SATURNA INVESTMENT TRUST
N-30D, 1999-07-30
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Sextant

(graphic omitted)

Mutual Funds

Fellow Shareowners:

These are the good times. Stocks are surging. The current U.S. economic expansion is the longest in peacetime history. Consumer confidence and unemployment are at the best levels in 30 years. Rising incomes and stock market wealth, plus low inflation, are providing real power to the U.S. economy.

American's net worth — counting everything from savings accounts to stocks to pensions — total over $19 trillion, double the $9.4 trillion in 1992, according to Federal Reserve statistics. The present economic environment is the best since World War II. This strong economy is bolstering earnings at companies in all sectors of the economy, from luxury retailers to basic construction. Technology is selling computers and digital applicances to homes as well as businesses.

While in the midst of prosperity, prudent investors do well to remember that change is the only real constant. Today’s calm economic seas will someday be disturbed by recessions, uncertainties and wars. This is the rational for our four distinctly different Sextant funds, which allow investors to choose the risks of the domestic and international stock markets or the safety of short-term bonds.

For the twelve months ended May 31st, we are pleased to report the Growth Fund has done exceptionally well, and beat its peer measurement by 32%. The Short-Term Bond Fund and Bond Income Fund also both exceeded their Morningstar peer categories. Only the International Fund, which was concentrated in Europe while Asia recovered dramatically this year, has underperformed.

Our Sextant Funds employ a "fulcrum" advisory fee structure that rewards or penalizes Saturna Capital for investment results. The four Funds pay increased or decreased monthly advisory fees depending on relative performance over the prior 12 months. For the twelve months ended May 31, 1999 comparative total returns are:

Sextant Fund
Total Return
vs. Morningstar
Total Return
12-mo Rank (group size)
Short-Term Bond
4.94%
Short-Term Bonds
4.33%
20 (223)
Bond Income
2.51%
Long-Term Bonds
1.82%
53 ( 85)
Growth
42.62%
Domestic Growth
10.08%
2 (238)
International
-6.78%
Foreign Stock
-1.00%
85 (597)

 

The 12-month Rank shows how each Fund ranks (from 1 best to 100 worst) in its Morningstar peer category (please see page 10 for more performance information).

It has been an exciting year so far and we are looking forward to the second half. Thank you for investing with us.

Respectfully,

Nicholas Kaiser, President Phelps McIlvaine, Vice President
(Manager, Sextant Growth;
Sextant International)
(Manager, Sextant Bond Income;
Sextant Short-Term Bond)

 


 

  Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund (graphic omitted)  

1999 Semi-Annual Report

  May 31, 1999 Investments  
Rating* Issuer Coupon/Maturity
Face Amount
Market Value
  Aerospace - Aircraft (4.1%)  
A McDonnell Douglas /Boeing Capital 9.25% due 04/01/2002
$75,000
$81,015
  Banking (12.1%)  
A+ Bank of America 9.375% due 3/01/2001
50,000
52,200
A- Bankers Trust-NY 9.50% due 6/14/2000
75,000
77,693
A Harris Bank 9.375% due 6/1/2001
100,000
106,050
  SUB-TOTAL  
225,000
235,943
  Cosmetics & Toiletries (3.8%)  
BBB Dial Corporation 6.625% due 6/15/2003
75,000
74,453
  Finance (16.5%)  
A- Aristar 6.75% due 8/15/2001
95,000
96,093
A Deluxe Corp. 8.55% due 2/15/2001
50,000
51,685
BBB+ Finovia Capital 5.98% due 2/27/2001
75,000
74,077
A Traveler’s Property and Casualty 6.75% due 4/15/2001
100,000
100,110
  SUB-TOTAL  
320,000
321,965
  Food (2.6%)  
A- Coca-Cola Enterprises 7.875% due 2/1/2002
50,000
51,695
  Oil & Gas (10.1%)  
AA+ Amoco Canada 7.25% due 12/1/2002
70,000
71,897
A- Columbia Gas 6.61% due 11/28/2002
50,000
49,715
A- Fina Oil & Chemical 6.875% due 7/15/2001
75,000
75,915
  SUB-TOTAL  
195,000
197,527
  Investment Finance (7.8%)  
AA- Merrill Lynch & Co. 6.00% due 1/15/2001
100,000
100,200
A+ Morgan Stanley 9.375% due 6/15/2001
50,000
53,085
  SUB-TOTAL  
150,000
153,285
  Machinery (3.6%)  
A- Ingersol Rand 6.38% due 11/19/2001
70,000
70,028
  Medical - Health Maintenance Org. (3.6%)  
A- Aetna Services 6.75% due 8/15/2001
70,000
70,329
  Paper & Paper Products (5.0%)  
A Westvaco 9.65% due 3/01/2002
90,000
97,101
  Retailing (5.4%)  
A J.C.Penny & Co. 9.05% due 3/1/2001
100,000
104,310
  Telecommunications (8.9%)  
A Northern Telecom 8.75% due 6/12/2001
100,000
104,700
BBB WorldCom 6.125% due 8/1/2001
70,000
69,531
  SUB-TOTAL  
170,000
174,231
  Transportation - Air Freight (3.0%)  
BBB Federal Express 9.875% due 4/1/2002
55,000
58,740
  U.S. Government (4.9%)  
AAA US Treasury Note 6.25% due 10/31/2001
95,000
96,572
Total Investments (91.4%) (Cost = $1,796,201)
$1,740,000
1,787,194
Other Assets (net of liabilities) (8.6%)  
167,582
Total Net Assets (100%)  
$1,954,776

