Individual decision · SEC · 18 Jun 2013
The Division of Investment Management declines to present Copley Fund, Inc.'s request for Commission review of its April 5, 2013 denial of no-action assurance. The Division determined that the request did not meet the standard under Rule 202.1(d) for matters of substantial importance that are novel or highly complex. Consequently, the Division maintains its position that Copley cannot comply with GAAP or Regulation S-X without accounting for deferred tax liabilities in accordance with ASC 740.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20S49
DIVISION OF
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
June 18, 2013
Philippe M. Salomon, Esq.
Blank Rome LLP
405 Lexington A venue
NewYork,NY 10174-0208
Re: Letter, Dated AprilS, 2013, from the Staff ofthe Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"), Declining the Request ofCopley Fund, Inc. ("Copley") for Assurance that the Staff Would Not Recommend Enforcement Action to the Commission against Copley ("Staff Response") Dear Mr. Salomon:
Thank you for your letter, dated April12, 2013, concerning Copley's request for Staff no-action assurance. In that letter, you requested that the Commission review the Division of Investment Management's Staff Response and that "a final written order be issued by the Commission, over-ruling the Staff Response and granting no-action assurance." The Staff Response was issued under Rule 202.l(d) ofthe Commission's Rules of Informal and Other Procedures (17 C.F.R. 202.1(d)). Therefore, we are interpreting your request as being made pursuant to that Rule. Under Rule 202.1 (d), the Division may present a request for Commission review of a Division no-action response if it concludes that the request involves a matter "of substantial importance and where the issues are novel or highly complex." The Staff has carefully considered your request against this standard. After such careful consideration, we have determined not to present your request to the Commission. Please note that copies of all of the correspondence on which this response is based will be made available on our website at http://www.sec.gov/divisions/investment/im-noaction.shtml. Thank you again for your letter. Very truly yours, ~~ ~u~lat1scheidt Associate Director and Chief Counsel
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April 12, 2013 u-~RE :-:::":':' IV-=="=-.
Chairwoman Mary Jo White APR 15 2013
Commissioners ofthe Securities and Exchange Commission OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission c/o Office of the Secretary, Elizabeth M. Murphy 100 F. Street, N.E., Mail Stop 1090 Washington, D.C. 20549-4720 Re: Copley Fund, Inc.: Application for Full Commission Review of the Staff's Denial of 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 Commissioners:
This Firm represents Copley Fund, Inc. ("Copley" or the "Fund") and, on its behalf, submits this application to the Commissioners ofthe Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission" or "SEC") for a full de novo review ofthe Division oflnvestment Management's April 5, 2013 denial (the "Staff Response," annexed hereto as Exhibit 1) ofthe Fund's March 28, 2012 request for No-Action relief (the "March Request," annexed hereto as Exhibit 2). As demonstrated more fully in the March Request, the Fund, which has a unique structure and unusual tax issues, seeks the right to alter the current manner in which it has been mandated by the SEC to account for deferred Federal tax liability for unrealized gains by establishing a tax reserve based on a management developed pre-set formula. This approach, which it employed with SEC approval from 1992 to 2007, will result in a fair and more accurate disclosure of its current and ongoing financial operations, together with its net asset value. The Staff Response did not address Copley's principal argument. As detailed in the annexed March Request, the Commission's refusal since 2007 to permit Copley's management to exercise any discretion with respect to deferred tax accounting differs from its treatment of other similarly situated companies. The Weyerhaeuser Corp. and American Tower Corp. are two examples. Apparently, both companies have been permitted to depart from a literal reading of a required tax accounting provision under analogous circumstances. The Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10174-0208 www.BiankRome.com California • Delaware • Florida • New Jersey • New York • Ohio • Pennsylvania • Texas • Wash ington, DC • Hong Kong
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Accordingly, Copley requests that a final written order be issued by the Commission, over-ruling the Staff Response and granting no-action assurance. In support, , Copley offers this summary and incorporates by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the arguments and proposals made in the March Request, as well as in its prior submissions annexed thereto. Background 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 NAY. For fifteen years (i) this method withstood scrutiny, (ii) the SEC did not require that it be changed and (iii) the reserve was never used. (See March Request at 7.) 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. It is not clear from the Staffs correspondence what caused it to alter its view in 2007 and suddenly require Copley to change its methodology. Nonetheless, Copley's Board approved an adjustment ofthe Fund's NAY using the Commission's preferred full liquidation value methodology. On AprilS, 2013, the Staff responded to the March Request. It concluded that Copley's proposal would not "comply with GAAP as it would result in Copley recognizing only a portion ofthe deferred tax liability required by ASC 740." (See StaffResponse at 3.) It also noted that, for purposes of Rule 2a-4(a)(4), an appropriate provision for Federal income taxes should not be made in any manner other than one that is consistent with GAAP. !d. Basis for de Novo Review The Fund's use ofthe Staffs mandated methodology, under which it records the entire deferred tax liability, has led to a materially misleading reported NAY since 2007. This result derives from the facts that the Staffs method (i) does not accurately reflect Copley's investment policy and practice oflong-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 March Request at 6-7.) It is in the best interest ofthe Fund's shareholders to reserve for deferred tax liability in a manner that allows the per share NAY to reflect more accurately the true value ofthe Fund's shares.
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April12, 2013
The Fund's proposed alternative methodologies 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. (See March Request, discussion ofproposed methodologies at 11-15.) The Fund would also consider any other alternative methodologies that the Commission feels would result in more accurate disclosures. 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 109 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. 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 misleading results. The Commission has appropriately recognized this concept. (See March Request at 8-9.) Here, the use ofthe full liquidation value method has produced a skewed and unreasonable result - Copley's per share NAV does not reflect the realistic value ofthe Fund and, therefore, such flexibility is warranted. The Staff asserts 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. We are aware of at least two entities- Weyerhaeuser and American Tower - that converted from C Corporations into real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and, in doing so, exercised discretion with respect to accounting for deferred tax liabilities. Neither Weyerhaeuser nor American Tower have been required by the SEC to account for deferred tax liabilities associated with "built-in gains" - presumably based on the conclusion that the likelihood of disposing of such assets within the applicable 10-year recognition period is exceedingly remote. (See March Request, discussion ofWeyerhaeuser and American Tower at 9-1 0.) Copley submits that the SEC's interpretation ofASC 740 as applied to the Fund is fundamentally inconsistent with the deferred tax liability accounting ofthese two REITs. In another instance, the SEC granted no-action relief permitting an investment company registered by Fidelity Investments to present its financial statements in a manner that would Q.ave been prohibited under a strict interpretation of GAAP. (See March Request, discussion of Fidelity Investments at 1 0.). 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
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April12, 2013 share NAV that better, and more accurately, reflects the true value of the Fund's shares to the investing public. Conclusion For all ofthe foregoing reasons summarized here and the others more fully articulated in the March Request, Copley requests that the Commission accept the Fund's proposal regarding its accounting for its deferred tax liability for unrealized gains, that the Commissioners over-rule the Staffs April 5, 20 13 Response, and that the Commissioners issue a final order on behalf ofthe SEC granting the Fund the relief it has requested. @52 PHILIPPE M. SALOMON Enclosures cc: Mr. Douglas Scheidt Associate Director and Chief Counsel Division ofInvestment Management Ms. Jaime Eichen
Chief Accountant
Division of Investment Management
David I. Faust, Esquire ( w/attachments)
Exhibit 1
~ 4 / 05 / 2013 13:19 FAX 2027729234 002/004
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 formula. 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 NA V of any redeemable security, "[ a]ppropriate provision shall be made for Federal income taxes if required" by the registered investment company.' Copley is offering for sale and has outstanding redeemable securities that are subject to Rules 2a4 and 22c-l. ...... ~· 1 From 1970 until 1982, 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 conform 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).
04 / 05 / 2013 13:19 FAX 2027729234 141003 / 004 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. 2 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 of transactions 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 on1y a portion ofthe deferred tax liability required by ASC 740. Conclusion We do not believe that Copley can comply with GAAP or with Rule 4-01 (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-l(b). 3 See FASB ASC 740-10-25-20. 4 FASB ASC 740-10-25-20(a). 5 See 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) .
04/051 2013 13:19 FAX 2027729234 004/004
If you have any further questions related to this matter, please contact Megan Monroe in the Division of Investment Management at 202-551-6950. Sincerely, Douglas Scheidt Associate Director and Chief Counsel Division ofInvestment Management ~~c;:vL Chief Accountant Division of Investment Management
Exhibit 2
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Email: psalomon@blan krome. com
Office ofChief Accountant
Division ofInvestment Management
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F. Street, N.E., Mail Stop 4720
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 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 of the 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 Aven ue New York, NY 10174-0208 www.BiankRome.com Delaware • Florida • New Jersey • New York • Ohio • Pennsylvania o Washington, DC . o Hong Kong
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COUNSELORS AT LAW discussions ofthe 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 ("NAY"), 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 defmed formulas for calculating the reser\re and allowing pr~-set means to sell securities in its portfolio to satisfy extraordinary redemptions ifnecessary. 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 ofthe 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 NAY. 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 Staff took 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 fmancial statements, as required by F AS 109 and in violation of Rule 4-01(a)(1) of Regulation S-X, which provides that "financial statements filed with the Commission which are not prepared in accordance with generally
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accepted accounting principles will be presumed to be misleading or inaccurate, despite footnote of other disclosures, unless the Commission has otherwise provided." (A copy of the Comment Letter is annexed hereto as Exhibit B.) It is not clear from the Staffs correspondence what cam;ed 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. B at 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
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Jaime Eichen ·
ChiefAccountant, Division of Investment Management
On July 18, 2008, Copley was required to restate its historical fmancial statements to account for the full liquidation value methodology required by the SEC and filed an amended Form N-CSRJA containing a Restated Annual Report to its shareholders. (A copy of that 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 of the November 19, 2008letter, 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 of the 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, 2008letter 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 ofthe 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 Supple~ent. (A copy of Mr. Henry's October 5, 2009letter, with its enclosures, is annexed hereto as Exhibit F.) As detailed therein, Mr. Henry argued that a certain degree offlexibility 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 dischrnrres 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, 2009letter, 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
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COUNSELORS AT lAW original position." (A copy ofthe December 2, 2009letter 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 ofEnforcement would recommend enforcement action by the Commission. (See Exhibit H.) Following the closing ofthe investigation, Copley and its counsel engaged in further
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ChiefAccountant, Division ofInvestment Management
Page 6·
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.
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2. The Staff's 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 of the 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 ofholding 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 Bo~d employed this methodology, the reserve was never used. (See November 2008 Memo at 5.) The Fund's use ofthe Staff's 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 oflong-term holdings ofits positions; (ii) understates the amount ofinvested 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 9opley 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 ofits 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 reserv-e using a pre-set formula that it believes will be acceptable to the Commission and should allay any of its concerns.
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3. Copley is willing to convert to a RIC.
As explained in more detail in the·memorandum initially provided to the Staff in November of 2008, 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. Bat 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.
4. Copley's "reserve" methodology is consistent with the ICA Rules.
Rule 22c-l 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 nues 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 NAY. (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.
5. 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 FAS 109 andrecodified 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 me,thod, by contrast, assumes the Fund will close, be sold or entirely liquidated en masse. The use of the 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 ofthe liquidation value method is contrary to the principle of adequate disclosure underlying GAAP, in that it presents financial statements that are effectively .,
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March 28, 2012 · misleading because they do not accurately convey the true value of Copley's shares. (See November 2008 Memo, at Ex. E, p. 1 0.) 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 ofrules 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 ofthe full liquidation value method has produced a skewed and unreasonable result- Copley's per share NAV does not reflect the realistic value ofthe 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 ifthey recognized gains on the disposition of any assets owned at the time ofthe 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.)
