N-CSR 1 v133693_n-csr.htm Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-08397

THE MARSICO INVESTMENT FUND

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

1200 17th Street, Suite 1600
Denver, CO 80202
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip code)

Christopher J. Marsico
The Marsico Investment Fund
1200 17th Street, Suite 1600
Denver, CO 80202
(Name and address of agent for service)

Copies to:
Sander M. Bieber, Esq.
Dechert LLP
1775 I Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303)454-5600

Date of fiscal year end: September 30

Date of reporting period: September 30, 2008



Item 1 - Reports to Stockholders.
 












 

OCTOBER 2008


DEAR SHAREHOLDER:

Enclosed is your annual report for The Marsico Investment Fund, encompassing the one-year fiscal period from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008.

The purpose of this report is to provide a retrospective for the Marsico Funds’ one-year investment results by discussing what we believe were the main areas that impacted performance - including the macroeconomic environment, sector and industry positioning, and individual stock selection - as compared to the Funds’ performance benchmark indexes. Certain sector or industry classifications used in the discussion and review portions of the annual report may be broader or narrower than those used in Key Fund Statistics, Fund Overviews, Schedules of Investments, or elsewhere in this report. For our updated commentary regarding the market environment and the Funds’ overall investment postures, please refer to the Funds’ most recent quarterly shareholder update, which is available on the Funds’ website at www.marsicofunds.com.

We also wanted to remind you that on December 14, 2007, the transaction to purchase the Funds’ investment adviser, Marsico Capital Management, LLC, from Bank of America closed successfully, after Marsico Fund shareholders approved the required new investment advisory contract earlier in 2007. Marsico Capital Management is now an independent, employee-owned firm. Marsico Capital Management continues to provide the same investment advisory services to the Funds that it did prior to the transaction.

The one-year fiscal period ended September 30, 2008 was an exceedingly challenging period of time for equity markets. The severity of market events and poor equity market performance of the past 12 months - and continuing during October 2008 - has been very unsettling. A seemingly endless number of events unfolded over the course of the year, rocking financial markets worldwide. Numerous policy responses by US and foreign governments and central banks around the world have been recently announced to help address the financial market crisis. We anticipate more stimulus measures are forthcoming. While it may take some time for these initiatives to have their intended effect, we want to assure you that we are doing our best to position the Funds to weather these trying times and be poised to benefit when an equity market recovery takes place.

We would like to express gratitude to our shareholders for their support and for including the Marsico Funds in their investment program.

2

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


KEY FUND STATISTICS
4
   
MARKET ENVIRONMENT
7
   
MARSICO FOCUS FUND
 
Investment Review
9
Fund Overview
12
Schedule of Investments
13
Financial Statements
14-16
MARSICO GROWTH FUND
 
Investment Review
9
Fund Overview
17
Schedule of Investments
18
Financial Statements
20-22
MARSICO 21st CENTURY FUND
 
Investment Review
23
Fund Overview
25
Schedule of Investments
26
Financial Statements
28-30
MARSICO INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
 
Investment Review
31
Fund Overview
33
Schedule of Investments
34
Financial Statements
36-38
MARSICO FLEXIBLE CAPITAL FUND
 
Investment Review
39
Fund Overview
41
Schedule of Investments
42
Financial Statements
43-45
MARSICO GLOBAL FUND
 
Investment Review
46
Fund Overview
48
Schedule of Investments
49
Financial Statements
51-53
   
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
54
   
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
62
   
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
63
   
OTHER INFORMATION
65
   
TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION
66
 
3



KEY FUND STATISTICS (UNAUDITED)



For additional disclosures about the Marsico Funds, please see page 6. The performance data quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

4




Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888.860.8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com. A redemption fee may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares held for 30 days or less.

5



KEY FUND STATISTICS (UNAUDITED)


*
The Total Annual Operating Expenses and Net Expenses are reflective of the information disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus dated February 1, 2008. The information may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in this report.

The Adviser has entered into a written expense limitation agreement under which it has agreed to limit the total expenses of the Flexible Capital Fund and Global Fund (excluding interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation, brokerage and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.75% of each Fund’s average net assets until December 31, 2008. This fee waiver may be terminated at any time after December 31, 2008. The Adviser may recoup any waived amount from a Fund pursuant to this arrangement if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed existing expense limitations and the reimbursement is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense. Prior to June 1, 2007, the Adviser’s expense limitation agreement relating to the Flexible Capital Fund limited total expenses to an annual rate of 1.60% of average net assets. As a result, the Net Expenses exceed 0.75% for the Flexible Capital Fund.

(1)
The performance data quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com. A redemption fee may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares held for 30 days or less.

For the Flexible Capital Fund and the Global Fund, initial public offerings (“IPOs”) made a significant positive contribution to the Funds’ recent performance. There can be no assurance that similar contributions from IPOs will continue in the future.

The performance included in the table and graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

The performance returns for the 21st Century Fund (for the period prior to March 31, 2004), the International Opportunities Fund (for the period prior to September 30, 2004), the Flexible Capital Fund (for the periods ended September 30, 2008), and the Global Fund (for the periods ended September 30, 2008) reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would be reduced. For the period beginning April 2004 through January 2005, performance returns for the 21st Century Fund would be higher but for the reimbursement of fees waived previously. For the period beginning October 2004 through December 2005, performance returns for the International Opportunities Fund would be higher but for the reimbursement of fees waived previously.

(2)
Sector weightings represent the percentage of the respective Fund’s investments (excluding cash equivalents) in certain general sectors. These sectors may include more than one industry. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.

(3)
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30,1998 for the Focus Fund and Growth Fund and on the inception date of the other Funds. Total returns are based on net change in NAV, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

Inception dates are as follows:
Marsico Focus Fund: December 31, 1997
Marsico Growth Fund: December 31, 1997
Marsico 21st Century Fund: February 1, 2000
Marsico International Opportunities Fund: June 30, 2000
Marsico Flexible Capital Fund: December 29, 2006
Marsico Global Fund: June 29, 2007

6



OCTOBER 2008


MARKET ENVIRONMENT: OCTOBER 2007 - SEPTEMBER 2008 (UNAUDITED)

Equities were buffeted throughout the 12-month period ended September 30, 2008 by concerns regarding decelerating US and global economic growth, credit market turmoil, liquidity shortages, bank and financial institution failures, volatile commodity prices, weakening US employment, and softening consumer discretionary spending. Losses were widespread. Many well-known broad-market global indices posted double-digit negative results, as shown below:

 
Universe of
  12-Month
Index Name
Equities Represented
Total Return
US
  
  
S&P 500
US large-
 
 
capitalization equities
-21.98%
     
Russell 3000
US publicly-traded
 
 
equities of all sizes
-21.52%
     
Russell 2000
US small-
 
 
capitalization equities
-14.48%
     
Russell Mid-Cap
US medium-
 
 
capitalization equities
-22.36%

 
Universe of
  12-Month
Index Name
Equities Represented
Total Return
INTERNATIONAL
  
  
MSCI EAFE
Equities in developed
 
(US$)
international equity markets,
 
 
including Japan, Western
 
 
Europe, and Australasia
-30.50%
     
MSCI Emerging
Equities in developing
 
Markets (US$)
international equity markets,
 
 
including China, India,
 
 
Eastern Europe, and
 
 
Latin America
-33.20%
     
MSCI ACWI
Equities in the global
 
(US$)
developed and
 
 
emerging markets
-26.87%

US LARGE-CAPITALIZATION EQUITIES

US large-cap stocks moved lower during the one-year period ended September 30, 2008. Nine of the 10 S&P 500 Index economic sectors, as defined under the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”), were in negative territory. Financials (-39%), Telecommunication Services (-33%), Industrials (-25%), Information Technology (-23%), Consumer Discretionary (-22%), and Materials (-21%) were the weakest-performing sectors. Utilities (-14%), Energy (-14%), and Health Care (-12%) also experienced sharp declines. Consumer Staples - generally considered to be one of the more “defensive” sectors of the Index - was the sole sector to eke out a positive return of just 0.72%.
 
At an industry level, Financials-related industries were among the poorest-performing groups, including Banks (-47%), Insurance (-44%), Diversified Financials (-37%), and Real Estate (-15%). There were many other notable industry laggards including Automobiles & Components (-41%), Semiconductor & Semiconductor Equipment (-34%), Capital Goods (-30%), Media (-25%), Retailing (-22%), and Commercial & Professional Services (-21%). Only three industries posted modest, positive returns: Household & Personal Products (+3%), Food & Staples Retailing (+1%), and Transportation (+0.50%). Food, Beverage, and Tobacco was down a modest amount (-0.27%). Remaining industries generally experienced losses of between -11% and -20%.

US ALL-CAPITALIZATION EQUITIES

The performance of the broad US equity market, as measured by the Russell 3000 Index which encompasses companies of all sizes, was poor for the one-year period ended September 30, 2008. Weakness in the Russell 3000 Index was widespread and sector-level performance was negative across the board. Financials (-34%) and Telecommunication Services (-34%) were the weakest performing sectors and, similar to the S&P 500 Index, Consumer Staples (-0.73%) was the strongest performing area. The small-capitalization area of the US equity market was comparatively stronger than large- and mid-capitalization equities. This result was striking because small-capitalization equities are generally thought not to perform as well as large-capitalization equities during times of weakening economic conditions. Small-capitalization equities were buoyed to some extent by stronger performance in the Utilities, Energy, and Financials sectors than their respective large-capitalization peers.

7


OCTOBER 2008


MARKET ENVIRONMENT: OCTOBER 2007 - SEPTEMBER 2008 (UNAUDITED) (continued)

INTERNATIONAL EQUITIES

International equities posted dismal results for the one-year period ended September 30, 2008, underperforming their US equity counterparts by a significant margin. There was seemingly “no place to hide.” Sharp declines were experienced across market capitalizations and geographic regions as concerns mounted regarding a slowing global growth outlook and credit crisis. The negative returns experienced in broad-based foreign equity markets was a stark reversal compared to the strong returns experienced in the 12-month period ended September 30, 2007.

There was tremendous volatility in currency movements versus the US dollar during the period. Overall, US-based investors in international equities did not get the benefit of a significant currency “lift” during the 12-month period, as certain currencies including the euro and the pound declined against the dollar.

From a GICS economic sector perspective (using the MSCI EAFE Index as a reference point), performance weakness was widespread. All 10 GICS sectors in the MSCI EAFE Index had negative returns, the weakest being Materials (-38%), Information Technology (-37%), Financials (-37%), Industrials (-35%), and Consumer Discretionary (-33%). Health Care was the best-performing foreign equity sector with a return of -13%. All other sectors were down between -16% and -25%.

At an industry level, weakness was broad-based. Every GICS industry group in the MSCI EAFE Index had a double-digit negative return. The most significant laggards were Diversified Financials (-49%), Semiconductor & Semiconductor Equipment (-47%), Technology Hardware & Equipment (-42%), and Retailing (-42%).

The MSCI EAFE Index’s largest country-level constituents had unfavorable results for the period. The United Kingdom and Japan, which together comprise nearly 44% of the Index, posted returns of -31% and -27%, respectively. Emerging markets tumbled as falling commodity and natural resource prices took their toll. As noted above, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index plummeted more than -33% for the 12 months ended September 30, 2008.


THE MARSICO INVESTMENT TEAM

8



MARSICO FOCUS FUND & MARSICO GROWTH FUND


INVESTMENT REVIEW BY TOM MARSICO (UNAUDITED)

The Focus Fund and the Growth Fund underperformed their primary benchmark index for the one-year fiscal period ended September 30, 2008, generating total returns of -22.69% and -25.14%, respectively. For comparative purposes, the S&P 500 Index - which we consider to be the Funds’ primary benchmark index - had a total return of -21.98% for the period ended September 30, 2008. Please see the Funds’ Overviews for more detailed information about each Fund’s longer-term performance for various periods ended September 30, 2008.

The performance data for the Funds quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com.1

This review highlights Fund performance over a one-year fiscal period. Shareholders should keep in mind that the Funds are intended for long-term investors who hold their shares for substantially longer periods of time. You should also keep in mind that our views on all investments discussed in this report are subject to change at any time. References to specific securities, industries, and sectors discussed in this report are not recommendations to buy or sell such securities or related investments, and the Funds may not necessarily hold these securities or investments today. Please see the accompanying Schedules of Investments for the percentage of each Fund’s portfolio represented by the securities mentioned in this report.

As you know, the Focus Fund and Growth Fund often invest in similar growth companies. Their performance may differ at times, however, because of a variety of factors. Among other factors, the Focus Fund is a non-diversified mutual fund that may invest in a more concentrated portfolio and may hold the securities of fewer issuers than the Growth Fund. As a result, the Focus Fund may hold some securities that are different from those held by the Growth Fund, and may be more exposed to individual stock volatility than the Growth Fund or other mutual funds that invest in a larger number of securities.

FOCUS FUND

There were a number of factors that contributed to the Focus Fund’s underperformance for the one-year period ended September 30, 2008 (as compared with the S&P 500 Index):

Consumer Discretionary: The Fund’s hotel/casino operator holdings declined sharply, including Las Vegas Sands Corp. (-73%), Wynn Resorts Ltd.
(-46%), and MGM MIRAGE (-41% prior to being sold from the Fund). Media position Comcast Corporation - Cl. A. declined -27% and was sold from the Fund.

Health Care: The Fund’s holdings in the Health Care sector had a collective loss of -17% during the reporting period. Pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., Inc. (-34%) and health care services provider UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (-38%) detracted significantly from performance. Both were sold from the Fund during the period. The Fund was further hurt by having less exposure to the Health Care sector than the benchmark index, as Health Care was a comparatively strong-performing sector of the S&P 500 Index with a return of -12%.

Information Technology: Certain Information Technology positions had disappointing results for the reporting period. Apple, Inc. (-47%), Google, Inc. - Cl. A (-24%), MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A (-11%), Microsoft Corporation (-21%), and Intel Corporation (-23%) each had a material, negative effect on the Fund’s fiscal year performance. (Google, Microsoft, and Intel were sold prior to September 30, 2008.)

9


MARSICO FOCUS FUND & MARSICO GROWTH FUND


Consumer Staples: The Fund had little exposure to Consumer Staples during the 12-month period. The Fund would have benefitted by having more exposure to the sector, as Consumer Staples was the sole sector of the S&P 500 Index to post a positive return. The Fund’s underweighted posture, therefore, imposed a significant “opportunity cost” on performance relative to the benchmark. Additionally, the Fund’s return was impaired by its position in retail pharmacy CVS Caremark Corporation (-15%).

Telecommunication Services: The Fund’s holdings in China-based wireless telecommunications company China Mobile Ltd. Spon. ADR and major telecommunications company AT&T, Inc. suffered losses of -35% and -24%, respectively. AT&T was not held in the Fund as of September 30, 2008.

Certain individual positions in various sectors struggled during the period. Financials holding The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (-39%) and Energy position Schlumberger Ltd. (-24%) had a material, negative effect on performance.

There were a few areas of strength for the Focus Fund during the annual period:

Financials: While the Fund’s Financials holdings posted a collective loss of -14% during the reporting period, this return was significantly better than the S&P 500 Index’s sector return of -39%. Banking positions Wells Fargo & Company (+18%), U.S. Bancorp (+24%), and diversified financials company Bank of America Corporation (+49%) experienced solid gains during the period while they were held by the Fund.

Industrials: A number of the Fund’s Industrials holdings fared well, including railroad operators Union Pacific Corporation (+27%) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (+27%).

The Fund’s Energy and Materials holdings, in aggregate, had better returns than the S&P 500 Index Energy and Materials sectors. Brazil-based energy company Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR (+19%) and agricultural materials company Monsanto Company (+16%) helped buoy the Fund’s return. Certain individual positions in other sectors also performed well. Restaurant company McDonald’s Corporation (+19%), financial transactions processor Visa, Inc. - Cl. A (+40%, purchased as an Initial Public Offering), and biotechnology company Genentech, Inc. (+14%) were among the Fund’s strongest performing holdings.

During the period, the Fund reduced its exposure to the Consumer Discretionary, Energy, and Information Technology sectors while increasing its exposure to Industrials and Financials. The Fund’s cash position increased, particularly during the later portion of the 12-month period. As of period-end cash and cash equivalents represented approximately 9% of the Fund’s total net assets. This positioning provided a limited measure of protection in the volatile market and helped preserve capital to some extent.

GROWTH FUND

The Growth Fund shared many of the Focus Fund’s performance attributes for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2008, including:

Health Care: The Fund’s holdings in the Health Care sector dropped -24%, significantly trailing the S&P 500 Index sector return of -12%. UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (-38%), Merck & Co., Inc. (-34%), and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (-59%) each had a material, negative effect on performance results and were sold during the period. The Fund was further penalized by having less exposure to this relatively strong performing sector than its benchmark index.

Consumer Staples: Similar to the Focus Fund, the Growth Fund was hurt by having less exposure, on average, to the strong-performing Consumer Staples sector than the benchmark index. The Fund also held a few positions that sagged during the period. Netherlands-based brewery company Heineken N.V. ADR and retail pharmacy CVS Caremark Corporation declined -38% and -15%, respectively.


10


Consumer Discretionary: The Fund was adversely affected by hotel/casino operator positions. These positions included Las Vegas Sands Corp. (-73%), MGM MIRAGE (-72% prior to being sold), and Wynn Resorts Ltd. (-46%). Media company Comcast Corporation - Cl. A (-26% prior to being sold) also disappointed.

Information Technology: Apple, Inc. (-48%), Google, Inc. - Cl. A (-24%), Microsoft Corporation (-23%), and Intel Corporation (-23%) were among the Fund’s weakest performing individual positions. Google, Microsoft, and Intel were sold during the reporting period.

Like the Focus Fund, certain of the Growth Fund’s individual positions struggled during the period. Financials holding The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (-41%), energy company Schlumberger Ltd. (-25%), and telecommunications companies China Mobile Ltd. Spon. ADR (-39%) and AT&T, Inc. (-31% prior to being sold) had disappointing performance results.

The following factors aided the Fund’s fiscal year performance:

Financials: Like the Focus Fund, the Growth Fund’s Financials holdings fared substantially better than the S&P 500 Index’s sector return of -39%. The Fund’s best performing Financials positions included Wells Fargo & Company (+11%), U.S. Bancorp (+23%), and Bank of America Corporation (+7%).

Industrials: Railroad operators Union Pacific Corporation (+28%) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (+27%) and aerospace/defense company Lockheed Martin Corporation (+3%) were solid performers.

