’s underweight position in Apple relative to the benchmark detracted from relative performance. The internet software & services industry was the biggest detractor to relative performance, primarily due to stock selection.

 

42   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents
Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. Industry returns within the sector varied significantly, from 47% for the top-performing industry to 5% for the worst performing industry. This highlights the significant role that industry rotation can play in sector investing.

The top industry contributors to performance during fiscal year 2014 were the semiconductors, technology hardware storage & peripherals, data processing & outsourced services and electronic manufacturing services industries. The electronic equipment & instruments, application software and electronic components industries detracted from performance.

From a total effect standpoint industries that helped the Fund relative to the benchmark included the semiconductors, communications equipment, electronic manufacturing services, and IT consulting & other services industries. Industries that hurt the Fund relative to the benchmark included internet software & services, application software and electronic equipment & instruments. With equity valuations appearing stretched at times during the period, a higher than average allocation to cash was used for defensive purposes, which detracted from benchmark relative performance.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the Information Technology sector?

 

A. At the end of fiscal year 2014, the Information Technology sector had a V/P ratio of 1.08, an indication that our system still sees upside potential for the sector. According to our system, several industries are showing good value, including the technology distributors and data processing & outsourced services industries. As always, we remain ready to reallocate and adapt as our investment system dictates.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     43   


Table of Contents

ICON Information Technology Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Information Technology

    98.5%   
 

 

 

 
    98.5%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Information Technology Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Internet Software & Services

    25.3%   

Data Processing & Outsourced Services

    18.5%   

Semiconductors

    10.8%   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    8.3%   

Application Software

    7.7%   

Technology Distributors

    6.5%   

Systems Software

    6.4%   

Electronic Equipment & Instruments

    4.8%   

Electronic Manufacturing Services

    4.0%   

IT Consulting & Other Services

    3.4%   

Semiconductor Equipment

    2.2%   

Electronic Components

    0.6%   
 

 

 

 
    98.5%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

44   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Information Technology Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Information Technology Fund - Class S

    2/19/97        18.44%        11.83%        5.60%        8.07%        1.38%        1.38%   

ICON Information Technology Fund - Class C

    9/30/10        17.07%        N/A        N/A        12.63%        3.31%        2.50%   

ICON Information Technology Fund - Class A

    9/30/10        17.88%        N/A        N/A        13.41%        2.23%        1.75%   

ICON Information Technology Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        11.09%        N/A        N/A        11.75%        2.23%        1.75%   

S&P 1500 Information Technology Index

            27.00%        15.79%        9.71%        7.40%        N/A        N/A   

NASDAQ Composite Index

            19.14%        16.19%        9.01%        7.00%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        7.48%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these

limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     45   


Table of Contents

ICON Information Technology Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 2/19/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

46   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  Common Stocks (98.5%)   
  21,500      Accenture PLC, Class A   $ 1,748,380   
  6,800      Alliance Data Systems Corp.     1,688,236   
  31,000      Apple, Inc.     3,123,250   
  42,500      eBay, Inc.     2,406,775   
  38,800      Facebook, Inc., Class A     3,066,752   
  3,400      FEI Co.     256,428   
  4,325      Google, Inc., Class A     2,544,873   
  4,325      Google, Inc., Class C     2,497,082   
  12,100      Intuit, Inc.     1,060,565   
  25,200      j2 Global, Inc.(a)     1,243,872   
  23,800      Mastercard, Inc., Class A     1,759,296   
  18,000      MAXIMUS, Inc.     722,340   
  76,400      Mentor Graphics Corp.     1,565,818   
  54,900      Methode Electronics, Inc.     2,024,163   
  60,100      Micron Technology, Inc.     2,059,026   
  29,500      Microsoft Corp.     1,367,620   
  11,900      MTS Systems Corp.     812,294   
  49,900      Oracle Corp.     1,910,172   
  21,600      OSI Systems, Inc.     1,371,168   
  5,300      Rogers Corp.     290,228   
  22,600      salesforce.com, Inc.     1,300,178   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
   
  35,277      ScanSource, Inc.   $ 1,220,231   
  60,400      Skyworks Solutions, Inc.     3,506,220   
  9,400      Stratasys Ltd.† (a)     1,135,332   
  32,900      SYNNEX Corp.     2,126,327   
  57,400      Teradyne, Inc.     1,112,986   
  57,000      Total System Services, Inc.     1,764,720   
  16,845      Visa, Inc., Class A     3,594,218   
  21,300      VistaPrint NV† (a)     1,167,027   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $38,076,485)

    50,445,577   
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (3.4%)   
  1,717,622      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     1,717,622   
   

 

 

 
 
 

 

Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan

(Cost $1,717,622)

    1,717,622   
  Short-Term Investments (1.6%)   
$ 860,383      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14     860,383   
   

 

 

 
 
 
Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $860,383)
    860,383   
 
 
Total Investments 103.5%
(Cost $40,654,490)
    53,023,582   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(3.5)%
    (1,804,435
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 51,219,147   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     47   


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON MATERIALS FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

  

ICBMX

ICBCX

ICBAX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Materials Fund returned 12.85% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, while its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Materials Index, returned 18.72%, and the S&P Composite 1500 Index gained 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014 appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. Fiscal year 2014 was a strong year for the U.S. equity market across the board as the market generally continued the bull market rally that began over 5 years ago. The market advance was rather impressive as it continued to move higher despite numerous headwinds; a continued economic slowdown in both emerging market economies and Europe, a reduction in the amount of monetary stimulus provided by the Federal Reserve, and less attractive equity valuations to name a few. The Materials sector was no exception as investors bid up prices in this highly cyclical segment of the market to produce returns in excess of 18% for the sector as a whole.

According to our valuation methodology, we began fiscal year 2014 with an average value-to-price (V/P) ratio for the Materials Sector of 1.10, indicating we anticipated approximately 10% of upside in the sector over the next 9 to 12 months. However, due to the combination of rising forward looking growth rates and declining interest rates (making equities relatively more attractive according to our system) we generally saw prices remain below our estimate of fair value even as the sector continued to rise. After the market jumped out of the gate during the first few months of the fiscal year, we began to see equity valuations as closer to fair valued. While the sector as a whole seemed to be priced for perfection, our system continued to see certain industries that stood out as attractive opportunities. These opportunities were consistent with a recent theme that has emerged in the Materials sector over the last couple years, with revenues more directly tied to domestic economic growth rather than emerging market economies. Examples of this theme were seen in industries such as niche based commodity chemicals, construction materials, and diversified chemicals.

 

48   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


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Finally, while many investors continue to believe the gold mining segment of the economy will produce a hedge against inflationary pressures and global expansionary monetary policy, the gold mining industry continued to disappoint, producing a second straight year of negative overall returns. We were able to avoid the negative overall returns from this industry as our valuations continued to steer us away from this segment of the market throughout the fiscal year.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. Individual industry returns for the industries in the Materials sector varied wildly over the course of fiscal year 2014. The best performing industry was up over 45% while the worst was down almost 7%. This divergence highlights why we believe industry rotation is so important within a volatile sector such as Materials. Additionally, variation in industry returns shows how industry allocation can drive the majority of returns over the course of the year.

The top industry contributors to the Fund’s performance during fiscal year 2014 were commodity chemicals, diversified chemicals, specialty chemicals, paper products, and fertilizers & agricultural chemicals.

There was only one absolute industry detractor from the Fund’s performance during fiscal year 2014 – paper packaging. However, the Fund’s relative positioning in diversified chemicals, cash allocations, and specialty chemicals resulted in the Fund underperforming the benchmark. The diversified chemicals and specialty chemicals industries were both contributors to overall performance and detractors from performance relative to the benchmark. This situation stems from incorrect stock selection effect, as holdings within the Fund underperformed the benchmark. Additionally, a larger than average cash allocation, stemming from some defensive posturing during the first half of calendar quarter 2014 as equity valuations seemed stretched based on our methodology, detracted from performance.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook for the Materials sector?

 

A.

At the close of the fiscal year, the Materials sector had an overall average V/P ratio of 1.13, indicating that we see upside opportunity within the sector as a whole. Towards the end of the year the overall market saw an increase in volatility, which was exaggerated in this heavily cyclical segment of the market. Based on our valuations this volatility is presenting us with opportunity rather than something to be concerned about over the long term. At the industry level, both current valuations and forward-looking growth estimates remain attractive

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     49   


Table of Contents
  according to our system in select chemical based companies. Continued weakness in industrial commodity industries over the course of fiscal year 2014 could mean future return possibility, however we remain cautious on this segment of the market as forward looking earnings estimates remain depressed.

 

ICON Materials Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Materials

    94.4%   

Industrials

    1.1%   
 

 

 

 
    95.5%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Materials Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Specialty Chemicals

    20.6%   

Commodity Chemicals

    15.9%   

Diversified Chemicals

    15.8%   

Paper Packaging

    11.8%   

Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals

    8.8%   

Paper Products

    8.1%   

Diversified Metals & Mining

    4.8%   

Construction Materials

    4.5%   

Steel

    2.8%   

Industrial Gases

    1.3%   

Railroads

    1.1%   
 

 

 

 
    95.5%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

50   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Materials Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Materials Fund - Class S

    5/5/97        12.85%        12.12%        9.90%        5.35%        1.45%        1.45%   

ICON Materials Fund - Class C

    9/30/10        11.56%        N/A        N/A        10.46%        4.12%        2.50%   

ICON Materials Fund - Class A

    9/30/10        12.47%        N/A        N/A        11.27%        2.02%        1.75%   

ICON Materials Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        5.97%        N/A        N/A        9.65%        2.02%        1.75%   

S&P 1500 Materials Index

            18.72%        13.84%        9.28%        7.38%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        7.44%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     51   


Table of Contents

ICON Materials Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 5/5/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

52   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON MATERIALS FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Common Stocks (95.5%)   
  23,000      Ashland, Inc.   $ 2,394,300   
  95,000      Avery Dennison Corp.     4,241,750   
  15,000      Bemis Co., Inc.     570,300   
  50,000      Cabot Corp.     2,538,500   
  50,000      Calgon Carbon Corp.     969,000   
  35,000      Celanese Corp.     2,048,200   
  40,000      Clearwater Paper Corp.     2,404,400   
  90,000      Dow Chemical Co.     4,719,600   
  45,000      E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.     3,229,200   
  45,000      Eagle Materials, Inc.     4,582,350   
  25,000      Eastman Chemical Co.     2,022,250   
  40,000      Ecolab, Inc.     4,593,200   
  60,000      FMC Corp.     3,431,400   
  150,000      Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.     4,897,500   
  240,000      Graphic Packaging Holding Co.     2,983,200   
  40,000      HB Fuller Co.     1,588,000   
  45,000      Innospec, Inc.     1,615,500   
  85,000      International Paper Co.     4,057,900   
  302,800      Landec Corp.     3,709,300   
  80,000      LSB Industries, Inc.     2,856,800   
  75,000      LyondellBasell Industries, Class A     8,149,500   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  65,000      Methanex Corp.   $ 4,342,000   
  80,000      Monsanto Co.     9,000,800   
  20,000      Nucor Corp.     1,085,600   
  37,000      Packaging Corp. of America     2,361,340   
  85,000      PH Glatfelter Co.     1,865,750   
  10,000      Praxair, Inc.     1,290,000   
  25,000      Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.     1,710,000   
  40,000      Rock-Tenn Co., Class A     1,903,200   
  20,000      Sherwin-Williams Co.     4,379,800   
  10,000      Union Pacific Corp.     1,084,200   
  10,000      Valspar Corp.     789,900   
  5,000      Westlake Chemical Corp.     432,950   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $80,560,716)

    97,847,690   
  Short-Term Investments (4.5%)   
$ 4,641,240      State Street Euro Dollar Time Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14     4,641,240   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

(Cost $4,641,240)

    4,641,240   
 
 
Total Investments 100.0%
(Cost $85,201,956)
    102,488,930   
 
 
Other Assets Less Liabilities
0.0%
    25,186   
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 102,514,116   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Non-income producing security.

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS     53   


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (UNAUDITED)

ICON UTILITIES FUND

  

Class S

Class C

Class A

  

ICTUX

ICTZX

ICTVX

 

Q. How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmarks?

 

A. The ICON Utilities Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 12.69% for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, lagging both its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Utilities Index, which returned 15.91%, and its broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 18.57%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2014, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

Q. What primary factors were behind the Fund’s relative performance?

 

A. Given the non-cyclical nature of the Utilities sector, it is not surprising that it lagged the broader market in such a strong up-market. When comparing the sector’s monthly five-year beta to the S&P Composite 1500’s, the resulting beta was less than .5. The Utilities sector was able to generate stronger than expected returns in part because of falling interest rates over the course of the first three quarters of calendar year 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield was about 3%. By September 31, 2014, this yield had fallen to 2.49%. On average, as of the end of the fiscal year 2014, the dividend yield for stocks we track in the Utilities sector was 3.7%, making them an attractive alternative to treasuries from a yield stand-point.

 

Q. How did the Fund’s composition affect performance?

 

A. The Fund’s underweight in the electric utilities industry was the largest detractor to the Fund’s performance relative to the benchmark. Out of all the industries in the Utilities sector, this industry had the strongest performance, returning over 16% during the fiscal year. Additionally, the Fund’s stock selection detracted from the Fund’s performance relative to the benchmark. UIL Holdings Company (UIL) was the largest detractor from performance. As February 2014 came to a close, UIL was the winning bidder for the buyout of Philadelphia Gas as it looked to expand into gas distribution. This move was not well received by investors as the stock fell more than 12% over 5 trading days after the announcement. Performance of this stock alone explains the majority of the Fund’s underperformance in the electrical utilities industry relative to the benchmark.

 

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Q. What is your investment outlook for the Utilities sector?

 

A. As of September 30, 2014, according to our valuation methodology the Utilities sector had the highest value-to-price (V/P) ratio of all the sectors we track. We believe this V/P ratio, coupled with downward pressure on the 10-year U.S. Treasury, should provide a positive environment for the sector. The electrical utilities industry continues to look attractive to our system with a V/P ratio of 1.16. Given this valuation, the Fund is overweight in the electrical utilities industry. As always, we look to value as our primary guide and will adjust our positioning as market conditions dictate.