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ChiefAccountant, Division of Investment Management 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 Conunission 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 ahd 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 ofGAAP. In April of2008, the Division assured Fidelity Investments that it would not reconunend 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 of the Office of Chief Accountant of the Division dflnvestment Management to Fidelity Investments, 2008 SEC NoAct. LEXIS 459 (Apr. 29, 2008). Under a technical reading of the ICA, the subsidiary might not 4ave been considered an investment company because it was only invested in conunodities, which are not considered "securities." Id. at * 10. Therefore, the Gold Portfolio technically was not permitted to consolidate its fmancial statements with the subsidiary, pursuant to GAAP and Rule 6-03(c)(l) of Regulation S-X, whlch preclude consolidation by a registered investment company with an entity that is not an investment company. Jd. at *4-*5. The Division, however, accepted Fidelity's argument that notwithstanding those regulations, it would be appropriate to consolidate the financial statements of the subsidiary into the Gold Portfolio because it would give shareholders a "more accurate picture" of the portfolio and its structure. Specifically, the subsidiary was authorized to invest in securities, would operate as an investmenTcompany for all relevant purposes, and was established to act as an investment vehicle for the Gold Portfolio. ld. 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 aper share NA V that better, and more accurately, reflects the true
value of the 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 f-or 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. ·
BLANK ROMELLP
COUNSELORS AT LAW
ChiefAccountant, Division of Investment Management March 28, 20 12
BLANK ROME UP
COUNSELORS AT LAW
March 28, 20 12
Either alternative will assure investors in the Fund the ability to redeem their shares at the stated, accurate NAY, thus addressing any concerns that the SEC may have previously harbored. (c) Further Safety Valve ' In any event, under Section 22(e) of the 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% of the shares are redeemed on one day, then the NAY 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 NAV on 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 offunds would in fact defer some redemptions ifthese requests reached 8%. Ifthey· did not, they would have to dispose of assets at a material discount, resulting in an apparently overstated NAY. 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 of the fund industry, which promises investors liquidity at a stated NAY, 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 vvith a wait of seven days, receive a fraction of their expected NAV, if a distressed liquidation were mandated. Of course, either Vanguard would 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 ofthe regulatory scheme still holds. Copley believes that such a sophisticated approach is appropriate given the unique status and history ofthe 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
BLANK ROMELLP
COUNSELORS .AT LAW
Jaime EiChen 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 of this 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 of the Board minutes adopting the Resolutions, on March 23, 2012, is annexed hereto as Exhibit L. Th~ resolutions (Ex. L) provide that if the deferred tax liability, as computed under the proposal described above, reaches an an1ount equal to 10% ofPre-Tax NAV, 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 ofthe 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, ifanything,
BLANK ROMEtLP
COUNSELORS AT LAW 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 formulai~ 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 of the 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 personnel last 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 respectto 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)
Exhibit A
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
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488 MADISON AVENUE
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WRITER'S DIRECT E·MAIL TELEPHONE (212) 751·7700 davidfaust@frolaw.com FACSIMILE (212) 371·8410 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Division of Investment 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 behalfofthe Copley Fund, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the 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 an assets with unrealized appreciation would be sold at ctU'rent 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 of net 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 of the 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 RIC, Copley is entitled to use the dividends received deduction whereby up to 70% ofthe dividend income received, or 70% ofthe taxable income of Copley 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:\24DO-l 0 1 \Copley'NoAction'OOS.Doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division of Investment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
.. Share Price "Based" on NAV
Pursuant to Rule 22c-1 of the ICA open end funds, like Copley Fund, are required to issue and redeem shares "*at a price based on the current net asset value of such 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 thfl.t in calculating "current net asset value" for use in computing the current price of redeemable securities: "Appropriate provision shall be made for federal income taxes ifrequired" (emphasis added). Rule 2a-4(a)(4) does not define "if required." 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 tel" use GAAP, but the Commission has required G AAP in financial statement reporting by registered investment companies. We suggest that, in the case of Copley Fund, for the reasons set forth below, the Commission should permit Copley Fund to (1) prepare its fmancial reports and/or (2) issue and redeem shares based on a net asset value calculation which ret1ects, a management determined tax reserve, so long as there is transparency in ~xplanation 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 of its 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 of the 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 maxirlliie transparency to inyestors. 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'OOS.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 practice includes long-tenn 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 manage1.11ent determined tax reserve 2/28/2011 ' 20.25% 1.26% (Assuming a management determined tax reserve of $1M) 2/28/2010 18.11% 1.4 5% (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 Share Price
NAV- Tax reserve @35% 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:\2400-1 01\Copley'NoAction'OOS.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofInvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
September 28,.2011 percentage of assets. 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. For the fiscal year ended February 28,2011, the Fund's ratio oftotal annual operating expenses to average net assets, using the Commission staff mandated reserve, was 7.96%. This ratio includes deferred income taxes and does not include an investment advisory fee waiver (also per the Commission Staffs requirement). Without including. these deferred taxes, which are not an actual operating expense of the Fund, and including the investment advisory fee waiver, the ratio would be 1.95%. Management believes this ratio is more appropriate for comparison to other ftmds. Year Ended Expense reserve ratio using SEC tax Expense ratio · using mgnt determined tax reserve 2/28/2011 7.96% 1.95% 2/28/2010 5.54% 1.70% 2/28/2009 1.58% 1.35% 2/29/2008 1.56% 1.25% 2/28/2007 5.90% 1.13% 2/28/2006 3.01% ·1:21% 2/28/2005 3.82% 1.15% Discussion GAAP is intended to provide a principled framework by which financial transactions are recorded in an accurate, consistent, manner pennltting comparability with prior years information and with statements prepared by other comparable entities. Those objectives are best served by permitting F:\2400-101\Copley'NoAction'005.doc
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 circumstances which are fully and fairly disclosed. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other registered investment companies 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 measured outcomes from period to period for Copley Fund should 'be the result of deviations in performance, not changes in methods. Pursuant to staff comments 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 enabled informed decision making by an investor or prospective investor since they clearly and correctly set forth results for the periods covered by the reports. They were reliable because they were verifiable and the information accurately represented results from a historical perspective, consistently reported. This changed dramatically in 2008. -Copley Fund's actual NAV per share at February 28, 2007 was $54.67 and it was reported as such in the Fund's Annual Report of even date. Yet, the Restated Annual Report for the period ended February 29, 2008 reflects a per share value for that same date (February 28, 2007) of $42.54. This simply did not reflect actual results, was 11Qt. consistent with prior years' reporting· and thwarted comparability with prior years. The foundation ofGAAP consists of basic assumptions, basic principles, basic constraints and modifying conventions. Some of these are particularly relevant herein. Assumptions: Going Concern Assumption: This assumption assumes that a business will
continue operating and will not close or be sold.
. '•
F:\2400-10 I \Copley'NoAction'005.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofinvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
Principles: Adequate Disclosure : This principle states that all pertinent information should be _ _fully disclosed and in understandable fonn. Constraints and Modifying Conventions. The modifying conventions include Application of Judgment- an accotmtant 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., a per share net asset value which does not reflect the realistic net assets ofthe Ftmd, distorts perfonnance and expense ratios, and disables redeeming shareholders from . receiving their fair proportionate 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 NAVas 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. If Copley 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 ofinvestable assets which are "at work" to produce income or loss or by grossly misleading reported expense ratios. For this reason alone the use ofa 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 ofthe fact that the "inherent assumption" underlying FAS 109 is not present given the particular circUiliStances ofthe Fund. F:\2400-1 0 1 \Copley'NoAction'OOS.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division ofInvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
September 28, 20 11
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 Chief Accountant issued a press release (2008
234) which addressed fair value accounting stating that "(t)he current enviromnent has made questions
surrounding the termination of fair 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 of fair 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 of the 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 investment trust ("REIT"). Paragraph 28 of SFAS No. 109, Accountingfor 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 eHminated 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 10-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'OOS.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division oflnvestment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
Nevertheless, WY eliminated its deferred tax liabilities accumulated as a result of certain "taxable temporary differences", primarily resulting :fi:om differences between the carrying amount and tax basis of its depreciable property, as ofthe first day 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 request that Copley Fund be afford.ed similar flexil;>ility to exercise judgment in determining its tax reserve. In light of Copley Fund's record and longs~anding policies, its management should be permitted to accrue and report an estimated deferred tax-liability rather than a "mechanical" one. This would more fairly present Copley Fund's financial position and its results of operations and avoid the misleading reporting described above. ' .r··' Copley 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 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 both the methodology and rationale used by tlj.e Board as well as the risks inherent therein. The static application of an accounting concept (F AS 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 di:vidend yield and expense ratios and understate performance for comparison purposes. Redeeming shareholders do not receive their proportionate share ofFund 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 of their 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 tor 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 $60,000per 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 Staff-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 l \Copley'NoAcrion'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 of Directors always has been the welfare ofthe individual shareholders. ' Every effort has been made to operate Copley Fund in the best interests of the 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-la to issue and redeem its shares at a price based on 1 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 necessaryor appropriate". That Rule also provides that "(a)ppropriate provision shall be made for Federal Incotrie Taxes if required" (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 ofa 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 incurrLflg 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
1 1t should be noted that "based on" is not synonymous with "at."
F:\2400-10 l \Copley'NoAction'OOS.doc
FAUST OPPENHEIM LLP
Division of Investment Management
Securities and Exchange Commission
Fund's tax reserve . Neither choice is consistent with GAAP's objectives or with the purposes of the Securities laws, rules and regulations. Conclusion The basic objective of accounting policies, and ofthe statutes, rules and regulati'ons which 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 of shares based on current NA V 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 to using a management determined tax reserve in all ofits fmancial reporting and/or (b) continuing to use the Commission's mandated tax reserve in its financial reporting but bdng 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. Ver5Q_rn-I.y_yours, . FAUST-OP~NHEIM LLP By:-~ DavidL Faust F:\2400·10 I \Copley'NoAction'005.doc
Exhibit B
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
OtVIIIOMOf"
INV&eTMI(NT MANAQCWCN"f
September 26, 2007
Irving Levine
President
Copley Fund, Inc.
245 Sunrise Avenue
Palm Beach, Florida 33480
Re: Copley Fund, Inc. (the "Company")
File Numbers: 2-60951 and 811-2815
Dear Mr. levine:
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 liabilities and assets for the futu.re 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 Is that tbe 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 fln.anclal Income are Included as an example of this difference In Paragraph ll(a). The FASB considered whether the deferred tax consequences of taxable temporary differences truly represent a liability for fl'nanclal reporting purposes. The FASB concl.uded 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 llabflltles.· A contention that those temporary differences will never result In taxable amounts, however, would contradict the accounting assumption inherent In the stateme'nt 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 111 taxable amounts In future years. (Emphasis added.). Paragraph 16 of FAS 109 provides that, with respect to recognition and measurement, "[a]n enterprise .§.h.91J. recognize a deferred tax liability or asset for .9Jl temporary differences and operating loss and tax credi( carryforwards In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17". (Emphasis added.)' Paragraph 17 states:
Deferred taxes shall be determined sep~rately 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:
2
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
Interpretation No. 48 "Accounting for Uncertainty In Income Taxes" ("FIN 48"). FIN 48
provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, mea~ured, 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 pr.gp.arlntt the .fu.n.d's. t~x returns to determine whether-the tax positions are "more-likely-than-not" of being
sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more
likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense In the current
2006 year:
and
Adoption
Is to be of FIN applied
48 Is to required all open for tax fiscal years years as of beginning the effective after date. December At this 15,
time
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 exist 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 ofDirectors 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. ·
4
The Fund has $1,908,937 In accumulated capital loss carry forwards which. expire as follows: $1,600,732 on February 28, 2008; and $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 capital 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 follow ing 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 that triggers 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 Income taxes will ultimately be due on the appreciation of portfolio securities, 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 Company's unrealized appreciation), will not result in taxable amounts In future years. According ly, delaying a sale or rationalizing the delay of a sale has no bearing on the recognition .of a deferred tax liability associated with the unrealized appreciation ofthat 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 sp~clflc assumptions underlying this estimate are undisclosed. Paragraphs 16 and 17 of FAS 109 require that a company recegnize 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 temporary differences using the applicab le tax rate. . .• •
Please explain why the total deferred tax liability for temporary differences arising from appreciation of portfolio securities was not recorded and reported In accordance With FAS 109. · B. The Company has disclosed the existence of capital loss 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 carryforwards and other applicable future tax benefits in accordance with FAS 109.
