Individual decision · SEC · 5 Apr 2013
The SEC staff declines to provide assurance that it would not recommend enforcement action against Copley Fund, Inc. if the fund calculates its deferred Federal tax liability for unrealized gains using a management-developed pre-set formula. The staff determines that this proposed method would not comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or ASC 740, which require recognizing the full deferred tax liability based on the expected tax rate at the time of reversal. Consequently, the staff asserts that Copley must comply with ASC 740 to satisfy Rule 4-01(a)(1) of Regulation S-X and Rule 2a-4(a)(4) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 regarding the computation of net asset value.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
DIVISION OF
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
April 5, 2013
Mr. Philippe M. Salomon
Blank Rome LLP
405 Lexington A venue
New York, NY 10174-0208
Dear Mr. Salomon:
In your letter, dated March 28, 2012, you request assurance that we would not recommend enforcement action to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") under Rule 22c-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act") or Regulation S-X against Copley Fund, Inc. ("Copley"), a Nevada corporation registered under the Act as an open-end management investment company, which has elected to operate as a C Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code ("Code"), if Copley calculates its deferred Federal tax liability for unrealized gains based on a management-developed estimate that is a pre-set fonnula. For the reasons explained below, we are unable to provide such assurance. Background Rule 22c-1 under the Act states, in relevant part, that no registered investment company issuing any redeemable security shall sell, redeem, or repurchase any such security except at a price based on the current net asset value ("NA V") of such security which is next computed after receipt of a tender of such security for redemption. Rule 2a-4(a)(4) under the Act provides, in relevant part, that in computing the NAV of any redeemable security, "[a]ppropriate provision shall be made for Federal income taxes ifrequired" by the registered investment company.' Copley is offering for sale and has outstanding redeemable securities that are subject to Rules 2a4 and 22c-1. 1 From 1970 until1982, Rule 2a-4(a)(4) specifically required provision for Federal income taxes in accordance with Regulation S-X. In 1982, the Commission removed the specific reference, a change made to confonn with amendments to Article 6 of Regulation S-X that were adopted at the same time, and not as a substantive change to Rule 2a-4(a)( 4). Financial Statement Requirements for Registered Investment Companies, Investment Company Act Release No. 12871 (Dec. 6, 1982).
As an investment company registered under the Act, Copley is subject to Regulation S-X, including Rule 4-0l(a)(l) of Regulation S-X, which states, in relevant part, that "[f]inancial statements filed with the Commission which are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles [("GAAP")] will be presumed to be misleading or inaccurate, despite footnote or other disclosures, unless the Commission has otherwise provided." As a C Corporation under the Code, Copley must account for income taxes in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB's") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). ASC 740 indicates that financial statements should reflect the amount of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity's financial statements or tax returns? There is also an assumption that all assets and liabilities of an entity will be recovered and settled, which may result in temporary differences. 3 ASC 740 also provides several examples of items that result in differences between the recognition oftransactions or events for financial reporting purposes and tax purposes. Revenues or gains that are taxable after they are recognized in financial income are included as an example of a temporary difference. 4 Unrealized gains on investments, which are taxable after they are recognized in the financial statements, represent a temporary difference on which a deferred tax liability must be recognized. The recognized deferred tax liability is calculated by multiplying the temporary difference (i .e. , the unrealized gains) by the expected tax rate at the expected time ofreversal. 5 Copley' s proposal to calculate the deferred tax liability based on a management-developed estimate that is a pre-set formula would not comply with GAAP as it would result in Copley recognizing only a portion of the deferred tax liability required by ASC 740 . Conclusion We do not believe that Copley can comply with GAAP or with Rule 4-0l(a)(l) of RegulationSX without complying with ASC 740 . We also do not believe that Copley has demonstrated that, for purposes of Rule 2a-4(a)(4) under the Act, an appropriate provision for Federal income taxes should be made in any manner other than one that is consistent with GAAP . Therefore,, we are unable to assure you that we would not recommend enforcement action to the Commission against Copley under Rule 22c-1 or Regulation S-X if Copley does not comply with ASC 740. 2 FASB ASC 740-10 -10-1(b) . 3 See FASB ASC 740-10-25-20. 4 FASB ASC 740-10-25 -20(a). 5 Se e generally FASB ASC 740-10-10-3 (indicating that the objective is to measure a deferred tax liability using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability is expected to be settled).
If you have any further questions related to this matter, please contact Megan Monroe in the Division ofInvestment Management at 202-551-6950. Sincerely, Douglas Scheidt Associate Director and Chief Counsel Division of Investment Management fJ~{;v~ Chief Accountant Division of Investment Management
BLANK ROME LLP
COUNSELORS AT LAW
Phone: (212) 885-5455
Fax: (212) 885-5002
Email: psalomon@blankrome. com
Office of Chief Accountant
Division of Investment Management
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F. Street, N .E., Mail Stop 4 720
Washington, D.C. 20549-4720
Attn: Jaime Eichen
Re: Copley Fund, Inc.: Request for Interpretive Opinion and No Action Assurance; Rule 22c-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rule 4-0l(a)(l) of Regulation S-X Dear Ms. Eichen:
This Firm represents Copley Fund, Inc. ("Copley" or the "Fund") and on its behalf, submits this letter as a continuation of Copley's prior communication, through counsel, to the Division oflnvestment Management (the "Division") on September 28, 2011 (the "September 28 Letter," annexed hereto as Exhibit A). Copley is hereby requesting a written opinion from the Division permitting the Fund to alter the manner in which it has accounted for deferred tax liability for unrealized gains since 2007. More specifically, Copley proposes to account for its deferred tax liability for unrealized gains by establishing a tax reserve based on a pre-set formula more fully set forth below at pages 11 through 14. Further, it seeks assurances that the Division will not recommend that the Commission commence an enforcement action against Copley should it follow this proposed approach. While Copley has submitted various proposals to the Division regarding how the Fund could more fairly, reasonably and accurately account for its deferred tax liability for unrealized gains, including the September 28 Letter, to date, the Commission has failed to provide a final determination. In the September 28 Letter, Copley sought no-action assurances from the Division if the Fund were to (i) prepare and issue financial statements using a reserve for taxes on unrealized gains based on management's estimates, rather than on the assumption that all assets with unrealized appreciation would be sold at current prices and/or (ii) issue and redeem shares based on current net asset value as so determined, with an explanation of the calculation and a comparison ofthe difference between such calculation of net asset value with a reserve for taxes on all unrealized appreciation. After the submission of that letter, Copley had detailed The Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10174-0208 www.BiankRome.com Delaware • Florida • New Jersey • New York • Ohio • Pennsylvania • Washington, DC • Hong Kong
discussions of the issues with numerous representatives from the Staff on a conference call in the Fall of2011. Thereafter, Copley had expected to receive a written response from the Staff, but has not received any to date. Requiring Copley to set a tax reserve for unrealized gains on the assumption of full liquidation is inconsistent with Copley's investment philosophy of reinvesting dividends and accumulating capital gains and misleading because it substantially understates the Fund's invested assets and net asset value ("NA V"), while overstating its operating expenses. See infra, at 7. To address these circumstances, Copley does not now simply seek approval for the discretion by its management to establish an appropriate reserve. Rather, as discussed more fully below at pages 11 through 12, Copley presents two alternatively defined formulas for calculating the reserve and allowing pre-set means to sell securities in its portfolio to satisfy extraordinary redemptions if necessary. Finally, Copley is prepared to convert to a Regulated Investment Company ("RIC") by a pre-arranged commitment, essentially triggered by the unforeseen event of unusually high redemptions. Accordingly, Copley respectfully requests that a final written opinion or order be issued granting the relief requested. In support, Copley offers this summary of the prior dialogue the Fund has had with the SEC on this issue, incorporates by reference the arguments made in its prior submissions annexed hereto, and submits a new proposal for the Division's consideration, which the Fund believes would result in a fairer and more accurate disclosure of its current and ongoing financial operations. A. Procedural History of this Matter Since 1992, Copley has maintained that the accrual for unrealized capital gains taxes is best represented by a "reserve" established by its Board, rather than the use of a full liquidation value accrual to calculate the Fund's NAV. Until2007, the SEC had never required that Copley change this methodology. It is this structure for which the Fund now seeks no-action relief. In August of2007, the Stafftook issue with Copley's accounting for, and disclosure of, tax reserves for unrealized appreciation in its financial statements filed for the year ended February 28, 2007. In a comment letter dated September 26, 2007 (the "Comment Letter"), the Staff asserted that Copley had failed to account properly for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events recognized in its financial statements, as required by F AS 109 and in violation ofRule 4-01(a)(l) of Regulation S-X, which provides that "financial statements filed with the Commission which are not prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles will be presumed to be misleading or inaccurate, despite footnote of other disclosures, unless the Commission has otherwise provided." (A copy ofthe Comment Letter is annexed hereto as Exhibit B.) It is not clear from the Staffs correspondence what caused it to change its view in 2007 and suddenly to require Copley to change its methodology. In the Comment Letter, the Staff noted that Copley has elected to operate as a subchapter C Corporation, and not a RIC, and that it was unaware of any other investment company that chose not to qualify as a RIC that did not accrue a deferred tax liability associated with its unrealized appreciation. (Ex. Bat 3-4.) The Staff explicitly acknowledged Copley's willingness to convert to RIC status in the event unforeseen circumstances caused gains to be realized that consumed the entire amount of accumulated deferred income taxes that Copley had recognized. (ld. at 5-6.) It did not, however, address- and, to date, still has not addressed -whether conversion would satisfy the SEC's concerns regarding the Fund's tax accounting. By letter dated November 30, 2007, the Division ofEnforcement's Boston Regional Office expressed to Copley its intent to seek immediate injunctive relief against the Fund if it did not adjust its per share NAV to account for the full liquidation liability for tax on unrealized capital gains. (A copy of the November 30, 2007 Letter is annexed hereto as Exhibit C.) To avoid such injunctive litigation with the Commission, Copley's Board approved shortly thereafter an adjustment of the Fund's NAV using the SEC's preferred full liquidation value methodology. On March 21, 2008; the Division of Enforcement informed Copley that it was conducting an informal investigation ofthe Fund into possible violations ofthe securities laws, and requested that the Fund provide certain information on a voluntary basis. The Commission apparently later converted the proceeding into a formal investigation against Copley a11d its CEO Irving Levine for potential violations of certain antifraud provisions, namely, Section 34(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "ICA"), Rule 22c-1(a), promulgated under Section 22( c) thereunder, Section 17( a) ofthe Securities Act, and Section 1 O(b) ofthe Exchange Act and Rule 1 Ob-5 promulgated thereunder; as well as a books and records violation under Section 204 ofthe Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and Rule 204-2 promulgated thereunder. 1 Copley fully cooperated with the investigation. 1 The SEC's request for information and its Formal Order of investigation are not being annexed hereto because they are non-public documents. Copley presumes that the Division has access to those records.
March 28, 2012 ·
On July 18, 2008, Copley was required to restate its historical financial statements to account for the full liquidation value methodology required by the SEC and filed an amended Form N-CSR/A containing a Restated Annual Report to its shareholders. (A copy ofthat filing is annexed hereto as Exhibit D.) On or about November 19, 2008, in an effort to resolve the investigation, Thomas Henry, Esq., Copley's counsel, sent a letter to James S. Goldman, Esq., of the SEC's Boston Regional Office, enclosing a memorandum that described in detail the negative impact of the change 'in methodology and the reasons Copley's original reserve methodology was in the best interests of the shareholders (the "November 2008 Memo"). (A copy ofthe November 19, 2008 letter, with its enclosures, is annexed hereto as Exhibit E.) Among other things, the letter explained that Copley's change in methodology to a full liquidation value accrual'in calculating the Fund's per share NAV had resulted in misleading and inconsistent financial statements that did not reflect the fair or accurate value ofthe Fund's shares. The letter also enclosed a proposed Prospectus Supplement that would provide disclosures to the shareholders necessary for their consideration of the risks associated with this methodology. We understand that correspondence was shared with the Division. Copley has not received a substantive response to the November 19, 2008 letter to Mr. Goldman. In February of2009, Copley was informed by Mr. Goldman that the investigation of the Fund had been reassigned to Lawrence Pisto, Esq., also of the Boston Regional Office. Thereafter, the Staff took testimony of, among others, Irving Levine and Copley's outside accountant, Roy Hale. On October 5, 2009, Mr. Henry sent a letter to Mr. Pisto to follow up on a prior telephone conversation to inquire about the status of the investigation. With that letter, Mr. Henry resubmitted the November 2008 Memo and proposed Prospectus Supplement. (A copy of Mr. Henry's October 5, 2009 letter, with its enclosures, is annexed hereto as Exhibit F.) As detailed therein, Mr. Henry argued that a certain degree of flexibility is appropriate under GAAP and F AS accounting standards and under the SEC rules, and that such flexibility was warranted here. Further, Mr. Henry reiterated Copley's willingness to provide transparent disclosures to its investors and requested a meeting with the Staff. Our understanding is that the requested meeting did not take place. Instead, in a December 2, 2009 letter, the Division responded to Mr. Henry's October 5 letter and asserted that Copley had provided neither any new arguments not previously considered by the Staff, nor any "changes in the Company's circumstances that might cause reconsideration of [the Staffs]
original position." (A copy ofthe December 2, 2009 letter is annexed hereto as Exhibit G.) In that letter, the Division informed Copley that it would again recommend immediate enforcement action if Copley were to submit financial statements that did not comply with ASC 740 (which codified F AS 1 09) by using the methodology required by the Staff. On March 5, 2010, Kevin Kelcourse, Esq., Assistant Regional Director from the Boston Regional Office, informed Mr. Henry by letter that the investigation of Copley and Mr. Levine was officially completed and that the Staff would not recommend enforcement action. Thus, the investigation closed without any penalties. Nonetheless, Mr. Kelcourse's letter reiterated that if Copley did not comply with the requirements ofFAS 109 and/or re-codified ASC 740, the Division of Enforcement would recommend enforcement action by the Commission. (See Exhibit H.) Following the closing of the investigation, Copley and its counsel engaged in further communications with the Staff in an effort to reach a mutually acceptable resolution ofthis issue. For example, on July 15,2010, Mr. Henry exchanged e-mails with Kevin Rupert ofthe Division's Staff concerning proposed modifications to Copley's financial statements. In that exchange, Mr. Rupert acknowledged the unique structure ofthe Fund, stating that, "While we have been firm on not permitting footnotes, this fund has really unusual tax issues, and for this reason an explanatory footnote might be permitted- but I make no promises." (Exhibit I (emphasis added).)2 Finally, on September 28, 2011, Copley, through its counsel, David Faust, Esq., sent the Division the request for no-action assurance referenced earlier. The September 28 Letter explained in detail why the use of the Staffs full liquidation value methodology is inappropriate given the unique nature ofthe Fund, is inconsistent with its investment philosophy, policy and practice, has led to misleading financial statements and reporting that understates the amount of assets under management and does not represent the true value ofthe Fund's shares. (See Ex. A.) Moreover, Mr. Faust explained that the Commission's refusal since 2007 to permit Copley's management to exercise any discretion with respect to deferred tax accounting differed from its treatment of Weyerhaeuser Corporation, which apparently had been permitted to depart from a literal reading of a required tax accounting provision. Indeed, as more fully explained below, the Commission's position with respect to Weyerhaeuser and other similarly situated companies contradicts its position with respect to Copley. 2 The Staff apparently did deviate from its normal practice of not permitting footnotes, as Copley's semi-annual shareholder report for the period ended August 31, 2010, includes footnotes to its financial statements clarifying the nature of the deferred tax liability. (See Ex. J.)
March 28,2012
B. Summary of Copley's Arguments
Copley believes it would be useful to summarize briefly the arguments the Fund has previously presented to the Staff and which it believes continue to support its position.
The Fund is unique.
Copley is a C Corporation, and not a RIC. Although the Fund has some of the characteristics of a RIC, unlike one, up to 70% of the dividend income received, or 70% of the taxable income of the Fund, whichever is less, is exempt from federal taxation under the Internal Revenue Code. The remaining 30% of the Fund's income is taxable. Unlike most funds, the taxable income generated by the Fund is not passed on to the shareholders. Furthermore, contrary to most other funds, Copley has maintained a strategy of not distributing dividends and capital gains to shareholders, but rather, accumulating them within the Fund and then adding them to the value of each share on a daily basis. Shareholders, therefore, are able to defer dividend and capital gains taxes until redemption. To the knowledge of Copley's management, it is the only U.S. open-end mutual fund that operates in this manner. The Division has, in fact, acknowledged the unique tax structure of the Fund. (See supra at 5 and Ex. Il As a result of this method of operation, the risk of Copley incurring a tax liability in excess of the reserve established by the Board is exceedingly remote. Concomitantly, a strict application ofFAS 109 to require a full liquidation value deferred tax liability affects the Fund disproportionately because, unlike a typical C Corporation whose shares are valued by the market, Copley is required to calculate its price daily with respect to its redeemable shares. Thus, the Division's methodology puts Copley at a decisive disadvantage relative to its peer funds because it artificially deflates the Fund's NAV and thereby unfairly makes it appear to the investing public to be a less attractive investment opportunity compared to its competitor funds. 3 Although in its 2007 Comment Letter (see Ex. B), the Staff referred to two other investment companies that have not elected RIC status but record a deferred tax liability, Tortoise Energy Capital Corp. and Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company, as Copley explained in the November 2008 Memo, both are easily distinguishable from Copley because, among other things, they are closed-end funds. (See November 2008 Memo at Ex. E, p. 11, n. 4.)
The Staffs mandated methodology leads to misleading financial accounting.
Beginning in 1992, Copley implemented a policy of regularly monitoring the Fund's potential income tax liability on unrealized gains and accruing a reserve that corresponded with the anticipated actual liability. The estimate ofthe Fund's future liability was based on factors that included anticipated redemptions beyond the ability of the Fund to cover, the Fund's investment strategy and track record of holding dividend paying stocks for the long term, and the fact that the entire deferred liability would be due only in the unlikely event the entire portfolio were liquidated. (See November 2008 Memo, at Ex. E, for a more detailed explanation of the reserve methodology.) During the entire period in which the Board employed this methodology, the reserve was never used. (See November 2008 Memo at 5.) The Fund's use ofthe Staffs mandated methodology, under which it records the entire deferred tax liability, has led to a materially misleading reported NAV since 2007. This result derives from the facts that it (i) does not accurately reflect Copley's investment policy and practice of long-term holdings of its positions; (ii) understates the amount of invested assets actually under management on which gains or losses are actually realized; and (iii) overstates the Fund's operating expense ratio (by including as expenses deferred taxes, which are not actual or realized operating expenses). (See Ex. A at 2-4.) Copley submits that it is in the best interests of the Fund's shareholders to reserve for deferred tax liability in a manner that allows the per share NAV to reflect better the true value of the Fund's shares. As Copley has always assured the Staff, if permitted to do so, it will provide full transparency to investors by, for example, including in its prospectus a clear explanation of the differing effects in pricing, as calculated using the reserve method and the full liquidation value methods. (See, e.g., Ex. E; Ex. F.) Copley recognizes that the SEC may be reluctant to permit its management unfettered discretion to calculate the appropriate reserve and that it may have concerns that Copley, through its prior methodology, may have overstated the value of its shares. Without conceding the validity of those concerns, the Fund is prepared to address this issue and to propose an acceptable resolution. Accordingly, in Section C, below, Copley sets forth a new methodology, whereby the Fund will calculate the reserve using a pre-set formula that it believes will be acceptable to the Commission and should allay any of its concerns.
Copley is willing to convert to a RIC.
As explained in more detail in the memorandum initially provided to the Staff in November of2008, Copley has advised the Staff of its willingness to convert to RIC status in the event unforeseen circumstances caused gains to be realized that consumed the entire amount of accumulated deferred income taxes it has recognized. (See Ex. B at 5-6; November 2008 Memo at Ex. E, pp. 6-8.) As discussed more fully, infra, at 14, conversion to a RIC would be analogous to the restructure and tax treatment sanctioned by the SEC with respect to other entities.
Copley's "reserve" methodology is consistent with the ICA Rules.
Rule 22c-1 promulgated under the ICA requires open-end funds to issue and redeem shares "at a price based on the current net asset value of such security ...." In turn, the rules define "current net asset value" as the "amount which reflects calculations, whether or not recorded in the books of account, made substantially in accordance with the following, with estimates used where necessary or appropriate." ICA Rule 2a-4 (emphasis added). As set forth in more detail in the September 28 Letter, these rules, when read together, do not require the price of the Fund's shares to be exactly the same as its NAV. (Ex. A at 2.) Copley's issuance and redemption of shares based on aNAV that reflects a management determined tax reserve, therefore, does not violate the ICA Rules.
Copley's "reserve" methodology is permissible under GAAP.
The Staff has argued that a management established reserve, rather than a deferred tax liability reflecting the full liquidation, would violate GAAP, and specifically F AS 1 09 and recodified ASC 740. The reserve methodology, however, is actually more consistent with the assumptions, constraints and conventions underlying GAAP than the full liquidation value methodology. For example, under GAAP, there is an assumption that a business will continue to operate as a going concern. (See, e.g., Accounting Research Bulletin 43, Chapter 3: Working Capital, Section A, stating "It should be emphasized that financial statements of a going concern are prepared on the assumption that the company will continue in business."). The Staffs liquidation value method, by contrast, assumes the Fund will close, be sold or entirely liquidated en masse. The use ofthe liquidation value method also contradicts the principles of realization/revenue recognition and matching by effectively transforming a contingent liability into a full, current, realized liability and failing to match current revenue and assets with correct, actual liabilities. Lastly, the use of the liquidation value method is contrary to the principle of adequate disclosure underlying GAAP, in that it presents financial statements that are effectively
Chief Accountant, Division ofInvestment Management misleading because they do not accurately convey the true value ofCopley's shares. (See November 2008 Memo, at Ex. E,_p. 10.) Even assuming, arguendo, that the Fund's proposed reserve methodology would depart from ASC 740, GAAP does allow for certain flexibility where, for instance, the strict adherence to GAAP appears unreasonable under the circumstances and/or would produce unreasonable results. The Commission has appropriately recognized this concept. (See November 2008 Memo at Ex. E, p. 11, n.5, citing the Commission's issuance of rules even for the use ofnonGAAP financials, Release No. 33-8176, 34-17226 (January 22, 2003).) Further, as discussed in Copley's October 5, 2009 letter to Mr. Pisto (Ex. F), the Commission submitted to Congress in 2008 a report on mark to market accounting in which it presented recommendations that suggested the appropriateness of discretion and flexibility, including the application of "judgment" in making market price decisions. Here, the use of the full liquidation value method has produced a skewed and unreasonable result- Copley's per share NAV does not reflect the realistic value of the Fund - and, therefore, such flexibility is warranted.
6. The Commission has permitted management discretion with respect to GAAP and tax
accounting provisions.
We understand from prior correspondence that the Staff apparently has adopted the position that ASC 740 does not allow for any discretion or flexibility with respect to accounting for deferred tax liability. There is, however, evidence to the contrary, as the SEC has permitted certain flexibility to depart from a strict interpretation of GAAP or other tax accounting provisions where doing so would lead to more accurate reporting. First, we are aware of at least two entities- Weyerhaeuser and American Tower Corp. that recently converted from C Corporations into real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and, in doing so, have exercised discretion with respect to accounting for deferred tax liabilities. Upon conversion to REIT status, those entities would be subject to a tax on any "built-in gains" that had accrued as of the conversion date if they recognized gains on the disposition of any assets owned at the time of the conversion during the 1 0-year period following the conversion. Nonetheless, both Weyerhaeuser and American Tower have not accounted for deferred tax liabilities associated with such "built-in gains"- presumably concluding that their likelihood of disposing of such assets within the 1 0-year recognition period is exceedingly remote. (See also discussion of Weyerhaeuser in the September 28 Letter at Ex. A, pp. 7-8.)
To our knowledge, the SEC has not challenged the approaches of either Weyerhaeuser or American Tower. Notably, the conversions to REITs by Weyerhaeuser and American Tower took place in 2010 and 2012, respectively- years after the Commission mandated that Copley not exercise any management discretion with respect to its deferred tax liability accounting. Although the Fund's situation is not entirely equivalent to that of Weyerhaeuser and American Tower, it is sufficiently analogous because like those entities, Copley is seeking to exercise discretion not to account for the full amount of liabilities that are contingent and exceedingly remote. Copley does not understand the SEC's justification for prohibiting it from exercising similar management discretion, but later permitting· Weyerhaeuser and American Tower to do so. Put differently, Copley submits that the SEC's interpretation of ASC 740 as applied to the Fund is fundamentally inconsistent with the deferred tax liability accounting of these two REITs. Second, in at least one instance, the SEC has granted no-action relief permitting an investment company to present its financial statements in a manner that would have been prohibited under a strict interpretation of GAAP. In April of 2008, the Division assured Fidelity Investments that it would not recommend enforcement action against a Fidelity registered investment company called the Gold Portfolio if it consolidated its financial statements with those of its subsidiary, Fidelity Select Gold Cayman Ltd. See Response ofthe Office of Chief Accountant ofthe Division oflnvestment Management to Fidelity Investments, 2008 SEC NoAct. LEXIS 459 (Apr. 29, 2008). Under a technical reading ofthe ICA, the subsidiary might not have been considered an investment company because it was only invested in commodities, which are not considered "securities." !d. at * 10. Therefore, the Gold Portfolio technically was not permitted to consolidate its financial statements with the subsidiary, pursuant to GAAP and Rule 6-03(c)(l) ofRegulation S-X, which preclude consolidation by a registered investment company with an entity that is not an investment company. !d. at *4-*5. The Division, however, accepted Fidelity's argument that notwithstanding those regulations, it would be appropriate to consolidate the financial statements ofthe subsidiary into the Gold Portfolio because it would give shareholders a "more accurate picture" ofthe portfolio and its structure. Specifically, the subsidiary was authorized to invest in securities, would operate as an investment company for all relevant purposes, and was established to act as an investment vehicle for the Gold Portfolio. !d. at * 5, * 15. Copley, likewise, should be permitted flexibility to depart from a strict interpretation of GAAP by formulating a reserve for deferred tax liability that leads to a per share NA V that better, and more accurately, reflects the true value ofthe Fund's shares to the investing public.
