N-CSR 1 pf-ncsra.htm PROPECTOR FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT 12-31-22



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 811-22077



Prospector Funds, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)



370 Church St., Guilford, CT 06437
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)



Prospector Partners Asset Management, LLC, 370 Church St., Guilford, CT 06437
(Name and address of agent for service)



(203) 458-1500
Registrant's telephone number, including area code



Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2022



Date of reporting period: December 31, 2022



Item 1. Report to Stockholders.

(a)













Prospector Capital Appreciation Fund
Prospector Opportunity Fund





 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
Annual Report

www.prospectorfunds.com
December 31, 2022


PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.



January 19, 2023
 
Dear Shareholders of the Prospector Capital Appreciation Fund and Prospector Opportunity Fund,
 
“This time is different.” As 2022 began, that sentiment seemed pervasive. With the S&P 500 trading close to all-time highs, continuing to be led by mega-cap technology and growth stocks, despite rising interest rates and worrisome inflation readings, the time-tested rule that ultimately, the stock market is a discounting mechanism, was seemingly being ignored. However, as the year progressed and inflation continued to surge, reaching a 40-year+ high of 9.0% in June, this time proved, unequivocally, not to be different. The Federal Reserve, in an effort to tamp down consumer prices, aggressively raised rates – ultimately by fully 425 basis points on the year. As interest rates continued to rise, the market rotated from “voting machine” to “weighing machine” (to once again use a favorite Benjamin Graham metaphor) as expected future cash flows were discounted at much higher interest rates and the present value of formerly nosebleed valuations were adjusted much lower. Against this backdrop, value stocks trounced growth (the S&P 500 Value Index’s decline of 7% bested its growth counterpart by nearly 23%), and many of the leaders over the past decade were hit hardest. For example, the so-called “FAANG” stocks saw an average decline of over 46% for the year, with Apple, the best performer among the group, declining over 26%. Indeed, there was seemingly no place to hide in 2022 as both stocks and bonds fell by more than 10% for the first time on record according to Ned Davis Research.
 
As 2023 begins, the market remains on edge. An unprecedented pandemic brought with it unprecedented economic and social impacts. An abrupt, global shutdown in 2020 led to drastic reductions in economic activity, followed by an equally abrupt reopening, supply and labor shortages with corresponding inflationary effects – the results of which we are still feeling today. Central banks globally have been tightening policy as a result, and recession fears abound. According to a recent Morgan Stanley report, “of the 38 central banks around with world, 32 (or 84%) have hiked their main policy rate over the last six months.” Domestically, as we indicated in our last quarterly writing, we continue to fear the impacts of a potentially too-hawkish Fed. Although the CPI has declined month over month since the peak in June, it remains stubbornly high (over 6% at the last reading) and the employment market remains very tight. Meanwhile, the rapid rise in interest rates has caused the housing market to come to a virtual halt, as the 30-year mortgage rate, which ended 2021 at 3.31%, reached a high of 7.16% in October 2022 and remains well north of 6%. Other signs of cooling include the ISM Manufacturing Index1, which recently registered a 48.4 (a level indicative of a contracting economy) and the ISM Services PMI2 Index for December also indicated contraction after 30 months straight of growth. Despite this, the Federal Reserve has indicated an unwillingness to cease tightening until inflation is closer to their 2% target, and are willing to slow the economy considerably to do so.
 


 
_________________
1
The ISM Manufacturing Index is a monthly gauge of U.S. economic activity based on a survey of purchasing managers at more than 300 manufacturing firms.
2
The ISM Services PMI index is a monthly gauge of U.S. economic activity based on a survey of purchasing managers at non-manufacturing industries.  The non-manufacturing PMI captures business conditions in the services sectors, such as new orders, production, employment, prices and inventories to determine whether the industry contracted or expanded during the period.
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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.



Moreover, the Fed’s “dot plot” (the central bank’s own projection of where they estimate the Fed funds rate will be in the future) indicates a plan to hold rates flat in 2023 once the terminal rate of tightening is reached – a plan which implicitly assumes a relatively strong economy. However, market expectations are not as sanguine and predict an economy not able to withstand short-term interest rates at such a restrictive level. As can be seen in the table below, market expectations are for the Fed to cut rates several times in the back half of 2023.

 
Thus, it seems the market shares our concerns of a Fed-induced recession. If the central bank does pivot in the coming months, it would not be surprising to see a knee-jerk rotation back into growth stocks and the tech leaders of the past decade. However, we are dubious this would be sustained, given there are many arguments to be made that we are in a “higher for longer” period when it comes to inflation and interest rates. Some of the major factors which impact our reasoning include:
 
 
The Fed has only just begun their process of Quantitative Tightening. It is unknown what the impact of attempting to reduce their $9 trillion balance sheet will be. If they become more aggressive selling Treasuries, it could cause rates to rise above where they would otherwise be – just as rates were potentially artificially low during much of Quantitative Easing.
     
 
China’s recent decision to abandon their “zero-COVID” policy and reopen the economy will likely fuel demand for autos, and other durable goods, real estate, etc. over the coming years. Given the size of China’s economy, potential for demand shocks exist, which could once again bring about inflationary supply / demand imbalances.
     
 
Also related to China, a further chilling of our relationship with the country, especially when it comes to their intentions with Taiwan, could further the trend of domestic “onshoring” we have seen following COVID-induced supply chain disruptions, as more companies move manufacturing hubs and reliance on supplies away from China. This could serve to reverse decades of deflationary productivity gains.
     
 
The Russia / Ukraine war remains an unknown, and an escalation by Putin could lead to further disruptions in the supply of energy, wheat, and other commodities, which would be additive to inflation.
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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.



In addition to these above factors, historically, as can be seen in the chart below, once growth/value rotations happen, they typically last for years.

 
Source: FactSet Research Systems
 
Portfolio Positioning
 
Despite all the unknowns, and persistent volatility, we are encouraged by the fact that once again fundamentals and valuations seem to matter. We are in a proverbial “stock-pickers’ market,” and the backdrop of volatility has allowed us to find misvalued opportunities. The environment has allowed us to add cyclically exposed, quality companies at what we feel are discount prices. This includes companies exposed to the auto, housing, and technology industries. Many names in these groups are down 30-50% from their highs and we think as the Fed pauses, investors will seek out these beaten-up industries. Unsurprisingly, we have done this in our typical gradual fashion.
 
A key overweight in both Funds is the property-casualty insurance sector. The Funds own underwriters and insurance brokers which are exposed to rising prices for insurance risk and whose investment income should also benefit from higher interest rates. We believe renewals at 4/1, and mid-year will show continued strength, which will benefit your holdings.
 
We have decreased exposure to banks in recent months in both the Opportunity Fund and Capital Appreciation Fund. We are concerned about rising credit and deposit costs along with marks on banks’ fixed income portfolios. However, the group is inexpensive on earnings and disliked by investors. This is in addition to the fact that capital levels remain healthy and bank underwriting has been conservative versus prior cycles. It is possible we will increase exposure to this beaten up group as 2023 progresses.
 
Importantly, while we highlight sector-level movements, bottom-up analysis is essential, and we follow and find opportunities anywhere we see attractively priced businesses with conservatively-stated balance sheets and reliable cash flows. Needless to say, the current environment is keeping us very busy.
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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.



Prospector Opportunity Fund Highlights
 
The Prospector Opportunity Fund declined 6.20% for the year 2022. This compared to a 17.32% decrease for the Russell Midcap and a 20.44% decline for the Russell 2000. The primary source of the Fund’s relative outperformance for the year was derived from superior stock selection within Financials, driven by our investments in property-casualty and life insurance. Within property-casualty, an increasingly positive pricing environment led to gains for most portfolio holdings during the year, while in life insurance, your portfolio’s positioning in less-levered, more defensive names helped results. Healthcare and industrials also contributed significantly to relative outperformance, with healthcare aided by investments in pharmaceutical companies Merck and Pfizer, as well as managed care organization, Cigna. Curtis-Wright (CW) was the Fund’s top contributor within industrials given a solid demand backdrop for its defense & aerospace businesses. There is also growing investor interest in CW’s nuclear energy business, as this alternative energy source has gained renewed focus with the war in Ukraine.
 
The Opportunity Fund’s most significant underperformance versus the benchmarks was within information technology and materials. FARO Technologies and Littelfuse were the biggest detractors from performance within tech given a weak sales environment, which we view as temporary. In materials, our investments in gold miners underperformed given a combination of cost inflation, mine-specific downtimes, and the impact of foreign exchange headwinds.
 
