N-CSRS 1 ncsrss1040417.htm ncsrss1040417.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSRS

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-825

American Growth Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

1636 Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

_______________________________
(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 303-626-0600
Date of fiscal year end: July 31, 2016
Date of reporting period: January 31, 2017

 

     Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

     A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


 


Series One – Page 1


 

Dear Shareholders:

     I am pleased to deliver to you the American Growth Fund Series One Semi-Annual Report for the six months ending January 31, 2017.

     Since our last letter to you, our government has seen major change as the Grand Old Party’s candidate, President Trump, and his staff transition into their new positions. For many of us as outsiders to this process, this transition seems to be rather rough. However, one area that has been enjoying the new leadership team is the securities market. Following President Trump’s address to Congress, the Dow Jones Industrial Market topped 21,000 for the first time ever1.

Investment Strategy

     Your Investment Committee uses a fundamental top down approach to manage your portfolio. First, we look at the general economic outlook, then we look at the industries that we feel have the biggest growth potential in the current and upcoming economies. From that, our objective is to choose the best companies in those industries. Many of these companies are established, large cap (defined as companies with a market capitalization of $5 billion or more) securities many of which are household names that you will easily recognize.

Performance Overview

     Series One is invested primarily in large cap, growth-oriented domestic common stocks. When you examine the portfolio on the following pages you will note while the largest investment sector is Diversified Company Industry at 11.98% of your portfolio, the largest security in your portfolio is Time Warner, Inc. at $1,107,480 who is a leading internet/media provider.

     Your American Growth Fund Series One Class A Shares delivered you a 12.77% return since January 31, 2016 through close of business on January 31, 2017. The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted a gain of 23.89 while the S&P 500 posted a gain of 20.04% for the same time period as listed above. Of the stocks in your Series One portfolio, most of them contributed to the growth of the Fund. The top three active performing investments were Lincoln National Corp whose market value rose 54.59% (a total portfolio gain of 2.06%), Teradyne Inc. whose market value rose 43.56% (a total portfolio gain of 2.01%) and Time Warner, Inc. whose market value rose 25.90% (a total portfolio gain of 1.99%).

     Unfortunately, not all investments fared as well. Amgen, Inc.’s market value fell 8.98% (a total portfolio loss of 0.58%), Dollar Tree, Inc.’s market value fell 19.75% (a total portfolio loss of 0.49%) and Bristol Myers’ market value fell 35.77% (a total portfolio loss of 0.78%).

     The investment sectors that had the most positive influence on your Series One portfolio were Insurance (Life), Semiconductor Capital Equipment and Entertainment industries. The investment sectors that had the most adverse effect on your portfolio were Retail Store, Drug and Biotechnology industries.

     Additional data, including long-term performance data, can be located on page 32 of this report. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Series One – Page 2


 

Manager’s Discussion

     One of the more important political topics in front of us that may affect your portfolio’s performance is Tax Reform. The White House is indicating that the overhaul of the U.S. tax code may begin as early as this spring. President Trump has vowed to deliver major tax cuts to both the middle class and business community2. President Trump stated, “Well we’re going to get a big reduction, we’re going to bring business down to 15% to 20% from 36% and 38% and higher in some instances. We are the highest taxed nation in the world. And we are going to bring taxes way down” 3. Generally, tax cuts to the business community may result in increased profits.

     The American economy continues to improve, evidenced by the real gross domestic product (GDP) increase of 1.9% in the fourth quarter of 2016. In the third quarter, real GDP increased 3.5%. This is according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. “The general picture of economic growth remains the same; the increase in personal consumption expenditures was larger and increases in state and local government spending and in nonresidential fixed investment were smaller than previously estimated4”. Additionally, unemployment has remained stable 4.7% in February of 2017. In the past ten months unemployment rates have varied between 4.7% and 4.9%5.

     Over the next six months we will see some new changes to the world. Most interesting is Brexit which indications show may be initiated March 29, 20176. Other items that our Investment Committee will be monitoring include; the dollar’s value against the world currency, the price of oil and how it effects the world economy, the European economy and how Brexit may affect it, as well as the Chinese economy.

     As we look at these indicators of how our economy is doing, we generally continue to be bullish. It is our hope that we will see continued growth in the gross domestic product in the upcoming months.

     My staff and I are always available to discuss your account or answer any question you might have. Please call our toll free number, 800 525-2406 or, within Colorado, 303-626-0600.

American Growth Fund wishes you A Good Future!

Sincerely,

Timothy Taggart
President and Investment Committee Member
American Growth Fund, Inc.

1.      http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/trumps-address-to-congress/dow-jones-hits-record-21-000-wall-street-cheers-trump-n727581
2.      http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/19/white-house-tax-reform-may-begin-in-late-spring-spicer-says.html
3      http://www.westernjournalism.com/trump-promises-tax-reform-will-reaganesque-scope/
4.      http://bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm
5.      http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000
6.      http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/20/europe/brexit-eu-juncker-uk/

Series One – Page 3


 

How American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One        
Has Its Shareholders' Money Invested        
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited)        
January 31, 2017        
 
      Market  
Description of Security Shares   Value  
 
COMMON STOCK
 
Diversified Company Industry 11.98%
Chemed Corp 6,529 $ 1,084,402
(Operates two wholly owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare Corp., end of life        
hospice care, and Roto-Rooter, plumbing and drain cleaning services.)        
General Electric 23,673   703,088
(One of the largest & most diversified industrial companies.)        
Honeywell Intl Inc. 1,694   200,434
(A Diversified technology and manufacturing company, serving customers worldwide        
with aerospace products and services, control, sensing and security technologies for        
buildings, homes, and industry; turbocharges and automotive products; and specialty        
chemicals, electronic and advanced materials, and process technology for refining        
and petrochemicals.)        
      1,987,924
 
Machinery Industry 9.40%
Middleby Corp* 8,105   1,087,529
(Develops, manufactures, markets and services equipment used for commercial food        
cooking, preparation, and processing.)        
Flowserve Corp 9,626   473,214
(Makes, designs and markets fluid-handling equipment (pumps, valves and        
mechanical seals) for industries that use difficult-to-handle or corrosive fluids.)        
      1,560,743

 

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

Series One – Page 4


 

How American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One        
Has Its Shareholders' Money Invested        
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited) (continued)        
January 31, 2017        
 
      Market  
Description of Security Shares   Value  
 
COMMON STOCK (continued)
 
Biotechnology Industry 7.15%
Amgen Inc. 5,482 $ 858,920  
(Utilizes biotechnology to develop human pharmaceutical products.)        
Biogen Inc* 717   198,781  
(Is a biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in discovering, developing,      
manufacturing and delivering therapies to patients for the treatment of      
neurodegenerative diseases, hematologic conditions and autoimmune disorders.)      
Novo Nordisk A/S 3,574   129,272  
A healthcare company that is engaged in the discovery, development,      
manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. The Company has two      
business segments: diabetes & obesity care and biopharmaceuticals.      
      1,186,973
 
Entertainment Industry 6.67%
Time Warner, Inc. 11,435   1,107,480
(A leading internet/media provider.)        
 
Computer Software and Services Industry 6.44%
Fair, Isaac & Co. 8,669   1,068,888
(Provides decision-making solutions to clients in the financial services,      
telecommunications and retail industries.)        
 