For all ofthe reasons summarized here (and others more fully articulated in the attached Exhibits) Copley requests that the Division accept the Fund's proposal regarding its accounting for its deferred tax liability for unrealized gains and issue a final order granting such relief.
C. Copley's New Proposal
In addition to the arguments which Copley has previously advocated, Copley now submits the following two new proposals that, given Copley's circumstances, would result in a fairer and more accurate disclosure to the investing public, together with a more equitable outcome.
March 28,2012
Either alternative will assure investors in the Fund the ability to redeem their shares at the stated, accurate NAV, thus addressing any concerns that the SEC may have previously harbored. (c) Further Safety Valve In any event, under Section 22(e) ofthe ICA, the Fund need not redeem all such shares on the day such requests are received, but instead has seven days to redeem them. The Fund has never failed to redeem on the day requests are made. Although the Fund expects to continue to honor all redemption requests on the day requested, it notes that Section 22(e) provides an additional safety valve. Copley does not believe it is a cogent objection to its proposal to say that if more than 8% ofthe shares are redeemed on one day, then the NAV will somehow be overstated due to an insufficient deferred tax liability. In such case, the Fund would seek relief from the Staff and/or could postpone some redemptions to the next day, or for several more days, or for an appropriately longer period, in which case the NAVon those later days would be adjusted to reflect any updated deferred tax liability. Again, the Fund would be following traditional and accepted industry practice, since hundreds or thousands of funds would in fact defer some redemptions if these requests reached 8%. If they did not, they would have to dispose of assets at a material discount, resulting in an apparently overstated NA V. As discussed above, a fund is presumed under GAAP to be a going concern that will continue in business. (See ARB 43.) In other words, the regulatory framework ofthe fund industry, which promises investors liquidity at a stated NA V, is founded on the premise that there will be an orderly process for large redemptions all at once. For example, if all the investors in Vanguard's S&P 500 Index requested redemptions at the same time, they would, even with a wait of seven days, receive a fraction oftheir expected NA V, if a distressed liquidation were mandated. Of course, either Van guard W<?uld implement gating procedures or the SEC would be expected to provide relief by allowing for a more orderly liquidation in such instance; the core point regarding the assumptions of the regulatory scheme still holds. Copley believes that such a sophisticated approach is appropriate given the unique status and history of the Fund and, in particular, given the treatment apparently afforded to Weyerhaeuser and American Tower, both of which have excluded deferred tax liabilities relating to assets whose sale is considered remote. Copley's alternative rational formulas similarly take into account the fact that the accrual of the full deferred tax liability under the liquidation value
methodology would be exceedingly remote. The Fund believes that the Commission has a regulatory obligation to provide Copley with equal treatment. The Division simply has not addressed the issue ofthis disparate treatment. If the Division's response to the Fund in its September 26, 2007 letter were applied to Weyerhaeuser and American Tower, those companies would have to accrue a deferred tax liability calculated by assuming a liquidation of all their assets. These companies are not special purpose vehicles restricted by covenants designed to limit borrowings ("bankruptcy remote vehicles"). Thus, for example, they may borrow, become overleveraged and have to sell assets. Additionally, they may encounter environmental or other operating liabilities, be subject to large legal claims and be forced to sell assets. Nonetheless, the Commission apparently has taken the position that the prospect of such a disposition of assets is sufficiently remote to warrant a deferred tax liability that assumes there will be no such sale. The Fund respectfully submits that it is likewise entitled to such treatment.
2. Board Resolution to Convert to RIC Status
As discussed above, the Fund has long contemplated conversion to a RIC in the event unforeseen circumstances caused gains to be realized that consumed the entire amount of accumulated deferred incomes taxes it has recognized. To ensure that this occurs as first contemplated by the Board years ago, the Fund has recently enacted new Board resolutions confirming its intent and detailing how and when this RIC conversion shall occur. A redacted copy ofthe Board minutes adopting the Resolutions, on March 23, 2012, is annexed hereto as Exhibit L. The resolutions (Ex. L) provide that if the deferred tax liability, as computed under the proposal described above, reaches an amount equal to 10% of Pre-Tax NA V, defined as the NAV of the Fund plus an amount equal to Copley's deferred tax liability as of the end of such trading day, the Fund will convert to a RIC for tax purposes. Upon such conversion, there would be a further parallel with Weyerhaeuser and American Tower, since those companies have converted from C Corporation to REIT status and have assumed they will not sell assets so as to recognize built-in gain for 10 years, and the Fund will be making the same (or a parallel) conversion and assumption. The Fund, however, will continue to accrue a deferred tax liability in excess of the assumptions employed by Weyerhaeuser and American Tower, as certain asset sales sufficient to support redemptions of the Fund's shares will be assumed. The Fund, unlike Weyerhaeuser and American Tower, does have explicit restrictions on its permitted leverage under the ICA, and is, for all practical purposes, a bankruptcy remote vehicle. Thus, if anything,
Chief Accountant, Division ofInvestment Management the Fund's tax accrual proposal is far more conservative than the practices of Weyerhaeuser and American Tower that are currently sanctioned by the Commission.
Based on the foregoing law, facts and arguments, and those set forth in the Exhibits annexed hereto, CopleY submits that its use of a formulaic reserve in accounting for deferred tax liability, and the Fund's new proposals, will satisfy any concerns the Division and/or the Commission may have. Additionally, the alternative formulas presented herein would substantially mitigate the misleading effects ofthe full liquidation tax reserve calculations currently being employed, as more fully set forth at pages 6 to 9, supra. As the Staff previously has recognized, the Fund, like Weyerhaeuser and American Tower, has a unique investment philosophy and operation and, therefore, requires novel, but equal, treatment. Literally for years, Copley has presented multiple legitimate arguments in support of its position that the Fund and its investors have been treated unfairly given the acknowledged, unique circumstances. And while the Staff has been receptive to a courteous dialogue on these points- including a lengthy conference call with numerous Division·personnellast Fall- it has yet to provide any written explanation regarding the Fund's multiple proposals and the conclusion that they would not result in a more reasonable, accurate and equitable result for both Copley and the investing public. Nor has the SEC explained its apparently disparate treatment of Weyerhaeuser and American Tower, and Copley, with respect to permitting certain management discretion under ASC 740. As a result, Copley respectfully requests that the Division address its prior arguments, as well as the new proposals set forth in this letter, in a final order. We look forward to your favorable response. If you have any questions, or if we can be of further assistance, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues further with you and/or your Staff. Enclosures cc: David I. Faust, Esquire (w/attachments)
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
488 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
WRITER'S DIRECT E-MAIL TELEPHONE (212) 751-7700 davidfaust@frolaw.com FACSIMILE (212) 371-8410 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Division ofInvestment Management Securities and Exchange Commission 100 F Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549-0504 Re: The Copley Fund, Inc. Request for No-Action Assurance Ladies and Gentlemen:
We write on behalf ofthe Copley Fund, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws ofthe State of Nevada and a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "ICA") ("Copley Fund"). Copley Fund seeks assurance from the staff of the Division of Investment Management that it will not recommend enforcement action to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") if Copley Fund (1) prepares and issues financial statements using a reserve for taxes on unrealized gains based on management's estimates, rather than on the assumption that all assets with unrealized appreciation would be sold at current prices and/or (2) issues and redeems shares based on current net asset value as so determined with an explanation ofthe calculation and a comparison ofthe differences between such calculation and the calculation ofnet asset value with a reserve for taxes on all unrealized appreciation. We make this request based on (i) Copley Fund's clear investment policies which have been consistently applied since inception, (ii) explicit language in the applicable regulations which provide for exceptions to fixed rules and permit estimates where necessary or appropriate and (iii) the overriding policy ofthe federal securities laws to promote, ifnot require, full and accurate disclosure of all material information. Factual Background Copley Fund is a regular corporation (C corporation). Like a Regulated Investment Company ("RIC"), Copley Fund seeks to earn dividend and interest income as well as capital gains. Unlike a RJC, Copley is entitled to use the dividends received deduction whereby up to 70% of the dividend income received, or 70% ofthe taxable income ofCopley Fund, whichever is less, is exempt from federal taxation. The remaining taxable income (whether derived from dividends, interest or capital gains) is taxed to the Fund at a current federal tax rate of35%. Dividends, interest income and capital gains are not distributed, but rather are accumulated within Copley Fund and are added to the value of each share on a daily basis. Copley Fund's portfolio securities are all highly liquid and are marked to the market daily. Any increase or decrease in value is reflected in the per share price, which is publically available after the close ofbusiness every day on which The New York Stock Exchange is open. F:\2400-1 01 \Copley'NoAction'OOS.Doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofInvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
Share Price "Based" on NAV
Pursuant to Rule 22c-1 ofthe ICA open end funds, like Copley Fund, are required to issue and redeem shares "*at a price based onthe current net asset value ofsuch security ..." (emphasis added). Current net asset value is defined as "*amount which reflects calculations, whether or not recorded in the books of account, made substantially in accordance with the following, with estimates used where necessary or appropriate" (emphasis added). ICA Rule 2a-4. Rule 2a-4(a)4 provides that in calculating "current net asset value" for use in computing the current price ofredeeq1able securities: "Appropriate provision shall be made for federal income taxes ifrequired" (emphasis added). Rule 2a-4(a)(4) does not define "ifrequired." The above two Rules, read together, do not explicitly require sales or redemptions at "net asset value." Rule 22c-l(a) requires sales or redemptions to be at a price based on current net asset value. Rule 2a-4(a)4 provides for how to calculate net asset value for use ''in computing periodically the price the current price for the purpose of' sales and redemptions. Using "net asset value" to compute a price is not the same as requiring net asset value to be the price. One obvious accepted variation is that commissions and other charges may be added to sale prices and deducted from redemption prices, iffully and accurately disclosed. There is no explicit requirement in the above two Rules to use GAAP, but the Commission has required GAAP in financial statement reporting by registered investment companies. We suggest that, in the case ofCopley Fund, for the reasons set forth below, the Commission should permit Copley Fund to (1) prepare its financial reports and/or (2) issue and redeem shares based on a net asset value calculation which reflects, a management determined tax reserve, so long as there is transparency in explanation as to how the tax reserve and the share price is determined. Copley Fund seeks to price its shares based on a net asset value calculated with a management estimate ofits liability for federal income tax on unrealized appreciation, not on the assumption that the tax reserve should be calculated at a 35% tax rate on all unrealized appreciation. Based on Copley Fund's investment strategy and decades long history oflong-term holding ofits underlying securities, a tax reserve calculated at a 15% tax rate is more descriptive ofCopley Fund's actual need for such a reserve (see below for a further description ofthe tax reserve issue). We suggest, ifyou so permit, that the prospectus contain an explanation of the difference in pricing calculated at each tax rate to maximize transparency to imrestors. See below for an example of the illustration and explanation:
Tax Reserve
Requiring Copley Fund to reports its net asset value with a 35% reserve for federal income tax on unrealized gains, and then requiring Copley Fund to issue and redeem shares based on that calculation is materially misleading for three reasons. F:\2400-1 0 I\Copley"NoAction'005.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division of Investment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
First: It does not accurately reflect Copley Fund's decades long investment policy and practice. Copley Fund's investment policy and p·ractice includes long-term holding ofits investment positions. Its federal income tax liability from inception, expressed as a percentage of earnings are as follows:
Year Ended Tax reserve as% oftotal assets using SEC mandated tax reserve Tax reserve as % of total assets using management determined tax reserve 2/28/2011 20.25% 1.26% (Assuming a management determined tax reserve of$1M) 2/28/2010 18.11% 1.45% (Assuming a management determined tax reserve of $1M) 2/28/2009 15.67% 1.56% (Assuming a management determined tax reserve of$1M) 2/29/2008 20.13% 1.15% (Assuming a management determined tax reserve of $1M) 2/28/2007 20.75% 0.92% 2/28/2006 19.31% 1.00% 2/28/2005 18.48% 1.04% The effect on the price at which Copley Fund may issue and redeem shares is as follows:
Year Ended Share Price
NAV- Tax reserve @35%
Share Price
NAV- Management
Determined tax reserve
2/28/2011 $46.27 $57.31
2/28/2010 $40.21 $48.39
2/28/2009 $35.80 $41.81
2/29/2008 $44.07 $54.56
2/28/2007 $43.71 $54.67
2/28/2006 $38.17 $46.86
2/28/2005 $36.12 $43.88
Second: Calculating net asset value after deduction of an unrealistic "reserve" materially understates the amount ofassets actually under management, and thereby overstates investment results as a F;\2400-l 0 1\Copley'NoAction'OOS.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofInvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission percentage ofassets. The following chart indicates the misleading results. Year Ended Gain/Loss Investment reserve results using SEC tax Investment results with management detennined tax reserve 2/28/2011 $8,364,758 13.26% 10.71% 2/28/2010 $6,583,992 11.71% 9.73% 2/28/2009' ($12,450,117) -22.14% -19.83% 2/29/2008 .· $2,418,380 3.48% 2.81% 2/28/2007 $12,198,111 17.57% 14.04% 2/28/2006 $4,815,279 7.92% 6.45% 2/28/2005 $7,715,251 13.00% 10.70% Third: Calculating net asset value after deduction ofan unrealistic "reserve" materially overstates Copley Fund's operating expense ratio.
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofInvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
fully and fairly disclosed management judgments to be used when particular facts and circumstances warrant a departure from a literal application of a guideline or principle, e.g., where a literal application would be misleading. Financial reporting should not be a simple "check the box" exercise; it should provide useful information for making informed business and economic decisions. To be useful, fmancial statements must be reliable. To be reliable they should be verifiable, neutral, unbiased and represent what really happened or existed during the period or on the date as of which they speak. They also should be comparable i.e. prepared in a similar manner to comparable businesses, tailored to individual cirGUmstances which are fully and fairly disclosed. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other registered investment compames structured or operating like Copley Fund, so the most relevant comparisons are to Copley Fund's own prior reports. This makes it all the more important that deviations in mea5irred outcomes from period to period for Copley Fund should be the result of deviations in performance, not changes in methods. Pursuant to staffcom.ments received in connection with Copley Fund's updating amendment to its registration statement filed on June 6, 2008, Copley Fund was required to file an amended N-CSR/A which contained a "Restated Annual Report to Shareholders." This restatement covered much of Copley Fund's historical financial information including average annual returns, the per share value
table and the financial highlights table.
Prior to this required restatement, Copley Fund's financial statements were completely within the basic framework and objectives ofGAAP. The PCAOB examined the Fund's financials and report thereon for the period ended February 28, 2006 and issued an affirming clean report thereon. The fmancials had been prepared in a consistent manner for 30 years. They were useful because they
continue operating and will not close or be sold.
F:\2400-JOJ\Copley'NoAction'005.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division of Investment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
Principles: Adequate Disclosure: This principle states that all pertinent information should be fully disclosed and in understandable form. Constraints and Modifying Conventions. The modifying conventions include Application of Judgment- an accountant may, indeed should, tailor GAAP to fit specific varied circumstances if the result is reasonable under the circumstances, especially when the strict adherence to GAAP will produce unreasonable results. Assuming- arguendo that the use of the reserve method to determine an appropriate reserve for taxes is a "departure" from GAAP, it certainly appears reasonable under the circumstances relevant to Copley Fund, where the use of the theoretical "full liability" accrual method produces a misleading result, i.e., aper share net asset value which does not reflect the realistic net assets of the Fund, distorts performance and expense ratios, and disables redeeming shareholders from receiving their fair proportionat~ share of Copley Fund assets. Copley Fund is unique. To its knowledge, it is the only registered investment company which is a C corporation for federal tax purposes. As an open-end registered investment company, Copley Fund's share price is based upon a mark to market NAV as opposed to a value based on supply and demand for its shares. If Copley Fund were permitted to revert to its pre-2008 method of determining its tax reserve with full disclosure, as now requested, prospective investors would know what it costs to buy a share and investors would know what they would get by redeeming a share, with the assurance that they were getting a fair and fully transparent price on purchase or redemption. IfCopley Fund's methodology is applied consistently, as it was in the past (pre 2008), and is fully disclosed all shareholders and prospective shareholders through ample disclosure, comparisons with other mutual funds will be facilitated and will not result in overstated performance, by understating the amount of investable assets which are "at work" to produce income or loss or by grossly misleading reported expense ratios. For this reason alone the use of a reserve method falls well within the judgment parameters ofGAAP. While Copley Fund believes that its pre 2008 financials historically were compiled and presented in accordance with GAAP, the modifying conventions make clear that GAAP is not "carved in stone" and that variations are made and considered acceptable. If nothing else, GAAP and FAS 109 are not clear on the appropriate calculation of a tax accrual particularly in view of the fact that the "inherent assumption" underlying F AS 109 is not present given the particular circumstances of the Fund. F:\2400-1 01\Copley'NoAction'OOS.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofInvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
CONCEPTS OF FAIR VALUE <
Copley Fund is currently valued at its liquidation value. Simply put, this does not represent the fair value of the Fund's shares. It ignores reality and misstates the assets of the Fund. Utilization of a full liquidating value accrual method is contrary to the basic "going concern" assumption of GAAP that Copley Fund will continue operating and will not precipitously liquidate all ofits security positions. The use ofthe full liquidating value method in Copley Fund's circumstances makes the exact opposite assumption, that all portfolio securities will be liquidated as at the end of each reporting period. This simply is not the case and is therefore unrealistic and misleading. On September 30, 2008, the SEC's Office of the ChiefAccountant issued a press release (2008
234) which addressed fair value accounting stating that "(t)he current environment has made questions
surrounding the termination offair value particularly challenging for preparers, auditors, and users of financial information". While not precisely on point, the concepts addressed in the release are applicable to this request. The release makes clear that Management's internal assumptions can be used to measure fair value. It acknowledges that the determination offair value often requires significant judgment; particularly in unusual or atypical circumstances. The release also concludes that clear and transparent disclosures are critical to providing investors with an understanding ofthe judgments made by management. An example ofwhere the Commission accepted a management determined departure from a strict, literal reading of a "required" tax accounting may be found with Weyerhauser Corporation, ("WY"). In 2010, WY converted from a "C" corporation to a real estate investmenttrust ("REIT"). Paragraph 28 ofSFAS No. 109, Accounting/or Income Taxes, (ASC 740), provides, in part, that, " ... an enterprise's tax status may change from ... taxable to non-taxable .... A deferred tax liability or asset shall be eliminated at the date an enterprise ceases to be a taxable enterprise .... The effect of an election for a voluntary change in tax status is recognized on the approval date or on the filing date if approval is not necessary .... The effect of recognizing or eliminating the deferred tax liability or asset shall be included in income trom continuing operations ... " Treasury Reg. Sec. 1.337(d)-7(a) provides that ifproperty owned by a "C" corporation becomes the property of a REIT in a conversion transaction, then "Sec. 1374 treatment" will apply unless the "C" corporation elects "deemed sale" treatment with respect to the conversion transaction. Apparently, WY did make a Section 1374 election. Therefore, ifWY, during the 1 0-year recognition period commencing on the conversion date, recognizes gain on the disposition of assets owned at the time of its conversion, it will be taxed on such gain (to the extent the gain had "economically accrued" as of the conversion date) at the highest marginal corporate tax rate. F:\2400-1 0 1\Copley'NoAction'005.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofInvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
Nevertheless, WY eliminated its deferred~ liabilities accumulated as a result of certain "taxable temporary differences", primarily resulting~ from djffer€mces between the carrying amount and tax basis ofits depreciable property, as ofthe first gay ofthe first taxable year for which its REIT election became effective. Therefore, WY must have concluded that the likelihood of its disposing of its built-in gain assets prior to the expiration ofthe recognition period was exceedingly remote and, accordingly, chose to eliminate its deferred tax liabilities based on this judgment. Apparently, the Commission has not challenged WY's position. We requesj tha~ Copley Fund be afforded similar flexibility to exercise judgment in determining its tax reserve,. In light ofCopley Fund's record and longstanding policies, its management should be permitted to ~ccrue and report an estimated deferred tax liability rather than a "mechanical" one. This would morefairly present Copley Fund's financial position and its results of operations and avoid the misleading re.porting described above. Copley Fund believes that it has demonstrated-~ clear and compelling rationale as to why the use ofthe Board's reserve accrual methodology best represents a fair value for its shares. It also believes that the disclosures made in the attached proposed Supplement to the Fund's Prospectus provides clear and transparent disclosures with respect to }?otlj the methodology and rationale used by the Board as we11 as the risks inherent therein. The static application of an accounting cohc~pt (F AS 1 0_9 treatment of a deferred tax liability) that is equivalent to liquidation accounting serves to u.ndef'alue the true fmancial position ofthe Fund. It operates to overstate dividend yield and expense ratios and understate performance for comparison purposes. Redeeming shareholders do not receive their proportionate share of Fund assets. Management ofthe Fund has, since 1992, attempted to reflect in the financial statements a deferred tax liability to the extent that management anticipates, in an exercise oftheir best, good faith business judgment that such a liability exists. Deferred income tax liabilities are at best an estimate due to the nature of changing income tax rates, tax law and regulations. As demonstrated elsewhere herein, when management was permitted to exercise its judgment in determining a tax reserve for Copley Fund it never underestimated the Copley Fund's actual liability for taxes. Expense Ratio Copley Fund's actual expense ratio, after a consistent and voluntary $60,000 per year advisory fee waiver Copley Fund's advisor have been maintained below 1.25%. These ratios, on average, are well below the average ratios of all equity funds, which ranged from 1.44% to 1.07% over the same period. Investment Company Institute, Fees and Expenses ofMutual Funds, 2007. Ratios for equivalent small funds are much higher. Under the SWf-mandated ''full tax liability" reserves, Copley Fund
ratio was increased to 5.54% (!)for the year ended February 28, 2010- with no increase in actual fees!- which is grossly misleading. F:\2400-1 0 I \Copley'NoAction'005.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division of Investment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
SUMMARY
The Fund's overall structure, investment strategies and operating philosophy have not materially changed since its inception in 1978. Its underlying principles and strategies have been consistent, year to year, and the overriding concern of Management and the Board ofDirectors always has been the welfare ofthe individual shareholders. Every effort has been made to operate Copley· Fund in the best in~~re:Sts ofthe shareholders and to reflect the true value ofthe Fund's assets in its net asset value. This effort has been thwarted by compelling the Fund to use a full liquidating value accrual with respect to the Fund's unrealized appreciation. Copley Fund is required by Rule 22c-1a to issue and redeem, its shares at a price based on current net asset value. Rule 2a-4a defines current net asset value and specifically states that with respect to NAV calculations "estimates (maybe) used where necessary or appropriate". That Rule also provides that "(a)ppropriate provision shall be made for Federal Income Taxes ifrequired" (emphasis added). There is no explicit requirement however that the full liquidating liability tax accrual be used in calculating net asset value on which the daily issue and redemption price ofits shares must be based. For the reasons set forth above the Board of Directors believe that neither GAAP nor FAS 109 mandate a liquidating liability accrual. On the other hand, the Board does believe it clear that the use of a full liquidating liability accrual does not represent a fair value with respect to the price ofCopley Fund's shares. In fact, the application of such a methodology is unrealistic, misleading and operates to the detriment of Copley Fund and its shareholders. As demonstrated above, the risk ofthe Fund incurring a tax liability in excess ofthe Board established reserve is practically nil. Copley Fund believes that this risk should be assessed and either accepted or rejected by the shareholders with the staffproviding guidance related to the risk disclosure. Of course, Copley Fund would be receptive to any disclosure comments made by the staff and would make every effort to include them in all disclosure documents. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of2002 was a legislative directive to make financial disclosure more
meaningful and less boiler-plate and required management to sign offpersonally on the material
accuracy offinancial statements. Copley Fund's management, since 2008, has faced the Hobson's
Choice of either signing off on financial disclosures which, in its honest, reasoned and good faith
view, are materially misleading OR violate the SEC staffs directive on the calculation of Copley
'It should be noted that "based on" is not synonymous with "at."
F:\2400-10 l \Copley'NoAction'005.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofInvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
Fund's tax reserve. Neither choice is consistent with GAAP's objectives or with the purposes ofthe Securities laws, rules and regulations. Conclusion The basic objective ofaccounting policies, and ofthe statutes, rules and regulationswhich govern the United States securities markets, is to provide investors and prospective investors with materially accurate information. . We believe that, if allowed to proceed as requested, the investors in the Copley Fund will be provided with sufficient, accurate information as to the method of calculating the price at issuance and redemption ofshares based on current NAV including a tax reserve at the management determined rate. Further, we believe that even ifthis calculation of the tax reserve would be a technical deviation from GAAP, it would not violate the fundamental principles of GAAP and would avoid the misleading calculations which Copley Fund is now required to take and which results in misleading information to investors and prospective investors. We believe that full, transparent, non-misleading disclosures to investors and prospective investors should be the paramount consideration, and not an unnecessarily restrictive interpretation ofGAAP which is not applicable in the particular circumstance of the Copley Fund and which results in misleading information to investors and prospective investors. On behalf of the Copley Fund, we hereby request that the Staff give its assurance that it will not recommend that the Commission take enforcement action ifthe Copley Fund proceeds in the manner set forth in this letter by specifically, (a) reverting tousing a management determined tax reserve in all ofits financial reporting and/or (b) continuing to use the Commission's mandated tax reserve in its financial reporting but being permitted to offer and redeem shares at a net asset value calculated with a management determined reserve for federal income tax, with full disclosure as to methodology and effect. I would be pleased to provide any additional information you request, to answer any questions you may have and to meet with you at your convenience to discuss any or all aspects of this request. Ver)Z1ml~ yours, FAU~··. -= -~, .. \ . ·- -..._·-.. , -. { By: . : ~ David I. Faust F:\2400·1 0 I \Copley'NoAction'005.doc
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.20549
. OIYIIIONO,.
September 26, 2007
Irving Levine
President
Copley Fund, Inc.
