Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to enclose the semi-annual report of the operations of MT
Tax-Free Fund, Inc. for the six months ended June 30, 1998. The Fund's
portfolio and related financial statements are presented within for your
review.
As we end the first half of 1998, the 30-year Treasury bond descended to a
record low yield of 5.59% spurred by the strength of the U.S. dollar and
weakness in commodity prices. Asian turmoil has helped put the brakes on
runaway growth in the U.S. economy, in the process restraining the Federal
Reserve from tightening credit. At the same time, a worldwide flight to
quality and a muscle-bound dollar have led investors directly into the U.S.
Treasury market.
The strength of the dollar is helping bonds both directly and indirectly.
Dollar-denominated securities are more attractive and at the same time widening
the trade deficit. Cheap foreign goods have helped keep inflation in check.
On the other hand, it is easy to imagine a sudden jolt of bad news. Unexpected
increases in companies labor costs or fighting in the Middle East would send
inflation higher. The latest Consumer Price Index figures increased at a 2.7%
annual rate over the last six months, up from a 1.9% rate in the prior six
months.
The MT Tax-Free Fund, Inc. began the year at $10.16 and then closed the six
month period at $10.08. The MT Tax-Free Fund, Inc. utilized a partial hedge in
early 1998 to minimize the effects of strong economic growth. Stability of
share price is the primary objective of a partial hedge.
The Fund continues to invest in high-grade Montana tax-exempt bonds. Issues
purchased in the primary and secondary market remain an important strategy in
diversification for the Fund.
Income exempt from federal and Montana income taxes with preservation of capital
remain the chief objectives of the Fund.
Sincerely,
Monte L. Avery Robert E.Walstad
Chief Portfolio Strategist President
Terms & Definitions
- -------------------
Average Annual Total Return
A standardized measurement of the return (yield and appreciation) earned by the
fund on an annual basis.
Consumer Price Index
A commonly used measure of inflation: it does not represent an investment
return.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)
A charge applied at the time of the redemption of which assumes redemption at
the end of the period.
Coupon Rate or Face Rate
The rate of interest annually payable based on the face amount of the bond;
expressed as a percentage.
Lehman Brother's Municipal Bond Index
An unmanaged list of long-term, fixed-rate, investment-grade, tax-exempt bonds
representative of the municipal bond market. The index does not take into
account brokerage commissions or other costs, may include bonds different from
those in the fund, and may pose different risks than the fund.
Market Value
Actual (or estimated) price at which a bond trades in the market place.
Maturity
A measure of the term or life of a bond in years. When a bond "matures", the
issuer repays the principal.
Net Asset Value (NAV)
The value of all your fund's assets, minus any liabilities, divided by the
number of outstanding shares, not including any initial or contingent deferred
sales charge.
Quality Ratings
A designation assigned by independent rating companies to give a relative
indication of a bonds credit worthiness. "AAA", "AA" and "A" indicate
investment grade securities. Ratings can range from a high of "AAA" to a low
of "D".
Total Return
Measures both the net investment income and any realized and unrealized
appreciation or depreciation of the underlying investments in the fund's
portfolio for the period, assuming the reinvestment of all dividends. It
represents the aggregate percentage or dollar value change over the period.
PERFORMANCE AND COMPOSITION
- ---------------------------
Portfolio Ratings
(based on Total Long-Term Investments)
- --------------------------------------
[pie chart]
AAA 48.4
AA 16.9
A 13.8
BBB 12.9
NR 8.0
Quality ratings reflect the financial strength of the issuer. They are
Assigned by independent rating services such as Moody's Investors Services and
Standard & Poor's. Non-rated bonds have been determined to be of appropriate
Quality for the portfolio by ND Money Management, Inc., the investment advisor.
Portfolio Market Sectors
(as a % of Net Assets)
- ------------------------
[pie chart]
I-Industrial 30.0
HC-Health Care 26.3
H-Housing 20.2
S-School 9.8
O-Other 5.2
T-Transportation 4.2
WS-Water/Sewer 2.9
GO-General Obligation 1.4
Market sectors are breakdowns of the Fund's portfolio holdings into specific
Investment classes.