 

Page 2


  1999 Semi-Annual Report (graphic omitted)   Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund (graphic omitted)
    Financial Highlights
Selected data per share of capital stock outstanding throughout the period:    
   
For the six months

For the year ended November 30

Sept. 28. ’95 (incep-
   
ended May 31, 1999

1998

1997

1996

ion) to Nov. 30 ’95*
Net asset value at beginning of period
$5.04

$4.99

$5.00

$5.03

$5.00
  Income from investment operations
  Net investment income
0.13
0.29
0.27
0.25
0.03
  Net gains or losses on securities
  (both realized and unrealized)
(0.05)
0.05
(0.01)
(0.03)
0.03
Total from investment operations
0.08
0.34
0.26
0.22
0.06
  Less distributions
  Dividends (from net investment income)
(0.13)
(0.29)
(0.27)
($0.25)
($0.03)
  Distributions (from capital gains)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total distributions
(0.13)
(0.29)
(0.27)
(0.25)
(0.03)
Net asset value at end of period
$4.99
$5.04
$4.99
$5.00
$5.03
Total Return
1.48%
6.68%
5.45%
4.85%
1.05%
Ratios / Supplemental Data
Net assets ($000), end of period
$1,954
$1,907
$2,508
$2,016
$878
Ratio of expenses to average net assets†
0.27%
0.48%
0.60%
0.85%
0.23%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets†
2.51%
5.57%
5.58%
6.30%
0.68%
Portfolio turnover rate
9%
71%
47%
100%
0%
             
  † For the above periods, all or a portion of the operating expenses were waived. If costs had not been waived, the resulting increase to expenses per share in each period would have been $.01, $.02, $.02, $.02, and $.007. The increase to the ratio of expenses to average monthly net assets would be .18%, .44%, .40%, .52% and .16%, respectively.  
   *not annualized


 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As of May 31, 1999

Assets
  Bond investments (cost $1,796,201)
$1,787,194
  Cash
127,373
  Interest receivable
40,356
    Total Assets
$1,954,923

Liabilities
  Other Liabilities
147
    Total Liabilities
147
Net Assets
$1,954,776
Fund Shares outstanding
391,831

Analysis of Net Assets

  Paid in capital (unlimited shares authorized, without par value)
1,969,767
  Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments
(6,677)
  Unrealized net appreciation on investments
(8,314)
    Net Assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding
$1,954,776

Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption price per share
$4.99

 

Page 3


Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund (graphic omitted)  

1999 Semi-Annual Report

May 31, 1999 Statement of Operations  

 

For the six months ended May 31, 1999
Investment income
  Interest income
$67,480
  Amortization of bond premiums
(12,928)
  Accretion
28
    Gross investment income
$54,580
Expenses
  Investment adviser and administrtion fee
5,882
  Professional fees
1,658
  Filing and registration fees
353
  Printing and postage
580
  Other expenses
370
    Total gross expenses
8,843
  Less advisory fee waived
(3,623)
    Net expenses
5,220
    Net investment income
49,360
Net realized gain on investments
  Proceeds from sales
176,303
  Less cost of securities sold based on identified cost
174,916
    Realized net gain
1,387
Unrealized gain on investments
  End of period
(9,006)
  Beggining of period
12,156
  Decrease in unrealized gain for the period
(21,162)
    Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
(19,775)
   
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
$29,585

 

Page 4


1999 Semi-Annual Report (graphic omitted)   Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund (graphic omitted)

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

   

Six months ended May 31, 1999

Year Ended Nov. 30, 1998
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS

From Operations

  Net investment income
$49,360
$110,911
  Net realized gain (loss)on investments
1,387
14,155
  Net increase in unrealized appreciation
(21,162)
6,692
  Net increase in net assets from operations
29,585
131,758
Dividends to Shareoweners from
  Net investment income
(48,712)
(111,184)
  Capital gains distributions
0
0
   
(48,712)
(111,184)
Fund Share Transactions
  Proceeds from sales of shares
364,172
1,685,010
  Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends
48,660
107,840
   
412,832
1,792,850
  Cost of shares redeemed
(346,928)
(2,413,713)
  Net increase in net assets from share transactions
65,904
(620,863)
Total increase (decrease)in net assets
46,777
(600,289)
NET ASSETS
  Beginning of period
1,907,999
2,508,288
  End of period
$1,954,776
$1,907,999
Shares of the Fund Sold and Redeemed
  Number of shares sold
72,295
335,801
  Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends
9,690
21,460
   