 
Cable TV Industry 6.33%
Charter Communications, Inc* 3,245   1,051,218
(Is a providers of cable services in the United States. The Company offers      
entertainment, information and communications solutions to residential and      
commercial customers )        
 
 
*Non-income producing security        
See accompanying notes to financial statements.        
 
  Series One – Page 5  

 


 

How American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One Has Its Shareholders' Money Invested

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited) (continued)
January 31, 2017

      Market  
Description of Security Shares   Value  
 
COMMON STOCK (continued)
 
Pharmacy Services 6.23%
Walgreens Boots Alliance 12,607 $ 1,033,018
(Operates a network of drugstores in the United States. It provides consumer goods        
and services, pharmacy, and health and wellness services through drugstores, as        
well as through mail, and by telephone and online.)        
 
Semiconductor Capital Equipment 5.80%
Teradyne, Inc 33,899   962,054
(The world's largest producer of automated test equipment for semiconductors.)        
 
Insurance (Life) 5.11%
Lincoln National Corporation Co 12,554   847,520
(Through its subsidiaries, engages in multiple insurance and retirement businesses        
in the United States.)        
 
Computer & Peripherals Industry 4.13%
Cisco Systems 22,329   685,947
(The leading supplier of high-performance inter-networking products.)        
 
Oilfield Services & Equipment 3.41%
Schlumberger 3,970   332,329
(The world's leading oilfield services company.)        
RPC, Inc* 10,846   233,406
(Provides a range of oilfield services and equipment to the oil and gas companies        
primarily in the United States.)        
      565,735

 

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

Series One – Page 6


 

How American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One        
Has Its Shareholders' Money Invested        
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited) (continued)        
January 31, 2017        
 
      Market  
Description of Security Shares   Value  
 
COMMON STOCK (continued)
 
Semiconductor Industry 3.05%
Intel Corp 13,731 $ 505,575
(A leading manufacturer of integrated circuits.)        
 
Railroad 3.04%
Kansas City Southern 5,864   503,776
(A holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama.)        
 
Environmental Industry 2.97%
Waste Management 7,100   493,450
(The largest solid-waste disposal company in North America.)        
 
Insurance Industry 2.68%
AXA ADS 18,065   444,941
(The holding company of an international group of insurance and related        
financial services.)        
 
Drug 2.18%
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 5,321   261,580
(Engages in discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help patients        
prevail over serious diseases.)        
Johnson & Johnson 889   100,679
(Engaged in the research and development, manufacture and sale of products in the        
health care field within its Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices, and        
Diagnostic business segments.)        
      362,259

 

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

Series One – Page 7


 

How American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One      
Has Its Shareholders' Money Invested        
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited) (continued)        
January 31, 2017        
 
      Market  
Description of Security Shares   Value  
 
COMMON STOCK (continued)
 
Online Media 1.97%
Facebook Inc.* 1,267 $ 165,115  
(Operates a social networking website. The Company’s products are Facebook,      
Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Oculus. Its products enable people to      
connect and share through mobile devices and personal computers.)      
Alphabet Inc. Class A* 198   162,398  
(Engaged in improving the ways people connect with information & products      
including Search, Android, YouTube, Apps, Maps & Ads. It also produces internet-      
connected home devices & provides internet services.)        
      327,513  
 
Chemicals 1.86%
NewMarket Corp. 376   162,120
(Manufactures and sells petroleum additives used in lubricating oils and fuels to      
enhance their performance in machinery, vehicles, and other equipment. The      
petroleum additives market has two products: lubricant additives and fuel      
additives.)        
Balchem Corporation 1,720   146,613
(Is engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of specialty      
performance ingredients and products for the food, nutritional, feed,      
pharmaceutical, medical sterilization and industrial markets.)      
      308,733
 
Retail Store 1.74%
Dollar Tree, Inc.* 3,744   288,999
(Operates discount variety stores in the United States and Canada. Its stores offer      
merchandise primarily at the fixed price of $1.00.)        
 
 
 
 
*Non-income producing security        
See accompanying notes to financial statements.        
 
Series One – Page 8        

 


 

How American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One      
Has Its Shareholders' Money Invested      
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited) (continued)      
January 31, 2017      
 
    Market  
Description of Security Shares Value  
 
Computer Hardware 1.36%
Apple Inc. 1,861 225,832
(Designs, manufactures, & markets mobile communication & media devices,      
personal computers, & portable digital music plays, & sells a variety of related      
software, services, accessories, networking solutions, & third-party digital content.)      
 
Application Software 1.06%
Microsoft Corporation 2,722 175,977
(Engaged in designing, manufacturing, selling devices, and online advertising. Its      
products include operating systems for computing devices, servers, phones and      
other devices.)      
 
Restaurants 0.88%
Starbucks Corporation 2,632 145,339
(The roaster, marketer, & retailer of specialty coffee in the world, operating globally.      
It sells a variety of coffee & tea products. It sells goods and services under brands      
including Teavana, Tazo, and Seattle's Best Coffee.)      
 
Airlines 0.78%
Spirit Airlines* 2,380 128,615
(Is an airline based in Miramar, Florida. The Company's all-Airbus fleet currently      
operates more than 385 daily flights to over 56 destinations in the United States,      
Caribbean and Latin America.)      
 
Specialty Retail 0.75%
AutoZone, Inc.* 172 124,697
(A retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the      
United States. The Company's stores carry an extensive product line for cars,      
sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks )      

 

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

Series One – Page 9


 

How American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One        
Has Its Shareholders' Money Invested        
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited) (continued)        
January 31, 2017        
 
      Market  
Description of Security Shares   Value  
 
COMMON STOCK (continued)
 
Home Improvement Stores 0.75%
Home Depot Inc. (The) 903   124,235
(Is a home improvement retailer. Its stores sell an assortment of building materials,        
home improvement and lawn and garden products and provide a number of        
services.)        
 
Banks 0.75%
Wells Fargo & Company 2,198   123,813
(A diversified financial services company. It provides retail, corporate and        
commercial banking services, through banking stores and offices, the internet and        
other distribution channels to individuals, businesses and institutions )        
 
Farm & Construction Machinery 0.74%
Caterpillar Inc 1,279   122,349
(Manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines,        
industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The Company is also a U.S.        
exporter.)        
 
