<LOGO>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
ANNUAL REPORT
"BACK TO BASICS"
January 31, 1996
Dear Investor:
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT 1995
The year 1995 was an extraordinary one in the securities market.
As measured by various popular indexes, the stock market produced
what would be considered "once in a lifetime" returns.
The dazzle of spectacular price increases among common stocks in
1995 attracted the attention and participation of many investors. With stock
price gains generally of the magnitude of 25% or more in a year, we can see
why.
Although bond prices, including those of municipal securities,
also experienced considerable gains, these were distinctly overshadowed by
what happened in the stock markets.
Consequently, with all the stock price excitement, many investors
were distracted from their longer-term financial planning goals. As we all
know - but sometimes forget - things do not continuously grow to the sky.
A NEW YEAR
Here we are at the beginning of another year - 1996. Accordingly, it
is well to consider the risk/reward characteristics of one's investments in
light of longer-term investment goals and what might occur in this calendar
year.
Few people, including ourselves, are very good at crystal ball
gazing with the securities markets. Nevertheless, we still would hazard an
opinion that the magnitude of positive returns experienced in the stock
markets in 1995 will NOT be repeated in 1996.
As a result, we feel it prudent that all investors, including all
current shareholders of the Fund, think seriously about the orientation of
their investment Fund's. One should think about what might be the desirable
risk/reward relationship of one's assets this year, as such orientation or
allocation suits one's longer-term investment goals and objectives.
BACK TO BASICS
It is always important to remember that stocks and bonds are entirely
different types of investments. They are appropriate for different type
investment objectives.
Stocks are attractive for capital growth prospects while bonds are
primarily used for capital preservation - and, for tax-free income in the
case of municipal bonds. Individual equity securities can
<PAGE>
appreciate in value significantly during one time period and then, when a
disappointing earnings report comes out, can just as easily drop in price by
20% - 30% IN JUST ONE DAY in the highly volatile marketplace that currently
exists.
Municipal bonds, on the other hand, generally don't fluctuate in price
very significantly, unless they have long maturities or are of low quality.
They just plod along from year to year, producing a relatively high level of
capital preservation and a consistent and relatively decent level of annual
tax-free income return.
Moreover, with the relatively high level of credit safety that is
inherent to municipal securities, this kind of investment gives you a comfort
level you can count on in terms of protection of your investment and
consistency of income stream, particularly over the longer-term time span in
which your investment should be viewed.
Therefore, with those investors having as a key investment goal the
preservation of capital and a consistent monthly income stream, then
Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky could well be the investment vehicle that
could serve one best.
WHERE THE FUND NOW STANDS
CHANGE IN INVESTMENT ADVISER
At inception of the Fund in mid-1987, Citizens Fidelity Bank &
Trust Company, now PNC Bank, Kentucky, was chosen by the Fund's founder,
Aquila Management Corporation, to serve as Investment Adviser because of its
extensive knowledge of Kentucky's municipal securities market. Over the
years, this institution performed its advisory functions well in creating a
quality-oriented investment portfolio which has benefitted shareholders
considerably.
In early 1995, policy changes at the then Investment Adviser
prompted the Fund's Board of Trustees to review the attributes of a variety
of organizations, to determine which might best serve the ongoing interests
of shareholders over the future.
On July 11, 1995, the Board determined from its review that in
its judgment Banc One Investment Advisors Corporation would be the most
suitable organization to serve as a new Investment Adviser in providing the
desired high level investment advisory services to the Fund over the future.
Since taking on the Investment Advisory role in mid-September, 1995, Banc One
has provided what management believes to be the best combination of local
Kentucky-based portfolio management, corporate commitment, depth of
resources, and experience for the Fund.
The investment portfolio of the Fund has been managed by Banc One
in the same continuing high quality manner that has existed since inception
in mid-1987. The focus of Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky has been and
continues to be quality orientation with individual securities in the
portfolio, share price stability, and as high a level of income return as is
reasonable. We believe that Banc One has done an outstanding job in carrying
forward the Fund's basic investment philosophy since taking over.
QUALITY OF PORTFOLIO
Quality is the most important ingredient in providing the means
to protect investment capital.
That is why the investment portfolio of Churchill Tax-Free Fund
of Kentucky has been constructed with such a high quality orientation. Of
the nine separate credit ratings assignable to municipal securities by the
nationally renown credit rating services, we only invest in the top four
ratings.
2
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It is worth emphasizing that at December 31, 1995, 90.2% of the
Fund's assets were ranked in the top three ratings - AAA, AA, AND A.
This represents EXCEPTIONALLY high quality standards. Consequently,
the level of capital preservation offered to the Fund's shareholders is of
the highest order.
Moreover, the Fund's Investment Adviser is constantly reviewing
each and every security in the portfolio as to its creditworthiness. We want
shareholders to have the comfort of "SLEEPING WELL AT NIGHT" knowing that
someone is paying close attention to the quality orientation of their
investment in the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO DISTRIBUTION BY QUALITY
(BY CREDIT RATING)
<S> <C>
BELOW A & NOT RATED* 9.8%
AAA 27.3%
AA 17.5%
A 45.4%
SHARE PRICE STABILITY
In viewing the value of one's investment in the Fund, it is
essential that regard be given to a reasonable time span.
Unless one limits the maturity of fixed-income securities to one
year or less, there will always be fluctuations in price as market conditions
vary.
A key goal that management has is to provide shareholders with a
high level of share price stability over a reasonable time period.
The accompanying chart illustrates the performance of the Fund's
share price since inception on May 22, 1987.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARE NET ASSET VALUE
IN DOLLARS
<S> <C>
6/30/87 $ 9.610
12/31/87 9.260
6/30/88 9.530
12/30/88 9.530
6/30/89 9.970
12/31/89 10.050
6/30/90 9.920
12/31/90 10.000
6/30/91 10.040
12/31/91 10.390
6/30/92 10.500
12/31/92 10.500
6/30/93 10.840
12/31/93 10.930
6/30/94 10.300
12/31/94 9.970
6/30/95 10.420
12/31/95 10.710
</TABLE>
* Any security not rated must be determined by the Investment Adviser to
have sufficient quality to be ranked in the top four credit ratings if a
credit rating were to be assigned by a rating service.
3
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We believe this goal of share price stability has been achieved
quite well over the years.
