N-CSRS 1 sitncsrs-20190531.htm SATURNA INVESTMENT TRUST SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT MAY 31, 2019 Saturna Investment Trust Form N-CSRS May 31, 2019

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM N-CSRS

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-05071 / 33-13247

SATURNA INVESTMENT 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, Esq.
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: November 30, 2019
Date of reporting period: May 31, 2019

Item 1. Report To Shareowners


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                       Expense Ratio1  

Average Annual Total Returns as of June 30, 2019

     YTD        1 Year        3 Year        5 Year        10 Year        15 Year        Gross        Net  

Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund (STBFX)

     2.89%        4.33%        1.46%        1.35%        1.68%        2.30%        0.91%        0.60%  

FTSE USBIG Govt/Corp 1-3 Year Index

     2.69%        4.20%        1.57%        1.42%        1.55%        2.44%           n/a  

Morningstar Short-Term Bond Category

     3.20%        4.19%        1.97%        1.60%        2.48%        2.60%                 n/a  

Sextant Bond Income Fund (SBIFX)

     7.41%        8.74%        2.56%        3.22%        4.40%        4.14%        0.84%        0.65%  

FTSE US Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index

     6.14%        7.91%        2.33%        2.95%        3.83%        4.34%           n/a  

Morningstar Long-Term Bond Category

     13.18%        13.09%        4.42%        5.38%        7.77%        6.56%                 n/a  

Sextant Core Fund (SCORX)

     12.77%        9.77%        7.40%        4.15%        6.87%        n/a        0.88%     

Dow Jones Moderate US Portfolio Index

     12.03%        5.71%        7.96%        5.32%        8.71%        6.69%           n/a  

Morningstar Allocation 50% to 70% Equity Category

     12.21%        5.73%        7.79%        5.04%        8.93%        6.20%                 n/a  

Sextant Global High Income Fund (SGHIX)

     9.86%        8.60%        10.45%        4.24%        n/a        n/a        0.97%        0.75%  

S&P Global 1200 Index

     16.88%        6.96%        12.57%        7.27%        11.29%        7.71%           n/a  

Morningstar World Allocation Category

     10.40%        3.05%        6.23%        2.72%        7.13%        5.98%                 n/a  

Sextant Growth Fund Investor Shares (SSGFX)

     22.30%        14.77%        16.43%        9.28%        12.29%        9.15%        0.92%     
               

Sextant Growth Fund Z Shares (SGZFX)

     22.50%        15.13%        n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a        0.70%  

S&P 500 Index

     18.54%        10.42%        14.22%        10.72%        14.70%        8.75%           n/a  

Morningstar Large Growth Category

     21.11%        10.02%        16.97%        11.33%        14.71%        9.07%                 n/a  

Sextant International Fund Investor Shares (SSIFX)

     21.18%        17.88%        14.96%        6.00%        6.94%        7.67%        1.05%     
               

Sextant International Fund Z Shares (SIFZX)

     21.30%        18.14%        n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a        0.84%  

MSCI EAFE Index

     14.49%        1.60%        9.66%        2.74%        7.40%        5.84%           n/a  

Morningstar Foreign Large Growth Category

     18.29%        2.25%        9.63%        4.09%        8.20%        6.18%           n/a  
                                                                         

Performance data quoted above 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 1-800-728-8762 or visiting www.sextantfunds.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. Funds that invest in foreign securities may involve greater risk, including political and economic uncertainties of foreign countries as well as the risk of currency fluctuations.

Z Shares of Sextant Growth and International Funds began operations June 2, 2017.

A note about risk: Please see Notes to Financial Statements beginning on page 50 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.

A Fund’s 30-Day Yield, sometimes referred to as “standardized yield” or “SEC yield,” is expressed as an annual percentage rate using a method of calculation adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The 30-Day Yield provides an estimate of a Fund’s investment income rate, but may not equal the actual income distribution rate.

 

1 

By regulation, expense ratios shown in this table are as stated in the Funds’ most recent prospectus, which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporate results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. Ratios presented in this table differ from the expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods. Also by regulation, the performance in this table represents the most recent quarter-end performance rather than performance through the Funds’ most recent fiscal period.

The S&P 500 Index is an index comprised of 500 widely held common stocks considered to be representative of the US stock market in general. The MSCI EAFE Index is an international index focused on Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. The S&P Global 1200 Index is a global stock market index covering nearly 70% of the world’s equity markets. The Dow Jones Moderate Portfolio Index is a broad-based index of stock and bond prices. The FTSE USBIG Govt/Corp Index 1-3 Year is a broad-based index of shorter-term investment grade US government and corporate bond prices. The FTSE US Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index is a broad-based index of medium and long-term investment grade bond prices. Investors cannot invest directly in the indices.

 

 

Please consider an investment’s objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain this and other important information about the Sextant Funds in a prospectus or summary prospectus, ask your financial advisor, visit www.sextantfunds.com, or call toll-free 1-800-728-8762. Please read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

 

 
2                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Fellow Shareowners:

For the six-month period ended May 31, 2019, overall assets of the Sextant Funds were up 15.81% to $167.3 million. For the one-year period ended May 31, 2019, all of our equity and hybrid funds outperformed their respective Morningstar categories (see page 7 for more details).

Securities markets provided positive returns over the six months ended May 31, 2019, and the Sextant Funds performed respectably compared to their indices. For the period, Sextant Growth Fund Investor Shares gained 3.97%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s return of 0.74%. The Sextant International Fund Investor Shares gained 11.57%, well outperforming the MSCI EAFE Index’s return of 2.83%. Sextant Core Fund gained 3.25%, outperforming the Dow Jones Moderate US Portfolio Index’s return of 3.02%. The Sextant Global High Income Fund gained 2.93%, outperforming the S&P Global 1200 Index which returned 1.68%, but underperforming the Bloomberg Barclays Global High Yield Corporate Index which returned 5.03%. The Sextant Bond Income Fund was up 7.12%, outperforming the FTSE USBIG Bond Index’s gain of 6.79%. The Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund gained 2.91%, modestly outperforming the FTSE USBIG Government/Corporate 1-3 Year Index which gained 2.89%.

The annualized expense ratios of the six no-12b-1 fee Sextant Fund share classes range from 0.60% to 0.87%. Saturna Capital helped by paying to cap expenses for the Sextant Global High Income, Sextant Short-Term, and Sextant Bond Income Funds.

Strong 2019 Following Mixed 2018

Markets swung with abandon during the year, as euphoria melting to caution brought volatility and doubt. Emerging markets, led by China, suffered as the dollar surged and trade battles commenced. Wars were mostly fought with money, not arms. Global prices for carbon fuels (coal, oil, gas) are weak, as US shale production surges and demand softens. Lower taxes and interest rates are stimulating high employment, especially in technology, while the global supply chain is being rattled by trade revamps.

While it’s impossible to predict the future, we believe our portfolios are well-positioned for positive or negative economic developments given our focus on low debt, cash generative, high quality companies led by excellent management teams. Such characteristics can be defensive in the event of a downturn.

Morningstar Awards Sextant Top Sustainability Ratings

The Morningstar Sustainability Rating for funds gives investors around the world a way to compare fund portfolios based on a standardized measure of sustainability. These ratings are calculated using fund holdings data underpinned with company-level environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information from Sustainalytics, a leading provider of ESG research. Of the four Sextant funds Morningstar rated, Sextant International received the top “5 Globe” Sustainability Rating, while Sextant Growth, Sextant Core, and Sextant Short-Term Bond each received a “4 Globe” above average rating, reflecting Saturna Capital’s emphasis on sustainability when making portfolio investment decisions. Investors are cautioned, however, that more than 200 vendors offer “sustainable” investments data, and that no single global measurement prevails. See page 5 for the details.

At Saturna, we’ve developed a proprietary algorithm based on similar criteria. We believe this internal research further separates the companies we invest in from the fray. It seems to us (and is evidenced by the performance) that companies with long-view game plans serve all stakeholders, and especially long-term investors, better than their short-term, quarterly-return-obsessed competitors.

Going Forward

The 1960s and the 1990s were decades of nearly uninterrupted economic growth and the 2010s are now looking to stake their longevity claim. The last time the economy contracted for two consecutive quarters (the standard definition of a recession) was in the first two quarters of 2009, and current conditions appear

 

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May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              3


buoyant. Despite record low unemployment rates, inflation remains subdued, while corporate profitability and consumer confidence are robust.

At this point, the greatest risk to continued economic buoyancy appears to be trade friction, a development that could spin out of control or be contained rather easily with greater flexibility. Economic policies can and do change frequently.

An extraordinary era of low interest rates fueled upward moves in economies and markets. The US economy is in a “goldilocks” phase, with employment for those who want it, and little need for more government stimulus. We must be vigilant in the coming months for signs of a recession – we believe a riskier period looms ahead.

The Sextant Funds continue to offer investors a broad mix of investment vehicles: growth equities, international exposure, and a blended portfolio, plus global high-income, short-term, and long-term fixed-income options. This array of portfolios serves our investors in both bull and bear markets by seeking to provide steady, long-term growth with a focus on preservation of capital. Please review the following pages for more in-depth information about each Fund.

Respectfully,

(photo omitted)

Jane Carten,

President

(photo omitted)

Gary Goldfogel,

Independent Board Chairman

 

  Sextant Funds Portfolio Management  
  (photo omitted)   

Nicholas Kaiser MBA, CFA®

 

Sextant International Fund

Portfolio Manager

     (photo omitted)   

Phelps McIlvaine

 

Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund

Sextant Bond Income Fund

Sextant Core Fund

Portfolio Manager

 
  (photo omitted)   

Scott Klimo CFA®

 

Sextant Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager

Sextant International Fund

Deputy Portfolio Manager

     (photo omitted)   

Bryce Fegley CFA®, CIPM®

 

Sextant Global High Income Fund

Portfolio Manager

 
  (photo omitted)   

Patrick Drum MBA, CFA®, CFP®

 

Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund

Sextant Bond Income Fund

Sextant Global High Income Fund

Deputy Portfolio Manager

     (photo omitted)   

Christopher Paul MBA, CFA®

 

Sextant Core Fund

Portfolio Manager

 

 

 

 
4                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Morningstar Sustainability Ratings     As of May 31, 2019

 

At Saturna Capital, we describe ourselves as value and values-based investors. We believe our approach improves the likelihood of achieving superior investment results over the long term. Our approach also leads to investment portfolios we can be proud of from the perspective of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Morningstar partners with leading ESG research firm Sustainalytics to publish the Morningstar Sustainability Rating – here are Sextant Funds’ recent results:

 

Sextant International Fund

    Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund

Investor Shares (SSIFX)

   ؠؠؠ Ø Ø     STBFX    ؠؠؠ Ø Ø

Z Shares (SIFZX)

   ؠؠؠ Ø Ø       
4th percentile among 398 Foreign Large Blend Funds     20th percentile among 481 Short-Term Bond Funds

Sextant Growth Fund

    Sextant Core Fund

Investor Shares (SSGFX)

   ؠؠؠ Ø Ø     SCORX    ؠؠؠ Ø Ø

Z Shares (SGZFX)

   ؠؠؠ Ø Ø       
20th percentile among 1,229 Large Growth Funds     19th percentile among 688 Allocation 50%-70% Equity Funds
   

The Sextant Bond Income and Sextant Global High Income Funds were not rated by Morningstar for the period.

The Morningstar Sustainability Rating gives investors across the globe a way to compare fund portfolios based on a standard measure of sustainability. The rating is a holdings-based calculation using company-level environmental, social, and governance (ESG) analytics from Sustainalytics.

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”).

© 2019 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.

Morningstar Sustainability Ratings and Portfolio Sustainability Scores are as of May 31, 2019. 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 Funds were rated on the following percentages of Assets Under Management:

 

Sextant International Fund    76%
Sextant Core Fund    76%
Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund    68%
Sextant Growth Fund    99%

The Funds’ portfolios are actively managed and are subject to change, which may result in different Morningstar Sustainability Scores and Ratings.

% 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.

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              5


Morningstar Carbon Metrics     As of March 31, 2019

 

 

Sextant Growth Fund

    Sextant International Fund

LOGO

   

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.

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 these in the following subindustries: Thermal Coal Extraction, Thermal Coal Power Generation, Oil & Gas Production, Oil & Gas Power Generation, and Oil and Gas Products and Services.

To receive the Low Carbon designation a fund must have 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.

Sextant Growth Fund was rated on 94% and Sextant International Fund was rated on 88% of assets under management.

 

 (photo omitted)

On the cover: Mo’orea, French Polynesia.

Photo by Elizabeth Alm.

 

 

 
6                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


                       Expense Ratio1  

Average Annual Total Returns as of May 31, 2019

     YTD        1 Year        3 Year        5 Year        10 Year        15 Year        Gross        Net  

Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund (STBFX)

     2.14%        3.48%        1.37%        1.18%        1.62%        2.26%        0.91%        0.60%  

FTSE USBIG Govt/Corp 1-3 Year Index

     2.14%        3.65%        1.58%        1.30%        1.51%        2.40%           n/a  

Morningstar Short-Term Bond Category

     2.58%        3.58%        1.99%        1.49%        2.50%        2.57%                 n/a  

Sextant Bond Income Fund (SBIFX)

     5.54%        6.25%        2.95%        2.87%        4.43%        4.06%        0.84%        0.65%  

FTSE US Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index

     4.84%        6.41%        2.51%        2.71%        3.77%        4.30%           n/a  

Morningstar Long-Term Bond Category

     9.93%        9.11%        4.78%        4.88%        7.85%        6.43%                 n/a  

Sextant Core Fund (SCORX)

     7.58%        4.23%        5.85%        3.47%        6.37%        n/a        0.88%     

Dow Jones Moderate US Portfolio Index

     7.29%        0.97%        6.71%        4.80%        8.27%        6.50%           n/a  

Morningstar Allocation 50% to 70% Equity Category

     7.61%        1.37%        6.40%        4.46%        8.51%        6.00%                 n/a  

Sextant Global High Income Fund (SGHIX)

     5.07%        3.59%        9.84%        3.59%        n/a        n/a        0.97%        0.75%  

S&P Global 1200 Index

     9.68%        0.19%        9.91%        6.28%        10.50%        7.39%           n/a  

Morningstar World Allocation Category

     6.06%        -1.72%        5.02%        2.15%        6.79%        5.87%                 n/a  

Sextant Growth Fund Investor Shares (SSGFX)

     13.20%        7.18%        12.75%        7.94%        11.46%        8.62%           0.92%  

Sextant Growth Fund Z Shares (SGZFX)

     13.36%        7.50%        n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a           0.70%  

S&P 500 Index

     10.74%        3.78%        11.72%        9.65%        13.93%        8.39%           n/a  

Morningstar Large Growth Category

     13.46%        3.77%        13.86%        10.38%        13.97%        8.72%                 n/a  

Sextant International Fund Investor Shares (SSIFX)

     16.42%        11.83%        13.35%        6.04%        6.46%        7.58%           1.05%  

Sextant International Fund Z Shares (SIFZX)

     16.54%        12.16%        n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a           0.84%  

MSCI EAFE Index

     8.05%        -5.26%        6.35%        1.75%        6.71%        5.59%           n/a  

Morningstar Foreign Large Growth Category

     11.33%        -5.13%        6.76%        3.07%        7.35%        5.83%           n/a  
                                                                         

Performance data quoted above 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 1-800-728-8762 or visiting www.sextantfunds.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. Funds that invest in foreign securities may involve greater risk, including political and economic uncertainties of foreign countries as well as the risk of currency fluctuations.

 

1 

By regulation, expense ratios shown in this table are as stated in the Funds’ most recent prospectus, which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporate results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. Ratios presented in this table differ from the expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              7


Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund    LOGO

 

Performance Summary

  

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of May 31, 2019

 

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund

       3.48%          1.18%          1.62%          0.91%  

FTSE USBIG Govt/Corp 1-3 Year Index

       3.65%          1.30%          1.51%          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 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 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 the Fund on November 30, 2008, to an identical amount invested in the FTSE USBIG Govt/Corp 1-3 Year Index, a broad-based index of shorter-term investment grade US government and corporate bond prices. The graph shows that an investment in the Fund would have risen to $11,744 versus $11,658 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, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, before fee waivers. The actual expense ratio, shown in the most recent prospectus after fee waivers was 0.60%. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

Fund Objective

 

The objectives of the Short-Term Bond Fund are capital preservation and current income.

 

Top 10 Holdings

 

 
% of Total Net Assets  

United States Treasury Note (3.625% due 02/15/2021)

     8.6%  

United States Treasury Note (2.50% due 08/15/2023)

     4.8%  

United States Treasury Note (2.875% due 10/31/2020)

     4.7%  

McCormick & Co. (2.70% due 08/15/2022)

     4.7%  

Honeywell International (4.25% due 03/01/2021)

     4.3%  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (3.05% due 09/01/2022)

     3.8%  

AvalonBay Communities (2.85% due 03/15/2023)

     3.8%  

Gilead Sciences (2.55% due 09/01/2020)

     3.7%  

3M (2.00% due 06/26/2022)

     3.7%  

Qualcomm (2.60% due 01/30/2023)

     3.7%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

 
       
% of Total Net Assets

 

     

US Treasury Notes

    24.3%           LOGO    

Technology

    15.2%        

Health Care

    13.3%        

Financials

    12.1%        

Consumer Staples

    10.4%        

Industrials

    10.1%        

Consumer Discretionary

    5.6%        

Materials

    3.7%        

Other Assets (net of liabilities)

    5.3%              

 

 

 
8                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                          As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Corporate Bonds – 70.4%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Consumer Discretionary                             
     
   

Alibaba Holding Group

    3.125% due 11/28/2021      $350,000        $353,369        3.3%  
 
   

Ford Motor Credit

    3.157% due 08/04/2020      250,000        249,701        2.3%  
             
              603,070        5.6%  
    Consumer Staples                             
     
   

Church & Dwight

    2.875% due 10/01/2022      260,000        262,175        2.4%  
 
   

Estee Lauder

    2.35% due 08/15/2022      350,000        349,484        3.3%  
 
   

McCormick & Co.

    2.70% due 08/15/2022      500,000        499,502        4.7%  
             
              1,111,161        10.4%  
    Financials                             
     
   

AvalonBay Communities

    2.85% due 03/15/2023      400,000        402,818        3.8%  
 
   

Camden Property Trust

    4.625% due 06/15/2021      275,000        284,274        2.6%  
 
   

Jefferies Group

    8.50% due 07/15/2019      265,000        266,626        2.5%  
 
   

Paccar Financial

    2.05% due 11/13/2020      350,000        348,810        3.2%  
             
              1,302,528        12.1%  
    Health Care                             
     
   

AbbVie

    2.50% due 05/14/2020      250,000        249,366        2.3%  
 
   

Astrazeneca

    2.375% due 01/16/2020      155,000        154,693        1.4%  
 
   

Celgene

    2.25% due 08/15/2021      300,000        298,078        2.8%  
 
   

Gilead Sciences

    2.55% due 09/01/2020      400,000        400,403        3.7%  
 
   

Teva Pharmaceutical

    3.65% due 11/10/2021      350,000        327,250        3.1%  
             
              1,429,790        13.3%  
    Industrials                             
     
   

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

    3.05% due 09/01/2022      400,000        406,433        3.8%  
 
   

CSX Corporation

    4.25% due 06/01/2021      350,000        360,057        3.4%  
 
   

Emerson Electric

    4.875% due 10/15/2019      310,000        312,394        2.9%  
             
              1,078,884        10.1%  
    Materials                             
     
   

3M

    2.00% due 06/26/2022      400,000        397,334        3.7%  
             
              397,334        3.7%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  9


Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                          As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Corporate Bonds – 70.4%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Technology                             
     
   

Adobe Systems

    4.75% due 02/01/2020      $379,000        $384,323        3.6%  
 
   

Honeywell International

    4.25% due 03/01/2021      450,000        464,547        4.3%  
 
   

Juniper Networks

    4.60% due 03/15/2021      375,000        387,781        3.6%  
 
   

Qualcomm

    2.60% due 01/30/2023      400,000        396,315        3.7%  
             
              1,632,966        15.2%  
                                        
  Total Corporate Bonds          7,519,000        7,555,733        70.4%  
             
    Government Bonds – 24.3%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    United States Treasury Notes                             
     
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.875% due 10/31/2020      $500,000        $505,410        4.7%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.625% due 05/15/2021      355,000        359,424        3.4%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    3.625% due 02/15/2021      900,000        924,047        8.6%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.50% due 08/15/2023      500,000        511,426        4.8%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.00% due 09/30/2020      300,000        299,543        2.8%  
             
              2,599,850        24.3%  
                                        
  Total investments     (Cost = 10,133,267)         10,155,583        94.7%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             571,352        5.3%  
  Total net assets             $10,726,935        100.0%  
             
              

 

Bond Quality Diversification

       
       
% of Total Net Assets

 

     

Rated “AAA”

    24.3%             LOGO  

Rated “AA-”

    3.7%        

Rated “A+”

    13.6%        

Rated “A”

    14.5%        

Rated “A-”

    9.8%      

Rated “BBB+”

    9.8%        

Rated “BBB”

    13.4%        

Rated “BBB-”

    2.5%        

Rated “BB”

    3.1%        

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    5.3%              

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.

 

 

 
10                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund    LOGO

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value

(Cost $10,133,267)

    $10,155,583  

Cash

    491,082  

Interest receivable

    83,353  

Prepaid expenses

    4,844  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    1,115  
       

Total assets

    10,735,977  
       

Liabilities

 

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    5,000  

Accrued advisory fees

    2,241  

Accrued retirement plan custodial fees

    1,430  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    322  

Distributions payable

    49  
       

Total liabilities

    9,042  
       

Net Assets

    $10,726,935  
   
 
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $10,722,664  

Total distributable earnings

    4,271  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $10,726,935  
   
 

Fund shares outstanding

    2,128,039  
   

Net asset value, offering, and redemption price per share

    $5.04  
         
 

Statement of Operations

Period ended May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Investment income

                          

Interest income

    $123,347  
       

Total investment income

    123,347  
       

Expenses

 

Investment adviser fees

    26,244  

Filing and registration fees

    9,662  

Audit fees

    3,412  

Retirement plan custodial fees

    1,768  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,310  

Trustee fees

    1,236  

Printing and postage

    1,040  

Other expenses

    660  

Legal fees

    338  

Custodian fees

    224  
       

Total gross expenses

    45,894  
       

Less adviser fees waived

    (14,070

Less custodian fee credits

    (185
       

Net expenses

    31,639  
       

Net investment income

    $91,708  
   
 
   

    

 

Net realized loss from investments

    $(4,122

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments

    221,591  
       

Net gain on investments

    $217,469  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $309,177  
         

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  11


Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund    LOGO

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019          Year ended Nov. 30, 2018  
     

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $91,708          $147,275  

Net realized loss on investment

    (4,122        (16,794

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    221,591          (110,471
                  

Net increase in net assets

    309,177          20,010  
                  
      

Distributions to shareowners

    (91,708        (150,192
      

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from sales of shares

    722,666          974,206  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    91,239          150,567  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (580,035        (1,423,649
                  

Total capital share transactions

    233,870          (298,876
                  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    451,339          (429,058
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of period

    10,275,596          10,704,654  

End of period

    $10,726,935          $10,275,596  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Number of shares sold

    145,008          196,541  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    18,213          30,411  

Number of shares redeemed

    (116,347        (286,428
                  

Net increase (decrease) in number of shares outstanding

    46,874          (59,476
     
      

 

Financial Highlights

    For period ended       For year ended November 30,  

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016       2015       2014  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $4.94       $5.00       $5.02       $5.02       $5.04       $5.05  

Income from investment operations

           

Net investment income

    0.04       0.07       0.06       0.05       0.05       0.06  

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

    0.10       (0.06     (0.02     0.00 A      (0.02     (0.01
                                               

Total from investment operations

    0.14       0.01       0.04       0.05       0.03       0.05  
                                               

Less distributions

           

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.04     (0.07     (0.06     (0.05     (0.05     (0.06

Capital gains distribution

    -       (0.00 )A      -       -       -       -  
                                               

Total distributions

    (0.04     (0.07     (0.06     (0.05     (0.05     (0.06
                                               
           

Net asset value at end of period

    $5.04       $4.94       $5.00       $5.02       $5.02       $5.04  
             
           

Total returnB

    2.91%       0.26%       0.87%       1.06%       0.67%       0.94%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

           

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $10,727       $10,276       $10,705       $10,326       $7,488       $7,674  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

           

Before fee waivers and custodian fee creditsC

    0.87%       0.91%       1.01%       1.15%       1.21%       1.29%  

After fee waiversC

    0.61%       0.61%       0.68%       0.76%       0.76%       0.76%  

After fee waivers and custodian fee creditsC

    0.60%       0.60%       0.68%       0.75%       0.75%       0.75%  

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

    1.75%       1.44%       1.26%       1.05%       1.06%       1.14%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    11%       36%       31%       11%       13%       14%  
             
           
A

Amount is less than $0.01

B

Not Annualized for periods less than one year.

