PROSPECTUS
JULY 30, 2020
Nicholas Fund, Inc. – NICSX
Nicholas Fund, Inc.’s (the “Fund”) investment objective is long-term growth.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of the Fund’s shares or determined whether this prospectus is truthful or complete.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website, www.nicholasfunds.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund or your financial intermediary electronically by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank); direct shareholders may call the Fund at 1-800-544-6547.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank); direct shareholders may call the Fund at 1-800-544-6547. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the Fund complex or your financial intermediary.
WWW.NICHOLASFUNDS.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
Page | |
SUMMARY | 1 |
Investment Objective | 1 |
Fees and Expenses of the Fund | 1 |
Portfolio Turnover | 1 |
Principal Investment Strategies | 1 |
Principal Risks of Investing | 2 |
Performance | 3 |
Investment Adviser | 3 |
Portfolio Managers | 3 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares | 4 |
Tax Information | 4 |
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries | 4 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, | |
RELATED RISKS AND DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS | 5 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | 8 |
THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISER | 9 |
PRICING OF FUND SHARES | 10 |
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES | 11 |
REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES | 13 |
USE OF A PROCESSING INTERMEDIARY TO PURCHASE | |
AND REDEEM FUND SHARES | 15 |
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES | 16 |
TRANSFER OF FUND SHARES | 17 |
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES | 17 |
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAX STATUS | 17 |
DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT PLAN | 18 |
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN | 18 |
TAX DEFERRED ACCOUNTS | 19 |
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND | Back Cover |
SUMMARY
Investment Objective
The Fund strives to increase the value of your investment over the long-term (“long-term growth”).
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees | |||
(fees paid directly from your investment) | |||
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases | None | ||
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) | None | ||
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends | None | ||
Wire Redemption Fee | $ | 15.00 | |
Exchange Fee | None | ||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |||
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) | |||
Management Fees | 0.65 | % | |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees | None | ||
Other Expenses | 0.07 | % | |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.72 | % |
Example: This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
One | Three | Five | Ten | |||||
Year | Years | Years | Years | |||||
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in | ||||||||
the Fund for the time periods indicated and then | ||||||||
redeem all of your shares at the end of those | ||||||||
periods. The Example also assumes that your | ||||||||
investment has a 5% return each year and that | ||||||||
the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. | ||||||||
Although your actual costs may be higher or | ||||||||
lower, based on these assumptions, your costs | ||||||||
would be: | $ | 74 | $ | 230 | $ | 401 | $ | 894 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 15.36% of the average value of the portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
To pursue the Fund’s investment objective of long-term growth, it primarily invests in common stocks of domestic small, medium- and large-sized companies believed to have growth potential. The Fund believes a company’s annual sales volume and market capitalization (the number of shares outstanding multiplied by the per share price) are the factors most illustrative of a company’s size. In distinguishing company size in terms of sales volume, the Fund considers a company’s sales volume relative to peer
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companies in the company’s industry. In terms of market capitalization, the Fund generally considers companies with market capitalizations up to $3 billion as “small,” between $3 billion and $25 billion as “medium” and greater than $25 billion as “large.” The Fund looks for established companies with the potential for superior growth in sales and earnings in a diversified group of industries. The Fund’s investment philosophy is basically a long-term growth philosophy, based upon the assumption that if a company achieves superior growth in sales and earnings, eventually the company’s stock will achieve superior performance. It is anticipated that a major portion of the Fund’s portfolio will be invested in common stocks of the types of companies, and in the manner, as described above.
Principal Risks of Investing
As with any mutual fund, the Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its goals or that its performance will be positive over any period of time. The Fund’s investments change in value. Consequently, the value of your Fund shares may change. If the value of the Fund shares or the values of the Fund’s investments go down, you may lose money.
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:
Market Risk – Market risk involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments will fluctuate as the stock market fluctuates over short- or longer-term periods. Common stock prices tend to be more volatile than other investment choices.
Portfolio-Specific Risk – From time to time, the value of an individual company may decline due to a particular set of circumstances affecting that company, its industry or certain companies within the industry, while having little or no impact on other similar companies within the industry. Although the Fund will invest most of its assets in the securities of medium- and large- sized companies, the Fund may face additional risks due to its investments in small-sized companies. Securities of small- to medium-sized companies often fluctuate in price more than common stocks of larger companies.
Selection Risk – The Fund also faces selection risk, which is the risk that the stocks the Fund purchases will underperform markets or other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.
Recent Market Events Risk – A novel coronavirus, first detected in December 2019, has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn. Health crises caused by outbreaks, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks and disrupt normal market conditions and operations. The impact of this outbreak, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could negatively affect the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. These developments as well as other events could result in further market volatility and negatively affect security prices, the liquidity of certain securities and the normal operations of securities exchanges and other markets. As a result, the risk environment remains elevated. The Adviser will monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
Since there are risks inherent in all investments in securities, there is no assurance that the Fund’s objective will be achieved.
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Performance
The bar chart shown below provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The chart shows the variability of the Fund’s total return for the last ten calendar years(1). Updated performance information for the Fund is available on our website at www.nicholasfunds.com.
(1) |
The Fund’s fiscal year end is March 31. The Fund’s calendar year-to-date return (six months) as of June 30, 2020 was -2.31%. |
For the ten calendar year periods shown in the above bar chart, the highest quarterly return was 15.36% (for the quarter ended March 31, 2019) and the lowest quarterly return was -14.80% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2011).
This next table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for the one, five and ten year periods ending on December 31, 2019 (the Fund’s most recently completed calendar year), compared to the returns of a broad measure of market performance. The table also shows the Fund’s average annual total returns after taxes on distributions and after taxes on distributions and the redemption of all of your Fund shares. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Of course, the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is no guarantee of its future returns.
Investment Adviser
Nicholas Company, Inc. serves as the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”).
Portfolio Managers
Mr. David O. Nicholas is Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund and is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. Mr. Nicholas is President and a Director of the Fund and has served as Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund since August 2016. He formerly served as Associate Portfolio Manager of the Fund from April 2011 to August 2016. Mr. Michael L. Shelton has been Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since August 2016 and is a Senior Vice President of the Fund.
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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The minimum initial investment for the Fund is $500. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 except for those shareholders participating in an automatic investment plan established with the Fund, the minimum is $50.
The Funds shares are redeemable. Generally, shareholders may redeem some or all of their shares without charge by the Fund on any day when the New York Stock Exchange is open by written request, by telephone request by calling 800-544-6547, by accessing your account online at www.nicholasfunds.com or by wire transfer.
Tax Information
Shareholders may receive distributions from the Fund of ordinary income dividends and capital gains, which may be taxable to shareholders.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank or financial adviser), the Fund and its related companies may pay that intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. Please bear in mind that these payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your intermediary or visit your intermediarys website for more information.
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, RELATED RISKS AND DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
This section provides a more detailed description of the Fund’s investment objective, its principal investment strategies and related risks. The following questions and answers are designed to help you better understand the principal investment strategies and principal risks of investing in the Fund.
What is the Fund’s investment objective?
The investment objective of Nicholas Fund, Inc. is to increase the value of your investment over the long-term (“long-term growth”).
How does the Fund pursue its investment objective?
The Fund strives to meet its investment objective by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of large-, medium- and small-sized U.S. companies, which it believes, have growth potential.
The Fund believes a company’s annual sales volume and market capitalization (the number of shares outstanding multiplied by the per share price) are the factors most illustrative of a company’s size. To determine company size in terms of sales volume, the Fund compares a company’s sales volume to peer companies in the company’s industry. In terms of market capitalization, the Fund uses the following standard:
Market Capitalization | |
Small | 0 to $3 Billion |
Medium | $3 Billion to $25 Billion |
Large | Over $25 Billion |
The Fund’s investment philosophy is basically a long-term growth philosophy, based upon the assumption that if a company achieves superior growth in sales and earnings, eventually the company’s stock will achieve superior performance.
The Fund looks for companies with the potential for superior growth in sales and earnings. The Fund seeks companies that it believes are well positioned to take advantage of emerging, long-term social and economic trends, and have ample financial resources to sustain their growth. The Fund considers a number of factors in assessing a company’s value, including:
a company’s strategic position in its industry;
sales and earnings growth;
product development;
quality of management;
overall business prospects; and
a company’s price-to-earnings ratio (including an analysis of such ratio in relation to the company’s growth rate and industry trends).
In general, income is not a significant factor in selecting the Fund’s investments. The Fund does not have a pre-set asset allocation strategy which requires that it maintain a specific percentage of its assets in equity-related securities (i.e., stocks) and income-related securities (i.e., bonds). In addition, there is no minimum percentage of the Fund’s assets which must be invested in the securities of companies in any particular industry or group of industries. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total net assets in the securities of any one company, and not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total net assets may be concentrated in companies in any particular industry or group of related industries. In addition, the Fund may not hold more than 10% of the voting securities of any one company.
The Fund may hold an investment for any length of time, and may buy or sell securities whenever the Fund sees an appropriate opportunity. The Fund may reduce or sell investments in companies if there is an actual or perceived deterioration in the fundamentals of a company (including the company’s financial condition or performance, management-related problems, product-line or service-
5
line issues, or industry problems). The Fund also may reduce or sell investments in companies if a company’s stock price appreciates excessively in relation to its fundamental prospects. Investments in companies also may be sold if they fail to realize their growth potential or if there are other more attractive opportunities elsewhere.
Certain circumstances also may arise in which the Fund takes a temporary defensive position. In the case of a temporary defensive position, which could arise from adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its portfolio in cash, cash equivalents or U.S. government securities. During any period in which the Fund maintains such a temporary defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective.
Percentage limitations generally apply on the date of investment by the Fund to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Thus, if an investment satisfies a percentage restriction when it is made, no violation of that restriction is created by changes afterwards in the market value of the investment or total assets of the Fund.
What are the principal risks of investing in Nicholas Fund?
Market Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments, and therefore, the value of your Fund shares, may go up or down. Value changes in the Fund’s investments and consequently, your Fund shares, may occur because among other things, a particular stock market fluctuates. Stock markets tend to move in cycles, with periods when stock prices generally go up, known as “bull markets,” and periods when stock prices generally go down, referred to as “bear markets.” Stock prices in general may decline over short or extended periods. Thus, there is a possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments will decrease because of declines in the stock market, regardless of the success or failure of the operations of the Fund’s portfolio companies. At other times, there are specific factors that may adversely affect the value of a particular investment of the Fund, which in turn may reduce the value of the Fund’s investments, and consequently, your Fund shares.
Portfolio-Specific Risk. From time to time, the value of an individual company may decline due to a particular set of circumstances affecting that company, its industry or certain companies within the industry, while having little or no impact on similar companies within the industry. Because the Fund invests its assets in the securities of small- and medium-sized companies the Fund may be subject to additional risks. Small-sized companies often have a limited market for their securities and limited financial resources, and are usually more affected by changes in the economy. Securities of small- to medium-sized companies also often fluctuate in price more than common stocks of larger companies. If the values of the Fund’s investments in small- to medium-sized companies decrease, the value of the Fund’s shares also may go down.
Selection Risk. The Fund also is subject to selection risk, which is the risk that the stocks the Fund buys will underperform the markets or other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.
Recent Market Events Risk. A novel coronavirus, first detected in December 2019, has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn. Health crises caused by outbreaks, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks and disrupt normal market conditions and operations. The impact of this outbreak, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could negatively affect the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. These developments as well as other events could result in further market volatility and negatively affect security prices, the liquidity of certain securities and the normal operations of securities exchanges and other markets. As a result, the risk environment remains elevated. The Adviser will monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
Risks Related to Certain Other Portfolio Investments and Strategies. The Fund may use other investment strategies. These strategies and the associated non-principal risks are described in further detail in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), which is incorporated by reference herein.
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Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings. A description of the Funds policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds portfolio securities is available in the Funds SAI. There can be no assurance that the Funds policies with respect to information about its portfolio securities will be effective or protect the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings by individuals or firms in possession of that information. The Funds complete portfolio holdings are made available to the public on a quarterly basis generally no later than 60 days after the end of each calendar quarter end. A summary of the Funds portfolio composition is also posted to the Funds website at www.nicholasfunds.com under the heading Quarterly Factsheet generally 10 days or more following a calendar quarter end. This summary composition may include the Funds top ten holdings and a breakdown by sector.
The Fund may use many different investment strategies in seeking its investment objective, and it has certain investment restrictions. These strategies and certain of the restrictions and policies governing the Funds investments are explained in detail in the Funds SAI, which is incorporated by reference herein. If you would like to learn more about how the Fund may invest and the Funds policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds portfolio securities, you should request a copy of the SAI. To learn how to obtain a copy, see the back cover page of this Prospectus.
As with any mutual fund, there can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goals or that you will not lose money on your investment. There is no guarantee that the Funds performance will be positive over any period of time. In view of the risks inherent in all investments in securities, there is no assurance that the Funds objective will be achieved.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five fiscal years ended March 31, 2020. 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 (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information has been derived from the Fund’s financial statements which have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, financial highlights, and related notes, are incorporated by reference in the SAI and included in the Fund’s Annual Report, which may be obtained without charge by writing or calling the Fund.
Please consider the performance information above in light of the Fund’s investment objectives and policies, and market conditions during the reported time periods. Again, you must remember that historical performance does not necessarily indicate what will happen in the future. The value of your Fund shares may go up and down.
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THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISER
Nicholas Company, Inc., located at 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, is the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser furnishes the Fund with continuous investment service and is responsible for overall management of the Fund’s business affairs, subject to supervision by the Fund’s Board of Directors.
The Adviser is the investment adviser to three other mutual funds and to numerous institutions and individuals with substantial investment portfolios. The additional mutual funds it advises are: Nicholas II, Inc., Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc. and Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc. As of March 31, 2020, the Adviser had approximately $3.9 billion in assets under management.
The annual fee paid to the Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement is paid monthly and is based on the average net asset value of the Fund, as determined by valuations made at the close of each business day of the month.
