N-CSRS 1 d883572dncsrs.htm CORTINA FUNDS, INC. Cortina Funds, Inc.

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: 811-21580

CORTINA FUNDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

825 N. Jefferson St., Suite 400, Milwaukee, WI 53202

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(414) 225-7365

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Lori Hoch

825 N. Jefferson St., Suite 400

Milwaukee, WI 53202

(Name and address of agent for service)

Date of fiscal year end: June 30

Date of reporting period: July 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014


Item 1.  Reports to Stockholders.

The following is a copy of the report to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1).


LOGO


  TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    

 

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

Shareholder Letter

  1   

Portfolio Information

  2   

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

Shareholder Letter

  3   

Portfolio Information

  4   

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

  5   

Schedule of Investments

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

  6   

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

  9   

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

  11   

Statements of Operations

  12   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

  13   

Financial Highlights

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

  14   

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund - Institutional

  15   

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund - Investor

  16   

Notes to Financial Statements

  17   

Additional Information

  22   


LOGO

 

Shareholder Letter

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:

A choppy market which constituted the first half of the fiscal year proved to be a challenging one for the Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund. For the six months ending December 31, 2014, the fund meaningfully underperformed the Russell 2000 Growth benchmark. The fund return was in negative territory, while the benchmark delivered a positive return. Data suggests it was a very difficult year for active managers to navigate with the continued fall in interest rates throughout 2014, being a large surprise to many investment managers. The collapse in the 10-yr yield which began 2014 at 3.00% and ended the year at 2.17% created some irregular outcomes from a sector/industry perspective, particularly considering where we are in the business cycle. In addition, many of the historical relationships of which types of stocks tend to work in parallel have broken down.

Coming into calendar year 2014, small cap stocks in general were riding high, but many, including us, grew concerned with the valuations small caps were carrying relative to the rest of the market. As the calendar year progressed, extreme outperformance of large cap stocks (as measured by the Russell 1000 Value Index) helped to correct some of the valuation disparity, but it has not yet corrected to long-term historical levels. The investment style of the Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund has a decided bias toward smaller market cap companies, and this has been a substantial headwind. In this fiscal year’s first half, large caps exhibited a continued performance edge, but it was encouraging to see small caps rally late in the year. Very strong small cap performance may be a reflection of the solid revenue growth rates put up by small companies relative to large caps in the September 2014 quarter. This divergence could be the initial influence the stronger dollar is having on multinational companies which have a much larger presence in large cap indexes.

In this fiscal period, the Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund was most severely punished by its exposure to the Energy sector. As oil prices collapsed in the second half of the year, which was exacerbated by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) decision in November to not cut production targets, most of the fund’s Energy holdings suffered severe losses. An overweight position in the sector was principally to blame, but most of the exposure was in domestic Exploration & Production stocks which, in general, were the most punished. The investment style of the managers is to avoid making large macro calls such as guessing on the direction of commodity prices, and rather the goal is to find companies that are executing to targets from the bottom up. The abrupt, severe reversal in oil prices has, in the short term, rendered any company-specific success as irrelevant. And while the exposure to the Domestic Shale Energy theme had nowhere near the exposure in the fund this period than it has had in previous periods, several other fund holdings in non-Energy sectors such as Industrials were impacted by their association to the commodity or domestic drilling activity levels.

The largest sector exposure in the fund on both an absolute and relative basis is in the Health Care sector. In this sector, dynamic change is opening up doors of opportunity for many innovative small firms. On purely an absolute basis, this semiannual period for the Health Care portion of the fund was quite additive. However, on a relative basis, the sector was a sizable drag due to large underexposure to the Biotech and Pharmaceutical sectors. The biotech industry makes up nearly 10% of our benchmark, and this period’s performance of the Biotech group was spectacular. We do not actively invest in the single-product, early-stage companies which report nothing but clinical data because the binary risk stemming from trial outcomes is too great. Very low interest rates are influencing the discount rate investors are applying to uncertain biotech company earnings which will not appear for many, many years. Biotech stock performance along with valuation parameters and the incredible amount of capital-raising activity of late resembles TMT investing in the late 1990’s.

OUTLOOK

By many accounts, we believe, 2014 will be considered a correction year for the small cap market. Valuations were high, interest rates collapsed as did oil prices, and flows into actively-managed domestic stock funds turned decidedly negative in the second half of the year. The commitment your fund managers have to their disciplines – namely preferring high growth, smaller companies which have products in the market today – no doubt did not serve fundholders well. From an economic standpoint, however, the pendulum may be swinging toward domestic-centric growth companies as U.S. economic data is turning decidedly positive while many other economies across the globe are in retreat. The portfolio is positioned in companies that should be able to deliver strong results with this type of economic backdrop. The early reporting season for the December quarter financial results has been very light from an earnings disappointment perspective. Many of the newest fund positions are competitively-positioned companies that in the not-so-distant past carried valuations that the fund managers were not comfortable with, but after the volatility of the last several quarters, have reached levels that now interest us.

Investing involves risks, including loss of principal.

The Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index and includes approximately 1000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership.

 

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

1


LOGO

 

Portfolio Information

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

Growth of $25,000 Investment (Unaudited)

For the period from September 30, 2011 (Inception) to December 31, 2014.

LOGO

This graph assumes an initial $25,000 investment at September 30, 2011 (Inception Date). The Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) will deduct a 2.00% redemption proceeds fee on Fund shares held 60 days or less . This graph depicts the performance of the Fund versus the Russell 2000® Growth Index. It is important to note the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the index is not available for investment and is unmanaged. The comparison is shown for illustrative purposes only.

This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

Performance Returns for the period ended December 31, 2014

 

   6 Months 1 Year 3 Years Since Inception* Gross
Expense Ratio**

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

-4.26% -8.94% 12.78% 16.14% 1.88%

Russell 2000® Growth Index

3.31% 5.60% 20.14% 23.64%  

 

*

The Fund’s inception date is September 30, 2011.

