N-CSR 1 icon-ncsr_093018.htm CERTIFIED ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT
 

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)

 

 

Brian Harding

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, 2018

Date of reporting period: September 30, 2018

 

 

 

Item 1.

Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ANNUAL REPORT
 
September 30, 2018

  

Diversified Funds

  

ICON Equity Income Fund (IOEZX, IOECX, IEQAX)

ICON Flexible Bond Fund (IOBZX, IOBCX, IOBAX)

ICON Fund (ICNZX, ICNCX, ICNAX)

ICON Long/Short Fund (IOLZX, IOLCX, ISTAX)

ICON Opportunities Fund (ICONX)

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund (IOCZX, IOCCX, IOCAX)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

About This Report (Unaudited)   2
     
Management Overview (Unaudited) and Schedules of Investments    
     
ICON Equity Income Fund   3
     
ICON Flexible Bond Fund   9
     
ICON Fund   14
     
ICON Long/Short Fund   18
     
ICON Opportunities Fund   22
     
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   26
     
Financial Statements   33
     
Financial Highlights   40
     
Notes to Financial Statements   56
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   70
     
Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)   71
     
Board of Trustees and Officers (Unaudited)   73
     
Additional Information (Unaudited)   75
     
Privacy Policy   79

  

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds

About this Report 

September 30, 2018 (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, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any sector, industry, security or the Funds.

 

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. The ICON Equity Income Fund and ICON Flexible Bond Fund may invest up to 25% and 35% of its assets in high-yield bonds that are below investment grade, respectively. 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.

 

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 the 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.

 

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.

 

 

2

www.iconfunds.com 

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A. The ICON Equity Income Fund (the Fund) Class S shares returned 5.19% for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, lagging its benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 17.69% during the fiscal year. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A. As the fiscal year began, our valuation methodology calculated an overall average value-to-price (V/P) ratio for the equity market of 1.00, meaning we believed the equity market as a whole was trading at fair value. While we anticipated flat performance, the market exceeded our expectations with the S&P 1500 returning in excess of 17%. However, stocks with higher dividend yields (that is, yields greater than 3%), did not do particularly well over this 12-month period. During fiscal year 2018, S&P 1500 stocks with dividend yields between 0% and 3% returned approximately 20%, while stocks with a dividend yield greater than 3% returned roughly 6%. This performance difference reflects, in part, the improvement in treasury yield over the course of the year. For example, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note increased throughout the year -- from 2.33% on September 30, 2017 to 3.06% on September 30, 2018. As fixed income yields improved, the demand for high dividend yielding stocks as an alternative to fixed income investments in a low interest rate environment decreased. With the Fund’s tilt toward stocks with higher dividend yields, the Fund lagged its broad benchmark. The Fund’s fixed income positions during the fiscal year likewise adversely affected relative performance. As interest rates increased, the value of these fixed income positions decreased, creating an additional headwind compared to its equity only index.

 

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

A. The Fund’s stock selection within the Consumer Discretionary sector was the largest detractor to Fund performance. The Fund’s Consumer Discretionary holdings returned approximately -14.7% while the Consumer Discretionary Sector benchmark enjoyed a 30.55% return during fiscal year 2018. In total this sector accounted for more than one third of the Fund’s underperformance. The Fund’s performance was adversely impacted by its lack of exposure to the internet & direct marketing retail industry and, specifically, the Fund’s lack of a position in Amazon. Amazon shares more than doubled in price over the course of the fiscal year, and its absence in the Fund accounts for nearly 10% of the Fund’s underperformance. An additional headwind came from the Fund’s overweight position in the Financials sector. The S&P 1500 Financials Index returned 8.56% over the year, well below the 17.68% return for the broader market. Because we calculated a V/P of 1.13 for the Financials sector as fiscal year 2018 began (well above our estimated V/P of 1.00 for the overall market), we believed the Fund’s Financials holdings would perform better than they did.

 

Similarly, the Fund’s fixed income allocation dragged on performance. We watched as the overall market V/P at times fell below 1.00 during the fiscal year. Because this suggested to us the market was overvalued, we increased our fixed income holdings and defensive index put options. As interest rates increased, however, the value of our fixed income positions decreased. Furthermore, as the market moved higher during the year, the defensive put options lost value and negatively impacted the Fund.

 

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

A. As of September 30, 2018, we believe the market has an overall average V/P of 1.02, meaning stocks are generally priced only slightly below their fair value under our system. Accordingly, we do not anticipate the same strong returns in the equity market in fiscal year 2019 as we saw in the last two fiscal years. Fifteen percent of the Fund is allocated to fixed income holdings, with the remaining 85% comprised of equities. We nonetheless still see sector opportunities based on our valuation readings. The Financials sector has a V/P of 1.19, for example and, as fiscal year 2018 ends, the Fund is invested in an effort to take advantage of potential sector gains. We will continue to monitor the equity market to find the best combination of value and dividend for our investors.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 3

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

 

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 5.19% 9.08% 8.33% 7.24% 1.26% 1.10%
ICON Equity Income Fund - Class C 11/8/02 4.21% 8.00% 7.26% 7.25% 2.31% 2.10%
ICON Equity Income Fund - Class A 5/31/06 4.98% 8.80% 8.06% 6.19% 1.56% 1.35%
ICON Equity Income Fund - Class A              
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%) 5/31/06 -1.05% 7.52% 7.42% 5.68% 1.56% 1.35%
S&P Composite 1500 Index   17.69% 13.77% 12.04% 9.54% 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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 (Graphic)

 

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.

 

4 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Corporate Bonds (7.03%)          
Communication Services (0.33%)          
Lee Enterprises, Inc.          
9.50%, 03/15/22(a)(b)  $250,000   $260,313 
           
Consumer Discretionary (1.98%)          
Foot Locker, Inc.          
8.50%, 01/15/22   300,000    338,250 
M/I Homes, Inc.          
6.75%, 01/15/21   200,000    203,990 
Reliance Intermediate Holdings LP          
6.50%, 04/01/23(a)   650,000    675,187 
William Lyon Homes, Inc.          
7.00%, 08/15/22   350,000    356,563 
         1,573,990 
Consumer Staples (1.10%)          
Central Garden & Pet Co.          
6.13%, 11/15/23   600,000    618,750 
Kraft Heinz Foods Co.          
4.88%, 02/15/25(a)   250,000    254,032 
         872,782 
Energy (0.64%)          
MPLX LP          
5.50%, 02/15/23   500,000    510,066 
           
Financial (0.33%)          
Enova International, Inc.          
9.75%, 06/01/21   250,000    262,187 
           
Health Care (0.26%)          
Molina Healthcare, Inc.          
5.38%, 11/15/22   200,000    203,250 
           
Industrials (0.80%)          
RR Donnelley & Sons Co.          
7.88%, 03/15/21   500,000    530,625 
USG Corp.          
5.50%, 03/01/25(a)   100,000    102,000 
         632,625 
Information Technology (0.32%)          
NXP BV / NXP Funding LLC          
4.63%, 06/01/23(a)   250,000    253,800 
           
Materials (0.73%)          
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.          
6.88%, 02/15/23   244,000    259,860 
Teck Resources, Ltd.          
8.50%, 06/01/24(a)   292,000    319,229 
         579,089 
Real Estate (0.12%)          
Iron Mountain, Inc.          
5.75%, 08/15/24(b)   100,000    98,950 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Telecommunication Services (0.26%)          
Level 3 Parent LLC          
5.75%, 12/01/22  $200,000   $202,290 
           
Utilities (0.16%)          
DPL, Inc.          
6.75%, 10/01/19   124,000    127,100 
           
Total Corporate Bonds          
(Cost $5,641,572)        5,576,442 
           
Common Stocks (82.57%)          
Aerospace & Defense (1.92%)          
Boeing Co.   4,100    1,524,790 
           
Auto Parts & Equipment (3.04%)          
Autoliv, Inc.(b)   13,400    1,161,512 
Magna International, Inc.   23,800    1,250,214 
         2,411,726 
Automobile Manufacturers (1.79%)          
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Sponsored ADR(b)   76,000    1,421,580 
           
Biotechnology (1.08%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   9,100    860,678 
           
Building Products (1.87%)          
Johnson Controls International PLC   42,400    1,484,000 
           
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks (1.79%)          
Cummins, Inc.   9,700    1,416,879 
           
Diversified Banks (5.95%)          
Bank of America Corp.   65,500    1,929,630 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   18,000    2,031,120 
US Bancorp   14,400    760,464 
         4,721,214 
Diversified Chemicals (3.12%)          
Eastman Chemical Co.   14,100    1,349,652 
Huntsman Corp.   41,400    1,127,322 
         2,476,974 
Electric Utilities (3.21%)          
Avangrid, Inc.   26,900    1,289,317 
PPL Corp.   42,800    1,252,328 
         2,541,645 
Homebuilding (3.23%)          
MDC Holdings, Inc.   48,100    1,422,798 
PulteGroup, Inc.   46,100    1,141,897 
         2,564,695 
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines (1.33%)          
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.   8,100    1,052,514 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
Annual Report | September 30, 2018 5

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Integrated Oil & Gas (2.35%)          
TOTAL SA, Sponsored ADR   28,900   $1,860,871 
           
Integrated Telecommunication Services (4.35%)          
AT&T, Inc.   61,500    2,065,170 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   26,000    1,388,140 
         3,453,310 
Investment Banking & Brokerage (3.51%)          
BGC Partners, Inc., Class A   92,000    1,087,440 
Morgan Stanley   36,400    1,695,148 
         2,782,588 
IT Consulting & Other Services (3.29%)          
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.   29,800    1,478,974 
International Business Machines Corp.   7,500    1,134,075 
         2,613,049 
Life & Health Insurance (5.38%)          
CNO Financial Group, Inc.   65,100    1,381,422 
Principal Financial Group, Inc.   25,600    1,499,904 
Prudential Financial, Inc.   13,700    1,388,084 
         4,269,410 
Multi-Utilities (3.79%)          
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.   58,200    1,609,230 
DTE Energy Co.   12,800    1,396,864 
         3,006,094 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (3.00%)          
Cimarex Energy Co.   8,900    827,166 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(b)   11,500    1,554,685 
         2,381,851 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (3.48%)          
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   19,800    1,583,406 
Phillips 66   10,400    1,172,288 
         2,755,694 
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation (1.69%)          
TransCanada Corp.   33,200    1,343,272 
           
           
Paper Packaging (2.63%)          
International Paper Co.   18,400    904,360 
Packaging Corp. of America   10,800    1,184,652 
         2,089,012 
Pharmaceuticals (1.06%)          
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   13,500    838,080 
           
Regional Banks (5.06%)          
Fifth Third Bancorp   58,400    1,630,528 
KeyCorp   38,300    761,787 
Valley National Bancorp   67,600    760,500 
Webster Financial Corp.   14,600    860,816 
         4,013,631 
Restaurants (1.37%)          
Dine Brands Global, Inc.(b)   13,400    1,089,554 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Semiconductors (3.64%)        
Broadcom, Inc.   5,851   $1,443,617 
Intel Corp.   30,600    1,447,074 
         2,890,691 
Soft Drinks (2.09%)          
Coca-Cola Co.   35,900    1,658,221 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (3.59%)          
Apple, Inc.   12,600    2,844,324 
           
Tobacco (3.96%)          
Altria Group, Inc.   29,700    1,791,207 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   16,500    1,345,410 
         3,136,617 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $60,954,995)        65,502,964 
           
Preferred Stocks (3.73%)          
Financial Services (0.34%)          
Cabco Series 2004-101 Trust Goldman Sachs Capital I, Series GS 3M US L + 0.85%, 02/15/34(c)   12,107    267,928 
           
Industrial REITs (1.92%)          
Gramercy Property Trust, Series A 7.13%(d)(e)          
    60,923    1,521,857 
           
Property & Casualty Insurance (1.47%)          
Argo Group US, Inc.          
6.50%, 09/15/42   46,594    1,171,839 
           
Total Preferred Stocks          
(Cost $3,028,566)        2,961,624 
           
Convertible Preferred Stocks (1.92%)          
Diversified Banks (0.81%)          
Wells Fargo & Co., Series L 7.50%(b)(d)          
    500    645,440 
           
Office REITs (1.11%)          
Equity Commonwealth, Series D 6.50%(d)          
    33,473    876,993 
           
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks          
(Cost $1,458,671)        1,522,433 
           
Closed-End Mutual Funds (3.10%)          
BlackRock Income Trust, Inc.   82,681    472,935 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
6 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Closed-End Mutual Funds (continued)          
Deutsche Multi-Market Income Trust   122,811   $1,102,843 
Deutsche Strategic Income Trust   9,700    122,220 
Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust, Inc.   13,791    115,706 
Eaton Vance High Income 2021 Target Term Trust   7,791    75,573 
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund   26,879    537,580 
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund   1,301    28,323 
           
Total Closed-End Mutual Funds          
(Cost $2,412,056)        2,455,180 

 

Underlying Security/Expiration        
Date/Exercise Price/ Notional Amount  Contracts   Value 
Purchased Put Options (0.02%)          
S&P 500 Index          
10/19/18, 2,660, $23,311,840   80    19,200 
           
Total Purchased Put Options          
(Cost $162,115)        19,200 

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Collateral for Securities on Loan (1.73%)          
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 7-Day Yield 2.19%   1,373,225    1,373,225 
           
Total Collateral for Securities on Loan          
(Cost $1,373,225)        1,373,225 
           
Total Investments (100.10%)          
(Cost $75,031,200)       $79,411,068 
           
Liabilities Less Other Assets (-0.10%)        (80,903)
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $79,330,165 

Investment Abbreviations:

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

 

LIBOR Rates:

3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of September 30, 2018 was 2.40%

 

(a)Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2018, these securities had a total aggregate market value of $1,864,561.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

(c)Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described above. The rate in effect as of September 30, 2018 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the security’s last reset date.

(d)This security has no contractual maturity date, is not redeemable and contractually pays an indefinite stream of interest.

(e)These securities are considered, by management, to be illiquid. The aggregate value of these securities at September 30, 2018 was $1,521,857, which represent 1.92% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Financials   22.85%
Consumer Discretionary   12.74%
Energy   11.16%
Information Technology   10.84%
Utilities   7.16%
Consumer Staples   7.15%
Materials   6.48%
Industrials   6.38%
Communication Services   4.68%
Real Estate   3.15%
Health Care   2.40%
Telecommunication Services   0.26%
    95.25%

 

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



 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
Annual Report | September 30, 2018 7

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Diversified Banks   6.76%
Life & Health Insurance   5.38%
Regional Banks   5.06%
Integrated Telecommunication Services   4.35%
Tobacco   3.96%
Semiconductors   3.96%
Multi-Utilities   3.79%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals   3.59%
Investment Banking & Brokerage   3.51%
Homebuilding   3.49%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   3.48%
IT Consulting & Other Services   3.29%
Electric Utilities   3.21%
Diversified Chemicals   3.12%
Auto Parts & Equipment   3.04%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   3.00%
Paper Packaging   2.63%
Integrated Oil & Gas   2.35%
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation   2.33%
Soft Drinks   2.09%
Building Products   2.00%
Aerospace & Defense   1.92%
Industrial REITs   1.92%
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks   1.79%
Automobile Manufacturers   1.79%
Property & Casualty Insurance   1.47%
Restaurants   1.37%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines   1.33%
Office REITs   1.11%
Biotechnology   1.08%
Pharmaceuticals   1.06%
Other Industries (each less than 1%)   6.02%
    95.25%

 

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

 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
8 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the ICON Flexible Bond Fund (the Fund) Class S shares outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index (ex-MBS). The Fund returned 1.89% while the Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index (ex-MBS) returned -1.03%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A. Rising interest rates made fiscal year 2018 difficult for fixed income investors. As interest rates rose over the course of the year, bond prices generally declined, resulting in negative total returns for many bond funds.

 

Still, the ICON Flexible Bond Fund fared relatively well during this decline in bond values. The Fund’s shorter overall duration, corporate credit orientation and special situation/event-driven focus capitalized on opportunities that others may have missed, and partially offset some of the declining bond values that might have otherwise been the consequence of an interest rate increase.

 

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

A. As stated above, the Fund outperformed its benchmark during the fiscal year. The outperformance largely stemmed from the Fund’s positions in corporate credit and the preferred share segment of the market, both of which produced strong relative returns during the 12-month period. Closed-end fund (CEF) positions also produced strong returns relative to the benchmark, contributing positively to the Fund’s performance.

 

The Fund looks to purchase CEFs at discounts to their net asset value (NAV). In particular, we look for CEFs that we believe may be converted to an open-end fund or which may liquidate and capitalize upon the discount. Our efforts to find these opportunities led to purchases in which one of the Fund’s CEF holdings liquidated at NAV and another open-ended. As a result, we were able to capture the original discount to net asset value at which each CEF had been acquired.

 

The Fund benefitted also from our high coupon yield to call purchases, which helped offset some of the Fund’s interest rate sensitivity due to the holdings’ short duration and attractive yields.

 

Finally, we increased our allocation to preferred stocks after interest rates had risen. We believed preferred stocks experienced more severe price declines than were warranted and several of the Fund’s preferred holdings resulted in attractive yields.

 

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

A. At the end of fiscal year 2018, investment-grade and high yield corporate bond spreads continue to trade at levels we regard as excessively tight and overvalued. With spreads at these levels, we have been focused on positions in defensively structured fixed income and are utilizing our bottom up approach to find this type of issue-specific opportunity. While we do not 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 2019. We continue to evaluate CEF opportunities. While future bond market volatility remains a possibility, we believe our bottom up investment methodology will help the Fund navigate the changing market.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 9

 

 

 

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

   Inception Date  1 Year  5 Years  10 Years  Since Inception  Gross Expense Ratio*  Net Expense Ratio*
ICON Bond Fund - Class S  5/6/04  1.89%  3.56%  5.03%  4.33%  1.08%  0.92%
ICON Bond Fund - Class C  10/21/02  0.92%  2.67%  4.14%  3.79%  2.30%  1.77%
ICON Bond Fund - Class A  9/30/10  1.55%  3.28%  N/A  3.08%  1.58%  1.17%
ICON Bond Fund - Class A
(including maximum sales charge of 4.75%)
  9/30/10  -3.29%  2.29%  N/A  2.45%  1.58%  1.17%
Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index     -1.00%  2.53%  4.22%  4.27%  N/A  N/A
Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index
(ex-MBS)
     -1.03%  2.69%  4.55%  4.34%  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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

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.

 

10 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Corporate Bonds (59.50%)          
Communication Services (1.65%)          
Lee Enterprises, Inc.          
9.50%, 03/15/22(a)(b)  $1,650,000   $1,718,062 
           
Consumer Discretionary (13.24%)          
Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc.          
6.50%, 12/15/20(a)   100,000    100,375 
Foot Locker, Inc.          
8.50%, 01/15/22   2,950,000    3,326,125 
Lear Corp.          
5.38%, 03/15/24   1,500,000    1,541,965 
M/I Homes, Inc.          
6.75%, 01/15/21   1,316,000    1,342,254 
Nexteer Automotive Group, Ltd.          
5.88%, 11/15/21(a)   200,000    204,583 
Reliance Intermediate Holdings LP          
6.50%, 04/01/23(a)   4,150,000    4,310,812 
Silversea Cruise Finance, Ltd.          
7.25%, 02/01/25(a)   350,000    380,748 
William Lyon Homes, Inc.          
7.00%, 08/15/22   2,550,000    2,597,813 
         13,804,675 
Consumer Staples (6.77%)          
Central Garden & Pet Co.          
6.13%, 11/15/23   2,550,000    2,629,687 
Darling Ingredients, Inc.          
5.38%, 01/15/22   1,369,000    1,382,690 
Kraft Heinz Foods Co.          
4.88%, 02/15/25(a)   3,000,000    3,048,383 
         7,060,760 
Energy (10.74%)          
Andeavor Logistics LP / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp.          
6.25%, 10/15/22   2,522,000    2,591,355 
6.38%, 05/01/24   1,645,000    1,743,700 
Continental Resources, Inc.          
5.00%, 09/15/22   4,300,000    4,362,350 
MPLX LP          
5.50%, 02/15/23   2,450,000    2,499,325 
         11,196,730 
Financial (7.29%)          
Catlin Insurance Co., Ltd.          
3M US L + 2.975%(a)(c)(d)   850,000    841,500 
Delphi Financial Group, Inc.          
7.88%, 01/31/20   800,000    844,731 
Enova International, Inc.          
9.75%, 06/01/21   500,000    524,375 
International Lease Finance Corp.          
8.25%, 12/15/20   1,113,000    1,216,203 
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co.- Issuer Corp.          
7.38%, 04/01/20(a)   350,000    355,687 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Financial (continued)          
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.          
7.88%, 04/01/33(a)  $1,000,000   $1,321,670 
NewBridge Bancorp, Series AI          
7.25%, 03/14/24(a)(e)   500,000    504,095 
Prudential Financial, Inc.          
3M US L + 4.175%, 09/15/42(c)   1,100,000    1,163,250 
Willis North America, Inc.          
7.00%, 09/29/19   800,000    827,376 
         7,598,887 
Health Care (3.59%)          
Catholic Health Initiatives          
2.95%, 11/01/22   1,000,000    964,330 
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.          
5.75%, 09/01/23(a)   1,200,000    1,230,000 
Horizon Pharma, Inc. / Horizon Pharma USA, Inc.          
8.75%, 11/01/24(a)   500,000    533,750 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.          
5.38%, 11/15/22   1,000,000    1,016,250 
         3,744,330 
Industrials (4.99%)          
Air Canada          
7.75%, 04/15/21(a)   100,000    108,500 
Covanta Holding Corp.          
6.38%, 10/01/22   1,747,000    1,784,124 
EnPro Industries, Inc.          
5.88%, 09/15/22   722,000    735,537 
RR Donnelley & Sons Co.          
7.88%, 03/15/21   1,000,000    1,061,250 
USG Corp.          
5.50%, 03/01/25(a)   800,000    816,000 
XPO Logistics, Inc.          
6.50%, 06/15/22(a)   675,000    696,938 
         5,202,349 
Information Technology (5.58%)          
Amkor Technology, Inc.          
6.38%, 10/01/22   1,280,000    1,304,154 
Dell International LLC / EMC Corp.          
7.13%, 06/15/24(a)   852,000    915,133 
Nielsen Co. Luxembourg SARL          
5.50%, 10/01/21(a)   500,000    502,875 
NXP BV / NXP Funding LLC          
4.63%, 06/01/23(a)   3,050,000    3,096,360 
         5,818,522 
Materials (2.69%)          
Hecla Mining Co.          
6.88%, 05/01/21   500,000    501,250 
Teck Resources, Ltd.          
8.50%, 06/01/24(a)   2,105,000    2,301,291 
         2,802,541 
Utilities (2.96%)          
DPL, Inc.          
6.75%, 10/01/19   619,000    634,475 


 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 11

 

 

 

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Utilities (continued)          
Vistra Energy Corp.          
7.38%, 11/01/22  $750,000   $780,135 
7.63%, 11/01/24   1,560,000    1,678,950 
         3,093,560 
           
Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $62,987,018)
        62,040,416 
           
Asset-Backed Securities (3.22%)          
SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2014-A          
Series 2014-A, Class C          
4.50%, 11/15/25(a)(e)   3,500,000    3,357,602 
           
Total Asset-Backed Securities
(Cost $3,378,658)
        3,357,602 
           
U.S. Treasury Obligations (8.03%)          
U.S. Treasury Bond          
2.88%, 08/15/28   8,500,000    8,371,172 
           
Total U.S. Treasury Obligations
(Cost $8,424,759)
        8,371,172 
           
Common Stocks (3.14%)          
Industrial REITs (3.14%)          
Gramercy Property Trust(b)   119,294    3,273,427 
           
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $3,266,371)
        3,273,427 
           
Preferred Stocks (12.23%)          
Diversified Banks (0.25%)          
Wells Fargo & Co., Series L 7.50%(b)(d)   200    258,176 
           
Financial Services (2.01%)          
Cabco Series 2004-101 Trust Goldman Sachs Capital I, Series GS          
3M US L + 0.85%, 02/15/34(c)   94,496    2,091,196 
           
Industrial REITs (4.16%)          
Gramercy Property Trust, Series A 7.13%(d)(e)   173,861    4,343,048 
           
Life & Health Insurance (0.74%)          
Prudential Financial, Inc.(b)          
5.75%, 12/15/52   30,696    768,014 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Property & Casualty Insurance (5.07%)          
Argo Group US, Inc.(b)          
6.50%, 09/15/42   210,258   $5,287,989 
           
Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $12,917,497)
        12,748,423 
           
Convertible Preferred Stocks (2.72%)          
Office REITs (2.72%)          
Equity Commonwealth, Series D 6.50%(d)   108,118    2,832,692 
           
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks
(Cost $2,722,510)
        2,832,692 
           
Closed-End Mutual Funds (9.87%)          
BlackRock Income Trust, Inc.(b)   134,663    770,272 
Deutsche Multi-Market Income Trust   299,859    2,692,734 
Deutsche Strategic Income Trust   43,770    551,502 
Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust, Inc.(b)   48,797    409,407 
High Income Securities Fund   110,616    1,048,640 
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund   147,666    2,953,320 
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund   85,558    1,862,597 
           
Total Closed-End Mutual Funds
(Cost $10,323,218)
        10,288,472 
           
Collateral for Securities on Loan (2.40%)          
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 7-Day Yield 2.19%   2,503,136    2,503,136 
           
Total Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost $2,503,136)
        2,503,136 
           
Total Investments (101.11%)
(Cost $106,523,167)
       $105,415,340 
           
Liabilities Less Other Assets (-1.11%)        (1,154,990)
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $104,260,350 

 

Investment Abbreviations:

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust



 

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

 

12 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

LIBOR Rates:

3M  US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of September 30, 2018 was 2.40%

 

(a)Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2018, these securities had a total aggregate market value of $26,344,364.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

(c)Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described above. The rate in effect as of September 30, 2018 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the security’s last reset date.

(d)This security has no contractual maturity date, is not redeemable and contractually pays an indefinite stream of interest.

(e)These securities are considered, by management, to be illiquid. The aggregate value of these securities at September 30, 2018 was $8,204,745, which represent 7.87% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Credit Diversification (September 30, 2018)    
     
Ba2  12.38%
B1  9.07%
Ba1  8.52%
Baa3  8.25%
Aaa  8.03%
Ba3  4.97%
B2  4.51%
Baa2  4.04%
NR*  3.69%
B3  3.48%
A3  1.27%
Baa1  0.92%
BBB  0.81%
BBB+  0.81%
Total:  70.75%

 

Percentages are based upon corporate bond, asset-backed securities and U.S. Treasury obligations investments as a percentage of net assets. Ratings based on Moody’s Investors Service, Inc where available, otherwise on Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.

 

*NR - Not Rated


 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 13

 

 

 

 

ICON Fund Management Overview

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A. The ICON Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 6.53% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while its benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A. Much of the Fund’s underperformance relative to the S&P Composite 1500 Index occurred between late June and September 30, 2018. The market experienced a sector theme change during the fourth fiscal quarter. The Fund’s large weightings in the Financials, Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors were a drag on performance in the last months of the fiscal year, while lesser weighted sectors like Communication Services, Utilities and Consumer Staples were among the leaders.

 

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

A. The five biggest contributors to Fund performance were Adobe Inc., SVB Financial Group, Bank of America Corp., Home Depot Inc. and Total Systems Services Inc. Bank of America and SVB Financial Group are in the Financials sector and repeated as top five contributors from the previous fiscal year. Adobe and Total Systems are in the Information Technology sector while Home Depot is categorized as a home improvement retail industry which is included in the Consumer Discretionary sector. All five remained in the portfolio as of September 30, 2018.

 

The five stocks that detracted the most from Fund performance were Celgene Corp., Whirlpool Corp., Applied Materials Inc., Skyworks Solutions Inc. and Martin Marietta Materials Inc. Whirlpool and Applied Materials were sold during fiscal year 2018. The other three remain in the Fund.

 

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

A. As of September 30, 2018, ICON’s valuation model shows a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.02 for the overall market. In other words, we believe stock prices, on average, are slightly below our estimate of fair value. We are not seeing overpricing and other indications or behaviors typical of market peaks. In terms of upside potential we do not expect the excess returns available when the broad market is priced at a discount to fair value.

 

14 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Fund Management Overview

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

          Since Gross Expense Net Expense
  Inception Date 1 Year  5 Years  10 Years Inception Ratio* Ratio*
ICON Fund - Class S 5/6/04 6.53% 7.29% 6.10% 5.11% 1.10% 1.10%
ICON Fund - Class C 11/28/00 5.32% 6.07% 5.21% 4.14% 2.31% 2.25%
ICON Fund - Class A 5/31/06 6.08% 6.87% 5.65% 2.82% 1.66% 1.50%
ICON Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%) 5/31/06 0.00% 5.61% 5.02% 2.33% 1.66% 1.50%
S&P Composite 1500 Index   17.69%   13.77%   12.04% 9.34% 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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 15

 

 

 

 

ICON Fund Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Common Stocks (99.95%)          
Application Software (7.10%)          
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a)   13,000   $3,509,350 
           
Auto Parts & Equipment (2.36%)          
Magna International, Inc.   22,200    1,166,166 
           
Biotechnology (6.70%)          
Celgene Corp.(a)   18,500    1,655,565 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   8,600    1,657,564 
         3,313,129 
           
Building Products (2.89%)          
Masco Corp.   39,000    1,427,400 
           
Construction Materials (4.61%)          
Eagle Materials, Inc.   7,700    656,348 
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.   8,900    1,619,355 
         2,275,703 
  
Data Processing & Outsourced Services (4.05%) 
Total System Services, Inc.   20,300    2,004,422 
           
Diversified Banks (13.62%)          
Bank of America Corp.   182,000    5,361,720 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   12,200    1,376,648 
         6,738,368 
  
General Merchandise Stores (2.86%) 
Dollar General Corp.   4,800    524,640 
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)   10,900    888,895 
         1,413,535 
           
Health Care Equipment (1.51%)          
Teleflex, Inc.   2,800    745,052 
           
Health Care Services (1.51%)          
DaVita, Inc.(a)   10,400    744,952 
           
Home Improvement Retail (3.73%) 
Home Depot, Inc.   8,900    1,843,635 
           
Homebuilding (3.71%)          
PulteGroup, Inc.   74,100    1,835,457 
           
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines (3.02%) 
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.   11,500    1,494,310 
           
Interactive Media & Services (2.03%) 
Facebook, Inc., Class A(a)   6,100    1,003,206 
           
Leisure Products (1.78%)          
Polaris Industries, Inc.(b)   8,700    878,265 
           
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (6.88%) 
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.   37,000    833,240 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(b)   8,600    1,162,634 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (continued) 
Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A(a)   48,100   $1,406,925 
         3,402,799 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (2.81%) 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   17,400    1,391,478 
           
Pharmaceuticals (3.43%)          
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)   10,100    1,698,113 
           
Regional Banks (14.14%)          
KeyCorp   58,000    1,153,620 
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.   8,300    1,130,377 
Signature Bank   16,600    1,906,344 
SVB Financial Group(a)   9,000    2,797,470 
         6,987,811 
           
Semiconductor Equipment (1.74%) 
Applied Materials, Inc.   22,300    861,895 
           
Semiconductors (9.47%)          
Broadcom, Inc.   1,800    444,114 
Qorvo, Inc.(a)   20,300    1,560,867 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   29,500    2,675,945 
         4,680,926 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $36,233,307)        49,415,972 
           
Total Investments (99.95%)          
(Cost $36,233,307)       $49,415,972 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (0.05%)             22,484 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $49,438,456 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.


 

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

 

16 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Fund Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2018

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Financials   27.76%
Information Technology   22.36%
Consumer Discretionary   17.46%
Health Care   13.15%
Energy   9.69%
Materials   4.61%
Industrials   2.89%
Communication Services   2.03%
    99.95%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)    
     
Regional Banks   14.14%
Diversified Banks   13.62%
Semiconductors   9.47%
Application Software   7.10%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   6.88%
Biotechnology   6.70%
Construction Materials   4.61%
Data Processing & Outsourced Services   4.05%
Home Improvement Retail   3.73%
Homebuilding   3.71%
Pharmaceuticals   3.43%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines   3.02%
Building Products   2.89%
General Merchandise Stores   2.86%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   2.81%
Auto Parts & Equipment   2.36%
Interactive Media & Services   2.03%
Leisure Products   1.78%
Semiconductor Equipment   1.74%
Health Care Services   1.51%
Health Care Equipment   1.51%
    99.95%

 

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



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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 17

 

 

 

 

ICON Long/Short Fund

Management Overview

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Long-Short Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 7.88% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while its benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.The Fund’s underperformance relative to the S&P 1500 Index occurred between late June and September 30, 2018. The market experienced a sector theme change during the fourth fiscal quarter. The Fund’s large weightings in the Financials, Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors were a drag on performance in the last months of the fiscal year, while lesser weighted sectors like Communication Services, Utilities and Consumer Staples were among the market leaders.

 

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

A.The five biggest contributors to Fund performance were MasterCard Inc., SVB Financial Group, Adobe Inc., Bank of America Corp. and CSX Corp. Bank of America and SVB Financial Group are in the Financials sector and repeated as two of the top five contributors from the previous fiscal year. Master Card and Adobe are in the Information Technology sector while CSX, a railroad, is in the Industrials sector. All five remained in the portfolio as of September 30, 2018.

 

The five stocks that detracted the most from Fund performance were Celgene Corp., Installed Building Products Inc., SINA Corp., Applied Materials Inc., and Whirlpool Corp. The Fund sold its positions in Whirlpool, SINA and Applied Materials during the fiscal year. The other two companies remain in the Fund.

 

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

A.As of September 30, 2018, ICON’s valuation model shows a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.02 for the overall market. In other words, we believe stock prices, on average, are slightly below our estimate of fair value. We are not seeing overpricing and other indications or behaviors typical of market peaks. In terms of upside potential we do not expect the excess returns available when the broad market is priced at a discount to fair value.

 

18

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ICON Long/Short Fund

Management Overview

 September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

  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  7.88%  9.16%  7.47%  5.78%  1.50%  1.25%
ICON Long/Short Fund - Class C  10/17/02  6.78%  8.02%  6.34%  6.08%  2.74%  2.30%
ICON Long/Short Fund - Class A  5/31/06  7.52%  8.83%  7.14%  4.25%  1.93%  1.55%
ICON Long/Short Fund - Class A                         
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)  5/31/06  1.39%  7.55%  6.51%  3.75%  1.93%  1.55%
S&P Composite 1500 Index     17.69%  13.77%  12.04%  9.34%  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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 19

  

 

 

 

ICON Long/Short Fund

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Common Stocks (99.39%)          
Air Freight & Logistics (3.41%)          
FedEx Corp.   4,100   $987,239 
           
Application Software (2.24%)          
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a)   2,400    647,880 
           
Auto Parts & Equipment (1.36%)          
Magna International, Inc.   7,500    393,975 
           
Biotechnology (9.18%)          
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   7,200    1,000,872 
Celgene Corp.(a)   9,500    850,155 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   4,200    809,508 
         2,660,535 
Building Products (2.67%)          
Masco Corp.   21,100    772,260 
           
Construction Materials (3.48%)          
Eagle Materials, Inc.   6,700    571,108 
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.   2,400    436,680 
         1,007,788 
Data Processing & Outsourced Services (6.15%)        
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   8,000    1,780,880 
           
Diversified Banks (9.06%)          
Bank of America Corp.   70,700    2,082,822 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   4,800    541,632 
         2,624,454 
General Merchandise Stores (4.53%)          
Dollar General Corp.   5,500    601,150 
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)   8,700    709,485 
         1,310,635 
Health Care Equipment (1.56%)          
Teleflex, Inc.   1,700    452,353 
           
Health Care Facilities (1.54%)          
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B   3,500    447,440 
           
Health Care Services (1.61%)          
DaVita, Inc.(a)   6,500    465,595 
           
Home Improvement Retail (2.29%)          
Home Depot, Inc.   3,200    662,880 
           
Homebuilding (4.68%)          
Installed Building Products, Inc.(a)   10,300    401,700 
PulteGroup, Inc.   38,500    953,645 
         1,355,345 
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines (3.18%)          
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.   7,100    922,574 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Insurance Brokers (3.01%)          
Arthur J Gallagher & Co.   11,700   $870,948 
           
Leisure Products (2.33%)          
Polaris Industries, Inc.   6,700    676,365 
           
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (4.95%)          
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.   17,500    394,100 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(b)   2,400    324,456 
Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A(a)   24,500    716,625 
         1,435,181 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (2.93%)          
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   10,600    847,682 
           
Pharmaceuticals (2.84%)          
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)   4,900    823,837 
           
Railroads (5.52%)          
CSX Corp.   12,700    940,435 
Kansas City Southern   5,800    657,024 
         1,597,459 
Regional Banks (11.67%)          
KeyCorp   28,500    566,865 
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.   4,000    544,760 
Signature Bank   9,200    1,056,528 
SVB Financial Group(a)   3,900    1,212,237 
         3,380,390 
Semiconductor Equipment (1.61%)          
Applied Materials, Inc.   12,100    467,665 
           
Semiconductors (7.59%)          
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.(b)   48,800    707,112 
Qorvo, Inc.(a)   6,300    484,407 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   11,100    1,006,881 
         2,198,400 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $23,154,065)        28,789,760 
           
Total Investments (99.39%)          
(Cost $23,154,065)       $28,789,760 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (0.61%)        177,413 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $28,967,173 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
20 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Long/Short Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Financials   23.74%
Consumer Discretionary   18.37%
Information Technology   17.59%
Health Care   16.73%
Industrials   11.60%
Energy   7.88%
Materials   3.48%
    99.39%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Regional Banks   11.67%
Biotechnology   9.18%
Diversified Banks   9.06%
Semiconductors   7.59%
Data Processing & Outsourced Services   6.15%
Railroads   5.52%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   4.95%
Homebuilding   4.68%
General Merchandise Stores   4.53%
Construction Materials   3.48%
Air Freight & Logistics   3.41%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines   3.18%
Insurance Brokers   3.01%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   2.93%
Pharmaceuticals   2.84%
Building Products   2.67%
Leisure Products   2.33%
Home Improvement Retail   2.29%
Application Software   2.24%
Health Care Services   1.61%
Semiconductor Equipment   1.61%
Health Care Equipment   1.56%
Health Care Facilities   1.54%
Auto Parts & Equipment   1.36%
    99.39%

 

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

 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
Annual Report | September 30, 2018 21

 

 

 

 

ICON Opportunities Fund

Management Overview

 September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Opportunities Fund (the Fund) returned 4.88% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while its benchmark, the S&P Small-Cap 600 Total Return Index, returned 19.08%. Total returns for other periods as of September 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.An attribution analysis suggests stock selection in the Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors is responsible for most of the Fund’s underperformance. Rather than reflecting value, it appears prices were event-driven, with stocks responding to trade tariffs and Federal Reserve behavior, among other things. Although stocks in both sectors posted impressive gains, the event-driven market proved a challenge to the ICON system. As a result, many stocks we believed were underpriced failed to meet our estimation of value, while other stocks we thought were overpriced continued moving higher.

 

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

A.The five stocks contributing the most to returns were Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc., PGT Innovations Inc., Five Below Inc., Nanometrics Inc. and NuVasive Inc. Ligand and NuVasive are in the Healthcare sector. PGT Innovations, Five Below and Nanometrics are in the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors respectively.

 

The following stocks with negative returns detracted the most from Fund performance: Extreme Networks Inc., Nutrisystem Inc., MACOM Technology Solutions Inc., LGI Homes Inc. and Coherent Inc. Extreme Networks, MACOM Technology Solutions and Coherent are in the Information Technology sector while Nutrisystem and LGI Homes are in Consumer Discretionary. The Fund liquidated its positions in Nutrisystem and MACOM during the fiscal year. We continue to hold Extreme Networks, LGI Homes and Coherent in the portfolio.

 

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

A.As of September 30, 2018, ICON’s valuation model shows a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.02 for the overall market. In other words, we believe stock prices, on average, are about 2% below our estimate of fair value. We are not seeing overpricing and other indications or behaviors typical of market peaks. In terms of upside potential, however, we do not expect the excess returns available when the broad market is priced at a discount to fair value.

 

22

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ICON Opportunities Fund

Management Overview

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

     
  Inception Date 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Gross Expense Ratio* Net Expense Ratio*
ICON Opportunities Fund 9/28/12   4.88%   9.83% 12.98% 1.47% 1.30%
S&P Small Cap Total Return Index   19.08% 13.32% 16.15% 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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

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 9/28/12 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.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 23

 

 

 

 

ICON Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Investments

 September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Common Stocks (99.86%)          
Air Freight & Logistics (2.41%)          
Forward Air Corp.   7,100   $509,070 
           
Biotechnology (0.98%)          
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   751    206,142 
           
Building Products (11.38%)          
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.(a)   9,600    668,160 
Continental Building Products, Inc.(a)   18,400    690,920 
Patrick Industries, Inc.(a)   9,200    544,640 
PGT Innovations, Inc.(a)   22,900    494,640 
         2,398,360 
Communications Equipment (1.23%)          
Extreme Networks, Inc.(a)   47,300    259,204 
           
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks (2.95%)          
Terex Corp.   15,600    622,596 
           
Electronic Equipment & Instruments (3.72%)          
Coherent, Inc.(a)(b)   4,562    785,531 
           
Electronic Manufacturing Services (3.33%)          
Methode Electronics, Inc.   19,400    702,280 
           
Health Care Equipment (2.52%)          
NuVasive, Inc.(a)   7,500    532,350 
           
Health Care Services (2.69%)          
LHC Group, Inc.(a)   5,500    566,445 
           
Homebuilding (7.54%)          
KB Home   21,100    504,501 
LGI Homes, Inc.(a)(b)   14,300    678,392 
M/I Homes, Inc.(a)   17,000    406,810 
         1,589,703 
Homefurnishing Retail (2.38%)          
Aaron’s, Inc.   9,200    501,032 
           
Leisure Products (4.10%)          
Brunswick Corp.   12,900    864,558 
           
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (5.51%)          
Matador Resources Co.(a)   10,800    356,940 
Ring Energy, Inc.(a)   24,400    241,804 
SM Energy Co.   8,200    258,546 
SRC Energy, Inc.(a)   34,189    303,940 
         1,161,230 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (1.81%)          
CVR Energy, Inc.   9,500    382,090 
           
Pharmaceuticals (9.12%)          
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   32,500    721,175 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Pharmaceuticals (continued)          
Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   39,700   $556,594 
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   12,800    644,480 
         1,922,249 
Property & Casualty Insurance (2.81%)          
United Insurance Holdings Corp.   26,500    593,070 
           
Regional Banks (9.49%)          
Bank OZK   19,200    728,832 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.   13,100    211,434 
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.   24,327    646,855 
Webster Financial Corp.   7,000    412,720 
         1,999,841 
Semiconductor Equipment (4.97%)          
Nanometrics, Inc.(a)   5,323    199,719 
Teradyne, Inc.   22,909    847,175 
         1,046,894 
Semiconductors (8.55%)          
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.(b)   33,600    486,864 
Diodes, Inc.(a)   18,813    626,284 
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd.(a)   9,400    690,430 
         1,803,578 
Specialty Stores (4.32%)          
Five Below, Inc.(a)   7,000    910,420 
           
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance (8.05%)          
Axos Financial, Inc.(a)   22,600    777,214 
Essent Group, Ltd.(a)   20,800    920,400 
         1,697,614 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $18,306,287)        21,054,257 
           
Collateral for Securities on Loan (2.86%)          
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 7-Day Yield 2.19%   603,900    603,900 
           
Total Collateral for Securities on Loan          
(Cost $603,900)        603,900 
           
Total Investments (102.72%)          
(Cost $18,910,187)       $21,658,157 
           
Liabilities Less Other Assets (-2.72%)        (573,748)
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $21,084,409 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.



