N-CSR 1 dncsr.htm FIRST FOCUS FUNDS First Focus Funds
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

 

Investment Company Act file number

   811-08846

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Focus Funds, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

First National Bank, 1620 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68197
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. 3435 Stelzer Rd. Columbus, OH 43219

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 662-4203

 

Date of fiscal year end: March 31, 2009

 

Date of reporting period: March 31, 2009


Table of Contents
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.


Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Shareholder Letter

   1

Management Discussion and Analysis

   2

Schedules of Portfolio Investments

   18

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   38

Statements of Operations

   40

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   42

Financial Highlights

   46

Notes to Financial Statements

   48

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   55

Additional Fund Information

   56

Directors and Officers

   58


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Dear Shareholder,

At First Focus Funds, we believe in strong risk adjusted rates of return and that preservation of principal is just as important as return. With these key beliefs, you would come to expect that we would perform well as a fund group in volatile and dangerous times, and we have. Our recent returns versus our competition have been strong and the flow of assets into our complex is the strongest it has been in many years.

Not withstanding, recent events have been painful to watch and experience as an investor. It is heart wrenching to watch multiple years of gains in the markets be washed away in the course of several horrible months. Panics and downturns, however painful, are part of our free market system. They have happened before, and they will happen again. This is not the time to panic, but rather to look at things logically. You cannot control events. But you can control your response to events.

There is an unprecedented amount of liquidity being pumped into the financial system from Central Banks around the world. It will take several months for this money to start circulating through the system and have any effect on the markets. Valuations are as attractive as they have been in many years, in almost every asset class. Housing affordability is back to where it was in 1990-1991. Corporate balance sheets are in much better shape than in previous downturns. Inflationary pressures are being driven out of the system. Exports are strong! Historically, this type of panic, which is currently occurring, signals market bottoms. People will go on with their lives, going to work, planning for their future, and raising their children.

Please do not interpret my comments as being overly optimistic or Pollyannaish. We are in the midst of working off a credit hangover the likes of which we have never seen in this country. It will take time, and it will affect our economy for many years to come. It will not be easy to change our attitudes towards borrowing and debt overnight; however we will drive fewer miles, eat more at home, and be much more careful about what we consume versus what we save. Is this a bad thing?

Let me assure you that it is natural and normal to experience the range of emotions that I’m sure many of you are feeling. We are professional investors, investing for our clients as well as our own futures, and this has been painful for us to watch. However, we, unlike most of the pundits you see and hear in the media, are not traders. We are long-term investors. And asset prices have just become much more attractive.

We will continue to manage your funds with a balanced approach towards preservation and return. We value our relationship with you and appreciate your trust in our ability to manage your money.

 

/s/ Stephen Frantz

Stephen Frantz

Chief Investment Officer

sfrantz@fnni.com

Comments are provided as a general market overview and should not be considered investment advice or predictive of any future market performance.

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the First Focus Funds. Mutual Funds involve risk including possible risk of principal. This and other important information about the Funds is contained in the prospectus, which can be obtained by calling 1-800-662-4203. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. The First Focus Funds are distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC member FINRA/SIPC.

 

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FIRST FOCUS SHORT-INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

INVESTMENT CONCERNS

 

 

Short- or intermediate-term investment grade bonds generally offer less risk and a lower rate of return than longer-term higher yielding bonds.

The Fund is subject to the risk that principal value reacts in opposition to the movement of interest rates and that a rising interest rate environment increases the risk of loss of principal.

Mortgage-backed investments involve risk of loss due to prepayments and, like any bond, to default. Because of the sensitivity of mortgage-related securities to changes in interest rates, the Fund’s performance may be more volatile than if it did not hold these securities.

MANAGER COMMENTARY

 

 

The credit and liquidity problems that caused serious dislocations in the fixed income markets during 2007 increased in both scope and depth over the past year. The powerful deleveraging process continued unabated in 2008, driving prices lower on many real and financial assets and drying up liquidity. Falling asset values along with a sustained lack of credit and liquidity drove the country into the worst recession in at least 35 years. A negative feedback loop developed that affected the real economy and all fixed income sectors, including asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, agency and corporate debt securities, and even traditionally safe-haven municipal debt securities. By the fall of 2008, the markets for some of these fixed income asset classes were completely frozen and the fear of systemic collapse was growing daily. With no access to liquidity and balance sheets under severe pressure due to rapidly deteriorating loan quality, stalwart names such as Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, IndyMac, and Washington Mutual were forced into bankruptcy or into mergers at levels that sacrificed their shareholders.

All of these problems forced the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and the U.S. Treasury to become actively involved in trying to reinstill confidence into the financial markets and get credit flowing to the floundering economy. To fully appreciate the scope of the systemic threat to the financial system and the depth of the recession, one need only look at the movement of the federal funds target rate over the 18 months before the end of 2008. The fed funds rate stood at 5.25% on June 30, 2007 and closed 2008 at a stated range of 0.00% to 0.25%. In addition to rapidly lowering the overnight rate, the Fed implemented a plethora of new lending, asset purchase, and asset guarantee programs to banks and non-bank financial companies in 2008 to provide desperately needed liquidity to the frozen credit markets. These programs targeted the fixed income assets that experienced extreme losses of liquidity over the period, including commercial paper, residential and commercial mortgages, and asset-backed securities. Because of these new lending and outright purchase initiatives, the Fed increased the size of its balance sheet from $900 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2008 to almost $2.3 trillion by the end of the calendar year.

The U.S. Treasury was also active in an unprecedented fashion. It injected significant equity capital into financial institutions through its TARP program, and provided additional capital to AIG, Citigroup, and the automakers. More recently, the U.S. Treasury has attempted to get private investors back into the market for structured securities through its announced Public Private Investment Program. Fiscal policy also responded in style, with Congress passing a $780 billion stimulus bill to support the economy and the financial markets. Many of these programs seem to be having some stabilizing effect as we have recently experienced increased trading volume and spread tightening across all sectors of the fixed income markets.

Over the 12-month period ended March 31, 2009, the Short/ Intermediate Fund returned 2.05% on a net basis. This performance compares to a 2.69% return for the Barclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit 1-5 Year Index and a –2.28% average return for the Lipper Short-Intermediate Investment Grade Funds Average1.

The primary driver of the Fund’s underperformance for the 12-months ended March 31, 2009, was the drop in value of our asset-backed holdings, most notably the Preferred Term Securities XXIV, Ltd. and CWL 2007-QX1, as well as our exposure to select financial corporate credits. With respect to the asset-backed holdings mentioned, the continued deterioration in both the housing market and the financial health of the banking sector led to impairment of the underlying performance of these securities. In the corporate sector, our exposure to HSBC Finance and Merrill Lynch hampered relative performance, as our weightings were greater than the benchmark.1

While security selection was a detractor, the Fund’s performance benefited from our overall sector allocation (underweighted position in corporate credit, specifically finance), interest rate sensitivity and yield curve positioning (neutral duration exposure and overweight the 3-5 year area of the yield curve) and the large yield advantage over the index.1

We believe that the improvement we are beginning to see will continue as 2009 progresses. Accordingly, during the first calendar quarter of 2009 we continued increasing our exposure to corporate securities and to some extent, additional structured spread product. We continue to reduce our exposure to U.S. Treasury securities as we see very little value for our investors in government bonds given current interest rate levels and expectations for massive deficit-driven supply. We expect to increase our positions in high quality defensive securities that can avoid impairment as the recession plays itself out, while still providing significant positive total returns as the economy improves over time. 1

 

1

Disclosures

Portfolio composition is as of March 31, 2009 and is subject to change.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s, Inc. are bond rating organizations. They rate the bonds issued by corporations based on the ability of each corporation to repay its debt and pay the interest on that debt. The Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are considered an opinion only, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

Lipper Short-Intermediate Investment Grade Average is an average of funds that invests at least 65% of their assets in investment grade debt issues (rated in top four grades) with dollar-weighted average maturities of one-to five-years.

 

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FIRST FOCUS SHORT-INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

RETURN OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

LOGO

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

% BASED ON FAIR VALUE (PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

LOGO

PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS1 AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

(PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

 

Weighted Average Credit Quality:

   AAA

Weighted Average Maturity:

   2.75 years

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31, 2009*

 

 

 

     1 Year     5 Year     10 Year  

First Focus Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

   2.05 %   2.61 %   4.01 %

Barclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit 1-5 Year Index

   2.69 %   3.71 %   5.12 %

Expense Ratio (Gross/Net)

   1.17% / 0.88%  

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

The above expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated August 1, 2008. Net expense ratio is net of contractual waivers which are in effect from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. Additional information pertaining the Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2009 can be found in the Financial Highlights.

 

(*) Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 31, 1999. Total Return is based on net change in N.A.V. (net asset value) assuming reinvestment of distributions. Returns shown on this page include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.

The Barclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit 1-5 year Index (formerly Lehman Brothers U.S. Government/Credit 1-5 year Index) measures the performance of U.S. Treasury and agency securities, and corporate bonds with 1-5 year maturities.

The above referenced index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of fees, such as investment management and fund accounting fees, or taxes associated with a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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FIRST FOCUS INCOME FUND

INVESTMENT CONCERNS

 

 

The value of the Fund’s shares depends on the value of the securities it owns. Bonds offer a relatively stable level of income, although bond prices will fluctuate, providing the potential for principal gain or loss. Intermediate-term, higher-quality bonds generally offer less risk than longer-term bonds and a lower rate of return.

The Fund is subject to the risk that principal value reacts in opposition to the movement of interest rates and that a rising interest rate environment increases the risk of loss of principal.

Mortgage-backed investments involve risk of loss due to prepayments and, like any bond, to default. Because of the sensitivity of mortgage-related securities to changes in interest rates, the Fund’s performance may be more volatile than if it did not hold these securities.

MANAGER COMMENTARY

 

 

The credit and liquidity problems that caused serious dislocations in the fixed income markets during 2007 increased in both scope and depth over the past year. The powerful deleveraging process continued unabated in 2008, driving prices lower on many real and financial assets and drying up liquidity. Falling asset values along with a sustained lack of credit and liquidity drove the country into the worst recession in at least 35 years. A negative feedback loop developed that affected the real economy and all fixed income sectors, including asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, agency and corporate debt securities, and even traditionally safe-haven municipal debt securities. By the fall of 2008, the markets for some of these fixed income asset classes were completely frozen and the fear of systemic collapse was growing daily. With no access to liquidity and balance sheets under severe pressure due to rapidly deteriorating loan quality, stalwart names such as Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, IndyMac, and Washington Mutual were forced into bankruptcy or into mergers at levels that sacrificed their shareholders.

All of these problems forced the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and the U.S. Treasury to become actively involved in trying to reinstill confidence into the financial markets and get credit flowing to the floundering economy. To fully appreciate the scope of the systemic threat to the financial system and the depth of the recession, one need only look at the movement of the federal funds target rate over the 18 months before the end of 2008. The fed funds rate stood at 5.25% on June 30, 2007 and closed 2008 at a stated range of 0.00% to 0.25%. In addition to rapidly lowering the overnight rate, the Fed implemented a plethora of new lending, asset purchase, and asset guarantee programs to banks and non-bank financial companies in 2008 to provide desperately needed liquidity to the frozen credit markets. These programs targeted the fixed income assets that experienced extreme losses of liquidity over the period, including commercial paper, residential and commercial mortgages, and asset-backed securities. Because of these new lending and outright purchase initiatives, the Fed increased the size of its balance sheet from $900 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2008 to almost $2.3 trillion by the end of the calendar year.

The U.S. Treasury was also active in an unprecedented fashion. It injected significant equity capital into financial institutions through its TARP program, and provided additional capital to AIG, Citigroup, and the automakers. More recently, the U.S. Treasury has attempted to get private investors back into the market for structured securities through its announced Public Private Investment Program. Fiscal policy also responded in style, with Congress passing a $780 billion stimulus bill to support the economy and the financial markets. Many of these programs seem to be having some stabilizing effect as we have recently experienced increased trading volume and spread tightening across all sectors of the fixed income markets.

Over the 12-month period, the Income Fund returned 0.40% on a net basis. This compares to 3.13% return for the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and a –10.40% average return for the Lipper Corporate Debt Funds BBB-Rated Fund1 classification.

There were three primary drivers of the Fund’s underperformance for the period ended March 31, 2009. First was the drop in value of our asset-backed holdings, most notably the Preferred Term Securities XXIV, Ltd. and Preferred Term Securities XXI, Ltd. These issues are backed by bank trust-preferred securities, which have seen their value fall dramatically as the financial health of the banking sector deteriorated. Second was our overweight position in commercial mortgage backed securities. This sector came under pressure following the rapid decline in residential housing values, as many investors began to fear that this sector might perform in a similar fashion. Third, the Fund owns three hybrid trust-preferred securities (US Bank, UBS and American Express) that performed poorly due to their subordinated status and potential maturity extension.1

While security selection was a detractor, the Fund’s performance benefited from our overall sector allocation (underweight corporate credit, specifically finance), interest rate sensitivity and yield curve positioning (neutral duration exposure and overweight the 5-7 year area of the yield curve) and the large yield advantage over the index.1

We believe that the improvement we are beginning to see will continue as 2009 progresses. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2009 we continued increasing our exposure to corporate securities and to some extent, additional structured spread product. We continue to reduce our exposure to U.S. Treasury securities as we see very little value for our investors in government bonds given current interest rate levels and expectations for massive deficit-driven supply. We expect to increase our positions in high-quality defensive securities that can avoid impairment as the recession plays itself out, while still providing significant positive total returns as the economy improves over time.1

 

1

Disclosures

Portfolio composition is as of March 31, 2009 and is subject to change.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s, Inc. are bond rating organizations. They rate the bonds issued by corporations based on the ability of each corporation to repay its debt and pay the interest on that debt. The Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are considered an opinion only, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

Lipper Corporate Debt Funds BBB-Rated Average is an average of funds that invests at least 65% of their assets in corporate and government debt issues rated in the top four grades.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

FIRST FOCUS INCOME FUND

RETURN OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

LOGO

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

% BASED ON FAIR VALUE (PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

LOGO

PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS1 AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

(PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

 

Weighted Average Credit Quality:    AA+
Weighted Average Maturity:    5.80 years

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31, 2009*

 

 

 

     1 Year     5 Year     10 Year  

First Focus Income Fund

   0.40 %   2.54 %   4.05 %

Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

   3.13 %   4.13 %   5.70 %

Expense Ratio (Gross/Net)

   1.29% / 0.77%  

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

The above expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated August 1, 2008. Net expense ratio is net of contractual waivers which are in effect from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. Additional information pertaining the Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2009 can be found in the Financial Highlights.

 

(*) For periods prior to March 9, 2001, when the Fund began operating, the performance quoted reflects performance of the adviser’s similarly managed collective investment fund, adjusted to reflect the Fund’s fees and expenses. The collective investment fund was not a registered mutual fund and therefore was not subject to certain investment and tax restrictions, which may have adversely affected performance. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 31, 1999. Total Return is based on net change in N.A.V. (net asset value) assuming reinvestment of distributions. Returns shown on this page include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Index) is a market value-weighted index that tracks the daily price, coupon, paydowns and total return performance of fixed-rate, publicly placed, dollar denominated and nonconvertible, investment-grade debt issues with at least $100 million par amount outstanding and with at least one year to final maturity.

The above referenced index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of fees, such as investment management and fund accounting fees, or taxes associated with a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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FIRST FOCUS BALANCED FUND

INVESTMENT CONCERNS

 

 

Stocks are more volatile and carry more risk and return potential than other forms of investments. Bonds offer a relatively stable level of income, although bond prices will fluctuate, providing the potential for principal gain or loss. Cash equivalents offer low risk and low return potential. This Fund generally would be considered to have more risk and return potential than the First Focus Income Fund and less risk and return potential than the First Focus Core Equity Fund.

MANAGER COMMENTARY

 

 

“These are the times that try men’s souls”. ~Thomas Paine

Mr. Paine began his series of pamphlets called The American Crisis with these words during the American Revolutionary War. While this quote has been used to describe the financial crisis the U.S. has been going through during the period under review, perhaps instead it provides context for our current crisis. The terms worst ever, or worst in history are used repeatedly to describe data series which, declined at a rate, or reached levels that were, the worst since that particular data series began its measurement. While there is little question that the current economic contraction is the worst we have experienced in a long time, few objective observers would yet put our present situation in the same category as the depression of the 1930’s, and certainly not in the same realm as the sacrifices suffered during the American Revolution. This context is cited here not to minimize the pain and suffering that has been experienced during the last twelve months, but to counter the arguments that the U.S. economy has gone over the cliff, and we are entering a new era comparable or worse than previous epic economic downturns. The consensus view of most economists is that the economy will find a bottom later this year, and begin a slow recovery next year, averting the depths of suffering experienced during the 1930’s, or even the 1970’s.

Notwithstanding the comments above, the period has been quite bad by any standard. The First Focus Balanced Fund returned –26.13% during the past 12 months. This has been a painful decline for our shareholders as well as fund managers. The segment of the Fund allocated to stocks performed slightly better than the S&P 500’s negative 38.06% return, while the segment of the Fund allocated to Fixed Income performed significantly worse than the Barclays Capital U.S. Government Credit Index return of 1.78%. The Balanced Fund’s more conservative asset allocation during the year was primarily responsible for the Fund’s better than average performance compared to its peer group universe.

In the annual report two years ago, we expressed concern about the slowing U.S. economy, and weakening corporate earnings. At that time we began positioning the Fund more defensively, reducing the allocation to stocks and increasing the allocation to cash and fixed income securities. Within the stock segment of the Fund, we began reducing exposures to the most economically sensitive sectors of the economy, and focusing on areas that were less economically sensitive. In last year’s report we reiterated our concerns regarding the economy and deteriorating corporate earnings, although we admit that last April we did not have an inkling of the magnitude of the problems that were about to befall us.1

Before the end of the first fiscal quarter, Bear Stearns had fallen, and would soon be followed by American International Group, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Lehman Brothers. Merrill Lynch, Wachovia, and others were taken over by stronger institutions at the behest of the government to avoid a similar fate. There were times during the fall and winter when the credit system was almost not functioning at all and the financial markets seemed ready to collapse. The rate of economic contraction accelerated as cancelled orders led to reduced production, more layoffs, accelerating declines in home values, further declines in consumer and investor confidence and a vicious cycle of negative feedback. Efforts by the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve to arrest the decline seemed at times to be inadequate to the task. But as our fiscal year came to an end, and the size of government assistance had grown to once unimaginable proportions, it appeared that investors were beginning to believe that if the government was willing to borrow and spend multiple trillions of dollars, leverage, instead of being unwound, could simply be transferred from private hands to public hands, and that investors could be rescued, along with the economy.

Performance of the Fund was negatively impacted by our allocation to preferred stocks in the Financial Sector, as well as poor security selection in the consumer staples sector. This was a sector we had emphasized with a larger than benchmark allocation because of its defensive characteristics. The sector performed well, but the stocks that we chose were on average down more than the benchmark. Stocks that performed particularly poorly included Central European Distribution Corp., Avon Products, Inc. and Herbalife Ltd. Our allocation to energy related stocks also negatively impacted performance, with Forest Oil Corp., Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., Rowan Companies, Inc., Williams Companies, Inc., and Noble Energy, Inc. all performing quite poorly. In other areas of the Fund performance was negatively impacted by outsized declines in Joy Global Inc., AGCO Corp. and AFLAC Inc.1

Performance benefited from a lower than normal allocation to stocks, and a higher than normal allocation to cash. Fund performance also benefited from an emphasis in another defensive sector, Healthcare, which declined significantly less than the overall market. Stocks in the Fund performing better than the market were Cerner Corp., Biogen Idec, Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Individual security selection in the Technology sector benefited performance, including Symantec Corp., Citrix Systems, Inc., and Factset Research Systems, Inc. Other stocks that helped performance included W.R. Berkley Corp., FPL Group, Inc., and Church & Dwight Co., Inc.1

We believe economic growth could remain weak for the near future, and are maintaining a more defensive asset and sector allocation in the Fund. The Fund is managed with a focus on fundamental factors like sales and earnings that can support the current valuation of a company’s stock. The expectation is that these fundamental underpinnings could reduce somewhat the Fund’s exposure to elevated financial stresses and reduced economic activity in the period ahead. We will continue to focus on reasonably valued companies with superior growth characteristics, and sound financial strength.

