American Growth Fund Inc.
11/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/29/2024 12:32
Registration Form by Open End Investment Company Form N 1A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX OR BOXES
[_] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
[_] PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. __
[x] POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 117
AND/OR
[_] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
[x] AMENDMENT NO. 86
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
1636 North Logan Street, Denver, Colorado 80203
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
REGISTRANTS TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE (303) 626-0600
1636 North Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203
(Name and Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code) of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[_] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] on November 30, 2024pursuant to paragraph (b)
[_] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[_] on (date) Pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[_] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[_] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[_] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
American Growth Fund Series One (the "Fund") is managed using a growth style of investing.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Table of Contents
Investment Objectives/Goals 2
Fee Table 2
Portfolio Turnover 3
Principal Investment Strategy 3
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund 3
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table 4
The Investment Advisor 6
Portfolio Manager 6
Purchase and Sales of Fund Shares 6
Tax Consequences 6
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries 6
What is the Fund's Investment Objectives? 6
How does the Fund implement its investment objective? 6
Risks 7
Portfolio Holdings 9
Annual Fund operating expenses 9
The Investment Advisor 9
How is the Fund Managed? 10
Portfolio Manager 10
Chief Compliance Officer 11
Pricing of Fund Shares 11
Purchase of Fund Shares 11
How to Redeem Shares 12
Account Minimum 13
Dividends and Distributions 13
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares 13
Sales Charges 14
Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies 16
How to Reduce Sales Charges 17
Financial Highlights 17
Understanding the Financial Highlights 21
Proxy Voting 22
Escheatment 22
Contact Us 23
Additional Information 23
Risk/Return Summary
Investment Objectives/Goals
The Fund´s primary objective is growth of capital.
Fee Table
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the American Growth Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How to Reduce your Sales Charge, page 17 of the Fund´s prospectus and under Distribution of Shares, page 13 of the Fund´s Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
| Class A | Class B | Class C | Class D | |
| SHAREHOLDER FEES: (fees paid directly from your investment) | ||||
| Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.75% | None | None | 5.75% |
| Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower | None(a) | 5% (b) | 1% (c) | None(a) |
| Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends | None | None | None | None |
| Redemption Fees | None | None | None | None |
| Exchange Fee | None | None | None | None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) ended July 31, 2024:
| Management Fees | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) fees | 0.30% | 1.00% | 1.00% | None |
| Other Expenses | 3.33% | 4.27% | 3.51% | 3.95% |
| Acquired Fund fees and expenses | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (d) | 4.63% | 6.27% | 5.51% | 4.95% |
(a) Purchases of Class A and Class D shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more which are not subject to an initial sales charge generally will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.0% of amounts redeemed within the first year of purchase. See Class A and D Sales Charges on page 15.
(b) Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for the 1st 2 years is 5%, 3rd & 4th years - 4%, 5th yr. - 3%, 6th yr. - 2%, 7th yr. - 1%.
(c) In the first year after purchase.
(d) The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses may not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets in the Financial Highlights Table below, which do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund´s operating expenses remain the same. Seven years after the date of purchase, Class B & C Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
| Class A | $1,012 | $1,891 | $2,777 | $5,020 |
| Class B | $1,123 | $2,245 | $3,337 | $5,476 |
| Class C | $ 650 | $1,640 | $2,720 | $5,136 |
| Class D | $1,042 | $1,976 | $2,911 | $5,252 |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
| Class A | $1,012 | $1,891 | $2,777 | $5,020 |
| Class B | $ 623 | $1,845 | $3,037 | $5,476 |
| Class C | $ 550 | $1,640 | $2,720 | $5,136 |
| Class D | $ 1,042 | $1,976 | $2,911 | $5,252 |
The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends and other distributions. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund´s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund´s portfolio turnover rate was 4% of the average market value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategy
Investment Research Corporation (the "Advisor", "Investment Advisor", or "IRC") manages the Fund using a growth style of investing. We use a consistent approach to build the Fund´s investment portfolio which is made up primarily of common stocks and securities convertible into common stock. These securities are issued primarily by large companies, and to a lesser extent, small and mid-sized companies. When a company´s fundamentals are strong, we believe earnings growth will follow. The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, to obtain desired exposures.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
Loss of some or all of the money you invest is a risk of investing in the Fund.
The primary risks of investing in the Fund are:
l Stock Market Risk - the value of an investment may fluctuate widely and could decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.
l Operational and Cybersecurity Risk - Cybersecurity breaches may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a fund or its service providers to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Similar incidents affecting the companies and other issuers in which the Fund invests may negatively impact performance. Operational risk may arise from human error, error by third parties, communication errors, or technology failures, among other causes. In addition, markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large, which could negatively impact the value of one or more of the Fund's investments.
l Market Risk - Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and geopolitical events, such as political or economic dysfunction within nations. In addition, the value of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics or other public health crises. Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or the Fed and political events within the United States and other countries may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. A downgrade of the ratings of U.S. government debt obligations, or concerns about the U.S. government's credit quality in general, could have a substantial negative effect on the U.S. and global economies.
Downgrades affecting other countries also could have similar impacts. In addition, high public debt in the United States and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty.
l Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments.
l Industry and Security Risk - the risk that the value of securities in a particular industry or the value of an individual stock or bond will decline because of changing expectations for the performance of that industry or for the individual company issuing the stock or bond.
l Management Risk - risks that the Advisor´s assessment of a company´s growth prospects may not be accurate.
l Interest Rate Risk - as rates rise, the price of a fixed rate bond generally will fall.
l Credit Risk - a bond's issuer may be unable to make timely payments of interest and capital.
l Foreign Investment Risk - adverse effects from political instability, currency exchange rates, economic conditions or regulatory and accounting standards outside the United States.
l Liquidity Risk - a given security or asset may not be readily marketable. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Fund's desired level of exposure.
l Small Cap Risk - small cap stocks tend to have a high exposure to market fluctuations and failure.
l Mid Cap Risk - mid cap stocks tend to have a greater exposure to market fluctuations and failure.
l Equity Risk - stock and equity values fluctuate in response to a company's financial condition and other factors, including general market conditions, and could decline. The level of volatility could be high..
l Repurchase Agreement Risk - a seller may default or a security declines in value.
l Depositary Receipts Risk - generally these are subject to the same risks as Foreign Investment Risks.
l Convertible Securities - convertible securities have the risk of loss of principal at maturity.
l Large Cap Company Risk - slower response to competitors and technology and consumer tastes, and slower growth rates during periods of economic expansion.
l Investments in Other Investment Companies Risk - the Fund's investments in other investment companies will be subject to the risks of the other investment companies' portfolio securities and the Fund will bear indirectly the fees and expenses of the other investment companies in which it invests.
l Exchange-Traded Funds ("ETFs") Risk - The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest. The Fund's shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses. An index-based ETF's performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF's performance will reflect its advisor's ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF's investment objective.
l Technology Securities Risk - Certain technology related companies may face special risks that their products or services may not prove to be commercially successful. Investments in technology companies generally can be volatile and fluctuate widely, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table are intended to provide you with an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund´s average annual returns for Class D shares for 1, 5 and 10 years compare to those of the Standard and Poor's 500 Index total return. Past performance, before and after taxes, is not predictive of future performance. Sales load and account fees are not reflected in the bar chart. If the sales load and account fees were included, the returns would be less than those that are shown. Updated performance information for the Fund is available at the Fund´s web site (www.americangrowthfund.com) or toll-free telephone number (800) 525-2406.
Highest quarterly return: 21.79% for the quarter ended June 2020. Lowest quarterly return: -18.25% for the quarter ended March 2020. Year to date performance for the period ended 9/30/2024was 20.34%.
| Average annual total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2023 | One Year | Five Years | Ten Years |
| Class A Return before taxes* | 23.80% |
| 12.77% | 7.94% | ||
| Class B Return before taxes* | 22.68% | 9.72% | 6.07%** |
| Class C Return before taxes* | 22.85% | 11.84% | 7.12%** |
| Class D Return before taxes* | 24.29% | 13.24% | 8.33% |
| Class D Return after taxes on Distributions | 22.42% | 11.81% | 7.68% |
| Class D Return after taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | 19.43% | 10.86% | 7.01% |
| Standard and Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees expenses, or taxes) | 26.29% | 15.69% | 12.03% |
** After seven years Class B & C Shares convert to Class A Shares. The ten year return for Class B & C shares reflects the first seven year returns for Class B & C shares and the remaining 3 years as Class A.
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes;
Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor´s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts;
After-tax returns are shown for only Class D and after-tax returns for other Classes will vary.
The Investment Advisor
The investment advisor is Investment Research Corporation.
Portfolio Manager
The Fund is managed by an Investment Advisory Committee made up of Timothy Taggart, the Advisor's
President, Robert Fleck, an employee of the Advisor, and Matthew Taggart, an employee of the Advisor.
Mr. Timothy Taggart and Mr. Fleck have both acted in this capacity since April 2011. Mr. Matthew Taggart
has acted in this capacity since April of 2021.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
When purchasing Fund shares there is no minimum initial or subsequent amount required. You can purchase and sell your shares on any business day through your financial advisor, by mail by writing to: American Growth Fund, 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203, by wire if the purchase or sale is over $1,000, or by calling 800-525-2406 if the purchase or sale is $5,000 or less.
Tax Consequences
Distributions from the Fund´s long-term capital gains are taxable as capital gains, while distributions from short-term capital gains and net investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary´s Web site for more information.
Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies, Related Risks, and Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
What is the Fund´s investment objective?
The Fund´s investment objective, which is fundamental and cannot be changed without shareholder approval, is growth of capital. Income only becomes a Fund objective when it is in a temporary, defensive position.
How does the Fund implement its investment objective?
In attempting to achieve its investment objective, the Fund will typically invest at least 80% of its assets in common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks traded on national securities exchanges or over-the-counter markets.
We perform our own extensive internal research to determine whether companies meet our growth criteria. If the Investment Advisor deems it necessary, we may meet company management teams as well as other key staff face-to-face and/or may tour corporate facilities and manufacturing plants to help us get a more complete picture of a company before we invest.
We limit the amount of the Fund´s assets invested in any one industry and in any individual security. At the time of purchase, we do not invest more than 5% of the Fund´s total assets in any one issuer nor do we invest more than 25% in any one industry. We also follow a rigorous selection process designed to identify undervalued securities with significant growth potential before choosing securities for the portfolio.
Although the Fund will normally invest in large capitalization companies, the Fund may invest in companies of all sizes. Investment Research Corporation, the Fund´s investment Advisor (the "Advisor", "Investment Advisor", or "IRC"), generally will choose common stocks (or convertible securities) that it believes have a potential for capital appreciation because of existing or anticipated economic conditions or because the securities are considered undervalued or out of favor with investors or are expected to increase in price over the short-term. Convertible debt securities will be rated at least A by Moody´s Investor Service or Standard and Poor's Ratings Services, or, if unrated, will be comparable quality in the opinion of the advisor.
We maintain a long-term investment approach and focus on stocks we believe can appreciate over an extended time frame regardless of interim market fluctuations. Using the following disciplined approach, we look for companies having some or all of these characteristics:
l Large capitalization companies, although on occasion the Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies, if the Advisor believes it is in the best interests of the Fund. Large cap companies are generally companies with market capitalization exceeding $5 billion at the date of acquisition;
l Growth that is faster than the market as a whole and sustainable over the long term;
l Strong management team;
l Leading market positions and growing brand identities;
l Financial, marketing, strategy and operating strength.
Although a non-principal strategy, the Fund may invest in foreign securities in the form of American Depositary Receipts.
The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds.
The Fund emphasizes investments in common stocks with the potential for capital appreciation. These stocks generally pay regular dividends, although the Fund also may invest in non-dividend-paying companies if, in the opinion of an Advisor, they offer better prospects for capital appreciation.
When selecting investments for the portfolio, a company's environmental, social, and governance policies are not factors.
When the Advisor believes the securities the Fund holds may decline in value, the Fund may sell them and, if the Advisor believes market conditions warrant, the Fund may assume a defensive position. While in a defensive position, the Fund may invest all or part of its assets in corporate bonds, debentures (both short and long term) or preferred stocks rated A or above by Moody´s Investors Service, Inc., Standard and Poor's or Fitch Ratings (or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the Advisor), United States Government securities, repurchase agreements meeting approved credit worthiness standards (e.g., whereby the underlying security is issued by the United States Government or any agency thereof), or retain funds in cash or cash equivalents. There is no maximum limit on the amount of fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes. If the Fund takes a temporary defensive position in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund´s performance could be lower during periods when it retains or invests its assets in these more defensive holdings.
A repurchase agreement is a contract under which the seller of a security agrees to buy it back at an agreed upon price and time in the future.
The Fund will enter into repurchase transactions only with parties who meet creditworthiness standards approved by the Fund´s board of directors.
The Fund may invest in foreign securities in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) which represents ownership in the shares of a non-U.S. company that trades in U.S. financial markets. We typically invest only a small portion of the Fund´s portfolio in foreign corporations through ADRs. We do not invest directly in foreign securities. When we do purchase ADRs, they are generally denominated in U.S. dollars and traded on a U.S. exchange.
We seek to limit exposure to illiquid securities.
Risks
Investing in any mutual fund involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment, and the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest.
l Stock Market risk is the risk that all or a majority of the securities in a certain market - such as the stock or bond market - will decline in value because of factors such as economic conditions, future expectations or investor confidence, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.
l Operational and cybersecurity risk - Cybersecurity breaches may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a fund or its service providers to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Similar incidents affecting the companies and other issuers in which the Fund invests may negatively impact performance. Operational risk may arise from human error, error by third parties, communication errors, or technology failures, among other causes. In addition, markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large, which could negatively impact the value of one or more of the Fund's investments.
l Market Risk - Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly
interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and geopolitical events, such as political or economic dysfunction within nations. In addition, the value of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics or other public health crises. Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or the Fed and political events within the United States and other countries may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. A downgrade of the ratings of U.S. government debt obligations, or concerns about the U.S. government's credit quality in general, could have a substantial negative effect on the U.S. and global economies. Downgrades affecting other countries also could have similar impacts. In addition, high public debt in the United States and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty.
l Early Close/Trading Halt Risk is the risk that an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.
l Industry and security risk is the risk that the value of securities in a particular industry or the value of an individual stock or bond generally will decline because of changing expectations for the performance of that industry or for the individual company issuing the stock or bond.
l Management risk is the risk that the Advisor´s assessment of a company´s ability to increase earnings faster than the rest of the market is not correct, the securities in the portfolio may not increase in value, and could decrease in value.
l Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. As rates rise, the price of a fixed rate bond will fall.
l Credit risk is the possibility that a bond´s issuer (or an entity that insures a bond) will be unable to make timely payments of interest and principal.
l Foreign investment risk is the risk that foreign securities may be adversely affected by political instability, changes in currency exchange rates, foreign economic conditions or inadequate regulatory and accounting standards outside the United States.
l Liquidity risk - a given security or asset may not be readily marketable. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Fund's desired level of exposure.
l Small Cap stocks tend to have a high risk exposure to market fluctuations and failure.
l Mid Cap stocks also tend to have a greater risk exposure to market fluctuations and failure but normally not as much so as the Small Cap stocks.
l Equity Risk. In general, stocks and other equity security values fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The level of volatility could be high.
l Repurchase Agreements Risk. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under which it purchases a security that a seller has agreed to repurchase from the Fund at a later date at the same price plus interest. If a seller defaults and the security declines in value, the Fund might incur a loss. If the seller declares bankruptcy, the Portfolio Fund may not be able to sell the security at the desired time.
l Depositary Receipts Risk. Investments in depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts) are generally subject to the same risks of investing in the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted. In addition, issuers underlying unsponsored depositary receipts may not provide as much information as U.S. issuers and issuers underlying sponsored depositary receipts. Unsponsored depositary receipts also may not carry the same voting privileges as sponsored depositary receipts.
l Convertible Securities have the risk of loss of principal at maturity, however, this loss is limited to the
value of the bond floor.
l Large Cap Company Risk is the risk that larger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
l Investments in Other Investment Companies is the risk that the Fund's investments in other investment companies will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company's portfolio securities. The Fund's shareholders must bear not only their proportionate share of the Fund's fees and expenses, but they also must bear indirectly the fees and expenses of the other investment company. In addition, the Fund's net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the other investment companies in which it invests. The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective will depend, to a significant degree, on the ability of the other investment companies to meet their objectives.
l Exchange-Traded Funds ("ETFs"). ETFs are investment companies whose shares are listed on a securities exchange and trade like a stock throughout the day. Investments in ETFs are subject to a variety of risks, including risks associated with the underlying securities that the ETF holds. The Fund's net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. Also, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly due to the ETF's operating expenses and transaction costs, among other things. Similar to investments in other investment companies, the Fund's shareholders must bear not only their proportionate share of the Fund's fees and expenses, but they also must bear indirectly the fees and expenses of the ETF. In addition, the ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Fund correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Fund's assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
l Technology Securities Risk is the risk that certain technology related companies may face special risks that their products or services may not prove to be commercially successful. Technology related companies are also strongly affected by worldwide scientific or technological developments. As a result, their products may rapidly become obsolete. Such companies are also often subject to governmental regulation and may, therefore, be adversely affected by governmental policies. Investments in technology companies generally can be volatile and fluctuate widely, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.