 

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

24

www.iconfunds.com 

 

 

 

 

ICON Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2018

 

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)

 
Information Technology   21.80%
Financials   20.35%
Consumer Discretionary   18.34%
Industrials   16.74%
Health Care   15.31%
Energy   7.32%
    99.86%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)

      
Building Products   11.38%
Regional Banks   9.49%
Pharmaceuticals   9.12%
Semiconductors   8.55%
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance   8.05%
Homebuilding   7.54%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   5.51%
Semiconductor Equipment   4.97%
Specialty Stores   4.32%
Leisure Products   4.10%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments   3.72%
Electronic Manufacturing Services   3.33%
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks   2.95%
Property & Casualty Insurance   2.81%
Health Care Services   2.69%
Health Care Equipment   2.52%
Air Freight & Logistics   2.41%
Homefurnishing Retail   2.38%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   1.81%
Communications Equipment   1.23%
Biotechnology   0.98%
    99.86%

 

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

 



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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 25

 

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A. The Risk-Managed Balanced Fund (the Fund) Class S shares returned 4.64% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The S&P Composite 1500 Index returned 17.69% and the Balanced Blended Benchmark returned 9.95%. 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, 2018, 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 equities held by the Fund returned approximately 9.29%, underperforming both the S&P 1500 and the Balanced Blended Benchmark, and accounting for much of the difference between the Fund’s overall performance and its benchmarks. In addition, some of the Fund’s underperformance can be explained by its underweight position in equities during the last quarter of 2017. Although the Balanced Benchmark is based on a weighting of 60% equities, the Fund averaged only 49.49% during this 3-month period. We increased the percentage of equities in the Fund over the course of the fiscal year, but we nonetheless continued to underperform. The Fund faced additional headwinds when the market experienced a dramatic sector theme change during the fourth fiscal quarter. The Fund’s large weightings in the Financials, Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors were a drag on performance in the last months of the fiscal year, while lesser weighted sectors like Communication Services, Utilities and Consumer Staples were among the leaders.

 

The Fund’s fixed income holdings performed well relative to the benchmark as interest rates rose. We continued our focus on credit spread risk with a particular focus on shorter duration. Our fixed income volatility remains relatively low and this contributed favorably to the Fund’s risk adjusted returns. Our use of closed-end fund (CEF) arbitrage continued to be rewarded, as a number of these positions converted to open-end funds or liquidated. As a result, we were able to capture the original discount to net asset value at which the CEF had been acquired. This tactic has been a consistent contributor to alpha generation. Given our positioning, we generally expect underperformance when rates fall aggressively and relative outperformance when rates rise.

 

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

A. At the end of the first month of fiscal year 2018, the Fund was composed of approximately only 47.3% equities, with positions in all 11 S&P Composite 1500 sectors, 57 of the 157 S&P industries and 93 individual stocks. In late 2017 and early 2018 we increased the equity allocation and the Fund became more concentrated. In fact, we increased the Fund’s allocation and concentration over the course of the fiscal year, from 54.9% equities, 9 sectors, 43 industries and 62 stocks at the end of the first quarter, to 59.1% equities, 7 sectors, 37 industries and 55 stocks at the end of the second quarter, to 65.3% equities, 7 sectors, 34 industries and 54 stocks at the end of the third quarter. The increase in equity exposure and sector concentration generally helped the Fund, although certain individual stock selections dragged on overall performance.

 

The stocks contributing most to Fund performance included Mastercard Inc., Adobe Inc., SVB Financial Group, Visa Inc., and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. The stocks which detracted most from performance included Thor Industries Inc., Celgene Corp., PulteGroup Inc., Eagle Materials Inc., and Polaris Industries Inc.

 

Focusing on the fixed income portion of the Fund, we maintained a lower overall duration relative to the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index. This duration helped performance over the course of the fiscal year as yields rose. Additionally, the Fund’s strong bottom-up bond selections and allocations towards both the preferred and closed-end fund segments of the market helped relative performance.

 

The hedge structure of the Fund, owning put options to reduce volatility, helped buffer the Fund from the sharp stock market drop the last week in January and the first week in February. Still, these puts may have ultimately detracted from the Fund’s relative performance as the stock market moved higher over the course of the fiscal year.

 

Q. What is your investment outlook?

A. At fiscal year-end, ICON’s value-to-price (V/P) ratio for the overall market was 1.02. Under our methodology, this 1.02 V/P suggests stocks are priced, on average, slightly below our estimate of fair value. This is not the kind of overpricing we often see at market peaks. Entering fiscal year 2019, common stock accounts for approximately 67% of the Fund. This composition reflects our expectation that the stock market can move modestly higher over the next year.

 

26 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

   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  4.64%  5.34%  4.93%  4.44%  1.50%  1.34%
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund - Class C  11/21/02  3.61%  4.31%  3.88%  4.38%  2.44%  2.34%
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund - Class A  5/31/06  4.40%  5.11%  4.68%  3.91%  1.78%  1.59%
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund - Class A
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)
  5/31/06  -1.62%  3.87%  4.06%  3.41%  1.78%  1.59%
S&P Composite 1500 Index     17.69%  13.77%  12.04%  9.34%  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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 27

 

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Corporate Bonds (17.61%)          
Communication Services (0.65%)          
Lee Enterprises, Inc.          
9.50%, 03/15/22(a)(b)  $200,000   $208,250 
           
Consumer Discretionary (2.81%)          
Foot Locker, Inc.          
8.50%, 01/15/22   200,000    225,500 
Reliance Intermediate Holdings LP          
6.50%, 04/01/23(a)   400,000    415,500 
William Lyon Homes, Inc.          
7.00%, 08/15/22   250,000    254,687 
         895,687 
Consumer Staples (1.79%)          
Central Garden & Pet Co.          
6.13%, 11/15/23   260,000    268,125 
Darling Ingredients, Inc.          
5.38%, 01/15/22   100,000    101,000 
Kraft Heinz Foods Co.          
4.88%, 02/15/25(a)   200,000    203,226 
         572,351 
Energy (2.22%)          
Andeavor Logistics LP / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp.          
6.25%, 10/15/22   314,000    322,635 
Continental Resources, Inc.          
5.00%, 09/15/22   180,000    182,610 
MPLX LP          
5.50%, 02/15/23   200,000    204,027 
         709,272 
Financial (5.03%)          
Catlin Insurance Co., Ltd.          
3M US L + 2.975%(a)(c)(d)   150,000    148,500 
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co.-Issuer Corp.          
7.38%, 04/01/20(a)   150,000    152,438 
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.          
7.88%, 04/01/33(a)   253,000    334,382 
RBC USA Holdco Corp.          
5.25%, 09/15/20   378,000    391,123 
SAFG Retirement Services, Inc.          
8.13%, 04/28/23   326,000    373,002 
Willis North America, Inc.          
7.00%, 09/29/19   200,000    206,844 
         1,606,289 
Health Care (0.64%)          
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.          
5.75%, 09/01/23(a)   100,000    102,500 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.          
5.38%, 11/15/22   100,000    101,625 
         204,125 
Industrials (1.16%)          
Covanta Holding Corp.          
6.38%, 10/01/22   189,000    193,016 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Industrials (continued)          
USG Corp.          
5.50%, 03/01/25(a)  $175,000   $178,500 
         371,516 
Information Technology (1.27%)          
Amkor Technology, Inc.          
6.38%, 10/01/22   100,000    101,887 
NXP BV / NXP Funding LLC          
4.63%, 06/01/23(a)   300,000    304,560 
         406,447 
Materials (0.86%)          
Teck Resources, Ltd.          
8.50%, 06/01/24(a)   250,000    273,313 
           
Real Estate (0.45%)          
Select Income REIT          
4.50%, 02/01/25   150,000    143,783 
           
Utilities (0.73%)          
DPL, Inc.          
6.75%, 10/01/19   124,000    127,100 
Vistra Energy Corp.          
7.63%, 11/01/24   98,000    105,472 
         232,572 
           
Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $5,741,993)
        5,623,605 
           
Asset-Backed Securities (0.75%)          
SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2014-A          
Series 2014-A, Class C          
4.50%, 11/15/25(a)(e)   250,000    239,829 
           
Total Asset-Backed Securities
(Cost $241,333)
        239,829 
           
U.S. Treasury Obligations (3.08%)          
U.S. Treasury Bond          
2.88%, 08/15/28   1,000,000    984,844 
           
Total U.S. Treasury Obligations
(Cost $984,967)
        984,844 
           
Common Stocks (67.57%)          
Application Software (4.91%)          
Adobe Systems, Inc.(f)   2,840    766,658 
CDK Global, Inc.   7,569    473,517 
LogMeIn, Inc.   3,690    328,779 
         1,568,954 
Automotive Retail (1.00%)          
AutoZone, Inc.(f)   412    319,588 
           
Biotechnology (4.23%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   4,561    431,379 


 

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

 

28 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Biotechnology (continued)          
Celgene Corp.(f)   5,018   $449,061 
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(f)   1,713    470,201 
         1,350,641 
Building Products (1.47%)          
Masco Corp.   12,846    470,164 
           
Construction Materials (1.15%)          
Eagle Materials, Inc.   4,318    368,066 
           
Data Processing & Outsourced Services (4.75%)          
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   3,729    830,113 
Visa, Inc., Class A   4,567    685,461 
         1,515,574 
Diversified Banks (4.39%)          
Bank of America Corp.   23,362    688,244 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   6,353    716,873 
         1,405,117 
Health Care Equipment (1.16%)          
Teleflex, Inc.   1,388    369,333 
           
Health Care Facilities (1.09%)          
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   2,500    347,800 
           
Home Improvement Retail (2.07%)          
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.   5,754    660,674 
           
Homebuilding (2.68%)          
DR Horton, Inc.   10,994    463,727 
PulteGroup, Inc.   15,803    391,440 
         855,167 
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines (1.81%)          
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.   4,438    576,674 
           
Interactive Home Entertainment (0.79%)          
Electronic Arts, Inc.(f)   2,098    252,788 
           
Interactive Media & Services (2.15%)          
Alphabet, Inc., Class C(f)   254    303,141 
Facebook, Inc., Class A(f)   2,323    382,041 
         685,182 
IT Consulting & Other Services (1.45%)          
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   5,983    461,588 
           
Leisure Products (3.17%)          
Brunswick Corp.   7,657    513,172 
Polaris Industries, Inc.(b)   4,946    499,299 
         1,012,471 
Life & Health Insurance (0.85%)          
Lincoln National Corp.   4,000    270,640 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services (5.16%)          
PerkinElmer, Inc.   5,812    565,333 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Life Sciences Tools & Services (continued)          
PRA Health Sciences, Inc.(f)   4,600   $506,874 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   2,354    574,564 
         1,646,771 
Managed Health Care (1.47%)          
Cigna Corp.   2,253    469,187 
           
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (4.42%)          
Cimarex Energy Co.   3,100    288,114 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(b)   3,023    408,679 
Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A(f)   11,739    343,366 
SRC Energy, Inc.(f)   42,030    373,647 
         1,413,806 
           
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (1.29%)          
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   5,146    411,526 
           
Paper Packaging (1.13%)          
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   25,667    359,595 
           
Pharmaceuticals (1.48%)          
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(f)   2,810    472,445 
           
Railroads (2.93%)          
Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd.   2,000    423,880 
Union Pacific Corp.   3,129    509,495 
         933,375 
Regional Banks (5.21%)          
KeyCorp   21,031    418,307 
Signature Bank   4,102    471,074 
SVB Financial Group(f)   2,500    777,075 
         1,666,456 
Semiconductors (2.91%)          
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   3,419    429,187 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   5,515    500,266 
         929,453 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (1.09%)          
Logitech International SA   7,800    348,816 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors (1.36%)          
Air Lease Corp.   9,485    435,172 
           
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $18,673,022)
        21,577,023 
           
Preferred Stocks (2.26%)          
Financial Services (0.46%)          
Cabco Series 2004-101 Trust Goldman Sachs Capital I, Series GS          
3M US L + 0.85%, 02/15/34(c)   6,581    145,638 


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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 29

 

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Industrial REITs (0.87%)        
Gramercy Property Trust, Series A 7.13%(d)(e)        
    11,175   $ 279,151 
Property & Casualty Insurance (0.93%)          
Argo Group US, Inc.          
6.50%, 09/15/42   11,816    297,172 
           
Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $737,263)
        721,961 
           
Convertible Preferred Stocks (0.43%)          
Office REITs (0.43%)          
Equity Commonwealth, Series D 6.50%(d)   5,277    138,257 
           
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks
(Cost $133,003)
        138,257 
           
Closed-End Mutual Funds (6.44%)          
Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.   2,922    39,447 
BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund, Inc.   19,554    255,766 
BlackRock Income Trust, Inc.   44,792    256,210 
Deutsche Multi-Market Income Trust   57,955    520,436 
Deutsche Strategic Income Trust   6,387    80,476 
Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust, Inc.   5,858    49,149 
Eaton Vance High Income 2021 Target Term Trust   4,967    48,180 
High Income Securities Fund   33,863    321,021 
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund   12,575    251,500 
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund   10,711    233,179 
           
Total Closed-End Mutual Funds
(Cost $2,024,016)
        2,055,364 

 

Underlying Security/Expiration
Date/Exercise Price/ Notional Amount
  Contracts   Value 
Purchased Put Options (0.01%)          
S&P 500 Index          
11/16/18, 2,670, $1,165,592   4    3,312 
           
Total Purchased Put Options
(Cost $11,971)
        3,312 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Collateral for Securities on Loan (0.66%)          
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 7-Day Yield 2.19%   212,000   $212,000 
           
Total Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost $212,000)
        212,000 
           
Total Investments (98.81%)
(Cost $28,759,568)
       $31,556,195 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (1.19%)        377,725 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $31,933,920 

 

Investment Abbreviations:

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

 

LIBOR Rates:

3M  US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of September 30, 2018 was 2.40%

 

(a)Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2018, these securities had a total aggregate market value of $2,560,997.
(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.
(c)Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described above. The rate in effect as of September 30, 2018 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the security’s last reset date.
(d)This security has no contractual maturity date, is not redeemable and contractually pays an indefinite stream of interest.
(e)These securities are considered, by management, to be illiquid. The aggregate value of these securities at September 30, 2018 was $518,980, which represent 1.63% of the Fund’s net assets.
(f)Non-income producing security.


 

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

 

30 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)   
    
Financials  16.87%
Information Technology  16.38%
Health Care  15.23%
Consumer Discretionary  13.54%
Energy  7.93%
Industrials  6.92%
Communication Services  3.59%
Materials  3.14%
Government  3.08%
Consumer Staples  1.79%
Real Estate  1.75%
Utilities  0.73%
   90.95%

 

Percentages are based upon corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury obligations, common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)   
    
Regional Banks  6.43%
Life Sciences Tools & Services  5.16%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production  4.99%
Application Software  4.91%
Data Processing & Outsourced Services  4.75%
Diversified Banks  4.39%
Biotechnology  4.23%
Semiconductors  3.86%
Leisure Products  3.17%
Property & Casualty Insurance  3.09%
Sovereigns  3.08%
Railroads  2.93%
Homebuilding  2.68%
Interactive Media & Services  2.15%
Home Improvement Retail  2.07%
Building Products  2.03%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines  1.81%
Managed Health Care  1.79%
Financial Services  1.63%
Pharmaceuticals  1.48%
Health Care Equipment  1.48%
IT Consulting & Other Services  1.45%
Trading Companies & Distributors  1.36%
Retail - Consumer Discretionary  1.30%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing  1.29%
Construction Materials  1.15%
Paper Packaging  1.13%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals  1.09%
Health Care Facilities  1.09%
Pipeline  1.01%
Automotive Retail  1.00%
Other Industries (each less than 1%)  10.97%
   90.95%

 

Percentages are based upon corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury obligations, common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible preferred stocks as a percentage of net assets.



 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 31

 

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

Credit Diversification (September 30, 2018)   
    
Aaa  3.08%
Ba1  2.92%
Baa3  2.60%
Ba2  2.58%
A3  2.27%
B1  2.24%
B2  1.45%
Baa1  1.17%
Ba3  0.97%
NR*  0.75%
Baa2  0.63%
BBB+  0.47%
B3  0.31%
Total:  21.44%

 

Percentages are based upon corporate bond, U.S. Treasury obligations and asset-backed securities investments as a percentage of net assets. Ratings based on Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. where available, otherwise on Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.

 

*NR - Not Rated


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

 

32 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Equity Income
Fund
   ICON Flexible Bond
Fund
   ICON Fund 
Assets            
Investments, at cost  $75,031,200   $106,523,167   $36,233,307 
Investments, at value(a)   79,411,068    105,415,340    49,415,972 
Cash and cash equivalents   1,074,034    202,256     
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $10,597, $– and $–, respectively)   10,597         
Receivables:               
Investments sold   1,110,128    87,471    1,615,657 
Fund shares sold   56,912    122,173    3,723 
Expense reimbursements due from Adviser   45,668    64,281    2,601 
Interest   87,295    1,080,476    15 
Dividends   318,663    123,692    17,664 
Foreign tax reclaims   10,764         
Other assets   29,793    31,664    22,979 
Total assets   82,154,922    107,127,353    51,078,611 
                
Liabilities               
Payables:               
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned   1,373,225    2,503,136     
Payable due to custodian           28,363 
Loan payable, at value (Cost $–, $– and $34,594)           34,594 
Investments purchased   1,230,714    84,854    1,491,834 
Fund shares redeemed   53,894    136,840    889 
Distributions due to shareholders   34,664    24,848     
Advisory fees   49,715    51,031    31,060 
Transfer agent fees   23,255    16,339    11,698 
Fund accounting fees   4,876    6,547    2,562 
Accrued distribution fees   17,047    3,042    10,740 
Trustee fees and expenses   2,110    2,617    1,344 
Administration fees   3,315    4,252    2,072 
Accrued expenses   31,942    33,497    24,999 
Total liabilities   2,824,757    2,867,003    1,640,155 
Net Assets - all share classes  $79,330,165   $104,260,350   $49,438,456 
Net Assets - Class S  $51,184,821   $97,302,950   $32,582,872 
Net Assets - Class C  $17,459,944   $3,272,231   $11,451,628 
Net Assets - Class A  $10,685,400   $3,685,169   $5,403,956 
                
Net Assets Consists of               
Paid-in capital  $74,719,944   $108,259,871   $36,421,127 
Total distributable earnings   4,610,221    (3,999,521)   13,017,329 
Net Assets  $79,330,165   $104,260,350   $49,438,456 
                
Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)               
Class S   2,849,190    10,507,629    1,637,726 
Class C   963,136    352,176    665,406 
Class A   596,196    399,913    289,438 
Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)               
Class S  $17.96   $9.26   $19.90 
Class C  $18.13   $9.29   $17.21 
Class A  $17.92   $9.21   $18.67 
Class A maximum offering price (100%/ (100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share  $19.02   $9.67   $19.81 
                
(a) Includes securities on loan of  $5,254,419   $2,454,147   $1,825,573 

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 33

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Long/Short
Fund
   ICON Opportunities
Fund
   ICON Risk-Managed
Balanced Fund
 
Assets            
Investments, at cost  $23,154,065   $18,910,187   $28,759,568 
Investments, at value(a)   28,789,760    21,658,157    31,556,195 
Cash and cash equivalents   122,727    45,118    592,512 
Receivables:               
Investments sold   921,266    737,859    27,759 
Fund shares sold   79,122    1,047    21,485 
Expense reimbursements due from Adviser   20,154    11,238    6,738 
Interest   1,079    45    105,871 
Dividends   17,871    5,790    16,177 
Foreign tax reclaims           1,062 
Other assets   24,925    10,881    25,226 
Total assets   29,976,904    22,470,135    32,353,025 
                
Liabilities               
Payables:               
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned       603,900    212,000 
Investments purchased   919,080    734,777    100,443 
Fund shares redeemed   27,308    430    28,698 
Distributions due to shareholders           1,285 
Advisory fees   20,444    13,462    19,722 
Transfer agent fees   9,702    7,500    8,929 
Fund accounting fees   1,941    1,964    4,442 
Accrued distribution fees   5,571        14,630 
Trustee fees and expenses   736    581    818 
Administration fees   1,203    897    1,315 
Accrued expenses   23,746    22,215    26,823 
Total liabilities   1,009,731    1,385,726    419,105 
Net Assets - all share classes  $28,967,173   $21,084,409   $31,933,920 
Net Assets - Class S  $18,579,865   $   $10,676,383 
Net Assets - Class C  $5,036,113   $   $16,408,561 
Net Assets - Class A  $5,351,195   $   $4,848,976 
                
Net Assets Consists of               
Paid-in capital  $23,485,451   $14,978,528   $29,120,638 
Total distributable earnings   5,481,722    6,105,881    2,813,282 
Net Assets  $28,967,173   $21,084,409   $31,933,920 
                
Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)        1,080,891      
Class S   685,468        654,035 
Class C   213,144        1,099,735 
Class A   204,518        304,451 
Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)       $19.51      
Class S  $27.11   $   $16.32 
Class C  $23.63   $   $14.92 
Class A  $26.16   $   $15.93 
Class A maximum offering price (100%/ (100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share  $27.76   $   $16.90 
                
(a) Includes securities on loan of  $1,031,568   $2,195,718   $1,116,164 

 

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

 

34 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Statements of Operations

Year Ended September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Equity Income
Fund
   ICON Flexible Bond
Fund
   ICON Fund 
Investment Income               
Interest  $226,612   $3,167,113   $117 
Dividends   3,091,856    1,066,700    522,944 
Foreign taxes withheld   (89,887)       (4,516)
Income from securities lending, net   35,740    17,256    180 
Other income   1,684    6,914     
Total investment income   3,266,005    4,257,983    518,725 
                
Expenses               
Advisory fees   622,381    558,166    391,034 
Administration fees   41,496    46,501    26,062 
Transfer agent fees   119,740    81,123    65,271 
Distribution fees:               
Class C   166,583    28,939    126,309 
Class A   34,329    8,997    13,516 
Registration fees   43,264    40,420    39,650 
Audit and tax service expense   18,000    18,000    16,000 
Fund accounting fees   38,335    43,652    22,792 
Trustee fees and expenses   19,349    21,719    12,176 
Insurance expense   8,570    8,669    4,964 
Custody fees   7,546    12,651    3,680 
Printing fees   16,723    15,787    9,577 
Interest expense   2,128        1,127 
Recoupment of previously reimbursed expenses           2,052 
Other expenses   32,831    35,812    21,127 
Total expenses before expense reimbursement   1,171,275    920,436    755,337 
Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement   (146,948)   (184,480)   (9,658)
Net Expenses   1,024,327    735,956    745,679 
Net Investment Income/(Loss)   2,241,678    3,522,027    (226,954)
                
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)               
Net realized gain/(loss) on:               
Investments and foreign currency translations   3,050,654    (877,234)   3,356,674 
    3,050,654    (877,234)   3,356,674 
Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investments and foreign currency   (979,199)   (931,423)   32,995 
    (979,199)   (931,423)   32,995 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   2,071,455    (1,808,657)   3,389,669 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $4,313,133   $1,713,370   $3,162,715 

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 35

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Statements of Operations

Year Ended September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Long/Short
Fund
   ICON Opportunities
Fund
   ICON Risk-Managed
Balanced Fund
 
Investment Income               
Interest  $1,366   $639   $378,852 
Dividends   281,863    115,093    366,466 
Foreign taxes withheld   (1,936)       (2,540)
Income from securities lending, net   61    6,902    3,501 
Other income           1,443 
Total investment income   281,354    122,634    747,722 
                
Expenses               
Advisory fees   229,620    166,464    255,354 
Administration fees   13,501    11,097    17,030 
Transfer agent fees   55,289    41,480    57,981 
Distribution fees:               
Class C   50,833        163,545 
Class A   17,977        16,110 
Registration fees   38,033    17,845    39,284 
Audit and tax service expense   17,500    16,000    19,500 
Fund accounting fees   13,040    11,924    21,357 
Trustee fees and expenses   6,278    5,199    7,900 
Insurance expense   2,306    1,778    3,720 
Custody fees   3,162    3,405    6,117 
Printing fees   7,244    5,918    8,206 
Interest expense   543    761    47 
Recoupment of previously reimbursed expenses       8,899    563 
Other expenses   12,419    9,844    16,510 
Total expenses before expense reimbursement   467,745    300,614    633,224 
Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement   (54,396)   (11,238)   (45,213)
Net Expenses   413,349    289,376    588,011 
Net Investment Income/(Loss)   (131,995)   (166,742)   159,711 
                
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)               
Net realized gain/(loss) on:               
Investments and foreign currency translations   1,840,083    3,637,781    783,256 
    1,840,083    3,637,781    783,256 
Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investments and foreign currency   61,132    (2,599,824)   440,875 
    61,132    (2,599,824)   440,875 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   1,901,215    1,037,957    1,224,131 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $1,769,220   $871,215   $1,383,842 

 

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

 

36 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   ICON Equity Income Fund   ICON Flexible Bond Fund 
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018 (a)
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Operations                
Net investment income/(loss)  $2,241,678   $2,681,634   $3,522,028   $3,209,047 
Net realized gain/(loss)   3,050,654    4,311,704    (877,235)   (397,218)
Net realized gain/(loss) on long-term capital gain distributions from other investment companies       880,899        701,891 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (979,199)   3,717,072    (931,423)   (1,372,818)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   4,313,133    11,591,309    1,713,370    2,140,902 
                     
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders(b)                    
Class S   (1,607,191)   (1,775,156)   (3,164,850)   (2,969,591)
Class C   (342,652)   (329,600)   (100,341)   (127,097)
Class A   (365,825)   (437,435)   (125,245)   (194,557)
Net decrease from dividends and distributions   (2,315,668)   (2,542,191)   (3,390,436)   (3,291,245)
                     
Fund Share Transactions                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   14,018,260    29,442,641    36,821,738    30,021,531 
Class C   3,350,835    6,193,719    585,449    852,689 
Class A   2,012,996    3,883,597    993,823    1,653,201 
Reinvested dividends and distributions                    
Class S   1,536,440    1,707,580    2,912,727    2,665,363 
Class C   310,512    284,548    85,079    106,129 
Class A   310,987    372,453    115,309    125,313 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (22,765,862)   (17,771,448)   (21,361,079)   (27,853,530)
Class C   (2,388,940)   (2,642,506)   (1,067,548)   (1,757,578)
Class A   (6,198,082)   (8,549,319)   (1,212,911)   (3,943,785)
Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions   (9,812,854)   12,921,265    17,872,587    1,869,333 
                     
Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (7,815,389)   21,970,383    16,195,521    718,990 
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of year   87,145,554    65,175,171    88,064,829    87,345,839 
End of year  $79,330,165   $87,145,554   $104,260,350   $88,064,829 
                     
Transactions in Fund Shares                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   771,961    1,767,858    3,961,759    3,177,562 
Class C   183,047    366,818    62,589    90,115 
Class A   111,347    232,232    107,547    176,894 
Issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions                    
Class S   85,666    100,137    313,069    282,927 
Class C   17,162    16,505    9,103    11,215 
Class A   17,383    21,926    12,448    13,352 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (1,249,425)   (1,052,089)   (2,296,036)   (2,956,814)
Class C   (130,988)   (157,844)   (114,075)   (185,691)
Class A   (341,407)   (522,274)   (130,931)   (420,853)
Net increase/(decrease)   (535,254)   773,269    1,925,473    188,707 
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   4,943,776    4,170,507    9,334,245    9,145,538 
Shares outstanding, end of year   4,408,522    4,943,776    11,259,718    9,334,245 

 

(a)Prior to January 23, 2018, the ICON Flexible Bond Fund was known as the ICON Bond Fund.

(b)The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain financial statement disclosure requirements which eliminated the disclosure of the characteristic of dividends and distributions to shareholders. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Equity Income Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $2,542,191, and Net Realized Gains of $–. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Flexible Bond Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $3,291,245, and Net Realized Gains of $–.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 37

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   ICON Fund   ICON Long/Short Fund 
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Operations                
Net investment income/(loss)  $(226,954)  $(181,146)  $(131,995)  $(102,810)
Net realized gain/(loss)   3,356,674    1,912,935    1,840,083    558,053 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   32,995    11,527,848    61,132    5,059,321 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   3,162,715    13,259,637    1,769,220    5,514,564 
                     
Fund Share Transactions                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   3,873,962    8,371,228    10,816,178    4,418,722 
Class C   547,780    737,337    761,410    231,078 
Class A   1,140,529    726,755    2,733,365    2,993,488 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (6,326,048)   (12,871,498)   (4,397,179)   (2,770,776)
Class C   (2,476,705)   (2,880,211)   (711,148)   (1,023,107)
Class A   (1,186,452)   (2,547,491)   (4,937,947)   (3,071,503)
Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions   (4,426,934)   (8,463,880)   4,264,679    777,902 
                     
Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (1,264,219)   4,795,757    6,033,899    6,292,466 
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of year   50,702,675    45,906,918    22,933,274    16,640,808 
End of year  $49,438,456   $50,702,675   $28,967,173   $22,933,274 
                     
Transactions in Fund Shares                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   192,622    507,732    399,467    192,376 
Class C   31,789    48,906    32,406    11,293 
Class A   59,973    45,694    103,610    138,114 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (315,297)   (800,369)   (162,050)   (124,649)
Class C   (141,244)   (198,758)   (30,287)   (53,192)
Class A   (63,542)   (165,063)   (186,954)   (142,928)
Net increase/(decrease)   (235,699)   (561,858)   156,192    21,014 
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   2,828,269    3,390,127    946,938    925,924 
Shares outstanding, end of year   2,592,570    2,828,269    1,103,130    946,938 

 

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

 

 

38 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   ICON Opportunities Fund   ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund 
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Operations                
Net investment income/(loss)  $(166,742)  $(133,644)  $159,711   $376,709 
Net realized gain/(loss)   3,637,781    255,312    783,256    1,047,257 
Net realized gain/(loss) on long-term capital gain distributions from other investment companies               192,193 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (2,599,824)   4,385,735    440,875    1,967,456 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   871,215    4,507,403    1,383,842    3,583,615 
                     
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders(a)                    
Dividends and distributions   (307,810)   (221,532)          
Class S           (101,832)   (228,027)
Class C           (23,510)   (107,326)
Class A           (41,068)   (98,195)
Net decrease from dividends and distributions   (307,810)   (221,532)   (166,410)   (433,548)
                     
Fund Share Transactions                    
Shares sold   8,215,056    2,342,771           
Class S           3,005,177    5,789,710 
Class C           3,137,593    4,874,335 
Class A           1,309,983    742,396 
Reinvested dividends and distributions   305,435    221,332           
Class S           94,076    209,620 
Class C           21,452    94,575 
Class A           38,578    90,299 
Shares repurchased   (7,368,889)   (3,539,469)          
Class S           (8,100,020)   (12,045,261)
Class C           (3,902,945)   (4,806,459)
Class A           (3,826,965)   (3,493,476)
Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions   1,151,602    (975,366)   (8,223,071)   (8,544,261)
                     
Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets   1,715,007    3,310,505    (7,005,639)   (5,394,194)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of year   19,369,402    16,058,897    38,939,559    44,333,753 
End of year  $21,084,409   $19,369,402   $31,933,920   $38,939,559 
                     
Transactions in Fund Shares                    
Shares sold   417,657    139,548           
Class S           185,151    386,228 
Class C           214,005    350,409 
Class A           83,430    50,434 
Issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions   15,481    13,488           
Class S           5,890    13,840 
Class C           1,468    6,868 
Class A           2,482    6,124 
Shares repurchased   (377,941)   (216,490)          
Class S           (507,106)   (819,237)
Class C           (265,702)   (349,264)
Class A           (242,735)   (239,935)
Net increase/(decrease)   55,197    (63,454)   (523,117)   (594,533)
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   1,025,694    1,089,148    2,581,338    3,175,871 
Shares outstanding, end of year   1,080,891    1,025,694    2,058,221    2,581,338 

 

(a)The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain financial statement disclosure requirements which eliminated the disclosure of the characteristic of dividends and distributions to shareholders. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Opportunities Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $–, and Net Realized Gains of $221,532. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $433,548, and Net Realized Gains of $–.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 39

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $17.61     $15.62     $14.36     $14.87     $13.80 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     0.53      0.61      0.60      0.56      0.52 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.38      1.95      1.27      (0.56)     1.04 
Total from investment operations     0.91      2.56      1.87      (0.00)(b)     1.56 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.56)     (0.57)     (0.61)     (0.51)     (0.49)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.56)     (0.57)     (0.61)     (0.51)     (0.49)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $17.96     $17.61     $15.62     $14.36     $14.87 
                                    
Total Return     5.19%     16.53%     13.30%     (0.17)%     11.36%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $51,185     $57,062     $37,868     $22,779     $8,022 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.16%     1.15%     1.24%     1.25%     1.38%
After expense limitation(c)     0.99%     1.05%(d)     1.20%     1.20%     1.20%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.76%     3.50%     3.91%     3.52%     3.36%
After expense limitation(c)     2.93%     3.60%     3.95%     3.57%     3.54%
Portfolio turnover rate     171%     206%     145%     174%     148%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)Amount less than $(0.005).

(c)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, when applicable.

(d)Effective January 26, 2017, the annual expense limitation rate changed from 1.20% to 0.99%.

 

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

40 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class C  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $17.76     $15.76     $14.45     $14.96     $13.88 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     0.36      0.45      0.45      0.40      0.36 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.38      1.95      1.28      (0.56)     1.06 
Total from investment operations     0.74      2.40      1.73      (0.16)     1.42 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.37)     (0.40)     (0.42)     (0.35)     (0.34)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.37)     (0.40)     (0.42)     (0.35)     (0.34)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $18.13     $17.76     $15.76     $14.45     $14.96 
                                    
Total Return(b)     4.21%     15.34%     12.15%     (1.16)%     10.26%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $17,460     $15,878     $10,532     $6,825     $5,481 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.17%     2.20%     2.34%     2.34%     2.45%
After expense limitation(c)     1.99%     2.05%(d)     2.20%     2.20%     2.20%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.81%     2.49%     2.80%     2.40%     2.21%
After expense limitation(c)     1.99%     2.64%     2.94%     2.54%     2.46%
Portfolio turnover rate     171%     206%     145%     174%     148%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(c)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, when applicable.

(d)Effective January 26, 2017, the annual expense limitation rate changed from 2.20% to 1.99%.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 41

 

 

 

 

ICON Equity Income Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class A  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $17.56     $15.58     $14.29     $14.79     $13.73 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     0.49      0.54      0.56      0.50      0.47 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.38      1.96      1.26      (0.53)     1.04 
Total from investment operations     0.87      2.50      1.82      (0.03)     1.51 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.51)     (0.52)     (0.53)     (0.47)     (0.45)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.51)     (0.52)     (0.53)     (0.47)     (0.45)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $17.92     $17.56     $15.58     $14.29     $14.79 
                                    
Total Return(b)     4.98%     16.20%     12.97%     (0.38)%     11.07%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $10,685     $14,206     $16,775     $13,039     $13,847 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.45%     1.45%     1.54%     1.52%     1.59%
After expense limitation(c)     1.24%     1.31%(d)     1.45%     1.45%     1.45%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.48%     3.06%     3.64%     3.14%     3.08%
After expense limitation(c)     2.69%     3.20%     3.73%     3.21%     3.22%
Portfolio turnover rate     171%     206%     145%     174%     148%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(c)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, when applicable.

(d)Effective January 26, 2017, the annual expense limitation rate changed from 1.45% to 1.24%.

 

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

42 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018(a)
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $9.43     $9.55     $9.20     $9.90     $9.89 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(b)     0.36      0.37      0.34      0.41      0.43(c)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     (0.19)     (0.11)     0.34      (0.44)     0.15 
Total from investment operations     0.17      0.26      0.68      (0.03)     0.58 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.34)     (0.38)     (0.33)     (0.51)     (0.44)
Distributions from net realized gains                       (0.13)     (0.13)
Return of capital                       (0.03)      
Total dividends and distributions     (0.34)     (0.38)     (0.33)     (0.67)     (0.57)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $9.26     $9.43     $9.55     $9.20     $9.90 
                                    
Total Return     1.89%     2.82%     7.54%     (0.28)%     6.01%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $97,303     $80,467     $76,656     $73,152     $87,675 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     0.92%     0.91%     0.93%     0.91%     0.86%
After expense limitation(d)     0.75%     0.75%     0.75%     0.75%     0.75%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     3.65%     3.80%     3.43%     4.10%     4.22%
After expense limitation(d)     3.82%     3.96%     3.61%     4.26%     4.33%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate     153%     169%     141%     153%     176%

 

(a)Prior to January 23, 2018, the ICON Flexible Bond Fund was known as the ICON Bond Fund.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)Investment income per share of Class S reflects a large, non-recurring dividend which amounted to $0.07 per share. Excluding this non-recurring dividend, the ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets would have been 3.59% for Class S.

(d)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, when applicable.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 43

 

 

 

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class C  Year Ended
September 30, 2018(a)
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $9.48     $9.58     $9.24     $9.94     $9.93 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(b)     0.28      0.29      0.26      0.32      0.34(c)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     (0.19)     (0.10)     0.34      (0.43)     0.15 
Total from investment operations     0.09      0.19      0.60      (0.11)     0.49 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.28)     (0.29)     (0.26)     (0.43)     (0.35)
Distributions from net realized gains                       (0.13)     (0.13)
Return of capital                       (0.03)      
Total dividends and distributions     (0.28)     (0.29)     (0.26)     (0.59)     (0.48)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $9.29     $9.48     $9.58     $9.24     $9.94 
                                    
Total Return(d)     0.92%     2.05%     6.59%     (1.10)%     5.10%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $3,272     $3,739     $4,590     $4,142     $2,879 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.20%     2.13%     2.10%     2.19%     2.27%
After expense limitation(e)     1.60%     1.60%     1.60%     1.60%     1.60%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.36%     2.58%     2.28%     2.76%     2.75%
After expense limitation(e)     2.96%     3.11%     2.78%     3.35%     3.42%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate     153%     169%     141%     153%     176%

 

(a)Prior to January 23, 2018, the ICON Flexible Bond Fund was known as the ICON Bond Fund.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)Investment income per share of Class C reflects a large, non-recurring dividend which amounted to $0.06 per share. Excluding this non-recurring dividend, the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets would have been 2.84% for Class C.

(d)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(e)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, when applicable.

 

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

44 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class A  Year Ended
September 30, 2018(a)
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $9.39     $9.51     $9.17     $9.86     $9.89 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(b)     0.33      0.33      0.31      0.36      0.43(c)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     (0.19)     (0.10)     0.34      (0.41)     0.12 
Total from investment operations     0.14      0.23      0.65      (0.05)     0.55 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.32)     (0.35)     (0.31)     (0.48)     (0.45)
Distributions from net realized gains                       (0.13)     (0.13)
Return of capital                       (0.03)      
Total dividends and distributions     (0.32)     (0.35)     (0.31)     (0.64)     (0.58)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $9.21     $9.39     $9.51     $9.17     $9.86 
                                    
Total Return(d)     1.55%     2.48%     7.25%     (0.44)%     5.77%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $3,685     $3,859     $6,100     $7,838     $4,278 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.45%     1.41%     1.38%     1.36%     1.44%
After expense limitation(e)     1.00%     1.00%     1.00%     1.00%     1.00%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     3.13%     3.13%     2.98%     3.50%     3.84%
After expense limitation(e)     3.58%     3.54%     3.36%     3.86%     4.28%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate     153%     169%     141%     153%     176%

 

(a)Prior to January 23, 2018, the ICON Flexible Bond Fund was known as the ICON Bond Fund.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)Investment income per share of Class A reflects a large, non-recurring dividend which amounted to $0.08 per share. Excluding this non-recurring dividend, the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets would have been 3.55% for Class A.

(d)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(e)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, when applicable.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 45

 

 

 

 

ICON Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $18.68     $14.08     $13.83     $14.52     $14.00 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     (0.02)     (0.01)     0.05      (0.02)     0.00(b)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     1.24      4.61      0.20      (0.67)     0.52 
Total from investment operations     1.22      4.60      0.25      (0.69)     0.52 
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $19.90     $18.68     $14.08     $13.83     $14.52 
                                    
Total Return     6.53%     32.67%     1.81%     (4.75)%     3.71%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $32,583     $32,883     $28,897     $33,695     $41,577 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.11%     1.10%     1.12%     1.09%     1.10%
After expense limitation(c)     1.11%     1.10%     1.12%     1.09%     1.10%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     (0.12)%     (0.04)%     0.39%     (0.11)%     0.02%
After expense limitation(c)     (0.12)%     (0.04)%     0.39%     (0.11)%     0.02%
Portfolio turnover rate     25%     15%     31%     54%     65%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)Amount less than $0.005.

(c)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, when applicable.