 

ICON Utilities Fund

Sector Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Utilities

    89.8%   

Telecommunication

    7.8%   
 

 

 

 
    97.6%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

ICON Utilities Fund

Industry Composition

September 30, 2014

 

Electric Utilities

    64.2%   

Multi-Utilities

    19.6%   

Integrated Telecommunication Services

    7.8%   

Gas Utilities

    6.0%   
 

 

 

 
    97.6%   
 

 

 

 

Percentages are based upon common stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     55   


Table of Contents

ICON Utilities Fund

Average Annual Total Return

as of September 30, 2014

 

     Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years     Since
Inception
    Gross
Expense
Ratio*
    Net
Expense
Ratio*
 

ICON Utilities Fund - Class S

    7/9/97        12.69%        10.85%        8.25%        7.95%        1.62%        1.51%   

ICON Utilities Fund - Class C

    9/30/10        11.59%        N/A        N/A        9.74%        2.47%        2.47%   

ICON Utilities Fund - Class A

    9/30/10        12.44%        N/A        N/A        10.42%        1.74%        1.74%   

ICON Utilities Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)

    9/30/10        5.91%        N/A        N/A        8.78%        1.74%        1.74%   

S&P 1500 Utilities Index

            15.91%        12.64%        9.74%        7.90%        N/A        N/A   

S&P Composite 1500 Index

            18.57%        15.79%        8.34%        6.94%        N/A        N/A   

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Information about these performance results and the comparative indexes can be found in the About This Report section. The Adviser has agreed to limit certain Fund expenses; without these limitations, returns would have been lower. The limitation provisions may be terminated in the future.

 

* Please see the most recent prospectus for details.

Class C total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included returns would be lower.

 

56   MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW


Table of Contents

ICON Utilities Fund

Value of a $10,000 Investment

through September 30, 2014

 

LOGO

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The above graph compares a $10,000 investment made in the Fund’s Class S shares on the Class’ inception date of 7/9/97 to a $10,000 investment made in unmanaged securities indexes on that date. The Fund’s performance in this chart and the performance table assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions but does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW     57   


Table of Contents

ICON UTILITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  Common Stocks (97.6%)   
  34,600      ALLETE, Inc.   $ 1,535,894   
  11,700      Ameren Corp.     448,461   
  18,000      American Electric Power Co., Inc.     939,780   
  11,600      Atmos Energy Corp.     553,320   
  19,800      BCE, Inc.     846,648   
  16,100      Cleco Corp.     775,215   
  69,800      CMS Energy Corp.     2,070,268   
  12,000      DTE Energy Co.     912,960   
  28,600      Duke Energy Corp.     2,138,422   
  44,400      Great Plains Energy, Inc.     1,073,148   
  51,300      Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.(a)     1,362,015   
  21,800      ITC Holdings Corp.     776,734   
  17,400      Laclede Group, Inc.     807,360   
  7,700      NextEra Energy, Inc.     722,876   
  32,800      Northeast Utilities     1,453,040   
  31,800      Portland General Electric Co.     1,021,416   
  20,400      SCANA Corp.     1,012,044   
  31,500      UIL Holdings Corp.     1,115,100   
Shares or Principal Amount   Value  
  18,600      Verizon Communications, Inc.   $ 929,814   
  28,500      Westar Energy, Inc.     972,420   
  22,100      Xcel Energy, Inc.     671,840   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $22,215,696)

    22,138,775   
  Collateral for Securities on Loan (4.3%)   
  973,779      State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio, 0.15%     973,779   
   

 

 

 
 
 

 

Total Collateral for Securities
on Loan

(Cost $973,779)

    973,779   
  Short-Term Investments (3.4%)   
$ 780,465      State Street Euro Dollar Time
Deposit (USD), 0.01%, 10/01/14
    780,465   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

(Cost $780,465)

    780,465   
 
 
Total Investments 105.3%
(Cost $23,969,940)
    23,893,019   
 
 
Liabilities Less Other Assets
(5.3)%
    (1,209,730
   

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%   $ 22,683,289   
   

 

 

 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2014.

 

58   SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS


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Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Consumer
Discretionary
Fund
    ICON
Consumer
Staples
Fund
    ICON
Energy
Fund
 

Assets

     

Investments, at cost

  $ 63,396,461      $ 33,498,186      $ 646,578,860   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments, at value

    62,617,359        35,339,941        674,205,264   

Receivables:

     

Fund shares sold

    102,901        4,045        680,334   

Investments sold

    4,388,112        -        5,076,871   

Dividends

    39,017        53,185        298,895   

Expense reimbursements due from Adviser

    1,522        1,506        -   

Foreign tax reclaims

    -        -        14,318   

Other assets

    15,286        10,179        98,480   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

    67,164,197        35,408,856        680,374,162   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Payables:

     

Due to custodian bank

    2,381,726        -        -   

Expense recoupment due to adviser

    -        828        -   

Investments purchased

    614,563        4,396,720        7,210,847   

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

    5,485,890        1,001,000        11,860,729   

Fund shares redeemed

    66,164        4,707        901,554   

Advisory fees

    53,021        20,532        565,820   

Accrued distribution fees

    985        1,762        20,823   

Fund accounting fees

    2,000        825        23,266   

Transfer agent fees

    16,479        10,731        224,086   

Administration fees

    2,639        1,023        28,569   

Trustee fees

    1,293        1,175        22,948   

Accrued expenses

    32,775        31,611        109,246   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

    8,657,535        5,470,914        20,967,888   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - all share classes

  $ 58,506,662      $ 29,937,942      $ 659,406,274   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class S

  $ 55,476,066      $ 25,730,527      $ 615,541,401   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class C

  $ 539,069      $ 1,467,393      $ 17,169,864   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class A

  $ 2,491,527      $ 2,740,022      $ 26,695,009   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

60   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
     ICON
Consumer
Discretionary
Fund
    ICON
Consumer
Staples
Fund
    ICON
Energy
Fund
 

Net Assets Consist of

     

Paid-in capital

  $ 51,825,984      $ 24,033,956      $ 546,809,684   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

    -        228,467        2,197,918   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain/(loss)

    7,459,780        3,833,764        82,772,268   

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (779,102     1,841,755        27,626,404   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 58,506,662      $ 29,937,942      $ 659,406,274   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)

     

Class S

    3,567,138        2,227,195        27,598,252   

Class C

    36,225        130,062        789,680   

Class A

    163,443        236,642        1,202,744   

Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)

     

Class S

  $ 15.55      $ 11.55      $ 22.30   

Class C

  $ 14.88      $ 11.28      $ 21.74   

Class A

  $ 15.24      $ 11.58      $ 22.20   

Class A maximum offering price (100%/(100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share

  $ 16.17      $ 12.29      $ 23.55   

†  Includes securities on loan of

  $ 5,283,138      $ 975,744      $ 11,224,217   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     61   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Financial
Fund
    ICON
Healthcare
Fund
    ICON
Industrials
Fund
 

Assets

     

Investments, at cost

  $ 33,773,514      $ 158,355,890      $ 28,314,904   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments, at value

    34,307,802        167,256,585        36,572,736   

Cash

    -        2,673,608        -   

Receivables:

     

Fund shares sold

    49,267        400,599        3,919   

Investments sold

    551,403        -        -   

Dividends

    14,684        114,186        48,376   

Expense reimbursements due from Adviser

    1,109        1,681        1,574   

Foreign tax reclaims

    335        4,433        -   

Other assets

    9,165        22,571        10,293   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

    34,933,765        170,473,663        36,636,898   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Payables:

     

Expense recoupment due to adviser

    15,619        -        26   

Investments purchased

    -        10,386,109        -   

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

    1,860,075        -        -   

Fund shares redeemed

    94,181        23,204        106,087   

Advisory fees

    28,012        121,959        31,237   

Accrued distribution fees

    232        1,414        284   

Fund accounting fees

    1,142        4,498        1,248   

Transfer agent fees

    7,044        33,748        8,763   

Administration fees

    1,394        6,071        1,555   

Trustee fees

    513        3,522        1,147   

Accrued expenses

    27,824        38,611        30,906   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

    2,036,036        10,619,136        181,253   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - all share classes

  $ 32,897,729      $ 159,854,527      $ 36,455,645   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class S

  $ 32,285,671      $ 148,260,258      $ 35,883,063   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class C

  $ 70,655      $ 716,063      $ 274,576   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class A

  $ 541,403      $ 10,878,206      $ 298,006   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

62   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
     ICON
Financial
Fund
    ICON
Healthcare
Fund
    ICON
Industrials
Fund
 

Net Assets Consist of

     

Paid-in capital

  $ 121,097,153      $ 120,688,639      $ 54,514,640   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

    (14,823     -        16,629   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain/(loss)

    (88,718,889     30,265,193        (26,333,456

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    534,288        8,900,695        8,257,832   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 32,897,729      $ 159,854,527      $ 36,455,645   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)

     

Class S

    4,122,090        6,614,197        3,075,594   

Class C

    9,105        33,525        24,137   

Class A

    68,608        494,296        25,731   

Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)

     

Class S

  $ 7.83      $ 22.42      $ 11.67   

Class C

  $ 7.76      $ 21.36      $ 11.38   

Class A

  $ 7.89      $ 22.01      $ 11.58   

Class A maximum offering price (100%/(100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share

  $ 8.37      $ 23.35      $ 12.29   

†  Includes securities on loan of

  $ 1,801,771      $ -      $ -   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     63   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Information
Technology
Fund
    ICON
Materials
Fund
    ICON
Utilities
Fund
 

Assets

     

Investments, at cost

  $ 40,654,490      $ 85,201,956      $ 23,969,940   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments, at value

    53,023,582        102,488,930        23,893,019   

Cash

    -        89        -   

Receivables:

     

Fund shares sold

    2,961        126,556        15,677   

Investments sold

    -        -        520,731   

Dividends

    5,700        89,251        104,463   

Expense reimbursements due from Adviser

    1,767        1,906        6,417   

Foreign tax reclaims

    -        -        4,916   

Other assets

    13,657        19,357        15,542   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

    53,047,667        102,726,089        24,560,765   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Payables:

     

Expense recoupment due to adviser

    77        -        29   

Investments purchased

    -        -        785,732   

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

    1,717,622        -        973,779   

Fund shares redeemed

    8,368        48,788        25,953   

Distributions due to shareholders

    -        -        25,152   

Advisory fees

    42,498        86,180        18,995   

Accrued distribution fees

    414        2,268        2,412   

Fund accounting fees

    1,742        3,366        888   

Transfer agent fees

    18,793        26,909        10,954   

Administration fees

    2,115        4,290        945   

Trustee fees

    2,074        2,701        1,063   

Accrued expenses

    34,817        37,471        31,574   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

    1,828,520        211,973        1,877,476   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - all share classes

  $ 51,219,147      $ 102,514,116      $ 22,683,289   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class S

  $ 50,363,013      $ 93,609,807      $ 17,920,396   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class C

  $ 401,485      $ 674,573      $ 2,246,296   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets - Class A

  $ 454,649      $ 8,229,736      $ 2,516,597   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

64   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
     ICON
Information
Technology
Fund
    ICON
Materials
Fund
    ICON
Utilities
Fund
 

Net Assets Consist of

     

Paid-in capital

  $ 46,102,319      $ 94,613,540      $ 23,863,332   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

    (288,745     208,261        36,466   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain/(loss)

    (6,963,519     (9,594,659     (1,139,450

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    12,369,092        17,286,974        (77,059
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 51,219,147      $ 102,514,116      $ 22,683,289   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)

     

Class S

    3,717,030        6,203,981        2,267,100   

Class C

    30,969        45,661        288,298   

Class A

    34,124        550,161        322,282   

Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)

     

Class S

  $ 13.55      $ 15.09      $ 7.90   

Class C

  $ 12.96      $ 14.77      $ 7.79   

Class A

  $ 13.32      $ 14.96      $ 7.81   

Class A maximum offering price (100%/(100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share

  $ 14.13      $ 15.87      $ 8.29   

†  Includes securities on loan of

  $ 1,700,882      $ -      $ 948,764   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     65   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

     ICON
Consumer
Discretionary
Fund
    ICON
Consumer
Staples
Fund
    ICON
Energy
Fund
 

Investment Income

     

Interest

  $ 523      $ 65      $ 2,673   

Dividends

    407,875        886,494        12,789,785   

Income from securities lending, net

    15,266        81        71,367   

Foreign taxes withheld

    (571     -        (71,026
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

    423,093        886,640        12,792,799   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

     

Advisory fees

    429,672        371,349        7,243,379   

Distribution fees:

     

Class C

    5,430        16,389        173,021   

Class A

    6,623        6,629        72,811   

Fund accounting fees

    8,761        7,579        150,028   

Transfer agent fees

    83,439        65,873        1,176,371   

Administration fees

    21,406        18,503        366,841   

Custody fees

    3,847        2,230        22,223   

Registration fees:

     

Class S

    14,337        13,011        41,712   

Class C

    7,111        5,672        19,970   

Class A

    2,866        2,960        5,199   

Insurance expense

    7,056        4,786        73,100   

Trustee fees and expenses

    4,383        4,532        86,822   

Audit and tax service expense

    25,995        28,624        29,861   

Interest expense

    1,098        16        88   

Recoupment of previously reimbursed expenses

    -        828        -   

Other expenses

    25,779        26,405        245,830   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses before expense reimbursement

    647,803        575,386        9,707,256   

Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement

    (5,663     (11,844     -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Expenses

    642,140        563,542        9,707,256   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income/(Loss)

    (219,047     323,098        3,085,543   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)

     

Net realized gain/(loss) on:

     

Investments

    8,557,188        4,345,596        92,781,397   

Foreign currency

    -        -        (10,055

Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:

     

Investments and foreign currency

    (6,120,506     (319,405     (79,071,399
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    2,436,682        4,026,191        13,699,943   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

  $ 2,217,635      $ 4,349,289      $ 16,785,486   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

66   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON
Financial
Fund
    ICON
Healthcare
Fund
    ICON
Industrials
Fund
    ICON
Information
Technology
Fund
    ICON
Materials
Fund
    ICON
Utilities
Fund
 
         
$ 324      $ 2,580      $ 294      $ 542      $ 2,646      $ 41   
  243,196        940,023        548,646        550,013        1,430,500        1,468,937   
  10,663        23,893        351        4,097        2,262        20,795   
  (543     (3,676     -        (2,678     (3,713     (20,037

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  253,640        962,820        549,291        551,974        1,431,695        1,469,736   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  175,399        1,156,155        370,170        659,210        880,576        335,794   
         
