N-CSRS 1 amana-ncsrs20301130.htm AMANA MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST FORM N-CSRS NOVEMBER 30, 2020 Amana Mutual Funds Trust Form N-CSRS November 30, 2020

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM N-CSRS

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 002-96924

AMANA MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

1300 N. State Street
Bellingham, Washington 98225-4730

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including ZIP Code)

Nicole Trudeau
1300 N. State Street
Bellingham, Washington 98225-4730

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Registrant's Telephone Number – (360) 734-9900

Date of fiscal year end: May 31, 2021
Date of reporting period: November 30, 2020

Item 1. Semi-Annual Report


LOGO


Performance Summary

As of November 30, 2020

 

  Average Annual Returns (before any taxes paid by  shareowners)    1 Year      3 Year      5 Year      10 Year      15 Year      Expense Ratio1  

Amana Income Fund Investor Shares (AMANX)

     15.07%        10.12%        11.48%        11.06%        9.68%        1.04%  

Amana Income Fund Institutional Shares (AMINX)

     15.25%        10.36%        11.74%        n/a        n/a        0.81%  
             

Amana Growth Fund Investor Shares (AMAGX)

     29.75%        19.80%        18.55%        14.24%        11.50%        0.99%  

Amana Growth Fund Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

     30.06%        20.08%        18.83%        n/a        n/a        0.76%  
             

Amana Developing World Fund Investor Shares (AMDWX)

     18.60%        5.16%        6.23%        1.37%        n/a        1.34%  

Amana Developing World Fund Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

     18.84%        5.34%        6.42%        n/a        n/a        1.21%  
             

Amana Participation Fund Investor Shares (AMAPX)

     4.58%        3.77%        3.21%        n/a        n/a        0.88%  

Amana Participation Fund Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

     4.93%        4.01%        3.43%        n/a        n/a        0.63%  
                                                       

As of December 31, 2020

 

  Average Annual Returns (before any taxes paid by shareowners)    1 Year      3 Year      5 Year      10 Year      15 Year      Expense Ratio1  

Amana Income Fund Investor Shares (AMANX)

     13.95%        10.60%        12.48%        10.71%        9.79%        1.04%  

Amana Income Fund Institutional Shares (AMINX)

     14.14%        10.84%        12.73%        n/a        n/a        0.81%  
             

Amana Growth Fund Investor Shares (AMAGX)

     32.86%        21.89%        20.25%        14.36%        11.83%        0.99%  

Amana Growth Fund Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

     33.19%        22.19%        20.53%        n/a        n/a        0.76%  
             

Amana Developing World Fund Investor Shares (AMDWX)

     21.26%        6.71%        8.29%        1.96%        n/a        1.34%  

Amana Developing World Fund Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

     21.60%        6.88%        8.50%        n/a        n/a        1.21%  
             

Amana Participation Fund Investor Shares (AMAPX)

     5.35%        3.90%        3.32%        n/a        n/a        0.88%  

Amana Participation Fund Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

     5.59%        4.17%        3.55%        n/a        n/a        0.63%  
                                                       

Performance data quoted in this report represents past performance, is before any taxes payable by shareowners, and is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than that stated herein. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling toll-free 1-888-732-6262 or visiting www.amanafunds.com. Average annual total returns are historical and include change in share value as well as reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, if any. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Amana Funds limit the securities they purchase to those consistent with Islamic principles, which limits opportunities and may affect performance.

Institutional Shares of the Amana Income, Growth, and Developing World Funds began operations September 25, 2013.

The Amana Participation Fund began operations September 28, 2015.

A note about risk: Please see the Notes to Financial Statements beginning on page 33 for a discussion of investment risks. For a more detailed discussion of the risks associated with each Fund, please see the Funds’ prospectus or each Fund’s summary prospectus.

 

1 

By regulation, expense ratios shown in this table are as stated in the Funds’ most recent prospectus which is dated September 25, 2020, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020. Ratios presented for Amana Income and Amana Growth have been restated to reflect a reduction in the Advisory and Administrative Services fee, which became effective on December 1, 2020. Ratios presented in this table differ from the expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different fiscal periods. Also by regulation, this page shows performance as of the most recent calendar quarter-end in addition to performance through the Funds’ most recent fiscal period.

Please consider an investment’s objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a free prospectus or summary prospectus that contains this and other important information on the Amana Funds, please call toll-free 1-888-732-6262 or visit www.amanafunds.com. Please read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

 

 
2                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Fellow Shareowners:   January 25, 2021

Securities markets appreciated during the six months ended November 30, 2020, the first half of the Amana Funds’ fiscal year. Total return for the S&P 500 Index was 19.98% and the broader Dow Jones Islamic Market World Index returned 23.84%. Developing markets outpaced, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index gaining 31.14%. Islamic fixed-income markets fared well too, with the FTSE Sukuk Index gaining 5.85%.

The Amana Fund portfolios performed respectably compared to these indices. Amana Developing World Investor Shares gained 23.79%, Amana Growth Investor Shares gained 23.62%, Amana Income Investor Shares gained 16.59%, and Amana Participation Investor Shares rose 4.06% for the six months ended November 30, 2020. As expected, lower expenses allowed the Institutional Shares of each Fund to post slightly better returns: Amana Developing World 23.92%, Amana Growth 23.59%, Amana Income 16.71%, and Amana Participation 4.18%. More than 44% of Amana’s shareowner assets are now in Institutional shares.

The Amana Funds’ investment philosophy is to follow Islamic principles, which preclude most investments in banking and finance. We favor companies with good sustainability factors, low debt levels, and strong balance sheets. In volatile and troubled times, these solid principles repeatedly prove their value.

2020 – A Great and Terrible Year

Calendar 2020 was a wild year for the S&P 500 Index, finally ending up 18.39%. Shining through the global pandemic, Amana Growth Fund trounced the S&P 500, with its Investor Shares up 32.86% for the year ended December 31, 2020. For 2019, with Amana Growth Investor up an almost identical 33.07%, we wrote “Great years only happen occasionally.” It’s nice to report that we were wrong. The compounded total return for the two years was 76.80%.

Amana Income Fund – 34 Years of Solid Investing

On June 23, 1986, Amana Income Fund began operations, with both Dr. Yaqub Mirza and Mr. Nicholas Kaiser as founding members of the Board of Trustees. From inception to November 30, 2020 – more than 34 years – the Income Fund’s Investor Shares provided an average annual return of 8.98% (after expenses). Few investment vehicles have such a long-term record of success.

Amana Participation Fund – Five Years of Success

The Amana Participation Fund began operations on September 28, 2015. It was designed with a primary objective of capital preservation and a secondary objective of current income, both consistent with Islamic principles. After five years of successful operation under the dedicated and capable Mr. Patrick Drum, we are pleased to note that investors have embraced its goal of lower volatility compared to equity markets. Assets of the Fund exceeded $141 million as of November 30, 2020.

Strong Comparisons

As experienced investors, we know that gains or losses over a short interval tell an incomplete story compared to performance evaluated over a lengthier time span. That’s why the long-term performance recognition that Amana has received is so important to our shareowners.

As of December 31, Amana Income and Amana Growth maintained strong long-term rankings in their respective mutual fund categories. Amana Income Investor Shares ranked in the top 25% of Morningstar’s “Large Blend” category, out of 591 similar funds surviving for at least 15 years. Amana Growth Investor Shares ranked in the top 31% of the “Large Growth” category, out of 566 similar funds surviving for 15 years. For the last 15 years, its annual total return was 11.83%.

For the past three years as of December 31, three Amana funds (Growth, Developing World, Participation) were rated 4 Stars by Morningstar for above average, risk-adjusted performance. Please refer to “Morningstar Ratings” on pages six and seven for more details.

Morningstar continues to award “Low Carbon” designations to Amana Income and Amana Growth, which identifies them as “low-carbon” funds within the global universe (see page seven).

Lower Expense Ratios

For the six months ended November 30, 2020, we are pleased to note reductions in annualized expense ratios of all Amana Funds and share classes. For the “clean” Institutional Share class of Amana Participation Fund it was 0.56%, for Amana Growth the expense ratio was 0.74%, for Amana Income it was 0.79%, and for Amana Developing World it was 0.94%. Investor Shares expense ratios for each Fund also decreased. See page 39 for more details.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                  3


Lowering Future Expense Ratios

The Trustees continue to work at reducing fund expenses. A Fund’s expense ratio decreases as its assets increase, so please note that total assets for the Trust’s four Funds at November 30, 2020 were a record $4.25 billion – up 18% from the May 31 fiscal year end.

In addition, effective December 1, 2020, with greater assets to spread its costs, Saturna Capital again reduced Advisory and Administrative Services fee rates for the Amana equity funds.

Going Forward

We entered 2020 with cautious optimism. Geopolitical uncertainties, rich corporate valuations, and dubious monetary policies kept us vigilant, while generally strong business and economic fundamentals supported optimism. What we didn’t foresee was a global plague, widespread economic shutdowns, and massive government interventions. By nature, such a “black swan” is unforeseeable, and it’s also why we place emphasis on seeking out companies with robust balance sheets and competitive advantages to sustain operations even through stormy seas. We cannot control the weather, but we can plot a less risky course and pick solid vessels.

Plague year 2020 saw prices for homes, stocks, bonds, bitcoin, lumber, and many other assets soar above intrinsic values. The common thread is cheap money, flowing in from central banks, which supported prices and transformed the ways we save, invest, and consume. So, is there risk of major decline? Maybe this time it’s different? After all, officials are promising loose financial policies and more spending until we are well into a post-COVID recovery.

One way to consider whether or not the market has become irrational is to look at the cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings, or CAPE, ratio. This figure considers inflation-adjusted share prices relative to the 10-year average of real earnings per share. When we compare this figure with the US government’s 10-year interest rate, a common starting point for discount rates used in valuation, the market appears to be fairly priced. Looking ahead we don’t expect to see further multiple expansion, barring the Federal

Reserve cutting nominal interest rates into negative territory. With 2020 being far from a normal baseline, we expect some volatility as the market shakes out which companies are deserving of their newfound valuations.

But if company earnings fall short or the virus continues to bewilder vaccines, markets could fall as investors seek to exit. Social distruptions already roil the globe, from Washington DC and Seattle to Moscow and Hong Kong. Yet we retain faith in the power of human effort, resilience, and creativity.

Strong Management Matters

Amana Mutual Funds embody basic principles of sound finance: good governance, transparency, fairness, and risk sharing. The Trustees are active governors, taking seriously their responsibilities to shareowners. Saturna staff work globally, based in offices in Bellingham (Washington), Henderson (Nevada), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to better serve you. While Mr. Kaiser retired in 2020 as the long-term primary manager of Amana Growth and Amana Income, his deputies for years and practioners of Amana’s principles – Mr. Scott Klimo and Mr. Monem Salam – along with other members of Saturna’s investment team, have continued the Amana portfolios’ successes. And Mr. Kaiser continues as the president and a trustee of Amana.

As a group, the five Amana Trustees are solidly committed to investing in Amana Mutual Funds. Including their affiliated accounts, they currently have over $33 million invested in the four mutual funds of the Trust. Both Dr. Mirza and Mr. Kaiser remain among the Trust’s largest individual shareowners.

For more information, please visit www.amanafunds.com or or call 1-888/73-AMANA. We thank you for investing with us.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Nicholas Kaiser,

President

 

LOGO

M. Yaqub Mirza,

Independent Board Chairman

 

 

 
4                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Portfolio Managers        
LOGO  

 

Scott Klimo CFA

 

Portfolio Manager

Amana Growth Fund

 

Deputy Portfolio Manager

Amana Income Fund

Amana Developing World Fund

   LOGO   

 

Bryce Fegley MS, CFA, CIPM®

 

Deputy Portfolio Manager

Amana Income Fund

LOGO  

 

Monem Salam MBA

 

Portfolio Manager

Amana Income Fund

Amana Developing World Fund

 

Deputy Portfolio Manager

Amana Growth Fund

   LOGO   

 

Christopher E. Paul MBA, CFA

 

Deputy Portfolio Manager

Amana Growth Fund

LOGO  

 

Patrick Drum MBA, CFA, CFP®

 

Portfolio Manager

Amana Participation Fund

   LOGO   

 

Elizabeth Alm CFA

 

Deputy Portfolio Manager

Amana Participation Fund

     LOGO   

 

Levi Stewart Zurbrugg MBA, CPA®

 

Deputy Portfolio Manager

Amana Developing World Fund

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   5


Morningstar Ratings (as of November 30, 2020)                                   
 

Morningstar RatingsA

   1 Year    3 Year    5 Year    10 Year    15 Year    Overall    Sustainability
Rating B
   

Amana Income Fund – “Large Blend” Category

  
 

Investor Shares (AMANX)

   n/a    ê êê    ê êê    ê ê    n/a    ê êê    LOGO
 

% Rank in Category

   52    66    69    87    14    n/a    88
 

Institutional Shares (AMINX)

   n/a    ê êê    ê êê       n/a    ê êê    LOGO
 

% Rank in Category

   51    62    65    85    11    n/a    88
 

Number of Funds in Category

   1,355    1,223    1,056    812    577    1,223    1,223
 

Amana Growth Fund – “Large Growth” Category

  
 

Investor Shares (AMAGX)

   n/a    ê êê    ê êê ê    ê êê    n/a    ê êê    LOGO
 

% Rank in Category

   57    42    30    67    33    n/a    1
 

Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

   n/a    ê êê    ê êê ê       n/a    ê êê ê    LOGO
 

% Rank in Category

   57    41    27    63    30    n/a    1
 

Number of Funds in Category

   1,304    1,206    1,076    791    566    1,206    1,206
 

Amana Developing World Fund – “Diversified Emerging Markets” Category

  
 

Investor Shares (AMDWX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê ê    ê êê    n/a    ê êê    LOGO
 

% Rank in Category

   37    35    88    89    n/a    n/a    6
 

Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê ê       n/a    ê êê    LOGO
 

% Rank in Category

   35    33    87    88    n/a    n/a    6
 

Number of Funds in Category

   788    701    592    266    n/a    701    701
 

Amana Participation Fund – “Emerging Markets Bond” Category

  
 

Investor Shares (AMAPX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê ê    n/a    n/a    ê êê    n/a
 

% Rank in Category

   61    45    98    n/a    n/a    n/a    n/a
 

Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê ê    n/a    n/a    ê êê    n/a
 

% Rank in Category

   53    39    96    n/a    n/a    n/a    n/a
 

Number of Funds in Category

   276    240    191    n/a    n/a    240    n/a

The Morningstar Sustainability Rating and the Morningstar Portfolio Sustainability Score are not based on fund performance and are not equivalent to the Morningstar Rating (“Star Rating”).

© 2020 Morningstar®. All rights reserved. Morningstar, Inc. is an independent fund performance monitor. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.