 

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

46 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class C  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $16.34     $12.46     $12.38     $13.15     $12.82 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     (0.22)     (0.17)     (0.09)     (0.18)     (0.14)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     1.09      4.05      0.17      (0.59)     0.47 
Total from investment operations     0.87      3.88      0.08      (0.77)     0.33 
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $17.21     $16.34     $12.46     $12.38     $13.15 
                                    
Total Return(b)     5.32%     31.14%     0.65%     (5.86)%     2.57%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $11,452     $12,663     $11,520     $13,745     $17,050 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.27%     2.31%     2.41%     2.27%     2.26%
After expense limitation(c)     2.25%     2.25%     2.26%     2.25%     2.25%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     (1.28)%     (1.25)%     (0.90)%     (1.29)%     (1.09)%
After expense limitation(c)     (1.26)%     (1.19)%     (0.75)%     (1.27)%     (1.08)%
Portfolio turnover rate     25%     15%     31%     54%     65%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(c)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, when applicable.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 47

 

 

 

 

ICON Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class A  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $17.60   $13.31   $13.13   $13.84   $13.39 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   (0.10)   (0.07)   0.00(b)   (0.08)   (0.05)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   1.17    4.36    0.18    (0.63)   0.50 
Total from investment operations   1.07    4.29    0.18    (0.71)   0.45 
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $18.67   $17.60   $13.31   $13.13   $13.84 
                          
Total Return(c)   6.08%   32.23%   1.37%   (5.13)%   3.36%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $5,404   $5,156   $5,490   $6,994   $8,076 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.63%   1.66%   1.67%   1.55%   1.56%
After expense limitation(d)   1.50%   1.50%   1.51%   1.50%   1.50%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.64)%   (0.60)%   (0.16)%   (0.57)%   (0.38)%
After expense limitation(d)   (0.51)%   (0.44)%   0.00%(e)   (0.52)%   (0.32)%
Portfolio turnover rate   25%   15%   31%   54%   65%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)Amount less than $0.005.

(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(d)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, when applicable.

(e)Less than 0.005% of average net assets.

 

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

 

48 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

ICON Long/Short Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.13   $18.70   $18.39   $18.41   $17.48 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   (0.06)   (0.04)   0.04    (0.09)   (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   2.04    6.47    0.27    0.07    0.99 
Total from investment operations   1.98    6.43    0.31    (0.02)   0.93 
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $27.11   $25.13   $18.70   $18.39   $18.41 
                          
Total Return   7.88%   34.39%   1.69%   (0.11)%   5.32%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $18,580   $11,259   $7,114   $17,196   $16,465 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.38%   1.50%   1.63%   1.37%   1.45%
After expense limitation(b)   1.25%   1.25%   1.28%   1.28%   1.32%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.33)%   (0.43)%   (0.11)%   (0.52)%   (0.47)%
After expense limitation(b)   (0.20)%   (0.18)%   0.24%   (0.43)%   (0.34)%
Portfolio turnover rate   36%   24%   20%   74%   65%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)The Fund’s operating expenses, not including interest expense or dividends on short positions, are contractually limited to the amounts discussed in Note 3. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the interest expense and dividends on short positions, when applicable.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 49

 

 

 

ICON Long/Short Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class C  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $22.13   $16.65   $16.54   $16.74   $16.05 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   (0.30)   (0.25)   (0.13)   (0.27)   (0.24)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   1.80    5.73    0.24    0.07    0.93 
Total from investment operations   1.50    5.48    0.11    (0.20)   0.69 
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $23.63   $22.13   $16.65   $16.54   $16.74 
                          
Total Return(b)   6.78%   32.91%   0.67%   (1.19)%   4.30%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $5,036   $4,671   $4,211   $6,300   $6,932 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   2.60%   2.75%   2.76%   2.53%   2.57%
After expense limitation(c)   2.30%   2.30%   2.33%   2.33%   2.38%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (1.57)%   (1.69)%   (1.21)%   (1.68)%   (1.58)%
After expense limitation(c)   (1.27)%   (1.24)%   (0.78)%   (1.48)%   (1.39)%
Portfolio turnover rate   36%   24%   20%   74%   65%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(c)The Fund’s operating expenses, not including interest expense or dividends on short positions, are contractually limited to the amounts discussed in Note 3. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the interest expense and dividends on short positions, when applicable.

 

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

 

50 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

ICON Long/Short Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class A  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $24.33   $18.16   $17.91   $17.99   $17.13 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   (0.14)   (0.11)   (0.01)   (0.15)   (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   1.97    6.28    0.26    0.07    0.98 
Total from investment operations   1.83    6.17    0.25    (0.08)   0.86 
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $26.16   $24.33   $18.16   $17.91   $17.99 
                          
Total Return(b)   7.52%   33.98%   1.40%   (0.44)%   5.02%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $5,351   $7,003   $5,316   $9,186   $11,160 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.83%   1.93%   1.95%   1.73%   1.81%
After expense limitation(c)   1.55%   1.55%   1.58%   1.58%   1.63%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.80)%   (0.87)%   (0.40)%   (0.89)%   (0.82)%
After expense limitation(c)   (0.52)%   (0.49)%   (0.03)%   (0.74)%   (0.64)%
Portfolio turnover rate   36%   24%   20%   74%   65%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(c)The Fund’s operating expenses, not including interest expense or dividends on short positions, are contractually limited to the amounts discussed in Note 3. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the interest expense and dividends on short positions, when applicable.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 51

 

 

 

 

ICON Opportunities Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $18.88   $14.74   $13.32   $13.04   $13.02 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   (0.15)   (0.13)   (0.03)   (0.09)   (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   1.07    4.48    1.46    0.58    0.41 
Total from investment operations   0.92    4.35    1.43    0.49    0.29 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Distributions from net realized gains   (0.29)   (0.21)   (0.01)   (0.21)   (0.27)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.29)   (0.21)   (0.01)   (0.21)   (0.27)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $19.51   $18.88   $14.74   $13.32   $13.04 
                          
Total Return   4.88%   29.75%   10.76%   3.75%   2.19%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $21,084   $19,369   $16,059   $11,047   $12,133 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.35%   1.47%   1.53%   1.58%   2.44%
After expense limitation(b)   1.30%   1.45%(c)   1.51%   1.50%   1.50%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.80)%   (0.80)%   (0.27)%   (0.72)%   (1.81)%
After expense limitation(b)   (0.75)%   (0.78)%   (0.25)%   (0.65)%   (0.87)%
Portfolio turnover rate   87%   26%   95%   76%   46%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(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, when applicable.

(c)Effective June 30, 2017, the annual expense limitation rate changed from 1.50% to 1.30%.

 

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

 

52 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.74   $14.46   $14.02   $13.98   $13.40 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.16    0.21    0.19    0.18    0.24 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.57    1.30    0.42    0.01    0.56 
Total from investment operations   0.73    1.51    0.61    0.19    0.80 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.15)   (0.23)   (0.17)   (0.15)   (0.22)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.15)   (0.23)   (0.17)   (0.15)   (0.22)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $16.32   $15.74   $14.46   $14.02   $13.98 
                          
Total Return   4.64%   10.53%   4.39%   1.35%   6.02%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $10,676   $15,272   $20,087   $26,677   $20,071 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.38%   1.36%   1.27%   1.34%   1.22%
After expense limitation(b)   1.20%   1.20%   1.20%   1.20%   1.20%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   0.82%   1.26%   1.27%   1.09%   1.72%
After expense limitation(b)   1.00%   1.42%   1.34%   1.23%   1.74%
Portfolio turnover rate   87%   83%   109%   119%   137%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(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, when applicable.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 53

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class C  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 

Year Ended

September 30, 2014 

Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.42   $13.27   $12.89   $12.90   $12.39 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   (0.00)(b)   0.06    0.04    0.03    0.09 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.52    1.19    0.39    0.01    0.54 
Total from investment operations   0.52    1.25    0.43    0.04    0.63 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.02)   (0.10)   (0.05)   (0.05)   (0.12)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.02)   (0.10)   (0.05)   (0.05)   (0.12)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $14.92   $14.42   $13.27   $12.89   $12.90 
                          
Total Return(c)   3.61%   9.44%   3.35%   0.31%   5.06%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $16,409   $16,583   $15,151   $13,061   $9,469 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   2.28%   2.30%   2.29%   2.38%   2.33%
After expense limitation(d)   2.20%   2.20%   2.20%   2.20%   2.20%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.08)%   0.35%   0.24%   0.06%   0.61%
After expense limitation(d)   0.00%(e)   0.45%   0.33%   0.24%   0.74%
Portfolio turnover rate   87%   83%   109%   119%   137%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)Amount less than $(0.005).

(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(d)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, when applicable.

(e)Less than 0.005% of average net assets.

 

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

 

54 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class A  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.36   $14.11   $13.68   $13.69   $13.12 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.12    0.17    0.15    0.14    0.20 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.55    1.27    0.42    0.00    0.57 
Total from investment operations   0.67    1.44    0.57    0.14    0.77 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.10)   (0.19)   (0.14)   (0.15)   (0.20)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.10)   (0.19)   (0.14)   (0.15)   (0.20)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $15.93   $15.36   $14.11   $13.68   $13.69 
                          
Total Return(b)   4.40%   10.29%   4.18%   1.00%   5.88%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $4,849   $7,084   $9,095   $8,446   $7,014 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.64%   1.64%   1.60%   1.70%   1.65%
After expense limitation(c)   1.45%   1.45%   1.45%   1.45%   1.45%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   0.56%   0.98%   0.93%   0.71%   1.29%
After expense limitation(c)   0.75%   1.17%   1.08%   0.96%   1.49%
Portfolio turnover rate   87%   83%   109%   119%   137%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(c)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, when applicable.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 55

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

The ICON Equity Income Fund (“Equity Income Fund”), ICON Flexible Bond Fund (“Flexible Bond Fund”)(prior to January 23, 2018, known as the ICON Bond 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 a series of 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 Equity Income Fund is modest capital appreciation and income. The investment objective of the Flexible Bond Fund is to maximize total return. The investment objective of the ICON Fund is capital appreciation with a secondary objective of capital preservation to provide long-term growth. The investment objective of the Opportunities Fund is to provide capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Long/Short Fund is to provide capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund is modest capital appreciation and income.

 

The Funds, like all investments in securities, have elements of risk, including risk of loss of principal. There is no assurance that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives and may underperform funds with similar investment objectives. An investment concentrated in sectors and industries involves 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.

 

The Funds may invest in other investment companies. As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including closed-end funds (which include business development companies (BDCs)), unit investment trusts, open-end investment companies, and exchange traded funds, are subject to many of the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, including market risk and, for non-index strategies, selection risk. In addition, if a Fund acquires shares of investment companies, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (including management and advisory fees). If a Fund acquires shares of one or more underlying funds, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (excluding management and advisory fees attributable to those assets of the Fund invested in the underlying funds) and, indirectly, the expenses of the underlying funds (including management and advisory fees). Further, the closed-end fund market is inefficient. Many closed-end funds (CEFs), including many in which the Funds invest, are small or microcap securities. There is little independent research published on CEFs and limited availability of data makes research difficult and time consuming. CEFs may trade unpredictably. The underlying assets may be unknown and their value not readily determinable. The Funds often purchase CEFs believing they are trading at a discount to NAV, and an ongoing corporate action will cause the discount to narrow or disappear. With little independent analysis of the CEFs’ individual assets, the Fund essentially makes a value based arbitrage strategy. The Fund will look to events like pending or proposed tender offers, liquidations, take-over plays etc. If the event is not preceded by an official announcement — and is, instead, “pending” or “anticipated” — this strategy can be very risky. If the event is announced, there is still the possibility that it will not happen. In sum, investing in CEFs in general, and CEF arbitrage plays in particular carry unique and arguably heightened risks.

 

The Equity Income Fund, Flexible Bond Fund and Risk-Managed Balanced Fund may invest in medium-and lower-quality debt securities. High-yield bonds, also known as “junk bonds” are speculative investments and involve a greater risk of default and price volatility than U.S. government and other high-quality bonds. Junk bonds are also less liquid (more difficult to sell) than equities and higher credit bonds. Reduced liquidity may adversely affect the market price of, and ability of a Fund to value and sell particular securities at certain times, thereby making it difficult to make specific valuation determinations.

 

The Equity Income Fund, Flexible Bond Fund and Risk-Managed Balanced Fund may invest in mortgage-related securities, which are interests in pools of mortgage loans made to residential home buyers, including mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to investors by various governmental and government-related organizations. The Equity Income Fund, Flexible Bond Fund and Risk-Managed Balanced Fund also may invest in debt securities that are secured with collateral consisting of mortgage related securities (a Collateralized Mortgage Obligations or “CMO”), and in other types of mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. CMOs are debt obligations of a legal entity that are collateralized by whole mortgage loans or private mortgage bonds and divided into classes. CMOs are typically structured into multiple classes, often referred to as “tranches,” with each class bearing a different stated maturity and entitled to a different schedule for payments of principal and interest, including prepayments. CMOs may be less liquid and may exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage-related or asset-backed securities. Many of the risks of investing

 

 

56 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

in mortgage-related securities secured by commercial mortgage loans reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make lease payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. These securities may be less liquid and may exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. Other asset-backed securities are created from many types of assets, including auto loans, credit card receivables, home equity loans, and student loans. The ICON Fund and Long/Short Fund also may invest in such securities for temporary defensive purposes.

 

The Long/Short Fund may engage 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 involves certain risks, such as limiting 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 Equity Income Fund has a significant weighting in the Financials sector, the ICON Fund has a significant weighting in the Information Technology and Financials sectors, the Long/Short Fund has a significant weighting in the Financial sector, the Opportunities Fund has a significant weighting in the Information Technology and Financials sectors which may cause the Funds’ performance to be susceptible to the economic, business and/or other developments that may affect those sectors.

 

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 financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which 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. Each Fund is considered an investment company under GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

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. If the NYSE closes unexpectedly and there is active trading on other exchanges, the securities will be valued at the Valuation Time based off of those exchanges. 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 NYSE is open for trading.

 

The Funds use pricing services to obtain the fair 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 fair 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’ Pricing Committee pursuant to procedures approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (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. Exchange traded options are valued at the composite price, using the National Best Bid and Offer quotes (“NBBO”). NBBO consists of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across any of the exchanges on which an option is quoted, thus providing a

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 57

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

view across the entire U.S. options marketplace. 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 fair value. Currency rates as of the close of the NYSE are used to convert foreign security values into U.S. dollars.

 

Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities are typically issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker-dealer quotations, reported trades or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche level attributes, current market data, estimated cash flows and market based yield spreads for each tranche, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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, including money market funds, that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value (“NAV”) 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 Funds’ Pricing Committee determines that use of another valuation methodology is appropriate. The purpose of daily fair valuation is 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 NAV. The valuation assigned to fair-value securities for purposes of calculating each 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 1 quoted 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, 2018:

 

ICON Equity Income Fund            
Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
  Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
  Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Total
Corporate Bonds  $   $5,576,442   $   $5,576,442 
Common Stocks   65,502,964            65,502,964 
Preferred Stocks   2,961,624            2,961,624 
Convertible Preferred Stocks   1,522,433            1,522,433 
Closed-End Mutual Funds   2,455,180            2,455,180 
Purchased Put Options  $19,200   $   $   $19,200 
Collateral for Securities on Loan       1,373,225        1,373,225 
Total  $72,461,401   $6,949,667   $   $79,411,068 

 

 

 

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ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

ICON Flexible Bond Fund            
Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
  Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
  Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Total
Corporate Bonds  $   $62,040,416   $   $62,040,416 
Asset-Backed Securities       3,357,602        3,357,602 
U.S. Treasury Obligations       8,371,172        8,371,172 
Common Stocks   3,273,427            3,273,427 
Preferred Stocks   12,748,423            12,748,423 
Convertible Preferred Stocks   2,832,692            2,832,692 
Closed-End Mutual Funds   10,288,472            10,288,472 
Collateral for Securities on Loan       2,503,136        2,503,136 
Total  $29,143,014   $76,272,326   $   $105,415,340 

 

ICON Fund            
Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
  Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
  Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Total
Common Stocks  $49,415,972   $   $   $49,415,972 
Total  $49,415,972   $   $   $49,415,972 

 

ICON Long/Short Fund            
Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
  Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
  Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Total
Common Stocks  $28,789,760   $   $   $28,789,760 
Total  $28,789,760   $   $   $28,789,760 

 

ICON Opportunities Fund            
Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
  Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
  Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Total
Common Stocks  $21,054,257   $   $   $21,054,257 
Collateral for Securities on Loan       603,900        603,900 
Total  $21,054,257   $603,900   $   $21,658,157 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund            
Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
  Level 2 - Other
Significant Observable Inputs
  Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Total
Corporate Bonds  $   $5,623,605   $   $5,623,605 
Asset-Backed Securities       239,829        239,829 
U.S. Treasury Obligations       984,844        984,844 
Common Stocks   21,577,023            21,577,023 
Preferred Stocks   721,961            721,961 
Convertible Preferred Stocks   138,257            138,257 
Closed-End Mutual Funds   2,055,364            2,055,364 
Purchased Put Options  $3,312   $   $   $3,312 
Collateral for Securities on Loan       212,000        212,000 
Total  $24,495,917   $7,060,278   $   $31,556,195 

 

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

 

There were no Level 3 securities held in any of the Funds at September 30, 2018.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 59

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

Fund Share Valuation

 

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

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Idle cash may be swept into an overnight demand deposit account and is classified as cash and cash equivalents on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The Funds maintain cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed United States federally insured limits. Amounts swept overnight are available on the next business day.

 

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.

 

Options Transactions

 

The Funds’ use of derivatives for the year ended September 30, 2018 was limited to purchased 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. A Fund may use derivatives to hedge risks inherent in its portfolio, to enhance the potential return of its portfolio, to diversify its portfolio, as a substitute for taking a position in an underlying asset, to reduce transaction costs associated with managing a portfolio, or to implement an investment strategy through investments that may be more tax-efficient than a direct equity investment.

 

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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current fair 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 fair value of the index. If a written put option on 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 limiting 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 fair 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 fair value of the index. Written and purchased options are non-income producing securities.

 

 

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ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Equity Income Fund and the Risk-Managed Balanced Fund engaged in purchased put option transactions. All open option contracts are included on each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

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

 

ICON Equity Income Fund  Asset Derivatives  Liability Derivatives   
   Statements of Assets and     Statements of Assets and   
Risk Exposure  Liabilities Location  Fair Value  Liabilities Location  Fair Value
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options)  Investments, at value  $19,200   N/A   N/A 
Total     $19,200      $ 

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund  Asset Derivatives  Liability Derivatives   
   Statements of Assets and     Statements of Assets and   
Risk Exposure  Liabilities Location  Fair Value  Liabilities Location  Fair Value
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options)  Investments, at value  $3,312   N/A   N/A 
Total     $3,312      $ 
          
         Change in
      Realized  Unrealized Appreciation/
      Gain/(Loss) on  (Depreciation)
ICON Equity Income Fund     Derivatives  on Derivatives
      Recognized  Recognized
Risk Exposure  Statements of Operations Location  in Income  in Income
Equity Contracts
(Purchased Options)
  Net realized gain/(loss) on Investments and foreign currency translations/Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on Investments, options, and foreign currency  $4,070 $ (699)
Total     $4,070 $ (699)

 

         Change in
      Realized  Unrealized Appreciation/
      Gain/(Loss) on  (Depreciation)
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund     Derivatives  on Derivatives
      Recognized  Recognized
Risk Exposure  Statements of Operations Location  in Income  in Income
Equity Contracts
(Purchased Options)
  Net realized gain/(loss) on Investments and foreign currency translations/Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on Investments, options, and foreign currency  $(117,194)$ 31,517
Total     $(117,194)$ 31,517

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 61

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

The average purchased option contracts during the year ended September 30, 2018, was as follows:

 

ICON Equity Income Fund      
       
Derivative Type Unit of Measurement Average Contracts+ Days Held
Purchased Options Contracts 102 364

 

ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund      
       
Derivative Type Unit of Measurement Average Contracts+ Days Held
Purchased Options Contracts 11 365

  

+The average is calculated based on the actual number of days with outstanding derivatives.

 

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 Funds’ prime broker. The collateral required is determined daily by reference to the fair 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 Statements 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 received on short sales are treated as an expense on the Statements 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 and for the year ended September 30, 2018, the Long/Short Fund did not engage in short selling.

 

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. Collateral is received in exchange for securities on loan in the amount of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned or at least 105% of the value of non-U.S. securities loaned, marked to market daily. 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 assets that generally exceed the value of the securities on loan. Collateral may consist of cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The fair 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.

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ securities lending positions and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of September 30, 2018:

 

   Market Value of
Securities on Loan
  Market Value of
Cash Collateral
Received
  Market Value of
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
  Total Collateral
Received
  Excess Collateral
ICON Equity Income Fund  $5,254,419   $1,373,225   $4,009,325   $5,382,550   $128,131 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund   2,454,147    2,503,136        2,503,136    48,989 
ICON Fund   1,825,573        1,863,943    1,863,943    38,370 
ICON Long/Short Fund   1,031,568        1,048,000    1,048,000    16,432 
ICON Opportunities Fund   2,195,718    603,900    1,647,580    2,251,480    55,762 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   1,116,164    212,000    931,489    1,143,489    27,325 

 

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.

 

 

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ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

The Funds have elected to invest cash collateral received from lending in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio which is disclosed on the Schedules of Investments. The Funds bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of cash collateral. The State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio is a Government Money Market Portfolio designed to provide continuous daily liquidity. Non-Cash collateral received consists of securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies or instrumentalities with remaining maturities ranging from overnight to 30 years. Non-cash collateral is not disclosed on the Funds’ Schedules of Investments or their Statements of Assets and Liabilities as the Funds do not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. The net securities lending income earned by the Funds for the year ended September 30, 2018, is included in the Statements of Operations.

 

Security loans consist of equity and corporate fixed income securities and generally do not have a stated maturity date. The Funds may recall a loaned security at any time.

 

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. As of and during the year ended September 30, 2018, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize the interest and penalties, if any, related to the unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

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 Flexible 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 GAAP.

 

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 and is included in capital gains tax in the Statements of Operations.

 

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 based on the effective yield. Paydown gains and losses on mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are recorded as components of interest income on the Statements of Operations.

 

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.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 63

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

Withholding Tax

 

Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Other

 

The Funds hold certain investments which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is possible for these dividends to exceed the underlying investments’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital. Distributions received from investments in securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or as a realized gain, respectively.

 

The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments in a specific country or region.

 

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 or number of shareholder accounts. 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 or number of shareholder accounts. 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 additional class level expenses for the year ended September 30, 2018 that are included on the Statements of Operations:

 

Fund  Printing Fees*  Transfer Agent Fees*  Registration Fees
ICON Equity Income Fund               
Class S  $5,680   $70,804   $17,953 
Class C   1,373    16,800    12,666 
Class A   1,315    15,913    12,645 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund               
Class S   5,045    61,956    20,393 
Class C   514    5,660    11,777 
Class A   329    4,969    8,250 
ICON Fund               
Class S   2,385    26,289    15,411 
Class C   843    20,532    12,699 
Class A   332    9,720    11,540 
ICON Long/Short Fund               
Class S   1,570    23,258    11,242 
Class C   513    10,028    12,572 
Class A   1,076    15,966    14,219 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund               
Class S   1,388    20,708    12,500 
Class C   1,473    19,803    14,400 
Class A   566    7,997    12,384 

 

*Printing and Transfer agent out of pocket fees are a Fund level expense.

 

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 investments. 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 Flexible 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.

 

 

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ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

ICON Advisers has contractually agreed to limit the Funds’ expenses (exclusive of brokerage, interest, taxes, dividends on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses 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 Equity Income Fund 0.99% 1.99% 1.24%
ICON Flexible Bond Fund 0.75% 1.60% 1.00%
ICON Fund 1.25% 2.25% 1.50%
ICON Long/Short Fund 1.25% 2.30% 1.55%
ICON Opportunities Fund 1.30%      —
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund 1.20% 2.20% 1.45%

 

The Funds’ expense limitations, excluding the Flexible Bond Fund Class A, all classes of the Equity Income Fund, all classes of the ICON Fund and the Opportunities Fund, will continue in effect until at least January 31, 2021. The expense limitations for the Flexible Bond Fund Class A, all classes of the Equity Income Fund, all classes of the ICON Fund and the Opportunities Fund, will continue in effect until at least January 31, 2019. 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 these payments are proposed.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the following amounts were available for recoupment by ICON Advisers based upon their potential expiration dates:

 

   Expires  Expires  Expires
Fund  2019  2020  2021
ICON Equity Income Fund  $35,317   $92,199   $146,948 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund   180,193    162,616    184,480 
ICON Fund   27,339    16,031    9,658 
ICON Long/Short Fund   80,331    66,063    54,396 
ICON Opportunities Fund   2,957    3,673    11,238 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   44,072    53,919    45,213 

 

Accounting, Custody and Transfer Agent Fees

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) serves as the fund accounting agent for the Trust. For its services, the Trust pays ALPS a fee, that is calculated daily and paid monthly, which is the greater of an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust or a contractual minimum annual fee.

 

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.

 

ALPS is the Trust’s transfer agent. For these services, the Trust pays an annual fee plus annual base fee per Fund, per account fees and out-of-pocket expenses.

 

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, 2018, each Fund’s payment for administrative services to ICON Advisers is included on the Statements 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 ALPS, under which ALPS assists ICON Advisers with the administration and business affairs of the Trust. For its services, ICON Advisers pays ALPS a fee, that is calculated daily and paid monthly, which is the greater of an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust or a contractual minimum annual fee.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 65

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

Distribution Fees

 

ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI” or “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICON Management and Research and affiliate of ICON Advisers, Inc., serves the Trust as Distributor. The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“12b-1 Plan”) under which the Funds are authorized to compensate or reimburse the Distributor for the sale and distribution of shares and for other shareholder services. The Flexible Bond Fund Class C shareholders pay an annual distribution fee of 0.85% of average daily net assets and Class A shareholders pay an annual distribution fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. The shareholders of the other Funds pay an annual distribution fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets for Class C shares and an annual distribution fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets for Class A shares. There is no annual distribution fee for Class S shares or the ICON Opportunities Fund. The total amount paid by each Fund under the 12b-1 Plan is shown on the Statements of Operations.

 

Class A Shares are subject to an initial sales charge and the public offering price of Class A shares equals net asset value plus the applicable sales charge, which is a maximum of 5.75% (4.75% for Class A shares of the ICON Flexible Bond Fund). For the year ended September 30, 2018, IDI collected sales charges on purchases of Class A Shares, the majority of which were paid out as concessions to financial intermediaries, as follows:

 

Fund  Sales Charges Collected
ICON Equity Income Fund Class A  $7,329 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund Class A   5,274 
ICON Fund Class A   3,728 
ICON Long/Short Fund Class A   3,580 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Class A   3,632 

 

In addition, IDI receives a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the purchase price on redemptions of Class C shares made within one year following the date of purchase. A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge may also apply to certain redemptions of Class A shares made within one year following the purchase of $1 million or more without an initial sales charge. For the year ended September 30, 2018, IDI collected the following contingent deferred sales charges:

 

   Contingent Deferred Sales
Fund  Charges Collected
ICON Equity Income Fund Class C  $1,133 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund Class C   708 
ICON Fund Class C   641 
ICON Long/Short Fund Class C   51 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund Class C   1,246 

 

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 pays a portion of the CCO’s salary and the remaining portion, along with other employee related expenses, is paid by ICON Advisers. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

 

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 reviews and approves such reimbursements. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the total related amounts accrued by the Funds under this arrangement was $828 and is included in Other Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

 

The Flexible Bond Fund engaged in a cross trade with an investment portfolio that is sub-advised by ICON Advisers during the year ended September 30, 2018, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Generally, cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds or investment portfolios to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser or sub-adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds and its affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7. At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Board reviews such transactions as of the most current calendar quarter for compliance with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Funds’ procedures. The procedures require that the transactions be a purchase or sale for no consideration other than cash payment against prompt delivery of a security for which market quotations are readily available, and be consistent with the investment policies of each Fund.

 

 

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ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the year ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

          Execution Realized
Fund Transaction Date Security Shares Price Gain/(Loss)
ICON Flexible Bond Fund Purchase August 28, 2018 Argo Group Us Inc 6.5% 09/15/42 Pfd 10,000.00 $ 25.5100 $ —

 

4. BORROWINGS

 

 

The Trust has entered into an uncommitted, unsecured, revolving Line of Credit agreement/arrangement with State Street to provide temporary funding for redemption requests. The maximum borrowing limit is $50 million. Interest on domestic borrowings is charged at a rate quoted and determined by State Street. The interest rate as of September 30, 2018 was 3.51%. The Line of Credit agreement/arrangement expires on March 18, 2019.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the ICON Fund had an outstanding borrowing in the amount of $34,594.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the average outstanding loan by Fund was as follows:

 

   Maximum Borrowing  Average Borrowing  Average Interest Rates
Fund  (10/01/17 - 09/30/18)  (10/01/17 - 09/30/18)^  (10/01/17 - 09/30/18)^
ICON Equity Income Fund*  $2,163,874   $749,004    3.03%
ICON Fund   362,520    88,343    2.94%
ICON Long/Short Fund*   1,590,677    251,565    3.05%
ICON Opportunities Fund*   1,552,321    193,027    3.19%
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund*   498,101    348,552      2.66%

 

*There were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement/arrangement as of September 30, 2018.

^The average is calculated based on the actual number of days with outstanding borrowings.

 

5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, 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:

 

         Purchases of Long  Proceeds from
         Term U.S.  Sales of Long Term
   Purchases of  Proceeds from  Government  U.S. Government
Fund  Securities  Sales of Securities  Obligations  Obligations
ICON Equity Income Fund  $138,830,064   $148,927,358   $   $ 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund   124,891,270    110,953,309    29,700,357    24,282,112 
ICON Fund   12,880,083    17,288,768         
ICON Long/Short Fund   13,740,804    9,590,384         
ICON Opportunities Fund   19,741,979    19,014,586         
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   26,042,032    28,353,426    2,518,095    6,325,887 

 

6.  FEDERAL INCOME TAX

 

 

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between 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 primarily due to differing treatments for items such as deferrals of wash sale losses, expiring capital losses, net investment losses, trust preferred securities, and mark to market of options held.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”) capital losses generated by a Fund may be carried over indefinitely.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 67

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

  September 30, 2018

 

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the utilized/expired capital loss carryforwards were as follows:

 

Fund  Expired Amount   Utilized Amount 
ICON Equity Income Fund  $12,597,872   $3,128,718 
ICON Fund   15,390,374    3,356,674 
ICON Long/Short Fund   19,033,318    1,840,083 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   11,050,333    796,953 

 

The following Funds elect to defer to the period ending September 30, 2019, late year ordinary losses:

 

Fund   Ordinary Losses Deferred 
ICON Fund   $165,336 
ICON Long/Short Fund    153,973 
ICON Opportunities Fund    126,296 

 

The capital losses with no expiration were as follows:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund  $1,399,638   $1,626,723 

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the following reclassifications were made, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets.

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Total Distributable Earnings 
ICON Equity Income Fund  $(12,597,873)  $12,597,873 
ICON Fund   (15,607,588)   15,607,588 
ICON Long/Short Fund   (19,121,113)   19,121,113 
ICON Opportunities Fund   (143,874)   143,874 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   (11,058,642)   11,058,642 

 

For ICON Fund, Long/Short Fund and Opportunities Fund included in the amounts for reclassified were a net operating loss offset to paid in capital of $217,214, $87,795 and $143,874.

 

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gains 
ICON Equity Income Fund  $2,315,668   $ 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund   3,390,436     
ICON Opportunities Fund       307,810 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   166,410     

 

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, were as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gains 
ICON Equity Income Fund  $2,542,191   $ 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund   3,291,245     
ICON Opportunities Fund       221,532 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   433,548     

 

 

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ICON Diversified Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

  September 30, 2018

 

As of September 30, 2018, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund  Undistributed Ordinary Income   Accumulated Capital Gains/(Losses)   Other Cumulative Effect of Timing Differences   Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)*   Total Accumulated Earnings/(Deficit) 
ICON Equity Income Fund  $117,828   $   $   $4,492,393   $4,610,221 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund   186,954    (3,026,361)       (1,160,114)   (3,999,521)
ICON Fund           (165,336)   13,182,665    13,017,329 
ICON Long/Short Fund           (153,973)   5,635,695    5,481,722 
ICON Opportunities Fund       3,484,207    (126,296)   2,747,970    6,105,881 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   9,941            2,803,341    2,813,282 

 

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

 

As of September 30, 2018, cost on investments for federal income tax purposes and the amount of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund  Gross Appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)   Gross Depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   Net Appreciation/ (Depreciation) of Foreign Currency   Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)*   Cost of Investments for Income Tax Purposes 
ICON Equity Income Fund  $6,114,461   $(1,622,326)  $258   $4,492,393   $74,918,933 
ICON Flexible Bond Fund   199,483    (1,359,597)       (1,160,114)   106,575,454 
ICON Fund   13,959,507    (776,842)       13,182,665    36,233,307 
ICON Long/Short Fund   6,560,520    (924,825)       5,635,695    23,154,065 
ICON Opportunities Fund   3,885,073    (1,137,103)       2,747,970    18,910,187 
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund   3,766,235    (962,878)   (16)   2,803,341    28,752,838 

 

*This balance includes appreciation/(depreciation) of foreign currency.

 

7.RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

 

 

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. Management has eliminated and modified disclosures and is currently evaluating the impact of the remaining ASU.

 

8.SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

 

Management has evaluated whether any events or transactions occurred subsequent to September 30, 2018 and through the date of issuance of the Funds’ financial statements and determined that there were no material events or transactions that would require recognition or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 69

 

 

 

 

  Report of Independent Registered
ICON Diversified Funds Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
ICON Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of ICON Equity Income Fund, ICON Flexible Bond Fund, ICON Fund, ICON Long/Short Fund, ICON Opportunities Fund, and ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund (the “Funds”), each a series of ICON Funds, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes for the each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for the each of the three years in the period then ended (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of September 30, 2018, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The Funds’ financial highlights for the year ended September 30, 2015 and prior, were audited by other auditors whose report dated November 18, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the Funds’ auditor since 2016.

 

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Cleveland, Ohio
November 21, 2018

 

 

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ICON Diversified Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

  September 30, 2018 (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 (04/01/18 – 09/30/18).

 

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), 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 April 1, 2018  Ending Account Value September 30, 2018  Expense Ratio(a)   Expenses Paid During period April 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018(b)
ICON Equity Income Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,015.50    0.99%  $5.00 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.10    0.99%  $5.01 
Class C                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,010.80    1.99%  $10.03 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,015.09    1.99%  $10.05 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,014.60    1.24%  $6.26 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.85    1.24%  $6.28 
                     
ICON Flexible Bond Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,016.70    0.75%  $3.79 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.31    0.75%  $3.80 
Class C                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,011.80    1.60%  $8.07 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.05    1.60%  $8.09 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,014.50    1.00%  $5.05 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.05    1.00%  $5.06 

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 71

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

   Beginning Account Value April 1, 2018  Ending Account Value September 30, 2018  Expense Ratio(a)   Expenses Paid During period April 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018(b)
ICON Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,001.00    1.16%  $5.82 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,019.25    1.16%  $5.87 
Class C                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $995.40    2.25%  $11.25 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,013.79    2.25%  $11.36 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $998.90    1.50%  $7.52 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.55    1.50%  $7.59 
                     
ICON Long/Short Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,009.70    1.25%  $6.30 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.80    1.25%  $6.33 
Class C                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,004.20    2.30%  $11.56 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,013.54    2.30%  $11.61 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,008.10    1.55%  $7.80 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.30    1.55%  $7.84 
                     
ICON Opportunities Fund                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,032.80    1.30%  $6.62 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.55    1.30%  $6.58 
                     
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,041.50    1.20%  $6.14 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,019.05    1.20%  $6.07 
Class C                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,036.10    2.20%  $11.23 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,014.04    2.20%  $11.11 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,040.20    1.45%  $7.42 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.80    1.45%  $7.33 

 

(a)The Fund’s expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund’s most recent fiscal half-year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year 183/365 (to reflect the 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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ICON Diversified Funds Board of Trustees and Officers

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

The ICON Funds Board of Trustees (the “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, 67. Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as President (2014 to present and 1998 to 2013) and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers, Inc. 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 ICON Distributors, Inc. 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, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

Independent Trustees

 

Glen F. Bergert, 68. 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 2015), 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 (2013 to present and 2006 to 2012), Delta Dental of Pennsylvania (2010 to present and 1998 to 2009), Delta Reinsurance Corporation (2015 to present; 2011 to 2014 and 2000 to 2009) and Dentegra Group, Inc. (2017 to present; 2010 to 2014).

 

John C. Pomeroy, Jr., 71. Mr. Pomeroy has been a Trustee of the Funds since 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, 70. Mr. Sentel has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Mr. Sentel recently retired from his role as a Senior Attorney with the U.S. Department of Education (1996 to 2018) and was engaged in private practice of securities and corporate law (1981 to 2017). 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).

 

Mark Manassee, 53. Mr. Manassee has been a Trustee of the Funds since 2017. Mr. Manassee is a Senior Advisor to McKinsey’s Wealth and Asset Management Practice, and Chairman of the Board of FundRock Partners, Ltd (UK). Mr. Manassee was Principal and President of Market Metrics, LLC, a subsidiary of FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (1998 to 2016). Mr. Manassee was also a Director of Matrix-Data, Ltd (UK) (2013 to 2016) and Rhetorik, Ltd (UK) (2013 to 2016).

 

The Officers of the Funds are:

 

Craig T. Callahan, 67. Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as President (2014 to present and 1998 to 2013) and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers, Inc. 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 ICON Distributors, Inc. 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, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

Donald Salcito, 65. Mr. Salcito serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Funds (2006 to present). Mr. Salcito is also Executive Vice President and General Counsel (2005 to present) of ICON Advisers, Inc.; Director of IM&R (2005 to present); Executive Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel of ICON Distributors, Inc. (2005 to 2017). Previously, he was a Partner in various national law firms, practicing in the securities law area (1980 to 2005).

 

Brian D. Harding, 39. Mr. Harding serves as Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Harding is also Chief Financial Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2013 to present) and Director of IM&R (2013 to present). Previously he was Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer of the Funds (2008 to 2013), Chief Compliance Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2011 to 2013), and Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2001 to 2008).

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 73

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Board of Trustees and Officers

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Jack M. Quillin, 46. Mr. Quillin serves as Assistant Treasurer of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Quillin is also a Compliance and Fund Accounting Associate of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2016 to present). Previously, he was a compliance analyst at Marsico Capital Management, LLC (2011 to 2015), an assistant vice president in the municipal derivatives finance department at Merrill Lynch (2004 to 2008), and a senior accountant in the Regulatory Reporting group at Wells Fargo & Company (1998 to 2003).

 

Christopher R. Ambruso, 38. Mr. Ambruso serves as Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2017 to present) of the Funds. Mr. Ambruso is also Chief Compliance Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2017 to present). Previously he served as Assistant Secretary (2016 to 2017 and 2008 to 2012) of the Funds and Associate Counsel (2013 to 2017); Associate Attorney (2008 to 2013); and Staff Attorney (2007 to 2008) of ICON Advisers, Inc.

 

Stephen E. Abrams, 55. Mr. Abrams serves as Assistant Secretary of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Abrams is also Associate General Counsel of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2005 to present); Executive Vice President and General Counsel (2017 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2007 to present) of ICON Distributors, Inc. Previously, he worked as an Associate Attorney before becoming a Partner at a national law firm, practicing general litigation and securities law (1994 to 2005).

 

 

74 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Additional Information

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Renewal of Investment Advisory Agreement

 

On September 7, 2018, 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 (as defined below) with the Adviser for each Fund for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2018.

 

The Trustees considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreements between the Trust and the Adviser – the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated October 9, 1996, as amended (related to the Sector Funds, the International Funds and the ICON Fund) and the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated July 9, 2002 and effective October 1, 2002, as amended (related to the U.S. Diversified Funds — Flexible Bond, Risk-Managed Balanced, Equity Income, Opportunities and Long/Short Funds) (collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”). 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 the expense limitation agreements.

 

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; and comparative data obtained from Broadridge related to Fund performance and Fund expenses (the “Broadridge Report”).

 

The Independent Trustees met separately with Broadridge on August 8, 2018 to discuss the Broadridge Report and the information contained within the Broadridge Report.

 

Also 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; staffing levels and staff morale.

 

The Independent Trustees were represented by independent legal counsel in the entire 15(c) process. In August, after participating in the meeting with Broadridge and management, the Independent Trustees met separately as a group in private sessions with their independent legal counsel to review and discuss a wide variety of qualitative and quantitative information, including information they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds. Based on these discussions, independent legal counsel and/or the Lead Independent Trustee also contacted management to request additional information from Broadridge. The Board received materials from independent 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.

 

Management and the Trustees discussed the Broadridge Report and Management personnel showed performance for each Fund and discussed the factors affecting performance. During a lengthy and spirited discussion, the Trustees expressed their concerns regarding both the ICON Funds’ performance relative to similarly situated funds and the overall rate of redemptions relative to sales.

 

With regard to the ICON Funds’ performance, the Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) stated that the current market is favoring growth rather than value-based systems or styles. The current market is challenging for the ICON system. The CIO reiterated his faith in the ICON system, noting its many past successes. The Trustees raised questions regarding the Funds’ lagging performance and what changes might help to increase the performance, while staying within the ICON system. The Trustees’ questions and the discussion with Management focused on Management’s working internally to identify ways to improve performance by implementing changes within the ICON system, without straying outside the ICON system of value investing.

 

From a sales perspective, Management has been challenged to penetrate and retain sales in the full-service wirehouse firms. Wirehouses, Management noted, are intent on capturing assets while moving from a transaction-based compensation model (e.g. paying per trade) to a fee-based compensation model (e.g. paying a fixed percentage for asset management). Wirehouses are culling their recommended lists and/or looking

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 75

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Additional Information

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

to pare down the number of fund families with whom they do business. Management has seen most of the ICON Funds culled from wirehouses, in large part because of the size of the Funds.

