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Board of Directors | ||
Lorraine Chang | ||
John W. Hancock | ||
Richard D. Holland | ||
Thomas R. Pansing, Jr. | ||
Delmer L. Toebben | ||
Wallace R. Weitz | ||
Officers | ||
Wallace R. Weitz, President | ||
Mary K. Beerling, Vice-President & Secretary | ||
Linda L. Lawson, Vice-President | ||
Richard F. Lawson, Vice-President | ||
Investment Adviser | ||
Wallace R. Weitz & Company | ||
Distributor | ||
Weitz Securities, Inc. | ||
Custodian | ||
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, | ||
National Association | ||
Transfer Agent and Dividend Paying Agent | ||
Wallace R. Weitz & Company | ||
Sub-Transfer Agent | ||
National Financial Data Services, Inc. | ||
This report has been prepared for the information of the shareholders of Weitz Series Fund, Inc. Fixed Income Fund and Government Money Market Fund. For more detailed information about the Funds, their investment objectives, management, fees and expenses, please see a current prospectus. This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. | ||
11/01/2000 |
Fixed Income Fund
SEMI-ANNUAL
One Pacific Place, Suite 600
402-391-1980
www.weitzfunds.com
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fixed Income Fund | |||||
Performance Since Inception | 4 | ||||
Shareholder Letter | 5 | ||||
Schedule of Investments | 7 | ||||
Financial Statements | 10 | ||||
Government Money Market Fund | |||||
Shareholder Letter | 14 | ||||
Schedule of Investments | 15 | ||||
Financial Statements | 16 | ||||
Notes to Financial Statements | 20 |
3
A long-term perspective on the Fixed Income Funds performance is shown below. The table shows how an investment of $10,000 in the Fixed Income Fund at its inception would have grown over the years (after deducting all fees and expenses and assuming reinvestment of all dividends). The table also sets forth average annual total return data for the Fixed Income Fund for the one, five, and ten year periods ended September 30, 2000.
Value of | Value of | Value of | ||||||||||||||||||||
Initial | Cumulative | Cumulative | Total | Annual | ||||||||||||||||||
$10,000 | Capital Gain | Reinvested | Value of | Rate of | ||||||||||||||||||
Period Ended | Investment | Distributions | Dividends | Shares | Return | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 23, 1988 | $ | 10,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | 10,000 | | % | ||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1988 | 9,939 | | 68 | 10,007 | | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1989 | 10,020 | | 900 | 10,920 | 9.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1990 | 10,232 | 12 | 1,661 | 11,905 | 9.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1991 | 10,625 | 13 | 2,597 | 13,235 | 11.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1992 | 10,557 | 13 | 3,396 | 13,966 | 5.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1993 | 10,820 | 14 | 4,258 | 15,092 | 8.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1994 | 9,961 | 13 | 4,763 | 14,737 | -2.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1995 | 10,847 | 14 | 6,199 | 17,060 | 15.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1996 | 10,637 | 13 | 7,158 | 17,808 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1997 | 10,916 | 14 | 8,419 | 19,349 | 8.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1998 | 10,989 | 14 | 9,653 | 20,656 | 6.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 1999 | 10,432 | 13 | 10,400 | 20,845 | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Sept. 30, 2000 | 10,659 | 13 | 11,380 | 22,052 | 5.8 | |
The Fixed Income Funds average annual total return for the one, five and ten year periods ended September 30, 2000, was 6.0%, 6.0% and 6.7%, respectively. These returns assume redemption at the end of each period and reinvestment of dividends.
Since inception, the total amount of capital gains distributions reinvested in shares was $13, and the total amount of income distributions reinvested was $11,268. This information represents past performance of the fund and is not indicative of future performance. The investment return and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investors shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Additional information is available from the Weitz Funds at the address listed on the front cover.
| Return is for the period 1/1/00 through 9/30/00 |
4
October 9, 2000
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
The Fixed Income Funds total return for the third quarter of 2000 was +3.1%. Interest income contributed about 1.5% of this gain (after deducting fees and expenses), and (unrealized) appreciation of our bonds accounted for the balance of 1.6%. This brings our year to date return to +5.8%. The table below summarizes total return data for our fund as well as the average intermediate-term; investment grade fixed income fund.