**

Cortina Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse the Fund’s operating expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, leverage, interest, brokerage commissions, dividends or interest expenses on short positions, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to 1.10% of average daily net assets of the Fund. The agreement will continue in effect at least through October 31, 2015, subject thereafter to annual re-approval of the agreement by the Fund’s Board of Directors.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The 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. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, call 1-855-612-3936.

Russell 2000® Growth Index measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-value ratios and higher forecasted growth values. All indices are unmanaged. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Sector Allocations***

LOGO

*** Percentages are based on Net Assets as of December 31, 2014. Holdings are subject to change.

 

2

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Shareholder Letter

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:

The Dog Finally Caught the Car

The close of 2014 was as volatile as the year was frustrating. The market, with big discrepancies of absolute and relative performance between equities dependent upon market cap, sectors, and yield, among other factors, confounded active managers as a whole. Maybe it is true that passive management has won the day, and active managers such as ourselves should sulk off the battlefield. And maybe not. Passive management does tend to do well later in cycles, and we believe we are approaching that stage. Seven years since the crisis, and eight years past the first indications of trouble, the aggressive Federal Reserve has accomplished something unexpected: victory. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is solid and seemingly growing nicely, unemployment is below 6%, and consumers are spending more. Like the dog that caught the car, if we’ve caught escape velocity for the economy, now what? We think the volatility in the market reflects the brewing tension between the visible benefits of easy money and the likelihood of tightening monetary policy. Add in the deflation caused by the drop in the price of oil, and we have a tough situation, also known in technical terms as a pickle.

The Cortina Small Cap Value Fund posted an unremarkable, but inline with the benchmark, return for the 6 months ended December 31, 2014. Most sectors were positive contributors, but the dominant financial story of 2014 was the complete collapse of oil prices and related equities. This impacted the portfolio, but less so than the benchmark. The portfolio’s exposure to the sector was largely reduced by mid-year, thus the Energy portion of the portfolio, while negative, actually delivered a positive relative performance contribution. Industrials, many of which had some energy exposure, were also a negative contributor. The fund is now underweight both energy and industrials. Energy is clearly in the throes of a reset, while it is simply difficult to find industrial companies which do not have either large current exposure to energy or have not generated much of their recent incremental growth from US oil production.

Market Outlook and Positioning

The wise pessimist always sounds so reasonable and the giggly optimist so naive and fantastical when, in many cases, the pessimist is just cantankerous and the optimist is actually correct. To sum up, we see the likelihood of a material correction as elevated, but not necessarily imminent. The United States economy is doing remarkably well and although states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota may suffer due to lower oil prices, most consumers should benefit from both extra cash and lower prices.

At the moment, we are quite cautious about the secondary effects of the oil price collapse, and the portfolio has reflected this for several months. As a result, we recently sold a position in a bank that we much like yet its primary business is in the state of Texas - a state we have some worries about - and we do not believe consensus recognizes the risks inherent within. Our Industrials weighting will likely remain low for the foreseeable future simply due to the immense impact that the oil boom had on the sector’s growth and our inability to find many companies without that exposure. Technology and Consumer companies are notably overweight. On a company specific basis, we recently initiated a position in a well-known and storied technology firm that emerged from bankruptcy over one year ago, has an exceptionally strong balance sheet, and, most importantly, is promising new products to be released this year. Despite our concerns about valuation in Utilities overall, we found one with well-above-average earnings growth coupled to a low payout ratio and reasonable valuation that, we believe, will result in well-above-average dividend and capital growth.

Into every market a bull is born, and even in down markets, some equities rise in value. We are seeking those companies that will do well in either up or down markets, and unlike unicorns, these have been proven to exist.

As always, we thank you for your trust in our ability to effectively manage your capital.

Investing involves risks, including loss of principal.

 

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

3


LOGO

 

Portfolio Information

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

Growth of $25,000 Investment (Unaudited)

For the period from September 30, 2011 (Inception) to December 31, 2014.

 

 

LOGO

This graph assumes an initial $25,000 investment at September 30, 2011 (Inception Date). The Cortina Small Cap Value Fund Institutional share class (the “Fund”) will deduct a 2.00% redemption proceeds fee on Fund shares held 60 days or less. This graph depicts the performance of the Fund versus the Russell 2000® Value Index. It is important to note the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund, while the index is not available for investment and is unmanaged. The comparison is shown for illustrative purposes only. Performance will vary from class to class based on differences in class-specific expenses.

This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

Performance Returns for the period ended December 31, 2014

 

 

6 Months* 1 Year* 3 Years* Since
Inception*
Gross
Expense Ratio**

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund - Institutional

-0.81% 1.42% 22.27% 25.04% 1.95%

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund - Investor

-0.97% 1.17% 21.97% 24.73% 2.17%

Russell 2000® Value Index

0.01% 4.22% 18.29% 22.20%***  

 

*

The Fund’s Institutional shares inception date is September 30, 2011, Investor shares inception date is April 30, 2014. The performance shown for Investor shares for periods pre-dating the commencement of operations of that class reflects the performance of the Fund’s Institutional shares, the initial share class, calculated using the fees and expenses of Investor shares. If Investor shares of the Fund had been available during periods prior to April 30, 2014, the performance shown may have been different.

**

Cortina Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse the Fund’s operating expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fees, taxes, leverage, interest, brokerage commissions, dividends or interest expenses on short positions, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to 1.10% of average daily net assets of the Fund. The agreement will continue in effect at least through October 31, 2015, subject thereafter to annual re-approval of the agreement by the Fund’s Board of Directors.

***

Represents the period from September 30, 2011 (date of original public offering of the Institutional shares) through December 31, 2014.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The 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. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, call 1-855-612-3936.

Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. All indices are unmanaged. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Sector Allocations****

LOGO

**** Percentages are based on Net Assets as of December 31, 2014. Holdings are subject to change.

 

4

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, as indicated below.

Actual Expenses – The first line of the table below provides information about the actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6) then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes – The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not each 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 each Fund and other funds by comparing these 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any direct costs, such as wire fees or low balance fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these direct costs were included, your costs would be higher.

 

   Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2014
Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2014
Expenses Paid
During Period(a)
Net
Expense
Ratios(b)
  

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund - Institutional

     

Actual Fund Return

  $     1,000.00     $ 957. 40     $ 5.43   1.10%

Hypothetical Fund Return (assuming a 5% return before expenses)

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,019.66     $ 5.60   1.10%

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund - Institutional

     

Actual Fund Return

  $ 1,000.00     $ 991. 40     $ 5.52   1.10%

Hypothetical Fund Return (assuming a 5% return before expenses)

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,019.66     $ 5.60   1.10%

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund - Investor

     

Actual Fund Return

  $ 1,000.00     $ 990. 30     $ 6.77   1.35%

Hypothetical Fund Return (assuming a 5% return before expenses)

  $ 1,000.00     $     1,018.40     $         6.87   1.35%

 

(a) 

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 (184), divided by 365.

(b) 

Annualized, based on the Fund’s most recent half-year expenses.

 

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

5


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value  

COMMON STOCKS (97.4%)

Consumer Discretionary (14.6%)

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.(a)

  8,193    $ 498,135   

Five Below, Inc.(a)

  15,122      617,431   

Gentherm, Inc.(a)

  5,571      204,010   

IMAX Corp.(a)

  11,064      341,878   

Kona Grill, Inc.(a)

  17,368      401,027   

Malibu Boats, Inc., Class A(a)

  14,870      286,545   

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.(a)

  18,666      580,326   

Nautilus, Inc.(a)

  30,862      468,485   

Noodles & Co.(a)

  14,244      375,329   

Performance Sports Group, Ltd.(a)

  16,112      289,855   

Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc.(a)

  4,791      459,984   

Shutterfly, Inc.(a)

  8,412      350,738   

Tumi Holdings, Inc.(a)

  20,517      486,869   

Universal Electronics, Inc.(a)

  6,338      412,160   
     

 

 

 
  5,772,772   
     

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (2.2%)

Boulder Brands, Inc.(a)

  53,569      592,473   

Craft Brew Alliance, Inc.(a)

  20,676      275,818   
     

 

 

 
  868,291   
     

 

 

 

Energy (5.5%)

Aegean Marine Petroleum Network, Inc.

  32,130      450,463   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.(a)

  5,956      247,770   

Evolution Petroleum Corp.

  27,284      202,720   

Penn Virginia Corp.(a)

  29,456      196,766   

Profire Energy, Inc.(a)

  66,981      152,717   

Rex Energy Corp.(a)

  29,096      148,390   

RigNet, Inc.(a)

  11,733      481,405   

Sanchez Energy Corp.(a)

  15,418      143,233   

Triangle Petroleum Corp.(a)

  36,784      175,827   
     

 

 

 
  2,199,291   
     

 

 

 

Financials (5.4%)

BofI Holding, Inc.(a)

  4,679      364,073   

eHealth, Inc.(a)

  13,970      348,132   

EverBank Financial Corp.

  20,470      390,158   

Health Insurance Innovations, Inc., Class A(a)

  36,222      259,349   

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

  9,205      363,966   

Tree.com, Inc.(a)

  5,228      252,722   

TriState Capital Holdings, Inc.(a)

  17,004      174,121   
     

 

 

 
  2,152,521   
     

 

 

 

Health Care (31.1%)

ABIOMED, Inc.(a)

  10,884      414,245   

Adeptus Health, Inc., Class A(a)

  7,743      289,588   

Air Methods Corp.(a)

  6,025      265,281   

AtriCure, Inc.(a)

  41,288      824,109   

BioTelemetry, Inc.(a)

  59,122      592,994   

Cepheid(a)

  6,231      337,346   

Cerus Corp.(a)

  51,512      321,435   

Depomed, Inc.(a)

  18,440      297,068   

Endologix, Inc.(a)

  30,108      460,351   

HealthStream, Inc.(a)

  15,727      463,632   

HeartWare International, Inc.(a)

  4,727      347,104   

HMS Holdings Corp.(a)

  13,828      292,324   

Icad, Inc.(a)

  42,222      387,176   

Imprivata, Inc.(a)

  15,302      198,926   

InspireMD, Inc.(a)

  90,529      70,386   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

6

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value  

COMMON STOCKS (continued)

Health Care (continued)

MiMedx Group, Inc.(a)

  36,814    $ 424,465   

NanoString Technologies, Inc.(a)

  31,817      443,211   

Neogen Corp.(a)

  8,669      429,896   

NeoGenomics, Inc.(a)

  120,897      504,141   

NxStage Medical, Inc.(a)

  38,365      687,884   

OraSure Technologies, Inc.(a)

  47,527      481,924   

Oxford Immunotec Global PLC(a)

  21,979      299,354   

Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.(a)

  36,398      341,777   

Quidel Corp.(a)

  13,507      390,622   

The Spectranetics Corp.(a)

  14,295      494,321   

STAAR Surgical Co.(a)

  43,811      399,118   

Streamline Health Solutions, Inc.(a)

  50,453      218,462   

Synergetics USA, Inc.(a)

  82,481      358,792   

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.(a)

  14,205      180,404   

TearLab Corp.(a)

  72,016      190,842   

Trinity Biotech PLC, Sponsored ADR

  25,634      448,851   

Uroplasty, Inc.(a)

  29,161      60,072   

Vocera Communications, Inc.(a)

  39,205      408,516   
     

 

 

 
  12,324,617   
     

 

 

 

Industrials (10.2%)

The Advisory Board Co.(a)

  4,731      231,724   

Controladora Vuela Cia de Aviacion SAB de CV, ADR(a)

  37,941      342,228   

Forward Air Corp.

