N-CSR 1 dncsr.htm SIT MUTUAL FUNDS II, INC SIT Mutual Funds II, INC

 

 

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: 811-04033

 

 

Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

3300 IDS Center

80 South Eighth Street

Minneapolis, MN 55402

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Paul E. Rasmussen, VP Treasurer

Sit Mutual Funds, Inc.

3300 IDS Center

80 South Eighth Street

Minneapolis, MN 55402

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Copy to:

Mike Radmer, Esq.

Dorsey & Whitney

Suite 1500

50 South Sixth Street

Minneapolis, MN 55402-1498

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(612) 334-5888

Date of fiscal year end: March 31, 2011

Date of reporting period: March 31, 2011

 

 

 


Item 1: Reports to Stockholders


LOGO


Sit Mutual Funds

BOND FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Chairman’s Letter

     2   

Fund Reviews and Schedules of Investments

  

U.S. Government Securities Fund

     4   

Tax-Free Income Fund

     10   

Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund

     22   

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     32   

Statements of Operations

     33   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     34   

Financial Highlights

     36   

Notes to Financial Statements

     40   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     46   

Expense Example

     47   

Federal Tax Information

     48   

Information About Directors and Officers

     50   

Additional Information

     52   

This document must be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus.


CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Year Ended March 31, 2011

 

 

Dear fellow shareholders:

 

U.S. fixed-income markets performed well over the first half of the last year, but significant and conflicting forces challenged the markets during the latter half of the year. Some of these forces included: improving economic conditions in the U.S. economy; a massive increase in the money supply as a result of the Federal Reserve’s second round of quantitative easing (QE2); a sovereign debt crisis in Europe; political instability in the Middle East; and fiscal concerns at all levels of government in the U.S.

Taxable bond yields increased and the yield curve steepened during the last six months, with short-term yields remaining at historic lows and longer-term U.S. Treasury yields increasing. Specifically, the one-year maturity U.S.Treasury bill yield increased 2 basis points to 0.27%, while the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yield increased 82 basis points to 4.51%. Most taxable bond sectors experienced negative returns over the last six months, but still delivered strong returns over the last year. Commercial mortgage-backed securities and home equity securities were the strongest sectors for both the six-month and one-year time periods. Lower quality bonds outperformed higher quality bonds during the last six and twelve months. In terms of duration, longer bonds outperformed shorter bonds during the last year; however, this trend reversed during the last six-months with shorter duration outperforming longer duration bonds.

Tax-exempt bond yields showed a similar pattern of increased yields and more pronounced yield curve steepening during the six-month period. The one-year Municipal Market Data (MMD) AAA GO increased 2 basis points to 0.30%, while the 30-year MMD AAA GO increased 110 basis points to 4.80%. The sharp rise in yields that began in the fourth quarter of 2010 continued through mid-January before settling at lower levels in February and March. The slowing pace of mutual fund redemptions, combined with the lowest quarterly issuance volume since the first quarter of 2000 and the entrance of taxable crossover buyers, helped stabilize the market recently. The Barclays Five-year Municipal Bond Index produced a total return of -1.0% and +3.2% for the six-month and one-year periods ended March 31, respectively. Among revenue bonds, housing and resource recovery bonds led the six-month and one-year periods. Intermediate duration bonds outperformed shorter and longer duration over the last year while shorter duration bonds outperformed over the last six-months.

U.S. economic activity is at a new high after recovering from the severe contraction of activity resulting from the financial crisis. The final estimate fourth quarter 2010 real GDP growth was revised up to +3.1% from the previous estimate of +2.8%. Impressively, year-over-year changes in real GDP components have actually been remarkably steady in the +2.5 to +3.0% range over the past four quarters.

The nonfarm payroll report, released on April 1st, revealed that 216,000 jobs were created in March, compared with the consensus expectation of 190,000 jobs. Even more notably, private sector payrolls grew by 564,000 in the first quarter, which is the highest level since the first quarter of 2006 and marked the fifth consecutive quarterly

increase. The unemployment rate drifted downward to 8.8%, compared to 9.8% as recently as November. The full one percentage point decline in four months is the steepest reduction over such a period since January 1984. However, the labor participation rate, which had been in a moderate downtrend since 2000 and had accelerated with the recession, has yet to show improvement and remains at 64.2% vs. 66.0% at the beginning of the recession and 67.3% in early 2000.

Inflation, as measured by the headline Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI), increased +0.5% from the January level or +2.1% year-over-year in February. Not surprisingly, energy costs continued to rise, up +3.4% from January. Core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy components, increased +0.2%, slightly ahead of the +0.1% consensus estimate. While inflation is clearly increasing, much of the rise has been caused by food and energy commodities, which will be “transitory,” according to a recent FOMC statement. Nonetheless, investors are clearly beginning to sharpen their focus on inflation expectations.

Through the first five months of fiscal year 2011, the federal budget deficit stands at $641 billion, approximately $10 billion less than the comparable period last year. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the fiscal 2011 deficit will be $1.48 trillion versus a 2010 deficit of $1.29 trillion. Despite all of the news grabbing headlines from Washington surrounding the debate on the budget, none of the current proposals from Congress will meaningfully change the budget outlook for 2011.

The Federal Reserve’s U.S. trade-weighted major currencies dollar index declined -1.6% in March from the February level and -5.8% on a year-over-year basis. The dollar is very near the all-time lows that were reached in early 2008. Given the fiscal difficulties the U.S. faces over both the near and long term, we do not expect a sustained rally in the dollar, but there may be short-term, technically driven rallies.

We expect the current economic recovery to continue at a subpar pace. Consumer spending continues to be subdued, as improvements in employment have been measureable but slow. Two significant problems remaining in the U.S. economy are high unemployment and a weak housing market. Significant job creation is naturally one of the last things to occur in any economic recovery. In a general economic cycle, recessions cause corporations to lose money, followed by workforce reductions and bankruptcies until the surviving companies are once again profitable. But after a few quarters of stable operations and profits, corporations will risk hiring people and expand their businesses. We believe the moderate economic growth should continue to create jobs but the process will be long, slow and erratic.

Likewise, the very weak housing market has begun to stabilize even though a full recovery will take considerable time. While home prices are near their lows, year-over-year home price comparisons are distorted because last year’s home prices were artificially inflated

 

 

      

2

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

by the home buyer tax credit that expired in April of 2010. One of our preferred housing data points is the trend in unsold housing inventory. We like to include homes that are also in foreclosure (often referred to as “shadow inventory”) and properties owned by borrowers that are more than 60 days delinquent on their mortgage. This measure of total housing inventory has steadily declined for 15 months and we expect this trend to continue.

The rapid deterioration of the federal deficit and, to a lesser degree, state and local budgets remain challenging to the economy. The Federal Reserve’s aggressive money printing program is already distorting financial markets (the real challenge will come when the Fed tries to reverse the process). The normal threat of rising inflation that comes with an expanding economy is heightened by the Fed’s 30% increase in the money supply over the past three years. Recent external factors will likely continue to slow the recovery both globally and in the U.S., namely: continuing issues surrounding the European sovereign debt crisis; unrest in the Middle East; and the earthquake in Japan. The revolutions in the Middle East will have unpredictable outcomes. Japan’s earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis have disrupted the lives of everyone in the country and many companies around the world, but we expect the extraordinary culture and work ethic of the Japanese to help them recover from this terrible tragedy. While the effect on the Japanese people will be long term, we expect the effects on the world economy to be more limited.

As Japan recovers from the massive earthquake, employment improves, and housing stabilizes, there will be little to stop the gradual rising trend in interest rates. Treasury yields for most 5 to 10-year maturities have already risen by a full percentage point since last November, when the Fed announced their intention to print $600 billion by “purchasing” U.S. Treasury bonds. Shifting from recovery mode to a phase of economic expansion, accompanied by high unemployment, a weak housing market, the Japanese earthquake, and the fact that the U.S. is waging multiple wars simultaneously all serve to create multiple opposing pressures on the direction of interest rates. Wars, natural disasters, weak housing markets, and high unemployment tend to push rates lower. Improving economic growth, printing money, and rising inflation expectations tend to push rates higher. We believe the effects of the latter will eventually outweigh those of the former.

Our current taxable bond strategy continues to be underweighting U.S. Treasury bonds and investing in securities that will minimize the negative effects of rising interest rates (if not directly benefit).

Examples include variable rate securities; short average life bonds with high levels of principal repayments 2 to 3 years from now; inflation-linked securities; and short duration, high-coupon, government agency mortgage securities. We have also been able to maintain portfolio yields at levels more than 1% higher than their benchmarks.

Our tax-exempt strategy continues to favor revenue bonds over general obligation bonds with significant weightings in A or BBB rated tax-exempt credits. Tax-exempt bond yields remain quite high relative to taxable bond yields, particularly for intermediate and longer duration bonds. Specifically, the ratio of MMD AAA GO to U.S. Treasuries ended the year at 107% for 30-year bonds and 84% for 10-year bonds versus longer-term averages of 90% and 82%, respectively. Furthermore, yield spreads between AAA and A or BBB tax-exempts also remain quite high. We expect yield ratios between tax-exempts and taxables to decline and quality spreads to narrow as tax-exempt supply normalizes and as credit concerns lessen as state and local bond issuers make progress in moving towards balanced budgets. The slope of the tax-exempt municipal yield curve, as measured by the MMD AAA general obligation curve, steepened markedly over the year to 448 basis points from 385 basis points at the end of last March, placing it at the high end of the range experienced over the last 30 years. As a result, although inflation expectations are increasing modestly, we continue to position municipal portfolios modestly longer than their benchmarks.

All portfolios continue to emphasize high levels of current income and diversification to manage risk. Thank you for your continued interest in the Sit family of mutual funds.

With best wishes,

LOGO

Roger J. Sit

Chairman and President

Sit Mutual Funds

 

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   3


Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

The objective of the U.S. Government Securities Fund is to provide high current income and safety of principal, which it seeks to attain by investing solely in debt obligations issued, guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or its agencies or its instrumentalities.

Agency mortgage securities and U.S. Treasury securities are the principal holdings in the Fund. The mortgage securities that the Fund purchases consist of pass-through securities including those issued by Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal National Mortgage Asociation (FNMA), and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC).

 

 

 

The Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund provided a return of +4.37% during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, compared to the return of the Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index of +3.83%. The Fund’s 30-day SEC yield was 3.25% and its 12-month distribution rate was 2.83%.

During the twelve-month period, the Fund benefited from its holdings in older, high-coupon, agency mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, which provide a meaningful income advantage in excess of 2% relative to the benchmark. The Fund’s positions in U.S. Treasury securities provided a slight positive return, as a flight to quality spurred by international geopolitical concerns was only partially offset by investor inflation fears. The Federal housing agencies completed a buyout operation of delinquent loans that had built up throughout the crisis years that detracted from returns. Since the completion of this one-time purchase event, normal buyouts have returned to historical levels. The Fund’s modest cash position hurt relative performance due to the very low levels of interest rates currently available on cash-equivalent investments.

In the first quarter of 2011, the Treasury released a proposal offering various long-term options for the future of the housing market. As the current role of the Federal housing agencies evolves, we expect there will continue to be government sponsorship of the housing market into the foreseeable future and we expect the viability of our strategy to continue.

Economic activity in the U.S. is at a new high after finally recovering from the severe contraction of activity resulting from the financial crisis. While the economic outlook continues to improve, head-winds still remain. An improving but still high unemployment rate, a weak housing market, revolutions in the Middle East, natural catastrophes and fiscal issues at home, all present challenges in the year ahead. We continue to believe that the inflationary environment likely to result from the Federal Reserve’s massive monetary stimulus plan is likely to push interest rates higher. In order to minimize the negative effects of a rising interest rate environment, we are maintaining an underweight to the U.S. Treasury sector. We also continue to focus on older, high-coupon, agency mortgage pass-through

LOGO

The chart above illustrates the total value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund over the past 10 years (or for the life of the Fund if shorter) as compared to the performance of the Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns include the reinvestment of distributions. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

1 The Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index is a sub-index of the Barclays Capital Government Bond Index covering issues with remaining maturities of between three and five years. The Barclays Capital Government Bond Index is an index that measures the performance of all public U.S. government obligations with remaining maturities of one year or more. The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

securities, as these continue to provide high levels of income with relatively stable prices, especially compared to the low absolute levels of shorter term interest rates available from other investment alternatives. This high level of income and principal stability has been and continues to be a fundamental focus of the Fund since its inception.

Michael C. Brilley

Bryce A. Doty, CFA

Senior Portfolio Managers

Mark H. Book, CFA

Portfolio Manager

 

 

      

4

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

COMPARATIVE RATES OF RETURNS

 

 

as of March 31, 2011

  
     

Sit U.S.

Government

Securities

Fund

   

Barclays

Capital

Inter. Gov’t

Bond Index1

   

Lipper

U.S.

Gov’t Fund

Index2

 
One Year      4.37     3.83     4.66
Five Years      5.91        5.48        5.17   
Ten Years      4.81        4.81        4.66   
Since Inception (6/2/87)      6.50        6.54        6.14   

 

 

Performance figures are historical and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Contact the Fund for performance data current to the most recent month-end. Returns include changes in share price as well as reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains and all fee waivers. Without the fee waivers total return and yield figures would have been lower. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Management fees and administrative expenses are included in the Fund’s performance. Returns for periods greater than one year are compounded average annual rates of return.

1 The Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index is a sub-index of the Barclays Capital Government Bond Index covering issues with remaining maturities of between three and five years. The Barclays Capital Government Bond Index is an index that measures the performance of all public U.S. government obligations with remaining maturities of one year or more. The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

2 The Lipper returns are obtained from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., a large independent evaluator of mutual funds.

LOGO

Based on total assets as of March 31, 2011. Subject to change

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

 

Net Asset Value 3/31/11:

  

$11.29 Per Share

Net Asset Value 3/31/10:

  

$11.13 Per Share

Total Net Assets:

  

$1,057.2 Million

30-day SEC Yield 3:

  

3.25%

12-month Distribution Rate 3:

  

2.83%

Effective Duration 4:

  

1.5 Years

3 The SEC Yield reflects the rate at which the Fund is earning income on its current portfolio of securities, while the distribution rate reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders based on the net investment income distributed and the average NAV during the past 12 months. Accordingly, the Fund’s SEC yield and distribution rate may differ.

4 Duration is a measure of estimated price sensitivity relative to changes in interest rates. Portfolios with longer durations are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates. For example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the market value of a security with an effective duration of 5 years would decrease by 5%, with all other factors being constant. The correlation between duration and price sensitivity is greater for securities rated investment-grade than it is for securities rated below investment-grade. Duration estimates are based on assumptions by the Adviser and are subject to a number of limitations. Effective duration is calculated based on historical price changes of securities held by the Fund, and therefore is a more accurate estimate of price sensitivity provided interest rates remain within their historical range.

ESTIMATED AVERAGE LIFE

 

0-1 Year

     9.8

1-5 Years

     89.0

5-10 Years

     1.2

10-20 Years

     0.0

20+ Years

     0.0

 

 

The Adviser’s estimates of the dollar weighted average life of the portfolio’s securities, which differ from their stated maturities. The Fund’s average stated maturity was 20.1 years as of March 31, 2011.

 

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   5


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund

 

         

Principal  

Amount ($)

 

Coupon Rate

(%)

  Maturity Date        Fair Value ($)

 

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities - 55.4%

   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation - 15.4%

222,952

  5.50   8/1/17-3/1/33     239,494

334,300

  6.38   12/1/26-12/1/27     375,116

18,351,977

  6.50   4/1/28-10/1/36     20,569,112

1,005,715

  6.88   2/17/31     1,152,837

50,260

  7.00   2/1/16     51,080

49,134,314

  7.00   4/1/28-1/1/39     56,162,312

164,257

  7.38   12/17/24     189,400

54,705,490

  7.50   9/1/26-10/1/38     63,137,345

163,193

  7.95   10/1/25-11/1/25     191,682

2,291,457

  8.00   5/1/17-1/1/37     2,666,267

33,859

  8.25   12/1/17     38,347

3,666,961

  8.50   5/1/16-8/1/36     4,333,221

53,090

  9.00   11/1/15     60,502

6,566,816

  9.00   10/1/16-11/1/36     7,735,088

126,328

  9.25   6/1/16-3/1/19     135,619

712,810

  9.50   10/1/16-12/17/21     829,454

96,518

  9.75   12/1/16-12/1/17     104,461

2,723,099

  10.00   9/1/20-7/1/30     3,088,560

17,578

  10.25   2/1/17     17,646

12,487

  10.50   10/1/13     13,304

123,540

  10.50   6/1/19     139,186

842,845

  11.00   9/17/16-8/15/20     936,285

9,233

  13.00   5/1/17     11,026
         
        162,177,344
         

Federal National Mortgage Association - 31.2%

13,942,535

  4.00   1/1/41     13,734,294

71,306

  5.76   3/1/33     77,660

10,913

  5.99   3/1/19   1   11,625

1,934,443

  6.00   9/1/28-9/1/37     2,118,440

588,611

  6.15   8/1/36   1   588,844

404,562

  6.20   11/1/27     456,088

124,215

  6.35   10/1/30     140,555

78,259

  6.49   2/1/32     88,482

20,091,882

  6.50   1/1/22-8/1/37     22,629,726

1,384,968

  6.74   12/1/15     1,513,214

195,338

  6.91   11/1/26-8/1/27     225,549

257,754

  6.95   8/1/21   1   268,512

138,432,547

  7.00   6/1/17-1/1/40     159,361,477

210,267

  7.45   6/1/16     211,943

299,410

  7.50   11/1/12     315,590

69,584,227

  7.50   6/1/22-4/1/38     80,013,541

188,220

  7.62   12/1/16     192,633

395,715

  7.95   9/15/20     454,176

10,637,223

  8.00   4/1/16-3/1/38     12,418,757

548,112

  8.17   11/15/31     651,162

12,458

  8.25   4/1/22     13,501

269,220

  8.33   7/15/20     315,051

163,099

  8.38   7/20/28     187,749

1,360,745

  8.45   3/15/32     1,630,098

127,790

  8.46   9/15/30     149,144
       

Principal  

Amount ($)

 

Coupon Rate

(%)

  Maturity Date   Fair Value ($)

 

92,307

  8.50   9/1/12   97,327

200,943

  8.50   2/1/16   220,316

13,348,098

  8.50   9/1/17-12/1/37   15,581,098

216,712

  8.59   7/20/30   253,442

51,906

  8.87   12/15/25   61,267

7,066,867

  9.00   10/1/19-2/1/38   8,271,590

112,512

  9.25   10/1/16-2/1/17   126,718

128,119

  9.40   5/15/28   152,898

4,030,358

  9.50   11/1/18-8/1/31   4,680,191

418,187

  9.55   8/20/25   474,533

15,141

  9.75   1/15/13   16,271

184,043

  9.75   10/1/21-4/1/25   203,605

15,328

  10.00   7/1/13   15,565

136,510

  10.00   2/1/15   149,441

219,650

  10.00   3/1/15   242,206

819,920

  10.00   11/1/16-6/1/30   930,742

142,390

  10.16   7/15/20   157,747

150,896

  10.18   7/1/20   168,317

21,094

  10.25   8/15/13   22,700

15,796

  10.50   5/1/15   15,885

78,865

  10.50   6/1/15   87,807

202,425

  10.50   12/1/17-6/1/28   232,520

83,947

  11.27   8/15/20   94,712

36,983

  11.57   12/15/26   42,280
       
      330,066,989
       

Government National Mortgage Association - 8.8%

1,253,280

  5.45   7/15/27   1,335,524

303,165

  5.50   9/15/25   331,658

3,704,540

  5.61   11/15/34   3,966,530

409,572

  5.76   3/20/33-5/20/33   446,134

7,936,733

  5.85   12/15/30   8,405,673

390,463

  6.00   9/15/18-11/20/28   427,829

76,686

  6.05   3/20/33   84,043

8,904,912

  6.09   3/15/41-7/15/41   9,412,968

2,868,220

  6.15   1/15/42   2,953,160

1,031,348

  6.20   3/15/32   1,151,887

52,583

  6.25   5/15/13   56,032

415,193

  6.25   12/15/23-1/15/24   471,103

5,875,721

  6.35   4/20/30-11/20/31   6,335,677

499,674

  6.38   8/15/26-4/15/28   562,945

343,364

  6.49   11/20/31-6/20/32   376,611

27,034,221

  6.50   4/15/24-2/15/41   30,133,783

112,812

  6.57   9/20/32-3/20/33   127,972

45,863

  6.75   9/15/15   50,492

302,498

  6.75   8/15/28-6/15/29   346,791

886,218

  6.91   7/20/26-2/20/27   1,015,944

54,159

  6.93   2/20/25   62,018

1,580,559

  7.00   6/20/38-2/20/39   1,793,393

161,772

  7.02   4/20/26   184,294

271,822

  7.05   2/15/23-4/20/27   310,112

779,558

  7.10   5/20/25   890,785
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

6

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

         

Principal  

Amount ($)

 

Coupon Rate

(%)

  Maturity Date        Fair Value ($)

315,530

  7.15   12/20/26-4/20/27     361,126

152,246

  7.25   5/15/29-6/15/29     175,818

51,722

  7.27   7/20/22     59,025

55,937

  7.38   1/15/29     64,817

4,801,401

  7.50   5/15/16-3/15/39     5,540,825

21,931

  7.55   10/20/22     25,169

2,666,545

  7.60   12/15/33     2,831,478

95,223

  7.63   12/15/29     110,747

64,872

  7.65   7/20/22     74,661

380,561

  7.75   6/15/20-11/15/20     436,139

47,148

  7.90   1/20/21     52,722

766,521

  7.95   2/15/20-3/20/27     891,636

468,649

  7.99   2/20/21-6/20/22     540,383

121,567

  8.00   10/15/14     133,591

7,145,831

  8.00   5/15/16-9/15/31     8,364,833

399,668

  8.10   5/20/19-7/20/20     451,468

5,082

  8.25   12/15/11     5,250

13,337

  8.25   8/15/15     14,932

306,884

  8.25   4/15/19-2/15/20     350,797

33,220

  8.38   10/15/19     38,465

166,958

  8.40   2/15/19-2/15/20     193,941

4,367

  8.50   1/15/12     4,651

23,201

  8.50   4/15/15     26,078

326,759

  8.50   9/15/16-12/20/26     384,649

35,482

  8.60   6/15/18     40,971

29,490

  8.63   10/15/18     33,459

18,138

  8.75   11/15/11     18,929

1,522

  9.00   6/15/11     1,589

1,892

  9.00   8/15/11     1,908

5,431

  9.00   9/15/11     5,672

3,290

  9.00   9/15/11     3,436

32,330

  9.00   1/15/17-7/15/17     37,457

17,217

  9.10   5/15/18     20,076

9,179

  9.50   3/20/16     10,509

147,527

  9.50   11/20/16-8/20/19     172,951

2,444

  9.75   11/15/12     2,658

222,496

  10.00   11/15/17-6/15/21     258,234

368,545

  10.50   2/15/20-8/15/21     412,762

17,995

  11.50   8/15/18     19,195
         
        93,406,365
         

Total Mortgage Pass-Through Securities
(cost: $564,902,639)

    585,650,698
         

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations - 33.8%

   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation - 8.3%

112,019

  5.40   3/25/44   1   116,903

203,887

  5.50   2/15/34     212,208

223,588

  6.00   9/15/21-6/15/28     233,538

4,448,275

  6.50   9/15/23-10/25/43     4,939,902

330,499

  6.50   9/25/43   1   371,855
         

Principal  

Amount ($)

 

Coupon Rate

(%)

  Maturity Date        Fair Value ($)

147,133

  6.70   9/15/23     162,186

365,005

  6.95   3/15/28     368,954

42,819,926

  7.00   12/15/20-3/25/43     47,426,663

19,972,256

  7.50   6/15/17-9/25/43     23,047,437

5,955,086

  8.00   3/15/21-1/15/30     6,726,231

96,325

  8.25   6/15/22     108,976

555,901

  8.30   11/15/20     627,316

1,014,987

  8.50   10/15/22-3/15/32     1,151,697

12,184

  9.15   10/15/20     13,484

1,551,216

  9.50   2/15/20-2/25/42     1,806,973

129,221

  10.00   6/15/20     148,328
         
        87,462,651
         

Federal National Mortgage Association - 15.5%

655,430

  5.50   1/25/37     679,152

1,773,088

  6.50   12/25/23-12/25/42     1,981,113

301,134

  6.51   3/25/29   1   337,212

6,448,237

  6.75   4/25/37     7,468,872

41,266

  6.85   12/18/27     45,652

31,327,220

  7.00   1/25/21-8/25/44     34,769,969

1,553,004

  7.00   6/25/42     1,726,340

2,501,261

  7.12   6/17/40   1   2,800,798

945,576

  7.13   1/17/37   1   945,145

46,915,323

  7.50   8/20/27-1/25/48     52,643,561

15,105,464

  7.50   6/19/30-12/25/42   1   17,350,288

11,674,329

  7.62   7/25/37   1   12,884,029

21,455

  7.70   3/25/23     24,102

554,395

  8.00   7/25/22-7/25/44     651,242

8,599,176

  8.50   1/25/21-10/25/30     9,920,007

23,619

  8.70   12/25/19     25,938

1,771,867

  8.71   11/25/37   1   2,093,696

33,048

  8.75   9/25/20     36,400

102,093

  8.95   10/25/20     115,757

1,865,596

  8.95   11/25/37   1   2,110,153

3,775,683

  9.00   7/25/19-6/25/30     4,275,013

65,362

  9.05   12/25/18     72,913

2,980,091

  9.05   2/25/44   1   3,683,206

81,297

  9.25   1/25/20     92,415

4,044,328

  9.50   12/25/18-12/25/41     5,014,015

1,548,166

  9.51   6/25/32   1   1,766,946

170,685

  9.60   3/25/20     195,529
         
        163,709,463
         

Government National Mortgage Association - 5.7%

   

46,536,322

  7.00   9/16/23-6/20/40     52,423,679

401,406

  7.50   6/20/26-5/16/27     455,115

4,365,981

  8.00   10/16/29-3/16/30     4,989,794

1,944,311

  8.50   9/20/30-2/20/32     1,959,720
         
        59,828,308
         

Vendee Mortgage Trust - 4.3%

   

1,041,756

  6.00   2/15/30     1,099,433
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   7


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund (Continued)

 

Principal

Amount ($)/

Contracts/Quantity

 

Coupon Rate

(%)

  Maturity Date        Fair Value ($)

23,531,350

  6.50   1/15/29-8/15/31     27,244,891

3,365,144

  7.00   3/15/28     3,849,817

646,659

  7.25   9/15/25     722,311

3,752,109

  7.75   5/15/22-9/15/24     4,275,592

6,864,372

  8.11   3/15/25   1   8,516,112

273,181

  8.29   12/15/26     319,572
         
        46,027,728
         

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    (cost: $350,525,989)

    357,028,150
         

Asset-Backed Securities - 1.0%

   

    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation - 0.7%

99,414

  6.09   9/25/29   1   106,257

250,000

  6.28   10/27/31     278,444

551,964

  7.00   11/25/30     569,921

4,308,166

  7.15   9/25/28     4,821,107

1,410,070

  7.27   8/25/28   1   1,492,031
         
        7,267,760
         

    Federal National Mortgage Association - 0.3%

112,003

  0.69   11/25/32   1   107,841

99,035

  5.41   9/26/33     97,085

156,776

  5.75   2/25/33     146,824

480,541

  6.47   10/25/31     488,467

923,432

  6.50   5/25/32     994,036

851,527

  6.59   10/25/31     956,962

236,161

  6.83   7/25/31     239,003

137,971

  7.80   6/25/26   1   137,876
         
        3,168,094
         

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(cost: $10,155,642)

    10,435,854
         

Put Options Purchased 10 - 0.0%

   

1,000

  U.S. Treasury 5 Year Future
Put Options: $117 strike
May 2011 expiration
   

Total Put Options Purchased
(cost: $629,980)

    648,438
         

Short-Term Securities - 10.3%

     

17,250,098

  Dreyfus Gov’t Cash Mgmt. Fund, 0.004%   17,250,098

10,000,000

  FHLB, A.D.N. 0.05%, 4/1/11 6     10,000,000

5,000,000

  FHLB, A.D.N. 0.05%, 4/4/11 6     4,999,979

6,600,000

  FHLB, A.D.N. 0.05%, 4/5/11 6     6,599,963

10,000,000

  FHLB, A.D.N. 0.07%, 4/6/11 6     9,999,903

10,000,000

  FHLB, A.D.N. 0.07%, 4/8/11 6     9,999,864

6,000,000

  FHLB, A.D.N. 0.08%, 4/13/11 6     5,999,840

3,350,000

  FHLMC, A.D.N. 0.07%, 4/4/11 6     3,349,980

1,000,000

  FHLMC, A.D.N. 0.07%, 4/5/11 6     999,992

10,000,000

  U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.02%, 4/14/11 6     9,999,930

20,000,000

  U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.04%, 4/28/11 6     19,999,392
         

Quantity/

Contracts

 

Coupon Rate

(%)

  Maturity Date        Fair Value ($)

10,000,000

  U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.14%, 4/28/11 6     9,999,186
         

Total Short-Term Securities
(cost: $109,197,873)

    109,198,127
         

Total Investments in Securities - 100.5%
(cost: $1,035,412,123)

    1,062,961,267
         

Call Options Written 10 - 0.0%

   

750

 

U.S. Treasury 2 Year Future
Call Options: $109.25 strike
May 2011 expiration

   

Total Call Options Written
(premiums received: $300,953)

    (105,470)
         

Other Assets and Liabilities, net - (0.5%)

    (5,701,975)
         

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

      $1,057,153,822
         

 

 

1 

Variable rate security. Rate disclosed is as of March 31, 2011.