 

A 

Morningstar Ratings (“Star Ratings”) are as of November 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The Morningstar Rating for funds, or “star rating”, is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product’s monthly excess performance (not including the effects of sales charges, loads, and redemption fees), placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10-year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods.

 

B 

Morningstar Sustainability Ratings are as of November 30,2020. The Morningstar Sustainability Rating is intended to measure how well the issuing companies of the securities within a fund’s portfolio are managing their environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) risks and opportunities relative to the fund’s Morningstar category peers. The Morningstar Sustainability Rating calculation is a two-step process. First, each fund with at least 50% of assets covered by a company-level ESG score from Sustainalytics receives a Morningstar Portfolio Sustainability Score. The Morningstar Portfolio Sustainability Score is an asset-weighted average of normalized company-level ESG scores with deductions made for controversial incidents by the issuing companies, such as environmental accidents, fraud, or discriminatory behavior. The Morningstar Sustainability Rating is then assigned to all scored funds within Morningstar Categories in which at least ten (10) funds receive a Portfolio Sustainability Score and is determined by each fund’s rank within the following distribution: High (highest 10%), Above Average (next 22.5%), Average (next 35%), Below Average (next 22.5%), and Low (lowest 10%). The Morningstar Sustainability Rating is depicted by globe icons where High equals 5 globes and Low equals 1 globe. A Sustainability Rating is assigned to any fund that has more than half of its underlying assets rated by Sustainalytics and is within a Morningstar Category with at least 10 scored funds; therefore, the rating it is not limited to funds with explicit sustainable or responsible investment mandates. Morningstar updates its Sustainability Ratings monthly. Portfolios receive a Morningstar Portfolio Sustainability Score and Sustainability Rating one month and six business days after their reported as-of date based on the most recent portfolio. As part of the evaluation process, Morningstar uses Sustainalytics’ ESG scores from the same month as the portfolio as-of date.

The Fund’s portfolios are actively managed and subject to change, which may result in a different Morningstar Sustainability Score and Rating each month.

The Funds were rated on the following percentages of Assets Under Management:

 

Amana Income Fund      100%  
Amana Growth Fund      100%  
Amana Developing World Fund      100%  

As of November 30, 2020, the Amana Participation Fund had not received a Sustainability Rating.

% Rank in Category is the fund’s percentile rank for the specified time period relative to all funds that have the same Morningstar category. The highest (or most favorable) percentile rank is 1 and the lowest (or least favorable) percentile rank is 100. The top-performing fund in a category will always receive a rank of 1. Percentile ranks within categories are most useful in those categories that have a large number of funds.

The Amana Mutual Funds offer two share classes – Investor Shares and Institutional Shares, each of which has different expense structures.

 

 

 
6                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Morningstar Ratings (as of December 31, 2020)                              

Morningstar RatingsA

   1 Year    3 Year    5 Year    10 Year    15 Year    Overall
             

Amana Income Fund – “Large Blend” Category

                 

Investor Shares (AMANX)

   n/a    ê êê    ê êê    ê ê    n/a    ê êê

% Rank in Category

   65    71    73    88    25    n/a

Institutional Shares (AMINX)

   n/a    ê êê    ê ê ê       n/a    ê êê

% Rank in Category

   64    69    69    86    17    n/a

Number of Funds in Category

   1,363    1,232    1,072    814    591    1,232

Amana Growth Fund – “Large Growth” Category

                 

Investor Shares (AMAGX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê êê ê    ê êê    n/a    ê êê ê

% Rank in Category

   52    38    25    65    31    n/a

Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê êê ê       n/a    ê êê ê

% Rank in Category

   51    36    22    62    29    n/a

Number of Funds in Category

   1,289    1,197    1,070    789    566    1,197

Amana Developing World Fund – “Diversified Emerging Markets” Category

                 

Investor Shares (AMDWX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê ê    ê êê    n/a    ê êê

% Rank in Category

   31    35    87    85    n/a    n/a

Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê ê       n/a    ê êê

% Rank in Category

   31    33    86    81    n/a    n/a

Number of Funds in Category

   796    697    597    278    n/a    697

Amana Participation Fund – “Emerging Markets Bond” Category

                 

Investor Shares (AMAPX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê    n/a    n/a    ê ê

% Rank in Category

   46    61    100    n/a    n/a    n/a

Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

   n/a    ê êê ê    ê    n/a    n/a    ê ê

% Rank in Category

   43    48    98    n/a    n/a    n/a

Number of Funds in Category

   274    244    192    n/a    n/a    244

Morningstar Carbon Metrics (as of September 30, 2020)

 

LOGO

Morningstar carbon metrics are asset-weighted portfolio calculations based on their Sustainalytics subsidiary’s carbon-risk research. Based on two of these metrics – Carbon Risk Score and Fossil Fund Involvement % – funds may receive the Low Carbon designation, which allows investors to easily identify low-carbon funds within the global universe.

The portfolio Carbon Risk Score is a number between 0 and 100 (a lower score is better). A portfolio’s Carbon Risk Score is the asset-weighted sum of the carbon risk scores of its holdings, averaged over the trailing 12 months. The carbon risk of a company is Sustainalytics’ evaluation of the degree to which a firm’s activities and products are aligned with the transition to a low-carbon economy. The assessment includes carbon intensity, fossil fuel involvement, stranded assets exposure, mitigation strategies, and green product solutions.

 

LOGO

Fossil Fuel Involvement % is the portfolio’s asset-weighted percentage exposure to fossil fuels, averaged over the trailing 12 months. Companies with fossil fuel involvement are defined as those in the following subindustries: Thermal Coal Extraction, Thermal Coal Power Generation, Oil & Gas Production, Oil & Gas Power Generation, and Oil & Gas Products & Services.

To receive the Low Carbon designation a fund must have a Carbon Risk Score below 10 and a Fossil Fuel Involvement % of less than 7% of assets. For these metrics to be calculated, at least 67% of a portfolio’s assets must be covered by Sustainalytics company carbon-risk research. All Morningstar carbon metrics are calculated quarterly.

Amana Income Fund was rated on 96% and Amana Growth Fund was rated on 95% of assets under management.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   7


Amana Income Fund: Performance Summary   

 

Average Annual Returns (as of November 30, 2020)

 

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Investor Shares (AMANX)

       15.07%          11.48%          11.06%          1.04%  

Institutional Shares (AMINX)2

       15.25%          11.74%          n/a          0.81%  

S&P 500 Index

       17.46%          13.97%          14.18%          n/a  

Growth of $10,000

 

 

LOGO   Comparison of any mutual fund to a market index must be made bearing in mind that the index is unmanaged and expense-free. Conversely, the Fund will (1) be actively managed; (2) have an objective other than mirroring the index, such as limiting risk; (3) bear transaction and other operational costs; (4) stand ready to buy and sell its securities to shareowners on a daily basis; and (5) provide a wide range of services. The graph compares $10,000 invested in Investor Shares of the Fund on November 30, 2010, to an identical amount invested in the S&P 500 Index, a broad-based stock market index. The graph shows that an investment in Investor Shares of the Fund would have risen to $28,548 versus $37,703 in the Index. Investor Shares are used in this chart because they represent the larger share class in terms of assets and have a longer track record. Please note that investors cannot invest directly in the index.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The “Growth of $10,000” graph and “Average Annual Returns” performance table assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. They do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareowner might pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.

 

1 

Expense ratios shown in this table have been restated to reflect a reduction in the Advisory and Administrative Services fee, which became effective on December 1, 2020. Ratios presented in this table differ from the expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent older fiscal periods.

 

2 

Institutional shares of the Amana Income Fund began operations September 25, 2013.

Fund Objective

 

The objectives of the Income Fund are current income and preservation of capital, consistent with Islamic principles; current income is its primary objective.

 

Top 10 Holdings

  
 
% of Total Net Assets  

Microsoft

     6.0%  

Taiwan Semiconductor ADR

     5.8%  

Eli Lilly

     5.7%  

Rockwell Automation

     5.4%  

Illinois Tool Works

     4.4%  

Parker Hannifin

     4.2%  

PPG Industries

     4.1%  

McCormick & Co

     3.9%  

Honeywell International

     3.7%  

Colgate-Palmolive

     3.1%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

      
     
% of Total Net Assets

 

    

Large Pharma

    17.7%            LOGO  

Specialty Chemicals

    7.6%      

Household Products

    7.1%      

Infrastructure Software

    6.0%      

Semiconductor Devices

    5.8%      

Semiconductor Manufacturing

    5.8%      

Measurement Instruments

    5.4%      

Packaged Food

    5.0%      

Basic & Diversified Chemicals

    4.4%      

Industrial Machinery

    4.4%      

Flow Control Equipment

    4.2%      

Commercial & Residential Building Equipment & Systems

    3.9%      

Rail Freight

    17.6%      

Other Industries < 3%

               

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    5.0%         

 

 

 
8                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Amana Income Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

             
    Common Stocks – 95.0%       Number of Shares      Cost      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Consumer Discretionary                               
     
     Automotive Retailers                               
 
   

Genuine Parts

      382,000        $15,016,749        $37,577,340        2.6%  
 
     Home Improvement                               
 
   

Stanley Black & Decker

      71,950        4,850,611        13,261,105        1.0%
             
           19,867,360        50,838,445        3.6%  
    Consumer Staples                               
     
     Beverages                               
 
   

PepsiCo

      250,000        15,481,726        36,057,500        2.5%  
 
     Household Products                               
 
   

Colgate-Palmolive

      516,400        18,141,721        44,224,496        3.1%  
 
   

Kimberly-Clark

      230,000        13,960,736        32,041,300        2.2%  
 
   

Procter & Gamble

      40,000        2,317,748        5,554,800        0.4%  
 
   

Unilever ADR

      325,000        8,850,327        19,844,500        1.4%  
 
                
 
             43,270,532        101,665,096        7.1%  
 
     Packaged Food                               
 
   

General Mills

      242,900        7,113,722        14,773,178        1.1%  
 
   

McCormick & Co

      300,000        14,110,805        56,094,000        3.9%  
 
                                  
 
             21,224,527        70,867,178        5.0%  
             
           79,976,785        208,589,774        14.6%  
    Health Care                               
     
     Biotech                               
 
   

Viatris1

      142,690        1,085,467        2,400,045        0.1%  
 
     Large Pharma                               
 
   

AbbVie

      350,000        9,148,094        36,603,000        2.6%  
 
   

Bristol-Myers Squibb

      650,000        15,185,381        40,560,000        2.8%  
 
   

Eli Lilly

      560,000        20,261,156        81,564,000        5.7%  
 
   

GlaxoSmithKline ADR

      381,107        13,360,123        14,020,927        1.0%  
 
   

Johnson & Johnson

      100,000        6,255,750        14,468,000        1.0%  
 
   

Novartis ADR

      235,400        10,919,562        21,381,382        1.5%  
 
   

Pfizer

      1,150,000        19,768,443        44,056,500        3.1%  
 
                                  
 
             94,898,509        252,653,809        17.7%  
 
     Medical Devices                               
 
   

Abbott Laboratories

      350,000        8,392,885        37,877,000        2.7%  
             
           104,376,861        292,930,854        20.5%  
    Industrials                               
     
     Commercial & Residential Building Equipment & Systems                               
 
   

Honeywell International

      260,000        10,768,521        53,019,200        3.7%  
 
   

Otis Worldwide

      35,000        1,019,562        2,342,900        0.2%  
 
                                  
 
             11,788,083        55,362,100        3.9%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   9


Amana Income Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

             
    Common Stocks – 95.0%       Number of Shares      Cost      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Industrials (continued)                               
     
     Flow Control Equipment                               
 
   

Parker Hannifin

      223,500        $9,152,582        $59,732,610        4.2%  
 
     Industrial Distribution & Rental                               
 
   

W.W. Grainger

      80,000        7,590,798        33,464,000        2.3%  
 
     Industrial Machinery                               
 
   

Illinois Tool Works

      300,000        14,672,460        63,327,000        4.4%  
 
     Measurement Instruments                               
 
   

Rockwell Automation

      300,000        13,657,124        76,668,000        5.4%  
 
     Rail Freight                               
 
   

Canadian National Railway

      384,000        8,600,818        41,107,200        2.9%  
             
           65,461,865        329,660,910        23.1%  
    Materials                               
     
     Basic & Diversified Chemicals                               
 
   

Air Products & Chemicals

      110,000        6,424,723        30,815,400        2.2%  
 
   

Linde

      130,000        8,531,143        33,334,600        2.3%  
 
                                  
 
             14,955,866        64,150,000        4.5%  
 
     Non Wood Building Materials                               
 
   

Carlisle

      260,000        7,545,829        37,655,800        2.6%  
 
     Specialty Chemicals                               
 
   

3M

      200,000        13,704,248        34,546,000        2.4%  
 
   

PPG Industries

      394,900        13,101,436        57,959,473        4.1%  
 
   

RPM International

      180,000        3,642,493        15,841,800        1.1%  
 
                                  
 
             30,448,177        108,347,273        7.6%  
             
           52,949,872        210,153,073        14.7%  
    Technology                               
     
     Communications Equipment                               
 
   

Cisco Systems

      300,000        13,127,828        12,906,000        0.9%  
 
     Infrastructure Software                               
 
   

Microsoft

      400,000        7,953,170        85,628,000        6.0%  
 
     Semiconductor Devices                               
 
   

Intel

      900,000        19,537,540        43,515,000        3.0%  
 
   

Microchip Technology

      250,000        38,489,292        40,312,500        2.8%  
 
                                  
 
             58,026,832        83,827,500        5.8%  
 
     Semiconductor Manufacturing                               
 
   

Taiwan Semiconductor ADR

      850,048        8,455,615        82,471,657        5.8%  
             
           87,563,445        264,833,157        18.5%  
                                            
  Total investments          $410,196,188        $1,357,006,213        95.0%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             70,912,484        5.0%  
                                
  Total net assets             $1,427,918,697        100.0%  
             
              
1

Non-income producing

ADR: American Depositary Receipt

 

 

 

 
10                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Income Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As of November 30, 2020

 

   
                          

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $410,196,188)

    $1,357,006,213  

Cash

    68,370,054  

Dividends receivable

    3,304,816  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    964,536  

Prepaid expenses

    23,304  
       

Total assets

    1,429,668,923  
       

Liabilities

 

Accrued advisory fees

    884,143  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    572,116  

Accrued 12b-1 distribution fees

    158,576  

Accrued retirement plan custody fee

    49,549  

Accrued other liabilities

    29,894  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    19,210  

Accrued audit expenses

    17,695  

Accrued trustee expenses

    11,080  

ReFlow fees payable

    7,217  

Accrued other operating expenses

    746  
       

Total liabilities

    1,750,226  
       

Net Assets

    $1,427,918,697  
   
 
   

Analysis of Net Assets

 

Paid-in capital (unlimited shares authorized, without par value)