In accomplishing this goal, the quality composition of the
investment portfolio is an important element.
Also, however, the maturity structure of the portfolio is a key
ingredient. The Fund presently holds securities with very short maturities,
but also some with quite long maturities. However, the average maturity at
year-end 1995 was 14.2 years. This helps contain fluctuations in share price
- - up or down - to a modest nature.
Another factor in creating share price stability is diversification -
diversification by number of issues, by numerous municipal issuers, by nature
of projects financed and by geographic location within Kentucky. The
diversification employed by the Fund encompasses all these elements. At
December 31, 1995, there were 160 separate securities in the investment
portfolio.
RATE OF RETURN
We consistently try to provide shareholders with a good level of
TRIPLE TAX-FREE income - as high as possible commensurate with the degree of
capital preservation we strive to achieve.
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY'S TRIPLE TAX-FREE
RATE AS COMPARED TO THE TAXABLE EQUIVALENT RATE AN
INVESTOR WOULD HAVE TO EARN AT VARIOUS TAX BRACKETS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TAX BRACKET 28% 31% 36% 39.6%
TAXABLE EQUIVALENT RATE 8.16% 8.63% 9.33% 9.92%
DOUBLE TAX-FREE DISTRIBUTION RATE 5.52% 5.52%% 5.52% 5.52%
</TABLE>
The accompanying chart shows the average level of TRIPLE TAX-FREE
income distributed to shareholders over the past fiscal year, as measured
against the maximum public offering price.
Since shareholders are subject to the payment of income tax at
Federal tax levels as well as payments of Commonwealth of Kentucky income tax
and ad valorem tax, we have also shown in this chart the rate of taxable
income return one would have had to earn over the course of the year in order
to equate to the TRIPLE TAX-FREE income return generated by the Fund.
4
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No matter which Federal income tax bracket applies, you can
readily see that there is quite a difference between the taxable and the
TRIPLE TAX-FREE return levels.
It is important to note that it would not have been possible over
the past 12-month period to find taxable fixed-income investments that would
produce the same level of after tax return as that of the Fund, unless one
settled for a lesser quality and higher risk taxable investment.
SIZE OF FUND'S ASSETS
We are pleased to report that at December 31, 1995, the total net
asset size of Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky was $230,270,343. This
compares with the level of $232,656,444 at the same date a year earlier.
Such asset size helps keep the Fund's expense ratio for its
operations reasonable and below the industry average for similar-type
municipal bond Fund's.
OUR APPRECIATION
We thank all shareholders for their continued loyalty and for the
confidence placed in the management of Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky.
You can be assured that we will constantly try our best to merit
your continuing support.
Sincerely,
/s/ Lacy B. Herrmann
Lacy B. Herrmann
President and Chairman
of the Board of Trustees
5
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
The graph below illustrates the value of an initial $10,000
investment in Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky at inception of the Fund in
May, 1987 and subsequently through the Fund's latest fiscal year end, December
31, 1995, as compared with a hypothetical similar size investment in the
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index (the Index) of municipal securities over
that same period. The total return of the Fund is shown after deduction of
the maximum sales charge of 4% at the time of initial investment, and also
reflects deduction of the Fund's annual operating expenses and reinvestment of
monthly dividends and capital gains distributions without sales charge. On
the other hand, the Index does not reflect any sales charge nor operating
expenses but does reflect reinvestment of coupons.
It should also be specifically noted that the Index is nationally
oriented and consisted, over the period covered by the graph, of an unmanaged
mix of between 8,000 to 27,000 investment-grade long-term municipal
securities of issuers throughout the United States. However, the Fund's
investment portfolio consisted of a significantly lesser number of
investment-grade tax-free municipal obligations, principally of Kentucky
issuers, over the same period. The maturities, market prices, and behavior of
the individual securities in the Fund's investment portfolio can be affected
by local and regional factors which might well result in variances from the
market action of the securities in the Index.
Consequently, much of the difference in performance of the Index versus
the Fund can be attributed to the lack of application of annual operating
expenses and initial sales charge to the Index. Additionally, a portion of
the difference in performance can be attributed to the different
characteristics in the single-state market of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio as compared with the national orientation of the securities in the
Index.
Since its inception, the Fund has been managed to provide as stable a
share value as possible consistent with producing a competitive income return
to shareholders. It has not been managed for maximum total return, since one
of the aims of management in structuring the portfolio of the Fund is to
reduce fluctuations in the price of the Fund's shares resulting from changes
in interest rates.
As can be observed, however, the pattern of the Fund's results and that
of the Index over the period since inception of the Fund track quite
similarly, even though they are not entirely comparable in character.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND'S AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
<S> <C> <C> <C>
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 YEAR 5 YEARS LIFE OF FUND
DECEMBER 31, 1995 SINCE 5/21/87
INCLUDING SALES 9.15% 7.02% 7.46%
CHARGE AND EXPENSES
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
LEHMAN BROTHERS FUND AFTER SALES
PERIOD ENDING MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX CHARGES AND EXPENSES
<S> <C> <C>
MAY 87 $10000 $9600
DEC 87 $10500 $9500
DEC 88 $11500 $10600
DEC 89 $12750 $11900
DEC 90 $13750 $12700
DEC 91 $15300 $14000
DEC 92 $16750 $15250
DEC 93 $18850 $16850
DEC 94 $17844 $16342
DEC 95 $20960 $18589
</TABLE>
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
6
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
1995 proved to be a very exciting and financially rewarding
year for bond market participants. Not since 1993 had we seen interest rates
approach levels that had only been experienced once in the past twenty years.
The winning combination of a relatively low rate of inflation (the Consumer
Price Index posted a modest 2.5% increase and the Producer Price Index rose
by only 2.2% for the year), a slowing of the national economy as measured by
the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), and a municipal bond market where demand
clearly outpaced supply, all contributed to a year of record rates of total
return. The total rate of return for the Municipal Bond Index (a barometer
of performance for longer-term municipal bonds) was a positive 17.45% for
1995 compared to a return of minus 9.10% in 1994.
Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky's investment portfolio has a
shorter-term maturity than the Index. Its intermediate-term average
maturity results in lesser share price volatility. Accordingly, the share
price of the Fund declined less in 1994 and rose from a net asset value of
$9.97 at December 31, 1994 to end the year at $10.71 on December 31, 1995.