COMPARATIVE INDEX GRAPH
- -----------------------
[line graph]
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the
Montana Tax-Free Fund and the Lehman Bros. Municipal Bond Index
Montana Tax-Free Fund Montana Tax-Free Fund Lehman Bros
w/o CDSC w/ max applicable CDSC Municipal Bond
Index
-----------------------------------------------------------------
8/12/1993 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
1993 $10,268 $9,868 $10,363
1994 $10,093 $9,718 $9,828
1995 $11,390 $11,090 $11,544
1996 $12,019 $11,819 $12,055
1997 $12,736 $12,636 $13,164
06/30/98 $12,937 $12,837 $13,518
Average Annual Total Returns
- ----------------------------
For periods ending June 30, 1998
Since Inception
1 year 5 year Aug.12, 1993
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without CDSC 4.59% NA 5.41%
With CDSC .60% NA 5.25%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Putting Performance into Perspective
The graph comparing your Fund's performance to a benchmark index provides you
with a general sense of how your Fund performed. To put this information in
context, it may be helpful to understand the special differences between the
two. The Lehman Brothers index is a national index representative of the
national municipal bond market whereas the Fund concentrates its investments in
Montana municipal bonds. Your Fund's total return for the period shown appears
with and without sales charges and includes Fund expenses and management fees.
A securities index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike
a fund, the index is unmanaged; there are no expenses that affect the results.
In addition, few investors could purchase all of the securities necessary to
match the index. And, if they could, they would incur transaction costs and
other expenses. All Fund and benchmark returns include reinvested dividends.
Returns are historical and are not a guarantee of future results. The Fund's
share price, yields and total returns will vary, so that shares, when redeemed,
may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Key Statistics
- --------------
12-31-97 NAV(share value) $10.16
06-30-98 NAV $10.08
Average Maturity 22.9 years
Number of Issues 69
Total Net Assets $54,548,882
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule of Investments June 30, 1998
Name of Issuer
Percentages represent the market value of each investment
category to total net assets
Rating Coupon Principal Market
Moody's/S&P Rate Maturity Amount Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MONTANA MUNICIPAL BONDS (97.1%)
Anaconda-Deer River Cty., MT (Arco) Solid Waste Facs. Rev. A/A 6.375% 10/01/16 $1,500,000 $1,624,905
Billings, MT Multifamily Hsg. Devl. Ref. Rev. 97A GNMA Aaa/NR 5.550 12/01/32 2,500,000 2,558,200
Billings, MT Tax Increment Urban Renewal Ref. Baa/NR 7.100 03/01/08 650,000 704,912
Flathead Municipal Airport Auth. (Glacier Park) NR/NR 6.300 06/01/17 2,190,000 2,277,009
Forsyth, MT (Montana Power) Pollution Control Rev. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.900 12/01/23 600,000 639,300
*Forsyth, MT (Montana Power) Pollution Control Rev. MBIA Aaa/AAA 6.125 05/01/23 1,410,000 1,545,289
Forsyth, MT (Montana Power) Pollution Control Rev. Ref. Baa-1/A- 6.125 05/01/23 1,220,000 1,310,902
Forsyth, MT (Montana Power) Pollution Control Rev. Ref. Baa-1/A- 5.900 12/01/23 300,000 313,281
Forsyth, MT (Montana Power) Pollution Control Rev. Ref. AMBAC Aaa/AAA 6.125 05/01/23 4,250,000 4,657,787
Forsyth, MT (Montana Power) Pollution Control Rev. Ref. AMBAC Aaa/AAA 5.900 12/01/23 225,000 239,738
*Forsyth, MT (Puget Sound) Pollution Control Rev. AMBAC Aaa/AAA 7.050 08/01/21 750,000 825,960
*Forsyth, MT (Puget Sound) Pollution Control Rev. AMBAC Aaa/AAA 6.800 03/01/22 565,000 624,528
Forsyth, MT (Puget Sound) Pollution Control Rev. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.875 04/01/20 540,000 572,891
*Great Falls, MT Water & Sewerage Rev. FGIC Aaa/AAA 6.400 08/01/12 300,000 328,107
Hamilton, MT (Valley View Estates) Nursing Home Rev. NR/NR 7.250 05/01/26 250,000 271,835
Lewis & Clark Cty., MT Solid Waste Facs. Rev. A/NR 6.100 10/01/14 250,000 274,563
Lewis & Clark MT Environmental Rev. Asarco Proj. Baa/BBB 5.600 01/01/27 2,300,000 2,350,439
Lewistown, MT Water Syst. Rev. NR/NR 5.700 07/01/15 435,000 468,034
Lewistown, MT Water Syst. Rev. NR/NR 5.700 07/01/16 460,000 495,075
MT (Broadwater Power) Coal Severance Tax Ref. A-1/AA- 6.875 12/01/17 445,000 483,368
MT Board of Hsg., Multifamily Mrtge. FHA Aa/NR 6.150 08/01/26 450,000 458,829
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Mrtge. Aa/AA 6.150 06/01/30 1,245,000 1,271,332
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.250 12/01/17 2,395,000 2,486,992
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.350 06/01/27 1,260,000 1,304,037
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.550 12/01/25 75,000 77,843
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.400 12/01/35 490,000 507,821
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.400 12/01/27 305,000 314,650