Materials: The Fund’s Materials holdings posted a collective loss of -4%. While the performance was negative, the Fund’s stock selection was significantly better than the benchmark index sector which experienced a loss of -21%. The Fund’s positions in this sector were led by agricultural materials company Monsanto Company (+16%).

There were several individual holdings in various sectors that posted strong returns, including: McDonald’s Corporation (+19%), Petrohawk Energy Corporation (+127% prior to being sold), biotechnology company Genentech, Inc. (+14%), and MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A (+20%).

The Fund increased its exposure to the Financials and Industrials sectors during the 12-month period, while reducing exposure to Consumer Discretionary, Health Care, Telecommunication Services and Information Technology sectors. As of period-end cash and cash equivalents represented approximately 5% of the Fund’s total net assets.

FISCAL PERIOD-END INVESTMENT POSTURE

As of September 30, 2008 the Focus Fund’s and Growth Fund’s primary sector allocations were in Financials, Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, and Information Technology. The Funds had little or no exposure to Utilities.
 
 
Sincerely,

THOMAS F. MARSICO
PORTFOLIO MANAGER 


(1)
Total returns are based on net change in net asset value assuming reinvestment of distributions. A redemption fee of 2% may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less. Please see the Prospectus for more information.

11



MARSICO FOCUS FUND


FUND OVERVIEW September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

The Focus Fund invests primarily in the common stocks of large companies, normally a core position of 20-30 common stocks that are selected for their long-term growth potential.
 

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON


       
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES*
  1.23 %
       
NET ASSETS
     
       
9/30/08
   
$3,430,812,905
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE
       
         
Net Asset Value Per Share
   
$15.43
 
         
TOP FIVE HOLDINGS
       
         
McDonald’s Corporation
   
8.36
%
Lockheed Martin Corporation
   
5.28
 
Genentech, Inc.
   
4.92
 
Union Pacific Corporation
   
4.81
 
Monsanto Company
   
4.08
 

GROWTH OF $10,000(1)



SECTOR ALLOCATION(2)



 
*
The Total Annual Operating Expenses are reflective of the information disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus dated February 1, 2008 and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in this report.

The performance data quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com. A redemption fee may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares held for 30 days or less.

The performance included in the table and graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

(1)
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 1998. Total returns are based on net change in NAV, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

(2)
Sector weightings represent the percentage of the Fund’s investments (excluding cash equivalents) in certain general sectors. These sectors may include more than one industry. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.

12



SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
of
Shares
 
Value
 
Percent
of Net
Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS
             
               
Aerospace/Defense
             
General Dynamics Corporation
   
1,612,124
   
$118,684,569
   
3.46
%
Lockheed Martin Corporation
   
1,653,143
   
181,300,193
   
5.28
 
           
299,984,762
   
8.74
 
Agricultural Chemicals
                   
Monsanto Company
   
1,413,426
   
139,900,905
   
4.08
 
                     
Casino Hotels
                   
Las Vegas Sands Corp.*
   
1,919,644
   
69,318,345
   
2.02
 
Wynn Resorts Ltd.
   
1,467,410
   
119,799,352
   
3.49
 
           
189,117,697
   
5.51
 
Cellular Telecommunications
                   
China Mobile Ltd. Spon. ADR
   
704,748
   
35,293,780
   
1.03
 
                     
Commercial Banks - Non-U.S.
                   
Industrial and Commercial
                   
Bank of China Ltd. - Cl. H
   
201,520,100
   
121,797,676
   
3.55
 
                     
Commercial Services - Finance
                   
MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A
   
602,774
   
106,889,913
   
3.12
 
Visa, Inc. - Cl. A
   
2,081,075
   
127,757,194
   
3.72
 
           
234,647,107
   
6.84
 
Computers
                   
Apple, Inc.*
   
940,234
   
106,866,996
   
3.12
 
             
Finance - Investment Banker/Broker
           
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
   
1,062,649
   
136,019,072
   
3.96
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
   
1,613,639
   
75,356,941
   
2.20
 
           
211,376,013
   
6.16
 
Industrial Gases
                   
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
   
1,027,076
   
70,344,435
   
2.05
 
                     
Medical - Biomedical/Genetic
                   
Genentech, Inc.*
   
1,904,717
   
168,910,304
   
4.92
 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
   
404,689
   
18,445,725
   
0.54
 
           
187,356,029
   
5.46
 
Oil - Field Services
                   
Schlumberger Ltd.
   
697,696
   
54,483,081
   
1.59
 
                     
Oil & Gas Drilling
                   
Transocean, Inc.
   
569,437
   
62,546,960
   
1.82
 
                     
Oil Companies - Integrated
                   
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR
   
1,492,529
   
65,596,650
   
1.91
 
                     
Retail - Building Products
                   
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
   
4,335,365
   
102,704,797
   
2.99
 
                     
Retail - Discount
                   
Target Corporation
   
687,603
   
33,726,927
   
0.98
 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
   
145,706
   
8,726,332
   
0.26
 
            42,453,259     1.24  
Retail - Drug Store
             
CVS Caremark Corporation
   
3,935,624
   
132,473,104
   
3.86
 
                     
Retail - Restaurants
                   
McDonald’s Corporation
   
4,645,368
   
286,619,206
   
8.36
 
                     
Super-Regional Banks - U.S.
                   
Bank of America Corporation
   
3,166,351
   
110,822,285
   
3.23
 
U.S. Bancorp
   
2,883,792
   
103,874,188
   
3.03
 
Wells Fargo & Company
   
3,245,547
   
121,805,379
   
3.55
 
           
336,501,852
   
9.81
 
Transportation - Rail
                   
Norfolk Southern Corporation
   
1,098,254
   
72,715,397
   
2.12
 
Union Pacific Corporation
   
2,319,715
   
165,070,919
   
4.81
 
           
237,786,316
   
6.93
 
Wireless Equipment
                   
QUALCOMM, Inc.
   
712,330
   
30,608,820
   
0.89
 
                     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
                   
(Cost $2,588,628,563)
         
2,948,459,445
   
85.94
 
             
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
           
                     
Federal Home Loan
                   
Bank Discount Note,
                   
0.10%, 10/01/2008
   
14,200,000
   
14,200,000
   
0.41
 
SSgA Money Market
                   
Fund, 2.22%
   
114,562,089
   
114,562,089
   
3.34
 
SSgA Prime
                   
Money Market Fund, 2.41%
   
147,294,114
   
147,294,114
   
4.29
 
SSgA U.S. Government
                   
Money Market Fund, 1.79%
   
1
   
1
   
0.00
 
SSgA U.S. Treasury
                   
Money Market Fund, 0.20%
   
32,816,723
   
32,816,723
   
0.96
 
             
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
           
(Cost $308,872,927)
         
308,872,927
   
9.00
 
                     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $2,897,501,490)
         
3,257,332,372
   
94.94
 
                     
Other Assets Less Liabilities
         
173,480,533
   
5.06
 
                     
NET ASSETS
       
$3,430,812,905
   
100.00
%

*
Non-income producing.
 
See notes to financial statements.

13


MARSICO FOCUS FUND


STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
September 30, 2008
     
       
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
ASSETS
     
Investments, at value (cost $2,897,501)
   
$3,257,332
 
Receivable for investments sold
   
186,937
 
Receivable for capital stock sold
   
3,531
 
Interest and dividends receivable
   
3,964
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
754
 
Total Assets
   
3,452,518
 
         
LIABILITIES
       
Payable for investments purchased
   
8,588
 
Payable for capital stock redeemed
   
8,275
 
Accrued investment advisory fee
   
2,499
 
Accrued distribution fee
   
624
 
Accrued trustees’ fees
   
620
 
Accrued transfer agent fees and expenses
   
567
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
532
 
Total Liabilities
   
21,705
 
NET ASSETS
   
$3,430,813
 
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
       
Paid-in-capital
   
$3,118,487
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
15,432
 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions
   
(62,922
)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations
   
359,816
 
NET ASSETS
   
$3,430,813
 
         
SHARES OUTSTANDING, $0.001 par value
       
(Unlimited shares authorized)
   
222,327
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE, AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE (NET ASSETS/SHARES OUTSTANDING)*
   
$15.43
 
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
     
FOR THE YEAR ENDED September 30, 2008
     
       
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
INVESTMENT INCOME
     
Interest
   
$6,811
 
Dividends (net of $243 of non-reclaimable
       
foreign withholding taxes)
   
63,918
 
Total Investment Income
   
70,729
 
         
EXPENSES
       
Investment advisory fees
   
35,696
 
Distribution fees
   
10,898
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
3,859
 
Printing and postage expenses
   
766
 
Custody and fund accounting fees
   
628
 
Fund administration fees
   
365
 
Miscellaneous
   
201
 
Professional fees
   
191
 
Federal and state registration fees
   
116
 
Trustees’ fees and expenses
   
(70
)(1)
Total Expenses
   
52,650
 
Less expenses paid indirectly
   
(5
)
Net Expenses
   
52,645
 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
18,084
 
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS
       
Net realized gain on investments
   
42,492
 
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
1,701
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations
   
(1,147,336
)
Net Loss on Investments
   
(1,103,143
)
         
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
   
$(1,085,059
)

*
Not in thousands.
(1)
Includes $183,361 for trustees’ fees and expenses and $(253,550) for the unrealized depreciation related to the mark to market of the shares in the Deferred Fee Plan during the year ended September 30, 2008.

See notes to financial statements.

14



STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
         
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Year
Ended
9/30/08
 
Year
Ended
9/30/07
 
OPERATIONS
         
Net investment income (loss)
   
$18,084
   
$(9,832
)
Net realized gain on investments
   
42,492
   
370,444
 
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
1,701
   
52
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations
   
(1,147,336
)
 
622,469
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
(1,085,059
)
 
983,133
 
 
             
DISTRIBUTIONS
             
Net investment income
   
   
(5,110
)
Net realized gains
   
(416,043
)
 
(118,228
)
Total distributions
   
(416,043
)
 
(123,338
)
 
             
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
             
Proceeds from sale of shares
   
1,108,792
   
1,232,491
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions
   
407,742
   
120,538
 
Redemption fees
   
51
   
41
 
Redemption of shares
   
(1,636,332
)
 
(1,777,658
)
Net decrease from capital share transactions
   
(119,747
)
 
(424,588
)
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
   
(1,620,849
)
 
435,207
 
 
             
NET ASSETS
             
Beginning of Period
   
5,051,662
   
4,616,455
 
END OF PERIOD
   
$3,430,813
   
$5,051,662
 
Accumulated net investment income (loss)
   
15,432
   
(940
)
 
             
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
             
Shares sold
   
59,309
   
62,930
 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
   
20,326
   
6,311
 
Shares redeemed
   
(89,520
)
 
(90,816
)
NET DECREASE
   
(9,885
)
 
(21,575
)

See notes to financial statements.

15


MARSICO FOCUS FUND


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                     
For a Fund Share Outstanding
Throughout the Period
 
Year
Ended
9/30/08
 
Year
Ended
9/30/07
 
Year
Ended
9/30/06
 
Year
Ended
9/30/05
 
Year
Ended
9/30/04
 
                       
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
$21.75
   
$18.19
   
$17.45
   
$14.83
   
$13.49
 
 
                               
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
                               
Net investment income (loss)
   
0.08
   
(0.04
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.05
)
Net realized and unrealized
                               
gains (losses) on investments
   
(4.60
)
 
4.09
   
0.76
   
2.65
   
1.39
 
Total from investment operations
   
(4.52
)
 
4.05
   
0.74
   
2.62
   
1.34
 
 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS & OTHER
                               
Net investment income
   
   
(0.02
)
 
   
   
 
Net realized gains
   
(1.80
)
 
(0.47
)
 
   
   
 
Redemption fees [See Note 2(i)]
   
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
Total distributions & other
   
(1.80
)
 
(0.49
)
 
   
   
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
   
$15.43
   
$21.75
   
$18.19
   
$17.45
   
$14.83
 
 
                               
TOTAL RETURN
   
(22.69
)%
 
22.65
%
 
4.24
%
 
17.67
%
 
9.93
%
 
                               
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
                               
Net assets, end of period (000s)
   
$3,430,813
   
$5,051,662
   
$4,616,455
   
$3,740,191
   
$2,895,322
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets before expenses paid indirectly
   
1.21
%
 
1.23
%
 
1.24
%
 
1.25
%
 
1.30
%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets, net expenses paid indirectly
   
0.41
%
 
(0.20
)%
 
(0.13
)%
 
(0.18
)%
 
(0.36
)%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets, before expenses paid indirectly
   
0.41
%
 
(0.21
)%
 
(0.15
)%
 
(0.21
)%
 
(0.40
)%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
78
%
 
69
%
 
80
%
 
84
%
 
84
%

(1)
Less than $0.01.

See notes to financial statements.

16



MARSICO GROWTH FUND

 
FUND OVERVIEW September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

The Growth Fund invests primarily in the common stocks of large companies that are selected for their long-term growth potential. The Growth Fund will normally hold a core position of between 35 and 50 common stocks.
 

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON


 
       
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES*
  1.24 %
       
NET ASSETS
 
 
       
9/30/08
   
$2,097,571,064
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE
       
         
Net Asset Value Per
   
$16.73
 
         
TOP FIVE HOLDINGS
       
         
McDonald’s Corporation
   
6.44
%
Lockheed Martin Corporation
   
5.29
 
Union Pacific Corporation
   
4.88
 
Genentech, Inc.
   
4.19
 
General Dynamics Corporation
   
3.85
 

GROWTH OF $10,000(1)



SECTOR ALLOCATION(2)



 
*
The Total Annual Operating Expenses are reflective of the information disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus dated February 1, 2008 and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in this report.

The performance data quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com. A redemption fee may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less.

The performance included in the table and graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

(1)
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 1998. Total returns are based on net change in NAV, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

(2)
Sector weightings represent the percentage of the Fund’s investments (excluding cash equivalents) in certain general sectors. These sectors may include more than one industry. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.

17



MARSICO GROWTH FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
of
Shares
 
Value
 
Percent
of Net
Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS
             
               
Aerospace/Defense
             
General Dynamics Corporation
   
1,095,705
   
$80,665,802
   
3.85
%
Lockheed Martin Corporation
   
1,011,922
   
110,977,486
   
5.29
 
           
191,643,288
   
9.14
 
Agricultural Chemicals
                   
Monsanto Company
   
793,512
   
78,541,818
   
3.74
 
Potash Corporation
                   
of Saskatchewan, Inc.
   
187,809
   
24,792,666
   
1.18
 
           
103,334,484
   
4.92
 
Athletic Footwear
                   
NIKE, Inc. - Cl. B
   
391,854
   
26,215,033
   
1.25
 
                     
Brewery
                   
Heineken N.V. ADR
   
1,166,355
   
23,198,801
   
1.11
 
                     
Casino Hotels
                   
Las Vegas Sands Corp.*
   
683,777
   
24,691,187
   
1.18
 
Wynn Resorts Ltd.
   
753,897
   
61,548,151
   
2.93
 
           
86,239,338
   
4.11
 
Cellular Telecommunications
                   
América Móvil, S.A.B.
                   
de C.V. ADR Ser. L
   
459,490
   
21,301,956
   
1.01
 
China Mobile Ltd.
   
2,156,500
   
21,603,113
   
1.03
 
           
42,905,069
   
2.04
 
Commercial Banks - Non-U.S.
                   
Industrial and Commercial
                   
Bank of China Ltd. - Cl. H
   
112,478,000
   
67,981,104
   
3.24
 
                     
Commercial Services - Finance
                   
MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A
   
375,748
   
66,631,393
   
3.18
 
Visa, Inc. - Cl. A
   
687,169
   
42,185,305
   
2.01
 
           
108,816,698
   
5.19
 
Computers
                   
Apple, Inc.*
   
577,639
   
65,654,449
   
3.13
 
                     
Energy - Alternate Sources
                   
Vestas Wind Systems A/S*
   
186,603
   
16,287,613
   
0.78
 
             
Finance - Investment Banker/Broker
           
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
   
531,493
   
68,031,104
   
3.24
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
   
997,510
   
46,583,717
   
2.22
 
Morgan Stanley
   
510,460
   
11,740,580
   
0.56
 
           
126,355,401
   
6.02
 
Industrial Gases
                   
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
   
306,946
   
21,022,731
   
1.00
 
Praxair, Inc.
   
648,988
   
46,558,399
   
2.22
 
           
67,581,130
   
3.22
 
Medical - Biomedical/Genetic
                   
Genentech, Inc.*
   
990,110
   
87,802,955
   
4.19
 
                     
Metal Processors & Fabricators
             
Precision Castparts Corp.
   
110,106
   
8,674,151
   
0.41
 
                     
Oil - Field Services
                   
Schlumberger Ltd.
   
428,635
   
33,472,107
   
1.60
 
                     
Oil & Gas Drilling
                   
Transocean, Inc.
   
349,837
   
38,426,096
   
1.83
 
                     
Oil Companies - Integrated
                   
Hess Corporation
   
70,514
   
5,787,789
   
0.28
 
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR
   
932,415
   
40,979,639
   
1.95
 
           
46,767,428
   
2.23
 
Oil Field Machinery & Equipment
                   
Cameron International Corporation*
   
438,643
   
16,905,301
   
0.81
 
                     
Retail - Building Products
                   
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
   
2,257,311
   
53,475,698
   
2.55
 
                     
Retail - Discount
                   
Costco Wholesale Corporation
   
663,017
   
43,049,694
   
2.05
 
Target Corporation
   
428,062
   
20,996,441
   
1.00
 
           
64,046,135
   
3.05
 
Retail - Drug Store
                   
CVS Caremark Corporation
   
1,652,163
   
55,611,807
   
2.65
 
                     
Retail - Restaurants
                   
McDonald’s Corporation
   
2,188,577
   
135,035,201
   
6.44
 
YUM! Brands, Inc.
   
1,861,640
   
60,708,080
   
2.89
 
           
195,743,281
   
9.33
 
Super-Regional Banks - U.S.
                   
Bank of America Corporation
   
1,945,270
   
68,084,450
   
3.25
 
U.S. Bancorp
   
1,312,298
   
47,268,974
   
2.25
 
Wells Fargo & Company
   
1,993,926
   
74,832,043
   
3.57
 
           
190,185,467
   
9.07
 
Transportation - Rail
                   
CSX Corporation
   
221,728
   
12,099,697
   
0.58
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation
   
712,186
   
47,153,835
   
2.25
 
Union Pacific Corporation
   
1,439,424
   
102,429,412
   
4.88
 
           
161,682,944
   
7.71
 
Wireless Equipment
                   
QUALCOMM, Inc.
   