1 Year | 5 Years | |||||||
Fixed Income Fund | 6.0 | % | 6.0 | % | ||||
Average Intermediate Investment Grade Fixed Income Fund* | 5.8 | % | 5.6 | % | ||||
*Source: Lipper Analytical Services |
The following table shows a profile of our portfolio as of September 30:
Average Maturity | 7.2 years | |
Average Duration | 4.3 years | |
Average Coupon | 7.1% | |
30-Day SEC Yield at 9-30-00 | 7.0% | |
Average Rating | AA |
In my first letter to you as the sole manager of our fund, Im pleased to report on a very good quarter for the Fixed Income Fund. As should be no surprise, this small change in portfolio managers is overshadowed by other constants. Namely, our approach to fixed-income investing remains the same. And most importantly, Wallys influence continues. His insights (among other numerous positive qualities) will continue to be invaluable as we go forward. So, without any further ado, heres a brief overview of events in the third quarter and a discussion of our portfolio.
Overview
There was little change in the economic outlook of the Federal Reserves posture during the quarter. Prices of high quality bonds were firm, perhaps helped by stock investors seeking refuge from a very volatile stock market. At any rate, bond prices rose as yields declined, and we enjoyed some price appreciation in addition to our interest income.
While economic data continued to highlight a healthy domestic economy, the Federal Reserve remained on the sideline during the quarter, perhaps willing to allow the full effects of their previous tightenings to be felt in the economy. Some even suspect that the Feds next move will be to loosen credit as storm clouds on the economic horizon (rising energy costs, slowing global economies, and a tech slowdown) threaten to cause a recession (particularly if the stock market continues to falter).
5
We rarely have strong convictions about the near-term direction of interest rates, the economy, or the bond market, so we do not take extreme positions that depend on accurate predictions. Having said that, we do worry about an environment of declining credit quality (especially as the economy slows) and will remain focused on being adequately compensated for assuming the additional risk.
Portfolio Review
The composition of our portfolio has not changed materially over the past several quarters. U.S. government agency bonds and mortgage-backed securities accounted for about 57.7% of the portfolio at September 30, and the average interest rate (coupon) and maturity length of our bonds has remained approximately 7% and 7 years, respectively.
Our strategy remains investing in a relatively short-term, high quality portfolio that captures most of the return available on long-term bonds while avoiding some of the volatility associated with longer-term bonds. This strategy will not insulate us completely from large swings in interest rates, but by investing in high quality, short- to intermediate-term bonds, we feel we can continue to capture most of the coupon returns of long-term bonds with lower overall interest rate risk.
If you have any questions about our investments or strategy, please feel free to call.