81,985
357,261
  Number of shares redeemed
(68,863)
(480,944)
Net increase (decrease) in Number of Shares Outstanding
13,122
(123,683)

Page 5


  Sextant Bond Income Fund (graphic omitted)  

(graphic omitted) 1999 Semi-Annual Report

  May 31, 1999 Investments  
Rating* Issuer Coupon/Maturity
Face Amount
Market Value
Banking (17.1%)
A- Chase Manhatten 7.125% due 6/15/2009
$50,000
$51,050
A Citicorp 7.25% due 10/15/2011
50,000
51,165
A- Comerica Bank 7.125% due 12/1/2013
50,000
49,170
AA- Norwest Financial 6.85% due 7/15/2009
50,000
50,415
  SUB-TOTAL  
200,000
201,800
Building (4.0%)
A+ Lowes 7.00% due 10/15/2023
50,000
46,725
Computers (2.5%)
BBB Dell Computer 6.55% due 4/15/2008
30,000
29,214
Electric Utilities (12.8%)
A+ Alabama Power 7.75% due 2/1/2023
50,000
50,460
BBB Commonwealth Edison 7.50% due 7/1/2013
50,000
51,955
A+ Southern California Edison 6.90% due 10/1/2018
50,000
48,455
  SUB-TOTAL  
150,000
150,870
Electronics (4.2%)
BBB+ Phillips Electronics 7.25% due 8/15/2013
50,000
52,305
Insurance (4.4%)
A Allstate 7.50% due 6/15/2013
50,000
49,635
Investment Finance (12.7%)
A Bear Sterns 7.00% due 3/1/2007
50,000
49,580
A Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 6.75% due 10/15/2013
50,000
48,755
BBB Paine Webber Group 7.625% due 2/15/2014
50,000
51,030
  SUB-TOTAL  
150,000
149,365
Leisure & Recreation (4.8%)
BBB Hilton Hotels 8.625% due 4/15/2007
55,000
56,210
  Oil & Gas (8.6%)  
A- ICI Wilmington 7.05% due 9/15/2007
55,000
54,973
A Texaco Capital 8.625% due 6/30/2010
40,000
46,080
  SUB-TOTAL  
95,000
101,053
Retailing (8.4%)
A Gap 6.90% due 9/15/2007
50,000
50,727
BBB+ Rite Aid 6.875% due 8/15/2013
50,000
47,690
  SUB-TOTAL  
100,000
98,417
Telecommunications (8.4%)
A+ GTE 6.90% due 11/1/2008
50,000
50,580
BBB WorldCom 6.40% due 8/15/2005
50,000
48,910
  SUB-TOTAL  
100,000
99,490
Total Investments (87.9%) Cost = $1,054,866
$1,030,000
1,035,084
Other Assets (net of liabilities) (12.1%)  
142,808
Total Net Assets (100%)
$1,177,892

*Ratings are the lesser of S&P or Moody’s

Page 6


1999 Semi-Annual Report (graphic omitted)   Sextant Bond Income (graphic omitted)
  Financial Highlights
Selected data per share of capital stock outstanding throughout the period:
   
Six months ended

For the year ended November 30

   
May 31, 1999

1998

1997

1996
1995

1994

Net asset value at beginning of period
$5.00
$4.83
$4.76
$4.91
$4.39
$5.03
  Income from investment operations
  Net investment income
0.15
0.29
0.30
0.30
0.24
0.25
  Net gains or losses on securities
  (both realized and unrealized)
(0.24)
0.17
0.07
(0.12)
0.52
(0.64)
Total from investment operations
(0.09)
0.46
0.37
0.18
0.76
(0.39)
  Less distributions
  Dividends (from net investment income)
  Non-Taxable
(0.236)
(0.25)
  Taxable
(0.15)
(0.29)
(0.30)
(0.30)
(0.004)
  Distributions (from capital gains)
0.00
0.00
0.00
(0.03)
0.00
0.00
Total distributions
(0.15)
(0.29)
(0.30)
(0.33)
(0.24)
(0.25)
Net asset value at end of period
$4.76
$5.00
$4.83
$4.76
$4.91
$4.39
Total Return
(1.62)%
10.08%
8.24%
4.04%
17.69%
(8.24)%
Ratios / Supplemental Data
Net assets ($000), end of period
$1,177
$1,345
$1,092
$1,201
$1,096
$1,456
Ratio of expenses to average net assets†
0.18%
0.30%
0.47%
0.63%
0.54%
0.41%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets†
3.06%
6.24%
6.85%
5.96%
5.15%
5.48%
Portfolio turnover rate
10%
0%
51%
75%
77%
74%
               