6 

Zero coupon security. Rate disclosed is the effective yield on purchase date.

10 

The amount of $2,700,000 in cash was segregated with the broker to cover put options purchased and call options written as of March 31, 2011.

Numeric footnotes not disclosed are not applicable to this Schedule of Investments.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

8

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

For a complete list of security holdings refer to our company website at www.sitfunds.com.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets as of March 31, 2011 is as follows (see note 2 - significant accounting policies in the notes to financial statements):

 

     Investment in Securities  
     Level 1
Quoted
Price ($)
    Level 2
Other significant
observable inputs ($)
    

Level 3

Significant
unobservable inputs ($)

     Total ($)  

Assets

          

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

            357,028,150         —           357,028,150   

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities

            585,650,698         —           585,650,698   

Asset-Backed Securities

            10,435,854         —           10,435,854   

Short-Term Securities

     17,250,098        91,948,029         —           109,198,127   

Put Options Purchased

     648,438                —           648,438   
     17,898,536        1,045,062,731         —           1,062,961,267   

Liabilities

          

Call Options Written

     (105,470             —           (105,470

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   9


    Sit Tax-Free Income Fund

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

The objective of the Tax-Free Income Fund is to provide a high level of current income that is exempt from federal income tax, consistent with preservation of capital, by investing primarily in investment-grade municipal securities.

Such municipal securities generate interest income that is exempt from both federal regular income tax and federal alternative minimum tax. During normal market conditions, the Fund invests 100% of its net assets in such tax-exempt municipal securities.

 

 

The Sit Tax-Free Income Fund provided a return of +0.26% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, compared to a return of +3.25% for the Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index. The Fund’s 30 day SEC yield was 5.76% as of March 31, 2011.

During the last 12 months, tax-exempt yield levels were stable for maturities of four years or less, but rose on longer maturities. Yields on five-year maturity bonds increased by 0.10%, while the longest maturity yields rose by 0.63%. Yields rose across all bond rating categories of the Barclays Municipal Index, with a smaller increase of 0.29% for AAA-rated bonds compared to a 0.58% rise for A-rated bonds and a 0.66% rise for Baa-rated issues. The larger rise in yields for lower rated bonds reflected fears of higher possible levels of municipal defaults forecasted by several prominent analysts in the fourth quarter of 2010. While we expect there will be some municipal defaults in 2011, we do not expect a substantial increase in the number of defaults compared to prior years. Furthermore, we believe that the increase in defaults is more likely to occur among general obligation bonds than revenue bonds, with the latter improving in quality as the economy continues to recover.

The Fund’s underperformance over the past twelve months was primarily attributable to market value declines for A-rated bonds and longer duration holdings. The five largest sectors in which the Fund invests each account for more than 10% of the Fund’s investments; while all of those sectors underperformed the Barclay’s 5-Year Municipal Bond Index, only the Multi-Family sector underperformed by more than 2%. The credit quality of the Fund’s investments improved modestly compared to a year ago, as non-rated holdings were reduced by more than 5%, and all four investment grades had higher weightings than a year earlier. The Fund is highly diversified with over 300 security holdings across 44 states and two territories as of March 31, 2011. The Fund’s average duration of 6.4 years was longer than the Barclays Capital Municipal 5-Year Bond Index’s duration, which negatively affected the Fund’s relative return.

Looking forward, we expect yield spreads for A and BBB issues as well as non-rated bonds to narrow over the coming year from their current historically wide levels. We expect state and local governments to make substantial progress in balancing their budgets

LOGO

The chart above illustrates the total value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund over the past 10 years (or for the life of the Fund if shorter) as compared to the performance of the Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns include the reinvestment of distributions. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

1 The Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index is the 5 year (4-6) component of the Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged, rules-based, market-value-weighted index for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. The index includes bonds with a minimum credit rating of BBB. The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

as they cut expenditures and see improved revenue streams as the economy continues to grow at a moderate pace of +2.5% to +3%. We also believe the Fund’s 5.76% 30-day SEC yield represents attractive value in this low inflation environment.

Michael C. Brilley

Debra A. Sit, CFA

Paul J. Jungquist, CFA

Senior Portfolio Managers

 

 

      

10

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

COMPARATIVE RATES OF RETURNS

 

 

as of March 31, 2011
      Sit
Tax-Free
Income
Fund
  Barclays
Capital
5-Year Muni
Bond Index1
  Lipper
General
Muni. Bond
Fund Index2

One Year

   0.26%   3.25%   0.12%

Five Years

   1.85     5.13     2.95  

Ten Years

   2.89     4.58     3.89  

Since Inception (9/29/88)

   5.03     5.70     5.66  
              

Performance figures are historical and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Contact the Fund for performance data current to the most recent month-end. Returns include changes in share price as well as reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains and all fee waivers. Without the fee waivers total return and yield figures would have been lower. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Management fees and administrative expenses are included in the Fund’s performance. Returns for periods greater than one year are compounded average annual rates of return.

1 The Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index is the 5 year (4-6) component of the Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged, rules-based, market-value-weighted index for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. The index includes bonds with a minimum credit rating of BBB. The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

2 The Lipper returns are obtained from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., a large independent evaluator of mutual funds.

FUND DIVERSIFICATION

 

Other Revenue

     17.5%   

Hospital/Health Care

     15.6%   

Education/Student Loan

     14.0%   

Single Family Mortgage

     11.9%   

Multifamily Mortgage

     11.1%   

Closed-End Mutual Funds

     6.9%   

Sectors less than 5%

     21.0%   

Cash & Other Net Assets

     2.0%   
          

Based on total net assets as of March 31, 2011. Subject to change.

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

 

Net Asset Value 3/31/11:

   $8.52 Per Share    

Net Asset Value 3/31/10:

   $8.90 Per Share  

Total Net Assets:

   $140.4 Million  

30-day SEC Yield 3:

   5.76%  

Tax Equivalent Yield 4:

   8.86%  

12-month Distribution Rate 3:

   4.63%  

Average Maturity:

   16.1 Years  

Effective Duration 5:

   6.4 Years  

3 The SEC Yield reflects the rate at which the Fund is earning income on its current portfolio of securities, while the distribution rate reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders based on the net investment income distributed and the average NAV during the past 12 months. Accordingly, the Fund’s SEC yield and distribution rate may differ.

4 The tax-equivalent yield is based on an assumed tax rate of 35.0%.

5 Duration is a measure of estimated price sensitivity relative to changes in interest rates. Portfolios with longer durations are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates. For example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the market value of a security with an effective duration of 5 years would decrease by 5%, with all other factors being constant. The correlation between duration and price sensitivity is greater for securities rated investment-grade than it is for securities rated below investment-grade. Duration estimates are based on assumptions by the Adviser and are subject to a number of limitations. Effective duration is calculated based on historical price changes of securities held by the Fund, and therefore is a more accurate estimate of price sensitivity provided interest rates remain within their historical range.

LOGO

Lower of Moody’s, S&P, Fitch or Duff & Phelps ratings used.

Adviser’s Assessment of Non-Rated Securities:

AAA

       0.5%   

AA

       2.0     

A

       0.5     

BBB

       6.4     

BB

       11.2     

<BB

       5.2     
          

Total

       25.8%   
 

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   11


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Tax-Free Income Fund

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

     Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 
 

Municipal Bonds - 91.1%

        

 

  Alabama - 0.4%

        
  380,000      

ASMS Public Education Building Rev. (ASMSF LLC Proj.) (AMBAC Insured) 9

     4.38         9/1/26         360,707   
  215,000      

Birmingham-Southern College Private Education Building Rev.

     5.35         12/1/19         167,780   
                 
              528,487   
                 

 

  Alaska - 0.3%

        
  500,000      

AK Hsg. Finance Corp. Mtg. Rev. (GO of Corp. Insured)

     4.50         12/1/35         461,425   
                 

 

  Arizona - 2.9%

        
    1,049,893      

AZ Health Facs. Auth. Rev. (New Arizona Family Proj.)

     5.25         7/1/27         842,833   
  250,000      

Festival Ranch Community Facs. District G.O.

     6.25         7/15/24         246,758   
  225,000      

Flagstaff Industrial Dev. Auth. Rev. (Sr. Living Community Proj.)

     5.50         7/1/22         198,194   
  495,000      

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (AZ Charter Schools Proj.)

     5.00         7/1/26         390,857   
  450,000      

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (Center For Academic Success Proj.) 4

     5.38         7/1/22         397,822   
  490,000      

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (Choice Education & Dev. Corp. Proj.)

     6.00         6/1/16         473,105   
  250,000      

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (Coral Academy Science Proj.)

     6.38         12/1/18         244,140   
  250,000      

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (Noah Webster Basic School Proj.)

     5.25         12/15/16         246,712   
  400,000      

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (Tucson Country Day School Proj.)

     5.00         6/1/22         342,016   
  500,000      

Quail Creek Community Facs. District G.O.

     5.15         7/15/16         480,410   
  150,000      

Westpark Community Facs. District G.O.

     4.90         7/15/16         142,824   
                 
              4,005,671   
                 

 

  California - 10.5%

        
  500,000       Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Rev. 4      6.00         7/1/18         471,475   
  250,000       Alameda Corridor Transportation Auth. Rev. Capital Appreciation (AMBAC Insured) 6      6.71         10/1/24         201,903   
  250,000       Alameda Corridor Transportation Auth. Rev. Sr. Lien (NATL-RE Insured)      5.25         10/1/21         241,392   
  340,000       CA Co. Tobacco Securitization Agy. Rev. (Golden Gate Tobacco Proj.)      4.50         6/1/21         285,012   
  500,000       CA Co. Tobacco Securitization Agy. Rev. (Golden Gate Tobacco Proj.)      5.00         6/1/36         331,415   
  350,000       CA Community Hsg. Fin. Agy. Lease Rev. Pass Thru Obligation      4.85         11/1/12         171,728   
  600,000       CA Finance Auth. Education Rev. (American Heritage Education Foundation Proj.)      5.25         6/1/26         490,146   
  250,000       CA Finance Auth. Rev. (Kern Regional Center Proj.) 9      6.88         5/1/25         257,910   
  250,000       CA Finance Auth. Rev. (Literacy First Proj.)      5.50         9/1/22         226,122   
  495,000       CA Govt. Finance Auth. Lease Rev. (Placer Co. Transportation Proj.)      6.00         12/1/28         495,554   
  250,000       CA Hsg. Finance Agy. Home Mtg. Rev.      5.20         8/1/28         242,130   
  250,000       CA Hsg. Finance Agy. Home Mtg. Rev.      5.50         8/1/38         230,145   
  500,000       CA Infrastructure & Economic Dev. Bank Rev.      6.00         2/1/30         515,100   
  500,000       CA School Facs. Finance Auth. Rev. (Azusa Unified School District) (AGM Insured) 6      6.00         8/1/29         348,720   
  580,000       CA Statewide Communities Dev. Auth. Multifamily Rev. (Orange Tree Proj.) (GNMA Collateral)      6.15         11/20/36         650,435   
  500,000       CA Statewide Communities Dev. Auth. Rev. (Lancer Education Student Hsg. Proj.)      5.40         6/1/17         481,690   
  350,000       CA Statewide Communities Dev. Auth. Rev. (Sunedison Huntington Beach Solar Proj.)      6.00         1/1/21         342,968   
  510,000       CA Statewide Communities Dev. Auth. Rev. (Sunedison Irvine School District)      5.25         1/1/16         503,222   
  250,000       CA Statewide Communities Dev. Auth. School Facs. Rev. (Aspire Public Schools)      5.00         7/1/20         233,942   
  450,000       CA Statewide Communities Dev. Auth. Special Tax (Orinda Proj.)      6.00         9/1/29         373,784   
  1,000,000       Colton Joint Unified School District (AGM Insured) 6      5.80         8/1/35         431,600   
  500,000       Hartnell Community College G.O. 6      7.00         8/1/34         236,295   
  500,000       Hawthorne School District C.O.P. (AGM Insured) 6      6.00         12/1/29         383,230   
  250,000       Imperial Community College District G.O. Capital Appreciation (AGM Insured) 6      0.97         8/1/40         188,573   
  500,000       Lemon Grove Community Dev. Agency Tax Allocation (Redev. Proj.)      5.15         8/1/25         441,455   
  215,000       Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District C.O.P. 9      4.50         8/1/30         176,876   
  250,000       Los Angeles Unified School District C.O.P. (Administration Building Proj.) (AMBAC Insured) 9      5.00         10/1/31         219,130   
  560,000       Manteca Unified School District Capital Appreciation C.O.P. (NATL-RE Insured) 6      7.55         9/15/25         199,360   
  250,000       Marina Coast Water District Rev.      5.00         6/1/20         249,582   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

12

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

     Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
   Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 
  500,000       Northern CA Gas Auth. No. 1 Rev. 1    0.92      7/1/27         352,395   
  650,000       Poway Unified School District (AMBAC Insured)    5.00      9/15/31         576,778   
  600,000       Redondo Beach School District G.O. 6    6.38      8/1/34         427,644   
  500,000       Richmond Community Redev. Agy. Tax Allocation    6.00      9/1/30         486,020   
  500,000       Riverside Co. Redev. Agy. Tax Allocation (Interstate 215 Corridor)    6.00      10/1/25         475,850   
  500,000       Sacramento Co. Water Financing Auth. Rev. (NATL-RE FGIC Insured) 1    0.78      6/1/39         302,160   
  1,000,000       San Bernardino City Unified School District G.O. Capital Appreciation (NATL-RE Insured) 6    4.72      8/1/29         267,900   
  250,000       San Joaquin Hills Toll Road Rev. Ref. (NATL-RE Insured)    5.25      1/15/30         178,963   
  385,000       Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe Enterprise Rev. 4    4.88      3/1/16         350,612   
  350,000       Southwest Community Finance Auth. Rev. (Riverside Co. Proj.) 9    6.00      5/1/24         367,602   
  500,000       Tustin Unified School District G.O. Capital Appreciation 6    6.05      8/1/28         291,675   
  400,000       Upland C.O.P. (San Antonio Community Hospital Proj.)    6.38      1/1/32         397,900   
  500,000       Val Verde Unified School District G.O. Capital Appreciation (AGM Insured) 6    6.13      8/1/34         225,805   
  250,000       Vallejo City Unified School District Special Tax (Community Facilities District No. 2) (XLCA Insured)    4.15      9/1/31         162,963   
  500,000       Westminster School District G.O. 6    5.37      8/1/24         214,805   
                 
              14,699,966   
                 

 

  Colorado - 3.6%

        
  250,000       CO Education & Cultural Facs. Auth. Rev. (CO Springs Charter Academy Proj.)    5.60      7/1/34         225,110   
  500,000       CO Education & Cultural Facs. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Vail Mountain School Proj.)    6.00      5/1/30         466,650   
  425,000       CO Hsg. Finance Auth. Single Family Mtg. Rev.    5.50      11/1/29         432,892   
  625,000       CO Hsg. Finance Auth. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (FHA Insured)    5.00      11/1/34         627,569   
  1,000,000       Compark Business Campus Metro District G.O. (Radian Insured)    5.75      12/1/27         812,880   
  965,000       Denver Health & Hospital Auth. Healthcare Rev. 1    1.31      12/1/33         628,659   
  500,000       Kremmling Memorial Hospital District C.O.P.    6.00      12/1/22         471,920   
  654,593       Lyons Rev. (Longmont Humane Society Proj.)    4.75      11/30/16         591,379   
  500,000       Regional Transportation District Private Activity Rev. (Denver Trans. Partners)    6.00      1/15/34         459,880   
  350,000       University of Colorado Hospital Auth. (AMBAC Insured)    5.00      11/15/29         315,766   
                 
              5,032,705   
                 

 

  Connecticut - 1.4%

        
  100,000       CT Dev. Auth. First Mtg. Gross Rev. (Church Homes, Inc.)    5.70      4/1/12         100,161   
  300,000       CT Hsg. Finance Auth. Rev.    5.15      11/15/34         299,169   
  500,000       CT Hsg. Finance Auth. Rev. (GO of Auth.)    4.75      11/15/35         467,610   
  500,000       Hamden Facs. Rev. (Whitney Center Proj.)    6.13      1/1/14         501,170   
  500,000       Harbor Point Infrastructure Improvement District Special Obligation Rev. Tax Allocation    7.00      4/1/22         510,695   
  300,000       Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe Sub. Special Rev. 2, 4, 5    5.75      9/1/18         113,970   
                 
              1,992,775   
                 

 

  Delaware - 0.2%

        
  500,000       Millsboro Special Obligation Rev. (Plantation Lakes Dev. District)    5.45      7/1/36         331,585   
                 

 

  Florida - 6.1%

        
  500,000       Bay Co. Educational Facs. Rev. (Bay Haven Charter)    5.25      9/1/30         384,615   
  1,000,000       Capital Trust Agy. Rev. (American Opportunity Proj.)    5.88      6/1/38         319,750   
  335,000       Capital Trust Agy. Rev. (Golf Villas, Rivermill, and Village Square Apartments Proj.)    4.75      6/1/13         107,116   
  415,000       Collier County Industrial Dev. Auth. Rev. (NCH Healthcare System Proj.)    6.25      10/1/39         407,957   
  400,000       Connerton West Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. (Pasco Co.) 2, 5    5.13      5/1/16         159,880   
  100,000       Fiddlers Creek Community Dev. District No. 2 Special Assessment Rev. 2, 5    5.75      5/1/13         31,880   
  250,000       Florida Gulf Coast University Fin. Corp. Rev. (Hsg. Acquisition Proj.)    5.00      2/1/31         232,152   
  250,000       Florida Higher Educational Facs. Fin. Auth. Rev. (Bethune-Cookman University)    5.38      7/1/32         240,635   
  300,000       Florida Hsg. Finance Corp. (FHLMC Collateralized)    5.05      1/1/27         299,460   
  250,000       Florida Hsg. Finance Corp. (GNMA/FNMA Collateralized)    5.00      7/1/26         253,122   
  40,000       Forest Creek Community Dev. District Capital Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 2, 5    7.00      11/1/13         38,431   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   13


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Tax-Free Income Fund (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

     Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
     Fair
Value ($)
 
  250,000       Gramercy Farms Community Dev. District Special Assessment 2, 5      5.10         5/1/14         109,600   
  80,000       Highlands Co. Health Facs. Auth. Rev. (Adventist Health)      5.00         11/15/30         74,503   
  500,000       Highlands Co. Health Facs. Auth. Rev. (Adventist Health) 1      5.00         11/15/31         461,250   
  445,000       Jacksonville Economic Dev. Commission Health Care Facs. Rev. Ref.      6.00         9/1/17         442,873   
  500,000       Lake Ashton Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 2, 5      5.00         11/1/11         179,500   
  1,000,000       Lee Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Health Care Facs. Rev. (Lee Charter Foundation)      5.25         6/15/27         802,060   
  250,000       Magnolia Creek Community Dev. District Rev. 2, 5      5.60         5/1/14         119,825   
  265,000       Miami-Dade Co. Special Obligation (NATL-RE Insured) 6      5.44         10/1/33         50,119   
  250,000       Naples Hospital Rev. (Naples Community Hospital, Inc. Proj.) (NATL-RE Insured)      5.50         10/1/26         238,648   
  230,000       New River Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 2, 5      5.00         5/1/13         2   
  135,000       New River Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 6      1.96         5/1/15         108,340   
  275,000       New River Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 6      1.85         5/1/18         107,330   
  140,000       New River Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 6      0.40         5/1/38         78,072   
  350,000       New River Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 6      0.80         5/1/38         122,017   
  10,000       Parklands Lee Community Dev. District Special Assessment 2, 5      5.13         5/1/11         4,943   
  750,000       Riverwood Estates Community Dev. District Special Assessment 2, 5      5.00         5/1/13         128,625   
  750,000       Sarasota Co. Health Facs. Auth. Retirement Rev. Ref. (Village on the Isle)      5.50         1/1/27         648,075   
  500,000       Seminole Tribe Special Obligation Rev. 4      5.50         10/1/24         439,830   
  600,000       Tallahassee Health Facs. Rev. (Memorial Health Care Proj.)      6.38         12/1/30         592,326   
  750,000       Tolomato Community Dev. District Special Assessment 2, 5      6.38         5/1/17         562,605   
  650,000       Waters Edge Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 2, 5      5.00         11/1/12         285,545   
  500,000       Waterset North Community Dev. District Special Assessment Rev. 2, 5      6.55         11/1/15         305,340   
  50,000       West Villages Improvement District Special Assessment Rev. (Unit of Dev. No. 3) 2, 5      5.50         5/1/37         22,055   
  450,000       Zephyr Ridge Community Dev. District Special Assessment Rev. 2, 5      5.25         5/1/13         178,335   
                 
              8,536,816   
                 

 

  Georgia - 2.2%

        
  250,000       Atlanta Airport General Rev. Ref. (NATL-RE FGIC Insured)      5.75         1/1/20         252,080   
  1,355,000       East Point Tax Allocation      8.00         2/1/26         1,357,805   
  225,000       Gainesville & Hall Co. Development Auth. Rev.      6.38         11/15/29         226,534   
  300,000       Georgia State Environmental Loan Acquisition Corp. Rev.      5.13         2/15/31         301,947   
  750,000       Georgia State Environmental Loan Acquisition Corp. Rev.      5.13         3/15/31         743,025   
  250,000       Medical Center Hospital Auth. Rev. Ref. (Spring Harbor Green Island Proj.)      5.25         7/1/27         204,128   
                 
              3,085,519   
                 

 

  Guam - 0.3%

        
  450,000       Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth G.O.      5.00         10/1/22         366,309   
                 

 

  Idaho - 0.7%

        
  320,000       ID Hsg. & Fin. Assoc. Nonprofit Facs. Rev. (Compass Public Charter School Proj.)      5.50         7/1/30         257,245   
  250,000       ID Hsg. & Fin. Assoc. Nonprofit Facs. Rev. (Idaho Arts Charter School Proj.)      5.50         12/1/18         241,938   
  250,000       ID Hsg. & Fin. Assoc. Nonprofit Facs. Rev. (Liberty Charter School Proj.)      5.50         6/1/21         233,880   
  250,000       ID Hsg. & Fin. Assoc. Nonprofit Facs. Rev. (Victory Charter School Proj.)      5.63         7/1/21         230,620   
                 
              963,683   
                 

 

  Illinois - 8.0%

        
  10,000       Chicago Metro Hsg. Dev. Corp. Mtg. Rev. Ref. (Section 8) (FHA Insured)      6.85         7/1/22         10,016   
  500,000       Harvey Ref. & Improvement G.O.      5.50         12/1/27         390,575   
  500,000       IL Dev. Ref. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Chicago Charter School Foundation Proj.)      5.00         12/1/36         391,890   
  250,000       IL Fin. Auth. Rev.      6.00         10/1/24         244,580   
  250,000       IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (DePaul University)      6.00         10/1/32         252,245   
  250,000       IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (Local Government PG-Metro. Proj.)      5.00         12/1/24         235,105   
  500,000       IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (Luther Hillside Village Proj.)      5.25         2/1/37         412,520   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

14

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

     Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 
  395,000       IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (TEMPS-50-The Admiral at the Lake Proj.)      6.00         5/15/17         383,379   
  1,000,000       IL Fin. Auth. Sports Facs. Rev. (North Shore Ice Arena Proj.)      6.25         12/1/38         697,160   
  500,000       IL Fin. Auth. Sports Facs. Rev. (United Sports Organizations of Barrington Proj.) 2, 4, 5      6.13         10/1/27         99,825   
  500,000       IL Fin. Auth. Sports Facs. Rev. (United Sports Organizations of Barrington Proj.) 2, 4, 5      6.25         10/1/37         99,540   
  210,000       IL Health Facs. Auth. Rev. (Ingalls Health System Proj.) (NATL-RE Insured)      6.25         5/15/14         207,154   
  250,000       Lake County Community Consolidated School District No. 50 Woodland G.O.      5.63         1/1/26         257,542   
  115,000       Lombard Public Facs. Corp. Rev. First Tier (Conference Center & Hotel Proj.)      6.38         1/1/15         76,696   
  1,925,000       Lombard Public Facs. Corp. Rev. First Tier (Conference Center & Hotel Proj.)      5.25         1/1/36         1,303,398   
  550,000       Lombard Public Facs. Corp. Rev. First Tier (Conference Center & Hotel Proj.) (ACA Insured)      5.50         1/1/25         364,832   
  2,000,000       Malta Tax Allocation Rev.      5.75         12/30/25         1,233,580   
  818,000       Manhattan Special Service Area Special Tax No. 07-6 (Groebe Farm-Stonegate) 2, 5      5.75         3/1/22         326,873   
  310,000       Northern Illinios University Rev. (Auxiliary Facs.) (AGM Insured)      5.50         4/1/26         314,393   
  500,000       Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Auth. Rev.      6.25         6/1/24         499,500   
  2,475,000       Southwestern IL Dev. Auth. Rev. (Anderson Hospital Proj.)      5.63         8/15/29         2,266,778   
  445,000       Southwestern IL Dev. Auth. Rev. (Village of Sauget Proj.)      5.63         11/1/26         298,889   
  650,000       Southwestern IL Dev. Auth. Tax Allocation Ref. (Local Govt. Program)      7.00         10/1/22         597,148   
  280,000       St. Clair County Township High School District No. 203 O’Fallon G.O. (AMBAC Insured)      5.75         12/1/26         286,661   
                 
              11,250,279   
                 

 

  Indiana - 2.1%

        
  220,000       Crown Point Economic Dev. Rev. (Wittenberg Village Proj.)      6.50         11/15/13         217,796   
  300,000       Damon Run Conservancy Dist. G.O. (St Intercept Insured)      6.10         7/1/25         298,836   
  100,000       Elkhart Co. Hospital Auth. Rev. (Elkhart General Hospital Proj.) (AMBAC-TCRS Insured)      5.25         8/15/28         93,091   
  400,000       Hammond Public Improvement Board Rev.      6.50         8/15/25         404,192   
  500,000       IN Finance Auth. Hospital Rev. (Floyd Memorial Hospital & Health Proj.)      5.13         3/1/30         459,365   
  250,000       IN Finance Auth. Rev. (Drexel Foundation Education Facs. Proj.)      6.00         10/1/21         240,228   
  360,000       IN Health Facs. Fin. Auth. Hospital Rev. (Community Foundation Northwest IN)      6.38         8/1/21         364,810   
  305,000       IN Health Facs. Fin. Auth. Hospital Rev. (Community Hospital of Anderson Proj.)      6.00         1/1/23         305,180   
  60,000       IN Health Facs. Fin. Auth. Hospital Rev. (Community Hospital of Anderson Proj.) (NATL-RE Insured)      6.00         1/1/14         60,148   
  400,000       St. Joseph Co. Hospital Auth. Health Facs. Rev. (Madison Center) 2, 5      5.25         2/15/28         73,960   
  500,000       Vigo Co. Hospital Auth. Rev. (Union Hospital, Inc. Proj.) 4      5.50         9/1/27         400,815   
                 
              2,918,421   
                 

 

  Iowa - 1.0%

        
  410,000       IA Finance Auth. Sr. Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Walnut Ridge Proj.)      5.00         12/1/14         359,681   
  500,000       IA Finance Auth. Sr. Living Facs. Rev. (Deerfield Retirement Community, Inc.)      5.00         11/15/21         369,975   
  500,000       IA Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev.      5.25         12/1/24         496,255   
  250,000       Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. Rev.      5.80         12/1/31         233,998   
                 
              1,459,909   
                 

 

  Kansas - 0.5%

        
  500,000       Overland Park Transportation Dev. District Sales Tax Rev. (Oak Park Mall Proj.)      5.90         4/1/32         491,150   
  500,000       Wyandotte Co. Govt. Special Obligation Rev. 6      6.07         6/1/21         269,005   
                 
              760,155   
                 

 

  Kentucky - 0.2%

        
  350,000       Kentucky Economic Development Fin. Auth. Rev.      6.63         10/1/28         351,760   
                 