245 Sunrise Avenue
Palm Beach, Florida 33480
Re: Copley Fund, Inc. (the "Company")
Rle Numbers: 2-60951 and 811-2815
Dear Mr. levine:
We are sending this letter to you as a follow-up to our teleconference with Thomas Henry and Roy Hale held on August 16, 2007. We have comments and questions with respect to the Company's financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2007 ("2007 FS") filed In a Form N-CSR on May·9, 2007. Mr. Hale, the Company's independent accountant audited the 2007 FS and Mr. Henry serves as the Company's counsel. The Company has not elected to operate as a regulated Investment company ("RIC") under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. Thus, the Company Is taxed as a subchapter c Corporation. Our concerns primarily relate to the Company's accounting and reporting of the effects of Income taxes. While It appears that the Company has recorded Its portfolio securities at market prices In accordance with
Section 2(a)(41} of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act'1,
resulting In $53,994,093 of unrealized appreciation, we believe it has failed to measure and disclose the future tax consequences related to this appreciation, In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"}. ;t, Accounting and RePorting for Income Taxes in Accordance with GMP The Financial Accounting Standards Board's {"FASB'f) sta~ement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting For Income t7xes ("FAS 109'') establishes the financial accounting and reporting standards for the effects of income taxes that result from an enterprise's activities during the current and preceding years. Paragraph 6 of FAS 109 states that t.~e
objectives of accounting for Income taxes are to recognize (a) the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and (b) deferred tax llabllltles and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized In an enterprise's financial statements or tax returns. Paragraph 11 of FAS 109 sets forth a key concept underlying the
recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Paragraph 11 provides
that:
An assumption Inherent In an enterprise's statement of financial position prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles js that the reported amounts of assets and liabilities will be recovered and settled. respectively. Based on that assumption, a difference between the tax basis of an asset or a liability and Its reported amount In the statement of financial position will result In taxable or deductible amounts In some future year(s) when the reported amounts of assets are recovered and the reported amounts of liabilities are settled. (Emphasis added.) · Paragraph 11 also provides several examples of Items that result In differences between the recognition of transactions or events for financial reporting purposes and for tax purposes. Revenues or gains that are taxable after they are recognized In financial Income are Included as an example of this difference. In Paragraph 11(a). The FASB considered whether the deferred tax consequences of taxable temporary differences truly represent a liability for fl'nanclal reporting purposes. The FASB concluded that the deferred tax consequences do represent liabilities. Paragraph 78 of FAS 109 states:
An enterprise might be able to delay the future reversal of taxable temporary differences by delaying the events that give rise to those reversals, for example, by delaying the recovery of related assets or the settlement of related liabilities. A contention that those temporary differences will never result In taxable amounts, however, would contradict the accounting assumption inherent In the statement of financial position that the reported amounts of assets and liabilities will be recovered and settled, respectively; thereby making that statement Internally lnconslste[lt. For that reason, the Board concluded that the only question is when, not whether, temporary differences will result In taxable amounts In future years. (Emphasis added.). Paragraph 16 of FAS 109 provides that, with respect to recognition and measurement, "[a]n enterprise shall recognize a deferred tax liability or asset for .9JJ. temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit. carryforwards In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17". (Emphasis added.)' Paragraph 17 states:
Deferred taxes shall be determined separately for each tax-paying component (an Individual entity or group of entitles that Is consolidated for tax purposes) In each tax jurisdiction. That determination Includes the following procedures:
•
•
a. Identify (1). the types and amounts of existing temporary differences and (2} the • nature and. amo1int of each type of operating loss and tax credit carryforward and the remaining length of the carryforward period b. Measure the total deferred tax liability for taxable temporary differences using the applicable tax rate (paragraph 18)
c. Measure the total deferred tax asset for deductible temporary differences and
operating loss carryforwards using the applicable tax rate d. Measure deferred tax assets for each type of tax credit carryforward e. Reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it Is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than SO percent) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance should be sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that is more llkelx than not to be realized.
Company) that chooses not to qualify as a RIC and does not accrue a deferred tax liability associated with Its unrealized appreciation.
2. Summarv of the Company's Tax Presentation
The statement of operations-In the 2007 FS shows a provision for income taxes of $283,481 and the statement of assets and liabilities shows deferred Incomes taxes of $807,345 (referencing notes 1 and 2), accrued income taxes-current of $137,125, and net unrealized appreciation of Investments of $53,994,093. Notes 1 and 2, In pertinent part, state:
Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies
Income Taxes
The Fund flies tax returns as a regular corporation and accordingly the financial statements include provisions for current and deferred Income taxes. New Accounting Pronouncements. On July 13, 2006, The Flnandal Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released FASB Interpretation No. 48 "Accounting for Un~erti;!lnty In Income Taxes" ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed In the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to l:>e taken In the course o.f pr~p.arlng, the IW'lP's t~x returns to determine whether-the lax positions are "more-likely-than-not" of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. T<.~x positions not deemed to meet the morelikely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year.-Adoption of FIN 48 Is requtrea for flseal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and Is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. At this time management believes that the adoption of FIN 48 will have no Impact on the financial statements of the Fund. Note 2 Federal and State Income Taxes
The Fund provides deferred taxes for unrealized appreciation on Its Investment portfolio to the extent that management anticipates that a liability may exlsi: based upon the Fund being a going-concern entity. If the Fund's Income tax liability should exceed the amount of current and deferred Income taxes, for an unforeseen reason, the Fund's Board of Directors Is prepared to take the necessary steps to convert the Fund to a Regulated Investment Company (RIC). Income tax obligations associated with the conversion to RIC status will be recognized when the Board -of Directors directs that a conversion be Implemented. It is not the Intent of management or the Board of Directors to convert to RIC status In the foreseeable futur~. The amount of deferred taxes currently available to the Fund Is $807,345. The difference between the effective rate on Investment and operating Income and the expected statutory rate Is due substantially to the use by the Fund of the dividends received deduction. •
•
The Fund has $1,908,9371n accumulated capital loss carry forwards which. expire as • follows: $1,600,732 on February 26, 2008; ari~ $308,205 on February 28, 2009. The Fund Is qualified and currently conducts business In the State of Florida. The Fund Is subject to Florida corporate taxes but Is not subject to alternative minimum tax In any year In which the Fund does not pay a federal alternative minimum tax. It Is our understanding that you assert that the Company does not need to record the entire deferred tax liability associated with the unrealized appreciation on the Company's books and records because:
a. The Company maintains a cash position to assist It In meeting redemptions; b. The capital loss carryforwards will shelter some amount of c;:apltal gains;
c. The Company could first sell securities without unrealized
appreciation to meet redemptions; d. The Company has recorded a deferred tax liability of $807,345 which would shelter some capital gains;
recognized. You acknowledge that If the Company elects a conversion to • RIC status, It might be required to have a deemed sale of all appreciated securities and thus be required to recognize the tax associated with such deemed sale. You believe this Is similar to a C corporation converting to a subchapter s corporation and you assert that the'.IRS has issued regulations that permit a C corporation to defer the tax on any appreciated property held for 10 years or more following the conversion to S corporation· status. You believe the Company's conversion would be similar and that the Company should be able to argue to the IRS that, provided. the Company held the appreciated securities for over ten years following conversion to RIC status, the deemed sale provisions should not apply.
3. Staff Questions Regarding Accounting and Reporting for
Income Taxes ·
A. Appreciation of portfolio securities represents revenue to the Company that Is taxable after It Is recognized In financial Income. Accordingly, portfolio appreciation Is a temporary difference thattrlggers the recognition of a deferred tax liability under FAS 109 and the Audit Guide. As discussed in paragraph 78 of FAS 109, the issue Is not whether Jnc·ome taxes wlll ultimately be due on the appreciation of portfolio secyrities, but when such taxes will be due. The FASB directly refuted the notion that a delay In recognition does not mean that a temporary difference, (such as the future Company's years. unrealized Accordingly, appreciation), delaying a will sale not or resultJn rationalizing taxable the amounts delay of a In sale
has no bearing on the recognition of a deferred tax liability associated with
the unrealized appreciation of that position.
The Company appears to have estimated some amount of deferred tax liability using the factors previously discussed in Section 2 of this letter, recording $807,345 as of the last financial statements. However, we believe this amount is materially understated based on the temporary differences resulting from the appreciation of portfolio securities as of the date of the last financial statements. Further, the mechanics and specific assumptions underlying this estimate are undisclosed. · • Paragraphs 16 and 17 of FAS 109 require that a company recognize a deferred tax liability for all temporary differences existing as of the date of the financial statements. Paragraph 17(b) specifically requires measurement of the total deferred tax liability for taxable temporai-y differences using the applicable tax rate.
Please explain why the total deferred tax liability for temporary
differences arfsfng from appreciation of portfolio securities WiJS ·not recorded and reported In accordance with FAS 109. · B. The Company has disclosed the existence of capitaJioss carryforwards which it intends to use to offset future taxable Income. The Company has asserted that the existence of these capital loss carryforwards, In part, obviates the need for It to recognize deferred tax liabilities related to the appreciation of portfolio securities. Paragraph 17 of FAS 109, however, provides specific instructions for the measurement and recognition of deferred tax assets associated with the future tax benefits attributable to capital loss carryforwards. Such future tax benefits should be measured and recognized separate from the measurement and recognition of deferred tax liabilities. ·· Please explain why the Company has not separately measured and recognized deferred tax assets for the capital loss carryfo~.9rd:S and other
applicable future tax benefits in accordance with FAS 109....
C. It appears that the Company has not provided all of the dtsclosures
required under FAS 109, as described In Paragraphs 41 through 47 of the standard. Please explain why the Company did not provld~..all of the disclosures required under FAS 109 within the notes to tne financial statements. · D. We believe the Company has a clear obligation to account for Income taxes In. accordance with GAAP, which Includes the requirements established by FAS 109. Rule 4-01(a)(1) of Regulation S-X provides that "[f]lnanclai statements flied with the Commission which are not prepared In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles will be presumed to be misleading or inaccurate, despite footnote of other disclosures, unless the Commission has otherwise provided." Pfease explain why the Company's apparent failure, as outlined In this. letter, to comply with FAS 109, a generally accepted accounting priflCiple, does not make the Company's 2007 FS misleading.
statements, to demonstrate the significance of this Issue to the Company,Ats shareholders, and its prospective shareholders. Unrealized Appreciation $ 53,994,093
•
•
We urge all persons who are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of the disclosure In the filings reviewed by the staff to be certain that they have provided all Jr:lformatlon Investors require. Since the Company and Its management are in possession of all facts relating to a Company's disclosure, they are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of the disclosures they have made. · · In connection with your response to our comments, please provide, in writing, a statement from the Company acknowledging that:
the Company Is responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the
disclosure In the filings;
staff comments or changes to disclosure in response to staff comments.
In the filings reviewed by the staff do not foreclose the Commission from taking any action with respect to the filing; and _, .;
•
the Company may not assert staff comments as a defense In any
proceeding Initiated by the Commission or any person under the
federal securities laws of the United States.
Assistant Director, Office of Disclosure and Review
Division of Investment Management
. •~~;- .. "' -· ..
UNITED STATES
SEC'ORJTIES AND EXCHANGE COMMJSSlON
BOSTON RltGJONAL OFFICE INIIt'I'I.Yl)ol(II'IJ!,.SI!QUOili . l3RDFLOOR 33 ARCH STRE!:T BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110.1424 RY .FACSIMILE (410) 745-5802 and FIRST CLASS MAIL November 30, 2007 Thoma.'i C. Hcmy, Esq. Roberts.& Henty · 164 Honeysuckle Drive Jupiter. FL 33458 Re: ~pley t"und. Inc. CB-02335) Dear Mr. liOlU)':
This Jetter confirms today's telephone conversation in which thu .starr advised you that it intends to recommend that the Commission bring an emergency civil injunctive ·action against your client,' Copley Flmd, Inc.. alleging that it violated both Rule 22c-l promulgated under
Section 22(c) ofthe Investment Company Act of 1940 as well as Section 34(b) of the Investment
Company Act. In connection with the contcmplated.actionJ the staffmay seek preliminill)' and permanent injunctions (including a preliminary order barring the Copley fund from selling or redeeming shares at l:l net asset value that is not calculated in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles), civil monetary penalties and other relief. In accordance with Rule 5(c) of the Commission's Rules on lnformaJ and Other Procedures, 17 C.F.R. § 202.5(c), we aro otlering your client the oppOrtwlity to make a Wells Submission. We enclose for your infon~atiop a copy of SecurHics Act Release No. 531 0 entitled "Procedures Relating to the Commencement of Enforeement ~roceedings l:IIld Tennination of Staff Investigations." If your client wishes to make a written QI videotaped submtssion setting forth QflY rca.CJons of Jaw. policy or faci why it believes the civil injunctive action should not be brought, or bringing any tacts to the Commission's Httention in connection with its considemtion ofthis matter, you should forward the submission to me by no later than Decembe1· 5, 2007. Any written submission should be limited to 40 pages. and any video submission should not exceed 12 minutes. Any submission should be sent to:
-e.! ... .,...,., .....
Thomas C. Henry, F.sq.
November 30, 2007
LeeAnn 0. Gaunt
Assistant R~gional Director
Securities and Exchange Commission
33 Arch Street. 23rd Floor
Boston. MA 02110-1424 .
In the event the staff makes an ooforcement recommendation to the Commission on this matter, we will foiWatd any submission that you make Lo the Commfssion. Please be advised that the Commission may use the information contained in such asubmjssion as an admis.c;ion, or in iiDY other manner pcnnitted by the Federal Rule!:t of Evidence, in connection with Commission enforcement proceedings, or otherwise. This practice is explicitly provided for in the list ofRoutine Uses ofInformation (Item 4), which is contained in Fonn 1662, "Supplemental Infonnation for Persons Requested to Supply lnfonnation Voluntarily or Directed to Supply Information Pursuant to a Cornrnission Subpoena.'' For your in formation, aeopy ofFonn 1662 is enclosed. Please also be advised that any submission you make may be discoverable by third parties in accordance with appl£able law. lfyou have any questions, please contact me at 617-573·8945. ~?JI(J!Jat,#- LeeAnn G. Gau.nt Assistanl Regional Director Enclosures: Securities Act Release No. 5310 SEC Fonn 1662
IT I»
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N-CSR/A 1 vl20186 ncsra.htm
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM N-CSR Amended
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NUMBER 811-2815 COPLEY FUND, INC. (Exact name ofregistrant as specified in charter) 5348 Vegas Drive
Suite 391
Las Vegas, NV 89108
(Address ofprincipal executive offices) (Zip code)
Irving Levine, President
5348 Vegas Drive
Suite 391
Las Vegas, NV 89108
(Name and address ofagent for service)
REGISTRANTS TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: 1-561-744-5932 DATE OF FISCAL YEAR END: FEBRUARY 29, 2008 DATE OF REPORTING PERIOD: FEBRUARY 29, 2008 Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the commission not later than I 0 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-l under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-I). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles. A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("O:MB") control number. Please direct comments concery-ting the accuracy ofthe information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/112012
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Item I. Annual Report
RestatedAnnual Report
February 29, 2008
COPLEY FUND, INC.
A No-Load Fund
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
FEBRUARY 29, 2008
Table of Contents
Title
Shareholder Letter and Management's Discussion of Fund Performance Per Share Value Graph Comparative Performance
Page
l- Z
±
!i http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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Independent Auditor's Report fi
Portfolio of Investments 1.-.2.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 10
Statement of Operations ll
Statement of Changes in Net Assets 12
Statement of Cash Flow 13.
Notes to Financial Statements
14 -.lll
Financial Highlights 20
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 21
Supplemental Data 22
General 22
Voting Proxies on Portfolio Securities
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
Inside Back
About the Fund's Directors and Officers Cover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tel: (508) 674-8459
Fax: (508) 672-9348
COPLEY FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
Adviser and Administrator to Copley Fund, Inc.
Post Office Box 3287
Fall River, Massachusetts 02722
April 2008
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
November 30, 2007, was an eventful day for the Copley Fund. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) compelled us to change our method of accounting for deferred income tax on all unrealized gains. The unrealized gain in our approximately $90 million portfolio was about $60 million. This accounting change reduced our per share value by $13.89 by increasing a deferred liability to a level that would be realized only if the entire appreciated portfolio was liquidated. This change did not affect the total assets of the Fund and they remain intact. The Board immediately began to explore ways in which the Fund might be able to restore some or all of this reserve to the NAV. One of these avenues, a change in the Fund's state venue from Florida to Nevada, provided a direct benefit to the Fund by reducing our per share adjustment to approximately $12.00 per share. During our thirty years of existence we had always maintained a reserve for unrealized gains which has always been more than sufficient to cover any capital gains tax liability. As you consider this issue, it is important to note that the only way we would have to actually pay out the full reserve would be an entire liquidation of Copley Fund. Obviously we do not intend to liquidate and go out of business. Management and the Board of Directors strongly disagree with the SEC's position and are actively attempting to identify and pursue any alternatives which may be available to restore some or all of the reserve to NAV. Of course, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in these efforts. Thus, we are left with a price per share that reverts back to 2005 and 2006. However, we now have nearly an additional $17 million of tax reserves giving us income and hopefully stock increases to add to our net asset value. This change in treatment of deferred income tax is an accounting issue and no capital gains http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 311/2012
Unassociated Document Page 4 of28 taxes have been paid nor are any even currently payable. The Fund retains all of its current assets and continues to earn dividends in everincreasing amounts and gains (or losses) continue to be taken on the entire value of the portfolio which is approximately $90 million. This unexpected reserve caused Copley to have a loss of 10.8% in 2007 instead of a gain of 12.2% under normal circumstances. Our sector diversification insulated us from much of the havoc of the market. Utilities and energy stocks were some of the prime movers in our substantial market gain. The financial sector was particularly hard hit by the mortgage market and tightening of credit. We were fortunate in disposing of a fair amount of our financial stocks in September thus avoiding the huge losses which occurred during the balance of the year. The volatility of the market in 2008 causes us to cite averages in approximations as stocks and sectors can change as much as 2% daily. At this writing Copley is down between 4.5% and 5% year to date. The Dow Jones average is down between 5% and 7%. No major sector is up. However the financials have been the hardest hit. Our reductions of this sector in September of 2007 saved us from much larger losses. Note also our defensive cash position is approximately 11% of the portfolio.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our retail associates in whose stores Copley Operating Division had the bag departments closed the majority of their stores which caused a substantial decrease in our operating volume. Thus we decided to expand in another direction. Over the years we have had a close association with two families, Raffa and Riccardi, who individually have been in the country Italian Restaurant business for over 50 years, owning among them nine restaurants. Patrick Riccardi, 53 years of age, has worked in one family restaurant for 35 years. Based upon his experience and success Copley Operating has elected to open a restaurant in Bristol, RI called Rice's Ristorante and to employ Mr. Riccardi as it's operator and manager. We look forward to the same success and tradition that the Raffa and Riccardi families have achieved. Meanwhile we are continuing our same investment philosophy, i.e., highly visible and dividend paying
stocks in ever increasing amounts. Note our dividend income is at an all time high and should continue to
add substantially to our net asset value. We communicate with our Chicago consultants very often for
exchanges of ideas. Thus the Fund is assured of long term continuance.
We are making every effort to keep our expense ratio close to normalcy but with the challenge of the accounting issue and Sarbanes-Oxley it is no easy task. However, please remember that we have all of our assets intact, we have not been subject to credit or sub-prime mortgage problems; thus, we look forward to the future. All the above are reflected in our chart and the following numbers. 1984 + 23.9% (Top performing Fund 1984) 1985 + 25% 1986 + 18% 1987 -8% 1988 +20% 1989 +16% 1990 -2% 1991 +18% 1992 +18% 1993 +10% 1994 -7% 1995 +26% 1996 +5% 1997 +25% http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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-6.86%
months. All these shareholders expressed an appreciation for our Funds past performance and look
forward to the future.
Cordially yours,
.. .·fl.. ~ ~ ·-.;.. .J:·. . ·: . . . .· . .
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C/<!BIDAA. YEAR ENDED OECEI.IBER 31, 20()7
PERIOO !Hilllm FES1'1LJARY 29, 2008 Wlr-------------------------------~--------------------, ~s .................. " ............................................ _.. . .............. Sli
41111r ¥:0<
..<l
~
The per share values provided for years prior to 2/28/08 are consistent with information furnished in prior reports and do not reflect an adjustment for the change in accounting treatment for deferred income taxes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund and the S&P 500 which is a broad-based market index comprised of 500 of the largest companies traded on the U.S. Securities Markets as measured by market capitalization. Market Indexes do not include expenses which are deducted from Fund returns. There can be no assurance that the performance of the Fund will continue into the future with the same or similar trends depicted below. The graph does not reflect the deduction for taxes that a shareholder may pay on the redemption of shares or dividends and capital gains received. Ten Year Cumulative Return Copley Fund As of 2/29/08 22,000. 20,0\lQ ta.ooo 16,000 14,000 12,000 tO,Oaa , ~ ~S21,0CO S20,t13 518,03$ 6,000 Cl----------------------------------------- 2198 2199 2100 2JU1 2!"(]-2: 2103 :;!104 :ZIDS ;?iUS 2JU~' ;?iDB AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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The following table depicts the periodic 1-, 5-, and 10-year annualized returns and the S&P 500 Index; Periods Ended 2/29/08 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Copley Fund 3.60% 9.80% 4.80% S&P 500 (3.60)% 11.62% 7.23% Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 (4.07)% 12.90% .7.69% Current performance may be higher or lower than the quoted past performance, which cannot guarantee future results. Share price, principal value and return will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. For most recent performance please call us at 877-881-2751. Returns do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on redemption of Fund shares. When assessing performance, investors should consider both short and long-term returns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Copley Fund, Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
I have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Copley Fund, Inc., as of February 29, 2008, and the related statement of operations for the year then ~nded, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. My responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based upon my audit. I conducted my audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that I 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. My procedures included confirmation of securities owned at February 29, 2008 by receipt of correspondence from 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. I believe that my audit provides a reasonable basis for my opinion. In my opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Copley Fund, Inc., as of February 29, 2008, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Copley Fund, Inc., changed its method of accrual for deferred income taxes in 2007. Roy G. Hale Certified Public Accountant April 28, 2008 La Plata, Maryland
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
February 29, 2008
Common Stocks -113.10%
Banking - 7.41%
Bank of America Corp.
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
KeyCorp.
PNC Financial Services Group
Diversified Utility Companies- 13.91%
Alliant Energy Corp.
Dominion Resources, Inc.
FPL Group
Scana, Corp.
Sempra Energy, Inc.
Electric Power Companies- 19.25%
Ameren Corp.
DTE Energy Co.
Duke Energy Co.
Exelon Corp.
Nstar Corp.
PP&L Corp.
Southern Co.
Gas Utilities & Supplies - 8.83%
Delta Natural Gas Co.
Energy East Corp
Shares
25,000
42,000
15,000
35,000
20,000
60,000
110,000
100,000
35,000
40,000
40,000
33,000
40,000
30,000
50,000
35,000
30,000
55,000
54,600
23,200
50,000
100,000
35,000
20,000
40,000
Value
$ 993,500
1,707,300
330,750
2,150,050
5,181,600
694,800
2,396,400
6,631,900
9,723,100
2,261,000
1,432,200
2,703,600
1,017,200
1,515,690
1,676,400
1,323,000
1,893,500
1,859,550
13,421,140
1,281,000
2,189,550
957,684
1,736,520
1,545,000
4,538,000
1,208,550
13,456,304
510,400
1,066,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
February 29, 2008
New Jersey Resources Corp.
Northwest Natural Gas Co.
WGL Holdings, Inc.
Health Care Products - 0.44%
*Zimmer Holdings, Inc.
Insurance- 2.70%
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Oil Companies - 21.30%
BP Amoco PLC.
Chevron Texaco Corp.
Exxon-Mobil Corp.
Oil Refineries - 4.37%
Sunoco, Inc.
Pipelines - 0.90%
Spectra Energy Corp.
Publishing - 0.03%
*Idearc, Inc.
Retail- 1.42%
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Telephone- 10.10%
AT&T, Inc.
Citizens Communications Co.
Verizon Communications, Inc.