Total Common Stocks (cost $8,614,064) – 99.21%     16,463,603
 
Total Investments, at Market Value (cost $8,614,064) 99.21 % 16,463,603
Other Assets, Less Liabilities 0.79 % 131,349
Net Assets 100.00 % 16,594,952

 

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

Series One – Page 10


 

Financial Statements      
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC. SERIES ONE      
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (unaudited), JANUARY 31, 2017      
 
ASSETS:      
Investments, at market value (cost $8,614,064) $ 16,463,603
Cash   3,409
Receivables:      
Shares of beneficial interest sold   21,075
Securities Sold   665,757
Dividends and interest   6,166
Total assets   17,160,010
LIABILITIES:      
Payable for capital stock redeemed   9,562
Payable for securities purchased   489,433
12b-1 fees   29,109
Management fee   14,144
Other liabilities   22,810
Total liabilities   565,058
NET ASSETS $ 16,594,952
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:      
Paid-in capital $ 19,971,614
Accumulated Net Investment Loss   (462,611 )
Accumulated net realized loss from investment transactions   (10,763,589 )
Net unrealized appreciation of investments   7,849,538
Net assets $ 16,594,952
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE:      
Class A Shares:      
Net asset value and redemption price per share (based on net assets of $ 4.68  
$7,711,702 and 1,648,860 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)      
Maximum offering price per share (net asset value plus sales charge of 5.75% of $ 4.96  
offering price)      
Class B Shares:      
Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per share (based on net assets of $143,448 $ 4.03  
and 35,625 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)      
Class C Shares:      
Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per share (based on net assets of $ 4.01  
$2,688,947 and 671,075 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)      
Class D Shares:      
Net asset value and redemption price per share (based on net assets of $6,050,855 and $ 4.95  
1,222,526 shares of beneficial interest outstanding)      
Maximum offering price per share (net asset value plus sales charge of 5.75% of offering price) $ 5.25  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Series One – Page 11


 

Financial Statements

AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC. SERIES ONE

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 31, 2017 (unaudited)

INVESTMENT INCOME:      
Dividends (Net of $3,058 foreign withholding tax) $ 116,670
Interest   8
Total investment income   116,678
 
EXPENSES:      
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)   82,127
Administration expenses (Note 4)   127,970
Transfer agent, shareholder servicing and data processing fees (Note 4)   29,381
Accounting Fees (Note 4)   30,000
Rent expense (Note 4)   57,613
Custodian fees   7,094
Professional fees   124,729
Registration and filing fees (Note 1):   16,369
Shareholder reports   10,409
Distribution and service fees (note 4):      
Class A   11,220
Class B   721
Class C   13,670
Directors fees (Note 4)   35,697
Other expenses   32,289
Total expenses   579,289
Net Investment Loss   (462,611 )
 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN OR LOSS ON INVESTMENTS:      
Net realized gain on investments   728,017
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   713,693
Net gain on investments   1,441,710
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 979,099

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Series One – Page 12


 

Financial Statements
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC. SERIES ONE
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

    Six        
    Months Ended     Year Ended  
    January 31, 2017     July 31, 2016  
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM            
OPERATIONS:            
Net investment loss $ (462,611 ) $ (620,796 )
Net realized gain on investments   728,017   1,127,830
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   713,693   (911,534 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   979,099   (404,500 )
 
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS:            
Net decrease in net assets resulting from beneficial interest            
transactions (Note 2):            
Class A   1,266,848   (296,420 )
Class B   (10,131 )   (7,857 )
Class C   (164,107 )   29,109
Class D   (406,933 )   (360,002 )
Net change in net assets derived from beneficial interest            
transactions   685,677   (635,170 )
Total increase   1,664,776   (1,039,670 )
Net Assets - Beginning of year   14,930,176   15,969,846
Net Assets - End of year1 $ 16,594,952 $ 14,930,176
1Includes net investment loss   (462,611 )   -  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Series One – Page 13


 

Financial Highlights                                    
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC. SERIES ONE                                
 
    Six Months                                
    Ended     Class A                          
    January 31,     Year Ended July 31,                    
    (unaudited)                                
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
Per Share Operating Data:                                    
Net Asset Value,                                    
Beginning of Period $ 4.40   $ 4.50   $ 4.02   $ 3.53   $ 2.76   $ 2.62  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                    
Net investment loss4   (0.12 )   (0.18 )   (0.16 )   (0.13 )   (0.10 )   (0.08 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.40   0.08   0.64   0.62   0.87   0.22
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.28   (0.10 )   0.48   0.49   0.77   0.14
Net Asset Value, End of Period $ 4.68 $ 4.40 $ 4.50 $ 4.02 $ 3.53 $ 2.76
Total Return at Net Asset Value1   6.4 %   (2.2 )%   11.9 %   13.9 %   27.9 %   5.3 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 7,712   $ 6,001   $ 6,469   $ 5,814   $ 5,921   $ 4,579  
Ratio to average net assets:                                    
Net investment loss   (5.73 )%   (4.33 )%   (3.64 )%   (3.32 )%   (3.12 )%   (3.11 )%
Expenses   7.18 %   6.13 %   5.30 %   4.96 %   4.68 %   4.92 %
Portfolio Turnover Rate2   9 %   3 %   2 %   8 %   0 %3   8 %

 

1. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in total returns.

2. The lesser of purchases and sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (other than short-term securities) for the six months ended January 31, 2017, aggregated $1,718,804 and $1,368,858, respectively.

3. Amount less than 0.5%.

4. Per share amounts have been calculated using the Average Shares Method.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Series One – Page 14


 

Financial Highlights                                    
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC. SERIES ONE                                
 
    Six Months                                
    Ended     Class B                          
    January 31,     Year Ended July 31,                    
    (unaudited)                                
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
Per Share Operating Data:                                    
Net Asset Value,                                    
Beginning of Period $ 3.80   $ 3.92   $ 3.53   $ 3.11   $ 2.46   $ 2.34  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                    
Net investment loss4   (0.12 )   (0.18 )   (0.17 )   (0.14 )   (0.10 )   (0.12 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.35   0.06   0.56   0.56   0.75   0.24
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.23   (0.12 )   0.39   0.42   0.65   0.12
Net Asset Value, End of Period $ 4.03 $ 3.80 $ 3.92 $ 3.53 $ 3.11 $ 2.46
Total Return at Net Asset Value1   6.1 %   (3.1 )%   11.0 %   13.5 %   26.4 %   5.1 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 143   $ 145   $ 159   $ 216   $ 356   $ 620  
Ratio to average net assets:                                    
Net investment loss   (6.43 )%   (5.02 )%   (4.34 )%   (4.05 )%   (3.82 )%   (3.87 )%
Expenses   7.87 %   6.82 %   6.01 %   5.69 %   5.38 %   5.67 %
Portfolio Turnover Rate2   9 %   3 %   2 %   8 %   0 %3   8 %

 

1. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in total returns.

2. The lesser of purchases and sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (other than short-term securities) for the six months ended January 31, 2017, aggregated $1,718,804 and $1,368,858, respectively.

3. Amount less than 0.5%.

4. Per share amounts have been calculated using the Average Shares Method.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Series One – Page 15


 

Financial Highlights                                    
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC. SERIES ONE                                
 
    Six Months                                
    Ended     Class C                          
    January 31,     Year Ended July 31,                    
    (unaudited)                                
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
Per Share Operating Data:                                    
Net Asset Value,                                    
Beginning of Period $ 3.79   $ 3.90   $ 3.51   $ 3.10   $ 2.44   $ 2.33  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                    
Net investment loss4   (0.12 )   (0.18 )   (0.17 )   (0.14 )   (0.10 )   (0.10 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.34   0.07   0.56   0.55   0.76   0.21
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.22   (0.11 )   0.39   0.41   0.66   0.11
Net Asset Value, End of Period $ 4.01 $ 3.79 $ 3.90 $ 3.51 $ 3.10 $ 2.44
Total Return at Net Asset Value1   5.8 %   (2.8 )%   11.1 %   13.2 %   27.1 %   4.7 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 2,689   $ 2,697   $ 2,753   $ 2,460   $ 2,162   $ 2,068  
Ratio to average net assets:                                    
Net investment loss   (6.42 )%   (5.02 )%   (4.34 )%   (4.02 )%   (3.82 )%   (3.83 )%
Expenses   7.87 %   6.82 %   6.00 %   5.66 %   5.38 %   5.63 %
Portfolio Turnover Rate2   9 %   3 %   2 %   8 %   0 %3   8 %

 

1. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in total returns.