 

/s/ David Jordan

David Jordan

 

1

Disclosures

Portfolio composition is as of March 31, 2009 and is subject to change.

 

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LOGO

FIRST FOCUS BALANCED FUND

RETURN OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

LOGO

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

% BASED ON FAIR VALUE (PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31, 2009*

 

 

 

     1 Year     5 Year     10 Year  

First Focus Balanced Fund

   -26.13 %   -1.10 %   1.77 %

Barclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index

   1.78 %   3.74 %   5.64 %

S&P 500 Index

   -38.06 %   -4.76 %   -3.00 %

Composite Index

   -23.76 %   -1.18 %   0.72 %

Expense Ratio (Gross/Net)

   1.53% / 1.38%  

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

The above expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated August 1, 2008. Net expense ratio is net of contractual waivers which are in effect from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. Additional information pertaining the Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2009 can be found in the Financial Highlights.

 

(*) Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 31, 1999.

Total Return is based on net change in N.A.V. (net asset value) assuming reinvestment of distributions. Returns shown on this page include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.

The Barclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index (formerly Lehman Brothers U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index) includes all public obligations of the U.S. Treasury, excluding foreign-targeted issues; all publicly issued debt of U.S. government agencies and quasi-federal corporations, and corporate debt guaranteed by the U.S. government; and all publicly issued, fixed rate, nonconvertible, investment grade, dollar-denominated, SEC-registered corporate debt (including debt issued or guaranteed by foreign sovereign governments, municipalities, or governmental agencies, or international agencies).

The S&P 500 Index is an index of 500 selected common stocks most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks.

The Composite Index is a combined index of 60% of the S&P 500 Index and 40% of the Barclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index. The Composite Index is intended to provide a single benchmark that more accurately reflects the composition of securities held by the Balanced Fund. The individual performance of each index that comprises the Composite Index is detailed in the chart above.

The above referenced indices are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees, such as investment management and fund accounting fees, or taxes associated with a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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FIRST FOCUS CORE EQUITY FUND

INVESTMENT CONCERNS

 

 

Equity securities (stocks) are more volatile and carry more risk than other forms of investments, including investments in high-grade fixed income securities. The net asset value per share of this Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio changes. Common stocks, and funds investing in common stocks, generally provide greater return potential when compared with other types of investments.

MANAGER COMMENTARY

 

 

For the period ended March 31, 2009, the First Focus Core Equity Fund had a net loss of –34.36% versus a net loss of –38.06% for the S&P 500 Index (“S&P 500”) and a net loss of –42.42% for the Russell 1000® Value Index. The magnitude of the absolute losses in the stock market during this period was nothing less than shocking. The only redeeming feature was that the Fund performed better than its benchmark indices.

The stock market indices declined in each of the four quarters in the period under review, but the most damage, the S&P 500 Index lost 21.94%, occurred in the fourth quarter of 2008. After assisting Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Bear Stearns, the federal authorities decided to let Lehman Brothers fail, which caused the credit markets to freeze up. In addition, investors faced a constant barrage of deteriorating economic data and numerous government initiatives designed to shore up the banks, the credit markets, homeowners, and the auto companies. From the stock market peak in October 2007 through the trough in March 2009, the S&P 500 lost 57% of its value, making it the largest stock market decline since 1937.

The weakest S&P 500 sectors during the 12-month period ended March 31, 2009 were Financials and Industrials, which had declines of –63% and –50%, respectively, and the Fund’s biggest declines were in the same sectors. The strongest sectors during this period were the Health Care, with a loss of –20% and Consumer Staples, with a loss of –23%. Strong relative performance in the Financial, Energy, Utilities, Materials and Consumer Discretionary sectors accounted for approximately one-half of the Fund’s relative performance gain over the S&P 500 and the remaining half was attributed to holding cash reserves.1

The bad news is that we may be in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. The good news is we have programs in place such as Federal Deposit Insurance, unemployment insurance, and Social Security among others that were not around in 1929. These programs should prevent this downturn from ever approaching the magnitude of the Great Depression. In addition, the Federal Reserve and other U.S. Government officials appear to be well aware of the policy mistakes made during the 1930’s that exacerbated the downward spiral in economic activity. The global economy will eventually recover. We have been encouraged by some signs that housing sales and consumer spending may have bottomed. We are also encouraged by the narrowing of yield spreads on most credit securities from the widest levels seen late last year. However, equally important monetary and fiscal policy decisions probably will be required when the global economy recovers. Monetary expansion will need to be reversed in a timely manner to minimize inflation, and tough budgetary decisions will need to be made to reduce future federal budget deficits.

The equity markets are forward looking and have historically started recovering from a bear market bottom two- to five-quarters before the economy and corporate earnings have started to recover. Even if the economy does not begin recovering until 2010, it would be reasonable to expect the equity markets to begin recovering sometime in 2009. In order to position the Fund for a stock market recovery we began to increase our exposure to select stocks in the Energy, Materials, and Industrial sectors and have maintained an overweight position in the Financial and Information Technology sectors. We believe that certain stocks in these sectors offer some of the best long-term values and may lead the stock market recovery when it occurs. We began to reduce the Fund’s weighting in stocks in the Health Care, Utilities, and Telecommunications sectors, which have held up better during the bear market and we believe are likely to lag the market during the stock market recovery.1

 

 

1

Disclosures

Portfolio composition is as of March 31, 2009 and is subject to change.

 

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LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS CORE EQUITY FUND

RETURN OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

LOGO

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

% BASED ON FAIR VALUE (PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31, 2009*

 

 

 

     1 Year     5 Year     10 Year  

First Focus Core Equity Fund

   -34.36 %   -2.34 %   -0.65 %

S&P 500 Index

   -38.06 %   -4.76 %   -3.00 %

Russell 1000® Value Index

   -42.42 %   -4.94 %   -0.62 %

Expense Ratio (Gross/Net)

   1.41% / 1.26%  

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

The above expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated August 1, 2008. Net expense ratio is net of contractual waivers which are in effect from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. Additional information pertaining the Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2009 can be found in the Financial Highlights.

 

(*) Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 31, 1999. Total Return is based on net change in N.A.V. (net asset value) assuming reinvestment of distributions. Returns shown on this page include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.

The S&P 500 Index is an index of 500 selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks.

The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values.

The above referenced indices are unmangaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees, such as investment management and fund accounting fees, or taxes associated with a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

INVESTMENT CONCERNS

 

 

Equity securities (stocks) are more volatile and carry more risk than other forms of investments, including investments in high-grade fixed income securities. The net asset value per share of this Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio changes. Common stocks, and funds investing in common stocks, generally provide greater return potential when compared with other types of investments.

MANAGER COMMENTARY

 

 

For the period ended March 31, 2009, the First Focus Large Cap Growth Fund returned -29.94%, versus the Russell 1000® Growth Index return of -34.28%. Several factors contributed to the negative returns for this period.

Regardless of which adjective is used to describe the past year, the description would most likely be an understatement. In the midst of the major market declines, the U.S. economy was officially categorized as a recession. The United States was not alone. Markets across the globe endured precipitous declines—many losses more severe than those of the U.S.

Some truly remarkable events transpired during the course of the period. Crude oil peaked in July as it nearly reached $150 per barrel. It completed a dramatic price fluctuation in December by trading below $40 per barrel. Financial stalwarts Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers collapsed. Others, including Merrill Lynch and Wachovia, were acquired. Washington Mutual and IndyMac Bank became the largest banks to fail in this country. The Federal government “bailed-out” the banking system and the auto industry in attempts to stabilize the economy. These actions have made the Federal Government a direct stakeholder in some of these companies, and late in the period, it was revealed that Bernard Madoff allegedly perpetrated the largest Ponzi scheme this country has witnessed. During the first quarter of 2009, the markets experienced an extensive outflow of funds from equities into bonds and money market funds. According to the Arizona Republic, stock funds now represent only 34% of all mutual fund assets. In contrast, only two months earlier stock funds accounted for 57% of all assets contained in mutual funds.

With all of these events and more transpiring in the last year, it is little wonder why market volatility was nearly unprecedented. Furthermore, we do feel quite certain forecasting continued to play into volatile market patterns.

Despite this volatility, we do see some reasons for optimism. More risk has been removed from the markets thanks to the double-digit declines of the first quarter 2009. We believe investor expectations may have been sufficiently lowered as evidenced by the massive outflows in equity funds. Nevertheless, this notion of lowered investor expectations could be almost immediately tested when the pivotal April earnings are reported. We expect reported corporate profits to reflect a very difficult economic environment and that the forward guidance issued following the earnings reports will contain much uncertainty. The question that will likely shape the direction of the equity markets well into summer is whether these downbeat reports will further disappoint already lowered investor expectations.

Beyond the psychological and behavioral issues discussed, modest tangible evidence, in the form of reported economic data is also providing some reason for optimism. Like the earnings reports, that reported data is not favorable. However, some reports have not been as disappointing as feared. We have also witnessed a modest improvement in consumer sentiment. We could not have made these claims a few months ago.

Investors will still be confronted by familiar headwinds. Unemployment rates will likely continue to climb and home prices show no signs of ending their descent. Perhaps most importantly, credit will remain tight. However, we have seen some signs that the credit markets are improving. Look for some form of coordinated action amongst central governments around the globe to respond to the global economic downturn. Domestically, we should expect the heightened governmental intervention into the capital markets to continue.

In the end, the volatile action of the period should serve as reinforcement for the need to adopt a longer-term investment perspective and to resist the emotional temptation to stray from your plan. Look for the First Focus Large Cap Growth Fund to continue to invest in those companies we believe have the ability to achieve superior returns on their invested capital.

 

1

Disclosures

Portfolio composition is as of March 31, 2009 and is subject to change.

 

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LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

RETURN OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

LOGO

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

% BASED ON FAIR VALUE (PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31, 2009*

 

 

 

     1 Year     Since
Inception
 
      

First Focus Large Cap Growth Fund

   -29.94 %   -25.16 %

Russell 1000® Growth Index

   -34.28 %   -25.52 %

Expense Ratio (Gross/Net)

   1.53% / 1.23%  

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

The above expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated August 1, 2008. Net expense ratio is net of contractual waivers which are in effect from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. Additional information pertaining the Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2009 can be found in the Financial Highlights.

 

(†) Since July 5, 2007. The First Focus Large Cap Growth Fund was initially offered on July 2, 2007, however, no shareholder activity occurred until July 5, 2007, which is the commencement of operations.
(*) Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on July 2, 2007. Total Return is based on net change in N.A.V. (net asset value) assuming reinvestment of distributions. Returns shown on this page include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.

Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

The above referenced index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of fees, such as investment management and fund accounting fees, or taxes associated with a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

INVESTMENT CONCERNS

 

 

Equity securities (stocks) are more volatile and carry more risk than other forms of investments, including investments in high-grade fixed income securities. The net asset value per share of this Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio changes. Common stocks, and funds investing in common stocks, generally provide greater return potential when compared with other types of investments.

MANAGER COMMENTARY

 

 

“These are the times that try men’s souls”. ~Thomas Paine Mr. Paine began his series of pamphlets called The American Crisis with these words during the American Revolutionary War. While this quote has been used to describe the financial crisis the U.S. has been going through during the period under review, perhaps instead it provides context for our current crisis. The terms worst ever, or worst in history are used repeatedly to describe data series which, declined at a rate, or reached levels that have been the worst since that particular data series began its measurement. While there is little question that the current economic contraction is the worst we have experienced in a long time, few objective observers would yet put our present situation in the same category as the depression of the 1930’s, and certainly not in the same realm as the sacrifices suffered during the American Revolution. This context is cited here not to minimize the pain and suffering that has been experienced during the last twelve months, but to counter the arguments that the U.S. economy has gone over the cliff, and we are entering a new era comparable or worse than previous epic economic downturns. The consensus view of most economists is that the economy will find a bottom later this year, and begin a slow recovery next year, averting the depths of suffering experienced during the 1930’s, or even the 1970’s.

Notwithstanding the comments above, the period has been quite bad by any standard. The First Focus Growth Opportunities Fund declined in value by -33.91% during the past 12 months. While the Russell Midcap® Growth Index returned -39.58% during the same period and the S&P 500 Index returned -38.06%.

In the annual report two years ago, we expressed concern about the slowing U.S. economy, and weakening corporate earnings. At that time we began positioning the Fund more defensively, reducing exposures to the most economically sensitive sectors of the economy, and focusing on areas that were less economically sensitive. In last year’s report we reiterated our concerns regarding the economy and deteriorating corporate earnings, although we admit that last April we did not have an inkling of the magnitude of the problems that were about to befall us.1

Before the end of our first fiscal quarter Bear Stearns had fallen, and would soon be followed by American International Group, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Lehman Brothers. Merrill Lynch, Wachovia, and others were taken over by stronger institutions at the behest of the government to avoid a similar fate. There were times during the fall and winter when the credit system was almost not functioning at all and the financial markets seemed ready to collapse. The rate of economic contraction accelerated as cancelled orders led to reduced production, more layoffs, accelerating declines in home values, further declines in consumer and investor confidence and a viscous cycle of negative feedback. Efforts by the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve to arrest the decline seemed at times to be inadequate to the task. But as our fiscal year came to an end, and the size of government assistant had grown to once unimaginable proportions, it appeared that investors were beginning to believe that if the government was willing to borrow and spend multiple trillions of dollars, leverage, instead of being unwound, could simply be transferred from private hands to public hands, and that investors could be rescued, along with the economy.

We believe economic growth could remain weak for the near future, and are maintaining a more defensive sector allocation in the Fund. The Fund is managed with a focus on fundamental factors like sales and earnings that can support the current valuation of a company’s stock. The expectation is that these fundamental underpinnings could reduce somewhat the Fund’s exposure to elevated financial stresses and reduced economic activity in the period ahead. We will continue to focus on reasonably valued companies with superior growth characteristics, with sound financial strength.1

Performance of the Fund was negatively impacted by poor security selection in the Consumer Staples sector. This was a sector we had emphasized with a larger than benchmark allocation because of it is defensive characteristics. The sector performed well, but the stocks that we chose were on average down more than the benchmark. Stocks that performed particularly poorly included Central European Distribution Corp., Avon Products, Inc., and Herbalife Ltd. Our allocation to energy related stock also negatively impacted performance, with Forest Oil Corp., Helix Energy, Inc., Rowan Companies, Inc., Williams Companies, Inc., and Nobel Energy, Inc., all performing quite poorly. In other areas of the Fund performance was negatively impacted by outsized declines in Joy Global Inc., AGCO Corp., and AFLAC, Inc.1

Performance benefited from an emphasis in another defensive sector, Healthcare, which declined significantly less than the overall market. Stocks in the Fund that did better than the market were Cerner Corp., Biogen Idec, Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Individual security selection in the Technology sector benefited performance, including Symantec Corp., Citrix Systems, Inc., and Factset Research Systems, Inc. Other stocks that helped performance included W.R. Berkley Corp., FPL Group, Inc., and Church & Dwight, Inc.1

 

/s/ David Jordan

David Jordan

 

1

Disclosures

Portfolio composition is as of March 31, 2009 and is subject to change.

 

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LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

RETURN OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

LOGO

SECTOR WEIGHTING AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

% BASED ON FAIR VALUE (PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31, 2009*

 

 

 

     1 Year     5 Year     10 Year  

First Focus Growth Opportunities Fund

   -33.91 %   -2.79 %   2.38 %

Russell Midcap® Growth Index

   -39.58 %   -3.91 %   -0.86 %

S&P 500 Index

   -38.06 %   -4.76 %   -3.00 %

Expense Ratio (Gross/Net)

   1.44% / 1.29%  

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

The above expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated August 1, 2008. Net expense ratio is net of contractual waivers which are in effect from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. Additional information pertaining the Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2009 can be found in the Financial Highlights.

 

(*) Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 31, 1999. Total Return is based on net change in N.A.V. (net asset value) assuming reinvestment of distributions. Returns shown on this page include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.

The Russell Midcap® Growth Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

The Fund’s primary index is the Russell Midcap® Growth Index, however to provide a broader market comparative we have also listed an additional index.

The S&P 500 Index is an index of 500 selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks.

The above referenced indices are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees, such as investment management and fund accounting fees, or taxes associated with a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS SMALL COMPANY FUND

INVESTMENT CONCERNS

 

 

Small-capitalization funds typically carry additional risks since smaller companies generally have a higher risk of failure, and historically, their stocks have experienced a greater degree of market volatility than stocks on average.

Equity securities (stocks) are more volatile and carry more risk than other forms of investments, including investments in high-grade fixed income securities. The net asset value per share of this Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio changes. Common stocks, and funds investing in common stocks, generally provide greater return potential when compared with other types of investments.

MANAGER COMMENTARY

 

 

For the period ended March 31, 2009, the First Focus Small Company Fund returned -34.47%, versus -37.50% for the Russell 2000® Index and -38.89% for the Russell 2000® Value Index. For the 12-month period ended March 31, 2009, the Russell 2000® Index had the worst performance since the index was introduced in 1984. Not only were the absolute negative returns sobering, but also volatility within the market was extraordinary. Approximately 30% of the total trading days over the last year saw movements of greater than plus or minus 3% in the Russell 2000® Index. The weakening economy, subprime loan issues, illiquid and failing banking system and falling corporate earnings each had an impact on the market. In addition, public debate between Congress and both the Bush and Obama Administrations relating to bailouts and rescue plans for financial services companies and the auto industry tended to trigger a strong market response.

The Fund’s success relative to the Russell 2000® Index over the last year was driven by positive stock selection. In a down market, our holdings held up much better than the Index holdings across all sectors, except for Utilities and Information Technology. In addition, during volatile markets, our philosophy of owning higher quality businesses contributed to the Fund’s outperformance. Companies with higher returns on equity/assets and lower volatility consistently outperformed throughout the year.1

We continue to build our portfolio one stock at a time, searching the market for opportunities to buy great companies at reasonable prices. As of March 31, 2009, the portfolio held shares of 66 companies diversified across the major sectors of the market. Twelve new companies were introduced into the Fund in the past twelve months, nine positions were eliminated, and two companies were acquired. Adjustments to the portfolio over the last year were primarily the result of taking advantage of opportunities to upgrade our reward/risk profile as the market declined, particularly in the last half of the year. We found opportunities to add to the Financial, Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology, and Industrial sectors. Though we are likely to witness continued global economic headwinds negatively influencing results for virtually all companies, we believe the discounts at which we are purchasing these businesses could benefit the Fund over the long term.1

Our approach to investing identifies quality companies that we believe are temporarily priced below their long-term intrinsic value. Purchases are made primarily on the merits of each individual company, maintaining a diversified portfolio across the various economic sectors. Over the long term, we believe that our philosophy of owning higher-quality businesses at reasonable prices could provide Fund shareholders an appropriate rate of return for the level of risk taken.1

 

1

Disclosures

Portfolio composition is as of March 31, 2009 and is subject to change.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS SMALL COMPANY FUND

RETURN OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

LOGO

SECTOR WEIGHTING AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

% BASED ON FAIR VALUE (PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31, 2009*

 

 

 

     1 Year     5 Year     10 Year  

First Focus Small Company Fund

   -34.47 %   -3.65 %   4.47 %

Russell 2000® Index

   -37.50 %   -5.24 %   1.93 %

Russell 2000® Value Index

   -38.89 %   -5.30 %   4.87 %

Expense Ratio (Gross/Net)

   1.58% / 1.43%  

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

The above expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated August 1, 2008. Net expense ratio is net of contractual waivers which are in effect from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. Additional information pertaining the Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2009 can be found in the Financial Highlights.