Please see the Statement of Additional Information for further discussion of risks.
Portfolio Holdings
A description of the Fund´s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund´s portfolio securities is available in the Fund´s SAI which is available on the Fund´s website, www.americangrowthfund.com.
Annual Fund operating expenses
For the year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund paid $167,189 in administrative expenses and $190,890 in investment advisory fees. Distribution and service fees for the year ended July 31, 2024 for Class A were $29,309, for Class B were $2,516 and for Class C were $14,184. Director's fees for the year ended July 31, 2024 were $40,496. Other expenses totaled $399,166 which were $132,484 in rent expenses, $79,414 in transfer agent fees, $30,000 in accounting fees, $4,235 in custody fees, $17,000 for auditing fees, $49,205 in legal fees, $40,825 for D&O / E&O Insurance, $4,896 in registration and filing fees and $41,107 in miscellaneous shareholder reports and "other expenses." The Expense Ratio, which reflects the effect of expenses paid directly by the Fund, for the year ended July 31, 2024 for Class A was 4.63%, Class B was 6.27%, Class C was 5.51% and Class D was 4.95%.
Management, Organization, and Capital Structure
The Investment Advisor
Investment Research Corporation ("IRC") has been the Advisor for the Fund since American Growth Fund, Inc.'s inception in 1958. IRC is located at 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203. The Fund offers four classes of shares; Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D. All classes of shares of the Fund represent an identical interest in the investment portfolio. The Fund has an agreement to pay IRC an annual fee for its services based on a percentage of the Fund´s Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D average net assets. Under the investment advisory contract with IRC, IRC receives annual compensation
for investment advice on these classes, computed and paid monthly, equal to 1% of the first $30 million of the Fund´s Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D average annual net assets and 0.75% of such assets in excess of $30 million. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, this fee amounted to 1.00% of the average net assets on each of the Fund´s four classes.
For the year ended July 31, 2024, under an agreement with IRC, the Fund paid $167,189 for the costs and expenses related to employees of IRC who provided administrative, clerical and accounting services to the Fund. In addition, the Fund paid $132,484 to an affiliated company of IRC for the rental of office space.
The Fund, and therefore, the Fund shareholders, pays the Fund´s operating expenses.
On September 23, 2010 an Investment Advisory Committee was formed with the purpose of offering investment advice to a senior portfolio manager of the Fund. The current members of the Investment Advisory Committee are Timothy Taggart, Robert Fleck and Matthew Taggart.
IRC may compensate third party intermediaries, including investment advisors and broker-dealers, from IRC's own revenue for assisting IRC in establishing relationships with other third party intermediaries such as investment advisors and/or sub-manager programs and disseminating information concerning IRC to financial professionals.
The Fund and the Advisor have a Code of Ethics designed to ensure that the interests of Fund shareholders come before the interests of the people who manage the Fund. Among other provisions, the Code of Ethics prohibits portfolio managers and other investment personnel from buying securities in an initial public offering without prior written consent or from profiting from the purchase and sale of the same security within one calendar day. In addition, the Code of Ethics requires portfolio managers and other employees with access to information about the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund to obtain approval before executing personal trades in these specific securities. A copy of the Fund´s Code of Ethics can be obtained for free online at www.americangrowthfund.com or by calling us at 1-800-525-2406.
A discussion regarding the basis for the board of directors approving the advisory contract of the fund is available in the fund's report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal half-year period ended January 31, 2024, which can be obtained online at www.sec.gov or by calling 800-525-2406.
How is the Fund managed?
The daily operations of the Fund are managed by its officers subject to the overall supervision and control of the Board of Directors. IRC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
The Fund is managed by IRC through an Investment Advisory Committee, which is made up of; Timothy Taggart, the Advisor's and the Fund's President who has been a member of the Investment Advisory Committee since September of 2010 and is the President of the Fund's principal underwriter and distributor, World Capital Brokerage, Inc. ("WCB"); Robert Fleck, an employee of the Advisor and Investment Advisory Committee member since September 2010. Matthew Taggart, an employee of the Advisor and Investment Committee member since April of 2021. Messrs. Taggart and Mr. Fleck are jointly and primarily responsible for portfolio management.
Since April 12, 2011, Mr. Timothy Taggart has been responsible for managing the Fund's security portfolio through his positions with IRC, and on the Fund's Investment Advisory Committee; and directing the distribution of Fund shares through his positions with WCB. Mr. T. Taggart serves on the Board of Directors for IRC, as Treasurer and Chief Compliance Officer for IRC as well as on the Board of Directors for WCB as President and Chief Compliance Officer.
Since April 12, 2011, Mr. Fleck has been responsible for managing the Fund's security portfolio through his positions with IRC, and on the Fund's Investment Advisory Committee. Prior to that Mr. Fleck served as President and CEO of World Capital Advisors, LLC., a registered investment advisor.
Since April 3, 2021, Mr. Matthew Taggart has been responsible for managing the Fund's security portfolio through his positions with IRC, and on the Fund's Investment Advisory Committee. Mr. M. Taggart joined the advisor in July of 2013.
Additional information is available in the Statement of Additional Information available on the Fund's web site at www.americangrowthfund.com or by calling 800-525-2406.
Chief Compliance Officer
Michael L. Gaughan is the Fund´s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The Fund´s CCO seeks to ensure that policies and guidelines, set forth by the CCO and the Board of Directors, that guard against violations of federal securities laws, are adhered to. These policies and procedures are annually reviewed by the CCO and the Board of Directors to determine their adequacy and their effectiveness.
Shareholder Information
Pricing of Fund Shares
The price you pay for shares will depend on when we receive your purchase order. If we or an authorized agent receive your order before the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on a business day, you will pay that day´s closing share price, which is based on the Fund´s net asset value ("NAV"). If we receive your order after the close of trading, you will pay the next business day´s price. A business day is any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Currently the Exchange is closed when the following holidays are observed: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.´s Birthday, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We reserve the right to reject any purchase order.
We determine the Fund´s NAV per share at the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange each business day that the Exchange is open. We calculate this value by adding the market value of all the securities and assets in the Fund´s portfolio, deducting all liabilities, and dividing the resulting number by the shares outstanding. The result is the NAV per share. We price securities and other assets for which market quotations are available at their market value. We price debt securities on the basis of valuations provided to us by an independent pricing service that uses methods approved by our board of directors. Any debt securities that have a maturity of less than 60 days are priced at amortized cost. We price all other securities at their fair value if no bid and asked prices are quoted for such day or information as to New York or other approved exchange transactions is not readily available. The Fund's board of directors has designated the Advisor as the Fund's valuation designee. As the valuation designee, and subject to the board's oversight, the Advisor is responsible for determining in good faith the fair value of Fund investments for which market quotations are not readily available or are believed by the Adviser to be unreliable. In these circumstances, the Fund may use a fair value estimate made according to methods the Advisor has approved in the good-faith belief that the resulting valuation will reflect the fair value of the security. The effect of fair value pricing as described above is that securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, but rather may be priced by another method that the Advisor believes will reflect fair value. As such, fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale. This policy is intended to assure that the Fund's net asset value fairly reflects security values as of the time of pricing. Also, fair valuation of the Fund's securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of the Fund's net asset value by those traders.
Purchase of Fund Shares
Through your financial Advisor:
Your financial Advisor can handle all the details of purchasing shares, including opening an account.
Your Advisor may charge a separate fee for this service.
By mail:
Complete an investment application and mail it with your check, made payable to American Growth Fund, Inc. and class of shares you wish to purchase, to American Growth Fund, Inc., 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver CO, 80203. If you are making an initial purchase by mail, you must include a completed investment application (or an appropriate retirement plan application if you are opening a retirement account) with your check.
By wire:
Ask your bank to wire the amount you want to invest to UMB Bank, NA, ABA #011000028 A/C #99041774. Include your account number and the name of the Fund Class in which you want to invest. If you are making an initial purchase by wire, you must call Shareholder Services at 1-800-525-2406 so we can assign you an account number.
Please read the complete Prospectus before investing.
Special Services Available when Purchasing Fund Shares
To help make investing with us as easy as possible, and to help you build your investments, we offer the following special services.
Automatic Investing Plan - The Automatic Investing Plan allows you to make regular monthly investments directly from your bank account.
Direct Deposit - With Direct Deposit you can make additional investments through payroll deductions or recurring government or private payments, such as direct transfers from your bank account.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan - Through our Dividend Reinvestment Plan, you can have your distributions reinvested in your account. The shares that you purchase through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan are not subject to a front-end sales charge or to a contingent deferred sales charge. Under most circumstances, you may reinvest dividends only into like classes of shares.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan - Through our Systematic Withdrawal Plan you can arrange a regular monthly or quarterly payment from your account made to you or someone you designate. You may also have your withdrawals deposited directly to your bank account through our MoneyLine Direct Deposit Services.
Retirement Plans
In addition to being an appropriate investment for your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and Roth IRA, shares in the Fund may be suitable for group retirement plans. You may establish your IRA account even if you are already a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. For more information on how shares in the Fund can play an important role in your retirement planning or for details about group plans, please consult your financial Advisor, or call 1-800-525-2406.
How to Redeem Shares
Through your financial Advisor
Your financial Advisor can handle all the details of redeeming shares. Your Advisor may charge a separate fee for this service.
By mail
You can redeem your shares (sell them back to the Fund) by mail by writing to: American Growth Fund, Inc., 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, CO, 80203. All owners of the account must sign the request, and for redemptions of $5,000 or more, you must include a signature guarantee for each owner. Signature guarantees are also required when redemption proceeds are going to an address other than the address of record on an account. A signature guarantee is a certification by a bank, brokerage firm or other financial institution that a customer´s signature is valid; signature guarantees can be provided by members of the STAMP program (a program made up of members who are authorized to issue signature guarantees).
By wire
You can redeem $1,000 or more of your shares and have the proceeds deposited directly to your bank account the next business day after we receive your request. Bank information must be on file before you request a wire redemption.
By phone
You can redeem shares by phone. All shareholders must be on the call, redemption must be $5,000 or less per day, per telephone call and the proceeds must be sent to the address of record and made payable to all listed shareholders. Please remember that redemptions by check are restricted after an address change, unless a signature guaranteed letter requesting the redemption is submitted.
If you hold your shares in certificates, you must submit the certificates with your request to sell the shares. We recommend that you send your certificates by certified mail.
When you send us a properly completed request to redeem or exchange shares, you will receive the net asset value as determined on the business day we receive your request if we receive it before the close of the NYSE. We will deduct any applicable contingent deferred sales charges. We will send you a check, normally the next business day, but no later than seven days after we receive your request to sell your shares. If you recently purchased your shares by check, we will wait until your check has cleared, which can take up to 15 days, before we send your redemption proceeds.
If you are required to pay a contingent deferred sales charge when you redeem shares, the amount subject to the fee will be based on the shares´ net asset value when you purchased them or their net
asset value when you redeem them, whichever is less. This arrangement assures that you will not pay a contingent deferred sales charge on any increase in the value of your shares. The redemption price for purposes of this formula will be the NAV of the shares you are actually redeeming.
Conversion of Class B and C Shares to Class A Shares. After approximately seven years (the Conversion Period), Class B and C shares will be converted automatically into Class A shares of the Fund. Class A shares are subject to an ongoing service fee of 0.25% of average net assets and are subject to a distribution fee of 0.05% of average net assets. Automatic conversion of Class B and C shares into Class A shares will occur at least once each month (on the Conversion Date) on the basis of the relative net asset values of the shares of the two classes on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. Conversion of Class B and C shares to Class A shares will not be deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax purposes.
In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and distributions on Class B and C shares also will convert automatically to Class A shares. The Conversion Date for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the length of time the shares underlying such reinvestment shares were outstanding. If at a Conversion Date the conversion of Class B or C shares to Class A shares of the Fund in a single account will result in less than $50 worth of Class B or C shares being left in the account, all of the Class B and C shares of the Fund held in the account on Conversion Date will be converted to Class A shares of the Fund.
Share certificates for Class B and C shares of the Fund to be converted must be delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not received by the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date, the related Class B and C shares will convert to Class A shares on the next scheduled Conversion Date after such certificates are delivered.
Generally, all redemptions will be for cash. The Fund expects to satisfy all redemption requests, assuming they are in good order, under both regular market conditions as well as in stressed market conditions, by selling portfolio assets or by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents. All redemptions will typically be processed and mailed within two business days.
Account Minimum
If you redeem shares and your account balance falls below $1,000 and stays there for a period of 12 months or longer, the Fund may redeem your account 30 days after written notice to you.
Dividends and Distributions
The Fund´s policy is to declare and pay income dividends and capital gains distributions to its shareholders in December of each calendar year unless the Board of Directors of the Fund determines that it is to the shareholders' benefit to make distributions on a different basis.
Unless the shareholder on his or her application or in writing, previously requests dividend and distribution payments in cash, income dividends and capital gains distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares of the same class, at their relative net asset values as of the business day next following the distribution record date. If no instructions are given on the application form, all income dividends and capital gains distributions will be reinvested.
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income and capital gains (capital gains may be taxable at different rates depending on the length of the time the Fund holds its assets).
We will send you a statement each year by January 31st detailing the amount and nature of all dividends and capital gains that you were paid for the prior year.
Distributions by the Fund, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, may be subject to federal income tax. Any capital gains may be taxable at different rates depending on the length of time the Fund held the assets. In addition, you may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions. An exchange of the Fund´s shares for shares of another fund will be treated as a sale of the Fund´s shares and any gain on the transaction may be subject to tax.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
The Fund is not designed to serve as vehicles for frequent trading in response to short-term fluctuations in the securities markets. Accordingly, purchases, including those that are part of exchange activity, that American Growth Fund, Inc. has determined could involve actual or potential harm to the Fund may be rejected. Frequent trading of a mutual fund´s shares may lead to increased costs to that fund and less
efficient management of the fund´s portfolio, resulting in dilution of the value of the shares held by long-term shareholders.
The Fund´s Board of Directors has not adopted policies or procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions by Fund shareholders. Due to the size of the Fund, the Board feels that the Fund´s best interests are better served by allowing the Management of the Fund to monitor such trading activity. If at any time the Management of the Fund feels that a trade or an account is, or could, adversely affect the Fund´s performance through frequent purchasing and redeeming of Fund shares significantly increasing the costs of processing share purchase and/or redemption transactions, management reserves the right to reject the trade, suspend trading of the account(s) for a specified period of time, or both. Rejection of a trade and/or suspension(s) of trading activity will cause a letter to be promptly issued to the party(ies) involved.
The Fund has no agreement with any person(s) or corporate entity that would allow for frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares.
Distribution Arrangements
Sales Charges
You can choose from a number of share classes for the Fund. Because each share class has a different combination of sales charges, fees and other features, you should consult your financial Advisor to determine which class best suits your investment goals and time frame. You may also consult the Fund´s Statement of Additional Information for more details.
Class A
Class A shares have an up-front sales charge of up to 5.75% that you pay when you buy shares.
The offering price for Class A shares includes the front-end sales charge.
If you invest $50,000 or more, your front-end sales charge will be reduced.
You may qualify for other reduced sales charges, as described in How to Reduce Your Sales Charge, and under certain circumstances the sales charge may be waived.
Class A shares are also subject to an annual 12b-1 fee no greater than 0.30% of average net assets, which is lower than the 12b-1 fee for Class B and Class C shares.
Class A shares generally are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge unless purchased in amounts of $1,000,000 or more at net asset value without a sales charge and redeemed within one year of purchase.