The following table illustrates the calculation of the Adviser’s annual fee:
Annual Fee Calculation (Based on the | ||
Net Asset Value of the Fund | Average Net Asset Value of the Fund) | |
Up to and including $50,000,000 | 0.75 of 1% | |
In excess of $50,000,000 | 0.65 of 1% |
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the aggregate fee paid to the Adviser was 0.65% of the Fund’s average net assets. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Director’s approval of the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement can be found in the Fund’s Semiannual Report to Shareholders for the period ended September 30.
Under an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund, the Adviser, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Fund, furnishes the Fund with office space, office facilities, executive officers and executive expenses (such as health insurance premiums for executive officers). The Adviser also pays all sales and promotional expenses of the Fund, other than expenses incurred in complying with laws regulating the issue or sale of securities.
The Fund pays all of its operating expenses. Operating expenses include, but are not limited to, fees paid for attendance at Board meetings to directors who are not interested persons of the Adviser or officers or employees of the Fund, salaries of administrative and clerical personnel, association membership dues, auditing and accounting services, legal fees and expenses, printing, fees and expenses of any custodian or trustee having custody of Fund assets, postage, charges and expenses of dividend disbursing agents, registrars and stock transfer agents, including the cost of keeping all necessary shareholder records and accounts and handling any problems related thereto, and certain other costs related to the aforementioned items. The Fund also pays the Adviser for accounting and administrative services provided to the Fund by the Adviser that the Fund is obligated to pay under the Investment Advisory Agreement, subject to certain payment guidelines adopted by unanimous resolution of the Board of Directors. A description of the payment guidelines is included in the Fund’s SAI under “The Fund’s Investment Adviser.”
Mr. David O. Nicholas is the Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund and is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. Mr. Nicholas served as the Associate Portfolio Manager of the Fund from April 2011 to August 2016 and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund from November 1996 through April 2008. Mr. Nicholas is President and a Director of the Fund, a Director of the Adviser and the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser. Mr. Nicholas also serves as Portfolio Manager or Co-Portfolio Manager to other funds managed by the Adviser, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Mr. Michael L. Shelton has been Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since August 2016. Mr. Shelton is a Senior Vice President of the Fund and a Senior Vice President of the Adviser. Mr. Shelton also serves as the Lead Portfolio Manager to another fund managed by the Adviser, has been employed by the Adviser since 2006, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant.
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The Funds SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers ownership of securities in the Fund.
David O. Nicholas is a controlling person of the Adviser through his ownership of 60% of the outstanding voting securities of the Adviser.
PRICING OF FUND SHARES
The Funds price per share is the net asset value (NAV) of the Fund. The NAV of the Fund is determined by dividing the total value in U.S. dollars of the Funds total net assets by the total number of shares outstanding at that time. Net assets of the Fund are determined by deducting the liabilities of the Fund from the total assets of the Fund. Securities of the Fund are valued at market value, or if a market quotation is not readily available, their fair value is determined in good faith using procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. As an example, a market quotation may not be readily available if the trading of a security is halted by its primary exchange and does not resume before the markets close or the primary exchange experiences technical difficulties. If a security is valued using fair value pricing, the Funds value for that security is likely to be different than the last quoted market value. The NAV is determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (usually 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Therefore, shares of the Fund are not priced on days when the NYSE is closed, which generally is on weekends and national holidays in the U.S.A. For a list of holidays observed by the NYSE, please contact the Fund or see the Funds SAI.
Shareholder purchase, redemption and exchange orders are processed using the NAV next calculated after receipt of such request in proper order by the Fund (or an Authorized Agent of the Fund). In order to receive a days price, your request must be received in proper order by the close of regular trading on the NYSE. If you request to purchase, redeem or exchange your shares after the NYSE has closed or on a day the NYSE is closed, the NAV will be determined as of the close of the next day the NYSE is open for trading.
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PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT | TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT | |||
MINIMUM INVESTMENT | $500 | $100 | ||
$50 via the Automatic | ||||
Investment Plan | ||||
BY MAIL | Complete and sign the | Send your check along with | ||
Regular Mail: | Account Application. | the Invest by Mail form | ||
Nicholas Funds | detached from your | |||
c/o U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services | Make your check payable | confirmation statement. | ||
P.O. Box 701 | to Nicholas Funds. | |||
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Send your check payable to | |||
Nicholas Funds with your | ||||
Overnight Mail: | account number in the | |||
Nicholas Funds | memo field. | |||
c/o U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services | ||||
Third Floor | ||||
615 East Michigan Street | ||||
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 | ||||
BY INTERNET – | Go to | Current shareholders can visit | ||
www.nicholasfunds.com | www.nicholasfunds.com | www.nicholasfunds.com and | ||
and click on “Online | click on “Online Account | |||
Account Access” located | Access” and then “Login Using | |||
on the home page. Next, | User ID” to make subsequent | |||
click on “New Account | investments directly from your | |||
Setup”. To open an account | pre-established bank account | |||
you will need to provide | or to purchase or exchange | |||
your social security number, | shares from another fund in the | |||
your bank’s routing | Nicholas complex with the | |||
information (also known as | same registration. | |||
an ABA number), your | ||||
bank account number, your | ||||
mailing address, your | ||||
residential address and | ||||
your email address. | ||||
|
||||
BY TELEPHONE – 800-544-6547 | You may not make an | Call the Fund’s transfer agent, | ||
414-276-0535 | initial purchase of Fund | U.S. Bancorp Fund Services | ||
The Fund must have bank | shares via the telephone. | LLC, during business hours | ||
instructions on file to purchase | (8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. | |||
Fund shares this way. | Central Time). | |||
Telephone calls will be recorded. | ||||
BY WIRE | Complete and send in an | Call U.S. Bancorp to notify | ||
U.S. Bank, N.A. | Account Application. The | 800-544-6547 or | ||
ABA 075000022 | completed application must | 414-276-0535. | ||
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC | be received in advance of | |||
Account 112-952-137 | the wire. | |||
Nicholas Fund, Inc. | ||||
(shareholder account number) | Call U.S. Bancorp to notify | |||
(shareholder registration) | 800-544-6547 or | |||
414-276-0535. | ||||
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT | Not applicable. | Contact the Fund for | ||
PLAN | additional information. | |||
U.S. Bancorp | ||||
800-544-6547 or 414-276-0535 |
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Other Information about Purchasing Fund Shares
Your application to purchase Fund shares must be in proper order to be accepted may only be accepted by the Fund or an Authorized Agent of the Fund and is not binding until accepted. Once your purchase order has been accepted, you may not cancel or revoke it. All purchase orders must be accompanied by payment in U.S. funds. Purchase of shares will be made in full and fractional shares computed to three decimal places.
Your check should be drawn on a U.S. bank, savings and loan or credit union. Checks are accepted subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds. To prevent check fraud, third-party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, travelers checks, starter checks and money orders will not be accepted. The Fund is unable to accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. The transfer agent will charge a $25 fee against your account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, if any payment check is returned to the transfer agent or your Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer does not clear. The Fund will not accept purchase or exchange orders under circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous for shareholders.
Under the Automatic Investment Plan, you may purchase Fund shares automatically at regular intervals by authorizing the Fund to withdraw $50 or more from your personal bank account. If your bank rejects your payment, the Funds transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To participate in this plan, you must complete the Automatic Investment Plan section of the application and attach a voided check or contact the Fund at 800-544-6547 for additional information. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the transfer agent 5 days prior to the effective date.
In compliance with the USA Patriot Act, please note that the transfer agent, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (U.S. Bancorp), will verify certain information on your Account Application as part of the Funds Anti-Money Laundering Program. As requested on the Application, you must supply your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. Mailing addresses containing a P.O. Box alone will not be accepted as a permanent street address. Please contact U.S. Bancorp (800-544-6547 or 414-276-0535) if you need additional assistance when completing your application. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g., partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you must also supply the identity of the beneficial owners. Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States. The Fund generally does not sell shares to investors residing outside of the United States, even if they are U.S. Citizens or lawful permanent residents, except to investors with U.S. military APO or FPO addresses.
If we do not have a reasonable belief of the identity of a customer, the account will be rejected or the customer will not be allowed to perform a transaction on the account until such information is received. The Fund also reserves the right to close the account within 5 business days if clarifying information or documentation is not received.
You should be aware that deposit of purchase and exchange requests in the mail or with other independent delivery services does not constitute receipt by U.S. Bancorp or the Fund.
Only bank accounts held at domestic financial institutions that are ACH members may be used for telephone or internet transactions. The ability to perform internet and telephone transactions will become effective approximately 15 business days after an application including bank instructions or a change of account options request to add or change bank instructions is received.
During periods of substantial economic or market changes or due to technical difficulties, you may have difficulty making internet or telephone purchases and exchanges. If you are unable to perform your transaction via the internet or by telephone, you may purchase and exchange Fund shares by delivering the request in person or by mail.
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and its transfer agent are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions. If you are making an initial investment by wire, you must first complete and return to the appropriate address an Account Application.
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Due to fixed expenses incurred by the Fund in maintaining individual accounts, the Fund reserves the right to redeem accounts that fall below the minimum investment required due to shareholder redemption (but not solely due to a decrease in net asset value of the Fund). In order to exercise this right, the Fund will give advance written notice of at least 30 days to the accounts below such minimum. The Fund’s transfer agent may charge an activity fee for certain requests, including but not limited to, requesting stop payment on a redemption check and overnight delivery of redemption proceeds.
It is important that the Fund maintain a correct address for each investor. An incorrect address may cause an investor’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the investor or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the investor, then it will determine whether the investor’s account can legally be considered abandoned. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The investor’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Fund at 1-800-544-6547 at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status. Investors who are residents of the state of Texas may designate a representative to receive legislatively required unclaimed property due diligence notifications. Please contact the transfer agent to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.
Share ownership is electronically recorded. The Fund’s transfer agent will credit the shareholder’s account with the number of shares purchased. Written confirmations are issued for all purchases of Fund shares.
REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES
BY MAIL | Written redemption and exchange requests must include the |
Regular Mail: | name of the Fund, the account number(s), the amount of |
Nicholas Funds | money or number of shares being redeemed or exchanged, |
c/o U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services | the name(s) on the account(s) and the signature(s) of each |
P.O. Box 701 | registered account holder. If an account registration is |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | individual, joint tenants, sole proprietorship, custodial |
(Uniform Transfer to Minors Act), or general partners, the | |
Overnight Mail: | written request must be signed exactly as the account is |
Nicholas Funds | registered. If the account is owned jointly, all owners |
c/o U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services | must sign. |
Third Floor | |
615 East Michigan Street | If you have certificates for your shares, you must send the |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 | certificate(s) for the full shares with your written redemption |
request signature guaranteed by an eligible “guarantor | |
institution,” which is a bank, savings and loan association, | |
credit union, or member firm of a national securities | |
exchange to the above address. A notary public is not an | |
acceptable guarantor. | |
|
|
BY INTERNET – | Visit www.nicholasfunds.com and click on “Account |
www.nicholasfunds.com | Access” to redeem or exchange shares to another fund in |
The Fund must have bank | the Nicholas complex. |
instructions on file to redeem | |
Fund shares this way. | |
BY TELEPHONE – 800-544-6547 | Call the Fund’s transfer agent, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services |
414-276-0535 | LLC, during business hours (8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. |
Telephone calls will be recorded. | Central Time). |
BY WIRE – 800-544-6547 | Call U.S. Bancorp to request wire redemptions. |
414-276-0535 | |
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL | Contact the Fund for additional information. |
PLAN | |
U.S. Bancorp | |
800-544-6547 or 414-276-0535 |
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Other Information about Redeeming and Exchanging Fund Shares
All redemptions and exchanges will be processed immediately upon receipt and written confirmations will be issued for all redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares. Once your redemption or exchange order has been accepted, you may not cancel or revoke it.
The Fund ordinarily pays for redeemed shares within seven days after receipt of a request in proper order, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Redemption payments are normally funded by cash held by the Fund, but in periods of unusually high redemptions, the Fund may be required to sell securities. Although not anticipated, it is possible that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Funds Adviser or Board of Directors, make it undesirable for the Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash. In such cases, the Board may authorize payment to be made in portfolio securities or other property of the Fund. Redemption proceeds to be wired normally will be wired on the next business day after a NAV is determined. The Fund reserves the right to hold payment up to 15 days or until notified that investments made by check have been collected, at which time payment will be made.
You may instruct U.S. Bancorp to mail the proceeds to the address of record or to directly mail the proceeds to a pre-authorized bank account. Proceeds also may be wired to a pre-authorized account at a commercial bank in the United States. The transfer agent charges a $15 wire redemption fee. In addition, proceeds also may be electronically transferred through the ACH to a pre-authorized account at no cost. Please contact the Fund for the appropriate form if you are interested in setting your account up with wiring instructions or authorizing electronic transfers.
You can redeem and exchange your shares by internet or telephone unless you decline this option in writing.
During periods of substantial economic or market changes or due to technical difficulties, you may have difficulty making internet or telephone redemptions and exchanges. If you are unable to perform your transactions via the internet or by telephone, you may redeem or exchange your shares by delivering the request in person or by mail.
Procedures for redeeming and exchanging Fund shares by internet or telephone may be modified or terminated at any time by the Fund or its transfer agent. The exchange privilege may be terminated or modified only upon 60 days advance notice to shareholders. Neither the Fund nor its transfer agent will be liable for following instructions communicated by the internet or telephone which they reasonably believe to be genuine. The Fund and its transfer agent will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions received by telephone are genuine, and if they do not, they may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.
The Fund will return and not process requests that contain restrictions as to the time or date redemptions and exchanges are to be effected.
The Fund may require additional supporting documents for redemptions and exchanges made by corporations, executors, administrators, trustees and guardians. Specifically, if the account is registered in the name of a corporation or association, the request must be accompanied by a corporate resolution signed by the authorized person(s). A redemption or exchange request for accounts registered in the name of a legal trust must have a copy of the title and signature page of the trust agreement on file or must be accompanied by the trust agreement and signed by the trustee(s).