C. It appears that the Company has not provided all of the disclosures
statements, to demonstrate the significance of this issue to the Company, its shareholders, and Its prospective shareholders. • Unrealized Appreciation $ 53,994,093
Currently Enacted Tax Rate 35%
Entire Deferred Tax $ 18,897,932
Less: Existing Deferred Tax 807,345
Unrecorded Deferred Tax $ 18,090,587
Outstanding shares 1,588,813
NAV/ Share Difference ($ 11.38)
The Company might avail itself of capital loss carryforwards, the use of which could mitigate the NAV/share Impact described above. The measurement and recognition of deferred tax assets, If any, however, are subject to the requirements established under FAS 109, Including the determination of whether It Is more likely than not the future tax benefits will be realized. We are unable to estimate the Impact of deferred tax assets, If any, on this analysis because we are uncertain If a valuation • allowance exists. Notwithstanding potential deferred tax assets described above, we bel-ieve the necessary adjustments to the Company's financial-statements are material to shareholders. As of Februa·ry 28, 2007, the Company's NAV/Share was $54.67. When ,our estimate of the Impact of adjustments Is compared to the Company's share price as of that date, it appears that the share price was overstated by approximately 26%. s. General Comments A. Page 1 of the 2007 FS states "[t]hus, if a Copley shareholder does not redeem, the shareholder pays no taxes." Regardless of the FAS 109 analysis that will be provided by the Company, the Company has paid taxes and thus, the_shareholder has paid a proportionate amount ofthose taxes. We be.lleve the statement should be revised to state that, while the shareholder does not pay a tax directly, they do pay taxes Indirectly througn the company, and at a rate that may be higher than If the shareholder pald such taxes directly. The consequences of tWo fevers of taxation should also be explained. 8
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 lt:~formatlon Investors require. Since the . Company and Its management are In possession of all facts relating to a Comparw'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 9
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 ofthe United States.
Exhibit C
1fG1 YV&./ \1 I I
,.
UNITED STATES
SEC'VRJTIES AND EXCHANGE COMMJSSlO.N
'BOSTON REGIONAL Olt'FJCE
. l3RD FLOON.
33 ARCH STRE'ET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110.1424
RY FACSIMILE (410) 745-5802 and F!RST CLASS MAIL November 30, 2007 Thoma.~ C. Hcxiry, Esq. Roberts'& Henry · 164 Honeysuckle Drive Jupiter. FL .33458 Re: .Qypley Fund. Inc. CB-02335) Dear Mr. HCltr)':
This Jetter conllnns today' s telephone conversation in which thL: staiT 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 contemplated action, the staff may seek prelimina.ry and permanent injunctions (including a preliminary order barripg the Copley fund from selling or redeeming shares at kl net assot value that b 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 Infonna1 and Other Procedures. 17 C.P.R.§ 202.5(c), we arc otl'ering your client the opportunity to makes Wells Submission. . We enclose for your i.nfon11atiop a copy of Secwitics Act Release No. 5310 entitled "Procedures Relating to the Commencement of Enforcement 'Proceedinr,s Md Tenn.ination of Staff Investigations." If your client wishes to make a written m: videotaped submission setting forth ~my rca.qons of Jaw. policy or faci why it believes the civil injunctive action should not be brought, or ~nging any facts to the Commission's nttention in connection with its consideration of this matter, you should forward the submission to me by no later than December 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:
Thomas C. Henry, Esq.
November30, 2007
LeeAnn G. Gaunt
Assistant Regional Director
Securities and Exchange Commission
33 Arch Street. 23r<J Floor
Boston, MA 02110~1424
In the event the staff mak~;:s an enforcement recommendation to the Commission on this matter, we will forwatd any submisS~ion that you make to the Commfssion. Please be advised lhat the Commission may use the information contained in such asubmission as an admis.'lion, or in ttny other manner pcnnitted by the Federal Rule~ of Evidence, in connection with Commission enforcement proceedings, or otherwise. This practice is explicitly provided for in the list ofRoutine Uses orInformation (Item 4 ), which is contained in Form 1662, "Supplamr:ntal lnfonnation for Persons Requested to Supply Information Voluntarily or Directed to Supply Information Pursuant to a Commission Subpoena.'' For your information, a copy of:Form 1662 is enclosed. Please also be adVi~ed that any submission you make may be discoverable by third parties in accordance with appli:able law. If you have any questions, please contact me at 617~573~8945. i?b(J!Jatt#- LeeAnn G. Gau.nt Assistanl Regional Director Enclosures: St:curitics Act Rclo~e No. 5310 SEC Fonn 1662
Exhibit D
Unassociated Document Page 1 of28
N-CSR/A 1 v120186 ncsra.htm
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORlvf N-CSR Amended
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NillvffiER 811-2815
COPLEY FUND, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
5348 Vegas Drive
Suite 391
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 NlJNffiER, 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 10 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-l). 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 iniormation 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 ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments conceJ!ling 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. . ~. httn· //VJWW.~ec.rmv/A rchives/edQar/data/721291/000 114420408040755/v120 186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
Unassociated Document Page 2 of28
Item I . Annual Report
RestatedAnnual Report
February 29, 2008
3/1/2012
COPLEYFUND, 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
1 ~
± li l-lttn·//www ser. ~ov/ Archives/edliar/data/7212911000114420408040755/vl20186 ncsra.htm
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Independent Auditor's Report
Portfolio of Investments
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Statement of Operations
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Statement of Cash Flow
Notes to Financial Statements
Financial Highlights
Disclosure of Fund Expenses
Supplemental Data
General
Voting Proxies on Portfolio Securities
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
About the Fund's Directors and Officers
.(2
1-.fl lQ il
12
.Ll lill'.
20
21
~
22
Inside Back
Cover
--------·-----··-----------···--------------·-·-
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 thes~ 1.._venues, 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 1-lttn•//umrm <lP<' arnrl Arl''hi·m~<l/F>rlcr~r/rht~/7? 129 1/()()() 11442()4()R()40755/v120 186 ncsra.htm · 3/1/2012
U nassociated Docrunent 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 ever increasing 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 aloss 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. . ' ' 1
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 tci 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%
1-.tt,...·llurnrnr t;!Pf' n-mrl A rr.hivpc;:fpfial'lrlil::~t::~/7? 1?.Ql /()()()11442040R04075S/v120186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
Unassociated Document
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
-6.86%
+22.50%
-9.30%
-13.9%
+14.31%
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!i5 . ..... . ............. .......... . ........ .... . .... .......... ........................ ... ......!!n ··------·
Unassociated Doclllllent Page 7 of28
The follpwing 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 hot reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on redemption of Fund shares. When assessing performance, investors should consider both short and long-term returns. 5
TABLE OF CONTENIS
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 !=lnded, 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 amourits 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 rriade 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., chan dits method of accrual for deferred income taxes in 2007. Roy G. Hale Certified Public Accountant April 28, 2008 La Plata, Maryland 6 ------------·------ ----------------·----·--- ---·- ---..--·-----·------·--------------
TABLE OF CONT ENTS
3/112012
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3/1/2012
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
Drug Companies - 3.24%
Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
Electric and Gas -19.20%
American Electric Power
First Energy Corp.
Great Plains Energy, Inc.
Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
Progress Energy, Inc.
Public Service Eqterprise Group
Scana, Corp.
Sempra Energy, Inc.
Electric Power Companies- 19.25%
Arneren 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 finan cial statements.
7
Unassociated Document
TMLE 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 $28,630,5n9)
Excess of liabilities over cash and other assets Net Assets
TABLE OF CONTENTS
httn·//www ~ec .fl ov/Archives/edrmr/data/721291/000114420408040755/vl20186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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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 excess 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 unrealized appreciation $50,422,626 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statemepts. 9
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 httn·//www ~ec . rmv/ Arehive~/edg-ar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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Undistributed net investment and operating income Accumulated net realized gain on investment
transactions
Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments (Note 2) Total 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) 12,053,268 3,279,447 50,422,626 $69,394,529 $ 44.07 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 10
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 68,551
Printing 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 httn·//www sf'.c _rmv/Archives/edg:ar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186 ncsra.htm 311/2012
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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 $2,418,380 Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND,. INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations Net investment and operat.ing 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 Restated Year Ended 2/28/07 $ 1,872,432 1,557,833 (1,011,885) 2,418,380 $ 1,861,031 353,076 6,044,537 8,258,644 (604,547) 1,813,833 23,780 8,282,424 67,580,696 59,298,272 $ 69, 394, 529 $67,580,696 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 12
TABLE Of CONJ'ENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ending February 29, 2008
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
Cash flow s from operating activities
3/1/2012
Unassociated Document Page 13 of28
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 . Purch~se 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 incom.e 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
(4,73,3,552)
(536:589)
3,901,248
3,225,510
$ 7,126,758
$ 1,073,097
5,075,438
(108,501)
(23,053)
13,950
(3,478)
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 statemenis.
13
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unassociated Document Page 14 of28 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Security Valuation Investments in securities traded on a national securities excha·nge 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. Mach.inery; Eqwpment & Leasehold lmpro vement. 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 ~stimated useful lives of the improvements. Income Taxes The Fund files tax returns as a regular ~orporation 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. 14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U nassociated 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 thetax 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 est?blishes 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 o.f 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. 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unassociated Docrunent Page 16 of28
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 Standatd 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 Director's that the Fund would change its taxable status from a regular corporation to a regulated investment company (RIC) if the Fund fol!nd 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 such a manner that the Fund would not be required to recognize the full deferred income tax accrual required under FAS 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 $ 25,047,332 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 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL 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,'02"3
State 26,854 38,170
275,016 253,193
Deferred:
Federal 500,482 3,370,927
State (2,270,716) 568,540
(1,770,234) 3,939,467
Net provision (benefit) for income taxes $(1,495,218) $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 httn ://www.~ec.Q"ov Archives/edgar/data/721291!000114420408040755/v120186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
Unassociated Document Page 17 of28 year are as follows:
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 ac~umulated capital loss carryforwards which expire as follows: $308,205 on February 28, 2009. 17
TABLE Of CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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)
$ (604,547)
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. 1/1/2012
Unassociated Document Page 18 of28
Operating Divisions
The Fund has an operating division, Cople y 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 ne·w 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. 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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. Conunitments 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 Reyenue 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 ob ligated 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 httn://www.sec.!Iov/ Archives/edl!a~ldataJ721291 /000114420408040755/v120186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
Unassociated Document Page 19 of28 the Internal Revenue Service.
19
T@LE OF CONTENTS
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 ean:ted 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 3/1/2012
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 Closs) for investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 1.18 (1.31) 0.27 (0.44) (1.86) Net gains Closses) 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 ·(in 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 app ly:
Ratio of net expenses, including regular
& deferred taxes, to average net assets 1.81% 7 .97% 3.90% 5.76% 10.71% httn·//mumr QPI' amrlArl'hivpo.;:fpor'fa::~r/rht!:!/7? 1?Q1 /0001144?040R0407')')/v1201 R() ncsra.htm
-.
Unassociated Docmnent Page 20 of28 aererrea taxes, to average net assets !.I:H'1o 1. ( 0'10 1.tj0'1o l.OU'1o 1. f U'1o Ratio of net investment and operating . income Closs) 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. 20
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.
Unassociated Document Page 21 of28
Unassociated Document Page 22 of28
22
TABLE OF CONIENTS
. 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 p~t'formance of th.e 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 equal to 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. 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
ABOUT THE FUND'S DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Fund is governed by a Board of Directors that meet to review investments1 ..a_~_rformance, 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 Directol'Ships of Public Companies httn·//umrur <::P.~ onv/Ar~hivP.~IP.iluMiil::~t:::~/7?.12911000 11442040R040755/v120 186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012 Albert Resnick, M.D. Physician Since 1948 (March 23, 1922) 1978 [1]
Unassociated Document Page 23 of28 u•eoruary :as, 1996 1~40J !'lew J:Searora, !VIA [1] Inside Directors Name (Date of Birth) Year Elected (Number of Copley Portfolios Overseen) Principal Occupations(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships of Public Companies Irving Levine (September 25, 1921) 1978 [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 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 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. 24 RestatedAnnual Report February 29, 2008 COPLEYFUND, INC.. A No-Load Fund httn://www.sec.!Zov/Archives/ed2:ar/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 Westminster Street
Providence, Rhode Island ()290;3
Transfer Agent
Gemini Ftmd Services
4020 South 14 7th Street
Suite 2
Omaha, Nebraska 68137
Tel. (t.W2)493-4603
(877)881-2751
Fax: ( 402)963-909,1.