  † For each of the above periods, all or a portion of the operating expenses were waived. If these costs had not been waived, the resulting increases to expenses per share in each of the above periods would be $.01, $.03, $.03, $.03, $0.22, and $0.13, respectively. The increase to the ratio of expenses to average monthly net assets would be .29%, .61%, .63%, .70%, .60%, and .51%, respectively.
 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

For the six months ended May 31, 1999
Assets
  Bond investments (cost $1,054,866)
$1,035,084
  Receivable for security sales
103,651
  Cash
16,539
  Interest receivable
20,174
  Insurance deposit
1,221
    Total Assets
1,176,669
Liabilities
  Other Liabilities  
(1,223)
    Total Liabilities
(1,223)
Net Assets
$1,177,892
Fund shares outstanding
246,773
Analysis of Net Assets
  Paid in capital (unlimited shares authorized, without par value)
$1,271,166
  Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments
(72,646)
  Undistributed net income
(846)
  Unrealized net appreciation on investments
(19,782)
    Net Assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding
$1,177,892
Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption price per share
$4.76

 

 

Page 7


Sextant Bond Income Fund (graphic omitted)  

(graphic omitted) 1999 Semi-Annual Report

Statement of Operations
For the six months ended May 31, 1999
Investment income
  Interest income
$42,666
  Amortization of bond premiums
(930)
  Accretion
32
    Gross investment income
$41,768
Expenses
  Investment adviser and administration fee
3,802
  Professional fees
1,055
  Filing and registration fees
501
  Printing and postage
396
  Other expenses
314
  Total gross expenses
6,068
    Less advisory fee waived
(3,802)
  Net expenses
2,266
    Net investment income
39,502
Net realized gain on investments
  Proceeds from sales
330,449
  Less cost of securities sold based on identified cost
321,279
    Realized net gain (loss)
9,170
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
  End of period
(19,782)
  Beginning of period
46,314
  Increase in unrealized gain for the period
(66,096)
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
(56,926)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
$ (17,424)

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

   

Six months ended May 31, 1999

Year Ended Nov. 30, 1998
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS

From Operations

  Net investment income
$39,502
$78,766
  Net realized gain on investments
9,170
0
  Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation
(66,096)
42,345
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations
(17,424)
121,111
Dividends to Shareoweners from
  Net investment income
(39,086)
(78,767)
  Capital gains distributions
0
0
   
(39,086)
(78,767)
Fund Share Transactions
  Proceeds from sales of shares
81,400
331,514
  Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends
38,471
76,908
   
119,871
408,422
  Cost of shares redeemed
(230,175)
(198,299)
  Net increase (decrease)in net assets from share transactions
(110,304)
210,123
  Total increase (decrease)in net assets
(166,814)
252,467
NET ASSETS
  Beginning of period
1,344,706
1,092,239
  End of period
$1,177,892
$1,344,706
Shares of the Fund Sold and Redeemed
  Number of shares sold
16,517
66,905
  Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends
7,847
15,499
   
24,364
82,404
  Number of shares redeemed
(46,624)
(39,719)
Net increase (decrease) in Number of Shares Outstanding
(22,260)
42,685

 

 

Page 8


1999 Semi-Annual Report (graphic omitted)   Sextant Growth Fund (graphic omitted)
Investments
Issue
Number of Shares
Cost
Market Value
Common Stocks
Banking (6.1%)
 
Washington Mutual
4,500
$44,124
$171,844
Computers (13.5%)
 
Adobe Systems
1,200
50,490
88,950
 
Apple Computer
2,000
67,473
88,125
 
America Online
580
14,457
69,165
 
3Com
1,225
29,726
33,687
 
Oracle
2,700
37,879
66,994
 
Phoenix Technologies
3,062
29,148
33,108
 
SUB-TOTAL
229,173
380,029
Construction (2.6%)
 
Building Materials Holding
4,000
44,171
46,000
 
Butler Manufacturing
1,000
31,071
28,125
 
SUB-TOTAL
75,242
74,125
Electronics (1.2%)
 
FLIR Systems*
2,500
27,611
33,438
Hotels & Motels (2.7%)
 
Cavanaughs Hospitality
8,000
62,248
76,500
Investments (25.6%)
 
Schwab, Charles
6,805
9,117
719,629
Machinery (1.7%)
 
Regal-Beloit
2,000
52,106
46,500
Medical (12.4%)
 
Affymetrix
1,000
26,863
35,125
 
Genentech
1,000
37,225
87,562
 
Immunex
1,400
48,438
183,575
 
Ligand Pharmaceuticals
4,000
49,132
41,000
 
SUB-TOTAL
161,658
347,262
Metal Ores (1.7%)
 
Cyprus Amax Minerals
3,800
76,218
47,737
Oil & Gas (6.7%)
 
Atlantic Richfield
900
51,620
75,319
 
Noble Drilling
2,000
14,212
36,250
 
Williams Companies
1,500
44,715
77,718
 
SUB-TOTAL
110,547
189,287
Publishing (1.9%)
 
John Wiley & Sons, Class A
1,200
47,112
51,825
Retail (9.5%)
 
