Clipper Funds Trust

08/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/29/2024 12:27

Semi Annual Report by Investment Company Form N CSRS

8dcc6cf7b6ba0bb
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
811-21758
CLIPPER FUNDS TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101
Tucson, AZ 85756
(Address of principal executive offices)
Lisa J. Cohen
Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.
2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101
Tucson, AZ 85756
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
520-806-7600
Date of fiscal year end:
December 31, 2024
Date of reporting period:
June 30, 2024
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Clipper FundSM
CFIMX
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | JUNE 30, 2024
This Semi-Annual shareholder report contains important information about the Clipper Fund (the "Fund") for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 (the "period").You can find additional information about the Fund at clipperfund.com/resources/regulatory-documentsor by contacting Investor Services at 1-800-432-2504.
What were the Fund expenses for the last six months?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Fund Costs of $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Clipper Fund $36.82 0.69%*
*
Annualized.
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
Summary of Results
The Fund underperformed the S&P 500® Index ("S&P 500®" or the "Index") for the period. The Fund delivered a total return of 14.59%, versus a 15.29% return for the S&P 500®. The Fund invests principally in common stocks (including American Depositary Receipts) issued by large companies with market capitalizations of at least $10 billion. The Fund is non-diversified and, therefore, allowed to focus its investments in fewer companies than a fund that is required to diversify its portfolio. The Fund continues to invest a significant portion of its assets in financial services and foreign companies.
Market Overview
  • S&P 500®
    • Strongest performing sectors - Information Technology (+28%) and Communication Services (+27%)
    • Weakest performing sectors - Real Estate (-2%) and Materials (+4%)
Detractors from Performance
  • Information Technology - underperformed the Index sector (+6% vs +28%) and significantly underweight
    (average weighting 8% vs 30%)
    • Intel (-38%) - largest individual detractor
    • Samsung Electronics (-2%)
  • Significantly overweight in Financials sector - (average weighting 46% vs 13%)
    • U.S. Bancorp (-6%)
  • Individual holdings
    • Solventum (-14%), AGCO (-17%), JD.com (-8%), and Tyson Foods (-3%)
    • Solventum and Tyson Foods - new purchases during the period
Contributors to Performance
  • Communication Services - outperformed the Index sector (+39% vs +27%) and overweight (average weighting 17% vs 9%)
    • Meta Platforms (+43%) and Alphabet (+31%) - two largest individual contributors
  • Financials - outperformed the Index sector (+12% vs +10%)
    • Wells Fargo (+22%), Berkshire Hathaway (+13%), Bank of New York Mellon (+17%), Markel (+11%), JPMorgan Chase (+20%), and DBS Group Holdings (+18%)
  • No exposure in Real Estate
  • Individual holdings
    • Applied Materials (+46%) and Amazon.com (+27%)
Fund Performance
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED 06/30/24 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Clipper Fund 29.45% 11.94% 10.17%
S&P 500® Index 24.56% 15.03% 12.85%
The performance data quoted in this report represents past performance, assumes that all distributions were reinvested, and is not a guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when redeemed. Current performance may be higher or lower than performance data quoted. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.For most recent month-end performance information, please call Investor Services at 1-800-432-2504 or visit the Fund's website at www.clipperfund.com.
Key Fund Statistics
Fund net assets as of 06/30/24 (in billions) $1.2
Total number of portfolio holdings as of 06/30/24 33
Portfolio turnover rate for the period 9%
Total advisory fees paid for the period (in millions) $3.1
Top Sectors as of 06/30/24 Net Assets
Financials 40.74%
Communication Services 17.44%
Health Care 14.12%
Consumer Discretionary 12.07%
Information Technology 8.63%
Where can I find more information?
You can find additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, fund holdings, and proxy voting information at clipperfund.com/resources/regulatory-documentsor by scanning the QR code. You can also request this information by contacting Investor Services at 1-800-432-2504.

ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS

Not Applicable.



ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Not Applicable.



ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Not Applicable.



ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

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



ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS

(a) The complete Schedule of Investments is included in Item 7 of this Form N-CSR.

(b) Not Applicable.



ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES



Clipper Fund
June 30, 2024
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION (ITEMS 7-11 OF FORM N-CSR)
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Table of Contents
ITEM 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Investment Companies:
Schedule of Investments
2
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
3
Statement of Operations
4
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
5
Notes to Financial Statements
6
Financial Highlights
11
Trustee Approval of Advisory Agreement
12
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Schedule of Investments
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Shares
Value
(Note 1)
COMMON STOCK - (99.41%)
COMMUNICATION SERVICES - (17.44%)
Media & Entertainment - (17.44%)
Alphabet Inc., Class A
471,220
$85,832,723
ASAC II L.P. *(a)(b)(c)
407,313
454,236
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A
228,940
115,436,127
Total Communication Services
201,723,086
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY - (12.07%)
Consumer Discretionary Distribution & Retail - (8.39%)
Amazon.com, Inc. *
376,240
72,708,380
JD.com, Inc., Class A, ADR (China)
234,980
6,071,883
Naspers Ltd. - N (South Africa)
93,460
18,324,556
97,104,819
Consumer Services - (3.68%)
MGM Resorts International *
957,140
42,535,301
Total Consumer Discretionary
139,640,120
CONSUMER STAPLES - (0.97%)
Food, Beverage & Tobacco - (0.97%)
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A
196,120
11,206,297
Total Consumer Staples
11,206,297
ENERGY - (0.34%)
ConocoPhillips
34,640
3,962,123
Total Energy
3,962,123
FINANCIALS - (40.74%)
Banks - (14.59%)
Danske Bank A/S (Denmark)
668,121
19,907,682
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. (Singapore)
1,167,980
30,827,437
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
88,322
17,864,007
U.S. Bancorp
1,135,750
45,089,275
Wells Fargo & Co.
928,102
55,119,978
168,808,379
Financial Services - (19.01%)
Capital Markets - (2.57%)
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
497,013
29,766,109
Consumer Finance - (6.38%)
Capital One Financial Corp.
532,853
73,773,498
Financial Services - (10.06%)
Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class A *
190
116,325,790
219,865,397
Insurance - (7.14%)
Life & Health Insurance - (1.30%)
Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. of China, Ltd.
- H (China)
3,326,500
15,079,696
Property & Casualty Insurance - (5.84%)
Markel Group Inc. *
42,857
67,528,061
82,607,757
Total Financials
471,281,533
HEALTH CARE - (14.12%)
Health Care Equipment & Services - (11.36%)
Cigna Group
116,950
38,660,162
Humana Inc.
156,590
58,509,853
Quest Diagnostics Inc.
136,120
18,632,106
Solventum Corp. *
295,500
15,626,040
131,428,161
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences - (2.76%)
Viatris Inc.
3,001,650
31,907,539
Total Health Care
163,335,700
Shares
Value
(Note 1)
COMMON STOCK - (CONTINUED)
INDUSTRIALS - (2.84%)
Capital Goods - (2.05%)
AGCO Corp.
80,700
$7,898,916
Owens Corning
91,440
15,884,957
23,783,873
Transportation - (0.79%)
DiDi Global Inc., Class A, ADS (China) *
2,199,482
9,105,855
Total Industrials
32,889,728
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - (8.63%)
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - (7.14%)
Applied Materials, Inc.
231,520
54,636,405
Intel Corp.
903,060
27,967,768
82,604,173
Technology Hardware & Equipment - (1.49%)
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea)
291,070
17,233,712
Total Information Technology
99,837,885
MATERIALS - (2.26%)
Teck Resources Ltd., Class B (Canada)
544,250
26,069,575
Total Materials
26,069,575
TOTAL COMMON STOCK -
(Identified cost $631,714,084)
1,149,946,047
Principal
Value
(Note 1)
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - (0.56%)
Nomura Securities International, Inc. Joint
Repurchase Agreement, 5.31%, 07/01/24 (d)
$2,841,000
$2,841,000
StoneX Financial Inc. Joint Repurchase
Agreement, 5.31%, 07/01/24 (e)
3,609,000
3,609,000
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS -
(Identified cost $6,450,000)
6,450,000
Total Investments - (99.97%) -
(Identified cost $638,164,084)
1,156,396,047
Other Assets Less Liabilities - (0.03%)
364,326
Net Assets - (100.00%)
$1,156,760,373
ADR:
American Depositary Receipt
ADS:
American Depositary Share
*
Non-income producing security.
(a)
Restricted Security - See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.
(b)
The value of this security was determined using significant unobservable
inputs. See Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements.
(c)
Limited partnership units.
(d)
Dated 06/28/24, repurchase value of $2,842,257 (collateralized
by: U.S. Government agency mortgages and obligations in a pooled cash
account, 1.53%-8.875%, 04/30/26-12/20/51, total market value
$2,897,820).
(e)
Dated 06/28/24, repurchase value of $3,610,597 (collateralized
by: U.S. Government agency mortgages and obligation in a pooled cash
account, 1.02%-7.50%, 09/15/24-03/20/73, total market value
$3,681,180).
See Notes to Financial Statements
2
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
At June 30, 2024(Unaudited)
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value* (see accompanying Schedule of Investments)
$1,156,396,047
Cash
42,484
Receivables:
Capital stock sold
47,214
Dividends and interest
1,501,072
Prepaid expenses
5,350
Total assets
1,157,992,167
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
Capital stock redeemed
446,146
Accrued custodian fees
94,658
Accrued investment advisory fees
536,979
Accrued transfer agent fees
98,410
Other accrued expenses
55,601
Total liabilities
1,231,794
NET ASSETS
$1,156,760,373
SHARES OUTSTANDING
8,143,132
NET ASSET VALUE, offering, and redemption price per share (Net assets ÷ Shares outstanding)
$142.05
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Paid-in capital
$595,168,356
Distributable earnings
561,592,017
Net Assets
$1,156,760,373
*Including:
Cost of investments
$638,164,084
See Notes to Financial Statements
3
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Statement of Operations
For the six months ended June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Income:
Dividends*
$9,176,720
Interest
286,938
Total income
9,463,658