General Counsel
Roberts & Henry i6·i Honeysuckle Drive
Jupiter, Florida 33458
Auditors
Roy G. Hale, C.P.A.
624 Clarks .Run Road
La Plata, .iVfD 20E34G
COPLEYFUND, INC.
A No-Load Fund httn://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 114420408040755/v120 186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
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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 of its 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 ofEthics adapted in 2(a) above were granted. Ite~ 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 comple~ty 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:
(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)(l) 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 ofthe 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 ofinvestments
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 NfANAGElvfENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186 _ncsra.htm · 3/1/2012
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Not applicable.
. - :-·
Unassociated Document Page 27 of28
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 of Directors 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 of the Fund. Nominations for director, includ.ing 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 aletter 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 of the candidate's qualifications. ITEM 11. 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) underthe Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act") are effective as of a date within 90 days ofthe filing date ofthe report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these 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 ofhis 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 12. EXHIBITS. The Exhibits listed below are attached to this Form N-CSR:
Exhibit No. Description
12(a)(l) Not applicable. See Item 2 hereof.
12(a)(2) Certification of principal executive officer and principal financial officer QUrsuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)); ·is filed and attached hereto. (see attached) 12(a)(3) Not applicable. 12(a)(4) Certification of principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b )), is furnished and attached hereto. htto://www.sec.fl.ov/Archives/edfl.ar/data/721291/000114420408040755/v120186 ncsra.htm 3/1/2012
Unassociated Document Page 28 of28
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 of the 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 i/1 /?() 1?
Exhibit E
ROBERTS & HENRY
MTORNEYS .A!V LA.W
164 HONEYSUCKLEl DRIVE
J"UPITER, FLORIDA. 33458
(56lJ 744-5932
FAX <56lJ 207-6857
E-:M:..ur., RobertsHenryLaw@aoLcom
101 BUENAVrs'I!A. ..A.VENUE 1504 T.u.I!O'I:' S'I!REET FEDER.ALSBu:RG, :MD 21632 P.O. Box uss (410) 754·9876 ST. MICRAELS, MD 21663 lr.A.X(410l754·9376 (410) 822·4456 lr.A.X<410l754·9376 November 19, 2008 James S. Goldman, Esquire U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Boston Regional Office
33 Arch Street, 23rd Floor
Boston, MA 02110
RE: In the Matter ofCopley Fund. Inc., B"2335
Dear Jim:
. After much thought and co~ideration, 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 NAV 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 ofthe 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 of this 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 : I .:·· issue than an accounting issue. We have attached a proposed Prospectus Supp-lement 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 u.Sing current financials only because they were compiled based upon comments made by the staff ofthe Division of
Investment Management and agreed to by us at the tirrie 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 ofl~w, We also request confidential treatment under the FOIA with respect to this correspondence and associated memoranda.
'f.f.:~J l · .~~-i '
:MEMORANDUM
PRELIMINARY STA1EMENT
. . .
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 of Directors' fiduciary obligation to ensure that the Fund's shares are fairly priced, that the best interests of the Fund~s shareholders are fully protected and served and that the Ft;md's finanCial information is not misleading. And, most importantly, it is about the flexibility of GAAP 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 of Directors and its shareholders. It was on that day that the Board was compelled, upon threat of injunctive 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 amount of capital gains taxes that would be payable ifthe Fund liquidated its entire portfolio of securities on that day; as opposed to the inclusion ofa 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
Memorandum (cent)
Page 2 ofl4
shareholders but rather accumulating them within the Fund and then adding them to the value of . each share on a daily b~is. Hence, an increase in per share value directly raises the value of a shareholder's account. Thus, shareholders are able to deferdivtdend 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 of redemption. In addition, and central to the Fund's investment policy, is that the retention of dividends leaves more money "at work" in the Fund. Thus, the true mea5ure 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 management 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 of this 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 d~ployed 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 position paper prepared by Roy G. Hale, CPA, dated November 27, 1992 (See Attachment "A"); The decision was memorialized in the Minutes of a 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 of the Fund's portfol.iq__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 of Directors 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." !. ,.., ~
Memorandum ( cont)
Page 3 'of14
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 carried 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 enterpnse's statement offinancial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles is 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 liability and its reported amount in the statement offinancial position will result in taxable or deductible amounts in some future year(s) when the reported amounts of assets are recover~d and the reported amounts of liabilities 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 ofassets 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 staffs initial theory then seems to be based upon a static and inflexible interpretation ofFAS 109 to the effect that the statement requires a full acctual ofthe maximum potential deferred income tax liability-period ("full liquidating value accrual method''). As more fully developed below, the Fund beliyves 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 of its shares. This, the Fund has always maintained, is best accomplished through the use of a "reserve" for deferred income taxes which is established by the Fund's Board of Directors in an exercise oftheir good faith business judgment. The fundamental justification for recognizing an exception to or a variation from FAS 109 is that the full tax liability will not be recognized by ~e 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 anuis, 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:
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Memorandum ( cont) reported as a liability, is in fact an e$timate of a future potential liability and not a real liability on the date ofthe financial statements. These estimates, based upon the factors as discussed above, . are flexible and subject to change as circumstances dictate. As long a5 the Fund provides reasonable estimates that meet current and future obligations, as has been the case for the last fifteen (15) years, the Fund meets its inherent obligation to accurately accrue for this potential liability. The following chart demonstrates the viability ofthe established reserve . . C01\1P ARISON OF RESERVE ESTABLISHED BY BOARD. 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 $5,430,633.00 No taxes have ever been paid because the Fund's taX liability for capital gains has always been covered by either capital losses or capital loss carry forwards. Hence, the reserve has never been used. One ofthe concerns expressed by the staffhas been that circumstances beyond the control ofmanagement might cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio securities due to market conditions or to meet redemptions. It is important to note that even in this time ofunprecedented financial crisis and market upheaval Copley Fund has not even come close to invading the tax reserve . established by the Board. And, we note that this is at a time when money market funds have had to turn to the Federal government to preserve their $1.00 NAV and mutual fund redemptions are at an all time high-once again sustaining the Board's judgment.
2. The only shareholder risk associated with using the reserve method, which is
based upon good faith historically proven estimates, would arise in the event that the Fund
Memorandum ( cont) understated the reserve and a real liability greater than the reserve would become due and payable. As shown by the above chart, this has never happened over the past fifteen years~ More noteworthy perhaps is the fact that it has not happened over the past two months~ Moreov~r, this would never occur because ofthe Fund's intent and expressed ability to convert to RIC status ifit ever is placed in a position where the reserve was in an insufficient amount to cover the capital gains tax on appreciated securities. This begs the question ofwhy the Fund has not elected RIC status subsequent to the compelled inclusion ofthe full accrual in its NAV. The short answer is that the reserve established by the Board never was exceeded because ofmarket or other operating conditions. No tax ever became payable. The accrual only became an issue when the Fund was compellecL under threat of injunction,· to include the full amount ofthe accrual in its NAV. Election ofRIC status has consequences, as discussed below, and the Board · believes that it should not be "compelled' to accept these consequences when the conditions precedent establi~hed by theni before electing RIC status have not been met. . . . . In light ofthe Fund's ability to convert to a RIC, as more fully explained below, and . ultimately avail itself ofthe elimination ofthe tax otherwise payable at the corporate level on appreciated securities the Fund believes that the inherent assumption made in Paragraph 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 a.nSwers the "when" questionnever. 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 ordinarj 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 IRC 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 and 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 reserve, would then be shifted to the individual shareholders2
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Memorandum ( cont) and shift the remainder of capital gains to shareholders. Given this methodology, the Fllild would never exceed the reserve. As noted above, the Fund would have to distribute its accumulated E&P up to the date RlC status was elected. The Fund would have until the end ofthe c,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 inthe Fwid rather than cash and, while the distribution ofstock would decrease the value ofthe Fund, the shaieliolders 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 RJC conversion is the built in gains ("BIG") tax on appreciated assets. Current IRS regulations require a new RlC, 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 RJC conversion date. Ifall or any portion ofthe appreciated assets are not sold within this 10 year period, the built in gains tax goes away. It simply ceases to exist. This begs another question which is at the heart ofthe matter. Does the potential liability for BIG tax require a full accrual under FAS 109? 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 of this "date certain 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 SAI for many years.3 . Since. inception, management ofthe Fund has not elected RJC 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 RJC. 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. 3 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 since 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)
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 howqver 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 ("FASB") 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 inacctirate, despite footnote or other disclosures, unless the Commission has otherwise provided." Ru1e 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 fupnework and from basic objectives of financial reporting. Financial reporting should provide. useful information for making informed business and economic decisions. Usefulness for decision makirig 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 (measured and reported in a similar manner by all types ofbusinesses) 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 accok,ting treatment and related financial restatements, the Fund's financial statements are not now either "useful" or "reliable" within the framework ofGAAP. :;1 J . :'-J':'
Memorandum ( cont)
Page 9 ·of14
'
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FuND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE ISSUANCE OF THE RESTATED ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE 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 staff comments 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 of its historical financial infoi::rnation 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 estiniate" which would not have required a restatement 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 of GAAP 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) information and the financial statements prepared by other Funds. They were useful because they enabled informed decision making by an investor because they correctly set forth what happened in the past and provided information about what will likely happen in the future. They were reliable because they were verifiable and the information represented what really happened from a historical perspective. For example, the Fund's actual,NAV per share at February 28, 2007 was $54.67 and it was reported as such in the Fund's Annual Report of even date. Yet, the Restated Annual Report for the period ended February 29, 2008 reflects a per share value for that same date (February 28, 2007) of $42.54. This simply does not reflect what really happened, is not consistent and thwarts comparability with prior years. Contrary to one ofthe basic objectives of GAAP there are now deviations in measured outcomes from period to period which are the result ofchanges in methods rather than deviations in performance. THE INCLUSION OF THE FULL LIQUIDATING LIABILITY ACCRUAL IN THE FUND'S NAV IGNORES BASIC GAAP ASSUMPTIONS, CONSTRAINTS AND MODIFYJNG CONVENTIONS The foundation ofGAAP consists ofbasic assumptions, basic principles, basic
. constraints and modifying conventions. Some ofthese are particularly relevant herein.
Memorandum ( cont)
Assumptions: (1) Going Concern Assumption: 1bis assumption assumes that a business will continue operating and will not close or be sold. Based on this assumption, actual costs instead o(liquidation 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 of actual 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 of atransaction 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. :!tilizationti. of affuGllAAPliquithdatint'gbva~ue acc~ metm:hod is contin~ary todthwill~basitc ••going b concern assump on o a a usmess Wl11 con ue opera g an no c1ose or e 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 fullliquidati.tig value ·accrual method also is contrary to the principles of realization/revenue recogriition 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 of all 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 fmancials 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 GA.AP. 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 \ ~ "' .'
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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 of the Fund, distorts performance and expense ratios, and disables redeeming shareholders from receiving their fair proportionate share of Fund assets. ·
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 preparers, auditors, and users of financial information". While not precisely on point the concepts addressed in the release are equally applicable. The release ma,kes 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 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 ofa 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 of Fund 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 of their 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 daily NAY fluctuates, sometimes substantially, due only to "hypothetical" changes in the tax accrua16
' :::,; ~~
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 NAV growth is the result of a solid and consistently applied investment philosophy ofpurchasing and holding highly viable, dividend paying stocks which yield dividends in ever increasing amounts, all in accordance with the Fund's stated 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 b0nsistent, 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 Ftmd' s advisor has been maintained below 1.25%. These ratios, ori 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 ~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 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 7 current net asset value. Rule 2a-4a defines current net asset value and specifically states that with respect to NAY calculations "estimates (may be) used where necessary or appropriate". That Rule also provides that "(a)ppropriate provision shall be made for Federal Iricome 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 1 09 mandate a liquidating liability accrual. On the other hand, the Board does believe itclear 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 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 ofthe Board established reserve is practically nil. Nonetheless, the Fund believes that this risk should 7It should be noted that "based on" is not synonymous with "at".