C

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

 

 
12                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Bond Income Fund    LOGO

 

Performance Summary

  

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of May 31, 2019

 

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Sextant Bond Income Fund

       6.25%          2.87%          4.43%          0.84%  

FTSE US Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index

       6.41%          2.71%          3.77%          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 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 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 the Fund on November 30, 2008, to an identical amount invested in the FTSE US Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index, a broad-based index of medium and long-term investment grade bond prices. The graph shows that an investment in the Fund would have risen to $15,420 versus $14,482 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, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, before fee waivers. The expense ratio shown in the most recent prospectus after fee waivers was 0.65%. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

Fund Objective

 

The objective of the Bond Income Fund is current income.

 

Top 10 Holdings

  
 
% of Total Net Assets  

United States Treasury Note (3.625% due 02/15/2021)

     9.4%  

United States Treasury Bond (5.375% due 02/15/2031)

     4.7%  

Apple (4.50% due 02/23/2036)

     3.4%  

Microsoft (4.20% due 11/03/2035)

     3.4%  

Intel (4.00% due 12/15/2032)

     3.4%  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (5.05% due 03/01/2041)

     3.2%  

United States Treasury Note (2.125% due 06/30/2021)

     2.9%  

United Technologies Corp (6.05% due 06/01/2036)

     2.7%  

United States Treasury Bond (6.125% due 08/15/2029)

     2.7%  

Puget Sound Energy (7.02% due 12/01/2027)

     2.7%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

      
     
% of Total Net Assets               

Government Bonds

    26.3%            LOGO  

Health Care

    12.1%      

Municipal Bonds

    11.7%      

Technology

    10.2%      

Industrials

    9.5%      

Financials

    6.6%      

Energy

    6.1%      

Utilities

    5.8%      

Consumer Discretionary

    4.7%      

Consumer Staples

    2.2%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    4.8%      

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  13


Sextant Bond Income Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                          As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Corporate Bonds – 57.2%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Consumer Discretionary                             
     
   

Lowe’s

    5.80% due 10/15/2036      $250,000        $291,120        2.5%  
 
   

VF

    6.00% due 10/15/2033      200,000        249,269        2.2%  
             
              540,389        4.7%  
    Consumer Staples                             
     
   

Unilever Capital

    5.90% due 11/15/2032      200,000        256,513        2.2%  
             
              256,513        2.2%  
    Energy                             
     
   

Baker Hughes

    6.875% due 01/15/2029      100,000        124,441        1.1%  
 
   

Canadian Natural Resources

    6.45% due 06/30/2033      225,000        277,187        2.4%  
 
   

Statoil

    7.15% due 01/15/2029      224,000        297,314        2.6%  
             
              698,942        6.1%  
    Financials                             
     
   

Affiliated Managers Group

    3.50% due 08/01/2025      250,000        255,974        2.2%  
 
   

Bank Of New York Mellon MTN

    3.30% due 08/23/2029      250,000        251,190        2.2%  
 
   

UBS AG Stamford CT

    7.75% due 09/01/2026      200,000        248,103        2.2%  
             
              755,267        6.6%  
    Health Care                             
     
   

Becton Dickinson

    6.70% due 08/01/2028      240,000        287,754        2.5%  
 
   

Johnson & Johnson

    4.95% due 05/15/2033      226,000        274,211        2.4%  
 
   

Medtronic Inc

    4.375% due 03/15/2035      260,000        288,968        2.5%  
 
   

Merck & Co.

    6.50% due 12/01/2033      215,000        295,137        2.6%  
 
   

Teva Pharmaceutical

    3.65% due 11/10/2021      250,000        233,750        2.1%  
             
              1,379,820        12.1%  
    Industrials                             
     
   

Boeing

    6.125% due 02/15/2033      215,000        275,614        2.4%  
 
   

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

    5.05% due 03/01/2041      310,000        361,012        3.2%  
 
   

Deere & Co.

    8.10% due 05/15/2030      95,000        133,059        1.2%  
 
   

United Technologies

    6.05% due 06/01/2036      250,000        309,911        2.7%  
             
              1,079,596       
9.5%
 

 

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
14                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Bond Income Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                          As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Corporate Bonds – 57.2%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Technology                             
     
   

Apple

    4.50% due 02/23/2036      $350,000        $392,635        3.4%  
 
   

Intel

    4.00% due 12/15/2032      360,000        382,639        3.4%  
 
   

Microsoft

    4.20% due 11/03/2035      350,000        390,344        3.4%  
             
              1,165,618        10.2%  
    Utilities                             
     
   

Entergy Louisiana

    5.40% due 11/01/2024      200,000        226,674        2.0%  
 
   

Florida Power & Light

    5.95% due 10/01/2033      100,000        129,280        1.1%  
 
   

Puget Sound Energy

    7.02% due 12/01/2027      237,000        301,838        2.7%  
             
              657,792        5.8%  
              
             
  Total Corporate Bonds             $6,533,937        57.2%  
              
             
    Government Bonds – 26.3%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Foreign Government Bonds                             
     
   

Quebec Canada Yankee

    7.125% due 02/09/2024      $175,000        $211,775        1.8%  
             
              211,775        1.8%  
    United States Treasury Bonds                             
     
   

United States Treasury Bond

    5.25% due 02/15/2029      170,000        216,046        1.9%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    6.125% due 08/15/2029      225,000        306,642        2.7%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    6.25% due 05/15/2030      75,000        104,748        0.9%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    5.375% due 02/15/2031      400,000        531,344        4.7%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    3.125% due 11/15/2041      145,000        160,451        1.4%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    3.375% due 11/15/2048      60,000        69,867        0.6%  
             
              1,389,098        12.2%  
    United States Treasury Notes                             
     
   

United States Treasury Note

    3.625% due 02/15/2021      1,040,000        1,067,787        9.4%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.125% due 06/30/2021      330,000        331,212        2.9%  
             
              1,398,999        12.3%  
              
             
  Total Government Bonds             $2,999,872        26.3%  
              

 

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  15


Sextant Bond Income Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                          As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Municipal Bonds – 11.7%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    General Obligation                             
     
   

Blaine Co. ID SCD #61 Hailey

    5.25% due 08/01/2020      $250,000        $258,310        2.3%  
 
   

Idaho Hsg & Fin GARVEE BAB A-2

    5.379% due 07/15/2020      180,000        185,137        1.6%  
 
   

San Marcos Texas ULTD GO BAB

    6.028% due 08/15/2030      200,000        208,298        1.8%  
 
   

Springville UT GO BAB

    5.30% due 05/01/2031      240,000        246,262        2.2%  
             
              898,007        7.9%  
    Municipal Leases                             
     
   

Johnson Co KS Bldg Ls/Pr RevBAB

    4.60% due 09/01/2026      250,000        255,042        2.2%  
 
   

Oklahoma City Fin Auth Ed Lease Rev

    6.60% due 09/01/2022      160,000        179,946        1.6%  
             
              434,988        3.8%  
              
             
  Total Municipal Bonds             $1,332,995        11.7%  
                                        
  Total investments     (Cost = $10,482,444)         $10,866,804        95.2%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             547,186        4.8%  
  Total net assets             $11,413,990        100.0%  
             
              

 

Bond Quality Diversification

 

    
     
% of Total Net Assets               

Rated “AAA”

    32.5%            LOGO  

Rated “AA+”

    3.4%      

Rated “AA”

    8.9%      

Rated “AA-”

    4.4%      

Rated “A+”

    8.8%      

Rated “A”

    14.6%      

Rated “A-”

    8.2%      

Rated “BBB+”

    9.8%      

Rated “BBB”

    2.5%      

Rated “BB”

    2.1%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    4.8%      

 

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.

 

 

 

 
16                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Bond Income Fund    LOGO

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of May 31, 2019

 

   

    

                           

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $10,482,444)

    $10,866,804  

Cash

    822,057  

Interest receivable

    126,640  

Prepaid expenses

    4,872  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    1,581  

Insurance reserve premium

    401  
       

Total assets

    11,822,355  
       

Liabilities

 

Payable for security purchases

    402,848  

Accrued advisory fees

    3,769  

Accrued retirement plan custodial fees

    1,207  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    274  

Distributions Payable

    262  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    5  
       

Total liabilities

    408,365  
       

Net assets

    $11,413,990  
   
 
       
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $11,068,221  

Total distributable earnings

    345,769  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $11,413,990  
   
 

Fund shares outstanding

    2,213,616  
   

Net asset value, offering, and redemption price per share

    $5.16  
         

Statement of Operations

 

             
Period ended May 31, 2019

 

 
     

    

   

Investment income

                            

Interest income

    $196,105    
               

Total investment income

    196,105    
               

Expenses

   

Investment adviser fees

    29,853    

Filing and registration fees

    6,333    

Audit fees

    3,187    

Retirement plan custodial fees

    1,444    

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,251    

Trustee fees

    1,222    

Printing and postage

    1,055    

Other expenses

    798    

Legal fees

    309    

Custodian fees

    229    
               

Total gross expenses

    45,681    
               

Less adviser fees waived

    (11,351  

Less custodian fee credits

    (188  
               

Net expenses

    34,142    
               

Net investment income

    $161,963    
     
   
     
   

Net realized gain from investments

    $7,550    

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments

    566,126    
               

Net gain on investments

    $573,676    
     
   
   
     

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $735,639    
                 

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  17


Sextant Bond Income Fund    LOGO

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019          Year ended November 30, 2018  
     

Increase in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $161,963          $309,853  

Net realized loss on Investments

    7,550          -  

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    566,126          (480,051
                  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    735,639          (170,198
                  
      

Distributions to shareowners

    (161,963        (309,851
      

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from sales of shares

    1,004,887          3,232,820  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    160,372          306,251  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (1,257,984        (1,621,814
                  

Total capital share transactions

    (92,725        1,917,257  
                  

Total increase in net assets

    480,951          1,437,208  
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of period

    10,933,039          9,495,831  

End of period

    $11,413,990          $10,933,039  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Number of shares sold

    198,954          650,577  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    31,793          61,384  

Number of shares redeemed

    (253,001        (322,372
                  

Net increase (decrease) in number of shares outstanding

    (22,254        389,589  
     
      

 

Financial Highlights

    For period ended       For year ended November 30,  

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016       2015       2014  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $4.89       $5.14       $5.07       $5.07       $5.26       $5.05  

Income from investment operations

           

Net investment income

    0.08       0.16       0.16       0.15       0.17       0.16  

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

    0.27       (0.25     0.07       0.00 A       (0.19     0.21  
                                               

Total from investment operations

    0.35       (0.09     0.23       0.15       (0.02     0.37  
                                               

Less distributions

           

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.08     (0.16     (0.16     (0.15     (0.17     (0.16
                                               

Total distributions

    (0.08     (0.16     (0.16     (0.15     (0.17     (0.16
                                               
           

Net asset value at end of period

    $5.16       $4.89       $5.14       $5.07       $5.07       $5.26  
             
           

Total returnB

    7.12%       (1.78 )%      4.51%       2.91%       (0.47 )%      7.40%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

           

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $11,414       $10,933       $9,496       $9,703       $7,998       $7,967  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

           

Before fee waivers and custodian fee creditsC

    0.86%       0.84%       0.98%       1.01%       1.03%       1.27%  

After fee waiversC

    0.64%       0.66%       0.78%       0.89%       0.90%       0.91%  

After fee waivers and custodian fee creditsC

    0.64%       0.65%       0.78%       0.88%       0.90%       0.90%  

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

    3.04%       3.20%       3.05%       2.85%       3.21%       3.07%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    7%       0%       4%       11%       4%       13%  
             
           
A 

Amount is less than $0.01

B

Not Annualized

C 

Annualized

 

 

 
18                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

Performance Summary

    

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of May 31, 2019

 

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Sextant Core Fund

       4.23%          3.47%          6.37%          0.88%  

Dow Jones Moderate US Portfolio Index

       0.97%          4.80%          8.27%          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 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 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 the Fund on November 30, 2008, to an identical amount invested in the Dow Jones Moderate US Portfolio Index, a broad-based index of stock and bond prices. The graph shows that an investment in the Fund would have risen to $18,544 versus $22,145 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, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

Fund Objective

 

The objectives of the Core Fund are long-term appreciation and capital preservation.

 

Portfolio Diversification

    
 
% of Total Net Assets  

Sectors

     Equity       Fixed Income  

Technology

     13.7%       2.2%  

Government Bonds

     n/a       14.1%  

Health Care

     10.5%       3.5%  

Financials

     7.9%       5.1%  

Industrials

     5.8%       5.0%  

Consumer Discretionary

     7.0%       2.5%  

Consumer Staples

     4.6%       n/a  

Materials

     3.7%       0.7%  

Communications

     1.8%       1.3%  

Municipal Bonds

     n/a       3.1%  

Energy

     2.4%       n/a  

Utilities

     1.4%       n/a  

Total

     58.8%       37.5%  

 

Top 10 Holdings

 
 
% of Total Net Assets  

US Treasury Bond (6.25% due 08/15/2023)

    3.6%  

Welltower (4.25% due 04/15/2028)

    2.6%  

United States Treasury Note (2.75% due 11/15/2023)

    2.5%  

Gilead Sciences (3.70% due 04/01/2024)

    1.8%  

Boeing (5.875% due 02/15/2040)

    1.8%  

United States Treasury Note (2.00% due 11/30/2022)

    1.8%  

Lowe’s (4.25% due 09/15/2044)

    1.7%  

Union Pacific Corp (3.375% due 02/01/2035)

    1.7%  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

    1.6%  

Qualcomm (3.25% due 05/20/2027)

    1.5%  

 

Asset Allocation

      
       
% of Total Net Assets       

Equity Securities

    58.8%         

 

 

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

 

Fixed Income Securities

    37.5%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    3.7%      

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  19


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                   As of May 31, 2019  
               
    Common Stocks – 58.8%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                                    
     
     Internet Media                                    
 
   

Alphabet, Class A2

       100       $77,588        $110,650      United States      0.8%  
 
     Telecom Carriers                                    
 
   

BCE

         3,300       140,233        148,599      Canada      1.0%  
                   217,821      259,249           1.8%  
    Consumer Discretionary                                    
   
     Apparel, Footwear & Accessory Design                           
 
   

VF

       1,600       86,484        131,008      United States      0.9%  
 
     Auto Parts                                    
 
   

Garrett Motion2

       4,100       47,582        63,058      United States      0.4%  
 
     Automobiles                                    
 
   

Subaru ADR

       11,700       130,741        134,901      Japan      1.0%  
 
     Home Products Stores                                    
 
   

Home Depot

       600       114,158        113,910      United States      0.8%  
 
   

Lowe’s

       1,400       86,638        130,592      United States      0.9%  
 
             200,796        244,502           1.7%  
 
     Specialty Apparel Stores                                    
 
   

Industria de Diseno Textil

       12,000       152,848        159,480      Spain      1.1%  
 
   

Ross Stores

       1,750       125,298        162,733      United States      1.1%  
 
   

TJX Companies

       2,200       109,838        110,638      United States      0.8%  
 
             387,984        432,851           3.0%  
               
           853,587        1,006,320           7.0%  
    Consumer Staples                                    
     
     Beverages                                    
 
   

PepsiCo

       1,350       139,207        172,800      United States      1.2%  
 
     Household Products                                    
 
   

Procter & Gamble

       1,150       93,040        118,347      United States      0.8%  
 
   

Unilever ADR

       2,900       132,633        176,639      United Kingdom      1.3%  
 
                                       
 
             225,673        294,986           2.1%  
 
     Packaged Food                                    
 
   

Nestle ADR

       1,900       147,925        188,404      Switzerland      1.3%  
               
           512,805        656,190           4.6%  

 

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
20                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                   As of May 31, 2019  
               
    Common Stocks – 58.8%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Energy                                    
     
     Exploration & Production                                    
 
   

ConocoPhillips

       1,490       $71,757        $87,850      United States      0.6%  
 
     Integrated Oils                                    
 
   

Equinor ADR

       6,500       $113,335        $124,475      Norway      0.9%  
 
   

Total ADR

       2,582       138,694        132,973      France      0.9%  
 
                                       
 
             252,029        257,448           1.8%  
 
                   
               
           323,786        345,298           2.4%  
    Financials                                    
     
     Banks                                    
 
   

PNC Financial Services Group

       1,690       129,314        215,070      United States      1.5%  
 
   

Toronto-Dominion Bank

       4,165       175,741        227,617      Canada      1.6%  
 
                                       
 
             305,055        442,687           3.1%  
 
     Consumer Finance                                    
 
   

Ally Financial

       7,100       147,875        204,977      United States      1.4%  
 
     Diversified Banks                                    
 
   

Citigroup

       1,900       138,144        118,085      United States      0.8%  
 
   

JP Morgan Chase

       1,850       164,687        196,026      United States      1.4%  
 
                                       
 
             302,831        314,111           2.2%  
 
     P&C Insurance                                    
 
   

Chubb

       1,130       151,600        165,059      Switzerland      1.2%  
               
           907,361        1,126,834           7.9%  
    Health Care                                    
   
     Biotech                                    
 
   

Amgen

       1,100       179,932        183,370      United States      1.3%  
 
     Large Pharma                                    
 
   

Bristol-Myers Squibb

       3,300       168,719        149,721      United States      1.0%  
 
   

GlaxoSmithKline ADR

       3,400       139,166        131,376      United Kingdom      0.9%  
 
   

Johnson & Johnson

       1,600       142,381        209,840      United States      1.5%  
 
   

Novo Nordisk ADR

       1,850       48,138        87,320      Denmark      0.6%  
 
   

Pfizer

       4,700       157,335        195,144      United States      1.4%  
 
                                       
 
             655,739        773,401           5.4%  
 
     Managed Care                                    
 
   

UnitedHealth Group

       800       189,963        193,440      United States      1.4%  
 
     Medical Devices                                    
 
   

Abbott Laboratories

       2,700       97,630        205,551      United States      1.4%  
 
     Medical Equipment                                    
 
   

Koninklijke Philips ADR

       3,800       137,793        150,556      Netherlands      1.0%  
               
           1,261,057        1,506,318           10.5%  

 

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  21


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                   As of May 31, 2019  
               
    Common Stocks – 58.8%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Industrials                                    
     
     Commercial & Residential
Building Equipment & Systems
                                   
 
   

Honeywell International

       1,000            $49,532        $164,310      United States      1.2%  
 
   

Johnson Controls International

       3,450       125,504        132,894      United States      0.9%  
 
                                       
 
             175,036        297,204           2.1%  
 
     Electrical Components                                    
 
   

Sensata Technologies Holding2

       2,870       120,959        122,520      United States      0.8%  
 
     Flow Control Equipment                                    
 
   

Parker Hannifin

       850       81,847        129,472      United States      0.9%  
 
     Industrial Distribution & Rental                                    
 
   

Fastenal

       4,500       108,145        137,655      United States      1.0%  
 
     Rail Freight                                    
 
   

Canadian National Railway

       1,600       49,410        141,744      Canada      1.0%  
               
           535,397        828,595           5.8%  
    Materials                                    
     
     Basic & Diversified Chemicals                                    
 
   

Linde

       1,000       79,815        180,550      Ireland      1.3%  
 
     Non Wood Building Materials                                    
 
   

Carlisle

       550       56,954        73,320      United States      0.5%  
 
     Specialty Chemicals                                    
 
   

PPG Industries

       1,300       138,435        136,045      United States      1.0%  
 
   

RPM International

       2,400       67,251        128,448      United States      0.9%  
 
                                       
 
             205,686        264,493           1.9%  
               
           342,455        518,363           3.7%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
22                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                   As of May 31, 2019  
               
    Common Stocks – 58.8%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Technology                                    
     
     Application Software                                    
 
   

Open Text Corp ADR

       3,900       $146,122        $154,908      Canada      1.1%  
 
     Communications Equipment                                    
 
   

Apple

       900       85,044        157,563      United States      1.1%  
 
     Computer Hardware & Storage                                    
 
   

HP

       3,300       49,083        61,644      United States      0.4%  
 
     Infrastructure Software                                    
 
   

Micro Focus International

       6,304       96,708        151,107      United Kingdom      1.0%  
 
   

Microsoft

       900       112,498        111,312      United States      0.8%  
 
   

Oracle

       3,100       124,402        156,860      United States      1.1%  
 
                                       
 
             333,608        419,279           2.9%  
 
     IT Services                                    
 
   

Amdocs Limited

       3,000       196,205        178,260      United States      1.3%  
 
     Semiconductor Devices                                    
 
   

Infineon Technologies ADR

       3,275       59,576        58,197      Germany      0.4%  
 
   

Intel

       3,200       117,841        140,928      United States      1.0%  
 
   

Microchip Technology

       1,200       90,091        96,036      United States      0.7%  
 
   

Micron Technology2

       2,100       82,354        68,481      United States      0.5%  
 
   

NXP Semiconductors

       1,200       87,444        105,792      Netherlands      0.7%  
 
   

Qualcomm

       1,900       106,927        126,958      United States      0.9%  
 
   

Xilinx

       1,700       68,621        173,927      United States      1.2%  
 
                                       
 
             612,854        770,319           5.4%  
 
     Semiconductor Manufacturing                                    
 
   

Applied Materials

       2,200       81,912        85,118      United States      0.6%  
 
   

Taiwan Semiconductor ADR

       3,500       37,159        134,225      Taiwan      0.9%  
 
                                       
 
             119,071        219,343           1.5%  
               
           1,541,987        1,961,316           13.7%  
    Utilities                                    
     
     Integrated Utilities                                    
 
   

NextEra Energy

       1,000       72,153        198,210      United States      1.4%  
               
                       72,153      198,210            1.4%  
     
    Total Common Stocks              $6,568,409      $8,406,693           58.8%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  23


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                  As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Corporate Bonds – 20.3%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                             
     
   

Bellsouth Capital Funding

    7.875% due 02/15/2030      $150,000        $187,157        1.3%  
             
              187,157        1.3%  
    Consumer Discretionary                             
     
   

Lowe’s

    4.25% due 09/15/2044      250,000        244,181        1.7%  
 
   

Stanford University

    4.013% due 05/01/2042      100,000        110,341        0.8%  
             
              354,522        2.5%  
    Financials                             
     
   

General Electric Capital

    5.35% due 04/15/2022      101,000        106,403        0.7%  
 
   

HSBC Holdings

    4.25% due 03/14/2024      150,000        154,969        1.1%  
 
   

PartnerRe Finance B

    5.50% due 06/01/2020      100,000        102,672        0.7%  
 
   

Welltower

    4.25% due 04/15/2028      350,000        368,569        2.6%  
             
              732,613        5.1%  
    Health Care                             
     
   

Becton Dickinson

    3.125% due 11/08/2021      100,000        100,840        0.7%  
 
   

Celgene

    2.875% due 08/15/2020      140,000        140,702        1.0%  
 
   

Gilead Sciences

    3.70% due 04/01/2024      250,000        260,411        1.8%  
             
              501,953        3.5%  
    Industrials                             
     
   

Boeing

    5.875% due 02/15/2040      200,000        255,682        1.8%  
 
   

Legrand France Yankee

    8.50% due 02/15/2025      170,000        213,353        1.5%  
 
   

Union Pacific

    3.375% due 02/01/2035      250,000        239,520        1.7%  
             
              708,555        5.0%  
    Materials                             
     
   

Air Products & Chemicals

    4.375% due 08/21/2019      100,000        100,357        0.7%  
             
              100,357        0.7%  
    Technology                             
     
   