    $394,952,777  

Total distributable earnings

    1,032,965,920  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $1,427,918,697  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Investor Share

    AMANX  

Net assets, at value

    $787,640,969  

Shares outstanding

    13,503,259  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $58.33  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Institutional Share

    AMINX  

Net assets, at value

    $640,277,728  

Shares outstanding

    11,032,939  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $58.03  
   
 

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended November 30, 2020

 

   
 

Investment income

 

Dividend income
(net of foreign tax of $207,920)

    $14,010,482  

Miscellaneous income

    2,780  
       

Total investment income

    14,013,262  
       

Expenses

 

Investment advisory fees

    5,150,462  

12b-1 distribution fees

    936,814  

Printing and postage fees

    44,181  

Custodian fees

    27,474  

Audit fees

    21,797  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    20,055  

Filing and registration fees

    19,424  

Other operating expenses

    16,073  

Trustee fees

    12,664  

Legal fees

    12,116  

ReFlow fees

    10,029  

Retirement plan custodial fees

 

Investor Shares

    30  

Institutional Shares

    5,495  
       

Total gross expenses

    6,276,614  
       

Less custodian fee credits

    (27,474
       

Net expenses

    6,249,140  
       

Net investment income

    $7,764,122  
   
 
   
 

Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency

    $45,240,625 A  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments

    152,933,089  
       

Net gain on investments

    $198,173,714  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $205,937,836  
   
 
A

Includes $2,833,790 in net realized gains from redemptions in-kind.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   11


Amana Income Fund

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended November 30, 2020          Year ended May 31, 2020  
     

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $7,764,122          $18,374,972  

Net realized gain on investment

    45,240,625          78,792,002  

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    152,933,089          45,966,608  
                  

Net increase in net assets

    205,937,836          143,133,582  
                  

Distributions to shareowners from

      

Net dividend and distribution to shareholders - Investor Shares

    -          (62,180,709

Net dividend and distribution to shareholders - Institutional Shares

    -          (42,709,106
                  

Total distributions

    -          (104,889,815
                  

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from the sale of shares

      

Investor Shares

    27,862,374          79,868,137  

Institutional Shares

    75,905,040          134,740,958  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

      

Investor Shares

    -          60,579,908  

Institutional Shares

    -          40,867,964  

Cost of shares redeemed

      

Investor Shares

    (91,623,756        (237,736,026

Institutional Shares

    (58,966,912        (126,094,660
                  

Total capital share transactions

    (46,823,254        (47,773,719
                  

Total decrease in net assets

    159,114,582          (9,529,952
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of year

    1,268,804,115          1,278,334,067  

End of year

    $1,427,918,697          1,268,804,115  
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Investor Shares (AMANX)

      

Number of shares sold

    522,894          1,640,782  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -          1,160,898  

Number of shares redeemed

    (1,721,251        (4,771,815
                  

Net decrease in number of shares outstanding

    (1,198,357        (1,970,135
                  

Institutional Shares (AMINX)

      

Number of shares sold

    1,411,283          2,676,602  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -          788,395  

Number of shares redeemed

    (1,103,562        (2,564,182
                  

Net increase in number of shares outstanding

    307,721          900,815  
     
      

 

 

 
12                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Income Fund: Financial Highlights

 

Investor Shares (AMANX)

    Period ended          Year ended May 31,    
 

Selected data per share of outstanding capital stock throughout each period:

    Nov. 30, 2020        2020       2019       2018       2017       2016  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $50.03        $48.32       $48.91       $48.03       $44.35       $47.01  

Income from investment operations

            

Net investment incomeA

    0.28        $0.67       0.61       0.58       0.59       0.62  

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized)

    8.02        5.17       1.80       3.28       4.90       (0.38
                                                

Total from investment operations

    8.30        5.84       2.41       3.86       5.49       0.24  
                                                

Less distributions

            

Dividends (from net investment income)

    -        (0.66     (0.62     (0.57     (0.58     (0.65

Distributions (from capital gains)

    -        (3.47     (2.38     (2.41     (1.23     (2.25
                                                

Total distributions

    -        (4.13     (3.00     (2.98     (1.81     (2.90
                                                
            

Net asset value at end of period

    $58.33        $50.03       $48.32       $48.91       $48.03       $44.35  
             
            

Total ReturnB

    16.59%        11.77%       5.35%       7.82%       12.67%       0.81%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

            

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $787,641        $735,565       $805,610       $882,571       $956,977       $1,047,345  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            

Before custodian fee creditsC

    1.05%        1.06%       1.11%       1.13%       1.13%       1.15%  

After custodian fee creditsC

    1.04%        1.06%       1.10%       1.12%       1.12%       1.14%  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsC

    1.05%        1.31%       1.22%       1.14%       1.29%       1.41%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    4%        0%       1%       1%       1%       0%  
             
            

 

Institutional Shares (AMINX)

    Period ended          Year ended May 31,    
 

Selected data per share of outstanding capital stock throughout each period:

    Nov. 30, 2020        2020       2019       2018       2017       2016  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $49.72        $48.12       $48.72       $47.90       $44.30       $46.97  

Income from investment operations

            

Net investment incomeA

    0.35        0.78       0.74       0.70       0.70       0.75  

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized)

    7.96        5.13       1.79       3.26       4.90       (0.40
                                                

Total from investment operations

    8.31        5.91       2.53       3.96       5.60       0.35  
                                                

Less distributions

            

Dividends (from net investment income)

    -        (0.84     (0.75     (0.73     (0.77     (0.77

Distributions (from capital gains)

    -        (3.47     (2.38     (2.41     (1.23     (2.25
                                                

Total distributions

    -        (4.31     (3.13     (3.14     (2.00     (3.02
                                                
            

Net asset value at end of period

    $58.03        $49.72       $48.12       $48.72       $47.90       $44.30  
             
            

Total ReturnB

    16.71%        11.96%       5.63%       8.05%       12.96%       1.06%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

            

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $640,278        $533,239       $472,724       $451,651       $372,621       $235,928  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            

Before custodian fee creditsC

    0.80%        0.83%       0.87%       0.89%       0.89%       0.90%  

After custodian fee creditsC

    0.79%        0.82%       0.86%       0.88%       0.89%       0.89%  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsC

    1.30%        1.55%       1.47%       1.39%       1.52%       1.71%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    4%        0%       1%       1%       1%       0%  
             
            
A

Calculated using average shares outstanding

B

Not annualized for periods of less than one year

C

Annualized for periods of less than one year

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   13


Amana Growth Fund: Performance Summary   

 

Average Annual Returns (as of November 30, 2020)

                   
         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Investor Shares (AMAGX)

       29.75%          18.55%          14.24%          1.03%  

Institutional Shares (AMIGX)2

       30.06%          18.83%          n/a          0.79%  

S&P 500 Index

       17.46%          13.97%          14.18%          n/a  

Growth of $10,000

 

 

LOGO   Comparison of any mutual fund to a market index must be made bearing in mind that the index is unmanaged and expense-free. Conversely, the Fund will (1) be actively managed; (2) have an objective other than mirroring the index, such as limiting risk; (3) bear transaction and other operational costs; (4) stand ready to buy and sell its securities to shareowners on a daily basis; and (5) provide a wide range of services. The graph compares $10,000 invested in Investor Shares of the Fund on November 30, 2010, to an identical amount invested in the S&P 500 Index, a broad-based stock market index. The graph shows that an investment in Investor Shares of the Fund would have risen to $37,844 versus $37,703 in the Index. Investor Shares are used in this chart because they represent the larger share class in terms of assets and have a longer track record. Please note that investors cannot invest directly in the index.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The “Growth of $10,000” graph and “Average Annual Returns” performance table assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. They do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareowner might pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.

 

1 

Expense ratios shown in this table have been restated to reflect a reduction in the Advisory and Administrative Services fee, which became effective on December 1, 2020. Ratios presented in this table differ from the expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent older fiscal periods.

 

2 

Institutional shares of the Amana Growth Fund began operations September 25, 2013.

Fund Objective

 

The objective of the Growth Fund is long-term capital growth, consistent with Islamic principles.

 

 
% of Total Net Assets  

Apple

     9.1%  

Adobe

     7.2%  

Intuit

     6.0%  

ASML Holding

     5.1%  

Taiwan Semiconductor ADR

     4.5%  

Qualcomm

     4.5%  

Estee Lauder, Class A

     4.3%  

Church & Dwight

     4.0%  

Agilent Technologies

     4.0%  

Trimble

     3.4%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

 

   
% of Total Net Assets

 

 

Application Software

    14.7%           LOGO  

Communications Equipment

    11.5%      

Household Products

    9.8%      

Semiconductor Manufacturing

    9.6%      

Semiconductor Devices

    7.8%      

Large Pharma

    7.0%      

Measurement Instruments

    5.7%      

Rail Freight

    4.6%      

Life Science Equipment

    4.0%      

Biotech

    3.0%      

Other industries < 3%

    18.9%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    3.4%      

 

 

 

 
14                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Amana Growth Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

             
    Common Stocks – 96.6%       Number of Shares      Cost      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Consumer Discretionary                               
     
     Apparel, Footwear & Accessory Design                               
 
   

Nike, Class B

      100,000        $9,504,490        $13,470,000        0.5%  
 
     Home Products Stores                               
 
   

Lowe’s

      400,000        8,620,300        62,328,000        2.3%  
 
   

Specialty Apparel Stores

            
 
   

TJX Companies

      1,150,000        12,679,185        73,036,500        2.8%  
             
           30,803,975        148,834,500        5.6%  
    Consumer Staples                               
     
     Beverages                               
 
   

PepsiCo

      235,000        14,445,016        33,894,050        1.2%  
 
     Household Products                               
 
   

Church & Dwight

      1,200,000        21,472,365        105,324,000        4.0%  
 
   

Clorox

      197,700        11,031,251        40,125,192        1.5%  
 
   

Estée Lauder, Class A

      458,594        16,624,230        112,502,280        4.3%  
 
                                  
 
             49,127,846        257,951,472        9.8%  
             
           63,572,862        291,845,522        11.0%  
     Financials                                
 
     Consumer Finance                               
 
   

Mastercard, Class A

      36,000        12,815,536        12,114,360        0.5%  
             
           12,815,536        12,114,360        0.5%  
     Health Care                                
 
     Biotech                               
 
   

Amgen

      355,000        18,341,782        78,824,200        3.0%  
 
     Large Pharma                               
 
   

Bristol-Myers Squibb

      225,000        12,943,750        14,040,000        0.5%  
 
   

Eli Lilly

      350,000        12,007,975        50,977,500        1.9%  
 
   

Johnson & Johnson

      380,000        23,150,479        54,978,400        2.1%  
 
   

Novo Nordisk ADR

      1,002,195        7,665,242        67,277,350        2.5%  
 
                                  
 
             55,767,446        187,273,250        7.0%  
 
     Life Science Equipment                               
 
     Agilent Technologies       900,000      16,302,137      105,210,000      4.0%  
 
     Medical Devices                               
 
   

Stryker

      300,000        15,657,168        70,020,000        2.7%  
             
           106,068,533        441,327,450        16.7%  
     Industrials                                
 
     Building Sub Contractors                               
 
   

EMCOR Group

      135,200        1,779,993        11,651,536        0.4%  
 
     Commercial & Residential Building Equipment &
Systems
                              
 
   

Johnson Controls International

      580,000        26,593,290        26,703,200        1.0%  
 
   

Courier Services

            
 
   

United Parcel Service, Class B

      75,000        12,813,893        12,830,250        0.5%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   15


Amana Growth Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

             
    Common Stocks – 96.6%       Number of Shares      Cost      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
     Industrials (continued)                                
 
     Industrial Distribution & Rental                               
 
   

Fastenal

      838,100        $9,529,532        $41,444,045        1.6%  
 
     Measurement Instruments                               
 
   

Keysight Technologies1

      500,000        8,390,911        60,020,000        2.3%  
 
   

Trimble1

      1,500,000        15,966,794        89,805,000        3.4%  
 
                                  
 
             24,357,705        149,825,000        5.7%  
 
     Metalworking Machinery                               
 
   

Lincoln Electric Holdings

      307,000        6,707,264        35,305,000        1.3%  
 
     Rail Freight                               
 
   

Norfolk Southern

      250,000        14,370,513        59,255,000        2.3%  
 
   

Union Pacific

      300,000        16,986,610        61,224,000        2.3%  
 
                                  
 
             31,357,123        120,479,000        4.6%  
             
           113,138,800        398,238,031        15.1%  
     Materials                                
 
     Precious Metal Mining                               
 
   

Newmont

      750,000        42,354,995        44,115,000        1.7%  
             
           42,354,995        44,115,000        1.7%  
     Technology                                
 
     Application Software                               
 
   

Adobe1

      400,000        12,795,020        191,388,000        7.2%  
 
   

Intuit

      450,000        15,564,740        158,409,000        6.0%  
 
   

SAP ADR

      312,779        19,806,664        37,896,304        1.5%  
 
                                  
 
             48,166,424        387,693,304        14.7%  
 
     Communications Equipment                               
 
   

Apple

      2,016,000        1,526,905        240,004,800        9.1%  
 
   

Cisco Systems

      1,500,000        26,759,130        64,530,000        2.4%  
 
                                  
 
             28,286,035        304,534,800        11.5%  
 
     Information Services                               
 
   

Gartner1

      179,900        6,185,084        27,344,800        1.0%  
 
     Infrastructure Software                               
 
   

Oracle

      650,000        12,885,855        37,518,000        1.4%  
 
     Semiconductor Devices                               
 
   

Qualcomm

      800,000        30,482,851        117,736,000        4.5%  
 
   

Xilinx

      600,000        14,947,540        87,330,000        3.3%  
 
                                  
 
             45,430,391        205,066,000        7.8%  
 
     Semiconductor Manufacturing                               
 
   

ASML Holding

      308,000        10,937,644        134,820,840        5.1%  
 
   

Taiwan Semiconductor ADR

      1,222,471        12,765,781        118,604,136        4.5%  
 
                                  
 
             23,703,425        253,424,976        9.6%  
             
           164,657,214        1,215,581,880        46.0%  
                                
             
  Total investments          $533,411,915        $2,552,056,743        96.6%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)                   89,060,640        3.4%  
  Total net assets             $2,641,117,383        100.0%  
             
              
1

Non-income producing

 

ADR:

American Depositary Receipt

 

 

 

 
16                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Growth Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of November 30, 2020

 

   
 

Assets

                          

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $533,411,915)

    $2,552,056,743  

Cash

    85,373,233  

Dividends receivable

    3,710,477  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    3,073,681  

Prepaid expenses

    14,251  
       

Total assets

    2,644,228,385  
       

Liabilities

 