Expenses:
Investment advisory fees (Note 3)
$3,102,363
Custodian fees
108,766
Transfer agent fees
427,642
Audit fees
30,324
Legal fees
15,233
Reports to shareholders
16,052
Trustees' fees and expenses
113,473
Registration and filing fees
19,500
Miscellaneous
35,352
Total expenses
3,868,705
Net investment income
5,594,953
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS:
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Investment transactions
72,727,142
Foreign currency transactions
(7,873
)
Net realized gain
72,719,269
Net increase in unrealized appreciation
74,345,937
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign
currency transactions
147,065,206
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
$152,660,159
*Net of foreign taxes withheld of
$220,878
See Notes to Financial Statements
4
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Six months ended
June 30, 2024
(Unaudited)
Year ended
December 31, 2023
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income
$5,594,953
$10,172,230
Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency transactions
72,719,269
63,152,154
Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency
transactions
74,345,937
191,848,616
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
152,660,159
265,173,000
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
(47,201,579
)
(63,561,433
)
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net decrease in net assets resulting from capital share transactions (Note 4)
(15,466,196
)
(14,850,221
)
Total increase in net assets
89,992,384
186,761,346
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period
1,066,767,989
880,006,643
End of period
$1,156,760,373
$1,066,767,989
See Notes to Financial Statements
5
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Notes to Financial Statements
June 30, 2024(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Clipper Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust ("Trust"), on behalf of Clipper Fund ("Fund"), a series of the Trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund follows the reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital growth and capital preservation. Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. ("Davis Advisors" or "Adviser"), the Fund's investment adviser, seeks to invest the Fund's assets primarily in common stocks of large companies (generally, companies with market capitalizations of $10 billion or more at the time of initial purchase) that are trading at prices below the Adviser's estimate of their intrinsic values. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation- The Fund's Board of Trustees has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee for the Fund. The Adviser has established a Pricing Committee to carry out the day-to-day valuation activities for the Fund. The Fund calculates the net asset value of its shares as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange"), normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern time, on each day the Exchange is open for business. Securities listed on the Exchange (and other national exchanges including NASDAQ) are valued at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation. Listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are valued at the last quoted bid price. Securities traded on foreign exchanges are valued based upon the last sales price on the principal exchange on which the security is traded prior to the time when the Fund's assets are valued. Securities (including restricted securities) for which market quotations are not readily available or securities whose values have been materially affected by what the Adviser identifies as a significant event occurring before the Fund's assets are valued, but after the close of their respective exchanges, will be fair valued using a fair valuation methodology applicable to the security type or the significant event as previously approved by the Pricing Committee. The Pricing Committee considers all facts it deems relevant that are reasonably available, through either public information or information available to the Adviser's portfolio management team, when determining the fair value of a security. To assess the appropriateness of security valuations, the Pricing Committee may consider (i) comparing prior day prices and/or prices of comparable securities; (ii) comparing sale prices to the prior or current day prices and challenge those prices exceeding certain tolerance levels with the third-party pricing service or broker source; (iii) new rounds of financing; (iv) the performance of the market or the issuer's industry; (v) the liquidity of the security; (vi) the size of the holding in a fund; and/or (vii) any other appropriate information. The determination of a security's fair value price often involves the consideration of a number of subjective factors and is therefore subject to the unavoidable risk that the value assigned to a security may be higher or lower than the security's value would be if a reliable market quotation for the security was readily available.
Short-term investments purchased within 60 days to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports of valuation actions taken by the Pricing Committee. On at least an annual basis, the Board of Trustees receives an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Adviser's process for determining the fair value of the Fund's investments.
Fair Value Measurements- Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal market for the investment. Various inputs are used to determine the fair value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.
Level 1 −
quoted prices in active markets for identical securities
Level 2 −
other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)
Level 3 −
significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities nor can it be assured that the Fund can obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security.
6
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Notes to Financial Statements - (Continued)
June 30, 2024(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED)Fair Value Measurements - (Continued)
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2024 in valuing the Fund's investments carried at value:
Investments in Securities at Value
Valuation Inputs
Level 1:
Quoted Prices
Level 2:
Other Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3:
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Total
Common Stock:
Communication Services
$201,268,850
$-
$454,236
$201,723,086
Consumer Discretionary
139,640,120
-
-
139,640,120
Consumer Staples
11,206,297
-
-
11,206,297
Energy
3,962,123
-
-
3,962,123
Financials
471,281,533
-
-
471,281,533
Health Care
163,335,700
-
-
163,335,700
Industrials
32,889,728
-
-
32,889,728
Information Technology
99,837,885
-
-
99,837,885
Materials
26,069,575
-
-
26,069,575
Short-Term Investments
-
6,450,000
-
6,450,000
Total Investments
$1,149,491,811
$6,450,000
$454,236
$1,156,396,047
The following table reconciles the valuation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value during the six months ended June 30, 2024. The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) during the period on Level 3 securities still held at June 30, 2024 was $25,539. The cost of purchases or proceeds from sales may include securities received or delivered through corporate actions or exchanges. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are included in the related amounts on investments in the Statement of Operations.
Beginning
Balance at
January 1,
2024
Cost of
Purchases
Proceeds
from Sales
Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
Transfers
into
Level 3
Transfers
out of
Level 3
Ending
Balance at
June 30,
2024
Investments in
Securities:
Common
Stock
$428,697
$-
$-
$25,539
$-
$-
$-
$454,236
Total Level 3
$428,697
$-
$-
$25,539
$-
$-
$-
$454,236
The following table is a summary of those assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used by the Adviser in determining fair value. Note that these amounts exclude any valuations provided by a pricing service or broker.
Fair Value at
June 30, 2024
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Input
Amount
Impact to
Valuation from
an Increase in Input
Investments in Securities:
Common Stock
$454,236
Discounted Cash Flow
Annualized Yield
6.370%
Decrease
Total Level 3
$454,236
The significant unobservable input listed in the above table is used in the fair value measurement of common stock, and if changed, would affect the fair value of the Fund's investments. The "Impact to Valuation from an Increase in Input" represents the change in fair value measurement resulting from an increase in the corresponding input. A decrease in the input would have the opposite effect.
Repurchase Agreements- Repurchase agreements are transactions under which a Fund purchases a security from a dealer counterparty and agrees to resell the security to that counterparty on a specified future date at the same price, plus a specified interest rate. The Fund's repurchase agreements are secured by U.S. government or agency securities. It is the Fund's policy that its regular custodian or third party custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which
7
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Notes to Financial Statements - (Continued)
June 30, 2024(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED)Repurchase Agreements - (Continued)
exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. In the event of default by the counterparty, the Fund has the contractual right to liquidate the collateral securities and to apply the proceeds in satisfaction of the obligation.
Currency Translation- The market values of all assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the financial statements after translation to United States Dollar ("USD") on the date of valuation using exchange rates determined as of the close of trading on the Exchange. The cost basis of such assets and liabilities is determined based upon historical exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect as accrued or incurred.
Foreign Currency- The Fund may enter into forward purchases or sales of foreign currencies to hedge certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities against declines in market value relative to USD. Forward currency contracts are marked-to-marketdaily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the forward currency contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the forward currency contract at the time it was opened and value at the time it was closed. Investments in forward currency contracts may expose the Fund to risks resulting from unanticipated movements in foreign currency exchange rates or failure of the counter-party to the agreement to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, there were no forward currency contracts entered into by the Fund.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from the sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on security transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund's books, and the USD equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. The Fund includes foreign currency gains and losses realized on the sales of investments together with market gains and losses on such investments in the Statement of Operations. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities resulting from changes in the exchange rate and are included within net unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the Statement of Operations.
Federal Income Taxes- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income, including any net realized gains on investments not offset by loss carryovers, to shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is required. The Adviser analyzed the Fund's tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and concluded that as of June 30, 2024, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund's financial statements related to these tax positions. The Fund's federal and state (Arizona) income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state Department of Revenue. The earliest tax year that remains subject to examination by these jurisdictions is 2020.
At June 30, 2024, the aggregate cost of investments and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
Cost
$643,372,654
Unrealized appreciation
579,516,786
Unrealized depreciation
(66,493,393
)
Net unrealized appreciation
$513,023,393