 

(*) Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 31, 1999. Total Return is based on net change in N.A.V. (net asset value) assuming reinvestment of distributions. Returns shown on this page include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.

Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000® Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership.

The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

The above referenced indices are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees, such as investment management and fund accounting fees, or taxes associated with a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

INVESTMENT CONCERNS

 

 

There are risks associated with investing in foreign companies, such as erratic market conditions, economic and political instability and fluctuations in currency and exchange rates.

Equity securities (stocks) are more volatile and carry more risk than other forms of investments, including investments in high-grade fixed income securities. The net asset value per share of this Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio changes. Common stocks, and funds investing in common stocks, generally provide greater return potential when compared with other types of investments.

MANAGER COMMENTARY

 

 

For the 12-month period ended March 31, 2009, the First Focus International Equity Fund returned –50.02% while the broad market index the MSCI EAFE Index returned –46.20%.

The 12 months leading up to March 31, 2009 were perhaps the most eventful in market history, with the markets dominated by the global economic recession and daily news flows depicting the troubled banking system. Over the early part of the year, sentiment was negative on the back of record oil prices and rising inflation caused by soaring energy and commodity prices. There were concerns over escalating interest rates, as housing markets and broader consumer confidence in the U.S. and UK were too weak to shoulder the higher interest rates.

Overall, the 12 months proved to be exceptionally volatile with rallies early in the period descending into a downward spiral into the final months of 2008. The repercussions of the collapse of Lehman Brothers had a negative effect on the Fund.

We subsequently moved the portfolio to a defensive strategy but this was not sufficient to protect relative performance. Although governments moved to restore confidence in their banking systems by injecting additional capital and introducing measures to deal with problem loans, financials suffered badly over the period. Our overweight position in this sector detracted from the performance as negative news flows dominated the industry, where bank collapses and bail out deals became daily news stories and a severe credit crisis caused markets to plummet. Some of our main detractors were HSBC, Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland, AXA, and Unicredito Italiano.1

Investor fear continued to exacerbate the fallout from the credit and liquidity crisis throughout the period. Banks began to stabilize as the New Year dawned but market sentiment remained nervous as the real economy painted a gloomy picture and volatility remained high. Limited finance meant a significant reduction in manufacturing as the industrials sector underperformed the broader market index with stock prices of companies such as Rolls Royce, Marubeni, Vallourec, and Atlas Copco almost halving during the period.

As above, during the fourth quarter of 2008, we repositioned the portfolio to a more balanced and defensive position focusing on quality stock picking.1

Over the coming quarters we will continue with our policy of broad sector neutrality whilst maintaining the bias in favor of companies with the best business models and robust capital structures. We also maintain our commitment to emerging markets, again concentrating on the highest quality companies. In the developed markets, we retain our modest overweight position in the UK because the aggressive monetary easing and currency depreciation places the country in a relatively good position to recover from the downturn. We also remain underweight in Japan as other Asian markets offer far superior returns over the longer-term. This has certainly been borne out year-to-date.1

We have for the moment defensively positioned the portfolio, reflecting the headwinds we have anticipated. Equity selection has been defensive favoring companies that are high quality with strong balance sheets. Over the coming months and quarters, once we get through the further expected downgrades, we will look to engage more in markets and move to a less defensive strategy. For the time being we believe that it would be premature and that the current rally will again fizzle out, providing us with more attractive entry points at another time.1

 

1

Disclosures

Portfolio composition is as of March 31, 2009 and is subject to change.

 

16


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

FIRST FOCUS INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

RETURN OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

LOGO

COUNTRY WEIGHTINGS AS OF MARCH 31, 2009

% BASED ON FAIR VALUE (PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF MARCH 31, 2009*

 

 

 

     1 Year     5 Year     Since
Inception
 

First Focus International Equity Fund

   -50.02 %   -4.35 %   -1.50 %

MSCI EAFE Index

   -46.20 %   -1.75 %   1.30 %

Expense Ratio (Gross/Net)

   1.81% / 1.56%  

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit our website at www.firstfocusfunds.com.

The above expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated August 1, 2008. Net expense ratio is net of contractual waivers which are in effect from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. Additional information pertaining the Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2009 can be found in the Financial Highlights.

 

()

Commencement date is May 30, 2002.

(*) Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on May 30, 2002. Total Return is based on net change in N.A.V. (net asset value) assuming reinvestment of distributions. Returns shown on this page include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.

Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East (“MSCI EAFE”) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

The above referenced index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of fees, such as investment management and fund accounting fees, or taxes associated with a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

17


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

SHORT-INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

 

Principal
Amount

  

Security Description

   Value
  Asset-Backed Securities (5.3%):   
$ 975,000   

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, 5.64%, 9/6/13

   $ 860,400
  858,000   

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, 1.77%, 5/25/37 (a)(b)

     419,361
  545,645   

Navistar Financial Corp. Owner Trust, 4.43%, 1/15/14

     531,298
  626,683   

Preferred Term Securities XXIV Ltd., 1.62%, 3/22/37 (a)(b)

     231,873
  884,754   

Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc., 4.02%, 3/25/33

     544,359
         
  Total Asset-Backed Securities      2,587,291
         
  Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (8.6%):   
  600,000   

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., 7.38%, 9/15/32

     588,250
  890,000   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, 5.53%, 9/11/41

     758,431
  775,000   

First Union National Bank Commercial Mortgage, 8.64%, 10/15/32 (a)(b)

     828,200
  580,000   

First Union National Bank Commercial Mortgage, 6.67%, 12/12/33

     525,103
  671,000   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, 6.36%, 12/15/28

     670,014
  850,000   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, 6.30%, 11/15/33

     838,606
         
  Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities      4,208,604
         
  Corporate Bonds (27.7%):   
  

Aerospace & Defense (0.8%):

  
  350,000   

United Technologies Corp., 6.10%, 5/15/12

     375,281
         
  

Banks (10.0%):

  
  890,000   

Bank of New York Co., Inc., 6.38%, 4/1/12

     923,620
  935,000   

Bank One Corp., 10.00%, 8/15/10

     968,877
  350,000   

Citigroup, Inc., 6.50%, 8/19/13

     321,620
  800,000   

Key Bank NA, 3.20%, 6/15/12

     830,501
  1,600,000   

Regions Bank, 3.25%, 12/9/11

     1,665,109
  550,000   

USB Capital IX, 6.19%, 4/15/49

     217,250
         
        4,926,977
         
  

Computers (2.6%):

  
  825,000   

Cisco Systems, Inc., 5.25%, 2/22/11

     872,272
  360,000   

IBM Corp., 6.50%, 10/15/13

     398,228
         
        1,270,500
         
  

Electric Integrated (2.5%):

  
  400,000   

Dayton Power & Light Co., 5.13%, 10/1/13

     411,249
  370,000   

Public Service Colorado, Series 10, 7.88%, 10/1/12

     414,047
  380,000   

Wisconsin Energy Corp., 6.50%, 4/1/11

     395,756
         
        1,221,052
         
  

Financial Services (7.1%):

  
  395,000   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 5.00%, 8/15/13

     406,198
  825,000   

Countrywide Home Loan, 5.63%, 7/15/09

     820,152
  710,000   

General Electric Capital Corp., 5.88%, 2/15/12

     704,800
  850,000   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 6.88%, 1/15/11

     858,965
  350,000   

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 5.45%, 2/5/13

     286,916
  415,000   

Morgan Stanley, 6.75%, 4/15/11

     415,319
         
        3,492,350
         
  

Food & Beverage (1.6%):

  
  423,000   

Bottling Group LLC, 4.63%, 11/15/12

     436,917
  323,000   

Kellogg Co., 5.13%, 12/3/12

     341,297
         
        778,214
         
  

Household Products (0.7%):

  
  350,000   

Kimberly-Clark Corp., 5.00%, 8/15/13

     367,024
         
  

Oil & Gas Exploration Services (0.8%):

  
  354,000   

Occidental Petroleum Corp., 7.00%, 11/1/13

     395,240
         
  

Retail (0.8%):

  
  375,000   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 5.00%, 4/5/12

     404,273
         
  

Telecommunications (0.8%):

  
  360,000   

AT&T Corp., 7.30%, 11/15/11

     386,823
         
  Total Corporate Bonds      13,617,734
         

 

18


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

SHORT-INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND (CONCLUDED)

 

Shares or
Principal
Amount
  

Security Description

   Value
  Mortgage-Backed Securities (11.7%):   
  

Fannie Mae (3.2%):

  
$ 1,500,000   

4.00%, 9/25/10

   $ 1,551,010
         
  

Freddie Mac (8.5%)

  
  1,781,686   

4.50%, 1/15/17

     1,854,833
  2,260,000   

4.50%, 12/15/17

     2,333,340
         
        4,188,173
         
  Total Mortgage-Backed Securities      5,739,183
         
  U.S. Government Agency Obligations (18.1%):   
  

Fannie Mae (2.0%):

  
  925,000   

4.88%, 5/18/12

     1,007,916
         
  

Federal Home Loan Bank (9.4%)

  
  1,700,000   

4.88%, 5/14/10

     1,772,597
  1,600,000   

3.50%, 7/16/10

     1,638,470
  1,125,000   

4.50%, 9/16/13

     1,223,298
         
        4,634,365
         
  

Freddie Mac (6.7%)

  
  1,500,000   

6.88%, 9/15/10

     1,615,592
  1,510,000   

4.50%, 7/15/13

     1,646,558
         
        3,262,150
         
  Total U.S. Government Agency Obligations      8,904,431
         
  U.S. Treasury Obligations (22.7%):   
  

U.S. Treasury Inflation Index Notes (7.9%):

  
  3,100,000   

3.00%, 7/15/12

     3,873,603
         
  

U.S. Treasury Notes (14.8%)

  
  600,000   

4.50%, 11/15/10

     637,640
  1,700,000   

4.50%, 9/30/11

     1,848,220
  4,350,000   

4.25%, 9/30/12

     4,788,058
         
        7,273,918
         
  Total U.S. Treasury Obligations      11,147,521
         
  Investment Company (4.4%):   
  2,187,133   

Goldman Sachs Financial Square

  
  

Funds, Treasury Obligations Fund,

  
  

0.05% (c)

     2,187,133
         
  Total Investment Company      2,187,133
         

 

Principal
Amount
  

Security Description

   Value
Yankee Dollars (0.8%):   
$390,000   

BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd.,

  
  

5.50%, 4/1/14

   $ 392,689
         
Total Yankee Dollars      392,689
         
Total Investments— 99.3% (Cost $48,905,998)      48,784,586
Other assets in excess of liabilities — 0.7%      340,189
         
NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 49,124,775
         

 

(a) Variable rate security. The rate reflected is the rate in effect at March 31, 2009.
(b) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified buyers. This security has been deemed liquid by the Investment Advisor based on procedures approved by the Board of Directors.
(c) Rate disclosed is the seven day yield as of March 31, 2009.
LLC Limited Liability Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

19


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

INCOME FUND

 

Principal
Amount
  

Security Description

   Value
  Asset-Backed Securities (6.0%):   
$ 1,075,000   

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, 1.77%, 5/25/37 (a)(b)

   $ 525,423
  724,813   

Navistar Financial Corp. Owner Trust, 4.43%, 1/15/14

     705,755
  904,387   

Preferred Term Securities XXI Ltd., 5.71%, 3/22/38 (b)

     113,048
  646,421   

Preferred Term Securities XXIV Ltd., 1.62%, 3/22/37 (a)(b)

     239,176
  1,136,451   

Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc., 4.02%, 3/25/33

     699,219
  844,720   

Structured Asset Securities Corp., 5.30%, 9/25/33 (a)

     811,341
         
  Total Asset-Backed Securities      3,093,962
         
  Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (15.4%):   
  1,348,000   

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc., 5.35%, 9/10/47 (a)

     1,036,268
  1,000,000   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, 5.53%, 9/11/41

     852,169
  919,273   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., 6.50%, 7/25/34

     802,641
  1,051,000   

Commercial Mortgage Asset Trust, 7.64%, 11/17/32

     875,598
  786,999   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., 5.75%, 4/25/33

     753,798
  900,000   

First Union National Bank Commercial Mortgage, 8.64%, 10/15/32 (a)(b)

     961,780
  635,000   

First Union National Bank Commercial Mortgage, 6.67%, 12/12/33

     574,897
  925,000   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, 6.36%, 12/15/28

     923,641
  1,234,000   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, 6.30%, 11/15/33

     1,217,459
         
  Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities      7,998,251
         
  Corporate Bonds (26.6%):   
  

Aerospace & Defense (0.7%):

  
  345,000   

United Technologies Corp., 4.88%, 5/1/15

     361,512
         
  

Banks (7.3%):

  
  350,000   

Citigroup, Inc., 6.50%, 8/19/13

     321,620
  975,000   

Key Bank NA, 3.20%, 6/15/12

     1,012,173
  1,865,000   

Regions Bank, 3.25%, 12/9/11

     1,940,893
  675,000   

USB Capital IX, 6.19%, 4/15/49

     266,625
  350,000   

Wachovia Bank NA, 6.60%, 1/15/38

     276,799
         
        3,818,110
         
  

Computers (2.5%):

  
  485,000   

Cisco Systems, Inc., 5.50%, 2/22/16

     513,196
  410,000   

Hewlett-Packard Co., 6.50%, 7/1/12

     443,059
  300,000   

IBM Corp., 7.00%, 10/30/25

     317,573
         
        1,273,828
         
  

Electric Integrated (2.1%):

  
  315,000   

Alabama Power Co., 5.50%, 10/15/17

     321,744
  400,000   

Dayton Power & Light Co., 5.13%, 10/1/13

     411,249
  350,000   

Pacificorp, 5.50%, 1/15/19

     358,320
         
        1,091,313
         
  

Financial Services (6.0%):

  
  605,000   

American Express Co., 6.80%, 9/1/66

     291,788
  365,000   

Bear Stearns Co., Inc., 5.30%, 10/30/15

     338,404
  510,000   

General Electric Capital Corp., 4.88%, 3/4/15

     452,684
  365,000   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 6.25%, 9/1/17

     338,237
  965,000   

John Deere Capital Corp., Series D, 2.88%, 6/19/12

     989,690
  365,000   

Merrill Lynch & Co., 5.00%, 1/15/15

     280,277
  350,000   

Morgan Stanley, 4.75%, 4/1/14

     286,152
  553,000   

UBS Preferred Funding Trust, 6.24%, 5/29/49

     151,040
         
        3,128,272
         
  

Food & Beverage (0.7%):

  
  400,000   

Bottling Group LLC, Series B, 4.13%, 6/15/15

     372,908
         
  

Household Products (0.7%):

  
  320,000   

Kimberly-Clark Corp., 6.13%, 8/1/17

     344,476
         
  

Insurance (1.8%):

  
  550,000   

Chubb Corp., 6.80%, 11/15/31

     528,514
  420,000   

General Reinsurance Corp., 9.00%, 9/12/09

     431,496
         
        960,010
         
  

Office Automation & Equipment (1.3%):

  
  675,000   

Pitney Bowes, Inc., 5.25%, 1/15/37

     655,568
         

 

20


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

INCOME FUND (CONCLUDED)

 

Principal
Amount
  

Security Description

   Value
  Corporate Bonds (continued):   
  

Oil & Gas Exploration Services (0.8%):

  
$ 400,000   

Tosco Corp., 8.13%, 2/15/30

   $ 435,476
         
  

Retail (0.7%):

  
  335,000   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 5.80%, 2/15/18

     366,237
         
  

Telecommunications (0.7%):

  
  355,000   

AT&T, Inc., 5.50%, 2/1/18

     343,269
         
  

Utilities (1.3%):

  
  590,000   

Laclede Gas Co., 6.50%, 11/15/10

     612,292
  80,000   

Laclede Gas Co., 6.50%, 10/15/12

     85,770
         
        698,062
         
  Total Corporate Bonds      13,849,041
         
  Mortgage-Backed Securities (33.7%):   
  

Fannie Mae (8.7%)

  
  789,898   

5.50%, 11/1/16

     824,390
  174,471   

4.50%, 12/1/18

     180,920
  1,315,000   

4.00%, 2/25/19

     1,356,952
  1,081,093   

7.50%, 8/1/22

     1,164,916
  352,035   

5.00%, 8/1/34

     363,614
  577,276   

5.50%, 8/1/37

     599,870
         
        4,490,662
         
  

Freddie Mac (25.0%)

  
  946,800   

5.00%, 12/15/15

     995,643
  2,485,000   

4.00%, 1/15/17

     2,577,727
  585,088   

4.50%, 1/15/17

     609,108
  1,090,000   

4.50%, 4/15/19

     1,145,916
  1,244,000   

4.50%, 6/15/21

     1,282,849
  26,824   

4.25%, 4/15/22

     26,801
  2,040,000   

5.00%, 4/15/28

     2,128,207
  2,030,000   

5.00%, 2/15/29

     2,119,288
  2,025,000   

5.00%, 3/15/34

     2,112,566
         
        12,998,105
         
  Total Mortgage-Backed Securities      17,488,767
         
  U.S. Government Agency Obligations (4.6%):   
  

Fannie Mae (3.2%)

  
  410,000   

5.13%, 4/15/11

     439,044
  1,100,000   

5.38%, 6/12/17

     1,228,043
         
        1,667,087
         
  

Federal Home Loan Bank (1.4%):

  
  700,000   

3.88%, 6/14/13

     743,328
         
  Total U.S. Government Agency Obligations      2,410,415
         

 

Shares or
Principal
Amount
  

Security Description

   Value
  U.S. Treasury Obligations (11.3%):   
  

U.S. Treasury Bonds (1.7%)

  
$ 390,000   

8.88%, 2/15/19

   $ 588,412
  250,000   

5.50%, 8/15/28

     315,508
         
        903,920
         
  

U.S. Treasury Inflation Index Notes (4.7%):

  
  2,100,000   

2.00%, 7/15/14

     2,428,744
         
  

U.S. Treasury Notes (4.9%):

  
  2,185,000   

4.63%, 2/15/17

     2,538,697
         
  Total U.S. Treasury Obligations      5,871,361
         
  Investment Company (1.1%):   
  579,597   

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds, Treasury Obligations Fund, 0.05% (c)

     579,597
         
  Total Investment Company      579,597
         
  Yankee Dollars (0.8%):   
$ 400,000   

BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd., 5.50%, 4/1/14

     402,758
         
  Total Yankee Dollars      402,758
         
  Total Investments— 99.5% (Cost $53,922,047)      51,694,152
  Other assets in excess of liabilities — 0.5%      270,629
         
  NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 51,964,781
         

 

(a) Variable rate security. The rate reflected is the rate in effect at March 31, 2009.
(b) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified buyers. This security has been deemed liquid by the Investment Advisor based on procedures approved by the Board of Directors.
(c) Rate disclosed is the seven day yield as of March 31, 2009.

LLC Limited Liability Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

21


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

BALANCED FUND

 

Shares

  

Security Description

   Value

Common Stocks (60.2%):

  
  

Aerospace & Defense (1.2%):

  
4,000   

Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (a)

   $ 267,920
         
  

Biotechnology (1.1%):

  
4,500   

Biogen Idec, Inc. (a)

     235,890
         
  

Broadcasting (1.0%):

  
17,000   

Comcast Corp., Class A

     231,880
         
  

Chemicals (3.0%):

  
3,000   

Agrium, Inc.

     107,370
2,000   

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.

     161,620
2,500   

Praxair, Inc.

     168,225
6,000   

Sigma-Aldrich Corp.

     226,740
         
        663,955
         
  

Commercial Services (1.7%):

  
3,000   

DeVry, Inc.