 

  Louisiana - 2.8%

        
  267,696       Denham Springs/Livingston Hsg. & Mtg. Finance Auth. Rev.      5.00         11/1/40         270,518   
  1,055,000       Jefferson Parish Finance Auth. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.00         6/1/38         1,036,464   
  1,680,000       LA Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.70         12/1/38         1,774,147   
  185,000       LA Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (Home Ownership Program)      6.00         12/1/28         192,835   
  750,000       LA Public Facs. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Tulane Univ. Proj.) (NATL-RE Insured) 1      0.91         2/15/36         514,102   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   15


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Tax-Free Income Fund (Continued)

 

Principal

Amount ($)

   Name of Issuer   

Coupon

Rate (%)

    

Maturity

Date

    

Fair

Value ($)

 
114,000    Lafayette Public Finance Auth. Single Family Mortgage-Backed Rev.      5.35         1/1/41         117,203   
                 
              3,905,269   
                 

Maine - 0.3%

        
360,000    ME Education Auth. Student Loan Rev. (Assured Guaranty)      5.63         12/1/27         363,841   
                 

Maryland - 0.3%

        
515,000    MD Health & Higher Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Patterson Park School)      5.75         7/1/30         453,854   
                 

Massachusetts - 1.0%

        
350,000    MA Dev. Fin. Agy. Rev. (Foxborough Regional Charter School)      6.38         7/1/30         341,257   
110,000    MA Development Finance Agency Facs. Rev.      6.25         6/1/14         107,573   
480,000    MA Education Finance Auth. Education Rev.      5.15         1/1/26         481,973   
240,000    MA Education Finance Auth. Education Rev.      5.25         1/1/28         236,563   
250,000    MA Health & Educational Facilities Auth. Rev.      6.00         7/1/22         253,428   
                 
              1,420,794   
                 

Michigan - 2.5%

        
470,000    Flint Hospital Building Auth. Rev. (Hurley Medical Center)      6.00         7/1/20         436,517   
250,000    MI Finance Auth. Ltd. Obligation Rev. (Public School Academy-University Learning Proj.)      6.25         11/1/20         246,450   
250,000    MI Hospital Finance Auth. Rev. (Mid-Michigan Obligation Group Proj.)      6.13         6/1/34         252,290   
500,000    MI Hospital Finance Auth. Rev. Ref. (Mclaren Health Care Proj.) (NATL-RE-IBC Insured)      5.00         6/1/28         459,900   
115,000    MI Public Education Facs. Auth. Ltd. Rev. Ref. (Black River School Proj.)      5.13         9/1/11         115,524   
500,000    MI Public Education Facs. Auth. Ltd. Rev. Ref. (Nataki Talibah Proj.) (Q-SBLF Insured)      6.25         10/1/23         422,220   
500,000    MI Public Education Facs. Auth. Ltd. Rev. Ref. (Richfield Public School Proj.)      5.00         9/1/22         425,400   
650,000    MI Public Education Facs. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Bradford Proj.) 4      6.00         9/1/16         653,536   
220,000    MI Strategic Fund Rev. (Detroit Edison Pollution Control Proj.)      5.45         9/1/29         220,004   
345,000    MI Tobacco Settlement Finance Auth. Sr. Rev.      5.13         6/1/22         272,612   
                 
              3,504,453   
                 

Minnesota - 2.4%

        
2,053,048    Intermediate School District 287 Lease Rev.      5.30         11/1/32         1,877,882   
500,000    Minneapolis Mulitfamily Hsg. Rev. (Riverside Plaza)      6.00         11/1/13         496,325   
585,000    MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Residential Hsg. Rev.      5.10         1/1/40         566,941   
571,157    St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (Nursing Home NTS-Episcopal)      5.63         10/1/33         478,350   
                 
              3,419,498   
                 

Mississippi - 0.4%

        
185,000    MS Home Corp. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)      5.60         6/1/38         197,132   
290,000    MS Home Corp. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)      6.75         6/1/39         315,662   
                 
              512,794   
                 

Missouri - 4.4%

        
500,000    Chillicothe Tax Increment Rev. (South U.S. 65 Proj.)      5.63         4/1/27         402,735   
480,000    Community Memorial Hospital District Rev.      6.68         12/1/34         472,104   
250,000    Independence 39th St. Transportation District Rev. Ref. & Improvement      6.88         9/1/32         221,372   
1,000,000    Joplin Industrial Dev. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Christian Homes, Inc. Proj.)      5.50         5/15/17         1,000,960   
500,000    Kansas City Industrial Dev. Auth. Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (Grand Blvd. Lofts)      5.00         1/1/12         499,815   
500,000    Kansas City Industrial Dev. Auth. Rev. (Kansas City Pkg. LLC)      5.45         9/1/23         466,595   
500,000    Kirkwood Industrial Dev. Auth. Retirement Community Rev. (Aberdeen Heights)      7.00         11/15/15         497,420   
750,000    Lakeside 370 Levee District Improvement Special Tax      7.00         4/1/28         670,125   
500,000    Meadows Transportation Development Dist. Rev.      5.40         5/1/35         453,755   
400,000    MO Health & Education Facs. Auth. Education Facs. Rev. (Riverside Horizons) (ACA Insured)      4.50         5/1/27         378,060   
250,000    MO Health & Educational Facs. Auth. (Senior Living Facs.-Lutheran Senior)      5.38         2/1/35         213,980   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

16

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)
   Name of Issuer   

Coupon

Rate (%)

  

Maturity

Date

    

Fair

Value ($)

 
500,000    Moberly Industrial Dev. Auth. (Annual Appropriation Proj.)    6.00      9/1/24         493,320   
400,000    Saline County Industrial Dev. Auth. Health Facs. Rev. (John Fitzgibbon Memorial Hospital)    5.00      12/1/20         380,520   
                 
              6,150,761   
                 

Montana - 0.6%

        
774,335    MT Facs. Finance Auth. Rev. (Great Falls Pre-Release Services Proj.)    5.08      4/1/21         813,369   
                 

Nebraska - 0.4%

        
410,000    Mead Village Tax Allocation Rev. (E3 Biofuels - Mead LLC Proj.) 2, 5    5.13      7/1/12         289,833   
250,000    Nebraska Investment Fin. Auth. Single Family Hsg. Rev. (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)    5.90      9/1/36         256,152   
                 
              545,985   
                 

Nevada - 2.5%

        
250,000    Clark Co. Economic Dev. Rev. (Alexander Dawson School Proj.)    5.38      5/15/33         236,240   
415,000    Clark Co. Improvement Special Assessment (Summerlin Proj.)    4.85      2/1/17         371,832   
600,000    Las Vegas Paiute Tribe Rev. (ACA Insured)    6.63      11/1/17         467,238   
750,000    Las Vegas Redev. Agy. Tax Allocation Rev.    7.50      6/15/23         827,588   
495,000    NV Hsg. Dev. Single Family Mtg. Program Mezzanine (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)    5.10      10/1/40         478,878   
500,000    Sparks Redev. Agy. Tax Increment Rev. (Redev. Area No. 1 Proj.)    5.00      1/15/22         457,275   
500,000    Sparks Redev. Agy. Tax Increment Rev. (Redev. Area No. 2 Proj.)    6.40      6/1/20         481,525   
250,000    Sparks Tourism Improvement District No. 1 Sr. Sales Tax Rev. 4    6.50      6/15/20         225,252   
                 
              3,545,828   
                 

New Hampshire - 0.9%

        
890,000    Manchester Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (ACA Insured)    6.75      1/1/15         845,883   
200,000    Manchester Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (Radian-IBCC ACA Insured) 6    5.25      1/1/19         98,580   
400,000    NH Health & Educ. Facs. Auth. Rev. (Wentworth Douglas Hosipital)    6.00      1/1/34         387,428   
                 
              1,331,891   
                 

New Jersey - 1.6%

        
750,000    NJ Higher Education Assistance Auth. Student Loan Rev.    5.00      6/1/27         767,685   
250,000    NJ Higher Education Assistance Auth. Student Loan Rev.    5.00      12/1/28         234,892   
250,000    NJ Higher Education Assistance Auth. Student Loan Rev.    4.75      12/1/29         245,848   
965,000    NJ Hsg. & Mtg. Finance Agy. Rev.    5.05      10/1/39         933,859   
                 
              2,182,284   
                 

New Mexico - 1.5%

        
290,000    NM Mtg. Fin. Auth. Forward Mortgage-Backed (GNMA/FNMA Collateralized)    6.95      1/1/26         291,781   
475,000    NM Mtg. Fin. Auth. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)    4.80      9/1/29         454,808   
465,000    NM Mtg. Fin. Auth. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)    5.35      9/1/30         467,599   
930,000    NM Mtg. Fin. Auth. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)    5.25      9/1/34         932,344   
                 
              2,146,532   
                 

New York - 0.6%

        
250,000    Chautauqua County Capital Resource Corp. Rev. (Women’s Christian Assn. Proj.)    6.75      11/15/16         244,845   
650,000    Ulster Co. Industrial Dev. Agy. Civic Facs. Rev.    5.25      9/15/16         599,950   
                 
              844,795   
                 

North Carolina - 0.5%

        
750,000    Buncome Co. Proj. Dev. Finance Rev. (Woodfin Downtown Corridor Dev.)    6.75      8/1/24         641,572   
                 

North Dakota - 0.3%

        
455,000    North Dakota Hsg. Fin. Agy. Rev. (GO of Agency Insured)    4.75      7/1/30         428,665   
                 

Ohio - 1.9%

        
425,000    Buckeye Tobacco Settlement Finance Auth. Asset-Backed Sr. Rev.    5.13      6/1/24         323,157   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   17


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Tax-Free Income Fund (Continued)

 

Principal
Amount ($)
   Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
   Maturity
Date
     Fair
Value ($)
 
730,000    Cleveland-Cuyahoga Co. Port Auth. Dev. Rev. (St. Clarence Proj.)    6.00      5/1/21         628,829   
724,100    Cuyahoga Co. Hsg. Mtg. Sr. Rev. (R H Myers Apts. Proj.) (GNMA Collateralized)    5.70      3/20/42         739,415   
250,000    Erie Co. Hospital Facs. Rev. (Firelands Regional Medical Center Proj.)    5.63      8/15/32         217,378   
550,000    Lucas Co. Hospital Rev. (Promedica Health Care Proj.)    6.50      11/15/37         569,574   
155,000    OH Hsg. Finance Agy. Residential Mtg. Rev. (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)    5.45      9/1/33         156,504   
                 
              2,634,857   
                 

Oklahoma - 0.3%

        
500,000    Citizen Potawatomi Nation Sr. Obligation Tax Rev.    6.50      9/1/16         473,030   
                 

Oregon - 0.5%

        
200,000    OR G.O. (Veterans Welfare Proj.)    5.25      10/1/42         195,482   
595,000    Western Generation Agy. Rev. (Wauna Cogeneration)    5.00      1/1/21         524,891   
                 
              720,373   
                 

Pennsylvania - 3.6%

        
250,000    Allegheny Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Charter School Rev. (Propel Charter-McKeesport)    5.90      8/15/26         217,955   
490,000    Butler Co. General Auth. Rev. (Butler Area School District Proj.) (AGM GO Of District Insured) 1    0.90      10/1/34         288,605   
250,000    Erie Co. Hospital Auth. Rev. (St. Vincent Health Center Proj.)    7.00      7/1/27         242,890   
600,000    Geisinger Auth. Health System Rev. (Geisinger Health System Proj.) 1    0.97      5/1/37         384,420   
250,000    Lehigh Co. General Purpose Auth. Rev. (Saint Luke’s Bethlehem) 1    1.23      8/15/42         146,333   
500,000    Luzerne Co. G.O. (FSA Insured)    7.00      11/1/26         543,960   
500,000    PA Economic Dev. Fin. Auth. Health Systems Rev. (Albert Einstein Health Care)    6.25      10/15/23         518,030   
300,000    PA Hsg. Finance Agy. Rev.    5.00      10/1/25         301,353   
500,000    PA Hsg. Finance Agy. Rev. (GO of Agency Insured)    4.63      10/1/29         467,230   
500,000    PA Hsg. Finance Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.    4.75      10/1/28         475,565   
250,000    PA Hsg. Finance Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.    4.75      10/1/39         231,628   
500,000    PA Turnpike Commission Rev. Capital Appreciation 6    5.13      12/1/35         336,065   
500,000    PA Turnpike Commission Rev. Capital Appreciation 6    5.73      12/1/38         334,315   
500,000    PA Turnpike Commission Rev. Capital Appreciation (AGM Insured) 6    6.25      6/1/33         386,125   
160,000    Philadelphia Hospital & Higher Education Facs. Auth. Hospital Rev. (Temple Univ. Hospital)    6.63      11/15/23         160,029   
                 
              5,034,503   
                 

Puerto Rico - 1.4%

        
500,000    Puerto Rico Electric Power Auth. Rev. Ref. 1    0.88      7/1/25         358,955   
500,000    Puerto Rico Highways & Transportation Auth. Rev. Ref. (AMBAC Insured) 1    0.73      7/1/45         270,305   
500,000    Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O.    5.75      7/1/36         462,445   
250,000    Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O. (AGM Insured)    5.50      7/1/27         251,142   
300,000    Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Rev.    6.00      8/1/39         295,629   
500,000    Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Rev. 1    1.13      8/1/57         275,105   
                 
              1,913,581   
                 

Rhode Island - 1.1%

        
565,000    RI Health & Education Building Corp. Rev. (Steere House Proj.)    5.80      7/1/20         528,518   
500,000    RI Hsg. & Mtg. Finance Corp. Rev. (Home Ownership Opportunity Proj.)    5.63      10/1/38         507,940   
500,000    RI Student Loan Auth. Sr. Rev.    5.75      12/1/27         491,545   
                 
              1,528,003   
                 

South Carolina - 0.4%

        
430,000    SC Education Assistance Auth. Student Loan Rev.    5.10      10/1/29         423,425   
250,000    SC Jobs Economic Dev. Auth. Health Care Facs. Rev. (Woodlands at Furman Proj.) 2, 5    5.15      11/15/42         122,525   
                 
              545,950   
                 

Tennessee - 1.3%

        
495,000    Metro Govt. Nashville & Davidson Co. Health & Education Facs. Rev. (Prestige Proj.) 2, 5    7.50      12/20/40         284,348   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

18

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)
   Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
  

Maturity

Date

     Fair
Value ($)
 

 

240,000

   Metro Govt. Nashville & Davidson Co. Industrial Dev. Board Rev. (GNMA Collateralized)    6.63      3/20/36         247,370   
250,000    Metro Govt. Nashville & Davidson Co. Industrial Dev. Board Rev. Escrowed to Maturity    9.75      2/15/15         277,900   
1,850,000    Shelby Co. Health, Education & Hsg. Facs. Rev. (CME Memphis Apts. Proj.) 2, 5    5.35      1/1/19         201,687   
7,875,000    Shelby Co. Health, Education & Hsg. Facs. Rev. (CME Memphis Apts. Proj.) 2, 5    5.55      1/1/29         780,649   
1,630,000    Shelby Co. Health, Education & Hsg. Facs. Rev. (CME Memphis Apts. Proj.) 2, 5    6.00      1/1/29         16   
1,000,000    Shelby Co. Health, Education & Hsg. Facs. Rev. (Eastwood Park Apts. Proj.) 2, 5    6.40      9/1/25         48,400   
405,000    Shelby Co. Health, Education & Hsg. Facs. Rev. (Eastwood Park Apts. Proj.) 2, 5, 6    7.50      9/1/25         4   
                 
              1,840,374   
                 

Texas - 8.4%

        
500,000    Arlington Higher Education Finance Corp., Education Rev. (Arlington Classics Academy)    7.00      8/15/28         476,345   
85,000    Bexar Co. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev. (Dublin Kingswood & Waterford Apts.)    7.50      12/1/14         79,351   
250,000    Bexar Co. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev. (Dymaxion & Marbach Park Apts. Proj.) (NATL-RE Insured)    6.10      8/1/30         215,910   
540,000    Bexar Co. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev. (Honey Creek Apartments Proj.) 2, 5    8.00      4/1/30         234,306   
440,000    Bexar Co. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev. (Waterford Proj.)    6.50      12/1/21         397,025   
400,000    Central TX Regional Mobility Auth. Rev.    5.75      1/1/25         393,252   
250,000    Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp. Education Rev. (Uplift Education Proj.)    6.00      12/1/30         216,085   
1,902,000    Dallas Hsg. Finance Corp. Multifamily Mtg. Rev. (Towne Center Apts.) (GNMA Collateralized)    6.75      10/20/32         1,941,733   
186,389    El Paso Hsg. Finance Corp. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA Collateralized)    6.18      4/1/33         195,064   
1,327,160    Galveston Co. Municipal Utility District No. 52    6.16      3/1/11         1,060,134   
500,000    Harris Co. Cultural Education Facs. Finance Corp. Rev. (Space Center Houston Proj.) 4    6.75      8/15/21         495,180   
100,000    Harris Co. Special Rev. Sr. Lien (Houston Sports Auth. Proj.) (NATL-RE Insured)    5.00      11/15/28         78,557   
410,000    La Vernia Higher Education Finance Corp. Rev. (Friends Life Proj.)    6.00      2/15/18         397,204   
750,000    North TX Tollway Auth. Rev. Ref.    6.13      1/1/31         756,818   
305,000    Richardson Hospital Auth. Rev. Ref. (Baylor/Richardson Proj.)    5.63      12/1/28         275,693   
265,000    Rio Grande Valley Health Facs. Dev. Corp. Hospital Rev. (Valley Baptist) (NATL-RE Insured)    6.40      8/1/12         265,299   
500,000    Tarrant Co. Cultural Education Facs. Fin. Rev. (C.C. Young Memorial Home Proj.)    6.50      2/15/14         480,415   
490,000    Tarrant Co. Cultural Education Facs. Fin. Rev. (Crossroads Apts. Proj.) 2, 5    7.25      12/1/36         5   
250,000    Tarrant Co. Cultural Education Facs. Fin. Rev. (Mirador Proj.)    7.75      11/15/19         248,728   
500,000    Tarrant Co. Cultural Education Facs. Fin. Rev. (Sr. Living Center Proj.)    6.50      11/15/14         491,445   
250,000    Travis Co. Health Facs. Dev. Corp. Rev. (Westminster Manor)    6.25      11/1/16         244,472   
500,000    TX Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. I Sr. Lien Rev. 1    1.66      12/15/26         356,570   
300,000    TX Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. II Rev. 1    1.08      9/15/27         217,218   
750,000    TX Private Activity Surface Transportation Corp. Rev. (LBJ Infrastructure)    7.50      6/30/33         792,345   
250,000    TX Public Finance Auth. Charter School Finance Corp. Rev. (Cosmos Foundation, Inc.)    6.00      2/15/30         229,885   
500,000    TX Public Finance Auth. Charter School Finance Corp. Rev. (Idea Public School) (ACA Insured)    5.00      8/15/30         421,395   
800,000    TX Public Finance Auth. Charter School Finance Corp. Rev. (Kipp, Inc. Proj.) (ACA Insured)    5.00      2/15/28         699,616   
195,000    TX Public Property Finance Corp. Mental Health & Mental Retardation Rev.    6.20      9/1/16         196,260   
                 
              11,856,310   
                 

Utah - 1.2%

        
250,000    Provo Charter School Rev. (Freedom Academy Foundation)    5.50      6/15/37         176,043   
857,000    UT Assoc. Municipal Power System Rev.    5.00      5/1/27         677,647   
300,000    Utah Hsg. Corp. Single Family Mtg. Rev.    5.75      1/1/33         303,765   
500,000    Utah Hsg. Corp. Single Family Mtg. Rev.    4.60      7/1/34         464,215   
                 
              1,621,670   
                 

Virginia - 1.8%

        
500,000    Farms New Kent Community Dev. Auth. Special Assessment    5.13      3/1/36         293,270   
1,500,000    VA Hsg. Dev. Auth. Commonwealth Mtg. Rev. (NATL-RE GO of Authority Insured)    5.38      7/1/36         1,500,615   
250,000    VA Hsg. Dev. Auth. Rev. (GO of Authority Insured)    6.25      7/1/31         257,448   
500,000    VA Hsg. Dev. Auth. Rev. (Rental Hsg. Proj.)    5.00      12/1/39         484,570   
                 
              2,535,903   
                 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   19


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Tax-Free Income Fund (Continued)

 

Principal

Amount ($)/

Quantity

   Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
   Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 

Washington - 1.6%

        
665,000    Kalispel Tribe Indians Priority District Rev.    6.20      1/1/16         611,773   
250,000    Skagit County Public Hospital Dist. No. 1 Rev. (Skagit Valley Hospital)    6.00      12/1/30         242,680   
500,000    WA Health Care Facs. Auth. Rev. (Swedish Health Services Proj.)    6.50      11/15/27         518,475   
980,000    WA Hsg. Finance Commission Nonprofit Rev. (Skyline at First Hill Proj.)    5.10      1/1/13         918,035   
                 
              2,290,963   
                 

West Virginia - 1.0%

        
1,350,000    Pleasants Co. Pollution Control Rev. (Monongahela Power Co.) (AMBAC Insured)    6.15      5/1/15         1,351,876   
                 

Wisconsin - 3.2%

        
250,000    WI General Fund Rev. Appropriation Rev.    6.00      5/1/27         275,165   
960,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Aurora Health Care Proj.)    5.60      2/15/29         926,323   
250,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Aurora Health Care Proj.)    6.40      4/15/33         252,075   
495,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Aurora Health Care Proj.) (ACA-CBI Insured)    5.63      11/15/32         485,402   
300,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Aurora Medical Group Proj.) (AGM Insured)    5.75      11/15/25         300,180   
500,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Beaver Dam Community Hospital, Inc.)    6.75      8/15/34         473,330   
900,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Divine Savior, Inc. Proj.) (ACA-CBI Insured)    5.70      6/1/28         838,395   
500,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Ministry Health Care, Inc.)    5.50      8/15/30         494,100   
200,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Synergy Health, Inc. Proj.)    6.00      11/15/23         204,736   
250,000    WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Synergy Health, Inc. Proj.)    6.00      11/15/32         251,052   
                 
              4,500,758   
                 

Total Municipal Bonds
(cost: $158,457,611)

           127,805,801   
                 

Closed-End Mutual Funds - 6.9%

        
45,400    BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trust (BTA)            464,443   
33,800    BlackRock MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund (MFL)            434,330   
54,500    BlackRock MuniYield Florida Fund (MYF)            686,700   
66,500    BlackRock MuniYield Insured Fund (MYI)            801,325   
23,700    BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Insured Fund (MIY)            308,574   
23,000    BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Insured Fund II (MYM)            275,080   
208,600    DWS Municipal Income Trust (KTF)            2,430,190   
12,390    Eaton Vance National Municipal Income Trust (FEV)            145,583   
31,200    Invesco PA Value Muni Income Trust (VPV)            402,168   
17,300    Invesco Quality Muni (IQT)            208,292   
9,100    Invesco Select Sector Muni Trust (VKL)            103,285   
36,800    Invesco Van Kampen Advantage Muni Income Trust (VKI)            414,736   
25,889    Invesco Van Kampen Trust for Investment Grade Municipals (VGM)            347,948   
25,923    Managed Duration Investment Grade (MZF)            340,887   
11,700    Nuveen Michigan Premium Income Municipal Fund (NMP)            148,590   
21,500    Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund (NPF)            272,620   
81,332    Nuveen Premium Income Fund (NPM)            1,058,944   
77,011    Putnam Municipal Opportunities Trust (PMO)            834,799   
                 

Total Closed-End Mutual Funds
(cost: $9,836,206)

           9,678,494   
                 

Short-Term Securities - 2.4%

        
3,385,277    Dreyfus Tax-Exempt Cash Management Fund, 0.07%         

Total Short-Term Securities
(cost: $3,385,277)

           3,385,277   
                 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

20

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

     

 

Fair

Value ($)

 

Total Investments in Securities - 100.4%
(cost: $171,679,094)

     140,869,572   

Other Assets and Liabilities, net - (0.4%)

     (498,525
        

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

   $ 140,371,047   
        

 

 

1 

Variable rate security. Rate disclosed is as of March 31, 2011.

2 

Securities considered illiquid by the Investment Adviser. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $4,802,507 and represented 3.4% of net assets.

4 

144A Restricted Security. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $3,747,857 and represented 2.7% of net assets. These securities have been determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Directors.

5 

The issuer is in default of certain debt covenants. Income is not being accrued. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $4,802,507 and represented 3.4% of net assets.

6 

Zero coupon security. Rate disclosed is the effective yield on purchase date.

9 

Municipal Lease Security. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $1,382,225 and represented 1.0% of net assets. These securities have been determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Directors.

Numeric footnotes not disclosed are not applicable to this Schedule of Investments.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets as of March 31, 2011 is as follows (see Note 2 - significant accounting policies in the notes to financial statements):

 

     Investment in Securities  
        
    

Level 1

Quoted

Price ($)

    

Level 2

Other significant
observable inputs ($)

    

Level 3

Significant

unobservable inputs ($)

     Total ($)  
        

Short-Term Securities

     3,385,277         —           —           3,385,277   

Closed-End Mutual Funds

     9,678,494         —           —           9,678,494   

Municipal Bonds

     —           127,805,801         —           127,805,801   
        

Total:

         13,063,771         127,805,801         —           140,869,572   
        

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   21


    Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

The investment objective of the Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund is to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal regular income tax and Minnesota regular personal income tax as is consistent with the preservation of capital.

During normal market conditions, the Fund invests 100% of its net assets in municipal securities that generate interest income that is exempt from federal regular income tax and Minnesota regular personal income tax. The Fund anticipates that substantially all of its distributions to its shareholders will be exempt as such. For investors subject to the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”), up to 20% of the Fund’s income may be alternative minimum taxable income.

 

 

The Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund provided investors a return of +2.22% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, compared to a return of +3.25% for the Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index. The Fund’s 30-day SEC yield was 4.83% as of March 31, 2011.

During the last 12 months, tax-exempt yield levels were stable for maturities of four years or less but rose on longer maturities. Yields on five-year maturity bonds increased by 0.10%, while the longest maturities rose by 0.63%. Yields rose across all bond rating categories of the Barclays Municipal Index, with a smaller increase of 0.29% for AAA-rated bonds compared to a 0.58% rise for A-rated bonds and a 0.66% rise for Baa-rated issues. The larger rise in yields for lower rated bonds reflected fears of possible higher levels of municipal defaults forecasted by several prominent analysts in the fourth quarter of 2010. While we expect there will be some municipal defaults in 2011, we do not expect a substantial increase in the number of defaults compared to prior years. Furthermore, we believe that the increase in defaults is more likely to occur among general obligation bonds than revenue bonds, with the latter improving in quality as the economy continues to recover.

The Fund’s underperformance over the past twelve months was primarily attributable to the Fund’s longer-than-benchmark duration. The Fund’s longer duration investments experienced larger declines in market value than the Fund’s shorter duration investments. Credit quality did not play an important role in relative returns, as non-rated bonds earned modestly higher returns than rated bonds, and there were no substantial differences in returns between different rating categories of rated bonds. Returns from various market sectors did not vary substantially; the Other Revenue sector earned the highest returns, and only the Education sector underperformed by more than 1% compared to the Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index’s returns. The Fund is highly diversified with over 300 security holdings. The Fund’s duration of 5.7 years was longer than the Index’s duration.

LOGO

The chart above illustrates the total value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund over the past 10 years (or for the life of the Fund if shorter) as compared to the performance of the Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns include the reinvestment of distributions. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

1 The Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index is the 5 year (4-6) component of the Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged, rules-based, market-value-weighted index for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. The index includes bonds with a minimum credit rating of BBB. The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

 

Looking forward, we expect yield spreads for A and BBB issues as well as non-rated bonds to narrow over the coming year from their current historically wide levels. We expect Minnesota state and local governments to make substantial progress in balancing their budgets as they cut expenditures and see improved revenue streams as the economy continues to grow at a moderate pace of +2.5% to +3%. We also believe the Fund’s 4.83% 30-day SEC yield represents attractive value in this low inflation environment.

Michael C. Brilley

Debra A. Sit, CFA

Paul J. Jungquist, CFA

Senior Portfolio Managers

 

 

      

22

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

COMPARATIVE RATES OF RETURNS   

 

as of March 31, 2011

 

  

     

Sit

Minnesota

Tax-Free

Income Fund

   

Barclays

Capital 5-Year

Muni. Bond

Index1

   

Lipper

MN

Muni. Bond
Fund Index2

 

One Year

     2.22     3.25     1.27

Five Years

     3.55        5.13        3.47   

Ten Years

     4.17        4.58        4.09   

Since Inception (12/1/93)

 

    

 

4.70

 

  

 

   

 

4.90

 

  

 

   

 

4.47

 

  

 

Performance figures are historical and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Contact the Fund for performance data current to the most recent month-end. Returns include changes in share price as well as reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Management fees and administrative expenses are included in the Fund’s performance. Returns for periods greater than one year are compounded average annual rates of return.