Accrued advisory fees

    1,512,329  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    1,135,419  

Accrued 12b-1 distribution fees

    308,067  

Accrued retirement plan custody fee

    68,278  

Accrued other liabilities

    22,206  

Accrued audit expenses

    18,978  

Accrued ReFlow fees

    15,778  

Accrued trustee expenses

    15,340  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    14,607  
       

Total liabilities

    3,111,002  
       

Net Assets

    $2,641,117,383  
   
 
   

Analysis of Net Assets

 

Paid-in capital (unlimited shares authorized, without par value)

    $472,187,719  

Total distributable earnings

    2,168,929,664  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $2,641,117,383  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Investor Share

    AMAGX  

Net assets, at value

    $1,538,485,380  

Shares outstanding

    27,454,648  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $56.04  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Institutional Share

    AMIGX  

Net assets, at value

    $1,102,632,003  

Shares outstanding

    19,558,986  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $56.37  
   
 

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended November 30, 2020

 

   
 

Investment income

 

Dividend income (net of foreign taxes of $210,839)

    $13,804,015  

Miscellaneous income

    7,594  
       

Total investment income

    13,811,609  
       

Expenses

 

Investment advisory fees

    8,733,794  

12b-1 distribution fees

    1,782,414  

Printing and postage fees

    58,398  

Custodian fees

    49,831  

Audit fees

    34,071  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    27,285  

Other operating expenses

    24,694  

Trustee fees

    22,224  

Filing and registration fees

    22,110  

ReFlow fees

    20,165  

Legal fees

    16,802  

Retirement plan custodial fees

 

Investor Shares

    45  

Institutional Shares

    6,571  

Total gross expenses

    10,798,404  
       

Less custodian fee credits

    (49,831
       

Net expenses

    10,748,573  
       

Net investment income

    $3,063,036  
   
 
   
 

Net realized gain from investments

    $13,029,860 A  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments

    488,670,023  
       

Net gain on investments

    $501,699,883  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $504,762,919  

 

A 

Includes $6,521,014 in net realized gains from redemptions in-kind.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                  17


Amana Growth Fund

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended November 30, 2020          Year ended May 31, 2020  
     

Increase in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $3,063,036          $9,544,823  

Net realized gain on investment

    13,029,860          166,752,665  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation

    488,670,023          184,800,063  
                  

Net increase in net assets

    504,762,919          361,097,551  
                  

Distributions to shareowners from

      

Net dividend and distribution to shareholders - Investor Shares

    -          (42,389,414

Net dividend and distribution to shareholders - Institutional Shares

    -          (27,371,884
                  

Total distributions

    -          (69,761,298
                  

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from the sale of shares

      

Investor Shares

    98,623,905          157,126,557  

Institutional Shares

    123,666,187          202,365,477  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

      

Investor Shares

    -          41,387,646  

Institutional Shares

    -          26,094,015  

Cost of shares redeemed

      

Investor Shares

    (161,941,359        (340,236,012

Institutional Shares

    (86,617,929        (203,392,880
                  

Total capital share transactions

    (26,269,196        (116,655,197
                  

Total increase in net assets

    478,493,723          174,681,056  
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of year

    2,162,623,660          1,987,942,604  

End of year

    $2,641,117,383          $2,162,623,660  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Investor Shares (AMAGX)

      

Number of shares sold

    1,960,032          3,699,519  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -          934,048  

Number of shares redeemed

    (3,221,855        (8,057,051
                  

Net decrease in number of shares outstanding

    (1,261,823        (3,423,484
                  

Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

      

Number of shares sold

    2,397,278          4,666,337  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -          586,778  

Number of shares redeemed

    (1,677,428        (4,761,970
                  

Net increase in number of shares outstanding

    719,850          491,145  
     
      

 

 

 
18                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Growth Fund: Financial Highlights

 

Investor Shares (AMAGX)

    Period ended          Year ended May 31,    
 

Selected data per share of outstanding capital stock throughout each period:

    Nov. 30, 2020        2020       2019       2018       2017       2016  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $45.39        $39.31       $36.24       $34.42       $33.05       $35.14  

Income from investment operations

            

Net investment incomeA

    0.04        0.15       0.13       0.16       0.17       0.18  

Net gains on securities (both realized and unrealized)

    10.61        7.33       4.14       5.47       5.30       0.09  
                                                

Total from investment operations

    10.65        7.48       4.27       5.63       5.47       0.27  
                                                

Less distributions

            

Dividends (from net investment income)

    -        (0.16     (0.16     (0.17     (0.22     (0.17

Distributions (from capital gains)

    -        (1.24     (1.04     (3.64     (3.88     (2.19
                                                

Total distributions

    -        (1.40     (1.20     (3.81     (4.10     (2.36
                                                
            

Net asset value at end of period

    $56.04        $45.39       $39.31       $36.24       $34.42       $33.05  
             
            

Total ReturnB

    23.62%        19.12%       12.28%       16.76%       18.38%       1.06%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

            

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $1,538,485        $1,303,469       $1,263,423       $1,137,705       $1,113,440       $1,286,511  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            

Before custodian fee creditsC

    0.99%        1.02%       1.08%       1.09%       1.10%       1.09%  

After custodian fee creditsC

    0.99%        1.02%       1.08%       1.09%       1.09%       1.09%  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsC

    0.15%        0.36%       0.34%       0.45%       0.52%       0.54%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    1%        0% D       0%       0%       0% D       0%  
             
            

 

Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

    Period ended          Year ended May 31    
Selected data per share of outstanding capital stock throughout each period:     Nov. 30, 2020        2020       2019       2018       2017       2016  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $45.60        $39.49       $36.37       $34.53       $33.11       $35.17  

Income from investment operations

            

Net investment incomeA

    0.10        0.28       0.23       0.25       0.26       0.29  

Net gains on securities (both realized and unrealized)

    10.67        7.34       4.15       5.49       5.31       0.07  
                                                

Total from investment operations

    10.77        7.62       4.38       5.74       5.57       0.36  
                                                

Less distributions

            

Dividends (from net investment income)

    -        (0.27     (0.22     (0.26     (0.27     (0.23

Distributions (from capital gains)

    -        (1.24     (1.04     (3.64     (3.88     (2.19
                                                

Total distributions

    -        (1.51     (1.26     (3.90     (4.15     (2.42
                                                

Net asset value at end of period

    $56.37        $45.60       $39.49       $36.37       $34.53       $33.11  
             
            

Total ReturnB

    23.59%        19.39%       12.54%       17.03%       18.67%       1.31%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

            

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $1,102,632        $859,154       $724,520       $565,740       $442,747       $457,898  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            

Before custodian fee creditsC

    0.74%        0.79%       0.84%       0.86%       0.86%       0.85%  

After custodian fee creditsC

    0.74%        0.78%       0.84%       0.86%       0.85%       0.85%  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsC

    0.40%        0.60%       0.58%       0.70%       0.78%       0.89%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    1%        0% D       0%       0%       0% D       0%  
             
            
A

Calculated using average shares outstanding

B 

Not annualized for periods of less than one year

C 

Annualized for periods of less than one year

D 

Amount is less than 0.5%

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                  19


Amana Developing World Fund: Performance Summary   

 

Average Annual Returns (as of November 30, 2020)

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Investor Shares (AMDWX)

       18.60%          6.23%          1.37%          1.34%  

Institutional Shares (AMIDX)2

       18.84%          6.42%          n/a          1.21%  

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

       18.43%          10.71%          3.60%          n/a  

Growth of $10,000

 

 

LOGO   Comparison of any mutual fund to a market index must be made bearing in mind that the index is unmanaged and expense-free. Conversely, the Fund will (1) be actively managed; (2) have an objective other than mirroring the index, such as limiting risk; (3) bear transaction and other operational costs; (4) stand ready to buy and sell its securities to shareowners on a daily basis; and (5) provide a wide range of services. The graph compares $10,000 invested in Investor Shares of the Fund on November 30, 2010, to an identical amount invested in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, a broad-based international equity index. The graph shows that an investment in Investor Shares of the Fund would have fallen to $11,455 versus rising to $14,253 in the Index. Investor Shares are used in this chart because they have a longer track record. Please note that investors cannot invest directly in the index.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The “Growth of $10,000” graph and “Average Annual Returns” performance table assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. They do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareowner might pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.

 

1 

By regulation, expense ratios shown in this table are as stated in the Funds’ most recent prospectus, which is dated September 25, 2020, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020. Ratios presented in this table differ from the expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different fiscal periods.

 

2 

Institutional shares of the Amana Developing World Fund began operations September 25, 2013.

Fund Objective

 

The objective of the Developing World Fund is long-term capital growth, consistent with Islamic principles.

 

Top 10 Holdings

  
 
% of Total Net Assets  

Silergy

     7.5%  

Tencent Holdings ADR

     6.1%  

Taiwan Semiconductor ADR

     4.7%  

Techtronic Industries

     4.1%  

Samsung Electronics

     3.3%  

Advantech

     2.9%  

Baidu ADR

     2.9%  

LG Household & Health Care

     2.8%  

Kansas City Southern Industries

     2.8%  

Delta Electronics

     2.7%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

 

     
% of Total Net Assets

 

    

Household Products

    10.4%            LOGO  

Electronics Components

    10.2%      

Semiconductor Manufacturing

    7.3%      

Application Software

    6.1%      

Communications Equipment

    5.6%      

Telecom Carriers

    4.9%      

Health Care Facilities

    4.7%      

Internet Media

    4.4%      

Semiconductor Devices

    4.4%      

Home Improvement

    4.1%      

Other industries < 3.0%

    28.3%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    9.6%      

 

 

 

 
20                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Amana Developing World Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

               
    Common Stocks – 90.4%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                                
   
     Internet Media                                
 
   

Baidu ADR2

       9,000       $870,437        $1,250,910      China      2.9%  
 
   

Naspers ADR

       15,600       569,589        629,460      South Africa      1.5%  
 
                                       
 
             1,440,026        1,880,370           4.4%  
 
   

Telecom Carriers

               
 
     Advanced Info Service        99,000     725,933      574,430      Thailand    1.3%  
 
   

Advanced Info Service NVDR

       25,000       146,658        145,058      Thailand      0.3%  
 
   

Saudi Telecom

       23,000       602,184        660,422      Saudi Arabia      1.5%  
 
   

Telekomunikasi Indonesia ADR

       34,500       633,330        774,525      Indonesia      1.8%  
 
                                       
 
             2,108,105        2,154,435           4.9%  
               
           3,548,131        4,034,805           9.3%  
    Consumer Discretionary                                
   
     Apparel, Footwear & Accessory
Design
                               
 
   

VF

       12,000       292,199        1,000,800      United States      2.3%  
 
     Automobiles                                    
 
   

Ford Otomotiv Sanayi

       52,500       536,205        722,081      Turkey      1.7%  
 
     Home Improvement                                    
 
   

Techtronic Industries

       140,000       591,316        1,786,899      Hong Kong      4.1%  
 
                                       
               
           1,419,720        3,509,780           8.1%  
     Consumer Staples                                
 
     Food & Drug Stores                                    
 
   

Clicks Group

       78,000       483,452        1,178,514      South Africa      2.7%  
 
     Household Products                                    
 
   

Colgate-Palmolive

       12,600       657,268        1,079,064      United States      2.5%  
 
   

LG Household & Health Care

       900       998,497        1,230,240      Korea      2.8%  
 
   

Unicharm

       22,000       764,025        1,069,902      Japan      2.5%  
 
   

Unilever ADR

       18,200       799,053        1,111,292      United Kingdom      2.6%  
 
                                       
 
             3,218,843        4,490,498           10.4%  
 
     Packaged Food                                    
 
   

Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur

       800,000       424,798        560,786      Indonesia      1.3%  
 
   

M. Dias Branco

       30,000       458,337        181,152      Brazil      0.4%  
 
                                       
 
             883,135        741,938           1.7%  
               
           4,585,430        6,410,950           14.8%  
     Financials                                
 
     Financial Services                                    
 
   

Prosus2

       15,600       263,399        340,080      Netherlands      0.8%  
 
     Islamic Banking                                    
 
   

BIMB Holdings

       554,000       671,468        501,934      Malaysia      1.2%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   21


Amana Developing World Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

               
    Common Stocks – 90.4%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Financials (continued)                                    
     
     Real Estate Owners &
Developers
                                   
 
   

SM Prime Holdings

       1,120,000       $433,681        $839,689      Philippines      1.9%  
               
           1,368,548        1,681,703           3.9%  
    Health Care                                    
     
     Health Care Facilities                                    
 
   

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services NVDR

       1,220,000       757,264        865,172      Thailand      2.0%  
 
   

IHH Healthcare

       400,000       524,893        550,854      Malaysia      1.3%  
 
   

KPJ Healthcare

       2,535,992       592,100        594,566      Malaysia      1.4%  
 
                                       
 
             1,874,257        2,010,592           4.7%  
 
     Health Care Services                                    
 
   

Fleury

       170,000       1,034,136        843,114      Brazil      1.9%  
               
           2,908,393        2,853,706           6.6%  
    Industrials                                    
     
     Logistics Services                                    
 
   

Kerry Logistics Network

       400,000       583,457        876,652      China3      2.0%  
 
     Rail Freight                                    
 
   

Kansas City Southern Industries

       6,500       437,054        1,210,105      United States      2.8%  
 
     Waste Management                                    
 
   

Sunny Friend Environmental Technology

       110,000       920,063        863,202      Taiwan      2.0%  
               
           1,940,574        2,949,959           6.8%  
    Materials                                    
     
     Specialty Chemicals                                    
 
   

Barrick Gold

       25,000       685,061        578,500      Canada      1.4%  
 
     Specialty Chemicals                                    
 
   

International Flavors & Fragrances

       5,000       706,596        560,500      United States      1.3%  
               
           1,391,657        1,139,000           2.7%  
    Technology                                    
     
     Application Software                                    
 
   

Tencent Holdings ADR

       36,000       693,470        2,628,000      China      6.1%  
 
     Communications Equipment                                    
 
   

Samsung Electronics

       23,800       1,048,879        1,434,682      Korea      3.3%  
 
   

Sercomm

       346,000       900,376        958,889      Taiwan      2.3%  
 
                                       
 
             1,949,255        2,393,571           5.6%  
 
     Computer Hardware & Storage                                    
 
   

Advantech

       117,685       790,656        1,265,486      Taiwan      2.9%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
22                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Developing World Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

               
    Common Stocks – 90.4%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Technology (continued)                                    
     
     Electronics Components                                    
 
   

Delta Electronics

       150,000       $810,304        $1,182,538      Taiwan      2.7%  
 
   

Silergy

       41,400       818,841        3,225,476      China3      7.5%  
 
                                       
 
             1,629,145        4,408,014           10.2%  
 
     Semiconductor Devices                                    
 
   

Micron Technology2

       17,000       625,016        1,089,530      United States      2.5%  
 
   

Qualcomm

       5,500       583,368        809,435      United States      1.9%  
 
                                       
 