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.500 12/01/32 90,000 94,478
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.100 12/01/24 645,000 651,727
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.300 06/01/08 205,000 215,369
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.750 12/01/14 190,000 203,722
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.900 06/01/25 80,000 84,413
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program Aa/AA+ 6.700 12/01/26 285,000 302,054
MT Board of Hsg., Single Family Program FHA Aa/AA+ 5.450 06/01/27 500,000 487,840
MT Board of Invmts. (Workers Compensation) MBIA Aaa/AAA 6.875 06/01/11 200,000 218,344
MT Board of Invmts. (Workers Compensation) Ref. Aaa/AAA 6.875 06/01/20 145,000 159,777
MT Board of Invmts. (Workers Compensation) Ref. Escrowed Aaa/AAA 6.875 06/01/20 85,000 94,012
MT Board of Invmts. (Workers Compensation) Ref. Escrowed Aaa/AAA 6.875 06/01/20 270,000 298,625
MT Hgr. Educ. Student Assistance Corp. Rev. A/NR 6.500 12/01/12 250,000 270,985
MT Hgr. Educ. Student Assistance Corp. Rev. A/NR 6.500 12/01/14 500,000 547,090
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Big Horn Hosp.) Rev. A/NR 5.100 02/01/18 300,000 298,665
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Billings Clinic Deaconess) Rev. AMBAC Aaa/AAA 5.250 02/15/20 1,700,000 1,708,092
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Bozeman Deaconess) Rev. Ref. NR/A+ 5.750 06/01/08 100,000 107,082
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Lewis & Clark Nursing Home) Rev. A/NR 5.100 02/01/18 350,000 348,443
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Lewis & Clark Office Proj.) Rev. A/NR 5.100 02/01/18 150,000 149,333
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Master Loan Program) Rev. A/NR 6.400 10/01/14 450,000 500,958
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Missoula Community Medl. Ctr.) Rev. NR/BBB- 6.375 06/01/18 1,830,000 1,944,265
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Northern MT Care Ctr.-Havre) Rev. Baa-3/NR 6.350 09/01/15 1,000,000 1,059,550
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Sisters of Charity) Rev. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.125 12/01/18 1,800,000 1,772,280
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Sisters of Charity) Rev. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.000 12/01/24 600,000 586,194
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (State Hospital) Hlth. Care Rev. AMBAC Aaa/NR 5.000 06/01/18 840,000 818,336
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. (State Hospital) Hlth. Care Rev. AMBAC Aaa/NR 5.000 06/01/22 1,525,000 1,500,188
MT Hlth. Facs. Auth. Prerelease Ctr. Rev. NR/BBB+ 5.600 10/01/17 750,000 761,415
MT State Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Mission Ridge) Rev. NR/NR 6.300 08/15/26 500,000 504,065
MT State Hlth. Facs. Auth. (Mission Ridge) Rev. NR/NR 7.000 08/15/26 195,000 210,840
MT State Hlth. Facs. Auth. (MT Devl. Ctr.) Rev. A/NR 6.300 06/01/14 500,000 555,300
MT State Hlth. Facs. Auth. (MT Devl. Ctr.) Rev. A/NR 6.400 06/01/19 930,000 1,040,754
MT State Hlth. Facs. Auth. (St. Patrick's) Rev. AMBAC Aaa/AAA 6.625 09/01/12 195,000 212,876
MT State Univ. Rev. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.250 11/15/13 1,165,000 1,199,624
*MT State Univ. Rev.MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.625 11/15/25 1,000,000 1,055,850
MT State Univ. Rev. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.375 11/15/21 1,000,000 1,029,280
Phillips Cty., MT Eastern School Dist. #14 School Bldg. G.O. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.600 07/01/16 155,000 161,174
Phillips Cty., MT Eastern School Dist. #14 School Bldg. G.O. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.600 07/01/15 145,000 150,825
Phillips Cty., MT Eastern School Dist. #14 School Bldg. G.O. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.600 07/01/17 165,000 171,687
Phillips Cty., MT H School Dist. #A School Bldg. G.O. MBIA Aaa/AAA 5.600 07/01/15 290,000 301,649
*Richland Cty., MT (MDU) Pollution Control Rev. FGIC Aaa/AAA 6.650 06/01/22 600,000 667,908
Silver Bow (Butte-Silver Bow) Water Syst. Rev. FGIC Aaa/AAA 6.500 11/01/14 275,000 303,020
University of MT Fac. Impvt. Rev. MBIA NR/AAA 5.000 05/15/21 650,000 644,059
University of MT Fac. Impvt. Rev. MBIA NR/AAA 5.000 05/15/17 600,000 593,778
----------
TOTAL MONTANA MUNICIPAL BONDS (COST: $50,941,993) $ 52,973,553
----------
SHORT-TERM SECURITIES (2.2%)
Federated Tax-Free Trust #73 $ 273,119
Federated Intermediate Municipal Trust #78 903,395
----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM SECURITIES (COST: $1,173,119) $ 1,176,514
----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (COST: $52,115,112 ) $ 54,150,067
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES $ 398,815
----------
NET ASSETS $ 54,548,882
==========
</TABLE>
*Indicates bonds are segregated by the custodian to cover when-issued or
delayed-delivery purchases.