Best regards,![]() Thomas D. Carney Portfolio Manager |
6
WEITZ SERIES FUND, INC. FIXED INCOME FUND
Face | |||||||||||||||||
Rating | amount | Cost | Value | ||||||||||||||
CORPORATE BONDS 31.2% | |||||||||||||||||
$ | 750,000 | Superior Financial Corp. Sr. Notes 8.65% 4/01/03 | $ | 750,000 | $ | 736,117 | |||||||||||
A+ | 48,000 | Homeside, Inc. 11.25% 5/15/03 | 48,000 | 51,840 | |||||||||||||
Ba2 | 1,100,000 | USA Networks, Inc. 7.0% 7/01/03 | 1,086,820 | 1,098,625 | |||||||||||||
A | 1,000,000 | Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. 6.85% 6/15/04 | 996,482 | 990,217 | |||||||||||||
A | 1,000,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. Notes 6.7% 7/16/04 | 998,708 | 980,357 | |||||||||||||
250,000 | Local Financial Corp. 11.0% 9/08/04 | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||||||||||||||
BBB | 1,000,000 | ConAgra, Inc. Sub. Notes 7.4% 9/15/04 | 1,000,000 | 1,005,125 | |||||||||||||
B+ | 750,000 | Century Communications Sr. Notes 9.5% 3/01/05 | 790,953 | 720,000 | |||||||||||||
A | 600,000 | General Motors Acceptance Corp. Debs. 6.625% 10/15/05 | 598,067 | 589,500 | |||||||||||||
BBB- | 1,000,000 | Hilton Hotels Corp. Sr. Notes 7.95% 4/15/07 | 969,839 | 973,219 | |||||||||||||
BBB- | 500,000 | Liberty Media Corp. Sr. Notes 7.875% 7/15/09 | 501,598 | 492,860 | |||||||||||||
BBB | 500,000 | Harcourt General 6.5% 5/15/11 | 486,757 | 432,500 | |||||||||||||
AA- | 1,000,000 | Merrill Lynch 7.15% 7/30/12 | 1,000,000 | 958,300 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000 | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Debs. 9.75% 1/15/18 | 1,037 | 1,042 | |||||||||||||
Total Corporate Bonds | 9,478,261 | 9,279,702 | |||||||||||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES 25.0% | |||||||||||||||||
AAA | 1,088 | Fannie Mae 11% 1/01/01 (Avg. Life 0.1 years) | 1,090 | 1,093 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 220,161 | Fannie Mae REMIC Planned Amortization Class 7.5% 4/25/19 (Avg. Life 0.9 years) | 218,462 | 220,036 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 19,517 | Freddie Mac 9.5% 9/01/03 (Avg. Life 1.3 years) | 19,517 | 20,171 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 489,836 | Fannie Mae REMIC Planned Amortization Class 6.5% 10/25/18 (Avg. Life 1.9 years) | 477,379 | 484,157 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Freddie Mac REMIC Planned Amortization Class 7.0% 8/15/20 (Avg. Life 2.1 years) | 1,003,373 | 997,492 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 500,000 |
Freddie Mac REMIC Planned Amortization Class 6.65% 9/15/21 (Avg. Life 2.9 years) |
491,201 | 493,290 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 |
Freddie Mac REMIC Planned Amortization Class 6.75% 12/15/21 (Avg. Life 4.5 years) |
992,496 | 980,799 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Freddie Mac REMIC Planned Amortization Class 7.0% 9/15/09 (Avg. Life 4.6 years) | 1,003,208 | 988,835 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Freddie Mac REMIC Planned Amortization Class 7.0% 4/15/21 (Avg. Life 4.7 years) | 977,565 | 986,745 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 500,000 | Freddie Mac REMIC Planned Amortization Class 7.0% 7/15/21 (Avg. Life 5.1 years) | 495,734 | 492,108 |
7
Face | |||||||||||||||||
Rating | amount | Cost | Value | ||||||||||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Continued) | |||||||||||||||||
AAA | $ | 1,000,000 | Freddie Mac REMIC Planned Amortization Class 7.0% 8/15/21 (Avg. Life 5.5 years) | $ | 1,018,693 | $ | 982,075 | ||||||||||
AAA | 805,946 | Fannie Mae 6.5% 6/01/18 (Avg. Life 6.3 years) | 805,022 | 784,782 | |||||||||||||
Total Mortgage-Backed Securities | 7,503,740 | 7,431,583 | |||||||||||||||
TAXABLE MUNICIPAL BONDS 3.1% | |||||||||||||||||
AAA | 325,000 | Baltimore Maryland 7.25% 10/15/05 | 328,344 | 330,717 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 500,000 | Stratford Connecticut 6.55% 2/15/13 | 500,000 | 469,740 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 45,000 | Oklahoma Hsg. Fin. Auth. 8.7% 9/01/13 | 45,000 | 46,604 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 80,000 | Oklahoma Hsg. Fin. Auth. 7.3% 12/01/14 | 80,000 | 79,018 | |||||||||||||