For federal income tax purposes, redemptions and exchanges generally are treated as a sale of the shares being redeemed or exchanged. You may recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the redemption or exchange price and your cost basis for the shares being redeemed or exchanged. An exchange between the funds involving master retirement plans and IRA accounts generally is not a taxable transaction for federal tax purposes. See Dividends, Distributions and Federal Tax Status for further information. If you have an individual retirement account (IRA) or other retirement plan, you must indicate on your redemption requests whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Unless a redemption request specifies not to have federal income tax withheld, the transaction will be subject to withholding. Shares held in an IRA or other retirement account may be
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redeemed by telephone. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution. Please consult your current IRA Disclosure Statement for any applicable fees. IRA redemptions may not be conducted using the internet.
Nicholas Company, Inc. also is the Adviser to Nicholas II, Inc. and Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc., which offer both Class I and Class N shares, as well as Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc., all of which have investment objectives as discussed in separate prospectuses. You may exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of these other available Nicholas funds or the Fidelity Investments Money Market Funds: Government Portfolio. The Fidelity Investments Money Market Funds: Government Portfolio is a money market mutual fund available for you to respond to changes in your goals or market conditions and is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser.
If you choose to exercise the exchange privilege, your shares will be exchanged at their next determined NAV. Minimum investment requirements must be met, with the exception that if you were a shareholder of any of the Nicholas Funds discussed above as of March 1, 2005, you may qualify to exchange into the Class I shares of Nicholas II, Inc. and Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc.
If you are interested in exercising the exchange privilege, you must obtain the appropriate prospectus from Nicholas Company, Inc.
Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.
A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required to redeem shares in the following situations:
If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
If a change of address was received by the transfer agent within the last 15 calendar days;
For all redemptions in excess of $100,000 from any shareholder account.
The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund(s) and /or the transfer agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.
Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.
If you are uncertain about what documents or instructions are necessary in order to redeem and exchange shares, please write or call U.S. Bancorp (800-544-6547 or 414-276-0535) prior to submitting a request. A redemption or exchange request will not become effective until all documents are received in proper order.
USE OF A PROCESSING INTERMEDIARY TO
PURCHASE AND REDEEM FUND SHARES
You can purchase and redeem shares of the Fund through certain broker-dealers, financial institutions and other service providers (“Processing Intermediaries”). Certain Processing Intermediaries are, in turn, authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. If you invest in the Fund through a Processing Intermediary, the Processing Intermediary rather than you may be the shareholder of record. Processing Intermediaries may use procedures and impose restrictions in addition to or different from those applicable to shareholders who invest in the Fund directly. You should read the program materials provided by the Processing Intermediary in conjunction with this Prospectus before you invest in the Fund this way.
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Processing Intermediaries may charge fees or other charges for the services they provide to their customers. Such charges vary among Processing Intermediaries, but in all cases will be retained by the Processing Intermediary and not remitted to the Fund or the Adviser.
The Fund also may enter into an arrangement with some Processing Intermediaries which authorizes them to process purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund on an expedited basis (an “Authorized Agent”). Receipt of a purchase or redemption order by an Authorized Agent will be deemed to be received by the Fund for purposes of determining the NAV of Fund shares to be purchased or redeemed. If you place a purchase order through an Authorized Agent, you will pay the Fund’s NAV next computed after the receipt by the Authorized Agent of such purchase order, plus any applicable transaction charges imposed by the Authorized Agent. For redemption orders placed through an Authorized Agent, you will receive redemption proceeds which reflect the NAV next computed after the receipt by the Authorized Agent of the redemption order, less any redemption fees imposed by the Authorized Agent.
Of course, you do not have to use the services of a Processing Intermediary, or pay the fees that may be charged for such services. You can invest directly with the Fund without a sales charge. If you hold Fund shares through a Processing Intermediary, you must redeem your shares through such Processing Intermediary. In such event, you should contact the Processing Intermediary for instructions on how to redeem. Otherwise, if you originally invested directly with the Fund, you can redeem Fund shares directly through the Fund without a redemption charge.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
Frequent purchases and sales of fund shares may affect shareholders in various ways. Depending on various factors, including but not limited to, the size of the fund, the amount of assets the portfolio manager typically maintains in cash or cash equivalents, and the dollar amount, number and frequency of trades, short-term or excessive trading may disrupt the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio, may impact fund performance and may increase brokerage, administrative and other expenses. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request, including exchange requests from other Nicholas Funds, if the Fund regards the request as disruptive or if the Fund deems the request to have the potential to be disruptive. However, the Fund cannot ensure that its efforts will eliminate all risks of market timing.
The Fund discourages disruptive trading in Fund shares for abusive purposes in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Directors, which are reasonably designed to detect and discourage disruptive trading. These policies and procedures apply to any account, whether an individual account or an account referred to as an “omnibus account” where a financial intermediary holds Fund shares for a number of its customers in one account. Because there is currently no generally applied standard in the marketplace as to what level of trading activity is abusive, the Board of Directors elected not to adopt rigid rules specifying what activity is abusive or how suspected abusive activity will be addressed. In adopting the Fund’s policies and procedures, the Board of Directors determined that it would be in the best interests of shareholders to provide flexibility in dealing with such activities.
Under the Fund’s policies and procedures, the Fund currently uses various methods to deter disruptive activity in both individual and omnibus accounts, including but not limited to, selective monitoring of trading activity and undertaking preventive action designed to discourage and preclude disruptive traders from entering the Fund. We may consider trading in the Fund’s shares to be disruptive if we detect one or more of the following in an account:
• Shares traded out of the Fund within a short period of time after the shares were purchased;
• Two or more purchases and redemptions are made within a short period of time;
• A series of transactions within the Fund that is indicative of a timing pattern or strategy; or
• One or more large trades relative to the Fund’s overall size.
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The Fund reserves the right to take responsive action to trading activity deemed disruptive by the Fund’s compliance committee, even though such trades may not fall into one or more of these categories.
In connection with our review of suspected disruptive trading, we may, at our option, contact the individual or entity or the financial intermediary believed to be engaged in or to have facilitated such trading. If we reasonably believe that the trading was disruptive, we will ask that investor or financial intermediary to refrain from such activity in the future. In addition, the investor or financial intermediary may be restricted from future purchases into the Fund and may also be restricted from future purchases of shares offered by any of the funds in the Nicholas fund complex.
In determining what action to take with respect to suspected disruptive trading activity, the Fund will act in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders by making independent assessments of instances or patterns of potentially improper conduct in a manner consistent with the policies and procedures approved by the Board of Directors.
While the Fund does not accommodate market timing activities engaged in for abusive purposes, the methods used by the Fund to deter and detect market timing activities involve judgments that are inherently subjective and our response to potentially disruptive trading activity may not be uniform. This means that the Fund may not take remedial action against investors detected engaging in a disruptive trade for reasons believed by the Fund to be legitimate and non-abusive. Examples of legitimate trading activities include, but may not be limited to, asset allocation, dollar cost averaging, emergency liquidations, estate planning measures or similar activities that may nonetheless arguably result in disruptive trading of Fund shares.
There is a risk that the Fund’s policies and procedures will prove ineffective in whole or in part to detect or prevent abusive market timing activities. For example, it may be difficult for the Fund to identify such activities engaged in by investors through the use of omnibus accounts administered by financial intermediaries who transmit purchase, exchange, or redemption orders to the Fund on behalf of their customers who are the beneficial owners. Short-term trading by these investors is likely to go undetected by the Fund.
If the Fund is unable to detect and deter trading abuses, the Fund’s performance, and its long-term shareholders, may be harmed. In addition, because the Fund has not adopted specific limitations or restrictions on the trading of Fund shares, shareholders may be harmed by the extra costs and portfolio management inefficiencies that result from excessive or disruptive trading of Fund shares, even when the trading is not for abusive purposes.
TRANSFER OF FUND SHARES
You may transfer Fund shares in instances such as the death of a shareholder, change of account registration, change of account ownership and in cases where shares of the Fund are transferred as a gift. You can obtain documents and instructions necessary to transfer Fund shares by writing or calling U.S. Bancorp (800-544-6547 or 414-276-0535) prior to submitting any transfer requests.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAX STATUS
The Fund intends to qualify annually as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and intends to take all other action required to ensure that little or no federal income or excise taxes will be payable by the Fund. As a result, the Fund generally will seek to distribute to its shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gain in one or more distributions for each fiscal year.
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For federal income tax purposes, dividends and distributions by the Fund, whether received in cash or invested in additional shares of the Fund, will be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders, except those shareholders that are not subject to tax on their income. Net realized long-term gains are paid to shareholders as capital gain distributions. Income distributed from the Fund’s net investment income and net realized short-term gains are paid to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Distributions generally will be made in June and December of each year. Distributions may be taxable at different rates depending on the length of time the Fund holds a security. The Fund will provide information to shareholders concerning the character and federal tax treatment of all dividends and distributions. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.
At the time of purchase of Fund shares, the Fund may have undistributed income or capital gains included in the computation of the NAV. Therefore, a dividend or capital gain distribution received shortly after such purchase by a shareholder may be taxable to the shareholder, although it is, in whole or in part, a return of capital and may have the effect of reducing the NAV.
Under federal law, some shareholders may be subject to “backup withholding” on reportable dividends, capital gain distributions (if any) and redemption payments. Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be those (i) who, to the Fund’s knowledge, have furnished an incorrect taxpayer identification number, or (ii) who have failed to declare or underreported certain income on their federal returns. When establishing an account, you must certify under penalties of perjury that the taxpayer identification number you give to the Fund is correct and that you are not subject to backup withholding.
The foregoing tax discussion relates to federal income taxes only and is not intended to be a complete discussion of all federal tax consequences. You should consult with a tax adviser concerning the federal, state and local tax aspects of an investment in the Fund.
DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT PLAN
Unless you elect to accept cash in lieu of shares, all dividends and capital gain distributions are automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund through the Dividend and Distribution Reinvestment Plan (the “Reinvestment Plan”). You may elect to accept cash on an application to purchase shares, by telephone or by separate written notification. All reinvestments are at the NAV in effect on the dividend or distribution date and are credited to the shareholder’s account. U.S. Bancorp will notify you of the number of shares purchased and the price following each reinvestment period.
You may withdraw from or thereafter elect to participate in the Reinvestment Plan at any time by giving written or telephonic notice to U.S. Bancorp. The Fund’s transfer agent must receive an election prior to the dividend record date of any particular distribution for the election to be effective for that distribution. If an election to withdraw from or participate in the Reinvestment Plan is received between a dividend record date and payment date, it shall become effective on the day following the payment date. The Fund may modify or terminate the Reinvestment Plan at any time on 30 days written notice to participants.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
If you own $10,000 or more of Fund shares at the current market value, you may open a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (the “Plan”) and receive monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual payments for any designated amount. You may elect to have a check sent to you at your address of record, or proceeds can be sent directly to your predesignated bank account via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House network. When you participate in the Plan all income and capital gain dividends should be reinvested in shares of the Fund. U.S. Bancorp reinvests all income and capital gain dividends in shares of the Fund. You may add shares to, withdraw shares from, or terminate the Plan, at any time. Each withdrawal may be a taxable event to you. Liquidation of shares in excess of distributions may deplete or possibly use up the initial investment, particularly in the event of a market decline, and
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withdrawals cannot be considered a yield or income on the investment. In addition to termination of the Plan by the Fund or shareholders, the Fund’s transfer agent may terminate the Plan upon written notice mailed to the shareholders. Please contact Nicholas Company, Inc. for copies of the Plan documents.
TAX DEFERRED ACCOUNTS
If you are eligible, you may set up one or more tax deferred accounts. A contribution to certain of these plans also may be tax deductible. The Fund offers the following tax deferred accounts: traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs; and Coverdell Savings Accounts for qualified education expenses for children under age 18. A description of applicable service fees and application forms are available upon request from the Fund. These documents also contain a Disclosure Statement which the IRS requires to be furnished to individuals who are considering adopting these plans. It is important that you obtain up-to-date information from the Fund before opening a tax deferred account. Investors should consult with their tax adviser or legal counsel before investing in a tax deferred account.
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Investment Adviser
NICHOLAS COMPANY, INC.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Distributor
QUASAR DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Transfer Agent
U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
414-276-0535 or 800-544-6547
Custodian
U.S. BANK N.A.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Counsel
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND:
The Funds Statement of Additional Information (SAI), dated July 30, 2020, contains more detailed information on all aspects of Nicholas Fund, Inc., and is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. Additional information about the Fund also is available in the Funds Annual and Semiannual Report to Shareholders. The Funds Annual Report discusses the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds performance during its last fiscal year.
To request a free copy of the current Annual/Semiannual Report or SAI or other information about the Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries, please write or call: Nicholas Fund, Inc., 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, 800-544-6547 (toll-free). Along with the Funds Annual/Semiannual Report and SAI, additional information about the Fund also can be obtained from the Funds Internet website at www.nicholasfunds.com.
In addition, you can review and copy the Funds reports and SAI at the Public Reference Room of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SECs Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Fund also are available on the SECs Internet website at www.sec.gov. For a duplicating fee, copies of such information may be obtained by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
For the most current price and return information for the Fund, you may call the Fund at 800-544-6547 (toll-free) or 414-276-0535 or check the Funds website at www.nicholasfunds.com. You also can find the most current price of the Funds shares in the business section of your newspaper in the mutual fund section under the heading Nicholas Group - Nich. If you prefer to obtain this information from an on-line computer service, you can do so by using the ticker symbol NICSX or cusip number 653735100.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-01728
NICHOLAS FUND, INC. - NICSX
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
411 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
414-276-0535
800-544-6547
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and contains information in addition to and more detailed than that set forth in the current Prospectus of Nicholas Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), dated July 30, 2020. It is intended to provide you with additional information regarding the activities and operations of the Fund, and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's current Prospectus, as it may be revised from time to time, and the Fund's Annual Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Fund's Prospectus provides the basic information you should know before investing in the Fund.