FOOTNOTE: Non-rated (NR) securities have been determined to be of investment
grade quality by the Fund's Manager.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Financial Statements June 30, 1998
Statement of Assets and Liabilities June 30, 1998 (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Investments in securities, at value (cost: $52,115,112) $ 54,150,067
Accrued dividends receivable 7,948
Accrued interest receivable 574,733
Receivable for fund shares sold 130,279
Prepaid Expenses 2,815
--------------
Total Assets $ 54,865,842
--------------
LIABILITIES
Bank overdraft $ 12,397
Dividends payable 219,812
Accrued expenses 64,580
Payable for fund shares redeemed 20,171
--------------
Total Liabilities $ 316,960
--------------
NET ASSETS $ 54,548,882
==============
Net assets are represented by:
Capital stock outstanding, at par $ 5,414
Additional paid-in capital 53,696,562
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain(loss) on investments (1,188,049)
Unrealized appreciation on investments 2,034,955
-------------
Total amount representing net assets applicable to
5,414,247 outstanding shares of $.001 par value
common stock (200,000,000 shares authorized) $ 54,548,882
=============
Net asset value per share $ 10.08
=============
Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 1998 (Unaudited)
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest $ 1,387,016
Dividends 37,885
-------------
Total Investment Income $ 1,424,901
-------------
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees $ 133,569
Distribution (12b-1 fees) 129,170
Custodian fees 3,775
Transfer agent fees 32,090
Accounting service fees 24,932
Professional fees 3,425
Reports to shareholders 1,086
Directors fees 1,887
Transfer agent out of pockets 3,707
License, fees, and registrations 2,200
-------------
Total expenses $ 335,841
-------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME $ 1,089,060
-------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FUTURES
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Investment transactions $ (9,395)
Futures transactions (232,907)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:
Investments (192,877)
Futures 128,949
-------------
Net Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
and Futures $ (306,230)
-------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS $ 782,830
=============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Financial Statements June 30, 1998
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the six months ended June 30, 1998
and the year ended December 31, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Six
Months Ended
June 30,1998 For The Year Ended
(Unaudited) December 31,1997
------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS
<S> <C> <C>
Net investment income $ 1,089,060 $ 1,851,889
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and futures transactions (242,302) (982,732)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
and futures (63,928) 1,540,031
------------------------------------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations $ 782,830 $ 2,409,188
------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Dividends from net investment income $ (1,089,060) $ (1,851,889)
Distributions in excess of net investment income 0 0
Tax return of capital distributions (129,170) (157,457)
Distributions from net realized gain on investment
and futures transactions 0 0
------------------------------------
Total Dividends and Distributions $ (1,218,230) $ (2,009,346)
------------------------------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Proceeds from sale of shares $ 8,096,841 $ 13,656,561
Proceeds from reinvested dividends 799,979 1,323,734
Cost of shares redeemed (1,661,641) (2,434,008)
------------------------------------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Capital
Share Transactions $ 7,235,179 $ 12,546,287
------------------------------------
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS $ 6,799,779 $ 12,946,129
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 47,749,103 34,802,974
------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD $ 54,548,882 $ 47,749,103
====================================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Notes to Financial Statements June 30, 1998 (Unaudited)
Note 1. ORGANIZATION
Montana Tax-Free Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, open-end management investment
company. The Fund incorporated under the laws of the State of North Dakota on
April 15, 1993 and commenced operations on August 12, 1993. The Fund's objective
is to provide as high a level of current income exempt from federal and Montana
income taxes as is consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund will seek
to achieve this by investing primarily in a portfolio of Montana tax-exempt
securities.