Additionally, IRC reserves the right to waive the front-end sales charge on share purchases by IRC employees and members of the Board of Directors of The American Growth Fund.
Class B
Class B shares have no up-front sales charge, so the full amount of your purchase is invested in the Fund.
However, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge if you redeem your shares within seven years after you buy them.
If you redeem Class B shares during the first two years after you buy them, the shares will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 5%. The contingent deferred sales charge is 4% during the third and fourth years, 3% during the fifth year, 2% during the sixth year, and 1% during the seventh year.
Under certain circumstances the contingent deferred sales charge may be waived.
For approximately seven years after you buy your Class B shares, they are subject to annual 12b-1 fees no greater than 1% of average daily net assets, of which 0.25% are service fees paid to the Distributor, dealers or others for providing services and maintaining accounts.
Because of the higher 12b-1 fees, Class B shares have higher expenses and any dividends paid on these shares are lower than dividends on Class A shares.
Approximately seven years after you buy them, Class B shares automatically convert into Class A shares with a 12b-1 fee of no more than 0.30%. Conversions may occur as late as three months after the eighth anniversary of purchase, during which time the Class B Shares higher 12b-1 fees apply.
Class C
Class C shares have no up-front sales charge, so the full amount of your purchase is invested in the Fund. However, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge if you redeem your shares within 12 months after you buy them.
Under certain circumstances the contingent deferred sales charge may be waived.
Class C shares are subject to an annual 12b-1 fee which may not be greater than 1% of average daily net
assets, of which 0.25% is service fees and 0.75% is distribution fees paid to the distributor, dealers or others for providing personal services and maintaining shareholder accounts.
Because of the higher 12b-1 fees, Class C shares have higher expenses and pay lower dividends than Class A shares.
Conversion of Class B and C Shares to Class A Shares. After approximately seven years (the Conversion Period), Class B and C shares will be converted automatically into Class A shares of the Fund. Class A shares are subject to an ongoing service fee of 0.25% of average net assets and are subject to a distribution fee of 0.05% of average net assets. Automatic conversion of Class B and C shares into Class A shares will occur at least once each month (on the Conversion Date) on the basis of the relative net asset values of the shares of the two classes on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. Conversion of Class B and C shares to Class A shares will not be deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax purposes.
In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and distributions on Class B and C shares also will convert automatically to Class A shares. The Conversion Date for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the length of time the shares underlying such reinvestment shares were outstanding. If at a Conversion Date the conversion of Class B or C shares to Class A shares of the Fund in a single account will result in less than $50 worth of Class B or C shares being left in the account, all of the Class B and C shares of the Fund held in the account on Conversion Date will be converted to Class A shares of the Fund.
Share certificates for Class B and C shares of the Fund to be converted must be delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not received by the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date, the related Class B and C shares will convert to Class A shares on the next scheduled Conversion Date after such certificates are delivered.
Class D
Class D shares are offered to investors who owned Class D shares as of March 1, 1996. They are also available to the Fund´s Advisor, IRC, and the distributors, directors, certain institutional investors, corporations and accounts managed by specific types of fiduciaries. Additionally, IRC reserves the right to waive the front-end sales charge on purchases by IRC employees.
Class D shares have an up-front sales charge of 5.75% that you pay when you buy the shares. The offering price for Class D shares includes the front-end sales charge.
If you invest $50,000 or more, your front-end sales charge will be reduced.
You may qualify for other reduced sales charges, as described in How to Reduce Your Sales Charge, and under certain circumstances the sales charge may be waived.
Class D shares which are sold in amounts of $1,000,000 or more at net asset value and if redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a 1.0% contingent deferred sales charge.
The Fund´s directors have adopted separate 12b-1 plans for Class A, B, and C that allow each class to pay distribution fees for the sales and distributions of its shares. Because these fees are paid out of each Class´s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Class A and D Sales Charges
| Amount of purchase | Sales charge as % of offering price | Sales charge as % of amount invested | Dealers commission as % of offering price |
| Less than $50,000 | 5.75% | 6.10% | 5.00% |
| $50,000 but less than $100,000 | 4.50% | 4.71% | 3.75% |
| $100,000 but less than $250,000 | 3.50% | 3.63% | 2.75% |
| $250,000 but less than $500,000 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.00% |
| $500,000 but less than $1,000,000 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.60% |
| $1,000,000 and over* | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
* As shown above, there is no front-end sales charge when you purchase $1 million or more of Class A or Class D shares. However, if your financial advisor is paid a commission on your purchase, you may have to pay a limited contingent deferred sales charge of 1% if you redeem these shares within the first year.
IRC will make payments to dealers in the amount of 0.25 of 1% per year of the average daily net asset value of outstanding Class D shares acquired after April 1, 1994 through such dealers (including shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions on such shares). These payments are made by IRC and not by the Class D shareholders of the Fund.
The Fund makes available free of charge on or though the Fund´s web site at www.americangrowthfund.com the information describing sales loads including deferred sales loads and a table of front-end sales loads and each break point in the sales load as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested. The website includes a discussion on how to reduce your sales charge by using letter of intent, rights of accumulation plans, dividend reinvestment plans, withdrawal plans, exchange privileges, and waivers for particular classes of investors. This includes methods used to value accounts in order to determine whether a shareholder has met sales load breakpoints as well as and any other information that the shareholder might need to provide in order to obtain the break points.
The web site may also explain how to purchase shares including any special purchase plans or methods that may not be described in the prospectus or elsewhere in the SAI if applicable.
Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies
The availability of certain initial or deferred sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on the particular financial intermediary or type of account through which you purchase or hold Fund shares.
Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load ("CDSC") waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund's prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available:
l Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
l Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
l Employees and registered representatives of Broker Dealers or their affiliates and their immediate family members.
l Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
l A shareholder in the Fund's Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of the Broker Dealer.
CDSC Waivers on Classes A, B and C shares available:
l Death or disability of the shareholder.
l Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's prospectus.
l Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
l Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the fund's prospectus.
l Shares sold to pay Broker Dealer fees but only if the transaction is initiated by the Broker Dealer.
l Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load discounts available: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation
l Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
l Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household. Eligible fund family assets not held at the Broker Dealer may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial Advisor about such assets.
How to reduce your sales charge
We offer a number of ways to reduce or eliminate the sales charge on shares. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for detailed information and eligibility requirements. You can also get additional information from your financial advisor. You or your financial Advisor must notify us at the time you purchase shares if you are eligible for any of these programs. In order to obtain a breakpoint discount, it is necessary at the time of purchase for a shareholder to inform the Fund or its intermediary of the existence of other eligible holdings.
Letter of intent
Through a Letter of Intent you agree to invest a certain amount in American Growth Fund over a 13-month period to qualify for reduced front-end sales charges.
Class A - Available
Class B and C - Although the Letter of Intent and Rights of Accumulation do not apply to the Purchase of Class B and C shares, you can combine your purchase of A shares with your purchase of B and C shares to fulfill your Letter of Intent or qualify for Rights of Accumulation.
Class D - Available
Rights of Accumulation
You can combine your holdings or purchases of all Classes in the Fund as well as the holdings and purchases of your spouse and children under 21 to qualify for reduced front-end sales charges.
Class A - Available
Class B and C - Although the Letter of Intent and Rights of Accumulation do not apply to the Purchase of Class B and C shares, you can combine your purchase of A shares with your purchase of B and C shares to fulfill your Letter of Intent or qualify for Rights of Accumulation.
Class D - Available
Reinvestment of redeemed shares
Up to 30 days after you redeem shares, you can reinvest the proceeds without paying a front-end sales charge.
Class A - Available
Class B and C - Not available
Class D - Available
SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, SAR/SEP, Prototype Profit Sharing, Pension, 401(k), SIMPLE 401(k), 403(b)(7)
These investment plans may qualify for reduced sales charges by combining the purchases of all members of the group. Members of these groups may also qualify to purchase shares without a front-end sales charge and a waiver of any contingent deferred sales charge.
Class A - Available
Class B and C - Not available
Class D - Available
Financial Highlights
The financial highlight table is intended to help you understand the Fund´s financial performance for the
past 5 years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information for the period ended July 31, 2023 and July 31, 2024 has been audited by Sanville & Company, the Fund's current independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund´s financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request by contacting the Fund at 800-525-2406 or on the Fund´s web site, www.americangrowthfund.com. This information and the financial statements for each of the years ended July 31, 2020 through July 31, 2022 were audited by Tait Weller, the Fund's former independent registered public accounting firm.
| Class A Year Ended July 31, | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Per Share Operating Data: | |||||
| Net Asset Value, | |||||
| Beginning of Period | $6.51) | $6.24) | $8.11) | $6.70) | $6.02) |
| Income gain (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
| Net investment loss3 | (0.25) | (0.27) | (0.24) | (0.26) | (0.24) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.53) | 0.98) | (0.71) | 1.86) | 0.92) |
| Total income gain (loss) from investment operations | 1.28) | 0.71) | (0.95) | 1.60) | 0.68) |
| Distributions: | |||||
| Long-term capital gains distributions | (0.52) | (0.44) | (0.92) | (0.19) | - |
| Total distributions | (0.52) | (0.44) | (0.92) | (0.19) | - |
| Net Asset Value, End of Period | $7.27 | $6.51 | $6.24 | $8.11 | $6.70) |
| Total Return at Net Asset Value1 | 21.1% | 11.4% | (13.4)% | 24.1% | 11.3% |
| Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $10,375 | $9,381 | $8,951 | $11,632 | $10,614) |
| Ratio to average net assets: | |||||
| Net investment loss3 | (3.81)% | (4.56)% | (3.40)% | (3.46)% | (3.89)% |
| Expenses | 4.63% | 5.55% | 4.36% | 4.42% | 5.08)% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate2 | 4% | 3% | 3% | 4% | 0)% |
1. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in total returns.
2. The lesser of purchases or sales of Series One portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (other than short-term securities) from the year ended July 31, 2024, aggregated $677,814 and $2,966,188, respectively.
3. Per share amounts have been calculated using the Average Shares Method.
| Class B Year Ended July 31, | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Per Share Operating Data: | |||||
| Net Asset Value, | |||||
| Beginning of Period | $4.81) | $4.68) | $6.21) | $5.31) | $4.94) |
| Income gain (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
| Net investment loss3 | (0.26) | (0.27) | (0.29) | (0.35) | (0.37) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.11) | 0.72) | (0.55) | 1.44) | 0.74) |
| Total income gain (loss) from investment operations | 0.85) | 0.45) | (0.84) | 1.09) | 0.37) |
| Distributions: | |||||
| Long-term capital gains distributions | (0.38) | (0.32) | (0.69) | (0.19) | - |
| Total distributions | (0.38) | (0.32) | (0.69) | (0.19) | - |
| Net Asset Value, End of Period | $5.28) | $4.81) | $4.68) | $6.21) | $5.31) |
| Total Return at Net Asset Value1 | 19.1% | 9.6% | (15.1)% | 20.7% | 7.5% |
| Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $261 | $271 | $254 | $265 | $167 |
| Ratio to average net assets: | |||||
| Net investment loss3 | (5.46)% | (76.11)% | (5.56)% | (6.13)% | (7.49)% |
| Expenses | 6.27% | 7.10% | 6.52% | 7.09% | 8.68% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate2 | 4% | 3% | 3% | 4% | 0% |
1. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in total returns.
2. The lesser of purchases or sales of Series One portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (other than short-term securities) from the year ended July 31, 2024, aggregated $677,814 and $2,966,188, respectively.
3. Per share amounts have been calculated using the Average Shares Method.
| Class C Year Ended July 31, | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Per Share Operating Data: | |||||
| Net Asset Value, | |||||
| Beginning of Period | $5.28) | $5.10) | $6.70) | $5.62) | $5.03) |
| Income gain (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
| Net investment loss3 | (0.25) | (0.26) | (0.26) | (0.27) | (0.25) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.23) | 0.80) | (0.58) | 1.54) | 0.84) |
| Total income gain (loss) from investment operations | 0.98) | 0.54) | (0.84) | 1.27) | 0.59) |
| Distributions: | |||||
| Long-term capital gains distributions | (0.42) | (0.36) | (0.76) | (0.19) | - |
| Total distributions | (0.42) | (0.36) | (0.76) | (0.19) | - |
| Net Asset Value, End of Period | $5.84) | $5.28) | $5.10) | $6.70) | $5.62) |
| Total Return at Net Asset Value1 | 20.0% | 10.6% | (14.3)% | 22.8% | 11.7% |
| Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $1,514 | $1,299 | $1,296 | $1,480 | $1,589 |
| Ratio to average net assets: | |||||
| Net investment loss3 | (4.69)% | (5.43)% | (4.44)% | (4.41)% | (4.80)% |
| Expenses | 5.51% | 6.43% | 5.40% | 5.41% | 5.98% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate2 | 4% | 3% | 3% | 4% | 0% |
1. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in total returns.
2. The lesser of purchases or sales of Series One portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (other than short-term securities) from the year ended July 31, 2024, aggregated $677,814 and $2,966,188, respectively.
3. Per share amounts have been calculated using the Average Shares Method.
| Class D Year Ended July 31, | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Per Share Operating Data: |
| Net Asset Value, | |||||
| Beginning of Period | $7.07) | $6.74) | $8.73) | $7.18) | $6.42) |
| Income gain (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
| Net investment loss3 | (0.25) | (0.27) | (0.23) | (0.25) | (0.23) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.68) | 1.07) | (0.76) | 1.99) | 0.99) |
| Total income gain (loss) from investment operations | 1.43) | 0.80) | (0.99) | 1.74) | 0.76) |
| Distributions: | |||||
| Long-term capital gains distributions | (0.57) | (0.47) | (1.00) | (0.19) | - |
| Total distributions | (0.57) | (0.47) | (1.00) | (0.19) | - |
| Net Asset Value, End of Period | $7.93) | $7.07) | $6.74) | $8.73) | $7.18) |
| Total Return at Net Asset Value1 | 21.5% | 11.9% | (13.1)% | 24.5)% | 11.8)% |
| Ratios/Supplemental Data: | |||||
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $7,948 | $7,107 | $6,656 | $8,110 | $6,989 |
| Ratio to average net assets: | |||||
| Net investment loss3 | (3.40)% | (4.14)% | (3.04)% | (3.11)% | (3.49)% |
| Expenses | 4.95% | 5.13% | 4.00% | 4.07% | 4.68% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate2 | 4% | 3% | 3% | 4% | 0% |
1. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in total returns.
2. The lesser of purchases or sales of Series One portfolio securities for a period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (other than short-term securities) from the year ended July 31, 2024, aggregated $677,814 and $2,966,188, respectively.
3. Per share amounts have been calculated using the Average Shares Method.
Understanding the Financial Highlights
The tables on the preceding pages itemize what contributed to the changes in share price during the period. They also show the changes in share price for this period in comparison to changes over the last four fiscal periods.
On a per share basis, the tables include as appropriate:
l share prices at the beginning of the period;
l investment income and capital gains or losses;
l distributions of income and capital gains paid to shareholders; and
l share prices at the end of the period.
The tables also include some key statistics for the period as appropriate:
l Total Return - the overall percentage of return of the Fund, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions
l Expense Ratio - operating expenses as a percentage of average net assets;
l Net Investment Income Ratio - net investment income as a percentage of average net assets; and
l Portfolio Turnover - the percentage of the Fund´s buying and selling activity.
Proxy Voting
A discussion on Proxy Voting can be found on page 10 of the Fund´s Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information, as well as how the Fund issued votes for the year ended June 30, 2024, can be obtained by calling 800-525-2406 or by visiting the Fund´s web site at www.americangrowthfund.com.
Escheatment
Certain states, including the state of Texas, have laws that allow shareholders to designate a representative to receive abandoned or unclaimed property ("escheatment") notifications by completing and submitting a designation form that generally can be found on the official state website. If a shareholder resides in an applicable state, and elects to designate a representative to receive escheatment notifications, escheatment notices generally will be delivered as required by such state laws, including, as applicable, to both the shareholder and the designated representative. A completed designation form may be mailed to the Fund (if Shares are held directly with the Fund) or to the shareholder's financial intermediary (if Shares are not held directly with the Fund). Shareholders should refer to relevant state law for the shareholder's specific rights and responsibilities under his or her state's escheatment law(s), which can generally be found on a state's official website.
American Growth Fund, Inc.
1636 N. Logan Street
Denver, CO 80203
800.525.2406
303.626.0600
303.626.0614 Fax
DISTRIBUTOR
World Capital Brokerage, Inc.