Cisco Systems

    2.90% due 03/04/2021      100,000        100,747        0.7%  
 
   

Qualcomm

    3.25% due 05/20/2027      220,000        219,625        1.5%  
             
              320,372        2.2%  
              
             
  Total Corporate Bonds             $2,905,529        20.3%  
              

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
24                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                   As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Government Bonds – 14.1%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    United States Treasury Bonds                             
     
   

United States Treasury Bond

    6.25% due 08/15/2023      $438,000        $513,949        3.6%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    4.50% due 02/15/2036      137,000        178,619        1.2%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    3.625% due 02/15/2044      155,000        185,401        1.3%  
             
              877,969        6.1%  
    United States Treasury Notes                             
     
   

United States Treasury Note

    1.50% due 06/15/2020      150,000        148,887        1.0%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.125% due 08/31/2020      204,000        203,984        1.4%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.00% due 11/30/2022      250,000        250,703        1.8%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    1.625% due 04/30/2023      106,000        104,803        0.7%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.75% due 11/15/2023      350,000        361,990        2.5%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.00% due 05/31/2024      80,000        80,266        0.6%  
             
              1,150,633        8.0%  
              
             
  Total Government Bonds             $2,028,602        14.1%  
              
             
    Municipal Bonds – 3.1%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    General Obligation                             
     
   

Lake Washington SD 414 WA BAB

    4.906% due 12/01/2027      $100,000        $102,834        0.7%  
 
   

Skagit SD #1

    4.613% due 12/01/2022      100,000        104,084        0.8%  
             
              206,918        1.5%  
    State Education                             
     
   

New York City Housing Dev

    2.65% due 05/01/2021      100,000        100,545        0.7%  
             
              100,545        0.7%  
    Utility Networks                             
     
   

Tacoma WA Elec Sys Revenue

    5.966% due 01/01/2035      100,000        130,575        0.9%  
             
              130,575        0.9%  
              
             
  Total Municipal Bonds             $438,038        3.1%  
                                        
  Total investments     (Cost = $11,823,509)         13,778,862        96.3%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             522,072        3.7%  
  Total net assets             $14,300,934        100.0%  
             
              

 

1 

Country of domicile

2 

Non-income producing security

ADR: American Depositary Receipt

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  25


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Assets

                          

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $11,823,509)

    $13,778,862  

Cash

    435,057  

Dividends and interest receivable

    80,555  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    11,221  

Prepaid expenses

    5,058  
       

Total assets

    14,310,753  
       

Liabilities

 

Accrued advisory fees

    6,160  

Accrued retirement plan custodial fees

    1,127  

Accrued audit expenses

    754  

Accrued trustee expenses

    566  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    470  

Accrued printing expenses

    390  

Accrued other expenses

    352  
       

Total liabilities

    9,819  
       

Net assets

    $14,300,934  
   
 
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $12,059,617  

Total distributable earnings

    2,241,317  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $14,300,934  
   
 

Fund shares outstanding

    1,094,852  
   

Net asset value, offering, and redemption price per share

    $13.06  
         

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Investment income

                          

Dividends (net of foreign tax of $8,081)

    $104,060  

Interest income

    77,146  
       

Total investment income

    181,206  
       

Expenses

 

Investment adviser fees

    39,802  

Filing and registration fees

    9,258  

Audit fees

    3,688  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,672  

Retirement plan custodial fees

    1,479  

Trustee fees

    1,332  

Printing and postage

    1,079  

Other expenses

    690  

Legal fees

    382  

Custodian fees

    292  
       

Total gross expenses

    59,674  
       

Less custodian fee credits

    (244
       

Net expenses

    59,430  
       

Net investment income

    $121,776  
   
 
   

    

 

Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency

    $192,138  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency

    132,495  
       

Net gain on investments

    $324,633  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $446,409  
         

 

 

 
26                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Core Fund    LOGO

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019       Year ended Nov. 30, 2018  
     

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

   

From operations

   

Net investment income

    $121,776       $175,436  

Net realized gain on investment

    192,138       145,000  

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    132,495       (280,915
               

Net increase in net assets

    446,409       39,521  
               
   

Distributions to shareowners

    (179,879     (166,943
   

Capital share transactions

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    1,759,866       2,728,274  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    179,879       166,943  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (756,636     (2,896,024
               

Total capital share transactions

    1,183,109       (807
               

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,449,639       (128,229
     
   
     

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

    12,851,295       12,979,524  

End of period

    $14,300,934       $12,851,295  
     
   
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

   

Number of shares sold

    137,620       211,487  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    14,891       12,931  

Number of shares redeemed

    (58,924     (222,368
               

Net increase in number of shares outstanding

    93,587       2,050  
     
   

 

Financial Highlights

    For period ended       For year ended November 30,  

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016        2015       2014  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $12.84       $12.99       $11.45       $11.25        $12.43       $11.78  

Income from investment operations

            

Net investment income

    0.11       0.18       0.16       0.18        0.18       0.21  

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

    0.25       (0.16     1.55       0.02        (0.72     0.78  
                                                

Total from investment operations

    0.36       0.02       1.71       0.20        (0.54     0.99  
                                                

Less distributions

            

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.14     (0.17     (0.17     -        (0.18     (0.21

Distributions (from capital gains)

    -       -       -       -        (0.46     (0.13
                                                

Total distributions

    (0.14     (0.17     (0.17     -        (0.64     (0.34
                                                
            

Net asset value at end of period

    $13.06       $12.84       $12.99       $11.45        $11.25       $12.43  
             
            

Total returnA

    3.25%       0.16%       15.15%       1.78%        (4.38 )%      8.41%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

            

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $14,301       $12,851       $12,980       $8,563        $8,435       $8,656  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            

Before custodian fee creditsB

    0.87%       0.88%       0.84%       1.05%        1.02%       1.17%  

After custodian fee creditsB

    0.86%       0.87%       0.83%       1.04%        1.01%       1.16%  

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

    1.77%       1.41%       1.52%       1.52%        1.44%       1.88%  

Portfolio turnover rateA

    11%       30%       34%       39%        24%       14%  
             
            

 

A 

Not Annualized

B 

Annualized

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  27


Sextant Global High Income Fund    LOGO

 

Performance Summary

  

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of May 31, 2019

                   
         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Sextant Global High Income Fund2

       3.59%          3.59%          n/a          0.97%  

S&P Global 1200 Index

       0.19%          6.28%          10.50%          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 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 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 the Fund on March 30, 2012 (the Fund’s inception), to an identical amount invested in the S&P Global 1200 Index, a global stock market index covering nearly 70% of the world’s equity markets. The graph shows that an investment in the Fund would have risen to $14,309 versus $18,672 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, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, before fee waivers. The expense ratio shown in the most recent prospectus after fee waivers was 0.75%. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

 

2 

The Sextant Global High Income Fund began operations on March 30, 2012.

Fund Objective

 

The objective of the Global High Income Fund is high income, with a secondary objective of capital preservation.

 

Portfolio Diversification

    
 
% of Total Net Assets  

Sectors

     Equity       Fixed Income  

Government Bonds

     n/a       26.3%  

Financials

     4.0%       8.7%  

Energy

     8.5%       1.3%  

Technology

     8.5%       1.1%  

Communications

     6.3%       2.7%  

Materials

     4.3%       2.6%  

Consumer Discretionary

     1.6%       4.5%  

Industrials

     3.1%       2.3%  

Health Care

     3.8%       n/a  

Municipal Bonds

     n/a       2.9%  

Consumer Staples

     n/a       2.1%  

Total

     40.1%       54.5%  

 

Top 10 Holdings

 

 

% of Total Net Assets

 

United States Treasury Bill (0.00% due 06/25/2019)

    10.0%  

United States Treasury Bond (6.125% due 11/15/2027)

    5.3%  

Mexico Bonos Desarrollo (6.50% due 06/10/2021)

    4.3%  

Microchip Technology

    2.9%  

Jefferies Group (5.125% due 01/20/2023)

    2.7%  

T-Mobile (6.50% due 01/15/2026)

    2.7%  

Royal Dutch Shell ADR, Class A

    2.4%  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (5.05% due 03/01/2041)

    2.3%  

Applied Materials

    2.3%  

Equinor ADR

    2.3%  

 

Asset Allocation

      
       
% of Total Net Assets       

Equity Securities

    40.1%         

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Fixed Income Securities

    54.5%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    5.4%      

 

 

 
28                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Sextant Global High Income Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                        As of May 31, 2019  
               
    Common Stocks – 40.1%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                                    
     
     Telecom Carriers                                    
 
   

AT&T

       7,500       $229,195        $229,350      United States      2.3%  
 
   

Orange ADR

       12,500       188,424        187,875      France      1.9%  
 
   

SK Telecom ADR

       9,000       149,321        209,070      Korea      2.1%  
               
           566,940        626,295           6.3%  
    Consumer Discretionary                                    
     
     Automobiles                                    
 
   

Subaru ADR

       13,601       157,273        156,820      Japan      1.6%  
               
           157,273        156,820           1.6%  
    Consumer Discretionary                                    
     
     Exploration & Production                                    
 
   

CNOOC Limited ADR

       1,100       155,570        178,607      China      1.8%  
 
   

Goodrich Petroleum2

       200          2,314      United States      0.0% 3 
 
                                       
 
             155,570        180,921           1.8%  
 
     Integrated Oils                                    
 
   

Equinor ADR

       12,000       218,810        229,800      Norway      2.3%  
 
   

Royal Dutch Shell ADR, Class A

       3,800       241,426        234,878      Netherlands      2.4%  
 
   

Total ADR

       3,800       202,606        195,700      France      2.0%  
 
                                       
 
             662,842        660,378           6.7%  
               
           818,412        841,299           8.5%  
    Financials                                    
     
     Banks                                    
 
   

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, Class A

       20,000       198,047        176,856      Sweden      1.8%  
 
     Diversified Banks                                    
 
   

Itau Unibanco Holding ADR, Class A

       25,000       144,759        222,500      Brazil      2.2%  
               
           342,806        399,356           4.0%  
    Health Care                                    
     
     Health Care Supplies                                    
 
   

Alcon Inc2

       380       13,238        22,108      Switzerland      0.2%  
 
     Large Pharma                                    
 
   

GlaxoSmithKline ADR

       5,000       216,373        193,200      United Kingdom      2.0%  
 
   

Novartis ADR

       1,900       96,814        162,716      Switzerland      1.6%  
 
                                       
 
             313,187        355,916           3.6%  
               
           326,425        378,024           3.8%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  29


Sextant Global High Income Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                                 As of May 31, 2019  
               
    Common Stocks – 40.1%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Industrials                                    
     
     Infrastructure Construction                                    
 
   

CCR

       45,000       $130,047        $153,442      Brazil      1.5%  
 
   

Hopewell Highway Infrastructure

       325,000       168,010        155,440      Hong Kong      1.6%  
               
           298,057        308,882           3.1%  
    Materials                                    
     
     Base Metals                                    
 
   

South32 ADR

       19,000       134,773        220,210      Australia      2.2%  
 
     Steel Raw Material Suppliers                                    
 
   

BHP Biliton ADR

       4,000       155,038        207,640      Australia      2.1%  
               
           289,811        427,850           4.3%  
    Technology                                    
     
     Computer Hardware & Storage                                    
 
   

Western Digital

       5,000       212,770        186,100      Singapore      1.9%  
 
     Infrastructure Software                                    
 
   

Micro Focus International plc Spons

       5,807       99,433        139,194      United Kingdom      1.4%  
 
     Semiconductor Devices                                    
 
   

Microchip Technology

       3,500       111,383        280,105      United States      2.9%  
 
     Semiconductor Manufacturing                                    
 
   

Applied Materials

       6,000       210,256        232,140      United States      2.3%  
               
           633,842        837,539           8.5%  
                 
               
  Total Common Stock          $3,433,566        $3,976,065           40.1%  
                 
             
    Corporate Bonds – 25.3%    Coupon / Maturity     Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                                
     
   

T-Mobile

       6.50% due 01/15/2026       $250,000        $263,750      United States      2.7%  
               
              263,750           2.7%  
    Consumer Discretionary                                
   
   

ADT

     4.125% due 06/15/2023       150,000        145,312      United States      1.5%  
 
   

GAP

     5.95% due 04/12/2021       100,000        103,647      United States      1.0%  
 
   

Rent-A-Center

     6.625% due 11/15/2020       200,000        199,000      United States      2.0%  
               
              447,959           4.5%  
    Consumer Staples                                
     
   

Grupo Bimbo

       4.875% due 06/27/2044       200,000        204,879      Mexico      2.1%  
               
              204,879           2.1%  

 

Continued on next page

 

 

 
30                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Global High Income Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                       As of May 31, 2019  
               
    Corporate Bonds – 25.3%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Energy                                  
     
   

Petrobras International Finance

    6.875% due 01/20/2040      $50,000        $51,410      Brazil      0.5%  
 
   

Petrobras International Finance

    6.75% due 01/27/2041      80,000        81,641      Brazil      0.8%  
               
              133,051           1.3%  
    Financials                                  
     
   

Canadian Imperial Bank

    3.42% due 01/26/2026      CAD 250,000        188,269      Canada      1.9%  
 
   

Jefferies Group

    5.125% due 01/20/2023      250,000        265,708      United States      2.7%  
 
   

Lincoln National (3 month LIBOR plus 2.04%) 4

    6.05% due 04/20/2067      250,000        195,000      United States      2.0%  
 
   

Royal Bank of Scotland

    6.125% due 12/15/2022      200,000        213,267      United Kingdom      2.1%  
               
              862,244           8.7%  
    Industrials                                  
     
   

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

    5.05% due 03/01/2041      200,000        232,911      United States      2.3%  
               
              232,911           2.3%  
    Materials                                  
     
   

Allegheny Technologies

    7.875% due 08/15/2023      150,000        157,457      United States      1.6%  
 
   

AngloGold Ashanti Holdings

    5.375% due 04/15/2020      100,000        101,582      South Africa      1.0%  
               
              259,039           2.6%  
    Technology                                  
     
   

Hewlett Packard

    4.65% due 12/09/2021      100,000        104,699      United States      1.1%  
               
              104,699           1.1%  
                 
               
  Total Corporate Bonds             $2,508,532           25.3%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

Bond Quality Diversification

 

  
     
% of Total Net Assets

 

    

Rated “AAA”

    15.3%         

 

LOGO

 

Rated “A+”

    2.3%      

Rated “A-”

    4.3%      

Rated “BBB”

    7.1%      

Rated “BBB-”

    4.1%    

Rated “BB+”

    2.0%      

Rated “BB”

    6.8%      

Rated “BB-”

    4.2%      

Rated “B”

    3.5%      

Rated “B-”

    2.0%         

Rated “C”

    0.8%         

Not Rated

    2.1%         

Equity

    40.1%         

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    5.4%               
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   May 31, 2019                  31


Sextant Global High Income Fund    LOGO

 

  Schedule of Investments               As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Government Bonds - 26.3%   Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Foreign Government Bonds                                  
     
   

Colombia Republic

    8.375% due 02/15/2027      $125,000        $141,057      Colombia      1.4%  
 
   

Federal Republic of Brazil

    12.50% due 01/05/2022      BRL 500,000        143,396      Brazil      1.4%  
 
   

Federal Republic of Brazil

    8.50% due 01/05/2024      BRL 750,000        195,989      Brazil      2.0%  
 
   

Mexico Bonos Desarrollo

    6.50% due 06/10/2021      MXN 85,000        422,087      Mexico      4.3%  
 
   

Republic of Argentina - Global Bond

    7.50% due 04/22/2026      250,000        187,125      Argentina      1.9%  
               
              1,089,654           11.0%  
    United States Treasury Bonds                                  
     
   

United States Treasury Bond

    6.125% due 11/15/2027      400,000        523,734      United States      5.3%  
               
              523,734           5.3%  
    United States Treasury Bills                                  
     
   

U.S. Treasury Bill2

    0.00% due 06/25/2019      1,000,000        998,601      United States      10.0%  
               
              998,601           10.0%  
                 
           
  Total Government Bonds         $2,611,989           26.3%  
                 
               
    Municipal Bonds – 2.9%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Revenue                                  
     
   

Colony TX NFM Sales Tax Revenue

    7.00% due 10/01/2027      $100,000        $102,222      United States      1.0%  
 
   

Colony TX NFM Sales Tax Revenue

    7.25% due 10/01/2033      50,000        51,112      United States      0.5%  
 
   

Colony TX NFM Sales Tax Revenue

    7.625% due 10/01/2042      50,000        54,302      United States      0.6%  
               
              207,636           2.1%  
                 
    Water Supply                                  
     
   

Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer

    5.00% due 07/01/2019      85,000        84,894      United States      0.8%  
               
              84,894           0.8%  
                 
               
  Total Municipal Bonds             $292,530           2.9%  
                 
               
    Warrants – 0.0%       Number of Shares    Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Energy                                  
     
     Exploration & Production                                  
 
   

Goodrich Petroleum Warrants 2

    1,707      $-        $-      United States      0.0%  
               
           $-        $-           0.0%  
                                             
  Total investments     (Cost = $8,962,855)         9,389,116           94.6%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             532,577             5.4%  
  Total net assets             $9,921,693           100.0%  
               
                 

 

1

Country of domicile

2 

Non-income producing

3 

Amount is less than 0.05%

4 

Variable rate security. The interest rate represents the rate in effect at November 30, 2018 and resets periodically based on the parenthetically disclosed reference rate and spread.

ADR: American Depositary Receipt

 

 

 

 
32                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Global High Income Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                   As of May 31, 2019

 

Countries

  
 

            

 

LOGO

 

Weightings shown are a percentage of total net assets.

 

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  33


Sextant Global High Income Fund    LOGO

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
As of May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Assets

                      

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $8,962,855)

    $9,389,116  

Cash

    1,408,579  

Dividends and interest receivable

    105,189  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    10,237  

Prepaid expenses

    9,026  
       

Total assets

    10,922,147  
       

Liabilities

 

Payable for securities purchased

    998,613  

Accrued advisory fees

    893  

Accrued retirement plan custodial fees

    630  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    318  
       

Total liabilities

    1,000,454  
       

Net assets

    $9,921,693  
   
 
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $9,299,754  

Total distributable earnings

    621,939  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $9,921,693  
   
 

Fund shares outstanding

    903,783  
   

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $10.98  
         

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Investment income

 

Interest income

    $125,015  

Dividend Income (net of foreign tax of $15,272)

    104,577  
       

Total investment income

    229,592  
       

Expenses

 

Investment adviser fees

    33,053  

Filing and registration fees

    9,636  

Audit fees

    3,647  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,420  

Trustee fees

    1,180  

Printing and postage

    1,033  

Retirement plan custodial fees

    803  

Other expenses

    570  

Custodian fees

    413  

Legal fees

    310  
       

Total gross expenses

    52,065  
       

Less adviser fees waived

    (15,856

Less custodian fee credits

    (381
       

Net expenses

    35,828  
       

Net investment income

    $193,764  
   
 
   

    

 

Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency

    $34,623  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency

    26,608  
       

Net gain on investments

    $61,231  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $254,995  
         

 

 

 
34                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Global High Income Fund    LOGO

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019          Year ended Nov. 30, 2018  
     

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $193,764          $318,693  

Net realized gain on investment

    34,623          151,626  

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    26,608          (267,907
                  

Net increase in net assets

    254,995          202,412  
                  
      

Distributions to shareowners

    (311,447        (253,597
      

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from sales of shares

    1,579,441          564,016  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    305,589          249,322  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (734,297        (1,307,655
                  

Total capital share transactions

    1,150,733          (494,317
                  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,094,281          (545,502
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of period

    8,827,412          9,372,914  

End of period

    $9,921,693          $8,827,412  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Number of shares sold

    142,703          50,613  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    29,440          22,707  

Number of shares redeemed

    (66,085        (118,123
                  

Net increase (decrease) in number of shares outstanding

    106,058          (44,803

 

Financial Highlights

    For period ended       For Year ended November 30,  

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016        2015       2014  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $11.07       $11.12       $10.11       $8.89        $10.57       $10.51  

Income from investment operations

            

Net investment income

    0.21       0.40       0.35       0.45        0.52       0.48  

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

    0.09       (0.15     1.11       0.77        (1.68     0.07  
                                                

Total from investment operations

    0.30       0.25       1.46       1.22        (1.16     0.55  
                                                

Less distributions

            

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.39     (0.30     (0.45     -        (0.52     (0.49
                                                

Total distributions

    (0.39     (0.30     (0.45     -        (0.52     (0.49
                                                

Net asset value at end of period

    $10.98       $11.07       $11.12       $10.11        $8.89       $10.57  
             
            

Total returnA

    2.93%       2.31%       15.01%       13.72%        (11.01 )%      5.27%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

            

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $9,922       $8,827       $9,373       $7,570        $6,952       $7,707  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            

Before fee waiversB

    1.09%       0.97%       1.18%       1.17%        1.06%       1.41%  

After fee waiversB

    0.76%       0.75%       0.83%       0.91%        0.90%       0.91%  

After fee waivers and custodian fee creditsB

    0.75%       0.75%       0.82%       0.90%        0.89%       0.90%  

Ratio of net investment income after fee waivers and custodian fee credits to average net assetsB

    4.07%       3.43%       3.34%       4.78%        4.87%       4.75%  

Portfolio turnover rateA

    11%       10%       8%       26%        40%       11%  
             
            
A 

Not Annualized

B 

Annualized

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  35


Sextant Growth Fund    LOGO

 

Performance Summary

 

                   

Average Annual Total Returns as of May 31, 2019

 

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1
 

Sextant Growth Fund Investor Shares (SSGFX)

       7.18%          7.94%          11.46%          0.92%  

Sextant Growth Fund Z Shares (SGZFX)2

       7.50%          n/a          n/a          0.70%  

S&P 500 Index

       3.78%          9.65%          13.93%          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 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 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, 2008, to an identical amount invested in the S&P 500 Index, an index comprised of 500 widely held common stocks considered to be representative of the US stock market in general. The graph shows that an investment in the Investor Shares of the Fund would have risen to $29,585 versus $36,894 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, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

 

2 

Sextant Growth Fund Z Shares (SGZFX) began operations June 2, 2017.

Fund Objective

 

The objective of the Growth Fund is long-term capital growth.

 

Top 10 Holdings

  
 
% of Total Net Assets  

Amazon.com

     7.0%  

Adobe Inc.