To obtain a free copy of the Fund's Prospectus and Annual or Semiannual Report, please write or call the Fund at the address and telephone number set forth above.
NO LOAD FUND - NO SALES OR REDEMPTION CHARGE BY THE FUND
Investment Adviser
NICHOLAS COMPANY, INC.
July 30, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
Page | |
INTRODUCTION | 1 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES | 1 |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS | 2 |
INVESTMENT RISKS | 5 |
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISER | 6 |
MANAGEMENT - DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS | |
AND PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF THE FUND | 7 |
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES | 13 |
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS | 14 |
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF THE FUND | 14 |
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES | 15 |
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES | 16 |
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM | 16 |
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAX STATUS | 17 |
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE | 18 |
PERFORMANCE DATA | 20 |
CAPITAL STRUCTURE | 21 |
STOCK CERTIFICATES | 21 |
ANNUAL MEETING | 22 |
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS | 22 |
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT | 22 |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | |
AND LEGAL COUNSEL | 22 |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 22 |
INTRODUCTION
Nicholas Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on July 10, 1968. The Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). This type of investment company is commonly called a mutual fund. As an open-end investment company, it obtains its assets by continuously selling shares of its common stock, $.50 par value, to the public. Proceeds from such sales are invested by the Fund in securities of other companies. In this manner, the resources of many investors are combined and each individual investor has an interest in every one of the securities owned by the Fund. The Fund provides each individual investor with diversification by investing in the securities of many different companies in a variety of industries and furnishes experienced management to select and watch over its investments. As an open-end investment company, the Fund will redeem any of its outstanding shares on demand of the owner at their net asset value next determined following receipt of the redemption request. The investment adviser to the Fund is Nicholas Company, Inc. (the "Adviser").
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The investment objectives and strategies of the Fund described in this Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), supplement the investment objectives and investment strategies disclosures included in the Fund's Prospectus under the caption "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS." Please read the Prospectus in conjunction with this Statement of Additional Information. Set forth below is additional information on the other Fund investment strategies and permissible investments which the Fund may use in an effort to obtain its primary objectives.
Except as otherwise may be stated, all percentage limitations on the Fund's investment practices apply at the time of an investment or a transaction. Accordingly, except with respect to borrowing and restrictions on illiquid securities, a later change in any percentage resulting from a change in value of the investment or the total value of the Fund's assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.
Certain Other Investment Strategies and Portfolio Investments
From time to time, the Fund may acquire the securities of unseasoned companies (i.e., companies which have a record of less than three years continuous operation) and securities issued in private placements (i.e., securities not registered for purchase by and sale to the public under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended). These types of investments are made by the Fund when the Adviser believes such investments offer the possibility of capital appreciation. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of the Fund's total assets in the securities of unseasoned companies. In addition, the Fund may not invest more than 10% of the Fund's total assets in bonds, debentures or other debt securities distributed in private placements.
From time to time, the Fund may acquire debt securities and preferred stock that are convertible into or carry rights to acquire common stock, and other debt securities, such as those selling at substantial discounts. The Fund is not limited as to the maturities of the debt securities in which it invests. These types of investments are made by the Fund when the Adviser believes they offer the possibility of appreciation in value.
The Fund may temporarily invest in investment grade and non-investment grade fixed income securities as a temporary defensive measure when conditions warrant. "Investment grade fixed income securities" are fixed income securities ranked in one of the top four debt security rating categories of any of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs"), or unrated but deemed by the Adviser to be comparable in quality to instruments so rated on the date of purchase. However, this policy does not prohibit the Fund from retaining a security if its credit quality is downgraded to a non-investment grade level after purchase. The Fund usually will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in non-investment grade fixed income securities. In the case of a temporary defensive position, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its portfolio in cash, cash equivalents or U.S. government securities. During any period in which the Fund maintains such a temporary defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective.
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The Fund may only enter into repurchase agreements with a member bank of the Federal Reserve System or a primary dealer in U.S. Government securities. Under such agreements, the Fund buys U.S. Government securities from the bank or primary dealer and simultaneously agrees to sell the securities back to the bank or primary dealer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. Not more than 20% of the Fund’s total net assets, taken at market, may be invested in repurchase agreements; provided, however, that repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days may not constitute more than 10% of the Fund's total net assets, taken at market.
The Fund may make borrowings but only for temporary or emergency purposes and then only in amounts not in excess of 5% of the lower of cost or market value of its total net assets.
Except as otherwise may be stated, all percentage limitations on the Fund's investment practices apply at the time of an investment or a transaction. Accordingly, except with respect to borrowing and restrictions on illiquid securities, a later change in any percentage resulting from a change in value of the investment or the total value of the Fund's assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the following restrictions, which are matters of fundamental policy and cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of its outstanding shares or, if it is less, 67% of the shares represented at a meeting of shareholders at which 50% or more of the holders are represented in person or by proxy.
1. The Fund will not purchase securities on margin, participate in a joint trading account, sell securities short, or act as an underwriter or distributor of securities other than its own capital stock. The Fund will not lend money, except for:
(a) the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed debt securities;
(b) investments in repurchase agreements in an amount not to exceed 20% of the total net assets, taken at market, of the Fund; provided, however, that repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven (7) days will not constitute more than 10% of the total net assets, taken at market; and
(c) the purchase of a portion of bonds, debentures or other debt securities of types commonly distributed privately to financial institutions in an amount not to exceed 10% of the Fund's total net assets, taken at market.
2. The Fund will not purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate, commodities or commodity futures. The Fund may invest in the securities of real estate investment trusts, but not more than 10% in value of the Fund's total net assets will be so invested.
3. The Fund may make temporary bank borrowings (not in excess of 5% of the lower of cost or market value of the Fund's total assets) for emergency or extraordinary purposes.
4. The Fund will not pledge any of its assets.
5. Securities of other regulated investment companies will not be purchased, except on the open market where no commission or profits result, other than the broker's commission, or as a part of a plan of merger, consolidation or reorganization approved by shareholders of the Fund. No more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total net assets will be invested in the securities of other regulated investment companies.
6. Investments will not be made for the purpose of exercising control or management of any company. The Fund will not purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result of such purchase, the Fund would hold more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer.
7. Not more than 5% of the Fund's total net assets, taken at market value, will be invested in the securities of any one issuer (excluding U.S. Government securities).
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8. Not more than 25% of the Fund's total assets will be concentrated in companies of any one industry or group of related industries.
9. The Fund will not acquire or retain any security issued by a company, if an officer or director of such company is an officer or director of the Fund, or an officer or director or shareholder or other interested person of the Adviser.
10. The Fund will not issue senior securities.
Investment Restrictions Which May Be Changed Without Shareholder Approval
The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") has adopted the following investment restrictions which may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval:
No investments are permitted in any securities issued by a company if one or more directors or shareholders or other affiliated persons of its investment adviser beneficially own more than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of such company's stock or other securities, and all of the foregoing persons owning more than one-half of one percent (0.5%) together own more than 5% of such companies stock or security
Not more than 5% of its total net assets may be invested in equity securities which are not readily marketable and in securities of unseasoned companies (companies which have a record of less than three years' continuous operation)
No investments are permitted in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration programs (but investments in securities of companies engaged in oil, gas or other mineral activities are permitted)
No investments are permitted in puts, calls, straddles, spreads or any combination thereof
Not more than 1% of its total net assets may be invested in restricted securities
No purchase of securities of any company are permitted if, as a result of such purchase, the Fund would hold more than 10% of the voting securities of such company
No investments are permitted in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, which exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. Included within that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the value of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants which are not listed on the New York or American Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached to securities may be deemed to be without value
The Board will give advance notice to shareholders of any change to these investment restrictions.
Except as otherwise may be stated, all percentage limitations on the Fund's investment practices apply at the time of an investment or a transaction. Accordingly, except with respect to borrowing and restrictions on illiquid securities, a later change in any percentage resulting from a change in value of the investment or the total value of the Fund's assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.
Portfolio Turnover Rate
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The portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio investments for the reporting period by the monthly average value of the portfolio investments owned during the reporting period. The calculation excludes all securities, including options, with maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition that are one year or less. Portfolio turnover may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by changes in the holdings of specific issuers, by cash requirements for redemption of shares and by requirements which enable the Fund to receive favorable tax treatment.
Although the Fund's primary investment strategy does not include investing for the purpose of seeking short-term profits, securities in the portfolio will be sold whenever the investment adviser believes it is appropriate to do so in light of the Fund’s investment objective without regard to the length of time a particular security may have been held. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the turnover rate for the Fund was 15.36% compared to 12.76% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. The year-to-year increase in the portfolio turnover rate was the result of both changes in market conditions and investment opportunities available during the year ended March 31, 2020.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The Board has approved policies and procedures developed by the Adviser governing the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings. The policies and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that disclosure of portfolio holdings and information about portfolio holdings is in the best interests of Fund shareholders and consistent with applicable law. In addition, the Fund's policies and procedures are designed to appropriately address the potential for conflicts of interest. There can be no assurance that the policy on portfolio holdings disclosure will be effective in protecting the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings by individuals or firms in possession of that information.
The policy and procedures generally prohibit the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio schedule until it has been made available to the public through regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or posted to the Fund's website. The Fund's complete portfolio holdings are made available to the public on a quarterly basis generally no later than 60 days after the end of each calendar quarter end. A summary of the Fund's portfolio composition is also posted to the Fund's website at www.nicholasfunds.com under the heading "Quarterly Factsheet" generally 10 days or more following a calendar quarter end. This summary composition may include the Fund's top ten holdings and a breakdown by sector.
The policy and procedures provide for certain exceptions to the portfolio holdings release policy described above where (i) disclosures are made for legitimate business purposes, (ii) recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality and (iii) recipients are subject to a duty to refrain from trading based on the disclosed information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. At the time, the Fund has ongoing arrangements for the disclosure of portfolio holdings for legitimate business purposes with:
1. |
Designated employees of the Fund's Adviser in the course of performing daily operations of the Fund, including but not limited to, portfolio analysis, accounting and administration, who receive such information daily. |
2. |
Various service providers that require such information in order to assist the Fund with its operations: the Fund's custodian, currently U.S. Bank N.A., independent registered public accounting firm, currently Deloitte & Touche LLP, legal counsel, currently Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, and proxy voting service, currently Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. U.S. Bank N.A and Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. receive such information on a daily basis, while Deloitte & Touche LLP and Michael Best & Friedrich LLP receive such information as necessary in connection with professional services provided to the Fund. |
3. |
Financial printers in connection with the printing of Fund publications for distribution to shareholders. Information is provided to printers as soon as practicable after completion of a required reporting period or a reasonable period before a publication target date. |
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4. |
Portfolio analysis services: Bloomberg and Factset. Such information is provided daily. |
5. |
Rating and ranking organizations in connection with those firms' research on and classification of the Fund and in order to gather information about how the Fund attributes (such as turnover and industry and sector diversification) compare with those of peer funds, currently provided within 15 days of month-end: Lipper Inc., Mellon Analytical Solutions and Morningstar. |
The Adviser's compliance committee, which is comprised of the Chief Compliance Officer and members of the Adviser's compliance committee designated by the Chief Compliance Officer, have the authority to authorize portfolio disclosures to other third-party service providers not included herein, such as, rating and ranking organizations and intermediaries that may distribute the Fund's shares. Each initial disclosure to an entity or organization of the Fund's portfolio holdings must be authorized by the Chief Compliance Officer or a member of the Adviser's compliance committee designated by the Chief Compliance Officer in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Adviser designed to ensure compliance with the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisor's Act of 1940.
The Fund and its Adviser do not receive compensation or other consideration relating to the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio securities.
The Fund's Board of Directors will review this policy periodically as part of its ongoing oversight of the Fund's compliance program in addition to receiving periodic reports from the Chief Compliance Officer as to the disclosures made under this policy. The Adviser's compliance committee will review compliance with and the effectiveness of the policies and procedures on an ongoing basis.
INVESTMENT RISKS
This section contains a summary description of the risks of other investment strategies and related investments of the Fund as discussed in this Statement of Additional Information. For a description of the principal risks of investing in the Fund, please see the "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES AND RISKS" section in the Fund's Prospectus. As with any mutual fund, there can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its goals or that you will not lose money on your investment. There is no guarantee that the Fund's performance will be positive over any period of time.
Other Risks Related to Certain Portfolio Investments and Strategies. Although the Fund generally will invest in the common stocks of large- and medium-sized companies, certain investments the Fund may acquire and certain investment techniques the Fund may use entail other risks:
Liquidity, Information and Valuation Risks of Certain Portfolio Investments. Securities of unseasoned companies and securities issued in private placements, which may be acquired by the Fund from time to time, may be illiquid or volatile making it potentially difficult or impossible to sell them at the time and at the price the Fund would like. In addition, important information about these types of companies, securities or the markets in which they trade may be inaccurate or unavailable. Consequently, it may be difficult to value accurately these securities as well.
Debt Securities and Preferred Stock. From time to time, the Fund may acquire debt securities and preferred stock that are convertible into or carry rights to acquire common stock, and other debt securities, such as those selling at substantial discounts. Debt securities, such as bonds, involve credit risk, which is the risk that the borrower will not make timely payments of principal and interest. Debt securities also are subject to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the value of the security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will move up or down in response to changes in interest rates more than shorter-term securities. The Fund may invest in both short-term and long-term securities. The Fund is not limited as to the maturities of the debt securities in which it invests. The value of preferred stock and debt securities convertible into common stock generally will be affected by its stated dividend rate or interest rate, as applicable, and the value of the underlying common stock. As a result of the conversion feature, the dividend rate or interest rate on convertible preferred stock or convertible debt securities generally is less than would be the case if the security were not convertible. Therefore, the value of convertible preferred stock and debt securities will be affected
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by the factors that affect both equity securities (such as stock market movements generally) and debt securities (such as interest rates). Some convertible securities might require the Fund to sell the securities back to the issuer or a third party at a time that is disadvantageous to the Fund.