  6,801      342,566   

Franklin Covey Co.(a)

  13,588      263,064   

Heritage Crystal Clean, Inc.(a)

  19,009      234,381   

Insteel Industries, Inc.

  19,133      451,156   

Manitex International, Inc.(a)

  27,091      344,327   

On Assignment, Inc.(a)

  7,516      249,456   

Quality Distribution, Inc.(a)

  25,998      276,619   

Saia, Inc.(a)

  7,418      410,660   

Team, Inc.(a)

  12,076      488,595   

Trex Co., Inc.(a)

  10,002      425,885   
     

 

 

 
  4,060,661   
     

 

 

 

Information Technology (24.8%)

Actua Corp.(a)

  15,765      291,179   

BroadSoft, Inc.(a)

  7,859      228,068   

Clicksoftware Technologies, Ltd.(a)

  52,973      380,346   

Everyday Health, Inc.(a)

  36,870      543,832   

Extreme Networks, Inc.(a)

  117,563      414,997   

FleetMatics Group PLC(a)

  5,854      207,758   

Imperva, Inc.(a)

  10,143      501,368   

Infoblox, Inc.(a)

  21,824      441,063   

Inphi Corp.(a)

  36,612      676,590   

Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc.

  25,051      415,095   

Internap Corp.(a)

  72,248      575,094   

InterXion Holding NV(a)

  11,690      319,605   

Kofax, Ltd.(a)

  43,027      302,480   

Marchex, Inc., Class B

  61,359      281,638   

Mavenir Systems, Inc.(a)

  25,471      345,387   

Numerex Corp., Class A(a)

  27,348      302,469   

Planet Payment, Inc.(a)

  132,579      275,764   

Procera Networks, Inc.(a)

  38,425      276,276   

PROS Holdings, Inc.(a)

  17,094      469,743   

Qlik Technologies, Inc.(a)

  6,612      204,245   

RADWARE, Ltd.(a)

  27,331      601,829   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

7


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

       Shares   Value  

COMMON STOCKS (continued)

Information Technology (continued)

Rubicon Technology, Inc.(a)

  39,308    $ 179,638   

ShoreTel, Inc.(a)

  53,740      394,989   

TechTarget, Inc.(a)

  27,845      316,598   

Varonis Systems, Inc.(a)

  11,917      391,235   

WebMD Health Corp.(a)

  12,298      486,386   
     

 

 

 
  9,823,672   
     

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (3.6%)

8x8, Inc.(a)

  42,445      388,796   

inContact, Inc.(a)

  66,943      588,429   

RingCentral, Inc., Class A(a)

  30,138      449,659   
     

 

 

 
  1,426,884   
     

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(COST $35,062,675)

  38,628,709  
     

 

 

 

SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (0.6%)

Daily Income Fund - Money Market Portfolio Fiduciary Class Shares, 7 Day Yield 0.010%

  244,624     244,624  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENT
(COST $244,624)

  244,624  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (98.0%)
(COST $35,307,299)

  38,873,333  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS IN EXCESS OF OTHER LIABILITIES (2.0%)

  779,496  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS 100.0%

$     39,652,829  
     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non Income Producing Security.

Common Abbreviations:

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

Ltd. - Limited.

NV - Naamloze Vennootschap is the Dutch term for a public limited liability corporation.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

SAB de CV - A variable rate company.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

8

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value  

COMMON STOCKS (95.5%)

Consumer Discretionary (14.6%)

ANN, Inc.(a)

  11,060    $ 403,469   

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.(a)

  32,362      801,283   

ClubCorp Holdings, Inc.

  37,168      666,422   

Denny’s Corp.(a)

  76,163      785,241   

Helen of Troy, Ltd.(a)

  18,903      1,229,829   

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.(a)

  81,321      669,272   

Performance Sports Group, Ltd.(a)

  38,673      695,727   

Vera Bradley, Inc.(a)

  14,240      290,211   

Zumiez, Inc.(a)

  15,128      584,395   
     

 

 

 
  6,125,849   
     

 

 

 

Energy (1.7%)

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.(a)

  14,834      321,898   

Seventy Seven Energy, Inc.(a)

  77,009      416,619   
     

 

 

 
  738,517   
     

 

 

 

Financials (32.8%)

The Bancorp, Inc.(a)

  48,579      529,025   

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

  40,893      550,829   

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

  38,859      496,618   

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

  41,208      709,602   

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

  31,288      594,472   

Encore Capital Group, Inc.(a)

  10,988      487,867   

Gramercy Property Trust, Inc., REIT

  117,508      810,805   

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc., REIT

  41,559      591,385   

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

  29,289      741,012   

Maiden Holdings, Ltd.

  47,877      612,347   

MB Financial, Inc.

  19,340      635,513   

Meridian Bancorp, Inc.(a)

  45,327      508,569   

National General Holdings Corp.

  42,598      792,749   

OFG Bancorp

  33,136      551,714   

PacWest Bancorp

  20,880      949,205   

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust, REIT

  27,792      586,133   

PHH Corp.(a)

  24,103      577,508   

Square 1 Financial, Inc., Class A(a)

  27,892      688,932   

State National Cos, Inc.

  36,432      436,455   

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a)

  10,143      551,069   

United Financial Bancorp, Inc.

  52,433      752,938   

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

  46,881      616,485   
     

 

 

 
  13,771,232   
     

 

 

 

Health Care (8.3%)

AngioDynamics, Inc.(a)

  37,469      712,285   

Impax Laboratories, Inc.(a)

  10,966      347,403   

IPC The Hospitalist Co., Inc(a)

  14,569      668,571   

Magellan Health, Inc.(a)

  10,293      617,889   

Phibro Animal Health Corp., Class A

  14,725      464,574   

Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.(a)

  19,283      669,506   
     

 

 

 
  3,480,228   
     

 

 

 

Industrials (9.8%)

Celadon Group, Inc.