     6.5%  

Apple

     6.2%  

Microsoft

     6.0%  

Mastercard, Class A

     5.8%  

Alphabet, Class A

     5.7%  

Abbott Laboratories

     4.1%  

Worldpay, Class A

     3.8%  

Costco Wholesale

     3.0%  

Ecolab

     3.0%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

      
   
% of Total Net Assets

 

  

Consumer Finance

    12.1%           
LOGO
 

Medical Devices

    8.0%      

Application Software

    7.6%      

Infrastructure Software

    7.5%      

E-Commerce Discretionary

    7.0%      

Communications Equipment

    6.2%      

Internet Media

    5.7%      

Home Products Stores

    5.0%      

Semiconductor Devices

    4.5%      

Specialty Apparel Stores

    4.2%      

Other Commercial Services

    3.0%      

Mass Merchants

    3.0%      

Industries < 3%

    24.9%      

Other Assets (net of liabilities)

    1.3%      

 

 

 
36                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Sextant Growth Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                            As of May 31, 2019
             
    Common Stock – 98.7%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Percentage of Assets
    Communications                             
     
     Internet Based Services                             
 
   

Booking Holdings1

       400       $761,890        $662,488      1.7%
 
     Internet Media                             
 
   

Alphabet, Class A1

       1,998       1,175,995        2,210,787      5.7%
             
           1,937,885        2,873,275      7.4%
    Consumer Discretionary                             
     
     Airlines                             
 
   

Alaska Air

       7,422       129,600        431,960      1.1%
 
     Apparel, Footwear & Accessory Design                             
 
   

Nike, Class B

       10,276       528,776        792,691      2.0%
 
     E-Commerce Discretionary                             
 
   

Amazon.com1

       1,529       278,191        2,714,082      7.0%
 
     Home Improvement                             
 
   

Stanley Black & Decker

       8,684       795,475        1,104,778      2.9%
 
     Home Products Stores                             
 
   

Home Depot

       4,800       564,733        911,280      2.3%
 
   

Lowe’s

       11,200       794,834        1,044,736      2.7%
 
                              
 
             1,359,567        1,956,016      5.0%
 
     Other Commercial Services                             
 
   

Ecolab

       6,243       704,507        1,149,274      3.0%
 
     Restaurants                             
 
   

Starbucks

       14,674       610,056        1,116,105      2.9%
 
     Specialty Apparel Stores                             
 
   

Ross Stores

       11,600       742,559        1,078,684      2.8%
 
   

TJX Companies

       11,078       330,472        557,113      1.4%
 
                              
 
             1,073,031        1,635,797      4.2%
             
           5,479,203        10,900,703      28.1%
    Consumer Staples                             
     
     Mass Merchants                             
 
   

Costco Wholesale

       4,883       599,638        1,169,869      3.0%
             
           599,638        1,169,869      3.0%

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  37


Sextant Growth Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                            As of May 31, 2019
             
    Common Stock – 98.7%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Percentage of Assets
     Financials                              
     
     Consumer Finance                             
 
   

Ally Financial

       34,000       $777,141        $981,580      2.5%
 
   

Mastercard, Class A

       8,914       806,925        2,241,782      5.8%
 
   

Worldpay, Class A1

       12,000       1,004,896        1,459,680      3.8%
 
                              
 
             2,588,962        4,683,042      12.1%
 
     Diversified Banks                             
 
   

JP Morgan Chase

       8,367       501,267        886,567      2.3%
             
           3,090,229        5,569,609      14.4%
    Health Care                             
     
     Biotech                             
 
   

Amgen

       1,980       25,949        330,066      0.9%
 
     Large Pharma                             
 
   

Bristol-Myers Squibb

       15,600       722,502        707,772      1.8%
 
     Medical Devices                             
 
   

Abbott Laboratories

       20,799       646,854        1,583,428      4.1%
 
   

Edwards Lifesciences1

       5,700       546,521        972,990      2.5%
 
   

Stryker

       3,000       374,100        549,720      1.4%
 
                              
 
             1,567,475        3,106,138      8.0%
             
           2,315,926        4,143,976      10.7%
    Industrials                             
     
     Commercial & Residential Building Equipment &
Systems
                            
 
   

Honeywell International

       5,000       753,256        821,550      2.1%
 
     Electrical Components                             
 
   

Sensata Technologies Holding1

       8,500       453,176        362,865      0.9%
 
   

TE Connectivity

       6,000       549,196        505,380      1.3%
 
                              
 
             1,002,372        868,245      2.2%
 
     Measurement Instruments                             
 
   

Trimble1

       24,000       833,189        957,600      2.5%
             
           2,588,817        2,647,395      6.8%
    Materials                             
     
     Specialty Chemicals                             
 
   

RPM International

       18,000       737,644        963,360      2.5%
             
           737,644        963,360      2.5%

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
38                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant Growth Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                            As of May 31, 2019
             
    Common Stock – 98.7%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Percentage of Assets
     Technology                              
     
     Application Software                             
 
   

Adobe Systems1

       9,300       $92,094        $2,519,370      6.5%
 
   

Take-Two Interactive Software1

       4,000       405,004        432,600      1.1%
 
                              
 
             497,098        2,951,970      7.6%
 
     Communications Equipment                             
 
   

Apple

       13,720       16,172        2,401,960      6.2%
 
     Infrastructure Software                             
 
   

Microsoft

       18,920       872,435        2,340,026      6.0%
 
   

Oracle

       11,300       550,082        571,780      1.5%
 
                              
 
             1,422,517        2,911,806      7.5%
 
     Semiconductor Devices                             
 
   

Qualcomm

       6,000       405,540        400,920      1.1%
 
   

Texas Instruments

       3,600       386,981        375,516      1.0%
 
   

Xilinx

       9,200       853,942        941,252      2.4%
 
                              
 
             1,646,463        1,717,688      4.5%
             
           3,582,250        9,983,424      25.8%
                                        
  Total investments          $20,331,592        38,251,611      98.7%
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             501,878      1.3%
  Total net assets             $38,753,489      100.0%
             
              

 

1

Non-income producing security

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  39


Sextant Growth Fund    LOGO

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Assets

                          

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $20,331,592)

    $38,251,611  

Cash

    472,859  

Dividends receivable

    29,245  

Prepaid expenses

    13,692  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    7,399  

Insurance reserve premium

    1,214  
       

Total assets

    38,776,020  
       

Liabilities

 

Accrued advisory fees

    17,176  

Accrued trustee expenses

    3,267  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,265  

Accrued distribution fee

    823  
       

Total liabilities

    22,531  
       

Net assets

    $38,753,489  
   
 
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $20,787,864  

Total distributable earnings

    17,965,625  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $38,753,489  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Investor Share

    SSGFX  

Net assets, at value

    $3,604,474  

Shares outstanding

    127,003  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $28.38  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Z Share

    SGZFX  

Net assets, at value

    $35,149,015  

Shares outstanding

    1,243,711  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $28.26  
   
 

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Investment income

                          

Dividend income

    $216,153  
       

Total investment income

    216,153  
       

Expenses

 

Investment adviser fees

    132,254  

Filing and registration fees

    10,775  

Audit fees

    7,857  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    5,385  

Distribution fees - Investor Shares

    4,791  

Retirement plan custodial fees

 

Investor Shares

    7  

Z Shares

    3,481  

Trustee fees

    3,089  

Printing and postage

    1,693  

Other expenses

    1,347  

Legal fees

    1,221  

Custodian fees

    820  
       

Total gross expenses

    172,720  
       

Less custodian fee credits

    (690
       

Net expenses

    172,030  
       

Net investment income

    $44,123  
   
 
   

    

 

Net realized gain from investments

    $8,061  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments

    1,469,089  
       

Net gain on investments

    $1,477,150  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $1,521,273  
         

 

 

 
40                  May 31, 2019  

Semi-Annual Report

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


Sextant Growth Fund    LOGO

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019          Year ended Nov. 30, 2018  
     

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $44,123          $175,267  

Net realized gain on investment

    8,061          1,640,036  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation

    1,469,089          1,967,640  
                  

Net increase in net assets

    1,521,273          3,782,943  
                  

Distributions to shareowners

      

Net distribution to shareholders – Investor Shares

    (169,456        (294,960

Net distribution to shareholders – Z Shares

    (1,652,425        (1,773,166
                  

Total distributions

    (1,821,881        (2,068,126
                  

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from sales of shares

      

Investor Shares

    129,016          328,352  

Z Shares

    755,289          2,305,904  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

      

Investor Shares

    128,694          294,403  

Z Shares

    1,612,686          1,721,116  

Cost of shares redeemed

      

Investor Shares

    (1,625,847        (1,820,640

Z Shares

    (1,173,614        (3,295,790
                  

Total capital share transactions

    (173,776        (466,655
                  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (474,384        1,248,162  
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of period

    39,227,873          37,979,711  

End of period

    $38,753,489          $39,227,873  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Investor Shares (SSGFX)

      

Number of shares sold

    4,584          11,092  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    5,181          11,215  

Number of shares redeemed

    (58,295        (63,545
                  

Net decrease in number of shares outstanding

    (48,530        (41,238
                  

Z Shares (SGZFX)

      

Number of shares sold

    27,628          82,395  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    65,291          65,817  

Number of shares redeemed

    (42,562        (119,008
                  

Net increase in number of shares outstanding

    50,357          29,204  
     
      

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  41


Sextant Growth Fund: Financial Highlights    LOGO

 

Investor Shares (SSGFX)

    For period ended       For year ended November 30,  

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016       2015       2014  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $28.70       $27.51       $22.52       $24.03       $26.36       $23.92  

Income from investment operations

           

Net investment income

    (0.01 )A       0.07 A       0.15 A       0.11       0.03       0.02  

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

    0.97       2.53       4.93       (0.88     (0.25     3.88  
                                               

Total from investment operations

    0.96       2.60       5.08       (0.77     (0.22     3.90  
                                               

Less distributions

           

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.04     (0.07     (0.09     (0.02     (0.04     (0.01

Distributions (from capital gains)

    (1.24     (1.34     -       (0.72     (2.07     (1.45
                                               

Total distributions

    (1.28     (1.41     (0.09     (0.74     (2.11     (1.46
                                               
           

Net asset value at end of period

    $28.38       $28.70       $27.51       $22.52       $24.03       $26.36  
             
           

Total returnB

    3.97%       9.95%       22.64%       (3.22 )%      (0.87 )%      16.29%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

           

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $3,604       $5,037       $5,962       $34,561       $55,867       $45,863  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

           

Before custodian fee creditsC

    1.19%       0.92%       0.76%       0.76%       0.90%       1.05%  

After custodian fee creditsC

    1.18%       0.92%       0.76%       0.76%       0.90%       1.05%  

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

    (0.07 )%      0.25%       0.60%       0.39%       0.13%       0.07%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    7%       17%       18%       25%       68%       23%  
             
           

 

Z Shares (SGZFX)

    For period ended       Year ended       Period ended  

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

    May 31, 2019       November 30, 2018       November 30, 2017 B 
       

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $28.65       $27.50       $25.54  

Income from investment operations

     

Net investment income

    0.04 A       0.13 A       0.16 A  

Net gains on securities (both realized & unrealized)

    0.96       2.53       1.82  
                       

Total from investment operations

    1.00       2.66       1.98  
                       

Less distributions

     

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.15     (0.17     (0.02

Distributions (from capital gains)

    (1.24     (1.34     -  
                       

Total distributions

    (1.39     (1.51     (0.02
                       
     

Net asset value at end of period

    $28.26       $28.65       $27.50  
       
     

Total returnB

    4.16%       10.20%       7.73% C  
       

Ratios / supplemental data

     

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $35,149       $34,191       $32,017  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     

Before custodian fee creditsC

    0.87%       0.70%       0.51% D  

After custodian fee creditsC

    0.87%       0.70%       0.51% D  

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

    0.26%       0.47%       0.89% D  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    7%       17%       18% C  
       
     
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 

Operations commenced on June 2, 2017

 

 

 
42                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant International Fund    LOGO

 

Performance Summary

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of May 31, 2019

 

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Sextant International Fund Investor Shares (SSIFX)

       11.83%          6.04%          6.46%          1.05%  

Sextant International Fund Z Shares (SIFZX)2

       12.16%          n/a          n/a          0.84%  

MSCI EAFE Index

       -5.26%          1.75%          6.71%          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 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, 2008, to an identical amount invested in the MSCI EAFE Index, an international index focused on Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. The graph shows that an investment in Investor Shares of the Fund would have risen to $18,705 versus $19,161 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, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

 

2 

Sextant International Fund Z Shares (SIFZX) began operations June 2, 2017.

Fund Objective

 

The objective of the International Fund is long-term capital growth.

 

Top 10 Holdings

 

 
% of Total Net Assets  

Wolters Kluwer

     8.4%  

MercadoLibre

     6.9%  

NICE Systems ADR

     6.8%  

Dassault Systemes ADR

     6.2%  

ASML

     4.6%  

Unilever ADR

     3.7%  

Novartis ADR

     3.4%  

Fomento Economico Mexico ADR

     3.4%  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

     3.3%  

Copa Holdings, Class A

     3.3%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

      
     
% of Total Net Assets

 

    

Application Software

    13.0%           
LOGO
 

Information Services

    8.4%      

E-Commerce Discretionary

    6.9%      

Large Pharma

    6.3%      

Banks

    5.2%      

Telecom Carriers

    5.0%      

Semiconductor Manufacturing

    4.6%      

Airlines

    4.4%      

Household Products

    3.7%      

Beverages

    3.4%      

Basic & Diversified Chemicals

    3.2%      

Industries < 3.0%

    10.3%      

Other Assets (net of liabilities)

    25.6%               

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  43


Sextant International Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                  

As of May 31, 2019

 
               
    Common Stocks –74.4%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                                    
     
     Telecom Carriers                                    
 
   

BCE

       50,000       $1,164,294        $2,251,500      Canada      2.7%  
 
   

Telus

       50,000       710,476        1,844,500      Canada      2.3%  
               
           1,874,770        4,096,000           5.0%  
    Consumer Discretionary                                    
     
     Airlines                                    
 
   

Air Canada2

       32,000       573,924        945,920      Canada      1.1%  
 
   

Copa Holdings, Class A

       30,000       1,766,222        2,688,300      Panama      3.3%  
 
                                       
 
             2,340,146        3,634,220           4.4%  
 
     Automobiles                                    
 
   

Subaru ADR

       25,000       362,500        288,250      Japan      0.4%  
 
   

Toyota Motor ADR

       10,000       748,148        1,175,800      Japan      1.4%  
 
                                       
 
             1,110,648        1,464,050           1.8%  
 
     E-Commerce Discretionary                                    
 
   

MercadoLibre

       10,000       829,340        5,705,200      Argentina      6.9%  
 
     Specialty Apparel Stores                                    
 
   

Industria de Diseno Textil

       30,000       1,139,258        799,141      Spain      1.0%  
               
           5,419,392        11,602,611           14.1%  
    Consumer Staples                                    
     
     Beverages                                    
 
   

Fomento Economico Mexico ADR

       30,000       1,614,722        2,791,800      Mexico      3.4%  
 
     Household Products                                    
 
   

Unilever ADR

       50,000       1,315,509        3,045,500      United Kingdom      3.7%  
               
           2,930,231        5,837,300           7.1%  
    Energy                                    
     
     Integrated Oils                                    
 
   

Total ADR

       34,096       1,833,763        1,755,944      France      2.1%  
               
           1,833,763        1,755,944           2.1%  
    Financials                                    
     
     Banks                                    
 
   

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group ADR

       80,000       1,581,456        1,545,600      Australia      1.9%  
 
   

Toronto-Dominion Bank

       50,000       1,250,872        2,732,500      Canada      3.3%  
 
                                       
 
             2,832,328        4,278,100           5.2%  
 
     Diversified Banks                                    
 
   

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group ADR

       200,000       960,000        918,000      Japan      1.1%  
               
           3,792,328        5,196,100           6.3%  

 

Continue on next page.

 

 

 
44                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant International Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments                  

As of May 31, 2019

 
               
    Common Stocks – 74.4%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Health Care                                    
     
     Health Care Supplies                                    
 
   

Alcon2

       6,600       $203,580        $383,988      Switzerland      0.5%  
 
     Health Care Supply Chain                                    
 
   

Sinopharm Group

       250,000       798,792        936,940      China      1.1%  
 
     Large Pharma                                    
 
   

Novartis ADR

       33,000       1,488,814        2,826,120      Switzerland      3.4%  
 
   

Novo Nordisk ADR

       50,000       612,798        2,360,000      Denmark      2.9%  
 
                                       
 
             2,101,612        5,186,120           6.3%  
 
     Medical Equipment                                    
 
   

Koninklijke Philips ADR

       21,905       814,100        867,876      Netherlands      1.1%  
               
           3,918,084        7,374,924           9.0%  
    Materials                                    
     
     Agricultural Chemicals                                    
 
   

Nutrien

       15,600       914,639        760,344      Canada      0.9%  
 
     Basic & Diversified Chemicals                                    
 
   

BASF ADR

       160,000       2,888,666        2,630,400      Germany      3.2%  
 
     Steel Raw Material Suppliers                                    
 
   

Rio Tinto ADR

       10,000       532,838        579,300      United Kingdom      0.7%  
               
           4,336,143        3,970,044           4.8%  
    Technology                                    
     
     Application Software                                    
 
   

Dassault Systemes ADR

       34,153       1,224,632        5,065,573      France      6.2%  
 
   

NICE Systems ADR

       40,000       1,468,919        5,594,000      Israel      6.8%  
 
                                       
 
             2,693,551        10,659,573           13.0%  
 
     Information Services                                    
 
   

Wolters Kluwer

       100,000       1,869,506        6,958,858      Netherlands      8.4%  
 
     Semiconductor Manufacturing                                    
 
   

ASML

       20,000       697,516        3,761,000      Netherlands      4.6%  
               
           5,260,573        21,379,431           26.0%  
                                                 
  Total investments          $29,365,284        61,212,354           74.4%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)                   21,009,983             25.6%  
  Total net assets             $82,222,337           100.0%  
               
                 
1 

Country of domicile

2 

Non-income producing security

ADR: American Depository Receipt

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  45


Sextant International Fund    LOGO

 

    Schedule of Investments             As of May 31, 2019 

 

Countries

  
 

            

 

LOGO

 

Weightings shown are a percentage of total net assets.

 

 

 

 
46                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant International Fund    LOGO

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Assets

                          

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $29,365,284)

    $61,212,354  

Cash

    18,619,421  

Prepaid insurance expenses

    2,179,511  

Dividends receivable

    357,497  

Prepaid expenses

    12,835  
       

Total assets

    82,381,618  
       

Liabilities

 

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    108,433  

Accrued advisory fees

    30,969  

Accrued distribution fee

    10,218  

Accrued audit expenses

    3,906  

Accrued retirement plan custodial fees

    3,453  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,494  

Accrued other expenses

    808  
       

Total liabilities

    159,281  
       

Net assets

    $82,222,337  
   
 
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $47,145,705  

Total distributable earnings

    35,076,632  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $82,222,337  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Investor Share

    SSIFX  

Net assets, at value

    57,660,364  

Shares outstanding

    3,319,472  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $17.37  
   
 
   

Net asset value per Z Share

    SIFZX  

Net assets, at value

    $24,561,973  

Shares outstanding

    1,411,794  
       

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $17.40  
         

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Investment income

                          

Dividend income (net of foreign tax $158,065)

    $794,508  
       

Total investment income

    794,508  
       

Expenses

 

Investment adviser fees

    229,896  

Distribution fees - Investor Shares

    54,582  

Audit fees

    17,716  

Filing and registration fees

    14,575  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    7,987  

Trustee fees

    7,394  

Printing and postage

    5,160  

Other expenses

    3,079  

Custodian fees

    2,256  

Retirement plan custodial fees

 

Investor Shares

    7  

Z Shares

    2,097  

Legal fees

    1,451  
       

Total gross expenses

    346,200  
       

Less custodian fee credits

    (2,033
       

Net expenses

    344,167  
       

Net investment income

    $450,341  
   
 
   

    

 

Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency

    $2,785,777  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency

    3,976,180  
       

Net gain on investments

    $6,761,957  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $7,212,298  
   
 

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  47


Sextant International Fund    LOGO

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019          Year ended Nov. 30, 2018  
     

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $450,341          $623,611  

Net realized gain on investment

    2,785,777          3,896,894  

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    3,976,180          (3,361,106
                  

Net increase in net assets

    7,212,298          1,159,399  
                  

Distributions to shareowners

      

Net distribution to shareholders - Investor Shares

    (2,929,551        (3,595,584

Net distribution to shareholders - Z Shares

    (1,596,893        (1,678,906
                  

Total distributions

    (4,526,444        (5,274,490
                  

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from sales of shares

      

Investor Shares

    16,613,289          4,219,098  

Z Shares

    3,379,974          1,332,045  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

      

Investor Shares

    2,886,627          3,545,645  

Z Shares

    1,555,608          1,619,175  

Cost of shares redeemed

      

Investor Shares

    (5,288,759        (9,575,271

Z Shares

    (1,990,024        (1,998,163
                  

Total capital share transactions

    17,156,715          (857,471
                  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    19,842,569          (4,972,562
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of period

    62,379,768          67,352,330  

End of period

    $82,222,337          $62,379,768  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Investor Shares (SSIFX)

      

Number of shares sold

    975,730          247,089  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    195,174          211,176  

Number of shares redeemed

    (329,025        (556,311
                  

Net increase (decrease) in number of shares outstanding

    841,879          (98,046
                  

Z Shares (SIFZX)

      

Number of shares sold

    204,357          77,828  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    105,108          96,380  

Number of shares redeemed

    (124,107        (115,999
                  

Net increase in number of shares outstanding

    185,358          58,209  
     
      

 

 

 
48                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Sextant International Fund: Financial Highlights    LOGO

 

Investor Shares (SSIFX)

    For period ended       For year ended November 30,  

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016       2015       2014  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $16.83       $17.98       $14.37       $14.35       $15.47       $15.80  

Income from investment operations

           

Net investment income

    0.09 A       0.15 A       0.16 A       0.22       0.25       0.65  

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

    1.64       0.14       3.65       (0.15     (1.11     (0.35
                                               

Total from investment operations

    1.73       0.29       3.81       0.07       (0.86     0.30  
                                               

Less distributions

           

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.15     (0.17     (0.20     (0.05     (0.25     (0.63

Distributions (from capital gains)

    (1.04     (1.27        

Distributions (from return of capital)

    -       -       -       -       (0.01     -  
                                               

Total distributions

    (1.19     (1.44     (0.20     (0.05     (0.26     (0.63
                                               
           

Net asset value at end of period

    $17.37       $16.83       $17.98       $14.37       $14.35       $15.47  
             
           

Total returnB

    11.57%       1.63%       26.76%       0.49%       (5.58 )%      1.88%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

           

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $57,660       $41,688       $46,321       $62,412       $78,296       $103,450  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

           

Before custodian fee creditsC

    1.13%       1.05%       1.04%       1.00%       1.05%       0.80%  

After custodian fee creditsC

    1.12%       1.04%       1.04%       1.00%       1.04%       0.79%  

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

    1.27%       0.89%       1.00%       1.36%       1.49%       3.58%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    0%       2%       2%       0%       0%       3%  
             
           

 

Z Shares (SIFZX)

    For period ended       Year ended       Period ended  

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

    May 31, 2019       November 30, 2018       November 30, 2017 D 
       

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $16.87       $18.00       $16.55  

Income from investment operations

     

Net investment income

    0.12 A       0.19 A       0.13 A  

Net gains on securities (both realized & unrealized)

    1.64       0.14       1.41  
                       

Total from investment operations

    1.76       0.33       1.54  
                       

Less distributions

     

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.19     (0.19     (0.09

Distributions (from capital gains)

    (1.04     (1.27     -  
                       

Total distributions

    (1.23     (1.46     (0.09
                       
     

Net asset value at end of period

    $17.40       $16.87       $18.00  
       
     

Total returnB

    11.76%       1.83%       9.32% C  
       

Ratios / supplemental data

     

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $24,562       $20,692       $21,031  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     

Before custodian fee creditsC

    0.88%       0.84%       0.79% D  

After custodian fee creditsC

    0.88%       0.82%       0.78% D  

Ratio of net investment income after custodian fee credits to average net assetsC 1.53%

      1.13%       0.53% D  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    0%       2%       2% C  
       
     
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 

Operations commenced on June 2, 2017

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  49


Notes to Financial Statements   

 

NOTE 1 – Organization

Saturna Investment Trust (the “Trust”) was established under Washington State Law as a business trust on February 20, 1987. The Trust is registered as an open-end, diversified management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Nine portfolio series have been created to date: Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund, Sextant Bond Income Fund, Sextant Core Fund, Sextant Global High Income Fund, Sextant Growth Fund, Sextant International Fund (each, a “Fund”, and collectively, the “Funds”), Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund, Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund, and Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund. Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund, Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund, and Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund are offered through separate prospectuses, the results of which are contained in separate reports.

Sextant Growth Investor Shares (previously known as Idaho Limited Maturity Tax-Exempt Fund until October 12, 1990, then Northwest Growth Fund until September 28, 1995, when the investment objective of only Northwest stocks was changed) commenced operations as an equity fund on December 30, 1990. Sextant Growth Fund Z Shares began operations June 2, 2017. Sextant International Investor Shares began operations September 28, 1995 and Sextant International Fund Z Shares began operations on June 2, 2017. Sextant Short-Term Bond began operations September 28, 1995. Sextant Bond Income Fund (previously known as Washington Tax-Exempt Fund until September 28, 1995, when the investment objective of only Washington State Municipal Bonds was changed) began operations on March 1, 1993. Sextant Core Fund commenced operations March 30, 2007. Sextant Global High Income Fund commenced operations March 30, 2012.

Each Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company 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. 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:

Growth, International, Core, Short-Term Bond, Bond Income, and Global High Income Funds: The value of each Fund’s shares rises and falls as the value of the securities in which the Fund invests goes up and down. Fund share prices, yields, and total returns will change with market fluctuations as well as the fortunes of the countries, industries, and companies in which the Fund invests. The Funds do not use derivatives to hedge currency, interest rate, or credit risk.

Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. If a Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be more difficult to value, especially in changing markets. Investments by a Fund in foreign securities and those that are thinly traded, such as lower quality issuers and smaller companies, tend to involve greater liquidity risk. If a Fund is forced to sell or unwind these investments to meet redemptions or for other cash needs, the Fund may suffer a penalty. Additionally, the market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. In such cases, the Fund, due to limitations on investments in illiquid securities and the difficulty in purchasing and selling such securities, may be unable to achieve its investment objective.

Growth and Core Funds: Smaller companies involve higher investment risks in that they often have limited product lines, markets, and resources, or their securities may trade less frequently and have greater price fluctuation than those of larger companies.

Growth stocks, which can be priced on future expectations rather than current results, may decline substantially when expectations are not met.

International, Core, Short-Term Bond, Bond Income, and Global High Income Funds: Foreign investing involves risks not normally associated with investing in US securities. These include fluctuations in currency exchange rates, less public information about securities, less governmental market supervision, and the lack of uniform financial, social, and political standards. Foreign investing heightens the risk of confiscatory taxation, seizure or nationalization of assets, currency controls, or adverse political or social developments that affect investments. The risks of investing in foreign securities are typically greater in less developed or emerging countries.

Core Fund: The Core Fund has the risks of growth stocks, foreign securities, credit, and interest rates — but these risks are mitigated by spreading its investments in both stocks and bonds, and by favoring income-producing securities and those of larger, more seasoned companies.

Short-Term Bond, Bond Income, Global High Income, and Core Funds: Bonds entail credit risk, which is the possibility that a bond will not be able to pay interest or principal when due. If the credit quality of a bond is perceived to decline, investors will demand a higher yield, which means a lower price on that bond to compensate for the higher level of risk.

Interest rate fluctuations affect bond prices and a Fund’s net asset value, but not the income received by the Fund from its portfolio securities. Because prices and yields on debt securities vary over time, a Fund’s yield also varies. Bonds with embedded callable options also contain an element of prepayment risk. When interest rates decline, issuers can retire their debt and reissue bonds at a lower interest rate. This hurts investors because yields available for reinvestment will have declined and upward price mobility on callable bonds is generally limited by the call price.

Global High Income Fund: Issuers of high-yield securities are generally not as strong financially as those issuing higher quality securities. These issuers are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and are more vulnerable to changes in the relevant economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates, that could affect their ability to make interest, principal, and dividend payments as expected. The prices of high-yield securities generally fluctuate more than those of higher quality. High-yield securities are generally more illiquid (harder to sell) and harder to value.

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.

 

 

 
50                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

NOTE 2 – Unaudited Information

The information in this interim report has not been subjected 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 the latest bid price.

Debt securities are valued using bid-side valuations provided by an independent service. The service determines valuations using factors such as yields or prices of bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon maturity, ratings, trading activity, and general market conditions.

Fixed-income debt instruments, such as commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances and US Treasury Bills, with a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Any discount or premium is accreted or amortized on a straight-line basis until maturity.

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

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 the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

Share valuation:

The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of each Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by each Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding for each Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Funds’ shares are not priced or traded on days the New York Stock Exchange is closed. The NAV is 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.

 

  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.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  51


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of May 31, 2019, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at value:

 

Funds    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
         

Short-Term Bond

           

Corporate Bonds1

     $-        $7,555,733        $-        $7,555,733  

Government Bonds1

     $-        $2,599,850        $-        $2,599,850  

Total

     $-        $10,155,583        $-        $10,155,583  
           
         

Bond Income

           

Corporate Bonds1

     $-        $6,533,937        $-        $6,533,937  

Government Bonds1

     $-        $2,999,872        $-        $2,999,872  

Municipal Bonds1

     $-        $1,332,995        $-        $1,332,995  

Total

     $-        $10,866,804        $-        $10,866,804  
           
         

Core

           

Common Stocks1

     $8,406,693        $-        $-        $8,406,693  

Corporate Bonds1

     $-        $2,905,529        $-        $2,905,529  

Government Bonds1

     $-        $2,028,602        $-        $2,028,602  

Municipal Bonds1

     $-        $438,038        $-        $438,038  

Total

     $8,406,693        $5,372,169        $-        $13,778,862  
           
         

Global High Income

           

Common Stocks

           

Communications

     $626,295        $-        $-        $626,295  

Consumer Discretionary

     156,820        -        -        156,820  

Energy

     841,299        -        -        841,299  

Financials

     222,500        176,856        -        399,356  

Health Care

     378,024        -        -        378,024  

Industrials

     -        308,882        -        308,882  

Materials

     427,850        -        -        427,850  

Technology

     837,539        -        -        837,539  

Total Common Stocks

     $3,490,327        $485,738        $-        $3,976,065  

Corporate Bonds1

     $-        $2,508,532        $-        $2,508,532  

Government Bonds1

     $-        $2,611,989        $-        $2,611,989  

Municipal Bonds1

     $-        $292,530        $-        $292,530  

Warrants1

     $-        $-        $-        $-  

Total

     $3,490,327        $5,898,789        $-        $9,389,116  
           
         

Growth

           

Common Stocks1

     $38,251,611        $-        $-        $38,251,611  

Total

     $38,251,611        $-        $-        $38,251,611  
           
         

International

           

Common Stocks

           

Communications

     $4,096,000        $-        $-        $4,096,000  

Consumer Discretionary

     $10,803,470        $799,141        $-        $11,602,611  

Consumer Staples

     $5,837,300        $-        $-        $5,837,300  

Energy

     $1,755,944        $-        $-        $1,755,944  

Financials

     $5,196,100        $-        $-        $5,196,100  

Health Care

     $6,437,984        $936,940        $-        $7,374,924  

Materials

     $3,970,044        $-        $-        $3,970,044  

Technology

     $14,420,573        $6,958,858        $-        $21,379,431  

Total

     $52,517,415        $8,694,939        $-        $61,212,354  

During the period ended May 31, 2019, no Fund had transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.

 

1 

See Schedule of Investments for industry breakout.

 

 

 
52                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

Investment concentration:

The Funds may have deposits of cash with the custodian from time to time for one or more reasons. “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 (2015 – 2017) or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2018 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions 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 twelve 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 have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. As of November 30, 2018, the reclassification of capital accounts were as follows:

 

     
     Growth      International  

Distributable earnings

     $(6,464      $(5,482

Paid-in capital

     $6,464        $5,482  

These reclassifications were due to the treatment of foreign currencies, expiring capital loss carryforwards, and investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and partnerships.

Distributions to shareowners:

For the Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund and Sextant Bond Income Fund, dividends to shareowners from net investment income are paid daily and distributed on the last business day of each month. For the Sextant Core Fund, Sextant Global High Income Fund, Sextant Growth Fund, and Sextant International Fund, dividends to shareowners from net investment income are payable annually, typically by the end of the year. 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 from operations 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.

Other:

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Premiums on securities purchased are amortized, and discounts are accreted over the lives of the respective securities. Dividends from equity securities are recorded as income on the ex-dividend date.

Recent accounting pronouncements:

As of November 5, 2018, pursuant to the SEC Release #33-10532 “Disclosure Update and Simplification”, funds are no longer required to disclose whether the distributions from earnings are either from net investment income or net realized capital gains. The presentation for the year ended November 30, 2017, has been adjusted for this change in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

In March 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-08, “Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities” (“ASU 2017-08”). ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period to the earliest call date for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact of applying this guidance.

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.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  53


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

NOTE 4 – Transactions with Affiliated Persons

Under contracts approved annually by the Trust’s independent trustees, Saturna Capital Corporation provides investment advisory services and certain other administrative services required to conduct Trust business. Expenses incurred by the Trust on behalf of the Funds (e.g., legal fees) are allocated to the Funds on the basis of relative daily average net assets. For such services, each of the Funds pays the adviser a base Investment Advisory and Administrative Services Fee of 0.50% of average net assets per annum, payable monthly for each of the Funds. In addition, the adviser has agreed to certain limits on other expenses, as described below.

The base Advisory Fee is subject to adjustment up or down depending on the investment performance of the Fund relative to a specified index.

 

   

For each month in which the Fund’s total investment return (change in net asset value plus all distributions reinvested) for the one year period through that month outperforms or underperforms the total return of a specified index for that period by 1% or more but less than 2%, the Base Fee is increased or decreased by the annual rate of .10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the preceding year.

   

If the outperformance or underperformance is 2% or more, then the adjustment is at the annual rate of .20%.

For the period ended May 31, 2019, due to the performance adjustment the Advisory Fee amounts charged or reduced in addition to the Base Fee were as follows:

 

       
     Base
Fees
     Performance
Fee
     Adviser
Fee
 

Short-Term Bond

     $26,244        $-        $26,244  

Bond Income

     29,961        (108      29,853  

Core

     32,267        7,535        39,802  

Global High Income

     23,782        9,271        33,053  

Growth

     95,833        36,421        132,254  

International

     $165,825        $64,071        $229,896  

The adviser has undertaken to limit expenses through March 31, 2020 of Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund to 0.60%, Sextant Bond Income Fund to 0.65%, and Sextant Global High Income to 0.75%. For the period ended May 31, 2019, the advisory fees incurred were as follows:

 

       
     Adviser
Fees
     Adviser Fees
Waived
     Expense
Reimbursement
 

Short-Term Bond

     $26,244        $(14,070      $-  

Bond Income

     29,853        (11,351      -  

Core

     39,802        -        -  

Global High Income

     33,053        (15,856      -  

Growth

     132,254        -        -  

International

     $229,896        $-        $-  

In accordance with the expense limitation noted above, for the period ended May 31, 2019, Saturna Capital waived a portion of the advisory fees of the Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund, Sextant Bond Income Fund, and Sextant Global High Income Fund. The adviser cannot recoup previously waived fees.

Saturna Brokerage Services, Inc. (“SBS”), a discount brokerage and subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation, is registered as a broker-dealer and acts as distributor. On October 3, 2006, The Funds adopted a Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The plan provides that the Funds will pay a fee to SBS at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average net assets of the Funds. On June 2, 2017, 12b-1 fees were terminated for all Funds except Sextant Growth Investor Shares and Sextant International Investor Shares.

During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019, the Trust paid SBS the following amounts:

 

   
     Distribution (12b-1) Fees  

Short-Term Bond

     n/a  

Bond Income

     n/a  

Core

     n/a  

Global High Income

     n/a  

Growth Investor Shares (SSGFX)

     $4,791  

Growth Z Shares (SGZFX)

     n/a  

International Investor Shares (SSIFX)

     $54,582  

International Z Shares (SIFZX)

     n/a  

SBS is used to effect 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 Fund pays an annual fee of $10 per account for retirement plan services to Saturna Trust Company. For the period ended May 31, 2019, the Funds incurred the following amounts:

 

 
Retirement plan custodial fees  

Short-Term Bond

     $1,768  

Bond Income

     1,444  

Core

     1,479  

Global High Income

     803  

Growth Investor Shares (SSGFX)

     7  

Growth Z Shares (SGZFX)

     3,481  

International Investor Shares (SSIFX)

     7  

International Z Shares (SIFZX)

     $2,097  

Mrs. Jane Carten serves as a trustee and president of the Trust. She is also a director and president of Saturna Capital and vice president of Saturna Trust Company. Mrs. Carten is not compensated by the Trust. For the period ended May 31, 2019, the Trust incurred compensation expenses of $17,000 which is included in $35,206 of total expenses for the independent Trustees. The Sextant Funds paid $26,199 of these total expenses.

The officers of the Trust are paid by Saturna Capital, not the Trust, except the Chief Compliance Officer, who may be partially compensated by the Trust. For the period ended May 31, 2019, the Funds paid the following compensation expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer:

 

 
Chief Compliance Officer  

Short-Term Bond

     $1,310  

Bond Income

     1,251  

Core

     1,672  

Global High Income

     1,420  

Growth

     5,385  

International

     $7,987  

On May 31, 2019, the trustees, officers, and their affiliates as a group owned 35.08%, 27.72%, 44.88%, 53.57%, 0.10%, 19.01%, 0.00%, and 29.86% of the outstanding shares of Short-Term Bond Fund, Bond Income Fund, Core Fund, Global High Income Fund, Growth Fund Investor Shares, Growth Fund Z Shares, International Fund Investor Shares, and International Fund Z Shares, respectively.

 

 

 
54                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

NOTE 5 – Distributions to Shareowners

The tax characteristics of distributions paid during the period ended May 31, 2019, and and the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, were as follows:

 

     
     Period ended
May 31, 2019
     Year ended
Nov. 30, 2018
 

Short-Term Bond Fund

     

Ordinary income

     $91,708        $145,570  

Long-term capital gain1

     -        4,622  

Bond Income Fund

     

Ordinary income

     161,963        309,851  

Core Fund

     

Ordinary income

     179,879        166,943  

Global High Income Fund

     

Ordinary income

     311,447        253,597  

Growth Fund

     

Ordinary income

     181,466        290,653  

Long-term capital gain1

     1,640,415        1,777,473  

International Fund

     

Ordinary income

     627,004        643,299  

Long-term capital gain1

     $3,899,440        $4,631,191  

 

1 

Long-Term Capital Gain dividend designated at 20% rate pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

NOTE 6 – Federal Income Taxes

The cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes at May 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

     
     Short-Term Bond      Bond Income  

Cost of investments

     $10,133,267        $10,482,444  
                 

Gross tax unrealized appreciation

     72,882        418,240  

Gross tax unrealized depreciation

     (50,566      (33,880
                 

Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $22,316        $384,360  
     
     
     
     Core      Global High Income  

Cost of investments

     $11,823,509        $8,962,855  
                 

Gross tax unrealized appreciation

     2,064,409        767,115  

Gross tax unrealized depreciation

     (109,056      (340,854
                 

Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $1,955,353        $426,261  
     
     
     
     Growth      International  

Cost of investments

     $20,331,592        $29,365,284  
                 

Gross tax unrealized appreciation

     18,313,747        33,304,493  

Gross tax unrealized depreciation

     (393,728      (1,457,423
                 

Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $17,920,019        $31,847,070  
     
     

As of November 30, 2018, components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   
Short-Term Bond       

Undistributed ordinary income

     $2,871  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     2,871  

Accumulated capital losses

     (16,794

Unrealized depreciation

     (199,275
        

Total accumulated earnings

     $(213,198
   
  
   
Bond Income       

Undistributed ordinary income

     $26  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     26  

Accumulated capital losses

     (46,167

Unrealized depreciation

     (181,766
        

Total accumulated earnings

     $(227,907
   
  
   
Core       

Undistributed ordinary income

     $175,481  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     175,481  

Accumulated capital losses

     (23,538

Unrealized appreciation

     1,822,846  

Other unrealized losses

     (2
        

Total accumulated earnings

     $1,974,787  
   
  
   
Global High Income       

Undistributed ordinary income

     $311,375  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     311,375  

Accumulated capital losses

     (32,326

Unrealized appreciation

     400,022  

Other unrealized losses

     (680
        

Total accumulated earnings

     $678,391  
   
  
   
Growth       

Undistributed ordinary income

     $175,267  

Accumulated capital gains

     1,640,036  

Tax accumulated earnings

     1,815,303  

Unrealized appreciation

     16,450,930  
        

Total accumulated earnings

     $18,266,233  
   
  
   
International       

Undistributed ordinary income

     $621,093  

Accumulated capital gains

     3,899,325  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     4,520,418  

Unrealized appreciation

     27,870,753  

Other unrealized losses

     (393
        

Total accumulated earnings

     $32,390,778  
   
  

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  55


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

As of November 30, 2018, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards as follows, subject to regulation.

 

     Carryforward        Expiration  
     

Short-Term Bond

     

Long-term loss carryforward

     $16,794        Unlimited  
       $16,794           
     
     

Bond Income

     

Long-term loss carryforward

     $46,167        Unlimited  
       $46,167           
     
     

Core

     

Short-term loss carryforward

     $23,538        Unlimited  
       $23,538           
     
     

Global High Income

     

Short-term loss carryforward

     $3        Unlimited  

Long-term loss carryforward

     $32,323        Unlimited  
       $32,326           

NOTE 7 – Investments

Investment transactions other than short-term investments for the period ended May 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

     
     Purchases      Sales  

Short-Term Bond

     $1,254,172        $1,193,668  

Bond Income

     748,680        962,961  

Core

     2,452,217        1,434,851  

Global High Income

     3,169,717        2,045,767  

Growth

     2,632,021        4,074,071  

International

     $-        $4,245,000  

NOTE 8 – Custodian

Under agreements in place with the Trust’s custodian, UMB Bank, custody fees are reduced by credits for cash balances. Such reductions for the period year ended May 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

 
Custodian Fee Credits  

Short-Term Bond

     $185  

Bond Income

     188  

Core

     244  

Global High Income

     381  

Growth

     690  

International

     $2,033  

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 period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

 
56                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Expenses   

All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a Sextant Fund shareowner, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (or service) 12b-1 fees, and other fund expenses such as shareowner reports (such as 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 Sextant Funds, unlike many other mutual funds, you do not incur sales charges (loads) on purchases, reinvested dividends, or other distributions. You do not incur 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 example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (December 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019).

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 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 provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the 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 balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund 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 charges for extra services like 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), redemption fees or exchange fees (note that the Sextant Funds do not charge 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
(December 1, 2018)
 
 
 
   


Ending
Account Value
(May 31,

2019)

 
 

   
Expenses Paid
During Period1
 
 
   
Annualized
Expense Ratio
 
 

Short-Term Bond Fund

     $1,000       $1,029.10       $3.05       0.60%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000       1,021.93       3.04       0.60%  

Bond Income Fund

     1,000       1,071.20       3.31       0.64%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000       1,021.73       3.23       0.64%  

Core Fund

     1,000       1,032.50       4.37       0.86%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000       1,020.63       4.34       0.86%  

Global High Income Fund

     1,000       1,029.30       3.81       0.75%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000       1,021.18       3.79       0.75%  

Growth Fund Investor Shares

     1,000       1,039.70       6.00       1.18%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000       1,019.05       5.94       1.18%  

Growth Fund Z Shares

     1,000       1,041.60       4.41       0.87%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000       1,020.61       4.36       0.87%  

International Fund Investor Shares

     1,000       1,115.70       5.91       1.12%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000       1,019.35       5.64       1.12%  

International Fund Z Shares

     1,000       1,117.60       4.64       0.88%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000       $1,020.55       $4.42       0.88%  

 

1 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio indicated above (based on the most recent semi-annual period of December 1, 2018, through May 31, 2019), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              57


Availability of Portfolio Information

 

 

(1)

The Sextant Funds file complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q.

 

(2)

The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov and at www.sextantfunds.com.

 

(3)

The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

(4)

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

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 1-800-728-8762 or write to us at Saturna Capital/Sextant Mutual Funds, P.O. Box N, Bellingham, WA 98227. We will begin sending you individual copies 30 days after receiving your request.

If you are currently receiving multiple copies and wish to receive only one copy, please call us at 1-800-728-8762 or write to us at Saturna Capital/Sextant Mutual Funds, P.O. Box N, Bellingham, WA 98227. We will begin sending you a single copy with subsequent report mailings.

 

 

 
58                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


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 1-800-728-8762; (b) on the Funds’ website at www. sextantfunds.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 1-800-728-8762; (b) on the Funds’ website at www.sextantfunds.com; and (c) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Privacy Statement

 

At Saturna Capital and Saturna Investment 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 nonpublic 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, shareowner 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.

 

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              59


LOGO


LOGO


Performance Summary (as of June 30, 2019)

 

Average Annual Returns (before any taxes paid by shareowners)

 

                                           Expense Ratio1  
     1 Year        3 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Gross        Net  

Sustainable Equity Fund (SEEFX)

     10.76%        12.87%        n/a        n/a        1.27%        0.75%  
             

S&P Global 1200 Index

     6.96%        12.57%        7.27%        11.29%        n/a        n/a  
             

    

                 

Sustainable Bond Fund (SEBFX)

     3.58%        2.31%        n/a        n/a        0.77%        0.65%  
             

FTSE WorldBIG Index

     5.85%        1.76%        1.24%        2.75%        n/a        n/a  

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 1-800-728-8762 or visiting www.saturnasustainable.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. Funds that invest in foreign securities may involve greater risk, including political and economic uncertainties of foreign countries as well as the risk of currency fluctuations.

A note about risk: Please see Notes to Financial Statements beginning on page 19 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.

A Fund’s 30-Day Yield, sometimes referred to as “standardized yield” or “SEC yield,” is expressed as an annual percentage rate using a method of calculation adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The 30-Day Yield provides an estimate of a Fund’s investment income rate, but may not equal the actual income distribution rate.

 

1 

By regulation, expense ratios shown in these tables are as stated in the Funds’ most recent Prospectus, dated March 27, 2019, and incorporate results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. Ratios presented in this table differ from the expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods. Also by regulation, the performance in this table represents the most recent quarter-end performance rather than performance through the Funds’ most recent fiscal period. Saturna Capital, the Fund’s adviser, has voluntarily capped actual expenses of the Sustainable Equity Fund at 0.75% and actual expenses of the Sustainable Bond Fund at 0.65% through March 31, 2020.

The S&P Global 1200 Index is a global stock market index covering nearly 70% of the world’s equity markets. The FTSE WorldBIG Index is a multi-asset, multi-currency benchmark, which provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income markets. Investors cannot invest directly in the indices.

The Saturna Sustainable Funds limit the securities they purchase to those consistent with sustainable principles. This limits opportunities and may affect performance.

 

(photo omitted)

On the cover: Vogelsang Peak in

Yosemite National Park, Photo by

Elizabeth Alm.

 

 

Please consider an investment’s objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain this and other important information about the Saturna Sustainable Funds in a prospectus or summary prospectus, ask your financial advisor, visit www.saturnasustainable.com, or call toll-free 1-800-728-8762. Please read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

 

 
2                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Fellow Shareowners:

At May 31, 2018, assets of the two Funds reached $36.14 million up from $32.53 million the previous May. The following pages provide details of the assets and operations of the two Funds.

Markets swung with abandon during the year, as euphoria melting to caution brought volatility and doubt. Emerging markets, led by China, suffered as the dollar surged and trade battles commenced. Wars were mostly fought with money, not arms. Global prices for carbon fuels (coal, oil, gas) are weak, as US shale production surges and demand softens. Lower taxes and interest rates are stimulating high employment, especially in technology, while the global supply chain is being rattled by trade revamps. While it’s impossible to predict the future, we believe our portfolios are well-positioned for positive or negative economic developments given our focus on low debt, cash generative, high quality companies led by excellent management teams. We believe such characteristics are defensive in the event of a downturn, while the low debt focus should also be an advantage in the event economies gain momentum.

 

 

Saturna Sustainable Funds seek sustainable investments with low risks in areas of the

environment, social responsibility, and governance (ESG).

 

 

The 1960s and the 1990s were decades of nearly uninterrupted economic growth and the 2010s are now looking to stake their longevity claim. The last time the economy contracted for two consecutive quarters (the standard definition of a recession) was in the first two quarters of 2009, and current conditions appear buoyant. Despite record low unemployment rates, inflation remains subdued, while corporate profitability and consumer confidence are robust.

The trend toward adoption of ESG and sustainable investing strategies continued as more firms added products labeled to appeal to thoughtful investors. Upon closer inspection, however, a high profile blow-up revealed that not all products labeled as ESG or “fossil-fuel free” actually were (one fund claimed “fossil-fuel free” but owned refineries while any S&P 500 Index fund or ETF likely owns both oil producers and refiners, along with weapons manufacturers).

At this point, the greatest risk to continued economic buoyancy appears to be trade friction, a development that could spin out of control or be contained rather easily with greater flexibility. Economic policies can and do change frequently.

An extraordinary era of low interest rates fueled upward moves in economies and markets. The US economy is in a “goldilocks” phase, with employment for those who want it, and little need for more government stimulus. We must be vigilant in the coming months for signs of a recession – we believe a riskier period looms ahead.

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              3


Morningstar Awards Saturna Sustainable Funds Top Sustainability Ratings

The Morningstar Sustainability Rating gives investors across the globe a way to compare fund portfolios based on a standard measure of sustainability. The rating is a holdings-based calculation using company-level environmental, social, and governance (ESG) analytics from Sustainalytics.