     144,540
700   

MasterCard, Inc., Class A

     117,236
5,000   

Quanta Services, Inc. (a)

     107,250
         
        369,026
         
  

Computers (0.8%):

  
5,500   

Hewlett-Packard Co.

     176,330
         
  

Energy (1.3%):

  
25,000   

The Williams Cos., Inc.

     284,500
         
  

Financial Services (0.6%):

  
3,000   

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (a)

     125,130
         
  

Food & Beverage (4.9%):

  
14,000   

Central European Distribution Corp. (a)

     150,640
10,000   

Flowers Foods, Inc.

     234,800
12,000   

Kraft Foods, Inc.

     267,480
4,000   

Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (a)

     215,520
10,000   

The Kroger Co.

     212,200
         
        1,080,640
         
  

Health Care Services (1.2%):

  
6,000   

Cerner Corp. (a)

     263,820
         
  

Household Products (3.4%):

  
10,000   

Avon Products, Inc.

     192,300
5,000   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

     261,150
6,000   

Procter & Gamble Co.

     282,540
         
        735,990
         
  

Industrial (3.2%):

  
15,000   

AGCO Corp. (a)

     294,000
6,000   

Peabody Energy Corp.

     150,240
10,000   

Snap-on, Inc.

     251,000
         
        695,240
         
  

Information Technology Services (3.3%):

  
15,000   

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (a)

     311,850
3,000   

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

     149,970
7,000   

FISERV, Inc. (a)

     255,220
         
        717,040
         
  

Insurance (3.3%):

  
6,000   

AFLAC, Inc.

     116,160
3,500   

Everest Re Group Ltd.

     247,800
7,000   

HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

     176,330
8,000   

W.R. Berkley Corp.

     180,400
         
        720,690
         
  

Internet Security (1.7%):

  
25,000   

Symantec Corp. (a)

     373,500
         
  

Manufacturing - Diversified (2.4%):

  
5,000   

Eaton Corp.

     184,300
8,000   

Joy Global, Inc.

     170,400
4,000   

Roper Industries, Inc.

     169,800
         
        524,500
         
  

Medical Products (5.4%):

  
10,000   

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (a)

     272,100
12,000   

Herbalife Ltd.

     179,760
14,000   

PSS World Medical, Inc. (a)

     200,900
7,000   

Stryker Corp.

     238,280
8,000   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (a)

     285,360
         
        1,176,400
         
  

Medical Services (1.5%):

  
10,000   

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

     328,100
         
  

Oil & Gas Exploration Services (1.8%):

  
1,500   

Apache Corp.

     96,135
2,000   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     111,300
6,000   

XTO Energy, Inc.

     183,720
         
        391,155
         

 

22


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

BALANCED FUND (CONTINUED)

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
  Common Stocks (continued):   
   Pharmaceuticals (4.2%):   
  3,000    Abbott Laboratories    $ 143,100
  10,000    Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc. (a)      198,200
  6,000    CVS Caremark Corp.      164,940
  10,000    Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.      237,200
  10,000    Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (a)      177,900
         
        921,340
         
   Railroads (0.9%):   
  6,000    Norfolk Southern Corp.      202,500
         
   Retail (0.5%):   
  2,500    Costco Wholesale Corp.      115,800
         
   Semiconductors (1.2%):   
  8,000    Intel Corp.      120,400
  10,000    Tessera Technologies, Inc. (a)      133,700
         
        254,100
         
   Software (1.7%):   
  12,000    Adobe Systems, Inc. (a)      256,680
  5,000    Citrix Systems, Inc. (a)      113,200
         
        369,880
         
   Telecommunications (3.9%):   
  8,000    AT&T, Inc.      201,600
  10,000    Cisco Systems, Inc. (a)      167,700
  2,000    Equinix, Inc. (a)      112,300
  3,000    L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.      203,400
  11,000    Partner Communications Co. Ltd. - ADR      166,320
         
        851,320
         
   Textile - Apparel (1.4%):   
  8,000    Coach, Inc. (a)      133,600
  8,000    Guess?, Inc.      168,640
         
        302,240
         
   Utilities (3.6%):   
  2,500    Exelon Corp.      113,475
  5,000    FPL Group, Inc.      253,650
  12,000    MDU Resources Group, Inc.      193,680
  15,000    Southern Union Co.      228,300
         
        789,105
         
  Total Common Stocks      13,167,991
         
Share or
Principal
Amount
  

Security Description

   Value
  Preferred Stocks (4.2%):   
   Diversified Financial Services (3.4%):   
  15,000    Bank of America Corp., 8.20%    $ 164,400
  25,000    Barclays Bank PLC, 8.13%      333,000
  20,000    Wachovia Preferred Funding Corp., 7.25%      230,600
         
        728,000
         
   Insurance (0.8%):   
  28,000    AEGON NV, 6.38%      179,200
         
  Total Preferred Stocks      907,200
         
  Corporate Bonds (26.9%):   
   Financial Services (17.7%):   
$ 400,000    American Express Credit Corp., 5.88%, 5/2/13      351,191
  600,000    American General Financial Services, 6.90%, 12/15/17      210,292
  500,000    Bank of America N.A., 6.00%, 6/15/16      435,858
  220,000    Caterpillar Financial SE, 6.13%, 2/17/14      213,647
  380,000    General Electric Capital Corp., 5.25%, 10/19/12      365,832
  500,000    Harley-Davidson Funding Corp., 6.80%, 6/15/18 (b)      324,415
  400,000    International Lease Finance Corp., 6.38%, 3/25/13      221,039
  200,000    John Deere Capital Corp., 5.25%, 10/1/12      201,947
  500,000    KeyCorp, 6.50%, 5/14/13      487,917
  200,000    Principal Life Global Funding I, 6.25%, 2/15/12 (b)      195,532
  500,000    Regions Bank, 7.50%, 5/15/18      446,073
  500,000    Wachovia Corp., 5.25%, 8/1/14      415,155
         
        3,868,898
         
   Food & Beverage (1.8%):   
  350,000    Coca-Cola Enterprises, 7.38%, 3/3/14      397,555
         
   Industrial (1.4%):   
  300,000    Stanley Works, 6.15%, 10/1/13      305,523
         

 

23


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

BALANCED FUND (CONCLUDED)

 

Shares or
Principal
Amount
  

Security Description

   Value
  Corporate Bonds (continued):   
   Pharmaceuticals (1.0%):   
$ 200,000    Pfizer, Inc., 5.35%, 3/15/15    $ 211,009
         
   Retail (2.1%):   
  500,000    Home Depot, Inc., 5.40%, 3/1/16      449,451
         
   Telecommunications (2.9%):   
  300,000    New Cingular Wireless Services, Inc., 7.88%, 3/1/11      320,551
  300,000    Verizon Wireless, 7.38%, 11/15/13 (b)      321,651
         
        642,202
         
  Total Corporate Bonds      5,874,638
         
  Investment Company (1.8%):   
  395,911    Goldman Sachs Financial Square   
   Funds, Treasury Obligations Fund, 0.05% (c)      395,911
         
  Total Investment Company      395,911
         
  Yankee Dollars (4.8%):   
   Brewery (0.5%):   
$ 100,000    Bacardi Ltd., 7.45%, 4/1/14 (b)      100,296
         
   Energy (1.8%):   
  400,000    TransCanada Pipelines Ltd., 6.50%, 8/15/18      398,962
         
   Medical Services (1.6%):   
  335,000    Roche Holdings, Inc., 4.50%, 3/1/12      341,013
         
   Oil & Gas Exploration Services (0.9%):   
  200,000    Noble Holding International Ltd., 7.38%, 3/15/14      205,699
         
  Total Yankee Dollars      1,045,970
         
  Total Investments— 97.9% (Cost $25,113,047)      21,391,710
  Other assets in excess of liabilities — 2.1%      469,075
         
  NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 21,860,785
         

 

(a) Non-income producing securities.
(b) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified buyers. This security has been deemed liquid by the Investment Advisor based on procedures approved by the Board of Directors.
(c) Rate disclosed is the seven day yield as of March 31, 2009.

ADR American Depositary Receipt

PLC Public Liability Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

24


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

CORE EQUITY FUND

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Common Stocks (92.3%):   
  

Banks (3.2%):

  
39,750   

BB&T Corp.

   $ 672,570
59,000   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     1,568,220
         
        2,240,790
         
  

Broadcasting (2.8%):

  
143,900   

Comcast Corp., Class A

     1,962,796
         
  

Chemicals-Specialty (2.5%):

  
31,300   

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

     1,760,625
         
  

Computers (5.4%):

  
52,725   

Hewlett-Packard Co.

     1,690,364
21,650   

International Business Machines Corp.

     2,097,668
         
        3,788,032
         
  

Consumer Durables (1.4%):

  
31,800   

Mohawk Industries, Inc. (a)

     949,866
         
  

Diversified Manufacturing (6.0%):

  
48,100   

3M Co.

     2,391,532
178,225   

General Electric Co.

     1,801,855
         
        4,193,387
         
  

Electrical Equipment (2.4%):

  
59,775   

Emerson Electric Co.

     1,708,370
         
  

Financial Services (3.5%):

  
28,300   

Capital One Financial Corp.

     346,392
64,300   

Moody’s Corp.

     1,473,756
6,125   

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

     649,373
         
        2,469,521
         
  

Food & Beverage (5.8%):

  
50,000   

HJ Heinz Co.

     1,653,000
46,100   

PepsiCo, Inc.

     2,373,228
         
        4,026,228
         
  

Household Products (4.6%):

  
30,700   

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

     1,415,577
38,100   

Procter & Gamble Co.

     1,794,129
         
        3,209,706
         
  

Information Technology Services (3.6%):

  
66,175   

Avnet, Inc. (a)

     1,158,724
38,100   

FISERV, Inc. (a)

     1,389,126
         
        2,547,850
         
  

Industrial (1.3%):

  
36,900   

Peabody Energy Corp.

     923,976
         
  

Insurance (3.8%):

  
31,100   

AFLAC, Inc.

     602,096
28,200   

Chubb Corp.

     1,193,424
41,700   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

     793,134
         
        2,588,654
         
  

Machinery (0.8%):

  
39,100   

Ingersoll Rand Company Ltd., Class A

     539,580
         
  

Medical Products (3.7%):

  
66,800   

Medtronic, Inc.

     1,968,596
18,300   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (a)

     652,761
         
        2,621,357
         
  

Medical Services (4.4%):

  
46,600   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

     1,466,968
76,950   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     1,610,563
         
        3,077,531
         
  

Oil & Gas Exploration Services (1.4%):

  
17,200   

Transocean Ltd. (a)

     1,012,048
         
  

Oil Comp-Intergrated (10.4%):

  
27,700   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

     1,077,253
45,800   

ChevronTexaco Corp.

     3,079,592
15,600   

ConocoPhillips

     610,896
36,700   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     2,499,270
         
        7,267,011
         
  

Pharmaceuticals (5.2%):

  
53,500   

Abbott Laboratories

     2,551,950
32,400   

Eli Lilly & Co.

     1,082,484
         
        3,634,434
         
  

Printing & Publishing (1.5%):

  
45,000   

The McGraw-Hill Cos., Inc.

     1,029,150
         
  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (1.3%):

  
66,600   

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

     923,742
         
  

Retail (2.4%):

  
65,500   

Walgreen Co.

     1,700,380
         

 

25


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

 

CORE EQUITY FUND (CONCLUDED)

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value  
Common Stocks (continued):   
  

Semiconductors (3.8%):

  
112,075   

Applied Materials, Inc.

   $ 1,204,806  
87,000   

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     1,436,370  
           
        2,641,176  
           
  

Software (4.1%):

  
43,900   

Adobe Systems, Inc. (a)

     939,021  
105,100   

Microsoft Corp.

     1,930,687  
           
        2,869,708  
           
  

Telecommunications (3.2%):

  
20,100   

AT&T, Inc.

     506,520  
105,400   

Cisco Systems, Inc. (a)

     1,767,558  
           
        2,274,078  
           
  

Utilities (3.8%):

  
20,500   

Exelon Corp.

     930,495  
55,900   

Southern Co.

     1,711,658  
           
        2,642,153  
           
Total Common Stocks      64,602,149  
           
Investment Company (7.8%):   
5,487,228   

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds, Treasury Obligations Fund, 0.05% (b)

     5,487,228  
           
Total Investment Company      5,487,228  
           
Total Investments— 100.1% (Cost $82,152,988)      70,089,377  
Liabilities in excess of other assets — (0.1)%      (89,043 )
           
NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 70,000,334  
           

 

(a) Non-income producing securities.
(b) Rate disclosed is the seven day yield as of March 31, 2009.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

26


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Common Stocks (94.0%):   
  

Air Courier Services (1.7%):

  
11,500   

FedEx Corp.

   $ 511,635
         
  

Chemicals (3.7%):

  
17,125   

Praxair, Inc.

     1,152,341
         
  

Commercial Services (2.5%):

  
31,400   

Cintas Corp.

     776,208
         
  

Computers (1.9%):

  
62,960   

Dell, Inc. (a)

     596,861
         
  

Cosmetics & Toiletries (2.3%):

  
12,200   

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

     719,556
         
  

Diversified Manufacturing (5.5%):

  
17,550   

3M Co.

     872,586
26,325   

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

     812,126
         
        1,684,712
         
  

Electrical Components & Equipment (1.1%):

  
22,250   

Koninklijke (Royal) Philips Electronics NV

     330,858
         
  

Financial Services (3.5%):

  
69,700   

Charles Schwab Corp.

     1,080,350
         
  

Food & Beverage (10.9%):

  
15,400   

General Mills, Inc.

     768,152
21,300   

PepsiCo, Inc.

     1,096,524
47,000   

Safeway, Inc.

     948,930
31,500   

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

     529,200
         
        3,342,806
         
  

Information Technology Services (7.4%):

  
28,000   

eBay, Inc. (a)

     351,680
25,700   

FISERV, Inc. (a)

     937,022
38,800   

Paychex, Inc.

     995,996
         
        2,284,698
         
  

Internet Security (2.9%):

  
58,725   

Symantec Corp. (a)

     877,351
         
  

Medical Services (9.9%):

  
121,000   

Boston Scientific Corp. (a)

     961,950
13,600   

Medtronic, Inc.

     400,792
29,500   

Roche Holding AG - SP ADR

     1,014,800
31,375   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     656,679
         
        3,034,221
         
  

Oil-Field Services (7.1%):

  
20,000   

Kinder Morgan Management LLC (a)

     815,200
20,950   

Schlumberger Ltd.

     850,989
22,600   

Suncor Energy, Inc.

     501,946
         
        2,168,135
         
  

Pharmaceuticals (3.4%):

  
20,125   

Johnson & Johnson

     1,058,575
         
  

Restaurants (3.1%):

  
86,080   

Starbucks Corp. (a)

     956,349
         
  

Retail (9.9%):

  
33,600   

Family Dollar Stores, Inc.

     1,121,232
57,000   

Staples, Inc.

     1,032,270
26,325   

Target Corp.

     905,317
         
        3,058,819
         
  

Semiconductors (5.0%):

  
49,525   

Intel Corp.

     745,351
35,000   

Linear Technology Corp.

     804,300
         
        1,549,651
         
  

Software (7.8%):

  
32,000   

Adobe Systems, Inc. (a)

     684,480
63,100   

Microsoft Corp.

     1,159,147
23,250   

VMware, Inc., Class A (a)

     549,165
         
        2,392,792
         
  

Telecommunications (4.4%):

  
80,800   

Cisco Systems, Inc. (a)

     1,355,016
         
Total Common Stocks      28,930,934
         

 

27


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND (CONCLUDED)

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Investment Company (5.4%):   
1,652,196   

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds, Prime Obligations Fund, 0.51%(b)

   $ 1,652,196
         
Total Investment Company      1,652,196
         
Total Investments— 99.4% (Cost $40,461,301)      30,583,130
Other assets in excess of liabilities — 0.6%      187,854
         
NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 30,770,984
         

 

(a) Non-income producing securities.
(b) Rate disclosed is the seven day yield as of March 31, 2009.
ADR American Depositary Receipt
LLC Limited Liability Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

28


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Common Stocks (89.5%):   
  

Aerospace & Defense (1.9%):

  
12,000   

Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (a)

   $ 803,760
         
  

Biotechnology (3.1%):

  
25,000   

Biogen Idec, Inc. (a)

     1,310,500
         
  

Chemicals (3.8%):

  
10,000   

Agrium, Inc.

     357,900
6,000   

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.

     484,860
20,000   

Sigma-Aldrich Corp.

     755,800
         
        1,598,560
         
  

Commercial Services (2.8%):

  
10,000   

DeVry, Inc.

     481,800
2,000   

MasterCard, Inc., Class A

     334,960
17,000   

Quanta Services, Inc. (a)

     364,650
         
        1,181,410
         
  

Energy (1.6%):

  
60,000   

The Williams Cos., Inc.

     682,800
         
  

Financial Services (0.8%):

  
8,000   

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (a)

     333,680
         
  

Food & Beverage (7.3%):

  
46,000   

Central European Distribution Corp. (a)

     494,960
25,000   

Flowers Foods, Inc.

     587,000
12,000   

Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (a)

     646,560
45,000   

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (a)

     640,800
32,000   

The Kroger Co.

     679,040
         
        3,048,360
         
  

Health Care Services (3.2%):

  
30,000   

Cerner Corp. (a)

     1,319,100
         
  

Household Products (3.3%):

  
30,000   

Avon Products, Inc.

     576,900
15,000   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

     783,450
         
        1,360,350
         
  

Industrial (5.0%):

  
50,000   

AGCO Corp. (a)

     980,000
20,000   

Peabody Energy Corp.

     500,800
25,000   

Snap-on, Inc.

     627,500
         
        2,108,300
         
  

Information Technology Services (6.6%):

  
40,000   

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (a)

     831,600
15,000   

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

     749,850
32,000   

FISERV, Inc. (a)

     1,166,720
         
        2,748,170
         
  

Insurance (6.1%):

  
20,000   

AFLAC, Inc.

     387,200
12,000   

Everest Re Group Ltd.

     849,600
30,000   

HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

     755,700
25,000   

W.R. Berkley Corp.

     563,750
         
        2,556,250
         
  

Internet Security (2.9%):

  
80,000   

Symantec Corp. (a)

     1,195,200
         
  

Manufacturing - Diversified (4.0%):

  
12,500   

Eaton Corp.

     460,750
28,000   

Joy Global, Inc.

     596,400
14,000   

Roper Industries, Inc.

     594,300
         
        1,651,450
         
  

Medical Products (8.3%):

  
20,000   

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (a)

     544,200
40,000   

Herbalife Ltd.

     599,200
55,000   

PSS World Medical, Inc. (a)

     789,250
20,000   

Stryker Corp.

     680,800
24,000   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (a)

     856,080
         
        3,469,530
         
  

Medical Services (2.4%):

  
30,000   

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

     984,300
         
  

Oil & Gas Exploration Services (1.3%):

  
18,000   

XTO Energy, Inc.

     551,160
         
  

Pharmaceuticals (5.2%):

  
30,000   

Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc. (a)

     594,600
40,000   

Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.

     948,800
35,000   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (a)

     622,650
         
        2,166,050
         

 

29


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND (CONCLUDED)

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Common Stocks (continued):   
  

Railroads (1.3%):

  
16,000   

Norfolk Southern Corp.

   $ 540,000
         
  

Retail (1.1%):

  
10,000   

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     463,200
         
  

Semiconductors (0.9%):

  
28,000   

Tessera Technologies, Inc. (a)

     374,360
         
  

Software (4.6%):

  
40,000   

Adobe Systems, Inc. (a)

     855,600
48,000   

Citrix Systems, Inc. (a)

     1,086,720
         
        1,942,320
         
  

Telecommunications (4.0%):

  
7,000   

Equinix, Inc. (a)

     393,050
12,000   

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.