  24,433      554,385   

Cubic Corp.

  11,955      629,311   

FTI Consulting, Inc.(a)

  21,238      820,424   

NCI Building Systems, Inc.(a)

  33,136      613,679   

Tetra Tech, Inc.

  20,393      544,493   

Titan International, Inc.

  47,226      502,012   

Tutor Perini Corp.(a)

  18,774      451,890   
     

 

 

 
  4,116,194   
     

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

9


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value  

COMMON STOCKS (continued)

Information Technology (16.9%)

ACI Worldwide, Inc.(a)

  43,565    $ 878,706   

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.(a)

  29,454      698,060   

Avid Technology, Inc.(a)

  34,009      483,268   

CalAmp Corp.(a)

  26,073      477,136   

Eastman Kodak Co.(a)

  14,695      319,028   

EnerNOC, Inc.(a)

  32,376      500,209   

ExlService Holdings, Inc.(a)

  16,711      479,773   

Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(a)

  34,855      683,158   

Itron, Inc.(a)

  14,483      612,486   

Newport Corp.(a)

  25,572      488,681   

Semtech Corp.(a)

  24,819      684,260   

Tower Semiconductor, Ltd.(a)

  59,832      797,560   
     

 

 

 
  7,102,325   
     

 

 

 

Materials (6.2%)

Ferro Corp.(a)

  42,032      544,735   

Graphic Packaging Holdings Co.(a)

  76,199      1,037,830   

Myers Industries, Inc.

  32,491      571,842   

TimkenSteel Corp.

  12,070      446,952   
     

 

 

 
  2,601,359   
     

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (1.2%)

Cincinnati Bell, Inc.(a)

  161,259      514,416   
     

 

 

 

Utilities (4.0%)

ALLETE, Inc.

  8,689      479,111   

Black Hills Corp.

  11,840      627,994   

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

  12,012      596,516   
     

 

 

 
  1,703,621   
     

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(COST $36,868,909)

  40,153,741  
     

 

 

 

SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (5.0%)

Daily Income Fund-Money Market Portfolio Fiduciary Class Shares, 7 Day Yield 0.010%

  2,098,962     2,098,962  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENT
(COST $2,098,962)

  2,098,962  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.5%)
(COST $38,967,871)

  42,252,703  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.5%)

  (227,686 )
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS 100.0%

$     42,025,017  
     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non Income Producing Security.

Common Abbreviations:

Ltd. - Limited.

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

10

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

  Cortina Small Cap
Growth Fund
  Cortina Small Cap
Value Fund
 
  

 

 

 

ASSETS:

Investments, at value (Cost - see below)

$ 38,873,333   $ 42,252,703  

Receivable for investments sold

  935,617     60,291  

Receivable for fund shares subscribed

  41,605     39,135  

Dividends receivable

  6     58,594  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  17,801     24,789  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  39,868,362     42,435,512  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

Payable for investments purchased

  111,188     373,608  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

  67,253      

Payable for director fees

  596     596  

Payable for advisory fees

  14,320     14,951  

Payable for fund accounting and administration fees

  8,571     8,979  

Payable for distribution and service fees

      56  

Payable for audit and legal fees

  5,524     5,361  

Other accrued liabilities and expenses

  8,081     6,944  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

  215,533     410,495  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

$ 39,652,829   $ 42,025,017  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF:

Paid-in capital

$ 37,549,078   $ 38,943,768  

Accumulated net investment loss

  (175,453)     (58,089)  

Accumulated undistributed net realized loss on investments

  (1,286,830)     (145,494)  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

  3,566,034     3,284,832  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

$ 39,652,829   $ 42,025,017  
  

 

 

 

Cost of Investments

$ 35,307,299   $ 38,967,871  

PRICING OF SHARES:

Institutional

Net Assets

$ 39,652,829   $ 41,754,527  

Shares Outstanding ($ 0.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)

  2,668,783     2,301,345  

Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share

$ 14.86   $ 18.14  

Investor

Net Assets

      270,490  

Shares Outstanding ($ 0.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)

      14,928  

Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share

      18.12  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

11


LOGO

 

Statements of Operations
For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

  Cortina Small Cap
Growth Fund
  Cortina Small Cap
Value Fund
 
  

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

Dividends, (net of foreign withholding taxes of $– and $392)

$ 16,434   $ 219,159  
  

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

  16,434     219,159  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

Advisory fees (Note 3)

  174,443     186,872  

Transfer agent fees

  17,531     19,792  

Fund accounting and administration fees and expenses

  52,376     54,659  

Distribution and service fees

Investor

      184  

Legal fees

  8,418     9,070  

Printing fees

  2,891     3,595  

Registration fees

  12,372     19,808  

Audit and tax preparation fees

  7,310     7,310  

Custodian fees

  2,692     2,749  

Insurance

  4,241     4,206  

Director fee and expenses

  5,096     5,096  

Other

  3,542     3,668  
  

 

 

 

Total Expenses Before Waivers

  290,912     317,009  

Less fees waived by Adviser (Note 3)

  (99,025 )   (111,264 )
  

 

 

 

Total Net Expenses

  191,887     205,745  
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income/(Loss)

  (175,453 )   13,414  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

  (835,260 )   875,061  

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

  (202,726 )   (1,049,978 )
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments

  (1,037,986 )   (174,917 )
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

$ (1,213,439 ) $ (161,503 )
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

12

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund   Cortina Small Cap Value Fund  
  

 

 

 
  Six Months Ended
December 31, 2014
(Unaudited)
  Year Ended
June 30, 2014
  Six Months Ended
December 31, 2014
(Unaudited)
  Year Ended
June 30, 2014
 

 

 

OPERATIONS:

Net investment income/(loss)