1 The Barclays Capital 5-Year Municipal Bond Index is the 5 year (4-6) component of the Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged, rules-based, market-value-weighted index made for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. The index includes bonds with a minimum credit rating of BBB. The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

2 The Lipper returns are obtained from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., a large independent evaluator of mutual funds.

 

FUND DIVERSIFICATION         

Multifamily Mortgage

     19.8

Hospital/Health Care

     18.6

Single Family Mortgage

     12.6

Education/Student Loan

     11.6

Other Revenue

     9.5

Utility

     6.8

Sectors less than 6.0%

     18.3

Cash & Other Net Assets

     2.8

 

 

Based on total net assets as of March 31, 2011. Subject to change.

 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

Net Asset Value 3/31/11:

    

$9.67 Per Share

Net Asset Value 3/31/10:

    

$9.88 Per Share

Total Net Assets:

    

$289.1 Million

30-day SEC Yield 3:

    

4.83%

Tax Equivalent Yield 4:

    

8.06%

12-month Distribution Rate 3:

    

4.36%

Average Maturity:

    

16.3 Years

Effective Duration 5:

    

5.7 Years

3 The SEC Yield reflects the rate at which the Fund is earning income on its current portfolio of securities, while the distribution rate reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders based on the net investment income distributed and the average NAV during the past 12 months. Accordingly, the Fund’s SEC yield and distribution rate may differ.

4 The tax-equivalent yield is based on an assumed federal tax rate of 35.0% and a Minnesota tax rate of 7.85%, for an effective combined tax rate of 40.1%.

5 Duration is a measure of estimated price sensitivity relative to changes in interest rates. Portfolios with longer durations are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates. For example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the market value of a security with an effective duration of 5 years would decrease by 5%, with all other factors being constant. The correlation between duration and price sensitivity is greater for securities rated investment-grade than it is for securities rated below investment-grade. Duration estimates are based on assumptions by the Adviser and are subject to a number of limitations. Effective duration is calculated based on historical price changes of securities held by the Fund, and therefore is a more accurate estimate of price sensitivity provided interest rates remain within their historical range.

LOGO

Lower of Moody’s, S&P, Fitch or Duff & Phelps ratings used.

Adviser’s Assessment of Non-Rated Securities:

AAA

       0.0%   

AA

       2.6      

A

       3.3      

BBB

       12.8      

BB

       13.1      

<BB

         0.6      

Total

       32.4%   
 

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   23


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

  Name of Issuer   

 

Coupon
Rate (%)

    

 

Maturity

Date

    

 

Fair

Value ($)

 

Municipal Bonds - 96.5%

        

Education/Student Loan - 11.6%

        
1,070,000  

Brooklyn Park Lease Rev. (Prairie Seeds Academy Proj.)

     8.00         3/1/20         1,140,620   
2,500,000  

Duluth Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Lease Rev. (Public Schools Academy)

     5.00         11/1/21         2,228,425   
6,877,709  

Intermediate School District 287 Lease Rev.

     5.30         11/1/32         6,290,903   
775,000  

Minneapolis Educational Fac. Lease Rev. (Seed/Harvest Preparatory Proj.) (LOC-U.S. Bank)

     5.13         1/1/16         547,692   
875,000  

Minneapolis Educational Fac. Lease Rev. (Seed/Harvest Preparatory Proj.) (LOC-U.S. Bank)

     6.25         1/1/21         608,160   
910,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Bethel Univ.)

     5.50         5/1/14         934,306   
600,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Bethel Univ.)

     5.50         5/1/22         583,968   
160,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Bethel Univ.)

     5.50         5/1/23         153,582   
1,000,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Bethel Univ.)

     5.50         5/1/37         865,020   
2,129,957  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (College of St. Benedict)

     4.49         10/1/16         2,143,141   
1,827,033  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (College of St. Catherine)

     4.75         4/26/27         1,687,886   
500,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Hamline Univ.)

     5.00         10/1/29         480,175   
750,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Hamline Univ.)

     6.00         10/1/32         753,480   
1,000,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Hamline Univ.)

     6.00         10/1/40         979,690   
750,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Macalester College-Seven-I)

     5.00         6/1/35         751,042   
1,400,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (St. Scholastica College)

     5.00         12/1/27         1,302,462   
1,800,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (St. Scholastica College)

     6.30         12/1/40         1,818,216   
250,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (St. Scholastica College-H)

     5.13         12/1/40         228,855   
500,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (St. Scholastica College-H)

     5.25         12/1/35         475,430   
1,250,000  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. (Univ. of St. Thomas)

     6.00         10/1/25         1,314,362   
216,043  

MN Higher Education Fac. Auth. Rev. Lease Rev. (Concordia Univ.)

     5.25         4/25/14         218,428   
2,500,000  

MN Office of Higher Education Rev. (Suppl. Student Loan Prog.)

     5.00         11/1/29         2,423,400   
738,184  

Olmsted Co. Hsg. & Redev. Auth. (Schaeffer Academy Proj.)

     4.98         4/25/27         561,470   
340,000  

Pine City Lease Rev. (Lakes International Language Academy Proj.)

     5.75         5/1/16         336,304   
300,000  

Pine City Lease Rev. (Lakes International Language Academy Proj.)

     6.00         5/1/26         259,740   
320,000  

Ramsey Lease Rev. (Pact Charter School Proj.)

     5.65         12/1/13         323,930   
685,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Lease Rev. (Community of Peace Academy Proj.)

     4.35         12/1/12         692,878   
600,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Lease Rev. (Community of Peace Academy Proj.)

     4.35         12/1/14         593,586   
1,500,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Lease Rev. (Community of Peace Academy Proj.)

     5.00         12/1/18         1,414,935   
605,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Lease Rev. (Hmong Academy Proj.)

     5.50         9/1/18         573,891   
255,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Lease Rev. (New Spirit Charter School Proj.)

     6.50         12/1/12         262,543   
500,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. Ref. (St. Paul Academy & Summit School)

     5.00         10/1/24         512,540   
100,000  

Victoria Private School Fac. Rev. (Holy Family Catholic High School Proj.)

     5.20         9/1/11         100,142   
                
             33,561,202   
                

General Obligation - 3.3%

        
1,000,000  

Bemidji Sales Tax G.O.

     5.00         2/1/34         1,024,130   
1,350,000  

Bemidji Sales Tax G.O.

     6.00         2/1/41         1,480,140   
650,000  

Dakota Co. Community Dev. Agy. Sr. Hsg. Facs. G.O.

     5.00         1/1/26         669,272   
500,000  

Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth G.O. 11

     5.00         10/1/22         407,010   
1,000,000  

Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O. 11

     5.75         7/1/36         924,890   
1,000,000  

Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O. 11

     6.00         7/1/28         1,009,030   
4,000,000  

Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O. 11

     6.50         7/1/40         4,059,240   
100,000  

St. Paul Street Improvement Special Assessment G.O.

     5.30         3/1/12         100,387   
                
             9,674,099   
                

Hospital/Health Care - 18.6%

        
1,500,000  

Bemidji Health Care Facs. Rev. (North Country Health Services Proj.) (Radian Insured)

     5.00         9/1/24         1,434,900   
4,025,000  

Breckenridge Rev. (Catholic Health Initiatives Proj.)

     5.00         5/1/30         3,966,436   
400,000  

Carlton Health Care & Hsg. Fac. Rev. Ref. (Faith Care Center Proj.)

     5.20         4/1/16         389,372   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

24

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)
  Name of Issuer   

 

Coupon
Rate (%)

    

 

Maturity

Date

    

 

Fair

Value ($)

 
365,000  

Cold Spring Health Care Facs. Rev. (Assumption Home, Inc. Proj.)

     7.25         3/1/23         374,110   
10,000  

Crookston Nursing Home & Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (Villa St. Vincent Proj.)

     5.50         9/1/11         9,994   
405,000  

Detroit Lakes Hsg. & Health Facs. Rev. Ref. (CDL Homes Proj.)

     2.14         8/1/34         405,028   
1,500,000  

Detroit Lakes Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Mankato Lutheran Proj.)

     2.39         8/1/34         1,466,880   
1,500,000  

Douglas Co. Gross Health Care Facs. Rev. (Douglas Co. Hospital Proj.)

     6.00         7/1/28         1,485,540   
135,000  

Duluth Economic Dev. Auth. Health Care Fac. Rev. (St. Luke’s Hospital Proj.)

     6.00         6/15/12         135,343   
916,641  

Duluth Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Sr. Hsg. (Lakeshore Proj.)

     4.00         8/20/34         884,852   
750,253  

Duluth Sr. Hsg. Loan Participation (Lakeshore Proj.) 1

     4.50         12/20/35         705,801   
590,000  

Elk River Rev. (Care Choice Member Proj.)

     5.60         8/1/13         586,395   
1,925,000  

Glencoe Health Care Fac. Rev. (Glencoe Regional Health Services Proj.)

     5.00         4/1/25         1,784,841   
125,000  

Hastings Health Care Fac. Rev. (Augustana Home of Hastings Proj.)

     5.30         11/1/11         123,910   
135,000  

Hastings Health Care Fac. Rev. (Augustana Home of Hastings Proj.)

     5.40         11/1/12         133,546   
970,000  

Hastings Health Care Fac. Rev. (Regina Medical Center) (ACA Insured)

     5.25         9/15/18         965,247   
705,000  

Hastings Health Care Fac. Rev. (Regina Medical Center) (ACA Insured)

     5.30         9/15/28         599,137   
275,000  

Inver Grove Heights Nursing Home Rev. Ref. (Presbyterian Homes Care)

     5.00         10/1/11         275,470   
780,000  

Maple Grove Health Care Fac. Rev. (North Memorial Health Care Proj.)

     5.00         9/1/29         704,192   
1,200,000  

Maple Grove Health Care System Rev. (Maple Grove Hospital Corp.)

     5.25         5/1/25         1,160,868   
1,500,000  

Maple Grove Health Care System Rev. (Maple Grove Hospital Corp.)

     5.25         5/1/28         1,409,685   
600,000  

Minneapolis & St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (Health Partners)

     5.88         12/1/29         598,260   
255,000  

Minneapolis Health Care Fac. Rev. (Augustana Chapel View Homes Proj.)

     5.00         6/1/15         242,635   
270,000  

Minneapolis Health Care Fac. Rev. (Augustana Chapel View Homes Proj.)

     5.10         6/1/16         255,647   
1,470,000  

Minneapolis Health Care Fac. Rev. (Jones-Harrison Residence Proj.)

     5.40         10/1/25         1,286,309   
1,000,000  

Minneapolis Hsg. & Health Care Facs. Rev. Ref. (Providence Proj.)

     5.50         10/1/14         949,400   
200,000  

Minneapolis Hsg. Fac. Rev. (Augustana Chapel View Homes Proj.)

     5.50         6/1/27         168,648   
500,000  

Minneapolis Hsg. Fac. Rev. (Augustana Chapel View Homes Proj.)

     5.75         1/1/19         474,045   
530,000  

Minneapolis Hsg. Fac. Rev. (Augustana Chapel View Homes Proj.)

     5.80         1/1/24         468,780   
180,000  

Minneapolis Pooled Rev. (Care Choice Member Proj.)

     5.75         4/1/19         163,165   
405,000  

MN Agricultural & Economic Dev. Board Rev. (Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Proj.)

     6.55         8/1/16         413,910   
1,330,000  

MN Agricultural & Economic Dev. Board Rev. (Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Proj.)

     6.63         8/1/25         1,348,301   
10,000  

MN Agricultural & Economic Dev. Board Rev. (Fairview Health Care System Proj.)

     6.38         11/15/22         10,071   
130,000  

MN Agricultural & Economic Dev. Board Rev. (Fairview Health Care System Proj.)

     6.38         11/15/29         130,337   
150,000  

New Hope Health Care Facs. Rev. (MN Masonic Home North Ridge Proj.)

     5.60         3/1/12         149,294   
920,000  

New Hope Health Care Facs. Rev. (MN Masonic Home North Ridge Proj.)

     5.88         3/1/29         778,449   
1,175,000  

New Hope Health Care Facs. Rev. (MN Masonic Home North Ridge Proj.)

     5.90         3/1/19         1,092,386   
100,000  

Rochester Health Care Facs. Rev. (Mayo Clinic Proj.)

     5.00         11/15/36         98,292   
500,000  

Rochester Health Care Facs. Rev. (Olmsted Medical Center Proj.)

     5.13         7/1/20         495,965   
1,500,000  

Rochester Health Care Facs. Rev. (Olmsted Medical Center Proj.)

     5.88         7/1/30         1,421,310   
1,020,000  

Sartell Health Care & Hsg. Facs. Rev. (Foundation for Healthcare Proj.)

     6.63         9/1/29         974,284   
1,000,000  

Sauk Rapids Health Care & Hsg. Facs. Rev. (Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Proj.)

     6.75         1/1/24         983,120   
1,000,000  

Sauk Rapids Health Care & Hsg. Facs. Rev. (Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Proj.)

     7.25         1/1/29         999,840   
125,000  

Shakopee Health Care Facs. Rev. (St. Francis Regional Medical Center Proj.)

     5.10         9/1/25         118,950   
3,475,000  

Shakopee Health Care Facs. Rev. (St. Francis Regional Medical Center Proj.)

     5.25         9/1/34         3,105,190   
4,000,000  

St. Cloud Health Care Rev. (CentraCare Health System)

     5.00         5/1/25         3,961,160   
2,000,000  

St. Louis Park Health Care Facs. Rev. (Park Nicollet Health Proj.)

     5.50         7/1/29         1,898,280   
160,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Gillette Childrens Hospital Proj.)

     5.00         2/1/15         163,632   
350,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Gillette Childrens Specialty Proj.)

     5.00         2/1/20         353,416   
500,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Gillette Childrens Specialty Proj.)

     5.00         2/1/21         502,785   
500,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (HealthPartners Oblig. Group Proj.)

     5.25         5/15/36         441,030   
135,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Model Cities Health Center)

     6.50         11/1/11         134,792   
60,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Regions Hospital Proj.)

     5.00         5/15/11         60,164   
1,365,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Regions Hospital Proj.)

     5.20         5/15/13         1,368,030   
2,070,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Regions Hospital Proj.)

     5.25         5/15/18         2,071,263   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   25


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund (Continued)

 

Principal
Amount ($)
   Name of Issuer   

 

Coupon
Rate (%)

  

 

Maturity

Date

    

 

Fair

Value ($)

 
1,903,858   

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (Nursing Home NTS-Episcopal)

   5.63      10/1/33         1,594,500   
50,000   

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (Regions Hospital Proj.)

   5.30      5/15/28         46,944   
1,210,000   

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Franciscan Health Community)

   7.00      7/1/21         1,209,843   
2,500,000   

Stillwater Health Care Rev. (Health System Obligation Proj.)

   5.00      6/1/25         2,378,375   
920,000   

Stillwater Health Care Rev. (Health System Obligation Proj.)

   5.00      6/1/35         795,975   
1,300,000   

Winsted Health Care Rev. (St. Mary’s Care Center Proj.)

   6.00      9/1/25         1,153,919   
                 
              53,862,243   
                 
Industrial/Pollution Control - 2.5%         
2,250,000   

Moorhead Rev. (Amer. Crystal Sugar Co. Recovery Zone Fac.)

   5.65      6/1/27         2,175,772   
500,000   

Otter Tail Co. Rev. Sub. (Otter Tail Proj.) 2, 5, 8

   7.50      11/1/19         123,955   
505,000   

Owatonna Industrial Dev. Rev. (Slidell, Inc. Proj.) 2, 5, 8

   8.48      5/1/17         252,500   
890,000   

Puerto Rico Childrens Trust Fund Tobacco Settlement Rev. 11

   5.38      5/15/33         782,764   
2,000,000   

St. Paul Port Auth. Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Ecullet Proj.)

   6.25      11/1/15         2,024,440   
1,035,000   

Virgin Islands Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Asset-Backed Rev. 11

   5.00      5/15/21         948,412   
980,000   

White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians Rev. (ACA Insured)

   7.00      12/1/11         997,669   
                 
              7,305,512   
                 
Insured - 5.1%         
2,000,000   

Guam Power Auth. Rev. (AGM Insured) 11

   5.00      10/1/37         1,750,600   
500,000   

Minneapolis & St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Rev. (Children’s Hospital) (AGM Insured)

   5.00      8/15/34         464,200   
1,750,000   

Minneapolis & St. Paul Metro Airport Commission Rev. (NATL-RE FGIC Insured)

   5.00      1/1/25         1,753,325   
2,010,000   

Minneapolis & St. Paul Metro Airport Commission Rev. Ref. (NATL-RE FGIC Insured)

   5.00      1/1/22         2,058,119   
1,000,000   

Minneapolis Health Care Facs. Rev. (Fairview Health Svcs.) (Assured Guaranty)

   6.50      11/15/38         1,047,560   
350,000   

Plymouth Health Facs. Rev. (West Health Proj.) (AGM Insured)

   6.13      6/1/24         350,287   
600,000   

Puerto Rico Electric Power Auth. Rev. Ref. (AGM Insured) 1, 11

   0.72      7/1/29         407,814   
160,000   

Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Education, Medical & Envir. Control Facs. Rev. (NATL-RE Insured)11

   6.25      7/1/16         160,525   
1,000,000   

Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O. (AGM Insured) 11

   5.13      7/1/30         942,140   
1,000,000   

Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O. (AGM Insured) 11

   5.25      7/1/20         1,034,730   
500,000   

Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O. (AGM Insured) 11

   5.50      7/1/27         502,285   
1,000,000   

Puerto Rico Public Improvement G.O. (Assured Guaranty) 1, 11

   2.19      7/1/20         832,210   
1,000,000   

St. Cloud Health Care Rev. (CentraCare Health System Proj.) (Assured Guaranty)

   5.50      5/1/39         985,460   
2,010,000   

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Sales Tax Rev. Ref. (Civic Center) (AGM Insured)

   7.10      11/1/23         2,333,027   
                 
              14,622,282   
                 
Multifamily Mortgage - 19.8%         
785,000   

Anoka Co. Hsg. & Redev. Rev. (Recovery Zone Fac.-Park River Estates)

   6.50      11/1/25         761,254   
250,000   

Bloomington Hsg. Rev. Sr. (Gideon Pond Commons LLC)

   5.25      6/1/21         239,880   
300,000   

Bloomington Hsg. Rev. Sr. (Gideon Pond Commons LLC)

   5.25      12/1/21         286,848   
375,000   

Bloomington Hsg. Rev. Sr. (Gideon Pond Commons LLC)

   5.38      6/1/22         362,062   
385,000   

Bloomington Hsg. Rev. Sr. (Gideon Pond Commons LLC)

   5.38      12/1/22         370,982   
1,000,000   

Bloomington Hsg. Rev. Sr. (Gideon Pond Commons LLC)

   6.00      12/1/30         939,560   
2,635,000   

Carver Co. Hsg. & Redev. Gross Rev. & Limited Tax Ref. (Lake Grace Apartments Proj.)

   6.00      7/1/28         2,646,805   
1,000,000   

Champlin Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (Champlin Drive Apts.)

   6.00      1/1/27         965,360   
355,000   

Chaska Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (West Suburban Hsg. Partners Proj.) 8

   5.38      9/1/14         347,502   
500,000   

Cloquet Hsg. Fac. Rev. Ref. (HADC Cloquet LLC Proj.)

   5.50      8/1/25         416,875   
100,000   

Columbia Heights Multifamily & Health Care Fac. Rev. (Crest View Corp Proj.)

   5.30      7/1/17         88,075   
700,000   

Coon Rapids Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Margaret Place Apartments)

   6.50      5/1/25         691,698   
545,000   

Coon Rapids Senior Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Epiphany Sr. Citizens Hsg. Corp. Proj.)

   5.80      11/1/15         528,585   
2,565,000   

Cottage Grove Sr. Hsg. Rev. (PHS, Inc. Proj.)

   5.00      12/1/31         2,018,091   
71,000   

Eden Prairie Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Rolling Hills Proj.)

   9.00      4/1/43         71,000   
470,000   

Eden Prairie Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Rolling Hills Proj.) (GNMA Collateralized)

   6.00      8/20/21         495,676   
675,000   

Eden Prairie Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Rolling Hills Proj.) (GNMA Collateralized)

   6.15      8/20/31         710,255   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

26

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

Principal
Amount ($)
  Name of Issuer   

 

Coupon
Rate (%)

    

 

Maturity

Date

    

 

Fair

Value ($)

 
1,635,000  

Eden Prairie Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Rolling Hills Proj.) (GNMA Collateralized)

     6.20         2/20/43         1,719,660   
100,000  

Eveleth Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Sr. (Manor House Woodland Proj.)

     5.00         10/1/11         100,215   
155,000  

Eveleth Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Sr. (Manor House Woodland Proj.)

     5.10         10/1/12         153,419   
165,000  

Eveleth Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Sr. (Manor House Woodland Proj.)

     5.15         10/1/13         161,342   
300,000  

Fairmont Hsg. Fac. Rev. (Goldfinch Estates-GEAC Proj.)

     5.75         10/1/17         275,325   
290,000  

Fairmont Hsg. Fac. Rev. (Goldfinch Estates-GEAC Proj.)

     6.00         10/1/21         260,913   
275,000  

Fairmont Hsg. Fac. Rev. (Homestead-GEAC Proj.)

     6.63         10/1/11         274,799   
295,000  

Fairmont Hsg. Fac. Rev. (Homestead-GEAC Proj.)

     6.88         10/1/14         290,256   
695,000  

Golden Valley Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities Proj.)

     5.50         12/1/25         629,976   
2,000,000  

Golden Valley Rev. (Covenant Retirement Communities Proj.)

     5.50         12/1/29         1,746,280   
1,660,000  

Grand Rapids Hsg. & Redev. Auth. (Lakeshore Place & Forest Park West Apartments Proj.)

     5.30         10/1/29         1,483,476   
245,000  

Inver Grove Heights Nursing Home Rev. Ref. (Presbyterian Homes)

     5.50         10/1/33         204,146   
1,295,000  

Lake Crystal Hsg. Rev. (Ecumen-Second Century Proj.)

     5.63         9/1/28         1,189,173   
1,400,000  

Maplewood Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (Park Edge Apartments Proj.) 8

     6.50         5/1/29         1,253,630   
2,765,000  

Minneapolis & St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (GNMA Collateralized) 8

     4.75         1/20/42         2,425,320   
3,500,000  

Minneapolis Mulitfamily Hsg. Rev. (Riverside Plaza)

     6.00         11/1/13         3,474,275   
790,000  

Minneapolis Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (Blaisdell Apartments Proj.) 8

     5.10         4/1/17         738,895   
300,000  

Minneapolis Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (Garr Scott Loft Proj.) (LOC U.S. Bank) 8

     5.95         5/1/30         300,375   
350,000  

Minnetonka Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Archer Heights Apartments Proj.) (GNMA Collateralized) 8

     5.10         7/20/13         352,314   
975,000  

Minnetonka Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Archer Heights Apartments Proj.) (GNMA Collateralized) 8

     5.20         1/20/18         977,204   
1,750,000  

MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Rental Hsg. 8

     5.10         8/1/47         1,555,260   
85,000  

MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Rental Hsg. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8

     4.88         8/1/24         82,679   
250,000  

MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Rental Hsg. (GO of AGY. Insured)

     5.05         8/1/31         249,100   
2,560,000  

MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Rental Hsg. (GO of AGY. Insured)

     5.25         8/1/40         2,481,613   
125,000  

MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Rental Hsg. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8

     5.45         8/1/11         125,386   
1,660,000  

MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Rental Hsg. (GO of AGY. Insured)

     5.45         8/1/41         1,654,489   
1,320,000  

MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Residential Hsg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8

     5.00         7/1/21         1,327,102   
500,000  

North Oaks Sr. Hsg. Rev. (Presbyterian Homes North Oaks Proj.)

     5.25         10/1/13         497,460   
1,565,000  

North Oaks Sr. Hsg. Rev. (Presbyterian Homes North Oaks Proj.)

     5.63         10/1/17         1,545,359   
500,000  

North Oaks Sr. Hsg. Rev. (Presbyterian Homes North Oaks Proj.)

     5.75         10/1/22         475,385   
110,000  

Norwood Young America Economic Dev. Auth. Govt. Rev. (Harbor at Peace Village)

     5.35         8/1/15         110,582   
200,000  

Norwood Young America Economic Dev. Auth. Govt. Rev. (Harbor at Peace Village)

     5.63         8/1/20         189,080   
550,000  

Norwood Young America Economic Dev. Auth. Govt. Rev. (Harbor at Peace Village)

     5.75         8/1/25         497,118   
250,000  

Norwood Young America Economic Dev. Auth. Govt. Rev. (Harbor at Peace Village)

     6.00         8/1/31         222,085   
1,000,000  

Oak Park Heights Hsg. Rev. (Oakgreen Commons Proj.)

     6.00         8/1/25         895,330   
310,000  

Oakdale Multifamily Sr. Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Oak Meadows Proj.)

     5.00         4/1/12         310,239   
370,000  

Oronoco Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Wedum Shorewood Campus Proj.)

     4.70         6/1/11         369,985   
500,000  

Richfield Sr. Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Richfield Sr. Hsg., Inc. Proj.)

     5.00         12/1/15         473,255   
430,000  

Rochester Health Care & Hsg. Rev. (Samaritan Bethany, Inc. Proj.)

     5.25         12/1/17         413,823   
455,000  

Rochester Health Care & Hsg. Rev. (Samaritan Bethany, Inc. Proj.)

     5.50         12/1/18         436,290   
475,000  

Rochester Health Care & Hsg. Rev. (Samaritan Bethany, Inc. Proj.)

     5.75         12/1/19         453,744   
250,000  

Rochester Health Care & Hsg. Rev. (Samaritan Bethany, Inc. Proj.) (Gty. Agmt. Samaritan Bethany)

     7.38         12/1/41         245,938   
2,800,000  

Rochester Multifamily Rev. Ref. (Weatherstone Townhomes Apartments Proj.) 8

     6.38         9/1/37         3,046,260   
600,000  

St. Cloud Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Multifamily Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Northway Manor Apts. Proj.) (HUD Sect. 8)

     5.35         12/1/18         526,380   
1,195,000  

St. Cloud Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Multifamily Rev. (Germain Towers Proj.) (HUD Section 8)

     5.90         9/1/20         1,029,660   
240,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Carondelet Village Proj.)

     5.13         2/1/22         225,394   
275,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Carondelet Village Proj.)

     5.13         8/1/22         259,672   
175,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Carondelet Village Proj.)

     5.38         2/1/24         163,819   
150,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Carondelet Village Proj.)

     5.38         8/1/24         140,238   
150,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Carondelet Village Proj.)

     5.50         2/1/25         139,932   
3,000,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Rev. (Carondelet Village Proj.)

     6.25         8/1/30         2,966,550   
140,000  

St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Multifamily Ref. Rev. (Sun Cliffe Apts. Proj.) (GNMA Collat. FHA Insd.)