             1,208,384        1,898,965           4.4%  
 
     Semiconductor Manufacturing                                    
 
   

ASM Pacific Technology Limited

       90,000       905,453        1,123,608      China3      2.6%  
 
   

Taiwan Semiconductor ADR

       21,000       843,194        2,037,420      Taiwan      4.7%  
 
                                       
 
             1,748,647        3,161,028           7.3%  
               
           8,019,557        15,755,064           36.5%  
    Utilities                                    
     
     Utility Networks                                    
 
   

Hong Kong & China Gas

       487,324       661,270        745,431      China3      1.7%  
               
           661,270        745,431           1.7%  
                                                 
  Total investments          $25,843,280        $39,080,398           90.4%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)                   4,135,737             9.6%  
  Total net assets             $43,216,135           100.0%  
               
                 
1

Country of domicile unless otherwise indicated

2

Non-Income producing

3

Denotes a country or region of primary exposure

ADR: American Depositary Receipt

NVDR: Thai Non-Voting Depository

 

Countries

LOGO

 

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   23


Amana Developing World Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of November 30, 2020

 

 

    

 

Assets

                          

Investments in securities, at value

 

(Cost $25,843,280)

    $39,080,398  

Cash

    4,171,283  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    40,152  

Dividends receivable

    20,383  

Receivable for security sales

    1,928  

Prepaid expenses

    82  
       

Total assets

    43,314,226  
       

Liabilities

 

Accrued advisory fees

    27,765  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    24,261  

Accrued retirement plan custody fee

    12,191  

Accrued audit expenses

    10,849  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    5,446  

Accrued other liabilities

    4,782  

Accrued postage

    4,326  

Accrued 12b-1 distribution fees

    3,272  

Accrued registration/filling fees

    2,671  

Accrued trustee expenses

    1,441  

Accrued other operating expenses

    1,087  
       

Total liabilities

    98,091  
       

Net Assets

    $43,216,135  
   
 
   

Analysis of Net Assets

 

Paid-in capital (unlimited shares authorized, without par value)

    $38,159,159  

Total distributable earnings

    5,056,976  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $43,216,135  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Investor Share

    AMDWX  

Net assets, at value

    $16,173,842  

Shares outstanding

    1,351,279  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $11.97  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Institutional Share

    AMIDX  

Net assets, at value

    $27,042,293  

Shares outstanding

    2,249,967  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $12.02  
   
 

Statement of Operations

Period ended November 30, 2020

 

   

    

                          

Investment income

 

Dividend income

 

(net of foreign tax of $46,885)

    $301,029  

Miscellaneous income

    90  
       

Total investment income

    301,119  
       

Expenses

 

Investment advisory fees

    149,601  

12b-1 distribution fees

    18,136  

Filing and registration fees

    11,945  

Custodian fees

    10,420  

Audit fees

    8,874  

Printing and postage fees

    3,144  

Retirement plan custodial fees

 

Investor Shares

    5  

Institutional Shares

    1,537  

Trustee fees

    520  

Other expenses

    317  

Legal fees

    263  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    256  
       

Total gross expenses

    205,018  
       

Less custodian fee credits

    (10,420
       

Net expenses

    194,598  
       

Net investment income

    $106,521  
   
 
   
 

Net realized loss from investments and foreign currency

    $(368,018

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency

    8,155,901  
       

Net gain on investments

    $7,787,883  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $7,894,404  

 

 

 
24                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Developing World Fund

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended November 30, 2020          Year ended May 31, 2020  
     

Increase in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $106,521          $134,798  

Net realized loss on investment

    (368,018        (1,218,147

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    8,155,901          2,120,957  
                  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    7,894,404          1,037,608  
                  

Distributions to shareowners from

      

Net dividend and distribution to shareholders - Investor Shares

    -          (56,407

Net dividend and distribution to shareholders - Institutional Shares

    -          (110,519
                  

Total distributions

    -          (166,926
                  

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from the sale of shares

      

Investor Shares

    2,314,555          4,472,125  

Institutional Shares

    5,300,673          7,865,003  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

      

Investor Shares

    -          56,081  

Institutional Shares

    -          110,361  

Cost of shares redeemed

      

Investor Shares

    (2,492,917        (6,721,742

Institutional Shares

    (2,012,001        (4,593,570
                  

Total capital share transactions

    3,110,310          1,188,258  
                  

Total increase in net assets

    11,004,714          2,058,940  
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of year

    32,211,421          30,152,481  

End of year

    $43,216,135          $32,211,421  
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Investor Shares (AMDWX)

      

Number of shares sold

    213,114          456,754  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -          5,331  

Number of shares redeemed

    (231,695        (702,245
                  

Net decrease in number of shares outstanding

    (18,581        (240,160
                  

Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

      

Number of shares sold

    484,737          795,716  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -          10,461  

Number of shares redeemed

    (188,625        (467,694
                  

Net increase in number of shares outstanding

    296,112          338,483  
     
      

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   25


Amana Developing World Fund: Financial Highlights   

 

Investor Shares (AMDWX)

    Period ended          Year ended May 31,      
 

Selected data per share of outstanding capital stock throughout each period:

    Nov. 30, 2020        2020       2019       2018       2017       2016  
             

Net asset value at beginning of year

    $9.67        $9.33       $10.05       $9.97       $9.38       $10.29  

Income from investment operations

            

Net investment incomeA

    0.02        0.04       0.03       0.03       0.04       0.03  

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized)

    2.28        0.34       (0.70     0.07       0.57       (0.89
                                                

Total from investment operations

    2.30        0.38       (0.67     0.10       0.61       (0.86
                                                

Less distributions

            

Dividends (from net investment income)

    -        (0.04     (0.05     (0.02     (0.02     (0.05
                                                

Total distributions

    -        (0.04     (0.05     (0.02     (0.02     (0.05
                                                
            

Net asset value at end of period

    $11.97        $9.67       $9.33       $10.05       $9.97       $9.38  
             
            

Total returnB

    23.79%        4.02%       (6.70 )%      0.98%       6.59%       (8.32 )% 
             

Ratios / supplemental data

            

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $16,174        $13,253       $15,026       $15,067       $14,820       $17,781  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            

Before custodian fee creditsC

    1.23%        1.34%       1.36%       1.37%       1.35%       1.51%  

After custodian fee creditsC

    1.18%        1.29%       1.31%       1.32%       1.30%       1.45%  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsC

    0.45%        0.38%       0.35%       0.27%       0.41%       0.37%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    2%        9%       9%       20%       10%       33%  
             
            

Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

    Period ended          Year ended May 31,      
 

Selected data per share of outstanding capital stock throughout each period:

    Nov. 30, 2020        2020       2019       2018       2017       2016  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $9.70        $9.36       $10.08       $9.99       $9.43       $10.33  

Income from investment operations

            

Net investment incomeA

    0.04        0.04       0.05       0.05       0.06       0.06  

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized)

    2.62        0.36       (0.72     0.07       0.57       (0.89
                                                

Total from investment operations

    2.66        0.40       (0.67     0.12       0.63       (0.83
                                                

Less distributions

            

Dividends (from net investment income)

       (0.06     (0.05     (0.03     (0.07     (0.07
                                                

Total distributions

    -        (0.06     (0.05     (0.03     (0.07     (0.07
                                                
            

Net asset value at end of period

    $12.02        $9.70       $9.36       $10.08       $9.99       $9.43  
             
            

Total ReturnB

    23.92%        4.20%       (6.58 )%      1.17%       6.74%       (8.00 )% 
             

Ratios / supplemental data

            

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $27,042        $18,959       $15,127       $16,034       $14,203       $7,340  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            

Before custodian fee creditsC

    1.00%        1.21%       1.19%       1.19%       1.14%       1.20%  

After custodian fee creditsC

    0.94%        1.16%       1.14%       1.14%       1.09%       1.14%  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsC

    0.64%        0.43%       0.54%       0.44%       0.65%       0.67%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    2%        9%       9%       20%       10%       33%  
             
            
A 

Calculated using average shares outstanding

B 

Not annualized for periods of less than one year

C 

Annualized for periods of less than one year

 

 

 
26                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Participation Fund: Performance Summary   

 

Average Annual Returns (as of November 30, 2020)

 

              
         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Investor Shares (AMAPX)2

       4.58%          3.21%          n/a          0.88%  

Institutional Shares (AMIPX)2

       4.93%          3.43%          n/a          0.64%  

FTSE Sukuk Index

       8.44%          5.39%          4.82%          n/a  

Growth of $10,000

 

 

LOGO    Comparison of any mutual fund to a market index must be made bearing in mind that the index is unmanaged and expense-free. Conversely, the Fund will (1) be actively managed; (2) have an objective other than mirroring the index, such as limiting risk; (3) bear transaction and other operational costs; (4) stand ready to buy and sell its securities to shareowners on a daily basis; and (5) provide a wide range of services. The graph compares $10,000 invested in Institutional Shares of the Fund on September 28, 2015, to an identical amount invested in the FTSE Sukuk Index, a measurement of global Islamic fixed income securities, also known as sukuk. The graph shows that an investment in Institutional Shares of the Fund would have risen to $11,779 versus $13,021 in the Index. Institutional Shares are used in this chart because they represent the larger share class in terms of assets. Please note that investors cannot invest directly in the index.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The “Growth of $10,000” graph and “Average Annual Returns” performance table assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. They do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareowner might pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.

 

1

By regulation, expense ratios shown in this table are as stated in the Funds’ most recent prospectus, which is dated September 25, 2020, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020. Ratios presented in this table differ from the expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different fiscal periods.

 

2 

The Amana Participation Fund commenced operations September 28, 2015.

Fund Objective

 

The objectives of the Participation Fund are capital preservation and current income, consistent with Islamic principles. Capital preservation is its primary objective.

 

Top 10 Holdings

 

 
% of Total Net Assets  

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN (4.55% due 03/29/2026)

     4.7%  

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN (4.45% due 02/20/2029)

     4.6%  

Investment Corporate of Dubai (5.00% due 02/01/2027)

     4.6%  

Almarai Sukuk (4.311% due 03/05/2024)

     4.5%  

TNB Global Ventures (3.244% due 10/19/2026)

     4.5%  

Emirates Islamic Bank (3.542% due 05/31/2021)

     4.3%  

Qatar International Bank (3.982% due 03/26/2024)

     4.3%  

State of Qatar A (3.241% due 01/18/2023)

     4.3%  

Dubai Islamic Bank (2.95% due 02/20/2025)

     4.2%  

Tabreed SPC (5.50% due 10/31/2025)

     4.0%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

     
     
% of Total Net Assets              

Foreign Government Sukuks

    34.4%        

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Financial

    28.9%      

Utilities

    11.7%      

Consumer Discretionary

    4.5%      

Materials

    3.8%      

Communications

    3.6%      

Industrials

    3.4%      

Technology

    3.2%      

Other Assets (net of liabilities)

    6.5%      

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   27


Amana Participation Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

               
    Corporate Sukuk – 59.1%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                                  
     
     Saudi Telecom2       3.89% due 05/13/2029    $4,450,000      $5,077,094      Saudi Arabia    3.6%  
               
              5,077,094           3.6%  
    Consumer
Discretionary
                                 
     
     Almarai2       4.311% due 03/05/2024    6,000,000      6,422,810      Saudi Arabia    4.5%  
               
              6,422,810           4.5%  
    Financials                                  
     
   

Dubai Islamic Bank2

    2.95% due 02/20/2025      5,700,000        5,945,623      United Arab Emirates      4.2%  
 
   

Dubai International Finance Centre2

    4.325% due 11/12/2024      3,000,000        3,139,693      United Arab Emirates      2.2%  
 
   

Emirates Islamic Bank2

    3.542% due 05/31/2021      6,050,000        6,128,072      United Arab Emirates      4.3%  
 
   

Investment Corporate of Dubai2

    5.00% due 02/01/2027      6,000,000        6,449,109      United Arab Emirates      4.6%  
 
   

Majid Al Futtaim2

    4.50% due 11/03/2025      3,250,000        3,540,448      United Arab Emirates      2.5%  
 
   

Majid Al Futtaim2

    4.638% due 05/14/2029      3,650,000        4,048,592      United Arab Emirates      2.9%  
 
   

Qatar International Bank2

    3.982% due 03/26/2024      5,650,000        6,048,765      Qatar      4.3%  
 
   

Sharjah2

    3.854% due 04/03/2026      2,500,000        2,715,637      United Arab Emirates      1.9%  
 
   

Sharjah Islamic Bank2

    3.084% due 09/08/2021      2,800,000        2,845,722      United Arab Emirates      2.0%  
               
              40,861,661           28.9%  
    Industrials                                  
     
     DP World
Crescent2
      3.908% due 05/31/2023    4,500,000      4,757,839      United Arab Emirates    3.4%  
               
              4,757,839           3.4%  
    Materials                                  
     
     Equate2       3.944% due 02/21/2024    5,000,000      5,326,240      United Arab Emirates    3.8%  
               
              5,326,240           3.8%  
    Technology                                  
     
     Axiata SPV22       4.357% due 03/24/2026    3,900,000      4,445,493      Malaysia    3.2%  
               
              4,445,493           3.2%  
    Utilities                                  
     
     Government
Bonds
                                 
 
   

Tabreed SPC2

    5.50% due 10/31/2025      4,900,000        5,700,098      United Arab Emirates      4.0%  
 
     Power Generation                                  
 
   

TNB Global Ventures Cap2

    3.244% due 10/19/2026      5,840,000        6,345,260      Malaysia      4.5%  
 
     Utility Networks                                  
 
   

Saudi Electric Global2

    4.211% due 04/03/2022      1,500,000        1,562,146      Saudi Arabia      1.1%  
 
   

Saudi Electric Global2

    4.00% due 04/08/2024      1,200,000        1,301,051      Saudi Arabia      0.9%  
 
   

Saudi Electric Global3

    4.00% due 04/08/2024      1,500,000        1,626,514      Saudi Arabia      1.2%  
 
                4,489,711           3.2%  
               
              16,535,069           11.7%  
                 
               
  Total Corporate Sukuk             $83,426,206           59.1%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
28                  November 30, 2020   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Participation Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of November 30, 2020

 

               
    Government Sukuk – 34.4%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Foreign
Government
Sukuk
                                 
     
     Foreign
Government
Sukuk
                                 
 
   

Department of Finance Dubai2

    3.875% due 01/30/2023      $3,750,000        $3,935,975      United Arab Emirates      2.8%  
 
   

Department of Finance Dubai2

    5.00% due 04/30/2029      4,500,000        5,274,771      United Arab Emirates      3.7%  
 
   

Islamic Development Bank2

    3.389% due 09/26/2023      3,500,000        3,760,555      Saudi Arabia      2.7%  
 
   

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia2

    2.894% due 04/20/2022      1,500,000        1,543,922      Saudi Arabia      1.1%  
 
   

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia2

    3.628% due 04/20/2027      4,500,000        5,000,932      Saudi Arabia      3.5%  
 
   

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia2

    4.303% due 01/19/2029      1,500,000        1,760,038      Saudi Arabia      1.2%  
 
   

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN2

    3.75% due 03/01/2023      4,500,000        4,787,640      Indonesia      3.4%  
 
   

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN2

    4.55% due 03/29/2026      5,685,000        6,565,265      Indonesia      4.7%  
 
   

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN2

    4.45% due 02/20/2029      5,550,000        6,547,946      Indonesia      4.6%  
 
   

Ras Al Khaimah2

    3.094% due 03/31/2025      3,150,000        3,331,755      United Arab Emirates      2.4%  
 
   

State of Qatar2

    3.241% due 01/18/2023      5,700,000        6,006,915      Qatar      4.3%  
               
  Total Government Sukuk             $48,515,714           34.4%  
                                             
  Total investments     (Cost is $127,022,163)         $131,941,920           93.5%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             9,111,241             6.5%  
  Total net assets             $141,053,161           100.0%  
               
                 
1

Country of risk

2 

Security purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933 which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. These securities have been deemed liquid under guidelines approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. At November 30, 2020, the aggregate value of these securities was $130,315,406 representing 92.3% of net assets.