Albertson’s
1,200
26,255
64,200
 
Kroger
1,000
46,461
58,563
 
Saks
1,500
43,683
41,437
 
Whole Foods Market
2,500
74,348
103,750
 
SUB-TOTAL
190,747
267,950
Transportation (4.7%)
 
Airborne Freight
2,500
27,082
64,688
 
Halter Marine Group
5,834
54,239
43,026
 
Trinity Industries
800
22,658
24,950
 
SUB-TOTAL
103,979
132,664
Total Investments (90.3%)
$1,189,882
$2,538,790
Other Assets (net of liabilities) (9.7%)
270,934
Total Net Assets (100%)
$2,809,724

Page 9


Sextant Growth Fund (graphic omitted)  

(graphic omitted) 1999 Semi-Annual Report

Financial Highlights

 

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

     
     
Six months ended
For year ended November 30,
     
May 31, 1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
Net asset value at beginning of period
$9.29
$9.58
$7.92
$7.42
$5.82
$6.38
  Income from investment operations
  Net investment income
(0.02)
0.02
0.01
0.00
(0.03)
(0.03)
  Net gains or losses on securities
    (both realized and unrealized)
3.97
(0.09)
2.41
0.50
1.82
(0.53)
Total from investment operations
3.95
(0.07)
2.40
0.50
1.79
(0.56)
  Less distributions
  Dividends (from net investment income)
0.00
(0.02)
(0.01)
0.00
0.00
0.00
  Distributions (from capital gains)
0.00
(0.20)
(0.73)
0.00
(0.19)
0.00
Total distributions
0.00
(0.22)
(0.74)
0.00
(0.19)
0.00
Net asset value at end of period
$13.24
$9.29
$9.58
$7.92
$7.42
$5.82
Total Return
42.52%
-0.97%
30.30%
6.74%
30.76%
8.78%
     
Ratios / supplemental data
Net assets ($000), end of period
$2,809
$2,139
$2,188
$1,616
$1,137
$1,010
Ratio of expenses to average net assets†
0.53%
0.66%
1.04%
0.95%
1.63%
1.50%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets†

-0.19%
0.19%
-0.12%
0.01%
0.45%
0.43%
Portfolio turnover rate
11%
41%
25%
32%
40%
12%
  † For 1995, a portion of the operating expenses were waived. If these costs had not been waived, the resulting increase to expenses per share would be $.01. The increase to the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 0.18%.  

 

(graphic omitted)

Additional Performance Information

 
Average Annual Returns (as of 6/30/99)
 
    1 year 5 years 10 years
Sextant Growth Fund 48.50% 20.41%~ 12.95%~
Sextant International Fund -1.96% 11.9%* NA
Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund 4.75% 5.27%* NA
Sextant Bond Income Fund 0.46% 6.15%~ 4.91%**
 

* since inception, 9/28/95
**since inception, 3/1/93
~ fund changed investment objectives & policies on 9/28/95; results
prior to that date may not be meaningful

 

Performance data quoted in this report represents past performance and is no guarantee of future performance. The investment return and principal value of investments in the Fund fluctuate daily, and an investor's shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. Morningstar, Inc. is an independent fund performance monitor. Morningstar ratings reflect historic risk-adjusted performance, taking into account fees and other sales charges, and may change monthly.

Page 10


 

1999 Semi-Annual Report (graphic omitted)   Sextant Growth Fund (graphic omitted)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of May 31, 1999
Assets
  Investments (cost $1,189,882)
$2,538,790
  Cash
270,458
  Dividends receivable
641
  Insurance reserve premium
1,214
    Total Assets
$2,811,103
Liabilities
  Other Liabilities
1,379
    Total Liabilities
1,379
Net Assets
$2,809,724
Fund shares outstanding
212,295
Analysis of Net Assets
  Paid in capital (unlimited shares authorized, without par value)
1,312,029
  Undistributed net investment income
(17,936)
  Accumulated net realized gain on investments
166,723
  Unrealized net appreciation on investments
1,348,908
    Net Assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding
$2,809,724
Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption price per share
$13.24

 

Statement of Operations

For the six months ended May 31, 1999
Investment income
  Dividend income
$8,718
    Gross investment income
$8,718
Expenses
  Investment adviser and administrtion fee
9,527
  Professional fees
1,987
  Printing and postage
770
  Filing and registration fees
570
  Other expenses
580
    Total gross expenses
13,434
    Net investment income
(4,716)
Net realized gain on investments
  Proceeds from sales
558,690
  Less cost of securities sold based on identified cost
391,876
    Realized net gain (loss)
166,814
Unrealized gain on investments
  End of period
1,348,908
  Beggining of period
646,186
  Increase in unrealized gain for the period
702,222
    Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
869,536
   
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
$864,820

Page 11


Sextant Growth Fund (graphic omitted)  