We are pleased to note that as of May 31, 2019, Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund ranked in the fifth percentile of 718 funds in the World Large Stock category, earning the top “Five Globe” Sustainability Rating. Morningstar did not issue a Sustainability Rating for the Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund for the period.

Going forward, Saturna’s values-based approach to investing seeks to provide firsthand insight into the risk mitigation dimensions of sustainable investing. We stand ready to serve you in both bull and bear markets by seeking to provide steady, long-term growth with a focus on preservation of capital.

Respectfully,

(photo omitted)

Jane Carten,

President

(photo omitted)

Gary Goldfogel,

Independent Board Chairman

 

  Saturna Sustainable Funds Portfolio Management  
  (photo omitted)   

Jane Carten MBA

 

Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund

Portfolio Manager

     (photo omitted)   

Patrick Drum MBA, CFA®, CFP®

 

Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager

 
  (photo omitted)   

Nicholas Kaiser MBA, CFA®

 

Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund

Deputy Portfolio Manager

     (photo omitted)   

Elizabeth Alm CFA®

 

Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund

Deputy Portfolio Manager

 

 

 

 

 
4                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Morningstar Sustainability Rating & Carbon Metrics         

 

At Saturna Capital, we have long described ourselves as value and values-based investors. We believe our approach improves the likelihood of achieving superior investment results over the long term. Our approach also leads to investment portfolios we can be proud of from the perspective of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Morningstar partners with leading ESG research firm Sustainalytics to publish the Morningstar Sustainability Rating and Carbon Metrics. Here are Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund’s fiscal period-end results (Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund was not rated for the period).

 

Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund    
As of May 31, 2019    

    

   ؠؠؠ Ø Ø       
Ranked in 5th percentile among 718 World Large Stock Funds    
As of March 31, 2019    

LOGO

The Morningstar Sustainability Rating, Low Carbon designation, Carbon Risk Score, and Fossil Fuel Involvement % are not based on fund performance and are not equivalent to the Morningstar Rating (“Star Rating”).

© 2019 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.

Morningstar Sustainability Rating is as of May 31, 2019. 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.

Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund was rated on 91% of Assets Under Management.

% 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.

Morningstar Carbon Metrics are as of March 31, 2019. 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 assessmemt includes carbon intensity, fossil fuel involvement, stranded assets exposure, mitigation strategies, and green product solutions.

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

To receive the Low Carbon designation a fund must have 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 metrices are calculated quarterly.

Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund was rated on 90% of Assets Under Management.

The Funds’ portfolios are actively managed and are subject to change, which may result in different Morningstar Sustainability Ratings and Carbon Metrics over time.

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              5


Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund: Performance Summary    LOGO

 

Average Annual Returns as of May 31, 2019

 

         
     1 Year      5 Year      10 Year      Expense Ratio  

Sustainable Equity Fund (SEEFX)2

     3.98%        n/a        n/a        1.27%  

S&P Global 1200 Index

     0.19%        6.28%        10.50%        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 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 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 the Fund on March 27, 2015, to an identical amount invested in the Standard & Poor’s Global 1200 Index, a global stock market index covering nearly 70% of the world’s equity markets. The graph shows that an investment in the Fund would have risen to $12,452 versus $13,179 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, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, before fee waivers. The expense ratio shown in the most recent prospectus after fee waivers was 0.75%. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

 

2 

Operations commenced on March 27, 2015.

Fund Objective

 

The objective of the Sustainable Equity Fund is capital appreciation.

 

Top 10 Holdings

 

 
% of Total Net Assets  

Adobe Inc.

     4.7%  

Dassault Systemes ADR

     3.8%  

Mastercard, Class A

     3.6%  

Church & Dwight

     3.1%  

Microsoft

     3.1%  

Apple

     3.0%  

Unilever

     2.8%  

Home Depot

     2.8%  

Accenture, Class A

     2.8%  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

     2.6%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

 

     
% of Total Net Assets

 

             

Household Products

    10.0%            LOGO  

Application Software

    8.5%      

Home Products Stores

    4.0%      

Specialty Apparel Stores

    4.0%      

IT Services

    3.7%    

Consumer Finance

    3.6%    

Infrastructure Software

    3.1%      

Life Insurance

    3.1%      

Automobiles

    3.0%      

Communications Equipment

    3.0%         

Semiconductor Devices

    3.0%         

Banks

    2.6%         

Specialty Chemicals

    2.6%       

Medical Equipment

    2.5%       

Industries < 2.5%

    34.6%         

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    8.7%               

 

 

 
6                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of May 31, 2019    LOGO

 

               
    Common Stocks – 91.3%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                                    
     
     Cable & Satellite                                    
 
   

MultiChoice Group2

       200       $1,106        $1,665      South Africa      0.0% 3  
 
     Entertainment Content                                    
 
   

Walt Disney Company

       500       53,704        66,020      United States      1.2%  
 
     Internet Media                                    
 
   

Naspers ADR

       1,000       57,214        44,970      South Africa      0.8%  
 
     Telecom Carriers                                    
 
   

Telekomunikasi Indonesia ADR

       2,000       65,178        53,940      Indonesia      0.9%  
               
           177,202        166,595           2.9%  
    Consumer Discretionary                                    
     
     Apparel, Footwear & Accessory
Design
                                   
 
   

adidas ADR

       800       93,431        114,292      Germany4      2.0%  
 
     Automobiles                                    
 
   

Subaru ADR

       5,000       69,810        57,650      Japan      1.0%  
 
   

Toyota Motor ADR

       1,000       107,633        117,580      Japan      2.0%  
 
                                       
 
             177,443        175,230           3.0%  
 
     E-Commerce Discretionary                                    
 
   

Amazon.com2

       60       103,132        106,504      United States      1.8%  
 
     Home Products Stores                                    
 
   

Home Depot

       850       100,842        161,373      United States      2.8%  
 
   

Lowe’s

       750       80,222        69,960      United States      1.2%  
 
                                       
 
             181,064        231,333           4.0%  
 
     Other Commercial Services                                    
 
   

Ecolab

       723       82,096        133,097      United States      2.3%  
 
     Restaurants                                    
 
   

Starbucks

       1,713       102,502        130,291      United States      2.2%  
 
     Specialty Apparel Stores                                    
 
   

Industria de Diseno Textil

       3,000       92,121        79,914      Spain      1.4%  
 
   

TJX Companies

       3,000       103,932        150,870      United States      2.6%  
 
                                       
 
             196,053        230,784           4.0%  
 
     Toys & Games                                    
 
   

Hasbro

       600       56,958        57,084      United States      1.0%  
               
           992,679        1,178,615           20.3%  
    Consumer Staples                                    
     
     Food & Drug Stores                                    
 
   

Clicks Group ADR

       1,500       38,630        38,752      South Africa      0.7%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                  7


Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of May 31, 2019    LOGO

 

 

               
    Common Stocks – 91.3%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Consumer Staples (continued)                                
   
     Household Products                                
 
   

Church & Dwight

       2,400       $104,866        $178,584      United States      3.1%  
 
   

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, Class A

       13,000       22,070        23,448      Mexico      0.4%  
 
   

L’Oreal ADR

       2,200       98,743        117,722      United States4      2.0%  
 
   

Reckitt Benckiser Group ADR

       6,250       100,292        100,875      United Kingdom      1.7%  
 
   

Unilever

       2,700       116,609        162,324      Netherlands      2.8%  
         
             442,580        582,953           10.0%  
 
     Packaged Food                                
 
   

Nestle ADR

       1,000       86,610        99,160      Switzerland      1.7%  
               
           567,820        720,865           12.4%  
    Energy                                
   
     Renewable Energy Equipment                                
 
   

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy

       3,500       51,922        54,147      Spain      0.9%  
 
   

Vestas Wind Systems

       900       65,551        73,089      Denmark      1.3%  
               
           117,473        127,236           2.2%  
    Financials                                    
     
     Banks                                    
 
   

Toronto-Dominion Bank

       2,800       131,011        153,020      Canada      2.6%  
 
     Consumer Finance                                    
 
   

Mastercard, Class A

       824       74,155        207,228      United States      3.6%  
 
     Diversified Banks                                    
 
   

Banco Santander ADR

       10,081       50,683        43,651      Spain      0.7%  
 
     Islamic Banking                                    
 
   

BIMB Holdings

       104,800       107,265        115,399      Malaysia      2.0%  
 
     Life Insurance                                    
 
   

AIA Group

       11,600       67,861        108,959      Hong Kong      1.9%  
 
   

Aviva PLC ADR

       7,000       93,166        72,170      United States      1.2%  
 
                                       
 
             161,027        181,129           3.1%  
 
     P&C Insurance                                    
 
   

Chubb

       700       77,224        102,249      Switzerland      1.8%  
               
           601,365        802,676           13.8%  
    Health Care                                    
     
     Health Care Facilities                                    
 
   

Ramsay Health Care

       2,308       103,089        111,375      Australia      1.9%  
 
     Large Pharma                                    
 
   

Novo Nordisk ADR

       1,569       86,408        74,057      Denmark      1.3%  
 
     Medical Equipment                                    
 
   

Koninklijke Philips ADR

       3,588       101,701        142,157      Netherlands      2.5%  
               
           291,198        327,589           5.7%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
8                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of May 31, 2019    LOGO

 

 

               
    Common Stocks – 91.3%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Industrials                                    
     
     Commercial and Residential
Building Equipment
                                   
 
   

Legrand

       700       $39,602        $46,939      France      0.8%  
 
     Electrical Components                                    
 
   

TE Connectivity

       351       22,755        29,565      Switzerland      0.5%  
 
     Electrical Power Equipment                                    
 
   

Siemens ADR

       1,000       66,086        56,760      Germany      1.0%  
 
     Rubber & Plastic                                    
 
   

Hartalega Holdings

       80,000       63,885        99,335      Malaysia      1.7%  
               
           192,328        232,599           4.0%  
    Materials                                    
     
     Precious Metal Mining                                    
 
   

Barrick Gold

       3,064       48,731        38,055      Canada      0.6%  
 
     Specialty Chemicals                                    
 
   

Johnson Matthey

       2,031       86,775        79,109      United Kingdom      1.4%  
 
   

Koninklijke DSM

       600       62,437        67,142      Netherlands      1.2%  
 
                                       
 
             149,212        146,251           2.6%  
               
           197,943        184,306           3.2%  
    Technology                                    
     
     Application Software                                    
 
   

Adobe Systems2

       1,000       108,410        270,900      United States      4.7%  
 
   

Dassault Systemes ADR

       1,506       119,029        223,370      France      3.8%  
         
             227,439        494,270           8.5%  
 
     Communications Equipment                                    
 
   

Apple

       1,000       113,474        175,070      United States      3.0%  
 
     Electronics Components                                    
 
   

Murata Manufacturing

       3,000       133,698        127,917      Japan      2.2%  
 
     Information Services                                    
 
   

Wolters Kluwer

       1,000       46,595        69,589      Netherlands      1.2%  
 
     Infrastructure Software                                    
 
   

Microsoft

       1,438       62,724        177,852      United States      3.1%  
 
     IT Services                                    
 
   

Accenture, Class A

       900       89,878        160,263      Ireland      2.8%  
 
   

CGI Group, Class A2

       750       48,570        54,645      Canada      0.9%  
 
                                       
 
             138,448        214,908           3.7%  
 
     Semiconductor Devices                                    
 
   

NXP Semiconductors

       1,300       127,836        114,608      Netherlands      2.0%  
 
   

STMicroelectronics

       3,800       84,537        57,152      Switzerland      1.0%  
 
                                       
 
             212,373        171,760           3.0%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                  9


Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of May 31, 2019    LOGO

 

 

               
    Common Stocks – 91.3%        Number of Shares     Cost      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Technology (continued)                                    
     
     Semiconductor Manufacturing                                    
 
   

Taiwan Semiconductor ADR

       3,250       $78,323        $124,637      Taiwan      2.1%  
               
           1,013,074        1,556,003           26.8%  
                                                 
  Total investments          $4,151,082        5,296,484           91.3%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             505,695             8.7%  
  Total net assets             $5,802,179           100.0%  
               
                 
1 

Country of domicile unless otherwise indication

2 

Non-income producing security

3 

Less than 0.05%

4 

Denotes a country of primary exposure

ADR: American Depositary Receipt

 

Countries

  
   

    

  
LOGO

 

Weightings shown are a percentage of total net assets.

 

 

 

 
10                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund    LOGO

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $4,151,082)

    $5,296,484  

Cash

    482,402  

Dividends receivable

    19,488  

Receivable from adviser

    3,457  

Prepaid expenses

    845  

Receivable for security sales

    129  
       

Total assets

    5,802,805  
       

Liabilities

 

Accrued retirement plan custodial fees

    424  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    202  
       

Total liabilities

    626  
       

Net assets

    $5,802,179  
   
 
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $4,880,414  

Total distributable earnings

    921,765  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $5,802,179  
   
 

Fund shares outstanding

    477,792  
   

Net asset value, offering, and redemption price per share

    $12.14  
         

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended May 31, 2019

 

   

    

 

Investment income

 

Dividend income
(net of foreign tax of $6,966)

    $54,428  
       

Total investment income

    54,428  
       

Expenses

 

Investment adviser fees

    18,293  

Filing and registration fees

    18,278  

Audit fees

    3,666  

Printing and postage

    1,296  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    892  

Trustee fees

    873  

Retirement plan custodial fees

    596  

Other expenses

    446  

Custodian fees

    347  

Legal fees

    314  
       

Total gross expenses

    45,001  
       

Less adviser fees waived

    (23,462

Less custodian fee credits

    (327
       

Net expenses

    21,212  
       

Net investment income

    $33,216  
   
 
   

    

 

Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency

    $33,209  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency

    279,437  
       

Net gain on investments and foreign currency

    $312,646  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $345,862  
         

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                  11


Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund    LOGO

 

Statements of Changes of Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019        Year ended November 30, 2018  
     

Increase in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $33,216          $45,439  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency

    33,209          (24,490

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currencies

    279,437          23,969  
                  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    345,862          44,918  
                  
      

Distributions to shareowners

    (46,186        (40,318
      

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from sales of shares

    332,493          1,036,069  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    46,187          40,318  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (534,331        (407,062
                  

Total capital share transactions

    (155,651        669,325  
                  

Total increase in net assets

    144,025          673,925  
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of year

    5,658,154          4,984,229  

End of year

    $5,802,179          $5,658,154  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Number of shares sold

    27,881          87,399  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    4,325          3,500  

Number of shares redeemed

    (46,073        (34,886
                  

Net increase (decrease) in number of shares outstanding

    (13,867        56,013  
     
      

Financial Highlights

    Period endedA       For year ended November 30,       Period endedA  
   

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016       Nov. 30, 2015  
           

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $11.51       $11.44       $9.43       $9.73       $10.00  

Income from investment operations

         

Net investment income

    0.06       0.09       0.09       0.06       0.02  

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

    0.67       0.07       1.97       (0.36     (0.28
                                       

Total from investment operations

    0.73       0.16       2.06       (0.30     (0.26
                                       

Less distributions

         

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.10     (0.09     (0.05     -       (0.01
                                       

Total distributions

    (0.10     (0.09     (0.05     -       (0.01
                                       
         

Net asset value at end of period

    $12.14       $11.51       $11.44       $9.43       $9.73  
           
         

Total returnB

    6.42%       1.39%       22.01%       (3.08 )%      (2.60 )% 
           

Ratios / supplemental data

         

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $5,802       $5,658       $4,984       $3,343       $3,423  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

         

Before fee waiversC

    1.60%       1.27%       1.48%       1.65%       1.23%  

After fee waiversC

    0.77%       0.76%       0.88%       1.00%       1.00%  

After fee waivers and custodian fee creditsC

    0.75%       0.75%       0.86%       0.99%       0.99%  

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

    1.18%       0.82%       0.95%       0.67%       0.29%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    5%       8%       12%       48%       53%  
           
         
A 

Operations commenced on March 27, 2015

B 

Not annualized for periods of less than one year

C 

Annualized for periods of less than on year

 

 

 
12                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund: Performance Summary    LOGO

 

Average Annual Returns as of May 31, 2019

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Sustainable Bond Fund (SEBFX)2

       1.80%          n/a          n/a          0.77%  

FTSE WorldBIG Index

       3.30%          0.93%          2.56%          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 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 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 the Fund on March 27, 2015, to an identical amount invested in the FTSE WorldBIG® Bond Index, a multi-asset, multi-currency benchmark, which provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income markets. The graph shows that an investment in the Fund would have risen to $10,673 versus rising to $11,053 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, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, before fee waivers. The expense ratio shown in the most recent prospectus after fee waivers was 0.65%. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different periods.

 

2

Operations commenced March 27, 2015.

Fund Objective

 

The objectives of the Sustainable Bond Fund are current income and capital preservation.

 

Top 10 Holdings

 

 
% of Total Net Assets  

United States Treasury Bond (4.50% due 05/15/2038)

     6.6%  

First Abu Dhabi Bank (3.00% due 03/30/2022)

     4.1%  

Lincoln National (4.643% due 02/12/2047)

     4.1%  

Koninklijke DSM (1.00% due 04/09/2025)

     3.9%  

Telus (3.20% due 04/05/2021)

     3.7%  

Telecom Italia (7.175% due 06/18/2019)

     3.3%  

KFW (2.00% due 11/30/2021)

     3.3%  

Nokia (3.375% due 06/12/2022)

     3.3%  

Mexico Bonos Desarrollo (6.50% due 06/10/2021)

     3.3%  

Iron Mountain (5.75% due 08/15/2024)

     3.3%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

 

     
% of Total Net Assets

 

    

Financials

    27.2%         

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Government Bonds

    24.0%      

Communications

    10.4%      

Consumer Discretionary

    9.5%      

Technology

    6.5%      

Health Care

    6.3%      

Materials

    3.9%      

Energy

    2.9%      

Consumer Staples

    1.1%      

Industrials

    0.8%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    7.4%      

 

 

 
May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                  13


Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of May 31, 2019    LOGO

 

 

               
    Corporate Bonds – 68.6%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Communications                              
     
   

America Movil2

    6.00% due 06/09/2019      MXN 15,00,000        $764,360      Mexico      2.5%  
 
   

Telecom Italia

    7.175% due 06/18/2019      $1,000,000        1,001,250      Luxembourg      3.3%  
 
   

Telus

    3.20% due 04/05/2021      CAD 1,500,000        1,129,606      Canada      3.7%  
 
   

Vodafone Group

    4.375% due 03/16/2021      250,000        257,249      United Kingdom      0.9%  
               
              3,152,465           10.4%  
    Consumer Discretionary                              
     
   

Barry Callebaut3

    5.50% due 06/15/2023      500,000        535,392      Belgium      1.8%  
 
   

Barry Callebaut2

    5.50% due 06/15/2023      500,000        535,391      Belgium      1.8%  
 
   

BMW US Capital

    2.75% due 12/02/2019      AUD 200,000        139,432      Germany      0.5%  
 
   

Danone3

    2.077% due 11/02/2021      500,000        493,460      France      1.6%  
 
   

Starbucks

    2.45% due 06/15/2026      500,000        483,034      United States      1.6%  
 
   

Toyota Motor Credit

    2.75% due 02/05/2028      202,000        200,466      Japan      0.6%  
 
   

Toyota Motor Credit

    3.00% due 03/20/2030      500,000        491,492      Japan      1.6%  
               
              2,878,667           9.5%  
    Consumer Staples                                  
     
   

Nestle Holdings

    2.75% due 04/15/2020      NOK 3,000,000        346,250      Switzerland      1.1%  
               
              346,250           1.1%  
    Energy                                  
     
   

NextEra Energy Capital (3 month LIBOR plus 2.35%)4

    4.73588% due 06/15/2067      1,050,000        881,974      United States      2.9%  
               
              881,974           2.9%  
    Financials                                  
     
   

AXA2

    5.125% due 01/17/2047      500,000        508,532      France      1.7%  
 
   

Bank of Nova Scotia5

    4.65% due PERP      300,000        279,000      Canada      0.9%  
 
   

Canadian Imperial Bank

    3.42% due 01/26/2026      CAD 1,150,000        866,040      Canada      2.9%  
 
   

EMIRATES NBD PJSC2

    6.00% due 10/08/2019      NZD 750,000        495,481      United Arab Emirates      1.6%  
 
   

First Abu Dhabi Bank2

    3.00% due 03/30/2022      1,250,000        1,252,006      United Arab Emirates      4.1%  
 
   

Hanmi Financial6

    5.45% due 03/30/2027      500,000        512,562      United States      1.7%  
 
   

Hartford Financial Services Group (3 month LIBOR 2.125%) 3,4

    4.643% due 02/12/2047      1,000,000        880,000      United States      2.9%  
 
   

Iron Mountain

    5.75% due 08/15/2024      1,000,000        992,020      United States      3.3%  
 
   

Lincoln National4

    4.63150% due 04/20/2067      1,600,000        1,248,000      United States      4.1%  
 
   

Townebank Portsmouth VA7

    4.50% due 07/30/2027      500,000        501,759      United States      1.6%  
 
   

XLIT (3 month LIBOR plus 2.46%)4

    5.05425% due PERP      750,000        721,875      Bermuda      2.4%  
               
              8,257,275           27.2%  
    Health Care                                  
     
   

NMC Health2

    5.95% due 11/21/2023      500,000        520,690      United Arab Emirates      1.7%  
 
   

Novartis Capital

    1.80% due 02/14/2020      250,000        248,976      Switzerland      0.8%  
 
   

Roche

    2.875% due 09/29/2021      500,000        504,771      Switzerland      1.7%  
 
   

TEVA Pharmaceuticals

    2.80% due 07/21/2023      750,000        625,312      Netherlands      2.1%  
               
              1,899,749           6.3%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
14                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of May 31, 2019     LOGO

 

 

               
    Corporate Bonds – 68.6%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Industrials                                  
     
   

Ingersoll-Rand

    2.625% due 05/01/2020      $250,000        $249,685      Luxembourg      0.8%  
               
              249,685           0.8%  
    Materials                                  
     
   

Koninklijke DSM2

    1.00% due 04/09/2025      EUR 1,000,000        1,166,792      Netherlands      3.9%  
               
              1,166,792           3.9%  
    Technology                                  
     
   

Apple2

    2.65% due 06/10/2020      AUD 500,000        349,994      United States      1.1%  
 
   

MSCI3

    5.75% due 08/15/2025      600,000        625,380      United States      2.1%  
 
   

Nokia

    3.375% due 06/12/2022      1,000,000        995,000      Finland      3.3%  
               
              1,970,374           6.5%  
                 
           
  Total Corporate Bonds         $20,803,231           68.6%  
                 
               
    Government Bonds – 24.0%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Country1    Percentage of Assets  
    Banks                                  
     
   

KFW

    2.00% due 11/30/2021      $1,000,000        $1,000,593      Germany      3.3%  
               
              1,000,593           3.3%  
    Foreign Government Bonds                                  
     
   

Federal Republic of Brazil

    12.50% due 01/05/2022      BRL 2,500,000        716,982      Brazil      2.3%  
 
   

Mexico Bonos Desarrollo

    6.50% due 06/10/2021      MXN 200,000        993,145      Mexico      3.3%  
               
              1,710,127           5.6%  
    US Treasury Bond                                  
     
   

United States Treasury Bond

    5.25% due 11/15/2028      500,000        632,481      United States      2.1%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    4.50% due 05/15/2038      1,500,000        1,991,191      United States      6.6%  
 
   

United States Treasury Bond

    3.375% due 11/15/2048      450,000        524,004      United States      1.7%  
               
              3,147,676           10.4%  
    US Treasury Notes                                  
     
   

United States Treasury Note

    2.50% due 05/31/2020      500,000        501,211      United States      1.7%  
 
   

United States Treasury Note

    3.625% due 02/15/2021      900,000        924,047      United States      3.0%  
               
              1,425,258           4.7%  
                 
               
  Total Government Bonds             $7,283,654           24.0%  
                                             
  Total investments     (Cost = $28,904,384)         $28,086,885           92.6%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             2,260,281             7.4%  
  Total net assets             $30,347,166           100.0%  
               
                 
1 

Country of risk

2 

Security was 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 May 31, 2019, the aggregate value of these securities was $5,593,247 representing 18.4% of net assets.