Total Taxable Municipal Bonds | 953,344 | 926,079 | |||||||||||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY SECURITIES 32.7% | |||||||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Bank 5.125% 9/15/03 | 1,000,000 | 963,726 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Freddie Mac 7.09% 6/01/05 | 1,000,000 | 992,266 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Fannie Mae 7.27% 8/24/05 | 1,000,000 | 997,985 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 2,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Bank 6.04% 9/08/05 | 2,000,000 | 1,933,154 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 500,000 | Federal Home Loan Bank 6.44% 11/28/05 | 500,423 | 497,263 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 500,000 | Freddie Mac 6.407% 2/22/06 | 497,884 | 486,761 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Fannie Mae 7.15% 10/11/06 | 994,949 | 996,816 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Fannie Mae 6.56% 11/26/07 | 1,000,000 | 968,927 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Fannie Mae 6.50% 3/19/08 | 993,510 | 964,919 | |||||||||||||
AAA | 1,000,000 | Freddie Mac 6.41% 7/15/13 | 1,010,377 | 914,469 | |||||||||||||
Total U.S. Government and Agency Securities | 9,997,143 | 9,716,286 | |||||||||||||||
8
Rating | Shares | |||||||||||||||
Cost | Value | |||||||||||||||
COMMON STOCKS 0.8% | ||||||||||||||||
46,500 | Hanover Capital Mortgage Holdings, Inc. | $ | 422,645 | $ | 232,500 | |||||||||||
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS 3.8% | ||||||||||||||||
46,600 | Redwood Trust, Inc. 9.74% Pfd. Class B | 1,225,075 | 1,134,419 | |||||||||||||
NON-CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||
B3 | 5,000 | Crown American Realty Trust 11% Pfd. Series A | 222,500 | 192,500 | ||||||||||||
Face | |||||||||||||||||
amount | |||||||||||||||||
SHORT-TERM SECURITIES 1.4% | |||||||||||||||||
$ | 408,483 | Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund | 408,483 | 408,483 | |||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | $ | 30,211,191 | 29,321,552 | ||||||||||||||
Other Assets Less Liabilities 1.3% | 391,767 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Net Assets 100% | $ | 29,713,319 | |||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value Per Share | $ | 10.81 | |||||||||||||||
9
Assets: | ||||||
Investment in securities at value (cost $30,211,191) | $ | 29,321,552 | ||||
Accrued interest and dividends receivable | 411,392 | |||||
Total assets | 29,732,944 | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||
Due to adviser | 12,264 | |||||
Other expenses | 7,361 | |||||
Total liabilities | 19,625 | |||||
Net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock | $ | 29,713,319 | ||||
Net assets represented by: | ||||||
Paid-in capital (note 4) | 30,879,039 | |||||
Accumulated undistributed net investment income | 492,958 | |||||
Accumulated net realized loss | (769,039 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized depreciation of investments | (889,639 | ) | ||||
Total representing net assets applicable to shares outstanding | $ | 29,713,319 | ||||
Net asset value per share of outstanding capital stock (2,749,424 shares outstanding) | $ | 10.81 | ||||
10
Investment income: | ||||||||||
Dividends | $ | 89,487 | ||||||||
Interest | 1,013,154 | |||||||||
Total investment income | 1,102,641 | |||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||
Investment advisory fee | $ | 75,124 | ||||||||
Administrative fee | 29,427 | |||||||||
Directors fees | 132 | |||||||||
Registration fee | 11,773 | |||||||||
Sub-transfer agent and fund accounting fees | 15,944 | |||||||||
Other expenses | 9,713 | |||||||||
Total expenses | 142,113 | |||||||||
Less administrative fee waived by investment adviser | (29,427 | ) | ||||||||
Net expenses | 112,686 | |||||||||
Net investment income | 989,955 | |||||||||
Realized and unrealized gain on investments: | ||||||||||
Net realized loss on securities | (45,785 | ) | ||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | 443,848 | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | 398,063 | |||||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | $ | 1,388,018 | ||||||||
11
Six months ended | |||||||||||
Sept. 30, 2000 | Year ended | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | March 31, 2000 | ||||||||||