(graphic omitted) 1999 Semi-Annual Report

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

Six months ended May 31, 1999

Year Ended Nov.30, 1998
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS

From Operations

  Net investment income
$(4,716)
$3,965
  Net realized gain on investments
166,814
40,091
  Net increase in unrealized appreciation
702,722
(67,844)
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations
864,820
(23,788)
Dividends to Shareoweners from
  Net investment income
0
(4,281)
  Capital gains distributions
0
(40,111)
   
0
(44,392)
Fund Share Transactions
  Proceeds from sales of shares
71,489
295,175
  Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends
0
44,024
   
71,489
339,199
  Cost of shares redeemed
(266,021)
(319,950)
  Net increase in net assets from share transactions
(194,532)
19,249
Total increase (decrease)in net assets
670,288
(48,931)
NET ASSETS
  Beginning of period
2,139,436
2,188,367
  End of period
$2,809,724
$2,139,436
Shares of the Fund Sold and Redeemed
  Number of shares sold
6,689
30,923
  Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends
0
4,739
   
6,689
35,662
  Number of shares redeemed
(24,429)
(33,801)
Net increase (decrease) in Number of Shares Outstanding
(17,740)
1,861

Page 12


 

1999 Semi-Annual Report (graphic omitted)   Sextant International Fund (graphic omitted)
Investments

 

 
Issue
Number of Shares
Cost
Market Value
Country
Common Stocks
Banking and Financial (17.7%)
 
Australia & New Zealand Bank ADR
500
$10,875
$18,313
Australia
 
Aegon ADR
612
11,513
49,649
Netherlands
 
AXA ADS
300
16,116
17,550
France
 
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya ADS
1,800
7,752
26,213
Spain
 
ING Groep ADS
406
18,257
21,772
Netherlands
 
Toronto Dominion Bank
700
18,159
37,100
Canada
 
SUB-TOTAL
82,672
170,597
Building Materials (5.1%)
 
C R H ADR
1500
15,661
26,625
Ireland
 
Hanson ADR
500
12,090
22,656
United Kingdom
 
SUB-TOTAL
27,751
49,281
Chemicals (2.5%)
 
Rhone-Poulenc ADR
508
15,859
23,812
France
Computers (7.3%)
 
Business Objects ADS
2,000
19,570
57,500
France
 
Dassault Systems ADR
400
13,875
13,000
France
 
SUB-TOTAL
33,445
70,500
Consumer Products (4.2%)
 
Coca Cola FEMSA ADS
1,500
9,750
27,094
Mexico
 
Gucci Group NV
200
10,925
13,225
Italy
 
SUB-TOTAL
20,675
40,319
Closed-end Country Funds (2.5%)
 
Austria Fund
1,000
7,923
9,750
Austria
 
Irish Investment Fund
900
10,238
14,737
Ireland
 
SUB-TOTAL
18,161
24,487
Electrical Equipment (1.4%)
 
ABB AB ADR
1000
10,000
13,688
Sweden
Medical-Drugs (2.3%)
 
Glaxo Wellcome ADR
400
9,800
22,500
United Kingdom
Metals & Mining (3.0%)
 
Potash Corp of Saskatchewan
300
21,164
16,313
Canada
 
Rio Tinto ADS
200
11,375
11,725
United Kingdom
 
SUB-TOTAL
32,539
28,038
Oil & Gas Production (7.6%)
 
Petroleum Geo-Services
1,000
10,979
16,125
Norway
 
Total ADR
307
8,813
18,669
France
 
YPF ADS
900
21,274
37,912
Argentina
 
SUB-TOTAL
41,066
72,706

Page 13


 

Sextant International Fund (graphic omitted)  

(graphic omitted) 1999 Semi-Annual Report

Investments (continued)

 

 
Issue
Number of Shares
Cost
Market Value
Country
Paper Products (1.6%)
 
Fletcher Challenge Forests ADS
2,024
15,778
10,247
New Zealand
 
Fletcher Challenge Paper ADR
600
12,623
5,250
New Zealand
 
SUB-TOTAL
28,401
15,497
Photographic Equipment (4.1%)
 
Canon ADR
1,000
23,427
25,125
Japan
 
Fuji Photo Film ADR
400
10,050
14,400
Japan
 
SUB-TOTAL
33,477
39,525
Real Estate (2.5%)
 
Intrawest
1,500
26,218
23,906
Canada
Telecommunications (16.1%)
 
BCE
900
15,830
41,456
Canada
 
British Sky Broadcasting ADS
300
11,063
16,950
United Kingdom
 
Cable & Wireless ADS
600
13,021
22,950
Hong Kong
 
Gilat Satellite Networks
300
12,353
15,825
Israel
 
PT Indosat ADR
1,000
20,952
19,812
Indonesia
 
Tele Celular Sul Participacoes ADR
30
693
564
Brazil
 
Tele Centro Sul Participacoes ADR
60
1,387
3,240
Brazil
 
Tele Centro Oeste Celular Part. ADR
100
2,311
350
Brazil
 
Tele Norte Leste Participacoes ADR
300
6,933
4,912
Brazil
 
Tele Sudeste Celular Part. ADR
60
1,387
1,463
Brazil
 
Telefonica ADS
127
5,125
18,608
Spain
 
Telesp Participacoes ADR
300
6,933
6,562
Brazil
 
Telesp Celular Participacoes ADR
120
5,546
2,798
Brazil
 
SUB-TOTAL
103,534
155,490
Transportation (8.1%)
 