Memorandum ( cont) be asses~ed and either accepted or rejected by the shareholders with the staffproviding guidance related to the risk disclosure. Accordingly, the Board proposes to adjust its Net Asset V alue8 based on the reserVe method delineated above and to disclose this adjustment pursuant to the Prospectus Supplement which is attached hereto. Of course, 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 of October 31, 2008. This will have the effect ofincreasing the Fund's per share value from $39.94 to $48.14. In order to compensate shareholders who redeemed between November 30, 2007and the date ofthe adjustment they will be reimbursed in an amount equal to their proportionate share of the difference between the established Board reserve and the full liquidating liability reserve which was in effect at the time. · 8
-. •
Copley ~und, Ino.
Alt~rnative Tax Manaqament S~rategy
Prepared by: Roy G. Hale, CPA oat:.e: November 27, 19;2
ROY;::.
.•
~0193499~14 .....
... . t- ....~ Coplay F~n<l, Inc. 'fi:::<::?:V Alternative. Ta.X Managetnent Strategy .Page~ · · · · . The Fund. is registered with the SecUrities and Exchange Commis~ion ~& ~ diversified, open-end manaqement company under the provislons of the Investment Company Act ot 1940, as am$hded. The Fun~ has eleotea to hold rather than distribute to shareholders net investment. inoome, therefore, the. Fund is t.axed ~s an ordinary cot"poratiofi rather th~n as a requlatad investment com~any. Since qistributiona are not mad& to shareholders, the Fund is liable for federal and stat• income taxes on amounts received from interest, dividen~s, capital qains, and operating division net income. An orainary corporation is currently taxed for federal income tax purposes at rates ot 15% to j4%, dependinq upon the amount of its taxabla income. P'urther, the alternative minimum tax m~y be applioable at a rate ot 20%. The Fund's overall tax liable is substantially reduced eaeh year by the applieation of a 70% diviciencls received deduction on qualified dividends. This tax advantage ie partially offset by the requirement to add back the aivid.ends receiVeQ deduction for the calculation of alternative \ 1 minimum tax. In the yeara that dividend inQome is a substantial ~~ portion of investment income, the Fund will nave an alternative · mi~i~u~ tax liability. · Capital gains are curr-entiy taxed «lt a corporation's marqinal tax rate, i.e.., 15% to 34%. The cur:r-ent 'maximum eapital gains tax -rate for individuals is 29%. With a spread . of six percent.a9'e points batween tha eorpo~~ta.an4 individual oapital gains rates, it would ba prudent for the Fund to consider transferring the income tax liability to individual shareholders when a. principal portion of the secYrity portfolio wa.s subject to liquidation. A method readily available to the Fund ia to qualify as a regulated invaa~m~nt oo~pan¥• R•qulated Investment Comp~y. The special tax tr~atment accorded requlatad investment companies (RICa) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, · · 1986 1 as amendAd, retlAots lesislatiVQ reeo;nition of tne fact hat such ,oompanias · ax-e, ih ·fetot, primarily conduits. The Fund is rali~ved of corporata ineome taxas to whioh it would other\li.se be subject ata a sepa.l:'ate taxable entity except for income retained at tha oorporata level. I l . ~ ~~ In order to be taxed · a.s a regUlated investment company t a · 1>,.,...,. ~hHdaad'-~aid a•d.uetion--that is, tha am¢u.nt distri~uted. to · - -·-· · · ~.• •......__,...,..._.~A. n...,...n,_tetion .. •,
Copley Fund, Inc.
AltQrnative Tax Mafiagement Strategy ! ·
Page 3 1
I
I lGast tha su~ of: (1} $0 percent of ~he company's investment company .taxa~le incom•, cornp'l.lte.d wi)thout deducting a dividenas ~ee¢ived deouction, plus (2) 90 pere$~t of its net exQmpt inter~st ~ncome~ 9apital gains are tt-eated sepcd:ately. A :R.IC may hQld or distr~hute any pot-tion of the capitallgain realized during the tax yaar. If the ~IC distribut~s 100% of\the capital gain realized it rae$ives a lOOt dividends paid deduction; if it distributes SO% it receives an SO% divida~ds paid aeduct~on. l . An investment company aesirin9 ito qualify as 'a regulated invastmant eempany will proceed qener~lly as £ollowe; . :
4:ZJ 004 H~l..e:, CP~ .. P.ea ... . '
( ~
..... ;:;,_{]? Copley Fund, Inc.
the Fund.
Accwnulat.ed earninqa and profits at August 3l., 1992 were $13,618,161. As an axample, if the Soard of Directors was to elect RIC atatus commencinq in calendar year 1993, the Fund would have 90 days startin9 on January 1, 1993, ·to commence distributing the aco~ulat6d earnings and protits. All acoumulated earnings and profits would have to be distributea by the end of the year~ , . . The di.strib.ltion of earninqs and profits· could ce mada in eithar cAsh or additional stock. A stock distribution· would elininate. the need to· liquida.te a portion of t.he stock portfolio and pay th$ aes.Qoiated taxas. In ~ither case, oa.sh or stock, the ~hareholdera would r•eognize taxable income in the amount of the distribution received. !f the Board of Direet:.ors ·were to elect t-o convert to RIC status when t~~ po~ential ineome tax lia~ility on reali~ed gains reaoned a. eert.ain ·plateau, say $sao, ooo, then the ne·ed to show daferr~d inao~e tax liabilities qreat~r than thie amount would not be neoa~sary. Tha tax liability would ahift to sharaholaers above the $500,000 ran9e and W9Uld not be a potential liability for the Fund~ Sin~a deterred ineome taxes aarve to re~uca net assets, any change in ~he amount of defer~ed ineome taxes will have a direct impaot on net asset value. The strategy discusse~ in this papar will ultima.t.ely serve to increase the Fund's net aeE;>et value. substantially. Tho not asset value must be a trua reflection of the value o.f each share of stock and not ~e inctll'llbered by value judqement.a (increases or ae.ereasas) that do not have some basis for reoo9nition. It eleetinq RIC st~tus will reduce the tax eone.aquances to tha Fu.nd, t.he Fund financial s~atements should refleot ·this ooourrence. - It is imperative that the Board o! Directors comply with the full disclosure conee.pt. of generally accept•cl aocountinq principles and SEO rule• and requlations on any major changa to accQunting ma:thotis or p:rocedurea. The willinqness to recognize RIC status and th~ eorrespondinq impact on individual sharaholQers must be fully disclosed in the prospectuc an4 in the financial statements issued to shareholders. Some proposed lanquaqa tor the prospectus and the individual ----~·-l.n_olln.<:.i•-1 statem~nts .i• l!!llet £brt:h in t.h• following pages .in tha · ...u....... • .... ,...d. o« 0 1r.ectars accel'te<l 'l;.nQ ;~lt.~-:-~ative tax
~ ... .. I@ UlJZ/UUJ . ' ' ~OV G. HA~~- CPA P. ua '' ( Copley Funa, Inc. ~~ # Alternativ• Tax Man~9ement Strategy Page 6 Albeit tQe ele.etion to be treated as a requlated investment ~ompany will Qhift the ineoma tax liability for net inveetment 1.neome . and capital gains trom t:n.a Fund to the individual shareholder, tho management of the Fund believes that it i~ in the shareho1dEir 1 s beat interest to avoict aou.ble taxation by making this elec~ion. Dou~le taxation rt$ults when the Fund pays a tax on the net lncome, wh~ch reduces the net asset value per &har$1 and the shareholder also pays a tax on that a$.m~ gain upon l:'edeeming Fund . share$. . ·, Co~reaponding with an ele~tion to be treated a~ a regulated invQstment company, the Fund must make . a distribution to sharanoldars of all earnin~a acou~ul~ted as a regular corporation, ~his dietribution w~uld result in taxable income to the shareholders, wheth~r or not the distributicn is received in cash or additional ~har ¢f FQnd stoek. Unrealizea appreoiation (built-in 9ains) at the point in time the Fund elaots regulated investment oomp~ny treatment is taxable incoma to the Fund. Under current Internal Revenue Code ~rovisions, the Fu~d ~ay elect to postpone this built-in qains tax until such time a$ the seourity is sold. If th~ eeourity is held for at least 10 ysars a!ter electing regulated investm~nt company status, the tax will not be accessed against tha Fund. Legislative or ragulatory chan~es in, or interpretations of, applie~ble federal taK laws, r•qulations or rulings may make it impossible. for the Fund to utilize certain of the tax mana.gement techniques an4 atrateqi9s described in the Prospectus. The Fund intends to avaluate continuously th~ operations of the Fund under the clJ.rre.nt fedQral tax laws as 'Well. as various alternatives available. Propo&e.d languaq• for tha san\i....annual and annual finaneial statemertts. fe4eral 1Dcome t•xea. ln accordance wlth the Fund's objectives a~d policies, it doas not currently intend to distribut~ net investment income or realizea capital gains to shareholQers. Ac:oord.inqly 1 the Fund will be taxed as a regUlar corporation. . The F.und has accrued a liability tor raalizea and unrealized cap1tal qains to thA e)!!tend the Fund an·ticipat!ls sllch a liability will occ1.lr. Through February 28, 1993, the Fund has accrued a tax liability ot ( . ouring this aeeountinq period, the Fund's Board of Directors ~ has provided manaqamant:. with the authority to elect regulated investment company treatment when the overall income tax liability
1 • .. f
. F-.11
Copley F~nd, Inc. .~ . ~M~ Alternative Tax Mangement strategy
$XQeAd.A a designat.e.O. level. This a.tth¢l."it.y he.s substantially ~•duced the tund's potential liability for income ta~ on unrealizQd
qains. Without this authority th• Fund's 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 inforrn~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). . .. .~ .. ':. ; .I 14 ~; :
Net assets, last day of
February (in thousands)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets<b)(ci. . . . . . . . . . .
Ratio of net income (loss)
to average net assets<c> .....
Portfolio turnover rate .......
Number of shares outstanding at end of period (in thousands) ..
Year Ended
February 28, 2007 29, 2006 28, 2005 28, 2004 28, 2003 28, 2002 $ 46.86 $ 43.88
1.18 1.02
6.63 1.96
7.81 2.98
$ 54.67 $ 46.86 ---'-
16.67% 6.79%
86,868 74,646
1.03% 1.09%
2.37% 2.26%
0.50% 0.73%
. 1,589 1,593
$ 39.26
0.99
3.63
4.62
$ 43.88
11.77%
72,079
1.01%
2.33%
0.44%
1,643
$ 31.33
0.85
7.08
7.93
$ 39.26
25.31%
69,473
1.01%
2.42%
0.92%
1,770
$ 37.66
0.95
(7.28)
(6.33)
$ 31.33
(16.81)%
57,644
1.07%
2.47%
8.65%
1,840
(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 ar~ an integral part of the financial statements.
18
$ 39.94
(2.95) .
(2.28)
$ 37.66
(5.72)%
76,607
0.98%
1.70%
3.33%
2,034
' .· ~ : ~ • .;. .. I ': t ~ O ~ ... · ·..~: ..: •.· .... : ~~ ..• ~ I ;,1· ...: , ;~ I
-· " I ,,
.. , . ·~ . !' . ·- .••. • .... ... ..
0.67
: ~ I • , I
. ·.