     5.88         7/1/15         140,347   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   27


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund (Continued)

 

         
Principal
Amount ($)
   Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 

1,000,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Multifamily Ref. Rev. Ref. (Series Center Proj.)      5.20         11/1/22         858,260   

400,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (Rossy & Richard Schaller Proj.)      5.15         10/1/42         292,976   

525,000

   Stillwater Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (Orleans Homes LP Proj.) 8      5.00         2/1/17         500,178   

120,000

   Victoria Sr. Hsg. Rev. (Chanhassen, Inc. Proj.)      5.50         8/1/18         111,817   

580,000

   Washington Co. Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Govt. Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Briar Pond Apartments Proj.) (GNMA Collat.)      5.50         2/20/14         580,255   

695,000

   Washington Co. Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Govt. Hsg. Rev. Ref. (Woodland Park Apartments Proj.) (CNTY Gty.)      4.70         10/1/26         687,459   

705,000

   Willmar Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Multifamily Rev. (Copperleaf)      8.00         3/15/41         677,949   

250,000

   Woodbury Economic Dev. Auth. Sr. Hsg. Rev. (Summerhouse)      5.75         6/1/41         206,110   
                 
              57,116,059   
                 

Municipal Lease 9 - 2.9%

        

500,000

   Anoka Co. Hsg. & Redev. Rev.      5.63         5/1/22         479,100   

500,000

   Anoka Co. Hsg. & Redev. Rev.      6.63         5/1/30         474,345   

500,000

   Anoka Co. Hsg. & Redev. Rev.      6.88         5/1/40         472,175   

1,631,272

   Carver Scott Co. Lease Purchase Agreement      5.00         8/4/20         1,425,846   

46,000

   Hennepin Co. Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev.      5.70         8/1/13         46,142   

289,327

   Intermediate School District 287 Lease Rev.      4.78         3/15/13         290,592   

2,000,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Non-Profit Hsg. Rev. (St. Appropriation)      5.00         8/1/31         2,004,660   

1,250,000

   Virginia Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Fac. Lease Rev.      5.13         10/1/20         1,256,225   

400,000

   Virginia Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Fac. Lease Rev.      5.25         10/1/25         380,696   

245,000

   Virginia Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Health Care Fac. Lease Rev.      5.38         10/1/30         225,427   

1,378,393

   Winona School District 861 Lease Purchase      6.04         8/1/24         1,378,132   
                 
              8,433,340   
                 

Other Revenue Bonds - 9.5%

        

510,000

   Columbia Heights Economic Dev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Huset Park Area Redev.)      5.20         2/15/22         411,295   

696,842

   Crystal Governmental Fac. Rev.      5.10         12/15/26         535,662   

400,000

   Guam Govt. Section 30 Limited Obligation Rev. 11      5.38         12/1/24         384,984   

230,000

   McLeod Co. Commercial Dev. Rev. (Southwest MN Foundation)      5.13         12/1/31         211,685   

475,000

   Minneapolis Community Dev. Agy. Limited Tax Common Bond Fund (Discount Steel) 8      5.25         6/1/19         475,290   

20,000

   Minneapolis Community Dev. Agy. Limited Tax Common Bond Fund (LOC U.S. Bank)      6.00         6/1/11         20,158   

400,000

   Minneapolis Tax Increment Rev. (Grant Park Proj.)      5.00         2/1/16         395,248   

245,000

   Minneapolis Tax Increment Rev. Ref. (East River/Unocal Site Proj.)      5.10         2/1/17         237,229   

240,000

   Minneapolis Tax Increment Rev. Ref. (East River/Unocal Site Proj.)      5.20         2/1/21         214,001   

315,000

   Minneapolis Tax Increment Rev. Ref. (St. Anthony Falls Proj.)      4.50         2/1/13         312,146   

125,000

   Minneapolis Tax Increment Rev. Ref. (St. Anthony Falls Proj.)      4.80         2/1/13         124,620   

1,000,000

   MN Development Rev. Limited Tax Supported Comm. Board      6.00         12/1/40         967,650   

2,000,000

   MN Development Rev. Limited Tax Supported Comm. Board      6.25         12/1/30         2,077,680   

1,190,000

   Mound Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. Ref. (Metroplain Proj.)      5.00         2/15/27         1,045,879   

280,000

   Puerto Rico Infrastucture Financing Auth. Special Tax Rev. Ref. (AMBAC Insured) 6, 11      8.40         7/1/28         85,478   

500,000

   St. Anthony Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Silver Lake Village Hsg.)      4.75         2/1/17         473,345   

500,000

   St. Anthony Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Silver Lake Village Hsg.)      4.90         2/1/22         416,915   

1,000,000

   St. Louis Park Economic Dev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Hoigaard Vlg.)      5.00         2/1/23         922,190   

500,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (Jimmy Lee Recreation Center Proj.)      4.75         12/1/26         501,100   

500,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (Jimmy Lee Recreation Center Proj.)      5.00         12/1/32         482,645   

1,195,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (9th St. Lofts Proj.)      6.38         2/15/28         972,192   

1,093,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Drake Marble Proj.)      6.75         3/1/28         984,203   

480,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Emerald Gardens Proj.)      5.00         3/1/15         478,598   

785,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Emerald Gardens Proj.)      6.50         3/1/29         717,608   

1,075,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (North Quadrant Owner Occupied Proj.)      7.00         2/15/28         934,304   

947,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (North Quadrant Owner Occupied Proj.)      7.50         2/15/28         862,802   

2,967,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Upper Landing Proj.)      6.80         3/1/29         2,701,483   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

28

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

         
Principal
Amount ($)
   Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 

1,832,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (Upper Landing Proj.)      6.90         3/1/29         1,685,678   

100,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (US Bank Operations Center Proj.)      5.70         8/1/12         100,098   

750,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Tax Increment Rev. (US Bank Operations Center Proj.)      6.13         8/1/19         723,645   

390,000

   St. Paul Port Auth. Lease Rev. (Regions Hospital Parking Ramp Proj.)      5.00         8/1/11         392,145   

805,000

   St. Paul Port Auth. Lease Rev. (Regions Hospital Parking Ramp Proj.)      5.00         8/1/21         779,691   

2,525,000

   St. Paul Port Auth. Lease Rev. (Regions Hospital Parking Ramp Proj.)      5.00         8/1/36         2,062,723   

2,000,000

   St. Paul Port Auth. Rev. (Amherst H. Wilder Fndtn.-3)      5.00         12/1/36         1,744,320   

715,000

   St. Paul Recreational Facs. Gross Rev. (Highland National Proj.)      5.00         10/1/25         733,604   

300,000

   Steele Co. Health Care Fac. Gross Rev. Ref. Crossover      5.00         6/1/30         274,698   

1,000,000

   Virgin Islands Public Finance Auth. Rev. (Diago Proj.) 11      6.63         10/1/29         1,033,550   

125,000

   Virgin Islands Public Finance Auth. Sr. Lien Rev. 11      5.25         10/1/21         126,592   
                 
              27,603,134   
                 

Public Facilities - 0.5%

        

50,000

   MN Agricultural Society State Fair Rev.      5.00         9/15/20         50,574   

255,000

   Spring Grove Economic Dev. Auth. Public Proj. Rev.      5.00         2/1/16         255,181   

125,000

   Spring Grove Economic Dev. Auth. Public Proj. Rev.      5.10         2/1/18         125,029   

1,075,000

   St. Paul Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Parking Rev. (Smith Ave. Proj.)      5.00         8/1/35         980,475   
                 
              1,411,259   
                 

Sales Tax Revenue - 1.1%

        

500,000

   Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Rev. 11      6.00         8/1/39         492,715   

1,250,000

   Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Rev. 6, 11      6.13         8/1/29         850,250   

1,500,000

   Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Rev. 6, 11      6.25         8/1/33         1,020,060   

1,000,000

   Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Rev. 6, 11      6.75         8/1/32         800,690   
                 
              3,163,715   
                 

Single Family Mortgage - 12.6%

        

1,000,000

   Dakota Co. Community Dev. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA Collateralized)      4.63         12/1/30         928,480   

1,306,553

   Dakota Co. Community Dev. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA-FHLMC) 8      5.13         12/1/40         1,350,087   

278,242

   Dakota Co. Community Dev. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA-FHLMC) 8      5.15         12/1/38         283,846   

1,754,242

   Dakota Co. Community Dev. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA-FHLMC) 8      5.30         12/1/39         1,825,640   

250,578

   Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Board Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA) 8      5.00         12/1/38         230,116   

268,071

   Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Board Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA)      5.70         4/1/27         280,306   

664,183

   Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Board Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA-FHLMC)      5.10         4/1/27         694,204   

2,767,786

   Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Board Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA-FHLMC) 8      5.25         12/1/40         2,874,623   

1,249,282

   Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Board Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA-FHLMC)      5.45         4/1/27         1,304,088   

620,000

   Minneapolis St. Paul Hsg. Fin. Board Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA-FHLMC) 8      5.52         3/1/41         638,123   

6,060,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Residential Hsg. Rev.      5.10         1/1/40         5,872,928   

750,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Rev. (GNMA-FNMA Collateralized)      5.00         1/1/31         751,732   

1,605,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.00         7/1/38         1,609,654   

1,945,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.05         7/1/34         1,900,615   

435,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. 8      5.10         7/1/20         437,371   

320,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.20         1/1/23         330,704   

45,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.30         7/1/11         45,263   

85,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.45         1/1/17         85,835   

35,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.70         1/1/17         35,356   

305,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. 8      5.85         7/1/19         306,153   

1,285,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev.      5.90         7/1/28         1,308,348   

1,730,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. 8      6.00         7/1/22         1,754,220   

1,000,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8      4.75         7/1/27         939,460   

1,950,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8      4.80         7/1/26         1,881,360   

690,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured)      5.00         1/1/20         691,504   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

  

29


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund (Continued)

 

         
Principal
Amount ($)
   Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 

965,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8      5.00         1/1/37         1,000,473   

1,870,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8      5.15         7/1/28         1,816,780   

1,865,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8      5.25         7/1/33         1,777,811   

1,285,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8      5.50         7/1/28         1,289,909   

175,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured)      5.60         7/1/13         175,530   

1,360,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8      5.65         7/1/33         1,363,726   

175,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured)      5.90         7/1/25         175,108   

15,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured) 8      5.90         7/1/29         15,064   

25,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (GO of AGY. Insured)      6.00         1/1/16         25,058   

325,000

   MN Hsg. Fin. Agy. Single Family Mtg. Rev. (NATL-RE Insured)      5.35         7/1/17         337,061   
                 
              36,336,536   
                 

Transportation - 2.2%

        

2,500,000

   Minneapolis & St. Paul Metro Airport Commission Rev. Ref. 8      5.00         1/1/22         2,561,125   

3,500,000

   Minneapolis & St. Paul Metro Airport Commission Sub. Rev. (AMBAC Insured) 8      5.00         1/1/25         3,262,000   

1,000,000

   Puerto Rico Highways & Transportation Auth. Rev. Ref. (AMBAC Insured) 1, 11      0.73         7/1/45         540,610   
                 
              6,363,735   
                 

Utility - 6.8%

        

1,000,000

   Chaska Electric Rev. Ref. (Generating Facs. Proj.)      5.25         10/1/25         1,018,420   

1,465,000

   MN Municipal Power Agy. Electric Rev.      5.00         10/1/35         1,393,537   

2,000,000

   MN Municipal Power Agy. Electric Rev.      5.00         10/1/25         2,013,540   

1,000,000

   MN Municipal Power Agy. Electric Rev.      5.00         10/1/30         962,630   

1,000,000

   MN Municipal Power Agy. Electric Rev.      5.25         10/1/35         937,220   

700,000

   MN Municipal Power Agy. Electric Rev.      5.25         10/1/27         716,233   

2,000,000

   MN Municipal Power Agy. Electric Rev.      5.25         10/1/24         2,053,280   

500,000

   North Branch Electric System Rev.      5.75         8/1/28         510,295   

885,000

   Puerto Rico Electric Power Auth. Rev. 11      5.00         7/1/21         887,053   

2,000,000

   Puerto Rico Electric Power Auth. Rev. (NATL-RE FGIC Insured) 11      5.00         7/1/22         1,984,560   

1,250,000

   Puerto Rico Electric Power Auth. Rev. Ref. 1, 11      0.88         7/1/25         897,388   

2,000,000

   Southern MN Power Agy. Power Supply System Rev.      5.25         1/1/30         2,045,820   

3,450,000

   Southern MN Power Agy. Power Supply System Rev. (NATL-RE Insured) 1      1.72         1/1/13         3,422,228   

780,000

   Virgin Islands Water & Power Auth. Water System Rev. Ref. 11      5.50         7/1/17         780,881   
                 
              19,623,085   
                 

Total Municipal Bonds
(cost: $290,518,623)

           279,076,201   
                 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

30

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

     
Quantity    Name of Issuer   

Fair

Value ($)

 

Closed-End Mutual Funds - 0.7%

  

37,696

   First American Minnesota Municipal Income Fund II (MXN)      536,414   

112,998

   MN Municipal Income Portfolio (MXA)      1,644,121   
           

Total Closed-End Mutual Funds
(cost: $2,006,620)

     2,180,535   
           

Short-Term Securities - 1.9%

  

5,367,910

   Wells Fargo Advantage Minnesota Money Market Fund, 0.01%   

Total Short-Term Securities
(cost: $5,367,910)

     5,367,910   
           

Total Investments in Securities - 99.1%
(cost: $297,893,153)

     286,624,646   

Other Assets and Liabilities, net - 0.9%

     2,480,575   
           

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

   $ 289,105,221   
           

 

 

1 

Variable rate security. Rate disclosed is as of March 31, 2011.

2 

Securities considered illiquid by the Investment Adviser. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $376,455 and represented 0.1% of net assets.

5 

The issuer is in default of certain debt covenants. Income is not being accrued. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $376,455 and represented 0.1% of net assets.

6 

Zero coupon security. Rate disclosed is the effective yield on purchase date.

8 

Securities the income from which is treated as a tax preference that is included in alternative minimum taxable income for purposes of computing federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). At March 31, 2011, 13.7% of net assets in the Fund was invested in such securities.

9 

Municipal Lease Security. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $8,433,340 and represented 2.9% of net assets. These securities have been determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Directors.

11 

The Fund may invest in obligations issued by U.S. territories, for example Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $23,646,461 and represented 8.2% of net assets.

Numeric footnotes not disclosed are not applicable to this Schedule of Investments.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets as of March 31, 2011 is as follows (see Note 2 - significant accounting policies in the notes to financial statements):

 

            Investment in Securities       
    

Level 1

Quoted
Price ($)

    

Level 2

Other significant

observable inputs ($)

    

Level 3

Significant

unobservable inputs ($)

   Total ($)  

Short-Term Securities

     5,367,910                    5,367,910   

Closed-End Mutual Funds

     2,180,535                    2,180,535   

Municipal Bonds

             279,076,201            279,076,201   

Total:

     7,548,445         279,076,201            286,624,646   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   31


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2011

     Sit U.S.
Government

Securities
Fund
    Sit Tax-Free
Income
Fund
    Sit Minnesota
Tax-Free
Income

Fund
 

ASSETS

      

Investments in securities, at identified cost

     $1,035,412,123        $171,679,094        $297,893,153   
                        

Investments in securities, at fair value - see accompanyingschedule for detail

     $1,062,961,267        $140,869,572        $286,624,646   

Cash in bank on demand deposit

                   769,652   

Restricted cash

     2,700,000                 

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

     5,054,570        1,998,754        4,097,387   

Receivable for principal paydowns

     22,249                 

Other receivables

            16,750        25,500   

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     4,947,399        750        563,378   
                        

Total assets

     1,075,685,485        142,885,826        292,080,563   
                        

LIABILITIES

      

Disbursements in excess of cash balances

     7,638,957        304,626          

Payable for investment securities purchased

     7,535,336        1,837,288        1,823,232   

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

     2,463,077        149,688        718,849   

Cash portion of dividends payable to shareholders

     91,359        127,221        237,870   

Accrued investment management fees

     697,464        95,956        195,391   

Outstanding options written, at fair value (premiums received $300,953)

     105,470                 
                        

Total liabilities

     18,531,663        2,514,779        2,975,342   
                        

Net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock

     $1,057,153,822        $140,371,047        $289,105,221   
                        

Net assets consist of:

      

Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)

     $1,030,294,299        $197,285,941        $308,600,803   

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

            (11,447     (64,122)   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from security transactions and written options

     (885,104     (26,093,925     (8,162,953

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and written options

     27,744,627        (30,809,522     (11,268,507
                        
     $1,057,153,822        $140,371,047        $289,105,221   
                        

Outstanding shares

     93,663,519        16,468,981        29,883,381   
                        

Net asset value per share of outstanding capital stock

     $11.29        $8.52        $9.67   
                        

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

32

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2011

 

     Sit U.S.
Government

Securities
Fund
    Sit Tax-Free
Income
Fund
    Sit  Minnesota
Tax-Free
Income
Fund
 

Investment income:

      

Income:

      

Dividends

            $692,059        $144,227   

Interest

     $33,985,637        7,616,357        15,057,268   
                        

Total income

     33,985,637        8,308,416        15,201,495   
                        

Expenses (note 4):

      

Investment management fee

     7,562,331        1,224,871        2,359,218   
                        

Total expenses

     7,562,331        1,224,871        2,359,218   
                        

Less fees and expenses waived by investment adviser.

     (560,246              
                        

Total net expenses

     7,002,085        1,224,871        2,359,218   
                        

Net investment income

     26,983,552        7,083,545        12,842,277   
                        

Realized and unrealized gain (loss):

      

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     2,101,930        (2,343,339     687,582   

Net realized gain (loss) on written options

     (1,116,707              

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     12,398,281        (4,402,244     (7,031,522

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on written options

     195,483                 
                        

Net gain (loss)

     13,578,987        (6,745,583     (6,343,940
                        

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $40,562,539        $337,962        $6,498,337   
                        

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   33


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Sit U.S. Government
Securities Fund
 
     Year
Ended
March 31,
2011
    Year
Ended
March 31,
2010
 

Operations:

    

Net investment income

     $26,983,552        $20,847,075   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and written options

     985,223        1,211,894   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and written options

     12,593,764        11,215,967   
                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     40,562,539        33,274,936   
                

Distributions from:

    

Net investment income

     (26,943,488     (20,847,075

Net realized gains on investments

     (327,896       
                

Total distributions

     (27,271,384     (20,847,075
                

Capital share transactions:

    

Proceeds from shares sold

     777,577,419        639,424,752   

Reinvested distributions

     27,608,283        20,634,489   

Payments for shares redeemed

     (530,043,200     (294,396,778
                

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital transactions

     275,142,502        365,662,463   
                

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     288,433,657        378,090,324   

Net assets:

    

Beginning of period

     768,720,165        390,629,841   
                

End of period *

     $1,057,153,822        $768,720,165   
                

Capital transactions in shares:

    

Sold

     69,266,689        57,843,581   

Reinvested distributions

     2,451,775        1,873,419   

Redeemed

     (47,134,441     (26,674,510
                

Net increase (decrease)

     24,584,023        33,042,490   
                

*  Includes undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

     $—        ($40,064

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

34

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

 

 

Sit Tax-Free
Income Fund
    Sit Minnesota Tax-Free
Income Fund
 
Year
Ended
March 31,
2011
    Year
Ended
March 31,
2010
    Year
Ended
March 31,
2011
    Year
Ended
March 31,
2010
 
     
  $7,083,545        $7,118,383        $12,842,277        $12,201,424   
  (2,343,339     (3,457,582     687,582        (162,527
  (4,402,244     20,199,958        (7,031,522     25,366,293   
                             
  337,962        23,860,759        6,498,337        37,405,190   
                             
     
  (7,083,545     (7,118,383     (12,842,277     (12,192,570
                         
                             
  (7,083,545     (7,118,383     (12,842,277     (12,192,570
                             
               
  21,999,747        26,169,711        76,051,309        61,824,061   
  5,952,935        5,683,304        10,917,966        9,569,010   
  (34,330,959     (33,880,998     (82,326,152     (49,923,087
                             
  (6,378,277     (2,027,983     4,643,123        21,469,984   
                             
  (13,123,860     14,714,393        (1,700,817     46,682,604   
               
  153,494,907        138,780,514        290,806,038        244,123,434   
                             
  $140,371,047        $153,494,907        $289,105,221        $290,806,038   
                             
               
  2,463,769        3,016,955        7,686,681        6,414,784   
  672,009        667,682        1,100,769        1,004,735   
  (3,915,103     (3,939,909     (8,338,982     (5,194,472
                             
  (779,325     (255,272     448,468        2,225,047   
                             
  ($11,447     $—        ($64,122     $—   

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   35


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Per share income and capital changes for a share outstanding throughout the period.

Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund

      Years Ended March 31,  
      2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Net Asset Value:

          

Beginning of period

     $11.13        $10.84        $10.92        $10.56        $10.45   
        

Operations:

          

Net investment income 1

     0.32        0.44        0.52        0.50        0.48   

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and written options

     0.16        0.29        (0.08     0.36        0.11   
        

Total from operations

     0.48        0.73        0.44        0.86        0.59   
        

Distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.32     (0.44     (0.52     (0.50     (0.48

Net realized gains

     ( — )2                             
        

Total Distributions

     (0.32     (0.44     (0.52     (0.50     (0.48
        

Net Asset Value:

          

End of period

     $11.29        $11.13        $10.84        $10.92        $10.56   
        

Total investment return 3

     4.37%        6.88%        4.18%        8.37%        5.81%   
        

Net assets at end of period (000’s omitted)

     $1,057,154        $768,720        $390,630        $254,677        $198,378   

Ratios: 4

          

Expenses (without waiver) 5

     0.81%        0.82%        0.83%        0.85%        0.85%   

Expenses (with waiver) 5

     0.75%        0.80%        0.80%        0.80%        0.80%   

Net investment income (with waiver)

     2.88%        3.85%        4.87%        4.66%        4.61%   

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding short-term securities)

     45.80%        66.89%        59.63%        67.42%        43.98%   

 

 

1 

The net investment income per share is based on average shares outstanding for the period.

2 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

3 

Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of distributions at net asset value.

4 

The ratio information is calculated based on average daily net assets. Effective November 1, 2010, total Fund expenses are calculated at 0.80% of average daily net assets. Prior to this date, expenses were calculated at a higher rate. However, during all of the periods above, the investment adviser voluntarily waived expenses that were otherwise payable by the Fund.

5 

In addition to fees and expenses which the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the acquired funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the above reported expense ratios.

 

      

36

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Per share income and capital changes for a share outstanding throughout the period.

Sit Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Years Ended March 31,  
      2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Net Asset Value:

          

Beginning of period.

     $8.90        $7.93        $9.16        $9.72        $9.72   
        

Operations:

          

Net investment income 1

     0.41        0.41        0.41        0.40        0.38   

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

     (0.38     0.97        (1.23     (0.56       
        

Total from operations

     0.03        1.38        (0.82     (0.16     0.38   
        

Distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.41     (0.41     (0.41     (0.40     (0.38
        

Net Asset Value:

          

End of period

     $8.52        $8.90        $7.93        $9.16        $9.72   
        

Total investment return 2

     0.26%        17.71%        (9.14%     (1.72%     4.00%   
        

Net assets at end of period (000’s omitted)

     $140,371        $153,495        $138,781        $322,590        $377,549   

Ratios: 3

          

Expenses (without waiver) 4

     0.80%        0.80%        0.80%        0.80%        0.80%   

Expenses (with waiver) 4

     0.80%        0.80%        0.79%        0.77%        0.77%   

Net investment income (with waiver)

     4.63%        4.79%        4.63%        4.18%        3.93%   

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding short-term securities)

     30.23%        27.30%        18.51%        42.93%        50.67%   

 

 

1 

The net investment income per share is based on average shares outstanding for the period.

2 

Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of distributions at net asset value.

3 

The ratio information is calculated based on average daily net assets. Total Fund expenses are limited to 0.80% of average daily net assets. However, during the periods above, the investment adviser voluntarily absorbed expenses that were otherwise payable by the Fund.

4 

In addition to fees and expenses which the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the acquired funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the above reported expense ratios.

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   37


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Per share income and capital changes for a share outstanding throughout the period.

Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund

      Years Ended March 31,  
      2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Net Asset Value:

          

Beginning of period

     $9.88        $8.97        $9.76        $10.21        $10.12   
        

Operations:

          

Net investment income 1

     0.43        0.43        0.43        0.43        0.42   

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

     (0.21     0.91        (0.79     (0.45     0.09   
        

Total from operations

     0.22        1.34        (0.36     (0.02     0.51   
        

Distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.43     (0.43     (0.43     (0.43     (0.42
        

Net Asset Value:

          

End of period

     $9.67        $9.88        $8.97        $9.76        $10.21   
        

Total investment return 2

     2.22%        15.22%        (3.67%     (0.25%     5.17%   
        

Net assets at end of period (000’s omitted)

     $289,105        $290,806        $244,123        $307,738        $288,922   

Ratios: 3

          

Expenses 4

     0.80%        0.80%        0.80%        0.80%        0.80%   

Net investment income

     4.35%        4.52%        4.65%        4.25%        4.17%   

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding short-term securities)

     24.48%        11.46%        15.68%        37.48%        28.42%   

 

 

 

1 

The net investment income per share is based on average shares outstanding for the period.

2 

Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of distributions at net asset value.

3 

The ratio information is calculated based on average daily net assets.

4 

In addition to fees and expenses which the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the acquired funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the above reported expense ratios.

 

      

38

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

 

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MARCH 31, 2011

   39


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011

 

 

(1)

Organization

The Sit Mutual Funds (the Funds) are no-load funds, and are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (as amended) as diversified (except Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund which is non-diversified), open-end management investment companies, or series thereof. The Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund and the Sit Tax-Free Income Fund are series funds of Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc. Each fund has 10 billion authorized shares of capital stock. Shares in the U.S. Government Securities Fund have a par value of $0.01, and shares in other funds have a par value of $0.001. This report covers three of the bond funds of the Sit Mutual Funds.

The investment objective for each of these Funds is as follows:

 

Fund    Investment Objective

U.S. Government Securities

   High level of current income and safety of principal.

Tax-Free Income

   High level of current income that is exempt from federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.

Minnesota Tax-Free Income

   High level of current income that is exempt from federal regular income tax and Minnesota regular personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.

 

(2)

Significant Accounting Policies

Investments in Securities

Investment securities are carried at fair value based upon closing market quotations on the last business day of the period. Investments in securities traded on national or international securities exchanges are valued at the last reported sales price prior to the time when assets are valued. Securities traded on the over-the-counter market are valued at the last reported sales price or if the last sales price is not available, at the last reported bid price. The current fair value of certain fixed income securities is provided by an independent pricing service. Fixed income securities for which prices are not available from an independent pricing service but where an active market exists are valued using market quotations obtained from broker-dealers or quotation systems. Securities for which market quotations are not available, such as private placement securities, are valued at fair value according to methods selected in good faith by the Adviser and may include dealer-supplied valuations. Short-term investments of sufficient credit quality with maturities of 60 days or less when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Option and future contracts entered into and held by the Funds are valued at the close of the securities and commodities exchange on which they are traded.

Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Gains and losses are calculated on the identified-cost basis. Interest, including level-yield amortization of long-term bond premium and discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividends received from closed-end fund holdings are included in Dividend Income and distributions from capital gains, if any, are included in Net Realized Gain (Loss).

Delivery and payment for securities which have been purchased by the Funds on a forward commitment or when-issued basis can take place two weeks or more after the transaction date. During this period, such securities are subject to market fluctuations and may increase or decrease in value prior to delivery.

The Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund concentrates its investments in Minnesota, and therefore may have more credit risk related to the economic conditions in the state of Minnesota than a portfolio with broader geographical diversification.

Derivative Instruments

The Funds apply derivative instrument disclosure standards in order to enable investors to understand how and why the Funds use derivatives, how derivatives are accounted for, and how derivative instruments affect the Funds’ financial statements.

To hedge interest rate risk, the U.S. Government Securities Fund purchased put option and wrote call option contracts traded on a U.S. exchange. Risks of purchasing and writing options include the possibility of an illiquid market and that a change in the value of the option may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities.

 

      

40

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Continued)

 

The premiums paid for the options represent the cost of the investment and the options are valued daily at their closing price. The Funds recognize a realized gain or loss when the option is sold or expired. Option holdings within the Funds, which may include put options and call options, are subject to loss of value with the passage of time, and may experience a total loss of value upon expiration. With options, there is minimal counterparty risk to the Funds since they are exchange traded. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the average cost for purchased options and premium received in the U.S. Government Securities Fund for written options were $378,215 and $277,087, respectively. The number of open option contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2011 and the amounts of realized gain (loss) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), as disclosed below, also serve as indicators of the volume of activity for the Fund throughout the year.

Balance Sheet – Values of derivatives as of March 31, 2011

U.S. Government Securities Fund

     Asset Derivatives Value 1      Liability Derivatives Value 2  

Interest rate risk:

     

Purchased put options

     $648,438                   —   

Written call options

               —         $105,470   

 

  1 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities location: Investments in securities, at fair value.

  2 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities location: Outstanding options written, at fair value.

The effect of derivative instruments on the statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2011:

U.S. Government Securities Fund

   

Amount of Realized

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives 3

   

Change in Unrealized

Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivatives 4

 

Interest rate risk:

   

Purchased put options

    ($919,032)        $18,458   

Written call options

    (1,116,707)         195,483   

 

  3

Statement of Operations location: Net realized gain (loss) on investments for purchased options and net realized gain (loss) on written options.

  4 

Statement of Operations location: Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for purchased options and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on written options.

Transactions in written options for the year ended March 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

      

Number of

Contracts

      

Premium

       

Outstanding, March 31, 2010

         —        

Call options written

     7,800     $2,813,718    

Call options expired

     (1,700)     (378,983)    

Call options closed

     (5,350)       (2,133,782)      

Outstanding, March 31, 2011

         750       $300,953      

Fair Value Measurements

The inputs and valuations techniques used to measure fair value of the Funds’ net assets are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

   

Level 1 – quoted prices for active markets for identical securities. An active market for the security is a market in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value.

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   41


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Continued)

 

 

   

Level 2 – debt securities are valued based on evaluated prices received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. For corporate bonds, U.S. government and government agency obligations, and municipal securities the pricing services utilize matrix pricing which considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type as well as dealer supplied prices. For asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities, the pricing services utilize matrix pricing which considers prepayment speed assumptions, attributes of the collateral, yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type as well as dealer supplied prices. All of these inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. An adjustment to any observable input that is significant to the fair value may render the measurement a Level 3 measurement.