Prospector Capital Appreciation Fund Highlights
 
For the full year 2022, the Prospector Capital Appreciation Fund declined 4.07% as compared to the S&P 500’s loss of 18.11% and a 7.98% decline for the Russell 3000 Value. Your portfolio’s high-quality and value bias helped stem losses amidst the market’s downturn. As was the case with the benchmarks, energy was your portfolio’s top contributor to performance. The Fund also saw a positive contribution from financials and healthcare, where stock and sub-industry selection helped results. Within financials, the biggest area of outperformance included property-casualty related names, which saw significant gains during the year as the outlook for insurance rates continued to improve. Healthcare benefited our exposure to large pharmaceutical names, including Merck and Astrazeneca.
 
While the Fund was underweight technology versus the S&P 500, aiding relative results, positions within the sector were collectively the Fund’s largest negative contribution for the year. The Capital Appreciation Fund had an overweight technology weighting when compared to the Russell 3000 Value, due to the Fund’s convert allocation to the sector, but better performance within the sector aided relative results versus the Value index.
 
Outlook
 
Equity and bond market declines have been pronounced. The Federal Reserve has aggressively raised interest rates in an effort to lower inflation, and equity and bond markets are likely to remain volatile until investors sense the Fed is about to pivot to a less restrictive stance. The U.S. and rest of the world continue to manage the impacts of high inflation, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and China’s rotation from a “zero-COVID” policy. In our assessment, markets reflect a reasonably high probability of recession.
 
Employment remains strong. Supply / demand imbalances in the labor market bode well for the health of the consumer given full employment and the prospect for further wage gains, which partially mitigates the impact of inflation on the consumer. We expect continued pressure on housing prices as a result of higher interest rates and affordability concerns. However, the shortage of housing after over a decade of underinvestment following the Great Financial Crisis should prevent a disastrous decline in home prices. Lower-income consumers have been most
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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.



impacted by the current inflationary environment, but consumer balance sheets remain generally healthy for the majority of Americans, and consumer credit quality remains strong at the moment. COVID mortality has improved and related pent-up demand is impacting many areas of the economy. These are reasons to believe a recession could be less significant than the previous two recessionary periods.
 
Following years of lower interest rates helping to drive ever-higher growth-stock valuations, we feel value investing is ripe for a period of outperformance. Further, given the recent market correction, we are finding opportunities to invest in quality businesses with solid balance sheets and cash flows, whose share prices have detached from our assessment of the fundamentals. The bargains inherent in your portfolio should attract acquirers and other investors over time.
 
Thank you for entrusting us with your money.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 

John D. Gillespie
Kevin R. O’Brien
Jason A. Kish
Steven R. Labbe


Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results.
 
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
 
Opinions expressed are those of the Funds and are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
 
Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. The Funds invest in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. The Funds invest in smaller and mid-cap companies, which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. The Funds may hold restricted securities purchased through private placements. Such securities can be difficult to sell without experiencing delays or additional costs. Derivatives involve risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than the risks presented by more traditional investments. These risks are fully disclosed in the prospectus.
 
Growth and value investing each have unique risks and potential for rewards. Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.
 
Free Cash Flow (FCF) is revenue less operating expenses including interest expenses and maintenance capital spending. It is the discretionary cash that a company has after all expenses and is available for purposes such as dividend payments, investing back into the business or share repurchases. Free Cash Flow Yield is an overall return evaluation ratio on a stock that standardizes the free cash flow per share that a company expects to earn against its market price per
 
The S&P 500 Index is a broad based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged small-cap index that measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index. The Russell MidCap Index is an unmanaged mid-cap index that measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 
Fund holdings and/or security allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please see the Schedule of Investments section in this report for a full listing of the Fund’s holdings. Prospector Funds, Inc. are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.
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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Capital Appreciation Fund


The chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000.  Performance reflects waivers of fee and operating expenses in effect.  In the absence of such waivers, total return would be reduced.  Past performance is not predictive of future performance.  Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.  The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on redemption of shares held 60 days or less. Performance data does not reflect the redemption fee. If reflected, total return would be reduced. Performance current to the most recent month-end may be lower or higher than the performance quoted and can be obtained by calling 877-734-7862.  Performance assumes the reinvestment of capital gains and income distributions.  The performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
 
Average Annual Rates of Return (%) – As of December 31, 2022
 
 
One Year
Three Year
Five Year
Ten Year
Since Inception(1)
Capital Appreciation Fund
 -4.07%
7.95%
8.33%
  8.71%
6.54%
S&P 500 Index(2)
-18.11%
7.66%
9.42%
12.56%
8.39%
Russell 3000 Value Index(3)
 -7.98%
5.88%
6.50%
10.16%
6.38%

Gross expense ratio as of most recent prospectus: 1.79%
 
(1)
September 28, 2007
(2)
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted index generally representative of the U.S. market for large capitalization stocks. This Index cannot be invested in directly.
(3)
The Russell 3000 Value Index is a market-capitalization weighted index based on the Russell 3000 Index, which measures how U.S. stocks in the equity value segment perform by including only value stocks. This index cannot be invested in directly.

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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Opportunity Fund


The chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000.  Performance reflects waivers of fee and operating expenses in effect.  In the absence of such waivers, total return would be reduced.  Past performance is not predictive of future performance.  Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.  The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on redemption of shares held 60 days or less. Performance data does not reflect the redemption fee. If reflected, total return would be reduced. Performance current to the most recent month-end may be lower or higher than the performance quoted and can be obtained by calling 877-734-7862.  Performance assumes the reinvestment of capital gains and income distributions.  The performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
 
Average Annual Rates of Return (%) – As of December 31, 2022
 
 
One Year
Three Year
Five Year
Ten Year
Since Inception(1)
Opportunity Fund
  -6.20%
6.71%
7.88%
10.44%
8.93%
Russell 2000 Index(2)
-20.44%
3.10%
4.13%
  9.01%
6.63%
Russell Midcap Index(3)
-17.32%
5.88%
7.10%
10.96%
8.01%

Gross expense ratio as of most recent prospectus: 1.35%
 
(1)
September 28, 2007
(2)
The Russell 2000 Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index. This index cannot be invested in directly.
(3)
The Russell Midcap Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index. This index cannot be invested in directly.
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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Expense Example (Unaudited)
December 31, 2022

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which may include but are not limited to, redemption fees, wire transfer fees, maintenance fee (IRA accounts), and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees; distribution and/or service fees; and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund 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 (July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022).
 
ACTUAL EXPENSES
The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. Although the Fund charges no sales load or transaction fees, you will be assessed fees for outgoing wire transfers, returned checks and stop payment orders at prevailing rates charged by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Fund’s transfer agent. The example below includes, but is not limited to, investment advisory fees, shareholder servicing fees and other Fund expenses. However, the example below does not include portfolio trading commissions and related expenses, interest expense and other extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this 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 Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the 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 or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing 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 would have been higher.
 
     
Expenses Paid
 
Beginning Account
Ending Account
During Period(1)
 
Value (07/01/22)
Value (12/31/22)
(07/01/22 to 12/31/22)
Capital Appreciation Actual(2)
$1,000.00
$1,053.50
$6.47
Capital Appreciation Hypothetical
     
  (5% return before expenses)
  1,000.00
  1,018.90
  6.36
       
Opportunity Actual(2)
  1,000.00
  1,063.70
  6.50
Opportunity Hypothetical
     
  (5% return before expenses)
  1,000.00
  1,018.90
  6.36

(1)
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six-month period of 1.25% and 1.25% for Capital Appreciation Fund and Opportunity Fund, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.
(2)
Based on the actual returns for the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 of 5.35% and 6.37% for Capital Appreciation Fund and Opportunity Fund, respectively.
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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Sector Allocation (% of net assets) (Unaudited)
as of December 31, 2022(1)(2)

Capital Appreciation Fund


Top 10 Holdings (% of net assets) (Unaudited)
as of December 31, 2022(1)(3)
 
Capital Appreciation Fund
 
 
Eaton
   
3.3
%
 
Merck & Co.
   
3.3
%
 
Globe Life
   
3.0
%
 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, 0.599%, 08/01/2024
   
2.8
%
 
Brown & Brown
   
2.7
%
 
Hess
   
2.7
%
 
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
   
2.6
%
 
Kaman, 3.250%, 05/01/2024
   
2.5
%
 
Verint Systems, 0.250%, 04/15/2026
   
2.3
%
 
Liberty Media, 2.125%, 03/31/2048
   
2.0
%

 
(1)
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
 
(2)
Sector allocation includes all investment types.
 
 
(3)
First American Treasury Obligations Fund excluded from top 10 holdings.
 

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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Sector Allocation (% of net assets) (Unaudited)
as of December 31, 2022(1)(2)

Opportunity Fund



Top 10 Holdings (% of net assets) (Unaudited)
as of December 31, 2022(1)(3)
 
Opportunity Fund
 
 
Curtiss-Wright
   
3.9
%
 
Globe Life
   
3.4
%
 
Federated Hermes, Class B
   
3.0
%
 
Brown & Brown
   
2.8
%
 
Littelfuse
   
2.7
%
 
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
   
2.7
%
 
Darden Restaurants
   
2.3
%
 
Medtronic
   
2.2
%
 
Merck & Co.
   