British Airways ADS
150
10,931
10,875
United Kingdom
 
DaimlerChrysler
251
16,406
21,947
Germany
 
Desc ADR
700
19,649
15,663
Mexico
 
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
1,017
35,548
29,493
Netherlands
 
SUB-TOTAL
82,534
77,978
Utilities-Electric (1.6%)
 
Enersis ADR
800
19,414
15,700
Chile
Utilities-Gas (1.4%)
 
Transport de Gas del Sur ADR
1,500
18,807
13,312
Argentina
Total Investments (89%)
$604,353
857,336
Other Assets (net of liabilities) (11%)
105,778
Total Net Assets (100%)
$963,114

Page 14


1999 Semi-Annual Report (graphic omitted)   Sextant International Fund (graphic omitted)
Financial Highlights

 

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

  Sept. 28, 1995 (Inception) to Nov. 30, '95*
     
Six months ended
For year ended November 30,
     
May 31, 1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
Net asset value at beginning of period
$6.81
$6.61
$5.87
$4.99
$5.00
  Income from investment operations
  Net investment income
0.05
0.04
0.06
0.03
(0.02)
  Net gains or losses on securities
    (both realized and unrealized)
0.41
0.20
0.74
0.88
0.01
Total from investment operations
0.46
0.24
0.80
0.91
(0.01)
  Less distributions
  Dividends (from net investment income)
0.00
(0.04)
(0.06)
(0.03)
0.00
  Distributions (from capital gains)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total distributions
0.00
(0.04)
(0.06)
(0.03)
0.00
Net asset value at end of period
$7.27
$6.81
$6.61
$5.87
$4.99
Total Return
6.75%
3.57%
13.58%
18.16%
(0.20)%
     
Ratios / supplemental data
Net assets ($000), end of period
$963
$881
$881
$695
$328
Ratio of expenses to average net assets†
0.46%
1.16%
1.51%
1.80%
0.49%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets†

0.60%
0.54%
0.93%
0.60%
0.38%
Portfolio turnover rate
0%
18%
9%
11%
12%
  † For the 1996 year and the period ended Nov. 1995, all or a portion of the operating expenses were waived.
If costs had not been have waived and directly assumed, the resulting increase to expenses per share
in these periods would have been $.03 and $.01, respectively. The increase to the ratio of expenses to
average monthly net assets would be .50% and .21%, respectively.
* not annualized

 

Page 15


 

Sextant International Fund (graphic omitted)   1999 Semi-Annual Report (graphic omitted)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of May 31, 1999
Assets
  Common stock investments (cost $604,353)
$857,336
  Cash
105,314
  Dividends receivable
1,424
    Total Assets
$964,074
Liabilities
  Payable to affiliate
960
    Total Liabilities
960
Net Assets
$963,114
Fund shares outstanding
132,444
Analysis of Net Assets
  Paid in capital (unlimited shares authorized, without par value)
699,278
  Accumulated net realized gain on investments
6,535
  Undistributed net investment income
4,318
  Unrealized net appreciation on investments
252,983
    Net Assets applicable to Fund shares outstanding
$963,114
Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption price per share
$7.27

Statement of Operations

For the six months ended May 31, 1999
Investment income
  Dividends (net of foreign tax)
$8,928
    Net investment income
$8,928
Expenses
  Investment adviser and administrtion fee
1,499
  Professional fees
798
  Filing and registration fees
438
  Printing and postage
381
  Other expenses
189
    Total gross expenses
3,315
    Net investment income
5,613
Net realized gain on investments
  Proceeds from sales
80,168
  Less cost of securities sold based on identified cost
64,939
    Realized net gain (loss)
15,229
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
  End of period
252,938
  Beggining of period
217,730
  Increase in unrealized gain for the period
35,253
    Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
50,482
   
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
$56,095

Page 16


(graphic omitted) 1999 Semi-Annual Report  

Sextant International Fund (graphic omitted)

Statement of Changes in Net Assets
   

Six months ended May 31, 1999

Year Ended Nov.30, 1998
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS

From Operations

  Net investment income
$5,613
$5,019
  Net realized gain (loss) on investments
15,229
5,159
  Net increase in unrealized appreciation
35,253
27,852
  Net increase in net assets from operations
56,095
38,030
Dividends to Shareoweners from
  Net investment income
0
(5,174)
  Capital gains distributions
0
0
   
0
(5,174)
Fund Share Transactions
  Proceeds from sales of shares
117,712
355,656
  Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends
0
5,129
   