Total value of investments (Cost $28,630,559)
Excess of liabilities over cash and other assets Net Assets
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
February 29, 2008
Federal Tax Information: At February 29, 2008, the net unrealized appreciation based on cost for Federal income tax purposes of $50,422,626 was as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an _el$cess of value over cost $50,658,953 Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of cost over value (236,327) Net $50,422,626 unrealized appreciation The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
February 29, 2008
ASSETS
Investments in securities, at value (identified cost $28,630,559) (Note 1) Cash Receivables:
Securities Sold $ 108,501
Trade (Notes 5 & 6) 3,958
Dividends and interest 330,162
Inventory (Notes 1 & 6)
Machinery & Equipment (Note 1)
Leasehold Improvements (Note 1)
Prepaid Expenses and other assets
Total Assets
LIABILITIES
Payables:
Redemptions 4,939
Trade 11,356
Accrued income taxes 146,016
Accrued expenses 51,311
Deferred income taxes (Note 1) 17,516,875
Total Liabilities
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
Net Assets
Net assets consist of:
$79,053,185
7,126,759
442,621
113,259
264,755
96,838
27,609
87,125,026
17,730,497
$69,394,529 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/vl20186_ncsra.htm 311/2012
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Undistributed net investment and operating income 12,053,268 Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions 3,279,447 Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments (Note 2) · 50,422,626 Total $69,394,529 Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share (5,000,000 shares authorized, 1,574,658 shares of $1.00 par value capital stock outstanding) $ 44.07 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ending February 29, 2008
Investment Income (Note 1)
Income
Dividend $ 2,885,330
Interest 259,302
Investment income $3,144,632
Expenses:
Investment advisory fee (Note 5) 603,710
Professional fees 175,768
Custodian fees 26,149
Accounting and Shareholder Services
Printing
68,551
13,893
Postage and shipping 4,478
Directors fees 14,148
Blue Sky fees 6,580
Insurance 45,293
Office expense and miscellaneous 3,788
962,358
Less: Investment advisory fee waived (60,000) 902,358 Net investment income before income taxes 2,242,274 Operating Loss (Notes 2, 5 and 7) Gross profit 34,826 Less: Operating expenses 129,652 Net operating loss before income taxes (94,826) Net Investment and Operating Income before Income Taxes 2,147,448 Less provision for income taxes (Notes 2 and 7) 275,016 Net investment and operating income 1,872,432 Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7212911000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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Realized gain from investment transactions during the period 1,557,833 Decrease in unrealized appreciation of investments during current period, net of income tax affect (1,011,885) Net realized and unrealized loss 545,948 Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $2,418,380 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations Net investment and operating income Net realized gain on investment transactions Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments Increase in net assets resulting from operations Capital Share Transactions (Note 3) Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions Total increase (decrease) in net assets Net Assets Beginning of Year End of Year (including undistributed net investment and operating income of $12,553,750 and $11,480,653 respectively) Year Ended 2/29/08 $ 1,872,432 1,557,833 (1,011,885) 2,418,380 (604,547) 1,813,833 67,580,696 $ , , 69 394 529 Restated Year Ended 2/28/07 $ 1,861,031 353,076 6,044,537 8,258,644 23,780 8,282,424 59,298,272 $67,580,696 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
TABLE OF CONT[mTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ending February 29, 2008
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
Cash flows from operating activities http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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Proceeds from disposition of long-term portfolio investments Receipts from customers Payments of taxes, net Expenses paid Purchase of long-term portfolio investments Payments to suppliers Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of Machinery, Equipment & Leasehold Imp Net cash provided by investing activities Cash flows provided by financing activities Fund shares sold Fund shares repurchased Net cash used by financing activities
Net increase in cash
Cash at beginning of the year
Cash as of February 29, 2008
Reconciliation of Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities Net Increase in net assets resulting from operations Decrease in investments
Increase in receivable for securities sold
Increase in dividends and interest receivable
Decrease in receivables from customers
Increase in inventory
Increase in income taxes payable
Increase in trade payables
Increase in accrued expenses
Decrease in deferred taxes
Total adjustments
Net cash provided by operating activities
6,524,557
125,418
(264,004)
(1,052,291)
(3,571,737)
(103,137)
4,799,430
(361,593)
(361,593)
4,196,963
(4,733,552)
(536,589)
3,901,248
3,225,510
$ 7,126,758
$ 1,073,097
5,075,438
(108,501)
(23,053)
13,950
(3,4 78)
8,891
2,747
16,981
(1,256,642)
3,726,333
$ 4,799,430
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
Unassociated Document Page 14 of28 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Secun"ty Valuation Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the period; securities traded on the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices. Sales ofSecurities In determining the net realized gain or loss from sales of securities, the cost of securities sold is determined on the basis of identifying the specific certificates delivered. Distributions It is the Fund's policy to manage its assets so as to avoid the necessity of making annual taxable distributions. Net investment and operating income and net realized gains are not distributed, but-rather are accumulated within the Fund and added to the value of the Fund's shares. Inventory Inventory is valued at the lower of cost (determined by the first in/first out method) or market. Machinery, Equipment & Leasehold Improvement. Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized, and minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations for the respective period. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. The Fund uses other depreciation methods (generally accelerated) for tax purposes where appropriate. The estimated useful lives for the machinery and equipment held by the Fund is 3 to 20 years. · Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Income Taxes The Fund files tax returns as a regular corporation and accordingly the financial statements include provisions for current and deferred income taxes. Other Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded as earned.
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Unassociated Document Page 15 of28 positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund's tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are "more-likely-than-not" of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. In September 2006, FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 "Fair Value Measurements." This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current generally accepted accounting principles from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. At this time, management does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements reported on the statement of changes in net assets for a fiscal period. Restated Financial Statements Recent Developments On November 30, 2007, an adjustment was made to the long-term liabilities section of the Fund's balance sheet to recognize the total potential federal and state income taxes associated with the accumulated unrealized appreciation generated by the Fund's stock portfolio. For financial reporting purposes, this change should be regarded as a correction of an error on prior-period financial reports. The affect of the adjustment will be to increase the liabilities of the Fund for all prior year information contained in this annual report and thereby reduce the overall net assets of the Fund. The total assets of the Fund, contained on page 10 of this annual report, are not affected. Under the current application of generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund is required to recognize a full accrual of the Federal income tax associated with the unrealized appreciation in the Fund's security portfolio. Accordingly, the Fund will recognize an accrual of deferred income at the Federal statutory rate of 35% on a daily basis on the taxable amount of accumulated unrealized appreciation. It should be understood that the foregoing application of generally accepted accounting principles is based upon the assumption that at some point the appreciated securities of the Fund will be sold and the applicable income tax will be paid. With the Fund's history of holding securities for long periods of time, the
actual payment of the deferred income tax may not be paid for many years and it is conceivable that with fluctuating market conditions, the total liability at any given point in time will never be paid.
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Notwithstanding the management of the Fund's reasonable ability to estimate the carrying value of the deferred income tax liability, FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 109 (FAS 109) requires all entities to recognize a full accrual on the deferred income tax that may be payable at the end of each fiscal year. Based upon a decision by the Board of Directors that the Fund would change its taxable status from a regular corporation to a regulated investment company (RIC) if the Fund found itself in a position where it had reserved insufficient deferred income taxes to meet actual income tax obligations associated with its appreciated security portfolio, an action available to the Fund as a registered investment company, this decision was felt to be a reasonable response to the application of FASB 109. Albeit conversion to RIC status is not a tax free event, the transactions required could be managed by the Fund in s'uch a manner; that the Fund would not be required to recognize the full deferred income tax accrual required under F AS 109. Correction of an error in comparative financial statements In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the cumulative effect of the change for the periods prior to March 1, 2007, totaling $16,727,527, has been recognized in the February 29, 2008 Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a restatement of the beginning balance of undistributed net investment and operating income. 2/29/08 2/28/07 Undistributed net investment and operating income at beginning of year, as previously reported $10,180,836 $ 25,04 7,332 Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement 0 (16,727,527) Net investment and operating income 1,872,432 1,861,031 Undistributed net investment and operating income $12,053,268 $ 10,180,836
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FlNANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. Disclosure of the provisions for income taxes, reconciliation of statutory rate to effective rate, and
significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
The Federal and state income tax provision (benefit) is summarized as follows:
Fiscal Year
2008 2007
Current:
Federal $ 248,162 $ 215,023
State 26,854 38,170
275,016 253,193
Deferred:
Federal 500,482 3,370,927
State (2,270,716) 568,540
0,770,234) 3,939,467
Net provision (benefit) for income taxes $0,495,218) $4,192,660 Effective income tax rate 35.00% 38.58% Differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rates as of the last day of the fiscal http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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Fiscal Year
2008 2007
Federal statutory rate 35.00% 35.00%
State income tax benefit 0.00 (1.92)
State income tax rate 0.00 5.50
Effective tax rate 35.00% 38.58%
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The deferred tax liabilities relate to the Fund's unrealized gains on marketable securities. The reduction in deferred tax liabilities for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2008 is due to a change in tax venue for the Fund from Florida to Nevada. The state of Nevada does not access a corporate level income tax. The Fund has $308,205 in accumulated capital loss carryforwards which expire as follows: $308,205 on February 28, 2009.
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
3. Capital Stock
At February 29, 2008, there were 5,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value capital stock authorized. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
Year Ended
2/29/08
Shares Amount
Year Ended
2/28/07
Shares Amount
Shares sold
Shares repurchase
Net change d
73,475
(87,630)
(14, 155)
$ 4,126,682
(4,731,229)
$ (604,54 7)
103,791
(107,802)
(4,011)
$ 5,369,011
(5,345,231)
$ 23,780
4. Purchase and Sale of Securities
For the year ended February 29, 2008, purchases and sales of securities, other than United States government obligations and short-term notes, aggregated $3,571,737 and $6,610,433 respectively.
5. Investment Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Related Parties
Copley Financial Services Corporation (CFSC), a Massachusetts corporation, serves as investment advisor to the Fund. Irving Levine, Chairman of the Board of the Fund, is the owner of all of the outstanding common stock of CFSC and serves as its President, Treasurer and a member of its Board of Directors. Under the Investment Advisory Contract, CFSC is entitled to an annual fee, payable monthly at the rate of 1.00% of the first $25 million of the average daily net assets; .75% of the next $15 million; and .50% on average daily net assets over $40 million. For the year ended February 29, 2008, the fee for investment advisory service totaled $603,710 less fees of $60,000 voluntarily waived. Also during the period unaffiliated directors received $14,148 in directors' fees. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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Operating Divisions
The Fund has an operating division, Copley Fund, Inc.- Operating Division ("COD"), which imports merchandise for resale. A portion of its merchandise is placed on consignment with a company controlled by Irving Levine. The Fund invoices the consignee when the merchandise is ultimately sold. The Fund also recently formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Copley Operating Group LLC ("COG"), which owns equipment and operates a restaurant, Rice's Ristorante. The real property used by the restaurant is leased. During the period covered in this report, the Fund made a $100,000 equity investment in COD. COD also made an equity investment of $5,000 in COG. In addition, COD provided a loan to COG in the amount of $483,978.
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
5. Investment Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Related Parties - (continued)
The combined results of these subsidiary companies during the year ended February 29, 2008, are as follows:
Sales $ 111,469
Cost of goods sold (95,687)
Gross profit 15,782
General & administrative expenses (129,652)
Net loss from operations (113,870)
Other income (dividends and interest) 19,044
Net Loss $ (94,826)
6. Notes Payable
A $3,000,000 line of credit has been secured for the operating division from Fleet National Bank. The assets of the Fund are pledged as security for this line of credit. The amount currently outstanding on this line is zero. ·
7. Commitments and Contingencies
Since the Fund accumulates its net investment income rather than distributing it, the Fund may be subject to the imposition of the federal accumulated earnings tax. The accumulated earnings tax is imposed on a corporation's accumulated taxable income at a rate of 15% for years commencing after December 31, 2002. Accumulated taxable income is defined as adjusted taxable income minus the sum of the dividends paid deduction and the accumulated earnings credit. The dividends paid deduction and accumulated earnings credit are available only if the Fund is not held to be a mere holding or investment company. The Internal Revenue Service has, during examinations of the Fund's federal income tax returns, upheld management's position that the Fund is not a mere holding or investment company since the Fund is conducting an operating division. This finding by the Internal Revenue Service is always subject to review by the Service and a finding different from the one issued in the past could be made by the Service. Provided the Fund manages accumulated and annual earnings and profits, in excess of $250,000, in such a manner that the funds are deemed to be obligated or consumed by capital losses, redemptions and expansion of the operating division, the Fund should not be held liable for the accumulated earnings tax by http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
Financial Highlights
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the fiscal years 2/29/04 through 2/29/08. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund. The information for fiscal years prior to February 29, 2008 have been restated to incorporate the correction of an error as it relates to accumulated deferred income taxes on unrealized appreciation associated with the securities portfolio. The information set forth herein will be consistent with the financial information contained in the restated financial statements for the period ending February 29, 2008. Shareholders should be certain that they have the most recent annual report which should be read in connection with the prospectus. The financial information was audited by Roy G. Hale, CPA, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included the Fund's annual report to Shareholders, a copy of which is available at no charge on request by calling 877-881-2751. Year Ended February February 28, February February 28, February 29, 29,2008 2007 28,2006 2005 2004 Net asset value, beginning of year $ 42.54 $ 37.23 $ 35.28 $ 32.63 $ 27.62 Income (loss) for investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 1.18 (1.31) 0.27 (0.44) (1.86) Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized) 0.35 6.62 1.68 3.09 6.87 Total investment operations 1.53 5.31 1.95 2.65 5.01 Net asset value, end of year $ 44.07 $ 42.54 $ 37.23 $ 35.28 $ 32.63 Total return 3.60% 14.26% 5.53% 8.12% 18.14% Net assets, last day of February Gn thousands) 69,395 67,581 59,298 57,948 57,747 Ratio of net expenses, including regular & deferred taxes, to average net assets 1.72% 7.88% 3.80% 5.65% 10.60% Ratio of net expenses, excluding deferred taxes, to average net assets 1.72% 1.67% 1.72% 1.49% 1.59% Ratio of net investment and operating income (loss) to average net assets 2.73% (3.28)% 0.76% (1.30)% (6.18)% Ratio of net investment and operating income (loss), excluding deferred taxes, to average net assets 2.73% 2.93% 2.83% 2.86% 2.84% Portfolio turn over rate 4.11% 0.50% 0.73% 0.44% 0.92% Number of shares outstanding at end of period (in thousands) 1,575 1,589 1,593 1,643 1,770 The financial highlights shown above included the waiver of $60,000 of the investment advisory fee (as noted in the Statement of Operations). If the waiver of $60,000 of investment advisory fees had not been included, the following. ratios would apply:
Ratio of net expenses, including regular
& deferred taxes, to average net assets 1.81% 7.97% 3.90% 5.76% 10.71% http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgarldata/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
Unassociated Document Page 20 of28 aererrea taxes, to average net assets 1.1H '1o 1./ 0'1o l.l:l-5'10 l.OU'1o 1./ U'1o Ratio of net investment and operating income (loss) to average net assets 2.65% (3.37)% 0.66% (1.41)% (6.29)% Ratio of net investment and operating income (loss), excluding deferred taxes, to average net assets 2.65% 2.84% 2.73% 2.75% 2.72% The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES
All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a mutual fund, your investment is affected by these ongoing costs, which include investment advisory fees. It is important for you to understand the impact of these costs on your investment return. Operating expenses such as these are deducted from the mutual fund's gross income and directly reduce its final investment return. These expenses are expressed as a percentage of the mutual fund's average net assets; this percentage is known as the mutual fund's expense ratio. The following examples use the expense ratio and are intended to help you understand the ongoing
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In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by CFSC, the Board of Directors reviewed the portfolio management, operating division supervision and regulatory compliance services provided by CFSC to the Fund. The Board concluded that CFSC was providing essential services to the Fund. In particular, the Board concluded that CFSC was providing unique and specialized supervision of the Fund's operating division. The Directors compared the performance of the Fund to benchmark indices over various periods of time. The Directors considered that the Fund's performance had been impacted negatively primarily because of the November 30, 2007 NAV adjustment related to the Fund's accounting for income tax liability. Even with this change the Directors noted that the Fund's performance compared favorably to the. S&P 500 Index. It also examined the Fund's investment objective and the dividend paying record of the portfolio securities selected by CFSC. Based upon this the Board concluded that the performance of the Fund and particularly the performance of the portfolio securities themselves warranted the continuation of the advisory agreement. In concluding that the advisory fees payable by the Fund were reasonable, the Directors reviewed a report of the costs of services provided by and the profits realized by CFSC from its relationship with the Fund and concluded that such profits were reasonable and not excessive. The Directors also reviewed reports comparing the expense ratio and advisory fee paid by the Fund to those paid by other comparable mutual funds and concluded that the advisory fee paid by the Fund was equal to or lower than the average advisory fee paid by comparable mutual funds. The Board also considered that the Fund's expense ratio, while still equalto or even lower than the average mutual fund expense ratio, had increased. In particular, the Board concluded that the Fund's expense ratio had increased, primarily due to increased expenses related to challenging the accounting issue and the expansion of the operating division. They noted that the advisory fee also is adjusted downward if economies of scale are realized during the current contract period as the Fund grows, but did not consider that factor to be significant in light of the other factors considered. They did find significant, however, the fact that CFSC had voluntarily waived the receipt of $60,000 of its advisory fee, a practice it has engaged in for many years, in an effort to control the Fund's expense ratio. CFSC has entered into a written agreement to continue this practice on a yearly basis.
Unassociated Document Page 23 of28 ll:'eoruary Ztl, 1996 !~'±OJ J'lew Jjearora, JVlli [ 1] Inside Directors Name (Date of Birth) Year Elected (Number of Copley Principal Occupations(s) During Past 5 Years Portfolios Overseen) and Other Directorships of Public Companies Irving Levine (September 25, 1921) [1] Officers Name (Date of Birth) Title President, Treasurer and a Director of Copley Financial Services Corp. since 1978; a Director of Franklin Capital Corp. (an operating investment company) since Marcil, 1990 to October 2004; Chairman of the Board and Treasurer of Stuffco International, Inc., a ladies handbag processor and retail chain operator, since February 1978; Director of US Energy Systems, Inc. from 2000 to October 2004. Principal Occupations(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships of Public Companies Irvine Levine See Above
(September 25, 1921)
Chairman of the Board of
Directors and President
Patricia Taylor Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund since 2004; (May 27, 1950) Owner, Patricia Taylor Administrative Services, since Chief Compliance Officer 1994. RestatedAnnual Report February 29, 2008 COPLEY FUND, INC. A No-Load Fund http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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Investment Adviser
Copley Financial Services Corp.
P.O. Box 3287
Fall River, Massachusetts 02722
E-mail: copleyfunds@verizon.net
Custodian
Bank of America
111 vVestminster Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Transfer Agent
Gemini Fund Services
4020 South 14 7th Street
Suite 2
Omaha, Nebraska 68137
Tel. 002)493-4603
(877)881-2751
Fax: (402)963-9094
General Counsel
Roberts & Henry
164 Honeysuckle Drive
Jupiter. Florida 33458
Auditors
Roy G. Hale, C.P.A.
624 Clarks Hun l~oad
La Plata, MD 20646
COPLEYFUNDJ INC.
A No-Load Fund http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/vl20186_ncsra.htm 3/112012
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Item 2. CODE OF ETHICS
(a) The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant undertakes to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy ofits code of ethics by mail when they call the registrant at (508)674-8459. (b) During the period covered by this report, no amendments were made to the provisions ofthe Code ofEthics adapted in 2(a) above. (c) During the period covered by this report, no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions ofthe Code of Ethics adapted in 2(a) above were granted. Item 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT The registrant's Board ofDirectors has determined that it is not necessary for the Fund to have either an audit committee or an audit committee financial expert. This determination was made in light of the Fund's small size and limited complexity of audit issues. Item 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The registrant paid the following amounts to Roy G. Hale, CPA, the registrant's principal accountant, for the audit ofthe registrant's annual financial statement and services in connection therewith for the last two calendar years:
2007 2008
(a) Audit Fees $19,200 $18,600
(b) Audit Related Fees None None
(c) Tax Fees None None
(d) All Other Fees None None
(e)(1) The Fund's Independent Directors perform the functions of an audit committee. The Fund has no standing audit committee. The policy ofthe Fund's Directors is to specifically pre-approve (i) all audit and non-audit services provided by the Fund's independent auditor to the Fund ("Fund Services") and (ii) all non-audit services provided by the Fund's independent auditor to the Fund's advisor. Ifsuch Fund Services are required during the period between the Fund's regularly scheduled meetings, the President must seek approval from the Independent Directors. (e)(2) The Fund's Independent Directors were not required to approve any of the fees described in paragraphs (b) through (d) ofthis item. (f) Not applicable. (g) See above table. (h) Not applicable.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. Schedule oflnvestments
The registrant's schedule of investments is included in its annual report to the shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/112012
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Not applicable. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Not applicable. ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. Not applicable. ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. The Board ofDirectors has no audit or other standing committees. Rather the Independent Directors function as the audit and nominating committee. The Independent Directors, in performing the functions of the nominating committee advise the Board of Directors on the selection and nomination of individuals to serve as Directors ofthe Fund. Nominations for director, including nominations submitted by shareholders are evaluated according to the Fund's specific needs and the nominees' knowledge, expertise background and reputation. The Independent Directors do not have a formal procedure by which shareholders may recommend director candidates but will consider appropriate candidates recommended by shareholders. A shareholder wishing to submit such a recommendation should send a letter to the Fund's Clerk at PO Box 3287, Fall River, MA 02722. The mailing envelope should have a clear notation that the enclosed letter contains a DIRECTOR NOMINEE RECOMMENDATION. The letter must identifY the writer as a shareholder and provide a summary ofthe candidate's qualifications. ITEM I I. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. (a) Except as may be deemed related to the Funds' recognition of deferred income tax during the period, the certifYing officer, whose certification is included herewith, has concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of I 940 (the "Act") are effective as of a date within 90 days ofthe filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation ofthese controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act. Except as may be deemed related to the Funds' recognition of deferred income tax during the period, there were no significant changes in the registrant's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of his evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. (b) Except as may be related to the Funds' recognition of deferred income tax during the period, there were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3( d) under the Act) that occurred during the registrant's fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM I2. EXHIBITS. The Exhibits listed below are attached to this Form N-CSR:
Exhibit No. Description
I2(a)(I) Not applicable. See Item 2 hereof.
I2(a)(2) Certification ofprincipal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of I940, as amended (I 7 CFR 270.30a-2(a)), is filed and attached hereto. (see attached) I2(a)(3) Not applicable. I2(a)(4) Certification ofprincipal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of I 940, as amended (I 7 CFR 270.30a-2(b )), is furnished and attached hereto. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7212911000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 311/2012
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements ofthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Copley Fund, Inc. By: Is! Irving Levine Name: Irving Levine
Title: President (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: July 18, 2008
Pursuant to the requirements ofthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following person on behalf ofthe registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: Is/ Irving Levine Name: Irving Levine Title: President (Principal Executive Officer & Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Date: July 18, 2008 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186_ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
ITE
164 HONEYSUCKLE DRIVE
JUPITER, FLoRIDA. 33468
(56l.l744-5982
FAX 156l.l207-6857
E-MAIL• RobertsHenryLaw@aolcom
101 BUJDN.A. V'Is!I!A. AVENUE
FEDEJULSBtT.R~, MD 21.632
14l.Ol 764-9876
Fri !4l.Ol 754-9376
November 19,2008
James S. Goldman, Esquire
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Boston Regional Office
33 Arch Stree~ 23rd Floor
Boston, MA 02110
RE: In the Matter ofCopley Fund. Inc., B-2335
Dear Jim!
504 TALBOT STREET
P.O. Box uss
l3T. MICHAELS, MD 21663
(410) 822-4456
F~<410l754-9376
. After much thought and consideration, we have formalized a proposal. which we are hopeful might work toward resolving the Copley Fund matter. As you know, the Board has consistently maintained that the accrual for unrealize~ capital gains taxes. is best represented by a "reserve" established by the Board as opposed to a full liquidating value accrual that currently is being employed in calculating the Fund's Net Asset Value. Our experience since November 30,2007 when the NA V was adjusted, has revealed that the use ofthe latter methodology has resulted in what we ~lieve are misleading and inconsistent financial statements and a per share value that does not represent the fair value for the Fund's shares. The attached Memorandum details the Fund's rationale in support of the use of the Board established reserve. We believe, for the reasons set forth therein, that use of the Board established methodology is the only way in which the Fund's shares may be fairly priced. We also believe that the use ofthis methodology is consistent with generally accepted account principles and is required to fairly present Fund financials in a consistent manner, fairly price Fund shares and render the financials not misleading. The Fund believes that the issue really is more a disclosure and risk assessment issue than an accounting issue. We have attached a proposed Prospectus Supplement which contains disclosures that we believe will enable both present and future Copley Fund shareholders to fully assess the risks of investing in the Fund insofar as
James S. Goldman, Esquire
November 19, 2008 ·
Page two
such risks relate to taxes on unrealized appreciation. This disclosure is accomplished through both text and comparison tables and every effort has been made to keep it easily understandable and in "plain language". Of course, .we would be receptive to any staff
conference at your convenience. '
The Fund has continued to offer its shares for sale using current financials only because they were compiled based upon comments made by the staffofthe Division of Investment Management and agreed to by us at the time under the circumstances at the time. Accordingly, nothing in the proposal should be construed as an explicit admission that the current financials are false or misleading in fact or as a matter oflaw. We also requeSt confidential treatment under the FOIA with respect to this correspondence and associated memoranda.