2.1
%
 
Pioneer Natural Resources
   
2.1
%

 
(1)
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
 
(2)
Sector allocation includes all investment types.
 
 
(3)
First American Treasury Obligations Fund excluded from top 10 holdings.
 

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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2022

Capital Appreciation Fund

Description
 
Shares
   
Value
 
             
COMMON STOCKS – 74.6%
           
             
Banks – 6.6%
           
Comerica
   
5,100
   
$
340,935
 
First Bancorp
   
21,750
     
276,660
 
KeyCorp
   
13,950
     
243,009
 
Pinnacle Financial Partners
   
4,430
     
325,162
 
SouthState
   
4,300
     
328,348
 
Synovus Financial
   
8,200
     
307,910
 
             
1,822,024
 
                 
Communication Services – 0.8%
               
Alphabet, Inc. – Class A*
   
2,575
     
227,192
 
                 
Consumer Discretionary – 2.9%
               
Darden Restaurants
   
3,020
     
417,757
 
Expedia Group*
   
1,898
     
166,265
 
Texas Roadhouse
   
2,450
     
222,827
 
             
806,849
 
                 
Consumer Staples – 6.2%
               
Church & Dwight
   
4,150
     
334,531
 
Colgate-Palmolive
   
2,275
     
179,247
 
Hostess Brands*
   
10,175
     
228,327
 
Mondelez International, Class A
   
7,190
     
479,214
 
Nestle
   
2,260
     
261,868
 
Walgreens Boots Alliance
   
5,780
     
215,941
 
             
1,699,128
 
                 
Diversified Financial Services – 3.7%
               
Berkshire Hathaway, Class B*
   
1,570
     
484,973
 
Federated Hermes, Class B
   
14,300
     
519,233
 
             
1,004,206
 
                 
Energy – 4.7%
               
Hess
   
5,270
     
747,391
 
Pioneer Natural Resources
   
2,425
     
553,846
 
             
1,301,237
 
                 
Healthcare – 7.4%
               
Abbott Laboratories
   
1,785
     
195,975
 
AstraZeneca – ADR
   
4,410
     
298,998
 
Merck & Co.
   
8,050
     
893,148
 

See Notes to the Financial Statements
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PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Schedule of Investments – Continued
December 31, 2022

Capital Appreciation Fund

Description
 
Shares
   
Value
 
             
COMMON STOCKS – 74.6% (Continued)
           
             
Healthcare – 7.4% (Continued)
           
NuVasive*
   
5,500
   
$
226,820
 
Pfizer
   
8,000
     
409,920
 
             
2,024,861
 
                 
Industrials – 10.3%
               
Curtiss-Wright
   
3,000
     
500,970
 
Eaton
   
5,820
     
913,449
 
Fortune Brands Innovations
   
1,000
     
57,110
 
Leidos Holdings
   
3,500
     
368,165
 
Pentair
   
6,750
     
303,615
 
Raytheon Technologies
   
4,150
     
418,818
 
Sensata Technologies Holding
   
6,450
     
260,451
 
             
2,822,578
 
                 
Information Technology – 5.2%
               
FARO Technologies*
   
3,500
     
102,935
 
Fidelity National Information Services
   
4,000
     
271,400
 
Microsoft
   
1,100
     
263,802
 
Oracle
   
5,481
     
448,017
 
Paychex
   
2,150
     
248,454
 
Zebra Technologies – Class A*
   
400
     
102,564
 
             
1,437,172
 
                 
Insurance Brokers – 6.2%
               
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
   
3,807
     
717,772
 
Brown & Brown
   
13,230
     
753,713
 
Marsh & McLennan
   
1,400
     
231,672
 
             
1,703,157
 
                 
Life & Health Insurance – 5.0%
               
Globe Life
   
6,840
     
824,562
 
Voya Financial
   
8,750
     
538,038
 
             
1,362,600
 
                 
Materials – 4.1%
               
Agnico Eagle Mines
   
5,450
     
283,345
 
Axalta Coating Systems*
   
14,200
     
361,674
 
Louisiana-Pacific
   
3,320
     
196,544
 
PPG Industries
   
2,163
     
271,976
 
             
1,113,539
 

See Notes to the Financial Statements
12

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Schedule of Investments – Continued
December 31, 2022

Capital Appreciation Fund

Description
 
Shares
   
Value
 
             
COMMON STOCKS – 74.6% (Continued)
           
             
Property & Casualty Insurance – 6.2%
           
Fairfax Financial Holdings
   
770
   
$
457,472
 
First American Financial
   
4,475
     
234,222
 
Markel*
   
257
     
338,595
 
W.R. Berkley
   
4,000
     
290,280
 
White Mountains Insurance Group
   
273
     
386,112
 
             
1,706,681
 
                 
Real Estate – 2.3%
               
Four Corners Property Trust
   
12,370
     
320,754
 
Howard Hughes*
   
4,036
     
308,431
 
             
629,185
 
                 
Reinsurance – 3.0%
               
Everest Re Group
   
1,550
     
513,468
 
RenaissanceRe Holdings
   
1,659
     
305,638
 
             
819,106
 
                 
Total Common Stocks
               
  (Cost $14,356,192)
           
20,479,515
 
                 
   
Par
         
                 
CONVERTIBLE BONDS – 18.6%
               
                 
Communication Services – 2.0%
               
Liberty Media
               
  2.125%, 03/31/2048 (a)
 

594,300
     
557,453
 
                 
Healthcare – 5.3%
               
BioMarin Pharmaceutical
               
  0.599%, 08/01/2024
   
723,000
     
767,320
 
Ligand Pharmaceuticals
               
  0.750%, 05/15/2023
   
297,000
     
289,018
 
NuVasive
               
  0.375%, 03/15/2025
   
445,000
     
389,820
 
             
1,446,158
 
                 
Industrials – 3.0%
               
Chart Industries
               
  1.000%, 11/15/2024 (a)
   
72,000
     
142,992
 
Kaman
               
  3.250%, 05/01/2024
   
724,000
     
672,958
 
             
815,950
 

See Notes to the Financial Statements
13

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Schedule of Investments – Continued
December 31, 2022

Capital Appreciation Fund

Description
 
Par
   
Value
 
             
CONVERTIBLE BONDS – 18.6% (Continued)
           
             
Information Technology – 6.5%
           
Akamai Technologies
           
  0.125%, 05/01/2025
 
$
435,000
   
$
456,750
 
  0.375%, 09/01/2027
   
218,000
     
209,934
 
Palo Alto Networks
               
  0.750%, 07/01/2023
   
297,000
     
469,260
 
Verint Systems
               
  0.250%, 04/15/2026
   
740,000
     
643,800
 
             
1,779,744
 
                 
Real Estate – 1.8%
               
Zillow Group
               
  2.750%, 05/15/2025
   
521,000
     
495,471
 
Total Convertible Bonds
               
  (Cost $5,048,867)
           
5,094,776
 
                 

   
Shares
     
 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND – 1.0%
               
Aberdeen Standard Physical Platinum Shares Fund*
               
  (Cost $243,096)
   
2,750
     
273,021
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT – 5.6%
               
First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.197%^
               
  (Cost $1,530,320)
   
1,530,320
     
1,530,320
 
Total Investments – 99.8%
               
  (Cost $21,178,475)
           
27,377,632
 
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net – 0.2%
           
67,104
 
Total Net Assets – 100.0%
         
$
27,444,736
 

*
Non-income producing security
(a)
Security purchased within the terms of a private placement memorandum, exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may be sold only to dealers in that program or other “qualified institutional buyers.” As of December 31, 2022, the value of these investments was $700,445 or 2.6% of total net assets.
^
The rate shown is the seven-day yield effective December 31, 2022.
ADR – American Depositary Receipt

The industry classifications included in the Schedule of Investments are in accordance with the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) and were developed by and/or are the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (MSCI) and Standard & Poor Financial Services LLC (S&P). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.
 