With interest rates declining during 1995 by over 100 basis points
(one full percentage point), as measured by a typical 30-year AAA\Aaa
insured municipal revenue bond, the real surprise was how well the municipal
market performed in spite of several major obstacles. The market's stellar
performance is significant in light of the various viewpoints being expressed
by a crowded field of Presidential contenders. Each has a different view of
what changes should be made to the current tax code - some of which, if
implemented, might have a negative effect upon the attractiveness of
municipal securities. Among such possible changes in the ongoing debates are
the reduction or possible elimination of the capital gains tax and the
continuing discussions of a flat tax rate or even a national sales tax.
The key investment objectives of the Fund are to minimize
the volatility of the net asset value of the Fund's shares and to provide as
high a level of triple tax-free current income as possible. These objectives
have been achieved by constructing a portfolio of high quality bonds, while
using a laddered maturity approach toward managing the impact of price
volatility on the Fund. Accordingly, the average life of the portfolio is
currently 14.5 years. The average quality of the individual bonds in the
portfolio has increased to an average credit rating of AA.
Looking toward 1996, we expect to see the trend of new Kentucky
municipal bond issues coming to market to remain about the same as in 1995,
with the possibility of an increase in the refunding of existing bond
issues. However, the amount of bond refundings should not be as high as
that experienced in 1992 and 1993. We also expect the trend of interest
rates to continue lower, but, not at the pace nor the breadth that was
experienced in 1995.
7
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<LOGO>
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Certified Public Accountants
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities
of Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky, including the statement of
investments, as of December 31, 1995, the related statement of operations
for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of
the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for
each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial
statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's
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 generally accepted
auditing standards. 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 December 31, 1995, by correspondence with the
custodian. 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 Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky as of December 31, 1995, the
results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net
assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the
financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then
ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
New York, New York
February 2, 1996
8
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1995
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (99.3%) S&P VALUE
<C> <S> <C> <C>
State Agencies (29.5%)
Eastern Kentucky University
$ 585,000 5.3750%, 05/01/04 A/A $ 588,925
Kentucky Higher Education Student
Loan Corporation Insured Student
Loan Revenue,
4,125,000 6.400%, 12/01/99 A/NR 4,367,344
980,000 6.500%, 06/01/00 A/NR 1,041,250
1,490,000 6.500%, 06/01/02 A/NR 1,616,650
2,955,000 6.800%, 06/01/03 A/NR 3,235,725
615,000 6.550%, 06/01/99 Aa-/A1 649,594
1,915,000 7.100%, 12/01/11 Aa-/AA 2,087,350
Kentucky Infrastructure Authority
Revenue,
1,000,000 7.625%, 08/01/03 NR/A 1,125,000
3,195,000 7.100%, 08/01/97 A/A 3,354,750
200,000 7.500%, 02/01/09 NR/AAA 222,750
1,445,000 7.500%, 02/01/99 NR/AAA 1,609,369
555,000 7.200%, 06/01/11 A/A 613,969
1,110,000 6.375%, 06/01/14 A/A 1,200,188
Kentucky Local Correctional Facilities
Construction Authority Revenue,
4,925,000 5.500%, 11/01/14 Aaa/AAA 4,980,406
Kentucky Rural Economic Development
Authority Economic Development
Project Revenue,
3,110,000 7.250%, 06/01/17 NR/A 3,432,663
Kentucky State Properties and
Buildings Commission Revenue,
440,000 7.750%, 11/01/96 A/A+ 454,128
1,375,000 7.900%, 11/01/97 A/A+ 1,466,094
500,000 8.400%, 11/01/97 Aaa/AAA 547,500
750,000 7.375%, 12/01/99 Aaa/AAA 847,500
1,060,000 7.000%, 12/01/96 A/A 1,089,086
1,130,000 7.100%, 12/01/97 A/A 1,192,150
1,460,000 7.300%, 12/01/99 A/A 1,607,825
250,000 7.600%, 08/01/98 NR/AAA 275,938
250,000 7.600%, 08/01/98 NR/AAA 275,938
300,000 8.000%, 08/01/98 NR/AAA 333,750
</TABLE>
9
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (CONTINUED) S&P VALUE
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Kentucky State Properties and
Buildings Commission Revenue,
(continued)
$ 400,000 7.350%, 12/01/99 Aaa/AAA $ 452,000
365,000 7.000%, 02/01/01 Aaa/AAA 414,275
1,000,000 6.500%, 08/01/01 Aaa/AAA 1,121,250
4,510,000 6.625%, 10/01/00 A/A+ 5,085,025
Mount Sterling Kentucky Lease
Revenue,
1,920,000 6.150%, 03/01/13 Aa/NR 1,982,400
7,000,000 6.200%, 03/01/18 Aa/NR 7,218,750
Nicholasville, Kentucky Industrial
Development Revenue (Johnson Control),
3,000,000 8.000%, 09/01/04 A2/A 3,163,200
Pendleton County Kentucky Multi-County
Lease Revenue,
500,000 7.300%, 03/01/02 NR/A 554,375
570,000 7.550%, 03/01/10 NR/A 629,850
4,500,000 6.500%, 03/01/19 NR/A 4,725,000
3,000,000 6.400%, 03/01/19 NR/A 3,251,250
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority,
1,000,000 6.875%, 07/01/02 Aaa/AAA 1,156,250
67,969,467
County Agencies (4.6%)
Clark County Kentucky Industrial
Buildings Revenue (Southern Wood
Project),
565,000 6.000%, 12/01/00 NR/NR* 569,944
750,000 7.000%, 12/01/08 NR/NR* 775,313
Clark County Kentucky Public Properties
Corp. Revenue,
1,120,000 6.700%, 06/01/16 A/NR 1,206,800
Jefferson County Kentucky Economic
Development Corp. Lease Revenue,
2,000,000 7.625%, 07/01/08 A1/NR 2,073,260
250,000 7.750%, 07/01/16 A1/NR 259,508
Kenton County Kentucky Public Properties
Corp. Revenue,
400,000 7.000%, 10/01/03 NR/NR* 444,500
</TABLE>
10
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (CONTINUED) S&P VALUE
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Madison County Kentucky Capital
Project Corp. Revenue,
$ 650,000 7.800%, 10/01/03 NR/NR* $ 727,187
Muhlenberg County Kentucky Industrial
Development Revenue,
1,500,000 7.000%, 09/01/01 NR/A 1,665,000
Munfordville Kentucky Industrial
Development Revenue,
2,500,000 7.000%, 06/01/19 NR/A 2,737,500
Woodford County Kentucky Public
Properties Corp. Revenue,
100,000 8.200%, 11/01/97 A/NR 110,000
10,569,012
City/Municipal Obligations (3.8%)
Covington Kentucky Municipal
Properties Corp. Revenue,
400,000 7.950%, 08/01/98 Baa1/NR 447,500
250,000 7.375%, 08/01/98 Baa1/NR 276,250
Hickman Kentucky Industrial Building
Revenue (HIS, Kentucky, Inc.