$ (175,453)   $ (294,323)   $ 13,414   $ (20,837)  

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

  (835,260)     2,089,748     875,061     (95,500)  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments

  (202,726)     900,021     (1,049,978)     3,521,125  
  

 

 

 

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

  (1,213,439)     2,695,446     (161,503)     3,404,788  
  

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

Institutional

From net investment income

                          (14,778)  

From net realized gains on investments

     (1,833,184)        (243,543)        (816,791)        (315,887)  

Investor

           

From net realized gains on investments

                   (5,280)         
  

 

 

 

Total distributions

  (1,833,184)     (243,543)     (822,071)     (330,665)  
  

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Institutional

Proceeds from sale of shares

  13,032,263     18,446,886     8,614,116     30,499,453  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

  1,817,180     241,505     786,261     314,553  

Cost of shares redeemed

  (3,807,497)     (7,728,013)     (1,504,309)     (3,386,811)  

Redemption fees

  19     330     20      
  

 

 

 

Total

  11,041,965     10,960,708     7,896,088     27,427,195  
  

 

 

 

Investor

Proceeds from sale of shares

          162,330     100,000  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

          5,280      
  

 

 

 

Total

          167,610     100,000  
  

 

 

 

Net increase from capital shares transactions

  11,041,965     10,960,708     8,063,698     27,527,195  
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

  7,995,342     13,412,611     7,080,124     30,601,318  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

Beginning of period

  31,657,487     18,244,876     34,944,893     4,343,575  
  

 

 

 

End of period

$ 39,652,829   $ 31,657,487   $ 42,025,017   $ 34,944,893  
  

 

 

 

Including accumulated net investment loss of:

$ (175,453)   $  –   $ (58,089)   $ (71,503)  

OTHER INFORMATION:

Share Transactions:

Institutional

Beginning shares

  1,936,011     1,261,863     1,865,870     278,108  

Shares sold

  860,045     1,128,073     476,112     1,757,108  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

  124,464     14,654     43,633     17,802  

Less shares redeemed

  (251,738)     (468,579)     (84,270)     (187,148)  
  

 

 

 

Ending shares

  2,668,782     1,936,011     2,301,345     1,865,870  
  

 

 

 

Investor

Beginning shares

          5,510      

Shares sold

          9,125     5,510  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

          293      
  

 

 

 

Ending shares

          14,928     5,510  
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

13


LOGO

 

Financial Highlights

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

For a share outstanding throughout the periods presented.

 

     Six Months Ended
December 31, 2014
(Unaudited)
  Year Ended
June 30, 2014
  Year Ended
June 30, 2013
  For the Period
September 30, 2011
(Inception) to
June 30, 2012

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

$16.35 $14.46 $11.87 $10.00

INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

Net investment loss(a)

(0.08) (0.17) (0.13) (0.09)

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

(0.63) 2.19 2.81 2.22
  

 

Total from Investment Operations

(0.71) 2.02 2.68 2.13
  

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

From net realized gains on investments

(0.78) (0.13) (0.09) (0.26)
  

 

Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

(0.78) (0.13) (0.09) (0.26)
  

 

Paid-in Capital from Redemption Fees

0.00(b) 0.00(b) 0.00(b)
  

 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE

(1.49) 1.89 2.59 1.87
  

 

NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD

$14.86 $16.35 $14.46 $11.87
  

 

TOTAL RETURN

(4.26%)(c) 13.99% 22.79% 21.40%(c)

RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

Net assets, end of period (in 000s)

$39,653 $31,657 $18,245 $1,410

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

Operating expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement

1.67%(d) 1.86% 3.85% 21.70%(d)

Operating expenses including waiver/reimbursement

1.10%(d) 1.10% 1.10% 1.10%(d)

Net investment loss including waiver/reimbursement

(1.01)%(d) (1.02)% (1.00)% (0.99)%(d)

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

35% 81% 73% 144%

 

(a) 

Calculated using average shares throughout the period.

(b) 

Less than $0.005 per share.

(c) 

Not Annualized.

(d) 

Annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

14

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Financial Highlights

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional

For a share outstanding throughout the periods presented.

 

     Six Months Ended
December 31, 2014
(Unaudited)
  Year Ended
June 30, 2014
  Year Ended
June 30, 2013
  For the Period
September 30, 2011
(Inception) to
June 30, 2012

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

$18.67 $15.62 $12.54 $10.00

INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

Net investment income/(loss)(a)

0.01 (0.01) 0.01 (0.03)

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

(0.17) 3.30 3.68 3.14
  

 

Total from Investment Operations

(0.16) 3.29 3.69 3.11
  

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

From net investment income

(0.01) (0.07)

From net realized gains on investments

(0.37) (0.23) (0.54) (0.57)
  

 

Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

(0.37) (0.24) (0.61) (0.57)
  

 

Paid-in Capital from Redemption Fees

0.00(b) 0.00(b)
  

 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE

(0.53) 3.05 3.08 2.54
  

 

NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD

$18.14 $18.67 $15.62 $12.54
  

 

TOTAL RETURN

(0.86%)(c)(d) 21.14% 30.41% 31.99%(c)

RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

Net assets, end of period (in 000s)

$41,755 $34,842 $4,344 $1,942

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

Operating expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement

1.70%(e) 1.92% 5.55% 22.37%(e)

Operating expenses including waiver/reimbursement

1.10%(e) 1.10% 1.10% 1.10%(e)

Net investment income/(loss) including waiver/reimbursement

0.07%(e) (0.09)% 0.10% (0.32)%(e)

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

48% 78% 81% 146%

 

(a) 

Calculated using average shares throughout the period.

(b) 

Less than $0.005 per share.

(c) 

Not Annualized.

(d) 

Performance difference between Manager Discussion & Analysis and Financial Highlights is due to financial reporting adjustments.