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 29, 2008 28, 2007 28, 2006 28, 2005 29, 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) . .... . . .......... . ~ _1.@ __Q,.ll
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% i4.26% 5.53% 8.12% 18.14%
Net assets, last day of February (in 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 & defen·ed taxes, to average net asset.s . . . ... 1.81 % 7.97o/o 3.90% 5.76% 10.7l o/o Ratio of net expenses, excluding defeiTed taxes , to average net assets .. . .. . . . ....... . 1.81% 1.76% 1.83% 1.60% 1.70% 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 ac companying notes are an integral part of the financial statem ents. 20
( ,
'~j
COPLEY FUND, INC.
SUPPLEMENT 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 developments since issuance ofthe Prospectus.
-This Supplement must be 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), the
"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 portfolio securities that have appreciated (gone up) in value. The Fund maintains a reserve for this tax, the amount ofwhich.has ~een 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 offmancial 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.
Supplement dated November ,
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24,2008
would be due and payable ·ifthe Fund liquidated its entire portfolio on the date the financial
statements are presented. _Under the other interpretation, currently utilized by the Fund, the
income tax liability is reported based upon a reserve for such tax which is established by the
Board ofDirectors.
IN THE EVENT THAT THE FUND'S TAX ACCOUNTING :METHODOLOGY IS
DETERMINED TO BE NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH GAAP OR NOT SUBJECT TO AN
, EXCEPTION THERETO, THE FUND'S NAV WOULD HAVE TO BE ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE FULL TAX LIABILITY, THE NET ASSET VALUE OF THE FUND'S SHARES WOULD DECREASE AND SHAREHOLDERS WOULD INCUR A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF THEIR INVESTl\ffiNT. 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 ("NAV") 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 ( ' I' · "'<(~;
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 Impact $10.29 $10.01 $8.07 $7.4j $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:
-2
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ,
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24,2008
( l
, 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 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 I 1993 $422,000.00 $0 $5,430,633.00 -• (2) The use of a full liquidating accrual methodology results in a daily NA V that is misleading. Lowering the NAVto 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 of Fund shares. All obligations ofthe Fund that must be met are recognized and impact the NAVona daily basis. Reducing the NAV to incorporate a liability that by its very nature is contingent upon future events, when fu fact the liability can be addressed through a sound reserve policy, leads the Board to a finding that the resultant NAV would be misleadirig. An essential aspect ofthe Fund's strategy is the accumulation and retention of dividends generated by its portfolio of securities. 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. (,_ ~ -4
( ~ -~ ~:'
"':z:jY
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ,
2008 to Prosp~ctus 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 N A V because it eliminates
exaggerated "swings" in NA V 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 recognize 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 of the 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 of which will not be sold for long periods of time, the management ofthe Fund has taken the 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 ofcash 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 elimin~~te 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, ofall earning accwnulated 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 of Fund stock. Umealized appreciation (built-iri-gains) at the point in time the Fund elects regulated investment company treatment is taxable income to the Fund. However, under current Revenue -5 1
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 investment 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 rulings 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 under 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 ten~ (_J 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 ofrl?-e 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 ai}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% 14.16% 3.60% S&P 500 26..69% 11.55% (10.10)% (10.60)% (22.10)% 26.20% Best Quarter Worst Ouarter 13.6% (14.95)% 3rd-2000 3rd-2002 21.26% 4.90% 15.79% 5.49% The performance information shown above is based on full calendar years. ( ···•.·. . } J -6
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ,
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24,2008
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 Arumal 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 inform~tion 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 ( Fund 5.36% (6.86)% 26.075% (5.72)% (16.81)% 25.31% 11.77% 6.79% 16.67% 0.00% ~~·J~- S&P 500 26.69% 11.55~ (10.10)% (10.60)% (22.10)% 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 ofan investment 'vill 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-¥-ears 10 Years Total Return Before Taxes 0.00% 6.90% 5.50%
Total Return After Taxes on Distributions* N/A N/A NIA"""
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%
-7
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ,
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24,2008
( )
~~;1l1~
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 of shares outstanding. For purposes of calculating the Fund's per share price, the liability for deferred income taxes on tinrealized 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 reportitig 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 of Directors. 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, "iaN including securities in which the quotations are considered to be unreliable due to s~gnificant 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. -8
Exhibit F
I
, I
,'":
ROJBERTS & HENRY
.kr'.roxumYs .A!1' LAw
164 HoNEYStrc:u::Llll DRIV:&
J"TJPITJ!IR, FLORIDA S34e>s·
FAX !56ll207·6857
E-MAIL: RobertsHemyLaw®aolcom
1104 TA.Ll!O'r ST.REE~ W1BtrENAV~~A~NUm
P.O. Box lJ.88 Fml>:mlULSBURG, MD lUJisg I. ST. M:xcJUJnLS, MD 111663 (410) 7M'9876 (410) 81!11-44116 F..LX <410) 7e>-l·9876 :B'..LX(4J.ffi7~-9376 October 5, 2009 Lawrence Pisto, Esquire- •. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Boston Regional Office
33 Arch Street, 23rd Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Dear Lawrence:
I wanted to follow up on our telephone conversation wherein I inquired about the status of the Copley proceeding. As.l indicated, Mr. Levine and the Board are anxious to come to aresolution of the issues therein so that the Fund can move on with its business and wor~ toward a solution of the NAV differential which will serve the best interests of the Fund's shareholders. As you know, the Board has consistently maintamed that the accrual for unrealized. capital gains ~es is best represented by a "reserve" established by the Board as opposed to the full liquidating value accrual that currently is being employed in · calculating the Fund's Net Asset Value. The Fund's experience since November 30, 2007, when the NAY was adjusted at the insistence ofthe staff and over the objection of the Board, has revealed that the use of the latter methodology has resulted in what the · Board and m.an.agement believe are misleading and inconsistent financiiil statements and a per share value that does not represent the fair value for the Fund's shares. We previously provided the staff with a memorandum( copy attached) which details the Fund's rationale in support of the use of the Board established reserve. This rationale was further delineated by Messrs. Levine and Hale in the testimony given during the course ofthe proceeding. The Board and management continue to believe · that use of the Board established methodology is the only way in which the Fund's shares may be fairly priced. They also believe that the use ofthis methodology is consistent with generally accepted accounting "principles and is required to fairly present Fund
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
Street Journal which illustrate the principle that neither GAAP nor FASB accounting
standards are "cast in stone, and that both have been accorded a great deal of:flexibility both in interpretation and application. In most, ifnot all, ofthese situations interpretations have been made whi9h result in fair pricing and accounting principle application. We submit that the tax accrual issue really is more a disclosure and risk assessment issue than an accounting issue. Historically, the Fund has treated it as such and made complete and clear disclosures which were routinely reviewed by the I M staff. Copley Fund shareholders should be able to fully assess the risks ofinvesting in the Fund insofar as such risks relate to taxes on unrealized appreciation. As more fully set forth in our memorandum complete and adequate disclosure can be accomplished through both text and comparison tables that are easily understandable and in "plain language". We are confident that we can provide clear parallel NAV calculations and other appropriate disclosures which will allow Fund investors to make informed decisions. In this regard we note that parallel disclosure certainly is not a novel concept. Public companies regularly disclose both GAAP and Non-GAAP earnings and other financial information for use by analysts and investors alike. This concept fU1ds additional support in the newly promulgated interactive (XBRL) fonn.at for risk/return information. This requirement evidences a recognition by the Commission that investors want , should be able and indeed should be encouraged, to use data as they see fit for their own analytic purposes. This is exactly what the Soard is proposing: providing parallel NAV calculations, with a clear indication of the difference between the two. This method would facilitate clear, consistent and transparent disclosure. In December of2008, the Commission delivered to Congress a Report and Recommendation Pursuant to Section 133 ofthe Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of2008: Study on Mark-To-Market Accounting. At page 15 ofthat Report the staff . recognizes that "the objective of financial reporting is to provide information useful to investors and creditors in their decision tlilaking process". The purpose offinancial reporting is repeated in recommendation 6 at page 206 as "intended to meet the needs of investors". And, at page 8 and in the conclusion at page 205, the staff's recommendation is to improve the application of "judgment" in making farr value measurements. While the Study is not exactly on point it supports the argument fully set forth in our memorandum, to wit: SEC rules should, and do, have enough flexibility for the application of sound judgment. ,_ Many years ofactual experience confirm that Copley Fund's management and the Board's judgment in determining NAV was accurate and enabled both buyers and sellers to purchase and sell Fund shares at a consistently fair and cottect price (see table at page 5 ofthe memorandum). The method used by the Fund to calculate NAY gives a far more accurate picture
to investors than the method mandated by the staff. We submit that the Fund should be allowed to report, and sell and redeem, at anNAV without a "full" tax reserve in accordance with the Board's sound and proven business judgment.
. The clear mandate of the Commission is to protect investors. In this case, an
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 accollllting view under F AS 109 operates to the detriment ofFund shareholders and results in inconsistent and misleading financial statements. For example, the current SEC mandated NA V calculation is misleading because, among other things, it exaggerates the perfonnance of the Fund when pre-tax income loss is calculated as a percentage of the artificially lower amount of assets verses the amount actually deployed for investment. On the other hand, a reserve accounting view under FAS 109 operates to the benefit of shareholders 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 of tax liability. This, we submi4 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 determination for tllem. 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.
Lastly, I believe that it would be constructive for me to come to Boston and meet
with you to discuss the issues and alternatives which may be available to facilitate bringing th~ proceeding to a mutually agreeable resolution. I would hope that this matter would fall within the parameters ofthe four "S' s" outlined in the new Director in his speech to the New York City Bar ori August 5th, In that speech, as you know, Mr. Khuzami asked the staffto embrace four principles: (1) be strategic- focus on cases involving the greatest and most immediate harm and on cases that send an outsized message of deterrence, (2) be swift~long gaps between conduct and atonement undennine the deterrent impact of our cases, (3) be smart- Commission reoources are finite artd critically limited, we must better determine on an informed basis whether to contin'ue an investigation, and (4) be successful- this means building strong cases with compelling evidence. W c believe that we could bring ideas to the table that the staff may find · compelling and which would facilitatt: the goals ofthe four "S's" •
We believe that that we have presented solid and rational reasons why the
preseJ?.t reporting format is misleading and inappropriate and believe further that the Fund is entitled to an equally reasoned response and a record which we could challenge as appropriate. Thank you in advance for your consideration ofthe matters raised herein and I look forward to hearing from you as to a meeting.
~·
• Very truly yours,
ROBERTS & HENRY
\ u~
Thomas C. Henry
*The Fund has continued to offer its shares for sale using a liquidation value tax. reserve based upon comments made by the staff of the Division of Invesbnent Management in connection with the filing of its registration statement and agreed to by us at the time upon insistence by the staff. Accordingly, nothing in this letter or associated memorandum should be construed as an explicit admission that the current financials are false or misleading as a matter of law. We also request confidential treatment under the FOIA with respect to this correspondence.
,I
MEMORANDUM
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
This is about the best interests ofthe Copley Fund shareholders-past, present and future. It is about the f~ value ofa Copley Fund share. It is about the Board of Directors' fiduciary obligation to ensure that the Fund's shares are fairly priced, that the best interests of the Fund's shareholders are fully protected and served and that the Fund's financial information is not misleading. And, most importantly, it is about the flexibility ofGAAP and the Commission's rules. This po'int is particularly reievant 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 eviuuation. November 30, 2007 was a very difficult day for the Fund, its Board of Directors 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 $13.89 as the result of an accmmting interpretation expre$sed by the staffthat generally accepted accounting principles (GAA.P) required the Fund to include in its current liabilities the entire amount 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 establi.shed by the Board ofDirectors in an exercise oftheir good faith business judgment and based upon fifteen (15) years ofexperience operating successfully with such reserve. For the reasons set forth below, the Futld 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, tha.t both GAAP and applicable SEC rules are flexible enough to permit the "reserve" acc()unting method establishe~ and approved by the Board and that the "full liquidating value accrual method" has produced inconsistent and misleading fmancial statements that have resulted in Management having to qualify its certifications made pursUant to Section 302 ofthe Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20021
THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Copley Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered with the Commission as an open-end, management investment company pursuant to the provisions ofthe Investment Company Act of
Memorandwn (cont)
•
•
The Fund has, for more than 15 years, consistently maintained that the amount of the 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 of the 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 papita! · gains should be based on a good faith business judgment estimate of future tax obligations associated with any required liquidation ofportfolio securities necessary to mise 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 of future 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 of the recorded reserve for the estimated maximutt1 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 ofDirectors. 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 INCOl\1E TAXES The essence of the issue is Copley Fund's accounting and reporting of the 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 theyhave referenced the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Statement of Financial 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." Paragraph 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."