 

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 are satisfactory;

 

B.That ICON has made significant expenditures in the past year and in prior years by way of expense reimbursements and the Adviser has the systems and trained personnel necessary for it to be able to continue to provide quality service to the Funds’ shareholders;

 

C.That the Board is satisfied with the research, portfolio management, and trading services, among others, being provided by ICON to the Trust, and has determined that ICON is charging fair and reasonable fees; and

 

D.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 the Trust’s advisory relationship with ICON can 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 Broadridge 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, the Administration Agreement and the Expense Limitation Agreements) with the Adviser as opposed to the fees specified in the applicable Advisory Agreement and expense ratios without application of the expense limitations and the low cost of the Administration Agreement 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. The Board also considered the Adviser’s contractual commitment regarding administration and the fact it would continue to lose money on administration. In this regard the Board discussed asset levels in each Fund covered by the Advisory Agreements. 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 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 Broadridge Report, and information that they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds, including Morningstar and Lipper data on the peer groupings. Among other information discussed, it was noted that:

 

A.Upon review of the advisory fee structures of each Fund in comparison with other similar funds of similar size, the level of investment advisory fees paid by each Fund is competitive;

 

B.The total expense ratio and contractual management fees at common asset levels of each Fund are generally competitive with their expense groups;

 

C.ICON has contractually agreed to impose expense limitations on all Funds at a cost to ICON;

 

D.That the advisory and other fees payable by the Funds to ICON are essentially fees which would be similar to those which would have resulted solely from “arm’s-length” bargaining;

 

 

76 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Additional Information

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

E.That the fees paid to ICON for managing other institutional accounts (such as individuals or sub-advised portfolios) are lower than the fees paid by similarly managed ICON funds, but the reason why they are lower is reasonably related to the cost for ICON to manage such accounts;

 

F.The extent to which economies of scale could be realized as a Fund grows in assets and whether the Fund’s fees reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders; and

 

G.The costs borne by ICON in providing advisory services to each Fund and the profitability of ICON in light of the estimated profitability analysis which had been provided by ICON.

 

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 and Management recognized that the Adviser is continuously evaluating Fund expense ratios and expense limits to assess the competitiveness of the Funds and whether any downward adjustments affect Fund sales.

 

The Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management at a price that would have been arrived at in an arm’s length negotiation.

 

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:

 

A.ICON benefits from serving directly or through affiliates as the principal underwriter and administrative agent for the Funds; the services provided by ICON and its affiliates to the Funds are reasonably satisfactory, and whether the profits derived from providing the services are competitive and reasonable;

 

B.ICON receives research assistance from the use of soft dollars generated from Fund portfolio transactions; the Trustees noted that such research is necessary to run the Funds and assists ICON in providing investment advisory services to the Funds as well as other accounts to which it provides advisory services.

 

Based on all these considerations and other data as discussed above, 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 within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s length in light of all the circumstances.

 

Supplemental Tax Info

 

Pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code the following Funds designate the amounts listed below as long-term capital gain dividends:

 

ICON Equity Income Fund $0
ICON Flexible Bond Fund $0
ICON Fund $0
ICON Long/Short Fund $0
ICON Opportunities Fund $307,810
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund $0

 

The following Funds designate the percentages listed below of the income dividends distributed in 2017 as qualified dividend income (QDI) as defined in Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

ICON Equity Income Fund 57.04%
ICON Flexible Bond Fund 00.80%
ICON Fund 0.00%
ICON Long/Short Fund 0.00%
ICON Opportunities Fund 0.00%
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund 59.59%

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 77

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Additional Information

 

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

The following Funds designate the percentages listed below of the income dividends distributed in 2017 as qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction (DRD) as defined in Section 854(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

ICON Equity Income Fund 51.24%
ICON Flexible Bond Fund 1.41%
ICON Fund 0.00%
ICON Long/Short Fund 0.00%
ICON Opportunities Fund 0.00%
ICON Risk-Managed Balanced Fund 54.93%

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

78 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Privacy Policy

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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:

 

●    Social Security number and account balances

●    income and transaction history

●    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.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 79

 

 

 

 

ICON Diversified Funds Privacy Policy

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

●     open an account or enter into an investment advisory contract

●     provide account information or give us your contact information

●     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

 

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

●     affiliates from using your information to market to you

●     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.

 

●     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.

 

●     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.

 

●     ICON doesn’t jointly market

 

 

80 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

(GRAPHIC) 

 

For more information about the ICON Funds, contact us:
 
By Telephone 1-800-764-0442
By E-Mail info@iconadvisers.com
By Mail ICON Funds | P.O. Box 1920 | Denver, CO 80201
In Person

ICON Funds | 5299 DTC Boulevard, 12th Floor

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

On the Internet www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

 (GRAPHIC)

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

September 30, 2018

(IMAGE) 

 

International Funds

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund (ICARX, IPCAX)

ICON International Equity Fund (ICNEX, IIQCX, IIQAX)

 

 

 

 

(GRAPHIC) 

 

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

 

 

About This Report (Unaudited) 2
Management Overview (Unaudited) and Schedules of Investments  
ICON Emerging Markets Fund 3
ICON International Equity Fund 9
Financial Statements 16
Financial Highlights 19
Notes to Financial Statements 24
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 33
Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) 34
Board of Trustees and Fund Officers (Unaudited) 35
Additional Information (Unaudited) 37
Privacy Policy 41

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds About This Report

 

September 30, 2018 (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, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any sector, industry, security or the Funds.

 

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 the 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 www.iconfunds.com or calling 1-800-764-0442. Please read the prospectus and statement of additional information carefully.

 

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.

 

2 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund Management Overview

 

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Emerging Markets Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 2.21% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, returned -0.44%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.At the beginning of fiscal year 2018, our valuation model indicated the emerging markets universe had a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.07, implying that, on average, our estimate of fair value for stocks was about 7% higher than where they were trading. As the fiscal year progressed into 2018, value began to deplete by mid-February. In conjunction, credit spreads began to widen and the positive earnings trend of the prior year began to reverse, conditions we regard as a higher risk environment for emerging markets securities. Accordingly, we started to tactically manage cash, by increasing the Fund’s position from 4% in February 2018 to 6.3% by the end of the fiscal year. Between February 28, 2018 and September 30, 2018, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index dropped roughly 10.4%, while the Fund declined approximately 7.84%. Thus, cash management was beneficial to relative returns during this period of weakness.

 

From 2010 to 2017, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index was led by Information Technology, Financials and the Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors, while performance from the Energy sector lagged. In fiscal year 2018, the Energy sector led the Index, fueled by rising energy commodity prices, positive earnings and a favorable credit environment for companies within the sector. Throughout the fiscal year, the ICON Emerging Markets Fund held a large overweight position in the Energy sector as well as an underweight position in the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors. In fiscal year 2018, the Energy sector holdings in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned nearly 27%, compared to a roughly 15% decline in the Consumer Discretionary sector, a 1.9% decline in the Consumer Staples sector and a 61 basis point decline for the Information Technology sector. The Fund benefited from its large overweight position in the Energy sector. The Fund was also overweight the Financials sector. While the sector performed well as a whole, the Fund suffered because the individual Financials stocks held by the Fund lagged many of the other Financials in the benchmark and dragged on performance.

 

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

A.The Fund’s performance benefitted from its holdings in the Energy and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Specifically, overweight positions in Energy’s integrated oil & gas and coal & consumable fuels industries, as well as a general underweight position in the Consumer Discretionary sector positively affected relative performance to the benchmark. Because we saw little value in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the Fund benefitted, having virtually no exposure to the sector over the course of the fiscal year.

 

Conversely, the Fund’s Financials sector holdings detracted from performance, as the diversified banks industry hindered the Fund’s relative returns versus the benchmark. The Telecommunication Services sector was another source of relative underperformance, as the Fund’s holdings within the integrated telecommunication services and wireless telecommunication services industries ultimately hindered returns.

 

From a country perspective, China was the largest positive contributor to relative returns as overweight positions in Energy and underweight positions in Information Technology benefitted the Fund. The Fund’s Russian and Indonesian positions likewise benefitted performance, largely due to holdings in the Energy sector as well. Turkey was the largest country detractor versus the benchmark. Despite having only a 3.8% average country weight in the Fund over the year, the Fund’s Turkish holdings declined over 40%. Taiwan was also a detractor as investments within the Information Technology sector detracted from the Fund’s returns. Finally, our Energy exposure was supplemented with domestic positions in the oil & gas exploration & production industry. These stocks outperformed the index and were beneficial to the Fund’s relative performance.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for emerging markets?

A.At the end of fiscal year 2018, emerging markets had an overall average V/P of 1.02, implying that we believe the fair value for emerging markets stocks as a whole is approximately 2% higher than where the securities are now trading. This modest V/P, combined with unfavorable credit markets and a tepid earnings outlook suggest we should utilize capital and resources cautiously. As a result, we continue to tactically manage cash and will look for better earnings, a better credit backdrop or lower equity prices before deploying cash.

 

During fiscal year 2018, Energy was a sector leader within emerging markets and our valuation system suggests this can continue in our favored industries of integrated oil & gas, oil & gas exploration & production, and oil & gas refining & marketing. We have taken a global approach to the sector, but with a focus on Europe and Asia. Our favored industries within the Energy sector of emerging markets not only have intrinsic value under our methodology, but also strong earnings coupled with a stable credit environment. The Fund remains underweight the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples and Health Care sectors.

 

Regionally, according to our system, Europe in general and Russia specifically represent some of the best bargains within the emerging markets universe. Russia has at least two notable tailwinds: First, the underlying earnings outlook for Russian companies has seen broad

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 3

 

 

 

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund Management Overview

 

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

improvement. Second, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the country’s sovereign credit rating in February 2018 to Investment Grade status. Our primary allocation within Russia is to the Energy sector and more specifically to the integrated oil and gas industry. Within the Western Hemisphere, we find attractive opportunities in Brazil and Mexico. Additionally, the Philippines, South Korea and China are currently showing the most value in the Asia-Pacific region. The Fund’s largest country underweights are Taiwan and South Africa. Based on our disciplined, systematic and non-emotional approach to investing, we will continue deploying capital toward areas we believe have the most opportunity.

 

4 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund Management Overview

 

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

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 2.21% 3.81% 6.05% 3.30% 1.72% 1.55%
ICON Emerging Markets Fund – Class A 5/31/06 1.97% 3.59% 5.83% 2.94% 2.12% 1.80%
ICON Emerging Markets Fund – Class A
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)
5/31/06 -3.88% 2.37% 5.21% 2.44% 2.16% 1.80%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index   -0.44% 3.99% 5.76% 6.16% 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 May 5, 2014. The Fund’s past performance would have been different if the current strategy had been in effect. 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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

(LINE GRAPH) 

 

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 Fund’s name and investment strategy changed effective May 5, 2014. The Fund’s past performance would have been different if the current strategy had been in effect. Performance for the Emerging Markets Fund’s other share classes will vary due to differences in charges and expenses. 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.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 5

 

 

 

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund Schedule of Investments

 

September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (90.11%)          
Commodity Chemicals (3.93%)          
Cabot Corp.   6,200   $388,864 
Indorama Ventures PCL   190,000    346,703 
Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.   3,000    266,361 
Mexichem SAB de CV   262,246    897,836 
PTT Global Chemical PCL   140,000    351,808 
         2,251,572 
Construction Materials (3.21%)          
China Resources Cement Holdings, Ltd.   454,000    527,970 
West China Cement, Ltd.   7,000,000    1,313,943 
         1,841,913 
Diversified Banks (22.37%)          
Agricultural Bank of China, Ltd., Class H   3,364,000    1,649,777 
Akbank T.A.S.   360,000    412,356 
Banco do Brasil SA   41,000    298,372 
Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT   524,000    260,214 
Bank of China, Ltd., Class H   3,462,000    1,529,660 
Bank Pan Indonesia Tbk PT(a)   13,827,400    908,757 
China Construction Bank Corp., Class H   1,750,000    1,529,676 
Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O   95,108    688,026 
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Ltd.   1,052,000    768,059 
Industrial Bank of Korea   52,000    714,634 
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.   563,179    698,632 
OTP Bank Nyrt   18,000    667,055 
Sberbank of Russia PJSC, Sponsored ADR   88,000    1,106,600 
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.   28,000    1,131,438 
Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS   360,000    458,980 
         12,822,236 
Electronic Equipment & Instruments (0.63%)          
SFA Engineering Corp.   11,000    362,918 
           
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders (1.89%)          
Aboitiz Power Corp.   642,000    397,463 
Electricity Generating PCL   94,000    685,326 
         1,082,789 
Industrial Machinery (1.97%)          
China Conch Venture Holdings, Ltd.   324,000    1,131,451 
           
Integrated Oil & Gas (13.85%)          
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class H   1,084,000    1,089,149 
Gazprom PJSC, Sponsored ADR   346,000    1,726,551 
LUKOIL PJSC, Sponsored ADR   20,000    1,528,800 
MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC   106,000    1,141,719 
Oil & Natural Gas Corp., Ltd.   326,000    797,334 
   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Integrated Oil & Gas (continued)          
Rosneft Oil Co. PJSC, GDR   222,000   $1,658,729 
         7,942,282 
Interactive Media & Services (3.32%)          
Momo, Inc., Sponsored ADR(a)   14,000    613,200 
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.   31,545    1,288,008 
         1,901,208 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (1.26%)          
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., Sponsored ADR(a)   4,400    724,944 
           
IT Consulting & Other Services (2.84%)          
HCL Technologies, Ltd.   60,000    900,414 
Infosys, Ltd.   72,488    728,202 
         1,628,616 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (9.21%)          
CNOOC, Ltd.   1,017,000    2,013,789 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(b)   4,075    550,899 
Energen Corp.(a)   5,000    430,850 
EOG Resources, Inc.   5,200    663,364 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   4,700    818,693 
WildHorse Resource Development Corp.(a)   34,000    803,760 
         5,281,355 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (8.20%)          
Motor Oil Hellas Corinth Refineries SA   28,000    731,462 
Petron Corp.   6,350,000    1,021,312 
Reliance Industries, Ltd.   70,000    1,215,131 
SK Innovation Co., Ltd.   5,500    1,066,120 
Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS   30,000    666,107 
         4,700,132 
Paper Packaging (0.59%)          
DS Smith PLC   54,000    336,360 
           
Paper Products (4.50%)          
Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing, Ltd.   1,387,000    1,284,311 
Mondi PLC   26,000    711,874 
Nine Dragons Paper Holdings, Ltd.   544,000    586,601 
         2,582,786 
Regional Banks (4.93%)          
Bank Tabungan Negara Persero Tbk PT   1,424,000    251,173 
DGB Financial Group, Inc.   127,000    1,161,839 
Regional SAB de CV   223,800    1,411,038 
         2,824,050 
Renewable Electricity (1.58%)          
China Everbright Greentech, Ltd.   1,004,792    856,775 
Energy Development Corp.(a)   375,361    49,187 
         905,962 
Semiconductors (1.25%)          
Nanya Technology Corp.   152,000    290,258 


 

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

 

6 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund Schedule of Investments

 

September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Semiconductors (continued)          
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   50,000   $426,677 
         716,935 
Steel (1.94%)          
POSCO   4,200    1,114,877 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (0.55%)          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   7,500    313,882 
           
Water Utilities (1.05%)          
TTW PCL   1,599,400    603,361 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services (1.04%)          
China Mobile, Ltd.   39,000    383,442 
TIM Participacoes SA   72,000    209,481 
         592,923 
           
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $49,221,356)
        51,662,552 
           
Preferred Stocks (3.83%)          
Diversified Banks (1.31%)          
Banco Bradesco SA   77,000    544,913 
Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul SA   56,000    207,718 
         752,631 
Integrated Oil & Gas (1.64%)          
Petroleo Brasileiro SA   180,000    940,436 
           
Integrated Telecommunication Services (0.88%)          
Telefonica Brasil SA   52,000    504,221 
           
Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $2,861,683)
        2,197,288 
           
Total Investments (93.94%)
(Cost $52,083,039)
       $53,859,840 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (6.06%)        3,472,980 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $57,332,820 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

GDR - Global Depositary Receipt

Country Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
China   23.81%
South Korea   10.69%
Russia   10.50%
United States   6.38%
India   6.35%
Hong Kong   6.34%
Mexico   5.23%
Brazil   4.72%
Philippines   3.78%
Thailand   3.47%
Hungary   3.15%
Turkey   2.68%
Indonesia   2.48%
United Kingdom   1.83%
Greece   1.28%
Taiwan   1.25%
    93.94%

 

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

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
Energy   32.90%
Financials   28.61%
Materials   14.17%
Information Technology   5.27%
Communication Services   5.24%
Utilities   4.52%
Industrials   1.97%
Consumer Discretionary   1.26%
    93.94%

 

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



 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 7

 

 

 

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund Schedule of Investments

 

September 30, 2018

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
Diversified Banks   23.68%
Integrated Oil & Gas   15.49%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   9.21%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   8.20%
Regional Banks   4.93%
Paper Products   4.50%
Commodity Chemicals   3.93%
Interactive Media & Services   3.32%
Construction Materials   3.21%
IT Consulting & Other Services   2.84%
Industrial Machinery   1.97%
Steel   1.94%
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders   1.89%
Renewable Electricity   1.58%
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail   1.26%
Semiconductors   1.25%
Water Utilities   1.05%
Wireless Telecommunication Services   1.04%
Other Industries (each less than 1%)   2.65%
    93.94%

 

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

 



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

 

8 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON International Equity Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON International Equity Fund (the Fund) Class S returned -2.13% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while the MSCI All Country World Index ex-United States (ACWI ex-U.S.) returned 2.25%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.While we finished fiscal year 2018 with modest global stock market gains, a number of different regions and countries experienced volatility throughout the period. As a whole, global equities began the fiscal year with a continuation of 2017’s gains, and stocks peaked in January 2018. As U.S. interest rates rose, however, investors became nervous about the potential adverse impact of the changing landscape and rising interest rates. Those fears, combined with higher equity prices, sparked a global selloff in equities into May 2018. The selloff contributed to the international equity markets underperforming the United States, as the latter resumed a relatively steady grind higher and the former saw continued losses.

 

The prevailing macroeconomic factors brought forth distinct reactions across different regions and countries throughout the year. Geopolitical and other tensions within emerging markets countries contributed to volatility and a decline in performance. Russia saw selling pressure as economic sanctions against it escalated, Turkey and Brazil were embroiled in political uncertainty which adversely impacted both countries’ monetary and fiscal policies, and China felt the effects of an intensifying trade war with the United States. Internationally, every country had to deal with a rising U.S. dollar and rising U.S. interest rates, both of which led to a selloff in equities and weaker foreign currencies for the second half of the year. The Fund was overweight emerging markets stocks compared to its benchmark, and this positioning proved detrimental to relative performance.

 

Developed markets likewise suffered the effects of a rising U.S. dollar and interest rates, but remained more resilient than their emerging markets peers. The United Kingdom continues to face unique uncertainties involving its exit from the European Union, while renewed political uncertainty in Spain and Italy created downward pressure on equity prices. The Fund maintained overweight exposures to these countries as our methodology suggested they held attractive valuations and this likewise dragged on performance.

 

A common thread throughout fiscal year 2018 was the persistent underperformance of stocks that looked most attractive to our valuation system. Over the 12-month period, the stocks our system suggested were the best bargains performed the worst. Conversely, the stocks our system indicated were overvalued performed the best. With value as our guide and core strategy, we were naturally positioned in those industries and stocks that presented as the best bargains, but our strategy underperformed. We see volatile markets when this disconnect can occur, but we do not believe it will persist indefinitely.

 

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

A.The Fund’s primary contributors to benchmark relative performance came from the Energy and Telecommunication Services sectors. Specifically, overweight positions in the integrated oil & gas and oil & gas exploration & production industries within the Energy sector, and the Fund’s stock selection in the wireless telecommunication services industry within the Telecommunication Services sector contributed to performance relative to the benchmark.

 

Conversely, Financials was the largest detractor from a sector level, as the diversified banks industry hindered the Fund’s relative returns versus the benchmark. Our industry selection within the Information Technology sector similarly contributed to the Fund’s underperformance, with our holdings in the semiconductor equipment industry detracting from the Fund’s returns.

 

Returns varied across all regions during the period. Geographically, Asia-Pacific equities were responsible for the Fund’s highest returns, with much of that gain coming from Japanese stocks. The Fund’s Turkish holding were the largest country detractor versus the benchmark. Despite having only a 2% average country weight in the Fund during the year, the Fund’s Turkish holdings declined over 40%. In order to supplement exposure to the Energy Sector, the Fund held domestic equities, primarily through the oil & gas exploration & production sector. These stocks outperformed the index and were beneficial to the Fund’s relative performance.

 

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

A.International equity prices, on average, now remain slightly above our estimate of their intrinsic value. At the end of the period, international markets as a whole had an overall average value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 0.98, implying that, on average, our estimate of fair value for stocks is about 2% lower than where they are currently trading. Recently, international equity markets have experienced a combination of rising interest rates and declining earnings estimates, resulting in lower equity valuations in our system. We have taken a cautious outlook given these developments as there are fewer attractive investment opportunities across sectors, industries and countries than in recent years past. Cash balances have increased as we wait for better investment conditions. In order for the V/P ratio to increase, we would need to see either higher earnings and growth, lower interest rates, or lower equity prices. As always, we will continue to monitor the capital markets and their effect on our investment system.

 

   

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 

 9

 

 
 

 

ICON International Equity Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

As fiscal year 2018 ends, the Western Hemisphere represents the best opportunity from a regional perspective under our system, with Europe showing the least upside. Within the Western Hemisphere, we find attractive opportunities in Brazil and Mexico. Within Europe, the material decline in equity prices in Turkey, Spain, and Italy has made these countries look attractive to our system. Additionally, the Philippines, South Korea and China are currently showing the most value in the Asia-Pacific region. Emerging markets still look more attractive under our system than developed countries, warranting an overweight position within the Fund.

 

From a sector perspective, we are still tilted towards Financials, but going into fiscal year 2019 we are also heavily weighted in the Energy and Materials sectors. Last year’s leader, Information Technology, now shows the lowest V/P across our system. The Industrials and Consumer Discretionary sectors likewise have a low V/P and the Fund is thus underweight all three sectors relative to the benchmark.

 

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 still see opportunities in these ever-changing markets. However, given our current valuations, we remain less than fully invested as valuations in international markets look less attractive as they have in years past. As market conditions dictate, we will adjust accordingly.

 

   

10

www.iconfunds.com

  

 
 

 

ICON International Equity Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

 

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 -2.13% 1.78% 2.40% 4.70% 1.57% 1.55%
ICON International Equity Fund – Class C 2/19/04 -3.09% 0.71% 1.28% 2.16% 3.35% 2.55%
ICON International Equity Fund – Class A 5/31/06 -2.40% 1.45% 2.04% 0.17% 2.67% 1.80%
ICON International Equity Fund – Class A
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)
5/31/06 -8.01% 0.26% 1.44% -0.31% 2.43% 1.80%
MSCI ACWI ex-U.S.   2.25% 4.60% 5.67% 5.66%     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 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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

(LINE GRAPH) 

 

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. 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. 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.

   

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 

11

 

 
 

 

ICON International Equity Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Common Stocks (93.98%)          
Aerospace & Defense (1.01%)          
Airbus SE   3,500   $439,400 
           
Application Software (1.49%)          
Open Text Corp.   17,000    646,886 
           
Asset Management & Custody Banks (0.41%)          
Amundi SA   2,400    179,731 
           
Biotechnology (0.45%)          
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,400    194,614 
           
Building Products (0.94%)          
Tyman PLC   90,264    410,976 
           
Commodity Chemicals (2.88%)          
Cabot Corp.   2,600    163,072 
Indorama Ventures PCL   100,000    182,475 
Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.   2,400    213,089 
Mexichem SAB de CV   129,654    443,889 
PTT Global Chemical PCL   100,000    251,291 
         1,253,816 
Construction Materials (1.03%)          
West China Cement, Ltd.   2,380,000    446,741 
           
Diversified Banks (16.82%)          
ABN AMRO Group NV   7,200    196,086 
Agricultural Bank of China, Ltd., Class H   500,000    245,211 
Akbank T.A.S.   183,000    209,614 
Banco do Brasil SA   24,800    180,479 
Banco Santander SA   115,000    575,766 
Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT   300,000    148,978 
Bank of China, Ltd., Class H   1,060,000    468,354 
BNP Paribas SA   6,200    379,667 
Danske Bank A/S   6,800    178,245 
DNB ASA   7,700    162,043 
Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O   25,591    185,129 
HSBC Holdings PLC   35,000    305,389 
ING Groep NV   19,600    254,390 
KB Financial Group, Inc.   8,200    399,373 
Lloyds Banking Group PLC   286,000    219,959 
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.   125,150    155,251 
OTP Bank Nyrt   8,000    296,469 
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd.   48,000    401,650 
Sberbank of Russia PJSC, Sponsored ADR   42,000    528,150 
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.   3,200    129,307 
Societe Generale SA   4,400    188,938 
Swedbank AB, Class A   13,500    333,884 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Diversified Banks (continued)          
Toronto-Dominion Bank   6,100   $370,680 
Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS   126,000    160,643 
UniCredit SpA   43,584    653,965 
         7,327,620 
Diversified Chemicals (2.55%)          
BASF SE   5,000    443,666 
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.   36,000    344,541 
Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.   55,000    321,879 
         1,110,086 
Electric Utilities (3.38%)          
CK Infrastructure Holdings, Ltd.   54,000    427,354 
Enel SpA   46,000    235,130 
Iberdrola SA   110,000    807,934 
         1,470,418 
Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals (1.73%)          
Nutrien, Ltd.   13,000    750,621 
           
Home Improvement Retail (0.37%)          
Kingfisher PLC   48,000    162,299 
           
Homebuilding (0.44%)          
Redrow PLC   25,000    190,012 
           
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders (2.06%)         
Aboitiz Power Corp.   290,000    179,539 
Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.   12,200    337,693 
Electricity Generating PCL   52,000    379,116 
         896,348 
Industrial Machinery (0.40%)          
China Conch Venture Holdings, Ltd.   50,000    174,607 
           
Integrated Oil & Gas (11.54%)          
BP PLC   65,000    498,209 
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class H   298,000    299,415 
Eni SpA   21,000    395,841 
Gazprom PJSC, Sponsored ADR   33,000    164,671 
LUKOIL PJSC, Sponsored ADR   6,700    512,148 
MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC   31,600    340,361 
Oil & Natural Gas Corp., Ltd.   85,000    207,894 
Repsol SA   19,400    386,202 
Rosneft Oil Co. PJSC, GDR   75,700    565,612 
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class B   27,000    945,178 
TOTAL SA(b)   10,800    702,224 
         5,017,755 
Interactive Media & Services (0.83%)          
Momo, Inc., Sponsored ADR(a)   3,200    140,160 
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.   5,400    220,486 
         360,646 


 

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

12

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ICON International Equity Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (0.57%)          
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., Sponsored ADR(a)   1,500   $247,140 
           
Life & Health Insurance (1.82%)          
Legal & General Group PLC   99,000    337,966 
NN Group NV   5,986    267,170 
Prudential PLC   8,200    188,010 
         793,146 
Metal & Glass Containers (0.74%)          
RPC Group PLC   31,000    321,033 
           
Multi-line Insurance (5.41%)          
Allianz SE   4,500    1,001,551 
Assicurazioni Generali SpA   28,300    487,322 
Aviva PLC   77,000    491,297 
AXA SA   14,000    375,140 
         2,355,310 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (7.01%)          
CNOOC, Ltd.   287,000    568,297 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(b)   3,428    463,431 
Encana Corp.   35,100    460,065 
Energen Corp.(a)   6,491    559,329 
Newfield Exploration Co.(a)   14,200    409,386 
Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A(a)   11,530    337,253 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   1,400    243,866 
         3,041,627 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (5.51%)          
JXTG Holdings, Inc.   134,000    1,013,549 
Petron Corp.   2,780,000    447,126 
Reliance Industries, Ltd.   12,000    208,308 
SK Innovation Co., Ltd.   2,400    465,216 
Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS   11,700    259,782 
         2,393,981 
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation (1.02%)          
Pembina Pipeline Corp.   13,000    441,737 
           
Other Diversified Financial Services (0.97%)          
ORIX Corp.   26,000    420,982 
           
Paper Packaging (2.76%)          
DS Smith PLC   117,300    730,649 
Rengo Co., Ltd.   55,000    468,999 
         1,199,648 
Paper Products (5.90%)          
Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing, Ltd.   410,000    379,645 
Mondi PLC   38,000    1,040,431 
Nine Dragons Paper Holdings, Ltd.   586,000    631,890 
Oji Holdings Corp.   71,000    515,598 
         2,567,564 
Pharmaceuticals (1.32%)          
GlaxoSmithKline PLC   9,400    188,515 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Pharmaceuticals (continued)          
Roche Holding AG   1,000   $241,815 
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.(b)   3,400    145,377 
         575,707 
Regional Banks (1.76%)          
DGB Financial Group, Inc.   38,000    347,637 
Regional SAB de CV   66,000    416,124 
         763,761 
Renewable Electricity (0.66%)          
China Everbright Greentech, Ltd.   335,009    285,658 
           
Semiconductor Equipment (0.70%)          
SUMCO Corp.   20,800    303,007 
           
Specialty Chemicals (4.08%)          
Borregaard ASA   39,128    400,965 
Covestro AG(c)   4,500    364,263 
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.   11,400    1,007,854 
         1,773,082 
Steel (0.85%)          
POSCO   1,400    371,626 
           
Tobacco (1.36%)          
British American Tobacco PLC   12,700    592,081 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors (1.10%)          
Ashtead Group PLC   15,100    479,097 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services (2.11 %)        
SoftBank Group Corp.   9,200    919,076 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $42,211,915)        40,877,839 
           
Preferred Stocks (1.54%)          
Diversified Banks (0.94%)          
Banco Bradesco SA   32,680    231,270 
          
Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul SA    48,000    178,044 
         409,314 
Integrated Oil & Gas (0.60%)          
Petroleo Brasileiro SA    50,000    261,232 
           
Total Preferred Stocks          
(Cost $877,493)        670,546 


 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018

13

 
 

 

ICON International Equity Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Collateral for Securities on Loan (0.02%)          
State Street Navigator Securities
Lending Government Money
Market Portfolio,
7-Day Yield 2.19%
   8,467   $8,467 
           
Total Collateral for Securities on Loan          
(Cost $8,467)        8,467 
           
Total Investments (95.54%)          
(Cost $43,097,875)       $41,556,852 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (4.46%)        1,939,330 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $43,496,182 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

(c)Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2018, these securities had a total aggregate market value of $364,263.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt
GDR - Global Depositary Receipt

Country Composition (September 30, 2018)
United Kingdom   16.32%
Japan   13.34%
China   6.47%
Canada   6.15%
United States   5.46%
France   5.19%
South Korea   4.43%
Germany   4.16%
Spain   4.07%
Russia   4.07%
Italy   4.07%
Hong Kong   3.96%
Mexico   2.41%
Brazil   1.95%
Thailand   1.87%
Philippines   1.80%
Netherlands   1.64%
Hungary   1.46%
Turkey   1.45%
Norway   1.29%
India   0.96%
Singapore   0.92%
Sweden   0.77%
Switzerland   0.56%
Denmark   0.41%
Indonesia   0.34%
    95.52%

 

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

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)
 
Financials   28.13%
Energy   25.68%
Materials   22.52%
Utilities   6.10%
Industrials   3.45%
Communication Services   2.94%
Information Technology   2.19%
Health Care   1.77%
Consumer Discretionary   1.38%
Consumer Staples   1.36%
    95.52%

 

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



 

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

14

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ICON International Equity Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

     

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)
 
Diversified Banks   17.76%
Integrated Oil & Gas   12.14%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   7.01%
Paper Products   5.90%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   5.51%
Multi-line Insurance   5.41%
Specialty Chemicals   4.08%
Electric Utilities   3.38%
Commodity Chemicals   2.88%
Paper Packaging   2.76%
Diversified Chemicals   2.55%
Wireless Telecommunication Services   2.11%
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders   2.06%
Life & Health Insurance   1.82%
Regional Banks   1.76%
Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals   1.73%
Application Software   1.49%
Tobacco   1.36%
Pharmaceuticals   1.32%
Trading Companies & Distributors   1.10%
Construction Materials   1.03%
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation   1.02%
Aerospace & Defense   1.01%
Other Industries (each less than 1%)   8.33%
    95.52%

 

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

 



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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018

15


 

 
 

 

ICON International Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities
  September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Emerging
Markets Fund
  ICON International
Equity Fund
Assets      
Investments, at cost  $52,083,039   $43,097,875 
Investments, at value(a)   53,859,840    41,556,852 
Cash and cash equivalents   3,391,972    2,049,328 
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $131,163 and $237,089, respectively)   128,473    241,764 
Receivables:          
Investments sold   34     
Fund shares sold   111,813    4,810 
Expense reimbursements due from Adviser   19,287    9,209 
Interest   11,074    10,194 
Dividends   98,723    105,307 
Foreign tax reclaims       58,512 
Other assets   15,776    14,400 
Total assets   57,636,992    44,050,376 
           
Liabilities          
Payables:          
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned       8,467 
Investments purchased       425,305 
Capital gains tax   106,096    10,312 
Fund shares redeemed   69,707    10,238 
Advisory fees   45,580    35,341 
Transfer agent fees   28,576    9,647 
Fund accounting fees   8,950    13,069 
Accrued distribution fees   1,303    1,980 
Trustee fees and expenses   1,496    1,139 
Administration fees   2,279    1,769 
Accrued expenses   40,185    36,927 
Total liabilities   304,172    554,194 
Net Assets - all share classes  $57,332,820   $43,496,182 
Net Assets - Class S  $50,896,583   $40,095,905 
Net Assets - Class C  $   $1,934,477 
Net Assets - Class A  $6,436,237   $1,465,800 
           
Net Assets Consists of          
Paid-in capital  $54,254,336   $51,802,484 
Total distributable earnings   3,078,484    (8,306,302)
Net Assets  $57,332,820   $43,496,182 
           
Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)          
Class S   3,137,494    3,109,529 
Class C       171,497 
Class A   400,271    116,081 
Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)          
Class S  $16.22   $12.89 
Class C  $   $11.28 
Class A  $16.08   $12.63 
Class A maximum offering price (100%/ (100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share  $17.06   $13.40 
           
(a) Includes securities on loan of  $550,899   $612,525 

 

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

 

16 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

  

ICON International Funds Statements of Operations
  Year Ended September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Emerging  ICON International
   Markets Fund  Equity Fund
Investment Income          
Interest  $15,162   $13,869 
Dividends   2,450,522    1,649,335 
Foreign taxes withheld   (296,785)   (168,512)
Income from securities lending, net   520    10,059 
Total investment income   2,169,419    1,504,751 
Expenses          
Advisory fees   635,843    511,733 
Administration fees   31,780    25,580 
Transfer agent fees   149,627    53,541 
Distribution fees:          
Class C       23,669 
Class A   26,283    5,539 
Registration fees   34,916    39,376 
Audit and tax service expense   22,000    22,000 
Fund accounting fees   45,078    54,894 
Trustee fees and expenses   14,946    12,103 
Insurance expense   6,337    4,867 
Custody fees   37,591    24,753 
Printing fees   17,770    10,065 
Interest expense   2,098    164 
Recoupment of previously reimbursed expenses   512    7,877 
Other expenses   35,047    33,482 
Total expenses before expense reimbursement   1,059,828    829,643 
Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement   (46,120)   (34,771)
Net Expenses   1,013,708    794,872 
Net Investment Income/(Loss)   1,155,711    709,879 
           
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)          
Net realized gain/(loss) on:          
Investments, options, and foreign currency translations   296,741    614,048 
Capital gains tax   (39,277)   (21,862)
    257,464    592,186 
Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:          
Investments, options, and foreign currency   (40,537)   (2,447,238)
Capital gains tax   (106,096)   (8,738)
    (146,633)   (2,455,976)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   110,831    (1,863,790)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $1,266,542   $(1,153,911)

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 17

 

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   ICON Emerging Markets Fund  ICON International Equity Fund
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
Operations            
Net investment income/(loss)  $1,155,711   $235,593   $709,879   $127,641 
Net realized gain/(loss)   257,464    4,069,531    592,186    2,500,826 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (146,633)   794,783    (2,455,976)   1,846,476 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   1,266,542    5,099,907    (1,153,911)   4,474,943 
                     
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders(a)                    
Class S   (100,052)            
Class A   (478)            
Net decrease from dividends and distributions   (100,530)            
                     
Fund Share Transactions                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   21,485,982    26,312,322    7,643,709    4,368,367 
Class C(b)       43,641    176,801    123,670 
Class A(b)   3,063,930    9,477,499    82,833    168,244 
Reinvested dividends and distributions                    
Class S   95,422             
Class A   424             
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (23,337,380)   (24,352,508)   (11,643,496)   (13,299,835)
Class C(b)       (995,637)   (664,995)   (784,395)
Class A(b)   (9,861,188)   (6,735,963)   (849,184)   (921,210)
Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions   (8,552,810)   3,749,354    (5,254,332)   (10,345,159)
                     
Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (7,386,798)   8,849,261    (6,408,243)   (5,870,216)
Net Assets                    
Beginning of year   64,719,618    55,870,357    49,904,425    55,774,641 
End of year  $57,332,820   $64,719,618   $43,496,182   $49,904,425 
                     
Transactions in Fund Shares                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   1,282,140    1,779,885    564,142    350,531 
Class C(b)       3,312    15,057    11,284 
Class A(b)   184,221    652,238    6,230    13,905 
Issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions                    
Class S   5,942             
Class A   26             
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (1,410,257)   (1,727,057)   (882,846)   (1,110,895)
Class C(b)       (78,688)   (56,962)   (73,749)
Class A(b)   (601,142)   (474,151)   (66,078)   (78,612)
Net increase/(decrease)   (539,070)   155,539    (420,457)   (887,536)
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   4,076,835    3,921,296    3,817,564    4,705,100 
Shares outstanding, end of year   3,537,765    4,076,835    3,397,107    3,817,564 

  

(a)The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain financial statement disclosure requirements which eliminated the disclosure of the characteristic of dividends and distributions to shareholders.

(b)Emerging Markets Fund Class C shares merged into Class A shares on January 10, 2017. The information presented includes the activity for Class C prior to the merger as well as Class C shares redeemed, 67,738 shares, and Class A shares issued, 63,928 shares, in connection with the merger of $853,918.

 

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

 

18 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

  

ICON Emerging Markets Fund Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.90   $14.28   $12.95   $13.72   $13.51 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.31    0.07    (0.00)(b)   (0.03)   (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.04    1.55    1.33    (0.74)   0.27 
Total from investment operations   0.35    1.62    1.33    (0.77)   0.24 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.03)               (0.03)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.03)               (0.03)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $16.22   $15.90   $14.28   $12.95   $13.72 
                          
Total Return   2.21%   11.34%   10.27%   (5.61)%   1.78%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $50,897   $51,833   $45,786   $16,123   $8,942 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.61%   1.72%   1.85%   2.44%   2.11%
After expense limitation   1.55%(c)   1.55%(c)   1.55%(c)   1.55%(c)   1.88%(d)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.83%   0.29%   (0.32)%   (1.08)%   (0.42)%
After expense limitation   1.89%(c)   0.46%(c)   (0.02)%(c)   (0.19)%(c)   (0.19)%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   63%   169%   156%   76%   92%

  

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)Amount less than $(0.005).

(c)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, when applicable.

(d)Effective May 5, 2014, Class S’s operating expenses, not including interest expense, were contractually limited to the amounts discussed in Note 3 of the 2014 Annual Report. The ratios in these financial highlights reflect the limitation, including the interest expense.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 19

 

 

 

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented
       

 

Class A(a)  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.77   $14.20   $12.91   $13.71   $13.51 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(b)   0.24    0.06    (0.01)   (0.07)   (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.07    1.51    1.30    (0.73)   0.27 
Total from investment operations   0.31    1.57    1.29    (0.80)   0.23 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.00)(c)               (0.03)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.00)               (0.03)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $16.08   $15.77   $14.20   $12.91   $13.71 
                          
Total Return(d)   1.97%   11.06%   9.99%   (5.84)%   1.68%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $6,436   $12,887   $9,072   $725   $305 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.96%   2.12%   2.16%   4.75%   4.32%
After expense limitation(e)   1.80%   1.80%   1.80%   1.80%   1.95%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.32%   0.08%   (0.43)%   (3.44)%   (2.65)%
After expense limitation(e)   1.48%   0.40%   (0.07)%   (0.49)%   (0.28)%
Portfolio turnover rate   63%   169%   156%   76%   92%

 

(a)Class C shares were merged into Class A on January 10, 2017. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)Amount less than $(0.005).

(d)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.
(e)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, when applicable.

  

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

 

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ICON International Equity Fund Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $13.17   $11.94   $11.37   $11.75   $11.81 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.20    0.04    0.05    0.00(b)   0.06 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   (0.48)   1.19    0.52    (0.37)   (0.12)
Total from investment operations   (0.28)   1.23    0.57    (0.37)   (0.06)
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income               (0.01)    
Total dividends and distributions               (0.01)    
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $12.89   $13.17   $11.94   $11.37   $11.75 
                          
Total Return   (2.13)%   10.30%   5.01%   (3.15)%   (0.51)%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $40,096   $45,144   $50,005   $67,201   $80,356 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.49%   1.57%   1.45%   1.41%   1.41%
After expense limitation(c)   1.49%   1.55%   1.45%   1.41%   1.41%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.46%   0.31%   0.45%   0.00%(d)   0.44%
After expense limitation(c)   1.46%   0.33%   0.45%   0.00%(d)   0.44%
Portfolio turnover rate   92%   209%   198%   204%   193%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)Amount less than $0.005.

(c)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, when applicable.

(d)Less than 0.005% of average net assets.

  

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 21

  

 

 

 

ICON International Equity Fund Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

Class C  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.64   $10.66   $10.27   $10.72   $10.89 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.04    (0.07)   (0.09)   (0.12)   (0.08)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   (0.40)   1.05    0.48    (0.33)   (0.09)
Total from investment operations   (0.36)   0.98    0.39    (0.45)   (0.17)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $11.28   $11.64   $10.66   $10.27   $10.72 
                          
Total Return(b)   (3.09)%   9.19%   3.80%   (4.20)%   (1.56)%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $1,934   $2,484   $2,941   $3,299   $4,597 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   3.29%   3.35%   3.13%   2.96%   2.82%
After expense limitation(c)   2.55%   2.55%   2.55%   2.55%   2.56%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.42)%   (1.48)%   (1.40)%   (1.56)%   (0.99)%
After expense limitation(c)   0.32%   (0.68)%   (0.82)%   (1.15)%   (0.73)%
Portfolio turnover rate   92%   209%   198%   204%   193%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(c)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, when applicable.

 

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

 

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ICON International Equity Fund Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

 

Class A  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $12.94   $11.76   $11.24   $11.65   $11.75 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.14    0.01    0.05    (0.04)   0.00(b)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   (0.45)   1.17    0.47    (0.37)   (0.10)
Total from investment operations   (0.31)   1.18    0.52    (0.41)   (0.10)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $12.63   $12.94   $11.76   $11.24   $11.65 
                          
Total Return(c)   (2.40)%   10.03%   4.63%   (3.52)%   (0.85)%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $1,466   $2,276   $2,829   $3,725   $4,089 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   2.59%   2.67%   2.43%   2.25%   2.12%
After expense limitation(d)   1.80%   1.80%   1.80%   1.80%   1.81%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   0.28%   (0.80)%   (0.19)%   (0.77)%   (0.27)%
After expense limitation(d)   1.07%   0.07%   0.44%   (0.32)%   0.04%
Portfolio turnover rate   92%   209%   198%   204%   193%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)Amount less than $0.005.