Project),
1,665,000 6.950%, 08/01/09 NR/NR* 1,791,956
Kentucky League Cities Funding
Trust COP,
1,715,000 6.200%, 08/01/17 NR/A- 1,822,188
Louisville Kentucky Public Properties
Corp.,
4,090,000 6.700%, 12/01/20 A/A- 4,458,100
8,795,994
Utilities (6.9%)
Ashland Kentucky Sewer & Solid Waste
Revenue (Ashland, Inc.),
3,200,000 7.125%, 02/01/22 Baa1/NR 3,492,000
Bowling Green Kentucky Water and
Sewer Revenue,
500,000 8.800%, 11/01/95 Aaa/AAA 523,070
Campbell & Kenton Counties Kentucky
Sanitation District No. 1
Sanitation Revenue,
220,000 7.300%, 08/15/97 Aa/A+ 232,650
200,000 7.700%, 08/15/97 Aa/A+ 214,250
</TABLE>
11
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (CONTINUED) S&P VALUE
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Carroll County Kentucky Pollution
Control Revenue,
$ 3,500,000 7.450%, 09/15/16 Aa2/NR $ 4,051,250
Glasgow Kentucky Electric Plant
Board Revenue,
280,000 7.600%, 12/01/09 NR/BBB 309,750
Henderson Kentucky Electric Light
and Power Revenue,
1,165,000 5.700%, 03/01/03 NR/A 1,167,667
Jefferson County Kentucky Pollution
Control Revenue,
2,200,000 5.450%, 10/15/20 Aa2/AA 2,175,250
Lebanon Kentucky Waterworks Revenue,
250,000 7.500%, 04/01/16 NR/NR* 275,625
Louisville and Jefferson County
Kentucky Metropolitian Sewer
District Revenue,
3,000,000 5.300%, 05/15/19 Aaa/AAA 2,962,500
Richmond Kentucky Water Gas and
Sewer Revenue,
200,000 7.300%, 07/01/05 Aaa/AAA 216,500
200,000 7.300%, 07/01/06 Aaa/AAA 216,750
15,837,262
Pollution Control Revenue (10.2%)
Ashland Kentucky Pollution Control
Revenue,
1,770,000 7.375%, 07/01/09 A3/NR 1,922,663
3,000,000 6.650%, 08/01/09 Baa1/NR 3,232,500
Ashland Kentucky Solid Waste Revenue
(Ashland Oil),
500,000 7.200%, 10/01/20 Baa1/BBB 539,375
Carroll County Kentucky Pollution
Control Revenue,
1,910,000 6.250%, 02/01/18 Aa2/AA- 2,038,925
Jefferson County Kentucky Pollution
Control Revenue,
2,600,000 5.900%, 04/15/23 Aa2/AA 2,668,250
1,000,000 7.750%, 02/01/19 Aa2/AA 1,088,750
4,000,000 5.625%, 08/15/19 Aa2/AA 4,045,000
Meade County Kentucky Pollution
Control Revenue,
3,930,000 6.000%, 07/01/07 NR/NR* 3,931,729
Wickliffe Kentucky Pollution Control,
4,100,000 6.200%, 04/01/07 A1/A 4,110,783
23,577,975
12
<PAGE>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (CONTINUED) S&P VALUE
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Transportation (13.9%)
Kenton County Kentucky Airport
Board Airport Revenue,
$ 1,500,000 6.300%, 03/01/15 Aaa/AAA $ 1,573,125
3,955,000 8.750%, 03/01/15 A/A 4,221,962
115,000 4.000%, 03/01/96 A/A 115,026
Kentucky State Turnpike Authority
Economic Development Road Revenue,
2,550,000 7.400%, 01/01/97 A/A 2,646,237
290,000 7.400%, 07/01/97 A/A 300,944
500,000 7.500%, 01/01/98 A/A 519,115
500,000 7.600%, 01/01/99 A/A 519,355
200,000 7.600%, 07/01/99 A/A 207,742
710,000 7.750%, 01/01/01 Aaa/A 738,180
500,000 8.250%, 07/01/07 Aaa/AAA 540,000
500,000 7.000%, 05/15/99 Aaa/AAA 543,750
230,000 7.700%, 01/01/00 A/A 239,013
1,035,000 7.250%, 05/15/10 Aaa/AAA 1,170,844
Kentucky State Turnpike Authority
Resource Recovery Road Revenue,
500,000 7.400%, 07/01/97 A/A+ 525,000
2,105,000 7.600%, 07/01/98 A/A+ 2,254,981
3,875,000 7.750%, 07/01/99 A/A+ 4,155,937
320,000 8.000%, 07/01/03 A/A+ 345,200
Kentucky State Turnpike Authority
Toll Road Revenue,
1,000,000 7.900%, 07/01/96 A/A 1,020,070
240,000 8.500%, 07/01/04 Aaa/AAA 250,334
3,570,000 8.500%, 07/01/04 A/A 3,724,081
Louisville Kentucky Airport Lease
Revenue,
750,000 7.850%, 02/01/09 A/A- 824,063
Puerto Rico Commonwealth Highway &
Transportation Authority Highway
Revenue,
4,000,000 6.625%, 07/01/12 Baa1/A 4,315,000
Puerto Rico Commonwealth Highway
Authority Highway Revenue,
1,000,000 6.750%, 07/01/05 Baa1/A 1,098,750
31,848,709
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (CONTINUED) S&P VALUE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Hospitals (11.2%)
Floyd County Kentucky Hospital
Revenue,
$ 290,000 7.500%, 08/01/10 NR/AAA $ 325,525
510,000 5.500%, 09/01/14 NR/AAA 513,188
Hopkins County Kentucky Hospital
Revenue,
1,000,000 6.625%, 11/15/11 Aaa/AAA 1,085,000
Jefferson County Kentucky Health
Facilities Revenue (Jewish
Hospital),
1,000,000 6.550%, 05/01/22 Aaa/AAA 1,078,750
Jefferson County Kentucky Hospital
Revenue,
510,000 7.750%, 10/01/14 Aaa/AAA 552,075
Kentucky Development Finance
Authority Hospital Revenue,
895,000 7.625%, 09/01/11 Aaa/AAA 982,262
235,000 7.200%, 10/01/99 A/A 256,738
2,570,000 7.300%, 10/01/03 A/A 2,820,575