  741        4,088        2,111        3,635        4,809        26,326   
  2,482        8,159        1,654        2,312        14,343        5,781   
  3,573        23,540        7,552        13,471        17,901        6,850   
  39,600        209,036        52,731        115,945        149,046        63,672   
  8,736        57,605        18,445        32,851        43,870        16,732   
  3,619        5,736        2,059        3,340        3,568        2,192   
         
  14,704        19,789        13,166        15,235        14,535        12,546   
  3,407        7,947        5,399        6,616        8,109        6,078   
  2,883        3,853        1,359        2,010        2,833        3,675   
  4,624        12,604        3,970        8,631        5,754        3,750   
  1,251        12,996        4,374        8,324        9,800        4,059   
  25,856        26,415        25,992        26,180        27,553        29,907   
  -        -        -        1,208        142        1,296   

 

1,287

  

    -        1,152        1,095        6,048        2,254   
  11,450        42,347        23,351        35,068        42,595        25,353   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

299,612

  

    1,590,270        533,485        935,131        1,231,482        546,265   

 

(33,291

    (7,400     (7,089     (7,936     (8,051     (9,172

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  266,321        1,582,870        526,396        927,195        1,223,431        537,093   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (12,681     (620,050     22,895        (375,221     208,264        932,643   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
         
  1,405,808        35,568,937        4,402,317        17,646,371        5,734,068        3,461,225   
  -        -        (2     -        -        (355
         
  (493,598     (5,261,635     (368,853     (6,490,713     3,387,627        (41,712

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  912,210        30,307,302        4,033,462        11,155,658        9,121,695        3,419,158   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

$

899,529

  

  $ 29,687,252      $ 4,056,357      $ 10,780,437      $ 9,329,959      $ 4,351,801   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     67   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     ICON
Consumer Discretionary Fund
    ICON
Consumer Staples Fund
 
     Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 

Operations

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (219,047   $ (144,778   $ 323,098      $ 747,097   

Net realized gain/(loss)

    8,557,188        17,367,080        4,345,596        5,151,989   

Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (6,120,506     (5,298,877     (319,405     (1,187,254
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,217,635        11,923,425        4,349,289        4,711,832   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

       

Net investment income

       

Class S

    -        (107,081     (90,346     (705,385

Class C

    -        -        -        (14,925

Class A

    -        -        (4,612     (34,332

Net realized gains

       

Class S

    -        -        (3,012,548     -   

Class C

    -        -        (170,527     -   

Class A

    -        -        (227,301     -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease from dividends and distributions

    -        (107,081     (3,505,334     (754,642
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions

       

Shares sold

       

Class S

    41,907,118        43,652,744        10,374,445        21,836,090   

Class C

    145,190        401,289        509,133        813,655   

Class A

    940,301        4,395,182        453,023        3,932,331   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

       

Class S

    -        105,010        3,053,902        692,727   

Class C

    -        -        44,192        4,317   

Class A

    -        -        194,753        29,553   

Shares repurchased

       

Class S

    (28,297,795     (73,391,087     (22,245,087     (30,093,447

Class C

    (106,466     (36,831     (839,836     (124,117

Class A

    (3,354,387     (1,812,004     (745,674     (2,752,989
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions

    11,233,961        (26,685,697     (9,201,149     (5,661,880
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets

    13,451,596        (14,869,353     (8,357,194     (1,704,690

Net Assets

       

Beginning of year

    45,055,066        59,924,419        38,295,136        39,999,826   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 58,506,662      $ 45,055,066      $ 29,937,942      $ 38,295,136   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

68   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON
Energy Fund
    ICON
Financial Fund
    ICON
Healthcare Fund
 

Year Ended
September 30,
2014

    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 
         
$ 3,085,543      $ 5,159,129      $ (12,681   $ 281,353      $ (620,050   $ 130,524   
  92,771,342        51,204,122        1,405,808        12,374,185        35,568,937        26,892,462   
  (79,071,399     51,972,292        (493,598     (2,638,068     (5,261,635     68,512   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  16,785,486        108,335,543        899,529        10,017,470        29,687,252        27,091,498   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
         
  (1,893,617     (7,939,013     (278,278     (212,181     (127,305     (960,315
  -        (40,680     -        (2,641     -        (830
  (21,999     (198,437     -        (87,060     (3,215     (4,814
         
  (19,835,437     -        -        -        (28,562,135     -   
  (474,214     -        -        -        (77,969     -   
  (826,812     -        -        -        (1,764,297     -   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (23,052,079     (8,178,130     (278,278     (301,882     (30,534,921     (965,959

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
         
  167,382,750        198,302,565        25,626,071        29,654,752        103,467,905        43,127,373   
  5,878,324        6,783,056        76,434        243,546        472,054        146,690   
  10,311,595        17,708,600        232,046        819,285        17,798,680        11,232,441   
         
  20,337,410        7,493,213        264,618        206,388        26,680,676        908,195   
  353,636        32,808        -        2,641        56,771        494   
  691,659        156,316        -        71,977        1,607,097        3,781   
         
  (226,299,050     (208,619,981     (5,998,164     (54,045,138     (74,118,289     (77,710,064
  (3,329,355     (1,988,902     (314,733     (4,217     (88,793     (28,984
  (10,095,019     (10,731,767     (695,372     (10,555,135     (11,351,623     (9,058,937

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (34,768,050     9,135,908        19,190,900        (33,605,901     64,524,478        (31,379,011

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (41,034,643     109,293,321        19,812,151        (23,890,313     63,676,809        (5,253,472
         
  700,440,917        591,147,596        13,085,578        36,975,891        96,177,718        101,431,190   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 659,406,274      $ 700,440,917      $ 32,897,729      $ 13,085,578      $ 159,854,527      $ 96,177,718   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     69   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)

 

     ICON
Consumer Discretionary Fund
    ICON
Consumer Staples Fund
 
     Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 

Transactions in Fund Shares

       

Shares sold

       

Class S

    2,651,639        3,395,262        915,468        2,043,041   

Class C

    9,556        30,502        45,827        76,170   

Class A

    61,458        332,826        39,755        342,500   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

       

Class S

    -        9,147        282,148        64,320   

Class C

    -        -        4,161        403   

Class A

    -        -        17,945        2,678   

Shares repurchased

       

Class S

    (1,835,870     (5,587,832     (1,993,855     (2,766,875

Class C

    (7,003     (2,785     (77,614     (11,686

Class A

    (227,736     (135,510     (65,428     (247,161
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease)

    652,044        (1,958,390     (831,593     (496,610
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, beginning of year

    3,114,762        5,073,152        3,425,492        3,922,102   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, end of year

    3,766,806        3,114,762        2,593,899        3,425,492   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

  $ -      $ (144,779   $ 228,467      $ 327   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

70   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON
Energy Fund
    ICON
Financial Fund
    ICON
Healthcare Fund
 

Year Ended
September 30,
2014

    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 
         
         
  7,232,880        9,319,960        3,271,278        4,375,423        4,720,711        2,183,690   
  259,250        319,293        9,829        40,854        22,892        7,542   
  444,640        838,402        29,716        124,095        782,634        584,040   
         
  893,167        401,996        34,681        34,227        1,412,423        51,749   
  15,794        1,776        -        450        3,126        29   
  30,456        8,404        -        12,036        86,357        217   
         
  (9,726,177     (10,092,638     (771,690     (7,408,147     (3,675,631     (3,826,521
  (146,695     (97,341     (41,878     (582     (4,505     (1,548
  (435,607     (511,867     (88,044     (1,557,301     (545,685     (435,642

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (1,432,292     187,985        2,443,892        (4,378,945     2,802,322        (1,436,444

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  31,022,968        30,834,983        1,755,911        6,134,856        4,339,696        5,776,140   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  29,590,676        31,022,968        4,199,803        1,755,911        7,142,018        4,339,696   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 2,197,918      $ 1,301,971      $ (14,823   $ 278,277      $ -      $ 130,520   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     71   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)

 

     ICON
Industrials Fund
    ICON
Information Technology Fund
 
     Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 

Operations

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 22,895      $ 205,307      $ (375,221   $ (170,402

Net realized gain/(loss)

    4,402,315        5,370,830        17,646,371        5,389,992   

Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (368,853     3,471,242        (6,490,713     (1,444,372
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    4,056,357        9,047,379        10,780,437        3,775,218   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

       

Net investment income

       

Class S

    (197,919     (420,405     -        -   

Class C

    (974     -        -        -   

Class A

    -        (217     -        -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease from dividends and distributions

    (198,893     (420,622     -        -   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions

       

Shares sold

       

Class S

    11,135,221        7,173,504        8,709,140        17,162,900   

Class C

    221,178        74,596        92,744        181,126   

Class A

    212,076        4,283,513        248,732        2,303,876   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

       

Class S

    194,267        414,890        -        -   

Class C

    803        -        -        -   

Class A

    -        175        -        -   

Shares repurchased

       

Class S

    (13,559,727     (21,215,368     (42,697,099     (30,428,290

Class C

    (43,871     (6,000     (63,858     (177,556

Class A

    (4,380,352     (328,907     (2,347,174     (1,345,123
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions

    (6,220,405     (9,603,597     (36,057,515     (12,303,067
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (2,362,941     (976,840     (25,277,078     (8,527,849

Net Assets

       

Beginning of year

    38,818,586        39,795,426        76,496,225        85,024,074   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 36,455,645      $ 38,818,586      $ 51,219,147      $ 76,496,225   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

72   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON
Materials Fund
     ICON
Utilities Fund
 

Year Ended
September 30,
2014

    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
     Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 
      
$ 208,264      $ 347,887       $ 932,643      $ 868,173   
  5,734,068        3,216,292         3,460,870        4,937,104   
  3,387,627        7,021,570         (41,712     (2,498,233

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  9,329,959        10,585,749         4,351,801        3,307,044   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
      
      
  (335,560     (562,814      (783,820     (720,511
  -        (522      (49,984     (63,357
  (12,325     (6,559      (65,419     (86,104

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (347,885     (569,895      (899,223     (869,972

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
      
      
  43,480,999        38,528,676         3,908,224        34,316,231   
  465,892        39,207         105,014        94,411   
  6,611,987        3,429,905         1,191,616        817,380   
      
  301,996        518,793         748,212        654,271   
  -        473         11,949        19,963   
  11,008        5,232         52,883        46,543   
      
  (24,468,828     (24,745,973      (18,863,423     (31,490,277
  (48,417     (51,875      (957,637     (715,484
  (705,580     (2,218,510      (1,319,199     (5,719,639

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  25,649,057        15,505,928         (15,122,361     (1,976,601

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  34,631,131        25,521,782         (11,669,783     460,471   
      
  67,882,985        42,361,203         34,353,072        33,892,601   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 102,514,116      $ 67,882,985       $ 22,683,289      $ 34,353,072   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     73   


Table of Contents

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)

 

     ICON
Industrials Fund
    ICON
Information Technology Fund
 
     Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 

Transactions in Fund Shares

       

Shares sold

       

Class S

    968,544        770,135        675,116        1,627,939   

Class C

    19,526        7,472        7,757        17,981   

Class A

    17,942        426,449        19,562        204,149   

Reinvested dividends and distributions

       

Class S

    17,330        49,628        -        -   

Class C

    73        -        -        -   

Class A

    -        21        -        -   

Shares repurchased

       

Class S

    (1,168,317     (2,361,282     (3,413,938     (2,944,037

Class C

    (3,813     (570     (5,246     (17,570

Class A

    (405,848     (32,904     (191,533     (129,555
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease)

    (554,563     (1,141,051     (2,908,282     (1,241,093
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, beginning of year

    3,680,025        4,821,076        6,690,405        7,931,498   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, end of year

    3,125,462        3,680,025        3,782,123        6,690,405   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss)

  $ 16,629      $ 198,892      $ (288,745   $ (290,634
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

74   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents
ICON
Materials Fund
     ICON
Utilities Fund
 

Year Ended
September 30,
2014

    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
     Year Ended
September 30,
2014
    Year Ended
September 30,
2013
 
      
      
  2,950,323        3,213,924         507,380        4,739,990   
  32,505        3,256         13,552        13,503   
  455,567        268,253         152,325        111,218   
      
  21,282        47,903         94,392        91,047   
  -        44         1,526        2,846   
  780        484         6,726        6,655   
      
  (1,667,011     (2,106,268      (2,368,098     (4,252,491
  (3,294     (4,677      (124,852     (103,007
  (47,170     (176,505      (173,414     (838,700

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,742,982        1,246,414         (1,890,463     (228,939

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  5,056,821        3,810,407         4,768,143        4,997,082   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  6,799,803        5,056,821         2,877,680        4,768,143   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 208,261      $ 347,882       $ 36,466      $ 3,401   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     75   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 14.50      $ (0.07   $ 1.12      $ 1.05      $ -      $ -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.82        (0.03     2.73        2.70        (0.02     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.79        0.03        3.00        3.03        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    7.92        (0.02     0.89        0.87        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    6.83        (0.05     1.42        1.37        (0.28     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    14.05        (0.26     1.09        0.83        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.57        (0.24     2.72        2.48        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.72        (0.12     2.97        2.85        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    7.92        (0.12     0.92        0.80        -        -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    14.25        (0.12     1.11        0.99        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.65        (0.09     2.69        2.60        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.75        (0.02     2.92        2.90        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    7.92        (0.06     0.89        0.83        -        -   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    11.18        0.11        1.31        1.42        (0.03     (1.02

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.20        0.21        0.98        1.19        (0.21     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.61        0.14        1.69        1.83        (0.24     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    8.08        0.10        0.52        0.62        (0.09     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    7.32        0.08        0.76        0.84        (0.08     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    11.02        (0.01     1.29        1.28        -        (1.02

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.06        0.08        0.99        1.07        (0.11     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.53        0.05        1.66        1.71        (0.18     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    8.08        0.04        0.50        0.54        (0.09     -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    11.23        0.07        1.32        1.39        (0.02     (1.02

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.24        0.14        1.03        1.17        (0.18     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.68        0.11        1.68        1.79        (0.23     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    8.08        0.11        0.58        0.69        (0.09     -   

 

76   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)

to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ -      $ 15.55        7.24   $ 55,476        1.46     1.46 %(b)      (0.47 )%      (0.47 )%      202.10
  (0.02     14.50        22.91     39,883        1.38     1.38 %(b)      (0.21 )%      (0.21 )%      87.00
  -        11.82        34.47     58,314        1.40     1.40 %(b)      0.26     0.26     91.24
  -        8.79        10.98     34,123        1.54     1.54 %(b)      (0.23 )%      (0.23 )%      107.57
  (0.28     7.92        20.61     17,750        2.02     2.02     (0.62 )%      (0.62 )%      194.84
               