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                 15


Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund: Schedule of Investments    As of May 31, 2019    LOGO

 

3 

Security was 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 May 31, 2019, the net value of these securities was $2,534,231 representing 8.4% of net assets.

4 

Variable rate security. The interest rate represents the rate in effect at May 31, 2019 and resets periodically based on the parenthetically disclosed reference rate and spread.

5 

Bank of Nova Scotia is a fixed to float bond and has a fixed rate until 10/12/2022. The interest rate represents the rate in effect at May 31, 2019.

6 

Hanmi Financial is a fixed to float bond and has a fixed rate until 03/30/2022. The interest rate represents the rate in effect at May 31, 2019.

7 

Townebank Portsmouth VA is a fixed to float bond and has a fixed rate until 07/30/2022. The interest rate represents the rate in effect at May 31, 2019.

 

Countries

  
 

            

 

LOGO

 

Weightings shown are a percentage of total net assets.

 

 

Bond Quality Diversification

 

  
     
% of Total Net Assets

 

    

Rated “AAA”

    18.4%         

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Rated “AA+”

    1.1%      

Rated “AA”

    1.7%      

Rated “AA-”

    8.2%      

Rated “A+”

    0.5%      

Rated “A-”

    11.3%      

Rated “BBB+”

    11.9%      

Rated “BBB”

    10.7%      

Rated “BBB-”

    7.4%      

Rated “BB+”

    10.4%      

Rated “BB”

    2.1%      

Rated “BB-”

    2.3%      

Rated “B”

    3.3%      

Not rated

    3.3%         

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    7.4%               

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 credit worthiness of the issuers of the underlying securities and not the fund or its shares. Ratings may be subject to change.

 

 

 

 

 
16                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund    LOGO

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of May 31, 2019

 

   
 

Assets

                          

Investments in securities, at value (Cost $28,904,384)

    $28,086,885  

Cash

    1,949,015  

Interest receivable

    329,309  

Prepaid expenses

    19,186  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    13,261  
       

Total assets

    30,397,656  
       

Liabilities

 

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    31,220  

Accrued advisory fees

    9,180  

Distributions payable

    8,784  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,030  

Accrued retirement plan custodial fees

    276  
       

Total liabilities

    50,490  
       

Net assets

    $30,347,166  
   
 
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $31,240,819  

Total distributable earnings

    (893,653
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $30,347,166  
   
 

Fund shares outstanding

    3,164,173  
   

Net asset value, offering, and redemption price per share

    $9.59  
         

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended May 31, 2019

 

   
 

Investment income

 

Interest income

    $561,746  
       

Total investment income

    561,746  
       

Expenses

 

Investment adviser fees

    82,282  

Filing and registration fees

    12,157  

Audit fees

    10,731  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    3,836  

Trustee fees

    2,602  

Printing and postage

    2,359  

Custodian fees

    1,607  

Other expenses

    1,101  

Legal fees

    915  

Retirement plan custodial fees

    386  
       

Total gross expenses

    117,976  
       

Less adviser fees waived

    (18,789

Less custodian fee credits

    (1,488
       

Net expenses

    97,699  
       

Net investment income

    $464,047  
   
 
   

    

 

Net realized loss from investments and foreign currency

    $(64,292

Net decrease in unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency

    696,738  
       

Net gain on investments

    $632,446  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $1,096,493  
         

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                  17


Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund   LOGO

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019        Year ended November 30, 2018  
     

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $464,047          $821,787  

Net realized loss on investment

    (64,292        (88,078

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    696,738          (1,499,785
                  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,096,493          (766,076
                  

Distributions to shareowners

    (454,409        (722,566

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from sales of shares

    5,215,764          14,807,636  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    402,454          637,199  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (7,559,696        (4,289,584
                  

Total capital share transactions

    (1,941,478        11,155,251  
                  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (1,299,394        9,666,609  
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of year

    31,646,560          21,979,951  

End of year

    $30,347,166          $31,646,560  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Number of shares sold

    548,980          1,517,615  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    42,266          65,470  

Number of shares redeemed

    (797,749        (438,446
                  

Net increase (decrease) in number of shares outstanding

    (206,503        1,144,639  
     
      

 

Financial Highlights

    Period endedA       Year ended November 30,       Period endedA  
   

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016       Nov. 30, 2015  
           

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $9.39       $9.87       $9.65       $9.75       $10.00  

Income from investment operations

         

Net investment income

    0.14       0.26       0.27       0.24       0.12  

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

    0.20       (0.48     0.23       (0.10     (0.25
                                       

Total from investment operations

    0.34       (0.22     0.50       0.14       (0.13
                                       

Less distributions

         

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.14     (0.26     (0.27     (0.24     (0.12

Capital gains distribution

    -       -       (0.01     -       -  
                                       

Total distributions

    (0.14     (0.26     (0.28     (0.24     (0.12
                                       
         

Net asset value at end of period

    $9.59       $9.39       $9.87       $9.65       $9.75  
           
         

Total returnB

    3.69%       (2.29 )%      5.28%       1.37%       (1.29 )%B  
           

Ratios / supplemental data

         

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $30,347       $31,647       $21,980       $8,639       $6,885  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

         

Before fee waiversC

    0.79%       0.77%       0.92%       1.17%       1.02%  

After fee waiversC

    0.66%       0.66%       0.75%       0.89%       0.90%  

After fee waivers and custodian fee creditsC

    0.65%       0.65%       0.74%       0.89%       0.89%  

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

    3.10%       2.99%       2.82%       2.46%       1.92%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    25%       25%       14%       46%       4%  
           
         
A 

Operations commenced on March 27, 2015

B 

Not annualized for periods of less than one year

C 

Annualized for periods of less than on year

 

 

 
18                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Notes to Financial Statements   

 

NOTE 1 – Organization

Saturna Investment Trust (the “Trust”) was established under Washington State Law as a business trust on February 20, 1987. The Trust is registered as an open-end, diversified management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Nine portfolio series have been created to date, two of which are covered by this annual report: Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund and Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund (the “Funds”). The Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund, Sextant Bond Income Fund, Sextant Core Fund, Sextant Global High Income Fund, Sextant Growth Fund, Sextant International Fund, and the Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund are offered through separate prospectuses, the results of which are contained in separate reports.

Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund and Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund commenced operations on March 27, 2015.

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

Investment risks:

Saturna Sustainable Equity and Saturna Sustainable Bond Funds: The value of each Fund’s shares rises and falls as the value of the securities in which the Fund invests goes up and down. Fund share prices, yields, and total returns will change with market fluctuations as well as the fortunes of the countries, industries, and companies in which the Fund invests. The Funds do not use derivatives to hedge currency, interest rate, or credit risk.

Ratings are dependent upon the associated ESG risks that are most pertinent to the sector in which an issuer operates. The ratings process associated with sustainable and responsible investing reduces the investable universe for each Fund, which limits opportunities and may increase the risk of loss during market declines. The adviser believes that sustainable investing may mitigate security-specific risk, but there is no guarantee that the securities favored by our investment process will perform better and may perform worse than those that are not favored.

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.

Foreign investing involves risks not normally associated with investing in US securities. These include fluctuations in currency exchange rates, less public information about securities, less governmental market supervision, and the lack of uniform financial, social, and political standards. Foreign investing heightens the risk of confiscatory taxation, seizure or nationalization of assets, establishment of currency controls, or adverse political or social developments that affect investments. The risks of investing in foreign securities are typically greater in less developed or emerging countries.

Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. If a Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be more difficult to value, especially in changing markets. Investments by a Fund in foreign securities and those that are thinly traded, such as lower quality issuers, and smaller companies tend to involve greater liquidity risk. If a Fund is forced to sell or unwind these investments to meet redemptions or for other cash needs, the Fund may suffer a penalty. Additionally, the market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. In such cases, the Fund, due to limitations on investments in illiquid securities and the difficulty in purchasing and selling such securities, may be unable to achieve its investment objective.

Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund: The risks inherent in the Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund depend primarily on the terms and quality of the obligations in its portfolio, as well as on bond market conditions. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. When interest rates fall, bond prices go up. Bonds with longer maturities usually are more sensitive to interest rate changes than bonds with shorter maturities. The Fund entails credit risk, which is the possibility that a bond will not be able to pay interest or principal when due. If the credit quality of a bond is perceived to decline, investors will demand a higher yield, which means a lower price on that bond to compensate for the higher level of risk.

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities issued by government sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks in the US. Foreign governments also sponsor similar entities, which may promote activities such as low-cost housing or alternative energy. The Fund may also invest in the issues of regional, state, and local governments. The terms of such issues can be complex, and there can be no assurance that a government entity will support such enterprises that encounter financial difficulty.

Issuers of high-yield securities are generally not as strong financially as those issuing higher quality securities. These issuers are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and are more vulnerable to changes in the relevant economy that could affect their ability to make interest and principal payments as expected. High-yield bonds may have low or no ratings, and may be considered “junk bonds.”

Bond investments, especially mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, are subject to the risk that borrowers will prepay the principal more quickly than expected (prepayment risk) or more slowly than expected (extension risk), which will affect the yield, average life, and price of the securities.

NOTE 2 – Unaudited Information

The information in this interim report has not been subjected 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 the latest bid price.

Debt securities are valued using bid-side valuations provided by an independent service. The service determines valuations using factors such as yields or prices of bonds of comparable quality,

 

 

 
May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                  19


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

type of issue, coupon maturity, ratings, trading activity, and general market conditions.

Fixed-income debt instruments, such as commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances, and US Treasury Bills, with a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Any discount or premium is accreted or amortized on a straight-line basis until maturity.

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

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:

The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of each Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by each Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding for each Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Funds’ shares are not priced or traded on days the New York Stock Exchange is closed. The NAV is 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.

 

Funds    Level 1
Quoted Price
     Level 2
Significant Observable Input
     Level 3
Significant Unobservable Input
     Total  
         

Sustainable Equity Fund

           

Common Stocks

           

Communications

     $166,595        $-        $-        $166,595  

Consumer Discretionary

     1,098,701        79,914        -        $1,178,615  

Consumer Staples

     697,417        23,448        -        $720,865  

Energy

     -        127,236        -        $127,236  

Financials

     578,318        224,358        -        $802,676  

Health Care

     216,214        111,375        -        $327,589  

Industrials

     86,325        146,274        -        $232,599  

Materials

     38,055        146,251        -        $184,306  

Technology

     1,358,497        197,506        -        $1,556,003  

Total Assets

     $4,240,122        $1,056,362        $-        $5,296,484  
                                     
         

Sustainable Bond Fund

           

Corporate Bonds1

     $-        $20,803,231        $-        $20,803,231  

Government Bonds1

     $-        $7,283,654        $-        $7,283,654  

Total Assets

     $-        $28,086,885        $-        $28,086,885  

 

1 

See Schedule of Investments for industry breakout.

During the period ended May 31, 2019, no Fund had transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.

 

 

 
20                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


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 20 is a summary of the inputs used as of May 31, 2019, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value.

Investment concentration:

The Funds may have deposits of cash with the custodian from time to time for one or more reasons. “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 them 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 (2016-2018) or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2019 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions 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 have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. As of November 30, 2018, the reclassification of capital accounts were as follows:

 

     
     Equity Fund      Bond Fund  

Distributable earnings

     $-        $2,041  

Paid-in capital

     $-        $(2,041

These reclassifications were due to treatment of foreign currencies, re-designation of distributions, and investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Distributions to shareowners:

For the Sustainable Bond Fund, dividends to shareowners from net investment income are paid daily and distributed on the last business day of each month. Sustainable Equity Fund pays income dividends annually, typically by the end of the year. As a result of its investment strategy, the Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund may not pay income dividends. For both Funds, 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 from operations 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.

 

 

 
May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                  21


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

Other:

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Premiums on securities purchased are amortized, and discounts are accreted over the lives of the respective securities. Dividends from equity securities are recorded as income on the ex-dividend date.

NOTE 4 – Transactions with Affiliated Persons

Under contracts approved annually by the Trust’s independent trustees, Saturna Capital Corporation provides investment advisory services and certain other administrative services required to conduct Trust business. Expenses incurred by the Trust on behalf of the Funds (e.g., legal fees) are allocated to the Funds on the basis of relative daily average net assets. For such services, each of the Funds pays the adviser an Investment Advisory and Administrative Services Fee of 0.65% for the Sustainable Equity Fund and 0.55% for the Sustainable Bond Fund of average net assets per annum, payable monthly. In addition, the adviser has agreed to certain limits on other expenses, as described below.

The Adviser has voluntarily undertaken to limit expenses of the Sustainable Equity Fund to 0.75% and the Sustainable Bond Fund to 0.65% through March 31, 2020. For the period ended May 31, 2019, the advisory fees incurred were as follows:

 

       
     Adviser
Fees
     Adviser Fees
Waived
     Expense
Reimbursement
 

Sustainable Equity

     $18,293        $(18,293      $(5,169

Sustainable Bond

     $82,282        $(18,789      $-  

In accordance with the expense limitation noted above, for the period ended May 31, 2019, Saturna Capital waived a portion of the advisory fees of the Sustainable Equity Fund and Sustainable Bond Fund. The adviser cannot recoup previously waived fees.

Saturna Brokerage Services, Inc. (“SBS”), a discount brokerage and subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation, is registered as a broker-dealer and acts as distributor. On December 19, 2014, the Funds adopted a Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. On June 2, 2017, 12b-1 fees were terminated for both Saturna Sustainable Funds.

SBS is used to effect 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 Fund pays an annual fee of $10 per account for retirement plan services to Saturna Trust Company. For the period ended May 31, 2019, the Funds incurred the following amounts:

 

 
Retirement plan custodial fees  

Sustainable Equity

     $596  

Sustainable Bond

     $386  

Mrs. Jane Carten serves as a trustee and president of the Trust. She is also a director and president of Saturna Capital and vice president of Saturna Trust Company. Mrs. Carten is not compensated by the Trust. For the period ended May 31, 2019, the Trust incurred compensation expenses of $17,000 which is included in $32,456 of total expenses for the independent Trustees. The Saturna Sustainable Funds paid $6,226 of these total expenses.

The officers of the Trust are paid by Saturna Capital, not the Trust, except the Chief Compliance Officer, who may be partially compensated by the Trust. For the period ended May 31, 2019, the Funds paid the following compensation expenses for the Chief Compliance Officer:

 

 
Chief Compliance Officer  

Sustainable Equity

     $892  

Sustainable Bond

     $3,836  

On May 31, 2019, the trustees, officers, and their affiliates as a group owned 52.05% and 12.04% of the outstanding shares of Sustainable Equity Fund and Sustainable Bond Fund, respectively.

NOTE 5 – Distributions to Shareowners

The tax characteristics of distributions paid for the period ended May 31, 2019, and the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

     
     Period ended
May 31, 2019
     Year ended
November 30,
2018
 

Sustainable Equity Fund

     

Ordinary income

     $46,186        $40,318  

Sustainable Bond Fund

     

Ordinary income

     $454,409        $722,566  

 

1 

Long-term capital gain dividend designated at 20% rate pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

 

 
22                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

NOTE 6 – Federal Income Taxes

The cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes on May 31, 2019, was as follows:

 

     
     Sustainable
Equity
     Sustainable
Bond
 

Cost of investments

     $4,151,082        $28,904,384  
                 

Gross tax unrealized appreciation

     $1,318,316        $254,470  

Gross tax unrealized depreciation

     $(172,914      $(1,071,969
                 

Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $1,145,402        $(817,499

As of November 30, 2018, components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   
Sustainable Equity       

Undistributed ordinary income

     $40,520  
        

Tax accumulated earnings

     40,520  

Accumulated capital losses

     (284,394

Unrealized appreciation

     866,045  

Other unrealized losses

     (82
        

Total accumulated earnings

     622,089  
   
  
 
Sustainable Bond  

Accumulated capital losses

     (19,458

Unrealized depreciation

     (1,512,733

Other unrealized losses

     (3,546
        

Total accumulated earnings

     (1,535,737
   
  

On November 30, 2018, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards as follows, subject to regulation.

 

     Carryforward        Expiration  
     

Equity Fund

     

Short-term loss carryforward

     $275,790        Unlimited  

Long-term loss carryforward

     $8,604        Unlimitied  
       $284,394           
     Carryforward        Expiration  
     

Bond Fund

     

Short-term loss carryforward

     $16,739        Unlimited  

Long-term loss carryforward

     $2,719        Unlimitied  
       $19,458           

NOTE 7 – Investments

Investment transactions other than short-term investments for the period ended May 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

     
     Purchases      Sales  

Sustainable Equity

     $241,866        $462,563  

Sustainable Bond

     $7,261,593        $10,105,319  

NOTE 8 – Custodian

Under agreements in place with the Trust’s custodian, UMB Bank, custody fees are reduced by credits for cash balances. Such reductions for the period ended May 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

 
Custodian Fee Credits  

Sustainable Equity

     $327  

Sustainable Bond

     $1,488  

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 period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

 
May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report                  23


Expenses

All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a Saturna Sustainable Fund shareowner, you incur ongoing costs, including management 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 Saturna Sustainable Funds, unlike many mutual funds, you do not incur sales charges (loads) on purchases, reinvested dividends, or other distributions. You do not incur 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 (December 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019).

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 Saturna Sustainable 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 Saturna Sustainable 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
[December 1, 2018]
 
 
 
    

Ending
Account Value
[May 31, 2019]
 
 
 
    
Expenses Paid
During Period
 
 
    
Annualized
Expense Ratio
 
 

Sustainable Equity Fund (SEEFX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,064.20        $3.88        0.75%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,021.17        $3.80        0.75%  

Sustainable Bond Fund (SEBFX), Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,036.90        $3.32        0.65%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,021.68        $3.29        0.65%  

Expenses are equal to annualized expense ratios indicated above (based on the most recent fiscal period of December 1, 2018, through May 31, 2019) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

 

 
24                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Availability of Portfolio Information

 

 

(1)

The Saturna Sustainable Funds file complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q.

 

(2)

The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov and at www.saturnasustainable.com.

 

(3)

The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

(4)

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

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 1-800-728-8762 or write to us at Saturna Capital/Saturna Sustainable Funds, P.O. Box N, Bellingham, WA 98227. We will begin sending you individual copies 30 days after receiving your request.

If you are currently receiving multiple copies and wish to receive only one copy, please call us at 1-800-728-8762 or write to us at Saturna Capital/Saturna Sustainable Funds, P.O. Box N, Bellingham, WA 98227. We will begin sending you a single copy with subsequent report mailings.

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 1-800-728-8762; (b) on the Funds’ website at www. saturnasustainable.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 1-800-728-8762; (b) on the Funds’ website at www.saturnasustainable.com; and (c) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Privacy Statement

 

At Saturna Capital and Saturna Investment 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 nonpublic 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, shareowner 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.

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              25


 

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26                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              27


LOGO


LOGO


Performance Summary (as of June 30, 2019)

 

  

Average Annual Returns (before any taxes paid by shareowners)

 

     1 Year        3 Year        5 Year        10 Year        15 Year        Expense Ratio  

Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund

     5.80%        1.74%        2.56%        3.21%        3.36%        0.68% 1  
             

S&P Idaho Municipal Bond Index

     6.42%        2.61%        3.99%        5.29%        n/a        n/a  
             

“Muni Single State Intermediate” Category Average2

     5.25%        1.56%        2.58%        3.49%        3.46%        0.96%  

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 1-800-728-8762 or visiting www.idahotaxexemptfund.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.

Please consider an investment’s objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain this and other important information about the Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund in a prospectus or summary prospectus, ask your financial advisor, visit www.idahotaxexemptfund.com, or call toll free 1-800-728-8762. Please read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

A note about risk: See Notes to Financial Statements for a discussion of investment risks. For a more detailed discussion of the risks associated with the Fund, please see the Fund’s prospectus or summary prospectus.

 

1 

By regulation, the expense ratio shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different fiscal periods.

 

2 

Source: Morningstar June 30, 2019. Morningstar, Inc. is an independent fund performance monitor. Category returns are determined monthly from total returns by Morningstar, by category as determined by Morningstar. Category average expense ratios are determined by Morningstar from prospectus level data reported by funds in the category.

 

 

 
2                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


LOGO

Fellow Shareowners:

Idaho is thriving. Broad economic opportunities, record low unemployment (2.7%), affordable housing, strong personal income, nation leading home price appreciation, a balanced tax structure, abundant outdoor attractions, and a burgeoning tech sector all contribute to Idaho’s booming population growth. Idaho has the 10th highest percentage of vacation homes in the US and the highest percentage in the Pacific Northwest according to Bloomberg Pursuits. SmartAsset ranked Idaho fourth best in the nation for Best Places for The Middle Class in 2018. Remarkably, state tax payers are as healthy as the state’s finances.

Idaho state total gross domestic product surpassed $77 billion for the first time in 2018, a 6.3% increase. State reserve funds grew 15%. Total revenues for governmental activities exceeded total expenditures for governmental activities by $1 billion. The unassigned general fund balance (for discretionary use) ended the year at $801 million, up 15%. Idaho’s combined net position (a useful indicator of whether the financial position of the state is improving or deteriorating) grew $803 million or 6%. Idaho also improved pension funding (plan fiduciary net position as a % total pension liabilities) to 82.5%.

With improving economic conditions and strong revenue growth, the legislature increased appropriations for education, cut taxes for most individuals and businesses providing nearly $142 million in tax relief, and approved the largest cut in state regulations in history. These actions add to the attractiveness of one of the nation’s most economically competitive states. There is not much the state of Idaho is getting wrong these days. The point of this highlight reel is to emphasize that Idaho learned the lessons of 2008 and is better prepared than most other states to successfully endure whatever the next economic calamity happens to be.

Low US unemployment, a firm US Dollar, and modest US inflation do not normally signal US monetary policy easing. However, the uncertainty of the US China trade dispute and its depressing impact on global economic growth and inflation has now overwhelmed the US Federal Reserve’s drive to normalize US interest rates. In 2018, slowing global growth and falling US inflation expectations tightened US monetary conditions, causing a full percent decline in US yields. With US bond yields already in decline, and with Europe and China readying new rounds of monetary policy easing, the Fed may be unable to resist matching their easing moves.

As global growth softens, a US recession remains at the forefront of the minds of US investors. Despite recent slowdowns in US housing, automobiles, and manufacturing sectors, the US economy continues to grow, albeit slowly. In a stabilizing sign for the US economy, the yield spread between 10-year and 30-year US Treasurys has widened from 0.10% to 0.50% over the last year. With quantitative easing and lower short-term rates on standby in case of a US economic slowdown, market conditions are supportive for fixed-income asset prices. Diminished US municipal yields remain some of the most attractive in a world with $13 trillion of negative yielding sovereign and corporate bonds destroying investors’ capital. US rates appear to have room to fall further in the coming years, boosting municipal bond returns in the process.

Respectfully,

(photo omitted)

Jane Carten,

President

(photo omitted)

Phelps McIlvaine,

Vice President, Portfolio Manager

 

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              3


    

 

Performance Summary

  

 

Average Annual Returns (as of May 31, 2019)

 

         
       1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Expense Ratio1  

Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund

       5.25%          2.43%          3.07%          0.68%  

S&P Idaho Municipal Bond Index

       5.97%          3.92%          5.18%          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 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 the Fund on November 30, 2008, to an identical amount invested in the Standard & Poor’s Idaho Municipal Bond Index, a broad-based index of Idaho municipal bond prices. The graph shows that an investment in the Fund would have risen to $13,532 versus $16,576 in the S&P Idaho Municipal Bond 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, the expense ratio for the Fund shown in this table is as stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, which is dated March 27, 2019, and incorporates results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018. The ratio presented in this table differs from expense ratios shown elsewhere in this report as they represent different fiscal periods.

Fund Objective

 

Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund seeks to provide income free from federal income, federal alternative minimum, and Idaho state income taxes. Preservation of capital is a secondary objective.