1,097,772
   
47,171,263
   
2.25
 
                     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
                   
(Cost $1,614,892,106)
         
1,926,177,041
   
91.83
 

*
Non-income producing.

See notes to financial statements.

18



SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
of
Shares
 
Value
 
Percent
of Net
Assets
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
         
SSgA Money Market
             
Fund, 2.22%
   
1
   
$1
   
0.00
%
SSgA Prime
                   
Money Market Fund, 2.41%
   
66,958,779
   
66,958,779
   
3.19
 
SSgA U.S. Government
                   
Money Market Fund, 1.79%
   
20,040,120
   
20,040,120
   
0.96
 
SSgA U.S. Treasury
                   
Money Market Fund, 0.20%
   
20,040,119
   
20,040,119
   
0.95
 
             
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
           
(Cost $107,039,019)
         
107,039,019
   
5.10
 
                     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $1,721,931,125)
         
2,033,216,060
   
96.93
 
                     
Other Assets Less Liabilities
         
64,355,004
   
3.07
 
                     
NET ASSETS
         
$2,097,571,064
   
100.00
%

See notes to financial statements.

19



MARSICO GROWTH FUND


STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
ASSETS
     
Investments, at value (cost $1,721,931)
   
$2,033,216
 
Foreign currency (cost $403)
   
403
 
Receivable for investments sold
   
88,451
 
Receivable for capital stock sold
   
2,057
 
Interest and dividends receivable
   
1,622
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
396
 
Total Assets
   
2,126,145
 
         
LIABILITIES
       
Payable for investments purchased
   
20,630
 
Payable for capital stock redeemed
   
4,919
 
Accrued investment advisory fee
   
1,584
 
Accrued distribution fee
   
466
 
Accrued trustees’ fees
   
326
 
Accrued transfer agent fees and expenses
   
279
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
370
 
Total Liabilities
   
28,574
 
 
       
NET ASSETS
   
$2,097,571
 
 
       
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
       
Paid-in-capital
   
$1,934,363
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
8,790
 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions
   
(156,871
)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations
   
311,289
 
NET ASSETS
   
$2,097,571
 
 
       
SHARES OUTSTANDING, $0.001 par value
       
(Unlimited shares authorized)
   
125,396
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE, AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE (NET ASSETS/SHARES OUTSTANDING)*
   
$16.73
 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
     
FOR THE YEAR ENDED September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
INVESTMENT INCOME
     
Interest
   
$2,782
 
Dividends (net of $157 of non-reclaimable
       
foreign withholding taxes)
   
41,177
 
Total Investment Income
   
43,959
 
         
EXPENSES
       
Investment advisory fees
   
23,751
 
Distribution fees
   
6,985
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
2,387
 
Custody and fund accounting fees
   
476
 
Printing and postage expenses
   
405
 
Fund administration fees
   
287
 
Professional fees
   
125
 
Miscellaneous
   
121
 
Federal and state registration fees
   
93
 
Trustees’ fees and expenses
   
(1
)(1)
Total Expenses
   
34,629
 
Less expenses paid indirectly
   
(3
)
Net Expenses
   
34,626
 
         
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
9,333
 
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS
       
Net realized loss on investments
   
(150,107
)
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions
   
(1,278
)
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations
   
(616,090
)
Net Loss on Investments
   
(767,475
)
         
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
   
$(758,142
)

*
Not in thousands.
(1)
Includes $119,919 for trustees’ fees and expenses and $(120,248) for the unrealized depreciation related to the mark to market of the shares in the Deferred Fee Plan during the year ended September 30, 2008.

See notes to financial statements.

20



STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
         
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Year
Ended
9/30/08
 
Year
Ended
9/30/07
 
           
OPERATIONS
         
Net investment income (loss)
   
$9,333
   
$(6,991
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
   
(150,107
)
 
118,821
 
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions
   
(1,278
)
 
21
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
             
on investments and foreign currency translations
   
(616,090
)
 
491,793
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
(758,142
)
 
603,644
 
               
DISTRIBUTIONS
             
Net realized gains
   
(97,785
)
 
 
Total distributions
   
(97,785
)
 
 
 
             
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
             
Proceeds from sale of shares
   
694,634
   
699,062
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions
   
92,101
   
 
Redemption fees
   
125
   
41
 
Redemption of shares
   
(921,266
)
 
(765,484
)
Net decrease from capital share transactions
   
(134,406
)
 
(66,381
)
               
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
   
(990,333
)
 
537,263
 
 
             
NET ASSETS
             
Beginning of period
   
3,087,904
   
2,550,641
 
               
END OF PERIOD
   
$2,097,571
   
$3,087,904
 
Accumulated net investment income (loss)
   
8,790
   
(506
)
               
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
             
Shares sold
   
33,382
   
33,881
 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
   
4,123
   
 
Shares redeemed
   
(45,970
)
 
(37,077
)
               
NET DECREASE
   
(8,465
)
 
(3,196
)

See notes to financial statements.

21



MARSICO GROWTH FUND


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                     
For a Fund Share Outstanding
Throughout the Period
 
Year
Ended
9/30/08
 
Year
Ended
9/30/07
 
Year
Ended
9/30/06
 
Year
Ended
9/30/05
 
Year
Ended
9/30/04
 
                       
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
$23.07
   
$18.61
   
$18.09
   
$15.95
   
$14.09
 
                                 
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
                               
Net investment income (loss)
   
0.07
   
(0.05
)
 
(0.04
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.04
)
Net realized and unrealized
                               
gains (losses) on investments
   
(5.69
)
 
4.51
   
0.56
   
2.16
   
1.90
 
Total from investment operations
   
(5.62
)
 
4.46
   
0.52
   
2.14
   
1.86
 
                                 
DISTRIBUTIONS & OTHER
                               
Net realized gains
   
(0.72
)
 
   
   
   
 
Redemption fees [See Note 2(i)]
   
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
Total distributions & other
   
(0.72
)
 
   
   
   
 
                                 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
   
$16.73
   
$23.07
   
$18.61
   
$18.09
   
$15.95
 
                                 
TOTAL RETURN
   
(25.14
)%
 
23.97
%
 
2.87
%
 
13.42
%
 
13.20
%
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
                               
Net assets, end of period (000s)
   
$2,097,571
   
$3,087,904
   
$2,550,641
   
$2,125,668
   
$1,363,425
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets, before expenses paid indirectly
   
1.24
%
 
1.24
%
 
1.26
%
 
1.26
%
 
1.30
%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets, net of expenses paid indirectly
   
0.33
%
 
(0.25
)%
 
(0.26
)%
 
(0.14
)%
 
(0.34
)%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets, before expenses paid indirectly
   
0.33
%
 
(0.25
)%
 
(0.27
)%
 
(0.16
)%
 
(0.38
)%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
72
%
 
53
%
 
59
%
 
73
%
 
73
%

(1)
Less than $0.01.

See notes to financial statements.

22


MARSICO 21ST CENTURY FUND


INVESTMENT REVIEW BY CORY GILCHRIST (UNAUDITED)

The 21st Century Fund posted a total return of -25.83% for the 12-month fiscal period ended September 30, 2008. The return lagged the S&P 500 Index, which we consider to be the Fund’s primary benchmark index, which had a total return of -21.98%. For comparative purposes, the Russell 3000 Index, a proxy for the performance of all publicly-traded US equity securities including smaller capitalization companies (which may be a useful representation of the Fund’s ability to invest across the entire market capitalization spectrum), had a total return of -21.52%. Please see the Fund Overview for more detailed information about the Fund’s longer-term performance for various time periods ended September 30, 2008.

The performance data for the Fund quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com.1

This review highlights Fund performance over a one-year fiscal period. Shareholders should keep in mind that the Funds are intended for long-term investors who hold their shares for substantially longer periods of time. You should also keep in mind that our views on all investments discussed in this report are subject to change at any time. References to specific securities, industries, and sectors discussed in this report are not recommendations to buy or sell such securities or related investments, and the Fund may not necessarily hold these securities or investments today. Please see the accompanying Schedule of Investments for the percentage of the Fund’s portfolio represented by the securities mentioned in this report.

Several primary factors adversely impacted the 21st Century Fund’s investment results:

Consumer Discretionary: Many of the Fund’s holdings in the Consumer Discretionary sector declined sharply, apparently beset by worries about the potential for a significant slowdown in global economic growth and a deteriorating outlook for US consumer discretionary spending. Hotel/casino operators and retailing positions were the main culprits. These positions included Las Vegas Sands Corp. (-73%), Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (-41% prior to being sold), Saks, Inc. (-46%), Wynn Resorts Ltd. (-46%), Vail Resorts, Inc. (-44%), and MGM MIRAGE (-31% prior to being sold).

Health Care: The Fund’s Health Care positions declined -35%, in aggregate, for the reporting period. This performance result significantly lagged performance of the benchmark index sector, which posted a return of -12%. The Fund’s positions in Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (-60%) and UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (-38% prior to being sold) materially detracted from performance results. The Fund had few investments in the sector during the period. This investment posture presented an “opportunity cost” for the Fund, as the sector fared better than many other areas of the benchmark index.

Industrials: Several of the Fund’s Industrials positions struggled, including energy services company The Shaw Group, Inc. (-56%) and defense company Raytheon Company (-15%).

The Fund’s investments in the Financials sector posted mixed results. Washington Mutual, Inc. and KKR Financial Holdings LLC posted losses of -81% and -28%, respectively, prior to being sold from the Fund. These losses were offset, in part, by solid gains experienced by Wells Fargo & Company (+10%), U.S. Bancorp (+44%), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (+13%), and real estate company The St. Joe Company (+19%) during the period while they were held by the Fund. The Fund’s Financials positions posted a collective return of -15%, significantly outpacing the benchmark index sector return of -39%.

Other areas of strength for the Fund included individual holdings in various sectors such as MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A (+21%), discount retailer Costco Wholesale Corporation (+7%), live music company Live Nation, Inc. (+57%), and Brazil-based energy company Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR (+26%). Throughout the period, the Fund had little exposure to the Telecommunications sector. This proved to be a sound decision, as this sector within the S&P 500 Index posted a loss of -33%.

23


MARSICO 21ST CENTURY FUND


The Fund held an average of 10% in cash and cash equivalents during the 12-month period. The elevated cash level provided a measure of down-side protection. As of September 30, 2008, cash and cash equivalents represented more than 7% of the Fund’s net assets.

During the period, the Fund increased its exposure to Financials and Industrials sectors and reduced its weighting in the Consumer Discretionary, Energy, and Information Technology sectors.

The 21st Century Fund has tended to have a relatively high portfolio turnover level because of its investment style. Although the Fund may hold core positions for some time, it may change its portfolio composition quickly to take advantage of new opportunities, or to address issues affecting particular holdings.

FISCAL PERIOD-END INVESTMENT POSTURE

As of September 30, 2008, the Fund’s primary economic sector allocations were in the following areas: Financials, Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Information Technology. The Fund had little or no exposure to the Telecommunication Services and Utilities sectors.
 
 
Sincerely,

CORYDON J. GILCHRIST, CFA
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
 

(1)
Total returns are based on net change in net asset value assuming reinvestment of distributions. For the period prior to March 31, 2004, the performance returns for the 21st Century Fund reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would have been reduced.For the period beginning April 2004 through January 2005, performance returns for the Fund would have been higher but for the reimbursement of fees waived previously. A redemption fee of 2% may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less. Please see the Prospectus for more information.

24

FUND OVERVIEW September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

The 21st Century Fund invests primarily in common stocks that are selected for their long-term growth potential. The Fund may invest in companies of any size, and will normally hold a core position of between 35 and 50 common stocks.

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON


 
       
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES*   1.33 %
       
NET ASSETS      
   
$1,856,435,140
 
9/30/2008      
       
NET ASSET VALUE
     
       
Net Asset Value Per Share
   
$12.86
 
         
TOP FIVE HOLDINGS
       
         
Costco Wholesale Corporation
   
6.90
%
Wells Fargo Company
   
6.58
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
   
5.68
 
MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A
   
5.62
 
Raytheon Company
   
5.20
 

GROWTH OF $10,000(1) (2)


SECTOR ALLOCATION(3)


 
 
*
The Total Annual Operating Expenses are reflective of the information disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus dated February 1, 2008 and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in this report.

The performance data quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www. marsicofunds.com. A redemption fee may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less.

The performance included in the table and graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

(1)
The performance returns for the 21st Century Fund (for the period prior to March 31, 2004) reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would be reduced. For the period beginning April 2004 through January 2005, performance returns for the 21st Century Fund would be higher but for the reimbursement of fees waived previously.

(2)
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on February 1, 2000 (inception). Total returns are based on net change in NAV, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

(3)
Sector weightings represent the percentage of the Fund’s investments (excluding cash equivalents) in certain general sectors. These sectors may include more than one industry. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.

25


MARSICO 21ST CENTURY FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
     
Percent
 
   
of
     
of Net
 
   
Shares
 
Value
 
Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS
             
 
             
Aerospace/Defense
             
Raytheon Company
   
1,799,473
   
$96,289,800
   
5.20
%
 
                   
Agricultural Chemicals
                   
Monsanto Company
   
563,647
   
55,789,780
   
3.01
 
 
                   
Airlines
                   
Ryanair Holdings PLC Spon. ADR*
   
138,667
   
3,110,301
   
0.17
 
 
                   
Brewery
                   
Heineken Holding N.V.
   
1,344,152
   
52,769,746
   
2.85
 
 
                   
Casino Hotels
                   
Las Vegas Sands Corp.*
   
1,446,143
   
52,220,224
   
2.82
 
Wynn Resorts Ltd.
   
544,438
   
44,447,918
   
2.40
 
           
96,668,142
   
5.22
 
Commercial Banks - U.S.
                   
City National Corporation
   
460,401
   
24,999,774
   
1.35
 
Regions Financial Corporation
   
415,144
   
3,985,382
   
0.21
 
           
28,985,156
   
1.56
 
Commercial Services
                   
Live Nation, Inc.*
   
1,607,982
   
26,161,867
   
1.41
 
                     
Commercial Services - Finance
                   
MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A
   
586,918
   
104,078,169
   
5.62
 
Visa, Inc. - Cl. A
   
758,110
   
46,540,373
   
2.51
 
           
150,618,542
   
8.13
 
Computers
                   
Apple, Inc.*
   
396,524
   
45,068,918
   
2.43
 
                     
E-Commerce/Products
                   
Blue Nile, Inc.*
   
298,764
   
12,808,013
   
0.69
 
                     
Energy - Alternate Sources
                   
Vestas Wind Systems A/S*
   
765,489
   
66,815,583
   
3.60
 
                     
Engineering/R&D Services
                   
AECOM Technology Corporation*
   
967,328
   
23,641,496
   
1.28
 
The Shaw Group, Inc.*
   
964,408
   
29,636,258
   
1.60
 
           
53,277,754
   
2.88
 
Finance - Investment Banker/Broker
           
Duff & Phelps Corporation - Cl. A*
   
835,929
   
17,579,587
   
0.95
 
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
   
182,381
   
23,344,768
   
1.26
 
Jefferies Group, Inc.
   
1,622,982
   
36,354,797
   
1.96
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
   
2,254,495
   
105,284,916
   
5.68
 
           
182,564,068
   
9.85
 
Investment Management/Advisory Services
           
Oaktree Capital Group, LLC -
                   
Cl. A 144a
   
1,711,000
   
47,480,250
   
2.56
 
                     
Medical - Biomedical/Genetic
             
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
   
1,081,871
   
21,875,432
   
1.18
 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
   
398,336
   
18,156,155
   
0.98
 
 
         
40,031,587
   
2.16
 
Medical Information Systems
                   
athenahealth, Inc.*
   
384,541
   
12,793,679
   
0.69
 
 
                   
Medical Instruments
                   
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
   
71,368
   
17,198,261
   
0.93
 
 
                   
Oil Companies - Integrated
                   
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR
   
321,162
   
14,115,070
   
0.76
 
 
                   
Power Conversion/Supply Equipment
           
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.*
   
210,086
   
12,237,510
   
0.66
 
                     
Real Estate Operating/Development
           
The St. Joe Company*
   
1,058,488
   
41,376,296
   
2.23
 
                     
Resorts/Theme Parks
                   
Vail Resorts, Inc.*
   
904,219
   
31,602,454
   
1.71
 
                     
Retail - Apparel/Shoes
                   
J. Crew Group, Inc.*
   
379,398
   
10,839,401
   
0.58
 
                     
Retail - Building Products
                   
The Home Depot, Inc.
   
1,793,230
   
46,426,725
   
2.50
 
                     
Retail - Discount
                   
Costco Wholesale Corporation
   
1,968,929
   
127,842,560
   
6.90
 
                     
Retail - Major Department Store
                   
Saks, Inc.*
   
3,587,711
   
33,186,327
   
1.79
 
                     
Retail - Restaurants
                   
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*
   
121,180
   
6,724,278
   
0.36
 
                     
Savings & Loans/Thrifts
                   
People’s United Financial, Inc.
   
1,520,507
   
29,269,760
   
1.58
 
                     
Super-Regional Banks - U.S.
                   
U.S. Bancorp
   
1,211,071
   
43,622,777
   
2.35
 
Wells Fargo & Company
   
3,249,880
   
121,967,996
   
6.58
 
           
165,590,773
   
8.93
 
Transportation - Rail
                   
America Latina Logistica S.A.
   
1,002,892
   
6,851,435
   
0.37
 
Canadian National Railway Company
   
894,771
   
42,796,897
   
2.31
 
           
49,648,332
   
2.68
 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
                   
(Cost $1,609,667,288)
         
1,557,290,933
   
84.02
 
 
*
Non-income producing.
 
See notes to financial statements.
 
26

 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
 
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
of
 
 
 
of Net
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
 
Assets
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
         
SSgA Money Market Fund,
             
2.22%
   
1,939,924
   
$1,939,924
   
0.11
%
SSgA Prime
                   
Money Market Fund, 2.41%
   
79,777,897
   
79,777,897
   
4.30
 
SSgA U.S. Government
                   
Money Market Fund, 1.79%
   
17,728,422
   
17,728,422
   
0.96
 
SSgA U.S. Treasury
                   
Money Market Fund, 0.20%
   
35,456,843
   
35,456,843
   
1.91
 
                     
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
           
(Cost $134,903,086)
         
134,903,086
   
7.28
 
                     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $1,744,570,374)
         
1,692,194,019
   
91.30
 
                     
Other Assets Less Liabilities
         
161,241,121
   
8.70
 
                     
NET ASSETS
         
$1,853,435,140
   
100.00
%

See notes to financial statements.