(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(d)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, when applicable.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 23

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

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 two classes of shares: Class S and Class A. The International Equity Fund also offers Class C shares. 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 markets, or are economically tied to an emerging market country. The International Equity Fund primarily invests in foreign equity securities. Foreign equity securities refer to securities of issuers, wherever organized, whose securities are listed or traded principally on a recognized stock exchange or over-the-counter market outside the United States. The investment objective of each Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Funds, like all investments in securities, have elements of risk, including risk of loss of principal. There is no assurance that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives and may underperform funds with similar investment objectives. An investment concentrated in sectors and industries involves 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. Securities of emerging or developing market companies may be less liquid and more volatile than securities in countries with more mature markets. There are also risks associated with small-and mid-cap investing, including limited product lines, less liquidity, and small market share.

 

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 financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which 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. Each Fund is considered an investment company under GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

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. If the NYSE closes unexpectedly and there is active trading on other exchanges, the securities will be valued at the Valuation Time based off of those exchanges. 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 NYSE is open for trading.

 

The Funds use pricing services to obtain the fair 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 fair 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’ Pricing Committee pursuant to procedures approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”).

 

 

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ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

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. Exchange traded options are valued at the composite price, using the National Best Bid and Offer quotes (“NBBO”). NBBO consists of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across any of the exchanges on which an option is quoted, thus providing a view across the entire U.S. options marketplace. 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 fair 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, including money market funds, that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value (“NAV”) 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 Funds’ Pricing Committee determines that use of another valuation methodology is appropriate. The purposes of daily fair valuation is 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 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 1 quoted 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, 2018:

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
  Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
  Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Total
Common Stocks                    
Commodity Chemicals  $1,286,700   $964,872   $   $2,251,572 
Diversified Banks   2,092,998    10,729,238        12,822,236 
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders   397,463    685,326        1,082,789 
Integrated Oil & Gas   1,528,800    6,413,482        7,942,282 
Interactive Media & Services   613,200    1,288,008        1,901,208 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   3,267,566    2,013,789        5,281,355 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   1,752,774    2,947,358        4,700,132 
Regional Banks   1,411,038    1,413,012        2,824,050 
Renewable Electricity   49,187    856,775        905,962 
Wireless Telecommunication Services   209,481    383,442        592,923 
Other   1,328,305    10,029,738        11,358,043 
Preferred Stocks   2,197,288            2,197,288 
Total  $16,134,800   $37,725,040   $   $53,859,840 

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 25

  

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

ICON International Equity Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
  Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
  Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Total
Common Stocks                    
Commodity Chemicals  $606,961   $646,855   $   $1,253,816 
Diversified Banks   1,264,438    6,063,182        7,327,620 
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders   179,539    716,809        896,348 
Integrated Oil & Gas   512,148    4,505,607        5,017,755 
Interactive Media & Services   140,160    220,486        360,646 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   2,473,330    568,297        3,041,627 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   447,126    1,946,855        2,393,981 
Regional Banks   416,124    347,637        763,761 
Other   2,280,998    17,541,287        19,822,285 
Preferred Stocks   670,546            670,546 
Collateral for Securities on Loan       8,467        8,467 
Total  $8,991,370   $32,565,482   $   $41,556,852 

 

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

 

There were no Level 3 securities held in any of the Funds at September 30, 2018.

 

Fund Share Valuation

 

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

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Idle cash may be swept into an overnight demand deposit account and is classified as cash and cash equivalents on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The Funds maintain cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed United States federally insured limits. Amounts swept overnight are available on the next business day.

 

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 may 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.

 

 

26 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

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 Statements of Operations. At September 30, 2018 and for the year then ended, the Emerging Markets Fund and International Equity Fund had no outstanding forward foreign currency contracts.

 

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. Collateral is received in exchange for securities on loan in the amount of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned or at least 105% of the value of non-U.S. securities loaned, marked to market daily. 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 assets that generally exceed the value of the securities on loan. Collateral may consist of cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The fair 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.

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ securities lending positions and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of September 30, 2018:

 

   Market Value of
Securities on Loan
  Market Value of
Cash Collateral
Received
  Market Value of
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
  Total Collateral
Received
  Excess Collateral
ICON Emerging Markets Fund  $550,899   $   $557,256   $557,256   $6,357 
ICON International Equity Fund   612,525    8,467    618,269    626,736    14,211 

 

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 cash collateral received from lending in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio which is disclosed on the Schedules of Investments. The Funds bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of cash collateral. The State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio is a Government Money Market Portfolio designed to provide continuous daily liquidity. Non-Cash collateral received consists of securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies or instrumentalities with remaining maturities ranging from overnight to 30 years. Non-cash collateral is not disclosed on the Funds’ Schedules of Investments or their Statements of Assets and Liabilities as the Funds do not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. The net securities lending income earned by the Funds for the year ended September 30, 2018, is included in the Statements of Operations.

 

The value of the collateral could include collateral held for securities that were sold on or before September 30, 2018. It may also include collateral received from the pre-funding of security loans.

 

Security loans consist of equity securities and generally do not have a stated maturity date. The Funds may recall a loaned security at any time.

 

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. As of and during the year ended September 30, 2018, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize the interest and penalties, if any, related to the unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

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 GAAP.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 27

 

 

 

  

ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

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 and is included in capital gains tax in the Statements of Operations.

 

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 based on effective yield.

 

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.

 

Withholding Tax

 

Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments in a specific country or region.

 

Other

 

The Funds hold certain investments which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is possible for these dividends to exceed the underlying investments’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital. Distributions received from investments in securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or as a realized gain, respectively.

 

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 or number of shareholder accounts. 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 or number of shareholder accounts. 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.

 

 

28 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

Below are additional class level expenses for the year ended September 30, 2018 that are included on the Statements of Operations:

 

Fund  Printing Fees*  Transfer Agent Fees*   Registration Fees
ICON Emerging Markets Fund               
Class S  $8,255   $103,703   $21,662 
Class A   1,588    21,837    13,254 
ICON International Equity Fund               
Class S   2,625    28,458    16,908 
Class C   424    9,800    11,295 
Class A   474    9,567    11,173 

 

*Printing and Transfer agent out of pocket fees are a Fund level expense.

 

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 investments. 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.

 

ICON Advisers has contractually agreed to limit the Funds’ operating expenses (exclusive of brokerage, interest, taxes, dividends on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses 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% 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 the Emerging Markets Fund Class A and all classes of the International Equity Fund. The expense limitation for the Emerging Markets Fund Class S will continue in effect until at least January 31, 2019. 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 these payments are proposed.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the following amounts were available for recoupment by ICON Advisers based upon their potential expiration dates:

 

   Expires  Expires  Expires
Fund  2019  2020  2021
ICON Emerging Markets Fund  $106,751   $106,329(a)  $46,120 
ICON International Equity Fund   38,568    41,389    34,771 

 

(a)Emerging Markets Fund Class C shares merged into Class A shares on January 10, 2017. The Class C amount is not available for recoupment.

 

Accounting, Custody and Transfer Agent Fees

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) serves as the fund accounting agent for the Trust. For its services, the Trust pays ALPS a fee that is calculated daily and paid monthly, which is greater of an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust or a contractual minimum annual fee.

 

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.

 

ALPS is the Trust’s transfer agent. For these services, the Trust pays an annual fee plus annual base fee per Fund, per account fees and out-of-pocket expenses.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 29

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

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, 2018, each Fund’s payment for administrative services to ICON Advisers is included on the Statements 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 ALPS, under which ALPS assists ICON Advisers with the administration and business affairs of the Trust. For its services, ICON Advisers pays ALPS a fee, that is calculated daily and paid monthly, which is the greater of an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust or a contractual minimum annual fee.

 

Distribution Fees

 

ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI” or “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICON Management and Research and affiliate of ICON Advisers, Inc., serves the Trust as Distributor. The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“12b-1 Plan”) under which the Funds are authorized to compensate or reimburse the Distributor for the sale and distribution of shares and for other shareholder services. The shareholders of the ICON International Equity Fund Class C pay an annual distribution fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets. The shareholders of the Funds Class A shares pay an annual distribution fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. There is no annual distribution fee for Class S shares. The total amount paid by each Fund under the 12b-1 Plan is shown on the Statements of Operations.

 

Class A Shares are subject to an initial sales charge and the public offering price of Class A shares equals net asset value plus the applicable sales charge, which is a maximum of 5.75%. For the year ended September 30, 2018, IDI collected sales charges on purchases of Class A Shares, the majority of which were paid out as concessions to financial intermediaries, as follows:

 

Fund  Sales Charges Collected
ICON Emerging Markets Fund Class A  $1,882 
ICON International Equity Fund Class A   146 

 

In addition, IDI receives a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the purchase price on redemptions of Class C shares made within one year following the date of purchase. A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge may also apply to certain redemptions of Class A shares made within one year following the purchase of $1 million or more without an initial sales charge. For the year ended September 30, 2018, IDI collected the following contingent deferred sales charges:

 

   Contingent Deferred Sales
Fund  Charges Collected
ICON International Equity Fund Class C  $ 166  

 

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 pays a portion of the CCO’s salary and the remaining portion, along with other employee related expenses, is paid by ICON Advisers. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

 

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, 2018, the total related amounts accrued by the Funds under this arrangement was $268 and is included in Other Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

 

The Funds did not engage in cross trades with each other, during the year ended September 30, 2018, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Generally, cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds and its affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7. At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Board reviews such transactions as of the most current calendar quarter for compliance with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Funds’ procedures. The procedures require that the transactions be a purchase or sale for no consideration other than cash payment against prompt delivery of a security for which market quotations are readily available, and be consistent with the investment policies of each Fund.

 

 

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ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

4. BORROWINGS

 

 

The Trust has entered into an uncommitted, unsecured, revolving Line of Credit agreement/arrangement with State Street to provide temporary funding for redemption requests. The maximum borrowing limit is $50 million. Interest on domestic borrowings is charged at a rate quoted and determined by State Street. The interest rate as of September 30, 2018 was 3.51%. The Line of Credit agreement/arrangement expires on March 18, 2019.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the average outstanding loan by Fund was as follows: 

 

   Maximum Borrowing  Average Borrowing  Average Interest Rates
Fund  (10/01/17 – 09/30/18)  (10/01/17 – 09/30/18)^  (10/01/17 – 09/30/18)^
ICON Emerging Markets Fund*  $1,130,391   $437,776    2.71%
ICON International Equity Fund*   1,323,044    358,956    3.24%
  
*There were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement/arrangement as of September 30, 2018.

^The average is calculated based on the actual number of days with outstanding borrowings.

 

5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) was as follows:

 

   Purchases of  Proceeds from Sales
Fund  Securities  of Securities
ICON Emerging Markets Fund  $38,787,590   $48,043,699 
ICON International Equity Fund   44,906,860    50,792,353 

 

6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX

 

 

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between 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 passive foreign investment companies, foreign currency transactions, foreign capital gain tax treatment and expiring capital loss carryforwards.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”) capital losses generated by a Fund may be carried over indefinitely.

 

For International Equity Fund, the capital loss carryovers used during the year ended September 30, 2018 were, net of short-term and long-term, $299,186 and capital losses expired/unused were $27,012,993.

 

For International Equity Fund, the short-term and long-term capital losses with no expiration were $2,090,791 and $5,160,526, respectively.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the following reclassification was made, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets.

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital  Total Distributable
Earnings
ICON International Equity Fund  $(27,012,993)  $27,012,993 

 

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income
ICON Emerging Markets Fund  $100,530 

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 31

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

As of September 30, 2018, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

 

 

Fund  Undistributed
Ordinary Income
  Accumulated Capital
Gains/(Losses)
  Other Cumulative
Effect of Timing
Differences
  Unrealized
Appreciation/(Depreciation)
  Total Accumulated
Earnings/(Deficit)
ICON Emerging Markets Fund  $1,413,151   $   $   $1,665,333   $3,078,484 
ICON International Equity Fund   495,203    (7,251,317)   1,854    (1,552,042)   (8,306,302)

 

As of September 30, 2018, cost on investments for federal income tax purposes and the amount of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund  Gross Appreciation
(excess of value over
tax cost)
  Gross Depreciation
(excess of tax cost
over value)
  Net Appreciation/
(Depreciation) of
Foreign Currency
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)*
  Cost of Investments
for Income Tax
Purposes
ICON Emerging Markets Fund  $6,795,800   $(5,018,999)  $(5,372)  $1,771,429   $52,083,039 
ICON International Equity Fund   3,100,729    (4,641,752)   (707)   (1,541,730)   43,097,875 

 

*This balance includes appreciation/(depreciation) of foreign currency.

 

7. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

 

 

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. Management has eliminated and modified disclosures and is currently evaluating the impact of the remaining ASU.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

 

Management has evaluated whether any events or transactions occurred subsequent to September 30, 2018 and through the date of issuance of the Funds’ financial statements and determined that there were no material events or transactions that would require recognition or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

32 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

  

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of ICON Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of the ICON Emerging Markets Fund and ICON International Equity Fund (the “Funds”), each a series of ICON Funds, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of September 30, 2018, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The Funds’ financial highlights for the year ended September 30, 2015 and prior, were audited by other auditors whose report dated November 18, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the Funds’ auditor since 2016.

 

 

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Cleveland, Ohio
November 21, 2018

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 33

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 
  September 30, 2018 (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 (04/01/18 – 09/30/18).

 

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), 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 April 1, 2018  Ending Account  Value September 30, 2018  Expense Ratio(a)  Expenses Paid During period April 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018(b)
ICON Emerging Markets Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $929.00    1.55%  $7.50 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.30    1.55%  $7.84 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $927.90    1.80%  $8.70 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.04    1.80%  $9.10 
                     
ICON International Equity Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $932.70    1.48%  $7.17 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.65    1.48%  $7.49 
Class C                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $927.60    2.55%  $12.32 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,012.28    2.55%  $12.86 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $931.40    1.80%  $8.72 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.04    1.80%  $9.10 

 

(a)The Fund’s expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund’s most recent fiscal half-year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year 183/365 (to reflect the 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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ICON International Funds Board of Trustees and Fund Officers

 
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

The ICON Funds Board of Trustees (the “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, 67. Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as President (2014 to present and 1998 to 2013) and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers, Inc. 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 ICON Distributors, Inc. 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, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

Independent Trustees

 

Glen F. Bergert, 68. 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 2015), 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 (2013 to present and 2006 to 2012), Delta Dental of Pennsylvania (2010 to present and 1998 to 2009), Delta Reinsurance Corporation (2015 to present; 2011 to 2014 and 2000 to 2009) and Dentegra Group, Inc. (2017 to present; 2010 to 2014).

 

John C. Pomeroy, Jr., 71. Mr. Pomeroy has been a Trustee of the Funds since 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, 70. Mr. Sentel has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Mr. Sentel recently retired from his role as a Senior Attorney with the U.S. Department of Education (1996 to 2018) and was engaged in private practice of securities and corporate law (1981 to 2017). 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).

 

Mark Manassee, 53. Mr. Manassee has been a Trustee of the Funds since 2017. Mr. Manassee is a Senior Advisor to McKinsey’s Wealth and Asset Management Practice, and Chairman of the Board of FundRock Partners, Ltd (UK). Mr. Manassee was Principal and President of Market Metrics, LLC, a subsidiary of FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (1998 to 2016). Mr. Manassee was also a Director of Matrix-Data, Ltd (UK) (2013 to 2016) and Rhetorik, Ltd (UK) (2013 to 2016).

 

The Officers of the Funds are:

 

Craig T. Callahan, 67. Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as President (2014 to present and 1998 to 2013) and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers, Inc. 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 ICON Distributors, Inc. 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, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

Donald Salcito, 65. Mr. Salcito serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Funds (2006 to present). Mr. Salcito is also Executive Vice President and General Counsel (2005 to present) of ICON Advisers, Inc.; Director of IM&R (2005 to present); Executive Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel of ICON Distributors, Inc. (2005 to 2017). Previously, he was a Partner in various national law firms, practicing in the securities law area (1980 to 2005).

 

Brian D. Harding, 39. Mr. Harding serves as Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Harding is also Chief Financial Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2013 to present) and Director of IM&R (2013 to present). Previously he was Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer of the Funds (2008 to 2013), Chief Compliance Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2011 to 2013), and Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2001 to 2008).

 

Jack M. Quillin, 46. Mr. Quillin serves as Assistant Treasurer of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Quillin is also a Compliance and Fund Accounting Associate of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2016 to present). Previously, he was a compliance analyst at Marsico Capital Management, LLC (2011 to 2015), an

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 35

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Board of Trustees and Fund Officers

 
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

assistant vice president in the municipal derivatives finance department at Merrill Lynch (2004 to 2008), and a senior accountant in the Regulatory Reporting group at Wells Fargo & Company (1998 to 2003).

 

Christopher R. Ambruso, 38. Mr. Ambruso serves as Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2017 to present) of the Funds. Mr. Ambruso is also Chief Compliance Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2017 to present). Previously he served as Assistant Secretary (2016 to 2017 and 2008 to 2012) of the Funds and Associate Counsel (2013 to 2017); Associate Attorney (2008 to 2013); and Staff Attorney (2007 to 2008) of ICON Advisers, Inc.

 

Stephen E. Abrams, 55. Mr. Abrams serves as Assistant Secretary of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Abrams is also Associate General Counsel of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2005 to present); Executive Vice President and General Counsel (2017 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2007 to present) of ICON Distributors, Inc. Previously, he worked as an Associate Attorney before becoming a Partner at a national law firm, practicing general litigation and securities law (1994 to 2005).

 

 

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ICON International Funds Additional Information

 
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Renewal of Investment Advisory Agreement

 

On September 7, 2018, 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 (as defined below) with the Adviser for each Fund for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2018.

 

The Trustees considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreements between the Trust and the Adviser – the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated October 9, 1996, as amended (related to the Sector Funds, the International Funds and the ICON Fund) and the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated July 9, 2002 and effective October 1, 2002, as amended (related to the U.S. Diversified Funds — Flexible Bond, Risk-Managed Balanced, Equity Income, Opportunities and Long/Short Funds) (collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”). 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 the expense limitation agreements.

 

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; and comparative data obtained from Broadridge related to Fund performance and Fund expenses (the “Broadridge Report”).

 

The Independent Trustees met separately with Broadridge on August 8, 2018 to discuss the Broadridge Report and the information contained within the Broadridge Report.

 

Also 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; staffing levels and staff morale.

 

The Independent Trustees were represented by independent legal counsel in the entire 15(c) process. In August, after participating in the meeting with Broadridge and management, the Independent Trustees met separately as a group in private sessions with their independent legal counsel to review and discuss a wide variety of qualitative and quantitative information, including information they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds. Based on these discussions, independent legal counsel and/or the Lead Independent Trustee also contacted management to request additional information from Broadridge. The Board received materials from independent 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.

 

Management and the Trustees discussed the Broadridge Report and Management personnel showed performance for each Fund and discussed the factors affecting performance. During a lengthy and spirited discussion, the Trustees expressed their concerns regarding both the ICON Funds’ performance relative to similarly situated funds and the overall rate of redemptions relative to sales.

 

With regard to the ICON Funds’ performance, the Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) stated that the current market is favoring growth rather than value-based systems or styles. The current market is challenging for the ICON system. The CIO reiterated his faith in the ICON system, noting its many past successes. The Trustees raised questions regarding the Funds’ lagging performance and what changes might help to increase the performance, while staying within the ICON system. The Trustees’ questions and the discussion with Management focused on Management’s working internally to identify ways to improve performance by implementing changes within the ICON system, without straying outside the ICON system of value investing.

 

From a sales perspective, Management has been challenged to penetrate and retain sales in the full-service wirehouse firms. Wirehouses, Management noted, are intent on capturing assets while moving from a transaction-based compensation model (e.g. paying per trade) to a fee-based compensation model (e.g. paying a fixed percentage for asset management). Wirehouses are culling their recommended lists and/or looking to pare down the number of fund families with whom they do business. Management has seen most of the ICON Funds culled from wirehouses, in large part because of the size of the Funds.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 37

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Additional Information

 
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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 are satisfactory;

 

B.That ICON has made significant expenditures in the past year and in prior years by way of expense reimbursements and the Adviser has the systems and trained personnel necessary for it to be able to continue to provide quality service to the Funds’ shareholders;

 

C.That the Board is satisfied with the research, portfolio management, and trading services, among others, being provided by ICON to the Trust, and has determined that ICON is charging fair and reasonable fees; and

 

D.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 the Trust’s advisory relationship with ICON can 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 Broadridge 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, the Administration Agreement and the Expense Limitation Agreements) with the Adviser as opposed to the fees specified in the applicable Advisory Agreement and expense ratios without application of the expense limitations and the low cost of the Administration Agreement 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. The Board also considered the Adviser’s contractual commitment regarding administration and the fact it would continue to lose money on administration. In this regard the Board discussed asset levels in each Fund covered by the Advisory Agreements. 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 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 Broadridge Report, and information that they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds, including Morningstar and Lipper data on the peer groupings. Among other information discussed, it was noted that:

 

A.Upon review of the advisory fee structures of each Fund in comparison with other similar funds of similar size, the level of investment advisory fees paid by each Fund is competitive;

 

B.The total expense ratio and contractual management fees at common asset levels of each Fund are generally competitive with their expense groups;

 

C.ICON has contractually agreed to impose expense limitations on all Funds at a cost to ICON;

 

D.That the advisory and other fees payable by the Funds to ICON are essentially fees which would be similar to those which would have resulted solely from “arm’s-length” bargaining;

 

E.That the fees paid to ICON for managing other institutional accounts (such as individuals or sub-advised portfolios) are lower than the fees paid by similarly managed ICON funds, but the reason why they are lower is reasonably related to the cost for ICON to manage such accounts;

 

 

38 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Additional Information

 
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

F.The extent to which economies of scale could be realized as a Fund grows in assets and whether the Fund’s fees reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders; and

 

G.The costs borne by ICON in providing advisory services to each Fund and the profitability of ICON in light of the estimated profitability analysis which had been provided by ICON.

 

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 and Management recognized that the Adviser is continuously evaluating Fund expense ratios and expense limits to assess the competitiveness of the Funds and whether any downward adjustments affect Fund sales.

 

The Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management at a price that would have been arrived at in an arm’s length negotiation.

 

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:

 

A.ICON benefits from serving directly or through affiliates as the principal underwriter and administrative agent for the Funds; the services provided by ICON and its affiliates to the Funds are reasonably satisfactory, and whether the profits derived from providing the services are competitive and reasonable;

 

B.ICON receives research assistance from the use of soft dollars generated from Fund portfolio transactions; the Trustees noted that such research is necessary to run the Funds and assists ICON in providing investment advisory services to the Funds as well as other accounts to which it provides advisory services.

 

Based on all these considerations and other data as discussed above, 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 within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s length in light of all the circumstances.

 

Supplemental Tax Information

 

Pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code the following Funds designate the amounts listed below as long-term capital gain dividends:

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund $0
ICON International Equity Fund $0

 

The following Funds designate the percentages listed below of the income dividends distributed in 2017 as qualified dividend income (QDI) as defined in Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund 100.00%
ICON International Equity Fund 0.00%

 

The following Funds designate the percentages listed below of the income dividends distributed in 2017 as qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction (DRD) as defined in Section 854(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

ICON Emerging Markets Fund 6.33%
ICON International Equity Fund 0.00%

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 39

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Additional Information

 
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to §853 of the Internal Revenue Code, the ICON Emerging Markets Fund and ICON International Equity Fund designate the following amounts as foreign taxes paid for the current fiscal year. Foreign taxes paid for purposes of §853 may be less than actual foreign taxes paid for financial statement purposes.

 

Creditable Foreign Taxes Paid  
ICON Emerging Markets Fund $276,733
ICON International Equity Fund $160,134

 

Portion of Ordinary Income Distribution derived from Foreign Sourced Income*

ICON Emerging Markets Fund 99.57%
ICON International Equity Fund 98.74%

 

*The Fund has not derived any income from ineligible foreign sources as defined under §901(j) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Foreign taxes paid or withheld should be included in taxable income with an offsetting deduction from gross income or as a credit for taxes paid to foreign governments.

 

Above figures may differ from those cited elsewhere in this report due to differences in the calculation of income and gains under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (book) purposes and Internal Revenue Service (tax) purposes.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

40 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Privacy Policy

 
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

  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:

 

●    Social Security number and account balances

●    income and transaction history

●    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.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 41

 

 

 

 

ICON International Funds Privacy Policy

 
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

●     open an account or enter into an investment advisory contract

●     provide account information or give us your contact information

●     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

 

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

●     affiliates from using your information to market to you

●     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.

 

●     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.

 

●     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.

 

●     ICON doesn’t jointly market

 

 

42 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about the ICON Funds, contact us:

 

By Telephone 1-800-764-0442
By E-Mail info@iconadvisers.com
By Mail ICON Funds | P.O. Box 1920 | Denver, CO 80201
In Person ICON Funds | 5299 DTC Boulevard, 12th Floor
  Greenwood Village, CO 80111
On the Internet www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

(PIE CHART)  ANNUAL REPORT
 
September 30, 2018

 

 

Sector Funds

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund (ICCCX, ICCAX)

ICON Consumer Staples Fund (ICLEX, ICRAX)

ICON Energy Fund (ICENX, ICEEX, ICEAX)

ICON Financial Fund (ICFSX, ICFAX)

ICON Healthcare Fund (ICHCX, ICHAX)

ICON Industrials Fund (ICTRX, ICIAX)

ICON Information Technology Fund (ICTEX, ICTTX)

ICON Natural Resources Fund (ICBMX, ICBCX, ICBAX)

ICON Utilities Fund (ICTUX, ICTVX)

 

 

 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

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

 

About This Report (Unaudited)   2
     
Management Overview (Unaudited) and Schedules of Investments    
     
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund   3
     
ICON Consumer Staples Fund   8
     
ICON Energy Fund   11
     
ICON Financial Fund   14
     
ICON Healthcare Fund   17
     
ICON Industrials Fund   20
     
ICON Information Technology Fund   23
     
ICON Natural Resources Fund   27
     
ICON Utilities Fund   31
     
Financial Statements   34
     
Financial Highlights   45
     
Notes to Financial Statements   65
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   78
     
Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)   79
     
Board of Trustees and Fund Officers (Unaudited)   82
     
Additional Information (Unaudited)   84
     
Privacy Policy   89

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds

About this Report 

September 30, 2018 (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, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any sector, industry, security or the Funds.

 

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 the 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 www.iconfunds.com or calling 1-800-764-0442. Please read the prospectus and statement of additional information carefully.

 

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.

 

2

www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Class S (the Fund) returned 0.14% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while the benchmark S&P Composite 1500 Consumer Discretionary Index rose 30.50%. The broad market S&P Composite 1500 Index returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018 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 equity market began the past fiscal year with a continuation of the prior year as stocks rose steadily into January, 2018. As prices peaked, however, U.S. interest rates also rose as the Federal Reserve continued its slow path of normalizing monetary policy through rate increases. Stocks eventually experienced a sharp selloff as investors became nervous about the effect of higher rates on companies and the broad economy. As the world digested an increasingly uncertain trade and political environment, the United States equity markets were able to decouple from overseas weakness in part due to a lower tax environment, healthy corporate earnings, and strong economic growth. These economic factors were tailwinds to the U.S. consumer which resulted in a strong outperformance for the Consumer Discretionary sector over the year. Although online retail/e-commerce continued its strength, many traditional/brick-and-mortar retailers were able to adapt their business models and recover from periods of past weakness. While retail generally thrived, other industry groups did not share the same growth much of the Consumer Discretionary sector experienced. For example, automobiles & components saw general weakness as fears of slowing demand coincided with protectionist trade policies, while homebuilding-related industries suffered under investor concern regarding the effect of rising interest rates on the previously booming housing market. The sector was once again highlighted by the growth of Amazon and Netflix, which continued their dominance with strong equity returns.

 

Unfortunately, the Fund was unable to keep pace with the benchmark during the fiscal year. Over the 12-month period, the stocks our system suggested were the best bargains performed the worst. Conversely, the stocks our system indicated were overvalued performed the best. With value as our guide and core strategy, we were naturally positioned in those industries and stocks that presented us with what we believed were the best bargains, but our strategy underperformed. This can happen periodically, but we do not believe it will persist indefinitely. However, this year the discrepancy between Fund and benchmark performance was exacerbated by the increased benchmark weight of (and the Fund’s lack of exposure to) stocks like Amazon and Netflix which we calculated were overpriced, but which ultimately outperformed.

 

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

A.The Fund had no exposure to the automobile manufacturers industry in fiscal year 2018. As earnings growth slowed in this industry, it dragged on the benchmark, but the Fund’s absence of automobile manufacturers ultimately benefitted Fund performance. The apparel retail industry was another positive Fund contributor as overweight positions in discount retailers such as TJX Companies and Ross Stores outperformed the benchmark for the year. Our overweight positions in the homefurnishing retail and automotive retail industries (with the Fund’s stake in Aaron’s and O’Reilly Automotive, respectively) likewise contributed positively to relative performance with positive stock selection.

 

The internet & direct marketing retail industry was the Fund’s largest detractor to relative performance as Amazon returned over 108% for the year. This name alone held an average benchmark weight of over 18% for the period, but our methodology neglected to find adequate value in the name or industry to warrant investment. Additionally, the Fund’s holdings of Nutrisystem suffered losses as quarterly earnings results were met with heavy selling pressure. The housewares & specialties industry also adversely impacted the Fund, as Newell Brands failed to perform as anticipated. Finally, homebuilding, one of last year’s leading industries, suffered losses for the second half of the year as rising interest rates ultimately weighed on investor sentiment for this industry.

 

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 value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.06. In other words, we see fair value stocks in the Consumer Discretionary sector 6% higher than where they are currently trading. Drilling down to the industry level, we currently see bargains in the homebuilding and homefurnishing retail industries. As always, we look to value as our primary guide and will adjust our positioning as market conditions dictate.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 3

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Management Overview
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

           
  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 0.14% 5.28% 10.51% 5.66% 1.46% 1.46%
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund - Class A 9/30/10 -0.24%  4.80% N/A 10.82%   2.22% 1.99%
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund - Class A (including maximum sales charge of 5.75%) 9/30/10 -6.01%  3.57% N/A 10.01%   2.22% 1.99%
S&P 1500 Consumer Discretionary Index   30.50%   15.25%   16.98% 9.85% N/A N/A
S&P Composite 1500 Index   17.69%   13.77%   12.04% 7.98% 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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

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.

 

4

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ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Common Stocks (94.47%)          
Apparel Retail (7.41%)          
Burlington Stores, Inc.(a)   7,800   $1,270,776 
TJX Cos., Inc.   4,701    526,606 
         1,797,382 
Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods (9.16%)          
PVH Corp.   2,400    346,560 
Tapestry, Inc.   8,276    416,034 
VF Corp.   15,600    1,457,820 
         2,220,414 
Automotive Retail (1.60%)          
AutoZone, Inc.(a)   500    387,850 
           
Broadcasting (8.04%)(b)          
CBS Corp., Class B   28,000    1,608,600 
Gray Television, Inc.(a)   19,600    343,000 
         1,951,600 
Cable & Satellite (7.70%)(b)          
Comcast Corp., Class A   52,700    1,866,107 
           
Casinos & Gaming (0.63%)          
Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Ltd., ADR   7,200    152,280 
           
Distributors (0.44%)          
LKQ Corp.(a)   3,400    107,678 
           
General Merchandise Stores (2.13%)          
Dollar General Corp.   2,200    240,460 
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)   3,400    277,270 
         517,730 
Home Furnishings (1.88%)          
Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)   2,600    455,910 
           
Home Improvement Retail (5.99%)          
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   4,000    120,680 
Home Depot, Inc.   3,433    711,146 
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.   5,400    620,028 
         1,451,854 
Homebuilding (11.47%)          
DR Horton, Inc.   22,032    929,310 
Installed Building Products, Inc.(a)   4,887    190,593 
Lennar Corp., Class A   12,900    602,301 
M/I Homes, Inc.(a)   7,600    181,868 
PulteGroup, Inc.   9,600    237,792 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   9,500    313,785 
TopBuild Corp.(a)   2,000    113,640 
William Lyon Homes, Class A(a)   13,401    212,942 
         2,782,231 
Homefurnishing Retail (4.37%)          
Aaron’s, Inc.   17,700    963,942 
At Home Group, Inc.(a)   3,000    94,590 
         1,058,532 
   Shares or
Principal
Amount
   Value 
Household Appliances (1.93%)          
Whirlpool Corp.   3,947   $468,706 
           
Integrated Telecommunication Services (4.10%)          
AT&T, Inc.   29,621    994,673 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (3.27%)          
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   400    793,600 
           
Movies & Entertainment (9.53%)(b)          
Viacom, Inc., Class B   11,300    381,488 
Walt Disney Co.   16,500    1,929,510 
         2,310,998 
Restaurants (8.21%)          
Dine Brands Global, Inc.(c)   7,800    634,218 
McDonald’s Corp.   8,100    1,355,049 
         1,989,267 
Specialized Consumer Services (2.58%)          
Weight Watchers International, Inc.(a)(c)   8,700    626,313 
           
Specialty Stores (4.03%)          
Party City Holdco, Inc.(a)(c)   36,601    495,944 
Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)   1,700    479,604 
         975,548 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $22,557,452)        22,908,673 
           
Collateral for Securities on Loan (2.08%)          
State Street Navigator Securities          
Lending Government Money          
Market Portfolio,          
7-Day Yield 2.19%   503,264    503,264 
           
Total Collateral for Securities on Loan          
(Cost $503,264)        503,264 
           
Total Investments (96.55%)          
(Cost $23,060,716)       $23,411,937 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (3.45%)        837,518 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $24,249,455 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.


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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 5

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

(b)Effective at the close of business on September 28, 2018 the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”) Telecommunications Services Sector was broadened and renamed the Communications Services Sector. As a result of this change, the following Sub-Industries were moved from the Consumer Discretionary Sector into the new Communications Services Sector: Advertising, Broadcasting, Cable & Satellite, Movies & Entertainment, Publishing, and Interactive Media & Services.

(c)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
6

www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Schedule of Investments
  September 30, 2018

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)

      
Consumer Discretionary   65.10%
Communication Services(b)   29.37%
    94.47%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)

      
Homebuilding   11.47%
Movies & Entertainment   9.53%
Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods   9.16%
Restaurants   8.21%
Broadcasting   8.04%
Cable & Satellite   7.70%
Apparel Retail   7.41%
Home Improvement Retail   5.99%
Homefurnishing Retail   4.37%
Integrated Telecommunication Services   4.10%
Specialty Stores   4.03%
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail   3.27%
Specialized Consumer Services   2.58%
General Merchandise Stores   2.13%
Household Appliances   1.93%
Home Furnishings   1.88%
Automotive Retail   1.60%
Insurance Brokers   1.07%
    94.47%

 

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

 

(b)Effective at the close of business on September 28, 2018 the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”) Telecommunications Services Sector was broadened and renamed the Communications Services Sector. As a result of this change, the following Sub-Industries were moved from the Consumer Discretionary Sector into the new Communications Services Sector: Advertising, Broadcasting, Cable & Satellite, Movies & Entertainment, Publishing, and Interactive Media & Services.

 



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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 7

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund Management Overview

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Consumer Staples Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 0.50% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Consumer Staples Index, returned 3.21%, and the S&P Composite 1500 Index returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.In fiscal year 2018 the Fund was impacted by many of the same factors that affected Fund performance in fiscal year 2017 – with much the same result. The Consumer Staples sector underperformed the overall U.S. equity market by a wide margin. Commonly viewed as a defensive, recession-proof, lower growth, and higher dividend paying “bond proxy” sector by investors, the Consumer Staples sector found itself out of favor during this period. As economic and corporate earnings growth accelerated in the United States, so did interest rates, which reduced the appeal for Consumer Staples stocks. Investors favored higher growth companies in the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Health Care sectors over the typically more recession-proof alternative as the bull market continued. During fiscal year 2018, economic growth accelerated, unemployment fell to 20 year lows, and inflation remained subdued by historical standards. These factors could remain tailwinds for the U.S. consumer and should benefit companies and industries in this sector of the economy.

 

A common factor that was evident throughout the year was the persistent underperformance of stocks that looked most attractive to our valuation system. Over the year, the stocks our methodology suggested were the greatest bargains performed the worst, and, conversely, the stocks our system regarded as most overpriced performed the best. With value as our guide and core strategy, we were naturally positioned in those industries and stocks that we thought represented the best bargains, but this strategy underperformed during fiscal year 2018. This can happen periodically, but we do not believe it will persist indefinitely.

 

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

A.Packaged foods & meats was the greatest contributor to the Fund’s performance on an industry level during fiscal year 2018. The Fund was able to outperform the benchmark in this industry with overweight positions in strong performing Post Holdings and Pinnacle Foods. The food distributors industry was another positive contributor as Sysco and US Foods were standout performers that contributed positively to the Fund.

 

The hypermarkets & supercenters industry was the Fund’s largest detractor, as the Fund was underweight this strong performing industry due to low valuation readings in our system. Additionally, Newell Brands, a housewares & specialties company, was another large detractor, as the company failed to recover from its prior year’s poor performance and we ultimately sold our position. Finally, the household products industry detracted from relative performance as Central Garden & Pet Company suffered losses.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for the Consumer Staples sector?

A.At the close of the fiscal year, our model indicates the Consumer Staples sector has an overall value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.03. In other words, we believe the fair value for stocks in the Consumer Staples sector as a whole is approximately 3% higher than where the securities are now trading. We currently see bargains in the food distributors, brewers, soft drinks, and tobacco industries. As always, we look to value as our primary guide and will adjust our positioning as market conditions dictate.

 

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

8 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund Management Overview

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

  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 0.50% 8.05% 9.08% 8.19% 1.70% 1.50%
ICON Consumer Staples Fund -Class A 9/30/10 0.17% 7.76% N/A 9.89% 1.97% 1.75%
ICON Consumer Staples Fund - Class A
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)
9/30/10 -5.57% 6.49% N/A 9.09% 1.97% 1.75%
S&P 1500 Consumer Staples Index   3.21% 9.29% 10.24% 7.93% N/A N/A
S&P Composite 1500 Index   17.69% 13.77% 12.04% 8.42% 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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

(LINE GRAPH) 

 

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.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 9

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (95.69%)          
Agricultural Products (2.00%)          
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.   2,794   $140,454 
           
Brewers (3.00%)          
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, Sponsored ADR(a)   2,400    210,168 
           
Distillers & Vintners (3.74%)          
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A   1,215    261,978 
           
Food Distributors (6.39%)          
Performance Food Group Co.(b)   5,799    193,107 
Sysco Corp.   1,100    80,575 
U.S. Foods Holding Corp.(b)   4,400    135,608 
United Natural Foods, Inc.(b)   1,300    38,935 
         448,225 
Household Products (16.97%)          
Central Garden & Pet Co., Class A (b)   4,300    142,502 
Colgate-Palmolive Co.   7,200    482,040 
Procter & Gamble Co.   6,800    565,964 
         1,190,506 
Hypermarkets & Super Centers (6.65%)          
Walmart, Inc.   4,964    466,169 
           
Managed Health Care (2.97%)          
Cigna Corp.   1,000    208,250 
           
Packaged Foods & Meats (15.61%)          
Conagra Brands, Inc.   9,538    324,006 
Kellogg Co.   2,100    147,042 
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.   2,179    145,122 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   9,900    425,304 
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A   900    53,577 
         1,095,051 
Pharmaceuticals (6.50%)          
Johnson & Johnson   3,300    455,961 
           
Soft Drinks (16.45%)          
Coca-Cola Co.   10,200    471,138 
PepsiCo, Inc.   6,100    681,980 
         1,153,118 
Tobacco (15.41%)          
Altria Group, Inc.   9,000    542,790 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   6,600    538,164 
         1,080,954 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $6,738,281)        6,710,834 
   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Collateral for Securities on Loan (1.16%)          
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 7-Day Yield 2.19%   81,000   $81,000 
           
Total Collateral for Securities on Loan          
(Cost $81,000)        81,000 
           
Total Investments (96.85%)           
(Cost $6,819,281)       $6,791,834 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (3.15%)        221,008 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $7,012,842 

 

(a)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

(b)Non-income producing security.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

     
Sector Composition (September 30, 2018) 
      
Consumer Staples   86.22%
Health Care   9.47%
    95.69%

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

     
Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)
      
Household Products   16.97%
Soft Drinks   16.45%
Packaged Foods & Meats   15.61%
Tobacco   15.41%
Hypermarkets & Super Centers   6.65%
Pharmaceuticals   6.50%
Food Distributors   6.39%
Distillers & Vintners   3.74%
Brewers   3.00%
Managed Health Care   2.97%
Agricultural Products   2.00%
    95.69%
      

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



 

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

10 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Energy Fund Management Overview

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, the ICON Energy Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 4.99%, underperforming its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P 1500 Energy Index, which returned 14.87%. The Fund also lagged the broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, 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 underperformed relative to the broad market despite strong oil pricing during fiscal year 2018. Over the course of fiscal year 2018, 1 month oil futures contracts measured by West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, gained 41.8% to close at $73.25 per barrel. Increasing geopolitical concerns, production outage and U.S. production bottlenecks broke the $45 to $55 per barrel narrative that dominated oil pricing for most of 2017. While this price increase proved advantageous for most oil & gas exploration & production companies, it did little to impact the Fund’s oil & gas equipment & services and oil & gas drilling holdings, as more oil was produced domestically with fewer wells. The ICON system saw value in the oil & gas exploration & production industry, while recognizing overpricing in both oil & gas equipment & services and oil & gas drilling. Although our methodology steered us to the right industries, and the Fund was weighted accordingly at the start of the fiscal year, the Fund’s stock selection failed to capitalize on this strong performance. Flat pricing in natural gas likewise contributed to headwinds experienced by both the sector and the Fund.