1636 N. Logan Street
Denver, CO 80203
303.626.0631
888.742.0631
303.626.0614 Fax
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Investment Research Corporation
1636 N. Logan Street
Denver, CO 80203
303.626.0632
TRANSFER AGENT
Fund Services, Inc.
8730 Stony Point Parkway
Stony Point Bldg. III
Suite # 205
Richmond, Va. 23235
CUSTODIAN
UMB Bank NA Investment Services Group
928 Grand Blvd
Fifth Floor
Kansas City, MO 64106
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Sanville & Company CPA
325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 3100
Dallas, TX 75201
Additional information about the Fund´s investments is available in American Growth Fund´s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in the Fund's Form N-CSR. In American Growth Fund´s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund´s performance during its last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements, as well as the report of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm in the annual financial statements.
You can find more detailed information about the Fund, including a description of the Fund´s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund´s portfolio securities, in the current Statement of Additional Information, which we have filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and which is legally a part of this prospectus. If you want a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the annual or semi-annual report, to obtain more information about the Fund, such as the Fund's financial statements, or to make shareholder inquiries you can write to us at 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203, email us at [email protected] or view/print the annual, semi-annual and the statement of additional information online at http://www.americangrowthfund.com/agfs1/agflit_download.htm, or call us, toll-free, at 800-525-2406. Requests to mail or email the Statement of Additional Information, Annual Report or Semi Annual Report will be processed and mailed, without charge, within three business days of your request via first-class mail. You may also obtain additional information about the Fund from your financial adviser.
Information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual Report and Semi-Annual reports to shareholders (as well as the Fund´s Statement of Additional Information) can be reviewed and copied at the Commission´s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Commission´s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [email protected], or by writing the Commission´s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
Shareholder Service Center
Call the Shareholder Service Center Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain time at 800-525-2406.
l For fund information; literature, price, and performance figures.
l For information on existing regular investment accounts and retirement plan accounts including wire investments; wire redemptions; telephone redemptions and telephone exchanges.
Investment Company Act File #811-825
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC.
1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado 80203
303-626-0600
Series One
Class A AMRAX - Class B AMRBX - Class C AMRCX - Class D AMRGX
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
November 30, 2024
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. Prospective investors should read this Statement of Additional Information only in conjunction with the Prospectuses of Series One of American Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") dated November 30, 2024. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained at no cost by writing World Capital Brokerage, Inc. (the "Distributor"), 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado 80203, or by calling 800-525-2406 or on the Fund´s web site, www.americangrowthfund.com.
A
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION, 5
AUTOMATIC CASH WITHDRAWAL PLAN, 17
B
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 8
BROKERAGE, 20
C
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, 21
CLASSIFICATION, 2
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, 11
D
DEALER REALLOWANCES, 12
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS, 6
DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES, 13
DISTRIBUTION PLANS, 18
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES, 21
F
FUND HISTORY, 2
I
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT, 11
INVESTMENT RISKS, 3
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, 2
M
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND, 7
O
OTHER INVESTMENT ADVICE, 12
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS, 13
P
PERFORMANCE DATA, 24
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS, 13
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER, 6
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER, 11
PROXY VOTING POLICIES, 10
R
RETIREMENT PLANS, 17
RULE 12b-1 PLANS, 12
S
SECURITIES LENDING, 13
SERVICE AGREEMENTS, 12
T
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION, 6
FUND HISTORY
The Fund was established in August of 1958 as a diversified, open-end, management investment company organized and incorporated in the State of Maryland.
CLASSIFICATION
The American Growth Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
In attempting to achieve its investment objective, the Fund will typically invest at least 80% of its assets in common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks traded on national securities exchanges or over-the-counter.
We perform our own extensive internal research to determine whether companies meet our growth criteria. From time to time we meet company management teams and other key staff face-to-face and tour corporate facilities and manufacturing plants to get a complete picture of a company before we invest.
We limit the amount of the Fund´s assets invested in any one industry and in any individual security. At the time of purchase we do not invest more than 5% of the Fund´s total assets in any one issuer nor do we invest more than 25% in any one industry. We also follow a rigorous selection process designed to identify undervalued securities before choosing securities for the portfolio.
Although the Fund will normally invest in large capitalization companies, the Fund may invest in companies of all sizes. Investment Research Corporation, the Fund´s investment advisor (the Advisor or IRC), generally will choose common stocks (or convertible securities) that it believes have a potential for capital appreciation because of existing or anticipated economic conditions or because the securities are considered undervalued or out of favor with investors or are expected to increase in price over the short-term. Convertible debt securities will be rated at least A by Moody´s Investor Service or Standard and Poor's Ratings Services, or, if unrated, will be comparable quality in the opinion of the Advisor.
We maintain a long-term investment approach and focus on stocks we believe can appreciate over an extended time frame regardless of interim market fluctuations. Using the following disciplined approach, we look for companies having some or all of these characteristics:
l Large capitalization companies, although on occasion the Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies, if the Advisor believes it is in the best interests of the Fund. Large cap companies are generally companies with market capitalization exceeding $5 billion at the date of acquisition;
l growth that is faster than the market as a whole and sustainable over the long term;
l strong management team;
l leading market positions and growing brand identities;
l financial, marketing, and operating strength.
The Fund emphasizes investments in common stocks with the potential for capital appreciation. These stocks generally pay regular dividends, although the Fund also may invest in non-dividend-paying companies if, in the opinion of an Advisor, they offer better prospects for capital appreciation.
When the Advisor believes the securities the Fund holds may decline in value, the Fund may sell them and, if the Advisor believes market conditions warrant the Fund may assume a defensive position. While in a defensive position, the Fund may invest all or part of its assets in corporate bonds, debentures (both short and long term) or preferred stocks rated A or above by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard and Poor's (or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the Advisor), United States Government securities, repurchase agreements meeting approved credit worthiness standards (e.g., whereby the underlying security is issued by the United States Government or any agency thereof), or retain funds in cash or cash equivalents. There is no maximum limit on the amount of fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes. If the Fund takes a temporary defensive position in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund´s performance could be lower during periods when it retains or invests its assets in these more defensive holdings.
A repurchase agreement is a contract under which the seller of a security agrees to buy it back at an
agreed upon price and time in the future.
The Fund will enter into repurchase transactions only with parties who meet creditworthiness standards approved by the Fund´s Board of Directors.
The Fund may invest in foreign securities in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) which represents ownership in the shares of a non-U.S. company that trades in U.S. financial markets. We typically invest only a small portion of the Fund´s portfolio in foreign corporations through ADRs. We do not invest directly in foreign securities. When we do purchase ADRs, they are generally denominated in U.S. dollars and traded on a U.S. exchange.
Consistent with its investment objective, policies, and restrictions, the Fund also may invest in securities, such as Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs").
We seek to limit exposure to illiquid securities.
INVESTMENT RISKS
The primary risks of investing in the Fund are:
Investing in any mutual fund involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment, and the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest.
l Stock Market risk is the risk that all or a majority of the securities in a certain market - such as the stock or bond market - will decline in value because of factors such as economic conditions, future expectations or investor confidence, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.
l Operational and cybersecurity risk - Cybersecurity breaches may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a fund or its service providers to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Similar incidents affecting the companies and other issuers in which the Fund invests may negatively impact performance. Operational risk may arise from human error, error by third parties, communication errors, or technology failures, among other causes. In addition, markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large, which could negatively impact the value of one or more of the Fund's investments.
l Market Risk - Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and geopolitical events, such as political or economic dysfunction within nations. In addition, the value of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics or other public health crises. Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or the Fed and political events within the United States and other countries may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. A downgrade of the ratings of U.S. government debt obligations, or concerns about the U.S. government's credit quality in general, could have a substantial negative effect on the U.S. and global economies. Downgrades affecting other countries also could have similar impacts. In addition, high public debt in the United States and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty.
l Early Close/Trading Halt Risk is the risk that an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.
l Industry and security risk is the risk that the value of securities in a particular industry or the value of an individual stock or bond generally will decline because of changing expectations for the performance of
that industry or for the individual company issuing the stock or bond.
l Management risk is the risk that the Advisor´s assessment of a company´s ability to increase earnings faster than the rest of the market is not correct, the securities in the portfolio may not increase in value, and could decrease in value.
l Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. As rates rise, the price of a fixed rate bond will fall.
l Credit risk is the possibility that a bond´s issuer (or an entity that insures a bond) will be unable to make timely payments of interest and principal.
l Foreign investment risk is the risk that foreign securities may be adversely affected by political instability, changes in currency exchange rates, foreign economic conditions or inadequate regulatory and accounting standards outside the United States.
l Liquidity risk - a given security or asset may not be readily marketable. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Fund's desired level of exposure.
l Small Cap stocks tend to have a high risk exposure to market fluctuations and failure.
l Mid Cap stocks also tend to have a greater risk exposure to market fluctuations and failure but normally not as much so as the Small Cap stocks.
l Equity Risk. In general, stocks and other equity security values fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The level of volatility could be high.
l Repurchase Agreements Risk. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under which it purchases a security that a seller has agreed to repurchase from the Fund at a later date at the same price plus interest. If a seller defaults and the security declines in value, the Fund might incur a loss. If the seller declares bankruptcy, the Portfolio Fund may not be able to sell the security at the desired time.
l Depositary Receipts Risk. Investments in depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts) are generally subject to the same risks of investing in the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted. In addition, issuers underlying unsponsored depositary receipts may not provide as much information as U.S. issuers and issuers underlying sponsored depositary receipts. Unsponsored depositary receipts also may not carry the same voting privileges as sponsored depositary receipts.
l Convertible Securities have the risk of loss of principal at maturity, however, this loss is limited to the value of the bond floor.
l Large Cap Company Risk is the risk that larger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
l Investments in Other Investment Companies is the risk that the Fund's investments in other investment companies will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company's portfolio securities. The Fund's shareholders must bear not only their proportionate share of the Fund's fees and expenses, but they also must bear indirectly the fees and expenses of the other investment company. In addition, the Fund's net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the other investment companies in which it invests. The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective will depend, to a significant degree, on the ability of the other investment companies to meet their objectives.
l Exchange-Traded Funds ("ETFs"). ETFs are investment companies whose shares are listed on a securities exchange and trade like a stock throughout the day. Investments in ETFs are subject to a variety of risks, including risks associated with the underlying securities that the ETF holds. The Fund's net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. Also, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly due to the ETF's operating expenses and transaction costs, among other things. Similar to investments in other investment companies, the Fund's shareholders must bear not only their proportionate share of the Fund's fees and expenses, but they also must bear indirectly the fees and expenses of the ETF. In addition, the ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Fund correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Fund's assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
l Technology Securities Risk is the risk that certain technology related companies may face special risks
that their products or services may not prove to be commercially successful. Technology related companies are also strongly affected by worldwide scientific or technological developments. As a result, their products may rapidly become obsolete. Such companies are also often subject to governmental regulation and may, therefore, be adversely affected by governmental policies. Investments in technology companies generally can be volatile and fluctuate widely, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.
Loss of some or all of the money you invest is a risk of investing in the Fund.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION
The following information supplements the information in the American Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") Prospectuses under the heading Principal Investment Strategy.
The Fund is subject to certain fundamental restrictions on its investment policies, including the following:
1. No securities may be purchased on margin, the Fund may not sell securities short, and will not participate in a joint or joint and several basis with others in any securities trading account.
2. Not more than 5% of the value of the assets of the Fund at the time of investment may be invested in securities of any one issuer other than securities issued by the United States government.
3. Not more than 10% of any class of voting securities or other securities of any one issuer may be held in the portfolio of the Fund.
4. The Fund cannot act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers.
5. The Fund cannot borrow money except from a bank as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, and then only in an amount not to exceed 10% of its total assets taken at cost, or mortgage or pledge any of its assets.
6. The Fund cannot make or purchase loans to any person including real estate mortgage loans, other than through the purchase of a portion of publicly distributed debt securities pursuant to the investment policy of the Fund.
7. The Fund cannot issue senior securities or purchase the securities of another investment company or investment trust except in the open market where no profit to a sponsor or dealer, other than the customary brokers commission, results from such purchase (but the total of such investment shall not exceed 10% of the net assets of the Fund), or except when such purchase is part of a plan of merger or consolidation. The Fund may purchase securities of other investment companies in the open market if the purchase involves only customary broker´s commissions and only if immediately thereafter (i) no more than 3% of the voting securities of any one investment company are owned by the Fund, (ii) no more than 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in any one investment company, and (iii) no more than 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in the securities of such investment companies. Should the Fund purchase securities of other investment companies, the Fund´s shareholders may incur additional management and distribution fees.
8. The Fund cannot invest in the securities of issuers which have been in operation for less than three years if such purchase at the time thereof would cause more than 5% of the net assets of the Fund to be so invested, and in any event, any such investments must be limited to utility or pipeline companies.
9. The Fund cannot invest in companies for the purpose of exercising management or control.
10. The Fund cannot deal in real estate, commodities or commodity contracts.
11. In applying its restrictions on concentration of investments in any one industry, the Fund uses industry classifications based, where applicable, on Bridge Information Systems, Reuters, the S&P Stock Guide published by Standard & Poor's, the O´Neil Database published by William O´Neil & Co., Inc., information obtained from Value Line, Bloomberg L.P. and Moody´s International, and/or the prospectus of the
issuing company, and/or other recognized classification resources. Selection of an appropriate industry classification resource will be made by management in the exercise of its reasonable discretion. The Fund will not concentrate its investments in any particular industry nor will it purchase a security if, as a result of such purchase, more than 25% of its assets will be invested in a particular industry.
12. The Fund cannot invest in puts, calls, straddles, spreads or any combination thereof.
The foregoing policies can be changed only by approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, which means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
When the Fund makes temporary investments in U.S. Government securities, it ordinarily will purchase U.S. Treasury Bills, Notes, or Bonds. The Fund may make temporary investments in repurchase agreements where the underlying security is issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or an agency thereof. The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, or securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. The Fund will not invest in real estate limited partnership interests, other than interests in readily marketable real estate investment trusts. The Fund will not invest in oil, gas or mineral leases, or invest more than 5% of its net assets in warrants or rights, valued at the lower of cost or market, nor more than 2% of its net assets in warrants or rights (valued on the same basis) which are not listed on the New York or American Stock Exchanges.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION
If the Fund invests in fixed-income securities, for temporary defensive purposes, these securities generally are U.S. government obligations. If corporate fixed-income securities are used, the securities normally are rated A or higher by Moody´s Investor Service, Inc. (Moody´s) or A or higher by Standard & Poor's (S&P). There is no maximum limit on the amount of fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Normal portfolio turnover for Series One is approximately 2.8%. In 2024 Series One's portfolio turnover was 4%.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Fund's portfolio information is publicly available: (1) at the time such information is filed with the SEC in a publicly available filing; and/or (2) when such information is posted on the Fund's website. The Fund's publicly available portfolio information, which may be provided to third parties without prior approval, are complete portfolio holdings disclosed in the Fund's semi-annual or annual reports and filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR, and complete portfolio holdings disclosed in the Fund's quarterly reports and filed with the SEC on Form N-PORT.
The Fund's President, in consultation with the CCO may grant exceptions to permit additional disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings information at differing times and with different lag times (the period from the date of the information to the date the information is made available), if any, in instances where the Fund has legitimate business purposes for doing so, it is in the best interests of Fund shareholders, and the recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on the nonpublic information, and are required to execute an agreement to that effect. The Board will be informed of any such disclosures at its next regularly scheduled meeting or as soon as is reasonably practicable thereafter. In no event will the Fund, IRC, or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings. No person is authorized to disclose the Fund's portfolio holdings or other investment positions except in accordance with the Fund's policies and procedures.
The Board exercises continuing oversight of the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings by (1) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Fund's portfolio holdings policies and procedures by the CCO and the Fund; (2) considering reports and recommendations by the CCO concerning any material compliance matters that may arise in connection with any portfolio holdings policies and
procedures; and (3) considering whether to approve or ratify any amendment to any of the portfolio holdings policies and procedures. The Board and the Fund reserve the right to amend the policies and procedures in their sole discretion at any time and from time to time without prior notice to shareholders.