 

Top 10 Holdings

  
 
% of Total Net Assets  

Teton Co, ID SCD #401 Driggs (4.00% due 09/15/2035)

     4.2%  

University of Idaho Revenue (5.00% due 04/01/2032)

     3.6%  

Canyon Co ID SCD #134 Middleton (4.00% due 09/15/2028)

     3.3%  

Idaho State Building Authority (5.00% due 09/01/2032)

     3.2%  

Idaho Bond Bank (4.00% due 09/15/2032)

     3.2%  

Nez Perce CO ISD #1 Lewiston (5.00% due 09/15/2029)

     3.0%  

Idaho Fish Wildlife Foundation Rev (5.00% due 12/01/2033)

     2.9%  

Ada & Canyon Cos ID JSD #2 Meridian (5.00% due 08/15/2032)

     2.8%  

Boise City Urban Renewal Lease Rev (5.00% due 12/15/2032)

     2.6%  

Twin Falls Co ID SCD #411 (4.25% due 09/15/2030)

     2.5%  

 

Portfolio Diversification

      
       
% of Total Net Assets       

General Obligation

    46.9%         

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

State Education

    19.6%      

Real Estate

    10.9%      

Financial Services

    5.7%      

Pollution Control

    2.5%      

Medical - Hospitals

    2.3%      

Health Care Facilities

    2.2%      

Water Supply

    2.1%      

Transportation

    1.6%      

Other assets (net of liabilities)

    6.2%      

 

 

 

 
4                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


    

 

    Schedule of Investments                          As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds - 93.8%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Financial Services                             
     
   

Idaho Bond Bank

    4.00% due 09/15/2032      $405,000        $437,185        3.2%  
 
   

Idaho Housing & Finance Rev

    3.00% due 07/01/2036      335,000        333,704        2.5%  
             
              770,889        5.7%  
    General Obligation                             
     
   

Ada & Canyon Cos ID JSD #2 Meridian

    5.00% due 08/15/2032      325,000        384,384        2.8%  
 
   

Ada & Canyon Cos ID JSD #3 Kuna

    4.00% due 09/15/2027      100,000        117,504        0.9%  
 
   

Adams & Washington Cos ID JSD #432

    4.00% due 08/15/2019      100,000        100,522        0.7%  
 
   

Bonneville & Bingham Cos JSD #93

    5.00% due 09/15/2031      200,000        221,400        1.6%  
 
   

Bonneville & Bingham Cos JSD #93

    5.00% due 09/15/2029      250,000        277,342        2.0%  
 
   

Bonneville Co ID SCD #91

    4.00% due 09/15/2026      15,000        16,191        0.1%  
 
   

Bonneville Co ID SCD #91

    4.00% due 09/15/2026      35,000        37,809        0.3%  
 
   

Bonneville Co ID SCD #91

    3.75% due 09/15/2032      285,000        297,178        2.2%  
 
   

Boundary County ID SCD #101

    4.00% due 08/15/2021      240,000        241,291        1.8%  
 
   

Canyon Co ID SCD #134 Middleton

    4.00% due 09/15/2028      400,000        454,056        3.3%  
 
   

Canyon Co ID SCD #135 Notus

    3.25% due 09/15/2031      290,000        308,430        2.3%  
 
   

Canyon Co ID SCD #135 Notus

    3.25% due 09/15/2032      170,000        180,339        1.3%  
 
   

Canyon Co ID SCD #139 Vallivue

    5.00% due 09/15/2024      260,000        288,964        2.1%  
 
   

Cariboo Franklin Bannock JSD #148

    3.25% due 09/15/2035      300,000        318,894        2.3%  
 
   

Cassia Oneida Twin Falls JSD #151

    3.375% due 09/15/2034      160,000        166,147        1.2%  
 
   

Kootenai Co ID SCD #271 PREREF

    4.00% due 09/15/2025      40,000        43,109        0.3%  
 
   

Kootenai Co ID SCD #271 UNREF

    4.00% due 09/15/2025      125,000        134,916        1.0%  
 
   

Kootenai Co ID SCD #273

    4.00% due 08/15/2031      265,000        295,772        2.2%  
 
   

Kootenai-Shoshone ID Area Libraries

    4.25% due 08/01/2021      220,000        220,990        1.6%  
 
   

Latah Co ID SCD #281 Moscow Ser B

    4.00% due 08/15/2027      100,000        109,102        0.8%  
 
   

Latah Co ID SCD #281 Moscow Ser B

    4.00% due 08/15/2028      200,000        217,358        1.6%  
 
   

Madison Co. Id. SDC #321

    5.00% due 09/15/2035      250,000        302,378        2.2%  
 
   

Teton Co, ID SCD #401 Driggs

    4.00% due 09/15/2035      500,000        566,530        4.2%  
 
   

Twin Falls Co ID SCD #411

    4.00% due 09/15/2027      170,000        190,373        1.4%  
 
   

Twin Falls Co ID SCD #411

    4.25% due 09/15/2030      300,000        335,574        2.5%  
 
   

Twin Falls Co ID SCD #411

    4.75% due 09/15/2039      200,000        232,876        1.7%  
 
   

Twin Falls Co ID SCD #411 Series A

    4.25% due 09/15/2031      100,000        110,997        0.8%  
 
   

Valley & Adams Cos ID JSD #421

    3.00% due 08/01/2026      220,000        229,603        1.7%  
             
              6,400,029        46.9%  
     Health Care Facilities                              
 
   

Idaho Health Faci Auth Hos Rev

    5.00% due 12/01/2047      260,000        304,806        2.2%  
             
              304,806        2.2%  
     Medical - Hospitals                              
 
   

Idaho Health Rev Trinity Health Grp

    3.25% due 12/01/2028      300,000        317,991        2.3%  
             
              317,991        2.3%  
    Pollution Control                             
     
   

Idaho Bond Bank

    4.00% due 09/15/2033      135,000        152,797        1.1%  
 
   

Idaho Bond Bank Authority

    4.30% due 09/01/2022      20,000        20,043        0.2%  
 
   

Idaho Bond Bank Authority

    4.00% due 09/15/2032      130,000        147,619        1.1%  
 
   

Idaho Bond Bank Authority, Undefeasement

    4.125% due 09/15/2023      20,000        20,042        0.1%  
             
              340,501        2.5%  

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  5


    

 

    Schedule of Investments                          As of May 31, 2019  
             
    Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds - 93.8%       Coupon / Maturity    Face Amount      Market Value      Percentage of Assets  
    Real Estate                             
     
   

Boise City Urban Renewal Lease Rev

    5.00% due 12/15/2032      $300,000        $349,911        2.6%  
 
   

Idaho Fish Wildlife Foundation Rev

    5.00% due 12/01/2033      320,000        393,277        2.9%  
 
   

Idaho State Building Authority

    5.00% due 09/01/2031      200,000        219,494        1.6%  
 
   

Idaho State Building Authority

    5.00% due 09/01/2032      400,000        438,460        3.2%  
 
   

Post Falls ID LID SPA

    5.00% due 05/01/2021      90,000        90,862        0.6%  
             
              1,492,004        10.9%  
    State Education                             
     
   

Boise State University ID Revenue

    5.00% due 04/01/2028      125,000        146,431        1.1%  
 
   

Boise State University ID Revenue

    5.00% due 04/01/2032      160,000        189,046        1.4%  
 
   

Idaho State University

    4.00% due 04/01/2027      170,000        191,933        1.4%  
 
   

Idaho State University

    4.00% due 04/01/2030      245,000        271,634        2.0%  
 
   

Idaho State University Revenue

    3.00% due 04/01/2031      250,000        259,313        1.9%  
 
   

Idaho State University Revenue

    3.00% due 04/01/2032      160,000        165,112        1.2%  
 
   

Nez Perce CO ISD #1 Lewiston

    5.00% due 09/15/2029      330,000        407,078        3.0%  
 
   

North Idaho College Dormitory Rev

    4.00% due 11/01/2030      285,000        314,421        2.3%  
 
   

University of Idaho Revenue

    5.00% due 04/01/2028      225,000        231,109        1.7%  
 
   

University of Idaho Revenue

    5.00% due 04/01/2032      455,000        492,706        3.6%  
             
              2,668,783        19.6%  
     Transportation                              
 
   

Boise ID Airport Park Fac Rev

    3.00% due 09/01/2028      210,000        214,498        1.6%  
             
              214,498        1.6%  
     Water Supply                              
 
   

Payette Lakes Rec Wtr & Swr Rev

    4.00% due 08/01/2034      255,000        279,908        2.1%  
             
              279,908        2.1%  
                                        
  Total investments     (Cost $12,308,490)         12,789,409        93.8%  
  Other assets (net of liabilities)             844,249        6.2%  
  Total net assets             $13,633,658        100.0%  
             
              

 

Bond Quality Diversification

      
     
% of Total Net Assets

 

    

Rated “AAA”

    33.8%         

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Rated “AA+”

    22.3%      

Rated “AA”

    8.5%      

Rated “AA-”

    7.4%      

Rated “A+”

    15.9%      

Rated “A”

    4.9%      

Not rated

    1.0%      

Other Assets (net of liabilities)

    6.2%      
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.

 

 

 

 
6                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


    

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As of May 31, 2019

 

   
 

Assets

                          

Investments in securities, at value
(Cost $12,308,490)

    $12,789,409  

Cash

    729,586  

Interest receivable

    124,154  

Prepaid expenses

    3,319  

Insurance reserve premium

    801  
       

Total assets

    13,647,269  
       

Liabilities

 

Accrued advisory fees

    5,728  

Distributions payable

    4,551  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    2,939  

Accrued Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    352  

Accrued retirement plan custodial fees

    41  
       

Total liabilities

    13,611  
       

Net assets

    $13,633,658  
   
 
   

Analysis of net assets

 

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

    $13,241,556  

Total distributable earnings

    392,102  
       

Net assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding

    $13,633,658  
   
 

Fund shares outstanding

    2,481,344  
   

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $5.49  
         

Statement of Operations

 

Period ended May 31, 2019

 

   
 

Investment income

 

Interest income

    $185,504  
       

Total investment income

    185,504  
       

Expenses

 

Investment adviser fees

    33,263  

Audit fees

    2,587  

Chief Compliance Officer expenses

    1,980  

Trustee fees

    1,608  

Filing and registration fees

    1,478  

Transfer agent fees

    918  

Other expenses

    778  

Printing and postage

    578  

Legal fees

    426  

Custodian fees

    286  

Retirement plan custodial fees

    50  
       

    Total gross expenses

    43,952  
       

Less transfer agent fees waived

    (918

Less custodian fee credits

    (234
       

Net expenses

    42,800  
       

Net investment income

    $142,704  
   
 
   
 

Net realized gain from investments

    $15,727  

Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments

    508,167  
       

Net gain on investments

    $523,894  
   
 
   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $666,598  
         

 

 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  7


    

 

Statement of Changes of Net Assets

    Period ended May 31, 2019          Year ended November 30, 2018  
     

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

      

From operations

      

Net investment income

    $142,704          $361,335  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment

    15,727          (44,849

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation

    508,167          (232,107
                  

Net increase in net assets

    666,598          84,379  
                  
      

Distributions to shareholders

    (142,704        (361,335
      

Capital share transactions

      

Proceeds from sales of shares

    501,240          3,147,317  

Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    113,999          300,919  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (1,059,793        (7,091,173
                  

Total capital share transactions

    (444,554        (3,642,937
                  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    79,340          (3,919,893
     
      
     

Net assets

      

Beginning of period

    13,554,318          17,474,211  

End of period

    $13,633,658          $13,554,318  
     
      
     

Shares of the Fund sold and redeemed

      

Number of shares sold

    92,966          591,416  

Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    21,072          56,625  

Number of shares redeemed

    (197,564        (1,337,291
                  

Net decrease in number of shares outstanding

    (83,526        (689,250
     
      

 

Financial Highlights

    For period ended       For the year ended November 30,  

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

    May 31, 2019       2018       2017       2016       2015       2014  
             

Net asset value at beginning of period

    $5.28       $5.37       $5.29       $5.48       $5.51       $5.36  

Income from investment operations

           

Net investment income

    0.06       0.12       0.13       0.14       0.15       0.16  

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

    0.21       (0.09     0.08       (0.19     (0.03     0.15  
                                               

Total from investment operations

    0.27       0.03       0.21       (0.05     0.12       0.31  
                                               

Less distributions

           

Dividends (from net investment income)

    (0.06     (0.12     (0.13     (0.14     (0.15     (0.16

Distributions (from capital gains)

    -       -       -       0.00 A       0.00 A       0.00 A  
                                               

Total distributions

    (0.06     (0.12     (0.13     (0.14     (0.15     (0.16
                                               

Net asset value at end of period

    $5.49       $5.28       $5.37       $5.29       $5.48       $5.51  
             
           

Total returnB

    5.09%       0.51%       3.90%       (0.95 )%      2.21%       5.83%  
             

Ratios / supplemental data

           

Net assets ($000), end of period

    $13,634       $13,554       $17,474       $17,997       $17,420       $16,721  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

           

Before transfer agent fee waiver and custodian fee creditsC

    0.66%       0.68%       0.67%       0.67%       0.67%       0.65%  

After transfer agent fee waiverC

    0.65%       0.67%       0.66%       0.66%       0.66%       0.63%  

After transfer agent fee waiver and custodian fee creditsC

    0.64%       0.67%       0.65%       0.65%       0.66%       0.63%  

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

    2.15%       2.20%       2.33%       2.54%       2.66%       2.85%  

Portfolio turnover rateB

    2%       13%       20%       15%       7%       5%  
             
           

 

A

Amount is less than $0.01

B

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

C

Annualized for percids less than one year.

 

 

 
8                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Notes to Financial Statements   

 

Note 1 – Organization

Saturna Investment Trust (the “Trust”) was established under Washington State Law as a business trust on February 20, 1987. The Trust is registered as an open-end, diversified management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In addition to Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund (the “Fund”), eight portfolios have been created to date: Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund, Sextant Bond Income Fund, Sextant Core Fund, Sextant Global High Income Fund, Sextant Growth Fund, Sextant International Fund, Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund, and Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund (each, a “Fund”, and collectively, the “Funds”). The other eight portfolios are distributed through separate prospectuses and the results of those Funds are contained in separate reports.

The Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund was first authorized to sell shares of beneficial interest on September 4, 1987.

The 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.”

Investment risks:

The value of Fund shares rises and falls as the value of the bonds in which the Fund invests goes up and down. The risks inherent in the Fund depend primarily on the terms and quality of the obligations in the Fund’s portfolio, as well as on market conditions. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. When interest rates fall, bond prices go up. Bonds with longer maturities, such as those held by the Fund, usually are more sensitive to interest rate changes than bonds with shorter maturities. Only consider investing in the Fund if you are willing to accept the risk that you may lose money.

The Fund entails credit risk, which is the possibility that a bond will not be able to pay interest or principal when due. If the credit quality of a bond is perceived to decline, investors will demand a higher yield, which means a lower price on that bond to compensate for the higher level of risk. If a security held by the Fund defaults on payment of interest or principal, the Fund’s income, ability to preserve capital, and liquidity would all be adversely affected.

Fund investments are susceptible to factors adversely affecting Idaho, such as political, economic, and financial trends unique to this relatively small state. Investing only in Idaho bonds means that the Fund’s investments are more concentrated than other mutual funds, and relatively few bond price changes may lead to underperformance compared to investments selected in greater number and/or from a wider universe.

The Fund is vulnerable to income tax rate changes, either at the Idaho or federal level, since part of municipal securities’ value is derived from the recipient’s ability to exclude interest payments from taxation.

Note 2 – Unaudited Information

The information in this interim report has not been subjected 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 Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

Security valuation:

Debt securities are valued using bid-side valuations provided by an independent service. The service determines valuations using factors such as yields or prices of bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon maturity, ratings, trading activity, and general market conditions. In the absence of a valuation from an independent service for a security, 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.

Share valuation:

The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding for the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Fund’s shares are not priced or traded on days the New York Stock Exchange is closed. The NAV is the offering and redemption price per share.

The Trustees have adopted certain policies and procedures with respect to frequent trading of Fund shares. The Fund is intended for long-term investment and does not permit rapid trading of its shares. The Fund cannot always identify all intermediaries, or detect or prevent trading that violates the Frequent Trading Policy through intermediaries or omnibus accounts.

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 Fund’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments and are summarized below.

 

  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.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  9


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)   

 

The following table is a summary of the inputs used as of May 31, 2019, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at value.

 

         

Fair Value Inputs

    
Level 1
Quoted Price
 
 
    
Level 2
Significant Observable Input
 
 
    
Level 3
Significant Unobservable Input
 
 
     Total  

Municipal Bonds1

     $-        $12,789,409        $-        $12,789,409  

Total Assets

     $-        $12,789,409        $-        $12,789,409  

 

¹

See Schedule of Investments for industry breakout.

During the period ended May 31, 2019, the Fund had no transfers among Levels 1, 2, or 3.

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 risks associated with investing in those securities.

Income taxes:

The Fund intends 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. As the Fund intends to meet requirements for tax—exempt income dividends, and the requirements of the Idaho Department of Revenue for income dividends exempt from Idaho state income tax, no income tax provisions are required.

The Fund recognizes 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 Fund’s 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 (2015 – 2017), or expected to be taken in the Fund’s 2018 tax return. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdiction as US federal and foreign jurisdictions where the Fund makes significant investments; however, the Fund is 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.

As of May 31, 2019, there were no reclassifications to the capital accounts.

Distributions to shareowners:

The Fund’s dividends to shareowners from net investment income are paid daily and distributed on the last business day of each month.

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 Fund, at the net asset value on the payable date. Shareowners may elect to take distributions in cash if they total $10 or more.

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 from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Other:

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Premiums on securities purchased are amortized and discounts are accreted over the lives of the respective securities.

Recent accounting pronouncements:

As of November 5, 2018, pursuant to the SEC Release #33-10532 “Disclosure Update and Simplification”, funds are no longer required to disclose whether the distributions from earnings are either from net investment income or net realized capital gains. The presentation for the year ended November 30, 2017, has been adjusted for this change in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

In March 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-08, “Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities” (“ASU 2017-08”). ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period to the earliest call date for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact of applying this guidance.

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

 

 

 
10                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)    (unaudited)

 

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 by shareowners on September 28, 1995 and reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees, Saturna Capital Corporation provides investment advisory services and certain other administrative and distribution services to conduct the Fund’s business. For such services, the Fund pays an annual fee equal to 0.50% of its average daily net assets. For the fiscal period ended May 31, 2019, the Fund incurred advisory fee expenses of $33,263. Expenses incurred by the Trust on behalf of the Fund (e.g., legal fees) are allocated to the Fund and the other Funds of the Trust on the basis of relative daily average net assets.

Saturna Capital also acts as transfer agent for the Fund, for which it did not receive any compensation during the fiscal period ended May 31, 2019. Saturna Capital has voluntarily elected to waive the transfer agent fee through May 31, 2019, to reduce the Fund’s operating expenses. Such fees, had they been charged, would have totaled $918.

Saturna Brokerage Services, Inc. (“SBS”), a discount brokerage and subsidiary of Saturna Capital, is registered as a broker-dealer and acts as distributor for the Fund.

Saturna Trust Company (“STC”), a subsidiary of Saturna Capital, acts as a retirement plan custodian for Fund shareowners. For the fiscal period ended May 31, 2019, the Fund incurred retirement plan custodial fees of $50.

Mrs. Jane Carten serves as a trustee and president of the Trust. She is also a director and the president of Saturna Capital and Saturna Trust Company. She is not compensated by the Trust. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019, the Trust paid trustee compensation expenses of $17,000 which is included in the $32,456 of total expenses paid for the independent Trustees. The Fund’s allocation of these expenses was $2,781.

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 period ended May 31, 2019, the Fund’s allocation of these expenses was $1,980.

On May 31, 2019, the trustees, officers, and their immediate families as a group directly or indirectly owned 17.44% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

Note 5 – Distributions to Shareowners

The tax characteristics of distributions paid during the fiscal periods ended May 31, 2019, and November 30, 2018, were as follows:

 

     
     May 31, 2019      November 30, 2018  

Tax-exempt income

     $142,704        $360,134  

Taxable income

     $-        $1,201  

Note 6 – Federal Income Taxes

The cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes at May 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

   

Cost of investments

     $12,308,490  
        

Gross unrealized appreciation

     $482,345  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     $(1,425

Net unrealized appreciation

     $480,920  

As of November 30, 2018, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Undistributed tax exempt income

     $3,051  
        

Tax-exempt accumulated earnings

     $3,051  

Accumulated capital loss

     $(107,595

Unrealized appreciation

     $(27,248
        

Total accumulated earnings

     $(131,792

As of November 30, 2018, the Fund had capital loss carryforwards as follows, subject to regulation.

 

       Carryforward        Expiration  

Short-term loss carryforward

     $(56,781      Unlimited  

Long-term loss carryforward

     $(50,814      Unlimited  
       $(107,595         

Note 7 – Investments

During the period ended May 31, 2019, the Fund purchased $298,483 of securities and sold/matured $1,012,441 of securities.

Note 8 – Custodian

Under the agreement in place with UMB Bank, custody fees are reduced by credits for cash balances. Such reduction for the period ended May 31, 2019, amounted to $234.

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 period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report   May 31, 2019                  11


Expenses   

All mutual funds have operating expenses. As an Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund shareowner, you incur ongoing costs, including management 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 Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund, unlike many mutual funds, you do not incur sales charges (loads) on purchases, reinvested dividends, or other distributions. You do not incur 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 Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Example

The following example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (December 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019).

Actual Expenses

The first line 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 Fund 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 provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the 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 Fund 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 charges for extra services like bank wires.

Please note that the expenses shown are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees (note that the Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund does not charge any such transactional costs). Therefore, the “Hypothetical” line is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and may not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

         
    
Beginning Account Value
[December 1, 2018]
 
 
    
Ending Account Value
[May 31, 2019]
 
 
    
Expenses Paid
During Period1
 
 
   
Annualized
Expense Ratio
 
 

Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,050.90        $3.29       0.64%  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     $1,000.00        $1,021.72        $3.24       0.64%  

 

1

Expenses are equal to Idaho Tax-Exempt Bond Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.67% (based on the most recent semi-annual period of December 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019) multiplied by the average account value over the period multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

 

 
12                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


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

 

 

 

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              13


Availability of Portfolio Information

 

(1)

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q.

 

(2)

The Fund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at www.idahotaxexemptfund.com.

 

(3)

The Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800/SEC-0330.

 

(4)

The Fund makes a complete schedule of portfolio holdings after the end of each month available to investors at www.idahotaxexemptfund.com.

Availability of Proxy Voting Information

 

(1)

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (a) without charge, upon request, by calling Saturna Capital at 1-800-728-8762; (b) on the Fund’s website at www. idahotaxexemptfund.com; and (c) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

(2)

Information regarding how the 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 1-800-728-8762; (b) on the Fund’s website at www.idahotaxexemptfund.com; and (c) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

 

 
14                  May 31, 2019   Semi-Annual Report


Householding Policy

To reduce expenses, we may mail only one copy of the Fund’s prospectus, each annual and semi-annual report, and proxy statement 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 1-800-728-8762 or write to us at Saturna Capital/Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund, P.O. Box N, Bellingham, WA 98227. We will begin sending you individual copies 30 days after receiving your request.

If you are currently receiving multiple copies and wish to receive only one copy, please call us at 1-800-728-8762 or write to us at Saturna Capital/Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund, 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 Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund, 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 nonpublic 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, shareowner 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.

 

 

 
May 31, 2019        Semi-Annual Report              15


LOGO


Item 2. Code of Ethics

Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, which is included with this submission as Exhibit (a)(1) and posted on the Funds' Internet websites at www.sextantfunds.com, www.saturnasustainable.com, and www.idahotaxexemptfund.com. Requests may also be made via telephone at 1-800-728-8762, and will be processed within one business day of receiving such request.

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) The Schedule of Investments is fully answered in Item 1.

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 June 4, 2019, Mrs. Jane Carten (President) and Mr. Christopher Fankhauser (Treasurer) reviewed the internal control procedures for Saturna Investment 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 filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.


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.

SATURNA INVESTMENT TRUST

By:

/s/ Jane K. Carten, President
Signature and Title

Jane K. Carten, President
Printed name and Title

July 30, 2019
Date

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

By:

/s/ Jane K. Carten, President
Signature and Title

Jane K. Carten, President
Printed name and Title

July 30, 2019
Date

By:

/s/ Christopher Fankhauser, Treasurer
Signature and Title

Christopher Fankhauser, Treasurer
Printed name and Title

July 30, 2019
Date