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MEMORANDUM
PRELThflNARYSTATEMrnNT
This is about the best interests ofthe Copley Fund shareholders-past, present and future. It is about the fair value of a Copley Fund share. It is about the Board ofDirectors' fiduciary obligation to ensure that the Fund's ~es are fairly priced, that the best interests ofthe Fund's shareholders are fully protected and served and that the FlJl1d's financial information is not misleading. And, most importantly, it is about the flexibility ofGAAP and the Commission's rules. This point is particularly relevant now given the current financial crisis facing the nation and the Commission's acknowledgement that otherwise rigid rules must bend to reasonable, reassured, common sense evaluation. November 30,2007 was a very difficult day for the Fund, its Board ofDirectors and its shareholders. It was on that day that the Board was compelled, upon threat ofinjunctive action, to direct the Fund's accounting services agent to reduce the Fund's per share value by $13.89 as the result of an accounting interpretation expressed by the staff that generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) required the Fund to include in its current liabilities the entire amoun.t ofcapital gains taxes that would be payable ifthe Fund liquidated its entire portfolio of securities on that day; as opposed to the inclusion of a reserve for taxes that had been established by the Board ofDirectors in an exercise oftheir good faith business judgment and based upon fifteen (15) years of' experience operating successfully with such reserve. For the reasons set forth below, the Fund believes that the NAV adjustment is contrary to the best interests ofthe Fund's shareholders. The Fund believes that it has in the past complied with GAAP, that both GAAP and applicable SEC rules are flexible enough to permit the · "reserve" accounting method established and approved by the Board and that the "full liquidating value accrual method" has produced inconsistent and misleading financial statements that have resulted in Management having to qualify its c~rtifications made pursuant to Section 302 ofthe Sarbanes-Oxley Act of20021
Memorandum ( cont)
Page 2 ofl4
shareholders bUt rather accumulating them within the Fund and then adding them to the value of each share on a daily basis. Hence, an increase in per share value directly raises the value of a shareholder's account Thus, shareholders are able to defer,.divl.dend and capital gains taxes until redemption at which time shareholders will incur a loss or realize a gain depending upon the Fund's per share value at the time ofredemptiozi. fn additiori., and central to the Fund's investment policy, is that the retention of dividends leaves inore money "at work" in the Fund. Thus, the true measure ofthe Fund's performance is to measure income and gain as a function of the total deployed capital. Artificially discounting the reported amount ofdeployed capital by an inappropriate "reserve" distorts the Fund's performance. · Insofar as the Fund itself is concerned, as a C Corporation, it uses its corporate structure to create dividend income to the Fund, 70% ofwhich is offset by the deduction allowed by the Internal Revenue Code for dividends received by a C Corporation. TAX MANAGEMENT POLICY AND RATIONALE Beginning in 1993, the Board ofDirectors ofthe Fund implemented a tax ma.nagement policy whereby the accrual for deferred income tax on unrealized gains on the Fund's portfolio securities was reduced to a stated reserve of$422;000. This amount was determined by the Board in an exercise oftheir good faith business judgment and based upon the seven factors which are set forth below. Prior to the adoption ofthat policy the Fund had a stated deferred income tax liability accrual of$3,541,000. The implementation ofthis policy had the effect of increasing the Fund's NAV with a corresponding increase in stated per share value. This policy more accurately reflected the deployed capital which was invested by the Fund. 1bis tax management strategy was implemented based upon a strategy adopted and implemented by the Rochester Tax Managed Fund, an informal opinion expressed by Price Waterhouse at the time and a position paper prepared by Roy G. Hale, CPA, dated November 27, 1992 (See Attachment "A"); The decision was memorialized in the Minutes ofa Meeting ofthe Board ofDirectors held on December 7, 1992 to implement the strategy wherein the Directors instructed "that Fund Management shall monitor on a regular basis the Fund's potential income tax liability on unrealized gains to ensure that the present reserve is, in its best business judgment, appropriate given the particUlar circumstances ofthe Fund's portfolio and policies." The basis for the adjustment to the Fund's previously accrued tax liability was set forth in Note 1 to the Fund's financial statements for the year ended February 28, 1994 as follows: "in this accounting period the Fund elected to change the estimate ofdeferred income tax liability on unrealized appreciation ofinvestments...the Fund will provide deferred taxes for unrealized appreciation on its investment portfolio to the extent that
management anticipates a liability may exist. .. this change is consistent with the Board ofDirectors intent to qualify the Fund as a Regulated Investment Company in the event the Fund's future income tax liability should exceed current (reserved) deferred income tax levels." ·-Qj:-/}
Memorandum ( cont)
The Fund has, for more than 15 years, consistently maintained that the amount ofthe deferred income tax liability for the Fund is an accounting estimate that is properly based upon a reasonable estimate ofthe future obligations ofthe Fund as it_;relates to the difference between the tax basis ofthe Fund's assets and their reported mark to market current value. The Fund recognizes all current income tax obligations in the current accounting period. It has been the Fund's.longstanding position, since 1993, that the deferred tax liability for unrealiZed capital gains should be based ·on a good faith business judgment estimate offuture tax obligations. associated with any required liquidation ofportfolio securities necessary to raise cash to meet foreseeable Fund requirements. The key concept here is that the deferred tax liability earned by the Fund on any given date is an accounting estimate offuture obligations ofthe Fund. This estimate is based upon various factors including (1) capital loss carry forwards (2) anticipated redemptions beyond the
Memorandum ( cont)
Paragraph 11 ofFAS 109 provides "An assumption inherent in an enterprise's statement offinancial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles is that the reported amounts ofassets and liabilities will be recovered and settled, respectively. Based on that assumption, a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the statement offinancial position will result in taxable or deducti~le amounts in some future year( s) when the reported amounts of assets are recover~d and the reported amounts ofliabilities are settled''. (Emphasis added.) Paragraph 78 ofFAS 109 makes the observation that an "enterprise might be able to delay the future reversal oftaxable temporary differences by delaying the events that give rise to those reversals, for example, by delaying the recovery ofrelated assets or the settlement of related liabilities. A contention that those temporary differences will never result in taxable amounts, however, would contradict the accorinting assumption inherent in the statement of financial position that the reported amounts of ~sets and liabilities will be recovered and settled, respectively; thereby making that statement internally inconsistent. For that reason. the (Accounting) Board concluded that the only question is when. not whether. temporary differences will result in taxable amounts in future years." (Emphasis added). The staff's initial theory then seems to be based upon a static and infleXible interpretation ofFAS 109 to the effect that the statement requires a full accrual ofthe maximum potential deferred income tax liability-period ("full liquidating value accrual method''). As more fully developed below, the Fund believes that F AS 109 and GAAP are flexible enough to permit variations or exceptions that are nonetheless in compliance with GAAP and are, in fact, required to fairly present the financial condition ofthe· Fund and the accurate pricing ofits shares. This, the Fund has always maintained, is bestaccomplished through the use of a "reserve" for deferred income taxes which is established by the Fund's Board ofDirectors in an exercise oftheir good faith business judgment. The fi.mdamental justification for recognizing an exception to or a variation from F AS 1 09 is that the full tax liability will not be recognized by the Fund. FAS 109, as set forth above, plainly states that the requirement for full accrual is based upon "an assumption" that the underlying appreciated assets would eventually be sold and the associated income tax would eventually be paid. This simply is not the case and is, under the circumstances, an invalid and misleading assumption. The effect of applying this invalid assumption is that a full liquidating value accrual overstates Fund liabilities and understates the Fund's equity as reflected in the Fund's Net Asset Value. In support ofthis proposition the Fund advances the following points:
;
Memorandum ( cont) l \
Memorandum ( cont) and shift the remainder ofcapital gains to shareholders. Given this methodology, the Fund would never exceed the reserve. As noted above, the Fund would have to distribute its accumulated E&P up to the date RIC status was elected. The Fund would have until the end ofthe ~urrent tax year to make this distribution. The accumulated E&P could be relatively large ($11,844,182 at February 29, 2008). This begs the question ofwhere the money would come from to make the required distribution without selling portfolio securities and generating additional capital gains tax for the Fund. The answer is that the Fund could distribute additional shares in the Fund rather than cash and, while the distribution ofstock would decrease the value ofthe Fund, the shareholders would receive something in value to compensate for the devaluation. The shareholders would be subject to income tax on the received distributions, generally taxable at rates lower than the corporate tax rate which does not distinguish between ordinary income and capital gains; but the key point is that the distribution would not generate capital gains taxes for the Fund. The last tax issue to be considered in a RIC conversion is the built in gains (''BIG") tax on appreciated assets. Current IRS regulations require a new RIC, which was previously a C Corporation, to pay a built in gains tax on appreciated assets ifthe assets are sold within ten (1 0) years ofthe RIC conversion date. Ifall or any portion ofthe appreciated assets are not sold (~~.--..l within this 10 year period, the built in gains tax goes away. It simply ceases to exist. ~:,.z~ This begs another question which is at the heart ofthe matter. Does the potential liability for BIG tax require a full accrual under F AS 1 09? The answer is no because ofthe basic assumption under F AS 109 that the full accrual is based upon the premise that the appreciated assets will be sold and the associated income tax paid at some point in time. This simply is not the case when there is, or could be, a date certain when the liability would cease to exist. Because ofthis "date ce~ test" the potential BIG tax represents at most a contingent liability rather than a real, current liability. This contingent liability has been fully disclosed in the Fund's Prospectus and SAl for many years.3 Since inception, management ofthe Fund has not elected RIC status and met the required distribution requirements but rather has opted to be treated as a regular C Corporation. Underlying this decision is the fact that the dividends received deduction is available to a C Corporation but not available to a RIC. This concept is critical to the Fund's basic investment strategy to create dividend income· to the Fund using the 70% deduction from federal income taxes for dividends received. Thus, the Fund's regular income tax liability is kept to a minimum and shareholders are allowed to defer taxes until redemption. The staff of the Division ofInvestment
Management has reviewed the capital gains tax accrual issue in connection with. registration statements and financial reports filed by the Fund smce 1993, In each instance, until September of2007, the staff accepted, or at least took no action with respect to, the Fund's rationale for using a reserve method of accounting for such accruals. Tandy statements notwithstanding this lack of action provided the Board with an understanding that the reserve methodology was not contrary to GAAP or applicable SEC rules with respect thereto.
Memorandum ( cont)
. Page 8 of14
Hence, conversion to a RIC is a viable alternative to the Fund but is contrary to the
Fund's stated investment objective and strategy. Therefore, it is not something that should be
undertaken unless the conditions precedent to making the election, exceeding the reserve, have
been met. These conditions precedent have not been met. The established reserve has never
been exceeded or even invaded. The important concept for purposes of a deferred tax liability
standpoint how~ver is that the potential liability can be eliminated. The ultimate liability
therefore is not a certainty. In fact, it is a contingent liability which at the end of a ten year
period simply ceases to exist
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP'') consist ofthe basic principles, assumptions and guidelines, the detailed rules and standards issued by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("F ASB") and the generally accepted industry practices. GAAP are neither law
nor regulation. The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC'') however, has promulgated a
. regulation which provides, in pertinent part, that "financial statements filed with the Commission
which are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles will be presumed to be misleading or inaccUr-ate, despite footnote or other disclosures, unless the Commission has otherwise provided." Rule 4-01. Regulation S-X (emphasis added). For all of the reasons set forth herein the Fund believes that this presumption has been rebutted. GAAP was developed to ensure that financial transactions are recorded in a consistent manner, to require standardized reporting formats, and to permit comparability with prior year(s) information and statements prepared by other business entities. GAAP has evolved over the years from a basic ~ework and from basic objectives of financial reporting. Financial reporting should provide_ useful information for making informed business and economic decisions. Usefulness for decision makin:g is the most important characteristic ofthe reported information. To be useful, financial statements must be relevant, i.e., they must make a difference in the decision maker's (investor's) ability to predict the future or to correct prior expectations. Hence, useful financial statements provide information about what has happened in the past as well as information that will help in predicting what will happen in the future. Financial Statements must also be reliable. To be reliable they must be verifiable, neutral and unbiased and the information presented must represent what really happened or existed. In addition, the statements must be comparable (measmed and reported in a similar manner by all types ofbusin~sses) and consistent (the same accounting methods should be applied from period to period). In pther words, deviations in measured outcomes from period to period should be the result of deviations_ in performance not changes in methods. Because ofthe change in the capital gains tax acco~ting treatment and related financial restatements, the Fund's financial statements are not now either "useful" or "reliable" within the framework of GAAP. ~· ~~i' . } ·..___
Memorandum ( cont)
~
~~~~~i:..~
FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE ISSUANCE OF TIIE RESTATED ANNUAL REPORT FOR TilE PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2008 ARE CONTRARY TO THE BASIC OBJECTIVES OF GAPP AND UNDER THE SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE FUND,S BUSINESS ARE MISLEADING Pursuant to staffcomments received in connection with the Fund's annual485APOS updating amendment to its registration statement filed on June 6, 2008 the Fund was required to file an amended N-CSR/A which contained a "Restated Annual Report to Shareholders". This restatement caused the Fund to ''restate" much ofits historical financial information including average annual returns, the per share value table and the financial highlights table. This restatement ofhistorical information was required because the Investment Management staff required the Fund to treat the inclusion ofthe full liquidating -liability accrual in the Fund's NAV as a "correction of an error'' as opposed to a "change in accounting est.:irilate" which would not have required a restat~ment ofhistorical information. The consequence ofthis is that the Foods' financial reports have not now been compiled in a consistent manner. This is clearly illustrated by comparing the Financial Highlights Tables for the period ended February 28, 2007 and February; 2008 (restated) (See Attachment "B"). Prior to this required restatement the Fund's financial statements were completely within ( -~ the basic framework and objectives ofGAAP reporting as discussed above. In fact, the PCAOB ~~ examined the Fund's auditor's financials and report thereon for the period ended February 28, 2006 and issued an affirming clean report thereon. The financials had been recorded in a consistent manner for 30 years. They permitted comparability With both prior year(s)
Memorandum ( cont)
Assumptions: (1) Going Concern Assumption: This assumption assumes that a business will continue operating and will not close or be sold. Based on this assumption, actual costs instead ofliquidation values are used for presenting financial information. Principles: (1) Historical Cost: (1) Realization/Revenue Recognition: This principal requires companies to record revenue when it is realized or realizable, i.e., at the time ofactual sale. (2) Matching Principle: This means recording the revenues earned during a period using the revenue realization principal and matching the revenues with the expenses incurred in generating this revenue. (3) Adequate Disclosure: This principle states that all pertinent information should be fully disclosed and in understandable form. Constraints and Modifying Conventions. The modifying conventions include (1) Application ofJudgment- an accountant may depart from GAAP ifthe result or departure appears reasonable under the circumstances, especially when the strict adherence to GAAP will produce unreasonable results, (2) Substance over Form-the economic substance ofatransaction determines the accounting treatment, even when the legal aspects ofthe transaction indicate otherwise and (3) Industry practices and Peculiarities -the peculiarities and practices of an industry may warrant selective exceptions to accounting principles. Utilization of a full liquidating value accrual method is contrary to the basic "going concern'' assumption ofGAAP that a business will continue operating and will not close or be sold. Based upon that assumption actual costs and liabilities instead ofliquidation values are to be used for presenting financial information. The use ofthe full liquidating value method in the present circumstances makes the exact opposite assumption that all portfolio securities will have to be completely liquidated today. This simply is not the case and is unrealistic and misleading. The full liquidating value accrual method also is contrary to the principles of realization/revenue recognition and matching. Full accrual transforms a potential contingent liability into a full current liability and fails to match current revenues and assets with correct liabilities. This, in turn, makes another principle, adequate disclosure ofall pertinent information in understandable form, difficult at best. Prior to being compelled to restate the Fund's financials, they were presented in an easily understandable form. The Fund does not now believe that this is the case. While those restated financials contain all ofthe staff's comments made thereon, the Fund nonetheless believes that they are far from easily understandable and are in fact misleading. Insofar as the modifying conventions are concerned it is stated at the outset that the Fund believes that its historical financial statements have always been compiled in accordance with GAAP. However, it is important. to note that GAAP recognizes certain constraints and modifying
conventions that allow an accountant to depart from GAAP ifthe result or departure appears reasonable under the circumstances especially when the strict adherence to GAAP will produce unreasonable results. Assuming arguendo that the use ofthe reserve method is a
(..,_ .J
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_.;.
Memorandum ( cont)
"departure" from GAAP it certainly appears reasonable under the circumstances especially here, where the use ofthe full liability accrual method produces an unreasonable result, i.e., a per share net asset value which does not reflect the realistic net assets ofthe Fund, distorts performance and expense ratios, and disables redeeming shareholders from receiving their fair proportionate share ofFund assets.
~
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Memorandum ( cont)
On September 30, 2008, the SEC's Office ofthe Chief Accountant issued a press release (2008-234}which addressed fair value accounting stating that "(t)he current environment has made questions surrounding the determination offair value particularly challenging for prepare~, auditors, .and users offinancial information". While not precisely on point the concepts addressed in the release are equally applicable. The release makes clear that Management's intemal assumptions can be used to measure fair value. It acknowledges that the determination offair value often requires significant judgment. The release also concludes that clear and transparent disclosures are critical to providing investors with an understanding ofthe judgments made by management. . The Fund believes that it has demonstrated a clear and compelling rationale as to why the use ofthe Board's reserve accrual methodology best represents a fair value for the Fund's shares. It also believes that the disclosures made in the attached proposed Supplement to the Fund's Prospectus provides clear and transparent disclosures with respect to both the methodology and rationale used by the Board as well as the risks inherent therein .. The static application of an accounting concept (FAS 109 treatment of a deferred tax liability) that is equivalent to liquidation accounting serves to undervalue the true financial position ofthe Fund. It operates to overstate dividend yield and expense ratios and understate performance for comparison purposes. Redeeming shareholders do not receive their proportionate share ofFund assets. Purchasing shareholders receive a windfall in the event that the deferred tax liability is eliminated or reduced due to conversion to a RIC or a change in tax law or regulation. Management ofthe Fund has, since 1992, attempted to reflect in the financial statements a deferred tax liability to the extent that management anticipates, in an exercise oftheir best, good faith business judgment that such a liability exists. Deferred income tax liabilities are at best an estimate due to the nature of changing income tax rates and federal and state income tax law and regulations. The Fund has consistently, from year to year, applied this concept in order that the value ofthe Fund is never arbitrarily increased or decreased at any given point in time. The performance ofthe Fund was based upon the true increases or decrease in the assets held for the specified reporting period. Now the dai!Y NAV fluctuates, sometimes substantially, due only to "hypothetical" changes in the tax accrual . . SUMMARY Copley Fund, Inc. was founded by Irving Levine in 197K ·Over the course of those years the Fund's NAV consistently has grown from just over $3 per share to more than $54 per share For example, assuming a 10% market decline, and that the Fund's shares react similarly, the Fund's per share NAV would decrease by approximately $1.15 due solely to the maintenance ofthe full liquidating value accrual
(example based upon $50,000,000 in unrealized appreciation, a 35% tax rate and 1,500,000 shares outstanding). Utilizing the Fund'-s historical reserve method there would have been no change in NAV due to anything other than the market
Memorandum ( cont)
Page 13 ofl4
at year end 2007. This has been accomplished not through 12b-1 plans or sales loads or even any sales efforts. Rather, the NAV growth is the result of a solid and consistently applied investment philosophy ofRurchasing an4 holding highly viable, dividend paying stocks which yield dividends in ever increasinKfUD.Ounts, all in accordance with the Fund's stated investment objective of''the generatiop and accumulation ofdividend income" .. Because ofthis structure the Copley Fund is unique among all other Funds. The Fund's overall structure, investment strategies and operating philosophy have not materially changed since its inception in 1978. Its underlying principles and strategies have been consistent, year to year, and the overriding concern ofManagement and the Board ofDirectors always has been the welfare ofthe individual shareholders. The Fund's expense ratio, after a consistent and voluntary $60,000 per year advisory fee waiver by the Fund's advisor has been maintained below 1.25%. These ratios, ori average, are well below the average ratio~ ofall equity funds, which ranged from 1.44% to 1.07% over the same period. Investment Company Institute, Fees and Expenses ofMutual Funds, 2007. Ratios for equivalent small funds are much higher. Every effort has been ID,ade to operate the Fund in the best interests ofthe shareholders { .$, and to reflect the true value ofthe Fund's assets in its net asset value. This effort has been ~;; f} thwarted by compelling the Fund to use a full liquidating value accrual with respect to the Fund's unrealized appreciation. The Fund is required by Rule 22c-1 a to issue and redeem its shares at a price based on current net asset value. Rule 2a-4a defines current net asset value and specifically states that with respect to NAV calculations "estimates (may be) used where necessary or appropriate". That Rule also provides that "(a)ppropriate provision shall be made for Federal Income Taxes if required" (emphasis added). There is no explicit requirement however that the full liquidating liability tax accrual be used in calculating the Fund's net asset value on which the daily issue and redemption price of its shares must be based. For the reasons set forth above the Board ofDirectors believe that neither GAAP nor F AS 109 mandate a liquidating liability accrual. On the other hand, the Board does believe it clear that the use of a full liquidating liability accrual does not represent a fair value with respect to the price ofthe Fund's shares. In fact, the application ofsuch a methodology is unrealistic, misleading and operates to the detriment ofthe Fund and its shareholders. As demonstrated above, the risk ofthe Fund incurring a tax liability in excess ofthe Board established reserve is practically nil. Nonetheless, the Fund believes that this risk should 7 It should be noted that "based on" is not synonymous with "at".
Memorandum ( cont) be assessed.and either accepted or rejected by the shareholders with the staffproviding guidance related to the risk disclosure. Accordingly, the Board proposes 'to adjust its N~t Asset V alue8 based on the reserve .method delineated above and to disclose, this adjUstment pursuant to the Prospectus Supplement which is attached hereto. Ofcourse, the Fund would be receptive to any disclosure comments made by the staff and would make every effort to include them in the Supplement and all future disclosure documents .. As of0ctober31, 2008. This will have the effect ofincreasing the Fund's per share value from $39.94 to $48.14. In order to compensate shareholders who redeemed between November 30, 2007and the date ofthe adjustment they will be reimbursed in an amount equal to their proportionate share ofthe difference between the established Board reserve and the full liquidating liability reserve which was in effect at the time.
ROY G ....H~L..E:, CP~ F>.04
.. .
'·
.-·~
Copley Fund, Inc.
Altarnative Tax M~naqament St~ategy
Prepare.d by: Roy G. Hale, CPA
Date: Novamh~r 27, 1992
ROY ,P..
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P.as
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...
Copley Fun~, Inc.
Alternative Tax Management Strategy
.l?age ~
The Fund ia registered with the SecUr-ities _and Exchange Co~ia~ion ~$ a diversified, open-end manaqement company under the
provis~ons of the Investment Company Act ot ~940, as a~ahded. The
Fund has elected to hold rather than distribute to shareholders net
investment inoome, therefore, the· Fund is taxed as an ordinary corporation rath&r th~n as a requlate.d investment company.
Since distributions are not mada to shareholders, the Fund is
liable for federal ~nd stat• income taxes on amounts rsceived from
interest1 dividen~s, capital qains, ancl operating division net
income. An ordinary corporation is currently taxed for.federal
income tax purposes at rates ot 15% to 34%, depending upon the
amount of its taxable. inoome. Further, the alternative minimum tax
may be applicable at a rate ot 20,. ~he Fund's overall tax liable
is substantially reduced. eaeh year by the applioation of a 70%
div iaends received deduction on qualified dividends. This tax
advantage ie partially offset by the requirement to add back the
aiviclends received d.eauotiQn for the calculation of.· alternat.ive
minimum tax. In the yeara that c:lividend income is a substantial
portion of investment income, the Fund will nave an alternative mi~imu~ tax liability.
Capital gains are currently taxed ~t a corporation's marginal
tax rate, i.e., 1St to 34%. The current ~aximum eapital gains tax
-rate for individuals is 2St. With a spread .of six pe:rcentaqe
points be.tween the corporate and individual capital qains rates, it
would be prudent for the Fund to consider transferring the income
tax liability to individual shareholders when a principal portion
of the security portfolio was subject to liquidation. A method
readily available to the Fund is to qualify as a regulated inveatm~nt oompan¥•
RegUlated Inveatmant Coap~y.
The special tax tr~atment accorded requlated irtvestment
companies (~ICs) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code,
+>"'"''• e~3vtdaads~~aid d•d.uetion--that is, the amount distrib\J.tect to .. -··-· · · ·1 .... •.....____..:.--.......,.~... rl..,...ih.tetionr
copley Funa~ Inc.
AltQrnativ• Tax M~nagement St~atagy 1·
Fi!tqe 3 · 1
I
I lQast the su~ ot: {1) $0 percent of ~he company's investment company taxa~le income, computed wijthout dea'Qcting a dividends ~ee~ived deQuction, plus (2) 90 percept of its net exampt inter~st J.ncome, . ~apital gains ar• treated sepat-ately.. A R.IC may holcL,or dlstrl.bUte any pot't~on of the capital!9ain realized during ;the tax yaar. If the ~IC dJ.stribut&s 100% of;the capital qain realized it receives a 100% dividends paid deauction; if it distributes SO% it receives an sot dividands paid aed~ct~on. i An investment com};)any desirin9 !to qualify as a regulated inv~stment company will proceed .qener~lly as follows; ~· ! (1) adopt a q~alityinq form of organization (Copley ~lready .meets this r~qu.irem~nt); . ; · . · . ! . (2) ioentify the first taxable y~ar in whieh it seeks to so qualify; . . · ! . ; (3) arranqo. and maintain a portlt:olio mix that meets gross inoome and diverai£ioation requiremen~s; · . (4) declare and pay dividends to lits shareholders before th$ end of the year o:r shQrtly thereafter 1 , · . {5) file~ tax.return electing to be a regulated investment company and refleeting that it has met the distribution anq ~elated rules fo~ being taxed und•r Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, 1986, as amended. cunqi.nq trom. a .t•c;ulaX' oo~p<tration t.o • r&qUlate4 investmat'&t cOJQpany.. In addition to meetin9 th• £iva requirements listed above, Copley Fundf Inc., must ~eet two aaditional requirements. {1) 'l'he runa must distribute all earnings and profits accumulated prior to the year in which RIC status is elected; and
~004
!:019::;48984 P.ae ..
(
/ 3 ·-.~~;·· Copley Fund, Inc.
the· Fund.
Accumulated earninqa and profits at August 31, 1992 -were $13,618,161. Aa an axample, if the Board of Directors was t.o elect RIC status commencinq i.fi calendar year 1993, the Fund would have 90 days starting on January 1, 1993, to CO!IIll\ence distributing the aoe~ulated earnings and protits. All accumulated earnings and profits would have to be distributed by the end of the year. The distribution of earninqs and prof1ts· could be made in eithar cash or additional atock. A stock distribution woulcl elitninate the need to. liquidate a portion of the stock portfolio and pay the associated taxes. In either case, cash or stoek, the shareholders would recognize taxable income in the amount of the · distribution received. !f the Board of Direet:..ors were to e.leot to convert to RIC status when t~a potential income tax liability on realized qains reaohed a eert.ain ·plateau, say $500, ooo, then the na·ed to show defer~ed inao~$ tax liabilities qreat~r than thie amount would not be neoa~sary. Tha tax liability would shift to sharAholders above the $5oo,coo ranqe and would not be a potential liability for the Fund. SinoA deterred ineome taxes serve to reduc~ net assats 1 any change in the amount ot deferred ineoDe taxes will have a direct impaot on net asset value. Tha strategy discusse~ in this pap~r will ultimately serve to increase the Fund" s net aeset value. substantially. Tho not asset value must be a trua reflection of the value Cf each share Of stock and not ~e incumbered by value judgemen~a (increases or deereases) that do not have some basis for reooqnition, It eleotinq RIC status will reduce the tax eoneaque.nces to tha Fund, t.he. FUnd finaneial statements should refl$ot·this occurrence. It is imperative that the Soard o! Directors comply with the fUll disclo•ure conoe.pt of generally accept~d. accountinq principles and SEC rules and requlations on any major change to accounting :me:thoris or procedures. The willinqness to recognize RIC status and the eorrespondinq impact on individual shareholders ~ust be fully disclosed in the prospectus and in the financial statements issued to shareholders. -.;::6·~ ~.~) Some propo5ad lanquaqe tor the prospectus and the individual _____r_l-_n_a-m::.i~U statements ios set £'01~.'"eh in the follOWinq pa9'eS .in tl'la -~o R••~A o£ 01rpctore accepted ~na ;~lte~native ta~ ~019:S:4$$S;l ,.. .