27


MARSICO 21ST CENTURY FUND


STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
ASSETS
     
Investments, at value (cost $1,744,570)
   
$1,692,194
 
Receivable for investments sold
   
166,335
 
Receivable for capital stock sold
   
1,474
 
Interest and dividends receivable
   
1,597
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
393
 
Total Assets
   
1,861,993
 
 
       
LIABILITIES
       
Payable for investments purchased
   
34
 
Payable for capital stock redeemed
   
5,366
 
Accrued investment advisory fee
   
1,416
 
Accrued distribution fee
   
787
 
Accrued trustees’ fees
   
307
 
Accrued transfer agent fees and expenses
   
334
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
314
 
Total Liabilities
   
8,558
 
         
NET ASSETS
   
$1,853,435
 
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
       
Paid-in-capital
   
$2,165,940
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
570
 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and
       
foreign currency transactions
   
(260,695
)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
       
and foreign currency translations
   
(52,380
)
NET ASSETS
   
$1,853,435
 
         
SHARES OUTSTANDING, $0.001 par value
       
(Unlimited shares authorized)
   
144,136
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE,
       
AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
       
(NET ASSETS/SHARES OUTSTANDING)*
   
$12.86
 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
     
FOR THE YEAR ENDED September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
 
     
INVESTMENT INCOME
     
Interest
   
$7,577
 
Dividends (net of $480 of non-reclaimable
       
foreign withholding taxes)
   
25,833
 
Total Investment Income
   
33,410
 
 
       
EXPENSES
       
Investment advisory fees
   
20,814
 
Distribution fees
   
6,122
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
3,039
 
Custody and fund accounting fees
   
511
 
Printing and postage expenses
   
477
 
Fund administration fees
   
270
 
Miscellaneous
   
133
 
Professional fees
   
113
 
Federal and state registration fees
   
109
 
Trustees’ fees and expenses
   
(5
)(1)
Total Expenses
   
31,583
 
 
       
Less expenses paid indirectly
   
(3
)
Net Expenses
   
31,580
 
 
       
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
1,830
 
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
       
Net realized loss on investments
   
(260,968
)
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
13,996
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
       
investments and foreign currency translations
   
(465,584
)
Net Loss on Investments
   
(712,556
)
         
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
       
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
   
$(710,726
)

*
Not in thousands.
(1)
Includes $109,658 for trustees’ fees and expenses and $(114,185) for the unrealized depreciation related to the mark to market of the shares in the Deferred Fee Plan during the year ended September 30, 2008.

See notes to financial statements.

28



STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
         
   
Year
 
Year
 
 
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
9/30/08
 
9/30/07
 
           
OPERATIONS
         
Net investment income
   
$1,830
   
$7,337
 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
   
(260,968
)
 
98,375
 
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
13,996
   
2,932
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
             
on investments and foreign currency translations
   
(465,584
)
 
331,390
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
(710,726
)
 
440,034
 
               
DISTRIBUTIONS
             
Net investment income
   
   
(10,724
)
Net realized gains
   
(109,030
)
 
 
Total distributions
   
(109,030
)
 
(10,724
)
               
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
             
Proceeds from sale of shares
   
1,038,877
   
1,550,625
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions
   
105,830
   
10,081
 
Redemption fees
   
172
   
121
 
Redemption of shares
   
(938,814
)
 
(394,470
)
Net increase from capital share transactions
   
206,065
   
1,166,357
 
 
             
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
   
(613,691
)
 
1,595,667
 
 
             
NET ASSETS
             
Beginning of period
   
2,467,126
   
871,459
 
END OF PERIOD
   
$1,853,435
   
$2,467,126
 
Accumulated net investment income (loss)
   
570
   
(618
)
 
             
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
             
Shares sold
   
63,308
   
97,600
 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
   
6,051
   
663
 
Shares redeemed
   
(61,724
)
 
(24,492
)
 
             
NET INCREASE
   
7,635
   
73,771
 

See notes to financial statements.

29


MARSICO 21ST CENTURY FUND


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                     
   
Year
 
Year
 
Year
 
Year
 
Year
 
For a Fund Share Outstanding
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Throughout the Period
 
9/30/08
 
9/30/07
 
9/30/06
 
9/30/05
 
9/30/04
 
                       
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
$18.07
   
$13.89
   
$12.07
   
$10.20
   
$8.74
 
 
                               
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
                               
Net investment income (loss)
   
0.01
   
0.05
   
0.02
   
(0.01
)
 
(0.04
)
Net realized and unrealized
                               
gains (losses) on investments
   
(4.48
)
 
4.26
   
1.80
   
1.88
   
1.50
 
Total from investment operations
   
(4.47
)
 
4.31
   
1.82
   
1.87
   
1.46
 
                                 
DISTRIBUTIONS & OTHER
                               
Net investment income
   
   
(0.13
)
 
   
   
 
Net realized gains
   
(0.74
)
 
(1)
 
   
   
 
Redemption fees [See Note 2(i)]
   
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
Total distributions & other
   
(0.74
)
 
(0.13
)
 
   
   
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
   
$12.86
   
$18.07
   
$13.89
   
$12.07
   
$10.20
 
 
                               
TOTAL RETURN
   
(25.83
)%
 
31.25
%
 
15.10
%
 
18.33
%
 
16.70
%
 
                               
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
                               
Net assets, end of period (000s)
   
$1,853,435
   
$2,467,126
   
$871,459
   
$379,328
   
$216,228
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets,
                               
less waivers and before expenses paid
                               
indirectly, plus reimbursements of
                               
previously waived expenses
   
1.29
%
 
1.31
%
 
1.33
%
 
1.39
%
 
1.50
%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
                               
average net assets, net of waivers,
                               
reimbursements of previously waived
                               
expenses and expenses paid indirectly
   
0.07
%
 
0.43
%
 
0.20
%
 
(0.19
)%
 
(0.48
)%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets,
                               
before waivers, reimbursements of
                               
previously waived expenses and
                               
expenses paid indirectly
   
1.29
%
 
1.31
%
 
1.33
%
 
1.36
%
 
1.44
%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
                               
average net assets, before waivers,
                               
reimbursements of previously waived
                               
expenses and expenses paid indirectly
   
0.07
%
 
0.43
%
 
0.20
%
 
(0.22
)%
 
(0.42
)%
Portfolio turnover rate(2)
   
143
%
 
105
%
 
136
%
 
175
%
 
191
%

(1)
Less than $0.01.
(2)
Portfolio turnover is greater than most funds due to the investment style of the Fund.

See notes to financial statements.

30


MARSICO INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND


INVESTMENT REVIEW BY JIM GENDELMAN (UNAUDITED)

International equities - like their US equity counterparts - struggled during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The Marsico International Opportunities Fund posted a total return of (US$) -30.95% for the period. The Fund’s return slightly lagged the MSCI EAFE Index, which we consider to be the Fund’s primary benchmark index and which had a total return of (US$) -30.50%. Please see the Fund Overview for more detailed information about the Fund’s longer-term performance for various time periods ended September 30, 2008.

The performance data for the Fund quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com.(1)

This review highlights Fund performance over a one-year fiscal period. Shareholders should keep in mind that the Funds are intended for long-term investors who hold their shares for substantially longer periods of time. You should also keep in mind that our views on all investments discussed in this report are subject to change at any time. References to specific securities, industries, and sectors discussed in this report are not recommendations to buy or sell such securities or related investments, and the Fund may not necessarily hold these securities or investments today. Please see the accompanying Schedule of Investments for the percentage of the Fund’s portfolio represented by the securities mentioned in this report.

The following factors contributed to the Fund’s modest performance shortfall compared to its benchmark index during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2008:

Consumer Discretionary: The Fund’s performance results were hampered by both stock selection and positioning in the Consumer Discretionary sector. Though the Fund reduced its exposure to the sector later in the reporting period, on average, the Fund had more exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector than its benchmark index. This positioning hurt performance as consumer-related equities were seemingly beset by worries regarding the potential impact of a global economic slowdown. A number of the Fund’s holdings in the sector posted sharp declines, including hotel/casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. (-73%), Hong Kong-headquartered apparel company Esprit Holdings, Ltd. (-60%), media company British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC (-44% prior to being sold), and hotel operators Accor S.A. (-38%) and Shangri-La Asia Ltd. (-60% prior to being sold).

Utilities: Stock selection in the Utilities sector was among the leading detractors from the Fund’s annual performance. Veolia Environnement, a France-based water and waste treatment company, and Electricite de France S.A. dropped -49% and -19%, respectively. Both were sold from the Fund.

Industrials: Industrials-related positions in the Fund posted an aggregate loss of -35%. Denmark-headquartered manufacturer of wind turbines Vestas Wind Systems A/S declined -20%. Japan-based distribution company Marubeni Corporation skidded -51%, while French power company ALSTOM S.A. sagged -26%.

Certain individual positions in various sectors fell significantly in value, including Nintendo Co. Ltd. (-19%), India-based ICICI Bank Ltd. Spon. ADR (-55%), Netherlands-headquartered beverage company Heineken N.V. (-38%), and German industrial gas and engineering company Linde AG (-28%).

There were several bright spots in the Fund’s performance. Brazil-based energy company Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR gained 19%. Stock selection in the Health Care sector was strong, led by Swiss biotechnology company Lonza Group AG (+16%). Through stock selection, the Fund was able to achieve better returns in the hard-hit Materials and Information Technology sectors than its benchmark index.

31



MARSICO INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND


The Fund had cash and cash equivalents positions of approximately 6%, on average during the 12-month period. Given the volatility and overall decline in international equity prices, the Fund’s cash weighting had a modest positive impact on performance as compared to the fully-invested MSCI EAFE Index. The Fund further achieved some benefit from dollar strengthening through its dollar-based holdings (including cash equivalents) and its tendency to be underweighted in countries whose “home currency” depreciated substantially vs. the dollar, including the euro and the pound.

The International Opportunities Fund has tended to have a relatively high portfolio turnover level because of its investment style. Although the Fund may hold core positions for some time, it may change its portfolio composition quickly to take advantage of new opportunities, or to address issues affecting particular holdings.

FISCAL PERIOD-END INVESTMENT POSTURE

As of September 30, 2008, the Fund’s primary economic sector allocations included Financials, Health Care, Industrials, and Information Technology. In terms of country allocations, the Fund’s most significant weightings at period-end were Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Brazil. The Fund held several positions domiciled in emerging markets including Brazil, Israel, Taiwan, Mexico, Hong Kong/China, South Africa, and India. Such emerging markets exposure represented approximately 23% of the Fund’s net assets as of September 30, 2008. As mentioned in previous shareholder reports, country-level weightings generally should be considered a residual of the Fund’s stock selection process rather than a major, proactive facet of its investment strategy.

 
Sincerely,

JAMES G. GENDELMAN
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
 

(1)
Total returns are based on net change in net asset value assuming reinvestment of distributions. For the period prior to September 30, 2004, the performance returns for the International Opportunities Fund reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would have been reduced. For the period beginning October 2004 through December 2005, performance returns for the International Opportunities Fund would have been higher but for the reimbursement of fees waived previously. A redemption fee of 2% may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less. Please see the Prospectus for more information.


32



FUND OVERVIEW September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

The International Opportunities Fund invests primarily in common stocks of foreign companies that are selected for their long-term growth potential. The Fund may invest in companies of any size throughout the world. It normally invests in the securities of issuers that are -30% economically tied to one or more foreign countries, and expects to be invested in various issuers or securities that together have ties to at least four different foreign countries. Some issuers or securities in the Fund’s portfolio may be based in or economically tied to the United States. The Fund may hold an unlimited number of common stocks.

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON


 
       
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES*   1.38 %
       
NET ASSETS
     
       
9/30/08
   
$597,602,895
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE
       
         
Net Asset Value Per Share
   
$12.27
 
         
TOP FIVE HOLDINGS
       
         
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Spon. ADR
   
4.55
%
Credit Suisse Group AG
   
4.28
 
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
   
3.80
 
Vestas Wind Systems A/S
   
3.76
 
Nestlé S.A.
   
3.27
 

GROWTH OF $10,000(1) (2)



SECTOR ALLOCATION(3)


 
 
*
The Total Annual Operating Expenses and Net Expenses are reflective of the information disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus dated February 1, 2008 and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in this report.

The performance data quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com. A redemption fee may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less.

The performance included in the table and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

(1)
The performance returns for the International Opportunities Fund (for the period prior to September 30, 2004) reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would be reduced. For the period beginning October 2004 through December 2005, performance returns for the International Opportunities Fund would be higher but for the reimbursement of fees waived previously.

(2)
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on June 30, 2000 (inception). Total returns are based on net change in NAV, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

(3)
Sector weightings represent the percentage of the Fund’s investments (excluding cash equivalents) in certain general sectors. These sectors may include more than one industry. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) EAFE Index tracks the stocks of about 1,000 companies in Europe, Australasia, and the Far East (EAFE). You cannot invest directly in an index.

33



MARSICO INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
 
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
of
 
 
 
of Net
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
 
Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS
             
               
Advertising Services
             
JC Decaux S.A.
   
197,162
   
$4,317,455
   
0.72
%
                     
Agricultural Chemicals
                   
Potash Corporation of
                   
Saskatchewan, Inc.
   
93,658
   
12,363,793
   
2.07
 
                     
Apparel Manufacturers
                   
Esprit Holdings, Ltd.
   
915,500
   
5,674,788
   
0.95
 
                     
Brewery
                   
Heineken N.V.
   
316,231
   
12,705,315
   
2.13
 
                     
Building - Residential/Commercial
                   
Gafisa S.A.
   
567,281
   
7,184,546
   
1.20
 
                     
Building Products - Air/Heating
                   
Daikin Industries, Ltd.
   
209,773
   
7,075,228
   
1.18
 
                     
Building Products - Cement/Aggregates
           
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. Spon. ADR*
   
343,776
   
5,919,823
   
0.99
 
                     
Casino Hotels
                   
Las Vegas Sands Corp.*
   
184,763
   
6,671,792
   
1.12
 
                     
Cellular Telecommunications
                   
América Móvil,
                   
S.A.B. de C.V. ADR Ser. L
   
216,199
   
10,022,986
   
1.68
 
MTN Group Ltd.
   
482,582
   
6,809,461
   
1.14
 
           
16,832,447
   
2.82
 
Chemicals - Diversified
                   
Johnson Matthey PLC
   
67,483
   
1,641,679
   
0.27
 
                     
Chemicals - Specialty
                   
Lonza Group AG
   
144,976
   
18,190,301
   
3.04
 
                     
Commercial Banks - Non-U.S.
                   
BNP Paribas
   
78,565
   
7,499,619
   
1.25
 
Deutsche Bank AG
   
125,003
   
8,942,340
   
1.50
 
HSBC Holdings PLC
   
805,388
   
13,029,779
   
2.18
 
ICICI Bank Ltd. Spon. ADR
   
282,055
   
6,633,934
   
1.11
 
Julius Baer Holding Ltd.
   
239,783
   
11,924,508
   
2.00
 
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
   
2,006
   
8,772,532
   
1.47
 
Unibanco - Uniao de Bancos
                   
Brasileiros S.A. GDR
   
96,076
   
9,695,990
   
1.62
 
           
66,498,702
   
11.13
 
Computers
                   
Research In Motion, Ltd.*
   
137,496
   
9,390,977
   
1.57
 
                     
Electric Components - Miscellaneous
           
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
   
2,481,550
   
8,888,153
   
1.49
 
                     
Energy - Alternate Sources
                   
Vestas Wind Systems A/S*
   
257,482
   
22,474,275
   
3.76
 
                     
Engineering/R&D Services
             
ABB Ltd.*
   
627,859
   
12,166,913
   
2.04
 
                     
Finance - Investment Banker/Broker
           
Credit Suisse Group AG
   
547,231
   
25,556,756
   
4.28
 
Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.
   
1,065,000
   
7,757,178
   
1.30
 
UBS AG*
   
378,198
   
6,464,323
   
1.08
 
           
39,778,257
   
6.66
 
Food - Miscellaneous/Diversified
                   
Nestlé S.A.
   
452,696
   
19,564,391
   
3.27
 
                     
Food - Retail
                   
Tesco PLC
   
2,111,358
   
14,684,463
   
2.46
 
                     
Hotels & Motels
                   
Accor S.A.
   
166,241
   
8,878,354
   
1.49
 
                     
Import/Export
                   
Marubeni Corporation
   
1,968,000
   
8,920,913
   
1.49
 
                     
Industrial Gases
                   
Linde AG
   
173,083
   
18,482,789
   
3.09
 
                     
Machinery - General Industrial
                   
ALSTOM S.A.
   
168,138
   
12,763,250
   
2.14
 
                     
Medical - Biomedical/Genetic
                   
CSL Ltd.
   
553,786
   
16,776,886
   
2.81
 
                     
Medical - Drugs
                   
Actelion Ltd.*
   
132,294
   
6,816,912
   
1.14
 
                     
Medical - Generic Drugs
                   
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
                   
Spon. ADR
   
594,409
   
27,217,988
   
4.55
 
                     
Metal - Diversified
                   
Rio Tinto PLC
   
81,486
   
5,114,004
   
0.86
 
                     
Multi-Line Insurance
                   
AXA
   
488,052
   
15,976,074
   
2.67
 
                     
Oil Companies - Exploration & Production
           
CNOOC Ltd.
   
5,362,800
   
6,024,548
   
1.01
 
                     
Oil Companies - Integrated
                   
BG Group PLC
   
719,373
   
13,046,586
   
2.18
 
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR
   
437,533
   
19,229,575
   
3.22
 
           
32,276,161
   
5.40
 
Optical Supplies
                   
Alcon, Inc.
   
38,200
   
6,169,682
   
1.03
 
                     
Power Conversion/Supply Equipment
           
Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica S.A.
   
283,654
   
9,718,543
   
1.63
 
 
*
Non-income producing.
 
See notes to financial statements.
                   
 
34

 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
       
Number
 
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
 
 
of
 
 
 
of Net
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
 
Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS CONTINUED  
 
         
Seismic Data Collection  
 
             
CGG - Veritas*
         
199,516
   
$6,330,472
   
1.06
%
                           
Semiconductor Component - Integrated Circuitry
               
Taiwan Semiconductor
                         
Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Spon. ADR
         
1,861,742
   
17,444,522
   
2.92
 
                           
Soap & Cleaning Preparations
                         
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
         
209,124
   
10,139,352
   
1.70
 
                           
Toys
                         
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
         
53,600
   
22,735,712
   
3.80
 
                           
Transportation - Rail
                         
America Latina Logistica S.A.
         