Shares of the Fund are offered with no initial sales charge. Shares may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if those shares are redeemed
within five years of purchase.
Note 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Investment security valuation - Securities for which quotations are not readily
available (which will constitute a majority of the securities held by the Fund)
are valued at fair value as determined by ND Money Management, using methods
which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of municipal
bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating,
indications as to value from dealers and general market conditions. ND Money
Management may employ a matrix system to determine valuations. The Fund follows
industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date.
The Fund concentrates its investments in a single state. This concentration may
result in the Fund investing a relatively high percentage of its assets in a
limited number of issuers.
Federal and state income taxes - The Fund's policy is to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated
investment companies, and to distribute all of its net investment income and
any net realized gain on investments, to its shareholders. Therefore, no
provision for income taxes is required. The Fund has available at June 30, 1998,
a net capital loss carryforward totaling $1,074,696, which may be used to
offset capital gains realized during subsequent years through December 31, 2005.
Distributions to shareholders -Dividends from net investment income, declared
daily and payable monthly, are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund at
net asset value or paid in cash. Capital gains, when available, are distributed
along with the last income dividend of the calendar year.
Investment income - Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and
interest income is recognized daily on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts
on securities purchased are amortized using the effective interest method over
the life of the respective securities, unless callable, in which case they are
amortized to the earliest call date.
Futures contracts - The Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts
to hedge against changes in the values of tax-exempt municipal securities the
Fund owns or expects to purchase.
A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell units of a
particular index or a certain amount of U.S. Government or municipal securities
at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into a futures contract, the
Fund is required to deposit with a broker an amount of cash or securities equal
to the minimum "initial margin" requirement of the futures exchange on which the
contract is traded. Subsequent payments ("variation margin") are made or
received by the Fund, dependent on the fluctuations in the value of the
underlying index. Daily fluctuations in value are recorded for financial
reporting purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the Fund. When entering
into a closing transaction, the Fund will realize, for book purposes, a gain or
loss equal to the difference between the value of the futures contracts sold and
the futures contracts to buy. Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to
open futures contracts is required to be treated as realized gain (loss) for
Federal income tax purposes.
Certain risks may arise upon entering into futures contracts. These risks may
include changes in the value of the futures contracts that may not directly
correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities.
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 revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications - Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform
to the current year presentation.
Note 3. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
As of June 30, 1998, there were 200,000,000 shares of $.001 par authorized;
5,414,247 and 4,699,453 were outstanding at June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
respectively.
Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
Shares
------------------------------
For The Six
Months Ended For The Year
June 30, 1998 Ended
(Unaudited) December 31, 1997
------------------------------
Shares sold 800,463 1,353,198
Shares issued on reinvestment of dividends 79,171 131,160
Shares redeemed (164,840) (241,624)
------------------------------
Net increase 714,794 1,242,734
==============================
Note 4. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
ND Money Management, Inc., the Fund's investment adviser, ND Capital, Inc., the
Fund's underwriter, and ND Resources, Inc., the Fund's transfer and accounting
services agent, are subsidiaries of ND Holdings, Inc., the Fund's sponsor.
The Fund has engaged ND Money Management, Inc., to provide investment advisory
and management services to the Fund. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides
for fees to be computed at an annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund's average daily
net assets. The Fund has recognized $133,569 of investment advisory fees after
partial waiver for the six months ended June 30, 1998. The Fund has a payable
to ND Money Management, Inc. of $24,054 at June 30, 1998 for investment advisory
fees. Certain officers and directors of the Fund are also officers and
directors of the investment adviser.
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act, whereby the Fund shall pay to ND Capital, Inc. (Capital), its
principal underwriter, an annual fee for certain expenses incurred by Capital in
connection with the distribution of the Fund's shares. The annual fee paid to
Capital under the Plan is calculated daily and paid monthly by the Fund at the
annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Fund has
recognized $129,170 of 12b-1 fee expenses after partial waiver for the six
months ended June 30, 1998. The Fund has a payable to Capital of $23,359 at
June 30, 1998 for 12b-1 fees. In addition, the Fund has engaged Capital as agent
for the purchase of certain investment securities. For the six months ended
June 30, 1998 commissions earned by Capital totaled $1,250 and are included in
the cost basis of the securities acquired.