Securities Transactions and Related Investment Income- Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed) with realized gain or loss on the sale of securities being determined based upon identified cost. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, which includes accretion of discount and amortization of premium, is accrued as earned.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders- Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Net investment income (loss), net realized gains (losses), and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments [collectively "Distributable earnings (losses)"] may differ for financial statement and tax purposes primarily due to permanent and temporary differences which may include wash sales, foreign currency transactions, Trustee deferred compensation, corporate actions, equalization, passive foreign investment company shares, and partnership income. The character of dividends
8
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Notes to Financial Statements - (Continued)
June 30, 2024(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED)Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - (Continued)
and distributions made during the fiscal year from net investment income and net realized securities gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividends and distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which income or realized gain was recorded by the Fund. The Fund adjusts certain components of capital to reflect permanent differences between financial statement amounts and net income and realized gains/losses determined in accordance with income tax rules.
Indemnification- Under the Fund's organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, some 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.
Use of Estimates in Financial Statements- In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes 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, as well as the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Trustees Fees and Expenses- The Fund set up a Rabbi Trust to provide for the deferred compensation plan for Independent Trustees that enables them to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of annual fees they are entitled to receive. The value of an eligible Trustee's account is based upon years of service and fees paid to each Trustee during the years of service. The amount paid to the Trustee by the Trust under the plan will be determined based upon the performance of the Funds in which the amounts are invested.
NOTE 2 - PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) during the six months ended June 30, 2024 were $105,268,094 and $152,653,101, respectively.
NOTE 3 - FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS (INCLUDING AFFILIATES)
Davis Selected Advisers-NY, Inc. ("DSA-NY"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, acts as sub-adviser to the Fund. DSA-NY performs research and portfolio management services for the Fund under a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. The Fund pays no fees directly to DSA-NY.
All officers of the Fund (including Interested Trustees) hold positions as executive officers with the Adviser or its affiliates.
Investment Advisory Fees- Advisory fees are paid monthly to the Adviser. The annual rate is 0.55% of the average net assets for the first $3 billion, 0.54% on the next $1 billion, 0.53% on the next $1 billion, 0.52% on the next $1 billion, 0.51% on the next $1 billion, 0.50% on the next $3 billion, and 0.485% of the average net assets greater than $10 billion. Advisory fees paid during the six months ended June 30, 2024 approximated 0.55% of average net assets.
Transfer Agent and Accounting Fees- SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. is the Fund's primary transfer agent. The Adviser is also paid for certain transfer agent services. The fee paid to the Adviser for these services during the six months ended June 30, 2024 amounted to $34,266. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street Bank") is the Fund's primary accounting provider. Fees for accounting services are included in the custodian fees as State Street Bank also serves as the Fund's custodian.
9
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Notes to Financial Statements - (Continued)
June 30, 2024(Unaudited)
NOTE 4 - CAPITAL STOCK
At June 30, 2024, there were unlimited shares of capital stock (no par value) authorized. Transactions in capital stock were as follows:
Six months ended June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Sold
Reinvestment of
Distributions
Redeemed
Net Decrease
Shares:
67,901
261,665
(440,205
)
(110,639
)
Value:
$9,377,470
$36,470,814
$(61,314,480
)
$(15,466,196
)
Year ended December 31, 2023
Sold
Reinvestment of
Distributions
Redeemed
Net Decrease
Shares:
109,453
509,458
(755,344
)
(136,433
)
Value:
$12,865,981
$60,886,866
$(88,603,068
)
$(14,850,221
)
NOTE 5 - SECURITIES LOANED
The Fund has entered into a securities lending arrangement with State Street Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Fund receives fee income from lending transactions; in exchange for such fees, State Street Bank is authorized to loan securities on behalf of the Fund, against receipt of collateral at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. As of June 30, 2024, the Fund did not have any securities on loan. The Fund bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the collateral available for return to a borrower due to a loss in an approved investment.
NOTE 6 - RESTRICTED SECURITIES
Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may have contractual restrictions on resale. They are fair valued under methods approved by the Pricing Committee. The aggregate value of restricted securities amounted to $454,236 or 0.04% of the Fund's net assets as of June 30, 2024. Information regarding restricted securities is as follows:
Security
Initial
Acquisition
Date
Units
Cost per
Unit
Valuation per Unit
as of June 30, 2024
ASAC II L.P.
10/10/13
407,313
$1.0000
$1.1152
10
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Financial Highlights
The following financial information represents selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period:

Six months
ended
June 30,
2024
(Unaudited)
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
$129.25
$104.89
$136.38
$131.69
$122.75
$96.09
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Incomea
0.69
1.24
1.10
0.49
0.52
0.67
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
18.06
31.00
(26.64
)
23.01
11.65
27.79
Total from Investment Operations
18.75
32.24
(25.54
)
23.50
12.17
28.46
Dividends and Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income
(0.62
)
(1.28
)
(1.25
)
(0.49
)
(0.98
)
(1.10
)
Distributions from Realized Gains
(5.33
)
(6.60
)
(4.70
)
(18.32
)
(2.25
)
(0.70
)
Total Dividends and Distributions
(5.95
)
(7.88
)
(5.95
)
(18.81
)
(3.23
)
(1.80
)
Net Asset Value, End of Period
$142.05
$129.25
$104.89
$136.38
$131.69
$122.75
Total Returnb
14.59%
31.48%
(18.75)%
17.78%
9.96%
29.63%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net Assets, End of Period (in millions)
$1,157
$1,067
$880
$1,189
$1,093
$1,123
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets:
Gross
0.69%
c
0.71%
0.71%
0.71%
0.71%
0.71%
Netd
0.69%
c
0.71%
0.71%
0.71%
0.71%
0.71%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets
0.99%
c
1.05%
0.95%
0.33%
0.45%
0.59%
Portfolio Turnover Ratee
9%
8%
9%
25%
10%
7%