3 

Security purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers or in public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities have been deemed liquid under guidelines approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. At November 30, 2020, the net value of these securities was $1,626,514 representing 1.2% of net assets.

 

Sukuk Quality Diversification

 

    
     
% of Total Net Assets

 

    

Rated “AAA”

    2.7%            LOGO  

Rated “AA-”

    4.3%      

Rated “A+”

    5.9%      

Rated “A-”

    13.0%      

Rated “BBB+”

    3.2%      

Rated “BBB”

    26.3%      

Rated “BBB-”

    13.9%      

Rated “BB+”

    2.2%      

Not rated

    22.1%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    6.5%               

Credit ratings are the lesser of S&P Global Ratings or Moody’s Investors Service. If neither S&P nor Moody’s rate a particular security, that security is categorized as not rated (except for US Treasury securities and securities issued or backed by US agencies which inherit the credit rating for the US government). Ratings range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). Bonds rated BBB or above are considered investment grade. Credit ratings BB and below are lower-rated securities (junk bonds). Ratings apply to the creditworthiness of the issuers of the underlying securities and not the fund or its shares. Ratings may be subject to change.

 

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   29


Amana Participation Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of November 30, 2020

 

   

    

                          

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value

 

(Cost $127,022,163)

    $131,941,920  

Cash

    8,476,721  

Dividends receivable

    862,127  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    187,227  

Reinvestment Cash account

    8,964  

Prepaid expenses

    4,613  
       

Total assets

    141,481,572  
       

Liabilities

 

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    317,724  

Accrued advisory fees

    57,253  

Accrued audit expenses

    22,727  

Accrued legal expenses

    11,214  

Accrued retirement plan custody fee

    7,100  

Distributions payable

    6,548  

Accrued 12b-1 distribution fees

    4,385  

Accrued printing fees

    778  

Accrued trustee expenses

    662  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    20  
       

Total liabilities

    428,411  
       

Net Assets

    $141,053,161  
   
 
   

Analysis of Net Assets

 

Paid-in capital (unlimited shares authorized, without par value)

    $136,392,706  

Total distributable earnings

    4,660,455  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $141,053,161  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Investor Share

    AMAPX  

Net assets, at value

    $21,506,171  

Shares outstanding

    2,061,513  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $10.43  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Institutional Share

    AMIPX  

Net assets, at value

    $119,546,990  

Shares outstanding

    11,418,807  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $10.47  
   
 

Statement of Operations

Period ended November 30, 2020

 

   

    

                          

Investment income

 

Sukuk Income

    $1,789,306  

Miscellaneous income

    26  
       

Total investment income

    1,789,332  
       

Expenses

 

Advisory fees

    327,785  

12b-1 distribution fees

    24,636  

Custodian fees

    14,729  

Filing and registration fees

    13,151  

Audit fees

    12,986  

Legal fees

    3,878  

Printing and postage fees

    2,904  

Retirement plan custodial fees

 

Investor Shares

    38  

Institutional Shares

    1,858  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,344  

Other operating expenses

    1,051  

Trustee fees

    904  
       

Total gross expenses

    405,264  
       

Less custodian fee credits

    (14,729
       

Net expenses

    390,535  
       

Net investment income

    $1,398,797  
   
 
   
 

Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency

    $34,768  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments

    3,814,886  
       

Net gain on investments

    $3,849,654  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $5,248,451  

 

 

 
30                  November 30, 2020   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Amana Participation Fund

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended November 30, 2020          Year ended May 31, 2020  
     

Increase in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $1,398,797          $2,529,245  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

    34,768          (207,851

Net increase in unrealized appreciation

    3,814,886          1,087,637  
                  

Net increase in net assets

    5,248,451          3,409,031  
                  

Distributions to shareowners from

      

Net dividend and distribution to shareholders—Investor Shares

    (189,500        (474,127

Net dividend and distribution to shareholders—Institutional Shares

    (1,209,297        (2,049,632
                  

Total distributions

    (1,398,797        (2,523,759
                  

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from the sale of shares

      

Investor Shares

    8,681,153          15,209,085  

Institutional Shares

    42,970,136          80,724,782  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

      

Investor Shares

    184,221          466,172  

Institutional Shares

    1,166,947          1,939,030  

Cost of shares redeemed

      

Investor Shares

    (4,465,781        (20,085,172

Institutional Shares

    (27,886,791        (38,913,507
                  

Total capital share transactions

    20,649,885          39,340,390  
                  

Total increase in net assets

    24,499,539          40,225,662  
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of year

    116,553,622          76,327,960  

End of year

    $141,053,161          $116,553,622  
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Investor Shares (AMAPX)

      

Number of shares sold

    843,140          1,504,601  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    17,801          46,051  

Number of shares redeemed

    (432,538        (1,985,457
                  

Net increase (decrease) in number of shares outstanding

    428,403          (434,805
                  

Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

      

Number of shares sold

    4,150,666          7,960,240  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    112,342          191,267  

Number of shares redeemed

    (2,690,919        (3,874,664
                  

Net increase in number of shares outstanding

    1,572,089          4,276,843  
     
      

 

 

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   31


Amana Participation Fund: Financial Highlights   

 

Investor Shares (AMAPX)

    Period ended       Year ended May 31,       Period endedA  
 

Selected data per share of outstanding capital stock throughout each period:

    Nov. 30, 2020       2020       2019       2018       2017       May 31, 2016  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $10.12       $9.97       $9.76       $10.07       $10.02       $10.00  

Income from investment operations

           

Net investment incomeB

    0.10       0.24       0.24       0.22       0.21       0.10  

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized & unrealized)

    0.31       0.14       0.21       (0.31     0.07       (0.01
                                               

Total from investment operations

    0.41       0.38       0.45       (0.09     0.28       0.09  
                                               

Less distributions

           

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.10     (0.23     (0.24     (0.22     (0.22     (0.07

Distribution (from capital gains)

    -       -       -       -       (0.01     -  
                                               

Total distributions

    (0.10     (0.23     (0.24     (0.22     (0.23     (0.07
                                               

Paid-in capital from early redemption feesC

    n/a       n/a       n/a       0.00       0.00       0.00  
           

Net asset value at end of period

    $10.43       $10.12       $9.97       $9.76       $10.07       $10.02  
             

Total ReturnD

    4.06%       3.88%       4.70%       (0.94 )%      2.87%       0.91%  
           
             

Ratios / supplemental data

           

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $21,506       $16,531       $20,612       $18,212       $12,014       $3,016  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

           

Before custodian fee creditsE

    0.83%       0.88%       0.88%       0.87%       0.92%       1.12%  

After custodian fee creditsE

    0.81%       0.86%       0.87%       0.85%       0.91%       1.12%  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsE

    1.92%       2.34%       2.46%       2.18%       2.14%       1.53%  

Portfolio turnover rateD

    12%       34%       22%       7%       23%       0%  
             
           

Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

    Period ended       Year ended May 31,       Period endedA  
 

Selected data per share of outstanding capital stock throughout each period:

    Nov. 30, 2020       2020       2019       2018       2017       May 31, 2016  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $10.16       $10.00       $9.79       $10.11       $10.05       $10.00  

Income from investment operations

           

Net investment incomeB

    0.11       0.26       0.27       0.24       0.24       0.07  

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized)

    0.31       0.16       0.21       (0.32     0.06       0.04  
                                               

Total from investment operations

    0.42       0.42       0.48       (0.08     0.30       0.11  
                                               

Less distributions

           

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.11     (0.26     (0.27     (0.24     (0.23     (0.06

Distribution (from capital gains)

    -       -       -       -       (0.01     -  
                                               

Total distributions

    (0.11     (0.26     (0.27     (0.24     (0.24     (0.06
                                               

Paid-in capital from early redemption feesC

    n/a       n/a       n/a       0.00       0.00       0.00  
           

Net asset value at end of period

    $10.47       $10.16       $10.00       $9.79       $10.11       $10.05  
             

Total ReturnD

    4.18%       4.23%       4.93%       (0.80 )%      3.09%       1.10%  
           
             

Ratios / supplemental data

           

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $119,547       $100,023       $55,716       $44,729       $26,200       $12,727  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

           

Before custodian fee creditsE

    0.58%       0.63%       0.64%       0.62%       0.68%       0.72%  

After custodian fee creditsE

    0.56%       0.61%       0.63%       0.60%       0.67%       0.72%  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsE

    2.17%       2.53%       2.70%       2.45%       2.38%       0.99%  

Portfolio turnover rateD

    12%       34%       22%       7%       23%       0%  
             
           
A

Operations commenced on 9/28/2015

B

Calculated using average shares outstanding

C

Amount is less than $0.01

D

Not annualized for periods of less than one year

E

Annualized for periods of less than one year

 

 

 
32                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Notes To Financial Statements

 

Note 1 – Organization

Amana Mutual Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware Statutory Trust on March 11, 2013, and is the successor to Amana Mutual Funds Trust, an Indiana Business Trust (“Prior Trust”) organized on July 26, 1984, pursuant to a reorganization on July 19, 2013. Each Fund is a series of the Trust and the Income, Growth, and Developing World Funds are successors to the corresponding series of the Prior Trust. The Trust is registered as an open-end, diversified management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trust restricts its investments to those acceptable to Muslims by investing in accordance with Islamic principles. Four portfolio series have been created. The Income Fund was first authorized to sell shares of beneficial interest to the public on June 23, 1986. The Growth Fund began operations on February 3, 1994. The Developing World Fund began operations on September 28, 2009. Institutional shares of Income, Growth, and Developing World Funds were first offered September 25, 2013. The Participation Fund (both Investor and Institutional Shares) began operations September 28, 2015. The Participation Fund is a nondiversified fund.

Each Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

Each class of shares of a Fund represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and has in all respects the same rights and obligations as each other class of the Fund, except that each class bears its own class expenses, and each class has exclusive voting rights on matters affecting that class. Each class of shares may be subject to different investment minimums and other conditions of eligibility as may be described in the prospectus for the particular class of shares, as from time to time in effect.

Income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, and expenses to be paid by a Fund and not allocated to a particular class as provided below, shall be allocated to each class on the basis of relative net assets. Expenses allocable to a specific class are expenses specifically incurred by or for such class including the following:

 

   

Distribution fees;

   

Retirement plan custodial fees; and

   

Any applicable service fees.

Net investment income dividends and capital gain distributions paid by the Fund on each class of its shares will be calculated in the same manner on the same day and at the same time.

Investment risks:

Income, Growth, Developing World, and Participation Funds: The value of the shares of each of the Funds rises and falls as the value of the securities in which the Funds invest goes up and down. The Funds limit the securities they purchase to those consistent with Islamic principles. This limits opportunities and may affect performance. Each of the Funds may invest in securities that are not traded in the United States. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers may involve risks in addition to those normally associated with investments in the securities of US issuers. These risks include currency and market fluctuations, and political or social instability. The risks of foreign investing are generally magnified in the smaller and more volatile securities markets of the developing world.

Growth Fund: The smaller and less seasoned companies that may be in the Growth Fund have a greater risk of price volatility.

Participation Fund: While the Participation Fund does not invest in conventional bonds, risks similar to those of conventional fixed-income funds apply. These include: diversification and concentration risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, and high-yield risk. The Participation Fund also includes risks specific to investments in Islamic fixed-income instruments. The structural complexity of sukuk, along with the weak infrastructure of the sukuk market, increases risk. As compared to rights of conventional bondholders, holders of sukuk may have limited ability to pursue legal recourse to enforce the terms of the sukuk or to restructure the sukuk in order to seek recovery of principal. Sukuk are also subject to the risk that some Islamic scholars may deem certain sukuk as not meeting Islamic investment principles subsequent to the sukuk being issued.

The Funds may invest substantially in one or more sectors, which can increase volatility and exposure to issues specific to a particular sector or industry.

Note 2 – Unaudited Information

The information in this interim report has not been subject to independent audit.

Note 3 – Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which are consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements.

Security valuation:

Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange and over-the-counter securities for which sale prices are available are valued at that price. Securities for which there are no sales are valued at latest bid price.

Foreign markets may close before the time as of which the Funds’ share prices are determined. Because of this, events occurring after the close and before the determination of the Funds’ share prices may have a material effect on the values of some or all of the Funds’ foreign securities. To account for this, the Funds may use outside pricing services for valuation of their non-US securities.

In cases in which there is not a readily available market price, a fair value for such security is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees.

Security transactions are recorded on trade date. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are recorded on the identified cost basis.

Sukuk certificates in which the Participation Fund invests are valued based on evaluated prices supplied by an independent pricing service, which include valuations provided by market makers and other participants, provided that there is sufficient market activity on which the pricing service can base such valuations. Where market activity is insufficient for making such determinations, the independent pricing service uses proprietary valuation methodologies and may consider a variety of factors, such as yield curves, credit spreads, estimated default rates, anticipated market interest rate volatility, coupon rates, and other factors in order to calculate the security’s fair value.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                  33


Notes To Financial Statements (continued)

 

Foreign currency:

Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.

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. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the US dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

Share valuation:

Each Fund computes the share price of each share class by dividing the net assets attributable to each share class by the outstanding shares of that class. Each share class represents an interest in the same investment portfolio. Each share class is identical in all respects except that each class bears its own class expenses, and each class has exclusive voting rights. As a result of the differences in the expenses borne by each share class, the share price and distributions will vary among a Fund’s share classes. The Funds’ shares are not priced or traded on days the New York Stock Exchange is closed. The NAV is both the offering and redemption price per share.

Fair value measurements:

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 establishes a three-tier framework for measuring fair value based on a hierarchy of inputs. The hierarchy distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments and are summarized below.