447,261
   
3,055,543
   
0.51
 
                           
Wireless Equipment
                         
Rogers Communications, Inc. - Cl. B
         
502,159
   
16,288,023
   
2.72
 
 
                         
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
                         
(Cost $581,284,999)
               
543,153,026
   
90.89
 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
         
SSgA U.S. Government
             
Money Market Fund, 1.79%
   
7,561,722
   
$7,561,722
   
1.27
%
SSgA U.S. Treasury
                   
Money Market Fund, 0.20%
   
25,844,062
   
25,844,062
   
4.32
 
                     
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
           
(Cost $33,405,784)
         
33,405,784
   
5.59
 
                     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $614,690,783)
         
576,558,810
   
96.48
 
                     
Other Assets Less Liabilities
         
21,044,085
   
3.52
 
NET ASSETS
         
$597,602,895
   
100.00
%
 
   
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS BY COUNTRY
 
   
 
 
Percent of
 
 
 
 
 
Investment
 
Country
 
Market Value
 
Securities
 
Australia
   
$16,776,886
   
2.91
%
Brazil
   
39,165,654
   
6.79
 
Canada
   
38,042,793
   
6.60
 
Denmark
   
22,474,275
   
3.90
 
France
   
55,765,224
   
9.67
 
Germany
   
27,425,129
   
4.76
 
Hong Kong
   
11,699,336
   
2.03
 
India
   
6,633,934
   
1.15
 
Israel
   
27,217,988
   
4.72
 
Japan
   
55,261,563
   
9.58
 
Mexico
   
15,942,809
   
2.77
 
Netherlands
   
12,705,315
   
2.20
 
South Africa
   
6,809,461
   
1.18
 
Spain
   
9,718,543
   
1.69
 
Switzerland
   
106,853,786
   
18.53
 
Taiwan
   
26,332,675
   
4.57
 
United Kingdom
   
57,655,863
   
10.00
 
United States(1)
   
40,077,576
   
6.95
 
Total
   
$576,558,810
   
100.00
%
 
*
Non-income producing.
     
(1)
Includes short-term securities.
     
         
 
See notes to financial statements.
     
 
35

 

MARSICO INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND


STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
ASSETS
     
Investments, at value (cost $614,691)
   
$576,559
 
Foreign currency (cost $1,262)
   
1,233
 
Receivable for investments sold
   
22,814
 
Receivable for capital stock sold
   
2,057
 
Interest and dividends receivable
   
2,090
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
264
 
Total Assets
   
605,017
 
         
LIABILITIES
       
Payable for investments purchased
   
5,071
 
Payable for capital stock redeemed
   
1,222
 
Accrued investment advisory fee
   
459
 
Accrued trustees’ fees
   
212
 
Accrued distribution fee
   
190
 
Accrued transfer agent fees and expenses
   
114
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
146
 
Total Liabilities
   
7,414
 
NET ASSETS
   
$597,603
 
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
       
Paid-in-capital
   
$693,223
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
5,708
 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and
       
foreign currency transactions
   
(63,137
)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
       
and foreign currency translations
   
(38,191
)
NET ASSETS
   
$597,603
 
         
SHARES OUTSTANDING, $0.001 par value
       
(Unlimited shares authorized)
   
48,707
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE,
       
AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
       
(NET ASSETS/SHARES OUTSTANDING)*
   
$12.27
 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
     
FOR THE YEAR ENDED September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
INVESTMENT INCOME
     
Interest
   
$1,062
 
Dividends (net of $1,484 of non-reclaimable
       
foreign withholding taxes)
   
17,690
 
Total Investment Income
   
18,752
 
         
EXPENSES
       
Investment advisory fees
   
6,800
 
Distribution fees
   
2,000
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
881
 
Custody and fund accounting fees
   
676
 
Fund administration fees
   
213
 
Printing and postage expenses
   
156
 
Federal and state registration fees
   
56
 
Miscellaneous
   
38
 
Professional fees
   
35
 
Trustees’ fees and expenses
   
(84
)(1)
Total Expenses
   
10,771
 
         
Less expenses paid indirectly
   
(1
)
Net Expenses
   
10,770
 
         
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
7,982
 
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS
       
Net realized loss on investments
   
(82,082
)
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
28,951
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
       
investments and foreign currency translations
   
(230,787
)
Net Loss on Investments
   
(283,918
)
         
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
       
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
   
$(275,936
)

*      Not in thousands.
(1)
Includes $34,369 for trustees’ fees and expenses and $(118,400) for the unrealized depreciation related to the mark to market of the shares in the Deferred Fee Plan during the year ended September 30, 2008.

See notes to financial statements.
 
36

 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
         
   
Year
 
Year
 
 
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
9/30/08
 
9/30/07
 
OPERATIONS
         
           
Net investment income
   
$7,982
   
$6,431
 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
   
(82,082
)
 
67,964
 
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
28,951
   
15,833
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
             
on investments and foreign currency translations
   
(230,787
)
 
107,907
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
(275,936
)
 
198,135
 
               
DISTRIBUTIONS
             
Net investment income
   
(7,301
)
 
(1,290
)
Net realized gains
   
(88,835
)
 
(24,442
)
Total distributions
   
(96,136
)
 
(25,732
)
               
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
             
Proceeds from sale of shares
   
357,381
   
261,388
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions
   
92,902
   
24,671
 
Redemption fees
   
96
   
40
 
Redemption of shares
   
(302,777
)
 
(208,113
)
Net increase from capital share transactions
   
147,602
   
77,986
 
               
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
   
(224,470
)
 
250,389
 
               
NET ASSETS
             
Beginning of period
   
822,073
   
571,684
 
               
END OF PERIOD
   
$597,603
   
$822,073
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
5,708
   
5,703
 
               
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
             
Shares sold
   
21,256
   
15,189
 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
   
5,225
   
1,495
 
Shares redeemed
   
(18,683
)
 
(11,945
)
NET INCREASE
   
7,798
   
4,739
 

See notes to financial statements.
 
37



MARSICO INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                     
For a Fund Share Outstanding
 
Year
 
Year
 
Year
 
Year
 
Year
 
Throughout the Period
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
 
 
9/30/08
 
9/30/07
 
9/30/06
 
9/30/05
 
9/30/04
 
                       
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
$20.10
   
$15.81
   
$13.00
   
$10.63
   
$8.80
 
                                 
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
                               
Net investment income
   
0.16
   
0.16
   
0.04
   
0.12
   
0.04
 
Net realized and unrealized
                               
gains (losses) on investments
   
(5.66
)
 
4.81
   
2.87
   
2.25
   
1.79
 
Total from investment operations
   
(5.50
)
 
4.97
   
2.91
   
2.37
   
1.83
 
                                 
DISTRIBUTIONS & OTHER
                               
Net investment income
   
(0.18
)
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.10
)
 
   
 
Net realized gains
   
(2.15
)
 
(0.65
)
 
   
   
 
Redemption fees [See Note 2(i)]
   
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
 
(1)
Total distributions & other
   
(2.33
)
 
(0.68
)
 
(0.10
)
 
   
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
   
$12.27
   
$20.10
   
$15.81
   
$13.00
   
$10.63
 
                                 
TOTAL RETURN
   
(30.95
)%
 
32.42
%
 
22.46
%
 
22.30
%
 
20.80
%
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
                               
Net assets, end of period (000s)
   
$597,603
   
$822,073
   
$571,684
   
$262,522
   
$106,162
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets,
                               
less waivers and before expenses
                               
paid indirectly, plus reimbursements of
                               
previously waived expenses
   
1.35
%
 
1.37
%
 
1.44
%
 
1.60
%
 
1.60
%
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
                               
to average net assets, net of waivers,
                               
reimbursements of previously waived
                               
expenses and expenses paid indirectly
   
1.00
%
 
0.92
%
 
0.33
%
 
1.19
%
 
0.07
%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets,
                               
before waivers, reimbursements of
                               
previously waived expenses and
                               
expenses paid indirectly
   
1.35
%
 
1.37
%
 
1.41
%
 
1.49
%
 
1.68
%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
                               
average net assets, before waivers,
                               
reimbursements of previously waived
                               
expenses and expenses paid indirectly
   
1.00
%
 
0.92
%
 
0.36
%
 
1.30
%
 
0.00
%
Portfolio turnover rate(2)
   
115
%
 
125
%
 
101
%
 
156
%
 
105
%

(1)
Less than $0.01.
(2)
Portfolio turnover is greater than most funds due to the investment style of the Fund.

See notes to financial statements.


38


MARSICO FLEXIBLE CAPITAL FUND


INVESTMENT REVIEW BY DOUG RAO (UNAUDITED)

The Flexible Capital Fund posted a return of -17.10% for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2008, and outperformed the S&P 500 Index, which we consider to be the Fund’s primary benchmark index and which had a total return of -21.98% over the same time period. Please see the Fund Overview for more detailed information about the Fund’s performance for various time periods ended September 30, 2008.

The performance data for the Fund quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com.(1)

This review highlights Fund performance over a one-year fiscal period. Shareholders should keep in mind that the Funds are intended for long-term investors who hold their shares for substantially longer periods of time. You should also keep in mind that our views on all investments discussed in this report are subject to change at any time. References to specific securities, industries, and sectors discussed in this report are not recommendations to buy or sell such securities or related investments, and the Fund may not necessarily hold these securities or investments today. Please see the accompanying Schedule of Investments for the percentage of the Fund’s portfolio represented by the securities mentioned in this report.

During the 12-month period ended September 30, 2008, the Fund’s performance was aided by the following factors:

Information Technology: Credit- and debit-card transaction processor MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A (+20%) appreciated sharply and had a material, positive effect on performance.

Energy: The Fund’s positions in Petrohawk Energy Corporation (+85%) and Wellstream Holdings PLC (+12%) posted strong results and were sold.

Telecommunications: The Fund benefitted from having little exposure, on average, to the weak performing Telecommunications sector. Its position in wireless provider China Mobile Ltd. Spon. ADR gained 5% before being sold from the Fund.

●     Select Holdings: A number of individual positions in various sectors materially enhanced performance, including U.S. Bancorp (+22%), McDonald’s Corporation (+19%), Duff & Phelps Corporation - Cl. A (+16%), and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (+17%).

The Fund had an average of approximately 12% in cash or cash equivalent positions during the 12-month period. This defensive posture helped the Fund’s performance, providing a measure of capital protection in a challenging equity market.

The main weaknesses for the Fund, in terms of investment performance, included:

Health Care: The Fund’s performance was hurt by both stock selection and an underweighted posture in the Health Care sector as compared to the benchmark index. The Health Care sector fared better than many of the benchmark index sectors and the Fund would have benefitted from having more exposure to the sector. The Fund was further hurt by its position in WellPoint, Inc., a health care service provider position, which skidded -44% prior to being sold from the Fund.

Consumer Staples: Several of the Fund’s Consumer Staples positions posted double-digit losses for the period they were held, including Heineken N.V. (-34% prior to being sold), Cosan S/A Industria e Comercio (-12% prior to being sold), and CVS Caremark Corporation (-14%).


39


MARSICO FLEXIBLE CAPITAL FUND


Consumer Discretionary: A number of the Fund’s Consumer Discretionary positions experienced significant price declines, including marketing communications company MDC Partners, Inc. - Cl. A (-34%), German auto components company Continental AG (-40%), casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. (-39%), and retailer Saks, Inc. (-39%). MDC Partners, Continental, and Las Vegas Sands were not held in the Fund as of September 30, 2008.

Financials: The Financials sector was among the weakest performing sectors of the benchmark index. The Fund’s overweighted allocation to the sector, therefore, had a negative effect on performance relative to the benchmark index.

The Flexible Capital Fund over its short history has tended to have a relatively high portfolio turnover level. This is attributable to the Fund’s investment style, the change in its investment goal and strategies during 2007, and its relatively small base of assets under management. Although the Fund may hold core positions for some time, it may change its portfolio composition quickly to take advantage of new opportunities, or to address issues affecting particular holdings.

FISCAL PERIOD-END INVESTMENT POSTURE

As of September 30, 2008, the Funds primary economic sector allocations included Consumer Discretionary, Financials, Consumer Staples, and Industrials.
 
 
Sincerely,

A. DOUGLAS RAO
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
 

(1)
Total returns are based on net change in net asset value assuming reinvestment of distributions. The performance returns for the Flexible Capital Fund reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would have been reduced. A redemption fee of 2% may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less. Please see the Prospectus for more information.


40


FUND OVERVIEW September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

The Flexible Capital Fund invests primarily in equity securities and other investments that are selected primarily for their long-term growth potential. The Fund may invest in issuers of any size throughout the world, and will normally hold a core position of between 20 and 50 securities or other investments.

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON



         
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES*
   
2.47
%
         
NET EXPENSES*†
   
1.22
%
         
NET ASSETS
       
         
9/30/08
   
$14,460,983
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE
       
         
Net Asset Value Per Share
   
$8.74
 
         
TOP FIVE HOLDINGS
       
         
MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A
   
5.46
%
McDonald’s Corporation
   
4.52
 
Oaktree Capital Group, LLC - Cl. A 144a
   
4.07
 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
   
3.87
 
CVS Caremark Corporation
   
3.57
 

GROWTH OF $10,000(1)(2)


 

SECTOR ALLOCATION(3)


 
*
The Total Annual Operating Expenses and Net Expenses are reflective of the information disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus dated February 1, 2008 and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in this report.

The Adviser has entered into a written expense limitation agreement under which it has agreed to limit the total expenses of the Fund (excluding interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation, brokerage and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.75% of the Flexible Capital Fund’s average net assets until December 31, 2008. This fee waiver may be terminated at any time after December 31, 2008. The Adviser may recoup any waived amount from a Fund pursuant to this arrangement if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed existing expense limitations and the reimbursement is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense. Prior to June 1, 2007, the Adviser’s expense limitation agreement relating to the Fund limited total expenses to an annual rate of 1.60% of average net assets. As a result, the Net Expenses exceed 0.75% for the Flexible Capital Fund.

The performance data quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com. A redemption fee may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less.

Initial public offerings (“IPOs”) made a significant positive contribution to the Fund’s recent performance. There can be no assurance that similar contributions from IPOs will continue in the future.

The performance included in the table and graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

(1)
The performance returns for the Flexible Capital Fund reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would be reduced.

(2)
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 29, 2006 (inception). Total returns are based on change in NAV, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

(3)
Sector weightings represent the percentage of the Fund’s investments (excluding cash equivalents) in certain general sectors. These sectors may include more than one industry. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.

41



MARSICO FLEXIBLE CAPITAL FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
 
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
of
 
 
 
of Net
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
 
Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS
             
               
Agricultural Chemicals
             
Monsanto Company
   
2,746
   
$271,799
   
1.88
%
Potash Corporation of
                   
Saskatchewan, Inc.
   
251
   
33,135
   
0.23
 
Syngenta AG Spon. ADR
   
5,500
   
232,760
   
1.61
 
           
537,694
   
3.72
 
Commercial Banks - Non-U.S.
                   
Industrial and Commercial
                   
Bank of China Ltd. - Cl. H
   
708,000
   
427,911
   
2.96
 
                     
Commercial Services
                   
Live Nation, Inc.*
   
30,486
   
496,007
   
3.43
 
                     
Commercial Services - Finance
                   
MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A
   
4,456
   
790,182
   
5.46
 
                     
Electric - Integrated
                   
Exelon Corporation
   
4,867
   
304,772
   
2.11
 
                     
Energy - Alternate Sources
                   
Vestas Wind Systems A/S*
   
2,838
   
247,714
   
1.71
 
                     
Engineering/R&D Services
                   
AECOM Technology Corporation*
   
6,947
   
169,785
   
1.17
 
                     
Fiduciary Banks
                   
The Bank of New York
                   
Mellon Corp.
   
3,074
   
100,151
   
0.69
 
                     
Finance - Investment Banker/Broker
                   
Credit Suisse Group AG
   
3,557
   
166,119
   
1.15
 
Duff & Phelps Corporation - Cl. A*
   
8,671
   
182,351
   
1.26
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
   
8,639
   
403,441
   
2.79
 
           
751,911
   
5.20
 
Investment Management/Advisory Services
           
Oaktree Capital Group, LLC - Cl. A 144a
   
21,200
   
588,300
   
4.07
 
                     
Medical - Biomedical/Genetic
                   
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
   
12,287
   
560,041
   
3.87
 
                     
Oil Field Machinery & Equipment
                   
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.*
   
4,911
   
246,680
   
1.71
 
                     
Power Conversion/Supply Equipment
                   
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.*
   
2,881
   
167,818
   
1.16
 
                     
Retail - Apparel/Shoes
                   
J. Crew Group, Inc.*
   
12,645
   
361,268
   
2.50
 
                     
Retail - Auto Parts
                   
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
   
4,266
   
169,190
   
1.17
 
                     
Retail - Building Products
                   
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
   
21,716
   
514,452
   
3.56
 
                     
Retail - Discount
             
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.*
   
10,760
   
418,134
   
2.89
Costco Wholesale Corporation
   
6,088
   
395,294
   
2.73
 
           
813,428
   
5.62
 
Retail - Drug Store
                   
CVS Caremark Corporation
   
15,333
   
516,109
   
3.57
 
                     
Retail - Major Department Store
                   
Saks, Inc.*
   
17,067
   
157,870
   
1.09
 
                     
Retail - Office Supplies
                   
Staples, Inc.
   
7,878
   
177,255
   
1.23
 
                     
Retail - Restaurants
                   
Burger King Holdings, Inc.
   
20,650
   
507,164
   
3.51
 
McDonald’s Corporation
   
10,593
   
653,588
   
4.52
 
           
1,160,752
   
8.03
 
Savings & Loans/Thrifts
                   
Meta Financial Group, Inc.
   
29,055
   
493,935
   
3.42
 
                     
Super-Regional Banks - U.S.
                   
Bank of America Corporation
   
10,531
   
368,585
   
2.55
 
U.S. Bancorp
   
11,738
   
422,803
   
2.92
 
           
791,388
   
5.47
 
Transportation - Rail
                   
America Latina Logistica S.A.
   
28,544
   
195,003
   
1.35
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation
   
5,692
   
376,867
   
2.60
 
           
571,870
   
3.95
 
Wireless Equipment
                   
QUALCOMM, Inc.
   