Currently, the Fund has no ongoing arrangements or commitment to release non-public portfolio holdings to any individual or group.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The day-to-day operations of the Fund are managed by its officers subject to the overall supervision and control of the Board of Directors. The Fund´s Audit Committee meets annually and is responsible for reviewing the financial statements of the Fund. The following information about the interested directors2 the Fund includes their principal occupations for the past five years:
| Name, Address, and Age | Position(s) Held with Fund | Term of Office1 and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director | Other Directorships Held by Director for the Past Five Years |
| Timothy E. Taggart, 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, CO DOB: October 18, 1953 | Chairman, President, Director and Treasurer | Since April 2004 | Principal executive, financial and accounting officer, employee of Advisor since 1983. See below for affiliation with Distributor. | 2 | Director of World Capital Brokerage, Inc. and Investment Research Corporation |
The following information about the non-interested directors, officers and advisors of the Fund includes their principal occupations for the past five years:
| Name, Address, and Age | Position(s) Held with Fund | Term of Office1 and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director | Other Directorships Held by Director for the Past Five Years |
| Eddie R. Bush, 1400 W. 122nd Ave., Suite 100, Westminster, CO DOB: December 13, 1939 | Director, Audit Committee Chairman (financial expert), Lead Independent Director | Since September 1987 | Certified Public Accountant | 2 | None |
| Darrell E. Bush, 2714 West 118th Ave, Westminster, CO DOB: February 19, 1971 | Director | Since September 2013 | Accountant | 2 | None |
| Michael L. Gaughan, 315 W. 20th St., Scottsbluff, NE DOB: November 29, 1967 | Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary | Since September 2004 | Employee of the Fund since 1995. | N/A | World Capital Brokerage, Inc. and Investment Research Corporation |
| Patricia A. Blum, 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, CO DOB: June 27, 1959 | Vice President | Since June 2013 | Employee of the Fund since 2001. | N/A | World Capital Brokerage, Inc. |
1. Trustees and officers of the fund serve until their resignation, removal or retirement.
2. Timothy Taggart is an "interested person" of the Fund as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940 because of the following positions which he holds.
Timothy E. Taggart is the President, Treasurer and a Director of World Capital Brokerage, Inc. and is the President, Treasurer and a Director of Investment Research Corporation.
Timothy E. Taggart is president and a director of the Distributor and the president and a director of Investment Research Corporation.
Eddie R. Bush is the Fund's Lead Independent Director. Mr. E. Bush is also the chairman of the Audit Committee as well as serves on the Nominating Committee and Qualified Legal Compliance Committee.
None of the above-named persons received any retirement benefits or other form of deferred compensation from the Fund. There are no other funds that together with the Fund constitute a Fund Complex.
As of December 31, 2023, all officers and directors as a group (a total of 3) owned directly 11,480 of its shares or 0.40% of shares outstanding. Together, directly and indirectly, all the officers and directors as a group owned 24,407 shares or 0.85% of all shares outstanding.
As of December 31, 2023, officers, directors and members of the advisory board and their relatives owned of record and beneficially Fund shares with net asset value of approximately $604,147 representing approximately 3.27% of the total net assets of the Fund.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The management of the Fund believes that the business experience and educational background of the Fund´s Directors and Officers set forth above make these individuals well qualified to serve the Fund in the positions that they hold.
Timothy E. Taggart, Chairman, President and Director, has held his securities license since 1987. His knowledge of the securities industry is vast as owner and president of World Capital Brokerage, Inc., a registered Broker Dealer, and owner and president of Investment Research Corporation, a registered investment advisor. Mr. Taggart is also a member of the Investment Committee.
Eddie R. Bush is the Chairman of the Fund´s Audit Committee and is the Fund's Lead Independent Director. He reviews and reports to the Board periodically on the validity of the accounting data provided to the Board.
Darrell Bush, Fund Independent Director, Nominating Committee member and Qualified Legal Compliance Committee member is an accountant who offers the Fund, and the Audit Committee, his professional financial experience.
It is the duty of the Fund Board to review in its oversight capacity, on a quarterly basis, the actions taken by Fund Management, including how management addressed any risk management issues confronting the Fund that arose during the previous quarter. This includes, in part, trade, expense and performance issues and data.
Under a standing item on the Agenda for each quarterly Fund Board meeting the Information provided to the Board by the management and staff of the Fund is used by the members of the Board to review and analyze risk(s) confronting the Fund on a quarterly basis. Each Director´s opinions, views and questions on risk management and any other issue concerning the Fund are directly communicated to the management and staff of the Fund, both at the quarterly Fund Board meetings and in necessary between board meetings, under the current leadership structure of the Fund Board.
Mr. E. Bush is a member of the Audit Committee whose main purpose is the review and oversight of the Fund´s financials. During the past fiscal year there were a total of four regular meetings held by the audit committee. Members of the Audit Committee are nominated and voted upon by the Board of Directors.
On September 23, 2010, an Investment Advisory Committee was formed with the purpose of offering investment advice to a senior portfolio manager of the Fund. The current members of the Investment Advisory Committee are Timothy Taggart, Robert Fleck and Matthew Taggart who met with the board 4 times this past fiscal year at regularly scheduled board meetings.
The Fund has a Nominating Committee comprised of all of its independent Directors. The purpose of the Nominating Committee is to nominate and interview individuals to serve on the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee was formed in September of 2016 and did not hold any meetings in the fiscal year ended 2020. The Nominating Committee will consider shareholder suggestions of persons to be considered as nominees to fill future vacancies on the board. Such suggestions must be sent in writing to the nominating committee of the fund, addressed to the fund's secretary, and must be accompanied by complete biographical and occupational data on the prospective nominee, along with a written consent of the prospective nominee for consideration of his or her name by the committee.
The Fund has a Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. The Fund has designated its Audit Committee to serve as its Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee reviews reports of evidence of a material violation of an applicable United States federal or state securities law, a material breach of fiduciary duty arising under United States federal or state law, or a similar material violation of any United States federal or state law (each, a "Material Violation"), determining whether an investigation is necessary with respect to any such report and, if deemed necessary or appropriate, investigating and recommending an appropriate response thereto. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee was formed in September of 2016 and met one time, as part of the Audit Committee, during fiscal year end July 31, 2024.
Director Ownership of the Fund. The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned in the American Growth Fund family by the Directors as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2023.
| Name of Director | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund | Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Director in Family of Investment Companies |
| Interested Director | ||
| Timothy E. Taggart | $10,001 - $50,000 | $10,001 - $50,000 |
| Non-Interested Directors | ||
| Eddie R. Bush | $50,001 - $100,000 | $50,001 - $100,000 |
| Darrell Bush | $0 | $0 |
All officers, directors and members of the Fund's board in the aggregate (a total of 3 board members) received total compensation of $40,619, from the Fund in fiscal year 2024. Directors of the Fund are compensated at the rate of $400 and $500 per meeting attended, and the board members who are members of the audit committee receive an additional $100 per meeting.
Out-of-town directors are also reimbursed for their travel expenses to meetings. Officers are not paid by the Fund.
| Name of Person, Position | Aggregate Compensation From Fund | Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Total Compensation From Fund and Fund Complex Paid to Directors |
|
Eddie R. Bush Independent Director |
$22,714 | $0 | $0 | $22,714 |
|
Darrell Bush Independent Director |
17,905 | $0 | $0 | $17,905 |
|
Timothy Taggart Interested Director and President |
$0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
In addition to the amounts disclosed in the table, the Fund makes payments to Mr. Taggart for other services, and if those amounts are included, the total compensation paid to Mr. Taggart by the Fund and Fund Complex is $83.,766.
During the year ended July 31, 2024, Messrs. Taggart, E. Bush, and D. Bush were the only directors serving during that year.
The Fund, its Investment Advisor (Investment Research Corporation) and its underwriter (World Capital Brokerage, Inc.) have adopted a Code of Ethics under rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act. These Code of Ethics contain guidelines for purchasing securities that are held by the Fund and are available by contacting the Fund at 800-525-2406.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
For proxy votes cast on behalf of American Growth Fund:
Investment Research Corporation ("the Advisor"), the investment Advisor of the Fund, has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of the Fund. As it relates to proxy voting, the Advisor recognizes that it must vote Fund securities in a timely manner and make voting decisions that are in the best interests of the Fund.
The following are general policies of the Advisor with respect to proxy voting but the Advisor does reserve the right to depart from these policies, if such a departure is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
Election of Directors: Unless we are aware of extenuating circumstances, such as a proxy fight for board seats, the Advisor will generally vote in favor of management´s slate of directors.
Appointment of Auditors: The Advisor will generally vote in favor of the auditors recommended by management.
Changes In Capital Structure: The Advisor will generally vote in accordance with management´s recommendation unless other information indicates that the Fund´s interests are better served by a vote against the proposal.
Other Proxy Issues: The Advisor will consider other proxy issues on a case by case basis with the Fund´s interests determining the vote.
Conflicts of Interest: The Advisor recognizes that there may be situations where a proxy issue presents a conflict of interest between the interest of the Fund and the Advisor´s representative casting the proxy vote. If a conflict exists, any votes inconsistent with this policy will be submitted to the Fund´s Board of Directors for review and approval.
The Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund is responsible for voting all proxies. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-525-2406 or through the Fund´s website at www.americangrowthfund.com and on the Security and Exchange Commission´s website at http://www.sec.gov.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
Control Persons. No person controls more than 25% of the Fund´s voting securities. No person is known to own beneficially 5% or more of any class of the Fund's outstanding equity securities.
Management Ownership. As of 11/30/2024, all officers and directors own a combined total of 0.38% of Fund shares.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Since the organization of the Fund in 1958, its investment advisor for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares, since share inception, has been Investment Research Corporation ("IRC"), 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado 80203.
Under the terms of its advisory agreement with the Fund, the Advisor is paid an annual fee of one percent of the Fund´s average net assets up to $30,000,000 of such assets and three-fourths of one percent of such assets above $30,000,000. This fee and all other expenses of the Fund are paid by the Fund. The fee is computed daily based on the assets and paid on the fifth day of the ensuing month. For this fee the Advisor manages the portfolio of the Fund and furnishes such statistical and analytical information as the Fund may reasonably require.
IRC will obtain assistance from employees of World Capital Advisors ("WCA"), who will be acting in the capacity of employees of IRC, in managing Series One. In return for receiving such services IRC pays those employees up to the full amount of its investment advisory fee.
The advisory agreements require the Fund to pay its own expenses subject to the limitations set by the securities laws in effect from time to time in the states in which the Fund´s securities are then registered for sale or are exempt from registration and offered for sale. The categories of expenses paid by the Fund are set forth in detail in the Fund´s financial statements. At the time of this filing the Fund´s securities are either registered for sale or are exempt from registration and offered for sale in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Total advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Investment Research Corporation in fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 were $193,950, $168,235, and $190,890 resulting in management fees of 1.00%, 1.00% and 1.00% of average net assets, respectively.
The advisory agreement will continue from year to year so long as such continuance is specifically approved annually either by the vote of the entire Board of Directors of the Fund or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, and in either case by the vote of a majority of the directors who are not interested persons of the Fund or the Advisor cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The advisory agreement may be canceled without penalty by either party upon 60 days' notice and automatically terminates in the event of assignment.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
World Capital Brokerage, Inc., at 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203, is the underwriter and distributor for the Fund. Timothy E. Taggart is the President and a Director of the Underwriter.
Total fees paid to the Underwriter/Distributor for the fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 were $6,806, $1,365, and $1,595, respectively.
SERVICE AGREEMENTS
The Fund´s Transfer Agent is Fund Services, Inc. and was paid, $81,143 for the 2022 fiscal year, $48,043 for the 2023 fiscal year and $79,414 for the 2024 fiscal year.
UMB Bank is the Fund´s Custodian. For the fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 total fees paid to the Custodian were $12,421, $10,510, and $4,235, respectively.
Tait, Weller and Baker LLP was the Fund´s auditor for fiscal years 2021, 2022 and until the resignation on April 21, 2023. For the fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024 total fees paid to the Auditor were $48,722, $49,144, and $17,000, respectively.
American Growth Fund, Inc has engaged Sanville & Company CPA as the Fund's auditor starting with the Annual Report ending July 31, 2023 who's fees were paid in the 2024 fiscal year.
OTHER INVESTMENT ADVICE
No other person advises the Fund.
DEALER REALLOWANCES
No front-end sales loads were reallowed to dealers.
RULE 12b-1 PLANS
The Fund´s directors have adopted separate 12b-1 plans for Class A, B and C that allow each class to pay distribution fees for the sales and distribution of its shares. Class A shares are subject to an annual 12b-1 fee no greater than 0.30% of average net assets. For approximately seven years after you buy Class B shares, they are subject to annual 12b-1 fees no greater than 1% of average daily net assets, of which 0.25% are service fees paid to the Distributor, dealers or others for providing services and maintaining accounts. Class C shares are subject to an annual 12b-1 fee which may not be greater than 1% of average daily net assets, of which 0.25% is service fees and 0.75% is distribution fees paid to the distributor, dealers or others for providing personal services and maintaining shareholder accounts.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 principal types of activities for which payments were made, including those amounts, are;
|
Type |
Amount |
|
| Advertising | $0 | |
| Printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders | $0 | |
| Compensation to the Underwriter | $2,163 | |
| Compensation to the Broker-Dealer | $11,661* | |
| Compensation to sales personnel | $0 | |
| Interest, carrying, or other financial charges | $0 | |
| Other (specify) | $0 |
*Of which $2,087 was retained by the distributor.
In addition to the for mentioned service fees, the 12b-1 plan allows for reimbursement to the Distributor of expenses incurred. Expenses are reimbursed on an ongoing basis, subject to review by the board of directors and do not carryover from year to year.
The Fund does not participate in any joint distribution activities.
No affiliated person of the Fund has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 plan or related agreements.
The Fund anticipates the 12b-1 plan to provide the Fund and its shareholders with a high level of service. The 12b-1 plan is subject to the review of the board of directors quarterly.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
No other person provides significant administrative or business affairs management services for the Fund.
SECURITES LENDING
During the last fiscal year, the Fund did not lend any securities and therefore does not have any revenue from such activities to report.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by IRC through an Investment Advisory Committee, which is made up of; Timothy Taggart, the Advisor's and the Fund's President who has been a member of the Investment Advisory Committee since September of 2010 and is the President of the Fund's principal underwriter and distributor, World Capital Brokerage, Inc. ("WCB"); Robert Fleck, an employee of the Advisor and Investment Advisory Committee member since September 2010; and Matthew Taggart, an employee of the Advisor and Investment Committee member since April of 2021. Messrs. Taggart and Mr. Fleck are jointly and primarily responsible for the portfolio management of Series One (total net assets of $20,098,147 as of close of business on 07/31/2024). As of 7/31/2023 there were no conflicts of interest in connection with the portfolio manager's management of Series One. Messrs. Taggart receives a salary which is allocated between the Fund, the Advisor, the Underwriter and other affiliated companies. Mr. Fleck receives 85% of the management fee of assets raised directly by him and 15% of the management fee of assets raised from other sources. None of the individuals' compensation is based upon performance of the Fund. None of the individuals manage any other funds. As of 12/31/2022 Mr. T. Taggart owned between $10,001-$50,000 of Series One Fund shares and Mr. Fleck owned over $100,000 of Series One Fund shares. As of the 10/31/2024, Mr. M. Taggart owned $1 - $10,000 of Series One Fund shares.
DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES
The Fund´s distributor is World Capital Brokerage, Inc., (WCB or the Distributor) 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado 80203, which continuously sells the Funds shares to dealers and directly to investors. The offering of the Funds shares is subject to withdrawal or cancellation at any time. The Fund and the Distributor reserve the right to reject any order for any reason.
The Fund offers four classes of shares with a par value $.01 per share. The shares are fully paid and non-assessable when issued. The Fund offers four classes of shares; Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares of the Fund represent an identical interest in the investment portfolio. All four classes of the Fund have the same rights, except that Class A, Class B, and Class C shares bear the expenses of ongoing service fees and distribution fees, Class B, and Class C may bear the additional incremental transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements, and Class B shares have a conversion feature. The fees that are imposed on Class A, Class B, and Class C shares are imposed directly against those classes and not against all assets of the Funds and, accordingly, such charges do not affect the net asset value of any other class or have any impact on investors choosing another sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Fund for each class of shares are calculated in the same manner at the same time and will differ only to the extent that distribution and service plan fees and any incremental transfer agency or other costs relating to a particular class are borne exclusively by that class. Class A, Class B, and Class C shares each have exclusive voting rights with respect to the distribution and service plan adopted with respect to such class pursuant to which distribution and service plan fees are paid, except that because Class B and C shares convert automatically to Class A shares approximately seven years after issuance. The distribution and service plan for Class A shares is also subject to the right of Class B and C shareholders to vote with respect to it.