810,000 7.500%, 10/01/12 A/A 878,850
400,000 7.250%, 11/01/06 A1/A+ 437,000
400,000 7.200%, 09/01/15 Aaa/AAA 447,000
750,000 7.000%, 09/01/06 NR/NR* 858,750
Kentucky Development Finance
Authority Revenue,
3,000,000 6.500%, 11/01/07 A1/A+ 3,240,000
1,250,000 6.250%, 11/01/13 A1/A+ 1,296,875
2,150,000 6.750%, 11/01/12 A1/A+ 2,343,500
500,000 6.000%, 11/01/01 Aaa/AAA 539,375
Kentucky Development Finance
Authority Kings Daughters Medical
Center,
1,000,000 6.125%, 02/01/12 Aaa/AAA 1,057,500
Kentucky Development Finance
Authority Hospital Revenue,
3,000,000 5.900%, 12/01/15 Aaa/AAA 3,138,750
2,590,000 5.000%, 08/15/15 Aaa/AAA 2,466,975
Louisville Kentucky Hospital
Revenue,
450,000 7.300%, 01/01/14 NR/AAA 473,625
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (CONTINUED) S&P VALUE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
McCracken County Kentucky Hospital
Revenue (Lourdes Hospital),
$ 1,000,000 7.400%, 11/01/07 NR/NR* $ 1,049,120
25,841,433
Housing (9.4%)
Greater Kentucky Housing
Assistance Corp. Multi-Family
Housing Revenue,
500,000 7.000%, 07/01/11 NR/AA+ 532,500
275,000 6.400%, 07/01/23 NR/AA+ 288,406
Jefferson County Kentucky
Multi-Family Revenue,
1,500,000 5.750%, 06/01/23 NR/AA 1,550,625
Kentucky Housing Corporation
Housing Revenue,
95,000 7.875%, 01/01/08 Aaa/AAA 100,463
655,000 7.250%, 01/01/09 Aaa/AAA 695,937
655,000 7.900%, 01/01/21 Aaa/AAA 701,669
835,000 7.600%, 01/01/07 Aa1/AAA 893,450
460,000 7.800%, 01/01/21 Aa1/AAA 490,475
255,000 7.750%, 01/01/07 Aaa/AAA 273,488
340,000 5.350%, 07/01/07 Aaa/AAA 341,275
190,000 8.100%, 01/01/22 Aaa/AAA 204,488
980,000 7.125%, 01/01/10 Aaa/AAA 1,048,600
3,260,000 7.450%, 01/01/23 Aa1/AAA 3,390,400
4,850,000 6.600%, 07/01/11 Aa1/AAA 5,207,686
1,000,000 6.500%, 01/01/07 Aa1/AAA 1,083,750
1,570,000 6.800%, 01/01/24 Aa1/AAA 1,674,013
1,450,000 5.800%, 01/01/19 Aa1/AAA 1,477,187
1,700,000 6.400%, 01/01/17 Aaa/AAA 1,780,750
21,735,162
Universities (1.4%)
Berea Kentucky College General
Obligation,
2,400,000 5.900%, 05/01/13 Aa1/NR 2,529,000
Western Kentucky University
Revenue,
325,000 7.100%, 12/01/99 Baa/BBB+ 354,250
275,000 7.100%, 12/01/01 Aaa/AAA 313,844
3,197,094
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (CONTINUED) S&P VALUE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Schools (8.4%)
Boone County Kentucky School
District Finance Corp. School
Building Revenue,
$ 2,250,000 6.125%, 12/01/17 A/A $ 2,390,625
1,750,000 6.750%, 09/01/09 A/A 1,920,625
Butler County Kentucky School
Building Revenue,
270,000 7.200%, 05/01/07 A/A 300,712
290,000 7.200%, 05/01/08 A/A 322,625
Campbell County Kentucky School
Building Revenue,
1,000,000 5.100%, 02/01/14 A/NR 976,250
Grayson County Kentucky School
Building Revenue,
1,940,000 6.000%, 01/01/15 A/NR 2,044,275
Harlan County Kentucky School
District Corp. School Building
Revenue,
205,000 7.400%, 12/01/06 A/A 231,394
200,000 7.250%, 09/01/09 NR/A 221,750
Jefferson County Kentucky School
District Finance Corp. School
Building Revenue,
370,000 6.200%, 01/01/06 Aaa/AAA 402,838
500,000 5.875%, 01/01/11 A-1/A+ 526,250
Kenton County Kentucky School
District Finance Corp. School
Building Revenue,
500,000 6.900%, 12/01/05 NR/NR* 560,000
600,000 7.000%, 12/01/07 NR/NR* 674,250
Lexington-Fayette Urban County
Government School Building
Revenue,
255,000 7.700%, 11/01/04 A-1/A+ 278,587
180,000 7.700%, 11/01/05 A-1/A+ 196,650
250,000 7.000%, 06/01/06 A-1/A+ 277,500
400,000 7.000%, 06/01/08 A-1/A+ 443,500
370,000 7.000%, 06/01/09 A-1/A+ 409,313
Nelson County Kentucky School
Building Revenue,
1,820,000 5.750%, 04/01/15 A/NR 1,890,525
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
RATING
FACE MOODYS/
AMOUNT REVENUE BONDS (CONTINUED) S&P VALUE
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Pike County Kentucky School
District Finance Corp. School
Building Revenue,
$ 505,000 6.900%, 12/01/05 NR/A $ 558,025
720,000 7.000%, 12/01/09 NR/A 797,400
Todd County Kentucky School
Building Revenue,
980,000 6.300%, 10/01/14 NR/A 1,054,725
Scott County Kentucky School
Building Revenue,
2,750,000 5.900%, 06/01/18 NR/A 2,894,375
19,372,194
Total Investments - 99.3%
(Cost $218,029,304**) 228,744,302
Other assets in excess of
liabilitites - 0.7% 1,526,041
Net Assets - 100% $ 230,270,343
<FN>
* Any security not rated must be determined by the Investment Adviser to
have sufficient quality to be ranked in the top four credit ratings if
a credit rating were to be assigned by a rating service.