  -        14.88        5.91     539        3.78     2.74 %(b)      (2.80 )%      (1.76 )%      202.10
  -        14.05        21.43     473        3.68     2.75 %(b)      (2.74 )%      (1.81 )%      87.00
  -        11.57        32.68     69        6.01     2.75 %(b)      (4.42 )%      (1.16 )%      91.24
  -        8.72        10.10     32        13.14     2.75 %(b)      (11.73 )%      (1.34 )%      107.57
               
  -        15.24        6.95     2,492        1.76     1.76 %(b)      (0.80 )%      (0.80 )%      202.10
  -        14.25        22.42     4,699        1.78     1.78 %(b)      (0.66 )%      (0.66 )%      87.00
  -        11.65        33.03     1,542        1.78     1.78 %(b)      (0.20 )%      (0.20 )%      91.24
  -        8.75        10.48     11        18.49     1.98 %(b)      (17.17 )%      (0.66 )%      107.57
               
               
  (1.05     11.55        13.32     25,731        1.45     1.45 %(b)      0.94     0.94     52.38
  (0.21     11.18        11.75     33,813        1.51     1.51 %(b)      1.92     1.92     90.51
  (0.24     10.20        21.50     37,567        1.55     1.51 %(b)      1.40     1.44     81.81
  (0.09     8.61        7.64     20,614        1.57     1.50 %(b)      1.03     1.10     109.56
  (0.08     8.08        11.56     30,640        1.54     1.54     0.98     0.98     86.31
               
  (1.02     11.28        12.17     1,467        2.76     2.50 %(b)      (0.38 )%      (0.12 )%      52.38
  (0.11     11.02        10.69     1,738        2.61     2.50 %(b)      0.61     0.72     90.51
  (0.18     10.06        20.26     934        3.33     2.51 %(b)      (0.35 )%      0.47     81.81
  (0.09     8.53        6.65     55        7.00     2.50 %(b)      (4.09 )%      0.41     109.56
               
  (1.04     11.58        12.99     2,740        2.04     1.75 %(b)      0.35     0.64     52.38
  (0.18     11.23        11.52     2,744        1.84     1.75 %(b)      1.20     1.29     90.51
  (0.23     10.24        20.94     1,499        2.05     1.77 %(b)      0.82     1.10     81.81
  (0.09     8.68        8.52     24        7.60     1.75 %(b)      (4.60 )%      1.25     109.56

 

 
 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     77   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Energy Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 22.59      $ 0.11      $ 0.33      $ 0.44      $ (0.06   $ (0.67

Year ended September 30, 2013

    19.18        0.18        3.51        3.69        (0.28     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    16.64        0.16        2.93        3.09        (0.15     (0.40

Year ended September 30, 2011

    16.69        0.16        -        0.16        (0.21     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    16.92        0.21        (0.23     (0.02     (0.21     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    22.21        (0.15     0.35        0.20        -        (0.67

Year ended September 30, 2013

    18.87        (0.05     3.48        3.43        (0.09     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    16.47        (0.04     2.88        2.84        (0.04     (0.40

Year ended September 30, 2011

    16.69        (0.10     0.09        (0.01     (0.21     -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    22.50        0.04        0.35        0.39        (0.02     (0.67

Year ended September 30, 2013

    19.12        0.11        3.51        3.62        (0.24     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    16.59        0.11        2.91        3.02        (0.09     (0.40

Year ended September 30, 2011

    16.69        0.08        0.03        0.11        (0.21     -   

ICON Financial Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    7.47        - (c)      0.54        0.54        (0.18     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    6.04        0.04        1.44        1.48        (0.05     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    4.69        0.04        1.34        1.38        (0.03     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    5.55        0.03        (0.87     (0.84     (0.02     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    5.97        0.02        (0.32     (0.30     (0.12     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    7.20        (0.07     0.63        0.56        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    5.91        (0.03     1.39        1.36        (0.07     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    4.64        (0.02     1.31        1.29        (0.02     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    5.55        (0.02     (0.87     (0.89     (0.02     -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    7.37        (0.02     0.54        0.52        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    5.99        0.06        1.38        1.44        (0.06     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    4.68        0.01        1.33        1.34        (0.03     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    5.55        0.01        (0.86     (0.85     (0.02     -   

 

78   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)

to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ (0.73   $ 22.30        1.92   $ 615,541        1.28     1.28 %(b)      0.46     0.46     96.79
  (0.28     22.59        19.55     659,581        1.29     1.29 %(b)      0.85     0.85     88.16
  (0.55     19.18        18.87     567,054        1.23     1.23 %(b)      0.87     0.87     74.41
  (0.21     16.64        0.80     556,393        1.20     1.20 %(b)      0.77     0.77     88.31
  (0.21     16.69        (0.17 )%      510,181        1.24     1.24     1.26     1.26     169.86
               
  (0.67     21.74        0.83     17,170        2.38     2.38 %(b)      (0.65 )%      (0.65 )%      96.79
  (0.09     22.21        18.30     14,691        2.35     2.35 %(b)      (0.25 )%      (0.25 )%      88.16
  (0.44     18.87        17.50     8,257        2.36     2.36 %(b)      (0.20 )%      (0.20 )%      74.41
  (0.21     16.47        (0.23 )%      4,718        2.47     2.47 %(b)      (0.47 )%      (0.47 )%      88.31
               
  (0.69     22.20        1.67     26,695        1.55     1.55 %(b)      0.19     0.19     96.79
  (0.24     22.50        19.21     26,170        1.61     1.61 %(b)      0.51     0.51     88.16
  (0.49     19.12        18.47     15,836        1.55     1.55 %(b)      0.61     0.61     74.41
  (0.21     16.59        0.49     6,005        1.70     1.70 %(b)      0.38     0.38     88.31
               
               
  (0.18     7.83        7.27     32,286        1.64     1.50 %(b)      (0.20 )%      (0.06 )%      78.93
  (0.05     7.47        24.68     11,853        1.47     1.47 %(b)      0.65     0.65     95.21
  (0.03     6.04        29.54     27,696        1.39     1.39 %(b)      0.70     0.70     95.47
  (0.02     4.69        (15.18 )%      32,432        1.40     1.40 %(b)      0.44     0.44     100.23
  (0.12     5.55        (5.11 )%      58,750        1.43     1.43     0.36     0.36     143.36
               
  -        7.76        7.93     71        7.35     2.50 %(b)      (5.74 )%      (0.89 )%      78.93
  (0.07     7.20        23.18     296        3.19     2.51 %(b)      (1.07 )%      (0.40 )%      95.21
  (0.02     5.91        27.79     3        23.96     2.51 %(b)      (21.84 )%      (0.39 )%      95.47
  (0.02     4.64        (16.08 )%      9        35.28     2.50 %(b)      (33.22 )%      (0.44 )%      100.23
               
  -        7.89        7.20     541        2.35     1.75 %(b)      (0.86 )%      (0.26 )%      78.93
  (0.06     7.37        24.20     936        1.88     1.76 %(b)      0.82     0.94     95.21
  (0.03     5.99        28.83     9,278        1.80     1.77 %(b)      0.09     0.12     95.47
  (0.02     4.68        (15.36 )%      24        7.37     1.75 %(b)      (5.50 )%      0.12     100.23

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     79   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Healthcare Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 22.17      $ (0.11   $ 6.18      $ 6.07      $ (0.03   $ (5.79

Year ended September 30, 2013

    17.56        0.03        4.75        4.78        (0.17     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    13.56        0.17        3.97        4.14        (0.14     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    12.78        0.12        0.73        0.85        (0.07     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    12.29        0.04        0.63        0.67        (0.18     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    21.55        (0.34     5.94        5.60        -        (5.79

Year ended September 30, 2013

    17.21        (0.21     4.67        4.46        (0.12     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    13.43        (0.01     3.91        3.90        (0.12     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    12.78        (0.01     0.73        0.72        (0.07     -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    21.92        (0.14     6.03        5.89        (0.01     (5.79

Year ended September 30, 2013

    17.42        (0.03     4.69        4.66        (0.16     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    13.53        0.11        3.94        4.05        (0.16     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    12.78        0.12        0.70        0.82        (0.07     -   

ICON Industrials Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    10.56        0.01        1.16        1.17        (0.06     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    8.26        0.06        2.35        2.41        (0.11     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    6.80        0.07        1.48        1.55        (0.09     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    7.47        0.07        (0.67     (0.60     (0.07     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    6.38        0.05        1.17        1.22        (0.13     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    10.41        (0.12     1.15        1.03        (0.06     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    8.12        (0.06     2.35        2.29        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    6.72        (0.01     1.46        1.45        (0.05     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    7.47        (0.02     (0.66     (0.68     (0.07     -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    10.45        (0.03     1.16        1.13        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    8.10        - (c)      2.36        2.36        (0.01     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    6.76        0.08        1.35        1.43        (0.09     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    7.47        0.05        (0.69     (0.64     (0.07     -   

 

80   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses to
average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)
to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ (5.82   $ 22.42        32.27   $ 148,261        1.36     1.36 %(b)      (0.53 )%      (0.53 )%      187.85
  (0.17     22.17        27.48     92,171        1.39     1.39 %(b)      0.13     0.13     111.86
  (0.14     17.56        30.76     100,938        1.34     1.34 %(b)      1.08     1.08     47.59
  (0.07     13.56        6.66     75,116        1.36     1.36 %(b)      0.85     0.85     83.63
  (0.18     12.78        5.39     72,554        1.36     1.36     0.31     0.31     102.42
               
  (5.79     21.36        30.73     716        4.31     2.50 %(b)      (3.49 )%      (1.68 )%      187.85
  (0.12     21.55        26.11     259        4.42     2.50 %(b)      (2.98 )%      (1.06 )%      111.86
  (0.12     17.21        29.24     103        11.81     2.51 %(b)      (9.38 )%      (0.08 )%      47.59
  (0.07     13.43        5.64     22        31.38     2.50 %(b)      (28.98 )%      (0.10 )%      83.63
               
  (5.80     22.01        31.72     10,878        1.62     1.62 %(b)      (0.66 )%      (0.66 )%      187.85
  (0.16     21.92        26.95     3,748        1.69     1.69 %(b)      (0.15 )%      (0.15 )%      111.86
  (0.16     17.42        30.19     390        2.89     1.76 %(b)      (0.46 )%      0.67     47.59
  (0.07     13.53        6.42     126        7.15     1.75 %(b)      (4.58 )%      0.82     83.63
               
               
  (0.06     11.67        11.14     35,883        1.41     1.41 %(b)      0.07     0.07     30.09
  (0.11     10.56        29.52     34,409        1.46     1.46 %(b)      0.60     0.60     45.66
  (0.09     8.26        22.99     39,621        1.40     1.40 %(b)      0.91     0.91     33.73
  (0.07     6.80        (8.21 )%      50,653        1.36     1.36 %(b)      0.80     0.80     55.87
  (0.13     7.47        19.40     71,607        1.40     1.40     0.73     0.73     54.34
               
  (0.06     11.38        9.95     275        5.01     2.50 %(b)      (3.53 )%      (1.03 )%      30.09
  -        10.41        28.20     87        9.86     2.50 %(b)      (8.02 )%      (0.66 )%      45.66
  (0.05     8.12        21.58     12        13.40     2.51 %(b)      (11.07 )%      (0.18 )%      33.73
  (0.07     6.72        (9.29 )%      15        13.56     2.50 %(b)      (11.29 )%      (0.23 )%      55.87
               
  -        11.58        10.81     298        2.02     1.75 %(b)      (0.56 )%      (0.29 )%      30.09
  (0.01     10.45        29.20     4,322        2.09     1.75 %(b)      (0.32 )%      0.02     45.66
  (0.09     8.10        21.21     163        2.50     1.75 %(b)      0.18     0.93     33.73
  (0.07     6.76        (8.75 )%      122        3.46     1.75 %(b)      (1.12 )%      0.59     55.87

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     81   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Information Technology Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 11.44      $ (0.07   $ 2.18      $ 2.11      $ -      $ -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.72        (0.02     0.74        0.72        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.22        (0.02     2.52        2.50        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    8.05        (0.04     0.21        0.17        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    7.79        (0.05     0.35        0.30        (0.04     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    11.07        (0.21     2.10        1.89        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.49        (0.14     0.72        0.58        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.13        (0.13     2.49        2.36        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    8.05        (0.13     0.21        0.08        -        -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    11.30        (0.11     2.13        2.02        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.65        (0.05     0.70        0.65        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.20        (0.06     2.51        2.45        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    8.05        (0.05     0.20        0.15        -        -   

ICON Materials Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.43        0.04        1.68        1.72        (0.06     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.12        0.09        2.40        2.49        (0.18     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    9.00        0.11        2.11        2.22        (0.10     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.06        0.08        (1.08     (1.00     (0.06     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    8.93        0.05        1.18        1.23        (0.10     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.24        (0.12     1.65        1.53        -        -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    10.94        (0.04     2.38        2.34        (0.04     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.92        - (c)      2.08        2.08        (0.06     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.06        (0.03     (1.05     (1.08     (0.06     -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    13.36        (0.01     1.67        1.66        (0.06     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    11.07        0.05        2.38        2.43        (0.14     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    8.97        0.08        2.10        2.18        (0.08     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    10.06        0.05        (1.08     (1.03     (0.06     -   

 

82   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)

to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ -      $ 13.55        18.44   $ 50,363        1.40     1.40 %(b)      (0.56 )%      (0.56 )%      47.88
  -        11.44        6.72     73,851        1.38     1.38 %(b)      (0.22 )%      (0.22 )%      51.71
  -        10.72        30.41     83,330        1.34     1.34 %(b)      (0.20 )%      (0.20 )%      35.22
  -        8.22        2.11     61,081        1.34     1.34 %(b)      (0.40 )%      (0.40 )%      44.84
  (0.04     8.05        3.91     77,269        1.37     1.37     (0.58 )%      (0.58 )%      68.32
               