2. The lesser of purchases and sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (other than short-term securities) for the six months ended January 31, 2017, aggregated $1,718,804 and $1,368,858, respectively.

3. Amount less than 0.5%.

4. Per share amounts have been calculated using the Average Shares Method.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Series One – Page 16


 

Financial Highlights                                    
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC. SERIES ONE                                
 
    Six Months                                
    Ended     Class D                          
    January 31,     Year Ended July 31,                    
    (unaudited)                                
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
Per Share Operating Data:                                    
Net Asset Value,                                    
Beginning of Period $ 4.65   $ 4.74   $ 4.23   $ 3.69   $ 2.88   $ 2.72  
Income (loss) from investment operations:                                    
Net investment loss4   (0.13 )   (0.18 )   (0.20 )   (0.17 )   (0.09 )   (0.08 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.43   0.09   0.71   0.71   0.90   0.24
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.30   (0.09 )   0.51   0.54   0.81   0.16
Net Asset Value, End of Period $ 4.95 $ 4.65 $ 4.74 $ 4.23 $ 3.69 $ 2.88
Total Return at Net Asset Value1   6.5 %   (1.9 )%   12.1 %   14.6 %   28.1 %   5.9 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 6,051   $ 6,087   $ 6,590   $ 6,468   $ 6,132   $ 6,455  
Ratio to average net assets:                                    
Net investment loss   (5.42 )%   (4.03 )%   (3.34 )%   (3.02 )%   (2.82 )%   (2.84 )%
Expenses   6.87 %   5.83 %   5.00 %   4.65 %   4.38 %   4.63 %
Portfolio Turnover Rate2   9 %   3 %   2 %   8 %   0 %3   8 %

 

1. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in total returns.

2. The lesser of purchases and sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (other than short-term securities) for the six months ended January 31, 2017, aggregated $1,718,804 and $1,368,858, respectively.

3. Amount less than 0.5%.

4. Per share amounts have been calculated using the Average Shares Method.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Series One – Page 17


 

Notes to Financial Statements
American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One (unaudited)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
American Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a
diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund's primary investment objective is to seek capital
appreciation. The Fund's investment advisor is Investment Research Corporation (IRC). The Fund offers Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shares. Class D shares are available to shareholders of accounts established prior to
March 1, 1996. Class A and Class D have a maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of
offering price) of 5.75%. Purchases of Class A and Class D shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more which are not
subject to an initial sales charge generally will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.0% of amounts
redeemed within the first year of purchase. Class B has a maximum deferred sales charge (Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower, for the first 2 years of
5%, 3rd & 4th years - 4%, 5th yr. - 3%, 6th yr. - 2%, 7th yr. - 1%. Class C has a maximum deferred sales charge as a
percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower, of 1% for the first year. All classes of
shares have identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except that each class has its own distribution
and/or service plan and expenses directly attributable to that class and exclusive voting rights with respect to matters
affecting that class. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares seven years after date of purchase.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund.
Reclassifications - Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that certain
components of net assets be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on
net assets or net asset value per share.
For the year ended July 31, 2016, the following reclassifications were made:

  Accumulated   Accumulated      
  Net Investment   Net Realized Paid-In  
  Loss   Loss   Capital  
$ 620,796 $ 3,656,587 $ (4,277,383 )

 

Investment Valuation – Investment securities traded on the New York Stock Exchange or other stock exchange
approved for this purpose by the board of directors will be valued on the basis of the closing sale thereof on such stock
exchange, or, if such sale is lacking, at the mean between closing bid and asked prices on such day. If no bid and
asked prices are quoted for such day or information as to New York or other approved exchange transactions is not
readily available, the security will be valued by reference to recognized composite quotations or such other method as
the board of directors in good faith deems will reflect its fair market value. Securities not traded on any stock exchange
but for which market quotations are readily available are valued on the basis of the mean of the last bid and asked
prices. Short-term securities are valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices or by such other method
as the board of directors determines to reflect their fair market value. The board of directors in good faith determines
the manner of ascertaining the fair market value of other securities and assets.
Allocation of Income, Expenses, Gains and Losses - Income, expenses (other than those attributable to a specific
class), gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets
represented by such class. Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the
operations of that class.
Federal Income Taxes - No provision for federal income or excise taxes has been made because the Fund intends to
comply with the provisions of subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to shareholders.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is "more likely than not" to be
sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions, and has
concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on
returns filed for open tax years (2013-2015), or expected to be taken in the Fund's 2016 tax returns. The Fund identifies its major
tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, Colorado State and foreign jurisdictions where the Fund makes significant investments;
however the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized
tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

Series One – Page 18 Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017


 

Notes to Financial Statements
American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One (unaudited)

Classification of Distributions to Shareholders - The character of distributions made during the year from net
investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.
Also, due to timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal
year in which the income or realized gain was recorded by the Fund.
Security Transactions and Related Investment Income - Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the
investments are purchased or sold (trade date). Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the
ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from investment
transactions are reported on an identified cost basis which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States 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 increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
Securities Valuations – As described in note 1, the Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of most of
its investments on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods.
The three levels of inputs are:
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 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.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors,
including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the
liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models
or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more
judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments
categorized in level 3.
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for
disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is
determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of January 31, 2017, in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair
value:

Equity   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3   Total
Common Stock $ 16,463,603 0 0 $ 16,463,603

 

The industry classifications of Level 1 investments are included in the Statement of Investments.
There were no transfers in to or out of Level 1 or Level 2 for the six months ended January 31, 2017.
Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period.

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017

Series One – Page 19


 

Notes to Financial Statements

American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One (unaudited)

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest

The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of no par value shares of beneficial interest of each class. Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

  Six Months Ended   Year Ended  
  January 31,2017   July 31,2016  
  Shares   Shares   Shares     Amount  
Class A:                  
Sold 398,862 1,773,579 104,302 $ 1,012,459
Dividends and distributions                  
reinvested -   -   -     -  
Redeemed (113,003 ) (506,731 ) (178,460 )   (1,044,837 )
Net increase (decrease) 285,859 1,266,848 (74,158 ) $ (32,378 )
Class B:                  
Sold 320   1,200   1,867   $ 13,968
Dividends and distributions                  
reinvested -   -   -     -  
Redeemed (2,875 ) (11,331 ) (4,200 )   (90,467 )
Net decrease (2,555 ) (10,131 ) (2,333 ) $ (76,499 )
Class C:                  
Sold 34,159 133,266 130,092 $ 372,993
Dividends and distributions                  
reinvested -   -   -     -  
Redeemed (75,486 ) (297,373 ) (123,990 )   (358,352 )
Net decrease (41.327 ) (164,107 ) 6,102 $ 14,641
Class D:                  
Sold 466 2,222 14,701 $ 5,241
Dividends and distributions                  
reinvested -   -   -     -  
Redeemed (86,272 ) (409,155 ) (95,496 )   (633,925 )
Net decrease (85,806 ) (406,933 ) (80,795 ) $ (628,684 )
 
3. Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments                

 

The identified tax cost basis of investments at January 31, 2017 was $9,020,742. Net unrealized appreciation on investments of $7,442,861, based on identified tax cost as of January 31, 2017, was comprised of gross appreciation of $7,518,133 and gross depreciation of $(75,272).