 

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

A.As previously indicated the Fund’s performance was hindered by its positions in the oil & gas exploration & production industry. Oil & gas exploration & production holdings within the S&P 1500 were up over 26% during the fiscal year, while the Fund’s industry positions remained flat. Our methodology saw value in certain oil & gas exploration and production securities that ultimately underperformed securities we believed were overvalued. In fact, the most expensive oil & gas exploration & production securities (the bottom 20% ranked according to ICON’s value-to-price (V/P) ratio) returned approximately 57% while the securities with the best value and ranked in the highest 20% of companies by V/P returned less than 7%. By way of example, the Fund’s position in Cimarex Energy Co. (XEC), which had a V/P of 1.26 at the start of the fiscal year and comprised about 4% of the Energy Fund over the year, was one of the single largest detractors to the Fund, falling about 18% during the fiscal year.

 

The Fund benefitted from its overweight position in the oil & gas refining & marketing industry. While the industry made up 10.5% of the S&P 1500 Energy index, and returned 44.6%, the industry accounted for over 12% of the Fund’s holdings, returning over 50% and helped offset some of the losses from the Fund’s other holdings.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for the Energy sector?

A.At the end of the fiscal year, ICON’s V/P ratio for the Energy sector was 0.96, while our V/P for the overall market was 1.02. Notwithstanding these numbers, we still see opportunities at the industry level. Oil & gas refining & marketing, for example, has a V/P close to 1.18 while oil & gas exploration & production has a 1.10 V/P. Heading into fiscal year 2019, the ICON Energy Fund is overweight both industries. As always, and guided by value, we will continue to look for opportunities in the Energy sector.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 11

 

 

 

 

ICON Energy Fund Management Overview

September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

  Inception Date 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Since Inception Gross Expense Ratio* Net Expense Ratio*
ICON Energy Fund - Class S 11/5/97 4.99% -4.93% 0.88% 7.86% 1.41% 1.41%
ICON Energy Fund - Class C 9/30/10 3.87% -5.93% N/A 0.27% 2.47% 2.47%
ICON Energy Fund - Class A 9/30/10 4.71% -5.20% N/A 1.04% 1.72% 1.72%
ICON Energy Fund - Class A
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)
9/30/10 -1.32% -6.32% N/A 0.30% 1.72% 1.72%
S&P 1500 Energy Index   14.87% 0.63% 3.60% 7.40% N/A N/A
S&P Composite 1500 Index   17.69% 13.77% 12.04% 7.84% 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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

(LINE GRAPH) 

 

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.

 

12 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Energy Fund Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (97.23%)          
Integrated Oil & Gas (32.01%)          
Chevron Corp.   139,100   $17,009,148 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   370,200    31,474,404 
TOTAL SA, Sponsored ADR   146,700    9,446,013 
         57,929,565 
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services (1.46%)          
ProPetro Holding Corp.(a)(b)   160,700    2,649,943 
           
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (48.80%)          
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.   186,400    4,197,728 
Callon Petroleum Co.(a)   279,300    3,348,807 
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.(a)   190,300    4,795,560 
Centennial Resource Development, Inc., Class A(a)(b)   208,500    4,555,725 
Cimarex Energy Co.   41,700    3,875,598 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(b)   106,550    14,404,494 
Energen Corp.(a)   51,400    4,429,138 
EOG Resources, Inc.   93,200    11,889,524 
Gulfport Energy Corp.(a)   319,900    3,330,159 
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.(a)   533,150    4,355,836 
Matador Resources Co.(a)   75,600    2,498,580 
Newfield Exploration Co.(a)   259,900    7,492,917 
Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A(a)   287,200    8,400,600 
Penn Virginia Corp.(a)   29,000    2,335,660 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   26,100    4,546,359 
WildHorse Resource Development Corp.(a)   163,600    3,867,504 
         88,324,189 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (14.96%)          
HollyFrontier Corp.   29,700    2,076,030 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   113,100    9,044,607 
Phillips 66   75,200    8,476,544 
Valero Energy Corp.   65,800    7,484,750 
         27,081,931 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $158,320,169)        175,985,628 

 

 

Underlying Security/Expiration Date/Exercise Price/ Notional Amount  Contracts   Value 
Purchased Call Options (0.06%)          
SRC Energy, Inc.          
03/15/19, 10, $711,200   800    100,000 
           
Total Purchased Call Options          
(Cost $91,033)        100,000 
   Value 
Total Investments (97.29%)      
(Cost $158,411,202)  $176,085,628 
      
Other Assets Less Liabilities (2.71%)   4,909,442 
      
Net Assets (100.00%)  $180,995,070 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)
      
Energy   97.23%
    97.23%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   48.80%
Integrated Oil & Gas   32.01%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   14.96%
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services   1.46%
    97.23%

 

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



 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 (Unaudited) 13

 

 

 

 

ICON Financial Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Financial Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 10.48% for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, outperforming its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P 1500 Financial Index, which returned 8.68%. The Fund underperformed its broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.The 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provided a stimulus for the Financials sector in general and banking stocks in particular during the fiscal year. Even before the most sweeping tax reform in the last 30 years went into effect, banks rallied. Between November 27, 2017 and December 4, 2017, for example, the KBW Nasdaq Bank Index, which tracks the performance of leading publicly traded domestic banks and thrifts, gained 8.24% in anticipation of the reform’s positive impact. Tax reform’s positive effect was reaffirmed as banks reported their 2018 quarterly earnings per share. However, these gains were offset by a flattening yield curve over the course of the fiscal year, suggesting investors were worried about the long term economic outlook. While the 30 year U.S. Treasury yield rose from 2.86% to 3.21%, the yield curve flattened as 1 year rates rose more aggressively from 1.29% to 2.57%. By September 30, 2018, the 1- to 30-year treasury spread constricted from .97% to .64%, negatively impacting the margin spread and adversely affecting bank profitability.

 

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

A.The Fund benefitted from its holdings in the insurance brokers industry. Over the course of the fiscal year, Health Insurance Innovations, Inc. (HIIQ), a provider of web-based health insurance, returned approximately 188.4% within the Fund. Health Insurance Innovations reported strong earnings, benefitting from sales of Obamacare-exempt short-term health insurance coverage. This position was the single largest positive contributor to the Fund’s performance. Additional gains came from the Fund’s holdings in the property & casualty insurance industry. While the Fund was underweight this industry (it comprised just 3.7% of the Fund versus 6.4% of the S&P 1500 Financial Index), the Fund’s holdings in this industry returned 56.8%. By comparison, the property & casualty insurance industry holdings in the S&P 1500 Financials Index returned only 13.9%.

 

The biggest detractor to Fund performance relative to the benchmark was the Fund’s lack of exposure to the multi-sector holdings industry. Although, the S&P 1500 Multi Sector Holdings Index gained almost 16.2% over the course of fiscal year 2018, we believed the industry was overvalued, avoided the securities that are part of that industry and did not participate in the rally.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for the Financials sector?

A.As of September 30, 2018, the Financials sector has a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.19 under the ICON system, suggesting considerable upside potential. By contrast, we calculate an overall market V/P of 1.02. We see several bargains at the industry level. As we enter fiscal year 2019, for example, we are overweight the life & health insurance industry, which has a V/P of 1.29. As always, and guided by value, we will continue to look for opportunities in the Financials sector.

 

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

 

 

14 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Financial Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

   Inception Date  1 Year  5 Years  10 Years  Since Inception  Gross Expense Ratio*  Net Expense Ratio*
ICON Financial Fund - Class S  7/1/97   10.48%   8.87%   3.83%   4.80%   1.40%   1.40%
ICON Financial Fund - Class A  9/30/10   10.04%   8.58%   N/A    9.33%   2.05%   1.75%
ICON Financial Fund - Class A                                 
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)  9/30/10   3.81%   7.30%   N/A    8.52%   2.05%   1.75%
S&P 1500 Financials Index      8.68%   13.57%   7.80%   5.70%   N/A    N/A 
S&P Composite 1500 Index      17.69%   13.77%   12.04%   8.07%   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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 15

 

 

 

 

ICON Financial Fund Schedule of Investments

 

  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (99.62%)          
Asset Management & Custody Banks (4.19%)          
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.   5,600   $826,896 
State Street Corp.   12,600    1,055,628 
         1,882,524 
Consumer Finance (10.16%)          
Ally Financial, Inc.   34,100    901,946 
American Express Co.   15,400    1,639,946 
Discover Financial Services   20,498    1,567,072 
Encore Capital Group, Inc.(a)(b)   13,100    469,635 
         4,578,599 
Diversified Banks (35.77%)          
Bank of America Corp.   156,200    4,601,652 
Citigroup, Inc.   46,300    3,321,562 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   43,300    4,885,972 
U.S. Bancorp   38,100    2,012,061 
Wells Fargo & Co.   24,300    1,277,208 
         16,098,455 
Financial Exchanges & Data (2.33%)          
MSCI, Inc.   5,900    1,046,719 
           
Insurance Brokers (0.58%)          
Aon PLC   1,695    260,657 
           
Investment Banking & Brokerage (8.64%)          
BGC Partners, Inc., Class A   42,600    503,532 
Evercore, Inc., Class A   7,700    774,235 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.   5,600    1,255,744 
Morgan Stanley   29,100    1,355,187 
         3,888,698 
Life & Health Insurance (11.09%)          
CNO Financial Group, Inc.   55,200    1,171,344 
Lincoln National Corp.   18,100    1,224,646 
MetLife, Inc.   14,400    672,768 
Principal Financial Group, Inc.   11,453    671,031 
Prudential Financial, Inc.   12,400    1,256,368 
         4,996,157 
Multi-line Insurance (2.10%)          
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.   18,900    944,244 
           
Other Diversified Financial Services (2.55%)          
Voya Financial, Inc.   23,100    1,147,377 
           
Property & Casualty Insurance (2.85%)          
Arch Capital Group, Ltd.(a)   43,100    1,284,811 
           
Regional Banks (13.76%)          
Bank OZK   17,500    664,300 
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.   10,800    416,556 
East West Bancorp, Inc.   6,800    410,516 
Fifth Third Bancorp   40,000    1,116,800 
KeyCorp   57,100    1,135,719 
Synovus Financial Corp.   23,100    1,057,749 

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Regional Banks (continued)          
Webster Financial Corp.   23,600   $1,391,456 
         6,193,096 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance (5.60%)          
Axos Financial, Inc.(a)   13,400    460,826 
Essent Group, Ltd.(a)   22,700    1,004,475 
Radian Group, Inc.   51,100    1,056,237 
         2,521,538 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $37,014,894)        44,842,875 
           
Total Investments (99.62%)          
(Cost $37,014,894)       $44,842,875 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (0.38%)        169,141 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $45,012,016 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
Financials   99.62%
    99.62%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
Diversified Banks   35.77%
Regional Banks   13.76%
Life & Health Insurance   11.09%
Consumer Finance   10.16%
Investment Banking & Brokerage   8.64%
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance   5.60%
Asset Management & Custody Banks   4.19%
Property & Casualty Insurance   2.85%
Other Diversified Financial Services   2.55%
Financial Exchanges & Data   2.33%
Multi-line Insurance   2.10%
Insurance Brokers   0.58%
    99.62%

 

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



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

 

 

16 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Healthcare Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Healthcare Fund Class S (the Fund) returned 19.84% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, roughly in line with its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P 1500 Health Care Index, which returned 19.95%, and outperforming its broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018 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 equity market began the past fiscal year with the continuation of upward momentum on strong economic growth and tax reform legislation. After a sharp drop in early February due to threats of a U.S. government shutdown and rising international trade tensions, the broad market continued its upward appreciation, ending the fiscal year at near all-time highs. The Federal Reserve continued its slow path of normalizing monetary policy by raising interest rates, yet a growing global economy and healthy corporate earnings growth ultimately drove the stock market higher. The Health Care sector seemed to break free from much of the uncertainty looming over it from the previous year’s shift in the political landscape, and ended the fiscal year as one of three sectors to outperform the broad index. The Fund’s holdings in the managed health care industry were a strong contributor to performance, as health insurers were among the performance leaders after the failed legislative attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, a rally in pharmaceutical stocks was a positive boost to the Fund. Pharmaceuticals rallied after concerns over stricter drug price regulation failed to materialize. A continuation of a strong wave of M&A activity, in part attributed to strong financial earnings reports and private equity interest, was reflective of a year of high investor sentiment and forecasted future growth within the Health Care sector.

 

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

A.Managed health care and health care services were the greatest contributors to the Fund’s performance relative to the benchmark during the fiscal year, as performance was buoyed by individual stock selection within the industries. For the second year in a row, BioTelemetry, Inc., a health care services company fueled by strong earnings growth, contributed most to the Fund’s outperformance. Additionally, the Fund’s lack of exposure to the health care distributors industry positively impacted the Fund’s relative performance, as the industry was one of only two industries within the Health Care sector to finish with negative returns for the fiscal year.

 

Biotechnology was the other Health Care industry to finish fiscal year 2018 with negative returns. The Fund held an overweight position in this industry and its biotechnology holdings proved to be the largest detractor to the Fund’s relative performance. Specifically, Celgene Corp. and Alexion Pharmaceuticals both produced significant negative returns after reports of failed drug trials and disappointing earnings growth, respectively.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for the Health Care sector?

A.After positive returns for most of the past fiscal year, the Health Care sector has an overall average value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.00 according to our valuation methodology. This indicates that the average stock within the sector is trading at fair value under our system, but the sector has not yet become overpriced. Within the sector, however, we still see several industries with V/P’s above 1.00. As always, we look to value as our primary guide and will adjust our positioning as market conditions dictate. Going forward into the new fiscal year, we see value in the pharmaceuticals and managed health care industries, and the Fund is positioned with strong weights in both. Healthy balance sheets and future growth forecasts indicate the potential for significant M&A activity and for valuations within the sector to strengthen as prices rise to meet value.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 17

 

 

 

 

ICON Healthcare Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

   Inception Date  1 Year  5 Years  10 Years  Since Inception  Gross Expense Ratio*  Net Expense  Ratio*
ICON Healthcare Fund - Class S  2/24/97   19.84%   14.77%   13.02%   10.95%   1.41%   1.41%
ICON Healthcare Fund - Class A  9/30/10   19.43%   14.39%   N/A    16.72%   1.86%   1.75%
ICON Healthcare Fund - Class A                                 
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)  9/30/10   12.59%   13.04%   N/A    15.86%   1.86%   1.75%
S&P 1500 Health Care Index      19.95%   15.89%   14.66%   10.14%   N/A    N/A 
S&P Composite 1500 Index      17.69%   13.77%   12.04%   8.43%   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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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.

 

 

18 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Healthcare Fund Schedule of Investments

 

  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (99.80%)          
Biotechnology (13.19%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   21,600   $2,042,928 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   36,400    5,059,964 
Celgene Corp.(a)   27,600    2,469,924 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   3,000    1,212,120 
         10,784,936 
Health Care Equipment (11.98%)          
Abbott Laboratories   54,374    3,988,877 
Becton Dickinson and Co.   10,300    2,688,300 
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)   13,000    2,263,300 
Teleflex, Inc.   3,200    851,488 
         9,791,965 
Health Care Services (5.94%)          
DaVita, Inc.(a)   19,700    1,411,111 
MEDNAX, Inc.(a)   33,600    1,567,776 
Premier, Inc., Class A(a)   41,132    1,883,023 
         4,861,910 
Health Care Supplies (4.49%)          
Cooper Cos., Inc.   7,800    2,161,770 
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.   40,200    1,517,148 
         3,678,918 
Health Care Technology (2.44%)          
athenahealth, Inc.(a)   9,400    1,255,840 
Medidata Solutions, Inc.(a)   10,000    733,100 
         1,988,940 
Life Sciences Tools & Services (10.61%)          
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)   17,238    2,236,458 
PRA Health Sciences, Inc.(a)   28,800    3,173,472 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   13,400    3,270,672 
         8,680,602 
Managed Health Care (24.71%)          
Anthem, Inc.   9,100    2,493,855 
Centene Corp.(a)   22,411    3,244,665 
Cigna Corp.   16,278    3,389,893 
Humana, Inc.   6,000    2,031,120 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   23,300    6,198,732 
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.(a)   8,901    2,852,681 
         20,210,946 
Pharmaceuticals (26.44%)          
Allergan PLC   4,200    800,016 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   15,700    974,656 
Eli Lilly & Co.   42,100    4,517,751 
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)   19,962    3,356,211 
Merck & Co., Inc.   74,800    5,306,312 
Mylan NV(a)   14,000    512,400 
Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.(a)(b)   77,200    2,925,108 
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   64,200    3,232,470 
         21,624,924 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $67,073,529)        81,623,141 

 

 

 

 

    
   Value 
Total Investments (99.80%)     
(Cost $67,073,529)  $81,623,141 
      
Other Assets Less Liabilities (0.20%)   165,865 
      
Net Assets (100.00%)  $81,789,006 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
Health Care   99.80%
    99.80%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
Pharmaceuticals   26.44%
Managed Health Care   24.71%
Biotechnology   13.19%
Health Care Equipment   11.98%
Life Sciences Tools & Services   10.61%
Health Care Services   5.94%
Health Care Supplies   4.49%
Health Care Technology   2.44%
    99.80%

 

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



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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 19

 

 

 

 

ICON Industrials Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Industrials Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 3.54% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P 1500 Industrials Index, returned 11.98% and the S&P Composite 1500 Index returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.The Industrials sector had a strong fiscal first quarter on the prospect that tax reform would be beneficial to United States corporate earnings. During this period, the Fund underperformed the index largely due to the Fund’s stock selection within the airline industry, which was one of the top industry performers for the quarter. As prices peaked in late January 2018 and credit markets suggested a heightened level of risk, we witnessed a tug-of-war between tax cut optimism and potential trade war headwinds. Over the next several months, investors sought cover within the railroads and aerospace and defense industries. The Fund was overweight the railroad industry and therefore participated in its appreciation. Unfortunately, the ICON system saw little value in the aerospace and defense industry, and our lack of exposure to this industry, coupled with allocations to other underperforming industries, led to the Fund’s underperforming its benchmark. The final quarter of the fiscal year was strong for the sector as performance broadened to include construction machinery and heavy trucks, railroads and air freight & logistics. The Fund was overweight each of these industries, which allowed us to outperform the sector-specific benchmark in the last quarter of fiscal year 2018.

 

Over this 12-month period, we saw a disconnect between our methodology and performance. That is, the stocks our system suggested were the best bargains performed the worst, while the stocks our system indicated were overvalued performed the best. With value as our guide and core strategy, we were naturally positioned in those industries and stocks that presented us with what we thought were the best bargains, but our strategy underperformed. This can happen periodically, but we do not believe it will persist indefinitely.

 

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

A.Three positive contributions to Fund performance during fiscal year 2018 included an underweight position in the industrial conglomerates industry, an overweight position within paper products (an industry which is not part of the Industrials sector), and an underweight position in construction and engineering.

 

On the other hand, Fund performance was adversely impacted by an overweight position in building products, an overweight position in commercial printing and an underweight position in aerospace and defense.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for Industrials?

A.At the end of fiscal year 2018, the average value to price (V/P) ratio with the Industrials sector was 1.05, implying stocks within the sector were trading 5% below ICON’s estimate of their intrinsic value. Our primary focus within the Fund revolves around the transportation industries. More specifically, we are concentrated within the construction machinery & heavy trucks as well as the railroads segments of the market, which, at fiscal year-end, were trading at 9% and 13% below our estimate of their intrinsic value, respectively. Both industries have exhibited strong earnings optimism and credit has been stable within the group.

 

To augment our industrials exposure, we have deployed capital to higher V/P industries within the Energy and Materials sectors. Our Energy focus is in the U.S. exploration and production segment of the market. We see value in the exploration and production industry based on earnings optimism and good corporate credit. We also see good value in the Materials sector, and the Fund holds a position in the diversified chemical and commodity chemical industries. As always, we look to value as our primary guide and will adjust our positioning as market conditions dictate.

 

 

20 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Industrials Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

   Inception Date  1 Year  5 Years  10 Years  Since Inception  Gross Expense Ratio*  Net Expense Ratio*
ICON Industrials Fund - Class S  5/9/97   3.54%   8.12%   7.35%   5.79%   1.69%   1.51%
ICON Industrials Fund - Class A  9/30/10   3.25%   7.88%   N/A    9.64%   2.06%   1.76%
ICON Industrials Fund - Class A                                 
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)  9/30/10   -2.68%   6.61%   N/A    8.82%   2.06%   1.76%
S&P 1500 Industrials Index      11.98%   12.89%   12.03%   8.70%   N/A    N/A 
S&P Composite 1500 Index      17.69%   13.77%   12.04%   8.42%   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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 21

 

 

 

 

ICON Industrials Fund Schedule of Investments

 

  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (99.03%)          
Air Freight & Logistics (13.32%)          
FedEx Corp.   2,700   $650,133 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   9,000    1,050,750 
         1,700,883 
Building Products (6.74%)          
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.(a)   3,000    208,800 
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.   5,900    308,924 
Masco Corp.   9,400    344,040 
         861,764 
Commodity Chemicals (3.44%)          
Cabot Corp.   7,000    439,040 
           
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks (23.12%)          
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   12,000    624,120 
Cummins, Inc.   8,000    1,168,560 
PACCAR, Inc.   17,000    1,159,230 
         2,951,910 
Diversified Chemicals (3.41%)          
Huntsman Corp.   16,000    435,680 
           
Industrial Machinery (6.97%)          
Ingersoll-Rand PLC   6,000    613,800 
Snap-on, Inc.   1,500    275,400 
         889,200 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (8.56%)          
EOG Resources, Inc.   2,500    318,925 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   2,000    348,380 
WildHorse Resource Development Corp.(a)   18,000    425,520 
         1,092,825 
Railroads (22.68%)          
Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd.   3,400    720,596 
CSX Corp.   10,000    740,500 
Kansas City Southern   7,500    849,600 
Union Pacific Corp.   3,600    586,188 
         2,896,884 
Trading Companies & Distributors (6.74%)          
Air Lease Corp.   12,000    550,560 
United Rentals, Inc.(a)   1,900    310,840 
         861,400 
Trucking (4.05%)          
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.(b)   15,000    517,200 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $11,504,617)        12,646,786 

 

  

 

 

Value

 
Total Investments (99.03%)     
(Cost $11,504,617)  $12,646,786 
      
Other Assets Less Liabilities (0.97%)   123,232 
      
Net Assets (100.00%)  $12,770,018 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
Industrials   83.62%
Energy   8.56%
Materials   6.85%
    99.03%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks   23.12%
Railroads   22.68%
Air Freight & Logistics   13.32%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   8.56%
Industrial Machinery   6.97%
Trading Companies & Distributors   6.74%
Building Products   6.74%
Trucking   4.05%
Commodity Chemicals   3.44%
Diversified Chemicals   3.41%
    99.03%

 

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

 



 

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

 

22 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Information Technology Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Information Technology Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 11.82% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, lagging its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P 1500 Information Technology Index, which returned 30.40%. The broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.As fiscal year 2018 began, the Information Technology sector had a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.09 under the ICON system, meaning we believed the sector’s fair value was approximately 9% higher than where prices were generally trading. As illustrated above, the sector outperformed even our upside expectations. With corporate cash levels near record highs, Bloomberg reported that company IT spending was strong over the course of the year. This spending, which included everything from data-center infrastructure, storage, and system networking, helped support the sector gains. However, an oversupply of memory components and modules led to lower memory pricing, resulting in negative earnings for some semiconductor and semiconductor equipment companies.

 

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

A.Stock selection was the biggest detractor from the Fund’s relative performance to the S&P 1500 Information Technology Index. Breaking down the sector performance by V/P quintile, there was a material variance between the companies ICON designated with the lowest V/P and those assigned the highest V/P. Companies ICON ranked in the top 20% by V/P returned approximately 23% while those in the lowest 20% gained over 42% during the year.

 

The Fund’s semiconductor equipment industry holdings dragged on performance. The Fund was overweight the semiconductor equipment industry, maintaining a 10% position compared to a 2% weighting in the S&P 1500 Information Technology Index. Stock selection within the semiconductor equipment industry likewise contributed to the Fund’s underperformance relative to its benchmark. The Fund’s holding in this industry lost close to 29.5% while the benchmark lost around 15.5%. The underperformance in this industry explains roughly 25% of the Fund’s underperformance relative to the benchmark.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for the Information Technology sector?

A.The end of 2018 marks some profound changes for the stock classifications in the Information Technology sector. With the start of the 2019 fiscal year, the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) that ICON uses to match companies to their industries and sectors, has created a new sector: the Communication Services sector. Several companies that were part of the Information Technology sector during the 2018 fiscal year (including companies responsible for the sector’s explosive growth – Netflix, Google and Facebook) have been reclassified and will be part of this new sector going forward. These companies were overvalued under our system and the Fund suffered for its lack of exposure to these and other companies in the internet software & services and home entertainment software industries.

 

We are excited by the GICS changes and, as fiscal year 2018 comes to an end, we see value in discreet industries within the Information Technology sector. We continue to believe semiconductor and semiconductor equipment industries are undervalued and remain overweight those two industries relative to the benchmark. Guided by value, we will continue to look for opportunities in the Information Technology sector.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 23

 

 

 

ICON Information Technology Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

   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   11.82%   17.84%   12.77%   9.79%   1.42%   1.42%
ICON Information Technology Fund - Class A  9/30/10   11.43%   17.44%   N/A    15.36%   2.01%   1.75%
ICON Information Technology Fund - Class A                                 
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)  9/30/10   5.03%   16.05%   N/A    14.51%   2.01%   1.75%
S&P 1500 Information Technology Index      30.40%   21.80%   16.91%   9.72%   N/A    N/A 
NASDAQ Composite Index      24.70%   16.52%   14.50%   8.59%   N/A    N/A 
S&P Composite 1500 Index      17.69%   13.77%   12.04%   8.41%   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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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.

 

 

24 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Information Technology Fund Schedule of Investments

 

  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (97.04%)          
Application Software (4.41%)          
CDK Global, Inc.   31,800   $1,989,408 
LogMeIn, Inc.   9,100    810,810 
         2,800,218 
Data Processing & Outsourced Services (16.78%)          
Alliance Data Systems Corp.   8,300    1,960,128 
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.(a)   19,300    1,934,246 
Global Payments, Inc.   12,000    1,528,800 
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   7,400    1,647,314 
Visa, Inc., Class A   23,980    3,599,158 
         10,669,646 
Electronic Equipment & Instruments (2.10%)          
Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.(a)   76,600    1,336,670 
           
Electronic Manufacturing Services (2.83%)          
Methode Electronics, Inc.   49,700    1,799,140 
           
Financial Exchanges & Data (1.81%)          
MSCI, Inc.   6,500    1,153,165 
           
Integrated Telecommunication Services (2.78%)(b)          
AT&T, Inc.   52,600    1,766,308 
           
Interactive Home Entertainment (4.66%)(b)          
Activision Blizzard, Inc.   12,900    1,073,151 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)   13,700    1,890,463 
         2,963,614 
Interactive Media & Services (7.26%)(b)          
Facebook, Inc., Class A(a)   22,200    3,651,012 
Momo, Inc., Sponsored ADR(a)   22,100    967,980 
         4,618,992 
IT Consulting & Other Services (7.40%)          
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.   18,000    893,340 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   25,200    1,944,180 
DXC Technology Co.   19,900    1,861,048 
         4,698,568 
Semiconductor Equipment (4.69%)          
Applied Materials, Inc.   19,200    742,080 
Lam Research Corp.   4,800    728,160 
MKS Instruments, Inc.   10,900    873,635 
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.(a)   26,000    635,700 
         2,979,575 
Semiconductors (13.51%)          
Diodes, Inc.(a)   36,000    1,198,440 
Intel Corp.   61,700    2,917,793 
Micron Technology, Inc.(a)   22,200    1,004,106 
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   6,500    815,945 
NXP Semiconductors NV   11,400    974,700 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   18,500    1,678,135 
         8,589,119 

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Systems Software (1.11%)          
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   3,600   $704,268 
           
Technology Distributors (7.72%)          
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)   12,800    943,616 
CDW Corp.   30,800    2,738,736 
ScanSource, Inc.(a)   30,700    1,224,930 
         4,907,282 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (17.94%)          
Apple, Inc.   44,900    10,135,726 
Super Micro Computer, Inc.(a)   61,800    1,273,698 
         11,409,424 
Wireless Telecommunication Services (2.04%)          
T-Mobile U.S., Inc.(a)   18,500    1,298,330 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $50,037,295)        61,694,319 
           
Total Investments (97.04%)          
(Cost $50,037,295)       $61,694,319 
           
Other Assets Less Liabilities (2.96%)        1,880,233 
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $63,574,552 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)Effective at the close of business on September 28, 2018 the Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”) Telecommunications Services Sector was broadened and renamed the Communications Services Sector. As a result of this change, the following Sub-Industries were moved from the Information Technology Sector into the new Communications Services Sector: Alternative Carriers, Integrated Telecommunication Services, Interactive Home Entertainment, and Interactive Media & Services. Internet & Direct Marketing Retail was also moved from the Information Technology Sector into the Consumer Discretionary Sector as a result of this change.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)    
      
Information Technology   78.49%
Communication Services(b)   16.74%
Financials   1.81%
    97.04%

 

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



 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 25

 

 

 

 

ICON Information Technology Fund Schedule of Investments

 

  September 30, 2018

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals   17.94%
Data Processing & Outsourced Services   16.78%
Semiconductors   13.51%
Technology Distributors   7.72%
IT Consulting & Other Services   7.40%
Interactive Media & Services   7.26%
Semiconductor Equipment   4.69%
Interactive Home Entertainment   4.66%
Application Software   4.41%
Electronic Manufacturing Services   2.83%
Integrated Telecommunication Services   2.78%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments   2.10%
Wireless Telecommunication Services   2.04%
Financial Exchanges & Data   1.81%
Systems Software   1.11%
    97.04%

 

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

 



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

 

26 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Natural Resources Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Natural Resources Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 8.68% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, while its benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500, returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.During fiscal year 2018, the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary and Healthcare sectors led the S&P 1500. By design, the Natural Resources Fund does not favor these sectors, focusing more on Energy and Materials, which helps explain some of the underperformance relative to the benchmark. Energy was the 4th best performing sector within the S&P 1500 while the Materials sector was the 3rd worst performer. Our allocation in the Natural Resource Fund was highly skewed to the Energy sector this year with an emphasis on global diversification. In fiscal year 2017, the Fund was tilted towards the Materials sector, which is where we saw the most value. As fiscal year 2018 began, we saw less value and more risk in the Materials sector. On the other hand, the Energy sector looked promising to us, buoyed by higher commodity prices and effective cost controls. In addition, the credit market for the Energy sector looked much stronger than the market in the Materials sector. Consequently, we transitioned in late January from Materials to a larger position in Energy, a move which benefitted Fund performance.

 

While adding to its Energy holdings, the Fund’s increased exposure to emerging market companies contributed positively to performance. Over the last nine years, Energy companies within emerging markets have generally underperformed the asset class, but in fiscal year 2018, we saw value here due to the earnings and credit backdrops. Energy companies in emerging markets outperformed their developed domestic and international market peers, and the Fund participated accordingly.

 

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

A.As noted above, and in broad terms, the Fund benefited by overweighting the Energy sector and underweighting the Materials sector. In addition, the Fund’s Industrials holdings contributed positively to performance. By contrast, our Fund’s Utilities positions detracted from performance.

 

The holdings that contributed positively to Fund performance during fiscal year 2018 included an underweight position in the integrated oil and gas industry, an overweight position in the oil and gas exploration industry and an overweight position in the paper packaging industry. Positions which adversely impacted the Fund over the 12-month period included an underweight position in the specialty chemicals industry, an overweight position in the steel industry and an underweight position in the industrial industry.

 

From a country perspective, the Fund benefited from an overweight position in both Russia and Ireland as well as an underweight position in Canada. Geographic detractors from Fund performance included overweight positions in China and Korea and an underweight position in the U.K.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for Natural Resources?

A.The ICON Natural Resources Fund is global, and we currently see the broadest value within the domestic Materials sector and companies within the emerging markets Energy sector (with specific focus on the integrated oil & gas, exploration & production and refining & marketing industries). Our favored industries within the Energy sector are seeing earnings optimism and credit strength, both of which suggest these industries will hold a leadership position. Regionally, Russia represents the Energy sector’s best bargains within emerging markets under our system. Russian Energy securities have benefited not only from improved earnings, but from an upgrade to Investment Grade status by Standard & Poor’s in February 2018.

 

In addition to our emerging markets Energy allocation, we have core positions within developed international integrated oil and gas securities, as well as domestic exploration and production companies, all of which show value under our system. Guided by our disciplined, systematic and non-emotional approach to investing, we will continue deploying capital toward areas we believe show the most value and opportunity.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 27

 

 

 

 

ICON Natural Resources Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

   Inception Date  1 Year  5 Years  10 Years  Since Inception  Gross Expense Ratio*  Net Expense  Ratio*
ICON Natural Resources Fund - Class S  5/5/97   8.68%   6.37%   7.01%   5.25%   1.53%   1.51%
ICON Natural Resources Fund - Class C  9/30/10   7.63%   5.27%   N/A    7.06%   2.86%   2.51%
ICON Natural Resources Fund - Class A  9/30/10   8.43%   6.08%   N/A    7.86%   1.92%   1.76%
ICON Natural Resources Fund - Class A                                 
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)  9/30/10   2.17%   4.82%   N/A    7.07%   1.92%   1.76%
S&P Composite 1500 Index      17.69%   13.77%   12.04%   8.38%   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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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 name changed effective January 22, 2016 and the investment strategy changed effective August 18, 2016. The Fund’s past performance would have been different if the current strategy had been in effect. 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 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Natural Resources Fund Schedule of Investments

 

  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (98.51%)          
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks (1.45%)          
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   23,000   $1,196,230 
           
Diversified Chemicals (4.50%)          
BASF SE   17,200    1,526,211 
Huntsman Corp.   80,000    2,178,400 
         3,704,611 
Integrated Oil & Gas (28.87%)          
Gazprom PJSC, Sponsored ADR   890,000    4,441,128 
LUKOIL PJSC, Sponsored ADR   60,000    4,586,400 
MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC   240,000    2,585,023 
Rosneft Oil Co. PJSC, GDR   674,000    5,035,962 
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A, Sponsored ADR   59,000    4,020,260 
TOTAL SA, Sponsored ADR   48,000    3,090,720 
         23,759,493 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (28.36%)          
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.(a)   72,000    1,814,400 
CNOOC, Ltd.   1,976,000    3,912,731 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(b)   18,700    2,528,053 
EOG Resources, Inc.   31,000    3,954,670 
Newfield Exploration Co.(a)   50,000    1,441,500 
Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A(a)   75,500    2,208,375 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   22,000    3,832,180 
SRC Energy, Inc.(a)   106,000    942,340 
WildHorse Resource Development Corp.(a)   115,000    2,718,600 
         23,352,849 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing (14.63%)          
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   31,000    2,479,070 
Motor Oil Hellas Corinth Refineries SA   108,000    2,821,353 
Petron Corp.   8,000,000    1,286,693 
Reliance Industries, Ltd., Sponsored GDR(c)   80,000    2,752,716 
Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS   122,000    2,708,836 
         12,048,668 
Paper Packaging (4.97%)          
DS Smith PLC   262,000    1,631,970 
International Paper Co.   50,000    2,457,500 
         4,089,470 
Paper Products (11.56%)          
Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing, Ltd.   3,430,000    3,176,053 
Mondi PLC   150,000    4,106,964 
Nine Dragons Paper Holdings, Ltd.   2,070,000    2,232,104 
         9,515,121 

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Steel (4.17%)        
POSCO, Sponsored ADR   52,000   $3,432,000 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $77,958,745)        81,098,442 
           
Preferred Stocks (1.59%)          
Integrated Oil & Gas (1.59%)          
Petroleo Brasileiro SA   250,000    1,306,162 
           
Total Preferred Stocks          
(Cost $1,310,715)        1,306,162 
           
Total Investments (100.10%)          
(Cost $79,269,460)       $82,404,604 
           
Liabilities Less Other Assets (-0.10%)        (81,480)
           
Net Assets (100.00%)       $82,323,124 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

(c)Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2018, these securities had a total aggregate market value of $2,752,716.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

GDR - Global Depositary Receipt



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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 29

 

 

 

 

ICON Natural Resources Fund Schedule of Investments

 

  September 30, 2018

 

Country Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
United States   33.71%
Russia   17.09%
United Kingdom   6.97%
Hong Kong   6.57%
Netherlands   4.88%
China   4.75%
South Korea   4.17%
France   3.76%
Greece   3.43%
India   3.34%
Turkey   3.29%
Hungary   3.14%
Germany   1.85%
Brazil   1.59%
Philippines   1.56%
    100.10%

 

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

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Energy   73.45%
Materials   25.20%
Industrials   1.45%
    100.10%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Integrated Oil & Gas   30.46%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   28.36%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   14.63%
Paper Products   11.56%
Paper Packaging   4.97%
Diversified Chemicals   4.50%
Steel   4.17%
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks   1.45%
    100.10%

 

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

 



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

 

30 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Utilities Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

A.The ICON Utilities Fund (the Fund) Class S returned 4.17% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, beating its sector-specific benchmark, the S&P 1500 Utilities Index, which returned 3.93%. The broad benchmark, the S&P Composite 1500 Index, returned 17.69%. Total returns for other periods and additional Class shares as of September 30, 2018, appear in the subsequent pages of this Fund’s Management Overview.

 

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

A.According to our valuation methodology, at the end of fiscal year 2017, the Utilities sector had a value-to-price (V/P) ratio of 1.07 while the average V/P for the overall equity market stood at 1.00. As our value estimates suggested it might, the Utilities sector had positive gains, although it lagged the broader market. Changes in fixed income yields explain part of the weakness in this sector. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note increased throughout the year, from 2.33% on September 30, 2017 to 3.06% on September 30, 2018. The relative improvement in treasury yield reduced the demand for utility stocks as a yield alternative to fixed income investments. Additionally, the broader stock market returns were dominated by securities with a low V/P under the ICON system. Consequently, companies with higher V/Ps (which we believed were undervalued), like stocks in the Utilities sector, lagged during the fiscal year.

 

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

A.Over the fiscal year the Fund held an average weight of about 85% in the Utilities sector. The Fund’s holdings within the Utilities sector generally performed in line with the S&P 1500 Utilities Index. The positive contributions to the Fund from its underweight position in the underperforming electric utilities industry were offset by the performance of the Fund’s gas utilities industry holdings.

 

The Fund had an average exposure to stocks outside of the Utilities sector of about 13.5% over the fiscal year. In fact, much of the Fund’s outperformance can be attributed to its holdings outside of the Utilities sector. We believed the oil & gas exploration & production industry was particularly undervalued, for example, and the Fund’s holdings in this industry were among the top contributors to Fund performance.

 

Q.What is your investment outlook for the Utilities sector?

A.As of September 30, 2018, according to our valuation methodology, the Utilities sector had a V/P ratio of 1.05. Given these V/P readings we generally have a positive outlook for the sector and remain optimistic for the year ahead. However, because the Utilities sector is seen by some investors as an alternative to fixed income in a low interest rate environment, an increase in interest rates could make Utilities less attractive to investors, creating a short term headwind for the sector. As always, we look to value as our primary guide and will adjust our positioning as market conditions dictate.

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 31

 

 

 

 

ICON Utilities Fund Management Overview

 

  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Return (as of September 30, 2018)

 

   Inception Date  1 Year  5 Years  10 Years  Since Inception  Gross Expense Ratio*  Net Expense Ratio*
ICON Utilities Fund - Class S  7/9/97   4.17%   10.51%   8.87%   8.33%   1.54%   1.22%
ICON Utilities Fund - Class A  9/30/10   3.97%   10.22%   N/A    10.05%   1.84%   1.47%
ICON Utilities Fund - Class A                                 
(including maximum sales charge of 5.75%)  9/30/10   -2.03%   8.91%   N/A    9.23%   1.84%   1.47%
S&P 1500 Utilities Index      3.93%   11.36%   9.68%   8.34%   N/A    N/A 
S&P Composite 1500 Index      17.69%   13.77%   12.04%   7.98%   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.

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (through September 30, 2018)

 

 

 

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.

 

 

32 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Utilities Fund Schedule of Investments

 

  September 30, 2018

 

   Shares or Principal Amount   Value 
Common Stocks (98.18%)          
Electric Utilities (40.29%)          
American Electric Power Co., Inc.   10,400   $737,152 
Avangrid, Inc.   30,100    1,442,693 
Duke Energy Corp.   17,000    1,360,340 
Edison International   36,600    2,477,088 
Evergy, Inc.   22,200    1,219,224 
Eversource Energy   13,300    817,152 
NextEra Energy, Inc.   9,200    1,541,920 
OGE Energy Corp.   40,000    1,452,800 
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.   9,300    736,374 
PPL Corp.   25,400    743,204 
Xcel Energy, Inc.   45,500    2,148,055 
         14,676,002 
Gas Utilities (4.21%)          
Atmos Energy Corp.   7,800    732,498 
National Fuel Gas Co.(a)   14,300    801,658 
         1,534,156 
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders (3.75%)          
AES Corp.   97,600    1,366,400 
           
Integrated Oil & Gas (3.06%)          
TOTAL SA, Sponsored ADR   17,300    1,113,947 
           
Integrated Telecommunication Services (5.19%)          
AT&T, Inc.   40,000    1,343,200 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   10,200    544,578 
         1,887,778 
Multi-Utilities (29.02%)          
Ameren Corp.   22,500    1,422,450 
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.   80,300    2,220,295 
Dominion Energy, Inc.   24,800    1,742,944 
DTE Energy Co.   22,500    2,455,425 
MDU Resources Group, Inc.   23,700    608,853 
NiSource, Inc.   29,300    730,156 
Sempra Energy   12,200    1,387,750 
         10,567,873 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (5.17%)          
Cimarex Energy Co.   5,300    492,582 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(a)   3,200    432,608 
Energen Corp.(b)   6,100    525,637 
EOG Resources, Inc.   3,400    433,738 
         1,884,565 
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation (1.71%)          
TransCanada Corp.   15,400    623,084 
           
Water Utilities (5.78%)          
American Water Works Co., Inc.   11,400    1,002,858 
Consolidated Water Co., Ltd.   79,600    1,102,460 
         2,105,318 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $34,015,068)        35,759,123 

 

  

 

 

Value

 
Total Investments (98.18%)     
(Cost $34,015,068)  $35,759,123 
      
Other Assets Less Liabilities (1.82%)   664,112 
      
Net Assets (100.00%)  $36,423,235 

 

(a)All or a portion of the security was on loan as of September 30, 2018.