117,712
360,785
  Cost of shares redeemed
(91,443)
(394,045)
  Net increase in net assets from share transactions
26,269
(33,260)
Total increase (decrease)in net assets
82,364
(404)
NET ASSETS
  Beginning of period
880,750
881,154
  End of period
$963,114
$880,750
Shares of the Fund Sold and Redeemed
  Number of shares sold
16,161
50,080
  Number of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends
0
753
   
16,161
50,883
  Number of shares redeemed
(13,180)
(54,754)
Net increase (decrease) in Number of Shares Outstanding
2,981
(3,921)

Page 17


 

Notes to Financial Statements

(graphic omitted)

1999 Semi-Annual Report

NOTE 1 - Organization

Saturna Investment Trust (the "Trust") was established under Washington State Law as a Business Trust on February 20, 1987. The Trust is registered as a no-load, open-end series investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Five portfolio series have been created to date: Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund, Sextant Bond Income Fund, Sextant Growth Fund, and Sextant International Fund (the "Funds"), and Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund, distributed through a separate prospectus and the results of which are contained in a separate report.

 

Note 2–Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Funds.

Investments:

Securities traded on a national exchange or the national over-the-counter market system are valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of any sale on that date, the closing bid price. Other securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last bid price. Fixed-income securities for which there are no publicly available market quotations are valued using a matrix based on maturity, quality, yield and similar factors, which are compared periodically to multiple dealer bids and adjusted by the adviser under policies established by the Trustees.

 

The cost of securities is the same for accounting and Federal income tax purposes. Securities transactions are recorded on trade date. Realized gains and losses are recorded on the identified cost basis.

Income and Expenses:

Interest income is reduced by the amortization of bond premiums, on a constant yield-to-maturity basis from purchase date to maturity. Interest income is increased by accretion only for bonds underwritten as original issue discounts. Market discounts are recorded as realized gains upon disposition. Cash dividends from equity secu-

rities are recorded as income on the ex-dividend date.

Expenses incurred by the Trust on behalf of the Funds (e.g., professional fees) are allocated to the Funds on the basis of relative daily average net assets. The Adviser has agreed to certain limits on expenses, as described below.

Income taxes:

The Funds have elected to be taxed as regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code and distribute substantially all of their taxable net investment income and realized net gains on investments. Therefore, no provision for Federal income taxes is required.

Dividends and distributions to shareowners:

Dividends and distributions to shareowners are recorded on the ex-dividend date. For the Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund and Sextant Bond Income Fund, dividends are paid daily and distributed on the last business day of each month. For the Sextant Growth Fund and Sextant International Fund, dividends are payable at the end of each November. Shareowners electing to reinvest dividends and distributions purchase additional shares at the net asset value on the payable date.

Page 18


1999 Semi-Annual Report

(graphic omitted)

Notes to Financial Statements

Note 3–Transactions with Affiliated Persons

Under a contract approved by shareowners on September 28, 1995, Saturna Capital Corporation provides investment advisory services and certain other administrative and distribution services to conduct Trust business. Each of the Funds pays the Adviser a base Investment Advisory and Administrative Services Fee of .60% of average net assets per annum, payable monthly. The base Advisory Fee is subject to adjustment up or down depending on the investment performance of the Fund relative to a specified index. No performance adjustment is applicable during the first year any Agreement is in place. The Adviser has voluntarily undertaken to limit expenses of Sextant Bond Income Fund and Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund to 0.60% through March 31, 2000 and waives its investment advisory and administrative fee as to either Fund completely so long as assets of that Fund are less than $2 million.

 

For the six months ended May 31, 1999, Sextant Bond Income Fund and Sextant Growth Fund incurred advisory expenses of $3,802 and $9,527, respectively. Sextant International Fund incurred advisory expenses of $1,499 and Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund incurred advisory expenses of $5,882.

In accordance with the expense waiver noted above, for the six months ended May 31, 1999, Saturna Capital waived $3,623 of the Sextant Short-Term Bond Fund advisory fee and $3,802 of that of Sextant Bond Income Fund.

The Trust acts as a distributor of its own shares, except in those states in which Investors National Corporation (a subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation) is itself registered as a broker-dealer and acts as distributor without compensation.

Investors National Corporation is the primary stockbroker used to effect portfolio transactions for Sextant Growth Fund and Sextant International Fund, and was paid $1,121 and $327, respectively in commissions at deep discount rates during the six months ended May 31, 1999.

Page 19


(logo)

Saturna Capital
Mutual Funds

1300 No. State Street

Bellingham WA 98225-4370

 

1-800/SATURNA
(800/728-8762)

www.saturna.com

This report is issued for the information of the shareoweners of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless it is accompanied or preceded by an effective prospectus relating to the securities of the Fund. Idaho Tax-Exempt Fund is a series of Saturna Investment Trust

Page 20

SEXTANT
Mutual Funds

(graphic omitted)

SHORT-TERM BOND

BOND INCOME

GROWTH

INTERNATIONAL

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
May 31, 1999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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