., Memorandum ( cont)
Page4 ofl4
reported as a liability, is in fact an estimate of a future potential liability and not a real liability on the date ofthe financial statements. These estimates, based upon the factors as discussed above, are flexible and subject to change as circumstances dictate. As long as the Ftmd provides reasonable estimates that meet current and future obligations, as has been the case for the last fifteen (15) yearS, the Fund meets its inherent obligation to accurately accrue for this potential liability. The following chart demonstrates the viability ofthe established reserve. COMPARISON OF RESERVE ESTABLISHED BY BOARD AND ACI'UAL CAPITAL GAINS TAXES PAID BOARD ESTABLISHED ACTVAL CAPITAL FULL LIQUIDATING CAPITAL GAINS TAX RE§ERVE GAINS TA.XES PAID RE§ERVE FOR CAPITAL GAINS LIABILITY ACCRUAL
Memorandum (cont) · Page 6 of 14 · understated the reserve and a real liability greater than the reserve would become due and payable. As shown by the above chart, this has never happened over the past fifteen years. More. noteworthy perhaps is the fact that it has not happened over the past two months. Moreover, this would never occur because of the Fund's intent and expressed ability to convert to RlC status ifit ever is placed in a position where the reserve was in an insufficient amount to cover the capital gains tax on appreciated securities. This begs the question ofwhy the Fund hlis not elected RIC status subsequent to the compelled inclusion ofthe full accrual in its NAv .. The short answer is that the reserve established by the Board never was exceeded because of market or other operating conditions. No tax ever became payable. The accrual only became an issue when the Fund was compelled, under threat ofinjunction, to include the full amount ofthe accrual in its NAV. Election ofRlC status has consequences, as discussed below, and the Board believes that it should not be "compelled' to accept these consequences when the conditions
•
1
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&Pup to the date R.JC status was elected. The Fund would have until the end ofthe current 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 ~eive 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 coi:porate tax rate which does hot 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 considered in a RIC conversion is ~e 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 (10) years ofthe RIC conversion date. Ifall or any portion of the appreciated assets are not sold within this 10 year period, the built in gains tax goes away. It simply ceases to exist. This begs another question which is at the heart of the matter. Does the potential liability for BIG tax require a full under f AS 109? 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 .certain tesf' the potential BIG tax represents at most a contingent liability rather than a real, curtent liability. This contingent liability has been fully disclosed in the Fund's Prospectus and SAI 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 federru 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. 3 The staff ofthe Division ofinvestiMnt Management bas reviewed the capital gains tax accrual issue In connecUon with
registratlon statements and.financial reports filed by the Fund since 1993. In each Instance, until September of2007, the staff
accepted, or at least toolc no action with respect to, the Fund's rationale for using a reserve method of accounting for such a~:~;ruals. Tandy statements notwithstanding this lack ofaction 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 ofl4
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 however 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 c~s 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 ("FASB") and the generally accepted industry practices. GMP 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 inaccurate, 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 p~sumption 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 preparedby other business entities. GAAP has evolved over the years from a basic framework and from basic objectives of financial reporting. Financial reporting should provide useful information for making informed business and economic decisions. Usefulness for decision making 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 t.ie 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 (measured and reported in a similar manner by all types ofbusinesses) and consistent (the same accounting methods should be applied from period to period). In other 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 accounting treatment and related 'financial restatements, the Fund's financial statements are not n9w either "useful" or "reliable" within the framework of GAAP.
.
FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE ISSUANCE OF THE RESTATED ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2008 ARE CONTRARY TO THE BASIC OBJECTIVES OF GAPP AND UNDER THE SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES OF Tiffi FUND'S BUSINESS ARE MISLEADING Pursuant to staff comments received in connection with the Fund's annual48SAPOS updating amendment to its registration statement filed on June 6, 2008 the Fund was required to file an amended N-CSRI A which contained a "Restated Annual Report to Shareholders", This restatement caused the Fund to ''restate" much of its historical financial information including average annual returns, the per share value table and the financial highlights table. This restatement of historical information was required because the Investment Management staff required the Fund to treat the inclusion of the full liquidating liability accrual in the Fund's NAY as a "correction of an error" as opposed to a "change in accounting estimate" which would not have required a restatement ofhistorical information. The consequence ofthis is that the Funds' 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 of GAAP reporting as discussed above. In fact, the PCAOB exaniined 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) information and the financial statements prepared by other Funds. They were useful because they enabled informed decision making by an investor because they correctly set forth what happened in the past and provided information about what will likely happen in the future. They were reliable because they were verifiable and the information represented what really happened from a historical perspective. For example, the Fund's actual NAV per share at February 28, 2007 was $54.67 and it was reported as such in the Fund's Annual Report of even date. · Yet, the Restated Annual Report for the period ended February 29, 2008 reflects a per share value for that same date (February 28, 2007) of$42.54. This simply does not reflect what really happened, is not consistent and thwarts comparability with prior years. Contrary to one ofthe basic objectives of GAAP-there are now deviations in measured outcomes from period to period which are the result of changes in methods rather than deviations in performance. THE INCLUSION OF TilE FULL LIQUIDATING LIABILITY ACCRUAL IN TIIE FUND'S NAY IGNORES BASIC GAAP ASSUMPTIONS, CONSTRAJNTS AND MODIFYING CONVENTIONS The foundation of GAAP consists ofbasic assumptions, basic principles, basic constraints and modifying conventions. Some of these are particularly relevant herein.
Assumptions: (1) Going Concern Assumption: Tiris assumption asswnes that a business
will continue operating and will not close or be sold. Based on this assumption, actual costs
instead of liquidation values are used for presenting fmancial information.
Principles: (1) Historical Cost: (1) Realization/Revenue Recognition: This principal requires companies to record revenue when it is realized or realizable, i&, at the time of actual sale. (2) Matching Principle: This. means recording the revenues ·~ed 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. Of Judgment- an accountant may depart from GAAP if the result or departure appears reasonable under the circumstances, especially when the $ict adherence to GAAP will produce tmreasonable results, (2) Substance over Form -the economic substance of a transaction determines the accounting treatment, even when the legal aspects of the transaction indicate otherwise and (3) Industry practices and Peculiarities- the peculiarities and practices· ofan indl1Stry may warrant selective exceptions to accounting principles. Utilization ofa full liquidating value accrual method is contrary to the basic "going . , concern" assumption of GAAP 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 tum, makes another principle, adequate disclosure of all pertinent information in understandable fo~ difficult at best. Prior to being compelled to restate the Fund's · financiaJs, they were presented in an easily understandable form. The Fund does not now believe that this is the case. While those restated financiaJs 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 i~ accordance with GAAP. However, it is important to note that GAAP recognizes certain constraints and modifying co~ventions that allow an accountant to dep~ 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 of the
reserve method is a
•
•
Memorandum ( cont)
"departure" from GAAP 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 of the 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 '~ng"-just different. The Fund also notes that because ofthis 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 has 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 circwn.stances of the Fund. For this reason alone the use of a 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 F AS 109 are not clear on the appropriate calculation of a 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 cUITently valued at its liquidation value. Simply put, this does not represent the fair value ofthe Fund's shares. It ignores reality and missta~es the assets ofthe Ftutd. . 4 . There are at least two otller Investment companies that have not clceu;d RIC status and record a deferred tax !lability associated With the UllrCalized appreclatioo ofportfolio securities. See Tortoise Energy Capital Corp.. file number 811·217~. Form N.CSRS (August 1, 2007) and Kayne Anderson }.fLP Investment Company, file number 811·21$93, Form N-CSRS (.A.ugust 3, 2007). However, both arc close4-end funds and as such do not issue redeemable securities. 'lbeir shares are bought and sold In the open market A closed-end fund with a large amount ofunrealized capital gains in its portfolio m~y trade at a discount for ex!IIllple because buyers would be assuming a potential tax liability and uncertainty as to the amount and t!mlng ofthe gains to bo reali:z:ed. Closed-end funds arc not required to calculate their NAY dally. Tortoise is a nearly $1 billion Fund that Invests In securities of energy related to MLP1 8 opcratlon Infrastructure assets. Kayne is a $2 billion Fund that also Invests in energy. Their portfolio turnover rates exceed 30%. As such. they arc c:asily distinguishable from Copley. Unlike Copley they are required to apply the defcnills that are 8CCl'Ued on a regular basis. · 5 The Cotnmission has recognized thl~ concept and issued rules for the use ofeven Non-GAAP financials, Release No. 33·8176, 34-17226 (January 22, 2003).
On September 30, 2008, the SEC's Office ofthe Chief Accountant issued apress 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 of financial 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 conclu~es that clear and transparent disclosures are critical to providing investors with an understanding of the 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 transparent disclosures with respect to both the methodology and rationale used by the Board as well as the risks inherent therein, The static ~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 performan~ 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 of their 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 bas 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 dail( NAV fluctuatest sometimes substantially, due only to "hypothetical" ~hanges in the tax accrual • Sm1MARY Copley Fundt Inc. was founded by Irving Levine in 1978. 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 6 For example, &ssuming a 10% market decline, and that the Fund's shares react similarly, the Fund's per share NAY would decrease by approximately $1.15 due solely to'the mainfenan(:c 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 811ything other than the market.
.·
Memorandum ( cont) at year end 2007. This bas been accomplished not through 12b-l p]ans or sales loads or even any sa1es efforts. Rather, the NA V growth is the result of a 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~d 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 advisozy 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 Mutua] 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-1~ to issue and redeem its shares at a price based on 7 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 Incrime Taxes if required" (emphasis added). There is no explicit requirement however that the full liquidating liability tax accrual be used in e&lculating 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 of such a methodology is unrealistic, misleading anq operates to the detriinent 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)
Page 14 of 14 ·
be assessed and either accepted or rejected by' the shareholders with the staff providing guidance related to the risk disclosure. Accordingly, the Board proposes to adjust its Net 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 the~ in the Supplement and all future disclosure documents. ' •
FINAL AS TRANSMITIED 10 SEC
As of October 31,2008. 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 of the adjustment they will be reimbursed in lll1 amount equal to their proportionate share of the difference between the established Board reserve and the full liquidating liability reserve which was in effect at the time. 8
COPLEY FUND, INC•
.SUPPLEMENT 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 developments since issuance ofthe Prospectus . . This Supplement must be read in conjunction with the Prospectus in order to obtain complete information about the Fund as the Supplement only addresses eertain 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), the "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 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 TilE TAXES PAYABLE 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 TIIEIR JNVESTMENT. 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,fullow generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the preparation of:financial statements and associated supplemental information. GAAP however is not clear in respect of one accounting issue which impacts on the Fund's financial statements-the methodology for the treatment of deferred income tax as it relates to the accumulation ofunrealized appreciation on the Fund's stock portfolio. ·
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ,
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 ACTUAL CAPITAL FULL LIOUIDATING CAPITAL GAINS TAX RESERVE GAINS TAXES PAID RESERVE FOR CAfiTAL 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 $807,345.00 $758,766.00 $758,766.00 $824,472.00 $770,554.00 $664,576.00 $443,285.00 $464,563.00 $373,709.00 $278,488.00 $189,891.0() $378,955.00 $422,000.00 $0 GAINS LIABILITY ACCRUAL $17,537,872.00 $16,104,320.00 $14,887,774.00 $12,548,834.00 $7,602.562.00 $13,166,255.00 $15,646,991.00 $10,961,527.00 $13,684,586.00 $13,224,672.00 $8,193,495.00 $7,160,983.00 $2,756,751.00 $3,843,489.00 $5,430,633.00 •
(2) The use ofa full liquidating accrual methodology results in a daily NAV that is misleading. Lowering the NA V 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 of the 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 NA V would be misleading. An essential aspect ofthe Fund's strategy is the accumulation and retention ofdividends generated by it,s portfolio of securities. The full accrual method has the wtential of misleading investors by implying that dividends received are being earoed at a rate which
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November ___..