 

   

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs, including the Adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The fair value of the Fund’s bonds are generally based on quotes received from brokers or independent pricing services. Bonds with quotes that are based on actual trades with a sufficient level of activity on or near the measurement date are classified as Level 2 assets.

At the end of each calendar quarter, management evaluates the Level 2 and 3 assets and liabilities for changes in liquidity, including but not limited to: whether a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from third party services, and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the Level 1 and 2 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise are less liquid than publicly traded securities.

For the year ended March 31, 2011, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3.

A summary of the levels for the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2011 is included with the Funds’ schedules of investments.

Federal Taxes

The Funds’ policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to shareholders. The Funds have recorded in their financial statements the full benefit of their tax positions taken in connection with the RIC qualification and distribution requirements of the RIC. Therefore, no income tax provision is required. Also, in order to avoid the payment of any federal excise taxes, the Funds will distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net realized gains on a calendar year basis.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken in federal tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2011, no provision for income tax would be required in the Funds’financial statements. The Funds’federal and state income and federal excise returns for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

At March 31, 2011, the gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and cost of securities on a tax basis for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
Depreciation
    

Net Unrealized

Appreciation (Depreciation)

  

Cost of Securities

on a Tax Basis

 

U.S. Government Securities

     $30,861,394         ($3,312,250)       $27,549,144        $1,035,412,123   

Tax-Free Income

     813,617         (31,593,651)       (30,780,034)      171,649,606   

 

      

42

  

SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Continued)

 

      Unrealized
Appreciation
   Unrealized
Depreciation
   

Net Unrealized

Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

Cost of Securities

on a Tax Basis

Minnesota Tax-Free Income

   2,367,939      (13,491,679   (11,123,740)   297,748,386

Net investment income and net realized gains may differ for financial statement and tax purposes. The character of distributions made during the year for net investment income or net realized gains may also differ from its ultimate characterization for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

Year Ended March 31, 2011:

           
      Ordinary Income     

Tax-Exempt

Income

     Long Term
Capital Gain
     Total  

U.S. Government Securities

     $26,999,851         —           $271,533         $27,271,384   

Tax-Free Income*

             49,497         $7,034,048         —                7,083,545   

Minnesota Tax-Free Income*

             29,469         12,812,808         —              12,842,277   

* 99.3% and 99.8% of dividends were derived from interest on tax-exempt securities, on the Tax-Free Income and     Minnesota Tax-Free Income Funds, respectively.

 

Year Ended March 31, 2010:

           
      Ordinary Income      Tax-Exempt
Income
     Long Term
Capital Gain
     Total  

U.S. Government Securities

     $20,847,075         —           —           $20,847,075   

Tax-Free Income

     —              $7,118,383         —               7,118,383   

Minnesota Tax-Free Income

     —              12,192,570         —             12,192,570   

As of March 31, 2011, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

      Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
     Undistributed
Tax-Exempt Income
     Accumulated
Gain (Loss)
   Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

U.S. Government Securities

     $91,359         —                  ($671,163)    $27,530,686

Tax-Free Income

     —              $115,774       (26,123,413)    (30,780,034)

Minnesota Tax-Free Income

     —                173,748         (8,307,720)    (11,123,740)

On the statement of assets and liabilities for the Tax-Free Income Fund, as a result of permanent book-to-tax differences, reclassification adjustments of $11,447, $36,250 and $24,803 were made to decrease undistributed net investment income, increase accumulated net realized gain (loss), and decrease additional paid-in capital, respectively, to account for market discount accretion adjustments. In the Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund, adjustments of $64,122, $662,621 and $598,499 were made to decrease undistributed net investment income, increase accumulated net realized gain (loss), and decrease additional paid-in capital, respectively, to account for market discount accretion adjustments and capital loss carryforwards expiring.

Net capital loss carryovers and post-October capital losses, if any, as of March 31, 2011, are available to offset future realized capital gains and thereby reduce future capital gains distributions. The net capital loss carryovers and the post-October capital losses deferred as of March 31, 2011, were as follows:

 

      Capital Loss Carryover
Expiring in:
     Net Capital      Post-October
Capital Loss
     Accumulated
Capital and
 
      2012      2013-2018      Loss Carryover      Deferral      Other Losses  

U.S. Government Securities

     —          —                  $671,163           $671,163   

Tax-Free Income

     $1,461,177         $22,851,389         $24,312,566         1,810,847         26,123,413   

Minnesota Tax-Free Income

         403,028             7,904,692             8,307,720         —            8,307,720   

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   43


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Continued)

 

The Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (“Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2010. In general, the provisions of the Act will be effective for Funds with fiscal years ending after December 22, 2011. Under the Act, a Fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carry forwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses, and will not be considered exclusively short-term as under previous law.

Distributions

Distributions to shareholders are recorded as of the close of business on the record date. Such distributions are payable in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Funds’ capital stock. Distributions from net investment income are declared daily and paid monthly for the Funds. Distributions from net realized gains, if any, will be made annually for each of the Funds.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain 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 results. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under each Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to each Fund. In addition, certain of each Fund’s contracts with its service providers contain general indemnification clauses. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown since the amount of any future claims that may be made against each Fund cannot be determined and each Fund has no historical basis for predicting the likelihood of any such claims.

 

(3)

Investment Security Transactions

The cost of purchases of and proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities, other than short-term securities, for the year ended March 31, 2011, were as follows:

 

      Purchases      Proceeds  

U.S. Government Securities

   $ 604,900,013       $ 409,533,864   

Tax-Free Income

     44,864,301         49,425,916   

Minnesota Tax-Free Income

     79,825,163         69,777,819   

 

(4)

Affiliated Fees and Transactions

Investment Adviser

The Funds each have entered into an investment management agreement with Sit Investment Associates Inc. (SIA), under which SIA manages the Funds’ assets and provides research, statistical and advisory services, and pays related office rental, executive expenses and executive salaries. SIA also is obligated to pay all of the Funds’ expenses (excluding extraordinary expenses, stock transfer taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, and other transaction charges relating to investing activities). The fee for investment management and advisory services is based on the average daily net assets of the Funds at the annual rate of:

 

      Average Daily Net Assets    

U.S. Government Securities

   0.80%*     

Tax-Free Income

   0.80%**  

Minnesota Tax-Free Income

   0.80%     

* Prior to November 1, 2010, the investment management fee for the U.S. Government Securities Fund was charged at a higher rate. During the period October 1, 1993, through October 31, 2010, the Adviser voluntarily agreed to limit the flat monthly fee (and, thereby, all Fund expenses, except extraordinary expenses, interest, brokerage commissions and other transaction charges not payable by the Adviser) of the U.S. Government Securities Fund to an annual rate of 0.80% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In addition,

 

      

44

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Continued)

 

in February 2010, Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (FHLMC) announced programs to purchase delinquent mortgage loans from their guaranteed securities during March and April, 2010. These purchases caused the U.S. Government Securities Fund to incur losses recorded as a reduction of income. In response and to offset part of the losses, the Adviser voluntarily waived an additional portion of its management fee in April, 2010.

** For the period October 1, 1993, through December 31, 2011, the Adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit the flat monthly fee (and, thereby, all Fund expenses, except extraordinary expenses, interest, brokerage commissions and other transaction charges not payable by the Adviser) of the Tax-Free Income Fund to an annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $250 million and 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $500 million. After December 31, 2011, this voluntary fee waiver will be discontinued by the Adviser.

Transactions with affiliates

The investment adviser, affiliates of the investment adviser, directors and officers of the Funds as a whole owned the following shares as of March 31, 2011:

 

     Shares      % Shares Outstanding    

U.S. Government Securities

     1,871,297       2.0

Tax-Free Income

     1,411,291       8.6

Minnesota Tax-Free Income

     2,417,171       8.1

 

(5)

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events that would require disclosure in or adjustments to the financial statements.

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   45


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders:

Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund, Inc.

Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund, Inc., Sit Tax-Free Income Fund (a series of Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc.), and Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund (a series of Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc.) (the “Funds”), as of March 31, 2011, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2011, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund, Sit Tax-Free Income Fund, and Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund as of March 31, 2011, and the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and their financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

KPMG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 19, 2011

 

      

46

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


EXPENSE EXAMPLE (Unaudited)

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

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period October 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses 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. 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 (redemption fees) were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

     Beginning
Account
Value
(10/1/10)
   Ending
Account
Value
(3/31/11)
     Expenses
Paid During
Period*
(10/1/10-
3/31/11)
U.S. Government Securities Fund

Actual

   $1,000    $ 1,043.70       $4.08

Hypothetical

 

   $1,000

 

   $

 

1,020.94

 

  

 

   $4.03

 

Tax-Free Income Fund

Actual

   $1,000    $ 1,002.60       $3.99

Hypothetical

 

   $1,000

 

   $

 

1,020.94

 

  

 

   $4.03

 

Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund

Actual

   $1,000    $ 1,022.20       $4.03

Hypothetical

   $1,000    $ 1,020.94       $4.03

*Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.80% for the U.S. Government Securities Fund, the Tax-Free Income Fund and Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period.)

 

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

  

47


FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

Sit Bond Funds

For corporate shareholders, the percentage of investment income (dividend income and short-term gains, if any), for each of the Funds that qualify for the dividends-received deductions for the period of April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

Fund    Percentage

U.S. Government Securities Fund

   0.0%

Tax-Free Income Fund

   0.0   

Minnseota Tax-Free Income Fund

   0.0   

For the year ended March 31, 2011, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Of the distributions made by the following Funds, the corresponding percentages represent the amount of each distribution which may qualify for the 15% dividend income tax rate.

 

Fund    Percentage

U.S. Government Securities Fund

   0.0%

Tax-Free Income Fund

   0.0   

Minnseota Tax-Free Income Fund

   0.0   

 

The following Funds designated the listed amounts as long-term capital gain dividends during the year ended March 31, 2011. Distributable long-term gains are based on net realized long term gains determined on a tax basis and may differ from such amounts for financial reporting purposes.

 

Fund    Amount  

U.S. Government Securities Fund

   $ 271,533   

Tax-Free Income Fund

       

Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund

       

For the year ended March 31, 2011, 99.3% and 99.8% of dividends were derived from interest on tax-exempt securities for the Tax-Free Income Fund and Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund, respectively. This portion of exempt-interest dividends is exempt from federal taxes and should not be included in shareholders’gross income. Exempt-interest dividends may be subject to state and local taxes. Each shareholder should consult a tax adviser about reporting this income for state and local tax purposes.

 

 

      

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INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

The Sit Mutual Funds are a family of no-load mutual funds. The bond funds described in this Annual Report are the Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund, Sit Tax-Free Income Fund, and Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund (the “Funds” or individually, a “Fund”). The Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund, and the corporate issuer of the Sit Tax-Free Income Fund and the Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund have a Board of Directors and officers. Pursuant to Minnesota law, the Boards of Directors are responsible for the management of the Funds and the establishment of the Funds’ policies. The officers of the Funds manage the day-to-day operation of the Funds. Information pertaining to the directors and officers of the Funds is set forth below. The business address, unless otherwise noted below, is that of the Funds’ investment adviser – 3300 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. The Boards have a separate Audit Committee. The Bond Funds’ SAI has additional information about the Fund’s directors and is available without charge upon request by calling the Sit Funds at 800-332-5580.

 

Name, Age, and

Position with

the Fund

  

Term of

Office (1)

and Length of Time

Served

  

Principal Occupation(s) During    

Past Five Years

  

Number of Funds

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Director

  

Other Directorships

Held by Director (3)

INTERESTED DIRECTORS:

              

Roger J. Sit (2)

Age: 49

Chairman and

President

   Chairman since 10/08; Officer since 1998.    Chairman, President, CEO and Global CIO of Sit Investment Associates, Inc. (the “Adviser”); Chairman and CEO of Sit Investment Fixed Income Advisors, Inc. (“SF”); Chairman of SIA Securities Corp. (the “Distributor”).    12    None.

William E. Frenzel (2)

Age: 82

Director

   Director since 1991 or the Fund’s inception if later.    Guest Scholar at The Brookings Institution and member of several government policy committees, foundations and organizations; Director of the Adviser; Director of SF.    12    None.

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:

              

John P. Fagan

Age: 80

Director

   Director since 2006 or the Fund’s inception, if later.    Honorary member of Board of St. Joseph’s College in Rensselar, Indiana.    12    None.

Sidney L. Jones

Age: 77

Director

   Director since 1993 or the Fund’s inception, if later: Director from 1988 to 1989.    Lecturer, Washington Campus Consortium of 17 Universities.    12    None.

Bruce C. Lueck

Age: 70

Director

   Director since 2004 or the Fund’s inception, if later.    Consultant for Zephyr Management, L.P. (investment management) and committee member of several investment funds and foundations.    12    None.

Donald W. Phillips

Age: 62

Director

   Director of the International Fund since 1993, and since 1990 or the Fund’s inception if later for all other Funds.    Chairman and CEO of WP Global Partners Inc., 7/05 to present; CEO and CIO of WestLB Asset Management (USA) LLC, 4/00 to 4/05.    12    None.

Barry N. Winslow

Age: 63

Director

   Director since 2010.    Vice-Chairman of TCF Financial Corporation, 7/08 to present; COO 2006 to 2007; President of the national charter 2001-2006.    12    TCF Financial Corporation.

 

      

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   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

 

 

Name, Age, and

Position with

the Fund

 

Term of

Office (1)

and Length of Time

Served

  

Principal Occupation(s) During

Past Five Years

  

Number of Funds

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Director

  

Other Directorships

Held by Director (3)

OFFICERS:

Mark H. Book

Age: 47

Vice President –

Investments of U.S.

Govt. Fund only

 

Officer since 2002;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Vice President and Portfolio Manager of SF.

  

N/A

  

N/A

Kelly K. Boston

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary &

Assistant Treasurer

 

Officer since 2000;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Staff Attorney of the Adviser; Secretary of the Distributor.

  

N/A

  

N/A

Michael C. Brilley

Age: 65

Senior Vice President

 

Officer since 1985;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Senior Vice President and Senior Fixed Income Officer of the Adviser; Director and President and Chief Fixed-Income Officer of SF.

  

N/A

  

N/A

Bryce A. Doty

Age: 44

Vice President -

Investments of U.S.

Govt. Fund only.

 

Officer since 1996;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of SF.

  

N/A

  

N/A

Paul J. Junquist

Age: 49

Vice President -

Investments of

Tax-Free & MN

Tax-Free Funds only.

 

Officer since 1996;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Vice President and Portfolio Manager of SF.

  

N/A

  

N/A

Michael J. Radmer

50 S. 6th Street

Minneapolis, MN

55401

Age: 65

Secretary

 

Officer since 1984;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Partner of the Funds’ general counsel, Dorsey & Whitney, LLP.

  

N/A

  

N/A

Paul E. Rasmussen

Age: 50

Vice President,

Treasurer & Chief

Compliance Officer

 

Officer since 1994;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Vice President, Secretary, Controller and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser; Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer of SF; President and Treasurer of the Distributor.

  

N/A

  

N/A

Carla J. Rose

Age: 44

Vice President,

Assistant Secretary &

Assistant Treasurer

 

Officer since 2000;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Vice President, Administration & Deputy Controller of the Adviser; Vice President, Controller, Treasurer & Assistant Secretary of SF; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Distributor.

   N/A    N/A

Debra A. Sit (3)

Age: 50

Vice President -

Investments

 

Officer since 1994;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

  

Vice President – Bond Investments of the Adviser; Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager of SF.

   N/A    N/A

 

 

 

1 

Directors serve until their death, resignation, removal or the next shareholder meeting at which election of directors is an agenda item and a successor is duly elected and qualified.

2 

Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Funds as that term is defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940. Mr. Sit is considered an “interested person” because he is a director and shareholder of Sit Investment Associates, Inc., the Fund’s investment adviser. Mr. Frenzel is deemed to be an interested person because he is a director and shareholder of the Fund’s investment adviser.

3 

Includes only directorships of companies required to report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i.e., public companies) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   51


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

PROXY VOTING

Each fund follows certain policies and procedures for voting proxies for securities held in each portfolio. A description of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge upon request by calling the Funds at 1-800-332-5580.

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by calling the Funds at 1-800-332-5580, and is available on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

AVAILABILITY OF QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULES

The Funds’ file their complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Form N-Qs are available without charge upon request by calling the Funds at 1-800-332-5580 and are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Funds’ Form N-Qs may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-202-551-8090.

RE-APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

At their joint meeting held on October 25, 2010 the Boards of Directors of the Sit Mutual Funds unanimously approved the continuation for another one year period the investment management agreements entered into by and between Sit Investment Associates, Inc. (“SIA”) and Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc. dated November 1, 1992; and Sit U.S. Government Securities Fund, Inc. dated November 1, 1992 (the “Agreements”).

The Boards approved the Agreements after a lengthy discussion and consideration of various factors relating to both the Boards’ selection of SIA as the investment adviser and the Boards’ approval of the fees to be paid under the Agreements.

Investment Adviser Criteria. The Directors began their analysis by discussing their criteria for determining the quality of an investment adviser. The Directors’ noted that their analysis is similar to that used by institutional investors in evaluating and selecting investment advisers. The Directors discussed several factors used to determine the overall quality of an investment adviser and the nature, extent and quality of the services performed by SIA, including the following:

Investment Philosophy and Process. The Directors considered SIA’s philosophy of managing assets. With respect to fixed income securities, SIA stresses the consistent attainment of superior risk-adjusted returns using a conservative investment management approach that identifies pricing anomalies in the market and management of portfolio duration.

With respect to fixed income securities, SIA seeks investment grade securities with a special emphasis on interest income and significant stability of principal value. SIA’s style seeks to avoid excessive return volatility and generate consistent results over an economic cycle. The Directors noted that the Bond Funds’ objectives are to seek high current income. The Directors reviewed the Bond Funds’ characteristics, and noted that SIA has consistently managed the Bond Funds in this style. The Directors noted that since the Bond Funds emphasize income, they may at times not rank highly in total return comparisons with other funds during certain periods.

The Directors discussed SIA’s consistent and well-defined investment process. With respect to fixed income securities, the portfolio managers are responsible for implementing the strategy set forth in the Chief Fixed Income Officer’s duration targets and the Chief Investment Officer’s interest rate projections.

Investment Professionals. The Directors discussed the experience, knowledge and organizational stability of SIA and its investment professionals. The Directors noted that SIA’s senior professionals are actively involved in the investment process and have significant investment industry experience.

 

      

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   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

The Directors discussed the depth of SIA’s investment staff. The Directors noted that SIA has over 30 investment professionals. Given the investment products offered by SIA and the assets under management, the Directors determined that SIA’s investment staff is well positioned to meet the current needs of its clients, including the Funds, and to accommodate growth in the number of clients and assets under management for the near future. The Directors concluded that the depth of the investment staff, and in particular senior management and investment analysts, is actually greater than the Funds currently require at their present asset size. The Directors noted that SIA has the resources of a $9.8 billion investment firm working for the benefit of the Fund shareholders.

Investment Performance. The Directors reviewed and discussed the Funds’ investment performance on an absolute and comparable basis for various periods as discussed below. The Directors noted that the investment performance of the Funds has generally been competitive with indices and other funds with similar investment styles as the Funds, such as fixed income funds seeking to maximize income.

Corporate Culture. The Directors discussed SIA’s corporate values to operate under the highest ethical and professional standards. SIA’s culture is set and practiced by senior management who insist that all professionals exhibit honesty and integrity. The Board noted that the firm’s values are evident in all of the services provided to the Funds.

Review of Specific Factors. The Directors continued their analysis by reviewing specific information on SIA and the Funds and specific terms of the Agreements, including the following.

Investment Performance. The Directors reviewed investment performance of each Fund for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, year-to-date, 1 year, 5 years (as applicable), 10 years (as applicable) and since inception, both on an absolute basis and on a comparative basis to indices and mutual funds within the same investment categories. As noted above, the Directors concluded that the investment performance of the Funds has been competitive in relation to their stated objectives and strategies on a comparable basis with funds with similar objectives and strategies.

Fees and Expenses. The Directors noted that the Funds pay SIA a monthly fee and SIA is responsible for all of the Funds’ expenses except interest, brokerage commissions and transaction charges and certain extraordinary expenses. The Directors reviewed fees paid in prior years and the fees to be paid under the Agreements, both before and after the voluntary waiver of fees by SIA with respect to the Tax-Free Income Fund and U.S. Government Fund. The Directors noted that under the Agreements, the fees paid with respect to the U.S. Government Fund and the Tax-Free Income Fund (at its current asset level) will be equal to the fees paid previously net of the voluntary waiver of fees by SIA, and SIA will discontinue its voluntary waiver of fees with respect to both Funds as of December 31, 2010.

The Directors reviewed the average and median expense ratios of mutual funds within the same investment category for each Fund. The Directors noted that each Fund’s total expense ratio compares favorably to the total expense ratios of other no-load funds within the Fund’s Morningstar category, and are lower than the average total expense ratio for the full Morningstar category. The Directors concluded that the fees paid by the Funds are reasonable and appropriate.

The Directors reviewed the extent to which the fees to be paid under the Agreements by each Fund may be affected by an increase in the Fund’s assets, which included reviewing each Fund’s current and historical assets and the likelihood and magnitude of future increases in the Fund’s assets. The Directors agreed that it is appropriate that the Funds benefit from improved economies of scale as the Funds’ assets increase. However, the Directors concluded that given the limited size of the Funds, negotiating a graduated fee structure is unnecessary since it is unlikely that the size of the Funds will increase enough to justify a graduated fee schedule within the near future.

The Directors reviewed the expenses paid by SIA relating to the operations of the Funds, and SIA’s income with respect to the management of the Funds for the past two calendar years. The Directors concluded that the expenses paid were appropriate.

The Directors reviewed SIA’s investment advisory fee schedule for investment management services provided to other clients. The Directors compared the services provided to the Funds and other clients of SIA, and recognized that the Funds’ expenses are borne by SIA. The Directors concluded that the fees paid by the Funds in relation to the fees paid by other SIA clients were appropriate and reasonable. The Directors also concluded that SIA’s profit margin with respect to the management of the Funds was appropriate.

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   53


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The Directors discussed the extent to which SIA receives benefits from the relationship with the Funds such as soft dollar arrangements by which brokers provide research services to SIA as a result of brokerage generated by the Funds. The Board concluded that any benefits SIA receives from its relationship with the Funds are well within industry norms and are reflected in the amount of the fees paid by the Funds to SIA and are appropriate and reasonable.

Non-Advisory Services. The Directors considered the quality of non-advisory services which SIA provides to the Funds (and their shareholders) and the quality and depth of SIA’s non-investment personnel who provide such services. Directors concluded that the level of such services and the quality and depth of such personnel are consistent with industry standards.

Finally, the Directors considered the compliance staff and the regulatory history of SIA and the Funds, and concluded that both are consistent with industry standards.

Based on these conclusions, without any single conclusion being dispositive, the Directors determined that renewal of the Agreements was in the interest of each Fund and its shareholders.

 

      

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56

  


LOGO


LOGO


Sit Mutual Funds

HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Chairman’s Letter

     2     

Fund Review and Schedule of Investments

     4     

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     11     

Statement of Operations

     12     

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     13     

Financial Highlights

     14     

Notes to Financial Statements

     15     

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     19     

Expense Example

     20     

Federal Tax Information

     21     

Information About Directors and Officers

     22     

Additional Information

     24     

 

 

This document must be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus.


 

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Year Ended March 31, 2011

 

 

 

Dear fellow shareholders:

U.S. fixed-income markets performed well over the first half of the last year, but significant and conflicting forces challenged the markets during the latter half of the year. Some of these forces included: improving economic conditions in the U.S. economy; a massive increase in the money supply as a result of the Federal Reserve’s second round of quantitative easing (QE2); a sovereign debt crisis in Europe; political instability in the Middle East; and fiscal concerns at all levels of government in the U.S.

Taxable bond yields increased and the yield curve steepened during the last six months, with short-term yields remaining at historic lows and longer-term U.S. Treasury yields increasing. Specifically, the one-year maturity U.S.Treasury bill yield increased 2 basis points to 0.27%, while the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yield increased 82 basis points to 4.51%. Most taxable bond sectors experienced negative returns over the last six months, but still delivered strong returns over the last year. Commercial mortgage-backed securities and home equity securities were the strongest sectors for both the six-month and one-year time periods. Lower quality bonds outperformed higher quality bonds during the last six and twelve months. In terms of duration, longer bonds outperformed shorter bonds during the last year; however, this trend reversed during the last six-months with shorter duration outperforming longer duration bonds.

Tax-exempt bond yields showed a similar pattern of increased yields and more pronounced yield curve steepening during the six-month period. The one-year Municipal Market Data (MMD) AAA GO increased 2 basis points to 0.30%, while the 30-year MMD AAA GO increased 110 basis points to 4.80%. The sharp rise in yields that began in the fourth quarter of 2010 continued through mid-January before settling at lower levels in February and March. The slowing pace of mutual fund redemptions, combined with the lowest quarterly issuance volume since the first quarter of 2000 and the entrance of taxable crossover buyers, helped stabilize the market recently. The Barclays Five-year Municipal Bond Index produced a total return of -1.0% and +3.2% for the six-month and one-year periods ended March 31, respectively. Among revenue bonds, housing and resource recovery bonds led the six-month and one-year periods. Intermediate duration bonds outperformed shorter and longer duration over the last year while shorter duration bonds outperformed over the last six-months.

U.S. economic activity is at a new high after recovering from the severe contraction of activity resulting from the financial crisis. The final estimate fourth quarter 2010 real GDP growth was revised up to +3.1% from the previous estimate of +2.8%. Impressively, year-over-year changes in real GDP components have actually been remarkably steady in the +2.5 to +3.0% range over the past four quarters.

The nonfarm payroll report, released on April 1st, revealed that 216,000 jobs were created in March, compared with the consensus expectation of 190,000 jobs. Even more notably, private sector payrolls grew by 564,000 in the first quarter, which is the highest level since the first quarter of 2006 and marked the fifth consecutive quarterly increase. The unemployment rate drifted downward to 8.8%, compared to 9.8% as recently as November. The full one percentage point decline in four months is the steepest reduction over such a period since January 1984. However, the labor participation rate, which had been in a moderate downtrend since 2000 and had accelerated with the recession, has yet to show improvement and remains at 64.2% vs. 66.0% at the beginning of the recession and 67.3% in early 2000.

Inflation, as measured by the headline Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI), increased +0.5% from the January level or +2.1% year-over-year in February. Not surprisingly, energy costs continued to rise, up +3.4% from January. Core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy components, increased +0.2%, slightly ahead of the +0.1% consensus estimate. While inflation is clearly increasing, much of the rise has been caused by food and energy commodities, which will be “transitory,” according to a recent FOMC statement. Nonetheless, investors are clearly beginning to sharpen their focus on inflation expectations.

Through the first five months of fiscal year 2011, the federal budget deficit stands at $641 billion, approximately $10 billion less than the comparable period last year. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the fiscal 2011 deficit will be $1.48 trillion versus a 2010 deficit of $1.29 trillion. Despite all of the news grabbing headlines from Washington surrounding the debate on the budget, none of the current proposals from Congress will meaningfully change the budget outlook for 2011.

The Federal Reserve’s U.S. trade-weighted major currencies dollar index declined -1.6% in March from the February level and -5.8% on a year-over-year basis. The dollar is very near the all-time lows that were reached in early 2008. Given the fiscal difficulties the U.S. faces over both the near and long term, we do not expect a sustained rally in the dollar, but there may be short-term, technically driven rallies.

We expect the current economic recovery to continue at a subpar pace. Consumer spending continues to be subdued, as improvements in employment have been measureable but slow. Two significant problems remaining in the U.S. economy are high unemployment and a weak housing market. Significant job creation is naturally one of the last things to occur in any economic recovery. In a general economic cycle, recessions cause corporations to lose money, followed by workforce reductions and bankruptcies until the surviving companies are once again profitable. But after a few quarters of stable operations and profits, corporations will risk hiring people and

 

 

      

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   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

    

    

    

 

 

expand their businesses. We believe the moderate economic growth should continue to create jobs but the process will be long, slow and erratic.

Likewise, the very weak housing market has begun to stabilize even though a full recovery will take considerable time. While home prices are near their lows, year-over-year home price comparisons are distorted because last year’s home prices were artificially inflated by the home buyer tax credit that expired in April of 2010. One of our preferred housing data points is the trend in unsold housing inventory. We like to include homes that are also in foreclosure (often referred to as “shadow inventory”) and properties owned by borrowers that are more than 60 days delinquent on their mortgage. This measure of total housing inventory has steadily declined for 15 months and we expect this trend to continue.