</FN>
<FN>
** Cost for Federal tax purposes is $216,169,297.
</FN>
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 1995
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Investments at value (identified cost $218,029,304) $ 228,744,302
Interest receivable 4,450,224
Receivable for Fund shares sold 312,998
Total assets 233,507,524
LIABILITIES
Cash overdraft 2,436,819
Payable for Fund shares redeemed 380,847
Dividends payable 143,772
Accrued expenses 99,961
Adviser and Administrator fees payable 88,899
Distribution fees payable 86,883
Total liabilities 3,237,181
NET ASSETS (equivalent to $10.71 per share on
21,497,967 shares outstanding) $ 230,270,343
Net Assets consist of:
Capital Stock - Authorized an unlimited number
of shares, par value $.01 per share $ 214,980
Additional paid-in capital 220,079,255
Accumulated net realized loss on investments (738,890)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments 10,714,998
$ 230,270,343
Net Asset Value, redemption price per share $ 10.71
Offering price per share (100/96 of $10.71
adjusted to nearest cent) $ 11.16
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest income $ 15,611,581
Expenses:
Investment Adviser fees (note B) $438,778
Administrator fees (note B) 515,895
Distribution fees (note B) 358,097
Transfer and shareholder servicing agent fees 177,488
Legal fees 122,580
Trustees fees and expenses (note G) 93,491
Shareholders reports and proxy statements 64,747
Custodian fees (note F) 42,485
Audit and accounting fees 28,511
Registration fees and dues 17,680
Insurance 5,227
Miscellaneous 41,479
1,906,458
Expenses paid indirectly (note F) (28,676)
Net expenses 1,877,782
Net investment income 13,733,799
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized loss from securities transactions (423,661)
Change in unrealized appreciation on
investments 17,432,689
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments 17,009,028
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations $ 30,742,827
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Year Ended December 31,
1995 1994
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income $ 13,733,799 $ 14,246,582
Net realized loss from securities
transactions (423,661) (1,264,866)
Change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments 17,432,689 (21,784,709)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations 30,742,827 (8,802,993)
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
Net investment income ($0.60 and
$0.60 per share, respectively) (13,727,664) (14,247,698)
Net realized gain on investments _ _
Total distributions (13,727,664) (14,247,698)
Net increase (decrease) from
investment activities 17,015,163 (23,050,691)
<CAPTION>
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
SHARES
Year Ended December 31,
1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold 1,723,240 2,985,665 17,964,446 31,137,187
Shares issued
through reinvestment
of dividends 743,680 789,604 7,773,545 8,148,093
Shares redeemed (4,315,370) (4,094,219) (45,139,255) (42,210,472)
Decrease in shares and
net assets derived
from Fund share
transactions (1,848,450) (318,950) (19,401,264) (2,925,192)
Total decrease in net
assets (2,386,101) (25,975,883)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year 232,656,444 258,632,327
End of year $ 230,270,343 $ 232,656,444
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
20
<PAGE>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky (the "Fund"), a non-diversified,
open-end investment company, was organized in March, 1987 as a Massachusetts
business trust and commenced operations on May 21, 1987. The Fund is
authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares and, since its inception,
has issued only one class of shares, to which these financial statements
relate. It is anticipated that the Fund will begin offering two additional
classes of shares during the second calendar quarter of 1996. The shares
outstanding at that time will be designated as Class A shares and, as
is the case now, will be sold with a front-end sales charge and bear a
service fee. Class C shares will be sold with no front-end sales charge but
will be assessed a contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 18
months from the time of purchase and a level charge for service and
distribution fees. Class Y shares will be offered only to institutions acting
for investors in a fiduciary, advisory, agency custodial or similar capacity,
and will not be offered directly to retail customers, and will be sold at net
asset value with no sales charge, no redemption fee, no contingent deferred
sales charge and no service or distribution fees. All classes of shares will
have identical rights and privilges except with respect to the effect of
sales charges, the distribution and/or service fees borne by each class,
expenses specific to each class, voting rights on matters affecting a single
class and the exchange privilege of each class.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The
policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles for
investment companies.
(1) Portfolio valuation: Municipal securities which have remaining
maturities of more than 60 days are valued each business day based
upon information provided by a nationally prominent independent pricing
service and periodically verified through other pricing services. In the
case of securities for which market quotations are readily available,
securities are valued at the mean of bid and asked quotations and, in
the case of other securities, at fair value determined under procedures
established by and under the general supervision of the Board of
Trustees. Securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at
amortized cost if their term to maturity at purchase was 60 days or
less, or by amortizing their unrealized appreciation or depreciation on
the 61st day prior to maturity, if their term to maturity at purchase
exceeded 60 days.
(2) Securities transactions and related investment income: Securities
transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and
losses from securities transactions are reported on the identified cost
basis. Interest income is recorded daily on the accrual basis and is
adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
(3) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the Fund to qualify as a
regulated investment company by complying with the provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code applicable to certain investment companies.
The Fund intends to make distributions of income and securities profits
sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, Federal income
and excise taxes.
21
<PAGE>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(4) Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from
operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
NOTE B - MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
WITH AFFILIATES:
Management affairs of the Fund are conducted through two separate
management arrangements.
Under an Investment Advisory Agreement, Banc One Investment
Advisors Corporation (the "Adviser") became Adviser to the Fund, effective
September 11, 1995. In this role, the Adviser supervises the investments and
provides various services to the Fund for which it is entitled to receive a
fee which is payable monthly and computed as of the close of business each
day at the annual rate of 0.14 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund. This new Investment Advisory Agreement replaced the former Investment
Advisory Agreement with PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc. Under the prior agreement,
the Adviser was entitled to receive payment at the annual rate of 0.20 of 1%
of the Fund's average daily net assets for their investment supervision
services which also included maintenance of the Fund's accounting books and
records.