     813,600
30,000   

Partner Communications Co. Ltd. - ADR

     453,600
         
        1,660,250
         
  

Textile - Apparel (1.9%):

  
30,000   

Coach, Inc. (a)

     501,000
14,000   

Guess?, Inc.

     295,120
         
        796,120
         
  

Utilities (6.1%):

  
15,000   

FPL Group, Inc.

     760,950
55,000   

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

     887,700
60,000   

Southern Union Co.

     913,200
         
        2,561,850
         
Total Common Stocks      37,407,030
         
Preferred Stocks (2.9%):   
  

Diversified Financial Services (2.9%):

  
50,000   

Bank of America Corp., 8.20%

     548,000
50,000   

Barclays Bank PLC, 8.13%

     666,000
         
        1,214,000
         
Total Preferred Stocks      1,214,000
         
Investment Company (7.4%):   
3,103,896   

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds, Treasury Obligations Fund, 0.05% (b)

     3,103,896
         
Total Investment Company      3,103,896
         
Total Investments— 99.8% (Cost $48,139,933)      41,724,926
Other assets in excess of liabilities — 0.2%      72,554
         
NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 41,797,480
         

 

(a) Non-income producing securities.
(b) Rate disclosed is the seven day yield as of March 31, 2009.
ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Liability Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

30


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

SMALL COMPANY FUND

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Common Stocks (93.6%):   
  

Automotive (1.9%):

  
22,800   

Clarcor, Inc.

   $ 574,332
         
  

Banks (10.5%):

  
27,050   

BancorpSouth, Inc.

     563,722
55,850   

Bank Mutual Corp.

     506,001
18,100   

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

     849,614
21,900   

MB Financial, Inc.

     297,840
32,400   

Texas Capital BancShares, Inc. (a)

     364,824
17,550   

United Bankshares, Inc.

     302,562
28,100   

Wilmington Trust Corp.

     272,289
         
        3,156,852
         
  

Chemicals (3.2%):

  
21,600   

Albemarle Corp.

     470,232
25,500   

Arch Chemicals, Inc.

     483,480
         
        953,712
         
  

Commercial Services (1.6%):

  
19,200   

Steiner Leisure Ltd. (a)

     468,672
         
  

Computers (0.9%):

  
22,400   

Avocent Corp. (a)

     271,936
         
  

Consumer Durables (1.6%):

  
16,600   

Mohawk Industries, Inc. (a)

     495,842
         
  

Diversified Manufacturing (3.6%):

  
41,200   

Barnes Group, Inc.

     440,428
17,300   

Carlisle Cos., Inc.

     339,599
36,100   

Worthington Industries, Inc.

     314,431
         
        1,094,458
         
  

Electrical Components & Equipment (6.6%):

  
46,100   

Daktronics, Inc.

     301,955
97,300   

Entegris, Inc. (a)

     83,678
19,900   

Hubbell, Inc., Class B

     536,504
20,200   

Littlefuse, Inc. (a)

     221,998
7,700   

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (a)

     395,241
25,700   

Park Electrochemical Corp.

     444,096
         
        1,983,472
         
  

Energy (5.8%):

  
28,400   

Encore Acquisition Co. (a)

     660,868
20,300   

Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc.

     291,305
25,000   

St. Mary Land & Exploration Co.

     330,750
11,800   

Tidewater, Inc.

     438,134
         
        1,721,057
         
  

Engineering Services (1.6%):

  
24,200   

Tetra Tech, Inc. (a)

     493,196
         
  

Financial Services (3.2%):

  
13,200   

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (a)

     550,572
33,500   

Calamos Asset Management, Inc., Class A

     161,135
10,800   

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

     251,208
         
        962,915
         
  

Food & Beverage (4.3%):

  
28,400   

Corn Products International, Inc.

     602,080
15,200   

Sensient Technologies Corp.

     357,200
10,350   

Weis Markets, Inc.

     321,264
         
        1,280,544
         
  

Household Products (1.9%):

  
10,900   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

     569,307
         
  

Information Technology Services (2.9%):

  
15,100   

CACI International, Inc., Class A (a)

     550,999
16,000   

Syntel, Inc.

     329,280
         
        880,279
         
  

Insurance (2.8%):

  
21,700   

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

     368,900
21,500   

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

     145,555
25,800   

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

     313,728
         
        828,183
         
  

Machinery (2.2%):

  
21,500   

IDEX Corp.

     470,205
19,950   

Tennant Co.

     186,931
         
        657,136
         

 

31


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

SMALL COMPANY FUND (CONCLUDED)

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Common Stocks (continued):   
  

Medical Products (2.5%):

  
22,600   

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

   $ 741,506
         
  

Medical Services (8.2%):

  
12,900   

Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (a)

     782,127
53,000   

Odyssey Healthcare, Inc. (a)

     514,100
12,900   

Steris Corp.

     300,312
39,000   

VCA Antech, Inc. (a)

     879,450
         
        2,475,989
         
  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (3.5%):

  
8,900   

Home Properties of New York, Inc.

     272,785
13,700   

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

     271,397
85,200   

MFA Financial, Inc.

     500,976
         
        1,045,158
         
  

Retail (9.4%):

  
48,700   

AnnTaylor Stores Corp. (a)

     253,240
30,500   

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

     813,130
17,000   

Columbia Sportswear Co.

     508,640
46,300   

Foot Locker, Inc.

     485,224
21,300   

Tractor Supply Co. (a)

     768,078
         
        2,828,312
         
  

Semiconductors (1.5%):

  
39,600   

Microsemi Corp. (a)

     459,360
         
  

Software (3.1%):

  
27,000   

Micros Systems, Inc. (a)

     506,250
22,100   

National Instruments Corp.

     412,165
         
        918,415
         
  

Telecommunications (2.0%):

  
11,900   

Anixter International, Inc. (a)

     376,992
9,400   

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (a)

     232,838
         
        609,830
         
  

Transportation (2.8%):

  
38,800   

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

     586,656
49,800   

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

     264,438
         
        851,094
         
  

Utilities (6.0%):

  
23,200   

IDACORP, Inc.

     541,952
17,700   

Integrys Energy Group, Inc.

     460,908
45,000   

Westar Energy, Inc.

     788,850
        1,791,710
         
Total Common Stocks      28,113,267
         
Exchange Traded Funds (1.2%):   
8,900   

iShares Russell 2000

     373,266
         
Total Exchange Traded Funds      373,266
         
Investment Company (5.1%):   
1,523,326   

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds, Treasury Obligations Fund, 0.05% (b)

     1,523,326
         
Total Investment Company      1,523,326
         
Total Investments— 99.9% (Cost $37,264,925)      30,009,859
Other assets in excess of liabilities — 0.1%      41,244
         
NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 30,051,103
         

 

(a) Non-income producing securities.
(b) Rate disclosed is the seven day yield as of March 31, 2009.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

32


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Foreign Stock (81.6%):   
  

Australia (2.5%):

  
39,072   

BHP Billiton Ltd.

   $ 863,228
14,226   

Rio Tinto Ltd.

     564,789
         
        1,428,017
         
  

Austria (0.2%):

  
3,934   

Andritz AG

     120,807
         
  

Belgium (1.0%):

  
15,272   

Anheuser-Busch Inbev NV

     420,452
8,562   

Telenet Group Holding NV (a)

     144,797
         
        565,249
         
  

Bermuda (0.3%):

  
836,000   

Macquarie International Infrastructure Fund Ltd.

     159,086
         
  

Brazil (0.6%):

  
7,500   

Cemig SA - ADR

     110,850
6,500   

Petroleo Brasileiro SA - ADR

     198,055
         
        308,905
         
  

Cayman Islands (0.4%):

  
351,360   

Chaoda Modern Agriculture (Holdings) Ltd.

     209,414
         
  

Denmark (0.5%):

  
5,850   

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

     280,536
         
  

Finland (0.7%):

  
32,900   

Nokia OYJ

     384,719
         
  

France (8.2%):

  
37,169   

Axa

     446,049
13,658   

BNP Paribas

     563,393
7,123   

Bouygues SA

     254,500
14,588   

France Telecom SA

     332,513
5,799   

Groupe DANONE

     282,155
7,699   

Lagardere S.C.A

     216,010
11,829   

Societe Generale

     462,641
20,776   

Total SA

     1,027,200
1,616   

Unibail-Rodamco

     228,639
1,129   

Vallourec SA

     104,655
10,057   

Vinci SA

     373,303
12,483   

Vivendi

     330,110
         
        4,621,168
         
  

Germany (5.2%):

  
7,463   

Allianz AG

     627,832
12,683   

BASF AG

     386,263
7,496   

Bayer AG

     364,044
20,826   

Deutsche Telekom AG

     258,462
21,853   

E.ON AG

     610,035
3,785   

Man AG

     164,220
7,936   

MorphoSys AG (a)

     134,634
10,038   

SAP AG

     353,576
         
        2,899,066
         
  

Greece (0.3%):

  
12,425   

National Bank of Greece SA

     188,701
         
  

Hong Kong (1.5%):

  
37,800   

ASM Pacific Technology Ltd.

     132,422
1,118,000   

Champion Technology Holdings Ltd.

     38,964
39,000   

Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd.

     336,143
528,000   

Chow Sang Sang Holdings International Ltd.

     305,856
1,044,000   

Victory City International Holdings Ltd.

     53,592
         
        866,977
         
  

Indonesia (0.8%):

  
1,031,500   

PT Bank Mandiri

     195,720
9,100   

PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia - SP ADR

     233,870
         
        429,590
         
  

Ireland (0.8%):

  
12,493   

DCC PLC

     188,922
83,311   

Irish Life & Permanent PLC

     122,184
78,737   

United Drug PLC

     156,060
         
        467,166
         
  

Italy (1.2%):

  
140,400   

Banca Intesa SpA

     264,105
9,154   

Saipem SpA

     162,852
162,853   

Unicredito Italiano SpA

     267,992
         
        694,949
         
  

Japan (13.5%):

  
19,600   

Canon, Inc.

     571,462
25   

Central Japan Railway Co.

     140,992
27,700   

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

     659,520
17,000   

Hoya Corp.

     338,378
42   

KDDI Corp.

     197,814
15,000   

Komatsu Ltd.

     166,027
9,100   

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

     177,125
7,700   

Makita Corp.

     175,881

 

33


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND (CONTINUED)

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Foreign Stock (continued):   
  

Japan (continued):

  
65,000   

Marubeni Corp.

   $ 204,751
17,000   

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

     192,883
91,000   

Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group, Inc.

     448,400
15,000   

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

     164,573
30,000   

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.

     148,491
105,000   

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

     205,071
8,400   

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

     325,947
1,700   

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

     497,379
11,700   

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

     183,686
264   

NTT DoCoMo, Inc.

     359,737
5,230   

Orix Corp.

     172,153
21,700   

Panasonic Corp.

     239,579
14,000   

Ricoh Co. Ltd.

     169,312
7,100   

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

     348,878
28,000   

Sumitomo Corp.

     243,342
5,800   

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

     204,257
33,500   

Toyota Motor Corp.

     1,064,251
         
        7,599,889
         
  

Luxembourg (0.8%):

  
12,890   

ArcelorMittal

     262,821
4,800   

Millicom International Cellular SA

     177,792
         
        440,613
         
  

Malaysia (0.8%):

  
420,000   

Evergreen Fibreboard, Berhad

     58,220
240,500   

IOI Corp., Berhad

     251,248
846,100   

TA Enterprise, Berhad

     139,261
         
        448,729
         
  

Mexico (0.3%):

  
5,800   

America Movil - ADR, Series L

     157,064
         
  

Netherlands (2.6%):

  
4,800   

Fugro NV

     152,414
43,560   

ING Groep NV

     238,646
23,626   

Koninklijke Ahold NV

     258,728
6,598   

Koninklijke DSM NV

     173,584
3,046   

Koninklijke Vopak NV

     122,181
9,078   

Nutreco Holding NV

     324,992
17,838   

Reed Elsevier NV

     190,851
         
        1,461,396
         
  

Norway (0.5%):

  
32,000   

DnB NOR ASA

     143,618
38,260   

Prosafe ASA (a)

     136,193
         
        279,811
         
  

Philippines (0.3%):

  
290,000   

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

     155,985
         
  

Russian (0.4%):

  
16,750   

OAO Gazprom - SP ADR

     248,199
         
  

Singapore (1.7%):

  
416,000   

ASL Marine Holdings Ltd.

     117,962
289,000   

CapitaCommercial Trust

     167,720
547,500   

CSE Global Ltd.

     122,520
32,000   

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

     178,439
489,000   

Tat Hong Holdings Ltd.

     200,270
373,000   

Wing Tai Holdings Ltd.

     172,073
         
        958,984
         
  

South Korea (1.1%):

  
6,750   

KB Financial Group, Inc. - ADR (a)

     163,687
4,812   

LS Industrial Systems Co. Ltd.

     189,688
1,150   

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - GDR

     234,820
         
        588,195
         
  

Spain (3.1%):

  
38,975   

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

     316,301
79,848   

Banco Santander SA

     550,448
12,977   

Repsol YPF SA

     223,883
32,630   

Telefonica SA

     650,583
         
        1,741,215
         
  

Sweden (1.3%):

  
28,200   

Alfa Laval AB

     213,379
32,800   

Atlas Copco AB, Class B

     223,372
7,650   

Hennes & Mauritz AB

     286,915
         
        723,666
         
  

Switzerland (6.4%):

  
26,514   

ABB Ltd.

     369,914
15,105   

Credit Suisse Group

     460,078
5,702   

Holcim Ltd.

     203,169
4,423   

Kuehne & Nagel International AG

     258,171
32,377   

Nestle SA

     1,094,221
1,908   

Syngenta AG

     383,667
41,586   

UBS AG (a)

     390,016
2,761   

Zurich Financial Services AG

     436,511
         
        3,595,747
         

 

34


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND (CONTINUED)

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Foreign Stock (continued):   
  

Taiwan (1.5%):

  
58,899   

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd. - GDR

   $ 261,668
43,000   

St. Shine Optical Co. Ltd.

     158,104
24,497   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. - ADR

     219,248
196,294   

Wistron Corp.

     211,763
         
        850,783
         
  

United Kingdom (23.1%):

  
37,277   

3i Group PLC

     145,089
18,590   

Anglo American PLC

     316,507
66,986   

Aviva PLC

     207,687
177,948   

Barclays PLC

     377,739
51,252   

BG Group PLC

     772,972
182,124   

BP PLC

     1,220,996
82,346   

Bradford & Bingley PLC (a) (b)

     0
11,305   

British American Tobacco PLC

     261,109
54,294   

Centrica PLC

     177,202
430,129   

Charlemagne Capital Ltd.

     54,403
34,082   

Diageo PLC

     380,521
37,032   

FirstGroup PLC

     142,040
52,531   

Hiscox Ltd.

     232,388
82,635   

Home Retail Group PLC

     266,016
121,901   

HSBC Holdings PLC

     678,573
46,462   

IMI PLC

     180,639
14,952   

Imperial Tobacco Group PLC

     335,739
22,228   

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

     168,621
57,470   

JKX Oil & Gas PLC

     181,424
197,002   

Legal & General Group PLC

     121,272
161,196   

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

     163,174
41,318   

Persimmon PLC

     204,194
23,527   

Petrofac Ltd.

     180,833
85,081   

Prudential PLC

     412,393
11,794   

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

     442,429
3,157,096   

Rolls-Royce Group PLC, C Shares (a)

     0
65,934   

Rolls-Royce Group PLC

     277,690
313,514   

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (a)

     110,480
41,578   

Royal Dutch Shell PLC

     904,365
25,313   

Scottish and Southern Energy PLC

     402,153
27,759   

Smiths Group PLC

     266,148
14,687   

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

     176,776
31,386   

Standard Chartered PLC

     389,661
84,547   

Tesco PLC

     403,874
34,237   

Travis Perkins PLC

     216,632
45,359   

Umeco PLC

     76,470
31,921   

Vedanta Resources PLC

     309,416
524,297   

Vodafone Group PLC

     913,928
74,024   

William Morrison Supermarkets PLC

     270,968
24,817   

WPP PLC

     139,541
71,906   

Xstrata PLC

     482,259
         
        12,964,321
         
Total Foreign Stock      45,838,947
         
Preferred Stock (0.3%):   
  

Germany (0.3%):

  
3,002   

Volkswagen AG

     172,358
         
Total Preferred Stocks      172,358
         
Exchange Traded Funds (14.6%):
44,143   

streetTRACKS MSCI Europe Health Care ETF Fund

     2,297,484
17,569   

streetTRACKS MSCI Europe Utilities ETF Fund

     1,335,896
11,353   

iShares MSCI Turkey

     183,005
5,165   

NEXT Funds TOPIX-17 Pharmaceutical ETF

     517,179
60,900   

iShares MSCI India

     206,451
68,432   

ETFS Agriculture DJ-AIGSM (a)

     386,983
7,834   

iShares FTSE/Xinhue China 25 Index Fund

     223,426
331,792   

iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund

     2,624,475
4,512   

SPDR Gold Trust

     407,343
         
Total Exchange Traded Funds      8,182,242
         
Investment Companies (2.6%):   
  

United States (2.6%):

  
23,672   

The Thai Capital Fund, Inc. (b)

     151,501
1,292,399   

Union Bank of California Money Market Fund, 0.02% (c)

     1,292,399
         
Total Investment Companies      1,443,900
         
Rights (0.2%):   
  

United Kingdom (0.2%):

  
50,792   

HSBC Holdings PLC

     102,741
134,363   

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

     0
         
Total Rights      102,741
         

 

35


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND (CONTINUED)

 

Shares   

Security Description

   Value
Warrants (0.0%):   
   Hong Kong (0.0%):   
340,186   

Champion Technology Holdings Ltd.

   $ 439
         
   Singapore (0.0%):   
32,100   

Tat Hong Holdings Ltd.

     739
         
Total Warrants      1,178
         
Total Investments— 99.3% (Cost $81,025,676)      55,741,366
Other assets in excess of liabilities — 0.7%      407,876
         
NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 56,149,242
         

 

(a) Non-income producing securities.
(b) The security has been deemed illiquid according to the policies and procedures accepted by the Board of Directors.

The total value of illiquid securities represents 0.27% of net assets.