8,868
   
381,058
   
2.64
 
                     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
                   
(Cost $11,386,821)
         
11,497,541
   
79.51
 
                     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
           
SSgA Money Market Fund,
                   
2.22%
   
1
   
1
   
0.00
 
SSgA Prime
                   
Money Market Fund, 2.41%
   
1
   
1
   
0.00
 
SSgA U.S. Government
                   
Money Market Fund, 1.79%
   
1
   
1
   
0.00
 
SSgA U.S. Treasury
                   
Money Market Fund, 0.20%
   
446,963
   
446,963
   
3.09
 
                     
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $446,966)
         
446,966
   
3.09
 
                     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $11,833,787)
         
11,944,507
   
82.60
 
                     
Other Assets Less Liabilities
         
2,516,476
   
17.40
 
                     
NET ASSETS
         
$14,460,983
   
100.00
%
 
*
Non-income producing.
 
See notes to financial statements.
                   
 
42

 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
ASSETS
     
Investments, at value (cost $11,834)
   
$11,945
 
Receivable for investments sold
   
2,648
 
Receivable for capital stock sold
   
3
 
Interest and dividends receivable
   
15
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
195
 
Total Assets
   
14,806
 
         
LIABILITIES
       
Payable for investments purchased
   
85
 
Payable for capital stock redeemed
   
6
 
Accrued investment advisory fee
   
41
 
Accrued distribution fee
   
12
 
Accrued trustees’ fees
   
185
 
Accrued transfer agent fees and expenses
   
4
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
12
 
Total Liabilities
   
345
 
         
NET ASSETS
   
$14,461
 
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
       
Paid-in-capital
   
$17,001
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
129
 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and
       
foreign currency transactions
   
(2,739
)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
       
and foreign currency translations
   
70
 
         
NET ASSETS
   
$14,461
 
         
SHARES OUTSTANDING, $0.001 par value
       
(Unlimited shares authorized)
   
1,654
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE,
       
AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
       
(NET ASSETS/SHARES OUTSTANDING)*
   
$8.74
 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
     
FOR THE YEAR ENDED September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
INVESTMENT INCOME
     
Interest
   
$63
 
Dividends (net of $5 of non-reclaimable
       
foreign withholding taxes)
   
311
 
Total Investment Income
   
374
 
         
EXPENSES
       
Investment advisory fees
   
168
 
Custody and fund accounting fees
   
73
 
Distribution fees
   
49
 
Fund administration fees
   
47
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
34
 
Miscellaneous
   
17
 
Trustees’ fees and expenses
   
(50
)(1)
Total Expenses
   
338
 
         
Less waiver of expenses and expenses paid indirectly
   
(190
)
Net Expenses
   
148
 
         
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
226
 
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS
       
Net realized loss on investments
   
(2,633
)
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
477
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
       
investments and foreign currency translations
   
(1,764
)
Net Loss on Investments
   
(3,920
)
         
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
       
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
   
$(3,694
)

*
Not in thousands.

(1)
Includes $867 for trustees’ fees and expenses and ($50,786) for the unrealized depreciation related to the mark to market of the shares in the Deferred Fee Plan during the year ended September 30, 2008.

See notes to financial statements.
 
43



MARSICO FLEXIBLE CAPITAL FUND


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
         
   
Year Ended
 
12/29/06*
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
9/30/08
 
to 9/30/07
 
           
OPERATIONS
         
Net investment income
   
$226
   
$474
 
Net realized loss on investments
   
(2,633
)
 
(125
)
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
477
   
337
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
             
on investments and foreign currency translations
   
(1,764
)
 
1,833
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
(3,694
)
 
2,519
 
               
DISTRIBUTIONS
             
Net investment income
   
(633
)
 
 
Net realized gains
   
(805
)
 
 
Total distributions
   
(1,438
)
 
 
               
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
             
Proceeds from sale of shares
   
6,769
   
32,595
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions
   
1,420
   
 
Redemption fees
   
5
   
2
 
Redemption of shares
   
(13,342
)
 
(10,375
)
Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions
   
(5,148
)
 
22,222
 
               
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
   
(10,280
)
 
24,741
 
               
NET ASSETS
             
Beginning of period
   
24,741
   
 
END OF PERIOD
   
$14,461
   
$24,741
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
129
   
456
 
               
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
             
Shares sold
   
633
   
3,184
 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
   
133
   
 
Shares redeemed
   
(1,297
)
 
(999
)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)
   
(531
)
 
2,185
 

*
Commencement of operations.

See notes to financial statements.
 
44

 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
         
For a Fund Share Outstanding
 
Year
 
12/29/06*
 
Throughout the Period
 
Ended
 
to
 
 
 
9/30/08
 
9/30/07
 
           
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
$11.32
   
$10.00
 
               
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
             
Net investment income
   
0.14
   
0.22
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
             
(losses) on investments
   
(1.93
)
 
1.10
 
Total from investment operations
   
(1.79
)
 
1.32
 
               
DISTRIBUTIONS & OTHER
             
Net investment income
   
(0.35
)
 
 
Net realized gains
   
(0.44
)
 
 
Redemption fees [See Note 2(i)]
   
(1)
 
(1)
Total distributions & other
   
(0.79
)
 
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
   
$8.74
   
$11.32
 
               
TOTAL RETURN
   
(17.10
)%
 
13.20
%(3)
               
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
             
Net assets, end of period (000s)
   
$14,461
   
$24,741
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets,
             
less waivers and before expenses paid indirectly
   
0.75
%
 
1.22%
(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net
             
assets, net of waivers, and expenses paid indirectly
   
1.15
%
 
2.62%
(2)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets,
             
before waivers, and expenses paid indirectly
   
1.71
%
 
2.47%
(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net
             
assets, before waivers, and expenses paid indirectly
   
0.19
%
 
1.37%
(2)
Portfolio turnover rate (4)
   
207
%
 
237%
(3)

*
Commencement of operations.
(1)
Less than $0.01.
(2)
Annualized.
(3)
Not annualized for the period December 29, 2006 to September 30, 2007.
(4)
Portfolio turnover is greater than most funds due to the investment style of the Fund.

See notes to financial statements.


45



MARSICO GLOBAL FUND


INVESTMENT REVIEW BY CORY GILCHRIST, TOM MARSICO AND JIM GENDELMAN (UNAUDITED)

The Marsico Global Fund posted a total return of -21.13% for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2008, and outperformed the MSCI All Country World Index (MSCI ACWI Index), which we consider to be the Fund’s primary benchmark index and which had a total return of -26.87%. The MSCI ACWI Index measures equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets. Please see the Fund Overview for more detailed information about the Fund’s performance for the periods ended September 30, 2008.

The performance data for the Fund quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com.(1)

This review highlights Fund performance over a one-year fiscal period. Shareholders should keep in mind that the Funds are intended for long-term investors who hold their shares for substantially longer periods of time. You should also keep in mind that our views on all investments discussed in this report are subject to change at any time. References to specific securities, industries, and sectors discussed in this report are not recommendations to buy or sell such securities or related investments, and the Fund may not necessarily hold these securities or investments today. Please see the accompanying Schedule of Investments for the percentage of the Fund’s portfolio represented by the securities mentioned in this report.

The following areas bolstered the performance results of the Fund:

Financials: For much of the early portion of the reporting period, the Fund had less exposure to the Financials sector than the MSCI ACWI Index. This aided performance relative to the benchmark, as the benchmark index sector posted a return of -36%. The Fund increased its weighting in Financials positions in the later half of the reporting period and a number of the Fund’s holdings in the sector performed well. Wells Fargo & Company (+33%), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (+21%), and U.S. Bancorp (+38%) were among the Fund’s strongest-performing individual positions during the period while they were held by the Fund.

Materials: The Fund also benefitted from having little exposure to the Materials sector as the sector plunged -34% in the benchmark index. Stock selection for the Fund was stronger than the index, garnering a sector return of -16%. The Fund’s position in agricultural products company Monsanto Company (+19%) helped to partially offset losses experienced by other holdings in the sector.

Industrials: Certain of the Fund’s Industrials holdings experienced solid gains, including China-based solar electric products manufacturer and developer Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. (+66% prior to being sold), Japan-headquartered Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. (+38% prior to being sold), and Canadian National Railway Company (+6%).

Several other individual securities in various sectors had a substantially positive effect on the Fund’s performance. These included MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A (+19%), McDonald’s Corporation (+19%), and Brazil-headquartered energy company Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR (+29%).

On average, the Fund had more exposure to securities economically tied to the US than did the MSCI ACWI Index during the 12-month period, and at times had invested less than 40% of its net assets in foreign securities (as may occur when the adviser deems foreign market conditions not to be favorable), and dipped below a 30% weighting in foreign securities at period end. This positioning presented a significant currency “tailwind” to the Fund, as the US dollar appreciated relative to many other world currencies such as the euro and the pound. As compared to the benchmark index, the Fund generally had less exposure to companies whose securities are priced in euros and the pound; therefore a smaller portion of the Fund was hurt by the euro’s and pound’s valuation losses relative to the dollar.

46


Though the Fund outperformed the MSCI ACWI Index for the 12-month period, there were several weak points in the Fund’s performance:

Consumer Discretionary: The Fund’s Consumer Discretionary-related positions were a significant area of weakness, dropping -41% in aggregate. Much of the loss stemmed from the Fund’s investments in hotel/resort operators. Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. plunged -65% and -47%, respectively, prior to being sold from the Fund. The Fund was further negatively affected by having an overweighted posture on average in the weak performing sector. The Fund pared back its exposure to Consumer Discretionary-related investments in the later portion of the reporting period.

Consumer Staples: Several of the Fund’s Consumer Staples positions struggled, including beverage company Heineken Holding N.V. (-31%) and Brazil-based sugarcane ethanol producer Cosan S/A Industria e Comercio (-48% prior to being sold).

While certain of the Fund’s Industrials positions performed well as noted above, others had a material, negative effect on performance. These holdings included fossil and nuclear power engineering company The Shaw Group, Inc. (-45%), Brazilian railroad operator America Latina Logistica S.A. (-54%), Switzerland-headquartered power products company ABB Ltd. (-45%), and Dutch wind turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems A/S (-23%). An overweighted posture in Industrials hindered performance results, as the sector was among the weaker-performing areas of the benchmark index.

The Fund’s performance was also impeded by having an average overweight position in the weak performing Information Technology sector while maintaining an underweighted position in the comparatively strong performing Health Care sector.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, the Fund had 14% of its net assets, on average, in cash and cash equivalents. This defensive posture helped to preserve capital in a volatile market environment. We anticipate that the Fund’s cash level may decline going forward as we add selectively to existing holdings and identify new investment opportunities.

The Global Fund over its short history has tended to have a fairly high portfolio turnover level. This is attributable to the Fund’s investment style and its growing base of assets under management. Although the Fund may hold core positions for some time, it may change its portfolio composition quickly to take advantage of new opportunities, or to address issues affecting particular holdings.

FISCAL PERIOD-END INVESTMENT POSTURE

As of September 30, 2008, the Fund’s primary economic sector allocations were in the following areas: Financials, Industrials, Consumer Staples, and Information Technology. Cash and cash equivalents represented approximately 8% of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund’s most significant country allocations were the US (including the Fund’s cash position), Switzerland, Denmark, Canada and the Netherlands.
 
 
Sincerely,

CORYDON J. GILCHRIST, CFA
THOMAS F. MARSICO
JAMES G. GENDELMAN
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
 

(1)
Total returns are based on net change in net asset value assuming reinvestment of distributions. The performance returns for the Global Fund reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would have been reduced. A redemption fee of 2% may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares owned for 30 days or less. Please see the Prospectus for more information.

47



MARSICO GLOBAL FUND

 
FUND OVERVIEW September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)
 

The Global Fund invests primarily in common stocks that are selected for their long-term growth potential. The Fund invests in the securities of companies of any size that are economically tied to any countries or markets throughout the world, including the securities of companies economically tied to emerging markets. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest significantly (generally, at least 40% of its net assets) in the securities of issuers organized or located outside the U.S. or doing business outside the U.S. (unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser, in which case the Fund generally will invest at least 30% of its assets in such foreign securities). The Fund will invest its assets in various regions and countries, including the U.S., that encompass not less than three different countries overall. The Fund may hold an unlimited number of common stocks.


PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

 
         
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES*
   
4.50
%
         
NET EXPENSES*†
   
0.77
%
         
NET ASSETS
       
         
9/30/08
   
$82,542,864
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE
       
         
Net Asset Value Per Share
   
$8.87
 
         
TOP FIVE HOLDINGS
       
         
Wells Fargo & Company
   
6.74
%
Costco Wholesale Corporation
   
5.77
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
   
5.74
 
Vestas Wind Systems A/S
   
4.24
 
Lockheed Martin Corporation
   
4.11
 

GROWTH OF $10,000(1)(2)

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION(3)

 
 
*
The Total Annual Operating Expenses and Net Expenses are reflective of the information disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus dated February 1, 2008 and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in this report.

The Adviser has entered into a written expense limitation agreement under which it has agreed to limit the total expenses of the Fund (excluding interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation, brokerage and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.75% of the Global Fund’s average net assets until December 31, 2008. This fee waiver may be terminated at any time after December 31, 2008. The Adviser may recoup any waived amount from a Fund pursuant to this arrangement if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed existing expense limitations and the reimbursement is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense.

The performance data quoted here represent past performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 888-860-8686 or visit www.marsicofunds.com. A redemption fee may be imposed on redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares held for 30 days or less.

Initial public offerings (“IPOs”) made a significant positive contribution to the Fund’s recent performance. There can be no assurance that similar contributions from IPOs will continue in the future.
 
The performance included in the table and graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
 
(1)
The performance returns for the Global Fund reflect a fee waiver in effect; in the absence of such a waiver, the returns would be reduced.
 
(2)
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on June 29, 2007 (inception). Total returns are based on change in NAV, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
 
(3)
Sector weightings represent the percentage of the Fund’s equity investments in certain general sectors. These sectors may include more than one industry. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.
 
The MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 
48


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
 
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
of
 
 
 
of Net
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
 
Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS
             
               
Aerospace/Defense
             
Lockheed Martin Corporation
   
30,888
   
$3,387,487
   
4.11
%
Raytheon Company
   
41,692
   
2,230,939
   
2.70
 
           
5,618,426
   
6.81
 
Agricultural Chemicals
                   
Monsanto Company
   
25,705
   
2,544,281
   
3.08
 
                     
Airlines
                   
Ryanair Holdings PLC Spon. ADR*
   
37,800
   
847,854
   
1.03
 
                     
Brewery
                   
Heineken Holding N.V.
   
74,103
   
2,909,192
   
3.52
 
                     
Chemicals - Specialty
                   
Lonza Group AG
   
14,616
   
1,833,886
   
2.22
 
                     
Commercial Banks - Non-U.S.
                   
Industrial and Commercial
                   
Bank of China - Cl. H
   
961,000
   
580,823
   
0.70
 
                     
Commercial Services
                   
Live Nation, Inc.*
   
64,301
   
1,046,177
   
1.27
 
                     
Commercial Services - Finance
                   
MasterCard, Inc. - Cl. A
   
13,013
   
2,307,595
   
2.80
 
Visa, Inc. - Cl. A
   
35,907
   
2,204,331
   
2.67
 
           
4,511,926
   
5.47
 
Computers
                   
Apple, Inc.*
   
20,195
   
2,295,364
   
2.78
 
                     
Distribution/Wholesale
                   
Li & Fung Ltd.
   
546,000
   
1,336,087
   
1.62
 
                     
Energy - Alternate Sources
                   
Vestas Wind Systems A/S*
   
40,143
   
3,503,875
   
4.24
 
                     
Engineering/R&D Services
                   
ABB Ltd.*
   
60,793
   
1,178,072
   
1.43
 
AECOM Technology Corporation*
   
42,421
   
1,036,769
   
1.26
 
The Shaw Group, Inc.*
   
52,221
   
1,604,751
   
1.94
 
           
3,819,592
   
4.63
 
Finance - Investment Banker/Broker
                   
Credit Suisse Group AG
   
60,445
   
2,822,899
   
3.42
 
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
   
9,906
   
1,267,968
   
1.54
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
   
101,453
   
4,737,855
   
5.74
 
           
8,828,722
   
10.70
 
Food - Retail
                   
Tesco PLC
   
104,202
   
724,723
   
0.88
 
                     
Hotels & Motels
                   
Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.
   
665,000
   
1,030,692
   
1.25
 
                     
Industrial Gases
                   
Praxair, Inc.
   
8,622
   
618,542
   
0.75
 
                     
Medical - Biomedical/Genetic
             
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
   
22,381
   
1,020,126
   
1.23
 
                     
Medical Instruments
                   
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
   
3,204
   
772,100
   
0.93
 
                     
Oil Companies - Integrated
                   
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR
   
27,990
   
1,230,161
   
1.49
 
                     
Power Conversion/Supply Equipment
                   
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.*
   
15,271
   
889,536
   
1.08
 
                     
Real Estate Operating/Development
                   
Brookfield Asset
                   
Management, Inc. - Cl. A
   
47,988
   
1,316,791
   
1.59
 
                     
Retail - Building Products
                   
The Home Depot, Inc.
   
64,928
   
1,680,986
   
2.04
 
                     
Retail - Discount
                   
Costco Wholesale Corporation
   
73,344
   
4,762,226
   
5.77
 
                     
Retail - Restaurants
                   
McDonald’s Corporation
   
24,995
   
1,542,192
   
1.87
 
                     
Super-Regional Banks - U.S.
                   
Bank of America Corporation
   
48,416
   
1,694,560
   
2.05
 
U.S. Bancorp
   
52,496
   
1,890,906
   
2.29
 
Wells Fargo & Company
   
148,263
   
5,564,310
   
6.74
 
           
9,149,776
   
11.08
 
Transportation - Rail
                   
America Latina Logistica S.A.
   
145,462
   
993,750
   
1.20
 
Canadian National Railway Company
   
39,961
   
1,911,335
   
2.32
 
           
2,905,085
   
3.52
 
Transportation - Services
                   
Kuehne + Nagel International AG
   
7,880
   
525,774
   
0.64
 
                     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
                   
(Cost $73,204,827)
         
67,844,915
   
82.19
 
 
 
*
Non-income producing.
 
See notes to financial statements.
 