(b)Non-income producing security.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

Sector Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Utilities   83.05%
Energy   9.94%
Communication Services   5.19%
    98.18%

 

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

 

Industry Composition (September 30, 2018)     
      
Electric Utilities   40.29%
Multi-Utilities   29.02%
Water Utilities   5.78%
Integrated Telecommunication Services   5.19%
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   5.17%
Gas Utilities   4.21%
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders   3.75%
Integrated Oil & Gas   3.06%
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation   1.71%
    98.18%

 

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



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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 33

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Consumer
Discretionary Fund
   ICON Consumer
Staples Fund
   ICON Energy Fund 
Assets            
Investments, at cost  $23,060,716   $6,819,281   $158,411,202 
Investments, at value(a)   23,411,937    6,791,834    176,085,628 
Cash and cash equivalents   2,493,376    255,703    5,098,740 
Receivables:               
Fund shares sold   2,104    51,835    39,113 
Expense reimbursements due from Adviser   955    2,542     
Interest   722    336    11,959 
Dividends   16,132    21,276    96,973 
Foreign tax reclaims           24,280 
Other assets   7,197    5,178    29,270 
Total assets   25,932,423    7,128,704    181,385,963 
                
Liabilities               
Payables:               
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned   503,264    81,000     
Investments purchased   1,116,243         
Fund shares redeemed   7,352    792    59,642 
Advisory fees   20,006    5,819    150,292 
Transfer agent fees   9,740    6,299    106,423 
Fund accounting fees   1,966    1,246    7,128 
Accrued distribution fees   313    359    5,309 
Trustee fees and expenses   624    164    4,668 
Administration fees   999    291    7,331 
Accrued expenses   22,461    19,892    50,100 
Total liabilities   1,682,968    115,862    390,893 
Net Assets - all share classes  $24,249,455   $7,012,842   $180,995,070 
Net Assets - Class S  $22,754,709   $5,274,710   $169,660,687 
Net Assets - Class C  $   $   $4,940,812 
Net Assets - Class A  $1,494,746   $1,738,132   $6,393,571 
                
Net Assets Consists of               
Paid-in capital  $24,271,183   $7,517,307   $339,553,861 
Total distributable earnings   (21,728)   (504,465)   (158,558,791)
Net Assets  $24,249,455   $7,012,842   $180,995,070 
                
Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)               
Class S   1,684,182    791,992    13,105,704 
Class C           404,577 
Class A   116,300    262,911    498,154 
Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)               
Class S  $13.51   $6.66   $12.95 
Class C  $   $   $12.21 
Class A  $12.85   $6.61   $12.83 
Class A maximum offering price (100%/ (100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share  $13.63   $7.01   $13.61 
                
(a) Includes securities on loan of  $1,322,035   $210,168   $20,794,188 

  

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

 

34 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Financial Fund   ICON Healthcare
Fund
   ICON Industrials
Fund
 
Assets            
Investments, at cost  $37,014,894   $67,073,529   $11,504,617 
Investments, at value(a)   44,842,875    81,623,141    12,646,786 
Cash and cash equivalents   205,431    213,900    138,238 
Receivables:               
Fund shares sold   4,000    125,029    724 
Expense reimbursements due from Adviser   2,056    1,046    15,999 
Interest   3,128    1,067    135 
Dividends   38,664    45,295    7,430 
Foreign tax reclaims       3,493     
Other assets   9,697    12,819    5,929 
Total assets   45,105,851    82,025,790    12,815,241 
                
Liabilities               
Payables:               
Fund shares redeemed   7,914    102,833    3,320 
Advisory fees   38,219    65,713    10,632 
Transfer agent fees   16,561    29,387    7,565 
Fund accounting fees   2,632    3,799    1,357 
Accrued distribution fees   494    573    239 
Trustee fees and expenses   1,229    2,029    323 
Administration fees   1,911    3,287    532 
Accrued expenses   24,875    29,163    21,255 
Total liabilities   93,835    236,784    45,223 
Net Assets - all share classes  $45,012,016   $81,789,006   $12,770,018 
Net Assets - Class S  $43,499,613   $78,974,597   $11,614,018 
Net Assets - Class A  $1,512,403   $2,814,409   $1,156,000 
                
Net Assets Consists of               
Paid-in capital  $37,020,727   $62,441,862   $11,627,835 
Total distributable earnings   7,991,289    19,347,144    1,142,183 
Net Assets  $45,012,016   $81,789,006   $12,770,018 
                
Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)               
Class S   3,965,881    3,982,960    749,122 
Class A   137,715    148,535    75,705 
Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)               
Class S  $10.97   $19.83   $15.50 
Class A  $10.98   $18.95   $15.27 
Class A maximum offering price (100%/ (100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share  $11.65   $20.11   $16.20 
                
(a) Includes securities on loan of  $469,635   $1,129,160   $517,200 

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 35

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Information
Technology Fund
   ICON Natural
Resources Fund
   ICON Utilities Fund 
Assets            
Investments, at cost  $50,037,295   $79,269,460   $34,015,068 
Investments, at value(a)   61,694,319    82,404,604    35,759,123 
Cash and cash equivalents   1,974,370    278,576    1,169,813 
Receivables:               
Investments sold           709,791 
Fund shares sold   3,682    45,557    32,031 
Expense reimbursements due from Adviser   1,970    45,104    29,763 
Interest   4,262    2,790    535 
Dividends   8,154    102,035    210,446 
Foreign tax reclaims       15,938    3,047 
Other assets   12,313    17,154    9,721 
Total assets   63,699,070    82,911,758    37,924,270 
                
Liabilities               
Payables:               
Distributions due to shareholders           28,727 
Investments purchased           1,344,187 
Fund shares redeemed   15,400    427,751    50,421 
Advisory fees   52,964    65,986    30,361 
Transfer agent fees   20,811    44,715    15,945 
Fund accounting fees   3,467    6,789    2,176 
Accrued distribution fees   434    2,141    1,182 
Trustee fees and expenses   1,694    2,093    939 
Administration fees   2,647    3,301    1,519 
Accrued expenses   27,101    35,858    25,578 
Total liabilities   124,518    588,634    1,501,035 
Net Assets - all share classes  $63,574,552   $82,323,124   $36,423,235 
Net Assets - Class S  $61,473,697   $76,916,067   $30,883,108 
Net Assets - Class C  $   $1,176,546   $ 
Net Assets - Class A  $2,100,855   $4,230,511   $5,540,127 
                
Net Assets Consists of               
Paid-in capital  $44,697,432   $68,248,813   $34,640,950 
Total distributable earnings   18,877,120    14,074,311    1,782,285 
Net Assets  $63,574,552   $82,323,124   $36,423,235 
                
Shares outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value)               
Class S   3,576,260    4,674,334    3,489,344 
Class C       75,587     
Class A   126,972    260,380    637,096 
Net asset value (offering and redemption price per share)               
Class S  $17.19   $16.45   $8.85 
Class C  $   $15.57   $ 
Class A  $16.55   $16.25   $8.70 
Class A maximum offering price (100%/ (100%-maximum sales charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share  $17.56   $17.24   $9.23 
                
(a) Includes securities on loan of  $   $2,528,053   $1,234,266 

  

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

 

36 www.iconfunds.com

  

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Operations

 

Year Ended September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Consumer
Discretionary Fund
   ICON Consumer
Staples Fund
   ICON Energy Fund 
Investment Income               
Interest  $2,740   $739   $17,935 
Dividends   272,766    270,373    3,424,326 
Foreign taxes withheld   (13)   (988)   (64,438)
Income from securities lending, net   9,627    11,927    226,081 
Total investment income   285,120    282,051    3,603,904 
Expenses               
Advisory fees   245,970    113,808    2,022,471 
Administration fees   12,293    5,713    101,159 
Transfer agent fees   55,069    45,418    530,803 
Distribution fees:               
Class C           57,928 
Class A   3,104    7,190    18,674 
Registration fees   24,679    25,735    42,749 
Audit and tax service expense   16,000    16,000    52,504 
Fund accounting fees   12,748    6,860    82,491 
Trustee fees and expenses   5,683    2,437    47,233 
Insurance expense   2,590    2,737    21,687 
Custody fees   3,834    3,634    9,001 
Printing fees   8,408    4,378    43,769 
Interest expense   133    2,659    402 
Recoupment of previously reimbursed expenses       4,637     
Other expenses   12,532    8,196    76,838 
Total expenses before expense reimbursement   403,043    249,402    3,107,709 
Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement   (3,577)   (69,700)   (3,104)
Net Expenses   399,466    179,702    3,104,605 
Net Investment Income/(Loss)   (114,346)   102,349    499,299 
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)               
Net realized gain/(loss) on:               
Investments, options, and foreign currency translations   (258,587)   (206,426)   (2,764,994)
    (258,587)   (206,426)   (2,764,994)
Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investments, options, and foreign currency   284,117    72,655    11,093,473 
    284,117    72,655    11,093,473 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   25,530    (133,771)   8,328,479 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $(88,816)  $(31,422)  $8,827,778 

  

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 37

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Operations

 

Year Ended September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Financial Fund   ICON Healthcare
Fund
   ICON Industrials
Fund
 
Investment Income               
Interest  $4,752   $3,887   $656 
Dividends   837,722    623,610    236,304 
Foreign taxes withheld   (4,102)   (944)   (1,126)
Income from securities lending, net   15,959    27,338    36 
Total investment income   854,331    653,891    235,870 
Expenses               
Advisory fees   459,881    772,440    156,899 
Administration fees   22,994    38,627    7,839 
Transfer agent fees   77,569    156,162    45,729 
Distribution fees:               
Class A   5,816    8,160    3,701 
Registration fees   24,591    28,319    24,787 
Audit and tax service expense   16,000    16,000    16,000 
Fund accounting fees   20,773    33,237    8,623 
Trustee fees and expenses   10,719    17,862    3,624 
Insurance expense   4,072    8,775    1,769 
Custody fees   3,520    4,553    3,056 
Printing fees   10,918    16,672    7,413 
Interest expense   66    484    518 
Other expenses   19,330    30,212    9,487 
Total expenses before expense reimbursement   676,249    1,131,503    289,445 
Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement   (5,239)   (3,569)   (50,110)
Net Expenses   671,010    1,127,934    239,335 
Net Investment Income/(Loss)   183,321    (474,043)   (3,465)
                
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)               
Net realized gain/(loss) on:               
Investments and foreign currency translations   3,379,014    5,271,578    787,164 
    3,379,014    5,271,578    787,164 
Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investments and foreign currency   849,313    8,892,330    (394,652)
    849,313    8,892,330    (394,652)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   4,228,327    14,163,908    392,512 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $4,411,648   $13,689,865   $389,047 

 

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

 

38 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Operations

 

Year Ended September 30, 2018

 

   ICON Information
Technology Fund
   ICON Natural
Resources Fund
   ICON Utilities Fund 
Investment Income               
Interest  $7,634   $6,342   $1,394 
Dividends   548,544    3,210,314    1,631,854 
Foreign taxes withheld   (8,963)   (317,414)   (35,125)
Income from securities lending, net   3,430    5,159    2,790 
Other income           693 
Total investment income   550,645    2,904,401    1,601,606 
Expenses               
Advisory fees   675,452    842,605    363,606 
Administration fees   33,780    42,114    18,184 
Transfer agent fees   108,820    215,277    88,783 
Distribution fees:               
Class C       16,859     
Class A   5,944    13,997    16,898 
Registration fees   29,294    36,815    27,089 
Audit and tax service expense   16,000    16,000    16,000 
Fund accounting fees   30,082    45,392    16,673 
Trustee fees and expenses   15,685    19,722    8,394 
Insurance expense   6,958    7,115    4,550 
Custody fees   5,692    27,393    4,544 
Printing fees   13,595    23,083    8,729 
Interest expense   483    1,166    614 
Recoupment of previously reimbursed expenses       24,604     
Other expenses   26,591    33,058    16,787 
Total expenses before expense reimbursement   968,376    1,365,200    590,851 
Expense reimbursement by Adviser due to expense limitation agreement   (5,978)   (69,036)   (130,032)
Net Expenses   962,398    1,296,164    460,819 
Net Investment Income/(Loss)   (411,753)   1,608,237    1,140,787 
                
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)               
Net realized gain/(loss) on:               
Investments and foreign currency translations   8,085,910    9,330,986    (63,162)
    8,085,910    9,330,986    (63,162)
Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investments and foreign currency   166,298    (4,314,715)   149,787 
    166,298    (4,314,715)   149,787 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   8,252,208    5,016,271    86,625 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $7,840,455   $6,624,508   $1,227,412 

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 39

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

 

   ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund   ICON Consumer Staples Fund 
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Operations                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $(114,346)  $(155,209)  $102,349   $57,811 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (258,587)   1,102,738    (206,426)   1,494,029 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   284,117    2,370,464    72,655    (51,630)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (88,816)   3,317,993    (31,422)   1,500,210 
                     
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders(a)                    
Class S   (897,131)   (2,138,950)   (822,922)   (3,292,131)
Class A   (49,825)   (116,512)   (332,699)   (551,286)
Net decrease from dividends and distributions   (946,956)   (2,255,462)   (1,155,621)   (3,843,417)
Fund Share Transactions                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   6,793,747    9,497,500    3,369,557    11,907,619 
Class A   917,651    246,883    1,568,876    2,671,835 
Reinvested dividends and distributions                    
Class S   890,044    2,120,009    813,554    3,170,250 
Class A   45,382    100,528    281,512    405,750 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (8,520,523)   (25,345,622)   (22,117,864)   (20,882,818)
Class A   (880,930)   (1,272,734)   (3,258,317)   (7,594,959)
Net decrease from fund share transactions   (754,629)   (14,653,436)   (19,342,682)   (10,322,323)
                     
Total net decrease in net assets   (1,790,401)   (13,590,905)   (20,529,725)   (12,665,530)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of year   26,039,856    39,630,761    27,542,567    40,208,097 
End of year  $24,249,455   $26,039,856   $7,012,842   $27,542,567 
                     
Transactions in Fund Shares                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   507,945    681,550    473,310    1,568,687 
Class A   72,430    18,527    239,901    359,812 
Issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions                    
Class S   62,767    155,218    117,058    450,960 
Class A   3,357    7,662    40,681    57,882 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (645,396)   (1,827,935)   (3,036,610)   (2,764,087)
Class A   (69,802)   (97,189)   (487,184)   (1,004,810)
Net decrease   (68,699)   (1,062,167)   (2,652,844)   (1,331,556)
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   1,869,181    2,931,348    3,707,747    5,039,303 
Shares outstanding, end of year   1,800,482    1,869,181    1,054,903    3,707,747 

 

(a)The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain financial statement disclosure requirements which eliminated the disclosure of the characteristic of dividends and distributions to shareholders. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $–, and Net Realized Gains of $2,255,462. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Consumer Staples Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $81,150, and Net Realized Gains of $3,762,267.

  

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

 

40 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

 

   ICON Energy Fund   ICON Financial Fund 
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Operations                
Net investment income/(loss)  $499,299   $1,268,204   $183,321   $118,093 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (2,764,994)   (10,044,040)   3,379,014    4,547,025 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   11,093,473    4,187,058    849,313    8,265,316 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   8,827,778    (4,588,778)   4,411,648    12,930,434 
                     
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders(a)                    
Class S   (3,237,108)   (1,879,265)   (92,213)   (509,224)
Class C   (89,725)   (30,917)        
Class A   (119,376)   (67,792)   (2,629)   (21,428)
Net decrease from dividends and distributions   (3,446,209)   (1,977,974)   (94,842)   (530,652)
                     
Fund Share Transactions                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   18,098,615    46,169,160    10,035,038    8,827,182 
Class C   241,401    443,280         
Class A   1,463,565    1,527,261    813,466    1,061,317 
Reinvested dividends and distributions                    
Class S   3,129,585    1,809,660    90,005    500,838 
Class C   77,225    26,876         
Class A   82,657    51,520    2,397    18,938 
Shares repurchased, net of redemption fees                    
Class S   (79,304,224)   (146,633,212)   (9,788,249)   (25,448,695)
Class C   (2,796,501)   (3,069,723)        
Class A   (4,731,193)   (6,674,244)   (1,648,620)   (2,063,563)
Net decrease from fund share transactions   (63,738,870)   (106,349,422)   (495,963)   (17,103,983)
                     
Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (58,357,301)   (112,916,174)   3,820,843    (4,704,201)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of year   239,352,371    352,268,545    41,191,173    45,895,374 
End of year  $180,995,070   $239,352,371   $45,012,016   $41,191,173 
                     
Transactions in Fund Shares                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   1,437,533    3,633,098    938,255    997,694 
Class C   20,373    35,320         
Class A   120,172    120,649    73,446    116,684 
Issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions                    
Class S   251,574    137,774    8,357    54,796 
Class C   6,534    2,223         
Class A   6,692    3,966    222    2,061 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (6,360,889)   (11,866,130)   (906,394)   (2,780,941)
Class C   (237,781)   (256,061)        
Class A   (377,099)   (538,667)   (148,209)   (236,075)
Net decrease   (5,132,891)   (8,727,828)   (34,323)   (1,845,781)
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   19,141,326    27,869,154    4,137,919    5,983,700 
Shares outstanding, end of year   14,008,435    19,141,326    4,103,596    4,137,919 

  

(a)The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain financial statement disclosure requirements which eliminated the disclosure of the characteristic of dividends and distributions to shareholders. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Energy Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $1,977,974, and Net Realized Gains of $–. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Financial Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $530,652, and Net Realized Gains of $–.

  

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 41

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

 

   ICON Healthcare Fund   ICON Industrials Fund 
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Operations                
Net investment income/(loss)  $(474,043)  $(295,023)  $(3,465)  $(76,821)
Net realized gain/(loss)   5,271,578    2,483,501    787,164    3,708,253 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   8,892,330    7,387,024    (394,652)   196,291 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   13,689,865    9,575,502    389,047    3,827,723 
                     
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders(a)                    
Class S   (1,986,285)   (1,138,922)        
Class A   (90,235)   (76,949)        
Net decrease from dividends and distributions   (2,076,520)   (1,215,871)        
                     
Fund Share Transactions                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   8,386,003    22,175,488    4,277,404    15,170,976 
Class A   246,905    1,114,090    166,793    3,385,400 
Reinvested dividends and distributions                    
Class S   1,910,895    1,092,964         
Class A   81,620    69,063         
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (25,718,143)   (24,240,347)   (8,470,654)   (27,048,093)
Class A   (1,954,040)   (2,487,427)   (1,480,104)   (2,403,341)
Net decrease from fund share transactions   (17,046,760)   (2,276,169)   (5,506,561)   (10,895,058)
                     
Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (5,433,415)   6,083,462    (5,117,514)   (7,067,335)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of year   87,222,421    81,138,959    17,887,532    24,954,867 
End of year  $81,789,006   $87,222,421   $12,770,018   $17,887,532 
                     
Transactions in Fund Shares                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   473,772    1,440,106    281,772    1,120,214 
Class A   14,777    74,903    11,365    250,786 
Issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions                    
Class S   116,647    73,403         
Class A   5,202    4,823         
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (1,511,240)   (1,557,432)   (566,523)   (2,039,881)
Class A   (116,334)   (166,432)   (98,337)   (170,333)
Net decrease   (1,017,176)   (130,629)   (371,723)   (839,214)
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   5,148,671    5,279,300    1,196,550    2,035,764 
Shares outstanding, end of year   4,131,495    5,148,671    824,827    1,196,550 

  

(a)The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain financial statement disclosure requirements which eliminated the disclosure of the characteristic of dividends and distributions to shareholders. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Healthcare Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $–, and Net Realized Gains of $1,215,871.

 

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

 

42 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

  

   ICON Information Technology Fund   ICON Natural Resources Fund 
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Operations                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $(411,753)  $(348,460)  $1,608,237   $27,777 
Net realized gain/(loss)   8,085,910    14,152,932    9,330,986    6,414,936 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   166,298    1,556,770    (4,314,715)   7,243,434 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   7,840,455    15,361,242    6,624,508    13,686,147 
                     
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders(a)                    
Class S   (13,288,826)   (8,893,473)   (926,150)   (388,278)
Class C           (20,983)   (5,892)
Class A   (488,662)   (461,260)   (64,170)   (22,709)
Net decrease from dividends and distributions   (13,777,488)   (9,354,733)   (1,011,303)   (416,879)
                     
Fund Share Transactions                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   8,513,236    28,195,461    29,189,297    23,396,295 
Class C           358,860    537,226 
Class A   471,172    801,128    2,692,213    3,523,369 
Reinvested dividends and distributions                    
Class S   12,849,470    8,699,541    896,662    378,212 
Class C           19,514    5,266 
Class A   431,663    403,556    54,020    19,756 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (25,411,771)   (20,398,791)   (27,779,331)   (32,337,540)
Class C           (1,053,050)   (496,670)
Class A   (1,426,575)   (1,206,856)   (4,497,790)   (3,138,040)
Net increase/(decrease) from fund share transactions   (4,572,805)   16,494,039    (119,605)   (8,112,126)
                     
Total net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (10,509,838)   22,500,548    5,493,600    5,157,142 
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of year   74,084,390    51,583,842    76,829,524    71,672,382 
End of year  $63,574,552   $74,084,390   $82,323,124   $76,829,524 
                     
Transactions in Fund Shares                    
Shares sold                    
Class S   490,644    1,640,887    1,826,509    1,669,498 
Class C           23,436    39,885 
Class A   27,989    48,922    168,035    251,811 
Issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions                    
Class S   798,104    574,606    57,149    27,073 
Class C           1,304    391 
Class A   27,778    27,453    3,481    1,425 
Shares repurchased                    
Class S   (1,434,351)   (1,219,807)   (1,740,876)   (2,294,834)
Class C           (69,003)   (36,440)
Class A   (81,689)   (73,420)   (282,127)   (231,822)
Net increase/(decrease)   (171,525)   998,641    (12,092)   (573,013)
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   3,874,757    2,876,116    5,022,393    5,595,406 
Shares outstanding, end of year   3,703,232    3,874,757    5,010,301    5,022,393 

  

(a)The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain financial statement disclosure requirements which eliminated the disclosure of the characteristic of dividends and distributions to shareholders. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Information Technology Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $–, and Net Realized Gains of $9,354,733. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Natural Resources Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $416,879, and Net Realized Gains of $–.

  

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 43

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

 

   ICON Utilities Fund                 
   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
                 
Operations                        
Net investment income/(loss)  $1,140,787   $1,419,409                 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (63,162)   2,393,910                 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   149,787    556,216                 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   1,227,412    4,369,535                 
                           
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders(a)                          
Class S   (2,743,816)   (4,541,157)                
Class A   (610,900)   (1,136,887)                
Net decrease from dividends and distributions   (3,354,716)   (5,678,044)                
Fund Share Transactions                          
Shares sold                          
Class S   9,480,817    17,370,144                 
Class A   482,608    2,115,878                 
Reinvested dividends and distributions                          
Class S   2,667,776    4,286,520                 
Class A   332,205    729,618                 
Shares repurchased                          
Class S   (15,345,698)   (28,830,643)                
Class A   (3,176,944)   (9,984,766)                
Net decrease from fund share transactions   (5,559,236)   (14,313,249)                
                           
Total net decrease in net assets   (7,686,540)   (15,621,758)                
                           
Net Assets                          
Beginning of year   44,109,775    59,731,533                 
End of year  $36,423,235   $44,109,775                 
                           
Transactions in Fund Shares                          
Shares sold                          
Class S   1,072,968    1,896,662                 
Class A   55,872    234,414                 
Issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions                          
Class S   305,598    482,202                 
Class A   38,729    83,540                 
Shares repurchased                          
Class S   (1,744,614)   (3,147,439)                
Class A   (364,825)   (1,107,673)                
Net decrease   (636,272)   (1,558,294)                
Shares outstanding, beginning of year   4,762,712    6,321,006                 
Shares outstanding, end of year   4,126,440    4,762,712                 

  

(a)The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to certain financial statement disclosure requirements which eliminated the disclosure of the characteristic of dividends and distributions to shareholders. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Utilities Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $1,409,610, and Net Realized Gains of $4,268,434. The prior year ended September 30, 2017 dividends and distributions for the ICON Utilities Fund consisted of Net Investment Income of $1,409,610, and Net Realized Gains of $4,268,434.

  

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

 

44 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

  

Class S   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $13.97     $13.55     $14.27     $15.55     $14.50 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     (0.06)     (0.06)     (0.03)     (0.07)     (0.07)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.10      1.25      0.65      1.03      1.12 
Total from investment operations     0.04      1.19      0.62      0.96      1.05 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Distributions from net realized gains     (0.50)     (0.77)     (1.34)     (2.24)      
Total dividends and distributions     (0.50)     (0.77)     (1.34)     (2.24)      
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $13.51     $13.97     $13.55     $14.27     $15.55 
                                    
Total Return     0.14%     8.93%     4.49%     5.80%     7.24%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $22,755     $24,566     $37,263     $44,913     $55,476 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.60%     1.46%     1.42%     1.43%     1.46%
After expense limitation(b)     1.60%     1.46%     1.42%     1.43%     1.46%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     (0.44)%     (0.43)%     (0.22)%     (0.44)%     (0.47)%
After expense limitation(b)     (0.44)%     (0.43)%     (0.22)%     (0.44)%     (0.47)%
Portfolio turnover rate     137%     152%     158%     201%     202%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(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, when applicable.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 45

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A(a)   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $13.36     $13.06     $13.88     $15.24     $14.25 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(b)     (0.11)     (0.13)     (0.10)     (0.14)     (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.10      1.20      0.62      1.02      1.11 
Total from investment operations     (0.01)     1.07      0.52      0.88      0.99 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Distributions from net realized gains     (0.50)     (0.77)     (1.34)     (2.24)      
Total dividends and distributions     (0.50)     (0.77)     (1.34)     (2.24)      
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $12.85     $13.36     $13.06     $13.88     $15.24 
                                    
Total Return(c)     (0.24)%     8.32%     3.86%     5.34%     6.95%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $1,495     $1,474     $2,368     $2,999     $2,492 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.28%     2.22%     2.13%     1.91%     1.76%
After expense limitation(d)     1.99%     1.99%     1.99%     1.91%     1.76%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     (1.14)%     (1.20)%     (0.92)%     (0.97)%     (0.80)%
After expense limitation(d)     (0.85)%     (0.97)%     (0.78)%     (0.97)%     (0.80)%
Portfolio turnover rate     137%     152%     158%     201%     202%

 

(a)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 25, 2015. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.
(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.
(d)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, when applicable.

 

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

46 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class S   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $7.43     $7.98     $9.20     $11.55     $11.18 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     0.06      0.02      0.02      0.04      0.11 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.01(b)     0.41      0.96      0.98      1.31 
Total from investment operations     0.07      0.43      0.98      1.02      1.42 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.01)     (0.02)     (0.00)(c)     (0.22)     (0.03)
Distributions from net realized gains     (0.83)     (0.96)     (2.20)     (3.15)     (1.02)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.84)     (0.98)     (2.20)     (3.37)     (1.05)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $6.66     $7.43     $7.98     $9.20     $11.55 
                                    
Total Return     0.50%     6.15%     12.09%     8.66%     13.32%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $5,275     $24,069     $31,799     $8,651     $25,731 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.17%     1.70%     1.74%     1.87%     1.45%
After expense limitation(d)     1.51%     1.50%     1.51%     1.51%     1.45%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     0.28%     0.04%     0.00%(e)     (0.01)%     0.94%
After expense limitation(d)     0.94%     0.24%     0.23%     0.35%     0.94%
Portfolio turnover rate     58%     118%     125%     16%     52%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(b)The per share amount does not correspond to activity reflected in the Statement of Operations due to timing of shareholder transactions during the period.
(c)Amount less than $(0.005).
(d)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, when applicable.
(e)Less than 0.005% of average net assets.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 47

 

 

 

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A(a)   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $7.40     $7.96     $9.19     $11.58     $11.23 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(b)     0.06      (0.01)     (0.00)(c)     0.02      0.07 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     (0.01)     0.42      0.97      0.97      1.32 
Total from investment operations     0.05      0.41      0.97      0.99      1.39 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.01)     (0.01)     (0.00)(c)     (0.23)     (0.02)
Distributions from net realized gains     (0.83)     (0.96)     (2.20)     (3.15)     (1.02)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.84)     (0.97)     (2.20)     (3.38)     (1.04)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $6.61     $7.40     $7.96     $9.19     $11.58 
                                    
Total Return(d)     0.17%     5.91%     11.93%     8.32%     12.99%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $1,738     $3,473     $8,409     $3,602     $2,740 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.29%     1.97%     1.97%     2.12%     2.04%
After expense limitation(e)     1.77%     1.75%     1.76%     1.76%     1.75%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     0.31%     (0.30)%     (0.23)%     (0.15)%     0.35%
After expense limitation(e)     0.83%     (0.08)%     (0.02)%     0.21%     0.64%
Portfolio turnover rate     58%     118%     125%     16%     52%

 

(a)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 25, 2015. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.
(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)Amount less than $(0.005).
(d)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.
(e)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, when applicable.

 

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

48 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Energy Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class S   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $12.53     $12.66     $11.17     $22.30     $22.59 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     0.04      0.06      0.24      0.11      0.11 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.58      (0.11)     1.36      (7.42)     0.33 
Total from investment operations     0.62      (0.05)     1.60      (7.31)     0.44 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.20)     (0.08)     (0.11)     (0.09)     (0.06)
Distributions from net realized gains                       (3.73)     (0.67)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.20)     (0.08)     (0.11)     (3.82)     (0.73)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $12.95     $12.53     $12.66     $11.17     $22.30 
                                    
Total Return     4.99%     (0.44)%     14.55%     (36.37)%     1.92%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $169,661     $222,707     $327,497     $320,486     $615,541 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.50%     1.41%     1.44%     1.42%     1.28%
After expense limitation(b)     1.50%     1.41%     1.44%     1.42%     1.28%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     0.28%     0.46%     2.04%     0.74%     0.46%
After expense limitation(b)     0.28%     0.46%     2.04%     0.74%     0.46%
Portfolio turnover rate     69%     74%     99%     154%     97%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(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, when applicable.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 49

 

 

 

 

ICON Energy Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class C   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $11.92     $12.14     $10.77     $21.74     $22.21 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)(b)     (0.08)     (0.07)     0.11      (0.04)     (0.15)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.54      (0.11)     1.31      (7.20)     0.35 
Total from investment operations     0.46      (0.18)     1.42      (7.24)     0.20 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.17)     (0.04)     (0.05)            
Distributions from net realized gains                       (3.73)     (0.67)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.17)     (0.04)     (0.05)     (3.73)     (0.67)
                                    
Redemption fees     0.00(c)                        
Net asset value, end of period    $12.21     $11.92     $12.14     $10.77     $21.74 
                                    
Total Return(d)     3.87%     (1.46)%     13.31%     (36.99)%     0.83%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $4,941     $7,333     $10,124     $9,972     $17,170 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     2.55%     2.47%     2.49%     2.43%     2.38%
After expense limitation(e)     2.50%     2.47%     2.49%     2.43%     2.38%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     (0.76)%     (0.61)%     0.99%     (0.26)%     (0.65)%
After expense limitation(e)     (0.71)%     (0.61)%     0.99%     (0.26)%     (0.65)%
Portfolio turnover rate     69%     74%     99%     154%     97%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(b)The per share amount does not correspond to activity reflected in the Statement of Operations due to class specific expenses during the period.
(c)Amount less than $0.005.
(d)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.
(e)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, when applicable.

 

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

50 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Energy Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $12.44     $12.60     $11.11     $22.20     $22.50 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     0.01      0.02      0.21      0.07      0.04 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.57      (0.11)     1.35      (7.39)     0.35 
Total from investment operations     0.58      (0.09)     1.56      (7.32)     0.39 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.19)     (0.07)     (0.07)     (0.04)     (0.02)
Distributions from net realized gains                       (3.73)     (0.67)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.19)     (0.07)     (0.07)     (3.77)     (0.69)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $12.83     $12.44     $12.60     $11.11     $22.20 
                                    
Total Return(b)     4.71%     (0.76)%     14.19%     (36.55)%     1.67%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $6,394     $9,312     $14,648     $14,588     $26,695 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.75%     1.72%     1.73%     1.66%     1.55%
After expense limitation(c)     1.75%     1.72%     1.73%     1.66%     1.55%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     0.06%     0.15%     1.77%     0.50%     0.19%
After expense limitation(c)     0.06%     0.15%     1.77%     0.50%     0.19%
Portfolio turnover rate     69%     74%     99%     154%     97%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(b)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.
(c)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, when applicable.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 51

 

 

 

 

ICON Financial Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class S   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $9.95     $7.67     $7.74     $7.83     $7.47 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     0.05      0.03      0.08      0.04      0.00(b)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.99      2.34      (0.15)     (0.08)     0.54 
Total from investment operations     1.04      2.37      (0.07)     (0.04)     0.54 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.02)     (0.09)           (0.05)     (0.18)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.02)     (0.09)           (0.05)     (0.18)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $10.97     $9.95     $7.67     $7.74     $7.83 
                                    
Total Return     10.48%     30.96%     (0.90)%     (0.55)%     7.27%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $43,500     $39,072     $43,354     $49,106     $32,286 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.44%     1.40%     1.40%     1.49%     1.64%
After expense limitation(c)     1.44%     1.40%     1.40%     1.49%     1.50%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     0.41%     0.28%     1.00%     0.52%     (0.20)%
After expense limitation(c)     0.41%     0.28%     1.00%     0.52%     (0.06)%
Portfolio turnover rate     44%     68%     49%     51%     79%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(b)Amount less than $0.005.
(c)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, when applicable.

 

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

52 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Financial Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A(a)   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $9.99     $7.71     $7.82     $7.89     $7.37 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(b)     0.01      (0.01)     0.05      0.02      (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     0.99      2.37      (0.16)     (0.07)     0.54 
Total from investment operations     1.00      2.36      (0.11)     (0.05)     0.52 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income     (0.01)     (0.08)           (0.02)      
Total dividends and distributions     (0.01)     (0.08)           (0.02)      
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $10.98     $9.99     $7.71     $7.82     $7.89 
                                    
Total Return(c)     10.04%     30.68%     (1.41)%     (0.69)%     7.20%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $1,512     $2,119     $2,542     $1,974     $541 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.98%     2.05%     2.12%     2.19%     2.35%
After expense limitation(d)     1.75%     1.75%     1.75%     1.75%     1.75%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     (0.13)%     (0.37)%     0.26%     (0.15)%     (0.86)%
After expense limitation(d)     0.10%     (0.07)%     0.63%     0.29%     (0.26)%
Portfolio turnover rate     44%     68%     49%     51%     79%

 

(a)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 25, 2015. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.
(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.
(d)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, when applicable.

 

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

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 53

 

 

 

 

ICON Healthcare Fund Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class S   Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period    $16.97     $15.40     $17.83     $22.42     $22.17 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                                   
Net investment income/(loss)(a)     (0.10)     (0.05)     (0.04)     (0.09)     (0.11)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments     3.38      1.86      1.54      1.02      6.18 
Total from investment operations     3.28      1.81      1.50      0.93      6.07 
                                    
Less dividends and distributions:                                   
Dividends from net investment income                             (0.03)
Distributions from net realized gains     (0.42)     (0.24)     (3.93)     (5.52)     (5.79)
Total dividends and distributions     (0.42)     (0.24)     (3.93)     (5.52)     (5.82)
                                    
Net asset value, end of period    $19.83     $16.97     $15.40     $17.83     $22.42 
                                    
Total Return     19.84%     11.94%     9.44%     2.55%     32.27%
                                    
Ratios and Supplemental Data                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)    $78,975     $83,234     $76,218     $95,109     $148,261 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     1.45%     1.41%     1.44%     1.36%     1.36%
After expense limitation(b)     1.45%     1.41%     1.44%     1.36%     1.36%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                                   
Before expense limitation     (0.60)%     (0.33)%     (0.26)%     (0.45)%     (0.53)%
After expense limitation(b)     (0.60)%     (0.33)%     (0.26)%     (0.45)%     (0.53)%
Portfolio turnover rate     63%     174%     107%     141%     188%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.
(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, when applicable.

 

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

54 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Healthcare Fund

Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A(a)  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $16.29   $14.84   $17.37   $22.01   $21.92 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         

Net investment income/(loss)(b)

   (0.15)   (0.10)   (0.09)   (0.14)   (0.14)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   3.23    1.79    1.49    1.02    6.03 
Total from investment operations   3.08    1.69    1.40    0.88    5.89 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income                   (0.01)
Distributions from net realized gains   (0.42)   (0.24)   (3.93)   (5.52)   (5.79)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.42)   (0.24)   (3.93)   (5.52)   (5.80)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $18.95   $16.29   $14.84   $17.37   $22.01 
                          
Total Return(c)   19.43%   11.58%   9.03%   2.33%   31.72%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $2,814   $3,989   $4,921   $15,317   $10,878 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.86%   1.86%   1.79%   1.62%   1.62%
After expense limitation(d)   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%   1.62%   1.62%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (1.01)%   (0.78)%   (0.63)%   (0.69)%   (0.66)%
After expense limitation(d)   (0.90)%   (0.67)%   (0.59)%   (0.69)%   (0.66)%
Portfolio turnover rate   63%   174%   107%   141%   188%

 

(a)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 25, 2015. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(d)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, when applicable.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
Annual Report | September 30, 2018 55

 

 

 

 

ICON Industrials Fund

Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period

  $14.97   $12.26   $10.94   $11.67   $10.56 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.00(b)   (0.04)   (0.02)   0.01    0.01 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.53    2.75    1.34    (0.73)   1.16 
Total from investment operations   0.53    2.71    1.32    (0.72)   1.17 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income               (0.01)   (0.06)
Total dividends and distributions               (0.01)   (0.06)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $15.50   $14.97   $12.26   $10.94   $11.67 
                          
Total Return   3.54%   22.10%   12.07%   (6.15)%   11.14%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $11,614   $15,482   $23,957   $14,251   $35,883 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.80%   1.69%   1.73%   1.53%   1.41%
After expense limitation(c)   1.50%   1.51%   1.50%   1.50%   1.41%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.29)%   (0.50)%   (0.37)%   0.07%   0.07%
After expense limitation(c)   0.01%   (0.32)%   (0.14)%   0.10%   0.07%
Portfolio turnover rate   87%   75%   87%   23%   30%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)Amount less than $0.005.

(c)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, when applicable.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
56 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Industrials Fund

Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A(a)  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.79   $12.14   $10.86   $11.58   $10.45 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(b)   (0.04)   (0.07)   (0.04)   (0.02)   (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses)
on investments
   0.52    2.72    1.32    (0.70)   1.16 
Total from investment operations   0.48    2.65    1.28    (0.72)   1.13 
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $15.27   $14.79   $12.14   $10.86   $11.58 
                          
Total Return(c)   3.25%   21.83%   11.79%   (6.22)%   10.81%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)   $1,156   $2,406   $998   $596   $298 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   2.32%   2.05%   2.96%   2.67%   2.02%
After expense limitation(d)   1.75%   1.76%   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.85)%   (0.79)%   (1.59)%   (1.11)%   (0.56)%
After expense limitation(d)   (0.28)%   (0.50)%   (0.38)%   (0.19)%   (0.29)%
Portfolio turnover rate   87%   75%   87%   23%   30%

 

(a)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 25, 2015. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.
(d)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, when applicable.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
Annual Report | September 30, 2018 57

 

 

 

 

ICON Information Technology Fund

Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

                
Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $19.14   $17.96   $14.95   $13.55   $11.44 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   (0.10)   (0.10)   (0.07)   (0.09)   (0.07)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   2.09    4.53    3.08    1.49    2.18 
Total from investment operations   1.99    4.43    3.01    1.40    2.11 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.08)                
Distributions from net realized gains   (3.86)   (3.25)            
Total dividends and distributions   (3.94)   (3.25)            
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $17.19   $19.14   $17.96   $14.95   $13.55 
                          
Total Return   11.82%   29.46%   20.13%   10.33%   18.44%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $61,474   $71,249   $48,953   $45,343   $50,363 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.41%   1.42%   1.49%   1.44%   1.40%
After expense limitation(b)   1.41%   1.42%   1.49%   1.44%   1.40%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (0.60)%   (0.58)%   (0.46)%   (0.62)%   (0.56)%
After expense limitation(b)   (0.60)%   (0.58)%   (0.46)%   (0.62)%   (0.56)%
Portfolio turnover rate   98%   116%   94%   43%   48%

  

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(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, when applicable.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
58 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Information Technology Fund

Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

                
Class A(a)  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
  Year Ended
September 30, 2017
  Year Ended
September 30, 2016
  Year Ended
September 30, 2015
  Year Ended
September 30, 2014
Net asset value, beginning of period  $18.55   $17.55   $14.65   $13.32   $11.30 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(b)   (0.16)   (0.15)   (0.11)   (0.14)   (0.11)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   2.02    4.40    3.01    1.47    2.13 
Total from investment operations   1.86    4.25    2.90    1.33    2.02 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.00)(c)                
Distributions from net realized gains   (3.86)   (3.25)            
Total dividends and distributions   (3.86)   (3.25)            
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $16.55   $18.55   $17.55   $14.65   $13.32 
                          
Total Return(d)   11.43%   29.08%   19.80%   9.99%   17.88%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $2,101   $2,836   $2,631   $3,170   $455 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   2.00%   2.01%   2.17%   1.90%   1.94%
After expense limitation(e)   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%
 Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   (1.20)%   (1.16)%   (1.12)%   (1.07)%   (1.10)%
After expense limitation(e)   (0.95)%   (0.90)%   (0.70)%   (0.92)%   (0.91)%
Portfolio turnover rate   98%   116%   94%   43%   48%

  

(a)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 25, 2015. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)Amount less than $(0.005).
(d)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(e)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, when applicable.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
Annual Report | September 30, 2018 59

 

 

 

 

ICON Natural Resources Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2016 (a)
   Year Ended
September 30, 2015
   Year Ended
September 30, 2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.32   $12.82   $11.86   $15.09   $13.43 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(b)   0.31    0.01    0.10    0.04    0.04 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   1.01    2.56    1.80    (3.23)   1.68 
Total from investment operations   1.32    2.57    1.90    (3.19)   1.72 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income       (0.07)   (0.06)   (0.04)   (0.06)
Distributions from net realized gains   (0.19)       (0.88)        
Total dividends and distributions   (0.19)   (0.07)   (0.94)   (0.04)   (0.06)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $16.45   $15.32   $12.82   $11.86   $15.09 
                          
Total Return   8.68%   20.13%   17.24%   (21.22)%   12.85%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $76,916   $69,444   $65,787   $60,404   $93,610 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.58%   1.52%   1.59%   1.42%   1.36%
After expense limitation(c)   1.50%   1.50%   1.50%   1.42%   1.36%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.86%   0.06%   0.70%   0.27%   0.26%
After expense limitation(c)   1.94%   0.08%   0.79%   0.27%   0.26%
Portfolio turnover rate   117%   68%   81%   48%   33%

 

(a)Prior to January 22, 2016, the ICON Natural Resources Fund was known as the ICON Materials Fund.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)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, when applicable.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
60 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Natural Resources Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class C  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2016 (a)
   Year Ended
September 30, 2015
   Year Ended
September 30, 2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.65   $12.36   $11.51   $14.77   $13.24 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(b)   0.14    (0.13)   (0.03)   (0.11)   (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.97    2.47    1.76    (3.15)   1.65 
Total from investment operations   1.11    2.34    1.73    (3.26)   1.53 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income       (0.05)            
Distributions from net realized gains   (0.19)       (0.88)        
Total dividends and distributions   (0.19)   (0.05)   (0.88)        
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $15.57   $14.65   $12.36   $11.51   $14.77 
                          
Total Return(c)   7.63%   18.97%   16.11%   (22.07)%   11.56%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $1,177   $1,756   $1,435   $834   $675 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   2.79%   2.85%   3.01%   2.94%   4.17%
After expense limitation(d)   2.50%   2.50%   2.51%   2.50%   2.50%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   0.64%   (1.27)%   (0.73)%   (1.22)%   (2.51)%
After expense limitation(d)   0.93%   (0.92)%   (0.23)%   (0.78)%   (0.84)%
Portfolio turnover rate   117%   68%   81%   48%   33%

 

(a)Prior to January 22, 2016, the ICON Natural Resources Fund was known as the ICON Materials Fund.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(d)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, when applicable.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
Annual Report | September 30, 2018 61

 

 

 

 

ICON Natural Resources Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2016 (a)
   Year Ended
September 30, 2015
   Year Ended
September 30, 2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.17   $12.73   $11.75   $14.96   $13.36 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(b)   0.29    (0.03)   0.06    (0.01)   (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.98    2.54    1.81    (3.20)   1.67 
Total from investment operations   1.27    2.51    1.87    (3.21)   1.66 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income       (0.07)   (0.01)       (0.06)
Distributions from net realized gains   (0.19)       (0.88)        
Total dividends and distributions   (0.19)   (0.07)   (0.89)       (0.06)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $16.25   $15.17   $12.73   $11.75   $14.96 
                          
Total Return(c)   8.43%   19.81%   17.05%   (21.46)%   12.47%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $4,231   $5,629   $4,451   $3,078   $8,229 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.86%   1.91%   2.02%   1.76%   1.72%
After expense limitation(d)   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%   1.72%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.71%   (0.35)%   0.24%   (0.06)%   (0.07)%
After expense limitation(d)   1.82%   (0.19)%   0.51%   (0.05)%   (0.07)%
Portfolio turnover rate   117%   68%   81%   48%   33%

 

(a)Prior to January 22, 2016, the ICON Natural Resources Fund was known as the ICON Materials Fund.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(d)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, when applicable.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
62 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Utilities Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class S  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2016
   Year Ended
September 30, 2015
   Year Ended
September 30, 2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.29   $9.49   $8.03   $7.90   $7.22 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.28    0.27    0.30    0.28    0.22 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.07    0.59    1.43    0.11    0.69 
Total from investment operations   0.35    0.86    1.73    0.39    0.91 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.31)   (0.27)   (0.27)   (0.26)   (0.23)
Distributions from net realized gains   (0.48)   (0.79)            
Total dividends and distributions   (0.79)   (1.06)   (0.27)   (0.26)   (0.23)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $8.85   $9.29   $9.49   $8.03   $7.90 
                          
Total Return   4.17%   9.88%   21.74%   4.93%   12.69%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $30,883   $35,816   $43,864   $19,107   $17,920 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.60%   1.54%   1.59%   1.70%   1.52%
After expense limitation(b)   1.22%   1.44%(c)   1.50%   1.50%   1.50%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   2.82%   2.83%   3.15%   3.12%   2.84%
After expense limitation(b)   3.20%   2.93%   3.24%   3.32%   2.86%
Portfolio turnover rate   156%   160%   168%   243%   107%

 

(a)Calculated using the average shares method.