Decrease in net assets: | |||||||||||
From operations: | |||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 989,955 | $ | 2,401,683 | |||||||
Net realized loss | (45,785 | ) | (371,371 | ) | |||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 443,848 | (1,672,716 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 1,388,018 | 357,596 | |||||||||
Distributions to shareholders from: | |||||||||||
Net investment income | (1,038,810 | ) | (2,375,622 | ) | |||||||
Total distributions | (1,038,810 | ) | (2,375,622 | ) | |||||||
Capital share transactions: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from sales | 690,966 | 14,862,565 | |||||||||
Payments for redemptions | (3,585,592 | ) | (20,121,176 | ) | |||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 976,909 | 2,244,174 | |||||||||
Total decrease from capital share transactions | (1,917,717 | ) | (3,014,437 | ) | |||||||
Total decrease in net assets | (1,568,509 | ) | (5,032,463 | ) | |||||||
Net assets: | |||||||||||
Beginning of period | 31,281,828 | 36,314,291 | |||||||||
End of period (including undistributed investment income of $492,958 and $541,813, respectively) | $ | 29,713,319 | $ | 31,281,828 | |||||||
12
The following financial information provides selected data for a share of the Fixed Income Fund outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
Six months ended | Year ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sept. 30, 2000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 10.68 | $ | 11.22 | $ | 11.26 | $ | 10.77 | $ | 10.90 | $ | 10.61 | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.36 | 0.69 | 0.66 | 0.65 | 0.66 | 0.65 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net gains or losses on securities (realized and unrealized) | 0.14 | (0.57 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.47 | (0.11 | ) | 0.31 | ||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.50 | 0.12 | 0.62 | 1.12 | 0.55 | 0.96 | |||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.37 | ) | (0.66 | ) | (0.66 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.68 | ) | (0.67 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 10.81 | $ | 10.68 | $ | 11.22 | $ | 11.26 | $ | 10.77 | $ | 10.90 | |||||||||||||
Total return | 4.8% | | 1.2% | 5.7% | 10.7% | 5.2% | 9.2% | ||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period ($000) | $ | 29,713 | $ | 31,282 | $ | 36,314 | $ | 30,334 | $ | 22,349 | $ | 16,901 | |||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.75% | * | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.75% | ||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 6.59% | * | 6.15% | 5.91% | 6.18% | 6.30% | 6.18% | ||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 1% | | 39% | 26% | 21% | 24% | 28% |
* | Annualized. |
| Not Annualized. |
| Absent voluntary waivers, the expense ratio would have been 0.95% for the six months ended September 30, 2000, 0.88%, 0.86%, 0.91%, 0.93% and 0.95% for the years ended March 31, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. |
13
October 9, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
The yield on our Government Money Market Fund increased modestly during the third quarter with both our 7-day and 30-day yields reaching 5.9% as of September 30. Overall, short-term interest rates were mostly unchanged during the quarter, as the primary rate-setter, the Federal Reserve, made no changes to monetary policy.
On the surface the economy appears quite healthy. However, evidence of a slowdown is beginning to mount. Higher energy costs, which could threaten consumer spending, and weakness in the stock market (historically a pretty good indicator of future economic expectations) would seem to indicate the Feds efforts to slow the economy by raising rates might be at or near its end.
As usual this letter is short, as there is very little to report in a quarterly letter from a money market fund invested in short-term government securities. It is impossible to predict what our fund will yield over the next year, but since the maturities of its securities are short, we will constantly be reinvesting at new rates, and the yield will continue to be impacted by interest rates on short-term Treasuries.