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 of including a different, and often substantial, amount for liquidating tax liability on a daily basis. Details ofthe Board's methodology are set forth below.
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 investment 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 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 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 of~e Fund's future performance. In order to demonstrate the effects ofa 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 ofafull
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 26.69% 11.S5% (1 0.1 0)% ( 1 0.60)0/o (22.10)% 26.20% 21.26% 4.90% 15.79% 5.49% Best Ouarter 13.6% 3rd-2000 Worst Quarter (14.95)% 3rd-2002 The performance information shown above is based on full calendar years. -6
Copley Fund, Inc.
Total Return After Taxes on Distributions* N/A N/A N/A
Fund Return After Taxes on Distributions
and Sale of Fund Shares* 0.00% 5.87% 4.68%
S&P 500 Index (3.60)% 11.62% 7.23%
-7
Copley Fund, Inc.
Supplement dated November -----..7
2008 to Prospectus dated July 24, 2008
WHEN AND HOW NET ASSET VALUE IS CALCULATED
1bis Section is amended by substituting the following for the second paragraph thereof:
The Fund's NAVis determined by dividing the value ofthe Fund's securiti~s, cash and other assets, minus all liabilities, by the number of shares 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 of. 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 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 prieed 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 TRANS:MITIED TO SEC -8
Exhibit G
_ UNITED STATES .
SECURITI~ AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON. D.C. gQS49
' 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:
fu 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 of the Division of Enforcement. You indicate that the compliance with the requirements ofStatement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting/or Income Taxes ("SFAS 109")1 , 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 Compapy' 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 of our 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 ASC 740. .-... 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 of this letter to the Company's independent accountant, Amper, Politziner & Mattia, LLP (the "Accountants") upon your receipt to ensure the Accountants understand the Staffs concerns. Please note that the Staff believes that this letter should be provided to the Accountants because it constitutes a communication from a regulatory a·gency 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. If you have any questions, please contact Bryan J. Morris at (202) 551-6935 or Kevin Rupert at (202)551-6966. Sincerely Richard ~OfF. Sennett ~ . · Chief Accountant Division ofInvestment Management cc: Bryan J. Morris Assistant ChiefAccountant Division ofInvestment Management :kevin Rupert
Accountant
Division ofInvestment Management
John T. Dugan
Associate Director
Division ofEnforcement
--,-.
2 In connection with an audit of financial 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 fmancial reporting practices. See also paragraph 11.26 of the AI CPA Audit and Accounting Guide: Investment Companies.
Exhibit H
1
,
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Boston Regional Office
33 Arcb 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-2335 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 of Securities Act Release No. 5310 (copy attached). As we discussed, however, ifthe Copley Fund does not comply with the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for 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, ' ?, / ·_:· _;/(;.;~~ "7. ;2:~-/[~v...-?-""· , Kevin M. Keleourse Assistant Regional Director Enclosures
Exhibit I
Page 1 ofl.
Subj: Re: Copley
Date: 07/15/10 2:55:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time From: robertshenrvlaw@aol.com To: RupertK@SEC.GOV Tuesday good. Tom --Original MessageFrom: Rupert, Kevin C. RupertK@SEC.GOV To: robertshenrylaw@aol.corn Cc: Morris, Bryan J. MonisB@sec.gov Sent: Thu, Jul15, 2010 2:39pm 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. ln 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 fast sentence, our position remains unchanged. Kevin Rupert 202-551-6966 From: robertshentylaw@aol.com [mailto:robertshenrvlaw@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
Exhibit J
Unassociated Document Page 1 of32
N-CSRS 1 v200283_ncsrs.htm
SECURJTIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORMN-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NU}.tfBER 811-2815 COPLEY FUND, INC. (Exact name ofregistrant as specified in charter) 5348 Vegas Drive
Suite 391
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 NU}.tfBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: 1-508-674-8459 DATE OF FISCAL YEAR END: FEBRUARY 28, 2011 DATE OF REPORTING PERIOD: AUGUST 31,2010 . -., ~. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
Unassociated Document Page 2 of32
ITEM 1. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS.
Semi-Annual Report
August 31, 2010
COPLEYFUND7 INC.
A No-Lo<.tcl Fund http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291 /000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
Unassociated Document Page 3 of32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING
AUGUST 31, 2010
Title
Table of Contents
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
1-2 a
1-.6.
1
.a
.9.
.ill
11 12
13
11
18.
19
20
Inside Back
About the Fund's Directors and Officers Cover http://vvww.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
Unassodated Document Page 4 of32 ·
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 f-r9m 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, 12..@Y 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. 1 http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/72 1291 /000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ncsrs.htm 3/21 /2012
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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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COPLEY FUND, INC.
PER SHARE VALUE
CALENDAR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2010
'1;4 ~1
45.12 144~
~~ 4.1 ~1 ~-fMl041£ ~0
~ tt2.$S ~ 32'~
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVEsTMENTS
August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
Shares
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.
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
1,90 1,500
2,716,000
1,284,150
12,032,929
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial 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.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
August 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
Gas Utilities & Supplies- 10.14%
Delta Natural Gas Co.
New Jersey Resources Corp.
Northwest Natural Gas Co.
WGL Holdings, Inc.
Insurance - 3.46%
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Office Equipment - 1.34%
Pitney Bowes, Inc.
Oils- 19.81%
Chevron Texaco Corp.
Exxon-Mobil Corp.
Sunoco, Inc.
Pipelines - 0.96%
Spectra Energy Corp.
Retail - 1.66%
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Telephone -10.19%
AT&T, Inc.
Frontier Communications Corp.
Verizon Communications, Inc.
Shares
20,000
56,250
40,000
38,000
80,000
40,000
46,200
106,086
50,000
27,300
19,000
95,000
62,803
95,000
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $25,193,800) -109.88%
Liabilities in excess of other assets- (9.88)%
NET ASSETS - 100.00%
Market Value
$ 580,000
2,093,063
1,817,600
1,340,260
5,830,9?3
1,988,000
769 ,600
3,426,192
6,276,048
1,684,000
11,386,240
555,282
952,660
2,567,850
485,467
2,803,450
5,856;767
63,161,995
(5,678,701)
$57,483,294
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 5 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/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 va lue 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% -- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 6 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES August 31, 2010 (Unaudited) Assets:
Investments in Securities at Market Value (identified cost $25,1 93,800) Cash Receivables:
Trade and Subscriptions
Dividends & Interest
Loan
Taxes
Inventory
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Total Assets
Liabilities:
Payable:
Redemptions
Trade
Accrued expenses
Deferred income taxes, net
Total Liabilities
Commitments and Contingencies
Net Assets
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) Net assets consist of:
Capital paid in
Undistributed net investment and operating income Accumulaterl unrlistrihuted net realize d gain on investment tran~~=s Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments, net of tax effect Net Assets $63,161,995 6,580,615 14,833 292,233 3el6\500 100,000 46,035 12,786 70,564,997 2,359 13,436 37,697 13,028,211 13,08 1,703 $57,483,294 $ 41.56 $ 1,383,212 28,625,386 2,534,712 24,939,984 $57,483,294 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 7 r-~..--"1"'---~....... ~....-...--~---:o..-----..-....,_..,...,............--.-'l!e_____ .~-~--T-....--~--·----..,...,..,.. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/2112012
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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 24).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) 714 811,297 811,297 (31,866) 1,689,451 (580,155) 1,077,430 $1;S88 ,727 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 8
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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 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 9 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v2 00283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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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 Ne t 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 divid~nds and interest receivable Decrease in receivables from c;ustomers 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) 8,376 235 (596) (1,064) 3,2l0 (24,091) 580,155 (1,3G2,465) $ 526,262 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated finand~lstatements. 10 http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/000 11442041 0057800/v200283 _ ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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COPLEY FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table below sets forth financial data for one share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period presented.(a) 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 annual 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 Closs) From Operations:
Net investment gain (loss) 0.58 1.43 1.20 1.18 (1.31) 0.27 Net gain Closs) from securities (both realized and unrealized) 0.77 2.98 (9.47) 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 .5 4 $ 37.23 Total Return(b) 3.36% 12.32% (18.77)% 3.60% 14.26% 5.53% Ratios/Supplemental Data Net assets, end of period (in 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 (in thousands) 1,383 1,399 1,502 1,575 1,589 1,593 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291 /000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
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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 (loss), 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)
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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)
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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COPLEY FUND, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
5. Conunitments 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 corr~pany. T[je 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 . 17 http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ncsrs.htm 3/2112012
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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 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 acco.unt values shown may not apply to your specific investment. Expenses Paid Beginning Ending Durin/J 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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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 fis'cal 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 ex·ercise 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 frQ£11. 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 19
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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 deem!> 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. l 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 pa17ticularly 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 r emain ed 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 factor+ .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. 20 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
Una_ssociated Document Page 28 of32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COPLEY FUND, IN<:;.
ABOUT THE FUND'S DIRECTORS AND OFF1CERS
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) 1978 Gary S. Gaines (July 28, 1937) 2009 Inside Directors Name (Date of Birth) Year Elected (Number of Copley Portfolios Overseen) Physician Since 1948 No Directorships President of Gary Gaine s, Inc., a bag manufacturer since 1965 No Directorships Principal Occupations(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships of Public Companies Irving Levine (September 25, 1921) 1978 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. Counsel Counsel to Copley Fund since 2010. No Directorships http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
Unassociated Document Page 29 of32
Semi-Annual Report COPLEYFUND, INC.
August 31, 2010
A No-Load Fund
Investment Adviser
Copley Financial Services Corp.
P.O. Box 3287
.Fall River, l'lassachusctts 02722.
E-mail: copleyfuncls@veri zon.nct
Custodian
Bank of America
100 Federal Street
Boston, !VfA 02110
Transfer Agent
Gemini Fund Services
4020 South 147t.h Street
Suite 2
Omaha, Nebraska 68137
Tel. (402)493-460::3
(W/7)881-2751
Fax: (·102)963-909 4
Counsel
Faust Oppenheim LLP ,
488 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Auditors
EisnerAmper LLP
2015 Lincoln Highway
P 0 Box 988
Edison. NJ 08818
COPLEYFUND, INC.
A No-Load Fund http://www.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/721291/00011442041 0057800/v200283 _ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
Unassociated Document Page 30 of32
Item 2._CODE OF ETHICS
The registrant has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer and principal fmancial officer. The
registrant has not made any amendments to its Code of Ethics during the covered period. The registrant has not granted any waivers
from any provisions of the 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 of Directors 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 of the factors involved in the definition of"audit committee financial expert", the Board determined that none of the members of the 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 ofthe 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 MATIERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. Not applicable. htto://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
Unassociated Document Page 31 of32
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 infonnation 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 fonns. (b) There were no significant changes in the registrant's internal control over financial 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 amende~ (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) also accompany this filing. http://wwvv.sec.gov/ Archives/edgar/data/72129 1/000 11442041 00 57800/v200283 _ncsrs .htm 3/2 1/2012
Unassociated Docmnent Page 32 of32
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the 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: November 5, 2010 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indic1;1ted. Copley Fund, Inc. By: /s/ 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/721291/000114420410057800/v200283_ncsrs.htm 3/21/2012
Exhibit K
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.
Exhibit L
The Copley Fund Inc.
(The "Fund")
Minutes of an in-pe~sori Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fund held on March 23, 2012 in 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
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 duly 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 payinent 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 Fw1d' s Tax Reserve Status was discussed. Currently, the Fund holds $18million in reserve. REDACTED 1
Review and Approval1. After a discussion, on motion duly made arid seconded, .the Board unanimously:
. .
RESOLVED, that the Board ofDirectors approves, and authorizes the Fund to submit,
Fund, as applicable, are hereby authorized, ·empowered, and directed on behalf, and in the .
name, of the 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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“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”
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