  -        12.96        17.07     401        4.20     2.50 %(b)      (3.40 )%      (1.70 )%      47.88
  -        11.07        5.53     315        3.31     2.50 %(b)      (2.16 )%      (1.36 )%      51.71
  -        10.49        29.03     294        4.46     2.50 %(b)      (3.22 )%      (1.26 )%      35.22
  -        8.13        0.99     1        115.00     2.51 %(b)      (113.96 )%      (1.47 )%      44.84
               
  -        13.32        17.88     455        1.94     1.75 %(b)      (1.10 )%      (0.91 )%      47.88
  -        11.30        6.10     2,330        2.23     1.75 %(b)      (0.94 )%      (0.45 )%      51.71
  -        10.65        29.88     1,400        2.87     1.75 %(b)      (1.71 )%      (0.59 )%      35.22
  -        8.20        1.86     1        215.56     1.75 %(b)      (214.36 )%      (0.55 )%      44.84
               
               
  (0.06     15.09        12.85     93,610        1.36     1.36 %(b)      0.26     0.26     33.16
  (0.18     13.43        22.73     65,782        1.45     1.45 %(b)      0.72     0.72     55.66
  (0.10     11.12        24.85     41,627        1.39     1.39 %(b)      1.00     1.00     40.89
  (0.06     9.00        (10.07 )%      59,068        1.33     1.33 %(b)      0.73     0.73     62.97
  (0.10     10.06        13.92     87,856        1.38     1.38     0.54     0.54     70.80
               
  -        14.77        11.56     675        4.17     2.50 %(b)      (2.51 )%      (0.84 )%      33.16
  (0.04     13.24        21.43     218        4.12     2.50 %(b)      (1.95 )%      (0.33 )%      55.66
  (0.06     10.94        23.36     195        4.29     2.51 %(b)      (1.82 )%      (0.04 )%      40.89
  (0.06     8.92        (10.87 )%      120        4.11     2.50 %(b)      (1.91 )%      (0.30 )%      62.97
               
  (0.06     14.96        12.47     8,229        1.72     1.72 %(b)      (0.07 )%      (0.07 )%      33.16
  (0.14     13.36        22.24     1,883        2.02     1.75 %(b)      0.17     0.44     55.66
  (0.08     11.07        24.44     539        2.12     1.76 %(b)      0.34     0.70     40.89
  (0.06     8.97        (10.37 )%      487        2.26     1.74 %(b)      (0.07 )%      0.45     62.97

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     83   


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

          Income/(loss) from investment operations     Less dividends and  
     Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
    Net
investment
income/
(loss)(x)
    Net realized
and unrealized
gains/(losses)
on investments
    Total from
investment
operations
    Dividends
from net
investment
income
    Distributions
from net
realized
gains
 

ICON Utilities Fund

           

Class S

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

  $ 7.22      $ 0.22      $ 0.69      $ 0.91      $ (0.23   $ -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    6.81        0.20        0.43        0.63        (0.22     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    6.29        0.20        0.55        0.75        (0.23     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    6.15        0.24        0.31        0.55        (0.41     -   

Year ended September 30, 2010

    5.66        0.19        0.44        0.63        (0.14     -   

Class C

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    7.12        0.15        0.68        0.83        (0.16     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    6.72        0.13        0.42        0.55        (0.15     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    6.21        0.14        0.57        0.71        (0.20     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    6.15        0.25        0.22        0.47        (0.41     -   

Class A

           

Year ended September 30, 2014

    7.14        0.21        0.68        0.89        (0.22     -   

Year ended September 30, 2013

    6.73        0.18        0.42        0.60        (0.19     -   

Year ended September 30, 2012

    6.24        0.20        0.53        0.73        (0.24     -   

Year ended September 30, 2011

    6.15        0.34        0.17        0.51        (0.42     -   

 

(x) Calculated using the average shares method.  
* The total return calculation is for the period indicated and excludes any sales charges.  
(a) Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level and is not annualized for periods less than a year.  
(b) The Fund’s operating expenses, not including interest expense, are contractually limited to the amounts discussed in Note 3. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the interest expense.  
(c) Amount less than $0.005.  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

84   FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Table of Contents
distributions                       Ratio of expenses
to average net assets
    Ratio of net investment
income/(loss)

to average net assets
       
Total
dividends
and
distributions
    Net asset
value, end
of period
    Total
return*
    Net assets,
end of
period (in
thousands)
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Before
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    After
expense
limitation/
recoupment
and transfer
agent
earnings
credits
    Portfolio
turnover
rate(a)
 
               
               
$ (0.23   $ 7.90        12.69   $ 17,920        1.52     1.50 %(b)      2.84     2.86     106.99
  (0.22     7.22        9.25     29,117        1.62     1.51 %(b)      2.71     2.81     121.14
  (0.23     6.81        12.01     23,524        1.53     1.51 %(b)      3.00     3.02     50.92
  (0.41     6.29        9.16     21,313        1.61     1.51 %(b)      3.75     3.85     114.73
  (0.14     6.15        11.16     32,036        1.67     1.67     3.28     3.28     84.45
               
  (0.16     7.79        11.59     2,246        2.55     2.50 %(b)      1.87     1.92     106.99
  (0.15     7.12        8.16     2,834        2.47     2.47 %(b)      1.89     1.89     121.14
  (0.20     6.72        11.53     3,256        2.47     2.47 %(b)      2.17     2.17     50.92
  (0.41     6.21        7.77     24        122.08     2.50 %(b)      (115.58 )%      4.00     114.73
               
  (0.22     7.81        12.44     2,517        1.81     1.75 %(b)      2.69     2.75     106.99
  (0.19     7.14        8.96     2,402        1.74     1.74 %(b)      2.55     2.55     121.14
  (0.24     6.73        11.81     7,113        1.70     1.70 %(b)      3.03     3.03     50.92
  (0.42     6.24        8.56     449        185.34     1.75 %(b)      (178.27 )%      5.32     114.73

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     85   


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

 

1.  Organization

The ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund, ICON Consumer Staples Fund, ICON Energy Fund, ICON Financial Fund, ICON Healthcare Fund, ICON Industrials Fund, ICON Information Technology Fund, ICON Materials Fund, and ICON Utilities Fund are series funds (individually a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are part of the ICON Funds (the “Trust”), a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end non-diversified investment management company. Each Fund offers three classes of shares: Class S, Class C and Class A. All classes have equal rights as to earnings, assets, and voting privileges except that each Class may bear different distribution fees, registration costs, legal costs, mailing and printing costs and shareholder servicing costs and each Class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. There are currently eight other active Funds within the Trust. Those Funds are covered by separate prospectuses and shareholder reports.

Each Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par shares. The Funds invest primarily in securities of companies whose principal business activities fall within specific sectors and industries. The investment objective of each Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

The Funds may have elements of risk, including the risk of loss of principal. There is no assurance that the investment process will consistently lead to successful results. An investment in a non-diversified sector fund may involve greater risk and volatility than a more diversified fund. Investments in foreign securities and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar-denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of lower government supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability. Financial statements of foreign companies are governed by different accounting, auditing, and financial standards than U.S. companies and may be less transparent and uniform than in the United States. Many corporate governance standards, which help ensure the integrity of public information in the United States, may not exist in some foreign countries. In general, there may be less governmental supervision of foreign stock exchanges and securities brokers and issuers. There are also risks associated with small-and mid-cap investing, including limited product lines, less liquidity and small market share.

 

86   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents

The ICON Energy Fund has a significant weighting in the Oil & Gas Equipment & Services industry and the Oil & Gas Exploration & Production industry, the ICON Healthcare Fund has a significant weighting in the Pharmaceuticals industry, the ICON Information Technology Fund has a significant weighting in the Internet Software & Services industry, and the ICON Utilities Fund has a significant weighting in the Electric Utilities industry which may cause the Funds’ performance to be susceptible to the economic, business and/or other developments that may affect those industries.

In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into various agreements that provide for general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as any potential exposure involving future claims that may be made against each Fund is unknown. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

2.  Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Investment Valuation

The Funds’ securities and other assets, excluding options on securities indexes, are valued at the closing price as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (normally 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) each day the NYSE is open, except that securities traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) are normally valued by the Funds at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price provided by NASDAQ each business day. Options on securities indexes are valued at the close of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (normally 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     87   


Table of Contents

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The Funds use pricing services to obtain the market value of securities in their portfolios; if a pricing service is not able to provide a price, or the pricing service’s valuation is considered inaccurate or does not in the Funds’ judgment reflect the market value of the security, prices may be obtained through market quotations from independent broker/dealers. If market quotations from these sources are not readily available, the Funds’ securities or other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (“Board”) or pursuant to procedures approved by the Board.

Lacking any sales that day, a security is valued at the current closing bid price (or yield equivalent thereof) or based on quotes obtained from dealers making a market for the security. Options are valued at their closing mid-price on the market with the most volume. Mid-price is the average of the closing bid and closing ask prices. Debt securities with a remaining maturity of greater than 60 days are valued using the evaluated bid price supplied by the pricing service. The evaluated bid price supplied by the pricing service is based upon a matrix valuation system which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings. Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are generally valued at amortized cost or original cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. Currency rates as of the close of the NYSE are used to convert foreign security values into U.S. dollars.

Securities of investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded. Investments in shares of funds that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value per share of such fund. Securities in the underlying funds, including restricted securities are valued in accordance with the valuation policy of such fund.

The Funds’ securities traded in countries outside of the Western Hemisphere are fair valued daily by utilizing the quotations of an independent pricing service, unless the Board determines that use of another valuation methodology is appropriate. The purposes of daily fair valuation are to avoid stale prices and to take into account, among other things, any significant events occurring after the close of foreign markets. The pricing service uses statistical analyses and quantitative models to adjust local market prices using factors such as subsequent movements and changes in the prices of indexes, securities and exchange rates in other markets to determine fair

 

88   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Table of Contents

value as of the time a Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”). The valuation assigned to fair-value securities for purposes of calculating a Fund’s NAV may differ from the security’s most recent closing market price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs.

Various inputs are used to determine the value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

Level 2 — significant observable inputs other than Level 1quoted prices (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk).

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs.

Observable inputs are those based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds, and unobservable inputs reflect the Funds’ own assumptions based on the best information available. The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investments at that level. For example, non-U.S. equity securities actively traded in foreign markets may be reflected in Level 2 despite the availability of closing prices, because the Funds evaluate and determine whether those closing prices reflect fair value at the close of the NYSE or require adjustment, as described above. The following table summarizes the Funds’ investments, based on the inputs used to determine their values on September 30, 2014:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund*

  

   

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 57,131,469      $ -      $         -      $ 57,131,469   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        5,485,890        -        5,485,890   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 57,131,469      $ 5,485,890      $ -      $ 62,617,359   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund*

  

   

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 28,419,992      $ -      $ -      $ 28,419,992   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        1,001,000        -        1,001,000   

Short-Term Investments

    -        5,918,949        -        5,918,949   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 28,419,992      $ 6,919,949      $ -      $ 35,339,941   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

ICON Energy Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 624,651,537      $ -      $ -      $ 624,651,537   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        11,860,729        -        11,860,729   

Short-Term Investments

    -        37,692,998        -        37,692,998   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 624,651,537      $ 49,553,727      $ -      $ 674,205,264   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Financial Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 31,273,963      $ -      $ -      $ 31,273,963   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        1,860,075        -        1,860,075   

Short-Term Investments

    -        1,173,764        -        1,173,764   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 31,273,963      $ 3,033,839      $ -      $ 34,307,802   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Healthcare Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 126,174,029      $ -      $ -      $ 126,174,029   

Short-Term Investments

    -        41,082,556        -        41,082,556   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 126,174,029      $ 41,082,556      $ -      $ 167,256,585   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Industrials Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 35,891,937      $ -      $ -      $ 35,891,937   

Short-Term Investments

    -        680,799        -        680,799   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 35,891,937      $ 680,799      $ -      $ 36,572,736   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Information Technology Fund*

  

   

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 50,445,577      $ -      $ -      $ 50,445,577   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        1,717,622        -        1,717,622   

Short-Term Investments

    -        860,383        -        860,383   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 50,445,577      $ 2,578,005      $ -      $ 53,023,582   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ICON Materials Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 97,847,690      $ -      $ -      $ 97,847,690   

Short-Term Investments

    -        4,641,240        -        4,641,240   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 97,847,690      $ 4,641,240      $ -      $ 102,488,930   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

ICON Utilities Fund*

       

Assets

       

Common Stocks

  $ 22,138,775      $ -      $ -      $ 22,138,775   

Collateral for Securities on Loan

    -        973,779        -        973,779   

Short-Term Investments

    -        780,465        -        780,465   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 22,138,775      $ 1,754,244      $ -      $ 23,893,019   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Please refer to the Schedule of Investments and the Sector/Industry Classification and Credit Diversification tables for additional security details.

No Level 3 securities were held in any of the Funds at September 30, 2014.

For the year ended September 30, 2014, there was no transfer activity between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. The end of period timing recognition is used for transfers between levels of the Fund’s assets and liabilities.

Fund Share Valuation

Fund shares are sold and redeemed on a daily basis at net asset value. Net asset value per share is determined daily as of the close of trading on the NYSE on each day the NYSE is open for trading by dividing the total value of the Fund’s investments and other assets, less liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding.

Foreign Currency Translation

The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated daily into U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the respective dates of the transactions. Purchases and sales of securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the contractual currency exchange rates established at the time of each trade.

The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, resulting from changes in the exchange rates and changes in market prices of securities held.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Securities Lending

Under procedures adopted by the Board, the Funds may lend securities to certain approved brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income. The Funds retain certain benefits of owning the securities, including receipt of dividends or interest generated by the security, but give up other rights including the right to vote proxies. The Funds retain the ability to recall the loans at any time and could do so in order to vote proxies or to sell the loaned securities. Each loan is collateralized by cash that generally exceeds the value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined daily at the close of business of the Funds and any additional required collateral is delivered to each Fund on the next business day.

Generally, in the event of borrower default, the Funds have the right to use the collateral to offset any losses incurred. In the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral, there may be a potential loss to the Funds. Some of these losses may be indemnified by the lending agent.

The Funds have elected to invest the cash collateral in the State Street Navigator Prime Portfolio which is disclosed on the Schedule of Investments. The Funds bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of collateral. The net securities lending income earned by the Funds for the year ended September 30, 2014, is included in the Statement of Operations.