49



MARSICO GLOBAL FUND

 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 2008
 
   
Number
 
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
of
 
 
 
of Net
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
 
Assets
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
         
SSgA Prime Money Market Funds,
             
2.41%
   
1
   
$1
   
0.00
%
SSgA U.S. Government
                   
Money Market Fund, 1.79%
   
3,113,692
   
3,113,692
   
3.77
 
SSgA U.S. Treasury
                   
Money Market Fund, 0.20%
   
3,573,440
   
3,573,440
   
4.33
 
                     
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $6,687,133)
         
6,687,133
   
8.10
 
                     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                   
(Cost $79,891,960)
         
74,532,048
   
90.29
 
                     
Other Assets Less Liabilities
         
8,010,816
   
9.71
 
                     
NET ASSETS
         
$82,542,864
   
100.00
%
   
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS BY COUNTRY
 
   
 
 
Percent of
 
 
 
 
 
Investment
 
Country
 
Market Value
 
Securities
 
Brazil
   
$2,223,911
   
2.98
%
Canada
   
3,228,126
   
4.33
 
China
   
580,823
   
0.78
 
Denmark
   
3,503,875
   
4.70
 
Hong Kong
   
2,366,779
   
3.18
 
Ireland
   
847,854
   
1.14
 
Netherlands
   
2,909,192
   
3.90
 
Switzerland
   
6,360,631
   
8.54
 
United Kingdom
   
724,723
   
0.97
 
United States(1)
   
51,786,134
   
69.48
 
Total
   
$74,532,048
   
100.00
%

*
Non-income producing.
(1)
Includes short-term securities.

See notes to financial statements.

50

 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
ASSETS
     
Investments, at value (cost $79,892)
   
$74,532
 
Receivable for investments sold
   
8,380
 
Receivable for capital stock sold
   
164
 
Interest and dividends receivable
   
89
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
80
 
Total Assets
   
83,245
 
         
LIABILITIES
       
Payable for capital stock redeemed
   
527
 
Accrued investment advisory fee
   
32
 
Accrued distribution fee
   
45
 
Accrued trustees’ fees
   
58
 
Accrued transfer agent fees and expenses
   
13
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
27
 
Total Liabilities
   
702
 
         
NET ASSETS
   
$82,543
 
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
       
Paid-in-capital
   
$102,969
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
584
 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and
       
foreign currency transactions
   
(15,637
)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
       
and foreign currency translations
   
(5,373
)
NET ASSETS
   
$82,543
 
         
SHARES OUTSTANDING, $0.001 par value
       
(Unlimited shares authorized)
   
9,302
 
         
NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE,
       
AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
       
(NET ASSETS/SHARES OUTSTANDING)*
   
$8.87
 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
     
FOR THE YEAR ENDED September 30, 2008
     
(Amounts in thousands)
     
       
INVESTMENT INCOME
     
Interest
   
$295
 
Dividends (net of $52 of non-reclaimable
       
foreign withholding taxes)
   
1,005
 
Total Investment Income
   
1,300
 
         
EXPENSES
       
Investment advisory fees
   
678
 
Distribution fees
   
200
 
Custody and fund accounting fees
   
107
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
92
 
Fund administration fees
   
86
 
Miscellaneous
   
38
 
Trustees’ fees and expenses
   
(11
)(1)
Total Expenses
   
1,190
 
Less waiver of expenses and expenses paid indirectly
   
(591
)
Net Expenses
   
599
 
         
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
701
 
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS
       
Net realized loss on investments
   
(15,861
)
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
   
686
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
       
investments and foreign currency translations
   
(8,458
)
Net Loss on Investments
   
(23,633
)
         
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
       
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
   
$(22,932
)

*
Not in thousands.
(1)
Includes $3,215 for trustees’ fees and expenses, and $(13,763) for the unrealized depreciation related to the mark to market of the shares in the Deferred Fee Plan during the year ended September 30, 2008.

See notes to financial statements.

51



MARSICO GLOBAL FUND

 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
         
   
Year Ended
 
6/29/07*
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
9/30/08
 
to 9/30/07
 
 
         
OPERATIONS
         
Net investment income
   
$701
   
$57
 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
   
(15,861
)
 
350
 
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions
   
686
   
(50
)
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
             
on investments and foreign currency translations
   
(8,458
)
 
3,084
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
(22,932
)
 
3,441
 
               
DISTRIBUTIONS
             
Net investment income
   
(236
)
 
 
Net realized gains
   
(763
)
 
 
Total distributions
   
(999
)
 
 
               
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
             
Proceeds from sale of shares
   
115,046
   
29,091
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions
   
987
   
 
Redemption fees
   
33
   
5
 
Redemption of shares
   
(41,069
)
 
(1,060
)
Net increase from capital share transactions
   
74,997
   
28,036
 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
51,066
   
31,477
 
               
NET ASSETS
             
Beginning of period
   
31,477
   
 
               
END OF PERIOD
   
$82,543
   
$31,477
 
Accumulated net investment income
   
584
   
132
 
               
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
             
Shares sold
   
10,358
   
2,851
 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
   
84
   
 
Shares redeemed
   
(3,888
)
 
(103
)
               
NET INCREASE
   
6,554
   
2,748
 

*
Commencement of operations.

See notes to financial statements.
 
52


 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
         
For a Fund Share Outstanding
 
Year
 
6/29/07*
 
Throughout the Period
 
Ended
 
to
 
 
 
9/30/08
 
9/30/07
 
           
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
$11.46
   
$10.00
 
               
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
             
Net investment income
   
0.08
   
0.02
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
             
(losses) on investment
   
(2.46
)
 
1.44
 
Total from investment operations
   
(2.38
)
 
1.46
 
               
DISTRIBUTIONS & OTHER
             
Net investment income
   
(0.05
)
 
 
Net realized gains
   
(0.17
)
 
 
Redemption fees [See Note 2(i)]
   
0.01
   
(1)
Total distributions & other
   
(0.21
)
 
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
   
$8.87
   
$11.46
 
               
TOTAL RETURN
   
(21.13
)%
 
14.60%
(3)
               
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
             
Net assets, end of period (000s)
   
$82,543
   
$31,477
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets, less
             
waivers and before expenses paid indirectly
   
0.75
%
 
0.75%
(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net
             
assets, net of waivers, and expenses paid indirectly
   
0.88
%
 
1.06%
(2)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets, before
             
waivers, and expenses paid indirectly
   
1.49
%
 
4.48%
(2)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
             
assets, before waivers, and expenses paid indirectly
   
0.14
%
 
(2.67%
)(2)
Portfolio turnover rate(4)
   
201
%
 
56%
(3)

*
Commencement of operations.
(1)
Less than $0.01.
(2)
Annualized.
(3)
Not annualized for the period June 29, 2007 to September 30, 2007.
(4)
Portfolio turnover is greater than most funds due to the investment style of the Fund.

See notes to financial statements.
 
53

 
 

MARSICO FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2008
 
1.
Organization

 
The Marsico Investment Fund (the “Trust”) was organized on October 1, 1997, as a Delaware Statutory Trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. The Focus Fund, the Growth Fund, the 21st Century Fund, the International Opportunities Fund, the Flexible Capital Fund, and the Global Fund (collectively, the “Funds”) are separate investment portfolios of the Trust. The Focus Fund and the Flexible Capital Fund are non-diversified funds and the Growth Fund, the 21st Century Fund, the International Opportunities Fund, and the Global Fund are diversified funds. The Focus and Growth Funds commenced operations on December 31, 1997, the 21st Century Fund commenced operations on February 1, 2000, the International Opportunities Fund commenced operations on June 30, 2000, the Flexible Capital Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2006, and the Global Fund commenced operations on June 29, 2007. Affiliates of the Adviser hold approximately 43% of the Flexible Capital Fund as of September 30, 2008.

2.
Significant Accounting Policies

 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for investment companies. The presentation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 
(a)
Investment Valuation—A security traded on a recognized stock exchange is valued at the last sale price prior to the closing of the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ generally will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If no sale is reported on the valuation date, the most current bid price will generally be used. Other securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are generally valued at the last sale price. Debt securities that will mature in more than 60 days are generally valued at their bid prices furnished by a pricing service. Debt securities that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, if it approximates market value. Any securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by, and under the general supervision of, the Funds’ Board of Trustees. The Funds may use pricing services to assist in determining market value. The Board of Trustees has authorized the use of a pricing service to assist the Funds in valuing certain equity securities listed or traded on foreign security exchanges in the Funds’ portfolios in certain circumstances where there is a significant change in the value of related U.S.- traded securities, as represented by the S&P 500 Index.
 
 
(b)
Expenses—The Funds are charged for those expenses that are directly attributable to each Fund, such as advisory and custodial fees. Expenses that are not directly attributable to a Fund are typically allocated among the Funds in proportion to their respective net assets and in some cases allocated based on other factors. The Funds’ expenses may be reduced by voluntary advisory fee waivers, brokerage credits and uninvested cash balances earning interest or credits. Such credits are included in Waiver of Expenses and Expenses Paid Indirectly in the Statement of Operations.

   
The Funds received credits on certain bank account balances which reduced certain transfer agent fees and expenses in the amount of $5,155, $3,304, $2,896, $946, $23, and $94 for the Focus Fund, Growth Fund, 21st Century Fund, International Opportunities Fund, Flexible Capital Fund, and Global Fund respectively, for the year ended September 30, 2008. Account earnings credits are included in Expenses Paid Indirectly on the Statements of Operations.
 
54


 
 
(c)
Federal Income Taxes—Each Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company and to make the requisite distributions of income to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from all or substantially all federal and state income taxes. Certain funds may utilize earnings and profits on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

 
(d)
Distributions to Shareholders—Dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, will be declared and paid at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Each Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts as a result of the timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions determined in accordance with federal tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These reclassifications are due to differing treatment for items such as foreign currency transactions, net investment losses and investments in partnerships and REITs.

 
(e)
Foreign Currency Translation—The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Values of securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at 4:00 p.m. ET. Amounts related to the purchase and sale of foreign securities and investment income are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

 
 
Reported realized gains on foreign currency transactions arise from sales of portfolio securities, forward currency contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid.

 
 
The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held at fiscal year-end. Net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, including investments in securities at fiscal year-end, resulting from changes in the exchange rates and changes in market prices of securities held.

 
(f)
Forward Currency Contracts and Futures Contracts—The Funds may enter into forward currency contracts to reduce their exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on their foreign holdings and to lock in the U.S. dollar cost of firm purchase and sale commitments for securities denominated in foreign currencies. A forward currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the U.S. dollar cost of the original contract and the value of the foreign currency in U.S. dollars upon closing of such contract is included in net realized gain or loss from foreign currency transactions.

 
 
Forward currency contracts held by the Funds are fully collateralized by other securities. If held by the Funds, such collateral would be in the possession of the Funds’ custodian. The collateral would be evaluated daily to ensure its market value equals or exceeds the current market value of the corresponding forward currency contracts.

 
 
Futures contracts are marked to market daily and the resultant variation margin is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the opening and closing value of the contract. Generally, open forward and futures contracts are marked to market (i.e., treated as realized and subject to distribution) for federal income tax purposes at fiscal year-end.
 
55



MARSICO FUNDS

 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2008 (continued)
 
 
 
Foreign-denominated assets and forward currency contracts may involve more risks than domestic transactions, including currency risk, political and economic risk, regulatory risk and market risk. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar.

   
The Funds may enter into futures contracts and options on securities, financial indexes, foreign currencies, forward contracts, interest rate swaps and swap-related products. The Funds intend to use such derivative instruments primarily to hedge or protect from adverse movements in securities prices, currency rates or interest rates. The use of futures contracts and options may involve risks such as the possibility of illiquid markets or imperfect correlation between the value of the contracts and the underlying securities, or that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations. There were no futures, forward currency contracts, or swap-related products open as of September 30, 2008.

 
(g)
Options Contracts—The Funds may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on foreign and domestic stock indices, foreign currencies and U.S. and foreign securities that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. These transactions are for hedging purposes or for the purpose of earning additional income. In addition, the Funds may enter into such transactions for cross-hedging purposes.

 
 
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.
 
 
 
When the Fund writes an option, the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire are recorded by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from option transactions. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Fund. In writing an option, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Fund could result in the Fund selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value. There were no options open as of September 30, 2008.

 
(h)
Trustees’ Deferred Fee Plan— Effective February 1, 2000, the Board of Trustees adopted the Marsico Investment Fund Deferred Fee Plan (the “Deferred Fee Plan”), amended and restated as of December 30, 2005, which allows the Trustees to defer the receipt of all or a portion of their compensation received from the Funds. Any deferred fees are credited to accounts established on behalf of the Trustees into the Funds as directed by each Trustee. The amounts credited to these accounts increase or decrease in accordance with the performance of the Funds selected by the Trustees. The market value of the deferred account balances as of September 30, 2008 is shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as part of an asset account, “Prepaid expenses and other assets,” and a liability account, “Accrued trustees’ fees.” Additionally, the fluctuation of the account balances due to the Funds performance is recorded by the Funds as unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) which is shown as part of “Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and
 
56

 
   
as compensation expense which is shown as part of the expense account “Trustees’ fees and expenses” on the Statement of Operations. Fees earned and deferred by the Trustees for the year ended September 30, 2008 are also included in “Trustees’ fees and expenses” on the Statement of Operations. Amounts credited to the Deferred Fee Plan will be deferred until distributed in accordance with the Deferred Fee Plan.

 
(i)
Redemption Fee—A 2.00% redemption fee is retained by the Funds to offset transaction costs and other expenses associated with short-term investing. The fee is imposed on certain redemptions or exchanges of shares held 30 days or less from their purchase date. Redemption fees are recorded by the Funds as a reduction of shares redeemed and as a credit to paid-in-capital. For the year ended September 30, 2008, the Focus Fund, Growth Fund, 21st Century Fund, International Opportunities Fund, Flexible Capital Fund and Global Fund received $50,828, $125,386, $171,690, $96,266, $5,010 and $32,715, respectively, in redemption fees.
 
 
(j)
Other—Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Each Fund determines the gain or loss realized from the investment transactions by comparing the original cost of the security lot sold with the net sale proceeds. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded as soon as the Trust is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis.

   
During the year ended September 30, 2008, a broker reimbursed $5,919 to the Flexible Capital Fund and $57,680 to the Global Fund for losses due to a processing error. These reimbursements did not have an impact on the total return of these Funds.

 
(k)
Indemnifications—In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain provisions indemnifying other parties against specified potential liabilities. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

3.
Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions With Affiliates

 
Each Fund has an agreement with Marsico Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) to furnish investment advisory services to the Funds. Under the terms of these agreements, the Adviser is compensated for managing the Focus Fund and the Growth Fund at the rate of 0.85% per year of average daily net assets up to $3 billion in each Fund, and 0.75% per year of average daily net assets exceeding $3 billion in each Fund; and at a rate of 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the 21st Century Fund, the International Opportunities Fund, the Flexible Capital Fund, and the Global Fund. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit the total expenses of each Fund (excluding interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation, brokerage and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 1.60% of the Focus and International Opportunities Funds’ average net assets, 1.50% of the Growth and the 21st Century Funds’ average net assets, and 0.75% of the Flexible Capital and Global Funds’ average net assets until December 31, 2008. This fee waiver is voluntary and may be terminated or modified at any time. Prior to June 1, 2007, the Adviser’s voluntary limitation agreement relating to the Flexible Capital Fund limited total expenses of the Flexible Capital Fund (excluding interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation, brokerage and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 1.60% of the Flexible Capital Fund’s average net assets. Unrealized appreciation/depreciation of Fund shares held in the Deferred Fee Plan is subject to the Funds’ expense reimbursement agreement with the Adviser.

 
The Adviser is entitled to reimbursement from a Fund of any fees waived pursuant to this arrangement if such reimbursements do not cause a Fund to exceed existing expense limitations and the reimbursement is made within three years after the year in which the
 
57

 

MARSICO FUNDS

 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2008 (continued)
 
 
Adviser incurred the expense. As of September 30, 2008, reimbursements that may potentially be made by the Flexible Capital Fund and the Global Fund to the Adviser are $427,898 and $798,988, respectively, which expire between 2010 and 2011.

 
On December 14, 2007, Thomas F. Marsico, the founder and CEO of the Adviser, and a company controlled by him, completed a buy back of ownership of the Adviser from Bank of America Corporation. Prior to this date, the Adviser had been a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of America Corporation since 2001. Shareholders of the Funds approved new investment advisory and management agreements that also took effect on this date. These agreements were identical in all material respects to the agreements previously in place, and the change in control did not change in any significant way the services provided to the Funds.

 
During the period October 1, 2007 through December 14, 2007, while the Adviser was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, the Funds paid no brokerage commissions to Banc of America Securities, its then-affiliated broker-dealer.

4.
Service and Distribution Plan

 
The Funds have adopted a Service and Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Plan authorizes payments by the Funds in connection with the distribution of their shares at an annual rate, as determined from time to time by the Board of Trustees, of up to 0.25% of a Fund’s average daily net assets.

5.
Investment Transactions

 
The aggregate purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term investments, for the Funds for the year ended September 30, 2008, were as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)
 
Focus
Fund
 
Growth
Fund
 
21st
Century
Fund
 
International
Opportunities
Fund
 
Flexible
Capital
Fund
 
Global
Fund
 
Purchases
   
$3,237,292
   
$1,960,906
   
$3,202,852
   
$924,016
   
$35,920
   
$202,244
 
Sales
   
$4,108,012
   
$2,244,531
   
$3,159,941
   
$869,421
   
$42,149
   
$137,713
 

 
There were no purchases or sales of U.S. government securities, excluding short-term investments.

6.
Transactions with Affiliated Companies

 
KKR Financial Holdings LLC is deemed to be an affiliated company of the 21st Century Fund for the year ended September 30, 2008. An affiliated company is a company in which a fund has ownership of at least 5% of the outstanding voting securities during the period. The 21st Century Fund conducted the following transactions during the year ended September 30, 2008 in the shares of affiliated companies as so defined:

   
Market Value
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Realized
 
Dividend
 
Market Value
 
21st Century Fund
 
at 9/30/07
 
Shares
 
$ Cost
 
Shares
 
$ Cost
 
Gain/(Loss)
 
Income
 
at 9/30/08
 
KKR Financial Holdings LLC
   
$100,270,592
   
376,016
   
$4,455,790
   
6,326,793
   
$90,146,979
   
$(12,940,420
)
 
$5,900,777
   
$ —*
 
                                                   
* Company was not held at September 30, 2008.
                                   


58



7.
Federal Income Tax Information

 
The Focus Fund, Growth Fund, 21st Century Fund and International Opportunities Fund adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on October 1, 2007. The Flexible Capital Fund and Global Fund adopted FIN 48 at their respective inception dates. FIN 48 requires an evaluation of tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing a Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that based on the technical merits have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations.