(c) Rate disclosed is the seven day yield as of March 31, 2009.
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Liability Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

36


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND (CONCLUDED)

As of March 31, 2009, industry diversification of the Fund was as follows:

 

Industry Diversification

   % of
Net Assets
 

Insurance

   10.2  

Banks

   9.7  

Foreign Banking

   5.5  

Metals/Mining

   4.7  

Food & Beverage

   4.6  

Electrical Components & Equipment

   3.5  

Oil & Gas Exploration Services

   3.4  

Telecommunications

   3.3  

Oil Comp-Intergrated

   3.1  

Investment Companies

   2.9  

Building & Construction

   2.9  

Cellular Telecommunications

   2.8  

Health Care Services

   2.7  

Retail

   2.6  

Distribution

   2.5  

Energy

   2.2  

Financial Services

   1.7  

Manufacturing—Diversified

   1.6  

Refining/Processing

   1.6  

Utilities

   1.6  

Transportation

   1.5  

Pharmaceuticals

   1.4  

Chemicals-Specialty

   1.3  

Housing

   1.3  

Aerospace & Defense

   1.1  

Industrial

   1.1  

Semiconductors

   1.1  

Medical Products

   1.0  

Real Estate

   1.0  

Commercial Services

   1.0  

Chemicals

   1.0  

Software

   1.0  

Diversified Operations

   1.0  

Real Estate Investment Trusts

   0.9  

Machinery

   0.9  

Household Products

   0.8  

Brewery

   0.7  

Printing & Publishing

   0.7  

Electric

   0.7  

Equipment Providers

   0.7  

Computers

   0.6  

Multimedia

   0.6  

Oil-Field Services

   0.6  

Jewelry

   0.5  

Power Conversion/Supply Equipment

   0.3  

Steel

   0.3  

Facilities Support Services

   0.3  

Environmental Services

   0.3  

Automotive

   0.3  

Office Automation & Equipment

   0.3  

Cosmetics & Toiletries

   0.3  

Commercial Banks

   0.3  

Management Services

   0.3  

Diversified Financial Services

   0.3  

Biotechnology

   0.2  

Shipbuilding

   0.2  

Metal Processors & Fabrication

   0.1  

Paper Products

   0.1  

Textile—Apparel

   0.1  
      
   99.3 %
      

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

37


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MARCH 31, 2009

 

     Short-Intermediate
Bond Fund
    Income
Fund
 

ASSETS:

    

Investments, at cost

   $ 48,905,998     $ 53,922,047  

Unrealized depreciation of investments

     (121,412 )     (2,227,895 )
                

Investments, at value

     48,784,586       51,694,152  

Cash

     —         12,915  

Foreign currency, at value (Cost $-, $-, $-, $-, $-, $-, $-, and $56,272)

     —         —    

Interest and dividends receivable

     399,290       394,410  

Receivable for capital shares issued

     137,521       84,305  

Reclaims receivable

     —         —    

Receivable for investments sold

     —         —    

Prepaid expenses

     16,220       22,369  
                

Total Assets

     49,337,617       52,208,151  
                

LIABILITIES:

    

Distributions payable

     113,959       156,330  

Payable for investments purchased

     —         —    

Payable for capital shares redeemed

     41,457       33,264  

Accrued expenses and other payables:

    

Investment advisory fees

     8,424       3,464  

Administration fees

     1,384       1,491  

Shareholder service fees

     10,028       10,826  

Chief compliance officer fees

     723       808  

Custodian fees

     602       649  

Other fees

     36,265       36,538  
                

Total Liabilities

     212,842       243,370  
                

Net Assets

   $ 49,124,775     $ 51,964,781  
                

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:

    

Capital

   $ 54,235,894     $ 56,313,119  

Accumulated net investment income (loss)

     (365,578 )     273,188  

Accumulated realized losses from investment and foreign currency transactions

     (4,624,129 )     (2,393,631 )

Net unrealized depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     (121,412 )     (2,227,895 )
                

Net Assets

   $ 49,124,775     $ 51,964,781  
                

Shares of beneficial interest

     5,341,040       5,595,159  
                

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 9.20     $ 9.29  
                

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

38


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

Balanced
Fund
  Core
Equity
Fund
    Large Cap
Growth

Fund
    Growth
Opportunities
Fund
    Small
Company
Fund
    International
Equity

Fund
 
         
$ 25,113,047   $ 82,152,988     $ 40,461,301     $ 48,139,933     $ 37,264,925     $ 81,025,676  
  (3,721,337)     (12,063,611 )     (9,878,171 )     (6,415,007 )     (7,255,066 )     (25,284,310 )
                                           
  21,391,710     70,089,377       30,583,130       41,724,926       30,009,859       55,741,366  
  —       —         —         —         —         —    
  —       —         —         —         —         55,937  
         
  127,740     164,994       71,232       31,767       46,160       230,919  
  28,991     270,742       145,462       135,076       64,643       211,466  
  —       —         —         —         —         114,143  
  338,464     —         —         —         —         17,862  
  12,209     19,911       8,014       3,560       19,838       23,443  
                                           
  21,899,114     70,545,024       30,807,838       41,895,329       30,140,500       56,395,136  
                                           
         
  —       —         —         —         —         —    
  —       371,689       —         —         —         40,080  
  3,093     56,039       5,541       15,768       36,497       92,625  
         
  10,511     32,802       8,096       19,408       16,349       32,609  
  626     2,002       856       1,184       862       1,609  
  4,379     13,668       5,783       8,087       5,839       10,870  
  578     1,834       230       2,000       898       2,072  
  263     820       347       485       350       10,859  
  18,879     65,836       16,001       50,917       28,602       55,170  
                                           
  38,329     544,690       36,854       97,849       89,397       245,894  
                                           
$ 21,860,785   $ 70,000,334     $ 30,770,984     $ 41,797,480     $ 30,051,103     $ 56,149,242  
                                           
         
$ 27,734,158   $ 86,736,312     $ 41,443,259     $ 54,276,930     $ 38,880,474     $ 101,709,115  
  6,660     16,127       18,158       —         1,868       96,903  
  (2,158,696)     (4,688,494 )     (812,262 )     (6,064,443 )     (1,576,173 )     (20,371,329 )
  (3,721,337)     (12,063,611 )     (9,878,171 )     (6,415,007 )     (7,255,066 )     (25,285,447 )
                                           
$ 21,860,785   $ 70,000,334     $ 30,770,984     $ 41,797,480     $ 30,051,103     $ 56,149,242  
                                           
  2,511,672     12,633,756       5,141,565       5,680,025       3,034,164       9,090,906  
                                           
$ 8.70   $ 5.54     $ 5.98     $ 7.36     $ 9.90     $ 6.18  
                                           

 

39


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 

     Short-Intermediate
Bond Fund
    Income
Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

    

Interest

   $ 2,065,798     $ 2,783,502  

Dividend

     11,494       7,034  

Foreign tax withholding

     —         —    

Income from securities lending

     76,232       55,377  
                

Total Income

     2,153,524       2,845,913  
                

EXPENSES:

    

Investment advisory fees

     242,242       323,752  

Administration fees

     72,673       80,939  

Shareholder service fees

     121,121       134,897  

Accounting fees

     13,139       17,936  

Custodian fees

     14,535       16,188  

Chief compliance officer fees

     11,464       13,906  

Director fees

     1,887       2,093  

Transfer agent fees

     35,865       36,918  

Registration and filing fees

     34,982       48,267  

Other fees

     36,853       41,555  
                

Total expenses before waivers

     584,761       716,451  
                

Expenses reduced by Advisor

     (140,500 )     (280,586 )

Custodian fees waived

     (5,943 )     (6,550 )
                

Total Expenses

     438,318       429,315  
                

Net Investment Income

     1,715,206       2,416,598  
                

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY:

    

Net realized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions

     507,115       585,173  

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     (1,304,919 )     (3,111,706 )
                

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currencies

     (797,804 )     (2,526,533 )
                

Change in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 917,402     $ (109,935 )
                

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

40


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

Balanced

Fund

  Core Equity
Fund
    Large Cap
Growth Fund
    Growth
Opportunities
Fund
    Small
Company
Fund
    International
Equity Fund
 
         
$ 505,324   $ —       $ —       $ 4,070     $ —       $ —    
  443,426     2,086,217       436,132       915,190       822,818       2,864,650  
  —       —         —         —         —         (244,732 )
  29,518     62,321       12,667       68,465       45,147       —    
                                           
  978,268     2,148,538       448,799       987,725       867,965       2,619,918  
                                           
         
  202,095     624,405       219,965       422,724       318,691       725,972  
  40,419     124,882       36,276       84,545       56,240       108,897  
  67,365     208,135       61,101       140,908       93,733       181,493  
  9,482     13,974       6,393       10,317       9,618       50,354  
  8,084     24,977       7,332       16,909       11,248       47,189  
  6,659     18,690       3,006       13,034       8,236       18,452  
  1,094     3,264       1       2,295       1,496       2,848  
  30,244     46,364       25,042       39,544       33,053       37,443  
  19,468     37,631       5,650       36,262       32,315       41,154  
  22,538     67,430       16,332       42,953       32,770       71,846  
                                           
  407,448     1,169,752       381,098       809,491       597,400       1,285,648  
                                           
  (40,420)     (124,883 )     (134,423 )     (84,546 )     (56,240 )     (181,494 )
  (3,199)     (9,900 )     (3,020 )     (6,563 )     (4,518 )     —    
                                           
  363,829     1,034,969       243,655       718,382       536,642       1,104,154  
                                           
  614,439     1,113,569       205,144       269,343       331,323       1,515,764  
                                           
         
  (2,158,696)     (4,686,798 )     (791,819 )     (5,652,568 )     (1,229,587 )     (19,771,587 )
  (6,482,982)     (30,807,039 )     (7,457,020 )     (16,627,207 )     (14,232,270 )     (29,833,813 )
                                           
  (8,641,678)     (35,493,837 )     (8,248,839 )     (22,279,775 )     (15,461,857 )     (49,605,400 )
                                           
$ (8,027,239)   $ (34,380,268 )   $ (8,043,695 )   $ (22,010,432 )   $ (15,130,534 )   $ (48,089,636 )
                                           

 

41


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Short-Intermediate
Bond Fund
    Income
Fund
 
     For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2009
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2008
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2009
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2008
 

OPERATIONS:

        

Net investment income

   $ 1,715,206     $ 2,040,904     $ 2,416,598     $ 2,857,732  

Net realized gains (losses) from investment transactions

     507,115       (813,493 )     585,173       (200,109 )

Change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments

     (1,304,919 )     1,042,014       (3,111,706 )     622,073  
                                

Change in net assets resulting from operations

     917,402       2,269,425       (109,935 )     3,279,696  
                                

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

        

From net investment income

     (2,026,921 )     (2,059,294 )     (2,487,517 )     (2,796,646 )

From net realized gains on investments

     (241,993 )     —         —         —    
                                

Change in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (2,268,914 )     (2,059,294 )     (2,487,517 )     (2,796,646 )
                                

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

        

Proceeds from shares issued

     13,374,701       11,067,919       9,992,612       16,322,085  

Proceeds from dividends reinvested

     868,470       699,704       710,468       1,115,228  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (14,065,868 )     (8,984,727 )     (15,258,169 )     (23,749,520 )
                                

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     177,303       2,782,896       (4,555,089 )     (6,312,207 )
                                

Change in net assets

     (1,174,209 )     2,993,027       (7,152,541 )     (5,829,157 )
                                

NET ASSETS:

        

Beginning of year

     50,298,984       47,305,957       59,117,322       64,946,479  
                                

End of year

   $ 49,124,775     $ 50,298,984     $ 51,964,781     $ 59,117,322  
                                

Accumulated net investment income (loss)

   $ (365,578 )   $ (34,286 )   $ 273,188     $ 250,978  
                                

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

        

Shares issued

     1,450,861       1,176,563       1,068,580       1,694,695  

Shares reinvested

     94,214       74,470       76,175       115,907  

Shares redeemed

     (1,529,162 )     (956,135 )     (1,648,506 )     (2,455,089 )
                                

Change in shares

     15,913       294,898       (503,751 )     (644,487 )
                                

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

42


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Balanced
Fund
    Core Equity
Fund
 
     For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2009
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2008
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2009
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2008
 

OPERATIONS:

        

Net investment income

   $ 614,439     $ 444,735     $ 1,113,569     $ 912,521  

Net realized gains (losses) from investment transactions

     (2,158,696 )     4,266,772       (4,686,798 )     8,106,813  

Change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments

     (6,482,982 )     (4,837,150 )     (30,807,039 )     (11,534,104 )
                                

Change in net assets resulting from operations

     (8,027,239 )     (125,643 )     (34,380,268 )     (2,514,770 )
                                

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

        

From net investment income

     (611,234 )     (441,280 )     (1,071,243 )     (903,871 )

From net realized gains on investments

     (544,935 )     (4,828,138 )     (1,366,839 )     (12,416,302 )
                                

Change in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (1,156,169 )     (5,269,418 )     (2,438,082 )     (13,320,173 )
                                

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

        

Proceeds from shares issued

     6,047,694       6,123,005       20,874,145       18,024,849  

Proceeds from dividends reinvested

     1,149,804       5,250,211       1,590,746       9,452,433  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (7,529,709 )     (8,260,684 )     (11,391,848 )     (24,476,390 )
                                

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     (332,211 )     3,112,532       11,073,043       3,000,892  
                                

Change in net assets

     (9,515,619 )     (2,282,529 )     (25,745,307 )     (12,834,051 )
                                

NET ASSETS:

        

Beginning of year

     31,376,404       33,658,933       95,745,641       108,579,692  
                                

End of year

   $ 21,860,785     $ 31,376,404     $ 70,000,334     $ 95,745,641  
                                

Accumulated net investment income

   $ 6,660     $ 3,455     $ 16,127     $ 61,200  
                                

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

        

Shares issued

     567,398       426,463       3,041,611       1,843,818  

Shares reinvested

     119,383       401,110       255,411       993,337  

Shares redeemed

     (713,262 )     (581,470 )     (1,647,382 )     (2,361,359 )
                                

Change in shares

     (26,481 )     246,103       1,649,640       475,796  
                                

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

43


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Large Cap
Growth Fund
    Growth Opportunities
Fund
 
     For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2009
    For The Period
Ended
March 31, 2008 (a)
    For The Year
Ended

March 31, 2009
    For The Year
Ended

March 31, 2008
 

OPERATIONS:

        

Net investment income

   $ 205,144     $ 2,332     $ 269,343     $ (125,532 )

Net realized gains (losses) from investment transactions

     (791,819 )     (20,443 )     (5,652,568 )     10,448,144  

Change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments

     (7,457,020 )     (2,421,151 )     (16,627,207 )     (14,718,348 )
                                

Change in net assets resulting from operations

     (8,043,695 )     (2,439,262 )     (22,010,432 )     (4,395,736 )
                                

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

        

From net investment income

     (190,366 )     —         (101,617 )     (265,296 )

From net realized gains on investments

     —         —         (6,118,911 )     (6,705,753 )

From return of capital

     —         —         (532,612 )     —    
                                

Change in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (190,366 )     —         (6,753,140 )     (6,971,049 )
                                

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

        

Proceeds from shares issued

     19,235,388       28,262,508       11,906,316       28,154,190  

Proceeds from dividends reinvested

     151,581       —         5,776,137       5,558,500  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (3,890,670 )     (2,314,500 )     (16,256,203 )     (23,731,646 )
                                

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     15,496,299       25,948,008       1,426,250       9,981,044  
                                

Change in net assets

     7,262,238       23,508,746       (27,337,322 )     (1,385,741 )
                                

NET ASSETS:

        

Beginning of year

     23,508,746       —         69,134,802       70,520,543  
                                

End of year

   $ 30,770,984     $ 23,508,746     $ 41,797,480     $ 69,134,802  
                                

Accumulated net investment income

   $ 18,158     $ 3,380     $ —       $ —    
                                

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

        

Shares issued

     2,926,428       2,988,387       1,216,421       1,816,174  

Shares reinvested

     23,979       —         742,247       381,656  

Shares redeemed

     (542,296 )     (254,933 )     (1,531,717 )     (1,582,291 )
                                

Change in shares

     2,408,111       2,733,454       426,951       615,539  
                                

 

(a) For the period July 5, 2007, (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2008.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

44


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Small Company
Fund
    International Equity
Fund
 
     For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2009
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2008
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2009
    For The Year
Ended
March 31, 2008
 

OPERATIONS:

        

Net investment income

   $ 331,323     $ 160,918     $ 1,515,764     $ 1,080,101  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions

     (1,229,587 )     3,352,220       (19,771,587 )     7,214,570  

Change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies

     (14,232,270 )     (5,748,682 )     (29,833,813 )     (13,796,885 )
                                

Change in net assets resulting from operations

     (15,130,534 )     (2,235,544 )     (48,089,636 )     (5,502,214 )
                                

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

        

From net investment income

     (331,560 )     (152,915 )     (1,422,050 )     (1,004,218 )

From net realized gains on investments

     (798,170 )     (5,982,208 )     (1,098,901 )     (9,511,035 )
                                

Change in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (1,129,730 )     (6,135,123 )     (2,520,951 )     (10,515,253 )
                                

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

        

Proceeds from shares issued

     12,617,714       10,596,715       25,346,390       35,142,911  

Proceeds from dividends reinvested

     713,897       3,899,356       1,424,122       6,702,540  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (6,696,606 )     (12,294,189 )     (13,792,841 )     (17,941,908 )
                                

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     6,635,005       2,201,882       12,977,671       23,903,543  
                                

Change in net assets

     (9,625,259 )     (6,168,785 )     (37,632,916 )     7,886,076  
                                

NET ASSETS:

        

Beginning of year

     39,676,362       45,845,147       93,782,158       85,896,082  
                                

End of year

   $ 30,051,103     $ 39,676,362     $ 56,149,242     $ 93,782,158  
                                

Accumulated net investment income

   $ 1,868     $ 2,105     $ 96,903     $ 95,348  
                                

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

        

Shares issued

     947,567       600,186       3,135,153       2,310,631  

Shares reinvested

     63,172       235,624       206,087       450,470  

Shares redeemed

     (511,744 )     (655,369 )     (1,505,476 )     (1,154,066 )
                                

Change in shares

     498,995       180,441       1,835,764       1,607,035  
                                

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

45


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

 

          Investment Activities     Distributions to
Shareholders from:
               Ratios/Supplemental Data  
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
   Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
    Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Gains on
Investments
    Net
Asset
Value,
End of
Period
   Total
Return
    Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(000’s)
   Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
    Net
Investment
Income to
Average
Net Assets
    Expenses
to Average
Net

Assets*
    Portfolio
Turnover
 

Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

 

For the year ended March 31,

 

                   

2009

   $ 9.45    $ 0.33     $ (0.14 )   $ (0.39 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 9.20    2.05 %   $ 49,125    0.90 %   3.53 %   1.20 %   50 %

2008

     9.40      0.41       0.05       (0.41 )     —         9.45    5.01 (d)     50,299    0.82 (e)   4.33 (e)   1.17     68  

2007

     9.35      0.35 (f)     0.11       (0.41 )     —         9.40    5.07       47,306    0.89     3.78     1.13     70  

2006

     9.58      0.27       (0.09 )     (0.41 )     —         9.35    1.95       60,992    0.84     3.11     0.98     41  

2005

     10.09      0.30       (0.40 )     (0.41 )     —         9.58    (0.94 )     67,666    0.87     2.92     1.01     73  

Income Fund

 

For the year ended March 31,

 

                   

2009

   $ 9.69    $ 0.42     $ (0.39 )   $ (0.43 )   $ —       $ 9.29    0.40 %   $ 51,965    0.79 %   4.47 %   1.33 %   63 %

2008

     9.63      0.46       0.05       (0.45 )     —         9.69    5.27 (d)     59,117    0.71 (e)   4.73 (e)   1.29     81  

2007

     9.52      0.40       0.12       (0.41 )     —         9.63    5.66       64,946    0.98     4.21     1.19     77  

2006

     9.79      0.35       (0.21 )     (0.41 )     —         9.52    1.38       54,045    1.02     3.70     1.09     85  

2005

     10.19      0.33       (0.32 )     (0.41 )     —         9.79    0.13       67,645    1.04     3.60     1.11     52  

Balanced Fund

 

For the year ended March 31,

 

                   

2009

   $ 12.36    $ 0.24     $ (3.44 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.22 )   $ 8.70    (26.13 )%   $ 21,861    1.35 %   2.28 %   1.51 %   60 %

2008

     14.69      0.18       (0.17 )     (0.18 )     (2.16 )     12.36    (0.55 )(d)     31,376    1.30 (e)   1.32 (e)   1.51     83  

2007

     14.14      0.12       0.57       (0.12 )     (0.02 )     14.69    4.83       33,659    1.33     0.84     1.45     60  

2006

     12.45      0.05       1.69       (0.05 )     —         14.14    13.96       33,518    1.35     0.35     1.35     44  

2005

     11.62      0.08       0.83       (0.08 )     —         12.45    7.83       27,227    0.99     0.62     1.38     72  

Core Equity Fund

 

For the year ended March 31,

 

                   

2009

   $ 8.72    $ 0.09     $ (3.07 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.11 )   $ 5.54    (34.36 )%   $ 70,000    1.24 %   1.34 %   1.40 %   28 %

2008

     10.33      0.09       (0.32 )     (0.09 )     (1.29 )     8.72    (3.25 )(d)     95,746    1.18 (e)   0.87 (e)   1.39     31  