See Notes to the Financial Statements
14

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2022

Opportunity Fund

Description
 
Shares
   
Value
 
             
COMMON STOCKS – 94.8%
           
             
Banks – 12.0%
           
Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son
   
91,500
   
$
2,727,615
 
Citigroup
   
24,020
     
1,086,424
 
Comerica
   
34,100
     
2,279,585
 
First Bancorp
   
173,900
     
2,212,008
 
HarborOne Bancorp
   
120,794
     
1,679,037
 
KeyCorp
   
189,950
     
3,308,929
 
Origin Bancorp
   
63,750
     
2,339,625
 
Pinnacle Financial Partners
   
35,470
     
2,603,498
 
QCR Holdings
   
51,550
     
2,558,942
 
SouthState
   
21,450
     
1,637,922
 
Stellar Bancorp
   
95,659
     
2,818,114
 
             
25,251,699
 
                 
Communication Services – 0.8%
               
Alphabet, Inc. – Class A*
   
4,600
     
405,858
 
Alphabet, Inc. – Class C*
   
13,700
     
1,215,601
 
             
1,621,459
 
                 
Consumer Discretionary – 6.9%
               
Darden Restaurants
   
35,100
     
4,855,383
 
eBay
   
56,100
     
2,326,467
 
Expedia Group*
   
14,800
     
1,296,480
 
Home Depot
   
6,050
     
1,910,953
 
Noodles & Company*
   
456,062
     
2,503,780
 
Texas Roadhouse
   
17,600
     
1,600,720
 
             
14,493,783
 
                 
Consumer Staples – 5.0%
               
Church & Dwight
   
49,400
     
3,982,134
 
Colgate-Palmolive
   
14,650
     
1,154,273
 
Hostess Brands*
   
80,525
     
1,806,981
 
Mondelez International, Class A
   
53,450
     
3,562,443
 
             
10,505,831
 
                 
Diversified Financial Services – 6.9%
               
A-Mark Precious Metals
   
31,458
     
1,092,536
 
CBOE Global Markets
   
21,800
     
2,735,246
 
Diamond Hill Investment Group
   
8,500
     
1,572,670
 
Federated Hermes, Class B
   
175,950
     
6,388,745
 
State Street
   
36,230
     
2,810,361
 
             
14,599,558
 

See Notes to the Financial Statements
15

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Schedule of Investments – Continued
December 31, 2022

Opportunity Fund

Description
 
Shares
   
Value
 
             
COMMON STOCKS – 94.8% (Continued)
           
             
Energy – 6.1%
           
Devon Energy
   
40,150
   
$
2,469,626
 
Hess
   
13,700
     
1,942,934
 
Pioneer Natural Resources
   
18,927
     
4,322,738
 
Schlumberger
   
34,300
     
1,833,678
 
Suncor Energy
   
73,100
     
2,319,463
 
             
12,888,439
 
                 
Healthcare – 9.0%
               
Cigna
   
7,600
     
2,518,184
 
Henry Schein*
   
31,750
     
2,535,872
 
Medtronic
   
59,750
     
4,643,770
 
Merck & Co.
   
39,548
     
4,387,851
 
NuVasive*
   
55,900
     
2,305,316
 
Pfizer
   
51,550
     
2,641,422
 
             
19,032,415
 
                 
Industrials – 14.9%
               
Carrier Global Corp.
   
83,100
     
3,427,875
 
Curtiss-Wright
   
49,500
     
8,266,005
 
Fortune Brands Innovations
   
7,450
     
425,469
 
Leidos Holdings
   
35,700
     
3,755,283
 
Moog
   
36,550
     
3,207,628
 
Otis Worldwide
   
41,350
     
3,238,119
 
Pentair
   
56,200
     
2,527,876
 
Sensata Technologies Holding
   
75,000
     
3,028,500
 
Vectrus*
   
84,600
     
3,493,134
 
             
31,369,889
 
                 
Information Technology – 5.5%
               
FARO Technologies*
   
53,950
     
1,586,669
 
Fidelity National Information Services
   
30,775
     
2,088,084
 
Littelfuse
   
26,130
     
5,753,826
 
PayPal Holdings*
   
13,450
     
957,909
 
Zebra Technologies – Class A*
   
4,650
     
1,192,307
 
             
11,578,795
 
                 
Insurance Brokers – 6.3%
               
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
   
30,100
     
5,675,054
 
Brown & Brown
   
101,900
     
5,805,243
 
Marsh & McLennan
   
11,250
     
1,861,650
 
             
13,341,947
 

See Notes to the Financial Statements
16

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Schedule of Investments – Continued
December 31, 2022

Opportunity Fund

Description
 
Shares
   
Value
 
             
COMMON STOCKS – 94.8% (Continued)
           
             
Life & Health Insurance – 7.4%
           
Globe Life
   
59,250
   
$
7,142,587
 
Primerica
   
30,050
     
4,261,691
 
Voya Financial
   
67,550
     
4,153,650
 
             
15,557,928
 
                 
Materials – 3.8%
               
Axalta Coating Systems*
   
99,700
     
2,539,359
 
Newmont Goldcorp
   
40,750
     
1,923,400
 
PPG Industries
   
20,750
     
2,609,105
 
Victoria Gold*
   
192,036
     
1,015,871
 
             
8,087,735
 
                 
Property & Casualty Insurance – 5.4%
               
Fairfax Financial Holdings
   
6,140
     
3,647,897
 
Markel*
   
2,050
     
2,700,855
 
W.R. Berkley
   
30,625
     
2,222,456
 
White Mountains Insurance Group
   
1,895
     
2,680,155
 
             
11,251,363
 
                 
Real Estate – 1.7%
               
Howard Hughes*
   
45,950
     
3,511,499
 
                 
Reinsurance – 3.1%
               
Everest Re Group
   
12,550
     
4,157,439
 
RenaissanceRe Holdings
   
13,010
     
2,396,832
 
             
6,554,271
 
                 
Total Common Stocks
               
  (Cost $154,807,572)
           
199,646,611
 
                 
                 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND – 1.1%
               
Aberdeen Standard Physical Platinum Shares Fund*
               
  (Cost $1,963,602)
   
23,200
     
2,303,296
 

See Notes to the Financial Statements
17

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Schedule of Investments – Continued
December 31, 2022

Opportunity Fund

Description
 
Shares
   
Value
 
             
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT – 4.2%
           
First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.197%^
           
  (Cost $8,777,884)
   
8,777,884
   
$
8,777,884
 
Total Investments – 100.1%
               
  (Cost $165,549,058)
           
210,727,791
 
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net – (0.1)%
           
(140,471
)
Total Net Assets – 100.0%
         
$
210,587,320
 

*
Non-income producing security
^
The rate shown is the seven-day yield effective December 31, 2022.

The industry classifications included in the Schedule of Investments are in accordance with the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) and were developed by and/or are the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (MSCI) and Standard & Poor Financial Services LLC (S&P). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.
 
See Notes to the Financial Statements
18

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2022

   
Capital Appreciation Fund
   
Opportunity Fund
 
ASSETS:
           
Investments, at market value
           
  (Cost of $21,178,475 and $165,549,058 respectively)
 
$
27,377,632
   
$
210,727,791
 
Cash
   
3,771
     
4,814
 
Receivable for dividends and interest
   
42,918
     
240,227
 
Receivable for capital shares sold
   
997
     
36,180
 
Receivable for investments sold
   
82,326
     
 
Prepaid expenses
   
10,372
     
21,997
 
Total assets
   
27,518,016
     
211,031,009
 
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Payable to Investment Adviser, net
   
3,227
     
125,130
 
Payable for administration fees
   
8,904
     
52,502
 
Payable for audit & tax fees
   
48,005
     
48,005
 
Payable for capital shares redeemed
   
     
168,968
 
Accrued distribution fees
   
2,090
     
20,529
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
11,054
     
28,555
 
Total liabilities
   
73,280
     
443,689
 
                 
NET ASSETS
 
$
27,444,736
   
$
210,587,320
 
                 
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
               
Portfolio capital
 
$
21,201,744
   
$
164,625,364
 
Total distributable earnings
   
6,242,992
     
45,961,956
 
Total net assets
 
$
27,444,736
   
$
210,587,320
 
                 
CAPITAL STOCK, $0.001 par value
               
Authorized
   
500,000,000
     
500,000,000
 
Issued and outstanding
   
1,423,360
     
9,099,616
 
                 
NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE,
               
  AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
 
$
19.28
   
$
23.14
 

See Notes to the Financial Statements
19

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022

   
Capital Appreciation Fund
   
Opportunity Fund
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:
           
Interest income
 
$
97,515
   
$
183,603
 
Dividend income
   
410,485
     
4,093,168
 
Less: Foreign taxes withheld
   
(4,325
)
   
(43,900
)
Total investment income
   
503,675
     
4,232,871
 
                 
EXPENSES:
               
Investment advisory fees
   
275,531
     
2,203,176
 
Audit & tax fees
   
54,845
     
54,845
 
Administration fees
   
36,284
     
220,867
 
Registration fees
   
27,450
     
41,961
 
Transfer agent fees
   
20,125
     
42,812
 
Legal fees
   
19,155
     
148,527
 
Distribution fees
   
12,576
     
122,119
 
Compliance expenses
   
12,282
     
14,234
 
Other expenses
   
10,380
     
28,621
 
Custodian fees
   
6,304
     
18,472
 
Directors’ fees
   
6,291
     
53,199
 
Fund accounting fees
   
3,497
     
4,929
 
Postage and printing fees
   
599
     
8,748
 
Total expenses
   
485,319
     
2,962,510
 
Less: Fee waivers
   
(140,905
)
   