4. Underwriting, Investment Advisory Contracts, Service Fees and Other Related Parties

Under the investment advisory contract with IRC, the advisor receives annual compensation for investment advice, computed and paid monthly, equal to 1% of the first $30 million of the Fund's average annual net assets and 0.75% such assets in excess of $30 million. The Fund pays its own operating expenses.

Series One – Page 20

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017


 

Notes to Financial Statements
American Growth Fund, Inc. Series One (unaudited)

Class B and Class C shares are subject to annual service and distribution fees of 0.25% and 0.75% of average daily
net assets, respectively. Class A shares are subject to annual service and distribution fees no greater than 0.30% of
average daily net assets, respectively.
For the year ended January 31, 2017 commissions and sales charges paid by investors on the purchase of Fund
shares totaled $12,605 of which $2,233 was retained by World Capital Brokerage, Inc. ("WCB"), an affiliated
broker/dealer which serves as the underwriter and distributor of the Fund. Sales charges advanced to broker/dealers by
WCB on sales of the Fund's Class B and C shares totaled $1,382 of which $0 was retained by WCB. For the six
months ended January 31, 2017, WCB received contingent deferred sales charges of $292 upon redemption of Class
B and C shares, as reimbursement for sales commissions advanced by WCB upon the sale of such shares. No
payments were made by the Fund to WCB for brokerage commission on securities transactions.
Certain officers of the Fund are also officers of WCB and IRC. For the six months ended January 31, 2017, the Fund
paid directors' fees of $7,259, expenses of $24,938, and the audit chair of $5,782 for review.
For the six months ended January 31, 2017, under an agreement with IRC, the Fund was charged $127,970 for the
costs and expenses related to employees of IRC who provided administrative, clerical and accounting services to the
Fund. In addition, the Fund was charged $51,661.91 by an affiliated company of IRC for the rental of office space.
Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Commonwealth Shareholder Services,
Inc., serves as the Fund’s fund accountant and, in that capacity, performs daily pricing and various other accounting
services for the Fund. Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., also an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Commonwealth
Shareholder Services, Inc., serves as the Fund’s transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent. For the six months
ended January 31, 2017, the Fund incurred $30,000 and $29,381 in accounting and transfer agent fees, respectively. A
Director of the Fund serves as Treasurer and Director of Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc.
5. Federal Income Tax Matters
Dividends paid by the Fund from net investment income and distributions of net realized short-term capital gains are,
for federal income tax purposes, taxable as ordinary income to shareholders.
At July 31, 2016, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes an unused capital loss carryover of
$10,921,476, $283,470 expires 2017, $6,557,816 expires in 2018, $3,267,445 expires 2019 and $812,745 of capital
loss which does not expire and retains its original tax character of $147,917 of short-term capital loss and $664,828 of
long-term capital loss.
$3,656,587 of unutilized capital loss carryover expired as of July 31, 2016. The Fund utilized $904,229 of non-expiring
long term capital loss carryover as of July 31, 2016.
The Fund distributes net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders at least annually, if not offset by capital loss
carryovers. Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax
regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These
differences are primarily due to the differing treatment of net operating losses, foreign currency and tax allocations.
Accordingly, these permanent differences in the character of income and distributions between financial statements
and tax basis have been reclassified to paid-in capital.
Net capital losses incurred after October 31, within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the
Fund’s next taxable year.
As of July 31, 2016 the components of accumulated losses on a tax-basis were as follows:

Capital loss carry forward (10,921,476 )
Unrealized appreciation 6,565,715  
  (4,355,761 )

 

6. Subsequent Events
In preparing these financial statements, the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure
through the date these financial statements were issued.

7. Review of Affiliated Company’s Expenses – The Trust’s Audit Committee reviews, on a monthly and quarterly
basis, the details of each expense incurred by the Trust in order to determine the appropriateness. These expense are
then presented to the Trust’s Board of Directors for review and approval at the next quarterly Board Meeting.
For the six months ended January 31, 2017 the Trust paid to its affiliated companies, World Capital Brokerage, Inc. $6,529,
Investment Research Corporation $44,358, and AGF Properties, Inc. $62,027 for services they provided to the Trust and its

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017 Series One – Page 21


 

shareholders. These payments resulted in these affiliated companies earning profits totaling World Capital Brokerage, Inc.
$(105), Investment Research Corporation $(32,679), and AGF Properties, Inc. $338.

Analysis of Expenses (unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including front-end
sales charges with respect to Class A and D shares or contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") with
respect to Class B and C shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or
service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. The tables below are 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 tables below are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on August 1, 2016 and held for the six
months ended January 31, 2017.

Actual expenses
This table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the
information provided in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that
you paid over the period. To estimate the expenses you paid on your account, divide your ending account
value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 ending account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the
result by the number under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During the Period".

For the six months ended January 31, 2017        
 
  Actual              
  Total Return              
  Without     Beginning   Ending   Expenses
  Sales     Account   Account   Paid During
  Charges(1)     Value   Value   The Year(2)
Class A 6.36 % $ 1,000.00 $ 987.24 $ 76.36
Class B 6.05 % $ 1,000.00 $ 977.00 $ 83.50
Class C 5.80 % $ 1,000.00 $ 974.76 $ 83.24
Class D 6.45 % $ 1,000.00 $ 991.40 $ 73.10

 

(1) Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, at net asset value and does not reflect
the deduction of the applicable sales charges with respect to Class A or D shares or the applicable Contingent
Deferred Sales Charges ("CDSC") with respect to Class B or C Shares.
(2) Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio of 7.18%, 7.87%, 7.87% and 6.87% for the Fund’s Class A, B,
C, and D shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect
the one-half year period).

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes
The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based
on the actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5.00% 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 the information
provided in this table to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other mutual funds. To
do so, compare this 5.00% hypothetical example relating to the Fund with the 5.00% hypothetical
examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other mutual funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table below are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only
and do not reflect any transactional costs. The example does not reflect the deduction of contingent
deferred sales charges ("CDSC") with respect to Class B and C shares. Therefore, the table is useful in

Series One – Page 22

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017


 

comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different mutual funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

For the six months ended January 31, 2017        
 
  Hypothetical              
  Annualized     Beginning   Ending   Expenses
  Total     Account   Account   Paid Expenses
  Return     Value   Value   The Year(1)
Class A 5.00 % $ 1,000.00 $ 951.60 $ 73.60
Class B 5.00 % $ 1,000.00 $ 944.48 $ 80.72
Class C 5.00 % $ 1,000.00 $ 944.55 $ 80.66
Class D 5.00 % $ 1,000.00 $ 954.81 $ 70.40

 

(1) Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio 7.18%, 7.87%, 7.87% and 6.87% for the Fund’s Class A, B, C, and D shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Allocation of Portfolio Assets (audited)      
(Calculated as a percentage of Net Assets)      
 