 

Share Valuation Inputs as of November 30, 2020

 

        
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3     

Funds

     Quoted Price        Significant Observable Input        Significant Unobservable Input        Total  
         

Income Fund

           

Common Stocks1

     $1,357,006,213        $-        $-        $1,357,006,213  

Total Assets

     $1,357,006,213        $-        $-        $1,357,006,213  
           
         

Growth Fund

           

Common Stocks1

     $2,552,056,743        $-        $-        $2,552,056,743  

Total Assets

     $2,552,056,743        $-        $-        $2,552,056,743  
           
         

Developing World Fund

           

Common Stocks

           

Communications

     $2,654,895        $1,379,910        $-        $4,034,805  

Consumer Discretionary

     $1,000,800        $2,508,980        $-        $3,509,780  

Consumer Staples

     $2,190,356        $4,220,594        $-        $6,410,950  

Financials

     $340,080        $1,341,623        $-        $1,681,703  

Health Care

     $-        $2,853,706        $-        $2,853,706  

Industrials

     $1,210,105        $1,739,854        $-        $2,949,959  

Materials

     $1,139,000        $-        $-        $1,139,000  

Technology

     $6,564,385        $9,190,679        $-        $15,755,064  

Utilities

     $-        $745,431        $-        $745,431  

Total Common Stocks

     $15,099,621        $23,980,777        $-        $39,080,398  

Total Assets

     $15,099,621        $23,980,777        $-        $39,080,398  
           
         

Participation Fund

           

Corporate Sukuk1

     $-        $83,426,206        $-        $83,426,206  

Government Sukuk1

     $-        $48,515,714        $-        $48,515,714  

Total Assets

     $-        $131,941,920        $-        $131,941,920  

During the period ended November 30, 2020, no Fund had transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

 

1

See the Schedule of Investments for additional details.

 

 

 
34                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Notes To Financial Statements (continued)

 

  Level 1 — 

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access.

 

  Level 2 — 

Observable inputs other than quoted prices in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates, and similar data.

 

  Level 3 — 

Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Trust’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

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.

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The table on page 38 is a summary of the inputs used as of November 30, 2020, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value.

Investment concentration:

The fundamental policies of the Funds prohibit earning interest, in accordance with Islamic principles. Consequently, cash is held in non-interest-bearing deposits with the Funds’ custodian or other banks. “Other assets (net of liabilities)” in the Funds’ Schedules of Investments primarily represents cash on deposit with the custodian. Cash on deposit will vary widely over time. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 825, “Financial Instruments,” identifies these items as a concentration of credit risk. The risk is managed by careful financial analysis and review of the custodian’s operations, resources, and protections available to the Trust. This process includes evaluation of other financial institutions providing investment company custody services.

Federal income taxes:

The Funds intend to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company and to make the requisite distributions of income and capital gains to its shareowners sufficient to relieve it from all or substantially all federal income taxes. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax years (2017—2019) or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2020 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdiction as US federal and foreign jurisdictions where the Funds make significant investments; however, the Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months.

Reclassification of capital accounts:

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications are as of the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020, and have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

     
     Income Fund        Growth Fund  

Distributed earnings

     $-        $-  

Paid-in capital

     $-        $-  
     
     
     Developing World Fund        Participation Fund  

Distributed earnings

     $21,646        $-  

Paid-in capital

     $(21,646      $-  

Distributions to shareowners:

For the Amana Participation Fund, dividends to shareowners from net investment income are paid daily and distributed on the last business day of each month. For the Amana Income Fund, Amana Growth Fund, and Amana Developing World Fund, dividends to shareowners from net investment income, if any, are paid in May and December. As a result of their investment strategies, the Growth and Developing World Funds do not expect to pay income dividends. Distributions of capital gains, if any, are made at least annually, and as required to comply with federal excise tax requirements. Distributions to shareowners are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are paid in shares of the Funds, at the net asset value on the payable date. Shareowners may elect to take distributions if they total $10 or more in cash.

Use of estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 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 during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign taxes:

Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statement of Operations. Withholding tax reclaims are filed in certain countries to recover a portion of the amounts previously withheld. The Funds record a reclaim receivable based on a number of factors, including a jurisdiction’s legal obligation to pay reclaims as well as payment history and market convention.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                  35


Notes To Financial Statements (continued)

 

LIBOR Transition Risk:

The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announce a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021 and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging activities, or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increase volatility and illiquidity in markets for , and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose term currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

Other:

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, and sukuk income is recognized on an accrual basis.

Expenses incurred by the Trust on behalf of the Funds (e.g., professional fees) are allocated to the Funds on the basis of relative daily average net assets. Net investment losses may not be utilized to offset net investment income in future periods for tax purposes

Recent Accounting Pronouncement:

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820: Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 eliminates the requirement to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the timing of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 will require the need to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements and the changes in unrealized gains and losses for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 will also require that information is provided about the measurement uncertainty of Level 3 fair value measurements as of the reporting date. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, and allows for early adoption of either the entire standard or only the provisions that eliminate or modify the requirements. Management has elected to adopt early the provisions that eliminate the disclosure requirements. Management is still currently evaluating the impact of applying the rest of the guidance.

Note 4 – Transactions with Affiliated Persons

Under a contract approved annually by the Board of Trustees of the Trrust, including those who are not party to the contract or “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of such parties or the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), Saturna Capital Corporation (“Saturna Capital”) provides investment advisory services and certain other administrative services and facilities required to conduct Trust business. Effective December 1, 2020, the Amana Growth Fund, Amana Income Fund, and Amana Developing World Fund each pay an advisory and administration fee of 0.80% on the first $1 billion of a Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.65% on the next $1 billion, and 0.50% on assets over $2 billion. The Amana Participation Fund pays an advisory and administration fee of 0.50% annually of the average daily net assets. For the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, the Funds paid the following advisory fees to Saturna Capital:

 

   
     Advisory fees  

Income Fund

     $5,150,462  

Growth Fund

     $8,733,794  

Developing World Fund

     $149,601  

Participation Fund

     $327,785  

Certain officers and one trustee of Amana are also officers and directors of the investment adviser.

Saturna Brokerage Services, Inc. (“SBS”), a subsidiary of Saturna Capital, is registered as a broker-dealer and acts as distributor. The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act applicable to the Investor Shares of each Fund. The plan provides that the Funds will pay a fee to SBS at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets applicable to Investor Shares of each Fund. The fee is paid to SBS as reimbursement for expenses incurred for distribution-related activity. For the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, the Funds paid the following distribution fees to SBS:

 

 
Distribution (12b-1) fees

 

Income Fund Investor Shares (AMANX)

     $936,814  

Income Fund Institutional Shares (AMINX)

     n/a  

Growth Fund Investor Shares (AMAGX)

     $1,782,414  

Growth Fund Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

     n/a  

Developing World Fund Investor Shares (AMDWX)

     $18,136  

Developing World Fund Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

     n/a  

Participation Fund Investor Shares (AMAPX)

     $24,636  

Participation Fund Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

     n/a  

For the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, Saturna Capital spent an additional $3,324,241 of its own resources, and not part of the 12b-1 expense of the Funds, to compensate broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries, or their affiliates, in connection with the sale, distribution, retention, and/or servicing of Fund shares. To the extent that these resources are derived from advisory fees paid by the Funds, these payments could be considered “revenue sharing.” Any such payments will not change the net asset value or the price of a Fund’s shares.

SBS is used to effect equity portfolio transactions for the Trust. SBS currently executes portfolio transactions without commission. Transactions effected through other brokers are subject to commissions payable to that broker.

Saturna Trust Company (“STC”), a subsidiary of Saturna Capital, acts as retirement plan custodian for Fund shareowners. Each class of shares of a Fund pays an annual fee of $10 per account for retirement plan services to Saturna Trust Company. For the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, the Funds incurred the following retirement plan custodial fees to STC:

 

 
Retirement plan custodial fees

 

Income Fund Investor Shares (AMANX)

     $30  

Income Fund Institutional Shares (AMINX)

     $5,495  

Growth Fund Investor Shares (AMAGX)

     $45  

Growth Fund Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

     $6,571  

Developing World Fund Investor Shares (AMDWX)

     $5  

Developing World Fund Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

     $1,537  

Participation Fund Investor Shares (AMAPX)

     $38  

Participation Fund Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

     $1,858  

 

 

 
36                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Notes To Financial Statements (continued)

 

Mr. Nicholas Kaiser serves as a trustee and president of the Trust. He is also a director and the chairman of Saturna Capital and Saturna Trust Company. He is not compensated by the Trust. For the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, the Funds paid trustee compensation expenses of $27,000, which is included in the $36,312 of total expenses incurred for the Independent Trustees. On November 30, 2020, the trustees, officers, and their affiliates (including Saturna Capital Corporation) as a group, owned the following percentages of outstanding shares:

 

 
Trustees’, officers’, and affiliates ‘ ownership

 

Income Fund Investor Shares (AMANX)

     0.02%  

Income Fund Institutional Shares (AMINX)

     2.90%  

Growth Fund Investor Shares (AMAGX)

     0.01%  

Growth Fund Institutional Shares (AMIGX)

     1.26%  

Developing World Fund Investor Shares (AMDWX)

     1.40%  

Developing World Fund Institutional Shares (AMIDX)

     11.94%  

Participation Fund Investor Shares (AMAPX)

     0.08%  

Participation Fund Institutional Shares (AMIPX)

     5.33%  

The officers of the Trust are paid by Saturna Capital, not the Trust, except the Chief Compliance Officer, who is partially compensated by the Trust. For the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, the Funds paid the following compensation expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer:

 

 
Chief Compliance Officer

 

Income Fund

     $20,055  

Growth Fund

     $27,285  

Developing World Fund

     $256  

Participation Fund

     $1,344  

Note 5 – Distributions to Shareowners

The tax characteristics of distributions paid for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, and the year ended May 31, 2020, were as follows:

 

     

Income Fund

     November 30, 2020        May 31, 2020  

Ordinary income

     $-        $18,299,329  

Long-term capital gain1

     $-        $86,590,486  
     
     

Growth Fund

        May 31, 2020  

Ordinary income2

     $-        $9,683,783  

Long-term capital gain1

     $-        $60,077,515  
     
     

Developing World Fund

        May 31, 2020  

Ordinary income2

     $-        $166,926  
     
     

Participation Fund

        May 31, 2020  

Ordinary income

     $1,398,797        $2,523,759  

1 Long-Term Capital Gain dividend designated pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2 By policy, the Growth and Developing World Funds seek to avoid paying income dividends.

Note 6 – Federal Income Taxes

The cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes at November 30, 2020, were as follows:

 

     
     Income Fund        Growth Fund  

Cost of investments

     $410,196,188        $533,411,915  
                 

Gross unrealized appreciation

     $947,825,058        $2,019,446,841  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     $(1,015,033      $(802,013
                 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $946,810,025        $2,018,644,828  
     
     
     Developing World Fund        Participation Fund  

Cost of investments

     $25,843,280        $109,859,800  
                 

Gross unrealized appreciation

     $14,451,342        $1,560,268  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     $(1,214,224      $(455,397
                 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $13,237,118        $1,104,871  

As of May 31 2020, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Income Fund

  

Undistributed ordinary income

     $193,587  

Accumulated capital gains

     $32,961,690  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     $33,155,277  

Unrealized appreciation

     $793,872,807  

Total accumulated earnings

     $827,028,084  
  
   

Growth Fund

  

Undistributed ordinary income

     $3,443,948  

Accumulated capital gains

     $130,747,992  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     $134,191,940  

Unrealized appreciation

     $1,529,974,805  

Total accumulated earnings

     $1,664,166,745  
  
   

Developing World Fund

  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     $(7,920,210

Unrealized appreciation

     $5,082,782  

Total accumulated losses

     $(2,837,428
  
   

Participation Fund

  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     $(299,556

Undistributed ordinary income

     $5,486  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     $(294,070

Unrealized appreciation

     $1,104,871  

Total accumulated earnings

     $810,801  

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                  37


Notes To Financial Statements (continued)

 

At May 31, 2020, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards and loss deferrals, subject to regulation. Prior to their expiration, loss carryforwards may be used to offset future net capital gains realized for federal income tax purposes.

 

         
    
Income
Fund
 
 
    
Growth
Fund
 
 
    
Developing
World Fund
 
 
    
Participation
Fund
 
 

Short-term loss carryforwards no expiration

     $-        $-        $1,132,337        $33,885  
                                   

Long-term loss carryforwards no expiration

     $-        $-        $5,928,657        $57,820  
                                   

Total capital loss carryforwards

     $-        $-        $7,060,994        $91,705  
                                   

Post-October loss deferral1

     $-        $-        $657,797        $207,851  
                                   

Late year loss deferral2

     $-        $-        $201,419        $-  

1 Net capital losses incurred after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of a fund’s next taxable year.

2 Net ordinary losses incurred after December 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of a fund’s next taxable year.

Note 7 – Investments

During the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, the Funds purchased and sold the following amounts of securities.

 

     
     Purchases        Sales  

Income Fund

     $44,519,367        $61,173,797  

Growth Fund

     $104,082,203        $16,821,480  

Developing World Fund

     $4,305,546        $756,890  

Participation Fund

     $33,592,000        $16,023,063  

Note 8 – Custodian

Under agreements in place with the Trust’s custodian, UMB Bank, custody fees are reduced by credits for cash balances. For the fiscal period ended November 30, 2020, such reductions were as follows:

 

 
Custodian Fee Credits

 

Income Fund

     $27,474  

Growth Fund

     $49,831  

Developing World Fund

     $10,420  

Participation Fund

     $14,729  

Note 9 – Subsequent Events

In preparing these financial statements, the Funds have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

There were no other events or transactions during the year that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Funds’ financial statements.

Note 10 – COVID 19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 Pandemic has adversely impacted global commercial activity and contributed to significant volatility in global equity and debt markets. The pandemic has resulted in quarantines, stay at home orders, travel prohibitions and closures, disrupting supply chains and economic activity. The duration of the pandemic’s effects remain uncertain and difficult to assess. The effects of the pandemic may adversely impact a Fund’s performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

 

 
38                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Expenses

All mutual funds have operating expenses. As an Amana Mutual Fund shareowner, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (or service) 12b-1 fees, and other Fund expenses such as shareowner reports (like this one). Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross earnings, directly reduce the investment return of a fund. Mutual funds (unlike other financial investments) only report their results after deduction of operating expenses.

With the Amana Funds, unlike many mutual funds, you do not incur sales charges (loads) on purchases, reinvested dividends, or other distributions. There are no redemption fees or exchange fees. You may incur fees related to extra services requested by you for your account, such as bank wires. The examples below are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Examples

The following examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (June 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020).

Actual Expenses

The first line for each Fund provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you have 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. The Funds may charge for extra services (such as domestic bank wires, international bank wires, or overnight courier delivery of redemption checks) rendered on request, which you may need to estimate to determine your total expenses.