2007

     10.45      0.11       1.24       (0.11 )     (1.36 )     10.33    13.09       108,580    1.22     1.06     1.32     36  

2006

     10.26      0.09       1.04       (0.10 )     (0.84 )     10.45    11.43       101,387    1.20     0.88     1.20     18  

2005

     9.67      0.09       0.96       (0.09 )     (0.37 )     10.26    11.00       105,864    1.23     0.90     1.23     11  

 

46


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

 

        Investment Activities     Distributions to
Shareholders from:
                    Ratios/Supplemental Data  
    Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
    Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Investment
and Foreign
Currency
    Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Gains on
Investment
and Foreign
Currency
    Return of
Capital
    Net
Asset
Value,
End
of
Period
  Total
Return

(a)
    Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(000’s)
  Expenses
to Average
Net
Assets(b)
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss) to
Average
Net
Assets(b)
    Expenses
to Average
Net

Assets*(b)
    Portfolio
Turnover
 

Large Cap Growth Fund

 

For the period ended March 31,

 

                   

2009

  $ 8.60   $ 0.05     $ (2.62 )   $ (0.05 )   $ —       $ —       $ 5.98   (29.94 )%   $ 30,771   0.99 %   0.84 %   1.55 %   18 %

2008(g)

    10.00     —   (c)     (1.40 )     —         —         —         8.60   (14.00 )%   $ 23,509   1.95 %   0.03 %   2.41 %   6 %

Growth Opportunities Fund

 

For the year ended March 31,

 

                   

2009

  $ 13.16   $ 0.05     $ (4.44 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (1.29 )   $ (0.10 )   $ 7.36   (33.91 )%   $ 41,797   1.27 %   0.48 %   1.43 %   64 %

2008

    15.21     (0.02 )     (0.69 )     (0.05 )     (1.29 )     —         13.16   (5.50 )(d)     69,135   1.20 (e)   (0.17
 
)(e
)
  1.42     73  

2007

    16.12     (0.02 )     0.81       —         (1.70 )     —         15.21   5.31       70,521   1.26     (0.15 )   1.37     51  

2006

    15.00     (0.09 )     2.95       —         (1.74 )     —         16.12   20.03       70,211   1.24     (0.56 )   1.24     28  

2005

    13.64     (0.06 )     1.42       —         —         —         15.00   9.97       78,371   0.99     (0.42 )   1.25     47  

Small Company Fund

 

For the year ended March 31,

 

                   

2009

  $ 15.65   $ 0.12     $ (5.46 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.29 )   $ —       $ 9.90   (34.47 )%   $ 30,051   1.43 %   0.88 %   1.59 %   32 %

2008

    19.47     0.06       (1.06 )     (0.06 )     (2.76 )     —         15.65   (5.87 )(d)     39,676   1.35 (e)   0.37 (e)   1.56     27  

2007

    20.08     0.08       1.77       (0.10 )     (2.36 )     —         19.47   9.56       45,845   1.38     0.41     1.48     31  

2006

    17.54     0.05       3.27       (0.05 )     (0.73 )     —         20.08   19.29       48,465   1.36     0.28     1.36     15  

2005

    17.18     0.02       0.50       (0.02 )     (0.14 )     —         17.54   3.00       45,709   1.39     0.13     1.39     6  

International Equity Fund

 

For the year ended March 31,

 

                   

2009

  $ 12.93   $ 0.19     $ (6.62 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.14 )   $ —       $ 6.18   (50.02 )%   $ 56,149   1.52 %   2.09 %   1.77 %   64 %

2008

    15.21     0.16       (0.78 )     (0.15 )     (1.51 )     —         12.93   (5.40 )(d)     93,782   1.41 (e)   1.10 (e)   1.72     68  

2007

    13.48     0.12       2.36       (0.15 )     (0.60 )     —         15.21   18.70       85,896   1.44     0.97     1.65     49  

2006

    11.20     0.09       3.36       (0.09 )     (1.08 )     —         13.48   32.12       51,495   1.51     0.85     1.61     51  

2005

    11.23     0.05       0.83       (0.03 )     (0.88 )     —         11.20   7.96       32,307   1.59     0.59     1.69     145  

 

* Ratios excluding contractual and voluntary waivers. Voluntary waivers may be stopped at any time.
(a) Not annualized for periods less than one year.
(b) Annualized for periods less than one year.
(c) Amount rounds to less than $0.005 per share.
(d) During the year ended March 31, 2008, First National reimbursed amounts to certain Funds related to past marketing arrangements. The corresponding impact to the total return was 0.06% for Short-Intermediate Bond Fund, 0.06% for Income Fund, 0.06% for Balanced Fund, 0.06% for Core Equity Fund, 0.06% for Growth Opportunities Fund, 0.06% for Small Company Fund, and 0.06% for International Equity Fund. See Note 8 in notes to financial statements.
(e) During the year ended March 31, 2008, First National reimbursed amounts to certain Funds related to past marketing arrangements. The corresponding impact to the net expense ratio and net income ratio were, 0.06% for Short-Intermediate Bond Fund, 0.06% for Income Fund, 0.06% for Balanced Fund, 0.06% for Core Equity Fund, 0.07% for Growth Opportunities Fund, 0.06% for Small Company Fund, and 0.06% for International Equity Fund. See Note 8 in notes for financial statements.
(f) Per share data calculated using average shares method.
(g) Commenced operations on July 5, 2007.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

47


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

1. Organization

First Focus Funds, Inc. (the “Company”) was organized in October 1994 as a Nebraska corporation and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified open-end management investment company issuing its shares in series. The Company consists of eight series, the Short-Intermediate Bond Fund, the Income Fund, the Balanced Fund, the Core Equity Fund, the Large Cap Growth Fund, the Growth Opportunities Fund, the Small Company Fund and the International Equity Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and individually, a “Fund”). Each series represents a distinct portfolio with its own investment objectives and policies.

The Company is authorized to issue a total of 1,000,000,000 shares. All Funds presently offer Institutional Class shares without a sales charge.

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

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Security Valuation

The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined once on each business day as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange, which is normally 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Each Fund’s net asset value per share is calculated by adding the value of all securities and other assets of the Fund, subtracting its liabilities and dividing the result by the number of its outstanding shares. In valuing a Fund’s assets for calculating the net asset value, securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available, including traded over-the-counter securities, are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded, or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at the most recent quoted bid price. Debt securities (other than short-term investments) are valued at prices furnished by a pricing service and are subject to review and determination of the appropriate price whenever a furnished price is significantly different from the previous day’s furnished price. Each Fund’s respective investment advisor, FNB Fund Advisers (“FNB”), a separately identifiable department of First National Bank of Omaha (“FNBO”) or Tributary Capital Management, LLC (“Tributary”), a subsidiary of First National Nebraska, Inc., assists the Board of Directors (the “Board”) whom are responsible for this review and determination process. Short-term obligations of sufficient credit quality (maturing within 60 days) may be valued on an amortized cost basis which approximates fair value. Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fair Value Committee pursuant to procedures established by the Board. Factors used in determining fair value include but are not limited to type of security or asset, fundamental analytical data relating to the investment, evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the security is purchased and sold and information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security. In the event of an increase or decrease in the value of a designated benchmark index greater than predetermined levels, the International Equity Fund may use a systematic valuation model provided by an independent third party to fair value their international equity securities.

Effective April 1, 2008, the Funds began applying the standards established under Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants and measurement date (exit price). One key component to the implementation of SFAS 157 included the development of a three-tier fair value hierarchy. The basis of the tiers is dependent upon the various “inputs” used to determine the value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 – other significant inputs (including quoted prices of similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

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

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the following Funds’ net investments as of March 31, 2009:

 

Fund Name

   LEVEL 1 -
Quoted

Prices
   LEVEL 2 -
Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   LEVEL 3 -
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Total

Short–Intermediate Bond Fund

   $ 2,187,133    $ 46,597,453    $ —      $ 48,784,586

Income Fund

     579,597      51,114,555      —        51,694,152

Balanced Fund

     14,471,102      6,920,608      —        21,391,710

Core Equity Fund

     70,089,377      —        —        70,089,377

Large Cap Growth Fund

     30,583,130      —        —        30,583,130

Growth Opportunities Fund

     41,724,926      —        —        41,724,926

Small Company Fund

     30,009,859      —        —        30,009,859

International Equity Fund

     10,499,726      45,241,640      —        55,741,366

 

48


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

MARCH 31, 2009

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about the Funds’ derivative and hedging activities, including how such activities are accounted for and their effect on the Funds’ financial position, performance and cash flows.

In September 2008, FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4, “Disclosures and Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161” (“FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4”). FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods ending after November 15, 2008. FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 required enhanced disclosures by sellers of credit derivatives and certain guarantees, including the nature of these derivatives, approximate terms, reasons for entering into these instruments, and status of payment/performance risk.

The Funds were not impacted by the adoption of these standards.

In April 2009, FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not orderly” (“FSP 157-4”). FSP 157-4 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS 157 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased as well as guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. FSP 157-4 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FSP 157-4 will have on the Funds financial statement disclosures.

Securities Transactions and Investment Income

During the period, securities transactions are accounted for no later than one business day following trade date. For financial reporting purposes, however, security transactions are accounted for on the trade date on the last business day of the reporting period. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis and includes, where applicable, the amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Gains or losses realized on the sale of securities and on foreign currency transactions are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sale proceeds.

Risk Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies

Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such risks include adverse future political and economic developments and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, and political or social instability or diplomatic developments, all of which could adversely affect the value of those securities.

Certain countries may also impose substantial restrictions on investments on their capital markets by foreign entities, including restriction on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to the relevant nation’s interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available or result in lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

The International Equity Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in connection with planned purchases or sales of securities or to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities denominated in a particular currency. The International Equity Fund could be exposed to risks if the counter-parties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any gains or losses are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the Statement of Operations until the contract settlement date, at which time realized gains and losses are included in the Statement of Operations.

Foreign Currency Translation

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:

 

(I) fair value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities at the current rate of exchange

 

(II) purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses at the relevant rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

The Funds do not isolate the portion of gains and losses on investments in securities that is due to changes in the foreign exchange rates from that which is due to changes in the market prices of such securities. The Funds report gains and losses on foreign currency related transactions as realized and unrealized gains and losses for financial reporting purposes, whereas such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes.

Dividends and interest from non-U.S. sources received by a Fund are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes at rates ranging up to 28%. Such withholding taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties, and each Fund intends to undertake any procedural steps required to claim the benefits of such treaties. If the value of more than 50% of a Fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of stock or securities of non-U.S. corporations, that Fund is permitted and may elect to treat any non-U.S. taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders.

 

49


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

MARCH 31, 2009

 

Loans of Portfolio Securities

All Funds, other than the International Equity Fund, may lend their securities pursuant to a securities lending agreement (“Lending Agreement”) with State Street Bank (“SSB”). Each Fund will limit its securities lending activity to 33 1/3% of its total assets. Security loans made pursuant to the Lending Agreement must maintain loan collateral with SSB at all times in an amount equal to no less than 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities in the form of cash or U.S. government obligations to secure the return of the loaned securities. Initial value of loan collateral must be no less than 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities plus the accrued interest on debt securities. SSB must, in accordance with SSB’s reasonable and customary practices, mark loaned securities and collateral to their fair value each business day based upon the fair value of the collateral and the loaned securities at the close of business employing the most recently available pricing information and receive and deliver collateral in order to maintain the value of the collateral at no less than 100% of the fair value of the loaned securities. Cash collateral received is invested by SSB pursuant to the terms of the Lending Agreement. Cash collateral received for securities on loan was invested in the Securities Lending Quality Trust, an unregistered New Hampshire Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is a pool of assets comprised of certificates of deposit, asset-backed securities, corporate bonds, bank notes, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, U.S. Government Agencies, deposit notes, time deposits, and asset-backed commercial paper.

According to the terms of the Lending Agreement, each participating Fund retained 70% of the income generated from the lending of its securities, of which a fixed amount is allocated to FNBO based on actual costs incurred and which is approved by the Board, and SSB retained 30% of the respective securities lending income. For the fiscal period, FNBO received $20,755 for their lending services as custodian. “Income from securities lending” as presented on the Statements of Operations is shown net of income received by FNBO. All such investments are made at the risk of the Funds and, as such, the Funds are liable for investment losses. To the extent a loan is secured by non-cash collateral, the borrower is required to pay a loan premium. Non-cash collateral received can not be sold or re-pledged. Net income earned on the investment of cash collateral and loan premiums received on non-cash collateral are allocated between SSB and the Funds in accordance with the Lending Agreement. In the event of bankruptcy of the borrower, realization/retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings.

In the quarter ended December 31, 2008, it came to the attention of the Funds that the net asset value of the Trust was less than $1 per unit. As part of the previous determination to terminate the securities lending agreement with SSB and to retain Union Bank of California N.A. (“UBOC”) for securities lending activities, the Funds gave SSB notice of termination. SSB invoked certain contractual provisions of the Lending Agreement and Trust documents to prevent termination of the program on the grounds that all investors in the Trust would be harmed by redemption of the Funds’ investments. SSB and the Funds agreed in writing that no more than $12 million in principal amount of fixed income securities would be subject to the securities lending agreement at any time. In addition, SSB agreed to commence winding down the Funds’ securities lending program as soon as reasonably practicable given the current illiquid fixed income markets and to report to the Funds. In the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Funds completed termination of the SSB securities lending program by terminating all loans and paying to the Trust the difference between the amount of the outstanding loans and the net asset value of Trust assets collateralizing the Funds securities loans, the sum of $351,422. The loss was allocated to each of the Funds, other than the International Equity Fund, based on the average month end loan balance for the fiscal year. Each Fund recognized this as a realized loss.

While the Funds have executed an agreement with UBOC for securities lending, in light of the current market conditions, the Funds have not yet determined when or if they will commence securities lending transactions under the UBOC agreement. Under the securities lending agreement with UBOC, the International Equity Fund may begin lending securities with an initial value of loan collateral no less than 105% of the fair value of the loaned securities plus the accrued interest on debt securities. All other terms of the agreement are the same as the previous agreement with SSB.

As of March 31, 2009, the Funds had no securities on loan.

Restricted Securities

A restricted security is a security which has been purchased through a private offering and cannot be resold to the general public without registering the transaction under Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”) or pursuant to the resale limitations provided by Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. Whether a restricted security is illiquid or not is determined pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. Not all restricted securities are considered illiquid. At March 31, 2009, the International Equity Fund held illiquid securities representing 0.27% of net assets. The illiquid securities in the International Equity Fund held as of March 31, 2009 are identified below:

 

Security

   Acquisition
Date
    Acquisition
Cost
   Shares    Fair Value

Bradford & Bingley PLC

   (a )   $ 355,205    82,346    $ —  

The Thai Capital Fund, Inc.

   (b )     229,517    23,672      151,501

 

(a) Purchased on various dates beginning 1/02/08.
(b) Purchased on various dates beginning 8/22/07.

Allocation of Expenses

Expenses directly attributable to a Fund are charged directly to that Fund, while expenses which are attributable to more than one Fund are allocated among the respective Funds based upon relative net assets or another appropriate basis.

Distributions to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income are declared daily and paid monthly for the Short-Intermediate Bond and Income Funds. The Core Equity, Small Company and Large Cap Growth Funds declare and pay dividends monthly, the Balanced Fund declares and pays

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

MARCH 31, 2009

 

dividends quarterly and the Growth Opportunities and International Equity Funds declare and pay dividends annually. Distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, will be declared and distributed at least annually for all the Funds. Distributions from net income may differ significantly from book income due to certain tax elections made by the Funds.

3. Related Party Transactions

The Funds have agreements with their respective advisors to furnish investment advisory services to the Funds. Under the terms of these agreements, the Funds pay a monthly fee at the annual rate of the following percentages on average daily net assets: to FNB, 0.50% for the Short-Intermediate Bond Fund, 0.60% for the Income Fund, 0.75% for the Core Equity Fund, 0.90% for the Large Cap Growth Fund, 0.85% for the Small Company Fund, 1.00% for the International Equity Fund; to Tributary, 0.75% for each of the Balanced and Growth Opportunities Funds.

FNB has contractually agreed to waive certain of its fees until July 31, 2009 at the annual rate of the following percentages on average daily net assets: 0.29% for the Short-Intermediate Bond Fund, 0.52% for the Income Fund, 0.15% for the Core Equity Fund, 0.30% for the Large Cap Growth Fund, 0.15% for the Small Company Fund and 0.25% for the International Equity Fund. Tributary has contractually agreed to waive certain of its fees until July 31, 2009 at the annual rate of the following percentages on average daily net assets: 0.15% for each of the Balanced Fund and Growth Opportunities Fund.

Riverbridge Partners, LLC (“Riverbridge”) serves as the investment sub-advisor to the Large Cap Growth Fund. Under the terms of an agreement between FNB and Riverbridge, FNB pays Riverbridge a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.45% of the average daily net assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund.

KBC Asset Management International Ltd. (“KBCAM”), a subsidiary of KBCAM Limited, serves as the investment sub-advisor to the International Equity Fund. Under the terms of an agreement between FNB and KBCAM, FNB pays KBCAM a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the International Equity Fund.

FNB also serves as custodian for each of the Funds, with the exception of the International Equity Fund, for which UBOC acts as custodian. FNB, as custodian, receives compensation from each of the Funds for its services in an amount equal to a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.03% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. UBOC receives as compensation from the International Equity Fund a fee, computed daily and paid quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.065% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, subject to a minimum fee of $10,000 annually plus certain out-of-pocket expenses.

Prior to September 19, 2008, The Northern Trust Company acted as custodian for the International Equity Fund. The Northern Trust Company received as compensation from the International Equity Fund a fee, computed daily and paid quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.065% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, subject to a minimum fee of $15,000 annually.

DST Systems, Inc. is the transfer agent, whose functions include disbursing dividends and other distributions.

Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”) and FNBO act as Co-Administrators of the Funds. As compensation for its administrative services, each Co-Administrator is entitled to a fee, calculated daily and paid monthly based on the Funds’ average daily net assets. FNBO receives 0.07% of the Funds’ average daily net assets. Citi receives a fee based at the annual rate of 0.08% of the Funds’ first $600 million of average daily net assets, 0.04% of the Funds’ average daily net assets between $600 million and $800 million and 0.03% of the Funds’ average daily net assets over $800 million, subject to a minimum Fund complex fee of $240,000. Citi also serves as fund accountant and, as such, is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses.

Under a Compliance Services Agreement between the Funds and Citi (the “Agreement”), Citi makes an employee available to serve as the Funds’ AML Compliance Officer and Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”). Under the Agreement, Citi also provides infrastructure and support in implementing the written policies and procedures comprising the Funds’ compliance program, including support services to the CCO. For the services provided under the Agreement, the Funds paid Citi $101,417 for the period ended March 31, 2009, plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. Citi pays the salary and other compensation earned by any such individuals as employees of Citi.

The advisers, sub-advisors, custodian and the Co-Administrators may periodically volunteer to reduce all or a portion of their fees with respect to one or more of the Funds. These voluntary waivers may be terminated at any time. The advisors, sub-advisors, custodian and the Co-Administrators may not seek reimbursement of such voluntarily reduced fees at a later date. The reduction of such fees will cause the yield and total return of any Fund to be higher than it would be in the absence of such reductions. These waivers are not subject to recoupment in subsequent fiscal periods.

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as Distributor for each of the Funds pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement with the Company. Prior to May 1, 2008, Foreside Distribution Services, L.P. acted as distributor for each of the Funds.