January 31, 2017      
Sector Breakdown      
Diversified Company Industry 11.98 %  
Machinery Industry 9.40 %  
Biotechnology Industry 7.15 %  
Entertainment Industry 6.67 %  
Computer Software and Services Industry 6.44 %  
Cable TV Industry 6.33 %  
Pharmacy Services 6.23 %  
Semiconductor Capital Equipment 5.80 %  
Insurance Industry (Life) 5.11 %  
Computer & Peripherals Industry 4.13 %  
Oilfield Services/Equipment 3.41 %  
Semiconductor Industry 3.05 %  
Railroad 3.04 %  
Environmental Industry 2.97 %  
Insurance Industry 2.68 %  
Drug 2.18 %  
Online Media 1.97 %  
Chemicals 1.86 %  
Retail Store 1.74 %  
Computer Hardware 1.36 %  
Application Software 1.06 %  
Restaurants 0.88 %  
Airlines 0.78 %  
Specialty Retail 0.75 %  
Home Improvement Stores 0.75 %  
Banks 0.75 %  
Farm & Construction Machinery Industry 0.74 %  
 
Investments - Common Stocks 99.21 %  
Cash and Receivables, less Liabilities 0.79 %  
Total Net Assets 100.00 %  
 
 
Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017     Series One – Page 23

 


 

NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS at July 31, 2016 (Unaudited)
How to Obtain a Copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Policies

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating
to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling 1-800-525-2406 or on the SEC’s
website at http://www.sec.gov.

How to Obtain a Copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Records for the 12-Month Period
Ended June 30, 2016

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent
12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-525-2406.
Furthermore, you can obtain the Fund’s proxy voting records on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Quarterly Filings on Form N-Q

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of
each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at
http://www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference
Room in Washington, DC and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be
obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. Information included in the Fund’s Form N-Q is also available by
calling 1-800-525-2406.

INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)
The day-to-day operations of the Fund are managed by its officers subject to the overall supervision and
control of the board of directors. The Fund´s Audit Committee meets quarterly and is responsible for
reviewing the financial statements of the Fund.
The following information about the interested directors2 of the Fund includes their principal occupations
for the past five years:

      Principal   Number of Other
Name, Address, Position(s) Held                          Term of Office1 Occupation(s)   Portfolios in Directorships
    and Length of     Fund Complex Held by
and Age with Fund   During Past 5      
    Time Served     Overseen by Director for the
      Years   Director Past Five Years
      Principal      
      financial and      
      accounting     Director of
Timothy E. Taggart,     officer,     World Capital
1636 Logan Street, President, Since April employee of     Brokerage, Inc.
Denver, CO Director and     2  
    2004 Adviser since     and Investment
DOB: October 18, Treasurer   1983 . See   Research
1953     below for     Corporation
      affiliation with      
      Distributor.      

 

Series One – Page 24 Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017


 

    Mr. Pasco is  
    President,  
    Treasurer and  
    Director of  
    Commonwealth  
    Fund Services,  
    Inc., a mutual  
    fund  
    administrator,  
    transfer agent,  
    disbursing  
    agent and  
    accounting  
    services agent,  
    since 1993;  
    President and  
John Pasco III,   Director of First Director of
      Commonwealth
8730 Stony Point Since Dominion Fund Services,
Parkway, Suite 205, Director December Capital Corp., a 2 Inc., Director of
Richmond, VA, 2006 Broker Dealer.  
DOB: April 10, 1945   President and First Dominion
    Treasurer of Capital Corp.,
    Commonwealth  
    Capital  
    Management,  
    Inc., a  
    Registered  
    Investment  
    Adviser; and  
    President of  
    Commonwealth  
    Capital  
    Management,  
    LLC, a  
    Registered  
    Investment  
    Advisor.  
    Owner of Opal  
Gerald Opalinski,   Financial  
3465 Route 130 N, Since August Services. See Director of
Harrison City, PA Director   2  
  2013 below for Manor Bank
DOB: June 28,   affiliation with  
1953   Distributor.  

 

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017

Series One – Page 25


 

The following information about the non-interested directors, officers and advisors of the Fund includes their principal occupations for the past five years:

        Number of Other
  Position(s) Term of Principal Portfolios in Directorships
Name, Address,   Office1 and Occupation(s)        Fund Held by
  Held with        
and Age   Length of During Past 5        Complex Director for
  Fund Time Served Years Overseen by the Past Five
        Director Years
 
Eddie R. Bush, Director, Audit        
1400 W. 122nd Committee        
Ave., Suite 100, Chairman Since Certified    
Westminster, CO (financial September Public 2 None
DOB: December expert), Lead 1987 Accountant    
31, 1939 Independent        
  Director        
Harold Rosen, 1          
Middle Road,   Since Owner of Bi-    
Englewood, CO Director December Rite Furniture 2 None
DOB: July 4,   1995 Stores.    
1927          
Dr. Brian Brody,          
6901 S. Pierce St. Director and        
Suite #380, Audit Since June Doctor of    
      Professional 2 None
Littleton, CO Committee 2008 Psychology    
DOB: September Member        
23, 1952          
 
Mark Bomber, Director and        
1011 S. Valentia     United    
Street #91, Audit Since August Airlines Flight 2 None
 
Denver, CO DOB: Member Committee 2013 Officer    
October 18, 1964          
Darrell E. Bush,          
2714 West 118th          
Ave,   Since      
Westminster, CO Director September Accountant 2 None
DOB: February   2013      
19, 1971          

 

Series One – Page 26

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017


 

          Prince Street
          International
          Ltd., Prince
          Street Fund
          Ltd., Prince
          Street
          Opportunities
          Ltd., PS
      Senior   Opportunities
      Advisor for   Offshore Ltd.,
      Prince Street   Prince Street
 
Peter McKown,     Capital   Institutional
    Since Management   Ltd., PS
PO Box 100550, Director December LLC., Senior 2 Institutional
Denver, CO DOB:          
June 14, 1958   2015 Partner of   Offshore Ltd.,
      Prince Street   Prince Street
      Capital   Latin America
      Management   Ltd., PS Latin
      LLC   America
          Offshore Ltd.,
          Prince Street
          (India) Fund
          Pte Ltd.,
          Prince Street
          Capital
          Management
          Pte Ltd.
Michael L.         World Capital
Gaughan, 115 Chief       Brokerage,
    Since Employee of    
Carlisle Pl., Compliance       Inc. and
    September the Fund N/A  
Dorchester, NJ Officer and       Investment
    2004 since 1995.    
DOB: November Secretary       Research
29, 1967         Corporation
Patricia A. Blum,          
1636 Logan     Employee of   World Capital
  Vice Since June      
Street, Denver,     the Fund N/A Brokerage,
  President 2013      
CO DOB: June     since 2001.   Inc.
27, 1959          

 

1. Trustees and officers of the fund serve until their resignation, removal or retirement.

2. Timothy Taggart, John Pasco III and Gerald Opalinski are "interested persons” of the Fund as defined

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017

Series One – Page 27


 

by the Investment Company Act of 1940 because of the following position which they hold.

Timothy Taggart is the sole shareholder, president and a director of Investment Research Corporation. He
is also president and a director of World Capital Brokerage, Inc., the Distributor.
John Pasco III is the President of Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., the Company´s transfer agent and
accounting service agent.
Gerald Opalinski is a registered representative of World Capital Brokerage, Inc.
None of the above named persons received any retirement benefits or other form of deferred
compensation from the Fund. There are no other funds that together with the Fund constitute a Fund
Complex.
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund's trustees,
and is available without charge upon request by calling 1-800-525-2406.