(208,540
)
Total net expenses
   
344,414
     
2,753,970
 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
159,261
     
1,478,901
 
                 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES):
               
Net realized gain on investments
   
1,084,861
     
6,742,021
 
Net change in unrealized
               
  appreciation/depreciation of investments
   
(2,427,505
)
   
(23,067,084
)
Net loss on investments
   
(1,342,644
)
   
(16,325,063
)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
               
  RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
 
$
(1,183,383
)
 
$
(14,846,162
)

See Notes to the Financial Statements
20

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   
Capital Appreciation Fund
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
159,261
   
$
100,090
 
Net realized gain on investments
   
1,084,861
     
3,410,914
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/
               
  depreciation of investments
   
(2,427,505
)
   
2,285,188
 
Net increase (decrease) resulting from operations
   
(1,183,383
)
   
5,796,192
 
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares sold
   
736,594
     
757,981
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions
   
1,502,026
     
3,303,926
 
Payments for shares redeemed
   
(1,885,568
)
   
(2,778,187
)
Net increase from capital share transactions
   
353,052
     
1,283,720
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS
   
(1,563,757
)
   
(3,404,519
)
                 
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
   
(2,394,088
)
   
3,675,393
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
29,838,824
     
26,163,431
 
End of year
 
$
27,444,736
   
$
29,838,824
 
                 
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES:
               
Shares sold
   
36,114
     
34,662
 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
   
74,914
     
163,642
 
Shares redeemed
   
(91,044
)
   
(129,669
)
Net increase
   
19,984
     
68,635
 

See Notes to the Financial Statements
21

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   
Opportunity Fund
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
1,478,901
   
$
833,864
 
Net realized gain on investments
   
6,742,021
     
22,865,818
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/
               
  depreciation of investments
   
(23,067,084
)
   
24,234,426
 
Net increase (decrease) resulting from operations
   
(14,846,162
)
   
47,934,108
 
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares sold
   
23,652,634
     
65,226,397
 
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions
   
7,679,303
     
13,906,185
 
Payments for shares redeemed
   
(38,656,260
)
   
(89,858,554
)
Redemption fees
   
785
     
4,907
 
Net decrease from capital share transactions
   
(7,323,538
)
   
(10,721,065
)
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS
   
(8,373,387
)
   
(20,094,014
)
                 
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
   
(30,543,087
)
   
17,119,029
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
241,130,407
     
224,011,378
 
End of year
 
$
210,587,320
   
$
241,130,407
 
                 
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES:
               
Shares sold
   
978,935
     
2,506,659
 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
   
317,458
     
569,459
 
Shares redeemed
   
(1,606,706
)
   
(3,498,948
)
Net decrease
   
(310,313
)
   
(422,830
)

See Notes to the Financial Statements
22

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Financial Highlights

   
Capital Appreciation Fund
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
   
2019
   
2018
 
For a Fund share outstanding
                             
  throughout the year
                             
                               
NET ASSET VALUE:
                             
Beginning of year
 
$
21.26
   
$
19.60
   
$
18.80
   
$
16.34
   
$
17.63
 
                                         
OPERATIONS:
                                       
Net investment income
   
0.11
     
0.09
     
0.12
     
0.14
     
0.12
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
(0.93
)
   
4.32
     
1.07
     
3.47
     
(0.67
)
Total from operations
   
(0.82
)
   
4.41
     
1.19
     
3.61
     
(0.55
)
                                         
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
                                       
From net investment income
   
(0.11
)
   
(0.20
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.12
)
   
(0.12
)
From net realized gains
   
(1.05
)
   
(2.55
)
   
(0.37
)
   
(1.03
)
   
(0.62
)
Total distributions
   
(1.16
)
   
(2.75
)
   
(0.39
)
   
(1.15
)
   
(0.74
)
                                         
NET ASSET VALUE:
                                       
End of year
 
$
19.28
   
$
21.26
   
$
19.60
   
$
18.80
   
$
16.34
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
(4.07
)%
   
23.25
%
   
6.40
%
   
22.33
%
   
(3.07
)%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (in thousands)
 
$
27,445
   
$
29,839
   
$
26,163
   
$
29,371
   
$
25,179
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
1.76
%
   
1.78
%
   
2.00
%
   
1.95
%
   
1.97
%
After expense reimbursement
   
1.25
%
   
1.25
%
   
1.25
%
   
1.29
%
   
1.30
%
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
                                       
  to average net assets:
                                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
0.07
%
   
(0.17
)%
   
(0.09
)%
   
0.08
%
   
(0.00
)%
After expense reimbursement
   
0.58
%
   
0.36
%
   
0.66
%
   
0.74
%
   
0.67
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
33
%
   
32
%
   
40
%
   
25
%
   
28
%
                                         

See Notes to the Financial Statements
23

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Financial Highlights

   
Opportunity Fund
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
   
2019
   
2018
 
For a Fund share outstanding
                             
  throughout the year
                             
                               
NET ASSET VALUE:
                             
Beginning of year
 
$
25.63
   
$
22.78
   
$
22.18
   
$
18.47
   
$
20.85
 
                                         
OPERATIONS:
                                       
Net investment income
   
0.17
     
0.11
     
0.13
     
0.23
     
0.19
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
(1.71
)
   
4.99
     
1.06
     
4.49
     
(1.11
)
Total from operations
   
(1.54
)
   
5.10
     
1.19
     
4.72
     
(0.92
)
                                         
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
                                       
From net investment income
   
(0.17
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.17
)
   
(0.23
)
   
(0.19
)
From net realized gains
   
(0.78
)
   
(2.15
)
   
(0.42
)
   
(0.78
)
   
(1.27
)
Total distributions
   
(0.95
)
   
(2.25
)
   
(0.59
)
   
(1.01
)
   
(1.46
)
                                         
NET ASSET VALUE:
                                       
End of year
 
$
23.14
   
$
25.63
   
$
22.78
   
$
22.18
   
$
18.47
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
(6.20
)%
   
22.88
%
   
5.43
%
   
25.73
%
   
(4.38
)%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (in thousands)
 
$
210,587
   
$
241,130
   
$
224,011
   
$
142,685
   
$
114,251
 
Ratios of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
1.34
%
   
1.34
%
   
1.39
%
   
1.50
%
   
1.53
%
After expense reimbursement
   
1.25
%
   
1.25
%
   
1.25
%
   
1.29
%
   
1.30
%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets:
                                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
0.58
%
   
0.28
%
   
0.63
%
   
0.85
%
   
0.66
%
After expense reimbursement
   
0.67
%
   
0.37
%
   
0.77
%
   
1.06
%
   
0.89
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
44
%
   
29
%
   
52
%
   
27
%
   
39
%

See Notes to the Financial Statements
24

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Notes to the Financial Statements
December 31, 2022

1.  ORGANIZATION
 
Prospector Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”) was organized as a Maryland corporation on June 6, 2007 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as amended, as an open-end diversified management investment company. The Corporation issues its shares in series, each series representing a distinct portfolio with its own investment objectives and policies. There are two series presently authorized, the Prospector Capital Appreciation Fund and the Prospector Opportunity Fund (individually a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”). Each Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies. The Funds commenced operations on September 28, 2007.
 
2.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by each Fund:
 
Security Valuation – The Fund has adopted fair value accounting standards which establish an authoritative definition of fair value and set out a hierarchy for measuring fair value. These standards require additional disclosures about the various inputs and valuation techniques used to develop the measurements of fair value, a discussion in changes in valuation techniques and related inputs during the period and expanded disclosure of valuation levels for major security types. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
 
Level 1 –
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.
   
Level 2 –
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates, discounts and similar data.
   
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

Following is a description of the valuation techniques applied to the Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Fund’s investments are carried at fair value.
 
Common Stock – Securities that are primarily traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded on the day of valuation or, if there has been no sale on such day, at the last bid price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Convertible and Corporate Bonds – Convertible and corporate bonds, including listed issues, are valued at fair value on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques. The pricing service may consider recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads, and fundamental data relating to the issuer. Convertible and corporate bonds are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
25

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Notes to the Financial Statements – Continued
December 31, 2022

Investment Companies – Investments in open-end mutual funds, including money market funds, are valued at their net asset value per share. Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at the closing exchange price. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or if the closing price does not represent fair value, are valued following procedures approved by the Funds’ board of directors (the “Board”). These procedures consider many factors, including the type of security, size of holding, trading volume and news events. There can be no assurance that the Funds could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if they were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the Funds determine their net asset values per share. These types of securities are generally categorized in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds did not hold investments in Level 3 securities.
 