...,. ·.
Copl$y Funa, Inc.
Alternative Ta~ Manaqe~ent Str~tegy
PiJge 5 rmpl@m4Hl~.ation La.nqy.~e .. ·
Proposad lanquage for the Fund's prospectus is submitted below. .
Federal 7axea••GODe~ally
ThQ Fund is taxed a.a a regular corpo:ration under the Int~:rnal Revenue Code of 1986, as altlended (the ••COde") • Except to the
extent hereinafte:r discussed, consistent with its investment
polioies and objectives, the Fund. :retains all net investment income
and realized capital gains, if any, to increase the Fund's assets.
Consequently, sha~eholders are not individ~ally liable for income
taxes asaooiated with the operations of the Fund except upon sale
of sha:res or the rac•ipt of distributions. . · . .
~he Fund is taxGd, for Federal inoomQ tax purposes, on a sch~dule of r~tes ranging from 15% to 34% depending upon· its taxable income. However, a 5\ additional tax rate applies. ·to phase out the benefits of the qraduated rates if tha Fund's taxable income ia between $100,000 and. $335,000. Subject to specific limitations, the FUnd is entitled to a deduction in computin9 its Federal taxable income aqual to 70% of the amount of divid.ands reeeived .by the Fund trom ~omestie corporations. '!'his O.iviaends ,. } received deduction may not e)(ceed 70~ ot the Fund's taxable ineotn$ ----<:0.-v unless the Fund has a nGt operating loss for a tAXable yea~, as comput•d aft•r deduetin9 the dividend receive4 deduction. rt is anticipated, although there can be no assurance, that tha Fund's management faes and other expanaQ~ will offset a substantial portion of the remaining 30% of tha dividend income and investment income from other sources durinq e4ch taxable year. . The Fund pays income taxes on any nAt.realized capital 9ain a:t t.ha rata.tutory rate. noted above~ ··In addition1 tha Fund will, for financial statement purposes, accrue deferred income taxas on net unrGalized capital gains that. a.ra expected to be realized at the Fund level. The. Fund may carry net capital losses forward for five years as an offset against any net capital qains realized by the Fund during the current year. If th~ Fund im unable to avoid the tax on net income throuqh t.h~ use of tax management techniques, the. Fund's :management; toqether with counsel, will oonsider limiting the liability for payment of income taxos. A method available to the Fund is the election to be ta~ed aa a re9ulatQd inv~stment company. Should th$ liability for tax. with regard to net ineo.l\9 axceed any set limitation, and provided the Fund meets . a_ll applicable Internal Revenue Code conditions, it is the intent cf the ~nd to make this election.
~ ... -. lgf UUZIUUJ ·. ~OY G. HAL~, CPA 301'$1:;48$194 p. 1 ... . .
( Copley Fund, Inc. ~~;d Alternative Tax Manaqen1ent Strat.egy Page 6 . .
Albeit tQe election to ba treated as a requlated investment company will shift the income tax liability for net inveetment ineome and oapital gains trom tha Fund to the individual shareholder, the ~anaqemant of the Fund believes that it i~ in the sharei;oldar's beat interest to avoid double taxation by :making this elac-t:-~on. Double taxation r•sults wb.en the.. Fund pays a tax on the net 1ncome, which reduces the net _asset value per &hare, and the shareholder also pays a tax on that e~me qain ~pon ~edeeminq Fund share$. · corresponding with an election to be treated a• a regulated inv~stmant company, the Fund must make a distribution to shareholders of all earninqa acou•ulated as a regular corporation, This distribution would reault in ta~able income to the shareholders, wheth~r or not the distribution is received in cash or additional ahare~ of Fund s~ook6 Unrealized appreciation (built-in gains) at the point in time the Fund elaots regulated investment oompany treatment is taxable income to the Fund. tlnder current Internal Revenue code provisions, the Pund ~ay sleet to postpone thie built-in qains tax until such time a$ the security is sold. If th• seourity is held for at least 10 ysars after electing regulated investment company status, the tax will not be accessed against the Fund. Legislative or ragulatory changes in, or interpretations of, applie,!!.ble federal te.K laws, regulations or rulings may make it impossible for the Fund to 'Utilize certain of the tax mana.qement techniques an4 atratoqias described in the Pro$pectus. The Fund intends to avaluate continuously tha operations of the Fund under the current fedGral tax la'\ls as 1Nell· as various alternatives available. Proposed languaqe for thA s~mi-annual and annual financial stateme.pts. federal inecme tax•a. In accordance with the Fund's objectives and policies, it does not eurrantly intend to distributs net investment income or realized capital qains to shareholders. Accorc:iinqly 1 the Fund will be taxed as a regUlar corporation. The Fund has accrued a liability !or realized and unrealized capital gains to the extend th.• Fund anticipates such a liability will occur. Through February 28, 1993, the Fund has accrued a tax liability ot During this aeeounting period, the Fund's Board of Directors has provided mani!lgQm.en.t:. wj_th the authority to elect regulated investment company treatment when the over~ll income tax liability
.. • • I
-,:.. 1 1
Copley Fund, Inc.
Alternative Tax Mangement Strategy li!itXQeada a de5ignatl!d level. This a\lthority has substantially ~•duced the Fund's potential liability for income tax on unr~alized gains. Without this authority the Fund.'e net asset value would have been ; with this authority the Fund's net asset value is
. •.: . ~- .... ::: -:-: ·..:- . -: ..
COPLEY FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL IDGHLIGHTS
The following table presents inform~tion about the Fund's financial history. It is based upon a single share outstanding throughout each fiscal year (which ends· on the last day of February).
Number of shares outstanding at end of period (in thousands) .. 1,589 1,593 1,643 1,770 1,840 2,034 (a) Total return for periods less than one year are not annualized. (b) Rutio of expenses presented exclude income taxes. (c) Annualized for periods less than one_ year. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. .. . ... -··.-:··. .. __ , .. _.
Net assets, last day of February (in thousands)
Ratio of net expenses, including regular &
deferred taxes, to average net assets
Ratio of net expenses, excluding deferred taxes, to average net assets . . . . . . Ratio of net investment and operating income (loss) to average net assets Ratio of net investment and operating income (loss), excluding deferred taxes, to average net assets Portfolio tum over rate Number of shares outstanding at end of period (in thousands). been included, the following ratios would apply:
Ratio of net expenses, including regular & deferred taxes, to average net assets Ratio of net expenses, excluding deferred taxes,
to average net assets ................
Ratio of net investment and operating income
(loss) to average net assets
Ratio of net investment and operating income
(loss), excluding deferred taxes, to average net assets • • • • • • • • • • • • • ~ 0 • • .. ·.:·
COPLEY FUND, INC.
SUPPLE:MENT DATED NOVEMBER , 2008 TO
PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 24, 2008
This Supplement (the "Supplement") to the Prospectus dated July 24,2008 provides information relating to the Fund and d~velopments since issuance ofthe Prospectus. . . This Supplement mustbe read in conjunction with the Prospectus in order to obtain complete information about the Fund as the Supplement only addresses certain issues. In the case of any inconsistencies between the Supplement and the Prospectus this Supplement shall prevail. This Supplement amends the "Tax on Unrealized Appreciation" (page 5), t~?-e "Performance" (pages 5, 6 and 7), the "Distribution and Taxes" (pages 8, 9 and 10) and the "When and How Net Asset Value is Calculated (page 13) sections ofthe Prospectus. TAX ON UNREALIZED APPRECIATION This Section is replaced in its entirety by the following:
This section addresses two principal risks ofinvesting in the Fund:
( TAx LIABILITY RISK. Federal Income Taxes are payable when the Fund sells '\s:J portfolio securities that have appreciated (gone up) in value. The Fund maintains a reserve for this tax, the amount ofwhich has been established by the Board ofDirectors. IN THE EVENT THAT THE TAXES PAY ABLE ON THE SALE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES SHOULD EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF THE RESERVE THE NET ASSET VALUE OF THE FUND'S SHARES WOULD DECREASE AND SHAREHOLDERS WOULD INCUR A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF THEIR INVESTMENT. TillS DECREASE COULD BE SUBSTANTIAL. For the life ofthe Fund, the tax reserve established by the Board always has exceeded the capital gains taxes actually due and payable by the Fund. While the Board believes that it has a clear and consistent record of establishing an adequate tax reserve and that the sale ofsufficient portfolio securities to generate a tax greater than the reserve is remote, THE POTENTIAL FOR· A LOSS EXISTS. ACCOUNTING INTERPRETATION RISK. The Fund is required to follow generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the preparation offinancial statements and associated supplemental information. GAAP however is not clear in respect ofone accounting issue which impacts on the Fund's fmancial statements-the methodology for the treatment ofdeferred income tax as it relates to the accumulation of unrealized appreciation on the Fund's stock portfolio. Under one interpretation, the liquidating value accrual method, the Fund would be required to report the full income tax liability, based upon prevailing income tax rates, that
Copley Fund, Inc.
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24, 2008 (_ J would be due and payable ·if the Ftind liquidated its entire portfolio on the date the financial statements are presented .. Under the other interpretation, currently utilized by the Fund, the income tax liabilityis reported based upon a reserve for such tax which is established by the Board ofDirectors. IN THE EVENT TIIAT THE FUND'S TAX ACCOUNTING :METHODOLOGY IS DETERMINED TO BE NOT IN ACCORDANCE Willi GAAP OR NOT SUBJECT TO AN EXCEPTION THERETO, THE FUND'S NAV WOULD HAVE TO BE ADWSTED TO REFLECT 1HEFULL TAX LIABILITY, THE NET ASSET VALUE OF THE FUND'S SHARES WOULD DECREASE AND SHAREHOLDERS WOULD INCUR A DECREASE IN TilE VALUE OF 1HEIR INVESTMENT. THIS DECREASE COULD BE SUBSTANTIAL. To illustrate the full potential impact ofthe realization of either ofthe identified risks, the following table compares the Fund's historical Per Share Net Asset Value ("NA V") calculated . based upon the reserve established by the Board with the NAV that would result had the Fund's entire portfolio been liquidated at the end ofthe period indicated. YEAR ENDED C) """"'"~· FEB29 'FEB28 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Net Asset Value Including Tax Reserve Established by Board $54.68 $54.67 $46.86 $43.88 $39.26 Net Asset Value Including Potential Tax Liability Assuming Liquidat OfEntire Portfolio ion $44.39 $44.46 $38.79 $36.44 $33.07 Per Share hnpact $10.29 $10.01 $8.07 $7.44 $6.19 This risk and the accounting principles related thereto are discussed in more detail in this Prospectus under the "Distribution and Taxes" Section. DISTRIBUTION AND TAXES This Section is amended by substituting the following for paragraphs 2 through 6 thereof:
( \
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24,2008
The Fund pays income taxes on any net realized capital gains at the statutory rate, currently 35%. In addition, the Fund will, for purposes-of calculating the Fund's Per Share Net Asset Value (''NAV") accrue deferred taxes on:net capital gains to the extent management and the Board ofDirectors anticipate that a liability may exist. The Fund also may carry any net capital losses forward for five years as an offset against any net capital gains realized by the Fund during the current year. The reserve for taxes established by the Board ofDirectors is a critical component in the pricing ofthe Fund's Shares. There are two methods by which the liability for deferred income taxes for purposes ofpricing the Fund's Shares may be calculated. The first method ("liquidating value accrual method") establishes a liability which includes the entire amount of capital gains taxes that would be payable ifthe Fund liquidated its entire portfolio ofsecurities that day. The second method ("reserve value accrual method"), currently used by the Fund, establishes a current liability which includes only such amount as Management and the Board of Directors believes adequately meets the current anticipated tax liability. There are provisions under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") which may be interpreted to require the Fund to record the full potential income tax liability assoCiated , with the reported unrealized appreciation to ensure that shareholders are not required to recognize a decrease in the value oftheir shares due strictly to the income tax obligation associated with the sale ofportfolio securities. This concept is understood by the Board of Directors and the management ofthe Fun~ and it has been followed diligently albeit with a reserve methodology rather than a full accrual. Even though th~ full accrual ofdeferred income taxes associated with the unrealized appreciation would remove any risk associated with the · devaluation ofshares due to the payment offederal income taxes,· the Board believes that the resultant net asset value incorporating a ~1 accrual ofdeferred income taxes does not report the shares at fair value. The basis for the Board's decision is summarized below:
(1) The use of a full liquidating accrual methodology is unrealistic. It assumes.the liquidation ofthe entire portfolio ofthe Fund's securities. Neither the Board nor management has any intention to liquidate. Nor do they believe, or anticipate, that there exists any circumstances which would compel a liquidation of the Fund's entire portfolio ofsecurities. As illustrated by the following table, the history ofthe Fund for the past 15 years supports this position:
, Copley Fund, Inc.
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24,2008
COMPARISON OF RESERVE ESTABLISHED BY BO.A.im AND .
ACTUAL CAPITAL GAINS TAXES PAID
BOARD ESTABLISHED ACTUAL CAPITAL FULL LIQUIDATING CAPITAL GAINS TAX RESERVE GAINS TAXES PAID RESERVE FOR CAPITAL GAINS LIABILITY ACCRUAL 2007 $807,345.00 $0 $17,537,872.00 2006 $758,766.00 $0 $16,104,320.00 2005 $758,766.00 $0 $14,887,774.00 ' 2004 $824,472.00 $0 $12,548,834.00 2003 $770,554.00 $0 $7,602.562.00 2002 $664,576.00 $0 $13,166,255.00 2001 $443,285.00 $0 $15,646,991.00 2000 $464,563.00 $0 $10,961,527.00 1999 $373,709.00 $0 $13,684,586.00 1998 $278,488.00 $0 $13,224,672.00 1997 $189,891.00 $0 $8,193,495.00 1996 $378,955.00 $0 $7,160,983.00 1995 $422,000.00 $0 $2,756,751.00 1994 $422,000.00 $0 $3,843,489.00 1993 $422,000.00 $0 $3,430,633.00 (2) The use of a full liquidating accrual methodology results in a daily NAV that is misleading. Lowering the NAY to a level that is inconsistent with the working assets of the Fund by booking a long-term liability that is contingent upon some future event that in all likelihood will not occur understates the real fair value ofFund shares. All obligations ofthe Fund that must be met are recognized and impact the NAV on a daily basis. Reducing the NAV to incorporate a liability that by its very nature is contingent upon future events, when in fact the liability can be addressed through a sound reserve policy, leads the Board to a finding that the resultant NAV would be mislead:irig. An essential aspect ofthe Fund's strategy is the accumulation and retention of dividends generated by its portfolio ofsecurities. The full accrual method has the potential of misleading investors by implying that dividends received are being earned at a rate which is greater than the actual return, i.e., inflated yields because a significant portion ofthe principal on which the return was earned is not included in the Fund's NAV. In addition, the application ofthe full accrual method overstates expense ratios and may understate · performance levels. (3) Lastly, the use ofthe full liquidating accrual methodology does not represent a "fair value" for the Fund's shares. ( ~ \dJ
( \ · ...~)
-'~ '"&_j/
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ---7
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24, 2008
The Board has directed the utilization ofthe reserve value accrual method because it results in a fair value for the Fund's shares and fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition ofthe Fund. It also stabilizes the Fund's daily NAV because it eliminates exaggerated "swings" in NAV caused by the necessity ofincluding a different, and often substantial, amount for liquidating tax liability on a daily basis. Details ofthe Board's methodology are set forth below. r· When stocks appreciate in value in excess oftheir cost. an asset called unrealized appreciation is generated. The appreciation will only be realized when these securities are. actually sold. However, on a daily basis, the Fund is required to mark its securities to market and thereby recogllize the unrealized appreciation in the net asset value ofthe Fund. By using current values rather than cost values, the value ofthe portfolio, which makes up almost all of the total assets ofthe Fund, is reported at its actual market worth. This is an important concept in pricing the Fund at a value that truly reflects the assets held. When appreciated securities are sold, the unrecognized gain becomes recognizable and, ifnot offset by accumulated capital losses, will be subject to taxation. Since the unrealized appreciation and the associated taxation thereof attaches to all appreciated securities, many ofwhich will not be sold for long periods of time, the management ofthe Fund has takenthe position that it will accrue a deferred income tax liability on net unrealized capital gains to the extent that management anticipates a liability may exist. This liability is based upon current market trends, accumulated capital losses, the amount of cash and cash equivalents held, and anticipated redemptions as well as the Fund's long operating history. Ifthe Fund actually realized capital gains and paid capital gains taxes that exceeded the amount ofthe res·erve for deferred income taxes, the net asset value ofthe Fund would be lowered by the amount ofthe taxes that exceed the reserve and shareholders would experience a real loss in value oftheir respective shares. In order to avoid this potential scenario the Fund may elect to be taxed as a regulated investment company ("RIC"), as opposed to a "C" Corporation, in the event that the actual capital gains tax liability exceeds the reserve and available tax loss carryforwards for a given period. This option would eliminate the income tax at the Fund level (35% rate) and shift it to the individual shareholder at a current 15% rate. Corresponding with an election to be treated as a regulated investment company, the Fund must make a distribution to its shareholders, of all earning accumulated as a regular corporation. This distribution would result in taxable income to the shareholders, whether or not the distribution is received in cash or additional shares ofFund stock. Unrealized appreciation (built-in-gains) at the point in time the Fund elects
regulated investment company treatment is taxable income to the Fund. However, under current Revenue
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November--~
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24, 2008
Code provisions, the Fund may elect to postpone this built-in-gains tax until such time as the
security is sold. Ifthe security is held for at least 10 years after electing. regulated investm.eilt
company status, the tax will not be assessed against the Fund.
Legislative or regulatory changes in, or interpretations of, applicable federal tax laws,
regulations or nilings may make it impossible for the Fund to utilize certain ofthe tax
management techniques and strategies describ~d in the Prospectus. The Fund intends to evaluate
continuously the operations ofthe Fund under current federal tax laws as well as various
alternatives available .
. PERFORMANCE
This Section is amended by replacing the first paragraph thereof with the following and
by adding the Charts. and Tables set forth below: ·
The bar charts and tables below can help in evaluating the potential risks ofinvesting in the Fund. The bar charts show changes in the yearly performance ofthe Fund over the last ten years. The tables compare the average annual returns for the past one-year, five-year and ten-: ( ~ .. ~.~' year periods ofthe Fund, before and after taxes, with the average annual returns for the S&P 500
for the same periods. Please keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after
taxes) is not necessarily an indication ofthe Fund's future performance~ In order to demonstrate the effects of a full accrual ofdeferred income taxes as compared
to the reserve method, the following charts BI!d tables are provided. The information presented
in the first set of charts and graphs is based upon the inclusion in the Fund's NAV of a full
accrual ofdeferred income taxes that would be payable in its entirety only upon liquidation of
the Fund's entire stock portfolio.
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Fund 5.83% (6.69)% 19.75% (2.76)%(11.93)% 18.14% 8.12% 5.53% 14.26% 3.60% S&P 500 26.~9% 11.55% (10.10)% (10.60)% (22.10)% 26.20% 21.26% 4.90% 15.79% 5.49% Best Quarter 13.6% 3rd-2000 Worst Quarter (14.95)% 3rd-2002 The performance infonnation shown above is based on full calendar years.
Copley Fund, Inc.
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24, 2008
~e investment return and principal value ofan investment will fluctuate, so an investor's shares, when redeemed, will be worth more or less than their origin8.I cost ~. Average Annual Total Returns as of2/29/08 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Total Return Before Taxes 3.60% 6.20% 4.20%
Total Return After Taxes on Distributions* N/A N/A N/A
Fund Return After Taxes on Distributions
and Sale ofFund Shares* 3.06% 5.27% 3.57%
S&P 500 Index (3.60)% 11.62% 7.23%
The information presented in the charts and tables set forth below are based upon the reserve for deferred income taxes established by the Board ofDirectors. · 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 \J Fund 5.36% (6.86)% 26.075% (5.72)% (16.81)% 25.31% 11.77% 6.79% 16.67% 0.00%
":~:!t......: .
S&P 500 26.69% 11.55% (I 0.1 0)% (1 0.60)% (22.1 0)% 26.20% 21.26% 4.90% 15.79% 5.49% Best Quarter Worst Quarter 13.6% (14.95)% 3rd-2000 3rd-2002 The performance information shown above is based on full calendar years. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so an investor's shares, when redeemed, will be worth more or less than their original cost. Average Annual Total Returns as of2/29/08 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Total Return Before Taxes 0.00% 6.90% 5.50%
Total Return After Taxes on Distributions* N/A N/A N/A*"'
Fund Return After Taxes on Distributions
and Sale ofFund Shares* 0.00% 5.87% 4.68%
S&P 500 Index (3.60)% 11.62% 7.23%
~ '-0;..-i/
Copley Fund, Inc.
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24,2008
WHEN AND HOW NET ASSET VALUE IS CALCULATED .
This Section is amended by substituting the following for the second paragraph thereof:
I
The Fund's NAVis determined by dividing the yalue ofthe Fund's securities, cash and other assets, minus all liabilities, by the number ofshares outstanding. For purposes of calculating the Fund's per share price, the liability for deferred income taxes on unrealized appreciation is based upon a "reserve" for such taxes established in good faith by the Fund's Board ofDirectors. The Board ofDirectors believe that a "fair value" accounting ofthe Fund is best served by reportiri.g a reserve for deferred taxes that takes into account the investment policy ofthe Fund, the Fund's long history ofholding securities for many years, market conditions, anticipated redemptions and other real-time factors deemed relevant by the Board ofDirectors. The Fund's securities are valued each day at their market value, which usually means the last quoted sales price on a security's principal exchange. Securities not traded on the valuation date and securities not listed are valued at the last quoted bid price. All other securities, ~.) including securities in which the quotations are considered to be unreliable due to significant market or other events are priced at their fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to . procedures adopted by the Fund's Board ofDirectors. Part ofthe assets ofthe operating division consist ofinventory and is valued at its fair value as determined by the Board ofDirectors. ,,") ..,
I
,I
,..:
ROBERTS & HENRY
•
•
.
" financials in a consistent manner, fairly price Fund shares and render the :financials not misleading. In this regard, I have attached a compendium. ofarticles clipped from the Wall
,I
interpretation ofFAS 109 which uses liquidating value accounting achieves the exact
opposite result: one that should be avoided-investors are harmed.
Simply put, a full liquidating value accounting view under F AS 109 operates to the detriment ofFund shareholders and results in iJlconsistent and misleading financial statements. For example, the current SEC mandated NAV calculation is misleading because, among other things, it exaggerates the performance ofthe Fund when pre-tax income loss is calculated as a percentage of 1he artificially lower amount of assets verses the amount actually deployed for investment. On the other hand, a reserve accounting view wder FAS 109 operates to the benefit ofshareholders and results in consistent, easily understandable and clear financials which produce a Net Asset Value which represents fair value for the Fund's shares. For example, at September 30, the Fund would have to liquidate approximately $19,000,000 of its portfolio securities in order to incur even the first dime oftax liability. This, we submit, is such a remote possibility as to not even merit consideration. Even so, it should be for the shareholders to assess this risk, however slight, not for the staffto make the detel11lination for them. We believe that there is nothing in GAAP or applicable law or regulation which precludes the use of the Board's methodology in pricing Fund shares.
•
•
Memorandum (cont) shareholders but rather accwnulating them within the Fund and then adding them to the value of each ~hare on a daily basis. Hence, an increase in per share value directly raises the value of a shareholder's account Thus, shareholders are able to defer dividend and capital gains taxes until redemption at which time shareholders will incur a loss or realize a gain depending upon the Fund's per share value at the time ofredemption. In addition, and central to the Fund's investment policy, is that the retention ofdividends leaves more money "at work" in the Fund. Thus, the true measure of the Fund's performance is to measure income and gain as a function of the total deployed capital. Artificially discounting the reported amount ofdeployed capital by an inappropriate "reserve" distorts the Fund's performance. Insofar as the Fund itself is concerned. as a C Corporation. it uses its corporate structure to create dividen~ income to the Fund, 70% ofwhich is offset by the deduction allowed by the Internal Revenue Code for dividends received by a C Corporation. TAX MANAGEMENT POLICY AND RATIONALE Beginning in 1993, the Board of Directors ofthe Fund implemented a tax management policy whereby the accrual for deferred income tax on unreal~ gains on the Fund's portfolio securities was reduced to a stated reserve of$422,000. This am01mt was determined by the Board in an exercise of their good faith business judgment and based upon the seven factors which are set forth below. Prior to the adoption of that policy the Fund had a stated deferred income tax liability accrual of$3,541,000. The implementation ofthis policy had the effect of increasing the Fund's NAY with a corresponding increase in stated per share value. This policy more accurately reflected the deployed capital which was invested by the Fund. This tax management strategy was implemented based upon a strategy adopted and implemented by the Rochester Tax Managed Fund, an informal opinion expressed by Price Waterhouse at the time and a p<>sition paper prepared by Roy G. Hale, CPA, dated November27, 1992 (See Attachment "A"). The decision was memorialized in the Minutes ofa Meeting ofthe Board ofDirectors held on December 7, 1992 to implement the strategy wherein the Directors instructed "that Fund Management shall monitor on a regular basis the Fund's potential income
•
•
The Fund has, for more than 15 years, consistently maintained that the amount ofthe deferred income tax liability for the Fund is an accounting estimate that is properly based upon a reasonable estimate ofthe future obligations ofthe Fund as it relates to the difference between the tax basis ofthe Fund's assets and their reported mark to market current value. The Fund recognizes all cWTent income tax obligations in the current accounting period. It has been the Fund's longstanding position, sine(: 1993, that the deferred tax liability for unrealized capital gains should be based on a good faith business judgment estimate offuture tax obligations associated with any required liquidation ofportfolio securities necessary to raise cash to meet foreseeable Fund requirements. The key concept here is that the deferred tax liability carried by the Fund on any given date is an accounting estimate offuture obligations of the Fund. This estimate is based upon various factors including (1) capital loss carry forwards (2) anticipated redemptions beyond the ability of the Fund to cover with its current cash position or through the sale ofnon-appreciated securities (3) the amount ofthe recorded reserve for the estimated maximum tax liability (4) fifteen (15) years ofoperating history without ever exceeding or even approaching the reserve established by the Board (5) the Fund's stated investment strategy and track record ofholding high quality, dividend paying stocks for the long term (6) the fact that the entire deferred tax liability would be due only in the unlikely event the entire portfolio were liquidated and (7) the best good faith business judgment ofthe Board of Directors. These factors are, and historically have been, used to establish a reasonable and realistic basis for the estimated tax liability. And, as discussed below, the option to convert the Fund to RIC status establishes a floor upon which the estimated taxes would not be exceeded. ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING FOR INCOME TAXES The essence ofthe issue is Copley Fund's accounting and reporting ofthe effects of potential income taxes. The staff's initial theory is understood to be that the Fund had not measured and disclosed the future tax consequences ofthe unrealized appreciation of securities in the Fund's portfolio in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In support ofthis position they have referenced the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Statement ofFinancial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes ("FAS 109"). FAS 109 "establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effects ofincome taxes that result from an enterprises activities during the current and preceding years." Pamgraph 6 ofFAS 109 states that "the objectives ofaccounting for income taxes are to recognize (a) the amount oftaxes payable or refundable for the current year and (b) deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences ofevents
that have been recognized in an enterprises' financial statements or tax returns."