Fixed Income Securities. The Fund's investments in investment grade and non-investment grade fixed income securities may carry some risk. Investment grade fixed income securities described in the fourth category of the NRSROs possess speculative characteristics. In addition, non-investment grade securities tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent, tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions and tend to have a weaker capacity to pay interest and repay principal than higher rated securities. Because the market for lower rated securities may be thinner and less active than for higher rated securities, there may be market price volatility for these securities and limited liquidity in the resale market. Factors adversely impacting the market value of the Fund investments in fixed income securities also may adversely impact the Fund's net asset value.
Repurchase Agreements. While the underlying obligation of a repurchase agreement purchased by the Fund is a U.S. Government security, the obligation of the seller to repurchase the security is not guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Delays or losses could result if the bank or primary dealer defaults on its repurchase obligation or becomes insolvent, which could adversely impact the Fund's net asset value.
Borrowings. The use of borrowings can increase the Fund's exposure to market risk. If the Fund borrows money to make more investments than it otherwise could or to meet redemptions, the Fund's share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off.
In view of the risks inherent in all investments in securities, there is no assurance that the Fund's objectives will be achieved.
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISER
Nicholas Company, Inc., located at 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, is the Fund's investment adviser. The Adviser furnishes the Fund with continuous investment service and is responsible for overall management of the Fund's business affairs, subject to supervision by the Fund's Board of Directors. The Adviser is the investment adviser to three other mutual funds and to numerous institutions and individuals with substantial investment portfolios.
The annual fee paid to the Adviser is paid monthly and is based on the average net asset value of the Fund as determined by valuations made at the close of each business day of the month. The annual fee is seventy-five one hundredths of one percent (0.75 of 1%) of the average net asset value of the Fund up to and including $50,000,000 and sixty-five one hundredths of one percent (0.65 of 1%) of the average net asset value in excess of $50,000,000. As of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, total net assets of the Fund were $2,370,166,574. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Fund paid the Adviser an aggregate of $18,497,648, $17,586,090 and $18,175,079, respectively, in fees.
Under an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund, the Adviser, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Fund, furnishes the Fund with office space, office facilities, executive officers and executive expenses (such as health insurance premiums for executive officers). The Adviser also pays all sales and promotional expenses of the Fund, other than expenses incurred in complying with laws regulating the issue or sale of securities. In addition, the Fund is required to pay for all of its operating expenses, including, but not limited to, the costs of preparing and printing its registration statements required under the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act, and any amendments thereto, the expense of registering its shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the various states, the printing and distribution costs of prospectuses mailed to existing shareholders and to persons making unsolicited requests for information, the cost of stock certificates, reports to shareholders, interest charges, taxes and legal fees and expenses. Other operating expenses that the Fund is required to pay under the Investment Advisory Agreement include accounting and administrative services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. On July 24, 2006, the Board of Directors, including a majority of the independent directors, approved a proposal by the Adviser in accordance with the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, subject to the following guidelines: (i) up to five basis points, on an annual basis, of the average net asset value of the Fund up to and including $2 billion and up to three basis points, on an annual basis, of the average net asset value of the Fund
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greater than $2 billion, based on the average net asset value of the Fund as determined by valuations made at the close of each business day of each month, and (ii) where the preceding calculation results in an annual payment of less than $50,000, the Adviser, in its discretion, may charge the Fund up to $50,000 for such services. Without regard to the actual expenses charged to the Fund by the Adviser, the quality and quantity of services may not be reduced and must be consistent with past practice. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Fund paid the Adviser an aggregate of $712,734, $604,679 and $618,271, respectively, in accounting and administrative fees. Prior to November 1, 2004, with limited exceptions, the Adviser did not charge, and was not paid by the Fund, for providing such services. Also included as operating expenses that are paid by the Fund are fees of directors who are not interested persons of the Adviser or officers or employees of the Fund, salaries of administrative and clerical personnel, association membership dues, auditing, accounting and tax consulting services, fees and expenses of any custodian or trustees having custody of Fund assets, printing and mailing expenses, postage and charges and expenses of dividend disbursing agents, registrars and stock transfer agents, including the cost of keeping all necessary shareholder records and accounts and handling any problems related thereto, and certain other costs related to the aforementioned items.
The Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser is not assignable and may be terminated by either party, without penalty, on 60 days’ notice. Otherwise, the Investment Advisory Agreement continues in effect so long as it is approved annually by (i) the Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund and (ii) in either case, by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors who are not parties to the Investment Advisory Agreement or "interested persons" of the Adviser or of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting for such approval.
David O. Nicholas, President, Lead Portfolio Manager and a Director of the Fund, is President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and a Director of the Adviser, and is a controlling person of the Adviser through his ownership of 60% of the outstanding voting securities of the Adviser. Michael L. Shelton, Senior Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund, is a Senior Vice President of the Adviser. David L. Johnson is Executive Vice President of the Fund and Executive Vice President of the Adviser. He is an uncle of David O. Nicholas and Lynn S. Nicholas. Lynn S. Nicholas is Senior Vice President of the Adviser. David O. Nicholas and Lynn S. Nicholas are siblings. Lawrence J. Pavelec, Senior Vice President and Secretary of the Fund, is Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser. Candace L. Lesak, Vice President of the Fund, is an employee of the Adviser. Jennifer R. Kloehn, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund, is Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. K. Thor Lundgren, 100 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a Director of the Adviser. Mr. Lundgren is of counsel with the law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, legal counsel to the Fund and the Adviser.
MANAGEMENT - DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF THE FUND
The overall operations of the Fund are conducted by the officers of the Fund under the control and direction of its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors governs the Fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Board of Directors consists of individuals who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities and review the Fund's performance. This review also includes a periodic review of the fees charged to the Fund. The following table sets forth the pertinent information about the Fund's officers and directors as of June 30, 2020. Unless otherwise listed, the business address of each director and officer is 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. For each Director, information concerning the number of other directorships/trusteeships held by the Director has also been included. Each Director's education, professional training, business, not-for-profit and/or public service background and commitment to participation on the Board and to the interests of Fund shareholders contribute to his qualification to serve on the Board. In addition, the Directors have the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that are related to each Director's service in light of the Fund's business and structure:
Mr. David O. Nicholas has more than twenty years of experience in advising the Fund, as well as over thirty years of investment management experience in other funds and private accounts.
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Mr. John A. Hauser has extensive business experience, including experience related to banking, investment management and financial matters.
Mr. David P. Pelisek has extensive business experience, including experience related to investment management and financial matters.
Mr. Jay H. Robertson has extensive business experience, including board service and experience related to financial matters, insurance and risk management.
The Board is comprised of three Independent Directors, i.e., directors who are not "interested persons" as defined in the 1940 Act, and one interested director. Information for the Independent Directors is set forth separately from information for the Interested Director below. The chairman of the Board, Jay H. Robertson, is an independent director. The role of the chairman includes, among other things, coordinating communications with management and other service providers and assisting with administration of Board operations. The Board's oversight function involves supervision of the Adviser and the Fund's operations and its compliance program, with particular focus on risk management, through periodic Board reporting. The Board's role in overseeing the Fund's general risks includes receiving performance reports for the Fund and risk management reports from the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer at each regular Board meeting and regularly receiving reports regarding significant compliance risks. The Board plays a key role overseeing the Fund's financial reporting and valuation risks. The Board meets periodically with the Fund's outside auditors to discuss financial reporting and audit issues, including risk relating to financial controls.
The standing committees of the Funds Board of Directors include an Audit Committee and a Nominating and Governance Committee. Both committees consist of all the Independent Directors, namely John A. Hauser, David P. Pelisek and Jay H. Robertson. Mr. Pelisek serves as chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that Mr. Pelisek is an Audit Committee financial expert.
The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund and oversees the preparation of the Funds financial statements. In this capacity, the Audit Committee meets at least annually with the independent registered public accounting firm to discuss any issues surrounding the preparation and audit of the Funds financial statements. The Audit Committee also discusses with the independent registered public accounting firm the strengths and weaknesses of the systems and operating procedures employed in connection with the preparation of the Funds financial statements, pricing procedures and the like, as well as the performance and cooperation of staff members responsible for these functions.
The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing with Fund management the Funds major financial risk exposures, including the risk of fraud or error, and the steps management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including the Funds risk assessment and risk management policies and to aid its oversight and evaluation, the Audit Committee obtains regular periodic reports and other information from the Funds management and Chief Compliance Officer regarding the Funds operations. While the Board provides risk oversight, the management of the Funds risks is carried out on a day-to-day basis by the Adviser, and other Fund service providers. Although the risk management policies and procedures of the Adviser and other Fund service providers are reasonably designed to be effective, there can be no guarantee that they will be effective. The Audit Committee was established in 2020 and a written charter was adopted on May 4, 2020. It has not yet had a formal meeting.
The Nominating and Governance Committee nominates candidates for appointment to the Board of Directors to fill vacancies and to nominate candidates for election and re-election to the Board as and when required. The Nominating and Governance Committee generally accepts recommendations for nominations by shareholders of the Fund made within one year prior to the appointment or election of a Director. The Nominating and Governance Committee is also responsible for general governance matters of the Board, such as identifying and recommending best practices, policies, and procedures for the Board. Nominations should be sent to Nicholas Company, Inc., Attention: Chief Compliance Officer, 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2100, Milwaukee, WI 53202. The Nominating and Governance Committee was established in 2020 and a written charter was adopted on May 4, 2020. It has not yet had a formal meeting.
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Number of | ||||||
Term of | Portfolios | Other | ||||
Office and | in Fund | Directorships | ||||
Positions | Length of | Complex | Held by | |||
Held with | Time | Principal Occupations | Overseen | Director during | ||
Name, Age and Address | Fund | Served | during Past Five Years | by Director | Past Five Years | |
David P. Pelisek, 61 | Director | (2), | Private Investor, September | 5 | None | |
Appointed | 2016 to present. Managing | |||||
11/1/2019 | Director, Robert W. Baird & | |||||
Co., Inc., and Partner, Baird | ||||||
Capital Partners Buyout | ||||||
Funds I – V, January 1994 to | ||||||
May 2016. | ||||||
Jay H. Robertson, 68 | Director | (2), 18 years | Private Investor, April 2000 | 5 | None | |
to present. Chairman of the | ||||||
Board, Robertson-Ryan and | ||||||
Associates, Inc., an insurance | ||||||
brokerage firm from 1993 to | ||||||
March 2000. | ||||||
OFFICERS | ||||||
David L. Johnson, 78 (3) | Executive | Annual, | Executive Vice President, | N/A | N/A | |
Vice | 40 years | Nicholas Company, Inc., the | ||||
President | Adviser to the Fund, and | |||||
employed by the Adviser | ||||||
since 1980. He is a Chartered | ||||||
Financial Analyst. | ||||||
Lawrence J. Pavelec, 61 | Senior Vice | Annual, | Executive Vice President, | N/A | N/A | |
President | 15years | Chief Operating Officer and | ||||
Secretary, Nicholas | ||||||
Company, Inc., the Adviser to | ||||||
the Fund, and employed by | ||||||
the Adviser since April 2003. | ||||||
He was Portfolio Manager for | ||||||
and primarily responsible for | ||||||
the day-to-day management | ||||||
of the portfolio of Nicholas | ||||||
High Income Fund, Inc. from | ||||||
April 2008 through July 24, | ||||||
2020 when the fund was | ||||||
liquidated. He served as Co- | ||||||
Portfolio Manager of | ||||||
Nicholas High Income Fund, | ||||||
Inc. from April 2003 until | ||||||
April 2008. He is a Chartered | ||||||
Financial Analyst. |
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Number of | |||||
Term of | Portfolios | Other | |||
Office and | in Fund | Directorships | |||
Positions | Length of | Complex | Held by | ||
Held with | Time | Principal Occupations | Overseen | Director during | |
Name, Age and Address | Fund | Served | during Past Five Years | by Director | Past Five Years |
Jennifer R. Kloehn, 46 | Senior Vice | Annual, | Executive Vice President, | N/A | N/A |
President, | 4 years | Treasurer, Chief Financial | |||
Treasurer | Officer and Chief Compliance | ||||
and Chief | Officer, Nicholas Company, | ||||
Compliance | Inc., the Adviser to the Fund. | ||||
Officer | Compliance Officer and | ||||
Assistant Vice President, | |||||
Nicholas Company, Inc., July | |||||
2004 to April 2016 and | |||||
employed by the Adviser since | |||||
1998. She is a Certified Public | |||||
Accountant. | |||||
Michael L. Shelton, 48 | Senior Vice | Annual, | Senior Vice President, | N/A | N/A |
President | 4 years | Nicholas Company, Inc., the | |||
and Co- | Adviser to the Fund, since | ||||
Portfolio | May 2017 and employed by | ||||
Manager | the Adviser since July 2006. | ||||
He has been Lead Portfolio | |||||
Manager for and primarily | |||||
responsible for the day-to-day | |||||
management of the portfolio | |||||
of the Nicholas Equity | |||||
Income Fund, Inc. since | |||||
August 2016. He served as | |||||
Co-Portfolio Manager of | |||||
Nicholas Equity Income | |||||
Fund, Inc. from April 2011 to | |||||
August 2016. He is a | |||||
Chartered Financial Analyst | |||||
and Certified Public | |||||
Accountant. | |||||
Candace L. Lesak, 62 | Vice | Annual, | Employee, Nicholas | N/A | N/A |
President | 35 years | Company, Inc., the Adviser to | |||
the Fund, since 1983. She is a | |||||
Certified Financial Planner. |
(1) |
David O. Nicholas is the only director of the Fund who is an "interested person" of the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act because Mr. Nicholas is Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Adviser and owns 60% of the outstanding voting securities of the Adviser. |
(2) |
Until duly elected or re-elected at a subsequent annual meeting of the Fund. |
(3) |
David L. Johnson is an uncle of David O. Nicholas. |
See "The Fund's Investment Adviser" for a description of the relationships of the officers of the Fund to the Adviser and the family relationships between directors of the Adviser and officers and directors of the Fund.