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
 
As of December 31, 2022 each Fund’s investments in securities were classified as follows:
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Capital Appreciation Fund
                       
Common Stocks
 
$
20,479,515
   
$
   
$
   
$
20,479,515
 
Convertible Bonds
   
     
5,094,776
     
     
5,094,776
 
Exchange Traded Fund
   
273,021
     
     
     
273,021
 
Short-Term Investment
   
1,530,320
     
     
     
1,530,320
 
Total Investments
 
$
22,282,856
   
$
5,094,776
   
$
   
$
27,377,632
 
                         
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Opportunity Fund
                               
Common Stocks
 
$
199,646,611
   
$
   
$
   
$
199,646,611
 
Exchange Traded Fund
   
2,303,296
     
     
     
2,303,296
 
Short-Term Investment
   
8,777,884
     
     
     
8,777,884
 
Total Investments
 
$
210,727,791
   
$
   
$
   
$
210,727,791
 

Refer to each Fund’s Schedule of Investments for further sector breakout.
 
The Funds may invest in derivative financial instruments in order to manage risk or gain exposure to various other investments or markets. The Funds’ investment objectives allow the Funds to enter into various types of derivative contracts, including, but not limited to, futures contracts, forward foreign exchange contracts, and purchased and written options. Derivatives may contain various risks including the potential inability of the counterparty to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the contract, the potential for an illiquid secondary market, and the potential for market movements which may expose the funds to gains or losses in excess of the amounts shown on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds held no derivative instruments.
 
3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Distributions to Shareholders – Dividends from net investment income and distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, will be declared and paid at least annually. The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from the characterization for federal income tax purposes
26

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Notes to the Financial Statements – Continued
December 31, 2022

due to differences in the recognition of income, expense and gain items for financial statement and tax purposes. All net short-term capital gains are included in ordinary income for tax purposes.
 
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Federal Income Taxes – The Funds intend to meet the requirements of subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all net taxable investment income and net realized gains to shareholders in a manner which results in no tax cost to the Funds. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is required. As of December 31, 2022, the Funds did not have any tax positions that did not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.
 
Reclassification of Capital Accounts – U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Capital Appreciation Fund increased portfolio capital by $88,370 and decreased distributable earnings by $88,370 and the Opportunity Fund increased portfolio capital by $1,452,976 and decreased distributable earnings by $1,452,976.
 
Foreign Currency Translation – The books and records relating to the Funds’ non-U.S. dollar denominated investments are maintained in U.S. dollars on the following bases: (1) market value of investment securities, assets, and liabilities are translated at the current rate of exchange; and (2) purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses, if any, are translated at the relevant rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The Funds do not isolate the portion of gains and losses on investments in equity securities that is due to changes in the foreign exchange rates from that which is due to changes in market prices of equity securities. The Funds report certain foreign currency-related transactions as components of realized gains for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
 
Illiquid or Restricted Securities – A security may be considered illiquid if it lacks a readily available market. Securities are generally considered liquid if they can be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price at which the security is valued by the Fund. Illiquid securities may be valued under methods approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. Each Fund intends to invest no more than 15% of its total assets in illiquid securities. Certain restricted securities may be considered illiquid. Restricted securities are often purchased in private placement transactions, are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, may have contractual restrictions on resale, and may be valued under methods approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. Certain restricted securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors, including Rule 144A securities, are not subject to the limitation on a Fund’s investment in illiquid securities if they are determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. As of December 31, 2022, the Board has deemed all Rule 144A securities held within the Capital Appreciation Fund to be liquid. At December 31, 2022, the Funds had no investments in illiquid securities and no restricted securities other than Rule 144A securities. Refer to the Schedule of Investments for further detail.
27

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Notes to the Financial Statements – Continued
December 31, 2022

Expenses – Expenses directly attributable to a Fund are charged to that Fund, while expenses attributable to more than one Fund are allocated among the respective Funds based on relative net assets or another appropriate basis.
 
Other – Investment and shareholder transactions are recorded on the trade date. Each Fund determines the gain or loss realized from the investment transactions on the basis of identified cost. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of bond premium and discount, is recognized on an accrual basis. Shareholders may be subject to a redemption fee equal to 2% of the amount redeemed if Funds’ shares are sold within 60 days or less following the date of their purchase.
 
Subsequent Events – Management of the Funds has evaluated Fund related events and transactions that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2022, through the date of issuance of the Funds’ financial statements. There were no events or transactions that occurred during this period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Funds’ financial statements.
 
4.  INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, DISTRIBUTABLE EARNINGS, AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID
 
During the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases of securities and proceeds from sales of securities, other than temporary investments in short-term securities, were as follows:
 
   
Purchases
   
Sales
 
Capital Appreciation Fund
 
$
8,549,644
   
$
9,513,619
 
Opportunity Fund
   
92,693,507
     
104,657,832
 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities.
 
The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by the Funds and the total cost of securities for federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2022, the Funds’ most recently completed fiscal year end, were as follows:
 
   
Aggregate
   
Aggregate
   
Net
   
Federal
 
   
Gross
   
Gross
   
Appreciation/
   
Income
 
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
(Depreciation)
   
Tax Cost
 
Capital Appreciation Fund
 
$
6,819,022
   
$
(654,814
)
 
$
6,164,208
   
$
21,213,699
 
Opportunity Fund
   
51,048,690
     
(6,125,055
)
   
44,923,635
     
165,805,399
 

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation is attributable primarily to wash sales and different book and tax accounting methods for certain securities.
 
At December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax-basis were as follows:
 
   
Undistributed
   
Undistributed
   
Other
         
Total
 
   
Ordinary
   
Long-Term
   
Accumulated
   
Unrealized
   
Distributable
 
   
Income
   
Capital Gains
   
Losses
   
Appreciation
   
Earnings
 
Capital Appreciation Fund
  $
7,928
    $ 70,856
    $

    $
6,164,208
    $
6,242,992
 
Opportunity Fund
   
7,376
     
1,030,945
     
     
44,923,635
     
45,961,956
 
28

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Notes to the Financial Statements – Continued
December 31, 2022

As of December 31, 2022, the Funds did not have any capital loss carryovers. A regulated investment company may elect for any taxable year to treat any portion of any qualified late year loss as arising on the first day of the next taxable year. Qualified late year losses are certain capital and ordinary losses which occur during the portion of the Fund’s taxable year subsequent to October 31. The Capital Appreciation Fund and the Opportunity Fund did not defer any late year losses.
 
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:
 
   
Ordinary
   
Long Term
       
   
Income*
   
Capital Gains**
   
Total
 
Capital Appreciation Fund
 
$
150,299
   
$
1,413,458
   
$
1,563,757
 
Opportunity Fund
   
1,469,012
     
6,904,375
     
8,373,387
 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:
 
   
Ordinary
   
Long Term
       
   
Income*
   
Capital Gains**
   
Total
 
Capital Appreciation Fund
 
$
309,712
   
$
3,094,807
   
$
3,404,519
 
Opportunity Fund
   
4,263,777
     
15,830,237
     
20,094,014
 

*
 
For federal income tax purposes, distributions of short-term capital gains are included in ordinary income distributions.
**
 
Funds designate long-term capital gain dividends pursuant to IRC Sec. 852(b)(3)(C).
 
5.  AGREEMENTS
 
The Funds have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Prospector Partners Asset Management, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”), with whom certain directors and officers of the Corporation are affiliated, to furnish investment advisory services to the Funds. Pursuant to this Agreement, the Investment Adviser is entitled to receive an investment advisory fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, at the annual rate of 1.00% as applied to each Fund’s daily net assets.
 
The Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fee and reimburse each Fund’s other expenses to the extent necessary to ensure that each Fund’s operating expenses do not exceed 1.25% of its average daily net assets. Fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the Investment Adviser may be recouped by the Investment Adviser for a period of three fiscal years following the fiscal year during which such waiver or reimbursement was made if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time the waiver or reimbursement occurred. As of December 31, 2022, the Investment Adviser did not recoup any previously waived fees or reimbursed expenses. The Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation Agreement will be in effect through at least September 30, 2023 . Waived fees and reimbursed expenses subject to potential recovery by year of expiration are as follows:
 
Expiration
 
Capital Appreciation Fund
   
Opportunity Fund
 
12/31/23
 
$
181,184
   
$
220,158
 
12/31/24
   
147,451
     
202,416
 
12/31/25
   
140,905
     
208,540
 
Total
 
$
469,540
   
$
631,114
 
29

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Notes to the Financial Statements – Continued
December 31, 2022

As of December 31, 2022, it was possible, but not probable, those amounts would be recovered by the Investment Adviser. At the end of each fiscal year in the future, the Funds will continue to assess the potential recovery of waived/reimbursed fees and expenses for financial reporting purposes.
 
Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”) serves as distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Corporation. Each Fund’s shares are sold on a no-load basis and, therefore, Quasar receives no sales commission or sales load for providing services to the Funds. The Corporation has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “12b-1 Plan”), which authorizes the Corporation to reimburse Quasar and certain financial intermediaries who assist in distributing each Fund’s shares or who provide shareholder services to Fund shareholders a distribution and/or shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets (computed on an annual basis). All or a portion of the fee may be used by the Funds or Quasar to pay the Fund’s distribution fees and costs of printing reports and prospectuses for potential investors and the costs of other distribution and shareholder services expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Capital Appreciation Fund and Opportunity Fund incurred expenses of $12,576 and $122,119 respectively, pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan.
 
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as transfer agent, administrator and fund accountant for the Funds. U.S. Bank N.A. serves as custodian for the Funds.
 
6.  INDEMNIFICATIONS
 
The Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expect the risk of loss to be remote.
30

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Prospector Funds, Inc.
 
Opinion on the Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Prospector Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”) (comprising the Prospector Capital Appreciation Fund and Prospector Opportunity Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”)), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds comprising Prospector Funds, Inc. at December 31, 2022, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and their financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Basis for Opinion
 
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Corporation is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
 
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 

 
We have served as the auditor of one or more Prospector Funds, Inc. investment companies since 2007.
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 23, 2023
31

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Additional Information (Unaudited)
December 31, 2022

BOARD APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
 
The Corporation’s independent directors (the “directors”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between the Funds and Prospector Partners Asset Management, LLC (the “Advisor”) at a Board of Directors meeting held on August 30, 2022.
 
In preparation for the meeting, the directors had requested from the Advisor and evaluated a memorandum providing certain information requested by the Board pursuant to Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act, including (i) expense, compliance and other information as it relates to the Advisor; (ii) performance of other accounts managed by its affiliate Prospector Partners, LLC with similar investment objectives derived from data compiled by the Advisor and (iii) expense and other information for other registered investment companies with similar investment objectives derived from data compiled by the Advisor based upon comparative peer groups selected in consultation with the independent directors. Prior to voting, the directors reviewed the proposed approval of the Advisory Agreement with management and with counsel to the Corporation and reviewed a memorandum from such counsel discussing the legal standards for their consideration of the proposed approval. In reaching their determinations relating to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors considered all factors they believed relevant including the following:
 
 
1.
 
the nature, extent and quality of investment, and other services to be rendered by the Advisor;
 
2.
 
payments to be received by the Advisor from all sources with respect to the Funds;
 
3.
 
comparative fee and expense data for the Funds and other investment companies with similar investment objectives;
 
4.
 
the extent to which economies of scale may be realized as the Funds grow and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of investors;
  5.
the Advisor’s policies and practices regarding allocation of portfolio transactions of the Funds, including the extent to which the Advisor may benefit from soft dollar arrangements;
 
6.
 
fall-out benefits which the Advisor and its affiliates may receive from their relationships to the Funds;
 
7.
 
information about fees charged by the Advisor to other clients with similar investment objectives;
 
8.
 
the professional experience and qualifications of the Funds’ portfolio managers and other senior personnel of the Advisor;
 
9.
 
profitability of the Advisor; and
 
10.
 
the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

The directors also considered their overall confidence in the integrity and competence of the Advisor and its investment team. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all- important or controlling, and each director attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the overall arrangements between the Funds and the Advisor, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses expected to be incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment.
 
The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors reaching their determinations to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement (including their determinations that the Advisor should be the investment adviser for the Funds, and that the fees payable to the Advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreement continue to be appropriate) were separately discussed by the directors.
32

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Additional Information (Unaudited) – Continued
December 31, 2022

Nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Advisor
 
The directors noted that, under the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor, subject to the control of the directors, administers the Funds’ business and other affairs. The directors also noted that the Advisor manages the investment of the assets of the Funds, including making purchases and sales of portfolio securities consistent with each Fund’s investment objective and policies.
 
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement, the cyclical nature of value investing, the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Advisor and the other resources it proposes to dedicate to performing services for the Funds and the Advisor’s active management style. The directors also considered the portfolio managers’ experience, reputation and investment philosophy noting that the Advisor’s investment style and stock selection process have remained consistent even in difficult market environments. The quality of administrative and other services also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they continue to be satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services proposed to be provided to the Funds under the Advisory Agreement.
 
Advisor Fees; Performance of the Fund
 
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Funds to the Advisor and information prepared by the Advisor based upon the peer groups selected with the input of the independent directors concerning fee rates paid by other comparable funds. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds, but determined that the current advisory fee rate of 1.00% was in line with other comparable funds.
 
The directors also considered the performance of each Fund compared to each Fund’s benchmarks and peer groups. The directors noted that the Opportunity Fund outperformed its Lipper peers across the one-year, five-year, ten-year and since-inception time periods. The Directors noted that the Capital Appreciation Fund outperformed the Lipper peer group average for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year and since-inception time periods. The directors concluded that the advisory fee rate, taking into account performance and the other factors mentioned, was in line with comparable funds.
 
Other Fund Expenses
 
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Funds in comparison to the fees and expenses of the funds included in their respective peer groups. The directors noted that the expense ratios of some of the comparable funds were lower because of waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary. In particular, the directors noted that the Advisor’s fee waiver/expense reimbursement pursuant to the Fee Waiver and Expenses Reimbursement Agreement was contractual in nature and customary for the industry. The directors concluded that each Fund’s expense ratio was reasonable. Finally, the directors noted that there may be economies of scale as the Funds grow and concluded that it may be appropriate to consider those issues in the future.
 
Advisor Profitability
 
The directors noted that the Advisor also provides the Funds with such office space, administrative and other services (exclusive of, and in addition to, any such services provided by any other retained by the Funds) and
33

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Additional Information (Unaudited) – Continued
December 31, 2022

executive and other personnel as are necessary for the Funds’ operations. The directors considered that the Advisor pays all of the compensation of the officers of the Company that are affiliated persons of the Advisor, pays a portion of the insurance costs and paid the cost of the organization of the Funds (without reimbursement), through its affiliate, Prospector Partners, LLC.
 
The directors also noted that the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive, through September 30, 2023, its management fee and/or reimburse each Fund’s other expenses to the extent necessary to ensure that each Fund’s operating expenses do not exceed 1.25% of its average daily net assets. Under the terms of the Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement at the present asset levels of the Funds, the Advisor has received only a portion of its earned management fee. It was also noted that the Advisor does not receive “fall out” benefits commonly received by managers of mutual funds that provide transfer agency, distribution or printing services in-house. The directors considered the expenses of the Advisor and the services provided by the Advisor and that the Advisor expects to be cash flow positive after considering an allocation of expenses from its affiliated advisor, Prospector Partners, LLC and before considering any allocation of income to the owners of the affiliated advisor.
34

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Additional Information (Unaudited) – Continued
December 31, 2022

 
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
 
The Funds have adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Funds’ liquidity risk, taking into consideration, among other factors, the Funds’ investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions; its short and long-term cash flow projections; and its cash holdings and access to other funding sources. The Board approved the appointment of a Liquidity Administrator Committee, which includes representatives from Prospector Partners Asset Management, LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser.
 
The Liquidity Administrator Committee is responsible for the program’s administration and oversight and for reporting to the Board on at least an annual basis regarding the program’s operation and effectiveness. The Liquidity Administrator Committee updated its assessment of the Fund’s liquidity risk profile, considering additional data gathered in the 12 months ended September 30, 2022 and the adequacy and effectiveness of the liquidity risk management program’s operations since its inception on June 1, 2019 (the “Review Period”) in order to prepare a written report for the Board (the “Report”) for consideration at its meeting held on December 6, 2022. The Report noted that during the Review Period the Funds did not experience unusual stress or disruption to its operations related to purchase and redemption activity. It further noted that during the Review Period the Funds held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements. The Report concluded that (i) the Funds’ liquidity risk management program is reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Liquidity Rule and (ii) the Funds’ liquidity risk management program had been effectively implemented during the Review Period.
35

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Additional Information (Unaudited) – Continued
December 31, 2022

 
AVAILABILITY OF FUND PORTFOLIO INFORMATION
 
The Funds file complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Part F of Form N-PORT, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Part F of Form N-PORT may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For information on the Public Reference Room call 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the Funds’ Form N-Q or Part F of Form N-PORT is available without charge upon request by calling 1-877-734-7862.
 