The rapid deterioration of the federal deficit and, to a lesser degree, state and local budgets remain challenging to the economy. The Federal Reserve’s aggressive money printing program is already distorting financial markets (the real challenge will come when the Fed tries to reverse the process). The normal threat of rising inflation that comes with an expanding economy is heightened by the Fed’s 30% increase in the money supply over the past three years. Recent external factors will likely continue to slow the recovery both globally and in the U.S., namely: continuing issues surrounding the European sovereign debt crisis; unrest in the Middle East; and the earthquake in Japan. The revolutions in the Middle East will have unpredictable outcomes. Japan’s earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis have disrupted the lives of everyone in the country and many companies around the world, but we expect the extraordinary culture and work ethic of the Japanese to help them recover from this terrible tragedy. While the effect on the Japanese people will be long term, we expect the effects on the world economy to be more limited.

As Japan recovers from the massive earthquake, employment improves, and housing stabilizes, there will be little to stop the gradual rising trend in interest rates. Treasury yields for most 5 to 10-year maturities have already risen by a full percentage point since last November, when the Fed announced their intention to print $600 billion by “purchasing” U.S. Treasury bonds. Shifting from recovery mode to a phase of economic expansion, accompanied by high unemployment, a weak housing market, the Japanese earthquake, and the fact that the U.S. is waging multiple wars simultaneously all serve to create multiple opposing pressures on the direction of interest rates. Wars, natural disasters, weak housing markets, and high unemployment tend to push rates lower. Improving economic growth, printing money, and rising inflation expectations tend

to push rates higher. We believe the effects of the latter will eventually outweigh those of the former.

Our current taxable bond strategy continues to be underweighting U.S. Treasury bonds and investing in securities that will minimize the negative effects of rising interest rates (if not directly benefit). Examples include variable rate securities; short average life bonds with high levels of principal repayments 2 to 3 years from now; inflation-linked securities; and short duration, high-coupon, government agency mortgage securities. We have also been able to maintain portfolio yields at levels more than 1% higher than their benchmarks.

Our tax-exempt strategy continues to favor revenue bonds over general obligation bonds with significant weightings in A or BBB rated tax-exempt credits. Tax-exempt bond yields remain quite high relative to taxable bond yields, particularly for intermediate and longer duration bonds. Specifically, the ratio of MMD AAA GO to U.S. Treasuries ended the year at 107% for 30-year bonds and 84% for 10-year bonds versus longer-term averages of 90% and 82%, respectively. Furthermore, yield spreads between AAA and A or BBB tax-exempts also remain quite high. We expect yield ratios between tax-exempts and taxables to decline and quality spreads to narrow as tax-exempt supply normalizes and as credit concerns lessen as state and local bond issuers make progress in moving towards balanced budgets. The slope of the tax-exempt municipal yield curve, as measured by the MMD AAA general obligation curve, steepened markedly over the year to 448 basis points from 385 basis points at the end of last March, placing it at the high end of the range experienced over the last 30 years. As a result, although inflation expectations are increasing modestly, we continue to position municipal portfolios modestly longer than their benchmarks.

All portfolios continue to emphasize high levels of current income and diversification to manage risk. Thank you for your continued interest in the Sit family of mutual funds.

With best wishes,

LOGO

Roger J. Sit

Chairman and President

Sit Mutual Funds

 

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   3


    Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

The Fund seeks high current income that is exempt from federal regular income tax. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in municipal securities that generate interest income that is exempt from regular federal income tax. During normal market conditions, the Fund invests 100% (and, as a fundamental policy, no less than 80%) of its net assets in such tax-exempt municipal securities.

 

 

 

The Fund provided investors with a -0.15% total return for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 compared to a +1.61% return for the Barclays Municipal Bond Index. As of March 31, 2011, the Fund’s 30-day SEC yield was 4.08%, and its 12-month distribution rate was 4.92%.

The tax-exempt bond yield curve has steepened considerably over the past twelve months, with short-term rates relatively unchanged at very low levels, while long-term yields rose almost 100 basis points, mainly due to record mutual fund outflows beginning in November 2010, very heavy supply in the fourth quarter of 2010, and the announcement and implementation of additional quantitative easing (QE2), also beginning in November 2010. Spreads widened considerably for lower-rated and non-rated credits during the period. Specifically, spreads widened by over 50 basis points for A-rated credits and over 100 basis points for BBB-rated credits. Much of the spread widening was a result of investors’ reduced appetite for risk, perhaps resulting from predictions of extremely elevated levels of defaults for municipal bonds (a prediction we do not subscribe to, and which has not been borne out thus far in 2011), not weakening credit fundamentals. The Fed is likely on the sidelines in terms of interest rate policy until late 2011 or early 2012. The Fed will need to see sustainable positive growth, a significantly improving employment picture and/or a fanning of inflation to start to raise short-term interest rates. We expect positive but subpar growth, modestly improving employment and moderate but slowly increasing inflation during the remainder of 2011. The Fund’s net asset value fell during this volatile period, falling from $8.72 at March 31, 2010 to $8.29 at March 31, 2011. The Fund experienced a substantial decrease in net assets over the period to approximately $35 million, down from $70 million.

The Fund’s most significant investments during the period were in the other revenue (primarily tax increment financing and land-secured) sector (15%), the multi-family housing (primarily senior living) sector (12%), the education (primarily charter schools) sector (11%), and the healthcare (primarily hospitals) sector (9%). The Fund expects to maintain significant weightings in these sectors over the near term.

HYPOTHETICAL GROWTH OF $10,000

 

LOGO

The chart above illustrates the total value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund over the past 10 years (or for the life of the Fund if shorter) as compared to the performance of the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns include the reinvestment of distributions. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

1 The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged, rules-based, market-value-weighted index for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. The index includes bonds with a minimum credit rating of BBB. The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund also maintained a significant cash equivalents position (13%) at March 31 due to the significant amount of redemptions it has been experiencing and may experience going forward. We have shortened the Fund’s average life duration to 6.1 years from 6.3 years during the period. Duration may continue to come down if the Fund continues to shrink.

Michael C. Brilley

Debra A. Sit, CFA

Paul J. Jungquist, CFA

Portfolio Managers

 

 

      

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COMPARATIVE RATES OF RETURN

 

as of March 31 , 2011

 

     One Year  

Three

Year

 

Since

Inception

(12/31/06)

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

  -0.15%   1.95%   0.40%

Barclays Capital Muni Bond Index 1

  1.61   4.46   3.79

Barclays Capital High Yield Muni Bond Index/5 Yr 2

  6.68   3.93   3.10

Composite Index 3

 

  4.14   4.26   3.49

Performance figures are historical and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Contact the Fund for performance data current to the most recent month-end. Returns include changes in share price as well as reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. Returns do not reflect the deduction of the 2% redemption fee imposed if shares are redeemed or exchanged within 30 calendar days from their date of purchase. If imposed, the fee would reduce the performance quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Management fees and administrative expenses are included in the Fund’s performance. Returns for periods greater than one year are compounded average annual rates of return.

1 The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged, rules-based, market-value-weighted index for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. The index includes investment grade bonds with a minimum credit rating of BBB. The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

2 The Barclays Capital 5-Year High Yield Municipal Bond Index is the 5 year (4-6) component of the High-Yield Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged, rules-based, market-value-weighted index made up of bonds that are non-investment grade, unrated, or rated below BB+.The returns include the reinvestment of income and do not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

3 A composite index comprised of 50% Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index and 50% Barclays Capital 5-Year High-Yield Municipal Bond Index.

FUND DIVERSIFICATION

 

 

Other Revenue

     15.0

Insured

     12.4

Multifamily Mortgage Revenue

     12.1

Education/Student Loan

     11.2

Hospital/Health Care

     9.0

Sectors less than 5.0%

     27.3

Cash & other net assets

     13.0

 

 

Based on total net assets as of March 31, 2011. Subject to change.

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

 

 

Net Asset Value 3/31/11:

   $8.29 Per Share

Net Asset Value 3/31/10:

   $8.72 Per Share

Total Net Assets:

   $35.3 Million

30-day SEC Yield 4:

   4.08%

Tax Equivalent Yield 5:

   6.28%

12-month Distribution Rate 4:

   4.92%

Average Maturity:

   13.0 Years

Effective Duration 6:

   6.1 Years

4 The SEC Yield reflects the rate at which the Fund is earning income on its current portfolio of securities, while the distribution rate reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders based on the net investment income distributed and the average NAV during the past 12 months. Accordingly, the Fund’s SEC yield and distribution rate may differ.

5 The tax-equivalent yield is based on an assumed tax rate of 35.0%.

6 Duration is a measure of estimated price sensitivity relative to changes in interest rates. Portfolios with longer durations are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates. For example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the market value of a security with an effective duration of 5 years would decrease by 5%, with all other factors being constant. The correlation between duration and price sensitivity is greater for securities rated investment-grade than it is for securities rated below investment-grade. Duration estimates are based on assumptions by the Adviser and are subject to a number of limitations. Effective duration is calculated based on historical price changes of securities held by the Fund, and therefore is a more accurate estimate of price sensitivity provided interest rates remain within their historical range.

QUALITY RATINGS (% of Total Net Assets)

 

LOGO

 

Adviser’s Assessment of Non-Rated Securities:

AAA

   0.0%  

AA

   0.0  

A

   2.3  

BBB

   5.6  

BB

   8.2  

<BB

   2.2  
      

Total

   18.3%  
 

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   5


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

 

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

  Name of Issuer   

Coupon

Rate (%)

     Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 

Municipal Bonds - 82.1%

  

Alabama - 0.9%

        
300,000  

Bessemer Medical Clinic Rev. (Bessemer Carraway) (NATL-RE Insured)

     7.25         4/1/15         300,816   
                

Alaska - 1.0%

        
250,000  

AK Industrial Dev. & Export Rev. (Boys & Girls Home)

     5.50         12/1/12         200,000   
150,000  

Matanuska-Susitna Boro C.O.P (Animal Care) 9

     5.75         3/1/23         153,354   
                
          

 

 

 

353,354

 

  

                

Arizona - 6.2%

        
  1,000,000  

Goodyear McDowell Rd. Comm. Corridor Improvement Dist. Special Assessment (AMBAC Insured)

     5.25         1/1/32         924,950   
250,000  

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (AZ Charter Schools Proj.)

     6.75         7/1/31         230,225   
90,000  

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (Center For Academic Success Proj.) 4

     5.38         7/1/22         79,565   
250,000  

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (Coral Academy Science Proj.)

     6.38         12/1/18         244,140   
250,000  

Pima Co. Industrial Dev. Auth. Education Rev. (Tucson Country Day School Proj.)

     5.00         6/1/22         213,760   
505,000  

Southside Community Special Assessment Rev. (Prescott Valley)

     6.13         7/1/18         475,225   
                
          

 

 

 

2,167,865

 

  

                

California - 19.3%

        
250,000  

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Rev. 4

     6.00         7/1/18         235,738   
250,000  

CA Finance Auth. Rev. (Kern Regional Center Proj.) 9

     6.88         5/1/25         257,910   
250,000  

CA Finance Auth. Rev. (Literacy First Proj.)

     5.50         9/1/22         226,122   
250,000  

CA Health Facs. Finance Auth. Rev. (Sutter Health) (NATL-RE Insured)

     5.38         8/15/30         235,222   
500,000  

CA Housing Finance Agency Rev. (Non Ace-Mortgage)

     5.45         8/1/33         474,010   
250,000  

CA Hsg. Finance Agy. Home Mtg. Rev.

     5.20         8/1/28         242,130   
400,000  

CA Municipal Finance Auth. Educational Fac. Rev. (King/Chavez)

     8.00         10/1/22         440,636   
250,000  

CA Municipal Finance Auth. Rev. Sr. Living (Pilgrim Place Claremont) (CA MTG Insured)

     5.88         5/15/29         249,428   
250,000  

CA School Facs. Finance Auth. Rev. (Azusa Unified School District) (AGM Insured) 6

     6.00         8/1/29         174,360   
350,000  

CA Statewide Communities Dev. Auth. Rev. (American Baptist)

     5.75         10/1/25         329,500   
250,000  

El Paso De Robles Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation

     6.38         7/1/33         253,728   
245,000  

Foothill/Eastern Corridor Agy. Toll Road Rev. Ref. 6

     9.65         1/15/22         104,020   
500,000  

Hartnell Community College G.O. 6

     7.00         8/1/34         236,295   
395,000  

Hawthorne School District G.O. (1997 Election) (NATL-RE Insured) 6

     6.70         11/1/26         130,397   
300,000  

Kern Public Services Fin. Auth. Lease Rev. (County Services Fac. Proj.) 9

     5.25         3/1/27         284,778   
1,000,000  

La Mirada Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation (Merged Proj.) (NATL-RE Insured) 6

     6.70         8/15/27         317,580   
250,000  

Lancaster Redev. Agy. Tax Allocation (Redev. Projs.)

     6.00         8/1/24         218,132   
300,000  

Los Angeles Unified School District C.O.P. (Administration Building Proj.) (AMBAC Insured) 9

     5.00         10/1/31         262,956   
150,000  

Mill Valley C.O.P. (The Redwoods) (NATL-RE IBC CA MTG Insured)

     5.75         12/1/20         150,486   
250,000  

Palmdale Community Redev. Agy. Tax Allocation (AMBAC Insured) 6

     6.95         12/1/20         137,412   
250,000  

Richmond Joint Powers Lease Rev. (Point Potrero)

     6.25         7/1/24         262,580   
200,000  

Riverside Co. Asset Leasing Rev. (Riverside Co. Hospital) (NATL-RE Insured) 6, 9

     6.60         6/1/24         77,890   
250,000  

Rohnert Park Community Dev. Tax Allocation (NATL-RE Insured) 6

     7.75         8/1/30         58,483   
250,000  

San Gorgonio Health Care G.O. (Election 2006)

     7.00         8/1/27         265,142   
250,000  

South Bayside Waste Management Rev. (Shoreway Environmental Center)

     6.25         9/1/29         258,740   
350,000  

Sulphur Springs Union School District C.O.P. Capital Appreciation (AGM Insured) 6

     6.50         12/1/37         253,890   
500,000  

Tustin Unified School District G.O. Capital Appreciation 6

     6.05         8/1/28         291,675   
500,000  

Val Verde Unified School District G.O. Capital Appreciation (AGM Insured) 6

     6.13         8/1/34         225,805   
235,000  

Vallejo City Unified School District Special Tax (Community Facilities District No. 2) (XLCA Insured)

     4.15         9/1/31         153,185   
                
          

 

 

 

6,808,230

 

  

                

Colorado - 1.4%

        
250,000  

CO Education & Cultural Facs. Auth. Rev. (CO Springs Charter Academy Proj.)

     5.60         7/1/34         225,110   
1,000,000  

E-470 Public Highway Auth. Rev. Capital Appreciation (NATL-RE Insured) 6

     6.20         9/1/28         272,770   
                
          

 

 

 

497,880

 

  

                

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

6

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

    

    

    

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

  Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
     Fair
Value ($)
 

 

Florida - 1.3%

        
100,000  

Connerton West Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. (Pasco Co.) 2, 5

     5.13         5/1/16         39,970   
250,000  

Gramercy Farms Community Dev. District Special Assessment 2, 5

     5.10         5/1/14         109,600   
150,000  

Highlands Co. Health Facs. Auth. Rev. (Adventist Health) 1

     5.00         11/15/31         138,375   
400,000  

Miami-Dade Co. Special Obligation Rev. Ref. Sub. (NATL-RE Insured) 6

     7.01         10/1/24         161,276   
25,000  

Waters Edge Community Dev. District Cap. Improvement Special Assessment Rev. 2, 5

     5.00         11/1/12         10,983   
                
          

 

 

 

460,204

 

  

                

Georgia - 2.1%

        
150,000  

Atlanta Tax Allocation (Eastside Proj.)

     5.60         1/1/30         137,446   
500,000  

Gainesville & Hall Co. Development Auth. Rev.

     6.38         11/15/29         503,410   
100,000  

Medical Center Hospital Auth. Rev. Ref. (Spring Harbor Green Island Proj.)

     5.25         7/1/27         81,651   
                
          

 

 

 

722,507

 

  

                

Hawaii - 1.0%

        
350,000  

Hawaii State Dept. of Budget & Fin. Special Purpose Rev. (Kahala Nui Proj.)

     8.00         11/15/33         365,250   
                

Idaho - 2.1%

        
300,000  

ID Hsg. & Fin. Assoc. Economic Dev. Rev. (TDF Facs. Proj. Recovery Zone Facs.)

     6.50         2/1/26         299,964   
250,000  

ID Hsg. & Fin. Assoc. Nonprofit Facs. Rev. (Compass Public Charter School Proj.)

     5.50         7/1/30         200,972   
150,000  

ID Hsg. & Fin. Assoc. Nonprofit Facs. Rev. (Liberty Charter School Proj.)

     5.50         6/1/21         140,328   
100,000  

ID Hsg. & Fin. Assoc. Nonprofit Facs. Rev. (North Star Charter School)

     9.00         7/1/21         110,443   
                
          

 

 

 

751,707

 

  

                

Illinois - 7.5%

        
320,000  

Cook Co. School District No. 148 Rev. (Dolton)

     5.50         12/1/27         294,717   
210,000  

IL Dev. Fin. Auth. Rev. (Provena Health) (NATL-RE Insured)

     5.13         5/15/23         197,942   
170,000  

IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (Community Rehab. Providers Facs.)

     4.20         7/1/11         169,199   
150,000  

IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (Elmhurst Memorial)

     5.63         1/1/37         127,574   
205,000  

IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (International Ice Center) 2, 5

     7.00         12/1/35         18,382   
250,000  

IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (Noble Network Charter School) (ACA Insured)

     5.00         9/1/27         186,922   
250,000  

IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (Rush Univ. Medical Center)

     6.38         11/1/29         255,438   
100,000  

IL Fin. Auth. Rev. (Wesleyan Univ.) (CIFG Insured)

     4.20         9/1/20         89,871   
200,000  

IL Fin. Auth. Sports Facs. Rev. (North Shore Ice Arena Proj.)

     6.25         12/1/38         139,432   
150,000  

IL Health Facs. Auth. Rev. (Centegra Health Sys.) (AMBAC-TCRS Insured)

     5.25         9/1/24         136,502   
100,000  

IL Health Facs. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Sinai Health) (FHA Insured)

     5.00         8/15/24         100,661   
100,000  

Lake Co. Community School District #3 G.O. (Beach Park) (AMBAC Insured) 6

     6.47         2/1/19         71,983   
82,000  

Manhattan Special Service Area Special Tax No. 07-6 (Groebe Farm-Stonegate) 2, 5

     5.75         3/1/22         32,767   
500,000  

Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Auth. Rev.

     6.25         6/1/24         499,500   
500,000  

Winnebago & Stephenson Co. G.O. (School District 321) (NATL-RE FGIC Insured) 6

     5.25         1/1/19         339,195   
                
          

 

 

 

2,660,085

 

  

                

Indiana - 2.3%

        
370,000  

East Chicago Redev. Tax Allocation (Harborside)

     5.50         1/15/16         373,704   
250,000  

Hammond Public Improvement Board Rev.

     6.50         8/15/25         252,620   
100,000  

Richmond Hospital Auth. Rev. (Reid Hospital)

     6.50         1/1/29         105,264   
150,000  

St. Joseph Co. Hospital Auth. Health Facs. Rev. (Madison Center) 2, 5

     5.80         2/15/24         27,735   
250,000  

St. Joseph Co. Hospital Auth. Health Facs. Rev. (Madison Center) 2, 5

     5.25         2/15/28         46,225   
                
          

 

 

 

805,548

 

  

                

Iowa - 0.6%

        
100,000  

IA Finance Auth. Sr. Living Facs. Rev. (Deerfield Retirement Community, Inc.)

     5.00         11/15/21         73,995   
200,000  

IA Finance Auth. Sr. Living Facs. Rev. (Deerfield Retirement Community, Inc.)

     5.50         11/15/27         139,540   
                
          

 

 

 

213,535

 

  

                

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   7


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

  Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 

 

Louisiana - 1.3%

        
195,000  

LA Local Govt. Rev. (Capital Projects & Equipment Acquisition) (ACA Insured)

     6.55         9/1/25         195,203   
250,000  

LA Public Facs. Auth. Hospital Rev.

     6.75         7/1/39         256,152   
                
          

 

 

 

451,355

 

  

                

Maine - 0.4%

        
150,000  

ME Education Auth. Student Loan Rev. (Assured Guaranty)

     5.63         12/1/27         151,600   
                

Michigan - 2.6%

        
345,000  

Advanced Technology Academy Public School Rev.

     6.00         11/1/28         298,804   
100,000  

Detroit Sewage Disposal System Rev. Ref. Second Lien (NATL-RE Insured)

     5.50         7/1/22         103,992   
200,000  

MI Public Education Facs. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Bradford Academy)

     8.00         9/1/21         214,978   
155,000  

MI Public Education Facs. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Bradford Proj.) 4

     6.00         9/1/16         155,843   
150,000  

MI Strategic Fund Rev. Ref. (Detroit Edison) (XLCA-ICR Insured)

     5.45         9/1/29         150,003   
                
          

 

 

 

923,620

 

  

                

Minnesota - 2.9%

        
500,000  

Minneapolis Mulitfamily Hsg. Rev. (Riverside Plaza)

     6.00         11/1/13         496,325   
400,000  

St. Paul Port Auth. Solid Waste Disposal Rev. (Ecullet Proj.)

     6.25         11/1/15         404,888   
115,000  

White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians Rev. (ACA Insured)

     7.00         12/1/11         117,073   
                
          

 

 

 

1,018,286

 

  

                

Missouri - 2.8%

        
500,000  

Kansas City Industrial Dev. Auth. Multifamily Hsg. Rev. (Grand Blvd. Lofts)

     5.00         1/1/12         499,815   
250,000  

Kirkwood Industrial Dev. Auth. Retirement Community Rev.

     8.00         5/15/21         255,638   
250,000  

MO Health & Educational Facs. Auth. (Senior Living Facs.-Lutheran Senior)

     5.38         2/1/35         213,980   
                
          

 

 

 

969,433

 

  

                

Nebraska - 0.7%

        
250,000  

Nebraska Investment Fin. Auth. Single Family Hsg. Rev. (GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC Collateralized)

     5.90         9/1/36         256,152   
                

Nevada - 1.7%

        
200,000  

Mesquite Redev. Agy. Tax Allocation Rev.

     6.00         6/1/15         211,670   
300,000  

Sparks Tourism Improvement District No. 1 Sr. Sales Tax Rev. 4

     6.50         6/15/20         270,303   
150,000  

Sparks Tourism Improvement District No. 1 Sr. Sales Tax Rev. 4

     6.75         6/15/28         123,086   
                
          

 

 

 

605,059

 

  

                

New Hampshire - 0.4%

        
600,000  

Manchester Hsg. & Redev. Auth. Rev. (ACA Insured) 6

     7.60         1/1/27         130,194   
                

North Dakota - 0.7%

        
250,000  

ND Hsg. Fin. Agency (Home Mtge. Fin.) (GO of AGY. Insured)

     5.05         7/1/40         235,438   
                

Ohio - 2.3%

        
138,500  

Cuyahoga Co. Hsg. Mtg. Sr. Rev. (R H Myers Apts. Proj.) (GNMA Collateralized)

     5.70         3/20/42         141,429   
205,000  

Hamilton Co. Healthcare Rev. Ref. (Life Enriching)

     5.00         1/1/27         177,128   
150,000  

Ross Co. Hospital Rev. Ref. (Adena Health System)

     5.75         12/1/28         149,656   
250,000  

Toledo-Lucas Co. Special Assessment Rev. (Crocker Park)

     5.38         12/1/35         197,915   
170,000  

Toledo-Lucas Co. Special Assessment Rev. (Town Square)

     5.40         11/1/36         126,859   
                
          

 

 

 

792,987

 

  

                

Oregon - 1.3%

        
200,000  

Redmond Airport Rev.

     5.50         6/1/24         195,230   
300,000  

Western Generation Agy. Rev. (Wauna Cogeneration)

     5.00         1/1/21         267,447   
                
          

 

 

 

462,677

 

  

                

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

8

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

    

    

    

 

 

Principal
Amount ($)

   Name of Issuer    Coupon
Rate (%)
     Maturity
Date
    

Fair

Value ($)

 

 

Pennsylvania - 3.6%

        
250,000   

Erie Co. Hospital Auth. Rev. (St. Vincent Health Center Proj.)

     7.00         7/1/27         242,890   
500,000   

Luzerne Co. G.O. (FSA Insured)

     7.00         11/1/26         543,960   
500,000   

PA Turnpike Commission Rev. Capital Appreciation (AGM Insured) 6

     6.25         6/1/33         386,125   
100,000   

Quakertown General Auth. Health Rev. (Lifequest) (GNMA Collateralized)

     6.05         7/20/24         103,413   
                 
           

 

 

 

1,276,388

 

  

                 

Puerto Rico - 1.0%

        
500,000   

Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Rev. 6

     6.13         8/1/29         340,100   
                 

Rhode Island - 0.5%

        
200,000   

RI Hsg. & Mtge. Fin. Corp. (Multifamily Dev.)

     5.63         10/1/40         192,086   
                 

Tennessee - 0.8%

        
250,000   

Metro Govt. Nashville & Davidson Co. Industrial Dev. Board Rev. Escrowed to Maturity

     9.75         2/15/15         277,900   
                 

Texas - 8.4%

        
350,000   

Arlington Higher Education Finance Corp., Education Rev. (Arlington Classics Academy)

     7.00         8/15/28         333,442   
500,000   

Bexar Co. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev. (American Opportunity) (NATL-RE Insured)

     5.70         1/1/21         454,560   
100,000   

Bexar Co. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev. (American Opportunity) (NATL-RE Insured)

     5.80         1/1/31         82,615   
150,000   

Bexar Co. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev. (Dymaxion & Marbach Park Apts. Proj.) (NATL-RE Insured)

     6.10         8/1/30         129,546   
300,000   

Brazos Co. Health Facs. Development Corp. Rev. (Franciscan Services Corp.)

     5.38         1/1/32         270,648   
250,000   

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp. Education Rev. (Uplift Education Proj.)

     6.00         12/1/30         216,085   
95,000   

Clifton Higher Education Rev. Ref. (Tejano Center Community)

     7.75         2/15/18         106,424   
162,877   

Galveston Co. Municipal Utilities Bond Anticipation Notes Rev.

     6.16         9/1/11         130,106   
55,000   

Harris Co. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Multi Family Hsg. Rev. Sr. Lien (Windsor Hsg. Found.) Escrowed to Maturity

     6.30         6/1/25         55,237   
350,000   

Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax & Special Rev. (AMBAC Insured) 6

     6.34         9/1/23         159,702   
185,000   

Rio Grande Valley Health Facs. Dev. Corp. Hospital Rev. (Valley Baptist) (NATL-RE Insured)

     6.40         8/1/12         185,209   
250,000   

Tarrant Co. Cultural Education Facs. Fin. Rev. (Mirador Proj.)

     7.75         11/15/19         248,728   
395,000   

Tom Green Co. Hsg. Finance Corp. Mtg. Rev. 6

     28.62         3/1/16         68,193   
500,000   

TX Private Activity Surface Transportation Corp. Rev. (LBJ Infrastructure)

     7.50         6/30/33         528,230   
                 
           

 

 

 

2,968,725

 

  

                 

Utah - 0.8%

        
200,000   

Provo Charter School Rev. (Freedom Academy Foundation)

     5.50         6/15/37         140,834   
200,000   

UT Associated Municipal Power System Rev.

     5.00         5/1/27         157,214   
                 
           

 

 

 

298,048

 

  

                 

Virginia - 0.7%

        
245,000   

VA Housing Development Auth. Commonwealth Mortgage Rev. (G.O. of Auth. Insured)

     6.00         7/1/25         257,899   
                 

Washington - 2.1%

        
500,000   

WA Health Care Auth. Rev. (Seattle Cancer Care)

     7.13         3/1/29         533,380   
100,000   

WA Hsg. Finance Commission Nonprofit Rev. (Skyline at First Hill Proj.)

     5.10         1/1/13         93,677   
150,000   

WA Hsg. Finance Commission Nonprofit Rev. (Skyline at First Hill Proj.)

     5.25         1/1/17         121,766   
                 
           

 

 

 

748,823

 

  

                 

Wisconsin - 1.4%

        
110,000   

Milwaukee Redev. Auth. Rev. (Academy of Learning)

     5.50         8/1/22         92,128   
290,000   

WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. (Aurora Health Care Proj.)