The Fund also has an Administration Agreement with its founder and
sponsor, Aquila Management Corporation (the "Administrator"). Under this
Agreement, the Administrator provides all administrative services, other
than those relating to the management of the Fund's investments. This
includes providing the office of the Fund and all related services as well
as overseeing the activities of all the various support organizations to the
Fund such as the shareholder servicing agent, custodian, legal counsel,
auditors and distributor. Since September 11, 1995, the Administrator also
undertook maintenance of the Fund's accounting books and records, which had
previously been the responsibility of the former Adviser. For its services,
the Administrator is entitled to receive a fee which is payable monthly and
computed as of the close of business each day at the annual rate of 0.26 of
1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. Prior to September 11, 1995
the fee to which the Administrator was entitled for its services was 0.20 of
1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
Specific details as to the nature and extent of the services provided
by the Adviser and the Administrator are more fully defined in the Fund's
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
The Adviser and the Administrator each agrees that the above fees shall
be reduced, but not below zero, by an amount equal to its pro-rata portion
(determined on the basis of the respective fees computed as described
above) of the amount, if any, by which the total expenses of the Fund in any
fiscal year, exclusive of taxes, interest and brokerage fees, shall exceed
the lesser of (i) 2.5% of the first $30 million of average annual net assets
of the Fund plus 2% of the next $70 million of such assets and 1.5% of its
average annual net assets in excess of $100 million, or (ii) 25% of the Fund's
total annual investment income. The payment of the above fees at the end of
any month will be reduced or postponed so that at no time will there be any
accrued but unpaid liability under this expense limitation. No such reduction
in fees was required during the year ended December 31, 1995.
22
<PAGE>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
From January 1, 1995 to September 10, 1995, the fees which the Fund
accrued or paid the former Adviser were $336,044. From September 11,
1995 to December 31, 1995, the fees which the Fund accrued or paid to the
Adviser were $102,734. During the year ended December 31, 1995, the fees
which the Fund accrued or paid the Administrator were $515,895.
Under a Distribution Agreement, Aquila Distributors, Inc.
(the "Distributor") serves as the exclusive distributor of the Fund's shares.
Through agreements between the Distributor and various broker-dealer firms
("dealers"), the Fund's shares are sold primarily through the facilities of
these dealers having offices within Kentucky, with the bulk of sales
commissions inuring to such dealers. However, for the year ended December 31,
1995, the Distributor received sales commissions in the amount of $27,916.
Effective April 8, 1994 the Fund adopted a Distribution Plan
(the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") under the Investment Company
Act of 1940. The Plan authorizes the Fund to make service fee payments at the
annual rate of 0.15% of the average net assets of the Fund to broker-dealers
or others selected by the Distributor, including, but not limited to, any
principal underwriter of the Fund, with which the Distributor has entered
into written agreements contemplated by the Rule and which have rendered
assistance in the distribution and/or retention of the Fund's shares or
servicing of shareholder accounts. During the year ended December 31, 1995,
service fees amounted to $358,097, of which the Distributor received $3,716.
Specific details about the Plan are more fully defined in the Fund's
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
NOTE C - PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES:
During the year ended December 31, 1995, purchases of securities and
proceeds from the sales of securities aggregated $40,198,875 and
$57,177,395, respectively.
At December 31, 1995, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all
securities in which there is an excess of market value over tax cost
amounted to $12,835,945 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all
securities in which there is an excess of tax cost over market value amounted
to $260,940, for a net unrealized appreciation of $12,575,005. At December
31, 1995, the Fund has a capital loss carryover of approximately $738,890
which is available to offset future net realized gains on securities
transactions to the extent provided for in the Internal Revenue Code. Of this
amount, $698,340 expires at December 31, 2002 and the balance of $40,550
expires at December 31, 2003. To the extent that this loss is used to offset
future realized capital gains, it is probable the gains so offset will not be
distributed.
NOTE D - PORTFOLIO ORIENTATION:
Since the Fund invests principally and may invest entirely in
triple tax-free municipal obligations of issuers within Kentucky, it is
subject to possible risks associated with economic, political, or legal
developments or industrial or regional matters specifically affecting
Kentucky and whatever effects these may have upon Kentucky issuers' ability
to meet their obligations.
23
<PAGE>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE E - DISTRIBUTIONS:
The Fund declares dividends daily from net investment income and makes
payments monthly in additional shares at the net asset value per share or in
cash, at the shareholders option. Net realized capital gains, if
any, are distributed annually.
The Fund intends to maintain, to the maximum extent possible, the
tax-exempt status of interest payments received from portfolio municipal
securities in order to allow dividends paid to shareholders from net
investment income to be exempt from regular Federal and State of Kentucky
income taxes. However, due to differences between financial reporting and
Federal income tax reporting requirements, distributions made by the Fund may
not be the same as the Fund's net investment income, and/or net realized
securities gains. Further, a small portion of the dividends may, under some
circumstances, be subject to ordinary income taxes. For certain shareholders,
some dividends may, under some circumstances, be subject to the alternative
minimum tax. Also, annual capital gains distributions, if any, are taxable.
NOTE F - CUSTODIAN FEES:
The Fund has negotiated an expense offset arrangement with its
custodian, Bank One Trust Company, N.A. ("Bank One"), an affiliate of the
Adviser, wherein it receives credit toward the reduction of custodian fees
whenever there are uninvested cash balances. During the year ended December
31, 1995, the Fund's custodian fees amounted to $42,485, of which $28,676 was
offset by such credits. The Fund could have invested its cash balances in an
income-producing asset if it had not agreed to a reduction in fees under the
expense offset arrangement with the custodian. Of the custodian fees paid by
the Fund during the year, $12,076 was paid to Bank One.
NOTE G - TRUSTEES' FEES AND EXPENSES:
During the fiscal year from January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995,
there were eight Trustees for the first 11 months and nine Trustees
thereafter. Trustees fees paid during the year were at the annual rate of
$5,000 for carrying out their responsibilities and attendance at regularly
scheduled Board Meetings. If additional or special meetings are scheduled
for the Fund, separate meeting fees are paid for each such meeting to those
Trustees in attendance. The Fund also reimburses Trustees for expenses such
as travel, accomodations, and meals incurred in connection with attendance at
regularly scheduled or special Board Meetings and at the Annual Meeting and
outreach meetings of Shareholders. For the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995, such reimbursements averaged approximately $5,200 per Trustee for those
Trustees serving throughout the Fund's entire fiscal year. Two of the
Trustees, who are affiliated with the Administrator, are not paid any Trustee
fees.