a
Per share calculations were based on average shares outstanding for the period.
b
Assumes hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions
reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the
fiscal period. Total returns are not annualized for periods of less than one year.
c
Annualized.
d
The Net Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets reflects the impact, if any, of certain reimbursements and/or waivers from the Adviser.
e
The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio
securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded
from the calculation.
See Notes to Financial Statements
11
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Trustee Approval of Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

Process of Annual Review
The Board of Trustees of Clipper Funds Trust oversees the management of the Clipper Fund and, as required by law, determines annually whether to approve the continuance of the Clipper Fund's advisory agreement with Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. and sub-advisory agreement with Davis Selected Advisers-NY, Inc. (jointly "Davis Advisors" and "Advisory Agreement").
With the assistance of counsel to the Independent Trustees, the Independent Trustees undertook a comprehensive review process in anticipation of their annual contract review meeting, held in April 2024. As part of this process, Davis Advisors provided the Independent Trustees with material (including recent investment performance data) that was responsive to questions submitted to Davis Advisors by the Independent Trustees. At this meeting, the Independent Trustees reviewed and evaluated all information which they deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances and were provided guidance by their independent counsel. Clipper Fund, Inc. was reorganized into Clipper Funds Trust in December 2014. For this reason, the review included historical information for Clipper Fund, Inc.
In reaching their decision, the Independent Trustees also took into account information furnished to them throughout the year and otherwise provided to them during their quarterly meetings or through other prior communications. The Independent Trustees concluded that they had been supplied with sufficient information and data to analyze the Advisory Agreement and that their questions had been sufficiently answered by Davis Advisors. Upon completion of this review, the Independent Trustees found that the terms of the Advisory Agreement were fair and reasonable and that continuation of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of Clipper Fund (referred to herein as the "Fund" or "Clipper Fund") and its shareholders.
Reasons the Independent Trustees Approved Continuation of the Advisory Agreement
The Independent Trustees' determinations were based upon a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to them, and they did not identify any single item or piece of information as the controlling factor. Each Independent Trustee did not necessarily attribute the same weight to each factor. The following considerations and conclusions were important, but not exclusive, to the Independent Trustees' recommendation to renew the Advisory Agreement.
The Independent Trustees considered the investment performance of the Fund on an absolute basis, as well as relative to its benchmark and other comparable funds. The Independent Trustees not only considered the investment performance of the Fund, but also the full range and quality of services provided by Davis Advisors to the Fund and its shareholders, including whether:
1.
The Fund achieves satisfactory investment results over the long-term, after all costs;
2.
Davis Advisors efficiently and effectively handles shareholder transactions, inquiries, requests, and records;
3.
Davis Advisors provides quality accounting, legal, and compliance services, and oversees third-party service providers; and
4.
Davis Advisors fosters healthy investor behavior.
Davis Advisors is reimbursed a portion of its costs in providing some, but not all, of these services.
A shareholder's ultimate return is the product of a fund's results, as well as the shareholder's behavior, specifically in selecting when to invest or redeem. The Independent Trustees concluded that, through its actions and communications, Davis Advisors has attempted to have a meaningful, positive impact on investor behavior.
Davis Advisors takes its role as stewards of capital seriously and maintains a strong alignment of interests with its clients. In aggregate, Davis Advisors and its employees as well as the Davis family (collectively referred to herein as "Davis") have made significant investments in the Fund and similarly managed accounts and strategies. The Independent Trustees considered that these investments tend to align Davis with its clients, as Davis takes the same risks and reaps the same rewards as its clients and is motivated to achieve satisfactory long-term returns. In addition, the Independent Trustees concluded that significant investments by Davis have contributed to the economies of scale that have lowered fees and expenses for Clipper Fund's shareholders over time.
The Independent Trustees noted the importance of reviewing quantitative measures, but recognized that qualitative factors are also important in assessing whether Clipper Fund's shareholders are likely to be well served by the renewal of the Advisory Agreement. They noted both the value and shortcomings of purely quantitative measures, including the data provided by independent service providers, and concluded that, while such measures and data may be informative, the judgment of the Independent Trustees must take many factors into consideration in representing the shareholders of the Clipper Fund, including those listed below. In connection with reviewing comparative performance information, the Independent Trustees generally give greater weight to longer-term measurements.
12
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Trustee Approval of Advisory Agreement
(Unaudited) - (Continued)
Reasons the Independent Trustees Approved Continuation of the Advisory Agreement − (Continued)
The Independent Trustees noted that Davis Advisors employs a disciplined, company-specific, research-driven, businesslike, long-term investment philosophy. The Independent Trustees considered the quality of Davis Advisors' investment process as well as the experience, capability, and integrity of its senior management and other personnel.
The Independent Trustees recognized Davis Advisors' (a) efforts to minimize transaction costs by generally having a long-term time horizon and low portfolio turnover; (b) focus on tax efficiency; (c) record of generally producing satisfactory results over longer-term periods; (d) efforts towards fostering healthy investor behavior by, among other things, providing informative and substantial educational material; and (e) efforts to promote shareholder interests by actively speaking out on corporate governance issues.
The Independent Trustees assessed (a) comparative fee and expense information for other funds, as selected and analyzed by a nationally recognized independent service provider; (b) information regarding fees charged by Davis Advisors to other advisory clients, which includes other funds it advises, other funds which it sub-advises, private accounts, and managed money/wrap clients, as well as the differences in the services provided to such other clients; and (c) the fee schedule of the Fund, including an assessment of competitive fee schedules.