The Fund has entered into separate distribution agreements with the Distributor in connection with the offering of each class of shares of the Fund (the "Distribution Agreements"). The Distributor has made no firm commitment to take any Fund shares from the Fund and is permitted to buy only sufficient shares to
fill unconditional orders placed with it by investors and selected investment dealers. The Distribution Agreements obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in connection with the offering of each class of shares of the Fund. After the prospectuses, statements of additional information and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and mailed to shareholders, the Distributor pays for the printing and distribution of copies thereof used in connection with the offering to dealers and investors. The Distributor also pays for other supplementary sales literature and advertising costs.
Fund shares may be purchased at the public offering price through the Distributor or through broker-dealers who are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority who have sales agreements with the Distributor. The Prospectus contains information concerning how the public offering price of the Funds shares is determined. The Distributor allows dealers discounts or concessions from the applicable public offering price on Class A, and Class D shares. Concessions are alike for all dealers in the United States and its territories, but the Distributor may pay additional compensation for special services. On direct sales to customers through its own sales representatives, the Distributor pays to them such portion of the sales commission as it deems appropriate.
Initial Sales Alternatives - Class A and Class D Shares. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class D shares for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024 were $218 (of which $189 were paid for dealer commissions and $29 were paid to the underwriter), $166 (of which $144 were paid for dealer commissions and $22 were paid to the underwriter), and $2,451 (of which $2,143 were paid for dealer commissions and $308 were paid to the underwriter) respectively. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class A shares for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024 were $9,473 (of which $8,137 were paid for dealer commissions and $1,336 were paid to the underwriter), $10,210 (of which $8,637 were paid for dealer commissions and $1,573 were paid to the underwriter), and $11,372 (of which $9,518 were paid for dealer commissions and $1,854 were paid to the underwriter) respectively. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, for the sale of Class D shares the Distributor retained $118 (of which $89 were retained for the dealer commission and $29 were retained for the underwriter), $111 (of which $89 were retained for the dealer commission and $22 were retained for the underwriter), and $2,395 (of which $2,087 were retained for the dealer commission and $308 were retained for the underwriter) respectively, as its portion of commissions paid by purchasers of the Fund´s shares after allowing as concessions to other dealers $99, $55, and $56, respectively. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, for the sale of Class A shares the Distributor retained $1,348 (of which $12 were retained for dealer commissions and $1,336 were retained for the underwriter), $1,597 (of which $25 were retained for dealer commissions and $1,572 were retained for the underwriter), and $1,854 (of which $0 were retained for dealer commissions and $1,854 were retained for the underwriter), respectively, as its portion of commissions paid by purchasers of the Fund´s shares after allowing as concessions to other dealers $8,124, $8,612, and $9,518, respectively.
The following sample calculation of the public offering price of one Class A Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Fund is based on the net asset value of one Class A and Class D share as of July 31, 2024 and a transaction with an applicable sales charge at the maximum rate of 5.75%.
| Net asset value per share | Class D | Class A | Class B | Class C |
| Total net assets/Total shares outstanding) | $ 7.93 | $ 7.27 | $ 5.28 | $ 5.84 |
| (5.75% of offering price) | 0.48 | 0.44 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Maximum offering price per share | $ 8.41 | $ 7.71 | $ 5.28 | $ 5.84 |
Investment Plans. Investors have flexibility in the purchase of shares under the Fund´s investment plans. They may make single, lump-sum investments and they may add to their accounts on a regular basis,
including through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
An investor may elect on his application to have all dividends and capital gains distributions reinvested or take income dividends in cash and have any capital gains distributions reinvested. An investor may also retain the option of electing to take any year´s capital gains distribution in cash by notifying the Fund of his choice to do so in writing.
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") contains limitations and restrictions upon participation in all forms of qualified plans and for contributions made to retirement plans for tax years beginning after December 31, 1986. Consultation with an attorney or a competent tax advisor regarding retirement plans is recommended. A discussion of the various qualified plans offered by the Fund is contained elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information.
Investor´s Right of Accumulation.For Class A and Class D shareholders the value of all assets held the day an order is received which qualifies for rights of accumulation may be combined to determine the aggregate investment of any person in ascertaining the sales charge applicable to each subsequent purchase. For example, for any person who has previously purchased and still holds Class A or Class D shares, respectively, with a value (at current offering price) of $20,000 on which he paid a charge of 5.75% and subsequently purchases $80,000 of additional Class A or Class D shares, respectively, the charge applicable to the trade of $80,000 would be 3.50%.
The Distributor must be notified by the shareholder when a purchase takes place if the shareholder wishes to qualify for the reduced charge on the basis of previous purchases. The reduced sales charge is inapplicable to income dividends and capital gain distributions which are reinvested at net asset value. The reduced charge is subject to confirmation of the investor's holdings through a check of the Funds records.
Letter of Intent.For Class A and Class D shareholders any person (as defined under Calculation of Net Asset Value) may sign a letter of intent covering purchases to be made within a period of thirteen months (which may include the preceding 90 days) and thereby become eligible for the reduced sales charge applicable to the total amount purchased, provided such amount is not less than $50,000. After a letter of intent is established, each future purchase will be made at the reduced sales charge applicable to the intended dollar amount noted on the application. Reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains distributions is not considered a purchase hereunder. If, within the 13-month period, ownership of the designated class of Fund shares does not reach the intended dollar amount, the difference between what you paid for such shares and the amount which would have been paid for them must be promptly paid as if the normal sales commission applicable to such purchases had been charged. The difference between the sales charge as applied to a regular purchase and the sales charge as applied on the letter of intent will be held in escrow in the form of shares (computed to the nearest full share) and can be retained by the Fund. If during the 13-month period the intended dollar amount is increased, a new or revised letter of intent must be signed and complied with to receive a further sales charge reduction. This reduction will apply retroactively to all shares theretofore purchased under this letter.
Automatic Investment Plan.After making an initial investment, a shareholder may make additional purchases at any time either through the shareholder´s securities dealer, or by mail directly to the transfer agent. Voluntary accumulation also can be made through a service known as the Fund´s Automatic Investment Plan whereby the Fund is authorized through pre-authorized checks or automated clearing house debits to charge the regular bank account of the shareholder on a regular basis to provide systematic additions to the account of such shareholder.
Deferred Sales Charges.As discussed in the Prospectuses, Class B shares redeemed within seven years of purchase, Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase, and certain purchases of Class A and Class D shares at net asset value and redeemed within one year of purchase, are each subject to a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. However, under most circumstances, the charge is waived on redemptions in connection with certain post-retirement withdrawals from an IRA or other retirement plan or following the death or disability of a shareholder. Redemptions for which the waiver
applies are: (a) any partial or complete redemption in connection with a distribution following retirement under a tax-deferred retirement plan or attaining age 59 1/2 in the case of an IRA or other retirement plan, or part of a series of equal periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) made for life (or life expectancy) or any redemption resulting from the tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA; or (b) any partial or complete redemption following the death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) of a shareholder (including one who owns the shares as joint tenant with his or her spouse), provided the redemption is requested within one year of the death or initial determination of disability. The contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is waived on redemption of shares in connection with a Systematic Withdrawal Plan where the total withdrawal is less than 12% of the previous year value or of the original purchase, whichever is greater.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, the Distributor received CDSCs of $9, with respect to redemptions of Class B shares, all of which was paid to the Distributor. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 the Distributor received CDSCs of $253 with respect to redemptions of Class C shares.
From time to time the Distributor may pay a finder´s fee to Selling Group Members not to exceed 1% of the purchase for net asset value trades over one million dollars.
Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies
The availability of certain initial or deferred sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on the particular financial intermediary or type of account through which you purchase or hold Fund shares.
Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load ("CDSC") waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund's prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available:
l Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
l Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
l Employees and registered representatives of Broker Dealers or their affiliates and their immediate family members.
l Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
l A shareholder in the Fund's Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of the Broker Dealer.
CDSC Waivers on Classes A, B and C shares available:
l Death or disability of the shareholder.
l Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's prospectus.
l Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
l Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the fund's prospectus.
l Shares sold to pay Broker Dealer fees but only if the transaction is initiated by the Broker Dealer.
l Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load discounts available: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation
l Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
l Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household. Eligible fund family assets not held at the Broker Dealer may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial Advisor about such assets.
AUTOMATIC CASH WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan is designed as a convenience for those shareholders wishing to receive a stated amount of money at regular intervals from their investment in shares of the Fund. A Plan is opened by completing an application for such Plan and surrendering to the Fund all certificates issued to the investor for Fund shares. No minimum number of shares or minimum withdrawal amount is required. Withdrawals are made from investment income dividends paid on shares held under the Plan and, if these are not sufficient, from the proceeds from redemption of such number of shares as may be necessary to make periodic payments. As such redemptions involve the use of capital, over a period of time they will very likely exhaust the share balance of an account held under a Plan and may result in capital gains taxable to the investor. Use of a Plan cannot assure realization of investment objectives, including capital growth or protection against loss. Price determinations with respect to share redemptions are generally made on the 23rd of each month or the next business day thereafter. Proceeds from such transactions are generally mailed three business days following such transaction date.
Withdrawals concurrent with purchases of additional shares may be inadvisable because of duplication of sales charges. Single payment purchases of shares in amounts less than $5,000 in combination with a withdrawal plan will not ordinarily be permitted. No withdrawal plan will be permitted if the investor is also a purchaser under a continuous investment plan. Either the owner or the Fund may terminate the Plan at any time, for any reason, by written notice to the other.
Investment income dividends paid on shares held in a withdrawal plan account will be credited to such account and reinvested in additional Fund shares. Any optional capital gains distributions will be taken in shares, which will be added to the share balance held in the Plan account. Dividends and distributions paid into the Plan account are taxable for federal income tax purposes.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund makes available retirement plan services to all classes of its shares. Investors in the Fund can establish accounts in any one of the retirement plans offered by the Fund. Each participant in a retirement plan account is charged a $20 annual service fee to offset expenses incurred in servicing such accounts. Dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested. Under each of the plans, the Fund´s retirement plan custodian or successor custodian provides custodial services required by the Code, including the filing of reports with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). Consultation with an attorney or competent tax advisor is recommended before establishing any retirement plan. Brochures which describe the following retirement plans and contain IRS model or prototype plan documents may be obtained from the Distributor. The Distributor, in its sole discretion, may reimburse a Fund shareholder for any penalties which the shareholder may incur in transferring assets from a retirement plan established with a third party to one or more of the retirement plans offered by the Fund. No such reimbursement shall exceed the amount of the dealer concession which the Distributor would otherwise pay to a dealer in conjunction with the investment by the shareholders in the Funds retirement plan(s).
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS.The Fund makes available a model Individual Retirement Account (IRA) under Section 408(a) of the Code on IRS Form 5305-A. A qualified individual may invest annually in an IRA. Persons who are not eligible to make fully deductible contributions will be able to make non-deductible contributions to their IRAs, subject to limits specified in the Code, to the extent that deductible contributions are not allowed. IRA earnings on non-deductible, as well as deductible, contributions will accumulate tax deferred. An IRA account may also be established in a tax-free roll-over
transfer within 60 days of receipt of a lump sum distribution from a qualified pension plan resulting from severance of employment or termination by the employer of such a plan.
The Code provides for penalties for violation of certain of its provisions including, but not limited to, contributions in excess of the stipulated limitations, improper distributions and certain prohibited transactions. To afford plan holders the right of revocation described in the IRA disclosure statements, investments made in a newly established IRA may be canceled within seven days of the date the plan holder signed the Custodial Agreement by writing the Fund´s retirement plan custodian.
SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS.The Fund makes available model Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPs) on IRS Form 5305-SEP and Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SARSEPs) on IRS Form 5305A-SEP. By adopting a SEP, employers may contribute to each eligible employees own IRA. Commencing with tax years beginning after December 31, 1986, salary reduction contributions may be made to SEPs maintained by employers meeting certain qualifications specified in the Code.
TEACHER AND NON-PROFIT EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN.Employees of tax exempt, charitable, religious and educational organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, and employees of public school systems and state and local educational institutions, may establish a retirement plan under Section 403(b) of the Code.
PROTOTYPE MONEY PURCHASE AND PROFIT-SHARING PENSION PLANS. Available generally to employers, including self-employed individuals, partnerships, subchapter S corporations and corporations.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Reference is made to Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans in the Prospectuses for certain information with respect to separate distribution plans for Class A, Class B, and Class C shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of the Fund (each a "Distribution Plan") and with respect to the shareholder service and distribution fees paid by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to such classes.
Payments of the shareholder service fees and/or distribution fees are subject to the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Among other things, each Distribution Plan provides that the Distributor shall provide, and the Directors shall review quarterly reports of the disbursement of the service fees and/or distribution fees paid to the Distributor. In their consideration of each Distribution Plan, the Directors must consider all factors they deem relevant, including information as to the benefits of the Distribution Plan to the Fund and its related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan further provides that, so long as the Distribution Plan remains in effect, the selection and nomination of Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act (the Independent Directors), shall be committed to the discretion of the Independent Directors then in office. In approving each Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1, the Independent Directors considered the potential benefits that the Distribution Plans could provide to the Fund and the respective classes and their shareholders, and concluded that there is reasonable likelihood that such Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders. Each Distribution Plan can be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable class. A Distribution Plan cannot be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent there under without the approval of the applicable class of shareholders, and all material amendments are required to be approved by the vote of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors who have no direct or indirect financial interest in such Distribution Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose. Rule 12b-1 further requires that the Fund preserve copies of each Distribution Plan and any report made pursuant to such plan for a period of
not less than six years from the date of such Distribution Plan or such report, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund paid the Distributor $29,309 (based on an average net assets relating to the Class A shares of approximately $9,487,026) pursuant to the Class A Distribution Plan, $21,101 of which was paid to other broker-dealers for providing account maintenance and distribution-related services in connection with the Class A shares and $8,208 (of which $7,091 was for the certain distribution related activities and $1,117 was for providing account maintenance and distribution related services) was retained by the Distributor. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund paid the Distributor $2,516 (based on average net assets relating to the Class B shares of approximately $244,166) pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan, $611 of which was paid to other broker-dealers for providing account maintenance and distribution-related services in connection with the Class B shares and $1,905 (of which $1,905 was for the certain distribution-related activities and $0 was for providing account maintenance and distribution-related services) was retained by the distributor. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, the Fund paid the Distributor $14,184 (based on average net assets relating to the Class C shares of approximately $1,376,993) pursuant to the Class C Distribution Plan, $12,396 of which was paid to other broker-dealers for providing account maintenance and distribution-related services in connection with the Class C shares and $1,788 (of which $1,788 was for the certain distribution-related activities and $0 was for providing account maintenance and distribution-related services) was retained by the Distributor. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, the Advisor paid $18,600 (based on average net assets relating to the Class D shares of approximately $7,430,389) pursuant to the Class D Distribution Plan, $6,824 of which was paid to other broker-dealers for providing account maintenance and distribution-related services in connection with the Class D shares and $11,776 (of which $0 was for the certain distribution-related activities and $11,776 was for providing account maintenance and distribution-related services) was retained by the Distributor. At July 31, 2024, the net assets of the Fund subject to the Class B Distribution Plan aggregated approximately $261,357. At this net asset level, the annual fee payable pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan would aggregate approximately $2,614. At July 31, 2024, the net assets of the Fund subject to Class C Distribution Plan approximated $1,514,476. At this asset level, the annual fee payable pursuant to the Class C Distribution Plan would approximate $15,145.
Net Asset Value Purchases of Class A Shares. Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value through certain organizations (which may be broker-dealers, banks or other financial organizations)(Processing Organizations) which have agreed with the Distributor to purchase and hold shares for their customers. A Processing Organization may require persons purchasing through it to meet the minimum initial or subsequent investments, which may be higher or lower than the Fund´s minimum investments, and may impose other restrictions, charges and fees in addition to or different from those applicable to other purchasers of shares of the Fund. Investors contemplating a purchase of Fund shares through a Processing Organization should consult the materials provided by the Processing Organization for further information concerning purchases, redemptions and transfers of Fund shares as well as applicable fees and expenses and other procedures and restrictions. Certain Processing Organizations may receive compensation from the Advisor and the Distributor.