If any of this raises questions, please feel free to call.
Best regards,![]() Thomas D. Carney Portfolio Manager |
14
Face | |||||||||||||
Rating | amount | Value | |||||||||||
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY SECURITIES 100.3%* | |||||||||||||
AAA | $ | 3,000,000 | U.S. Treasury Bill 6.192% 10/12/00 | $ | 2,994,484 | ||||||||
AAA | 2,000,000 | U.S. Treasury Bill 5.943% 10/19/00 | 1,994,250 | ||||||||||
AAA | 6,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Bank Discount Note 6.548% 11/08/00 | 5,959,657 | ||||||||||
AAA | 6,000,000 | Federal Farm Credit Bank Discount Note 6.535% 11/22/00 | 5,944,967 | ||||||||||
AAA | 3,000,000 | U.S. Treasury Bill 6.287% 11/24/00 | 2,972,533 | ||||||||||
AAA | 4,000,000 | U.S. Treasury Bill 6.264% 11/30/00 | 3,959,441 | ||||||||||
AAA | 10,000,000 | Federal Home Loan Bank Discount Note 6.548% 12/13/00 | 9,871,439 | ||||||||||
Total U.S. Government and Agency Securities | 33,696,771 | ||||||||||||
SHORT-TERM SECURITIES 0.2% | |||||||||||||
70,305 | Wells Fargo 100% Treasury Money Market Fund 5.665% | 70,305 | |||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $33,767,076)** | 33,767,076 | ||||||||||||
Other Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (0.5%) | (182,007 | ) | |||||||||||
Total Net Assets 100% | $ | 33,585,069 | |||||||||||
* | Interest rates presented for treasury bills and discount notes are based upon yield to maturity rate(s) at date(s) of purchase. |
** | Cost is the same for Federal income tax purposes. |
15
Assets: | ||||||
Investment in securities at amortized cost, which approximates value | $ | 33,767,076 | ||||
Accrued interest | 4,153 | |||||
Total assets | 33,771,229 | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||
Due to adviser | 7,331 | |||||
Distributions payable | 172,122 | |||||
Other expenses | 6,707 | |||||
Total liabilities | 186,160 | |||||
Net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock | $ | 33,585,069 | ||||
Net assets represented by: | ||||||
Paid-in capital (note 4) | 33,585,069 | |||||
Accumulated undistributed net investment income | 3,347 | |||||
Accumulated net realized loss | (3,347 | ) | ||||
Total representing net assets applicable to shares outstanding | $ | 33,585,069 | ||||
Net asset value per share of outstanding capital stock (33,585,069 shares outstanding) | $ | 1.00 | ||||
16
Investment income: | ||||||||||
Interest | $ | 947,863 | ||||||||
Total investment income | 947,863 | |||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||
Investment advisory fee | $ | 77,093 | ||||||||
Administrative fee | 30,115 | |||||||||
Directors fee | 156 | |||||||||
Registration fees | 8,045 | |||||||||
Sub-transfer agent and fund accounting fees | 17,309 | |||||||||
Other expenses | 7,199 | |||||||||
Total expenses | 139,917 | |||||||||
Less advisory and administrative fees waived by investment adviser | (62,824 | ) | ||||||||
Net expenses | 77,093 | |||||||||
Net investment income | 870,770 | |||||||||
Realized gain on investments | 4,419 | |||||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | $ | 875,189 | ||||||||
17
Six months ended | |||||||||||
Sept. 30, 2000 | Year ended | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | March 31, 2000 | ||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in net assets: | |||||||||||
From operations: | |||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 870,770 | $ | 1,435,566 | |||||||
Net realized gain | 4,419 | | |||||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 875,189 | 1,435,566 | |||||||||
Distributions to shareholders from: | |||||||||||
Net investment income | (875,189 | ) | (1,435,566 | ) | |||||||
Total distributions | (875,189 | ) | (1,435,566 | ) | |||||||
Capital share transactions, at $1.00 per share: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from sales | 39,777,977 | 469,700,906 | |||||||||
Payments for redemptions | (45,450,876 | ) | (465,683,084 | ) | |||||||
Reinvestment of distributions | 831,838 | 1,251,305 | |||||||||
Total increase (decrease) from capital share transactions | (4,841,061 | ) | 5,269,127 | ||||||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | (4,841,061 | ) | 5,269,127 | ||||||||
Net assets: | |||||||||||
Beginning of period | 38,426,130 | 33,157,003 | |||||||||
End of period | $ | 33,585,069 | $ | 38,426,130 | |||||||
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The following financial information provides selected data for a share of the Government Money Fund outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
Six months ended | Year ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sept. 30, 2000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | |||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | |||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (0.06 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.05 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | |||||||||||||