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The table below sets forth the aggregate dollar range of shares owned beneficially by each director of the Fund as of December 31, 2019. In addition, the table sets forth the dollar range of shares beneficially owned by each director of the other mutual funds that Nicholas Company, Inc. advises and are overseen by such director as of December 31, 2019.
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity | ||
Securities in All Registered Investment | ||
Dollar Range of Equity | Companies Overseen by Director in | |
Name of Director | Securities in the Fund | Family of Investment Companies |
David O. Nicholas | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
John A. Hauser | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
David P. Pelisek | None | Over $100,000 |
Jay H. Robertson | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
The Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and Nicholas Company, Inc. states that the Fund shall pay the directors' fees of directors who are not interested persons of Nicholas Fund, Inc. The amount of such fees is subject to increase or decrease at any time.
The table below sets forth the aggregate compensation received by all directors of the Fund during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. No officers of the Fund receive any compensation from the Fund, but rather, are compensated by the Adviser in accordance with its Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund.
Total Compensation | ||||
Aggregate | Pension or Retirement | Estimated Annual | from Fund and Fund | |
Compensation | Benefits Accrued as | Benefits Upon | Complex Paid to | |
Name | from the Fund (1) | Part of Fund Expenses | Retirement | Directors (1) |
David O. Nicholas (2) | $ 0.00 | $0 | $0 | $ 0.00 |
John A. Hauser (2) | 15,150.00 | 0 | 0 | 45,000.00 |
Timothy P. Reiland (2) | 7,575.00 | 0 | 0 | 22,500.00 |
David P. Pelisek (2) | 7,575.00 | 0 | 0 | 15,037.50 |
Jay H. Robertson (2) | 15,150.00 | 0 | 0 | 45,000.00 |
(1) |
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the Fund compensated the disinterested directors at a rate of $3,787.50 per meeting attended. The disinterested directors did not receive any other form or amount of compensation from the Fund Complex during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. All other directors and officers of the Fund were compensated by the Adviser in accordance with its Investment Advisory Agreement. |
(2) |
Messrs. Nicholas, Hauser, Pelisek and Robertson also are members of the Board of Directors of Nicholas II, Inc., Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc. Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc. and Nicholas High Income Fund, Inc. Mr. Reiland resigned as a director on August 1, 2019. Mr. Pelisek was appointed to the Board of Directors on November 1, 2019. Nicholas High Income Fund, Inc was liquidated on July 24, 2020. |
The Fund and the Adviser adhere to Codes of Ethics ("Codes") established and adopted by their Boards of Directors pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. The Codes govern the personal trading activities of all "Access Persons" of the Fund and the Adviser. Access Persons include every director and officer of the Adviser and the investment companies managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, as well as certain employees of the Adviser and Fund who, in connection with their regular functions and duties, make, participate in, or obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of a security by the Adviser or the Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of a recommendation with respect to such purchases or sales. The Codes are based on the principle that such Access Persons have a fiduciary duty to place the interests of the Fund and the Adviser's clients above their own.
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The Codes provide for trading "black out" periods of fifteen calendar days during which time Access Persons may not trade in securities which have been purchased or sold, or are being considered for purchase or sale, by the Fund or any other registered investment company or account to which the Adviser serves as investment adviser, unless the transaction is pre-approved by the Fund or the Adviser, as applicable. In addition, the Codes ban Access Persons from engaging in any manipulative or deceptive practices in connection with certain securities held or to be acquired by the Fund. The Codes also require that Access Persons obtain pre-approval prior to investing in any initial public offering or private placement.
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
As a shareholder of the companies in which the Fund invests, the Fund receives proxies to vote at those companies' annual or special meetings. The Fund has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures ("Proxy Voting Policies") pursuant to which the Fund votes shares owned by the Fund. The Fund always endeavors to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with its best judgment as to the advancement of the Fund's investment objectives. The Fund's management reviews the Proxy Voting Policies annually.
Subject to the Board's oversight, the Fund has final authority and fiduciary responsibility for voting proxies received by the Fund; however, it has delegated the implementation of the Fund's Proxy Voting Policies to a proxy voting service that is not affiliated with the Fund or its Adviser. In general, the Fund will vote in accordance with the proxy voting recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"). ISS is an independent firm that specializes in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy-related services to institutional investment managers, plan sponsors, custodians, consultants and other institutional investors. ISS services provided include in-depth research, global issuer analysis and voting recommendations. While the Fund generally will review and utilize the recommendations of ISS in making voting decisions, the Fund is in no way obligated to follow such recommendations. In addition to research and recommendations, ISS provides vote execution, reporting and recordkeeping.
The following is a summary of the manner in which the Fund would normally expect to vote on certain matters that typically are included in the proxies that the Fund receives each year; however, each proxy needs to be considered separately and the Fund's vote may vary depending upon the actual circumstances presented. Proxies for extraordinary matters, such as mergers, reorganizations and other corporate transactions, are necessarily considered on a case-by-case basis in light of the merits of the individual transactions.
Election of Directors, Corporate Governance and Routine Matters. Generally, the Fund supports the company's nominees to serve as directors. The Fund generally supports management on routine corporate matters and matters relating to corporate governance. For example, the Fund generally expects to support management on the following matters: provisions of the corporate charter addressing indemnification of directors and officers; stock repurchase plans; and the selection of independent accountants. The types of matters on corporate governance that the Fund would expect to vote against include: the issuance of preferred shares where the board of directors has complete freedom as to the terms of the preferred; the adoption of a classified board; the adoption of poison pill plans or similar anti-takeover measures; and the authorization of a class of shares not held by the Fund with superior voting rights.
Compensation Arrangements and Stock Option Plans. The Fund reviews on a case-by-case basis, utilizing ISS research, compensation arrangements and the establishment of stock option plans. The Fund generally believes, if its view of management is favorable enough that the Fund has invested in the company, arrangements that align the interests of management and shareholders are beneficial to long-term performance. However, some arrangements or plans have features that the Fund would oppose. For example, the Fund would vote against an option plan that has the potential to unreasonably dilute the interests of existing shareholders, permit equity overhang that exceed certain levels or that allow for the repricing of outstanding options.
Social Policy Based Proposals. The Fund considers proposals relating to social, political and environmental issues on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they will have a financial impact on shareholder value. However, the Fund generally votes against proposals requesting reports that are duplicative, related to matters that are not material to the business or that would impose unnecessary or excessive costs.
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If the Fund's management believes that a material conflict of interest exists with respect to its exercise of any proxy received by the Fund, the Fund will generally rely on the recommendations of the independent proxy voting service. The Adviser's compliance staff will review any votes where a potential conflict exists and the Fund does not rely on the proxy voting services recommendations. A material conflict of interest may arise, for example, if the company to which the proxy relates is a client of the Adviser or one of its affiliates or if the Adviser or one of its affiliates has a material business relationship with that company.
In August of each year the Fund files with the SEC information regarding the voting of proxies by the Fund for the 12-month period ending the preceding June 30th. Shareholders will be able to view such filings without charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec/gov or at the Fund's website at http://www.nicholasfunds.com. Shareholders may also obtain a copy of the Proxy Voting Policies by contacting the Fund at 800-544-6547 (toll-free).
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Set forth below are the names and addresses of all holders of the Fund’s shares who as of June 30, 2020 own of record, or are known by the Fund to own beneficially, 5% or more of the Fund’s shares. These holders are referred to as principal shareholders.
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers, 211 Main Street, San Francisco, California 94105, owned of record 3,081,153 shares of the Fund, or 7.33%, as of June 30, 2020.
National Financial Services Corp. for the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers, 499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey, 07310, owned of record 2,547,563 shares of the Fund, or 6.06%, as of June 30, 2020.
No other persons are known to the Fund to own beneficially or of record 5% or more of the shares of the Fund as of June 30, 2020. All directors and executive officers of the Fund as a group (9 persons) beneficially own 0.59% of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of June 30, 2020.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF THE FUND
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, Mr. David O. Nicholas was the Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund and was primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and Mr. Michael L. Shelton was the Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund. The following table identifies the number of accounts (other than the Fund) for which they are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of and total assets of other such accounts within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts as of March 31, 2020.
There are no accounts with respect to which the advisory fees are based on the performance of the account.
Material conflicts of interest may arise when the Fund's portfolio manager also has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for Messrs. Nicholas and Shelton. These potential conflicts include:
Allocation of Limited Time and Attention. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.
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Pursuit of Differing Strategies. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts.
Selection of Brokers - Dealers. Portfolio managers may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the funds and/or accounts that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide portfolio managers with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the portfolio manager determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a portfolio manager's decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts that he manages.
The Adviser and the Fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and the individuals that it employs. For example, the Adviser has adopted trade allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the fair allocation of limited investment opportunities among multiple funds and accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the Adviser and the Fund will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear.
The Fund's Portfolio Managers are employed and compensated by the Fund's Adviser, not the Fund. The Adviser compensates its portfolio managers based on the investment performance results of the funds and accounts they manage, the value of the assets in the funds and accounts they manage, in addition to the profitability of the Adviser. As of the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year, March 31, 2020, the Fund's Portfolio Managers’ compensation consisted of a base salary and an annual discretionary bonus. The Adviser reviews the base salary of each Portfolio Manager annually to ensure that it reflects their performance, is competitive within the industry and coincides with the skill level necessary to manage the Fund. The annual discretionary bonus is determined by the Adviser's Board of Directors based on a number of subjective and objective factors believed by the Adviser's Board of Directors to be material to its decision. Those factors that may be considered include, without limitation, the Fund's relative and actual long-term, intermediate, and short-term performance before taxes, the Fund's performance relative to its benchmarks and peer group, and the portfolio manager's overall contributions to the organization. The benchmarks and peer groups that the Adviser's Board of Directors may consider are determined annually in the board's discretion and may include, without limitation, the Standard and Poor's Indices and the Russell Indices.
The table below identifies beneficial ownership (in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of the Fund's shares by the Portfolio Managers as of March 31, 2020.
Portfolio Managers | Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities | |
David O. Nicholas | Over $1,000,000 | |
Michael L. Shelton | $500,001 - $1,000,000 |
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor"), 111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, is the distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distributor Agreement dated May 1, 2005. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").
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PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES
The sections captioned "PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES" and "REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES" in the Fund's Prospectus discuss how you may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Fund and are incorporated into this SAIs by reference.
Although not anticipated, it is possible that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Fund's Adviser or Board of Directors, make it undesirable for the Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash. In such cases, the Board may authorize payment to be made in portfolio securities or other property of the Fund. However, the Fund has obligated itself under the 1940 Act to redeem for cash all shares presented for redemption by any one shareholder up to $250,000 (or 1% of the Fund's net assets if that is less) in any 90-day period. Securities delivered in payment of redemptions would be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share. Shareholders receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold.
The right of redemption may be suspended and the date of payment postponed for more than seven days for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is closed other than the customary weekend and holiday closings, and may be suspended for any period during which trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), or the SEC has by order permitted such suspension, or the SEC has determined that an emergency exists as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine fairly the value of its net assets.
Shareholder purchase, redemption and exchange orders are processed using the net asset value ("NAV") next calculated after receipt of such request in proper order by the Fund (or an Authorized Agent of the Fund). The NAV is determined by dividing the total value in U.S. dollars of the Fund's total net assets by the total number of shares outstanding at that time. Net assets of the Fund are determined by deducting the liabilities of the Fund from the total assets of the Fund. The NAV is determined as of the close of trading on the NYSE on each day the NYSE is open for unrestricted trading. The NYSE is open for trading Monday through Friday except New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a Saturday, the NYSE generally will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday, and when any such holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist (such as the ending of a monthly or yearly accounting period).
Equity securities traded on a stock exchange will ordinarily be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the date of valuation, on the securities principal exchange, or in the absence of any sale on that day, the closing bid price. For valuing securities traded on the NASDAQ market, the Fund uses the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Most debt securities, excluding short-term investments, are valued at the current evaluated bid price. Bid prices for debt securities are obtained from the Fund's pricing service, which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and computerized pricing models. Debt securities listed on a national exchange may be priced at the last sales price if the Fund's pricing service believes such price represents market value of the security for institutional trades. The pricing of all debt securities takes into account the fact that the Fund trades in institutional size trading units. Securities for which there are no readily available market quotations will be valued at their then current fair value using methods determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. As an example, a market quotation may not be readily available if the trading of a security is halted by its primary exchange and does not resume before the markets close or the primary exchange experiences technical difficulties. If a security is valued using fair value pricing, the Fund's value for that security is likely to be different from the last quoted market value.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
The Fund has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the "Program") as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act ("USA PATRIOT Act"). In order to ensure compliance with this law, the Fund's Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program.
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Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Fund's transfer agent has established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity, checking shareholder names against designated government lists, including the Office of Foreign Asset Control and a complete and thorough review of all new opening account applications. The Fund will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAX STATUS
The Fund intends to qualify annually as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") and intends to take all other action required to ensure that little or no federal income or excise taxes will be payable by the Fund. As a result, the Fund generally will seek to distribute to its shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gain in one or more distributions for each fiscal year (after utilization of any available capital loss carryovers). If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code, its income will be subject to federal income tax, and dividends paid to shareholders will continue to be subject to federal income tax.
The Code generally imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on a regulated investment company, such as the Fund, if it does not distribute to its shareholders during the calendar year an amount equal to 98% of the Fund's net investment income, with certain adjustments, for such calendar year, plus 98.2% of the Fund's capital gains (if any) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year. In addition, an amount equal to any undistributed net investment income or capital gains from the previous calendar year also must be distributed to avoid the excise tax. The excise tax is imposed on the amount by which the Fund does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements. The Fund intends to make distributions necessary to avoid imposition of the excise tax.