     6.40         4/15/33         292,407   
100,000   

WI Health & Education Facs. Auth. Rev. Ref. (Three Pillars)

     5.75         8/15/26         95,993   
                 
           

 

 

 

480,528

 

  

                 

Total Municipal Bonds
(cost: $30,650,005)

           28,944,279   
                 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   9


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2011

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund (Continued)

 

Quantity   Name of Issuer   

 

Fair

Value ($)

 

 

Closed-End Mutual Funds - 4.9%

  

40,000  

BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trust (BTA)

     409,200   
35,000  

DWS Municipal Income Trust (KTF)

     407,750   
26,000  

Invesco Van Kampen Advantage Muni Income Trust (VKI)

     293,020   
19,700  

Invesco Van Kampen Trust for Investment Grade Municipals (VGM)

     264,768   
75,000  

MFS High Income Municipal Trust (CXE)

     353,250   
          

Total Closed-End Mutual Funds
(cost: $1,666,894)

     1,727,988   
          

Short-Term Securities - 12.0%

  

4,237,180  

Dreyfus Tax-Exempt Cash Management Fund, 0.07%

  

Total Short-Term Securities
(cost: $4,237,180)

     4,237,180   
          

Total Investments in Securities - 99.0%
(cost: $36,554,079)

     34,909,447   

Other Assets and Liabilities, net - 1.0%

     359,916   
          

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

   $ 35,269,363   
          

 

 

1 

Variable rate security. Rate disclosed is as of March 31, 2011.

2 

Securities considered illiquid by the Investment Adviser. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $285,662 and represented 0.8% of net assets.

4 

144A Restricted Security. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $864,535 and represented 2.5% of net assets. These securities have have been determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Directors.

5 

The issuer is in default of certain debt covenants. Income is not being accrued. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $285,662 and represented 0.8% of net assets.

6 

Zero coupon security. Rate disclosed is the effective yield on purchase date.

9 

Municipal Lease Security. The total value of such securities as of March 31, 2011 was $1,036,888 and represented 2.9% of net assets. These securities have been determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with guidelines established by the Board of Directors.

Numeric footnotes not disclosed are not applicable to this Schedule of Investments.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets as of March 31, 2011 is as follows (see Note 2 - significant accounting policies in the notes to financial statements):

 

     Investment in Securities  
     Level 1
Quoted
Price ($)
     Level 2
Other  significant
observable inputs ($)
     Level 3
Significant
unobservable  inputs ($)
   Total ($)  

Short-Term Securities

     4,237,180         —                  4,237,180   

Closed-End Mutual Funds

     1,727,988         —                  1,727,988   

Municipal Bonds

             28,944,279                  28,944,279   
        

Total:

     5,965,168         28,944,279                  34,909,447   
        

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

10

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2011

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at identified cost

     $36,554,079   
        

Investments in securities, at fair value - see accompanying schedule for detail

     $34,909,447   

Cash in bank on demand deposit

     8,540   

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

     432,768   

Receivable for investment securities sold

     264,165   

Other receivables

     625   
        

Total assets

     35,615,545   
        

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

     265,678   

Cash portion of dividends payable to shareholders

     32,790   

Accrued investment management fees

     47,714   
        

Total liabilities

     346,182   
        

Net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock

     $35,269,363   
        

Net assets consist of:

  

Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)

     $40,920,788   

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

     (26,700

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from security transactions

     (3,980,093

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (1,644,632
        
     $35,269,363   
        

Outstanding shares

     4,253,180   
        

Net asset value per share of outstanding capital stock

     $8.29   
        

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   11


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2011

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

 

Investment income:

  

Income:

  

Dividends

     $150,317   

Interest

     4,337,290   
        

Total income

     4,487,607   
        

Expenses (note 4):

  

Investment management fees

     460,274   

Regulatory expenses

     45,971   

Fund administration services

     135,889   

Custodian fees

     6,084   
        

Total expenses

     648,218   
        

Net investment income

     3,839,389   
        

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments:

  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (2,977,190

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (959,664
        

Net gain (loss) on investments

     (3,936,854
        

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     ($97,465
        

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

12

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

 

     Year
Ended
March  31,

2011
    Year
Ended
March 31,
2010
 

Operations:

    

Net investment income

     $3,839,389        $2,758,525   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (2,977,190     (55,259

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (959,664     6,248,944   
                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (97,465     8,952,210   
                

Distributions from:

    

Net investment income

     (3,839,389     (2,758,525

Net realized gains on investments

              
                

Total distributions

     (3,839,389     (2,758,525
                

Capital share transactions:

    

Proceeds from shares sold

     28,013,514        34,802,159   

Reinvested distributions

     3,683,596        2,315,720   

Payments for shares redeemed

     (62,394,317     (7,110,442
                

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital transactions

     (30,697,207     30,007,437   
                

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (34,634,061     36,201,122   

Net assets:

    

Beginning of period

     69,903,424        33,702,302   
                

End of period *

     $35,269,363        $69,903,424   
                

Capital transactions in shares:

    

Sold

     3,188,268        4,166,672   

Reinvested distributions

     420,099        275,269   

Redeemed

     (7,370,426     (824,541
                

Net increase (decrease)

     (3,762,059     3,617,400   
                

* includes undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income.

     ($26,700     $—   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

    

MARCH 31, 2011

   13


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Per share income and capital changes for a share outstanding throughout the period.

 

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

      Year Ended March 31,    

Three Months

Ended

March 31, 1

 
      2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Net Asset Value:

          

Beginning of period

     $8.72        $7.66        $9.12        $10.01        $10.00   

Operations:

          

Net investment income 2

     0.43        0.43        0.44        0.41        0.08   

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

     (0.43     1.06        (1.46     (0.89     0.01   

Total from operations

            1.49        (1.02     (0.48     0.09   

Distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.43     (0.43     (0.44     (0.41     (0.08

Net Asset Value:

          

End of period

     $8.29        $8.72        $7.66        $9.12        $10.01   

Total investment return 3

     (0.15%     19.84%        (11.45%     (4.89%     0.90%   

Net assets at end of period (000’s omitted)

     $35,269        $69,903        $33,702        $24,777        $9,480   

Ratios: 4

          

Expenses (without waiver) 5

     0.84%        0.91%        0.93%        1.14%        4.69%   

Expenses (with waiver) 5

     n/a        n/a        0.85%        0.85%        0.85%   

Net investment income (with waiver)

     5.00%        5.13%        5.26%        4.30%        3.18%   

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding short-term securities)

     43.42%        24.20%        29.27%        19.38%        0.00%   

 

 

1 

Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2006.

2

The net investment income per share is based on average shares outstanding for the period.

3

Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of distributions at net asset value.

4

The ratio information is calculated based on average daily net assets (annualized). Prior to March 31, 2009, total Fund expenses were limited to 0.85% of average daily net assets. During those periods, the investment adviser voluntarily absorbed expenses that were otherwise payable by the Fund.

5

In addition to fees and expenses which the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the acquired funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the above reported expense ratios.

 

      

14

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011

 

 

 

 

(1)

Organization

The Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund (the Fund) is a no-load fund, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (as amended) as a diversified, open-end management investment company, or series thereof. The Fund is a series fund of Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc. The Fund has 10 billion authorized shares of capital stock that have a par value of $0.001. The Fund’s objective is to seek high current income that is exempt from federal regular income tax.

 

(2)

Significant Accounting Policies

Short-Term Trading (Redemption) Fees

The Fund charges a redemption fee equal to 2.00% of the proceeds on shares held for less than 30 calendar days. The fee is retained by the Fund for the benefit of its long-term shareholders and accounted for as an addition to paid-in capital.

Investments in Securities

Investment securities are carried at fair value based upon closing market quotations on the last business day of the period. Investments in securities traded on national or international securities exchanges are valued at the last reported sales price prior to the time when assets are valued. Securities traded on the over-the-counter market are valued at the last reported sales price or if the last sales price is not available, at the last reported bid price. The current fair value of certain fixed income securities is provided by an independent pricing service. Fixed income securities for which prices are not available from an independent pricing service but where an active market exists are valued using market quotations obtained from broker-dealers or quotation systems. Securities for which market quotations are not available, such as private placement securities, are valued at fair value according to methods selected in good faith by the Adviser and may include dealer-supplied valuations. Short-term investments of sufficient credit quality with maturities of 60 days or less when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Option and future contracts entered into and held by the Funds are valued at the close of the securities and commodities exchange on which they are traded.

Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Gains and losses are calculated on the identified cost basis. Interest, including level-yield amortization of long-term bond premium and discount, is recorded on the accrual basis.

Delivery and payment for securities which have been purchased by the Fund on a forward commitment or when-issued basis can take place two weeks or more after the transaction date. During this period, such securities are subject to market fluctuations and may increase or decrease in value prior to delivery.

Fair Value Measurements

The inputs and valuations techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s net assets are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

   

Level 1 – quoted prices for active markets for identical securities. An active market for the security is a market in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value.

 

   

Level 2 – debt securities are valued based on evaluated prices received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. For corporate bonds, U.S. government and government agency obligations, and municipal securities the pricing services utilize matrix pricing which considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type as well as dealer supplied prices. For asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities, the pricing services utilize matrix pricing which considers prepayment speed assumptions, attributes of the collateral, yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type as well as dealer supplied prices. All of these inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. An adjustment to any observable input that is significant to the fair value may render the measurement a Level 3 measurement.

 

   

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs, including the Adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments.

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   15


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Continued)

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The fair value of the Fund’s bonds are generally based on quotes received from brokers of independent pricing services. Bonds with quotes that are based on actual trades with a sufficient level of activity on or near the measurement date are classified as Level 2 assets.

At the end of each calendar quarter, management evaluates the Level 2 and 3 assets and liabilities for changes in liquidity, including but not limited to: whether a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from third party services, and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the Level 1 and 2 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

For the period ended March 31, 2011, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3.

A summary of the levels for the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2011 is included with the Fund’s schedule of investments.

Federal Taxes

The Fund’s policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to shareholders. The Fund has recorded in its financial statements the full benefit of its tax positions taken in connection with the RIC qualification and distribution requirements of the RIC. Therefore, no income tax provision is required. Also, in order to avoid the payment of any federal excise taxes, the Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gains on a calendar year basis.

Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken in federal tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2011, no provision for income tax would be required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise returns for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

At March 31, 2011, the gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and cost of securities on a tax basis for federal income tax purposes are identical to book and are as follows:

 

     Unrealized
Appreciation
   Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net Unrealized
Depreciation
  Cost of Securities
on a Tax Basis
   $604,436    ($2,244,083)   ($1,639,647)   $36,549,094

Net investment income and net realized gains may differ for financial statement and tax purposes. The character of distributions made during the year for net investment income or net realized gains may also differ from its ultimate characterization for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

     Ordinary Income    Tax-Exempt
Income
   Long Term
Capital Gain
   Total

Year ended March 31, 2011

   $200,729    $3,638,660       $3,839,389

Year ended March 31, 2010

             —    2,758,525       2,758,525

 

      

16

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Continued)

 

As of March 31, 2011, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary Income
  Undistributed
Tax Exempt
Income
  Accumulated
Gain (Loss)
 

Unrealized

Appreciation (Depreciation)

   
  $6,090   ($3,985,078)   ($1,639,647)  

On the statement of assets and liabilities, as a result of permanent book-to-tax differences, reclassification adjustments of $26,700 were made to decrease undistributed net investment income, $47,527 to increase accumulated net realized gain (loss) and $20,827 to decrease paid-in capital to account for the market discount accretion adjustment.

Net capital loss carryovers and post-October capital losses, if any, as of March 31, 2011, are available to offset future realized capital gains and thereby reduce future capital gains distributions. The net capital loss carryovers and the post-October capital losses deferred as of March 31, 2011 for the Fund, were as follows:

 

    Net Capital
Loss
  Post-October
Capital Loss
  Accumulated
Capital and
   

Capital Loss Carryover Expiring in:    

       
2016   2017   2018   Carryover   Deferral   Other Losses    
  —     $646,751   $646,751   $3,338,327   $3,985,078  

The Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (“Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2010. In general, the provisions of the Act will be effective for Funds with fiscal years ending after December 22, 2011. Under the Act, a Fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carry forwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses, and will not be considered exclusively short-term as under previous law.

Distributions

Distributions to shareholders are recorded as of the close of business on the record date. Such distributions are payable in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund’s capital stock. Distributions from net investment income are declared daily and paid monthly for the Fund. Distributions from net realized gains, if any, will be made annually for the Fund.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain 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 results. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, certain of the Fund’s contracts with its service providers contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown since the amount of any future claims that may be made against the Fund cannot be determined and the Fund has no historical basis for predicting the likelihood of any such claims.

 

(3)

Investment Security Transactions

The cost of purchases of and proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities, other than short-term securities, for the year ended March 31, 2011, were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Proceeds     
   $31,175,349      $65,902,356   

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   17


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Continued)

 

 

(4)

Affiliated Fees and Transactions

Investment Adviser

The Fund has entered into an investment management agreement with Sit Investment Associates Inc. (SIA), under which SIA manages the Fund’s assets and provides research, statistical and advisory services, and pays related office rental, executive expenses and executive salaries. The fee for investment management and advisory services is based on the average daily net assets of the Fund at the annual rate of 0.60%. The Fund is obligated to pay all of its other operating expenses (including, but not limited to, custody, regulatory, and fund administration fees).

Transactions with affiliates

The investment adviser, affiliates of the investment adviser, directors and officers of the Fund as a whole owned 26,950 shares of the Fund as of March 31, 2011, which represented 0.6% of all shares outstanding.

 

(5)

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there was the following subsequent event:

Since March 31, 2011, the Fund has continued to experience significant redemptions. As of May 16, 2011, total net assets in the Fund were approximately $18.0 million.

 

      

18

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders:

Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund (a series of Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc.) (the “Fund”), as of March 31, 2011, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the four-year period then ended and the period from December 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2007. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2011, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund as of March 31, 2011, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and its financial highlights for each of the years in the four-year period then ended and the period from December 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

KPMG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 19, 2011

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   19


 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE (Unaudited)

 

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including redemption fees and (2) ongoing costs, including management 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 October 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses 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. 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 (redemption fees) were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Sit High Income Muni Bond Fund    Beginning
Account Value
(10/1/10)
   Ending
Account Value
(3/31/11)
   Expenses Paid
During Period*
(10/1/10 - 3/31/11)
Actual    $1,000    $ 998.50    $4.24
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)    $1,000    $1,020.69   

$4.28

*Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.85%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period.)

 

      

20

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

 

For corporate shareholders, the percentage of investment income (dividend income and short-term gains, if any), for the Fund that qualify for the dividends-received deductions for the period of April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 is 0.0%.

For the year ended March 31, 2011, certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Of the distributions made by the Fund, 0.0% qualify for the 15% dividend income tax rate.

For the year ended March 31, 2011, 94.8% of dividends were derived from interest on tax-exempt securities. This portion of exempt-interest dividends is exempt from federal taxes and should not be included in shareholders’ gross income. Exempt-interest dividends may be subject to state and local taxes. Each shareholder should consult a tax adviser about reporting this income for state and local tax purposes.

 

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   21


 

INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund

 

The Sit Mutual Funds are a family of no-load mutual funds. The Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund is described in this Annual Report. The corporate issuer of the Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund has a Board of Directors and officers. Pursuant to Minnesota law, the Board of Directors are responsible for the management of the Fund and the establishment of the Fund’s policies. The officers of the Fund manage the day-to-day operation of the Fund. Information pertaining to the directors and officers of the Fund is set forth below. The business address, unless otherwise noted below, is that of the Fund’s investment adviser – 3300 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. The Board has a separate Audit Committee. The SAI has additional information about the Fund’s directors and is available without charge upon request by calling the Sit Funds at 800-332-5580.

 

Name, Age, and

Position with

the Fund

  

Term of

Office (1)

and Length of Time

Served

  

Principal Occupation(s) During

Past Five Years

  

Number of Funds

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Director

  

Other Directorships

Held by Director (3)

INTERESTED DIRECTORS:

Roger J. Sit (2)

Age: 49

Chairman and

President

   Chairman since 10/08; Officer since 1998.    Chairman , President, CEO and Global CIO of Sit Investment Associates, Inc. (the “Adviser”); Chairman and CEO of Sit Investment Fixed Income Advisors, Inc. (“SF”); Chairman of SIA Securities Corp. (the “Distributor”).    12    None.

William E. Frenzel (2)

Age: 82

Director

   Director since 1991 or the Fund’s inception if later.    Guest Scholar at The Brookings Institution and member of several government policy committees, foundations and organizations; Director of the Adviser; Director of SF.    12    None.
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:

John P. Fagan

Age: 80

Director

   Director since 2006 or the Fund’s inception, if later.    Honorary member of Board of St. Joseph’s College in Rensselar, Indiana.    12    None.

Sidney L. Jones

Age: 77

Director

   Director since 1993 or the Fund’s inception, if later: Director from 1988 to 1989.    Lecturer, Washington Campus Consortium of 17 Universities.    12    None.

Bruce C. Lueck

Age: 70

Director

   Director since 2004 or the Fund’s inception, if later.    Consultant for Zephyr Management, L.P. (investment management) and committee member of several investment funds and foundations.    12    None.

Donald W. Phillips

Age: 62

Director

   Director of the International Fund since1993, and since 1990 or the Fund’s inception if later for all other Funds.    Chairman and CEO of WP Global Partners Inc., 7/05 to present; CEO and CIO of WestLB Asset Management (USA) LLC, 4/00 to 4/05.    12    None.

Barry N. Winslow

Age: 63

Director

   Director since 2010.    Vice-Chairman of TCF Financial Corporation, 7/08 to present; COO 2006 to 2007; President of the national charter 2001-2006.    12    TCF Financial Corporation

 

      

22

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

Name, Age, and

Position with

the Fund

  

Term of

Office (1)

and Length of Time

Served

  

Principal Occupation(s) During

Past Five Years

  

Number of Funds

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Director

   Other Directorships
Held by Director (3)

OFFICERS:

Mark H. Book

Age: 47

Vice President –

Investments of U.S.

Govt. Fund only

  

Officer since 2002;

Re-Elected by the Boards

annually.

   Vice President and Portfolio Manager of SF.    N/A    N/A

Kelly K. Boston

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary &

Assistant Treasurer

  

Officer since 2000;

Re-Elected by the Boards annually.

   Staff Attorney of the Adviser; Secretary of the Distributor.    N/A    N/A

Michael C. Brilley

Age: 65

Senior Vice President

  

Officer since 1985;

Re-Elected by the Boards annually.

   Senior Vice President and Senior Fixed Income Officer of the Adviser; Director, President and Chief Fixed-Income Officer of SF.    N/A    N/A

Bryce A. Doty

Age: 44

Vice President -

Investments of U.S.

Govt. Fund only.

  

Officer since 1996;

Re-Elected by the Boardsannually.

   Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of SF.    N/A    N/A

Paul J. Junquist

Age: 49

Vice President -

Investments

  

Officer since 1996;

Re-Elected by the Boards annually.

   Vice President and Portfolio Manager of SF.    N/A    N/A

Michael J. Radmer

50 S. 6th Street

Minneapolis, MN

55401

Age: 65

Secretary

  

Officer since 1984;

Re-Elected by the Boards annually.

   Partner of the Funds’ general counsel, Dorsey & Whitney, LLP.    N/A    N/A

Paul E. Rasmussen

Age: 50

Vice President,

Treasurer & Chief

Compliance Officer

  

Officer since 1994;

Re-Elected by the Boards annually.

   Vice President, Secretary, Controller and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser; Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer of SF; President and Treasurer of the Distributor.    N/A    N/A

Carla J. Rose

Age: 44

Vice President,

Assistant Secretary &

Assistant Treasurer

  

Officer since 2000;

Re-Elected by the Boards annually.

   Vice President, Administration & Deputy Controller of the Adviser; Vice President, Controller, Treasurer & Assistant Secretary of SF; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Distributor.    N/A    N/A

Debra A. Sit (3)

Age: 50

Vice President -

Investments

  

Officer since 1994;

Re-Elected by the Boards annually.

   Vice President – Bond Investments of the Adviser; Senior Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of SF; Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Sit/Kim.    N/A    N/A

 

(1)

Directors serve until their death, resignation, removal or the next shareholder meeting at which election of directors is an agenda item and a successor is duly elected and qualified.

(2)

Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Funds as that term is defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940. Mr. Sit is considered an “interested person” because he is a director and shareholder of Sit Investment Associates, Inc., the Fund’s investment adviser. Mr. Frenzel is deemed to be an interested person because he is a director and shareholder of the Fund’s investment adviser.

(3)

Includes only directorships of companies required to report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i.e., public companies) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

   23


 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

 

PROXY VOTING

Each fund follows certain policies and procedures for voting proxies for securities held in each portfolio. A description of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge upon request by calling the Funds at 1-800-332-5580.

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by calling the Funds at 1-800-332-5580, and is available on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

AVAILABILITY OF QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULES

The Funds’ file their complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Form N-Qs are available without charge upon request by calling the Funds at 1-800-332-5580 and are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Funds’ Form N-Qs may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-202-551-8090.

RE-APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.

At their meeting held on October 25, 2010 the Board of Directors of Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc. unanimously approved the investment management agreement entered into by and between Sit Investment Associates, Inc. (“SIA”) and Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc. (the “Agreement”) with respect to the management of the Fund. The Board approved the Agreement after a lengthy discussion and consideration of various factors relating to both the Board’s selection of SIA as the investment adviser and the Board’s approval of the fee to be paid under the Agreement.

Investment Adviser Criteria. The Directors began their analysis by discussing their criteria for determining the quality of an investment adviser. The Directors’ noted that their analysis is similar to that used by institutional investors in evaluating and selecting investment advisers. The Directors discussed several factors used to determine the overall quality of an investment adviser and the nature, extent and quality of the services performed by SIA, including the following:

Investment Philosophy and Process. The Directors considered SIA’s philosophy of managing assets. With respect to fixed income securities generally, SIA stresses the consistent attainment of superior risk-adjusted returns using a conservative investment management approach that identifies pricing anomalies in the market and management of portfolio duration. SIA seeks securities with a special emphasis on interest income and significant stability of principal value. SIA’s style seeks to avoid excessive return volatility and generate consistent results over an economic cycle. The Directors noted that the Fund invests primarily in municipal securities that are not rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, and may invest up to 60% of its assets in municipal securities rated below investment-grade.

The Directors discussed SIA’s consistent and well-defined investment process. The fixed income portfolio managers are responsible for implementing the strategy set forth in the Chief Fixed Income Officer’s duration targets and the Chief Investment Officer’s interest rate projections.

Investment Professionals. The Directors discussed the experience, knowledge and organizational stability of SIA and its investment professionals. The Directors noted that SIA’s senior professionals are actively involved in the investment process and have significant investment industry experience.

The Directors discussed the depth of SIA’s investment staff. The Directors noted that SIA has over 30 investment professionals. Given the investment products offered by SIA and the assets under management, the Directors determined that SIA’s investment staff is well positioned to meet the current needs of its clients, including the Fund, and to accommodate growth in the number of clients and assets under management for the near future. The Directors concluded that the depth of the investment staff, and in particular senior management and investment analysts, is actually greater than the Fund currently requires at its present asset size. The Directors noted that SIA has the resources of a $9.8 billion investment firm working for the benefit of the Fund shareholders.

 

      

24

   SIT MUTUAL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT


 

 

Investment Performance. The Directors reviewed and discussed the Fund’s investment performance along with each of the Sit Mutual Funds’ investment performance on an absolute and comparable basis for the various periods discussed below. The Directors noted that the investment performance of the Funds has generally been competitive with indices and other funds with similar investment styles as the Sit Funds, such as fixed income funds seeking to maximize income.

Corporate Culture. The Directors discussed SIA’s corporate values to operate under the highest ethical and professional standards. SIA’s culture is set and practiced by senior management who insist that all professionals exhibit honesty and integrity. The Board noted that the firm’s values are evident in all of the services provided to the Fund.

Review of Specific Factors. The Directors continued their analysis by reviewing specific information on SIA and the Fund and specific terms of the Agreement, including the following.

Investment Performance. The Directors reviewed the investment performance of each of the Sit Mutual Funds for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, year-to-date, 1 year, 5 years (as applicable), 10 years (as applicable) and since inception, both on an absolute basis and on a comparative basis to indices and mutual funds within the same investment categories. As noted above, the Directors concluded that the investment performance of the Sit Funds have been competitive in relation to their stated objectives and strategies on a comparable basis with funds with similar objectives and strategies.

Fees and Expenses. The Directors noted that the Fund will pay SIA a fee for its services equal to .60% per year of the Fund’s average daily net assets, and that the Fund shall bear all of its expenses. The Directors reviewed the average and median expense ratios of mutual funds within the same investment category of the Fund. The Directors noted that the Fund’s estimated total expense ratio based on projected level of total fund assets compares favorably to the total expense ratios of other no-load funds within the Fund’s Morningstar category. The Directors concluded that the fee set for the Fund is reasonable and appropriate.

The Directors discussed the anticipated benefit SIA will receive from the relationship with the Fund. The Board concluded that any benefits SIA receives from its relationship with the Fund are well within industry norms and are reflected in the amount of the fees paid by the Fund to SIA and are appropriate and reasonable.

Non-Advisory Services. The Directors considered the quality of non-advisory services which SIA provides to its active and operating Funds in the Sit Mutual Fund Family of Funds (and its shareholders) and the quality and depth of SIA’s non-investment personnel who provide such services. Directors concluded that the level of such services and the quality and depth of such personnel are consistent with industry standards.

Finally, the Directors considered the compliance staff and the regulatory history of SIA, and concluded that both are consistent with industry standards.

Based on these conclusions, without any single conclusion being dispositive, the Directors determined that renewal of the Agreements was in the interest of each Fund and its shareholders.

 

      

MARCH 31, 2011

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LOGO


Item 2: Code of Ethics.

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and persons performing similar functions. The registrant has not made any amendment to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report which must be described herein pursuant to Item 2. 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 is available without charge upon request by calling the registrant at 612-334-5888 or
1-800-332-5580, or by mail at Sit Mutual Funds, 3300 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.

 

Item 3: Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that Mr. John P. Fagan, Mr. Sidney L. Jones, Mr. Bruce C. Lueck, Mr. Donald W. Phillips, and Mr. Barry N. Winslow are audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee. Mr. Fagan, Mr. Jones, Mr. Lueck, Mr. Phillips, and Mr. Winslow are independent for purposes of this item.

 

Item 4: Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(a) – (d) Aggregate fees billed to the registrant for the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the registrant’s principal accountant were as follows:

 

     2011      2010  
     Audit
Fees
     Audit
Related
     Tax
Fees
     Other
Fees
     Audit
Fees
     Audit
Related
     Tax
Fees
     Other
Fees
 

Fiscal year ended March 31

                       

Sit Mutual Funds II, Inc.

                       

Sit Tax-Free Income Fund (series A)

     25,700         0         3,825         0         25,200         0         5,200         0   

Sit Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund (series B)

     20,400         0         3,825         0         20,000         0         5,200         0   

Sit High Income Municipal Bond Fund (series D)

     15,400         0         3,825         0         15,100         0         5,200         0   
                                                                       

Total Mutual Funds II, Inc.

     61,500         0         11,475         0         60,300         0         15,600         0   

Audit fees include amounts related to the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and services normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit-related fees include amounts reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements, and/or are traditionally performed by the auditor. Tax fees include amounts related to tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice.

(e) (1) The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve audit and non-audit services performed for the registrant by the independent auditor in order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence. The audit committee also is required to pre-approve certain non-audit services performed by the registrant’s independent auditor for the registrant’s investment adviser and certain of the adviser’s affiliates if the services relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant. Services to be provided by the auditor must receive general pre-approval or specific pre-approval by the audit committee. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels will require separate pre-approval by the audit committee.

The audit committee may delegate pre-approval authority to the audit committee chairman. The chairman shall report any pre-approval decisions to the audit committee at its next scheduled meeting. The audit committee does not delegate its responsibility to pre-approve services performed by the independent auditor to management.

(2) No services included in (b) – (d) were approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The aggregate fees billed for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year by the registrant’s principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant, its investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $4,000 and $4,000 respectively.

(h) The registrant’s audit committee has determined that the provision of non-audit services rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is considered compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5: Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 6: Schedule of Investments.

The schedule of investments 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 open-end investment companies.

 

Item 8: Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investments Companies.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors.

 

Item 11: Controls and Procedures -

(a) Based on their evaluation of the Registrant’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the Filing Date, the Registrant’s Chairman and Treasurer have determined that the Disclosure Controls and Procedures (as defined in
Rule 30a-2(c) under the Act) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant is recorded, processed, summarized and reported by the filing Date, and that information required to be disclosed in the report is communicated to the Registrant’s management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, and there were no corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Item 12: Exhibits:

(a) The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2) (certification required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).

(b) Certification required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (certification required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).


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.

 

 

SIT MUTUAL FUNDS II, INC.

By (Signature and Title)*   /S/    PAUL E. RASMUSSEN
 

Paul E. Rasmussen

Vice President, Treasurer

Date May 27, 2011

 

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/    PAUL E. RASMUSSEN
 

Paul E. Rasmussen

Vice President, Treasurer

Date May 27, 2011

 

By (Signature and Title)   /S/    ROGER J. SIT         
 

Roger J. Sit

Chairman

Date May 27, 2011