Class A shares of the Fund may also be purchased at net asset value by an investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or appropriate state authorities who clears such Fund transactions through a broker-dealer, bank or trust company (each of which may impose transaction fees with respect to such transactions) and who either purchases shares for its own account or for accounts for which the investment Advisor is authorized to make investment decisions. Such investment Advisors may impose charges and fees on their clients for their services, which charges and fees may vary from investment Advisor to investment Advisor.
Class A shares may be offered at net asset value in connection with the acquisition of assets of other investment companies. Class A shares also are offered at net asset value, without sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with an American Growth Fund Distribution Plan, if certain conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional Information are met.
The Fund also sells its Class A shares at net asset value in connection with a qualified rollover of assets held in a previously existing tax-exempt retirement plan (including an IRA, 401(k) plan or 403(b) plan) through broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Underwriter relating to such rollovers.
BROKERAGE
Decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund, assignment of its portfolio business, and negotiation of its commission rates, where applicable, are made by the Fund´s securities order department. The Fund does not have any agreement or arrangement to use any particular broker for its portfolio transactions. The Fund´s primary consideration in effecting a security transaction will be execution at the most favorable price. When selecting a broker-dealer to execute a particular transaction, the Fund will take the following into consideration: the best net price available; the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker-dealer; the size of and difficulty in executing the order; the value of the expected contribution of the broker-dealer to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis; sales of Fund shares; and the value of brokerage, research and other services provided by the broker-dealer. The commission charged by a broker may be greater than the amount another firm might charge if the management of the Fund determines in good faith that the amount of such commissions is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker.
Portfolio transactions placed through dealers serving as primary market makers are effected at net prices, without commission as such, but which include compensation to the dealer in the form of mark up or mark down. In certain instances, the Fund may make purchases of underwritten issues at prices which include underwriting fees. When making purchases of underwritten issues with fixed underwriting fees, the Fund may designate broker-dealers who have agreed to provide the Fund with certain statistical, research, and other information, or services which are deemed by the Fund to be beneficial to the Fund´s investment program. With respect to money market instruments, the Fund anticipates the portfolio securities transactions will be affected with the issuer or with a primary market maker acting as principal for the securities on a net basis (without commissions).
Any statistical or research information furnished to the Advisor may be used in advising its other clients. Generally, no specific value can be determined for research and statistical services furnished without cost to the Fund by a broker-dealer. The Fund is of the opinion that the material is beneficial in supplementing research and analysis provided by the Fund´s Advisor.
The Fund may use affiliated brokers, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act, if in the Advisor´s best judgment based on all relevant factors, the affiliated broker is able to implement the policy of the Fund to obtain, at reasonable expense, the best execution (prompt and reliable execution at the most favorable price obtainable) of such transactions. The Advisor need not seek competitive commission bidding but is expected to minimize the commissions paid to the extent consistent with the interest and policies of the Fund as established by its Board of Directors. Purchases of securities from underwriters include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers include a spread between the bid and asked price.
The Fund paid total brokerage commissions of $0, $0, and $0 in fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. The Fund did not purchase securities offered by any broker-dealer that executed portfolio transactions during such fiscal years. The Fund paid brokerage commissions of $0, $0, and $0 in fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 to World Capital Brokerage, the distributor and an affiliate of the Fund. Commissions and sales charges paid by investors on the purchase of Fund shares totaled $14,726, $14,271, and $14,653 in fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively, of which $1,467, $1,709, and $2,087 were retained by World Capital Brokerage. The aggregate dollar amount of transactions effected through World Capital Brokerage involving the payment of commissions represented 100% of the aggregate dollar amount of all transactions involving the payment of commissions during fiscal year 2024.
While some stocks considered in the opinion of management to be least sensitive to business declines will be maintained as long term holdings, others considered most sensitive to such declines will be sold whenever in management´s judgment economic conditions may be in for a major decline. Resulting funds
may be temporarily invested in United States Government securities, high-grade bonds and high-grade preferred stocks, until management believes business and market conditions indicate that reinvestment in common stocks is desirable. The portfolio turnover rate of the Fund for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024 was 3%, 3%, and 4%, respectively.
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund offers its shares continuously to the public at their net asset value next computed after receipt of the order to purchase plus any applicable sales charge. Net asset value is determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange each day the Exchange is open for trading, and all purchase orders are executed at the next price that is determined after the order is received. Orders received and properly time-stamped by dealers and received by the Distributor prior to 2:00 p.m. Denver time on any business day will be confirmed at the public offering price effective at the close on that day. Orders received after such time will be confirmed at the public offering price determined as of the close of the Exchange on the next business day. It is the responsibility of the dealers to remit orders promptly to the Distributor. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays: New Year´s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
In determining net asset value, securities traded on the New York Stock Exchange or other stock exchange approved for this purpose by the board of directors will be valued on the basis of the closing sale thereof on such stock exchange, or, if such sale is lacking, at the mean between closing bid and asked prices on such day. If no bid and asked prices are quoted for such day or information as to New York or other approved exchange transactions is not readily available, the security will be valued by reference to recognized composite quotations or such other method as the board of directors in good faith deems will reflect its fair market value. Securities not traded on any stock exchange but for which market quotations are readily available are valued on the basis of the mean of the last bid and asked prices. Short-term securities are valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices or by such other method as the board of directors determines to reflect their fair market value. The board of directors in good faith determines the manner of ascertaining the fair market value of other securities and assets.
The net asset price of Fund shares will be computed by deducting total liabilities from total assets. The net asset value per share will be ascertained by dividing the Fund´s net assets by the total number of shares outstanding, exclusive of treasury shares and shares tendered for redemption the redemption price of which has been determined. Adjustment for fractions will be made to the nearest cent.
The per share net asset value of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares generally will be lower than the per share net asset value of the Class D shares reflecting the daily expense accruals of the service, distribution and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to the Class A, Class B, and Class C shares. The per share net asset value of the Class B and Class C shares generally will be lower than the per share net asset value of Class A shares reflecting the daily expense accruals of the service and distribution fees and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. It is expected, however, that the per share net asset value of the classes will tend to converge (although not necessarily meet) immediately after the payment of dividends or distributions, which will differ by approximately the amount of the expense accrual differential between the classes.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
As a "regulated investment company" under the Code, the Fund is subject to three tests: the income test, the asset diversification test, and the distribution test. In some circumstances, the character and timing of income realized by the Fund for purposes of the income test or the identification of the issuer for purposes of the asset diversification test is uncertain under current law with respect to a particular investment, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to such type of investment may adversely affect the Fund's ability to satisfy these tests. In other circumstances, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio holdings in order to meet the income test, the asset diversification test, or the distribution test, which may have a negative impact on the Fund's income and performance. In lieu of potential disqualification, the Fund is permitted to pay a tax for certain failures to satisfy the asset
diversification test or the income test, which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for dividends paid to shareholders, and the dividends would be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly as qualified dividend income) to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, subject to savings provisions for certain qualification failures, which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, would thus have a negative impact on the Fund's income and performance. In that case, the Fund would be liable for federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains, and distributions to you would be taxed as dividend income to the extent of the Fund's earnings and profits. Even if such savings provisions apply, the Fund may be subject to a monetary sanction of $50,000 or more. Moreover, the Board of Directors reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company if it determines such a course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.
As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income and gains which it distributes as dividends or capital gains distributions provided that it distributes to shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for the taxable year. The Fund intends to distribute sufficient income to meet this test.
The per share dividends and distributions on Class A, Class B, and Class C shares will be lower than the per share dividends and distributions on Class D shares as a result of the account maintenance, distribution and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to the Class A, Class B, and Class C shares; similarly, the per share dividends and distributions on Class A shares will be higher than the per share dividends and distributions on Class B and Class C shares as a result of the lower account maintenance fees applicable with respect to the Class A shares and a lower distribution fee. See Calculation of Net Asset Value.
Net capital gains (which consist of the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) are not included in the definition of investment company taxable income. The Board of Directors will determine at least once a year whether to distribute any net capital gains. A determination by the Board of Directors to retain net capital gains will not affect the ability of the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company. If the Fund retains for investment its net capital gains, it will be subject to a tax of 21% of the amount retained. In that event, the Fund expects to designate the retained amount of undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (i) if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, will be required to include in income for tax purposes as long term-capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the 21% tax paid by the Fund against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to 79% of the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder´s gross income.
Under the Code, amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax. To avoid the tax, the Fund must distribute during each calendar year (1) at least 98.2% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (2) at least 98% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses for the twelve-month period ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (3) all ordinary income and net capital gains for previous years that were not distributed during such years. To avoid application of the excise tax, the Fund intends to make distributions in accordance with the calendar year distribution requirement. A distribution will be treated as paid on December 31 of the calendar year if it is paid during the calendar year or if declared by the Fund in October, November or December of such year, payable to shareholders of record on a date in such month and paid by the Fund during January of the following year. Any such distributions paid during January of the following year will be taxable to shareholders as of December 31 of the year such distributions were declared, rather than the date on which the distributions
are received.
Distributions of net investment income (which includes interest, dividend income, other than qualified dividend income, and the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) are taxable to a shareholder as ordinary income, whether paid in cash or shares. Certain distributions made to you may be from qualified dividend income and net capital gain (which consists of the excess of long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), if any, and are taxable as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares, regardless of how long the shareholder has held the Fund shares, and are not eligible for the dividends received deduction.
Upon a sale or exchange of its shares, a shareholder will realize a taxable gain or loss depending upon its basis in the shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder´s hands and such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced within a period of 61 days, beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after disposal of the shares. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of shares of the Fund held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net capital gains received by the shareholder with respect to such shares.
Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of newly issued shares will have a cost basis in each share received equal to the fair market value of a share of the Fund on the distribution date. Shareholders will be notified annually as to the U.S. federal income tax status of distributions and shareholders receiving distributions in the form of newly issued shares will receive a report as to the fair market value of the shares received. If the net asset value of shares is reduced below a shareholder´s cost as a result of a distribution by the Fund, such distribution will be taxable even though it represents a return of invested capital. Investors should be careful to consider the tax implications of buying shares just prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at this time may reflect the amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a distribution will receive a distribution which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Income tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. It is impossible to determine in advance the effective rate of foreign tax to which the Fund will be subject, since the amount of the Fund assets to be invested in various countries is not known. It is not anticipated that shareholders will be entitled to claim foreign tax credits with respect to their share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund.
Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder´s particular situation. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the shares of the Fund.
If a shareholder has elected to receive dividends and/or capital gain distributions in cash and the postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to the shareholder´s address of record, such shareholder´s distribution option will automatically be converted to having all dividends and other distributions reinvested in additional shares. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and Treasury Regulations presently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and the Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative action either prospectively or retroactively.
In some circumstances, the character and timing of income realized by the Fund for purposes of the income requirement or the identification of the issuer for purposes of the asset diversification test is
uncertain under current law with respect to a particular investment, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to such type of investment may adversely affect the Fund's ability to satisfy these requirements. In other circumstances, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio holdings in order to meet the income requirement, distribution requirement, or asset diversification test, which may have a negative impact on the Fund's income and performance. In lieu of potential disqualification, the Fund is permitted to pay a tax for certain failures to satisfy the asset diversification test or income requirement, which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for dividends paid to shareholders, and the dividends would be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly as qualified dividend income) to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, subject to savings provisions for certain qualification failures, which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, would thus have a negative impact on the Fund's income and performance. In that case, the Fund would be liable for federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains, and distributions to you would be taxed as dividend income to the extent of the Fund's earnings and profits. Even if such savings provisions apply, the Fund may be subject to a monetary sanction of $50,000 or more. Moreover, the board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company if it determines such a course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.
PERFORMANCE DATA
See the discussion of performance information in the Fund´s prospectuses under the heading, Performance Information. The average annual total returns are calculated pursuant to the following formula: P(1 + T)n = ERV (where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period at the end of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods).
For the periods ended July 31, 2024, the average annual total returns at maximum offering price for the Class D shares of the Fund was 14.66% for 1 year, 9.25% for 5 years, and 8.97% for 10 years. For the year ended July 31, 2024, the average annual total return at maximum offering price for the Fund´s Class A shares was 14.02% for 1 year, 8.77% for 5 years, and 8.97% for 10 years, Class B shares was 19.06% for 1 year, 7.56% for 5 years, and 7.83% for 10 years, including the conversion from B shares to A shares after 7 years, and Class C shares was 19.96% for 1 year, 9.22% for 5 years, 8.69% for 10 years, including the conversion from C shares to A shares after 7 years.
In addition to the standardized calculation of annual total return, the Fund may from time to time use other methods of calculating its performance in order to illustrate the effect of a hypothetical investment in a plan or the effect of withdrawing funds from an account over a period of time. Any presentation of non-standardized calculations will be accompanied by standardized performance measures as well. Calculations of performance may be expressed in terms of the total return as well as the average annual compounded rate of return of a hypothetical investment in the Fund over varying periods of time in addition to the 1, 5, and 10 year periods (up to the life of the Fund) and may reflect the deduction of the appropriate sales charge imposed upon an initial investment of more than $1,000 in the Fund. These performance calculations will reflect the deduction of a proportional share of Fund expenses (on an annual basis), will assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid, may include periodic investments or withdrawals from the account in varying amounts and/or percentages and may include deductions for an annual custodian fee. The Fund may calculate its total return or other performance information prior to the deduction of a sales charge.
The performance figures described above may also be used to compare the performance of the Fund´s shares against certain widely recognized standards or indices for stock and bond market performance. The following are the indices against which the Portfolios may compare performance:
The Standard & Poor´s Composite Index of 500 Stocks (the S&P 500 Index) is a market value-weighted
and unmanaged index showing the changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks relative to the base period 1941-43. The S&P 500 Index is composed almost entirely of common stocks of companies listed on the NYSE, although the common stocks of a few companies listed on the American Stock Exchange or traded OTC are included. The 500 companies represented include 400 industrial, 60 transportation and 50 financial services concerns. The S&P 500 Index represents about 80% of the market value of all issues traded on the NYSE.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index composed of 30 blue-chip industrial corporation stocks.
The Lipper Mutual Fund Performance Analysis and Mutual Fund Indices measure total return and average current yield for the mutual fund industry. Ranks individual mutual fund performance over specified time periods assuming reinvestment of all distributions, exclusive of sales charges.
The Consumer Price Index (or Cost of Living index), published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a statistical measure of periodic change in the price of goods and services in major expenditure groups.