•
ACTUAL CAPITAL GAINS TAXES PAID
..· Memorandum (cont)
ultimately avail itself of the elimination ofthe tax otherwise payable at the corporate level on
appreciated securities the Fund believes that the inherent assumption made in Parilgraph 11 of
FAS 109, i.e., that liabilities will be recovered and settled, does not properly apply to the instant
situation. Moreover, the statement in Paragraph 78 ofFAS 109 that ''the (accounting) Board •
concluded that the only question is when, not whether- (tax liabilities will be realized)" supports
the Fund's belief that GAAP does not require the Fund to·accrue the full potential deferred tax
liability because the ability to convert to a RIC on its own terms answers the ''when" question-
never.
CONVERSION TO RIC
Regulated Investment Companies ("RIC's") may escape full corporate taxation because,
unlike ordinary corporations, they are entitled to claim a deduction for dividend payments
against ordinary income and net capital gains. A corporation qualifies as a RIC ifit makes an
irrevocable election to be a RIC by filing a tax return on Form 1120-RIC and it meets certain
requirements specified in JRC Sections 851 and 852. In order to qualify for this election, the
Fund would be required, among other things, to distribute to shareholders its undistributed
earnings an~ profits ("E&P''). ·
The Fund could elect RIC status simply by filing a RIC tax return for the year in which
the status is deemed to be effective. Any capital gains taxes due and payable at the end ofthe tax
year, which in theory would be greater than the re~e, would then be shifted to the individual
shareholders2
Under current law, the capital gains taxes due on net realized gain only would be due at individual rates which are now much
lower than corporate rates. This Is another example ofwhy tho ''full liquidating value reserve" method Is not only inappropriate • but also seriously misleading.
Memorandum (cont)
Memorandum ( cont)
Memorandum ( cont)
Memorandum ( cont)
Memorandum (coot)
•
•
"departure" from OAAP it certainly appears reasonable under the circumstances especially here, where the use of the full liability accrual method produces an unreasonable result, i.e., a per share net asset value which does not reflect the realistic net assets ofthe Fund, distorts performance and expense ratios, and disables redeeming shareholders from receiving their fair proportionate share ofFund assets. Copley Fund is unique among all other Funds4
To the Fund's knowledge it is the only C
Corporation the share price of which is based upon a mark to market NAV as opposed to a value based on supply and demand for its shares. This does not make it "bad" or "wrong"-just different. The Fund also notes that because of this uniqueness the Fund's use ofthe reserve method will not impact other mutual funds. On the other hand, ifthe Fund's methodology is applied consistently, as it bas been in the past, and is fully understood by all shareholders through ample disclosure, it will facilitate comparisons with other mutual funds and will not result in overstated performance.- This makes a substance over fonn approach compelling under the circumstances of the Fund. For this reason alone the use ofa reserve method falls well ~thin the judgment parameters of GAAP. All ofthis demonstrates that sometimes variations from strict interpretations ofGAAP · are requfred5
Whiie the Fund believes that its financials historically have been compiled and
presented in accordance with GAAP the modifying conventions make clear that GAAP is not "carved in stone" and that variations are made and considered acceptable. Ifnothing else, GAAP and FAS 109 are not clear on the appropriate calculation ofa tax accrual particularly in view of the fact that the "inherent assumption" underlying FAS 109 is not present given the particular circumstances ofthe Fund. CONCEPTS OF FAIR VALUE . . The Copley Fund is currently valued at its liquidation value. Simply put, this does not represent the fair value of the Fund's shares. It ignores reality and misstates the assets ofthe Fund. · Therc arc at least two other lovestmenl companies thai have not elected RIC status and record a deferred tax liability associate<! With the llllliallzed appreciation ofportfolio securities. See Tortoise Energy Capital Corp., file number 811-217$, Form N-CSRS (August I, 2007) and Knync Anderson MLP Investment Company, file number 811-21593, Form N-CSRS (August 3, 2007). However, both arc clotec;l-end funds and as such do not Issue redeemable securities. 'Ibcir shares are bought and sold In the open marlcet. A closed-end fund with a large amount of unrealized capital gains in Its portfolio may trade lit adiscount for Cl111Il1ple because buyClS would be assum1og a potential tax llabllity and uncertainty as to the amount and tlmiDg ofthe gains to be realized. Closed-end funds arc not required to calcullltc their NAV dally. Tortoise Is a nearly $1 billion Fund that Invests In securities of energy related to MLP1 s operation inftastructure assets. Kayne Is a $2 billion Fund that also invests In energy. Their portfolio turnover rates exceed 30%. As such, they are easily distinguishable from Copley. Unlike Copley they are required to apply the defmals that are accrue<! on a rcgular basis. · The Commission has recognfz.ed concept and Issued rules for the use ofeven Non-GAAP financials. Release No. 33-8176, 34-17226 (January 22, 2003).
' Memorandum (cont)
Page 12 ofl4
On September 30, 2008, the SEC's Office ofthe Chief Accountant issued a press release
(2008-234) _which addressed fair value accounting stating that "(t)he current envir~nment has made questions surrounding the determination offair value particularly challenging for preparers, auditors; and users offinancial infonnation". While not precisely on point the concepts addressed in the release are equally applicable. The release makes clear that Management's internal assumptions can be used to measure fair value. It acknowledges that the determination of fair value often requires significant judgment. The release also concludes that clear and transparent disclosures are critical to providing investors with an understanding ofthe judgments made by management. The Fund believes that it has demonstrated a clear and compelling rationale as to why the use ofthe Board's reserve accrual methodology best represents a fair va,lue for the Fund's shares. It also believes that the disclosures made in the attached proposed Supplement to the Fund's Prospectus provides clear and 1:nmsparent disclosures with respect to both the methodology and rationale used by the Board as well as the risks inherent therein. The static (1l)plication ofan accounting concept (FAS 109 treatment of a deferred tax liability) that is equivalent to liquidation accounting serves to undervalue the true financial position ofthe Fund. It operates to overstate dividend yield and expense ratios and und~state • perfonnan~ for comparison purposes. Redeeming shareholders do not receive their proportionate share ofFund assets. Purchasing shareholders receive a windfall in the event that the deferred tax liability is eliminated or reduced due to conversion to a RIC or a change in tax law or regulation. Management ofthe Fund bas, since 1992, attempted to reflect in the financial statements a deferred tax liability to the extent that management anticipates, in an exercise oftheir best, good faith business judgment that such a liability exists. Deferred income tax liabilities are at best an estimate due to the nature of changing income tax rates and federal and state income tax law and regulations. The Fund has consistently, from year to year, applied this concept in order that the value ofthe Fund is never arbitrarily increased or decreased at any given point in tinie. The performance ofthe Fund was based upon the true increases or decrease in the assets held for the specified reporting period. Now the daill NAY fluctuates, sometimes substantially, due only to "hypothetical" ~hanges in the tax accrual • Sll.1MARY Copley Fund, Inc. was founded by Irving Levine in 1978. Over the course ofthose years the Fund's NAV consistently bas grown from just over $3 per share to more than $54 per share For example, Bssuming a 100/o market decline, Bnd that the Fund's shares react similarly, the Fund's per share NAV would de<:rease by approximately $1.15 due solely to·lhe maintenance ofthe full liquidating value accrual (example based upon $50,000,000 In unrealized appreciation, a 35% tax rate Bnd
1,500,000 shares outstanding). Utilizing the Fund's historical reserve • method there would have been no change in NA V due to Bnything other than the ntarlcct
Memorandum (cont)
•
•
at year end 2007. This has been accomplished not through 12b-1 plans or sales loads or even any sales efforts. Rather, the NA V growth is the result ofa solid and consistently applied investment philosophy ofpurchasing and holding highly viable, dividend paying stocks which yield dividends in ever increasing amounts, all in acrordance with the Fund's stat~ investment objective of"the generation and accumulation ofdividend income". Because ofthis structure the Copley Fund is unique among all other Funds. The Fund's overall structure, investment strategies and operating philosophy have not materially changed since its inception in 1978. Its underlying principles and strategies have been consistent, year to year, and the overriding concern ofManagement and the Board ofDirectors always has been the welfare ofthe individual shareholders. The Fund's expense ratio, after a consistent and voluntary $60,000 per year advisory fee waiver by the Fund's advisor has been maintained below 1.25%. These ratios, on average, are well below the average ratios ofall equity funds, which ranged from 1.44% to 1.07% over the same period. Investment Company Institute, Fees and Expenses of Mutual Funds, 2007. Ratios . for equivalent small funds. are much higher. Every effort has been made to operate the Fund in the best interests ofthe shareholders and to reflect the true value ofthe Fund's assets in its net asset value. This effort has been thwarted by compelling the Fund to use a full liquidating value accrual with respect to the Fund's unrealized appreciation. The Fund is required by Rule 22c-l~ to issue and redeem its shares at a price based on current net asset value. Rule 2a-4a defines current net asset value and specifically states that with respect to NAV calculations "estimates (may be) used where necessary or appropriate". That Rule also provides that "(a)ppropriate provision shall be made for Federal Income Taxes if required" (emphasis added). There is no explicit requirement however that the full liquidating liability tax accrual be used in calculating the Fund's net asset value on which the daily issue and redemption price of its shares must be based. For the reasons set forth above the Board ofDirectors believe that neither GAAP nor F AS 109 mandate a liquidating liability accrual. On the other hand, the Board does believe it clear that the use ofa full liquidating liability accrual does not represent a fair value with respect to the price ofthe Fund's shares. In fact; the application of such a methodology is unrealistic, misleading and operates to the detriment ofthe Fund and its shareholders. As demonstrated above, the risk ofthe Fund incurring a tax liability in excess{)fthe Board established reserve is practically nil. Nonetheless, the Fund believes that this risk should 7 It should be noted that "based on" is not synonymous with .. at".
Memorandum ( cont) ·
Page 14 of 14 ·
•
•
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November --.......:r
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24, 2008
Copley Fund, Inc.
•
•
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ____
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24, 2008
COMPARISON OF RESERVE ESTABLISHED BY BOARD AND ACTUAL CAPITAL GAINS TAXES PAID BOARD ESTABLISHED ACfUAL CAPITAL FULL LIQUIDATING CAPITAL GAINS TAX RESERVE GAINS TAXES PAID RESERVE FOR CAPITAL GAINS LIABILITY ACCRUAL 2007 $807,345.00 $0 $17,537,872.00 2006 $758,766.00 $0 $16,104,320.00 2005 $758,766.00 $0 $14,887,774.00 2004 $824,472.00 $0 $12,548,834.00 2003 $770,554.00 $0 $7,602.562.00 2002 $664,576.00 $0 $13,166,255.00 2001 $443,285.00 $0 $15,646,991.00 2000 $464,563.00 $0 $10,961,527.00 1999 $373,709.00 $0 $13,684,586.00 1998 $278,488.00 $0 $13,224,672.00 1997 $189,891.00 $0 $8,193,495.00 1996 $378,955.00 $0 $7,160,983.00 1995 $422,000.00 $0 $2,756,751.00 1994 $422,000.00 $0 $3,843,489.00 1993 $422,000.00 $0 $5,430,633.00 (2) The use ofa full liquidating accrual methodology results in a daily NAV that is misleading. Lowering the NAV to a level that is inconsistent with the working assets of the Fund by booking a long-term liability that is contingent upon some future event that in all likelihood will not occur understates the real fair value ofFund shares. All obligations ofthe Fund that must be met are recognized and impact the NAV on a daily basis. Reducing the NAV to incorporate a liability that by its very nature is contingent upon future events, when in fact the liability can be addressed through a sound reserve policy, leads the Board to a finding that the resultant NAV would be misleading. An essential aspect ofthe Fund's strategy is the accumulation and retention ofdividends generated by it$ portfolio ofsecurities. The full accrual method has the potential of misleading investors by implying that dividends received are being earned at a rate which -is greater than the actual return, i.e., inflated yields because a significant portion ofthe principal on which the return was earned is not included in the Fund's NAV. In addition, the application ofthe full accrual method overstates expense ratios and may understate performance levels. (3) Lastly, the use ofthe full liquidating accrual methodology does_ not represent a "fair value" for the Fund's shares. •
•
Copley Fund, Inc.
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ----J
2008 to Pro$pectus dated July 24, 2008
regulations or ruling may make it impossible for the Fund to utilize certain ofthe tax
management techniques and strategies described in the Prospectus. The Fund intends to evaluate
continuously the operations ofthe Fund Wlder current federal tax laws as well as various
alternatives available.
PERFORMANCE
This Section is amended by replacing the first paragraph thereofwith the following and
by adding the Charts and Tables set forth below:
The bar charts and tables below can help in evaluating the potential risks ofinvesting in the Fund. The bar charts show changes in the yearly performance ofthe Fund over the last ten· • years. The tables compare the average annual returns for the past one-year, five-year and tenyear periods ofthe Fund, before and after taxes, with the average annual returns for the S&P 500 'for the same periods. Please keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication ofthe Fund's future performance. In order to demonstrate the effects of a full accrual ofdeferred income taxes as compared
to the reserve method, the following charts and tables are provided. The information presented
in the first set ofcharts and graphs is based upon the inclusion in the Fund's NAV ofa full
accrual ofdeferred income taxes that would be payable in its entirety only upon liquidation of
the Fund's entire stock portfolio.
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Fund 5.83% (6.69)% 19.75% .(2.76)% (11.93)% 18.14% 8.12% 5.S3% 14.26% 3.60"/e S&P 500 26.69% 11.55%(10.10)%(10.60)0/o (22.10)"/o 26.20% .21.26% 4.9QO/o 15.79% 5.49% Best Ouarter Worst Ouarter
13.6% (14.95)%
3rd-2000 3rd-2002
The performance information shown above is based on full calendar years.
Copley Fund, Inc.
Total Return After Taxes on Distributions• N/A N/A N/A..
Fund Return After Taxes on Distributions
and Sale ofFund Shares* 3.06% 5.27% 3.51%
S&P 500 Index (3.60)% 11.62% 7.23%
The information presented in the charts and tables set forth below are based upon the reserve for deferred income taxes established by the Board ofDirectors.
Totai Return After Taxes on Distnbutions• N/A N/A NIA
Fund Return Aftec Taxes on Distributions
and Sale ofFund Shares* 0.00% 5.87% 4.68%
S&P 500 Index (3.60)% 11.62% 7.23%
Copley Fund, Inc. ' ... Supplement dated November ---J 2008 to Prospectus dated July 24, 2008 • WHEN AND HOW NET ASSET VALUE IS CALCULATED This Section is amended by substituting the following for the second paragraph thereof:
The Fund's NAVis determined by dividing the value ofthe Fund's securities, cash and other assets, minus all liabilities, by the number ofshares outstanding. For purposes of calculating the Fund's per share price, the liability for deferred income taxes on unrealized appreciation is based upon a "reserve" for such taxes established in good faith by the Fund's Board ofDirectors. The Board ofDirectors believe that a "fair value" accounting ofthe Fund is best served by reporting a reserve for deferred taxes that takes into account the investment policy ofthe Fund, the Fund's long history o:(holding securities for many years, market conditions, anticipated redemptions and other real-time factors deemed relevant by the Board fDirectors. The Fund's securities are valued each day at their market value, which usually means the last quoted sale~ price on a security's principal exchange. Securities not traded on the valuation • date and securities not listed are valued at the last quoted bid price. All other securities, including securities in which the quotations are considered to be unreliable due to significant market or other events are priced at their fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund's Board ofDirectors. Part ofthe assets ofthe operating division consist ofinventory and is valued at its fair value as determined by the Board ofDirectors. FINAL AS TRANSMITTED TO SEC
IT~
UNITED STATES.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WA!?HINGTON, D.C. g0549
DIVISION OF'
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT December 2, 2009
..:
Roberts & Henry
164 Honeysuckle Drive
Jupiter, Florida 33458
Attn: Mr. Tom Henry
Re: Copley Fund. Inc. (File Nos. 2-60951 and 811-2815) Dear Sir:
In your letter, addressed to Lawrence Pisto and dated October 5, 2009, you indicate that your client, the Copley Fund, Inc. (the "Company''), would like to resubmit a position on accounting for income taxes for consideration by the staff ofthe Division of Enforcement. You indicate that the compliance with the requirements ofStatement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accountingfor Income Taxes ("SFAS 109")\ results in what you believe are misleading and inconsistent financial statements and a per share value that dos not represent the fair value for the Company's shares. Further, you indicate that the Fund has adopted the requirements ofASC 7 40, only in response to the Staffs comments. The staff ofthe Division ofInvestment Management (the "Staff') provided comments_ regarding the Company's accounting and reporting ofincome taxes in a letter dated September 26, 2007. Within our comment letter, the Staff detailed the basis for our comments, including our basis for determining the applicability ofASC 740 to the Company's circumstances. Your most recent letter does not provide any arguments that were not already considered by the Staff, nor does the letter cite any changes in the Company's circumstances that might cause reconsideration ofour original position. As we have previously stated, we would recommend immediate enforcement action if you were to submit financial statements that did not comply with the provisions of ASC740. 1 In July 2009, the FASB released their FASB Codification, which is now the single source of authoritative non-governmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The codification is effective for annual and interim periods ending after September 15,2009. SFAS 109 has been codified within Section 740 of F ASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC 740").
The Staff requests that y~u provide a copy ofthis letter to the Company's independent accountant, Amper, Politziner & Mattia, LLP (the "Accountants") upon your receipt to ensure the Accountants understand the Staff's concerns. Please note that the Staff believes that this letter should be provided to the Accountants because it constitutes a communication from a regulatory agency concerning noncompliance with or deficiencies in financial reporting practices. 2 The Staff also requests that you provide a copy ofthis letter to the Company's board ofdirectors. Ifyou have any questions, please contact Bryan J. Morris at (202) 551-6935 or Kevin Rupert at (202)551-6966. Sincerely Richard ~r7~ F. Sennett ChiefAccountant Division ofInvestment Management cc: Bryan J. Morris Assistant ChiefAccountant Division ofInvestment Management Kevin Rupert Accountant Division of Investment Management John T. Dugan· Associate Director Divfsion ofEnforcement 2 In connection with an audit offinancial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, AU section 333 Management Representations requires a specific representation from management to the auditor relating to communications from regulatory agencies concerning noncompliance with or deficiencies in financial reporting practices. See also paragraph 11.26 ofthe AICP A Audit and Accounting Guide: Investment Companies.
IT~
I·
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Boston Regional Office
33 Arch Street. 23rd Floor
Boston. MA 02110
Phone: (617) 573-8900
Fax: (617) 573-5923
VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS
March 5, 2010
Thomas C. Henry, Esq.
Roberts & Henry
164 Honeysuckle Drive
Jupiter, Florida 33458
. RE: In the Matter of Copley Fund, Inc .. B-233 5 Dear Mr. Henry:
This investigation has been completed as to your clients Irving Levine and the Copley Fund, Inc., against whom we do not currently intend to recommend an enforcement action by the Commission. We are providing this information under the guidelines in the final paragraph ofSecurities Act Release No. 5310 (copy attached). As we discussed, howev~r, ifthe Copley Fund does not comply with the requirements of Statement ofFinancial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accountingfor Income Taxes ("SFAS 109") and Section 740 ofFASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC 740"), as set forth in the December 2, 2009, letter from Richard F. Sennett, ChiefAccountant for the Division ofInvestment Management, to you (copy attached), we likely will recommend an enforcement action by the Commission. Sincerely, . --;(/, / -~· fo--,~ /l _2~-k~,A---:>-"'"·. Kevin M. Kelcourse Assistant Regional Director Enclosures
ITI
Page 1 ofl.
Subj: Re: Copley
Date: 07/15/10 2:55:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time From: robertshenrylaw@aol.com To: RupertK@SEC.GOV Tuesday good. Tom --Original MessageFrom: Rupert, Kevin C. RupertK@SEC.GOV To: robertshenrylaw@aol.com Cc: Morris, Bryan J. MorrlsB@sec.gov Sent: Thu, Jul15,20102:39 pm Subject: RE: Copley Tom, How about Tuesday at 11:00? While we have been firm on not permitting footnotes, this fund has really unusual tax issues, and for this reason an explanatory footnote might be permitted- but I make no promises. In sum, we believe the numbers and general theory we discussed earlier this week are the correct disclosure. While I understand what you mean in the last sentence, our position remains unchanged. Kevin Rupert 202-551-6966 From: robertshenrylaw@aol.com [mallto:robertshenrylaw@aol.coml sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 1:00PM To: Rupert, Kevin C. Subject: Copley Dear Kevin, I have had something come up and cannot do the call tomorrow. How about monday at 11am? Also, attached Is the final expense ratio calculations. I hope we can discuss the fee table Issue Monday. It seems to me that the figure to use is the gross expenses ratio In calculating fee table Info, le, apples to apples Instead of apples to oranges. It seems unfair and misleading to use a figure which Inclusive of positive effects of the tax accrual but not to be able to use the negative figures when applicable. Best regards, Tom 07/19/2010 AOL: RobertsHenrylaw
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N-CSRS I v200283_ncsrs.htm
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORMN-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NUMBER 8I 1-2815 COPLEY FUND, INC. (Exact name ofregistrant as specified in charter) 5348 Vegas Drive
Suite 39I
Las Vegas, NV 89108
{Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Irving Levine, President
5348 Vegas Drive
Suite 391
Las Vegas, NV 89108
(Name and address of agent for service)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: 1-508-674-8459 DATE OF FISCAL YEAR END: FEBRUARY 28, 201 I DATE OF REPORTING PERIOD: AUGUST 3I, 2010 http://www .sec. govIArchives/ edgar/data/7212911000 1144 2 041 005 7 8 OO/v200283 _ncsrs.htm 3/2112012
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ITEM 1. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS.
Semi-Annual Report
August 31, 2010
COPLEY FUND, INC.
A No-Load Fund http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm· 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING
AUGUST 31, 2010
Table of Contents
Title Page
Shareholder Letter and Management's Discussion of Fund Performance Per Share Value Graph Portfolio of Investments as of August 31, 2010 (unaudited) Consolidated Statement of Assets and·Liabilities as of August 31, 2010 (unaudited) Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended August 31, 2010 (unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the six months ended August 31, 2010 (unaudited) and year ended February 28, 2010 (audited) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended August 31, 2010 (unaudited) Financial Highlights for the six months ended August 31, 2010 (unaudited) and years ended February 28 or 29, 2010 through 2006 (audited) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Disclosure of Fund Expenses Supplemental Data General
Voting Proxies on Fund Portfolio Securities
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
1-&
.1-.6. z
1.3
113.
Inside Back
About the Fund's Directors and Officers Cover http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tel: (508) 67 4-8459
Fax: (508) 672-9348
COPLEY FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
Adviser and Administrator to Copley Fund, Inc.