Total return | 5.7% | * | 4.6% | 4.7% | 5.1% | 4.8% | 5.2% | ||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period ($000) | $ | 33,585 | $ | 38,426 | $ | 33,157 | $8,330 | $5,820 | $4,142 | ||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.50% | * | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | ||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 5.67% | * | 4.61% | 4.47% | 4.95% | 4.71% | 4.95% |
* | Annualized |
| Absent voluntary waivers, the expense ratio would have been 0.91% for the six months ended September 30, 2000, and 0.89%, 1.03%, 1.12%, 1.15% and 1.14% for the years ended March 31, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. |
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(1) Organization
Weitz Series Fund, Inc. (the Company), is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end management investment company issuing shares in series, each series representing a distinct portfolio with its own investment objectives and policies. At September 30, 2000, the Company had four series in operation: the Fixed Income Fund, the Government Money Market Fund, the Value Fund, and the Hickory Fund. The accompanying financial statements present the financial position and results of operations of the Fixed Income and the Government Money Market Funds (each, a Fund). | |
The Fixed Income Funds investment objective is high current income consistent with preservation of capital. | |
The Government Money Market Funds investment objective is current income consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity. The Government Money Market Fund invests principally in debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities and repurchase agreements thereon with maturities not exceeding one year. |
(2) Significant Accounting Policies
The following significant accounting policies are in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the investment company industry. | |
(a) Valuation of Investments |
Fixed Income Fund | |
Investment securities are carried at market determined using the following valuation methods: |
| Securities traded on a national or regional securities exchange and over-the-counter securities traded on the NASDAQ national market are valued at the last sales price; if there were no sales on that day, securities are valued at the mean between the latest available and representative bid and asked prices. | |
| Securities not listed on an exchange are valued at the mean between the latest available and representative bid and ask prices. |
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| The value of certain debt securities for which market quotations are not readily available may be based upon current market prices of securities which are comparable in coupon, rating and maturity or an appropriate matrix utilizing similar factors. | |
| The value of securities for which market quotations are not readily available, including restricted and not readily marketable securities, is determined in good faith under the supervision of the Companys Board of Directors. |
Government Money Market Fund | |
Investment securities are carried at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Pursuant to Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, amortized cost, as defined, is a method of valuing securities at acquisition cost, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount rather than at their value based on current market factors. This method of valuation is used consistently throughout the industry by money market funds wishing to maintain a constant net asset value per share. |
(b) Federal Income Taxes |
Since the Funds policy is to comply with all sections of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of their taxable income to shareholders, no provision for income or excise taxes is required. | |
Net investment income and net realized gains may differ for financial statement and tax purposes. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for Federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year that the income or realized gains were recorded by the Fixed Income Fund. |
(c) Security Transactions |
Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains or losses are determined by specifically identifying the security sold. | |
With respect to the Fixed Income Fund, income dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest, including amortization of discount and premium, is accrued as earned. | |
With respect to the Government Money Market Fund, in computing net investment income, the Fund amortizes premiums and discounts and accrues interest income daily. |