BOARD APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
Meeting of the Board of Directors Held on September 22, 2016

At a regular meeting of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) held on September 22, 2016 (the “meeting”),
the Board, along with legal counsel representing the Fund and the Independent Directors, including a
majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of the Board (the “Independent Directors”),
considered the approval for another year of the investment advisory agreement (the “Agreement”)
between Investment Research Corporation (the “Adviser”) and American Growth Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”).
In connection with its review and approval of the Agreement for another year at the Meeting, the
Independent Directors present considered materials furnished by the Adviser, including information about,
but not limited to, the Adviser’s personnel, operations and financial condition. The Independent Directors
also submitted questions to the Adviser prior to the Meeting. At the Meeting, representatives from the
Adviser and separate legal counsel for the Fund and the Independent Directors among other things,
presented information to the Board regarding the Adviser and the Series One Fund, discussed with the
Independent Directors the factors set forth in the Gartenberg Case as they apply to the Director’s
consideration of this matter, and responded to questions from the Board.
Matters considered by the Board, including the Independent Directors, at the Meeting in connection with
its re-approval of the Agreement included the following:

Performance. The Board reviewed American Growth Fund’s investment performance reports, which
compared the performance of Series One with several other mutual funds with generally similar
investment strategies, at least in part, over various time periods, as well as with the Series One Fund’s
benchmark index, the S&P 500 (the “S&P 500”), and discussed these reports with representatives of the
Adviser. The Board and the Independent Directors considered Series One’s comparative performance for
three months, six months, one year, three year and five year periods. The Board noted and discussed
Series One’s long term superior performance to some of the other comparable funds and the S&P 500 as
well as its comparable performance in the shorter and medium term reports. Based upon the foregoing
and other information provided by the Adviser, the Board, including a majority of the Independent
Directors, concluded that the Series One Fund’s prior investment performance under the Adviser’s
direction, as well as the outlook for future performance, were satisfactory.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. The Directors noted that the Fund is an actively managed fund
requiring the attention of, and direction by, the Adviser and that the Adviser currently manages
approximately $16.7 million in assets for the Fund (both Series One and Two combined). The Directors
discussed the nature of the Adviser’s operations and considered the long-term tenure and industry

Series One – Page 28

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017


 

experience of the Adviser’s professional investment management staff. The Board also reviewed the
Adviser’s investment strategy, research capabilities and analytical methodology that it utilizes in selecting
investments for the Series One Fund. The Directors also discussed the Adviser’s recent enhancements to
its compliance procedures. The Board then concluded that the Adviser had sufficient depth of personnel,
experience, resources, and investment and compliance processes to provide sufficient quality services to
the Fund. The Adviser does not provide services to any other mutual fund and the Advisory Agreement
between the Fund and the Adviser is inclusive of both Series One and Series Two, therefore, there are no
other contracts to use as a comparison for the services provided or amounts paid between the two
parties. As part of the Board’s peer group side-by-side comparison, the Directors were provided with the
advisor fees of each peer, if available, as well as other relevant items such as management fees, if
available, for use in their consideration of the reapproving the Investment Advisory Agreement.

Cost of Services and Profitability. The Board noted that the Agreement requires the Series One Fund
to pay the Adviser an annual fee of approximately 1% of the Fund’s average net assets up to a “break
point” at $30,000,000 at which point the fee is reduced to 3/4ths of 1% for any assets under management
in excess of $30,000,000. The Board also noted that, in addition to the 1% advisory fee, which amounted
to $142,413 for the year 2016 from Series One, both the Series One and Series Two Funds shared
certain operating costs with the Adviser and that affiliates of the Adviser received additional revenue from
the Fund for distributing the Fund’s shares and for office rent. The Board, including the Independent
Directors, specifically considered the profits realized by the Adviser and its affiliates in relation to the
operation of the Fund and determined that such profits were not excessive. In making this determination,
they relied upon an analysis of the profitability of the Fund’s business to the Adviser and its affiliates
provided by the Adviser. Based on all of this information, the Independent Directors concluded that the
advisory fees charged under the Agreement and the other amounts paid to the Adviser and its affiliates
are fair and reasonable under the circumstances.

Economies of Scale. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board and the Independent Directors
that the Fund had not reached an asset level where any material economies of scale were being realized
by the Adviser that could be shared with the Fund. The Board specifically noted the existence of the
“break point” on advisory fees in the Agreement. Additionally, the Adviser does not have any soft dollar
arrangements.

Conclusion. During the Board’s deliberations, neither the Board nor the Independent Directors identified
any single piece of information that was all important or controlling with respect to their evaluation of the
fairness of the Agreement to the Series One Fund.
The Board concluded that;
(1) The nature and quality of services provided to the Fund and its shareholders by IRC were reasonable
and acceptable which positively affected its decision to reapprove the Investment Advisory Agreement,
(2) The profitability of IRC and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund are reasonable and
acceptable which positively affected its decision to reapprove the Investment Advisory Agreement,
(3) There are no effective Fund economies of scale to be shared at current asset values but this issue will
be revisited if circumstances change which did not affect its decision to reapprove the Investment
Advisory Agreement,
(4) The Directors find the Fund performance to be satisfactory, which positively affected its decision to
reapprove the Investment Advisory Agreement,
(5) The Fund’s expenses are reasonable and acceptable and the Fund’s expense ratio is at an acceptable
level considering the circumstances, which positively affected its decision to reapprove the Investment
Advisory Agreement, and

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017

Series One – Page 29


 

(6) The Fund’s investment advisory fees are reasonable and acceptable and within a range of what could have been negotiated at arm’s length, are appropriate, fair and reasonable in light of the Fund’s comparative performance and expenses and that there is value in the advisory services rendered by IRC to the Fund which positively affected its decision to reapprove the Investment Advisory Agreement.

The Board determined that it had received such information from the Adviser as was reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Agreement, including answers to the questions raised by the Independent Directors before and during the Meeting. The Board noted that it had also received assistance of legal counsel present at the Meeting. Accordingly, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, unanimously concluded that the terms of the Agreement were fair and reasonable to the Series One Fund and, in the exercise of the Directors’ reasonable business judgment, determined that the Agreement with the Adviser should be continued for another year.

Series One – Page 30

Semi Annual Report For the six months ended January 31, 2017


 

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE CHARTS (unaudited)

The following charts compare the change in value of a $10,000 investment in the American Growth Fund versus the Standard and Poors 500. Returns reflect a sales load for Class A and D while Class B and C are without a sales load.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Current performance data to the most recent month end can be obtained by calling 1-800-525-2406.


Series One – Page 31


 

On 3/1/96, the Fund adopted a multi-class distribution arrangement to issue additional classes of shares, designated as Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Shares existing prior to 3/1/96 became Class D shares. Class A and Class D shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%, Class B shares are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 5% and Class C shares are subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge within the first year of purchase. The Fund may incur 12b-1 expenses up to an annual maximum of .30 of 1% on its average daily net assets of its Class A shares, 1% of its average daily net assets of its Class B shares, and 1% of its average daily net assets of its Class C shares. Class D shares have no 12b-1 fees. Performance figures for Class D shares include the 5.75% initial sales charge and assume the reinvestment of income dividends and capital gain distributions. Performance quoted represents past performance. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that the investors shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. This material must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. If you have not received, or need a current prospectus, please feel free to call for one at 1-800-525-2406. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Period ending 01/31/2017. For current performance figures please call 1-800-525-2406.