The Company has adopted an Administrative Services Plan, which allows the Funds to charge a shareholder services fee, pursuant to which each Fund is authorized to pay compensation to banks and other financial institutions, that may include the advisors, their correspondent and affiliated banks and the Co-Administrators (each a “Service Organization”). Under the Administrative Services Plan, the Funds may enter into a Servicing Agreement with a Service Organization whereby such Service Organizations agree to provide certain recordkeeping and/or administrative support services for their customers or account holders who are the beneficial or record owner of the shares of a Fund. The Funds’ Servicing Agreement with FNBO provides that the FNBO receives an annual fee at the rate of 0.25% of the average aggregate net asset value of the Funds held during the period by customers for whom FNBO provided services under the Servicing Agreement. The amounts charged to the Funds and paid to FNBO for shareholder service fees are reported within the Statements of Operations.

 

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ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

MARCH 31, 2009

 

4. Investment Transactions

The aggregate purchases and sales of securities, excluding U.S. Government securities and short-term investments (maturing less than one year from acquisition), for the year ended March 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

     Purchases    Sales

Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

   $ 24,504,283    $ 23,586,179

Income Fund

     33,836,755      36,934,020

Balanced Fund

     23,593,182      14,576,987

Core Equity Fund

     30,703,323      21,898,590

Large Cap Growth Fund

     18,547,055      4,301,032

Growth Opportunities Fund

     39,403,714      32,408,475

Small Company Fund

     16,872,772      11,491,887

International Equity Fund

     57,658,809      46,811,487

The aggregate purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended March 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

     Purchases    Sales

Short-Intermediate Bond

   $ 14,569,855    $ 20,801,491

Income Fund

     21,764,745      30,866,386

Balanced Fund

     2,260,775      4,486,172

5. Capital Share Transactions

The Company is authorized to issue a total of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, 999,999,990 of which may be issued in series with a par value of $0.00001 per share. The Board is empowered to allocate such shares among different series of the Company’s shares without shareholder approval.

6. Federal Income Taxes

It is each Fund’s policy to continue to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable income, including any net realized gains on investments, to its shareholders sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Therefore, no provision is made for federal income taxes. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been paid or provided for in accordance with each applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

At March 31, 2009, the cost basis for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of securities for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

     Tax Cost    Tax Unrealized
Appreciation
   Tax Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Tax Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)
 

Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

   $ 49,359,381    $ 1,663,804    $ (2,238,599 )   $ (574,795 )

Income Fund

     53,974,785      2,214,924      (4,495,557 )     (2,280,633 )

Balanced Fund

     25,113,047      1,417,241      (5,138,578 )     (3,721,337 )

Core Equity Fund

     82,280,131      8,956,899      (21,147,653 )     (12,190,754 )

Large Cap Growth Fund

     40,722,452      273,861      (10,413,183 )     (10,139,322 )

Growth Opportunities Fund

     48,139,933      4,662,942      (11,077,949 )     (6,415,007 )

Small Company Fund

     37,636,110      2,670,881      (10,297,132 )     (7,626,251 )

International Equity Fund

     86,383,732      1,318,944      (31,961,310 )     (30,642,366 )

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciated/depreciated are attributable primarily to tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the difference on investments in passive foreign investment companies and amortized accretion.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

MARCH 31, 2009

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

     Distributions Paid From     
     Ordinary Income    Net Long Term Capital Gains    Return of Capital    Total Distributions Paid*
     2009    2008    2009    2008    2009    2008    2009    2008

Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

   $ 2,255,880    $ 2,135,784    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 2,255,880    $ 2,135,784

Income Fund

     2,462,735      2,919,608      —        —        —        —        2,462,735      2,919,608

Balanced Fund

     611,234      917,135      544,935      4,352,283      —        —        1,156,169      5,269,418

Core Equity Fund

     1,071,243      2,508,686      1,366,839      10,811,487      —        —        2,438,082      13,320,173

Large Cap Growth Fund

     190,366      —        —        —        —        —        190,366      —  

Growth Opportunities Fund

     269,343      455,020      5,951,185      6,516,029      532,612      —        6,753,140      6,971,049

Small Company Fund

     475,656      375,893      654,074      5,759,230      —        —        1,129,730      6,135,123

International Equity Fund

     1,501,267      4,023,743      1,019,684      6,491,510      —        —        2,520,951      10,515,253

 

* Total distributions paid may differ from the Statements of Changes in Net Assets because distributions are recognized when actually paid for tax purposes.

As of March 31, 2009, the components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

     Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
   Accumulated
Earnings
   Dividends
Payable*
    Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
    Total
Accumulated
Earnings/
(Deficit)
 

Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

   $ 118,543    $ —      $ 118,543    $ (113,959 )   $ (4,540,908 )   $ (574,795 )   $ (5,111,119 )

Income Fund

     450,896      —        450,896      (156,330 )     (2,362,271 )     (2,280,633 )     (4,348,338 )

Balanced Fund

     6,660      —        6,660      —         (2,158,696 )     (3,721,337 )     (5,873,373 )

Core Equity Fund

     16,127      —        16,127      —         (4,561,351 )     (12,190,754 )     (16,735,978 )

Large Cap Growth Fund

     18,158      —        18,158      —         (551,111 )     (10,139,322 )     (10,672,275 )

Growth Opportunities Fund

     —        —        —        —         (6,064,443 )     (6,415,007 )     (12,479,450 )

Small Company Fund

     1,868      —        1,868      —         (1,204,988 )     (7,626,251 )     (8,829,371 )

International Equity Fund

     118,696      —        118,696      —         (15,035,066 )     (30,643,503 )     (45,559,873 )

 

* Dividends payable may differ from the amount reported in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities because dividends reinvested on March 31, 2009 are booked as capital for financial reporting purposes but are reflected as a payable for tax purposes.

Under current tax law, certain capital losses realized after October 31 and within the taxable year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year. For the year ended March 31, 2009, the Funds deferred to April 1, 2009 post-October capital losses and post-October currency losses of:

 

     Post-October Losses

Balance Fund

   $ 2,134,410

Core Equity Fund

     959,111

Large Cap Growth Fund

     483,651

Growth Opportunities Fund

     6,064,443

Small Company Fund

     510,744

International Equity Fund

     7,752,371

 

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ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

MARCH 31, 2009

 

As of March 31, 2009, the following Funds had net capital loss carryforwards, which are available to offset future net realized capital gains, if any, to the extent provided by the Treasury regulations. To the extent that these carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the gains that are offset will not be distributed to shareholders.

 

     2010    2011    2012    2013    2014    2015    2016    2017    Total

Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

   $ —      $ 449,594    $ —      $ 324,830    $ 743,510    $ 1,593,824    $ 852,078    $ 577,072    $ 4,540,908

Income Fund

     13,361      —        140,465      232,436      813,966      894,865      267,178      —        2,362,271

Balanced Fund

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        24,286      24,286

Core Equity Fund

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        3,602,240      3,602,240

Large Cap Growth Fund

     —        —        —        —        —        —        6,051      61,409      67,460

Small Company Fund

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        694,244      694,244

International Equity Fund

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        7,282,695      7,282,695

The Funds comply with FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the affirmative evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing each Fund’s tax return to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., greater than 50-percent) that each tax position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in an increase in a liability for taxes payable (or a reduction of a tax refund receivable), including the recognition of any related interest and penalties as an operating expense. FIN 48 includes a review of tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (e.g., the last four tax year ends and the interim tax period since then). Management believes that there is no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken.

7. Concentration of Credit Risk

The International Equity Fund invests in securities of foreign issuers in various countries. These investments may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investments in the United States as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of future political and economic developments, lack of liquidity, low market capitalizations, foreign currency fluctuations, and the level of governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets in the respective countries.

8. Regulatory Matters

As disclosed in the 2006 Annual Report, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission conducted an examination of FNB related to past payments of certain marketing and other expenses. Subsequently, FNB agreed to pay the Funds $313,681, which was paid in December 2007. This amount was allocated to each Fund based on the average net assets of the Fund on the date of the distribution. The impact to the total return, net expense ratio and net income ratio are disclosed in the Financial Highlights.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

First Focus Funds, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of First Focus Funds, Inc. – Short-Intermediate Bond Fund, Income Fund, Balanced Fund, Core Equity Fund, Large Cap Growth Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, Small Company Fund, and International Equity Fund (the Funds), including the schedule of portfolio investments, as of March 31, 2009, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each period in the two year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each period in the five year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2009, by correspondence with custodians and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other audit procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of March 31, 2009, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each period in the two year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each period in the five year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

KPMG LLP

Columbus, Ohio

May 28, 2009

 

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ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

MARCH 31, 2009

Proxy Voting Policy

A description of the policies are procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio securities is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-662-4203 or (ii) on the Securities Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Quarterly Holdings

Portfolio holdings statements for the Funds for the quarters ended December 31 and June 30 are available, without charge, on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Other Federal Income Tax Information

During the period ended March 31, 2009, the Funds declared long-term realized gain distributions in the following amounts:

 

     15% Capital Gains

Balanced Fund

   $ 544,935

Core Equity Fund

     1,366,839

Growth Opportunities Fund

     5,951,185

Small Company Fund

     654,074

International Equity Fund

     1,019,684

For the year ended March 31, 2009, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Funds intend to designate the maximum amount allowable as taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. Complete information will be reported in conjunction with your 2007 Form 1099-DIV.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, the following percentages of the total ordinary income distributions paid by the Funds during the year represent qualified dividend income:

 

     Qualified Dividend Income  

Balanced Fund

   53.72 %

Core Equity Fund

   100.00 %

Large Cap Growth Fund

   98.22 %

Growth Opportunities Fund

   100.00 %

Small Company Fund

   97.71 %

International Equity Fund

   96.85 %

The International Equity Fund intends to elect to pass through to shareholders the income tax credit for taxed paid to foreign countries. Foreign source income and foreign tax per outstanding share on March 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

     Foreign Source Income    Foreign Tax Expense

International Equity Fund

   $ 0.28    $ 0.03

The pass-through of the foreign tax credit will only affect those persons who are shareholders on the dividend record date in December 2009. These shareholder will receive more detailed information along with their 2009 Form 1099-DIV.

The Funds designates the following percentage of distributions eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations:

 

      Amount  

Balanced Fund

   59.52 %

Core Equity Fund

   100.00 %

Large Cap Growth Fund

   98.22 %

Growth Opportunities Fund

   100.00 %

Small Company Fund

   99.70 %

 

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ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

MARCH 31, 2009

 

Table of Shareholder Expenses

As a shareholder of the First Focus Funds, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the First Focus Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from October 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.

Actual Expenses

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
10/1/08
   Ending
Account Value
3/31/09
   Expense Paid
During Period*
10/1/08 - 3/31/09
   Expense Ratio
During Period**
10/1/08 - 3/31/09
 

Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,034.50    $ 4.72    0.93 %

Income Fund

     1,000.00      1,030.20      4.20    0.83 %

Balanced Fund

     1,000.00      830.90      6.16    1.35 %

Core Equity Fund

     1,000.00      718.10      5.27    1.23 %

Large Cap Growth Fund

     1,000.00      740.10      3.12    0.72 %

Growth Opportunities Fund

     1,000.00      720.60      5.49    1.28 %

Small Company Fund

     1,000.00      641.80      5.98    1.46 %

International Equity Fund

     1,000.00      657.40      6.53    1.58 %

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each of the First Focus Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

     Beginning
Account Value
10/1/08
   Ending
Account Value
3/31/09
   Expense Paid
During Period*
10/1/08 - 3/31/09
   Expense Ratio
During Period**
10/1/08 - 3/31/09
 

Short-Intermediate Bond Fund

   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,020.29    $ 4.68    0.93 %

Income Fund

     1,000.00      1,020.79      4.18    0.83 %

Balanced Fund

     1,000.00      1,018.20      6.79    1.35 %

Core Equity Fund

     1,000.00      1,018.80      6.19    1.23 %

Large Cap Growth Fund

     1,000.00      1,021.34      3.63    0.72 %

Growth Opportunities Fund

     1,000.00      1,018.55      6.44    1.28 %

Small Company Fund

     1,000.00      1,017.65      7.34    1.46 %

International Equity Fund

     1,000.00      1,017.05      7.95    1.58 %

 

* Expenses are equal to the average account value times the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year.
** Annualized.

 

57


Table of Contents

ANNUAL REPORT

First Focus FundsSM

 

 

 

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

MARCH 31, 2009

Overall responsibility for management of the Company rests with its Board of Directors, which is elected by the Shareholders of the Company. The Company will be managed by the Directors in accordance with the laws of Nebraska governing corporations. The Board of Directors oversees all of the Funds. Directors serve until their respective successors have been elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. The Directors elect the officers of the Company to supervise actively its day-to-day operations.

Information about the Directors and officers of the Company is set forth below:

 

Name, Address and
Date of Birth

   Position(s)
Held with
the Company
   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5

Years

   Number of
Operational Portfolios
in Fund

Complex
Overseen by
Director
   Other
Directorships
Held by Director

INTERESTED DIRECTORS*

        

Michael Summers

1620 Dodge Street

Omaha, NE 68102

Age 44

   Director/
President
   Indefinite;
Since 2007.
   Chief Financial Officer of First National of Nebraska, Inc., (November 2006 to present); Chief Financial Officer, Transgenomic, Inc. (August 2004 to November 2006); General Manager of C&A Industries (February 2003 to August 2004).    8    None

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

        

Robert A. Reed

2600 Dodge Street

Omaha, NE 68131

Age: 68

   Director    Indefinite;
Since 1994.
   President and Chief Executive Officer, Physicians Mutual Insurance Company and Physicians Life Insurance Company (1974-present).    8    None

Gary D. Parker

1620 Dodge St.

Omaha, NE 68102

Age: 63

   Director    Indefinite;
Since 2004.
   Retired.    8    None

 

* As defined in the 1940 Act Mr. Summers is an interested Director because he is an officer of First National of Nebraska, Inc., which is the parent company of FNB, the investment adviser for six of the Funds and Tributary, the investment adviser for two of the Funds.

 

Name, Address and

Date of Birth

of Executive Officers

  

Position(s) Held
with Registrant

  

Term of Office and

Length of Time Served

  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

  

Chris Sabato

3435 Stelzer Road

Columbus, OH 43219

Age: 40

   Treasurer    Indefinite; November 2008.    Senior Vice President of Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. since 2007 and has been employed by Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. in various other roles since 1993.

Eric Phipps

3435 Stelzer Road

Columbus, OH 43219

Age: 37

   Chief Compliance and AML Officer    Indefinite; March 2008.    Vice President, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (June 2006 to present); Staff Accountant, Securities and Exchange Commission (October 2004 to May 2006); Director of Compliance, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (December 1995 to October 2004).

Jack Huntington

100 Summer Street

Boston, MA 02110

Age: 38

   Secretary    Indefinite; November 2008.    Vice President, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (September 2008 to present); Senior Counsel, MetLife, Inc. (October 2004 to September 2008).

 

58


Table of Contents

LOGO


Table of Contents
Item 2. Code of Ethics.

(a) The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. This code of ethics is included as an Exhibit.

(b) During the period covered by the report, with respect to the registrant’s code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions; there have been no amendments to, nor any waivers granted from, a provision that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item 2.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

3(a)(1) THE REGISTRANT’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT THE REGISTRANT HAS NO AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT SERVING ON ITS AUDIT COMMITTEE.

3(a)(2) NOT APPLICABLE.

3(a)(3) THE REGISTRANT’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES HAS DETERMINED THAT THE REGISTRANT DOES NOT HAVE AN “AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT” (AS SUCH TERM HAS BEEN DEFINED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (“SEC”) IN REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTED SECTION 407 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (THE “REGULATIONS”)) SERVING ON ITS AUDIT COMMITTEE. THE REGISTRANT’S BOARD BELIEVES THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABSENCE OF ANY ONE PERSON MEETING ALL REQUIRED ELEMENTS OF THE DEFINITION OF “AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT”, THE REGISTRANT’S AUDIT COMMITTEE COLLECTIVELY POSSESSES THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TO EXECUTE ALL OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE’S FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND POWERS. ALL MEMBERS OF THE REGISTRANT’S AUDIT COMMITTEE ARE “INDEPENDENT” (AS DEFINED BY THE REGULATIONS).


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Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

     2009    2008

Audit Fees

   $ 102,220    $ 97,000

Audit-Related Fees

     32,550      31,100

Tax Fees

     33,000      33,075

All Other Fees

     0      0

Nature of services regarding Audit-Related Fees:

2009: Consent on N-1A and 17f-2 count

2008: Consent on N-1A and 17f-2 count

Nature of services regarding Tax Fees:

 

  2009: Federal income and Nebraska Corporate Tax Return reviews and distribution calculation and federal excise tax return review.

 

  2008: Federal income and Nebraska Corporate Tax Return reviews and distribution calculation and federal excise tax return review.

(e)(1) THE AUDIT COMMITTEE (THE “COMMITTEE”) SHALL REVIEW, CONSIDER, AND PRE-APPROVE THE ENGAGEMENT OF ALL AUDITORS TO CERTIFY THE FUNDS’ FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (AN “AUDIT ENGAGEMENT”). THE COMMITTEE MUST REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FUNDS (THE “BOARD”) REGARDING ITS APPROVAL OF ALL AUDIT ENGAGEMENTS.

FUND MANAGEMENT MAY REQUEST PRE-APPROVAL OF, AND THE COMMITTEE, OR A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE DESIGNATED BY THE COMMITTEE (A “DESIGNATED MEMBER”), MAY PRE-APPROVE PERMISSIBLE NON-AUDIT SERVICES (E.G. TAX, VALUATION, AND GENERAL ACCOUNTING SERVICES) TO THE FUNDS AND/OR TO THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT ADVISER AND TO AFFILIATES OF THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT ADVISER THAT PROVIDE ONGOING SERVICES TO THE FUNDS (THE “SERVICE AFFILIATES”), ON A PROJECT-BY-PROJECT BASIS. THE AUDIT COMMITTEE MUST, HOWEVER, PRE-APPROVE ANY ENGAGEMENT OF THE AUDITOR TO PROVIDE NON-AUDIT SERVICES TO ANY SERVICE AFFILIATE DURING THE PERIOD OF SUCHAUDITOR’S AUDIT ENGAGEMENT. ANY ACTION BY THE DESIGNATED MEMBER IN APPROVING A REQUESTED NON-AUDIT SERVICE SHALL BE PRESENTED FOR RATIFICATION BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE NOT LATER THAN AT THE AUDIT COMMITTEE’S NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING.

(e)(2) None of the services summarized in (a)-(d), above, were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.

 

(f) Not applicable.

 

(g)

 

2009

   $ 46,000

2008

   $ 874,075

(h) THE REGISTRANT’S AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS CONSIDERED WHETHER THE PROVISION OF NONAUDIT SERVICES THAT WERE RENDERED TO THE REGISTRANT’S INVESTMENT ADVISER (NOT INCLUDING ANY SUBADVISER WHOSE ROLE IS PRIMARILY PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT AND IS SUBCONTRACTED WITH OR OVERSEEN BY ANOTHER INVESTMENT ADVISER), AND ANY ENTITY CONTROLLING, CONTROLLED BY, OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE INVESTMENT ADVISER THAT PROVIDES ONGOING SERVICES TO THE REGISTRANT THAT WERE NOT PRE-APPROVED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (c)(7)(ii) OF RULE 2-01 OF REGULATION S-X IS COMPATIBLE WITH MAINTAINING THE PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT’S INDEPENDENCE.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

(a) Not applicable.


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(b) Not applicable.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that these disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed and are operating effectively to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

(b)There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1) The code of ethics that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) are attached hereto.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) are furnished herewith.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant)         First Focus Funds, Inc.        

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

/s/ Christopher E. Sabato

 
  Christopher E. Sabato, Treasurer  

Date:         05/27/2009        .

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

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

/s/ Christopher E. Sabato

 
  Christopher E. Sabato, Treasurer  

Date:          05/27/2009        .

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

/s/ Mike Summers

 
  Mike Summers, President  

Date:         05/27/2009        .