Post Office Box 3287
Fall River, Massachusetts 02722
October 2010
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
We were shocked and saddened by the accidental death of our friend and longtime attorney Tom Henry, Esq. Tom, aged 61, was thrown from his boat in the Jupiter, Florida Inlet and died from the fall. He had served brilliantly as Counsel for the Copley Fund since 1987 and will be sorely missed. Our sympathies and good wishes go out to his wife Pat in this tragic moment. This tragedy will not impede our efforts to resolve the deferred tax issue or our ability to deal with other legal and regulatory matters. David Faust, Esq. of Faust Oppenheim, LLP, a long time investor in Copley Fund, will now serve as its counsel. Our unusually high professional fees for this period are due to our attempts to resolve our previously discussed and recorded deferred tax reserve issue, which we hope to achieve. The type of stocks we own and buy gives credence to our buy and hold strategy. Our typical stock pays a good dividend and has a history of increasing its dividend. This dividend increase usually results in an increase in the price of the stock to keep pace with its yield. An example is Delta Natural Gas, our only NASDAQ holding. We first bought 15,000 shares in 1991 at $13t. We next bought 5,000 shares at $19.85 in 2002. These shares have yielded almost 5% constantly. Today, Delta's price is $30 per share and still yielding almost 5%. Thus, the price has doubled, but, even more importantly, the average dividend has paid approximately $1 per share or $20,000 per year. Thus, in twenty years the Fund has gained $400,000 in income and $300,000 in unrealized capital gains. Our total cost was $302,000. This basic investment strategy has neutralized the volatility for Copley Fund that regular markets undergo. As an example, in 2008, when regular mutual funds lost 40% to 50%, Copley lost only 15.6%. In 2009, most funds gained on average of a mere 20% against the 50% loss; Copley gained 3%. Thus, our losses were minimized compared to most other funds. My last letter to shareholders disclosed a change in how the SEC ordered us to calculate our expense ratio. We must calculate our expenses like any other operating corporation- not as a mutual fund. Thus, this ratio is no longer a fair basis for comparison with other funds. It is important for all of us to keep in mind that Copley, unlike all other mutual funds, is a regular corporation (a C Corporation). It pays its own taxes and does not distribute dividends or capital gains. Thus, an investor only pays taxes if shares are sold for a gain. This rather unique structure creates an important distinction from most other funds, where the shareholder is compelled to pay taxes each year on any gains and dividends realized by the fund as they are required to be distributed, or deemed to be distributed at year end. http:/ /www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/2112012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
As is our custom, we present the chart and numbers based on a calendar year, which give us a clear picture of our past and give credence to our basic philosophy and our structure for the future. 1984 + 23.9% 1985 +25% 1986 + 18% 1987 -8% 1988 +20% 1989 +16% 1990 -2% 1991 +18% 1992 +18% 1993 +10% 1994 -7% 1995 +26% 1996 +5% 1997 +25% 1998 + 14% 1999 -6.86% 2000 +22.5% 2001 -9.30% 2002 -13.9% 2003 +14.31% 2004 + 12.99% 2005 + 5.89% 2006 + 19.70% 2007 -10.83% * Addition of Tax Reserve 2008 -15.6% * 2009 + 2.36% *
2010 +3.29% * (As of Sept. 30)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
PER SHARE VALUE
CALENDAR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2010
0 I
54,01
~_35 11.00 JQjJ
?~t'
1Al3j4,C~
.. 21~\5 ii
~ '
1M7
42:}6
;~
32.$3 I 213£6
24.65
I
45.12 44Ji7
.U.a1
~64! 41.50
$:77~
~
I
The per share values provided for years prior to 2008 are consistent with information furnished in prior reports and do not reflect an adjustment for the change in accounting treatment for deferred income taxes. http:/ /www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
Common Stocks - 109.88%
Banking- 4.87%
J.P. Morgan Chase & Company
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Consumer Products - 1.68%
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Diversified Utility Companies- 11.80%
Alliant Energy Corp.
DTE Energy Co.
Dominion Resources, Inc.
Duke Energy Corp.
Drug Companies - 4.54%
Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
Electric & Gas- 18.50%
American Electric Power, Inc.
First Energy Corp.
Great Plains Energy, Inc.
Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
Progress Energy, Inc.
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
Scana Corp.
Sempra Energy, Inc.
Electric Power Companies- 20.93%
Ameren Corp.
Exelon Corp.
NextEra Energy, Inc.
Nstar Corp.
PPL Corp.
Southern Co.
Shares
42,000
25,000
15,000
20,000
55,000
60,000
54,600
100,000
35,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
40,000
30,000
50,000
35,000
12,500
23,200
90,000
50,000
100,000
35,000
Market Value
$ 1,527,120
1,274,000
2,801,120
966,000
700,400
2,576,750
2,565,600
938,574
6,781,324
2,608,000
1,239,350
1,461,200
554,700
969,000
1,716,400
958,800
1,951,500
1,782,200
10,633,150
350,875
944,704
4,835,700
1,901,500
2,716,000
1,284,150
12,032,929 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
Shares Market Value
Gas Utilities & Supplies- 10.14%
Delta Natural Gas Co. 20,000 $ 580,000
New Jersey Resources Corp. 56,250 2,093,063
NorthwestNatural Gas Co. 40,000 1,817,600
WGL Holdings, Inc. 38,000 1,340,260
5,830,923
Insurance - 3.46%
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 80,000 1,988,000
Office Equipment- 1.34%
Pitney Bowes, Inc. 40,000 769,600
Oils- 19.81%
Chevron Texaco Corp. 46,200 3,426,192
Exxon-Mobil Corp. 106,086 6,276,048
Sunoco, Inc. 50,000 1,684,000
11,386,240
Pipelines - 0.96%
Spectra Energy Corp. 27,300 555,282
Retail - 1.66%
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 19,000 952,660
Telephone -10.19%
AT&T, Inc. 95,000 2,567,850
Frontier Communications Corp. 62,803 485,467
Verizon Communications, Inc. 95,000 2,803,450
5,856,767
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $25,193,800) -109.88% 63,161,995 Liabilities in excess of other assets - (9.88)% (5,678,701) NET ASSETS - 100.00% $57,483,294 The accompanyjng notes are an Integral part of these consojjdated fjnandal statements. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
At August 31, 2010, the net unrealized appreciation based on cost for financial reporting purposes of $25,193,800 was as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over cost, net of tax effect $25,246,987 Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of cost over value (307 ,003) Net unrealized appreciation, net of tax effect $24,939,984 Portfolio Analysis As of August 31, 2010 %of Net Assets Common Stocks 109.88% Electric Power Companies 20.93% Oils 19.81% Electric & Gas 18.50% Diversified Utility Companies 11.80% Telephone 10.19% Gas Utilities & Supplies 10.14% Banking 4.87% Drug Companies 4.54% Insurance 3.46% Consumer Products 1.68% Retail 1.66% Office Equipment 1.34% Pipelines 0.96% Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (9.88)% Total Net Assets 100.00% -- http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) Assets:
Investments in Securities at Market Value (identified cost $25,193,800) $63,161,995 Cash 6,580,615 Receivables:
Trade and Subscriptions 14,833
Dividends & Interest 292,233
Loan 356,500
Taxes 100,000
Inventory 46,035
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets 12,786
Total Assets 70,564,997
Liabilities:
Payable:
Redemptions 2,359
Trade 13,436
Accrued expenses 37,697
Deferred income taxes, net 13,028,211
Total Liabilities 13,081,703
Commitments and Contingencies
Net Assets $57,483,294
Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share (5,000,000 shares authorized, 1,383,212 shares outstanding of $1.00 par value capital stock outstanding) $ 41.56 Net assets consist of:
Capital paid in $ 1,383,212
Undistributed net investment and operating income 28,625,386 Accumulated undistributed net realized gain on investment transactions 2,534,712 Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments, net of tax effect 24,939,984 Net Assets $57,483,294 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated finandal statements. --···---·- -- http:/ /www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Six Months Ended August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) Investment Income:
Interest Income
Dividend Income
Total. Investment Income
Expenses:
Investment Advisory Fees
Professional Fees
Accounting and Shareholder Services
Insurance Expense
Printing Expense
Custodian Fees
Directors Fees
Postage & shipping
Blue Sky Fees
Total Expenses
Less: Investment advisory fee waived
Net Expenses
Net Investment Income Before Income Taxes
Operating Gain
Gross Profit
Less: Operating Expenses
Net Operating Income before income taxes
Net Investment and Operating Income before Income Taxes Plus provision for income tax benefit Net Investment and Operating Income Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Realized loss from investment transactions during the period Increase in unrealized appreciation of investments during current period Deferred income tax liability Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations $ 2,590 1,339,802 1,342,392 225,311 246,807 35,898 21,988 12,602 9,374 5,600 2,029 2,200 561,809 (30,000) 531,809 810,583 19,453 (18,739) 811,297 811,297 (31,866) 1,689,451 (580,155) 1,077,430 $1,888,727 http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS Six Months Ended Year Ended August 31, February 28, 2010 2010 (Unaudited) Increase in Net Assets from Operations Net investment and operating income $ 811,297 $ 2,086,646 Net realized loss on investment transactions (31,866) (62,350) Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments 1,109,296 4,559,696 Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations 1,888,727 6,583,992 Capital Share Transactions Decrease in net assets resulting from capital share transactions (633,782) (4,121,106) Total increase in net assets 1,254,945 2,462,886 Net Assets:
Beginning of Period 56,228,349 53,765,463
End of Period
(including undistributed net investment and operating income of $28,625,386 and $18,406,134 respectively) $57,483,294 $56,228,349 http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/2112012
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended August 31, 2010
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
Cash flows from operating activities
Dividends and interest received
Proceeds from disposition of long-term portfolio investments Receipts from customers Expenses paid Purchase of long-term portfolio investments Payments to suppliers Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows used by financing activities Fund shares sold Fund shares repurchased Net cash used by financing activities Net decrease in cash Cash at beginning of year Cash as of August 31, 2010 Reconciliation of Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net increase in net assets resulting from operations Increase in investments Decrease in dividends and interest receivable Decrease in receivables from customers Increase in inventory Decrease in trade payables Decrease in other assets Decrease in accrued expenses Increase in deferred taxes Total adjustments Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1,350,772 832,914 33,570 (577,427) (1,104,018) (9,549) 526,262 189,337 (822,010) (632,673) (106,411) 6,687,026 $ 6,580,615 $ 1,888,727 (1,928,690) 8,376 (596) (1,064) 3,210 (24,091) 580,155 (1,362,465) $ 526,262 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table below sets forth financial data for one share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period presented.<al The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the fiscal years February 28, 2006 through February 28, 2010 and the six months ended August 31, 2010. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund. Shareholders should be certain that they have the most recent am:mal report which should be read in connection with the prospectus. The Fund's annual report to Shareholders, is available at no charge on request by calling 877-881 2751. Six Months Ended Fiscal Years Ending February 28 or 29, 8/31/10 (Unaudited) 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 Net Asset Value, .. Beginning of Period $ 40.21 $ 35.80 $ 44.07 $ 42.54 $ 37.23 $ 35.28 Income (loss) From Operations:
Net investment gain (loss) 0.58 1.43 1.20 1.18 (1.31) 0.27 Net gain (loss) from securities (both realized and unrealized) 0.77 2.98 (9.4 7) 0.35 6.62 1.68 Total from operations 1.35 4.41 (8.27) 1.53 5.31 1.95 Net Asset Value, End of Period $ 41.56 $ 40.21 $ 35.80 $ 44.07 $ 42.54 $ 37.23 Total Return<bl 3.36% 12.32% (18.77)% 3.60% 14.26% 5.53% Ratios/Supplemental Data Net assets, end of period Cin OOO's) $57,483 $56,228 $53,765 $69,395 $67,581 $59,298 Ratio of total expenses, including net regular and deferred taxes, to average net assets* 4.01%(c) 5.54% 2.40% 1.56% 7.97% 3.90% Ratio of total expenses, excluding net regular and deferred taxes, to average net assets* 2.01%(c) 1.70% 2.06% 1.25% 1.76% 1.83% Ratio of net investment and operating income (loss) to average net assets 0.80%(c) 3.65% 2.80% 2.73% (3.28)% 0.76% Ratio of net investment and operating income, excluding deferred taxes, to average net assets 2.81%(c) 3.25% 3.14% 2.73% 2.93% 2.83% Portfolio turnover rate 1.33% 1.76% 2.78% 4.11% 0.50% 0.73% Number of shares outstanding at end of period Cin thousands) 1,383 1,399 1,502 1,575 1,589 1,593 http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/2112012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Continued)
The financial highlight ratios above do not reflect investment fees waivers of $30,000 for the six months ended August 31, 2010, $60,000 during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2010, $185,972 during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009 and $60,000 per year for prior years. If the waivers had been included, the following ratios would apply:
Six Months
Ended Fiscal Years Ending February 28 or 29, 8/31/10 (Unaudited) 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 Ratio of total expenses, including net regular and deferred taxes, to average net assets* 3.91%(c) 5.44% 2.11 % 1.49% 7.88% 3.80% Ratio of total expenses, excluding net regular and deferred taxes, to average net assets* 1.90%(c) 1.60% 1.77% 1.18% 1.67% 1.72% Ratio of net investment and operating income Ooss), to average net assets 0.70%(c) 3.55% 2.52% 2.65% (3.37)% 0.66% Ratio of net investment and operating income, excluding deferred taxes, to average net assets 2.70%(c) 3.14% 2.86% 2.65% 2.84% 2.73% (a) Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. (b) Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. (c) Annualized for periods less than one year.
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
----·--·----·-..--..-·---·-··------------·----------·-..---------·--·---·--------·----·---------------- http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/7212911000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
3. Capital Stock
At August 31, 2010, there were 5,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value capital stock authorized. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
Six Months Ended Year Ended
August 31, 2010 (unaudited) February 28, 2010
Shares Amount Shares Amount
Shares sold 4,592 $ 189,387 27,630 $ 1,057,097 Shares repurchased (19,921) (823, 169) (131,013) (5,178,203)
Net change (15,329) $(633,782) (103,383) $(4,121,106)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
5. Commitments and Contingencies
Since the Fund accumulates its net investment income rather than distributing it, the Fund may be subject to the imposition of the federal accumulated earnings tax. The accumulated earnings tax is imposed on a corporation's accumulated taxable income at a rate of 15% for years commencing after December 31, 2002. Accumulated taxable income is defined as adjusted taxable income minus the sum of the dividends paid deduction and the accumulated earnings credit. The dividends paid deduction and accumulated earnings credit are available only if the Fund is not held to be a mere holding or investment company. The Internal Revenue Service has, during its most recent review of the Fund's federal income tax returns for the 1999 tax year, performed during 2001, upheld management's position that the Fund is not a mere holding or investment company since the Fund is conducting an operating division. This finding by the Internal Revenue Service is always subject to review by the Service and a finding different from the one issued in the past could be made by the Service. Provided the Fund manages accumulated and annual earnings and profits, in excess of $250,000, in such a manner that the funds are deemed to be obligated or consumed by capital losses, redemptions and expansion of the operating division, the Fund should not be held liable for the accumulated earnings tax by the Internal Revenue Service. http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES
All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a mutual fund, your investment is affected by these ongoing costs, which include investment advisory fees. It IS important for you to understand the impact of these costs on your investment return. Operating expenses such as these are deducted from the mutual fund's gross income and directly reduce its final investment return. These expenses are expressed as a percentage of the mutual fund's average net assets; this percentage is known as the mutual fund's expense ratio. The following examples use the expense ratio and are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. Unlike virtually all other mutual funds, the Fund has an operating division. Therefore, its expenses and expense rations may not be strictly comparable to those of mutual funds which do not have an operating business. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period. The table below illustrates your Fund's costs in two ways:
Actual Fund Return. This section helps you to estimate the actual expenses after fee waivers that your Fund incurred over the period. The "Expenses Paid During Period" column shows the actual dollar expense cost incurred by a $1,000 investment in the Fund, and the "Ending Account Value" number is derived from deducting that expense cost from the Fund's gross investment return. You can use this information, together with the actual amount you invested in the Fund, to estimate the expenses you paid over that period. Simply divide your actual account value by $1,000 to arrive at a ratio (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply that ratio by the number shown for your Fund under "Expenses Paid During Period." Hypothetical 5% Return. This section helps you compare your Fund's costs with those of other mutual funds. It assumes that the Fund had an annual 5% return before expenses during the year, but that the expense ratio (Column 3) for the period is unchanged. This example is useful in making comparisons because the Securities and Exchange Commission requires all mutual funds to make this 5% calculation. You can assess your Fund's comparative cost by comparing the hypothetical result for your Fund in the "Expenses Paid During Period" column with those that appear in the same charts in the shareholder reports for other mutual funds. Note: Because the return is set at 5% for comparison purposes - NOT your Fund's actual return- the account values shown may not apply to your specific investment. Expenses Paid Beginning Ending During Period• Account Value Account Value Annualized (3/1/10 (3/1/10) (8/31/10) Expense Ratios 8/31/10) Actual Fund Return $ 1,000.00 $ 1,033.57 3.91% $ 20.04 Hypothetical 5% Return $ 1,000.00 $ 1,005.49 3.91% $ 19.77
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
General
Investment Products Offered
Are not FDIC Insured
May Lose Value
Are Not Bank Guaranteed
The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Copley Fund (the "Fund") will fluctuate as the prices of the individual securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For a free copy of the Fund's prospectus, which contains this and other information, call the Fund toll free at (877) 881-2751 or write to Gemini Fund Services at 4020 South 147th Street, Omaha, NE 68137. This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund's prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund. Voting Proxies on Fund Portfolio Securities A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to the Fund's portfolio securities, as well as information relating to portfolio securities during the 12 month period ended June 30, (i) is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 1-877-881 2751; and (ii) on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings The SEC has adopted the requirement that all funds file a complete schedule of investments with the SEC for their first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-Q. The Fund's Forms N-Q, reporting portfolio securities held by the Fund, is available on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling 800'-SEC-0330. Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement On April 21, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved the continuation of the advisory agreement with Copley Financial Services Corp. ("CFSC"). The Board's decision regarding the contract reflects the exercise of its business judgment on whether to continue the existing arrangement. Prior to approving the continuation of the advisory agreement, the Board considered, among other things:
the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by CFSC the investment performance of the Fund the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by CFSC from its relationship with the Fund the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale the expense ratio of the Fund performance and expenses of comparable funds http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
(Continued) any indirect benefits that may accrue to CFSC and its affiliates as a result of its relationship with the Fund. the extent to which the independent Board members are fully informed about all the facts the Board deems relevant bearing on CFSC's services and fees. The Board was aware of these factors and was guided by them in its review of the Fund's advisory contract to the extent it considered them to be relevant and appropriate, as discussed further below. The Board considered and weighted these circumstances in light of its substantial accumulated experience in governing the Fund and working with CFSC on matters related to the Fund, and was assisted by legal counsel. In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by CFSC, the Board of Directors reviewed the portfolio management and operating division supervision services provided by CFSC to the Fund. The Board concluded that CFSC was providing essential services to the Fund. In particular, the Board concluded that CFSC was providing unique and specialized supervision of the Fund's operating division. In its decision to continue the existing agreement the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund's operations and various risks, uncertainies and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision to terminate or not renew the contract. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of CFSC's industry standing and reputation and with the expectation that CFSC will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund. The Directors compared the performance of the Fund to benchmark indices over various periods of time. The Directors noted that the Fund's performance must be considered in light of the Fund's structure which is designed to avoid the trauma of extreme volatility in its investments. They concluded that the performance reflected this structural goal generally outperforming in volatile down markets and underperforming in bull type markets.It also examined the Fund's investment objective and the dividend paying record of the portfolio securities selected by CFSC. Based upon this the Board concluded that the performance of the Fund and particularly the performance of the portfolio securities themselves warranted the continuation of the advisory agreement. In concluding that the advisory fees payable by the Fund were reasonable, the Directors reviewed a report of the costs of services provided by and the profits realized by CFSC and Stuffco International Inc. (a company wholly owned by Mr. Levine) from their relationship with the Fund and concluded that such profits were reasonable and not excessive. The Directors also reviewed reports comparing the expense ratio and advisory fee paid by the Fund to those paid by other comparable mutual funds and concluded that the advisory fee paid by the Fund was equal to or lower than the average advisory fee paid by comparable
mutual funds. The Board also considered that the Fund's expense ratio had decreased slightly. In particular, the Board concluded that the Fund's expense ratio had remained higher than historical measures due to increased expenses related to addressing the tax accrual accounting issue and the fact that the expense ratio is calculated based upon net assets including a liability for a large tax reserve which operates to distort the ratio as compared to most other funds. They noted that the advisory fee also is adjusted downward if economies of scale are realized during the current contract period as the Fund grows, but did not consider that factor to be significant in light of the other factors considered. They did find significant, however, the fact that CFSC had waived the receipt of $60,000 of its advisory fee, a practice it has engaged in for many years, in an effort to control the Fund's expense ratio. http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
ABOUT THE FUND'S DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Fund is governed by a Board of Directors that meet to review investments, performance, expenses and other business matters, and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The majority of the Fund's directors are independent of Copley Financial Services Corp.; the only "inside" director is an officer and director of Copley Financial Services Corp. The Board of Directors elects the Fund's officers, who are listed in the table. The business address of each director and officer is 5348 Vegas Drive, Suite 391, Las Vegas, NV 89108. Independent Directors Name (Date of Birth) Principal Occupations(s) During Past 5 Years Year Elected and Other Directorships of Public Companies Albert Resnick, M.D. (March 23, 1922) Gary S. Gaines (July 28, 1937) Inside Directors Name (Date of Birth) Year Elected (Number of Copley Portfolios Overseen) Physician Since 1948 No Directorships President of Gary Gaines, Inc., a bag manufacturer since No Directorships Principal Occupations(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships of Public Companies Irving Levine (September 25, 1921) Officers Name (Date of Birth) Title President, Treasurer and a Director of Copley Financial Services Corp. since 1978; a Director of Franklin Capital Corp. (an operating investment company) since March, 1990 to October 2004; Chairman of the Board and Treasurer of Stuffco International, Inc., a ladies handbag processor and retail chain operator, since February 1978; Director of US Energy Systems, Inc. from 2000 to October 2004. Principal Occupations(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships of Public Companies Irving Levine See Above (September 25, 1921) Chairman of the Board of Directors and President, Treasurer and Secretary David I. Faust Partner in Faust Oppenheim LLP, a law firm, since 1979. Counse! Counsel to Copley Fund since 2010. No Directorships http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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Semi-Annual Report COPLEYFUND, INC.
August 31, 2010
A No-Load Fund
Investment Adviser
Copley Financial Services Corp.
P.O. Box 3287
Fall River, 1Vlassachusetts 02722
E-mail: copleyfunds@verizon.net
Cusrodi,1n
Bank of .1\merica
100 Federal Street
Boston, ?viA 02110
Tram:fer Agent
Gemini Fund Services
'1020 South lt17th Street
Suite 2
Omaha, Nebraska 681:37
Tel. (402)493-460~3
(877)881-2751
Fax: {402)963-9094
Counsel
Faust Oppenheim LLP
<188 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Auditors
EisnerAmper LLP
2015 Lincoln Highway
P 0 Box 988
Edison. N.T 08818
COPLEY FUND, INC.
A No-Load Fund http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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Item 2._CODE OF ETIITCS
The registrant has adopted a Code ofEthics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant has not made any amendments to its Code ofEthics during the covered period. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions ofthe Code ofEthics during the covered period. The registrant undertakes to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of its Code ofEthics by mail when they call the registrant toll free at (800)635-3427. Item 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT (a)( I) The registrant's Board ofDirectors function as an audit committee. They have determined that the Board does not have an "audit committee financial expert", as the Securities and Exchange Commission has defined that term. After carefully considering all ofthe factors involved in the definition of"audit committee financial expert", the Board determined that none of the members ofthe Board met all five qualifications in the definition, although some members of the Board met some of the qualifications. The Board also determined that while the members have general financial expertise, given the size and type of the Copley Fund, Inc., (the "Fund") and in light of the nature of the accounting and valuation issues that the Fund has presented over the past several years, it did not appear that the members lacked any necessary skill to serve as persons performing functions similar to those who serve on an Audit Committee. Item 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Not applicable - only effective for annual report. ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. Not applicable to open-end investment management companies. ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS Not applicable ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Not applicable to open-end investment management companies. ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Not applicable to open-end investment management companies. ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. Not applicable to open-end investment management companies. ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. Not applicable. http:/ /www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/7212911000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/2112012
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ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The certifying officers, whose certifications are included herewith, have evaluated the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this report. In their opinion, based on their evaluation, the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed, and are operating effectively to ensure, that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. (b) There were no significant changes in the registrant's internal control over fmancial reporting that occurred during the registrant's last fiscal half-year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 12. EXHIBITS. (a)(2) A separate certification for the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed herewith. (b) Officer certifications as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (I 7 CFR 270.30a-2(b )) also accompany this filing. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of I 934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Copley Fund, Inc. By: Is/ Irving Levine Name: Irving Levine Title: President (Principal Executive Officer) Date: November 5, 2010 Pursuant to the requirements ofthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf ofthe registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Copley Fund, Inc. By: Is! Irving Levine Name: Irving Levine President (Principal Executive Officer & Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Date: November 5, 2010 http:/ /www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htrn 3/21/2012
Copley Fund, Inc.
Portfolio Turnover Rate
Date Portfolio Turnover Ratel
2/29/12
2/28/11
2/28/10
2/28/09
2/29/08
2/28/07
2/28/06
2/28/05
2/29/04
2/28/03
0.0%
2.90%
1.76%
2.78%
4.11%
0.50%
0.73%
0.44%
0.92%
8.65%
The average rate for the ten years from 2/28/03 to 2/29/12 is 2.28%.
1 The Fund calculates turnover rate by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the reporting period by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the reporting period.
The Copley Fund Inc.
(The "Fund")
Minutes of an in-person Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fund held on March 2_3, 2012m accordance with its Articles of Incorporation pursuant to written notice sent to all members PRESENT: Irving Levine Alan Resnick, M.D. Roy Hale, CPA Gary Gaines David I. Faust, Esq. and Petra v.Z. Davenport, Esq. were present by invitation Mr. Levine acted as Chairman and Ms .. Davenport acted as Secretary LOCATION: Faust Oppenheim LLP, 488 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10022 The meeting was called to order and a quorum was announced. All present wished Dr. Resnick a very happy 90th Birthday. Approval of Minutes After a discussion, the motion du1y made and seconded, the Board unanimously approved the minutes of the meeting held on January 30,2012. President's Report Mr. Levine provided an update on the fund operations, investments and performance as well as an update on the operating division ofthe Fund. Mr. Levine noted that YTD the Fund was up and many stocks have increased payment of dividends. Mr. Levine also noted that the operating division opened a new store in a joint venture with a member ofthe Buxton group. Discussion The Fund's Tax Reserve Status was discussed. Currently, the Fund holds $18million in reserve. REDACTED
Review and Approval
RESOLVED, that the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or CFO ofthe
Fund, as applicable, are hereby authorized, ·empowered, and directed on behalf, and in the .
name, ofthe Fund, and to do any and all acts and things, and to make, execute, deliver,
file and/or record any and all agr~ents, instruments, papers, documents, and to take all
other actions, which are or become necessary, proper or convenient to carry out and
effectuate the purposes ofthe resolutions adopted above.
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The documents this one cites, and the documents that cite it.
“Rule 22c-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act") or Regulation S-X against Copley Fund, Inc. ("Copley"), a Nevada corporation registered under the Act”
“the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed, and are operating effectively to ensure, that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Excha…”
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