      5 years   10 years  
  1 year annualized   annualized  
Class D without load 19.85 % 12.31 % 3.32 %
Class D with load* 13.01 % 10.98 % 2.71 %
Class A without load 19.69 % 11.96 % 3.01 %
Class A with load* 12.77 % 10.66 % 2.41 %
Class B without load 18.88 % 11.20 % 2.33 %
Class C without load 18.64 % 11.19 % 2.31 %
*Includes a 5.75% sales charge based on a $10,000 initial purchase.      

 

TRANSFER AGENT: Fund Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Stony Point Bldg. III - Suite # 205, Richmond, Va. 23235
CUSTODIAN: UMB Bank NA Investment Services Group, 928 Grand Blvd, Fifth Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106
RETIREMENT PLAN CUSTODIAN: UMB Bank NA Investment Services Group, 928 Grand Blvd, Fifth Floor, Kansas City,
MO 64106
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM: Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, 1818 Market St., Suite 2400,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
LEGAL COUNSEL: Jones & Keller, 1999 Broadway, Suite 3150, Denver, CO 80202
UNDERWRITER/DISTRIBUTOR: World Capital Brokerage, Inc., 1636 Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS INVESTMENT ADVISORS  
Timothy E. Taggart President and Director Investment Research Corporation  
Eddie R. Bush Director 1636 Logan Street  
Harold Rosen Director Denver, CO 80203  
John Pasco III Director OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS  
Dr. Brian Brody Director Timothy E. Taggart President, Treasurer, and
Mark Bomber Director   Director
Gerald Opalinski Director Michael L. Gaughan Vice President,
Darrell E. Bush Director   Secretary
Peter McKown Director   and Director
Patricia A. Blum Vice President Patricia A. Blum Vice President
Michael L. Gaughan Chief Compliance Officer    
  and Corporate Secretary    
      9/2016
 
 
 
Series One – Page 32      

 


 

ITEM 2 – Code of Ethics

The Fund has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer. 
The Fund undertakes to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of the Code of Ethics. Such
request can be made to American Growth Fund, Inc. at 800 525 2406 or to 1636 Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203. 

ITEM 3 – Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Fund’s board has determined that Eddie R. Bush, CPA, a member of the Fund’s audit committee, is an “audit
committee financial expert” and "independent," as such terms are defined in this Item. This designation will not
increase the designee’s duties, obligations or liability as compared to his or her duties, obligations and liability as a
member of the audit committee and of the board, nor will it reduce the responsibility of the other audit
committee members. There may be other individuals who, through education or experience, would qualify as
"audit committee financial experts" if the board had designated them as such. Most importantly, the board
believes each member of the audit committee contributes significantly to the effective oversight of the Fund’s
financial statements and condition. 

ITEM 4 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Fund:
a) Audit Fees:
2015 $30,500
2016 $30,500
b) Audit Related Fees:
2015 none
2016 none  
c) Tax Fees:
2015 $3,100  
2016 $3,100  
d) All Other Fees:
2015 none  
2016 none  
   e1)  Pre Approval of Audit and Non Audit Services. The Audit Committee will pre approve any
engagement of the outside auditors, including fees and compensation to be paid to the outside auditors, to
provide any audit and any non audit services to the Fund and any non audit services to the Fund's investment
advisor and to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment advisor that
provides ongoing services to the Fund, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting
of the Fund, as provided in Rule 2 01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S X. The Audit Committee Chair shall have the authority
to grant preapproval and may delegate this authority to one or more Audit Committee members who are
independent Directors as defined in Section 10A(i) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All
such delegated pre approvals shall be reported to the Audit Committee no later than the next Audit Committee
meeting. 
  e2)  100% of items 4b through 4d were disclosed and approved by the Audit Committee chairman.  
  f)  none
  g)  none
  h)  Adviser and affiliates (includes only fees for non audit services billed to the adviser and affiliates
for engagements that relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund and were subject to the
pre approval policies described below):  
a)  Audit Fees:
2015 $19,500
2016 $19,500
b) Audit Related Fees:
2015 none 


 

2016 none
j)  The audit related fees consist of assurance and related services relating to the examination of
the Fund’s transfer agent, principal underwriter and investment adviser conducted in accordance with Statement
on Standards for Attestation Engagements Number 16 issued by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants. 
a)  Tax Fees:
2015 $3,100
2016 $3,100  
The tax fees consist of consulting services relating to the Fund’s investments. 
d) All Other Fees:
2015 none  
2016 none
The other fees consist of subscription services related to an accounting research tool. 

All audit and permissible non audit services that the Fund’s audit committee considers compatible with
maintaining the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence are required to be pre approved by
the committee. The pre approval requirement will extend to all non audit services provided to the Fund, the
investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment
adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and
financial reporting of the Fund. The committee will not delegate its responsibility to pre approve these services to
the investment adviser. The committee may delegate to one or more committee members the authority to review
and pre approve audit and permissible non audit services. Actions taken under any such delegation will be
reported to the full committee at its next meeting. The pre approval requirement is waived with respect to non
audit services if certain conditions are met. The pre approval requirement was not waived for any of the non audit
services listed above provided to the Fund, adviser and affiliates. 

Aggregate non audit fees paid to the Fund’s auditors, including fees for all services billed to the Fund, adviser and
affiliates that provide ongoing services to the Fund, were $3,100 for fiscal year 2015 and $3,100 for fiscal year
2016. The non audit services represented by these amounts were brought to the attention of the committee and
considered to be compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence. 

ITEM 5 – Audit Committee of Listed Funds

Not applicable to this Fund, insofar as the Fund is not a listed issuer as defined in Rule 10A 3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. 

ITEM 6 – Schedule of Investments

Not applicable, insofar as the schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this
Form. 

ITEM 7 – Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed End Management Investment Companies

Not applicable to this Fund, insofar as the Fund is not a closed end management investment company. 

ITEM 8 – Portfolio Managers of Closed End Management Investment Companies

Not applicable to this Fund, insofar as the Fund is not a closed end management investment company. 

ITEM 9 – Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed End Management Investment Company and Affiliated
Purchasers

Not applicable to this Fund, insofar as the Fund is not a closed end management investment company. 


 

ITEM 10 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

On September 22, 2016 the Fund’s Independent Directors formed and assumed the duties of the Nominating
Committee. Although the Nominating Committee has agreed that they would accept nominations of Independent
Directors from shareholders, at the time of this filing they had yet to formalize a procedure for these nominations. 

ITEM 11 – Controls and Procedures

(a)  The Fund’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded, based on their
evaluation of the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 30a 3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940), that such controls and procedures are adequate and reasonably designed
to achieve the purposes described in paragraph (c) of such rule. 

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

ITEM 12 – Exhibits

(a)(1)  The Code of Ethics that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2 is attached as an exhibit hereto.

(a)(2)  The certifications required by Rule 30a 2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Sections 302 and
906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 are attached as exhibits hereto. 

SIGNATURES 

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

   AMERICAN GROWTH FUND SERIES ONE

   By/s/Timothy E. Taggart
   Timothy E Taggart, President
       Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officer

   Date: April 10, 2017

 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 Fund and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated. 

By /s/Timothy E. Taggart
Timothy E. Taggart, President
       Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officer
Date: April 10, 2017