Hypothetical Example For Comparison Purposes

The second line for each Fund provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio (based on the last six months) 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 Funds and other mutual funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareowner reports of other mutual funds. You may wish to add other fees that are not included in the expenses shown in the table, such as IRA fees charged by custodians other than Saturna Trust Company (note that Saturna does not charge such fees to shareowners directly on Saturna IRAs, ESAs, or HSAs with the Amana Funds), and charges for extra services such as bank wires. Please note that the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or exchange fees (note that the Amana Funds do not assess any such transactional costs). Therefore, the “Hypothetical” line of each fund is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

         
    

Beginning
Account Value
[June 1, 2020]
 
 
 
    

Ending
Account Value
[November 30, 2020]
 
 
 
    
Expenses Paid
During Period
 
 
    
Annualized
Expense Ratio
 
 
         

Income Fund

           

Investor Shares (AMANX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,165.90        $5.66        1.04%  
         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,019.84        $5.28        1.04%  
         

Institutional Shares (AMINX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,167.10        $4.31        0.79%  
         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,021.09        $4.02        0.79%  
           
         

Growth Fund

           

Investor Shares (AMAGX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,234.60        $5.53        0.99%  
         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,020.12        $5.00        0.99%  
         

Institutional Shares (AMIGX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,235.90        $4.15        0.74%  
         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,021.36        $3.75        0.74%  
           
         

Developing World Fund

           

Investor Shares (AMDWX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,237.90        $6.61        1.18%  
         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,019.16        $5.96        1.18%  
         

Institutional Shares (AMIDX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,239.20        $5.29        0.94%  
         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,020.34        $4.77        0.94%  
           
         

Participation Fund

           

Investor Shares (AMAPX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,040.60        $4.12        0.81%  
         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,021.03        $4.08        0.81%  
         

Institutional Shares (AMIPX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,041.80        $2.86        0.56%  
         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,022.27        $2.83        0.56%  
                                     

Expenses are equal to annualized expense ratios indicated above (based on the most recent semi-annual period of June 1, 2020, through November 30, 2020), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 to reflect the semi-annual period.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                  39


Renewal of Investment Advisory Contract

During their meeting of September 14, 2020, the Trustees of Amana Mutual Funds Trust, including the Independent Trustees, discussed the continuance of the Investment Advisory and Administrative Services Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, and Saturna Capital Corporation (“Saturna”), focusing on the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by Saturna to the Amana Funds. The Trustees considered Saturna’s specific responsibilities in all aspects of day-to-day management of the Funds as well as the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of the Funds’ portfolio managers and other key personnel at Saturna. The Trustees considered that the Funds offer a full range of high-quality investor services, including unique services for Islamic investors. The Trustees discussed Saturna’s experience, ability, and commitment to quality service through performing internally such functions as shareowner servicing, administration, retirement plans, accounting, marketing, and distribution – all in addition to investment management.

The Trustees took into consideration Saturna’s continued avoidance of significant operational and regulatory compliance problems, plus its continued investments in infrastructure, information management systems, personnel, training, compliance, and investor education materials, all designed to meet investor needs with high quality services. They recognized Saturna’s efforts to recruit and retain qualified, experienced, and specialized staff and improve the capital base on which Saturna operates, which the Trustees believe is important to the long-term success of the Funds. The Trustees recognized Saturna’s focus on investors and its efforts to avoid conflicts of interest.

The Trustees considered the investment performance of each Fund over time, including comparative information from Morningstar and Lipper, which provide independent analysis of mutual fund data and, among other things, rank mutual fund performance within categories comprised of similarly managed funds. The Trustees considered and discussed each Fund’s performance relative to the Fund’s Morningstar category for the one-, three-, five-, ten-, and fifteen-year periods, as applicable, and the related Morningstar rankings (one through five stars) for the three-, five- and ten-year periods, as applicable, ended as of July 31, 2020. The Trustees also noted the high ratings for sustainability assigned to the Amana Growth Fund and Amana Developing World Fund by Morningstar. The Trustees also considered each Fund’s performance within its Lipper category.

The Trustees considered the short-, medium- and long-term investment performance of Amana Income Fund, Amana Growth Fund, and Amana Developing World Fund, each relative to their Morningstar and Lipper categories and noted that the Funds were managed for the long term. The Trustees also considered the short-term performance of Amana Participation Fund. The Trustees noted that the long-term investment performance of Amana Income Fund and Amana Growth Fund, both in absolute numbers and relative to Morningstar and Lipper categories, remained strong. The Trustees noted that the longer term performance of the Amana Developing World Funds was in the fourth quartile for its Morningstar category, but that Fund’s shorter term performance was in the top quartile and the second quartile for the one- and three-year periods, respectively. The Trustees noted that the Amana Participation Fund’s shorter term performance was in the top quartile and the second quartile for its Morningstar category for the one- and three-year periods, respectively. The Trustees

noted the risk-averse investment style used by Saturna to manage the Funds and considered other factors, which can affect a Fund’s performance relative to the Fund’s broader Morningstar and Lipper peer categories. In evaluating such performance data, the Trustees noted that Islamic investment restrictions to which the Funds adhere increase Saturna’s research expenses and obligations and impose constraints on Saturna’s selection of the Funds’ portfolio investments that impact performance. The Trustees found that Saturna continued to manage the Funds in a manner that is designed to be acceptable to Islamic investors and that the risk averse approach also is attractive non-Islamic long-term investors.

Recognizing the investment mandates of the Funds, the Trustees also considered the performance of the Funds as compared to a more limited group of other funds with similar investment objectives and strategies, including faith-based managed funds, and a range of asset sizes. The Trustees considered these comparative performance data, along with the comparative data published by Morningstar and Lipper, as well as each Fund’s performance relative to its benchmark, to evaluate each Fund’s performance over near-term and long-term time periods, as applicable. When evaluating the Funds’ performance record, the Board noted that relative performance comparisons, especially over limited periods of time, is only one of the factors that it deems relevant to its consideration of each Fund’s agreement. The Board noted that, after considering all relevant factors, it may be appropriate to approve the continuation of the agreement notwithstanding a Fund’s underperformance relative to its Morningstar or Lipper peer groups during certain periods.

The Trustees also reviewed the fees and expenses of the Funds and considered the components of each Fund’s operating expenses. The Trustees noted that the expense ratios for both share classes of Amana Growth Fund, Amana Developing World Fund and Amana Participation Fund and for the Institutional share class of Amana Income Fund were the same as or below their respective Morningstar category average expense ratios, and the expense ratio for the Investor share class of Amana Income Fund was higher than the Morningstar category average expense ratio. The Trustees also noted that, effective in 2019, Saturna had agreed to reduce the breakpoints in the investment advisory fee for Amana Growth Fund, Amana Income Fund and Amana Developing World Fund, by five basis points at each asset level, and effective on December 1, 2020, Saturna had agreed to a further reduction in the advisory fee breakpoints for these Funds at higher asset levels in excess of $1 billion. The Trustees noted that these actions were expected to lower the Funds’ advisory fees at current and/ or higher asset levels. In light of the services provided by Saturna, the Trustees found each Fund’s advisory fee structure and expense ratios to be reasonable given the size of each Fund, the services provided, and the expenses incurred by the adviser. They noted the significant sponsorship of the Funds by Saturna evidenced, in part, by the amount of fees and expenses paid by Saturna out of its own resources to brokerage platforms and similar unaffiliated intermediaries. The Trustees noted that the expenses imposed by intermediaries are often borne by funds and the Trustees appreciated that Saturna’s efforts help make the Funds more widely available and otherwise less expensive had the Funds borne these expenses. The Trustees recognized that the competitive performance record of Amana Income Fund and Amana Growth Fund over the long-term had likely contributed to their asset size, which resulted in lower expense ratios due to rising costs being

 

 

 
40                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


spread over a larger asset base. The Trustees also took note of the costs borne by Saturna in subsidizing operations of the Amana Developing World Fund and Amana Participation Fund, noting that it had committed significant resources in developing and managing these Funds.

The Trustees reviewed Saturna’s financial information and discussed the issue of Saturna’s profitability related to its management and administration of the Funds. They discussed the reasonableness of Saturna’s profitability with respect to each of the Funds as part of their evaluation of whether the advisory fees bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Saturna, including the nature, extent, and quality of such services. The Trustees noted Saturna’s decades of dedicated service provided to Amana Mutual Fund Trust and its shareowners.

The Trustees considered the extent to which advisory fees paid to Saturna reflect economies of scale. The Trustees considered the fact that fee breakpoints lower the operating expenses and expense ratios of the Funds as assets grow and demonstrate the benefits of economies of scale are being shared with shareowners. In this connection, the Board noted that the investment advisory fee rate schedules for each Fund other than the Amana Participation Fund include breakpoints that reduce the fee rate as Fund assets increase above certain levels, and that Saturna has agreed, in 2019 and effective December 1, 2020, to reduce the breakpoints in the investment advisory fee for Amana Growth Fund, Amana Income Fund and Amana Developing World Fund as described above. With respect to the Amana Participation Fund, the Board determined that the investment advisory fees are reasonable and appropriate and that breakpoints in the fee schedule are unnecessary based on the current level of the Fund’s assets. The Trustees considered and compared the fees charged by Saturna to other types of advisory accounts for which Saturna serves as an investment adviser, including non-mutual fund advisory clients and individual advisory clients. The Trustees noted the significant differences between the full range of services Saturna provides to the Funds, including investment advisory and administrative services, transfer agency services, and other services, as compared to the investment advisory services provided to the other advisory accounts. The Trustees also considered how the various services provided to those other accounts, which include Saturna’s investment management, research, and customer service operations performed for those accounts, benefit the Funds.

The Trustees considered potential benefits to Saturna and to its other businesses from acting as investment adviser for the Funds, but also noted that Saturna’s other business lines also potentially benefit the Funds. The Trustees also noted that there were no soft dollar arrangements with respect to trading in the Funds’ portfolios and that Saturna’s affiliated broker, Saturna Brokerage Services, voluntarily waives brokerage commissions for executing Fund portfolio transactions, resulting in lower transaction costs for the Funds. The Trustees further considered that Saturna was currently waiving its transfer agency fees to zero for each Fund.

The Trustees concluded that the fees paid by the Funds to Saturna were, from an arm’s-length bargaining perspective, reasonable and in the best interest of the Funds and their shareowners in light of the services provided, comparative performance, expense and advisory fee information, costs of services provided, profits to be realized, and benefits derived or to be derived by Saturna from its relationship with the Funds. Following this discussion, the Trustees unanimously agreed based on their business judgment to renew the Investment Advisory and Administrative Services Agreement between Saturna and Amana Growth Fund, Amana Income Fund, Amana Developing World Fund, and Amana Participation Fund.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                  41


 

 

Except for this legend, this page has been intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
42                  Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020


Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Information

 

(1)

The Amana Funds file complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. Previously, this information was filed on Form N-Q.

 

(2)

The Funds’ Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

(3)

The Funds make a complete schedule of portfolio holdings after the end of each month available at www.amanafunds.com

Availability of Proxy Voting Information

 

(1)

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (a) without charge, upon request, by calling Saturna Capital at 1-888-732-6262; (b) on the Funds’ website at www. amanafunds.com; and (c) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

(2)

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (a) without charge, upon request, by calling Saturna Capital at 1-888-732-6262; (b) on the Funds’ website at www.amanafunds.com; and (c) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”) to promote effective liquidity risk management throughout the open-end investment company industry, thereby reducing the risk that funds will be unable to meet their redemption obligations and mitigating dilution of the interests of fund shareholders.

Pursuant to the Liquidity Rule, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk. The Program is overseen by Saturna Capital’s Liquidity Risk Committee, and the Program’s principal objectives include assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each Fund’s liquidity risk, based on factors specific to the circumstances of the Fund.

At a meeting of the Board held on December 7, 2020, the Trustees received a report addressing the operation of the Program and assessing its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation. It was reported to the Board that the assessment found that the Program was adequately designed and effective in achieving its objectives. Further, that review of the Program’s implementation evidenced substantial compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

Householding Policy

To reduce expenses, we may mail only one copy of the Funds’ prospectus, each annual and semi-annual report, and proxy statements, when necessary, to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual and/or more copies of these documents, please call us at 1-888-732-6262 or write to us at Saturna Capital/Amana Mutual Funds, P.O. Box N, Bellingham, WA 98227. We will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.

If you are currently receiving multiple copies and wish to receive only one copy, please call us at 1-888-732-6262 or write to us at Saturna Capital/Amana Mutual Funds, P.O. Box N, Bellingham, WA 98227. We will begin sending you a single copy with subsequent report mailings.

Privacy Statement

At Saturna Capital and the Amana Mutual Funds Trust, we understand the importance of maintaining the privacy of your financial information. We want to assure you that we protect the confidentiality of any personal information that you share with us. In addition, we do not sell information about our current or former customers.

In the course of our relationship, we gather certain non-public information about you, including your name, address, investment choices, and account information. We do not disclose your information to unaffiliated third parties unless it is necessary to process a transaction; service your account; deliver your account statements, shareholder reports and other information; or as required by law. When we disclose information to unaffiliated third parties, we require a contract to restrict the companies’ use of customer information and from sharing or using it for any purposes other than performing the services for which they were required. We may share information within the Saturna Capital family of companies in the course of informing you about products or services that may address your investing needs.

We maintain our own technology resources to minimize the need for any third party services, and restrict access to information within Saturna. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to guard your personal information. If you have any questions or concerns about the security or privacy of your information please call us at 1-800-728-8762.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   November 30, 2020                   43


LOGO


Item 2. Code of Ethics

Not applicable.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Not applicable.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Not applicable.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

Not applicable.

Item 6. Investments

(a) Included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

(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. Purchase 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) Internal control over financial reporting is under the supervision of the principal executive and financial officers. On December 9, 2020, Mr. Nicholas Kaiser (President) and Mr. Christopher Fankhauser (Treasurer) reviewed the internal control procedures for Amana Mutual Funds Trust and found them reasonable and adequate.

(b) No change.

Item 12. Exhibits

Exhibits included with this filing:

(a)(1) Code of Ethics.

(a)(2) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.

(c) Registrant's Rule 30e-3 Notice pursuant to Item 1(b) of Form N-CSRS. Attached hereto as EX-99.30e-3Notice.


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.

AMANA MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST

By:

/s/ Nicholas Kaiser, President
Signature and Title

Nicholas Kaiser, President
Printed name and Title

January 29, 2021
Date

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/ Nicholas Kaiser, President
Signature and Title

Nicholas Kaiser, President
Printed name and Title

January 29, 2021
Date

By:

/s/ Christopher Fankhauser, Treasurer
Signature and Title

Christopher Fankhauser, Treasurer
Printed name and Title

January 29, 2021
Date