ND Resources, Inc., (the transfer agent), provides shareholder services for a
monthly fee equal to an annual rate of 0.16% of the Fund's first $10 million of
net assets, 0.13% of the Fund's net assets on the next $15 million, 0.11% of the
Fund's net assets on the next $15 million, 0.10% of the Fund's net assets on the
next $10 million, and 0.09% of the Fund's net assets in excess of $50 million.
The Fund has recognized $32,090 of transfer agency fees for the six months ended
June 30, 1998. ND Resources, Inc. also acts as the Fund's accounting services
agent for a monthly fee equal to the sum of a fixed fee of $2,000, and a
variable fee equal to 0.05% of the Fund's average daily net assets on an annual
basis for the Fund's first $50 million and at a lower rate on the average daily
net assets in excess of $50 million. The Fund has recognized $24,932 of
accounting service fees for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
Note 5. INVESTMENT SECURITY TRANSACTIONS
The cost of purchases and proceeds from the sales of investment securities
(excluding short-term securities) aggregated $7,496,820, and $4,028,783,
respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
Note 6. INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES
At June 30, 1998, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax
purposes was $52,115,112, and the net unrealized appreciation of investments
based on the cost was $2,034,955, which is comprised of $2,104,149 aggregate
gross unrealized appreciation and $69,194 aggregate gross unrealized
depreciation.
Financial Highlights Selected per share data and ratios for the period indicated
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Period
For The For The For The For The Since Inception
For the Six Year Year Year Year (August 12,
Months Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended 1993) through
June 30, 1998 December December December December December 31,
(Unaudited) 31, 1997 31, 1996 31,1995 31,1994 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 10.16 $ 10.07 $ 10.04 $ 9.39 $ 10.07 $ 10.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income $ .21 $ .46 $ .48 $ .51 $ .50 $ .19
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment and futures transactions (.05) .13 .06 .67 (.66) .09
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income(Loss)From
Investment Operations $ .16 $ .59 $ .54 $ 1.18 $ (.16) $ .28
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Less Distributions
Dividends from net investment income $ (.21) $ (.46) $ (.48) $ (.51) $ (.50) $ (.19)
Distributions in excess of net investment income .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
Tax return of capital distributions (.03) (.04) (.03) (.02) (.02) (.01)
Distributions from realized gains .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 (.01)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions $ (.24) $ (.50) $ (.51) $ (.53) $ (.52) $ (.21)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 10.08 $ 10.16 $ 10.07 $10.04 $ 9.39 $10.07
=======================================================================
Total Return 3.18%(A)(B) 5.96%(A) 5.52%(A) 12.85%(A) (1.70)%(A) 7.00%(A)(B)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $54,549 $47,749 $34,803 $24,055 $11,956 $5,235
Ratio of net expenses (after expense assumption)
to average net assets 1.30%(B) 1.17%(C) 0.96%(C) 0.66%(C) 0.46%(C) 0.12%(B)(C)
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets 4.22%(B) 4.51% 4.76% 5.11% 5.06% 4.84%(B)
Portfolio turnover rate 8.11% 7.91% 7.12% 7.39% 12.46% 26.05%
</TABLE>
(A) Excludes contingent deferred sales charge of 4%.
(B) Ratio was annualized.
(C) During the periods indicated above, ND Holdings, Inc. assumed expenses
of $60,969, $98,321, $99,757, $87,483, and $21,944. If the expenses had
not been assumed, the annualized ratio of total expenses to average net
assets would have been 1.32%, 1.29%, 1.22%, 1.46% and 1.71%,
respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 52,115,112
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 54,150,067
<RECEIVABLES> 712,960
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,815
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 54,865,842
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 316,960
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 316,960
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 53,701,976
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 5,414,247
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,699,453
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (1,188,049)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 2,034,955
<NET-ASSETS> 54,548,882
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 37,885
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,387,016
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 335,841
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1,089,060
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (242,302)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (63,928)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 782,830
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (1,089,060)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> (129,170)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 800,463
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (164,840)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 79,171
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 6,799,779
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 133,569
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 335,841
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 51,536,571
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.16
<PER-SHARE-NII> .21
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (.05)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> (.03)
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.08
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.30<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1>Ratio was annualized.
</FN>
</TABLE>