For the year ended September 30, 2014, the following Funds had securities with the following values on loan:

 

Fund   Loaned Securities     Collateral  

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

  $ 5,283,138      $ 5,485,890   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    975,744        1,001,000   

ICON Energy Fund

    11,224,217        11,860,729   

ICON Financial Fund

    1,801,771        1,860,075   

ICON Information Technology Fund

    1,700,882        1,717,622   

ICON Utilities Fund

    948,764        973,779   

The value of the collateral above could include collateral held for securities that were sold on or before September 30, 2014. It may also include collateral received from the pre-funding of security loans.

 

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Income Taxes, Dividends, and Distributions

The Funds intend to continue to qualify as regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and, accordingly, the Funds will generally not be subject to federal and state income taxes or federal excise taxes to the extent that they intend to make sufficient distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains.

Dividends paid by the Funds from net investment income and distributions of net realized short-term gains are, for federal income tax purposes, taxable as ordinary income to shareholders.

Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded by the Funds on the ex-dividend/distribution date. The Funds distribute income and net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least annually, if not offset by capital loss carryforward. The Funds may utilize equalization accounting for tax purposes and designate earnings and profits, including net realized gains distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares, as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax periods and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements.

The Funds file U.S. tax returns. While the statute of limitations remains open to examine the Funds’ U.S. tax returns filed for the past three years, no examinations are in progress or anticipated at this time. The Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Certain foreign countries impose a capital gains tax which is accrued by the Funds based on the unrealized appreciation, if any, on affected securities. Any accrual would reduce a Fund’s NAV. The tax is paid when the gain is realized.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Investment Income

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Interest income is accrued as earned. Certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the Funds are informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Discounts and premiums on fixed income securities purchased are accreted or amortized to income over the life of the respective securities.

Investment Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day after the trade date. However, for financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

Allocation of Expenses

Each class of a Fund’s shares bears expenses incurred specifically on its behalf and, in addition, each class bears a portion of general expenses, based upon relative net assets of each class. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a specific Fund in the Trust are apportioned between all Funds in the Trust based upon relative net assets. In calculating the net asset value per share of each class, investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses other than class-specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the proportion of net assets.

 

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Below are the class level expenses that are included on the Statement of Operations:

 

Fund   Legal
Expense
    Printing
And Postage
Expense
    Transfer
Agent
Expense
 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

     

Class S

  $ 1,649      $ 12,090      $ 77,427   

Class C

    23        140        1,347   

Class A

    120        647        4,665   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

     

Class S

    1,861        12,737        53,011   

Class C

    93        413        2,778   

Class A

    150        1,222        10,084   

ICON Energy Fund

     

Class S

    40,371        96,814        1,102,606   

Class C

    1,006        2,303        25,867   

Class A

    1,695        4,628        47,898   

ICON Financial Fund

     

Class S

    208        3,251        36,156   

Class C

    3        14        273   

Class A

    39        20        3,171   

ICON Healthcare Fund

     

Class S

    6,016        16,170        204,891   

Class C

    22        68        837   

Class A

    238        357        3,308   

ICON Industrials Fund

     

Class S

    2,047        11,269        51,186   

Class C

    12        35        486   

Class A

    44        209        1,059   

ICON Information Technology Fund

     

Class S

    3,698        16,445        113,655   

Class C

    20        67        690   

Class A

    61        200        1,600   

ICON Materials Fund

     

Class S

    4,946        22,016        138,900   

Class C

    29        133        1,506   

Class A

    338        954        8,640   

ICON Utilities Fund

     

Class S

    1,657        13,650        58,014   

Class C

    161        340        2,102   

Class A

    144        385        3,556   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

3.  Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fees

ICON Advisers, Inc. (“ICON Advisers”) serves as investment adviser to the Funds and is responsible for managing the Funds’ portfolios of securities. ICON Advisers receives a monthly management fee that is computed daily at an annual rate of 1.00% on the first $500 million of average daily net assets, 0.95% on the next $250 million, 0.925% on the next $750 million, 0.90% on the next $3.5 billion, and 0.875% on average daily net assets over $5 billion.

ICON Advisers has contractually agreed to limit its Funds’ expenses (exclusive of brokerage, interest, taxes, dividends on short sales and extraordinary expenses) to the extent necessary to ensure that the Funds’ operating expenses do not exceed the following amounts:

 

Fund   Class S     Class C     Class A  

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

    1.74%        2.74%        1.99%   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    1.50%        2.50%        1.75%   

ICON Energy Fund

    1.50%        2.50%        1.75%   

ICON Financial Fund

    1.50%        2.50%        1.75%   

ICON Healthcare Fund

    1.50%        2.50%        1.75%   

ICON Industrials Fund

    1.50%        2.50%        1.75%   

ICON Information Technology Fund

    1.50%        2.50%        1.75%   

ICON Materials Fund

    1.50%        2.50%        1.75%   

ICON Utilities Fund

    1.50%        2.50%        1.75%   

The Funds’ expense limitations will continue in effect until at least January 31, 2015. To the extent ICON Advisers reimburses or absorbs fees and expenses, it may seek payment of such amounts for up to three years after the expenses were reimbursed or absorbed. A Fund will make no such payment, however, if the total Fund operating expenses exceed the expense limits in effect at the time the expenses were reimbursed or at the time these payments are proposed.

 

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As of September 30, 2014 the following amounts were available for recoupment by ICON Advisers based upon their potential expiration dates:

 

Fund   2015     2016     2017  

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

  $ 1,981      $ 1,881      $ 5,663   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    5,954        3,344        11,844   

ICON Financial Fund

    2,094        7,072        33,291   

ICON Healthcare Fund

    3,689        3,191        7,400   

ICON Industrials Fund

    2,939        4,711        7,089   

ICON Information Technology Fund

    3,947        5,822        7,936   

ICON Materials Fund

    3,469        3,018        8,051   

ICON Utilities Fund

    5,758        25,930        9,172   

Accounting, Custody and Transfer Agent Fees

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) serves as the fund accounting agent for the Funds. For its services, the Trust pays State Street a fee that is calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust.

State Street is the custodian of the Trust’s investments. For its services, the Trust pays State Street asset-based fees that vary according to the number of positions and transactions, plus out-of-pocket expenses.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) is the Trust’s transfer agent. For these services, the Trust pays a per account fee, plus certain other transaction Cusip charges and out-of-pocket expenses. BFDS may pay each Fund transfer agent earnings credits. Transfer agent earnings credits are credits received for interest which results from overnight balances used by BFDS for clearing shareholder transactions.

Administrative Services

The Trust has entered into an administrative services agreement with ICON Advisers pursuant to which ICON Advisers oversees the administration of the Trust’s business and affairs. This agreement provides for an annual fee of 0.05% on the Trust’s first $1.5 billion of average daily net assets, 0.045% on the next $1.5 billion of average daily net assets, 0.040% on the next $2 billion of average daily net assets and 0.030% on average daily net assets over $5 billion. For the year ended September 30, 2014, each Fund’s payment for administrative services to ICON Advisers is included on the Statement of Operations. The administrative services agreement provides that ICON Advisers will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     97   


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

law, or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with matters to which the administrative services agreement relates, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence by ICON Advisers in the performance of its duties.

ICON Advisers has a sub-administration agreement under which State Street assists ICON Advisers with the administration and business affairs of the Trust. For its services, ICON Advisers pays State Street a fee that is calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust.

Distribution Fees

The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“12b-1 Plan”) under which the Funds are authorized to compensate the Funds’ distributor, ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI”) (an affiliate of the adviser) for the sale and distribution of shares. Under the 12b-1 Plan, Class A shareholders pay an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. The Class C shareholders pay an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets. There is no annual distribution and service fee for Class S shares. The total amount paid under the 12b-1 plans, if any, by the Funds is shown on the Statement of Operations.

Other Related Parties

Certain Officers and Directors of ICON Advisers are also Officers and Trustees of the Funds; however, such Officers and Trustees (with the exception of the Chief Compliance Officer, “CCO”) receive no compensation from the Funds. The Trust paid $120,000 of the CCO’s salary and the remaining portion is paid by ICON Advisers. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statement of Operations.

The Fund may reimburse ICON Advisers for legal work performed for the Fund by its attorneys outside of the advisory and administration contracts. The Board of Trustees reviews and approves such reimbursements. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statement of Operations.

 

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4.  Borrowings

The Trust has entered into a Line of Credit agreement/arrangement with State Street to provide temporary funding for redemption requests. The maximum borrowing is limited to $150 million. Interest on domestic borrowings is charged at a rate quoted and determined by State Street. The average interest rate charged for the year ended September 30, 2014 was 1.31%.

For the year ended September 30, 2014 the average outstanding loan by Fund was as follows:

 

Fund   Average Borrowing
(10/1/13-9/30/14)
 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund*

  $ 79,999   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    1,149   

ICON Energy Fund

    6,408   

ICON Information Technology Fund

    88,402   

ICON Materials Fund

    10,323   

ICON Utilities Fund

    94,466   

 

* Fund had outstanding borrowings under these agreements/arrangements as of September 30, 2014.

5.  Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

For the year ended September 30, 2014, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) was as follows:

 

Fund   Purchases of
Securities
    Proceeds
From Sales of
Securities
 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

  $ 94,566,019      $ 76,821,525   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    18,728,518        32,212,596   

ICON Energy Fund

    680,951,881        738,831,262   

ICON Financial Fund

    31,786,538        11,587,052   

ICON Healthcare Fund

    174,730,637        170,561,919   

ICON Industrials Fund

    10,284,045        13,858,376   

ICON Information Technology Fund

    28,716,081        57,919,283   

ICON Materials Fund

    55,330,381        26,612,120   

ICON Utilities Fund

    34,992,948        50,351,200   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

6.  Federal Income Tax

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between U.S. GAAP and federal income tax purposes that are permanent in nature are reclassified within the capital accounts. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the NAVs of the Funds. These differences are due to differing treatments for items such as deferrals of wash sale losses, foreign currency transactions, and net investment losses.

For the year ended September 30, 2014 the following Funds had capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund   Amounts     Expires  

ICON Financial Fund

  $ 45,004,011        2017   
    43,715,782        2018   

ICON Industrials Fund

    26,339,719        2018   

ICON Information Technology Fund

    390,260        2017   
    6,573,259        2018   

ICON Materials Fund

    2,148,321        2017   
    7,349,690        2018   

ICON Utilities Fund

    1,129,706        2018   

Future capital loss carryforward utilization in any given year may be limited if there are substantial shareholder redemptions or contributions. During the year ended September 30, 2014 the following Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund   Amount  

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

  $ 724,922   

ICON Financial Fund

    1,407,388   

ICON Industrials Fund

    4,402,317   

ICON Information Technology Fund

    17,531,866   

ICON Materials Fund

    5,734,068   

ICON Utilities Fund

    3,470,969   

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”) capital losses generated by a fund may be carried over indefinitely, but these losses must be used prior to the utilization of any pre-enactment capital losses. Since pre-enactment capital losses may only be carried forward for eight years there may be a greater likelihood that all or a portion of each fund’s pre-enactment capital losses will expire unused

 

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The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, were as follows:

 

    Distributions Paid from        
Fund   Ordinary
Income
    Net Long-
Term Gains
   

Total

Distributions
Paid

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

  $ 188,400      $ 3,316,934      $ 3,505,334   

ICON Energy Fund

    7,889,789        15,162,290        23,052,079   

ICON Financial Fund

    278,278        -        278,278   

ICON Healthcare Fund

    9,719,828        20,815,093        30,534,921   

ICON Industrials Fund

    198,893        -        198,893   

ICON Materials Fund

    347,885        -        347,885   

ICON Utilities Fund

    899,223        -        899,223   

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:

 

    Distributions Paid from        
Fund   Ordinary
Income
    Net Long-
Term Gains
   

Total

Distributions
Paid

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

  $ 107,081      $         -      $ 107,081   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    754,642        -        754,642   

ICON Energy Fund

    8,178,130        -        8,178,130   

ICON Financial Fund

    301,882        -        301,882   

ICON Healthcare Fund

    965,959        -        965,959   

ICON Industrials Fund

    420,622        -        420,622   

ICON Materials Fund

    569,895        -        569,895   

ICON Utilities Fund

    869,972        -        869,972   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

As of September 30, 2014, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund   Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
    Undistributed
Capital Gains
    Late Year
Loss
Deferral**
    Capital Loss
Carryover
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)*
    Accumulated
Earnings/
(Deficit)
 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

  $ 2,900,385      $ 4,565,209      $ -      $ -      $ (784,916   $ 6,680,678   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    1,018,444        3,043,787        -        -        1,841,755        5,903,986   

ICON Energy Fund

    5,849,832        79,120,354        -        -        27,626,404        112,596,590   

ICON Financial Fund

    -        -        (14,823     (88,719,793     535,192        (88,199,424

ICON Healthcare Fund

    16,828,952        13,436,241        -        -        8,900,695        39,165,888   

ICON Industrials Fund

    16,629        -        -        (26,339,719     8,264,095        (18,058,995

ICON Information Technology Fund

    -        -        (288,745     (6,963,519     12,369,092        5,116,828   

ICON Materials Fund

    208,261        -        -        (9,498,011     17,190,326        7,900,576   

ICON Utilities Fund

    36,466        -        -        (1,129,706     (86,803     (1,180,043

 

* Differences between the book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

** The Funds have elected to defer certain qualified late-year losses in accordance with federal income tax rules. These losses are treated as having arisen on the first day of the following fiscal year.

As of September 30, 2014, cost on investments for federal income tax purposes and the amount of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund   Cost     Unrealized
Appreciation
    Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

  $ 63,402,275      $ 3,058,813      $ (3,843,729   $ (784,916

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    33,498,186        2,295,089        (453,334     1,841,755   

ICON Energy Fund

    646,578,860        48,027,437        (20,401,033     27,626,404   

ICON Financial Fund

    33,772,610        1,290,722        (755,530     535,192   

ICON Healthcare Fund

    158,355,890        10,926,181        (2,025,486     8,900,695   

ICON Industrials Fund

    28,308,641        8,627,081        (362,986     8,264,095   

ICON Information Technology Fund

    40,654,490        12,694,263        (325,171     12,369,092   

ICON Materials Fund

    85,298,604        19,571,708        (2,381,382     17,190,326   

ICON Utilities Fund

    23,979,684        449,805        (536,470     (86,665

 

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7.  Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-08, Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2013-08”). This update sets forth a new approach for determining whether a public or private company is an investment company and sets certain measurement and disclosure requirements for an investment company. FASB has determined that a fund registered under the 1940 Act automatically meets the criteria of ASU 2013-08 and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. Management does not expect this guidance to have an impact on the Funds’ financial statements.