For federal income tax purposes, dividends and distributions by the Fund, whether received in cash or invested in additional shares of the Fund, will be taxable to the Fund's shareholders, except those shareholders that are not subject to tax on their income. Net realized long-term gains are paid to shareholders as capital gain distributions. Income distributed from the Fund's net investment income and net realized short-term gains are paid to shareholders as ordinary income dividends. Distributions may be taxable at different rates depending on the length of time the Fund holds a security. Distributions generally will be made in June and December of each year. The Fund will provide information to shareholders concerning the character and federal tax treatment of all dividends and distributions.
Dividends paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will not qualify for any dividends received exclusion; however, corporate shareholders will be eligible for a dividends received deduction, subject to a reduction for various reasons, including the fact that the total dividends received from domestic corporations in any one year are less than 100% of the Fund's gross income.
At the time of purchase of Fund shares, the Fund may have undistributed income or capital gains included in the computation of the NAV. Therefore, a dividend or capital gain distribution received shortly after such purchase by a shareholder may be taxable to the shareholder, although it is, in whole or in part, a return of capital and may have the effect of reducing the NAV.
Under the Code, dividends declared by the Fund to shareholders of record in December of any year will be deemed to have been received by (and will be taxable to) shareholders as of the record date, provided the dividend is actually paid by the Fund before February 1 of the following year.
The foregoing tax discussion relates to federal income taxes only and is not intended to be a complete discussion of all federal tax consequences. You should consult with a tax adviser concerning the federal, state and local tax aspects of an investment in the Fund.
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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The Adviser decides which securities to buy for the Fund and when to sell them. It also selects the broker or dealer who places the Fund's investment business and negotiates their commissions. The Adviser selects a broker or dealer to execute a portfolio transaction on the basis that such broker or dealer will execute the order as promptly and efficiently as possible, subject to the overriding policy of the Fund. This policy is to obtain the best market price and reasonable execution for all its transactions, giving due consideration to such factors as reliability of execution and the value of research, statistical and price quotation services provided by such broker or dealer. The research services provided by brokers consist of recommendations to purchase or sell specific securities, the rendering of advice regarding events involving specific companies and events and current conditions in specific industries, and the rendering of advice regarding general economic conditions affecting the stock market and the economy. The Fund and the Adviser are not affiliated with any broker or dealer.
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are frequently placed, without any agreement or undertaking to do so, with brokers and dealers who provide the Adviser with such brokerage and research services. Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 28(e)") permits the Adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause the Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in recognition of the value of the brokerage and research service provided by the broker or dealer. Brokerage and research services include (i) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (ii) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; and (iii) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto. Such commissions may be less than, equal to or exceed the amount another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction.
The Adviser believes it is important to its investment decision-making process to have access to independent research. The Adviser understands that since the brokers and dealers rendering such services are compensated through commissions, such services would be unilaterally reduced or eliminated by the brokers and dealers if none of the Fund's transactions were placed through them. While these services have value which cannot be measured in dollars, the Adviser believes such services do not reduce the Fund's or the Adviser's expenses. Higher commissions may be paid by the Fund, provided (i) the Adviser determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the services in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which it exercises investment discretion; (ii) such payment is made in compliance with the provisions of Section 28(e) and other applicable state and federal law; and (iii) in the Adviser's opinion, the total commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long term.
In instances where the Adviser determines that the supplemental research and statistical services are of significant value, the Adviser may place the Fund's transactions with brokers or dealers who may charge a higher commission than other brokers or dealers may have charged for the same transaction. The Adviser utilizes research and other information obtained from brokers and dealers in managing its other client accounts. On the other hand, the Adviser obtains research and information from brokers and dealers who transact trades for the Adviser's other client accounts, which is also utilized by the Adviser in managing the Fund's portfolio.
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The following table shows the dollar amount of brokerage commissions paid to firms by the Fund for certain research services provided and the approximate dollar amount of the transactions involved for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.
Amount of Commissions | ||||
Paid to Firms that | ||||
Provided | Amount of Brokerage | |||
Research Services (1) | Transactions Involved (1) | |||
The Fund | $ | 407,025 | $ | 550,866,114 |
(1) |
The provision of such research services was not the only factor considered in the placement of all noted business with such firms. In addition, the amounts disclosed do not include commissions paid to firms who provided unsolicited research services as well as research customarily provided by brokerage firms in the normal course of business. |
The Adviser does not specifically negotiate commissions and charges with a broker or dealer in advance of each transaction. The approximate brokerage discount and charges are, however, generally known to the Adviser prior to effecting the transaction. In determining the overall reasonableness of the commissions paid, the Adviser compares the commission rates to those it pays on transactions for its other client accounts and to the rates generally charged in the industry to institutional investors such as the Fund. The commissions also are considered in view of the value of the research, statistical and price quotations services, if any, rendered by the broker or dealer through whom a transaction is placed.
The Adviser may effect portfolio transactions with brokers or dealers who recommended the purchase of the Fund's shares. The Adviser may not allocate brokerage on the basis of recommendations to purchase shares of the Fund.
Over-the-counter market purchases and sales are generally transacted directly with principal market makers, who retain the difference between their cost in a security and its selling price. In some circumstances where, in the opinion of the Adviser, better prices and executions are available elsewhere, the transactions are placed through brokers who are paid commissions directly.
The Fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions of approximately $586,052, $579,375 and $860,798 in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Brokerage commissions paid may vary significantly from year to year because of portfolio turnover rates, shareholder, broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary purchase and redemption activity, varying market conditions, changes to investment processes, and other factors.
The Adviser, which is the investment adviser to four registered investment companies (including the Fund) and other advisory clients (collectively, "client accounts"), may occasionally make investment decisions which would involve the purchase or sale of securities for the portfolios of more than one client account at the same time. As a result, the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold may increase, and this could have an adverse effect on the price of those securities and/or the size of the position obtained or disposed of by the client accounts. It is the Adviser's policy not to favor one client account over another in making investment recommendations or in placing orders.
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The Adviser has adopted procedures that provide generally for the Adviser to aggregate (or "bunch") orders for more than one client account. An aggregated order occurs when the Adviser enters a single order for the purchase or sale of a single security on behalf of more than one client account. The Adviser may aggregate orders when it deems it to be appropriate and in the best interests of the client accounts. Pursuant to the Adviser's trade allocation procedures, client accounts will participate in any aggregated order for a security at the average share price on any given date for all of the Adviser's transactions in that security on behalf of those clients participating in the aggregated order, with transaction costs shared pro rata based on participation. When an aggregated order is only partially filled, the securities purchased generally will be allocated on a pro rata basis to each client account participating in the aggregated order based upon the initial amount requested for the account (subject to certain exceptions) and each participating account will participate at the average share price for the aggregated order on the same business day. Because a pro rata allocation may not always adequately accommodate all facts and circumstances, the trade allocation procedures allow the allocation of securities on a basis other than pro rata. For example, adjustments may be made to eliminate de minimis positions, to give priority to accounts with specialized investment policies and objectives or to consider the unique characteristics of certain accounts (e.g., available cash, industry or issuer concentration, duration or credit exposure).
The Adviser also has adopted procedures governing the allocation of securities issued in initial public offerings ("IPOs") which provide that all portfolio managers for the Adviser's client accounts shall be informed of any opportunity to acquire IPO securities which is presented to or which becomes available to the Adviser or any of its clients. Each client's portfolio manager shall assess whether or not the acquisition of IPO securities is appropriate for, and in the best interests of, his client, based upon multiple factors, including but not limited to the following: (i) the investment objective of the client; (ii) risk tolerance of the client; (iii) market capitalization of the IPO issuer; (iv) nature of the IPO issuer's business and industry; (v) current composition of the client's portfolio (including cash position); and (vi) preference of the portfolio manager for IPO investment opportunities. The IPO procedures provide that a written allocation statement shall be prepared prior to the Adviser submitting an order for IPO securities which identifies the client accounts to participate, the extent of such participation and the basis for allocation among the participating clients in the event the IPO order is partially filled. The allocation in the event of a partial order fill may be based upon a number of factors including but not limited to those specified as factors to be considered in assessing whether or not a client will invest in IPO securities. The procedures provide that any deviation from the initial allocation statement shall be approved by David O. Nicholas and the Adviser's compliance officer.
The Adviser's procedures for allocation of IPO investment opportunities are designed to ensure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably. However, the procedures do not mandate allocation of IPO investment opportunities among its clients in equal amounts or pro rata based upon the size of the client account's assets. Adviser clients whose accounts are actively traded, have high portfolio turnover rates or invest heavily in all types of IPOs and secondary offerings may receive a greater percentage of IPO allocations than other client accounts without such characteristics.
PERFORMANCE DATA
The average annual total return of the Fund is calculated according to the following formula:
P(1+T)n = ERV
where P equals a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000; T equals average annual total return; n equals the number of years; and ERV equals the ending redeemable value at the end of the period of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period.
Average annual total return, or "T" in the above formula, is computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the period that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value. Average annual total return assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
The average annual total return (after taxes on distributions) of the Fund is computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the periods that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending value, according to the following formula:
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P(1+T)n=ATVD
where "P" equals a hypothetical initial payment of $1000; "T" equals average annual total return (after taxes on distributions; "n" equals the number of years; and "ATVD" equals the ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the beginning of the stated periods at the end of the stated periods, after taxes on Fund distributions but not after taxes on redemptions.
The average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares) of the Fund is computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the periods that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending value, according to the following formula:
P(1+T)n=ATVDR
where "P" equals a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000; "T" equals average annual total return (after taxes on distributions; "n" equals the number of years; and "ATVDR" equals ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the beginning of the stated periods at the end of the stated periods, after taxes on Fund distributions and redemptions.
After-tax returns for the Fund are calculated using historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. In certain cases, the figure representing "Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares" may be higher than the other return figures of the same period. A higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor. Your actual after-tax returns depend on you tax situation and may differ from those shown. If you own Fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account ("IRA"), this information may not apply to your investment.
Cumulative total return represents the simple change in value of an investment over a stated period and may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount. Total returns may be broken down into their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship between these factors and their contributions to total return.
The Fund's performance data represents past performance and is not intended to predict or indicate future results. The return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, and an investor's redemption proceeds may be more or less than the original investment amount.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Nicholas Fund, Inc. is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.50 per share.
Each full share has one vote and all shares participate equally in dividends and other distributions by the Fund when and as declared by the Board, and in the residual assets of the Fund in the event of liquidation. There are no conversion or sinking fund provisions applicable to shares and shareholders have no preemptive, rights and may not cumulate their votes in the election of directors. The Fund’s shares, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable.
STOCK CERTIFICATES
Share ownership is recorded electronically. Accordingly, the Fund will not issue certificates evidencing shares purchased. A shareholder's account will be credited with the number of shares purchased, relieving shareholders of responsibility for safekeeping of certificates and the need to deliver them upon redemption. Written confirmations are issued for all purchases of shares. For shareholders who currently hold certificates, they may deliver certificates to the Fund's transfer agent, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC ("U.S. Bancorp"), and direct that their account be credited with the shares.
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ANNUAL MEETING
Under the laws of the State of Maryland, registered investment companies, such as the Fund, may operate without an annual meeting of shareholders under specified circumstances if an annual meeting is not required by the 1940 Act. The Fund has adopted the appropriate provisions in its Articles of Incorporation and will not hold annual meetings of shareholders unless otherwise required to do so.
In the event the Fund is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders to elect directors, the Board of Directors of the Fund will promptly call a meeting of shareholders of the Fund for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any director when requested in writing to do so by the record holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Fund. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares, cast in person or by proxy at a meeting called for such purpose, is required to remove a director of the Fund. The Fund will assist shareholders in communicating with each other for this purpose pursuant to the requirements of Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act.
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
Shareholders will be provided at least semiannually with a report showing the Fund's portfolio and other information. After the close of the Fund's fiscal year, which ends March 31, an annual report containing financial statements audited by the Fund's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, will be sent to shareholders.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
U.S. Bank N.A. ("U.S. Bank") acts as Custodian of the Fund. U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, acts as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent of the Fund. As custodian, U.S. Bank holds all securities and cash of the Fund, delivers and receives payment for securities sold, receives and pays for securities purchased, collects income from investments and performs other duties, all as directed by the officers of the Fund. U.S. Bank and U.S. Bancorp do not exercise any supervisory function over the management of the Fund, the purchase or sale of securities or the payment of distributions to shareholders.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM AND LEGAL COUNSEL
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 555 East Wells Street, Suite 1400, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, served as the Fund's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, counsel for the Fund, has passed upon the legality of the shares of the Fund being offered by this Prospectus.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The schedule of investments, the financial statements, the financial highlights and notes thereto and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm contained in the Annual Report of the Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, which have been filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30e-1 of the 1940 Act, are incorporated herein by reference. You may obtain a free copy of the Annual or Semiannual Report by writing or calling the Fund or view a copy on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
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NICHOLAS FUND, INC.
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
(a) | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were previously filed with the Registration | |
Statement on Form N1-A (File No. 002-30447) with the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment | ||
No. 25, as filed with the Commission on July 2, 1979 and are incorporated herein by reference. | ||
(b) | Amended and Restated Bylaws were previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form | |
N1-A (File No. 002-30447) with the Registrant's Post- Effective Amendment No. 35, as filed with | ||
the Commission on July 27, 1988 and are incorporated herein by reference. | ||
(c) | Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders is incorporated herein by reference to | |
Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation which were filed with the | ||
Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 25, as filed with the Commission on July 2, 1979. | ||
(d) | Amended Investment Advisory Agreement dated July 17, 1985 was previously filed with the | |
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-30447) with the Registrant's Post-Effective | ||
Amendment No. 32, filed with the Commission on May 24, 1985 and is incorporated herein by | ||
reference. | ||
(e) | Distribution Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2005, among Quasar Distributors, LLC, Nicholas | |
Company, Inc. and each fund in the Nicholas fund complex, including Nicholas Fund, Inc. was | ||
previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-30447) on July 28, | ||
2006 and is incorporated herein by reference and Amendment thereto is filed herewith | ||
(f) | Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts is not applicable. | |
(g) | Amended Custodian Agreement was previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form N- | |
1A (File No. 002-30447) on July 30, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
(h) | Other Material Contracts | |
(i) | Powers of Attorney for Messrs. Hauser, Nicholas and Robertson were previously filed | |
with the Registration Statement on Form N1-A (File No. 002-30447) on July 31, 2017 | ||
and are incorporated herein by reference. | ||
(ii) | Powers of Attorney for Mr. Pelisek is filed herewith. | |
(i) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel is filed herewith. | |
(j) | Consents of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith. | |
(k) | Omitted Financial Statements is not applicable. | |
(l) | Agreement Relating to Initial Capital is not applicable. | |
(m) | Rule 12b-1 Plan is not applicable. | |
(n) | Rule 18f-3 Plan is not applicable. | |
(o) | Reserved. | |
(p) | Code of Ethics | |
(i) | Amended Code of Ethics for Registrant was previously filed with the Registration | |
Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-30447) on July 31, 2017 and are incorporated | ||
herein by reference. |
(ii) | Amended Code of Ethics for Nicholas Company, Inc. was previously filed with the | |
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-30447) on July 31, 2017 and are | ||
incorporated herein by reference. |
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund.