(d) Dividend Policy |
The Fixed Income Fund will declare and distribute income dividends and capital gains distributions as may be required to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. |
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Generally, the Fixed Income Fund pays income dividends on a quarterly basis. All dividends and distributions will be reinvested automatically unless the shareholder elects otherwise. | |
The Government Money Market Fund will declare dividends daily and pay dividends monthly. |
(e) 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 and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increase and decrease in net assets from operations during the period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. |
(3) Related Party Transactions
Each Fund has retained Wallace R. Weitz & Company (the Adviser) as its investment adviser. In addition, the Company has an agreement with Weitz Securities, Inc. to act as distributor for the Funds shares. Certain officers and directors of the Company are also officers and directors of the Adviser and Weitz Securities, Inc. | |
Under the terms of a management and investment advisory agreement, the Adviser receives a management fee equal to 1/2% per annum of the respective Funds average daily net asset value. The Adviser has agreed to reimburse each Fund up to the amount of advisory fees paid to the extent that total expenses exceed 1% of the respective Funds average annual daily net asset value. | |
For the six months ended September 30, 2000, the Adviser waived investment advisory fees of 1/4% per annum of the Government Money Market Funds average daily net asset value. | |
Under the terms of an administration agreement, certain services are being provided including the transfer of shares, disbursement of dividends, fund accounting and related administrative services of the Fund for which the Adviser is being paid a monthly fee. During the six months ended September 30, 2000, the fee was calculated as follows: |
Average annual rate | ||||||||
on Funds daily net assets | Waived | |||||||
Fixed Income Fund | .20% | .20% | ||||||
Government Money Market Fund | .20% | .16% |
The total investment advisory and administrative fees waived by the Adviser are set forth in each Funds Statement of Operations. | |
Weitz Securities, Inc. as distributor, received no compensation for distribution of shares of the Funds. |
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(4) Capital Stock
The Company is authorized to issue a total of five billion shares of common stock in series with a par value of $.001 per share. Ten million of these shares have been authorized by the Board of Directors to be issued in the series designated Fixed Income Fund and 100 million of these shares have been authorized to be issued in the series designated Government Money Market Fund. The Board of Directors may authorize additional shares in other series of the Companys shares without shareholder approval. Each share of stock will have a pro rata interest in the assets of the portfolio to which the stock of that series relates and will have no interest in the assets of any other series. | |
Transactions in the capital stock of the Fixed Income Fund are summarized as follows: |
Six months ended | ||||||||||
Sept. 30, 2000 | Year ended | |||||||||
(Unaudited) | March 31, 2000 | |||||||||
Transactions in shares: | ||||||||||
Shares issued | 65,082 | 1,323,301 | ||||||||
Shares redeemed | (337,683 | ) | (1,837,651 | ) | ||||||
Reinvested dividends | 92,921 | 207,450 | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) | (179,680 | ) | (306,900 | ) | ||||||
(5) Securities Transactions
Fixed Income Fund | |
Purchases and proceeds from maturities or sales of investment securities of the Fixed Income Fund, other than short-term securities, aggregated $275,421 and $1,733,671, respectively. The cost of investments is the same for financial reporting and Federal income tax purposes. At September 30, 2000, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation, based on cost for Federal income tax purposes, were $50,279 and $939,918, respectively. | |
At September 30, 2000, the Fixed Income Fund had tax basis capital losses of $412,112 which may be carried over to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that such carryforwards are used, no capital gains distributions will be made. The carryforwards expire as follows: March 31, 2004 $337,251, March 31, 2005 $14,632 and March 31, 2008 $60,229. In addition, the Fixed Income Fund had deferred capital losses occurring subsequent to October 31, 1999 of $311,142. For tax purposes such losses will be reflected in the year ended March 31, 2001. |
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