8.  Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events and determined that there are no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of the ICON Funds:

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund, ICON Consumer Staples Fund, ICON Energy Fund, ICON Financial Fund, ICON Healthcare Fund, ICON Industrials Fund, ICON Information Technology Fund, ICON Materials Fund, and ICON Utilities Fund (nine of the portfolios constituting ICON Funds, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”) at September 30, 2014, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2014 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Denver, Colorado

November 19, 2014

 

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SIX MONTH HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSE EXAMPLE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (UNAUDITED)

Example

As a shareholder of a Fund you may pay two types of fees: transaction fees and fund-related fees. Certain funds charge transaction fees, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees. Funds also incur various ongoing expenses, including management fees, distribution and/or service fees, and other fund expenses, which are indirectly paid by shareholders.

This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the various ICON Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. This Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the six-month period (4/1/14 – 9/30/14).

Actual Expenses

The first line in the table for each Fund provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The Example includes, but is not limited to, management fees, 12b-1 fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees. However, the Example does not include client specific fees, such as the $15 fee charged to IRA accounts, or the $15 fee charged for wire redemptions. You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line for each Fund under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line in the table for each Fund provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads),

 

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redemption fees, or exchange fees that may be charged by other funds. Therefore, this information is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

     Beginning
Account
Value
4/1/14
    Ending
Account
Value
9/30/14
    Expense Paid
During Period
4/1/14 - 9/30/14*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
4/1/14 - 9/30/14*
 

Actual Expenses

       

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

       

Class S

  $ 1,000      $ 982.90      $ 7.01        1.41%   

Class C

    1,000        977.00        13.58        2.74%   

Class A

    1,000        982.00        8.45        1.70%   

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,050.00        7.50        1.46%   

Class C

    1,000        1,045.40        12.82        2.50%   

Class A

    1,000        1,049.90        8.99        1.75%   

ICON Energy Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        974.20        6.33        1.28%   

Class C

    1,000        968.80        11.80        2.39%   

Class A

    1,000        973.30        7.77        1.57%   

ICON Financial Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,005.10        7.54        1.50%   

Class C

    1,000        1,000.00        12.53        2.50%   

Class A

    1,000        1,003.80        8.79        1.75%   

ICON Healthcare Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,121.60        7.23        1.36%   

Class C

    1,000        1,115.40        13.26        2.50%   

Class A

    1,000        1,119.50        9.25        1.74%   

ICON Industrials Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        986.50        7.07        1.42%   

Class C

    1,000        981.00        12.42        2.50%   

Class A

    1,000        984.70        8.71        1.75%   

ICON Information Technology Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,079.70        7.35        1.41%   

Class C

    1,000        1,073.70        13.00        2.50%   

Class A

    1,000        1,077.70        9.11        1.75%   

ICON Materials Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,018.20        6.98        1.38%   

Class C

    1,000        1,012.30        12.61        2.50%   

Class A

    1,000        1,017.00        8.65        1.71%   

ICON Utilities Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,020.10        7.65        1.51%   

Class C

    1,000        1,015.40        12.68        2.51%   

Class A

    1,000        1,019.50        8.91        1.76%   

 

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     Beginning
Account
Value
4/1/14
    Ending
Account
Value
9/30/14
    Expense Paid
During Period
4/1/14 - 9/30/14*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio
4/1/14 - 9/30/14*

Hypothetical (assuming a 5% return before expenses)

       

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

       

Class S

  $ 1,000      $ 1,018.00      $ 7.13     

Class C

    1,000        1,011.33        13.82     

Class A

    1,000        1,016.55        8.59     

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,017.75        7.38     

Class C

    1,000        1,012.53        12.61     

Class A

    1,000        1,016.29        8.85     

ICON Energy Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,018.65        6.48     

Class C

    1,000        1,013.09        12.06     

Class A

    1,000        1,017.20        7.94     

ICON Financial Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,017.55        7.59     

Class C

    1,000        1,012.53        12.61     

Class A

    1,000        1,016.29        8.85     

ICON Healthcare Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,018.25        6.88     

Class C

    1,000        1,012.53        12.61     

Class A

    1,000        1,016.34        8.80     

ICON Industrials Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,017.95        7.18     

Class C

    1,000        1,012.53        12.61     

Class A

    1,000        1,016.29        8.85     

ICON Information Technology Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,018.00        7.13     

Class C

    1,000        1,012.53        12.61     

Class A

    1,000        1,016.29        8.85     

ICON Materials Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,018.15        6.98     

Class C

    1,000        1,012.53        12.61     

Class A

    1,000        1,016.50        8.64     

ICON Utilities Fund

       

Class S

    1,000        1,017.50        7.64     

Class C

    1,000        1,012.48        12.66     

Class A

    1,000        1,016.24        8.90     

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s six month expense ratio annualized, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

Total returns exclude applicable sales charges. If sales charges were included (maximum 5.75%), returns would be lower.

 

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND FUND OFFICERS (UNAUDITED)

The ICON Funds Board of Trustees (“Board”) consists of four Trustees who oversee the 17 ICON Funds (the “Funds”). The Board is responsible for general oversight of the Funds’ business and for assuring that the Funds are managed in the best interest of the Funds’ shareholders. The Trustees, and their ages, and principal occupations are set forth below. The address of the Trustees is 5299 DTC Blvd., Suite 1200, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Trustees have no official term of office and generally serve until they resign or are not re-elected.

Interested Trustee

Craig T. Callahan, 63, Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as Chief Executive Officer (2013-present); President (1998 to 2013 and 2014 to present); and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers. Dr. Callahan is also Executive Vice President (2005 to present); Director (1991 to present); and was previously President (1998 to 2005) and Chief Compliance Officer (2005) of IDI. Dr. Callahan also serves as the President (1998 to present) and Chairman of the Board of Directors (1994 to present) of IM&R, the parent company of ICON Advisers and IDI.

Independent Trustees

Glen F. Bergert, 64. Mr. Bergert has been a Trustee of the Funds since 1999. Mr. Bergert is President of Venture Capital Management LLC (1997 to present), General Partner of SOGNO Partners LP, a venture capital company (2001 to present), General Partner of Bergert Properties, LLP, a real estate holding company (1997 to present), General Partner of Pyramid Real Estate Partnership, a real estate development company (1998 to present), General Partner of Chamois Partners, LP, a venture capital company (2004 to present) and was previously a General Partner with KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP (1979 to 1997). Mr. Bergert is also a Director of Delta Dental of California, an insurance company (2013 to present and 2006 to 2012), Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, an insurance company (1998 to 2009 and 2010 to present), Dentegra Group, Inc, an insurance holding company (2010 to 2014) and Delta Reinsurance Corporation (2000 to 2009 and 2011 to 2014). Mr. Bergert was a Director of Herre Bros, Inc., a contracting company (1998 to 2011).

John C. Pomeroy, Jr., 67. Mr. Pomeroy has been a Trustee of the Funds since November 2002. Mr. Pomeroy is Chief Investment Officer and Director

 

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of Investments, Pennsylvania State University (2001 to present) and was Portfolio Manager and Product Manager, Trinity Investment Management Corporation (1989 to 2001).

R. Michael Sentel, 66. Mr. Sentel has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Mr. Sentel is a Senior Attorney with the U.S. Department of Education (1996 to present). Mr. Sentel also provides legal representation as a sole practitioner with an emphasis on corporate and transactional law. He served as general counsel to numerous public companies and served on the board of directors of one of these clients. Mr. Sentel began his legal career with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement and served as a Branch Chief (1980 to 1981). Later he served as the Section Chief for the Professional Liability Section of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. with responsibility for the Rocky Mountain Region (1991 to 1994).

The Officers of the Funds are:

Craig T. Callahan, 63, Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as Chief Executive Officer (2013-present); President (1998 to 2013 and 2014 to present); and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers. Dr. Callahan is also Executive Vice President (2005 to present); Director (1991 to present); and was previously President (1998 to 2005) and Chief Compliance Officer (2005) of IDI. Dr. Callahan also serves as the President (1998 to present) and Chairman of the Board of Directors (1994 to present) of IM&R, the parent company of ICON Advisers and IDI.

Donald Salcito, 61. Mr. Salcito serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Funds (November 15, 2006 to present). Mr. Salcito is also Executive Vice President and General Counsel (September 2005 to present) of ICON Advisers; Director of IM&R (2005 to present); Executive Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel of IDI (2005 to present). Previously, he was a Partner in various national law firms, practicing in the securities law area. (1980 to 2005).

Carrie M. Schoffman, 41. Ms. Schoffman has been a Vice President and Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer of the Funds since June 2013. Ms. Schoffman is also Chief Compliance Officer (2013 to present and 2004 to 2008) and Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2013 to present) of the ICON Funds. She is Senior Vice President (2011 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2013 to present and 2004 to 2011) of ICON Advisers. Previously, she was a Staff Accountant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (2003 to 2004) and also an Experienced Manager (2001 to 2003) and a Senior Associate/Associate (1996 to 2001) at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

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Lesley Caviness, 48. Ms. Caviness serves as Assistant Treasurer of the Funds (2014 to present). She has worked at ICON (2007-2008 and 2010 – present) in fund accounting, compliance, business intelligence and performance capacities. Prior to working at ICON, Ms. Caviness was a Real Estate Broker at Seasons Real Estate Group (2008-2012) and Signature Real Estate (2014-present), Finance Manager at Navigant (2000-2007), and Associate/Senior Associate (1996 to 2000) at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Renewal of Investment Advisory Agreement

On September 3, 2014 the Board of Trustees, including all of the Trustees that are not “interested persons” of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved continuation of the Advisory Agreements with the Adviser for each Fund for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2014.

In determining to renew the investment advisory agreements between ICON Funds (the “Trust”) and ICON Advisers, Inc. (“ICON” or the “Adviser”) the Trustees requested, was provided with and reviewed data with respect to the Adviser, its personnel, and the services provided and to be provided to each Fund by the Adviser under the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated October 9, 1996, as amended (related to the Sector Funds, the International Funds and ICON Funds) and under the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated July 9, 2002 and effective October 1, 2002, as amended (related to the U.S. Diversified Funds — Bond, Risk-Managed Equity, Equity Income and Long/Short Funds) (collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”), for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2014. The Trustees agreed that consideration of the Advisory Agreements should also include consideration of other agreements between the Adviser and the Trust that impact provisions of the Advisory Agreements, including, in particular, expense limitation agreements dated January 22, 2014, as amended May 5, 2014 (for ICON Emerging Markets Fund) and as amended effective September 30, 2014 (for the ICON High Yield Bond Fund).

The Trustees were provided with and reviewed data with respect to the Adviser, its personnel, and the services provided and to be provided to each Fund by the Adviser under the Trust’s Advisory Agreements, Administrative Services Agreement and Expense Limitation Agreement and the Distribution Agreement with ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI”). The data included information concerning advisory, distribution and administrative services provided to the Funds by ICON and its related companies; information concerning other businesses of those companies; comparative data related to exchange traded funds versus the Sector Funds; and comparative data obtained from Strategic Insight (“SI”) related to Fund performance and Fund expenses (the “SI Report”). The data also included an analysis of the management style to be applied and the style applied to the Funds’ ratings of the Funds’ performance in their management style on the AthenaInvest system (the “AthenaInvest Data”) and a presentation on the Adviser’s investment model.

The Board convened a meeting with SI to discuss the SI Report and the information contained within the SI Report on August 20, 2014. Management

 

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personnel participated in the SI meeting convened to discuss the data for and with the Board. Included in the 15(c) discussion was a briefing on factors affecting the ICON investment model; expenses and expense ratios of each Fund and other ICON managed products; relative performance of each Fund; status of expense reimbursements to the Funds by the Adviser; sales and marketing initiatives; specific business factors affecting IDI; the work load on ICON as adviser and administrator to the Funds; current profitability of ICON; current quality control procedures in place to show consistency in the management of the investment model, modification to the investment model, and staffing levels and staff morale.

The Independent Trustees were represented by independent legal counsel in this process. Prior to acting on the proposed contract renewals and after participating in the meeting with SI and management, the Independent Trustees met separately as a group in private sessions with their independent legal counsel to review and discuss the foregoing information. Based on these discussions, independent legal counsel and/or the Lead Independent Trustee also contacted management and SI to request additional information and to discuss responses to questions raised during the process and the meeting with SI. In addition, the Board received materials from legal counsel discussing the legal standards applicable to their consideration of the ICON-Trust agreements.

In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board reviewed information relating to ICON’s operations and personnel. Among other things, the Adviser provided biographical information on its professional staff and descriptions of its organizational and management structure. In the course of their deliberations the Board evaluated, among other things, information relating to the investment philosophy, strategies and techniques used in managing each Fund, the qualifications and experience of ICON’s investment personnel, ICON’s compliance programs, ICON’s brokerage practices, including the extent to which the Adviser obtains research through “soft dollar” arrangements with the Funds’ brokerage, compliance reports on the foregoing, and the financial and non-financial resources available to provide services required under the Advisory Agreement.

During the discussion, the SI Report and the AthenaInvest Data were discussed and management personnel showed performance for each fund and discussed the factors affecting performance. The Board inquired from SI whether there was any correlation between fund expenses and performance, and SI saw no correlation with the ICON Funds. During the discussion on performance, management personnel noted that the markets continue to experience volatility and that when the markets are volatile, it affects the performance of the ICON system; during the last three – four years ICON’s

 

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style of management, intrinsic valuation, has not been in favor and performance has been affected by three primary factors: quality, cash and shorter duration theme reversals. The Trustees noted that Advisers’ performance relative to other valuation managers as judged by the AthenaInvest system is in line, but in relation to other strategy managers, valuation is underperforming Future Growth, Social Considerations, Competitive Position, Quantitative and Profitability. The Board believes this information supports the view that an active valuation manager is in a very difficult setting and indicates this setting has been particularly difficult for managers buying what they consider to be value stocks. Management noted that the ICON system is designed to handle one to two year industry themes; and that the Adviser has stuck to its system as specified in Fund disclosure documents, holding the stocks and industries that appear inexpensive in relation to ICON’s calculating of value and ridden through the volatility. SI also noted that from a performance point of view, the Funds in the SI Report are compared using the Morningstar data, and there is no Morningstar category for “all cap” funds. For the period July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014 and for the six month period ending June 30, 2014, five of the 18 ICON Funds out-performed their benchmarks.