The Independent Trustees reviewed the management fee schedule for the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to Davis Advisors, the extent to which economies of scale might be realized if the Fund's net assets increase, and whether the fee schedule should reflect those potential economies of scale at this time. The Independent Trustees considered the nature, quality, and extent of the services being provided to the Fund and the costs incurred by Davis Advisors in providing such services. The Independent Trustees considered various potential benefits that Davis Advisors may receive in connection with the services it provides under the Advisory Agreement with the Fund, including a review of portfolio brokerage practices. The Independent Trustees noted that Davis Advisors does not use client commissions to pay for publications that are available to the general public or for research reports that are created by parties other than the broker-dealers providing trade execution, clearing and/or settlement services to the Fund.
The Independent Trustees compared the fees paid to Davis Advisors by the Clipper Fund with those paid by Davis Advisors' advised and sub-advised clients, private account clients, and managed money/wrap clients. To the extent sub-advised, private account, or managed money/wrap fees were lower than fees paid by the Fund, the Independent Trustees noted that the range of services provided to the Fund is more extensive, with greater risks associated with operating SEC registered, publicly traded mutual funds. Serving as the primary adviser for mutual funds is more work because of the complex overlay of regulatory, tax, and accounting issues, which are unique to mutual funds. In addition, the operational work required to service shareholders is more extensive because of the significantly greater number of shareholders, and managing trading is more complex because of more frequent fund flows. With respect to risk, not only has regulation become more complex and burdensome, but the scrutiny of regulators and shareholders has become more intense. The Independent Trustees concluded that reasonable justifications existed for any differences between the fee rates for Clipper Fund and Davis Advisors' other lines of business.
Clipper Fund
Davis Advisors began the day-to-day management of Clipper Fund on January 1, 2006. The Independent Trustees noted that Clipper Fund outperformed its benchmark, the Standard & Poor's 500®Index (the "S&P 500®"), over the one-year time period, but underperformed the S&P 500®over the three-, five-, ten-year, and since-inception time periods, all periods ended March 31, 2024.
Broadridge, an independent service provider, presented a report to the Independent Trustees that compared the Fund to all Lipper retail and institutional large-cap value funds (the "Performance Universe Average"), as well as the relevant Lipper Index. The report indicated that the Fund outperformed both the Performance Universe Average and the Lipper Index over the one-, two-, five-, and ten-year time periods, but underperformed both over the three- and four-year time periods, all periods ended December 31, 2023.
The Independent Trustees also reviewed the Fund's performance versus both the S&P 500®and the Lipper Large-Cap Value category when measured over rolling five- and ten-year time frames. The Fund outperformed the S&P 500®in 14 out of 36 rolling five-year time periods and outperformed the Lipper Large-Cap Value category in 20 out of 36 rolling five-year time periods, all periods ended December 31 for each year from 1988 through 2023. The Fund outperformed the S&P 500®in 13 out of 31 rolling ten-year time periods and outperformed the Lipper Large-Cap Value category in 19 out of 31 rolling ten-year time periods, all periods ended December 31 for each year from 1993 through 2023.
13
CLIPPER FUNDSM
Trustee Approval of Advisory Agreement
(Unaudited) - (Continued)
Clipper Fund − (Continued)
The Independent Trustees considered Clipper Fund's management fee and total expense ratio. They observed that both were below the median of its expense universe, as determined by Broadridge. They noted that the Fund has an advisory fee schedule that begins at 0.55% and declines from there in a series of breakpoints. In addition, the Independent Trustees noted that the breakpoint discounts in the Fund's advisory fee schedule would provide for the sharing by Davis Advisors with Fund shareholders of any economies of scale that may exist in the management of the Fund. They also considered that, based on its asset level, the Fund does not qualify for a breakpoint in its advisory fee. In addition, the Independent Trustees noted that the Fund's advisory fee schedule is identical to two other open-end mutual funds that Davis Advisors serves as investment adviser and that have a higher asset level than the Fund.
Approval of Advisory Agreement
The Independent Trustees concluded that Davis Advisors had provided Clipper Fund and its shareholders a reasonable level of both investment and non-investment services. The Independent Trustees further concluded that shareholders have received a significant benefit from Davis Advisors' shareholder-oriented approach, as well as the execution of its investment discipline.
The Independent Trustees determined that the advisory fee for the Clipper Fund is reasonable in light of the nature, quality, and extent of the services being provided to the Fund, the costs incurred by Davis Advisors in providing such services, and in comparison to the range of the average advisory fees of its peer group, as determined by an independent service provider. The Independent Trustees found that the terms of the Advisory Agreement were fair and reasonable and that continuation of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of the Clipper Fund and its shareholders. The Independent Trustees and the full Board of Trustees therefore voted to continue the Advisory Agreement.
14
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS FOR OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 9. PROXY DISCLOSURES FOR OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 10. REMUNERATION PAID TO TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AND OTHERS OF OPEN-ENDMANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Remuneration paid is included in the Statement of Operations on Item 7 of this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 11. STATEMENT REGARDING BASIS FOR APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORYCONTRACT
Approval of Investment Advisory Contract is included in the Trustee Approval of Advisory Agreement on Item 7 of this Form N-CSR.


ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not Applicable.



ITEM 13. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not Applicable.



ITEM 14. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Not Applicable.



ITEM 15. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There have been no changes to the procedure by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant's Board of Trustees.



ITEM 16. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) The Registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))), that such controls and procedures are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

(b) There were no changes in the Registrant's internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the Registrant's semi-annual period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



ITEM 17. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not Applicable.



ITEM 18. RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED COMPENSATION

Not Applicable.



ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

(a) (1) Not Applicable.

(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached.


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.

CLIPPER FUNDS TRUST

By /s/ Kenneth C. Eich
Kenneth C. Eich
Principal Executive Officer

Date: August 21, 2024

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

By /s/ Kenneth C. Eich
Kenneth C. Eich
Principal Executive Officer

Date: August 21, 2024
By /s/ Douglas A. Haines
Douglas A. Haines
Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

Date: August 21, 2024