(e) 

Annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

  15   


LOGO

 

Financial Highlights

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund – Investor

For a share outstanding throughout the periods presented.

 

     Six Months Ended
December 31, 2014
(Unaudited)
  For the Period
April 30, 2014
(Inception) to
June 30, 2014

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

$18.67 $18.15

INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

Net investment loss(a)

(0.01) (0.01)

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

(0.17) 0.53
  

 

Total from Investment Operations

(0.18) 0.52
  

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

From net realized gains on investments

(0.37)
  

 

Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

(0.37)
  

 

Paid-in Capital from Redemption Fees

  

 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE

(0.55) 0.52
  

 

NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD

$18.12 $18.67
  

 

TOTAL RETURN

(0.97%)(b) 2.87%(b)

RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

Net assets, end of period (in 000s)

$270 $103

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

Operating expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement

1.95%(c) 2.14%(c)

Operating expenses including waiver/reimbursement

1.35%(c) 1.35%(c)

Net investment loss including waiver/reimbursement

(0.09)%(c) (0.20)%(c)

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

48% 78%(d)

 

(a) 

Calculated using average shares throughout the period.

(b) 

Not Annualized.

(c) 

Annualized.

(d) 

Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level and represents the year ended June 30, 2014.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

16

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

Cortina Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Corporation was organized on December 31, 2004 as a Wisconsin corporation. The Corporation currently offers shares of common stock (“shares”) of the Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund and the Cortina Small Cap Value Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

The Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund, which commenced operations with the sale of Institutional Class Shares on September 30, 2011, is a diversified portfolio with an investment objective to seek growth of capital. The Cortina Small Cap Value Fund, which commenced operations with the sale of Institutional Class Shares on September 30, 2011 and the sale of Investor Class Shares on April 30, 2014, is a diversified portfolio with an investment objective to seek long-term capital appreciation.

Shares of each Fund are designated as Institutional Shares or Investor Shares with an indefinite number of shares authorized at $0.01 par value. The Articles of Incorporation, as amended and restated, permit the Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) to create additional funds and share classes.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Funds are considered investment companies for financial reporting purposes under GAAP.

Use of Estimates — The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP, which require the use of estimates and assumptions made by management. These may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investment Valuation — Investment securities are valued at the last sale price at the close of the principal exchange on which they trade, except for securities listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) exchange, which are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Unlisted securities or listed securities for which there were no sales during the day are valued at the closing bid price on such exchanges or over-the-counter markets. Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Funds’ Board.

Investment Transactions — Investment security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on a specific identification basis.

Investment Income — Interest income is accrued and recorded on a daily basis including amortization of premiums, accretions of discounts and income earned from money market funds. Interest is not accrued on securities that are in default. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with a Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

Fair Value Measurements — A three-tier hierarchy has been established to classify fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available. In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosure under GAAP, the Funds disclose fair value of their investments in a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Funds’ investments as of the reporting period end. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2 — Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

 

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

17


LOGO

 

Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

Level 3 — Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including a Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

An investment level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level input, individually or in the aggregate, that is significant to fair value measurement. The valuation techniques used by the Funds to measure fair value during the period ended December 31, 2014 maximized the use of observable inputs and minimized the use of unobservable inputs.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Funds’ investments as of December 31, 2014:

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

 

  Valuation Inputs      
Investments in Securities at Value* Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

 

 

Common Stocks

$ 38,628,709   $  –   $  –   $ 38,628,709  

Short Term Investment

  244,624             244,624  
  

 

 

 

Total

$     38,873,333   $      –   $      –   $     38,873,333  
  

 

 

 

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

 

  Valuation Inputs      
Investments in Securities at Value* Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

 

 

Common Stocks

$ 40,153,741   $  –   $  –   $ 40,153,741  

Short Term Investment

  2,098,962             2,098,962  
  

 

 

 

Total

$     42,252,703   $      –   $      –   $     42,252,703  
  

 

 

 

 

*

See Schedule of Investments for sector classification.

For the six months ended December 31, 2014, there have been no significant changes to the Funds’ fair value methodologies. Additionally, there were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 and 2 during the six months ended December 31, 2014. It is the Funds’ policy to recognize transfers at the end of the reporting period.

For the six months ended December 31, 2014, the Funds did not have investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in determining fair value.

Affiliated Companies — An affiliated company is a company that can have direct or indirect common ownership. The Funds do not hold any investments in affiliated companies as of and during the six months ended December 31, 2014.

Expenses — The Funds bear expenses incurred specifically on each Fund’s respective behalf as well as a portion of general Corporation expenses, which may be allocated on the basis of relative net assets or the nature of the services performed relative to applicability to each Fund.

Expenses that are specific to a class of shares of the Funds are charged directly to the share class. The Funds’ realized and unrealized gains and losses, net investment income, and expenses other than class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, will be declared and paid at least annually. Income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

Fees on Redemptions — The Funds will deduct a 2.00% redemption proceeds fee on Fund shares held 60 days or less. The redemption fee is not a fee to finance sales or sales promotion expenses, but is paid to the Funds to defray the costs of liquidating an investor and discouraging short-term trading of the Funds’ shares. No redemption fee will be imposed on redemptions initiated by the Funds.

 

18

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Taxes — As of and during the six months ended December 31, 2014, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds file U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes. The Funds intend to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains, and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies.

3. ADVISORY FEES, FUND ACCOUNTING, ADMINISTRATION FEES, AND OTHER AGREEMENTS

 

Investment Advisor

The Adviser is subject to the general supervision of the Board and is responsible for the overall management of the Funds’ business affairs. The Adviser invests the assets of the Funds based on the Funds’ investment objectives and policies. The Adviser is entitled to an investment advisory fee, computed daily and payable monthly, of 1.00% of the average daily net assets for each Fund.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees with respect to each of the Funds so that the net annual operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fee, taxes, leverage, interest, brokerage commissions, dividends or interest expenses on short positions, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses) of the Funds’ shares will not exceed 1.10% of average daily net assets of each Fund. The Adviser may request a reimbursement from the Funds to recapture any reduced management fees or reimbursed Fund expenses within three years following the fee reduction or expense reimbursement, but only to the extent the Funds’ total annual fund operating expenses including offering costs, plus any requested reimbursement amount, including previously waived organizational costs, are less than the above limit at the time of the request. Any such reimbursement is subject to review by the Board.