The Board addressed style consistency with the Adviser. Management advised that, based on the Adviser’s own analysis, and with the restructuring of the Adviser, the Adviser has continued an additional level of review on the Portfolio Managers (“PMs”) to make sure they are adhering to the ICON System; the Senior Vice President of Fund Management has been systematically tracking the Funds’ performance; he evaluates each of the ICON Funds to help ensure all PMs are investing consistently and in accordance with the ICON System by evaluating the Funds from an attribution perspective in monthly meetings. Management also advised that part of his responsibilities require him to evaluate the ICON system and that this effort has resulted in improvements to the ICON methodology, when necessary.

In connection with reviewing data bearing upon the nature, quality, and extent of services furnished by ICON to each Fund, the Board assessed data concerning ICON’s staffing, systems and facilities. The Board also assessed ICON’s non-Trust business to see if there are any initiatives that would dilute service to the Trust. The Board concluded:

A.  That the breadth and the quality of investment advisory and other services being provided to each Fund is satisfactory, as evidenced in part by efforts to address and improve the performance record of each Fund when compared with the performance records of a peer group of comparable funds and markets in general;

 

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B.  That the breadth and the quality of investment advisory and other services being provided to each Fund are satisfactory, as evidenced in part by the AthenaInvest Data (ratings based on an assessment of fund strategy), the Adviser’s performance is competitive with other fund managers in the value style group, and the Adviser has applied a disciplined approach in the style specified in the Funds’ offering document;

C.  That ICON has made significant expenditures in the past year and in prior years to ensure that it has the sophisticated systems and the highly trained personnel necessary for it to be able to continue to provide quality service to the Funds’ shareholders, including the dedication of substantial resources to ICON’s investment and methodology;

D.  That the Board, after considering compliance reports and compliance initiatives undertaken during the year and conducting individual interviews with selected PMs, is satisfied with the research and portfolio management, that research and portfolio management is being constantly evaluated and improved upon; and that the PMs are evaluating trading services constantly, the Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management of the nature, quality and scope required by the Funds; and

E.  The risks assumed by ICON in providing investment advisory services to each Fund, including the capital commitments which have been made in the past and which continue to be made by ICON to ensure the continuation of the highest quality of service to the Trust, is made with the recognition that shareholders may redeem their shares at any time without notice and the Trust’s advisory relationship with ICON may be terminated at any time and must be renewed on an annual basis.

In considering the reasonableness of the fees paid to the Adviser for managing each Fund, the Board reviewed, among other things, data concerning other funds from the SI Report, financial statements of the Adviser and an analysis of the profitability of the Adviser, and its affiliates, and their relationship with each Fund over various time periods. Such analysis identified all revenues and other benefits received by the Adviser and its affiliates from managing each Fund, the costs associated with providing such services and the resulting profitability to the Adviser and its affiliates and a comparison of similar data from reports filed by publicly traded firms.

The Board assessed actual (net) fees for advisory services and Fund expense ratios under the contractual relationship (the Advisory agreements and the Expense Limitation Agreements) with the Adviser as opposed to the fees specified in the applicable Advisory Agreement and expense ratios without

 

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application of the expense limitations and concluded that the focus should be on actual expense ratios after application of the Expense Limitation Agreements.

The Board considered the current and anticipated asset levels of each Fund and the contractual commitments of the Adviser to waive fees and pay expenses of the Funds from time to time to limit the total expenses of the Funds. In this regard the Board discussed asset levels in each Fund covered by the Advisory Agreements due to the relative Fund performance, and the industry wide sales in equity and actively managed funds due to the uncertainty of the markets. ICON’s ability to provide the services called for under the Advisory Agreements was assessed in light of current and projected asset levels. Fund expenses and expense ratios were also assessed in light of current and projected asset levels. The Board concluded that the Adviser has the resources necessary to provide the services called for under the Advisory Agreements; that profitability to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Funds, and services provided to the Funds, is not excessive; and that the Adviser is not realizing material benefits from economies of scale that would warrant adjustments to the fees for any Fund at this time. The Board of Trustees concluded that, in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and the levels of profitability associated with providing these services, the fees charged by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreements to each Fund are reasonable.

In connection with assessing data bearing on the fairness of fee arrangements, the Board considered the SI Report. It was noted that SI was selected at the May Board meeting to prepare its report, an extensive analysis of the expense data of other comparable funds; and that Trustee input was solicited and provided in the process. Among other information discussed, it was noted that:

A.  the advisory fee structures of the Funds are within the range of funds considered in the comparison with advisory fees and expense ratios of other similarly managed funds as set forth in the comparative data;

B.  ICON has contractually agreed to impose expense limitations on each and every Fund at a cost to ICON;

C.  ICON has contractually committed to break points in its fees so that economies of scale could be realized as a Fund grows in assets, for the benefit of Fund shareholders.

The Board also considered the fees charged by the Adviser to other advisory clients as outlined in its Registration Application on Form ADV in connection with assessing data bearing on the fairness of fee arrangements. The Trustees noted that certain ICON institutional/sub-advised type accounts

 

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have lower fees than the fees paid by the Funds for a number of reasons, including but not limited to, those clients call for different commitments of time, institutional clients have low and predictable turnover of assets, in competition joint costs are apportioned among paying customers according to elasticity of demand and the Adviser has a limited level of responsibility in sub-managed accounts, or accounts with an investor agent/advisor.

The Board noted that the Funds’ redemptions were similar to industry averages which showed two things: 1) that the Funds’ Performance was not adversely impacting fund redemptions, and 2) that the fees and costs were competitive when compared to size. The Board noted that there are thousands of mutual funds competing; that investors can search and trade funds on the internet or on platforms at very little or no cost; and that if the Adviser were overcharging for its services, with its performance being what it is, the Board would have expected redemptions in excess of industry norms.

The Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management at a fair, reasonable and competitive price.

In connection with assessing the direct and indirect benefits to ICON from serving as the Funds’ adviser, the Board discussed services provided under the Distribution Agreement and the Administrative Services Agreement which are in addition to services under the Advisory Agreements. It was noted that IDI does not charge a fee to the Funds for its services and that ICON’s fee for administrative services appears to be consistent with such fees in other fund groups. The Board noted that ICON receives research assistance (primarily in the form of data) from the use of soft dollars generated from Fund portfolio transactions; that such research assists ICON in providing quality advisory services; that Trust and Adviser compliance personnel continuously evaluate and report on the soft-dollar arrangements and related costs; and the Board concluded that the arrangements are consistent with Fund brokerage practices and benefit the Funds and their shareholders.

Based on these considerations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that: 1) the continuation of the Advisory Agreements was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders, 2) the services to be performed under the Advisory Agreements were required for the operation of the Funds, 3) the advisory services were satisfactory to the Funds in the past, and 4) the fees for the advisory services and other benefits from the relationship with the Trust received by ICON, and its affiliates, were consistent with fees paid by similar funds and other clients of ICON, and were reasonable in light of the comparative data, and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s length in light of all the circumstances.

 

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Supplemental Tax Information

For corporate shareholders, the following percentage of the total ordinary income dividends paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, qualifies for the corporate dividends received deduction for the following Funds:

 

Fund   Dividends
Received
Deduction
 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    89.1

ICON Energy Fund

    91

ICON Financial Fund

    100

ICON Healthcare Fund

    12.3

ICON Industrials Fund

    100

ICON Materials Fund

    100

ICON Utilities Fund

    100

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the following funds paid qualified dividend income:

 

Fund   Amount  

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

    89.8

ICON Energy Fund

    98

ICON Financial Fund

    100

ICON Healthcare Fund

    15

ICON Industrials Fund

    100

ICON Materials Fund

    100

ICON Utilities Fund

    100

The Funds designate the following amounts, or the maximum amount needed, as long-term capital gain distributions qualifying for the maximum 20% income tax rate for individuals:

 

Fund   Amount  

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

  $ 3,316,934   

ICON Energy Fund

    15,162,290   

ICON Healthcare Fund

    20,815,093   

Portfolio Holdings

Information related to the 10 largest portfolio holdings of each Fund is made available at www.iconfunds.com within approximately 10 business days after month-end. Additionally, a complete list of each Fund’s holdings is made available approximately 30 days after month-end. Each ICON Fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of its fiscal year with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on Form N-Q. The ICON Funds’ Forms N-Q are available at www.sec.gov or may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

 

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Proxy Voting

A summarized description of the policies and procedures the ICON Funds use to vote proxies is available free of charge at www.iconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-764-0442.

Information about how the ICON Funds voted proxies related to each Fund’s portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available free of charge at www.iconfunds.com or on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

Cost Basis Information

Effective January 1, 2012, federal law requires mutual fund companies to maintain and report a shareholder’s cost basis by tax lot, gain/loss information and holding period of covered shares to the Internal Revenue Service on Form 1099. Covered shares are mutual fund shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012. A fund is not required to maintain and report information for shares not deemed as covered.

The new law requires each fund to elect a default tax identification methodology in order to perform the required reporting. As a result, the Trust has chosen Average Cost as its default tax identification methodology. This is the method each Fund will use. However, at the time of purchase or upon the sale of covered shares, shareholders may choose a different tax identification method. Furthermore, if you purchase shares through a financial intermediary, please contact the intermediary to find out what default tax identification method they will use. We recommend that you consult your tax adviser to determine which tax identification methodology best suits your individual tax situation.

For More Information

This report is for the general information of the Funds’ shareholders and is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. You may obtain a copy of the prospectus, which contains information about the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and share classes of each ICON Fund, by visiting www.iconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-764-0442. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

ICON Distributors, Inc., Distributor.

 

118   OTHER INFORMATION


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ICON FUNDS PRIVACY INFORMATION

 

FACTS  

WHAT DOES ICON DO

WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

 
Why?   Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
 
What?  

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

n  Social Security number and account balances

 

n  income and transaction history

 

n  checking account information and wire transfer instructions

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 
How?   All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons ICON chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information   Does ICON share?   Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

  Yes   No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

  No   We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies   No   We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your transactions and experiences

  No   We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your creditworthiness

  No   We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you   No   We don’t share

 

Questions?   Call 1-800-764-0442 for the ICON Funds and 1-800-828-4881 for ICON Advisers, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

FUNDS PRIVACY INFORMATION     119   


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Page 2    

 

Who we are    
Who is providing this notice?   ICON Funds, ICON Advisers, Inc., and ICON Distributors, Inc. (collectively “ICON”)
What we do    
How does ICON protect my personal information?  

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

Contracts with our service providers require them to restrict access to your non-public personal information, and to maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards against unintended disclosure.

How does ICON collect my personal information?  

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

n  open an account or enter into an investment advisory contract

 

n  provide account information or give us your contact information

 

n  make a wire transfer

 

We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?  

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

n  sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

 

n  affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

n  sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions    
Affiliates  

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

n  Our affiliates include financial companies such as ICON Funds, ICON Advisers, Inc., and ICON Distributors, Inc.

Nonaffiliates  

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

n  Nonaffiliates we share with can include financial companies such as custodians, transfer agents, registered representatives, financial advisers and nonfinancial companies such as fulfillment, proxy voting, and class action service providers

Joint marketing  

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

n  ICON doesn’t jointly market

 

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For more information about the ICON Funds, contact us:

By Telephone    1-800-764-0442
By Mail   

ICON Funds

P.O. Box 55452

Boston, MA 02205-8165

In Person   

ICON Funds

5299 DTC Boulevard, 12th Floor

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

On the Internet    www.iconfunds.com
By E-Mail    info@iconadvisers.com

 

LOGO


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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

(a) The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. This code of ethics is included as an Exhibit.

(b) Not used.

(c) There were no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.

(d) The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.

(e) Not applicable.

(f) See the attached Exhibit.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

3(a)(1) The Registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.

3(a)(2) The audit committee financial experts are Glen F. Bergert and R. Michael Sentel, who are “independent” for purposes of this Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

3(a)(3) Not applicable.


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Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a) Audit Fees

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, the aggregate Audit Fees billed (or to be billed) by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) for professional services rendered for the audits of the financial statements, or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements as well as reimbursable expenses are listed below. All of the below fees were paid by the Registrant.

 

2014    2013  

$375,563

   $ 362,100   

 

(b) Audit-Related Fees

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, the aggregate Audit-Related Fees billed (or to be billed) by PwC for services rendered for assurance and related services to each fund that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the fund’s financial statements, but not reported as Audit Fees, are shown in the table below.

 

2014    2013  

$0

   $ 0   

 

(c) Tax Fees

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 the aggregate Tax Fees billed (or to be billed) by PwC for professional services rendered for tax return preparation, tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning are shown in the table below. All of the below fees were paid by the Registrant.

 

2014    2013  

$136,500

   $ 136,850   

 

(d) All Other Fees

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 the aggregate Other Fees billed (or to be billed) by PwC for all other non-audit services rendered are shown in the table below. All of the below fees were paid by the Registrant.

 

2014    2013  

$0

   $ 0   

.

(e)(1) The audit committee of the Registrant’s Board of Trustees is required to pre-approve all services to be provided by the independent accountants to the Registrant or the Registrant’s investment adviser and to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides on-going services to the Registrant to determine whether the services performed by the independent accountants impair their independence from the Registrant. The audit committee has delegated authority to the Chairman of the audit committee, subject to review and ratification by the full audit committee.

(e)(2) 100% of the fees were approved by the Registrant’s audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) if Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the percentage of hours spent on the audit of the Registrant’s financial statements that were attributed to work performed by persons who are not full-time, permanent employees of PwC was 0%.

(g) See Item 4(d) above.


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(h) There were no non-audit fees provided by PwC in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014 or September 30, 2013 to the investment adviser or to any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides on-going services to the Registrant.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

(a) The schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included in Item 1.

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that these disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed and are operating effectively to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

(b)There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1) The code of ethics is attached.

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) are attached.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) are furnished herewith.


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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)

 

        ICON Funds                                                                                                                                                             

By (Signature and Title)*

 

     /s/ Craig T. Callahan

       Craig T. Callahan, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)                 

 

Date

 

        December 5, 2014                                                                   

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/ Craig T. Callahan

 

     Craig T. Callahan, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal  Executive Officer)                

 

Date

 

        December 5, 2014                                                                   

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

     /s/ Carrie M. Schoffman

 

     Carrie M. Schoffman, Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer                              

     (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

Date

 

        December 5, 2014                                                                   

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.