FEDERAL TAX STATUS OF 1995 DISTRIBUTIONS (UNAUDITED)
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, of the total amount of
dividends paid by Churchill Tax-Free Fund of Kentucky, 93.76% was
"exempt-interest dividends" and the balance was ordinary dividend income.
For those shareholders subject to the Federal alternative minimum tax, 19.41% of
your Fund's dividends was derived from interest on "private activity bonds."
Prior to January 31, 1996, shareholders were mailed IRS Form 1099-DIV
which contained information on the status of distributions paid for the 1995
CALENDAR YEAR.
24
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHURCHILL TAX-FREE FUND OF KENTUCKY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a share outstanding throughout each year
Year ended
December 31,
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Year $9.97 $10.93 $10.49 $10.39 $10.00
Income from Investment
Operations:
Net investment income 0.60 0.60 0.62 0.66 0.66
Net gain (loss) on
securities (both
realized and
unrealized) 0.74 (0.96) 0.47 0.19 0.41
Total from Investment
Operations 1.34 (0.36) 1.09 0.85 1.07
Less Distributions:
Dividends from net
investment income (0.60) (0.60) (0.62) (0.66) (0.66)
Distributions from
capital gains - - (0.03) (0.09) (0.02)
Total Distributions (0.60) (0.60) (0.65) (0.75) (0.68)
Net Asset Value, End
of Year $10.71 $9.97 $10.93 $10.49 $10.39
Total Return (not
reflecting sales load) 13.75% (3.31)% 10.50% 8.48% 10.97%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Year
(in thousands) $230,270 $232,656 $258,632 $192,600 $114,798
Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets 0.79% 0.72% 0.59% 0.42% 0.27%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 5.75% 5.81% 5.67% 6.21% 6.53%
Portfolio Turnover Rate 17.09% 35.25% 31.29% 50.33% 16.69%
<CAPTION>
Net investment income per share and the ratios of income and expenses to
average net assets without the Adviser's and Administrator's voluntary
waiver of fees, the Administrator's voluntary expense reimbursement and the
expense offset in custodian fees for uninvested cash balances would have been:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Investment Income $0.60 $0.60 $0.60 $0.63 $0.60
Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets 0.80% 0.73% 0.73% 0.68% 0.84%
Ratio of Net Investment
Income to Average Net
Assets 5.74% 5.80% 5.52% 5.95% 5.96%
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
REPORT ON THE ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS (UNAUDITED)
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund was held on April 6,
1995. At the meeting, the following matters were submitted to a
shareholder vote(1) and approved:
(i) the election of Lacy B. Herrmann, Thomas A. Christopher, Douglas Dean,
Ann R. Leven, Theodore T. Mason, Anne J. Mills, William J. Nightingale,
and James R. Ramsey as Trustees to hold office until the next annual
meeting of the Fund's shareholders or until his or her successor is
duly elected (each Trustee received at least 14,242,165 affirmative
votes (99.1%); no more than 125,991 votes were withheld for any
Trustee (0.9%)), and
(ii) the ratification of the selection of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the
Fund's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31,
1995 (votes for: 13,886,532 (96.7%); votes against: 134,221 (0.9%);
abstentions: 347,403 (2.4%)).
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund was held on September 29,
1995. At the meeting, the following matters were submitted to a shareholder
vote(2) and approved:
(i) the approval of a new Investment Advisory Agreement (votes for:
13,832,072 (92.7%); votes against: 401,457 (2.7%); abstentions:
687,724 (4.6%); broker non-votes: 0),
(ii) the approval of an amendment to the Fund's Declaration of Trust to
authorize the creation of classes of shares (votes for: 13,516,103
(73.3%); votes against: 1,065,918 (5.8%); abstentions: 1,408,592
(7.6%); broker non-votes:2,444,418 (13.3%)), and
(iii) the approval of an amendment to the Fund's Declaration of Trust to
authorize voting by net asset value (votes for: 13,944,840 (75.6%);
votes against: 765,904 (4.2%); abstentions: 1,293,869 (7.0%); broker
non-votes: 2,430,418 (13.2%)).
___________
1 On the record date for this meeting, 23,245,284 shares of the
Fund were outstanding and entitled to vote. The holders of 14,368,156 shares
(61.8%) entitled to vote were present in person or by proxy at the meeting.
2 On the record date for this meeting, 23,366,528 shares of the Fund were
outstanding and entitled to vote. The holders of 14,921,253 shares
(63.9%) entitled to vote were present in person or by proxy at the
initial session of the meeting held on September 29, 1995 and the holders
of 18,435,031 shares (78.9%) entitled to vote were present at the
adjourned session of the meeting held on November 10, 1995.
26
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISER
BANC ONE INVESTMENT ADVISORS CORPORATION
416 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
ADMINISTRATOR AND FOUNDER
AQUILA MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
380 Madison Avenue, Suite 2300
New York, New York 10017
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Lacy B. Herrmann, Chairman
Thomas A. Christopher
Douglas Dean
Diana P. Herrmann
Ann R. Leven
Theodore T. Mason
Anne J. Mills
William J. Nightingale
James R. Ramsey
OFFICERS
Lacy B. Herrmann, President
Jerry G. McGrew, Senior Vice President
L. Michele Crutcher, Assistant Vice President
Rose F. Marotta, Chief Financial Officer
Richard F. West, Treasurer
Edward M.W. Hines, Secretary
DISTRIBUTOR
AQUILA DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
380 Madison Avenue, Suite 2300
New York, New York 10017
CUSTODIAN
BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
100 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43271
TRANSFER AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
MANAGEMENT CORP.
581 Main Street
Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095-1198
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154
Further information is contained in the Prospectus,
which must precede or accompany this report.
ANNUAL
REPORT
DECEMBER 31, 1995
AQUILA
(picture of eagle)
CHURCHILL
TAX-FREE FUND OF
KENTUCKY
A tax-free income investment
<LOGO>
One of the
AQUILA(sm) Group of Funds