As of December 31, 2014, reimbursements (including offering costs and the previously waived organizational costs) that may potentially be made by the Fund to the Adviser total $649,090 for the Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund and $487,424 for the Cortina Small Cap Value Fund expire as follows:

 

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund        

 

June 30, 2015

  163,407  

June 30, 2016

  268,118  

June 30, 2017

  217,565  
  

 

$ 649,090  
Cortina Small Cap Value Fund        

 

June 30, 2015

  152,715  

June 30, 2016

  140,394  

June 30, 2017

  194,315  
  

 

$         487,424  

Fund Accounting Fees and Expenses

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS” or the “Administrator”) provides administrative, fund accounting and other services to the Funds for a monthly administration fee based on the Funds’ average daily net assets at the following annual rates.

 

Average Daily
Net Assets
  Basis Point
Fee Rate
 

 

Between $0-$500M

5.0

$500M-$1B

3.0

Above $1B

2.0

Annual Fee

Greater of $200,320 annual minimum or the above basis point fee schedule.

The Administrator is also reimbursed by the Funds for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

Transfer Agent

ALPS serves as transfer, dividend paying and shareholder servicing agent for the Funds (the “Transfer Agent”).

 

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

19


LOGO

 

Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

Compliance Services

ALPS provides services that assist the Corporation’s Chief Compliance Officer in monitoring and testing the policies and procedures of the Corporation in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. ALPS is compensated under the Administration Agreement.

Distributor

The Funds have entered into a Distribution Agreement with ALPS Distributors, Inc (“the Distributor”) to provide distribution services to the Funds. The Distributor serves as underwriter/distributor of shares of the Funds.

Distribution Plan

The Small Cap Value Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 (“Distribution Plan”) under the 1940 Act. The Distribution Plan provides that the Fund may compensate or reimburse the Distributor for services rendered and expenses borne in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s shares. Sales charges may be paid to broker-dealers, banks and any other financial intermediary eligible to receive such fees for sales of Investor Shares of the Fund and for services provided to shareholders.

The Fund charges 12b-1 fees for Investor Shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Plan, the Fund may annually pay the Distributor up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Shares. The expenses of the Distribution Plan are reflected in the Statements of Operations.

Certain Directors and Officers of the Funds are also officers of the Adviser.

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, are shown below for the six months ended December 31, 2014. Purchases and proceeds from sales of U.S. Government obligations are included in the totals of Purchases of Securities and Proceeds from Sales of Securities below and also broken out separately for your convenience:

 

Fund Name Purchases   Sales  

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

$         18,454,386   $         12,198,626  

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

  23,323,004     16,931,492  

There were no purchases of long-term U.S. Government Obligations for either Fund during the six months ended December 31, 2014.

5. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

Income and long-term capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which differ from GAAP, and, therefore, may differ significantly in amount or character from net investment income and realized gains for financial reporting purposes.

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended June 30, 2014, were as follows:

 

Fund Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain  

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

$ 115,436   $ 128,107  

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

  159,525     171,140  

As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for Federal tax purposes was as follows:

 

Fund Cost of Investments
for Income Tax
Purposes
  Gross Appreciation
(excess of value
over tax cost)
  Gross Depreciation
(excess of tax cost
over value)
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
 

Cortina Small Cap Growth Fund

$ 36,185,531   $ 5,944,016   $ (3,256,214 ) $ 2,687,802  

Cortina Small Cap Value Fund

  39,082,509     4,320,564     (1,150,370 )   3,170,194  

The difference between book basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation is attributable to the deferral of losses from wash sales and passive foreign investment companies.

 

20

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


LOGO

 

Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

The Cortina Small Cap Value Fund elects to defer to the year ending June 30, 2015, capital losses recognized during the period November 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 in the amount of $460,967.

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Under the Corporation’s organizational documents, its Officers and Directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Corporation entered into contracts with its service providers, on behalf of the Funds, and others that provide for general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds. The Funds expect risk of loss to be remote.

 

Semi-Annual Report  |  December 31, 2014

21


LOGO

 

Additional Information
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free 1-855-612-3936, or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent fiscal year end June 30, 2014 is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free 1-855-612-3936, or on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

2. QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Corporation files a complete listing of portfolio holdings for the Funds with the SEC as of the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The filings are available upon request by calling 1-855-612-3936. Furthermore, you may obtain a copy of the filing on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

22

1-855-612-3936  |  www.cortinafunds.com


This page intentionally left blank.


LOGO

 

 

 

 

Material must be accompanied or preceded by the prospectus.

 

The Cortina Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.

    


Item 2.  Code of Ethics.

Not applicable to this report.

Item 3.  Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable to this report.

Item 4.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable to this report.

Item 5.  Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to registrant.

Item 6.  Investments.

The Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this

Form N-CSR.

Item 7.  Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to registrant.

Item 8.  Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to registrant.

Item 9.  Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable to registrant.

Item 10.  Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders.

Not applicable.

Item 11.  Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in


  Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

 

  (b) There was no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12.  Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1) Not applicable to this report.

 

  (a)(2) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Ex.99.Cert.

 

  (a)(3) Not applicable.

 

  (b) A certification of the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, is attached as Ex.99.906.Cert.


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.

 

Cortina Funds, Inc.
By:

/s/ Ryan T. Davies

Ryan T. Davies, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 6, 2015

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:

/s/ Eric Conner

Eric Conner, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: March 6, 2015