 
FIN 48 requires management of the Funds to analyze all open tax years, fiscal years 2005-2007 as defined by IRS statute of limitations for all major jurisdictions, including federal tax authorities and certain state tax authorities. As of and during the year ended September 30, 2008, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds have no examination in progress and are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

 
At September 30, 2008 gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments, based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)
 
Focus
Fund
 
Growth
Fund
 
21st
Century
Fund
 
International
Opportunities
Fund
 
Flexible
Capital
Fund
 
Global
Fund
 
Cost of investments
   
$2,919,600
   
$1,741,554
   
$1,798,112
   
$627,185
   
$12,304
   
$81,719
 
Gross Unrealized
                                     
Appreciation
   
$542,448
   
$422,207
   
$130,743
   
$45,986
   
$590
   
$3,038
 
Gross Unrealized
                                     
Depreciation
   
(204,716
)
 
(130,545
)
 
(236,661
)
 
(96,641
)
 
(949
)
 
(10,225
)
Net Unrealized
                                     
Appreciation
                                     
(Depreciation)
                                     
on investments
   
$337,732
   
$291,662
   
$(105,918
)
 
$(50,655
)
 
$(359
)
 
$(7,187
)

 
The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to wash sale loss deferrals.

 
The Focus, Growth, 21st Century, International Opportunities and Global Funds had realized currency losses (in thousands) from transactions between November 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008 of $686, $32, $337, $608 and $33 respectively. Post-October currency losses are treated as arising in the fund’s next fiscal year.

 
The Focus, Growth, 21st Century, International Opportunities, Flexible Capital and Global Funds had realized capital losses (in thousands) from transactions between November 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008 of $43,626, $137,882, $205,993, $50,643, $2,269 and $13,809 respectively. Post-October capital losses are treated as arising in the Fund’s next fiscal year.

59

 

MARSICO FUNDS

 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2008 (continued)

 
As of September 30, 2008 the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)
 
Focus
Fund
 
Growth
Fund
 
21st
Century
Fund
 
International
Opportunities
Fund
 
Flexible
Capital
Fund
 
Global
Fund
 
Undistributed ordinary
                         
income (deficit)
   
$18,542
   
$9,459
   
$903
   
$6,286
   
$88
   
$604
 
Undistributed long-term
                                     
capital gains
   
364
   
   
   
   
   
 
Tax accumulated earnings
   
18,906
   
9,459
   
903
   
6,286
   
88
   
604
 
Accumulated Capital and
                                     
Other Losses
   
(44,312
)
 
(137,913
)
 
(207,490
)
 
(51,251
)
 
(2,269
)
 
(13,843
)
Unrealized appreciation
                                     
(depreciation) on
                                     
investments
   
337,732
   
291,662
   
(105,918
)
 
(50,655
)
 
(359
)
 
(7,187
)
Total accumulated
                                     
earnings (deficit)
   
$312,326
   
$163,208
   
$(312,505
)
 
$(95,620
)
 
$(2,540
)
 
$(20,426
)

Undistributed ordinary income (deficit) consists of net investment income, short-term capital gains and timing differences related to post-October currency losses and deferred Trustees’ compensation.

The Focus, 21st Century, International Opportunities, Flexible Capital and Global Funds distributed to shareholders (in thousands) ordinary income of $43,537, $85,691, $42,800, $1,395 and $998 respectively, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. The Focus, Growth, 21st Century, International Opportunities, Flexible Capital and Global Funds distributed to shareholders (in thousands) long term capital gains of $372,506, $97,785, $23,339, $53,336, $43 and $1 respectively, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

The Focus, 21st Century and International Opportunities Funds distributed to shareholders (in thousands) ordinary income of $5,110, $10,724 and $9,321 respectively, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. The Focus and International Opportunities Funds distributed to shareholders (in thousands) long term capital gains of $118,229 and $16,411 respectively, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

The tax character of dividends paid may differ from that shown in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets due to short-term gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.
 
60


 
New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” The Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and is to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which this Statement is initially applied; the Statement will be effective for the Funds beginning October 1, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, management does not believe the adoption of the Statement will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements reported on the statement of changes in net assets for a fiscal period.

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The Statement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 and may require enhanced disclosures about the Funds’ derivative and hedging activities. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the Statement may have on the Funds’ financial statement disclosures.

61

 

MARSICO FUNDS

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of The Marsico Investment Fund

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Marsico Focus Fund, the Marsico Growth Fund, the Marsico 21st Century Fund, the Marsico International Opportunities Fund, the Marsico Flexible Capital Fund and the Marsico Global Fund (constituting The Marsico Investment Fund, hereafter referred to as the “Trust”) at September 30, 2008, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, and the changes in each of their net assets and their financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Trust’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2008 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers and the application of alternative procedures where securities purchased had not been received, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Denver, Colorado

November 6, 2008

62



EXPENSE EXAMPLE For the six months ended September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Marsico Funds (the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including redemption fees on certain redemptions; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from April 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 (the “period”).

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 equals 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of any of the Funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing the ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs could have been higher.

Expenses Paid During the Period
             
       
FOCUS FUND
     
   
Beginning
account value
April 1, 2008
 
Ending
account value
September 30, 2008
 
Expenses paid for the
six-month period ended
September 30, 2008(1)
 
Actual Example
   
$1,000.00
   
$894.60
   
$5.67
 
Hypothetical Example,
assuming a 5% return before expenses
   
$1,000.00
   
$1,019.02
   
$6.04
 

       
GROWTH FUND
     
   
Beginning
account value
April 1, 2008
 
Ending
account value
September 30, 2008
 
Expenses paid for the
six-month period ended
September 30, 2008(1)
 
Actual Example
   
$1,000.00
   
$870.00
   
$5.73
 
Hypothetical Example,
assuming a 5% return before expenses
   
$1,000.00
   
$1,018.87
   
$6.19
 

(1)
Expenses are equal to the Funds’ annualized expense ratios (1.196% for the Focus Fund, 1.226% for the Growth Fund, 1.299% for the 21st Century Fund, 1.337% for the International Opportunities Fund, 0.752% for the Flexible Capital Fund, and 0.750% for the Global Fund), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (to reflect the six month period).

63

 

MARSICO FUNDS

 
EXPENSE EXAMPLE For the six months ended September 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued)

       
21st CENTURY FUND
     
   
Beginning
account value
April 1, 2008
 
Ending
account value
September 30, 2008
 
Expenses paid for the
six-month period ended
September 30, 2008(1)
 
Actual Example
   
$1,000.00
   
$859.10
   
$6.04
 
Hypothetical Example,
assuming a 5% return before expenses
   
$1,000.00
   
$1,018.51
   
$6.56
 

   
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
 
   
Beginning
account value
April 1, 2008
 
Ending
account value
September 30, 2008
 
Expenses paid for the
six-month period ended
September 30, 2008(1)
 
Actual Example
   
$1,000.00
   
$771.50
   
$5.92
 
Hypothetical Example,
assuming a 5% return before expenses
   
$1,000.00
   
$1,018.32
   
$6.74
 

   
FLEXIBLE CAPITAL FUND
 
   
Beginning
account value
April 1, 2008
 
Ending
account value
September 30, 2008
 
Expenses paid for the
six-month period ended
September 30, 2008(1)
 
Actual Example
   
$1,000.00
   
$913.30
   
$3.59
 
Hypothetical Example,
assuming a 5% return before expenses
   
$1,000.00
   
$1,021.24
   
$3.80
 

   
 GLOBAL FUND
 
   
Beginning
account value
April 1, 2008
 
Ending
account value
September 30, 2008
 
Expenses paid for the
six-month period ended
September 30, 2008(1)
 
Actual Example
   
$1,000.00
   
$859.80
   
$3.49
 
Hypothetical Example,
assuming a 5% return before expenses
   
$1,000.00
   
$1,021.25
   
$3.79
 

(1)
Expenses are equal to the Funds’ annualized expense ratios (1.196% for the Focus Fund, 1.226% for the Growth Fund, 1.299% for the 21st Century Fund, 1.337% for the International Opportunities Fund, 0.752% for the Flexible Capital Fund, and 0.750% for the Global Fund), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (to reflect the six month period).


64

 
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

Proxy Voting Guidelines

The Funds exercise the voting rights associated with the securities held by the Funds under the proxy voting policy of the Funds. A description of those policies and procedures of the Funds and a record of the Funds’ proxy votes for the one-year period ended June 30, 2008 are available without charge, upon request, by calling 888-860-8686. It is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

Quarterly Filing of Portfolio Holdings

The Funds will file their complete schedule of investments with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Form N-Q will be available (i) on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov; (ii) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room; and (iii) by calling 800-SEC-0330.

Other Tax Information

Corporate Dividends Received Deduction

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, 100%,13%, 0%, 11% and 5% of the dividends paid from net investment income qualifies for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders of the Marsico Focus, 21st Century, International Opportunities, Flexible Capital and Global Funds, respectively.

Qualified Dividend Income

Pursuant to Section 854 of the Internal revenue Code of 1986, the Focus, 21st Century, International Opportunities, Flexible Capital and Global Funds designate income dividends (in thousands) of $43,538, $17,330, $16,051, $324 and $74 respectively, as qualified dividend income paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

Foreign Taxes Paid

Pursuant to the foreign tax credit election under Section 853 of the Internal revenue Code of 1986, the International Opportunities Fund designates (in thousands) $19,175 of income derived from foreign sources and $1,484 of foreign taxes paid, for the year ended September 30, 2008.

Of the ordinary income (including short-term capital gain) distributions made by the International Opportunities Fund during the year ended September 30, 2008, the proportionate share of income derived from foreign sources and foreign taxes paid attributable to one share of stock are $0.4294 and $0.0303, respectively.

Long Term Capital Gains Designation

Pursuant to IRC 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Focus, Growth, 21st Century, International Opportunities, Flexible Capital and Global Funds hereby designate (in thousands) $372,506, $97,785, $23,339, $53,336, $43 and $1 respectively, as long-term capital gains distributed during the year ended September 30, 2008, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year.

65

 

MARSICO FUNDS

 
TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Name, Address and Age
Position(s) Held
with the Trust
Term of Office(1)
and Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
Jay S. Goodgold
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1954
Trustee
Since
February 2006
Private investor (July 2003 - present);
Managing Director, Goldman, Sachs & Co.
(August 1978 - June 2003).
6
None
       
 
 
Elizabeth Hoffman
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1946
Trustee
Since
February 2006
Executive Vice President and Provost, Iowa
State University (January 2007 - present);
President Emerita and Professor of
Economics and Public Affairs, University of
Colorado (August 2005 - December 2006);
President, University of Colorado
(September 2000 - July 2005).
6
Viral Genetics, Inc.
       
 
 
Walter A. Koelbel, Jr.
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1952
Trustee
Since
December 1997
President, and other positions, Koelbel and
Company (full service real estate,
development, investment, and management
company) (more than five years).
6
None
       
 
 
Christopher E. Kubasik
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1961
Trustee
Since
February 2006
Executive Vice President, Electronic
Systems Business Area, Lockheed Martin
Corp. (September 2007 - present); Chief
Financial Officer, Lockheed Martin Corp.
(February 2001 - September 2007).
6
None
       
 
 
Michael D. Rierson
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1952
Trustee
Since
November 1998
Vice President and Vice Chancellor for
University Advancement at the University of
Houston and UH System, respectively
(November 2005 - present); President and
Vice President, University of South Florida
Foundation and University of South Florida
(May 2001 - September 2005).
6
None
       
 
 
Joseph T. Willett
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1951
Trustee
Since
November 2002
Private investor (2002 - present); Chief
Operating Officer, Merrill Lynch Europe
(1998 - 2002).
6
None

(1)
Each Trustee serves an indefinite term until the election of a successor. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, renewed annually, until the election of a successor.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available upon request, without charge, by calling 888-860-8686.

66



TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION INTERESTED TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Name, Address and Age
Position(s) Held
with the Trust
Term of Office(1)
and Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
Thomas F. Marsico(2)
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1955
Trustee, President
and Chief Executive
Officer
Since
December 1997
Chief Executive Officer, Marsico Capital
Management, LLC (more than five years).
6
None
       
 
 
Christopher J. Marsico(2)
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1961
Trustee, Vice
President and
Treasurer
Trustee (since August
2007); Vice President
and Treasurer (since
September 2002)
President, Marsico Capital Management, LLC (more than five years).
6
None
       
 
 
Neil L. Gloude, CPA
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1961
Vice President and
Secretary
Since
May 2008
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Marsico Capital Management, LLC (September 2007 - present); Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (public accounting firm)
(January 1999 - August 2007).
N/A
N/A
       
 
 
David C. Price, CPA
1200 17th Street
Suite 1600
Denver, CO
80202
DOB: 1969
Chief Compliance
Officer
Since
August 2004
Chief Compliance Officer, The Marsico
Investment Fund, and Director of Compliance, Marsico Capital Management, LLC (August 2004 - present); Senior Compliance Officer, INVESCO Institutional, N.A. (October 2003 -
July 2004); Assistant Vice President-
Compliance, Berger Financial Group LLC and The Berger Funds (March 2001 - May 2003).
N/A
N/A
       
 
 
Sander M. Bieber
1775 I Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
DOB: 1950
Assistant Secretary
Since
December 1997
Partner, Dechert, LLP (law firm) (more than five years).
N/A
N/A

(1)
Each Trustee serves an indefinite term until the election of a successor. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, renewed annually, until the election of a successor.
(2)
Mr. Thomas Marsico and Mr. Christopher Marsico are considered Interested Trustees of the Trust because of their affiliation with Marsico Capital Management, LLC, the investment adviser to the Funds. Mr. Thomas Marsico and Mr. Christopher Marsico are brothers.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available upon request, without charge, by calling 888-860-8686.
 
67


















Item 2 - Code of Ethics.

(a) The Registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Registrant or a third party. A copy of this code of ethics is attached hereto as Exhibit (a).
 
(b) Not used.
 
(c) There were no substantive amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.

(d) The Registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.
 
(e) Not applicable.

(f) See attached Exhibit (a).

Item 3 - Audit Committee Financial Expert.
 
(a)(1) The Registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that the Registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.

(a)(2) Mr. Joseph T. Willett is the audit committee financial expert. Mr. Willett is “independent” under the applicable rules.

Item 4 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the aggregate Audit Fees billed (or to be billed) by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) for professional services rendered to the Registrant for the audits of the financial statements, or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements as well as reimbursable expenses are listed below.

(a) Audit Fees.

2008
2007
$132,000
$127,000

(b) Audit-Related Fees.

In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the aggregate Audit-Related Fees billed (or to be billed) by PwC for services rendered to the Registrant for assurance and related services to each fund that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the fund's financial statements, but not reported as Audit Fees, are shown in the table below.

 
2008
2007
$0
$0
 
(c) Tax Fees.
In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 the aggregate Tax Fees billed (or to be billed) by PwC for professional services rendered to the Registrant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are shown in the table below.

2008
2007
$25,500
$21,000

All of these fees were approved by the Trust’s Audit Committee as required pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

Fees included in the Tax Fees category comprise all services performed by professional staff in the independent registered public accounting firm's tax division except those services related to the audit. Typically, this category would include fees for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. Tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning services include preparation of original and amended tax returns, claims for refund and tax payment-planning services, assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authorities.

(d) All Other Fees.
In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 the aggregate Other Fees billed (or to be billed) by PwC for all other non-audit services rendered to the Registrant are shown in the table below.

2008
2007
$0
$0
 
(e) (1)  Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures:
 
Pursuant to the Trust’s Audit Committee Charter and Policies and Procedures (collectively, the “Procedures”), the Audit Committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures to govern the pre-approval of (i) all audit services and permissible non-audit services to be provided to the Trust by its independent accountant, and (ii) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by such independent accountant to the Trust’s investment adviser and to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides on-going services to the Trust (collectively, any “Service Affiliates”) if the engagement directly relates to the Trust’s operations and financial reporting.


In accordance with the Procedures, the Committee is responsible for the engagement of the independent accountant to certify the Trust’s financial statements for each fiscal year. With respect to the pre-approval of non-audit services provided to the Trust and its Service Affiliates, the Procedures provide that the Committee may pre-approve such services on a project-by-project basis as they arise. The Procedures also permit the Committee to delegate authority to the Audit Committee Chairman (the “Designated Member”) to pre-approve any proposed non-audit services that have not been previously approved by the Committee, subject to certain conditions. Any action by the Designated Member in approving a requested non-audit service shall be presented to the Audit Committee not later than at its next scheduled meeting. If the Designated Member does not approve the independent auditor’s provision of a requested non-audit service, the matter may be presented to the full Committee for its consideration and action.
 
(e)(2)
Services approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X:
 
100% of these fees were approved by the Trust’s Audit Committee as required pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) According to PwC for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, the percentage of hours spent on the audit of the Marsico Funds’ financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons who are not full-time, permanent employees of PwC is as follows:

PwC
2008
Work performed by persons who are not full-time
0%

(g) In each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the aggregate fees billed (or to be billed) by PwC relating to non-audit services that were rendered to the Trust, to its investment adviser, and to any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the Trust are shown in the table below.
 
2008
2007
$0
$20,000
 
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, there were no non-audit services provided by PwC to the Trust, its investment adviser, or to any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser.  Fees in the amount of $277,000 have been billed by PwC for audit-related services provided to the investment adviser of the Trust.
 
(h) All non-audit services of the specified type (services that were provided by PwC to the investment adviser and to any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the Trust) were pre-approved.
 

Item 5 - Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
 
Not applicable.

Item 6 - Schedule of Investments.

The schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1.

Item 7 - Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
 
Not applicable.

Item 8 - Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 9 - Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 10 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Not applicable.

Item 11 - Controls and Procedures.

(a) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR.

(b) There were no significant changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) that occurred during the second fiscal half-year covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12 - Exhibits.

(a)(1) Code of Ethics - Filed as an attachment to this filing.

(a)(2) Certification for each principal executive and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)). Filed as an attachment to this filing.

(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that was sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons.

Not applicable.


(b) Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)), Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) - Filed as an attachment to this filing.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

The Marsico Investment Fund

By:  /s/ Thomas F. Marsico
Thomas F. Marsico
President

Date:   December 5, 2008

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By:  /s/ Thomas F. Marsico
Thomas F. Marsico
President

Date: December 5, 2008

By:  /s/ Christopher J. Marsico
Christopher J. Marsico
Vice President and Treasurer

Date: December 5, 2008