No person is directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with the Registrant. The Registrant, Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc., Nicholas II, Inc., Nicholas High Income Fund, Inc., and Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc., which are all Maryland corporations, share a common investment adviser, Nicholas Company, Inc.; however, each such fund has a separate Board of Directors responsible for supervising the investment and business management services provided by the Adviser.
Item 30. Indemnification.
Article XIII of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant provides for the indemnification of its officers and director against liabilities incurred in such capacities to the fullest extent permitted under Maryland General Business Corporation Law and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Investment Company Act"). However, Section 7 of the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant provide that the Registrant may not indemnify any officer or director with respect to matters as to which such person has been adjudged liable because of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
The Registrant maintains a joint errors and omissions insurance policy with a $10.0 million limit of liability under which the Registrant, the Adviser and the other funds advised by the Adviser, and each of their respective directors and officers, are named insureds. The investment adviser to the Registrant, Nicholas Company, Inc., has, by resolution of its Board of Directors, agreed to indemnify Registrant's officers, directors and employees to the extent of any deductible or retention amount required under insurance policies providing coverage to such persons in connection with liabilities incurred by them in such capacities.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Indemnification of the Registrant's underwriter, Quasar Distributors, LLC is provided for in the Distribution Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2005, among Quasar Distributors, LLC, Nicholas Company, Inc. and each fund in the Nicholas fund complex, including Nicholas Fund, Inc., for certain losses incurred by Quasar Distributor, LLC arising in connection with services provided under the Distribution Agreement.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser.
The information required by this Item 31 with respect to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in during the past two fiscal years by the Registrant's investment adviser, Nicholas Company, Inc., and each director and officer of Nicholas Company, Inc. is incorporated by reference to the Adviser's Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), dated January 28, 2020. The Adviser's Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter.
The Registrant's distributor, Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor"), acts as principal underwriter and distributor for the following investment companies:
1919 Funds | Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund | AC One China Fund |
Acquirers Funds | Advisors Asset Management Funds | Aegis Funds |
Akre Funds | Allied Asset Advisors Funds | Alpha Architect Funds |
AlphaClone ETF Fund | AlphaMark ETFs | Altair Funds |
American Trust | Angel Oak Funds | Aptus ETF |
Argent Capital Funds | Barrett Growth Fund | Barrett Opportunity Fund |
Becker Value Equity Fund | BMT Investment Funds | Bogle Investment Management |
Boston Common Funds | Boston Partners Funds | Bramshill Funds |
Bridges Investment Fund, Inc. | Bright Rock Funds | Brookfield Investment Funds |
Buffalo Funds | Campbell Funds | CAN SLIM Select Growth Fund |
Capital Advisors Funds | CBOE Vest Financial ETFs | CG Funds Trust |
Change Finance, Inc. | Chase Funds | ClearShares ETF |
Coho Partners | Coldstream Funds | Congress Funds |
Convergence Funds | Cove Street Capital Funds | CrossingBridge Funds |
Cushing ETFs | Cushing Mutual Funds | Davidson Funds |
Dearborn Funds | Defiance Global ETFs | Distillate Capital ETF |
DoubleLine Funds | Edgar Lomax Value Fund | Equable Shares |
Equbot ETF | Evercore Equity Fund | Evermore Global Investors Trust |
Exponential ETFs | Fiera Capital Funds | First American Funds, Inc. |
First State Investments Funds | Fort Pitt Capital Funds | Fulcrum Funds |
FundX Funds | Gerstein Fisher Funds | Glenmede Fund, Inc. |
Glenmede Portfolios | GoodHaven Funds | Great Lakes Funds |
Green Square | Greenspring Fund | Harding Loevner Funds |
Heitman Funds | Hennessy Funds Trust | Hodges Mutual Funds |
Hood River Funds | Horizon Investment Funds | Hotchkis & Wiley Funds |
Hoya ETFs | Huber Funds | iM Global Partner Funds |
Infinity Q Funds | Intrepid Capital Management | Jackson Square Partners |
Jacob Funds, Inc. | Jensen Funds | Kirr Marbach Partners Funds, Inc |
Lawson Kroeker Funds | LHA Funds | LKCM Funds |
LoCorr Investment Trust | Logan Capital Funds | Loncar ETFs |
MainGate MLP Funds | Marketfield Fund | Marmont Funds |
Matrix Asset Advisors, Inc. | Matson Money Funds | M-CAM ETFs |
MD Sass | Miller Value Funds | Monetta Trust |
Morgan Dempsey Funds | Motley Fool | Muhlenkamp Fund |
Muzinich Funds | Nationwide Funds | NETLease Corporate Real Estate ETF |
Nicholas Funds | North Capital Funds | Nuance Funds |
Oakhurst Funds | Orinda Funds | O'Shaughnessy Funds |
Osterweis Funds | Otter Creek Funds | Palm Valley Funds |
Pemberwick Funds | Pension Partners Funds | Permanent Portfolio Funds |
Perritt Funds, Inc. | PIA Funds | Poplar Forest Funds |
Port Street Funds | Premise Capital ETFs | Primecap Odyssey Funds |
ProcureAM ETFs | Prospector Funds | Provident Mutual Funds, Inc. |
Pzena Funds | Rareview Funds | RBC Funds Trust |
RBC Funds Trust | Reinhart Funds | Rockefeller Funds |
RYZZ ETF | Scharf Funds | Schneider Funds |
Securian AM Funds | Semper Funds | Shenkman Funds |
SL Advisors ETF | Smith Group Funds | Snow Capital Family of Funds |
Soundwatch Fund | Spyglass Funds | StrongVest |
Summit Global Funds | Thomas White Funds | Thompson IM Funds, Inc. |
Tiedemann Funds | TigerShares Trust | TorrayResolute Funds |
Continued. |
Tortoise Funds | Trillium Funds | TrimTabs ETF |
Tygh Capital Management | US Global ETFs | USCA Shield Fund |
USQ Funds | Validea Funds | Vert Global REITs |
Vident Funds | Villere & Co. | Volshares Large Cap ETF |
Wahed ETF | Wasmer Schroeder Funds | Weiss Multi-Strategy Funds |
Wisconsin Capital Funds, Inc. | YCG Funds | Zevenbergen Capital Investments Funds |
1919 Funds | Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund | AC One China Fund |
Acquirers Funds | Advisors Asset Management Funds | Aegis Funds |
Akre Funds | Allied Asset Advisors Funds | Alpha Architect Funds |
AlphaClone ETF Fund | AlphaMark ETFs | Altair Funds |
American Trust | Angel Oak Funds | Aptus ETF |
Argent Capital Funds | Barrett Growth Fund | Barrett Opportunity Fund |
The board members and officers of Quasar Distributors, LLC and their positions or offices with the Registrant are identified in the following table. Unless otherwise noted, the business address for each board member or officer is Quasar Distributors, LLC, 111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
POSITION AND OFFICES WITH | POSITION AND OFFICES WITH | |
NAME | UNDERWRITER | REGISTRANT |
Richard J. Berthy* | President, Treasurer & Manager | None |
Teresa M.K. Cowan | Vice President | None |
Mark A. Fairbanks* | Vice President | None |
Jennifer K. DiValerio** | Vice President | None |
Jennifer E. Hoopes* | Secretary | None |
Susan L. La Fond | Chief Compliance Officer – | None |
Distribution Services | ||
Jennifer A. Bruner | Chief Compliance Officer – Dealer | None |
Clearing Services | ||
Weston Sommers* | Financial Operations Principal | None |
* |
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
** |
899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 |
During the Funds' most recent fiscal year, the Distributor did not receive any net underwriting discounts or commissions, compensation on redemptions and repurchases, brokerage commissions or other compensation from the Fund.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
The books and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are maintained at the following locations:
Records Relating to: Registrant's Transfer Agent |
Are located at: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC 615 East Michigan Street, 3rd Floor Milwaukee, WI 53202 |
Registrant's Custodian |
U.S. Bank, National Association 1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302 Milwaukee, WI 53212 |
Registrant's Investment Adviser |
Nicholas Company, Inc. 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2100 Milwaukee, WI 53202 |
Item 34. Management Services Not Discussed in Parts A and B.
Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings.
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, each as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of the Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed below on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, on the 30th day of July, 2020.
Nicholas Fund, Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Jennifer R. Kloehn | |
Jennifer R. Kloehn | ||
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and | ||
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 30th day of July, 2020.
/s/ | David O. Nicholas* | President (Chief Executive | |
David O. Nicholas | Officer), and Director | ||
/s/ | John A. Hauser* | Director | |
John A. Hauser | |||
/s/ | David P. Pelisek* | Director | |
David P. Pelisek | |||
/s/ | Jay H. Robertson* | Director | |
Jay H. Robertson | |||
* By: | /s/ Jennifer R. Kloehn | ||
Jennifer R. Kloehn, | |||
Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to | |||
Power of Attorney previously filed | |||
or filed herewith. |
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is by and between Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), Nicholas Fund, Inc., Nicholas II, Inc., Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc., Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc., and Nicholas High Income Fund, Inc. (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and Nicholas Company, Inc. (“Adviser”).
WHEREAS, all of the equity interests of the Distributor are being sold to Foreside Financial Group, LLC in a transaction (the “Transaction”) that is expected to close on or about March 31, 2020 (the “Closing Date”).
Effective as of the Closing Date, the Funds, the Adviser and the Distributor hereby enter into this Agreement on terms identical to those of the Distribution Agreement between the parties effective as of May 1, 2005, as amended (the “Existing Agreement”), which are incorporated herein by reference, except as noted below. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings given to them in the Existing Agreement.
Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall continue for an initial one year term and thereafter shall be renewed for successive one-year terms, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Funds' board of directors or (ii) by a vote of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 Act, as amended ("1940 Act") and Rule 18f-2 thereunder) of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the directors who are not parties to this Agreement and who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable without penalty, on at least sixty (60) days' written notice, by the Funds' board of directors, by vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-2 thereunder) of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, or by Distributor. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to one or more Funds, or with respect to the entire Fund Company. This Agreement will also terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be effective as of the Closing Date of the Transaction.
QUASAR DISTRIBUTORS, LLC Nicholas Fund, Inc.,
Nicholas II, Inc.,
Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc.,
Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc.,
and Nicholas High Income Fund, Inc.
By: /s/ Richard J. Berthy By: /s/ Jennifer R. Kloehn
Richard J. Berthy, President Jennifer R. Kloehn, Senior Vice President & Treasurer
Nicholas Company, Inc.
By: /s/ Lawrence J. Pavelec
Lawrence J. Pavelec, Executive Vice President & Secretary
NICHOLAS FUND, INC.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Nicholas Fund, Inc. constitutes and appoints Jennifer R. Kloehn, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and in his name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the Form N-1A Registration Statement of Nicholas Fund, Inc., and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state of the United States, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Date: January 22, 2020 /s/ David P. Pelisek
David P. Pelisek
July 30, 2020
VIA EDGAR
Nicholas Fund, Inc.
411 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Nicholas Fund, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland (the “Corporation”), in connection with the preparation and filing of a registration statement on Form N-1A and amendments thereto (the “Registration Statement”), relating to the registration of shares of common stock of the Corporation (“Shares”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
As counsel for the Corporation, we are familiar with the proceedings taken by it in connection with the authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares in the manner referred to in the Registration Statement. In addition, we have examined and are familiar with the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”), the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), and such other documents as we have deemed relevant to the matters referred to in this opinion.
We have also assumed the following for purposes of this opinion:
1. The Corporation is duly organized and validly existing under Maryland law.
2. The Shares have been, or will be, issued in accordance with the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
3. The Shares have been, or will be, issued against consideration therefor as described in the Corporation’s prospectus relating thereto, and such consideration was, or will have been, in each case at least equal to the applicable net asset value and the applicable par value.
4. The number of outstanding Shares has not and will not exceed the number of Shares authorized.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
A. The Corporation is authorized to issue up to two hundred million (200,000,000) Shares, including those shares currently issued and outstanding.
790 North Water Street, Suite 2500 | Milwaukee, WI 53202 | T 414.271.6560 | F 414.277.0656 michaelbest.com
Nicholas Fund, Inc.
July 30, 2020
Page 2
B. The Shares to be offered for sale pursuant to the Registration Statement, upon issuance and sale in the manner described in the Registration Statement, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable Shares of the Corporation.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registration Statement, and to the use of our name in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, however, we do not admit that we are "experts" within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act, or within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of said Act.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
/S/ Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
070408-0004\28648220.v1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to Registration Statement No. 002-30447 on Form N-1A of our report dated May 29, 2020, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Nicholas Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), appearing in the Annual Report on Form N-CSR of the Fund for the year ended March 31, 2020, and to the references to us under the headings “Financial Highlights” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Prospectus and “Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings”, “Shareholder Reports” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Legal Counsel” in the Statement of Additional Information, which are part of such Registration Statement.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
July 29, 2020