(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, when applicable.

(c)Effective July 1, 2017, the annual expense limitation rate changed from 1.50% to 1.22%.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
Annual Report | September 30, 2018 63

 

 

 

 

ICON Utilities Fund Financial Highlights
  For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

Class A(a)  Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   Year Ended
September 30, 2016
   Year Ended
September 30, 2015
   Year Ended
September 30, 2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.14   $9.35   $7.92   $7.81   $7.14 
Income/(loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income/(loss)(b)   0.25    0.24    0.28    0.26    0.21 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments   0.08    0.59    1.40    0.11    0.68 
Total from investment operations   0.33    0.83    1.68    0.37    0.89 
                          
Less dividends and distributions:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.29)   (0.25)   (0.25)   (0.26)   (0.22)
Distributions from net realized gains   (0.48)   (0.79)            
Total dividends and distributions   (0.77)   (1.04)   (0.25)   (0.26)   (0.22)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $8.70   $9.14   $9.35   $7.92   $7.81 
                          
Total Return(c)   3.97%   9.63%   21.29%   4.63%   12.44%
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $5,540   $8,293   $15,868   $5,679   $2,517 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   1.73%   1.84%   1.79%   1.89%   1.81%
After expense limitation(d)   1.47%   1.69%(e)   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets                         
Before expense limitation   2.62%   2.48%   3.10%   3.04%   2.69%
After expense limitation(d)   2.88%   2.63%   3.14%   3.18%   2.75%
Portfolio turnover rate   156%   160%   168%   243%   107%

 

(a)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 25, 2015. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.

(b)Calculated using the average shares method.

(c)The total return calculation excludes any sales charges.

(d)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, when applicable.

(e)Effective July 1, 2017, the annual expense limitation rate changed from 1.75% to 1.47%.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  
64 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

1.ORGANIZATION

 

 

The ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund (“Consumer Discretionary Fund”), ICON Consumer Staples Fund (“Consumer Staples Fund”), ICON Energy Fund (“Energy Fund”), ICON Financial Fund (“Financial Fund”), ICON Healthcare Fund (“Healthcare Fund”), ICON Industrials Fund (“Industrials Fund”), ICON Information Technology Fund (“Information Technology Fund”), ICON Natural Resources Fund (“Natural Resources Fund”) and ICON Utilities Fund (“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 two classes of shares: Class S and Class A. The Energy Fund and the Natural Resources Fund also offer a Class C share. 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, like all investments in securities, have elements of risk, including risk of loss of principal. There is no assurance that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives and may underperform funds with similar investment objectives. An investment concentrated in sectors and industries involves 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 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.

 

The Energy Fund has a significant weighting in the Oil & Gas Exploration & Production industry and the Integrated Oil & Gas Industry, the Financial Fund has a significant weighting in the Diversified Banks industry, the Healthcare Fund has a significant weighting in the Pharmaceuticals industry and the Managed Health Care industry, the Industrials Fund has a significant weighting in the Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks industry and the Railroads industry, the Natural Resources Fund has a significant weighting in the Integrated Oil & Gas industry and the Oil & Gas Exploration & Production industry and the Utilities Fund has a significant weighting in the Electric Utilities industry and the Multi-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 financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which 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. Each Fund is considered an investment company under GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

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. If the NYSE closes unexpectedly and there is active trading on other exchanges, the securities will be valued at the Valuation Time based off of those exchanges. 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 NYSE is open for trading.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 65

  

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

The Funds use pricing services to obtain the fair 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 fair 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’ Pricing Committee pursuant to procedures approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (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. Exchange traded options are valued at the composite price, using the National Best Bid and Offer quotes (“NBBO”). NBBO consists of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across any of the exchanges on which an option is quoted, thus providing a view across the entire U.S. options marketplace. 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 fair 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, including money market funds, that are not traded on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value (“NAV”) 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 Funds’ Pricing Committee determines that use of another valuation methodology is appropriate. The purposes of daily fair valuation is 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 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 1 quoted 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, 2018:

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*

 

Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices

  

Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs

  

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable
Inputs

  

Total

 
Common Stocks  $22,908,673   $   $   $22,908,673 
Collateral for Securities on Loan     503,264      503,264 
Total  $22,908,673   $503,264   $   $23,411,937 

 

ICON Consumer Staples Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*

 

Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices

  

Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs

  

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable
Inputs

  

Total

 
Common Stocks  $6,710,834   $   $   $6,710,834 
Collateral for Securities on Loan       81,000        81,000 
Total  $6,710,834   $81,000   $   $6,791,834 

 

 

66 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

ICON Energy Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*

 

Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices

  

Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs

  

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable
Inputs

  

Total

 
Common Stocks  $175,985,628   $   $   $175,985,628 
Purchased Call Options  $100,000   $   $   $100,000 
Total  $176,085,628   $   $   $176,085,628 

 

ICON Financial Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*

 

Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices

  

Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs

  

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable
Inputs

  

Total

 
Common Stocks  $44,842,875   $   $   $44,842,875 
Total  $44,842,875   $   $   $44,842,875 

 

ICON Healthcare Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*

 

Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices

  

Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs

  

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable
Inputs

  

Total

 
Common Stocks  $81,623,141   $   $   $81,623,141 
Total  $81,623,141   $   $   $81,623,141 

 

ICON Industrials Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*

 

Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices

  

Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs

  

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable
Inputs

  

Total

 
Common Stocks  $12,646,786   $   $   $12,646,786 
Total  $12,646,786   $   $   $12,646,786 

 

ICON Information Technology Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*

 

Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices

  

Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs

  

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable
Inputs

  

Total

 
Common Stocks  $61,694,319   $   $   $61,694,319 
Total  $61,694,319   $   $   $61,694,319 

 

ICON Natural Resources Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices
   Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks                    
Diversified Chemicals  $2,178,400   $1,526,211   $   $3,704,611 
Integrated Oil & Gas   11,697,380    12,062,113        23,759,493 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   19,440,118    3,912,731        23,352,849 
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing   6,587,116    5,461,552        12,048,668 
Paper Packaging   2,457,500    1,631,970        4,089,470 
Other   4,628,230    9,515,121        14,143,351 
Preferred Stocks   1,306,162            1,306,162 
Total  $48,294,906   $34,109,698   $   $82,404,604 

 

ICON Utilities Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value*

 

Level 1 - Quoted
and Unadjusted
Prices

  

Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs

  

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable
Inputs

  

Total

 
Common Stocks  $35,759,123   $   $   $35,759,123 
Total  $35,759,123   $   $   $35,759,123 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 67

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

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

 

There were no Level 3 securities held in any of the Funds at September 30, 2018.

 

Fund Share Valuation

 

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

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Idle cash may be swept into an overnight demand deposit account and is classified as cash and cash equivalents on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The Funds maintain cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed United States federally insured limits. Amounts swept overnight are available on the next business day.

 

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.

 

Options Transactions

 

The Funds’ use of derivatives for the year ended September 30, 2018 was limited to purchased options.

 

The Funds may 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current fair 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 fair value of the index. If a written put option on 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 limiting 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 fair 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 fair value of the index. Written and purchased options are non-income producing securities.

 

68 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

As of September 30, 2018, the Energy Fund engaged in purchased option transactions. All open option contracts are included on each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

ICON Energy Fund  Asset Derivatives  Liability Derivatives
Risk Exposure  Statements of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  Fair Value   Statements of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  Fair Value 
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options)  Investments, at value  $100,000   N/A   N/A 
Total     $100,000      $ 

 

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

 

ICON Energy Fund

Risk Exposure
  Statements of Operations Location   Realized
Gain/(Loss) on
Derivatives
Recognized
in Income
    Change in
Unrealized Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
on Derivatives
Recognized
in Income
 
Equity Contracts
(Purchased Options)
  Net realized gain/(loss) on Investments, options, and foreign currency translations/ Change in unrealized net appreciation/(depreciation) on Investments, options, and foreign currency  $568,338   $8,967 
Total     $568,338   $8,967 

 

The average purchased option contracts during the year ended September 30, 2018, was as follows:

 

ICON Energy Fund
Derivative Type

Unit of Measurement

Average Contracts+

Days Held

Purchased Options Contracts 700 138

 

+The average is calculated based on the actual number of days with outstanding derivatives.

 

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.

 

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. Collateral is received in exchange for securities on loan in the amount of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned or at least 105% of the value of non-U.S. securities loaned, marked to market daily. 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 assets that generally exceed the value of the securities on loan. Collateral may consist of cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The fair 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.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 69

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ securities lending positions and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of September 30, 2018:

 

  

Market Value of Securities on Loan

   Market Value of Cash Collateral Received   Market Value of Non-Cash Collateral Received  

Total Collateral Received

  

Excess Collateral

 
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund  $1,322,035   $503,264   $834,017   $1,337,281   $15,246 
ICON Consumer Staples Fund   210,168    81,000    135,000    216,000    5,832 
ICON Energy Fund   20,794,188        21,128,331    21,128,331    334,143 
ICON Financial Fund   469,635        494,525    494,525    24,890 
ICON Healthcare Fund   1,129,160        1,162,239    1,162,239    33,079 
ICON Industrials Fund   517,200        536,250    536,250    19,050 
ICON Natural Resources Fund   2,528,053        2,557,225    2,557,225    29,172 
ICON Utilities Fund   1,234,266        1,249,125    1,249,125    14,859 

 

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 cash collateral received from lending in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio which is disclosed on the Schedules of Investments. The Funds bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of cash collateral. The State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio is a Government Money Market Portfolio designed to provide continuous daily liquidity. Non-Cash collateral received consists of securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies or instrumentalities with remaining maturities ranging from overnight to 30 years. Non-cash collateral is not disclosed on the Funds’ Schedules of Investments or their Statements of Assets and Liabilities as the Funds do not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. The net securities lending income earned by the Funds for the year ended September 30, 2018, is included in the Statements of Operations.

 

Security loans consist of equity securities and generally do not have a stated maturity date. The Funds may recall a loaned security at any time.

 

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. As of and during the year ended September 30, 2018, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize the interest and penalties, if any, related to the unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

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 GAAP.

 

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 and is included in capital gains tax in the Statements of Operations.

 

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ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

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 based on the effective yield.

 

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.

 

Withholding Tax

 

Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Other

 

The Funds hold certain investments which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is possible for these dividends to exceed the underlying investments’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital. Distributions received from investments in securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or as a realized gain, respectively.

 

The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments in specific country or region.

 

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 or number of shareholder accounts. 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 or number of shareholder accounts. 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.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 71

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

Below are additional class level expenses for the year ended September 30, 2018 that are included on the Statements of Operations:

 

Fund  Printing Fees*   Transfer Agent Fees*     Registration Fees 
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund               
Class S  $4,396   $ 46,849   $19,052 
Class A   104    3,285    5,627 
ICON Consumer Staples Fund               
Class S   1,529    33,597    18,445 

Class A

   307    7,692    7,290 
ICON Energy Fund               
Class S   25,168    437,940    26,558 
Class C   620    8,976    8,549 

Class A

   607    11,016    7,642 
ICON Financial Fund               
Class S   4,935    66,609    18,462 
Class A   471    4,697    6,129 
ICON Healthcare Fund               
Class S   8,483    126,940    21,919 
Class A   345    5,455    6,400 
ICON Industrials Fund               
Class S   4,024    39,359    16,876 
Class A   89    2,375    7,911 
ICON Information Technology Fund               
Class S   6,301    90,384    21,240 
Class A   265    4,016    8,054 
ICON Natural Resources Fund               
Class S   12,974    179,572    22,354 
Class C   149    2,285    6,322 

Class A

   582    10,872    8,139 
ICON Utilities Fund               
Class S   4,130    72,946    18,408 
Class A       4,794    8,681 

 

*Printing and Transfer agent out of pocket fees are a Fund level expense.

 

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 investments. 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, acquired fund fees and expenses 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% 1.99%
ICON Consumer Staples Fund 1.50% 1.75%
ICON Energy Fund 1.50%        2.50% 1.75%
ICON Financial Fund 1.50% 1.75%
ICON Healthcare Fund 1.50% 1.75%
ICON Industrials Fund 1.50% 1.75%
ICON Information Technology Fund 1.50% 1.75%
ICON Natural Resources Fund 1.50%        2.50% 1.75%
ICON Utilities Fund 1.22% 1.47%

 

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ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

The Funds’ expense limitations will continue in effect until at least January 31, 2019. 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 these payments are proposed.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the following amounts were available for recoupment by ICON Advisers based upon their potential expiration dates:

 

   Expires   Expires   Expires 
Fund  2019   2020   2021 
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund  $3,370   $4,198   $3,577 
ICON Consumer Staples Fund   51,650    63,487    69,700 
ICON Energy Fund           3,104 
ICON Financial Fund   8,903    6,790    5,239 
ICON Healthcare Fund   1,898    4,986    3,569 
ICON Industrials Fund   44,625    44,703    50,110 
ICON Information Technology Fund   8,637    6,814    5,978 
ICON Natural Resources Fund   32,171    26,508    69,036 
ICON Utilities Fund   31,946    57,017    130,032 
                
Accounting, Custody and Transfer Agent Fees               

 

ALPS Fund Services (“ALPS”) serves as the fund accounting agent for the Trust. For its services, the Trust pays ALPS a fee that is calculated daily and paid monthly, which is the greater of an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust or a contractual minimum annual fee.

 

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.

 

ALPS is the Trust’s transfer agent. For these services, the Trust pays an annual fee plus annual base fee per Fund, per account fees and out-of-pocket expenses.

 

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, 2018, each Fund’s payment for administrative services to ICON Advisers is included on the Statements 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 ALPS, under which ALPS assists ICON Advisers with the administration and business affairs of the Trust. For its services, ICON Advisers pays ALPS a fee, that is calculated daily and paid monthly, which is the greater of an annual rate based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust or a contractual minimum annual fee.

 

Distribution Fees

 

ICON Distributors, Inc. (“IDI” or “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICON Management and Research and affiliate of ICON Advisers, Inc., serves the Trust as Distributor. The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“12b-1 Plan”) under which the Funds are authorized to compensate or reimburse the Distributor for the sale and distribution of shares and for other shareholder services. The shareholders of the Funds pay an annual distribution fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets for Class C shares and an annual distribution fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets for Class A shares. There is no annual distribution fee for Class S shares. The total amount paid by each Fund under the 12b-1 Plan is shown on the Statements of Operations.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 73

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

 

Class A Shares are subject to an initial sales charge and the public offering price of Class A shares equals net asset value plus the applicable sales charge, which is a maximum of 5.75%. For the year ended September 30, 2018, IDI collected sales charges on purchases of Class A Shares, the majority of which were paid out as concessions to financial intermediaries, as follows:

 

Fund  Sales Charges Collected
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund Class A    $571 
ICON Consumer Staples Fund Class A     1,751 
ICON Energy Fund Class A     2,187 
ICON Financial Fund Class A     4,038 
ICON Healthcare Fund Class A     1,283 
ICON Industrials Fund Class A     192 
ICON Information Technology Fund Class A     2,295 
ICON Natural Resources Fund Class A     3,682 
ICON Utilities Fund Class A     1,590 

 

In addition, IDI receives a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the purchase price on redemptions of Class C shares made within one year following the date of purchase. A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge may also apply to certain redemptions of Class A shares made within one year following the purchase of $1 million or more without an initial sales charge. For the year ended September 30, 2018, IDI collected the following contingent deferred sales charges:

 

Fund  Contingent Deferred Sales Charges Collected
ICON Energy Fund Class C    $361 
ICON Natural Resources Fund Class C     240 

 

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 pays a portion of the CCO’s salary and the remaining portion, along with other employee related expenses, is paid by ICON Advisers. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the total related amounts paid by the Funds under this arrangement are included in Other Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

 

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 reviews and approves such reimbursements. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the total related amounts accrued by the Funds under this arrangement was $1,404 and is included in Other Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

 

The Funds did not engage in cross trades with each other, during the year ended September 30, 2018, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Generally, cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds and its affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7. At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Board reviews such transactions as of the most current calendar quarter for compliance with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Funds’ procedures. The procedures require that the transactions be a purchase or sale for no consideration other than cash payment against prompt delivery of a security for which market quotations are readily available, and be consistent with the investment policies of each Fund.

 

4.BORROWINGS

 

 

The Trust has entered into an uncommitted, unsecured, revolving Line of Credit agreement/arrangement with State Street to provide temporary funding for redemption requests. The maximum borrowing limit is $50 million. Interest on domestic borrowings is charged at a rate quoted and determined by State Street. The interest rate as of September 30, 2018 was 3.51%. The Line of Credit agreement/arrangement expires on March 18, 2019.

 

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ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the average outstanding loan by Fund was as follows:

 

Fund  Maximum Borrowing
(10/01/17 - 09/30/18)
   Average Borrowing
(10/01/17 - 09/30/18)^
   Average Interest Rates
(10/01/17 - 09/30/18)^
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund*  $1,150,488   $217,738    3.29%
ICON Consumer Staples Fund*   3,387,748    468,251    2.82%
ICON Energy Fund*   2,652,175    385,180    2.99%
ICON Financial Fund*   311,326    72,588    2.90%
ICON Healthcare Fund*   1,984,721    471,334    2.89%
ICON Industrials Fund*   1,502,820    309,322    3.06%
ICON Information Technology Fund*   937,636    482,240    2.77%
ICON Natural Resources Fund*   6,192,627    1,329,623    3.28%
ICON Utilities Fund*   764,525    191,665    2.78%

 

*There were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement/arrangement as of September 30, 2018.

^The average is calculated based on the actual number of days with outstanding borrowings.

 

5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, 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  $31,917,496   $33,306,390 
ICON Consumer Staples Fund   6,775,306    27,008,181 
ICON Energy Fund   138,094,039    204,069,187 
ICON Financial Fund   19,728,703    19,745,068 
ICON Healthcare Fund   47,679,300    64,140,609 
ICON Industrials Fund   13,259,915    18,141,736 
ICON Information Technology Fund   64,082,563    83,223,515 
ICON Natural Resources Fund   101,641,101    96,050,588 
ICON Utilities Fund   56,908,121    64,898,081 

 

6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX

 

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between 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, expiring capital losses, partnership adjustments, and net investment losses.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”) capital losses generated by a Fund may be carried over indefinitely.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the utilized/expired capital loss carryforwards were as follows:

 

Fund  Expired Amount   Utilized Amount
ICON Financial Fund  $40,830,438   $3,388,209 
ICON Industrials Fund   13,718,613    787,072 

 

For Energy Fund, the short-term and long-term capital losses deferred were $78,442,382 and $87,999,358, respectively.

 

The Consumer Discretionary Fund elects to defer to the period ending September 30, 2019, capital losses recognized during the period November 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018 in the amount of $372,949.

 

The Consumer Staples Fund elects to defer to the period ending September 30, 2019, capital losses recognized during the period November 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018 in the amount of $579,354.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 75

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

The Energy Fund elects to defer to the period ending September 30, 2019, capital losses recognized during the period November 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018 in the amount of $8,056,667.

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the following reclassifications were made, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets.

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital  Total Distributable
Earnings
ICON Energy Fund  $(892)  $892 
ICON Financial Fund   (40,830,438)   40,830,438 
ICON Industrials Fund   (13,758,464)   13,758,464 
ICON Utilities Fund   (13)   13 

 

For Industrials Fund, included in the amounts reclassified was a net operating loss offset to paid in capital of $39,851.

 

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income  Long-Term Capital Gains
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund  $946,956   $ 
ICON Consumer Staples Fund   697,696    457,925 
ICON Energy Fund   3,446,209     
ICON Financial Fund   94,842     
ICON Healthcare Fund   833,129    1,243,391 
ICON Information Technology Fund   3,421,861    10,355,627 
ICON Natural Resources Fund   1,011,303     
ICON Utilities Fund   2,149,591    1,205,125 

 

The tax characteristics of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, were as followed:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income  Long-Term Capital Gains
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund  $585,099   $1,670,363 
ICON Consumer Staples Fund   2,065,125    1,778,292 
ICON Energy Fund   1,977,974     
ICON Financial Fund   530,652     
ICON Healthcare Fund       1,215,871 
ICON Information Technology Fund   629,475    8,725,258 
ICON Natural Resources Fund   416,879     
ICON Utilities Fund   4,557,628    1,120,416 

 

As of September 30, 2018, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund  Undistributed
Ordinary Income
  Accumulated Capital
Gains/(Losses)
  Other Cumulative
Effect of Timing
Differences
   Unrealized
Appreciation/(Depreciation)*
  Total Accumulated Earnings/(Deficit)
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund  $   $(372,949)  $   $351,221   $(21,728)
ICON Consumer Staples Fund   102,336    (579,354)       (27,447)   (504,465)
ICON Energy Fund   356,208    (174,498,407)       15,583,408    (158,558,791)
ICON Financial Fund   163,308            7,827,981    7,991,289 
ICON Healthcare Fund   1,645,449    3,152,083        14,549,612    19,347,144 
ICON Industrials Fund               1,142,183    1,142,183 
ICON Information Technology Fund   5,119,639    2,164,116        11,593,365    18,877,120 
ICON Natural Resources Fund   5,186,341    5,752,876        3,135,094    14,074,311 
ICON Utilities Fund   85,632    112,409        1,584,244    1,782,285 

 

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

 

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ICON Sector Funds Notes to Financial Statements
  September 30, 2018

 

As of September 30, 2018, cost on investments for federal income tax purposes and the amount of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) were as follows:

 

 

 

Fund  Gross Appreciation
(excess of value
over tax cost)
  Gross Depreciation
(excess of tax cost
over value)
  Net Appreciation/
(Depreciation) of
Foreign Currency
   Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)*
  Cost of Investments
for Income Tax
Purposes
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund  $1,558,274   $(1,207,053)  $   $351,221   $23,060,716 
ICON Consumer Staples Fund   277,167    (304,614)       (27,447)   6,819,281 
ICON Energy Fund   21,049,216    (5,465,808)       15,583,408    160,502,220 
ICON Financial Fund   8,682,627    (854,646)       7,827,981    37,014,894 
ICON Healthcare Fund   16,047,900    (1,498,288)       14,549,612    67,073,529 
ICON Industrials Fund   1,518,850    (376,681)   14    1,142,183    11,504,617 
ICON Information Technology Fund   13,547,730    (1,954,365)       11,593,365    50,100,954 
ICON Natural Resources Fund   8,531,366    (5,396,222)   (50)   3,135,094    79,269,460 
ICON Utilities Fund   2,043,790    (459,679)   133    1,584,244    34,175,012 

 

*This balance includes appreciation/(depreciation) of foreign currency.

 

7. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

 

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. Management has eliminated and modified disclosures and is currently evaluating the impact of the remaining ASU.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

Management has evaluated whether any events or transactions occurred subsequent to September 30, 2018 and through the date of issuance of the Funds’ financial statements and determined that there were no material events or transactions that would require recognition or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 77

 

 

 

 

  Report of Independent Registered
ICON Sector Funds Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of ICON Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, 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 Natural Resources Fund, and ICON Utilities Fund (the “Funds”), each a series of ICON Funds, as of September 30, 2018, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of September 30, 2018, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The Funds’ financial highlights for the year ended September 30, 2015 and prior, were audited by other auditors whose report dated November 18, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the Funds’ auditor since 2016.

 

(graphic) 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD. 

Cleveland, Ohio 

November 21, 2018

 

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ICON Sector Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses
  September 30, 2018 (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 (04/01/18 – 09/30/18).

 

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), 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
April 1, 2018
  Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2018
  Expense Ratio(a)  Expenses Paid During period April 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018(b)
ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,077.40    1.70%  $8.85 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.55    1.70%  $8.59 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,076.20    1.99%  $10.36 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,015.09    1.99%  $10.05 
                     
ICON Consumer Staples Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,015.20    1.51%  $7.63 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.50    1.51%  $7.64 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,013.80    1.76%  $8.88 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.24    1.76%  $8.90 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 79

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

   Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2018
  Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2018
  Expense Ratio(a)  Expenses Paid During period April 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018(b)
ICON Energy Fund                
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,132.00    1.50%  $8.02 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.55    1.50%  $7.59 
Class C                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,125.30    2.50%  $13.32 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,012.53    2.50%  $12.61 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,129.40    1.74%  $9.29 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.34    1.74%  $8.80 
                     
ICON Financial Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,019.50    1.52%  $7.70 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.45    1.52%  $7.69 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,017.60    1.75%  $8.85 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.29    1.75%  $8.85 
                     
ICON Healthcare Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,234.70    1.47%  $8.24 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.70    1.47%  $7.44 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,232.90    1.75%  $9.80 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.29    1.75%  $8.85 
                     
ICON Industrials Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,045.90    1.51%  $7.74 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.50    1.51%  $7.64 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,045.20    1.76%  $9.02 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.24    1.76%  $8.90 
                     
ICON Information Technology Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,069.70    1.45%  $7.52 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.80    1.45%  $7.33 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,068.40    1.75%  $9.07 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.29    1.75%  $8.85 
                     
ICON Natural Resources Fund                    
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,032.60    1.50%  $7.64 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.55    1.50%  $7.59 
Class C                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,028.40    2.50%  $12.71 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,012.53    2.50%  $12.61 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,031.70    1.75%  $8.91 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.29    1.75%  $8.85 

 

80 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

   Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2018
  Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2018
  Expense Ratio(a)  Expenses Paid
During period
April 1, 2018 -
September 30, 2018(b)
ICON Utilities Fund                
Class S                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,063.60    1.22%  $6.31 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.95    1.22%  $6.17 
Class A                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,063.30    1.47%  $7.60 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.70    1.47%  $7.44 
                     
(a)The Fund’s expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund’s most recent fiscal half-year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year 183/365 (to reflect the half-year period).

 

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

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 81

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Board of Trustees and Fund Officers
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

The ICON Funds Board of Trustees (the “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, 67. Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as President (2014 to present and 1998 to 2013) and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers, Inc. 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 ICON Distributors, Inc. 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, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

Independent Trustees

 

Glen F. Bergert, 68. 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 2015), 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 (2013 to present and 2006 to 2012), Delta Dental of Pennsylvania (2010 to present and 1998 to 2009), Delta Reinsurance Corporation (2015 to present; 2011 to 2014 and 2000 to 2009) and Dentegra Group, Inc. (2017 to present; 2010 to 2014).

 

John C. Pomeroy, Jr., 71. Mr. Pomeroy has been a Trustee of the Funds since 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, 70. Mr. Sentel has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Mr. Sentel recently retired from his role as a Senior Attorney with the U.S. Department of Education (1996 to 2018) and was engaged in private practice of securities and corporate law (1981 to 2017). 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).

 

Mark Manassee, 53. Mr. Manassee has been a Trustee of the Funds since 2017. Mr. Manassee is a Senior Advisor to McKinsey’s Wealth and Asset Management Practice, and Chairman of the Board of FundRock Partners, Ltd (UK). Mr. Manassee was Principal and President of Market Metrics, LLC, a subsidiary of FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (1998 to 2016). Mr. Manassee was also a Director of Matrix-Data, Ltd (UK) (2013 to 2016) and Rhetorik, Ltd (UK) (2013 to 2016).

 

The Officers of the Funds are:

 

Craig T. Callahan, 67. Chairman of the Board. Dr. Callahan has been a Trustee of the Funds since their inception. Dr. Callahan also serves as President (2014 to present and 1998 to 2013) and Chairman of the Investment Committee (2005 to present) and served as the Chief Investment Officer (1991 to 2004) of ICON Advisers, Inc. 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 ICON Distributors, Inc. 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, Inc. and ICON Distributors, Inc.

 

Donald Salcito, 65. Mr. Salcito serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Funds (2006 to present). Mr. Salcito is also Executive Vice President and General Counsel (2005 to present) of ICON Advisers, Inc.; Director of IM&R (2005 to present); Executive Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel of ICON Distributors, Inc. (2005 to 2017). Previously, he was a Partner in various national law firms, practicing in the securities law area (1980 to 2005).

 

Brian D. Harding, 39. Mr. Harding serves as Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Harding is also Chief Financial Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2013 to present) and Director of IM&R (2013 to present). Previously he was Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer of the Funds (2008 to 2013), Chief Compliance Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2011 to 2013), and Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2001 to 2008).

 

 

82 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Board of Trustees and Fund Officers
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Jack M. Quillin, 46. Mr. Quillin serves as Assistant Treasurer of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Quillin is also a Compliance and Fund Accounting Associate of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2016 to present). Previously, he was a compliance analyst at Marsico Capital Management, LLC (2011 to 2015), an assistant vice president in the municipal derivatives finance department at Merrill Lynch (2004 to 2008), and a senior accountant in the Regulatory Reporting group at Wells Fargo & Company (1998 to 2003).

 

Christopher R. Ambruso, 38. Mr. Ambruso serves as Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2017 to present) of the Funds. Mr. Ambruso is also Chief Compliance Officer of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2017 to present). Previously he served as Assistant Secretary (2016 to 2017 and 2008 to 2012) of the Funds and Associate Counsel (2013 to 2017); Associate Attorney (2008 to 2013); and Staff Attorney (2007 to 2008) of ICON Advisers, Inc.

 

Stephen E. Abrams, 55. Mr. Abrams serves as Assistant Secretary of the Funds (2017 to present). Mr. Abrams is also Associate General Counsel of ICON Advisers, Inc. (2005 to present); Executive Vice President and General Counsel (2017 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer (2007 to present) of ICON Distributors, Inc. Previously, he worked as an Associate Attorney before becoming a Partner at a national law firm, practicing general litigation and securities law (1994 to 2005).

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 83

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Additional Information
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Renewal of Investment Advisory Agreement

 

On September 7, 2018, 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 (as defined below) with the Adviser for each Fund for an additional one-year term commencing October 1, 2018.

 

The Trustees considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreements between the Trust and the Adviser – the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated October 9, 1996, as amended (related to the Sector Funds, the International Funds and the ICON Fund) and the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement dated July 9, 2002 and effective October 1, 2002, as amended (related to the U.S. Diversified Funds — Flexible Bond, Risk-Managed Balanced, Equity Income, Opportunities and Long/Short Funds) (collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”). 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 the expense limitation agreements.

 

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; and comparative data obtained from Broadridge related to Fund performance and Fund expenses (the “Broadridge Report”).

 

The Independent Trustees met separately with Broadridge on August 8, 2018 to discuss the Broadridge Report and the information contained within the Broadridge Report.

 

Also 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; staffing levels and staff morale.

 

The Independent Trustees were represented by independent legal counsel in the entire 15(c) process. In August, after participating in the meeting with Broadridge and management, the Independent Trustees met separately as a group in private sessions with their independent legal counsel to review and discuss a wide variety of qualitative and quantitative information, including information they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds. Based on these discussions, independent legal counsel and/or the Lead Independent Trustee also contacted management to request additional information from Broadridge. The Board received materials from independent 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.

 

Management and the Trustees discussed the Broadridge Report and Management personnel showed performance for each Fund and discussed the factors affecting performance. During a lengthy and spirited discussion, the Trustees expressed their concerns regarding both the ICON Funds’ performance relative to similarly situated funds and the overall rate of redemptions relative to sales.

 

With regard to the ICON Funds’ performance, the Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) stated that the current market is favoring growth rather than value-based systems or styles. The current market is challenging for the ICON system. The CIO reiterated his faith in the ICON system, noting its many past successes. The Trustees raised questions regarding the Funds’ lagging performance and what changes might help to increase the performance, while staying within the ICON system. The Trustees’ questions and the discussion with Management focused on Management’s working internally to identify ways to improve performance by implementing changes within the ICON system, without straying outside the ICON system of value investing.

 

From a sales perspective, Management has been challenged to penetrate and retain sales in the full-service wirehouse firms. Wirehouses, Management noted, are intent on capturing assets while moving from a transaction-based compensation model (e.g. paying per trade) to a fee-based compensation model (e.g. paying a fixed percentage for asset management). Wirehouses are culling their recommended lists and/or looking

 

 

84 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Additional Information
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

to pare down the number of fund families with whom they do business. Management has seen most of the ICON Funds culled from wirehouses, in large part because of the size of the Funds.

 

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 are satisfactory;

 

B.That ICON has made significant expenditures in the past year and in prior years by way of expense reimbursements and the Adviser has the systems and trained personnel necessary for it to be able to continue to provide quality service to the Funds’ shareholders;

 

C.That the Board is satisfied with the research, portfolio management, and trading services, among others, being provided by ICON to the Trust, and has determined that ICON is charging fair and reasonable fees; and

 

D.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 the Trust’s advisory relationship with ICON can 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 Broadridge 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, the Administration Agreement and the Expense Limitation Agreements) with the Adviser as opposed to the fees specified in the applicable Advisory Agreement and expense ratios without application of the expense limitations and the low cost of the Administration Agreement 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. The Board also considered the Adviser’s contractual commitment regarding administration and the fact it would continue to lose money on administration. In this regard the Board discussed asset levels in each Fund covered by the Advisory Agreements. 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 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 Broadridge Report, and information that they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds, including Morningstar and Lipper data on the peer groupings. Among other information discussed, it was noted that:

 

A.Upon review of the advisory fee structures of each Fund in comparison with other similar funds of similar size, the level of investment advisory fees paid by each Fund is competitive;

 

B.The total expense ratio and contractual management fees at common asset levels of each Fund are generally competitive with their expense groups;

 

C.ICON has contractually agreed to impose expense limitations on all Funds at a cost to ICON;

 

D.That the advisory and other fees payable by the Funds to ICON are essentially fees which would be similar to those which would have resulted solely from “arm’s-length” bargaining;

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 85

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Additional Information
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

E.That the fees paid to ICON for managing other institutional accounts (such as individuals or sub-advised portfolios) are lower than the fees paid by similarly managed ICON funds, but the reason why they are lower is reasonably related to the cost for ICON to manage such accounts;

 

F.The extent to which economies of scale could be realized as a Fund grows in assets and whether the Fund’s fees reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders; and

 

G.The costs borne by ICON in providing advisory services to each Fund and the profitability of ICON in light of the estimated profitability analysis which had been provided by ICON.

 

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 and Management recognized that the Adviser is continuously evaluating Fund expense ratios and expense limits to assess the competitiveness of the Funds and whether any downward adjustments affect Fund sales.

 

The Board concluded that the Adviser is providing the Funds with professional management at a price that would have been arrived at in an arm’s length negotiation.

 

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:

 

A.ICON benefits from serving directly or through affiliates as the principal underwriter and administrative agent for the Funds; the services provided by ICON and its affiliates to the Funds are reasonably satisfactory, and whether the profits derived from providing the services are competitive and reasonable;

 

B.ICON receives research assistance from the use of soft dollars generated from Fund portfolio transactions; the Trustees noted that such research is necessary to run the Funds and assists ICON in providing investment advisory services to the Funds as well as other accounts to which it provides advisory services.

 

Based on all these considerations and other data as discussed above, 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 within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s length in light of all the circumstances.

 

 

86 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Additional Information
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

Supplemental Tax Info

 

Pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code the following Funds designate the amounts listed below as long-term capital gain dividends:

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund $0
ICON Consumer Staples Fund $457,925
ICON Energy Fund $0
ICON Financial Fund $0
ICON Healthcare Fund $1,243,391
ICON Industrials Fund $0
ICON Information Technology Fund $10,355,627
ICON Natural Resources Fund $0
ICON Utilities Fund $1,205,125

 

The following Funds designate the percentages listed below of the income dividends distributed in 2017 as qualified dividend income (QDI) as defined in Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund 27.44%
ICON Consumer Staples Fund 59.54%
ICON Energy Fund 82.79%
ICON Financial Fund 100.00%
ICON Healthcare Fund 94.32%
ICON Industrials Fund 0.00%
ICON Information Technology Fund 9.30%
ICON Natural Resources Fund 91.98%
ICON Utilities Fund 57.70%

 

The following Funds designate the percentages listed below of the income dividends distributed in 2017 as qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction (DRD) as defined in Section 854(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

ICON Consumer Discretionary Fund 27.92%
ICON Consumer Staples Fund 58.88%
ICON Energy Fund 77.35%
ICON Financial Fund 100.00%
ICON Healthcare Fund 82.63%
ICON Industrials Fund 0.00%
ICON Information Technology Fund 9.86%
ICON Natural Resources Fund 64.25%
ICON Utilities Fund 57.75%

 

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.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 87

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Additional Information
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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.

 

 

88 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

  

ICON Sector Funds Privacy Policy
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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:

 

●    Social Security number and account balances

●    income and transaction history

●    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.

 

 

Annual Report | September 30, 2018 89

 

 

 

 

ICON Sector Funds Privacy Policy
  September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

●     open an account or enter into an investment advisory contract

●     provide account information or give us your contact information

●     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

 

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

●     affiliates from using your information to market to you

●     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.

 

●     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.

 

●     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.

 

●     ICON doesn’t jointly market

 

 

90 www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about the ICON Funds, contact us:
 
By Telephone 1-800-764-0442
By E-Mail info@iconadvisers.com
By Mail ICON Funds | P.O. Box 1920 | Denver, CO 80201
In Person ICON Funds | 5299 DTC Boulevard, 12th Floor
  Greenwood Village, CO 80111
On the Internet www.iconfunds.com

 

 

 

 

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.

Item 4.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

  (a) Audit Fees

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the aggregate Audit Fees billed (or to be billed) by Cohen & Company, LTD. (“Cohen”) 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.

 

2018      2017  
$ 216,000      $ 216,000  

 

  (b) Audit-Related Fees

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the aggregate Audit-Related Fees billed (or to be billed) by Cohen 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.

 

2018      2017  
$ 0      $ 0  

 

  (c) Tax Fees

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 the aggregate Tax Fees billed (or to be billed) by Cohen 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.

 

2018      2017  
$ 86,000      $ 81,000  

 

  (d) All Other Fees

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 the aggregate Other Fees billed (or to be billed) by Cohen for all other non-audit services rendered are shown in the table below. All of the below fees were paid by the Registrant.

 

2018      2017  
$ 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, 2018, 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 Cohen was less than 50%.

 

 

 

(g) See Item 4(d) above.

(h) There were no non-audit services provided by Cohen in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 or September 30, 2017 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.

Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 13.

Exhibits.

(a)(1) The code of ethics is attached.

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) are attached.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(a)(4) Not applicable.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) are furnished herewith.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant)   

ICON Funds

 

By (Signature and Title)*   

/s/ Craig T. Callahan

   Craig T. Callahan, President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date   

December 3, 2018

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 (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date   

December 3, 2018

 

By (Signature and Title)*   

/s/ Brian D. Harding

   Brian D. Harding, Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Date   

December 3, 2018

 

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.