AVAILABILITY OF PROXY VOTING INFORMATION
 
A description of the Funds’ Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-877-734-7862. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12 month period ended June 30, is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-877-734-7862, or (2) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
 
QUALIFIED DIVIDEND INCOME/DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be reported as qualified dividend income and may be eligible for taxation at capital gain rates. The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was 100% and 100% for the Capital Appreciation Fund and Opportunity Fund, respectively.
 
For corporate shareholders, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was 100% and 100% for the Capital Appreciation Fund and Opportunity Fund, respectively.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS ONLY
 
The percent of ordinary income distributions designated as interest related dividends for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was 19.40% and 4.34% for the Capital Appreciation Fund and Opportunity Fund, respectively.
 
The percent of ordinary income distributions designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was 0.00% and 0.00% for the Capital Appreciation Fund and Opportunity Fund, respectively.
36

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Additional Information (Unaudited) – Continued
December 31, 2022


DIRECTORS & OFFICERS TABLE
 
   
Term of
Number of
   
   
Office
Portfolios
Other
 
   
and
Principal
in Fund
Directorships
Name,
 
Length
Occupation
Complex
Served
Year of Birth
 
of Time
During Past
Overseen
During Past
and Address^
Position
Served*
5 Years
by Director
5 Years
Independent Board Members
           
Harvey D. Hirsch*
Director
Indefinite;
Retired.
2
None.
Year of Birth: 1941
 
Since
     
   
September 7,
     
   
2007
     
           
Joseph Klein III*
Director
Indefinite;
Managing Director of Gauss
2
Ionis
Year of Birth: 1961
 
Since
Capital Advisors, LLC,
 
Pharmaceuticals,
   
September 7,
a financial consulting and
 
Inc.; Akcea
   
2007
investment advisory firm
 
Therapeutics,
     
focused on biopharmaceuticals
 
Inc.
     
since he founded the company
   
     
in March 1998.
   
           
Roy L. Nersesian*
Director
Indefinite;
Professor of the Leon Hess
2
None.
Year of Birth: 1939
 
Since
School of Business, Monmouth
   
   
September 7,
University, since September 1985.
   
   
2007
Adjunct Professor of the Center
   
     
for Energy and Marine
   
     
Transportation, Columbia
   
     
University, since September 2000.
   
           
John T. Rossello, Jr.*
Director
Indefinite;
Retired.
2
None.
Year of Birth: 1951
 
Since
     
   
September 7,
     
   
2007
     

37

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Additional Information (Unaudited) – Continued
December 31, 2022

   
Term of
 
Number of
 
   
Office
 
Portfolios
Other
   
and
Principal
in Fund
Directorships
Name,
 
Length
Occupation
Complex
Served
Year of Birth
 
of Time
During Past
Overseen
During Past
and Address^
Position
Served*
5 Years
by Director
5 Years
Interested Board Members and Officers
 
John D. Gillespie†*
Director
Indefinite;
Managing member of
2
None.
Year of Birth: 1959
President
Since
the Investment Adviser.
   
   
September 7,
Managing member of
   
   
2007
Prospector Partners, LLC,
   
     
an affiliate of the Investment
   
     
Manager, and portfolio
   
     
manager of the investment
   
     
funds sponsored by Prospector
   
     
Partners, LLC from 1997
   
     
through 2021.
   
           
Kevin R. O’Brien
Executive
Indefinite;
Portfolio Manager at
N/A
None.
Year of Birth: 1963
Vice
Since
the Investment Manager.
   
 
President
September 7,
Portfolio Manager at
   
   
2007
Prospector Partners, LLC
   
     
since April 2003.
   
           
Jason A. Kish
Executive
Indefinite;
Portfolio Manager at
N/A
None.
Year of Birth: 1973
Vice
Since
the Investment Manager.
   
 
President
February,
Director of Research
   
   
2013
since 2010.
   
           
Steven R. Labbe
Executive
Indefinite;
Portfolio Manager at
N/A
None.
Year of Birth: 1972
Vice
Since
the Investment Manager.
   
 
President
July,
Analyst since 2012.
   
   
2020
     
           
Peter N. Perugini, Jr.
Secretary
Indefinite;
Chief Financial Officer at
N/A
None.
Year of Birth: 1970
Treasurer
Secretary
Prospector Partners, LLC
   
   
Since
since 2000.
   
   
September 7,
     
   
2007
     
   
Indefinite;
     
   
Treasurer
     
   
Since
     
   
June 6,
     
   
2007
     

38

PROSPECTOR FUNDS, INC.

Additional Information (Unaudited) – Continued
December 31, 2022

   
Term of
 
Number of
 
   
Office
 
Portfolios
Other
   
and
Principal
in Fund
Directorships
Name,
 
Length
Occupation
Complex
Served
Year of Birth
 
of Time
During Past
Overseen
During Past
and Address^
Position
Served*
5 Years
by Director
5 Years
           
Frederick Teufel
Chief
Indefinite;
Director at
N/A
None.
Year of Birth: 1959
Compliance
Since
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
   
 
Officer
June 22
since September 2020.
   
   
2022
     
           
Benjamin Eirich
Assistant
Indefinite;
Assistant Vice President, U.S.
N/A
None.
Year of Birth: 1981
Secretary
Since
Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
   
   
September 5,
a mutual fund service provider,
   
 

2019
since June 2008.
   

^
The address for all directors and officers is 370 Church Street, Guilford, Connecticut 06437.
*
Each of the Company’s directors was elected by written consent of the sole shareholder of the Funds on September 7, 2007.
John D. Gillespie is an interested director of the Fund because he is also the managing member of the Investment Manager.

39









 (This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)








 


 
DIRECTORS
John D. Gillespie
Harvey D. Hirsch
Joseph Klein III
Roy L. Nersesian
John T. Rossello, Jr.

INVESTMENT ADVISER
Prospector Partners Asset Management, LLC
370 Church Street
Guilford, CT  06437

DISTRIBUTOR
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI  53202

CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North River Center Drive
Milwaukee, WI  53212

ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
Third Floor
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI  53202

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
700 Nicollet Mall, Suite 500
Minneapolis, MN  55402

LEGAL COUNSEL
Seward & Kissel LLP
One Battery Plaza
New York, NY  10004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
This report must be accompanied or preceded by a prospectus.
 
The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the
Funds’ directors and is available without charge upon request by calling 1-877-734-7862.
 

 

(b)
Not applicable for this Registrant

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer.  The registrant has not made any substantive amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report.

The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report.

A copy of the registrant’s code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer is filed herewith.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant’s board of directors has determined that there is at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.  John Rossello, Jr. is the “audit committee financial expert” and is considered to be “independent” as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N‑CSR.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal periods.  “Audit services” refer to performing an audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the past fiscal year.  “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit.  “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning, including reviewing the Fund’s tax returns and distribution calculations.  The following table details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal periods for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees by the principal accountant.

 
FYE  12/31/2022
FYE  12/31/2021
(a) Audit Fees
$85,000
$83,500
(b) Audit-Related Fees
$0
$0
(c) Tax Fees
$13,100
$12,480
(d) All Other Fees
$0
$0

(e)(1) The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre‑approve all audit and non‑audit services that exceed $5,000 for the registrant.  All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full‑time permanent employees of the principal accountant.

(e)(2) The percentage of fees billed by Ernst & Young applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement was as follows:

 
FYE  12/31/2022
FYE  12/31/2021
Audit-Related Fees
0%
0%
Tax Fees
0%
0%
All Other Fees
0%
0%

(f)   All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full‑time permanent employees of the principal accountant.

(g)  The following table indicates the non-audit fees, other than the tax services as noted above, billed or expected to be billed by the registrant’s accountant for services to the registrant and to the registrant’s investment adviser (and any other controlling entity, etc.—not sub-adviser) for the last two years.

(h) The audit committee of the board of trustees/directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence and has concluded that the provision of such non-audit services by the accountant has not compromised the accountant’s independence.

Non-Audit Related Fees
FYE  12/31/2022
FYE  12/31/2021
Registrant
            $13,100
            $12,480
Registrant’s Investment Adviser
            $0
            $0

(i)
Not applicable.

(j)
Not applicable.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

(a) Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

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

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

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

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

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

Not Applicable.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)
The Registrant’s President and Treasurer have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d‑15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.

(b)
There were no significant changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the period 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. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 13. Exhibits.



(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c‑1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons.  Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

(4) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant.  There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by this report.


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.


(Registrant)  Prospector Funds, Inc. 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John D. Gillespie
  John D. Gillespie, President

Date   February 28, 2023



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 (Signature and Title)* /s/ John D. Gillespie
  John D. Gillespie, President

Date   February 28, 2023


By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Peter N. Perugini, Jr.
  Peter N. Perugini, Jr., Treasurer

Date   February 28, 2023

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.