The following table presents a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 on August 1, 1958 with subsequent investments of $1,000 made annually through July 31, 2023. The illustration assumes that the investment was made in Class D shares, (the only class existing at that time), and a sales load of 5.75% has been deducted from the initial and subsequent investments, a $20 annual fee (representing the annual service fee charged to retirement plan accounts) has been deducted from the account annually, and that all dividend and capital gain distributions have been reinvested when paid. While the illustration uses an investment of $1,000 and a 5.75% sales load, the Fund may select any multiple of $1,000 in order to illustrate the effect of an investment plan and the sales load will reflect the appropriate sales load for the initial and subsequent investments as determined by the Funds currently effective prospectuses. Class A, Class B, and Class C shares are subject to additional distribution charges as outlined in the prospectus, which would have, if the Class was in effect, produced a lower rate of return. The sales load may be reduced pursuant to rights of accumulation and letter of intent.
| Year Ended | Total of initial & annual investments | Dividends from investment income reinvested | Cumulative reinvested dividends | Cumulative cost including reinvested dividends | Acquired with initial & annual investments | Accepted as capital gains distributions (Cumulative) | Purchased through reinvestment of income (Cumulative) | Ended Value |
| 08/01/58 | $ 1,000 | $ - | $ - | $ 1,000 | $ 943 | $ - | $ - | $ 943 |
| 07/31/59 | 2,000 | 0 | 0 | 2,000 | 2,049 | 0 | 0 | 2,049 |
| 07/31/60 | 3,000 | 28 | 28 | 3,028 | 2,800 | 0 | 28 | 2,850 |
| 07/31/61 | 4,000 | 82 | 110 | 4,110 | 4,521 | 62 | 130 | 4,713 |
| 07/31/62 | 5,000 | 94 | 204 | 5,204 | 4,838 | 76 | 194 | 5,108 |
| 07/31/63 | 6,000 | 120 | 324 | 6,324 | 6,723 | 251 | 366 | 7,340 |
| 07/31/64 | 7,000 | 122 | 446 | 7,446 | 9,310 | 432 | 594 | 10,336 |
| 07/31/65 | 8,000 | 146 | 592 | 8,592 | 9,680 | 1,107 | 699 | 11,486 |
| 07/31/66 | 9,000 | 198 | 790 | 9,790 | 10,630 | 2,148 | 894 | 13,672 |
| 07/31/67 | 10,000 | 364 | 1,154 | 11,154 | 11,832 | 3,694 | 1,320 | 16,846 |
| 07/31/68 | 11,000 | 345 | 1,499 | 12,499 | 13,910 | 4,055 | 1,814 | 19,779 |
| 07/31/69 | 12,000 | 399 | 1,898 | 13,898 | 12,220 | 5,516 | 1,806 | 19,542 |
| 07/31/70 | 13,000 | 522 | 2,420 | 15,420 | 10,441 | 5,038 | 1,836 | 17,315 |
| 07/31/71 | 14,000 | 585 | 3,005 | 17,005 | 14,285 | 6,448 | 2,985 | 23,718 |
| 07/31/72 | 15,000 | 675 | 3,680 | 18,680 | 15,964 | 6,789 | 3,850 | 26,603 |
| 07/31/73 | 16,000 | 693 | 4,373 | 20,373 | 16,197 | 6,853 | 4,346 | 27,396 |
| 07/31/74 | 17,000 | 773 | 5,146 | 22,146 | 13,960 | 5,975 | 4,176 | 24,111 |
| 07/31/75 | 18,000 | 1,389 | 6,535 | 24,535 | 13,635 | 8,985 | 5,210 | 27,830 |
| 07/31/76 | 19,000 | 1,158 | 7,693 | 26,693 | 16,700 | 10,397 | 7,325 | 34,422 |
| 07/31/77 | 20,000 | 1,062 | 8,755 | 28,755 | 19,497 | 11,564 | 9,300 | 40,361 |
| 07/31/78 | 21,000 | 1,006 | 9,761 | 30,761 | 23,628 | 13,467 | 11,993 | 49,088 |
| 07/31/79 | 22,000 | 2,034 | 11,795 | 33,795 | 27,002 | 14,859 | 15,520 | 57,381 |
| 07/31/80 | 23,000 | 2,899 | 14,694 | 37,694 | 37,792 | 21,740 | 24,526 | 84,058 |
| 07/31/81 | 24,000 | 3,723 | 18,417 | 42,417 | 30,413 | 40,456 | 22,436 | 93,305 |
| 07/31/82 | 25,000 | 4,187 | 22,604 | 47,604 | 27,728 | 38,656 | 23,742 | 90,126 |
| 07/31/83 | 26,000 | 6,693 | 29,297 | 55,297 | 39,951 | 54,379 | 42,184 | 136,514 |
| 07/31/84 | 27,000 | 5,594 | 34,891 | 61,891 | 35,017 | 57,252 | 41,236 | 133,505 |
| 07/31/85 | 28,000 | 4,585 | 39,476 | 67,476 | 37,804 | 72,022 | 48,584 | 158,410 |
| 07/31/86 | 29,000 | 7,249 | 46,725 | 75,725 | 41,121 | 76,544 | 59,601 | 177,266 |
| 07/31/87 | 30,000 | 5,927 | 52,652 | 82,652 | 44,221 | 105,396 | 69,542 | 219,159 |
| 07/31/88 | 31,000 | 3,645 | 56,297 | 87,297 | 31,790 | 104,330 | 52,388 | 188,508 |
| 07/31/89 | 32,000 | 9,552 | 65,849 | 97,849 | 36,285 | 115,991 | 69,190 | 221,466 |
| 07/31/90 | 33,000 | 8,906 | 74,755 | 107,755 | 37,861 | 118,013 | 79,129 | 235,003 |
| 07/31/91 | 34,000 | 8,050 | 82,805 | 116,805 | 40,959 | 124,699 | 92,848 | 258,506 |
| 07/31/92 | 35,000 | 1,934 | 84,739 | 119,739 | 44,364 | 149,635 | 100,502 | 294,501 |
| 07/31/93 | 36,000 | 2,772 | 87,511 | 123,511 | 49,965 | 190,689 | 114,149 | 354,803 |
| 07/31/94 | 37,000 | 1,889 | 89,400 | 126,400 | 50,655 | 228,509 | 115,427 | 394,591 |
| 07/31/95 | 38,000 | 5,070 | 94,470 | 132,470 | 48,408 | 292,747 | 114,187 | 455,342 |
| 07/31/96 | 39,000 | 6,245 | 100,715 | 139,715 | 49,971 | 306,882 | 121,896 | 478,749 |
| 07/31/97 | 40,000 | 6,484 | 107,199 | 147,199 | 64,858 | 417,972 | 163,735 | 646,565 |
| 07/31/98 | 41,000 | 4,565 | 111,764 | 152,764 | 55,514 | 402,146 | 142,269 | 599,929 |
| 07/31/99 | 42,000 | 6,295 | 118,059 | 160,059 | 56,941 | 405,522 | 150,017 | 612,480 |
| 07/31/2000 | 43,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 161,059 | 53,933 | 411,402 | 139,558 | 604,893 |
| 07/31/2001 | 44,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 162,059 | 25,214 | 257,139 | 62,754 | 345,107 |
| 07/31/2002 | 45,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 163,059 | 14,689 | 142,321 | 34,187 | 191,197 |
| 07/31/2003 | 46,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 164,059 | 19,047 | 175,465 | 42,149 | 236,661 |
| 07/31/2004 | 47,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 165,059 | 19,783 | 173,515 | 41,680 | 234,978 |
| 07/31/2005 | 48,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 166,059 | 23,625 | 198,860 | 47,768 | 270,253 |
| 07/31/2006 | 49,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 167,059 | 24,503 | 198,210 | 47,612 | 270,325 |
| 07/31/2007 | 50,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 168,059 | 29,396 | 230,053 | 55,261 | 314,710 |
| 07/31/2008 | 51,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 169,059 | 26,529 | 200,160 | 48,081 | 274,770 |
| 07/31/2009 | 52,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 170,059 | 23,079 | 167,016 | 40,119 | 230,214 |
| 07/31/2010 | 53,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 171,059 | 24,651 | 171,565 | 41,212 | 237,428 |
| 07/31/2011 | 54,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 172,059 | 26,343 | 176,764 | 42,461 | 245,568 |
| 07/31/2012 | 55,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 173,059 | 28,849 | 187,162 | 44,958 | 260,969 |
| 07/31/2013 | 56,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 174,059 | 37,916 | 239,801 | 57,603 | 335,320 |
| 07/31/2014 | 57,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 175,059 | 41,677 | 274,894 | 66,033 | 282,604 |
| 07/31/2015 | 58,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 176,059 | 47,983 | 308,038 | 73,994 | 430,015 |
| 07/31/2016 | 59,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 177,059 | 47,859 | 301,192 | 72,350 | 421,401 |
| 07/31/2017 | 60,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 178,059 | 58,857 | 336,252 | 79,567 | 474,676 |
| 07/31/2018 | 61,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 179,059 | 64,382 | 368,801 | 88,553 | 521,736 |
| 07/31/2019 | 62,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 180,059 | 74,595 | 422,050 | 101,339 | 597,984 |
| 07/31/2020 | 63,000 | 0 | 118,059 | 181,059 | 84,399 | 472,012 | 113,336 | 669,747 |
| 07/31/2021 | 64,000 | 17,507 | 135,566 | 199,566 | 85,342 | 593,157 | 137,803 | 834,500 |
| 07/31/2022 | 65,000 | 95,187 | 230,753 | 295,753 | 86,285 | 539,158 | 106,391 | 726,413 |
| 07/31/2023 | 66,000 | 50,930 | 281,503 | 347,503 | 87,228 | 622,893 | 111,600 | 820,293 |
| 07/31/2024 | 67,000 | 66,181 | 347,684 | 413,684 | 88,171 | 776,413 | 125,175 | 998,802 |
The table below illustrates the effect of an automatic withdrawal program on an initial hypothetical investment of $10,000 on August 1, 1958 in the Fund for the life of the Fund. The illustration assumes that a sales load of 5.75% was deducted from the initial investment, that $800 was withdrawn annually and withdrawals were made first from income for the year, then from principal. Withdrawals from principal representing the sale of shares were assumed to have been in the order shares were acquired. Continued withdrawals in excess of current income can eventually exhaust principal, particularly in a period of declining market prices. That portion of the total amount withdrawn designated "From Investment Income Dividends" should be regarded as income; the remainder represents a withdrawal of principal. While this illustration assumes that $800 was withdrawn annually, the Fund may in other illustrations select any percentage or dollar amount to be withdrawn.
| Period Ended | Withdrawn from investment income dividends | Withdrawn from principal and capital gains | Annual total withdrawn | Cumulative total withdrawn | Value of remaining original shares | Accepted as Capital Gains distributions | Total Value |
| 07/31/59 | $ 0 | $ 800 | $ 800 | $ 800 | $ 10,490 | $ 0 | $ 10,490 |
| 07/31/60 | 147 | 653 | 800 | 1,600 | 9,073 | 0 | 9,073 |
| 07/31/61 | 262 | 538 | 800 | 2,400 | 11,078 | 198 | 11,276 |
| 07/31/62 | 224 | 576 | 800 | 3,200 | 8,984 | 223 | 9,207 |
| 07/31/63 | 216 | 584 | 800 | 4,000 | 10,211 | 556 | 10,767 |
| 07/31/64 | 180 | 620 | 800 | 4,800 | 12,144 | 868 | 13,012 |
| 07/31/65 | 187 | 616 | 800 | 5,600 | 10,805 | 1,695 | 12,500 |
| 07/31/66 | 215 | 585 | 800 | 6,400 | 10,252 | 2,822 | 13,074 |
| 07/31/67 | 349 | 451 | 800 | 7,200 | 10,118 | 4,312 | 14,430 |
| 07/31/68 | 295 | 505 | 800 | 8,000 | 10,620 | 4,733 | 15,353 |
| 07/31/69 | 310 | 490 | 800 | 8,800 | 8,094 | 5,556 | 13,650 |
| 07/31/70 | 364 | 436 | 800 | 9,600 | 5,807 | 4,843 | 10,650 |
| 07/31/71 | 360 | 440 | 800 | 10,400 | 7,023 | 6,198 | 13,221 |
| 07/31/72 | 376 | 424 | 800 | 11,200 | 6,990 | 6,526 | 13,516 |
| 07/31/73 | 352 | 448 | 800 | 12,000 | 6,225 | 6,425 | 12,650 |
| 07/31/74 | 357 | 443 | 800 | 12,800 | 4,526 | 5,380 | 9,906 |
| 07/31/75 | 571 | 229 | 800 | 13,600 | 3,933 | 6,323 | 10,256 |
| 07/31/76 | 427 | 373 | 800 | 14,400 | 4,228 | 7,317 | 11,545 |
| 07/31/77 | 356 | 444 | 800 | 15,200 | 4,290 | 8,138 | 12,428 |
| 07/31/78 | 310 | 490 | 800 | 16,000 | 4,554 | 9,478 | 14,032 |
| 07/31/79 | 582 | 218 | 800 | 16,800 | 4,879 | 10,457 | 15,336 |
| 07/31/80 | 775 | 25 | 800 | 17,600 | 6,763 | 14,653 | 21,416 |
| 07/31/81 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 18,400 | 5,498 | 17,236 | 22,734 |
| 07/31/82 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 19,200 | 5,035 | 15,896 | 20,931 |
| 07/31/83 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 20,000 | 8,324 | 22,362 | 30,686 |
| 07/31/84 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 20,800 | 7,482 | 21,515 | 28,997 |
| 07/31/85 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 21,600 | 8,201 | 25,201 | 33,402 |
| 07/31/86 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 22,400 | 9,595 | 26,784 | 36,379 |
| 07/31/87 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 23,200 | 10,697 | 33,286 | 43,983 |
| 07/31/88 | 732 | 68 | 800 | 24,000 | 7,440 | 29,402 | 36,842 |
| 07/31/89 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 24,800 | 9,611 | 32,688 | 42,299 |
| 07/31/90 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 25,600 | 10,647 | 33,257 | 43,904 |
| 07/31/91 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 26,400 | 12,175 | 35,142 | 47,317 |
| 07/31/92 | 354 | 446 | 800 | 27,200 | 12,488 | 40,443 | 52,931 |
| 07/31/93 | 498 | 302 | 800 | 28,000 | 13,557 | 49,240 | 62,797 |
| 07/31/94 | 334 | 466 | 800 | 28,800 | 13,018 | 55,852 | 68,870 |
| 07/31/95 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 29,600 | 12,451 | 66,056 | 78,507 |
| 07/31/96 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 30,400 | 12,889 | 68,689 | 81,578 |
| 07/31/97 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 31,200 | 17,022 | 92,189 | 109,211 |
| 07/31/98 | 771 | 29 | 800 | 32,000 | 14,285 | 86,086 | 100,371 |
| 07/31/99 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 32,800 | 14,702 | 86,809 | 101,511 |
| 07/31/2000 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 33,600 | 12,877 | 86,417 | 99,294 |
| 07/31/2001 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 34,400 | 4,990 | 50,702 | 55,692 |
| 07/31/2002 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 35,200 | 1,919 | 27,982 | 29,901 |
| 07/31/2003 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 36,000 | 1,565 | 34,499 | 36,064 |
| 07/31/2004 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 36,800 | 748 | 34,115 | 34,863 |
| 07/31/2005 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 37,600 | 57 | 39,099 | 39,156 |
| 07/31/2006 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 38,400 | 0 | 38,971 | 38,228 |
| 07/31/2007 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 39,200 | 0 | 45,232 | 43,569 |
| 07/31/2008 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 40,000 | 0 | 39,354 | 37,108 |
| 07/31/2009 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 40,800 | 0 | 32,838 | 30,163 |
| 07/31/2010 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 41,600 | 0 | 33,732 | 30,185 |
| 07/31/2011 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 42,400 | 0 | 34,754 | 30,299 |
| 07/31/2012 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 43,200 | 0 | 36,799 | 31,282 |
| 07/31/2013 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 44,000 | 0 | 47,148 | 39,280 |
| 07/31/2014 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 44,800 | 0 | 54,048 | 44,228 |
| 07/31/2015 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 45,600 | 0 | 60,564 | 48,760 |
| 07/31/2016 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 46,400 | 0 | 58,418 | 46,876 |
| 07/31/2017 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 47,200 | 0 | 64,653 | 51,721 |
| 07/31/2018 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 48,000 | 0 | 68,817 | 54,892 |
| 07/31/2019 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 48,800 | 0 | 77,953 | 62,018 |
| 07/31/2020 | 0 | 800 | 800 | 49,600 | 0 | 86,381 | 68,560 |
| 07/31/2021 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 50,400 | 0 | 107,511 | 84,531 |
| 07/31/2022 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 51,200 | 0 | 84,976 | 72,688 |
| 07/31/2023 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 52,000 | 0 | 91,800 | 81,184 |
| 07/31/2024 | 800 | 0 | 800 | 52,800 | 0 | 105,830 | 97,954 |
| TOTAL | $ 24,301 | $ 28,499 | $ 52,800 |
Performance information for the Fund reflects only the performance of a hypothetical investment in the Fund during the particular time period on which the calculations are based. Performance information should be considered in light of the Funds investment objectives and policies, characteristics and quality of the portfolio and the market conditions during the given time period and should not be considered as a representation of what may be achieved in the future.
CUSTODIAN AND INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
All securities and cash of the Fund are held by its custodian, UMB Bank NA Investment Services Group, 928 Grand Blvd, Fifth Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106. The Fund's registered public accounting firm is Sanville & Company CPA, 1514 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001 provides auditing and tax services to the Fund.
TRANSFER AGENT
The Fund´s transfer agent is Fund Services, Inc. 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Stony Point Bldg. III, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235.
Financial Statements
The Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, Sanville & Company CPA, audits and reports on the Fund's annual financial statements. The audited financial statements include the schedule of investments, statement of assets and liabilities, statement of operations, statements of changes in net assets, financial highlights, notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm.
The audited financial statements are incorporated by reference to Item 7 of the Fund's Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024.
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC.
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
A. Articles of Incorporation.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
B. By-laws. as amended. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/000000513823000067/agfbylaws.htm
C. Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders.
See Article 4, 6 & 8 of Incorporation https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
and Article 1, 4 & 7 of the Bylaws.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/000000513823000067/agfbylaws.htm
D. Investment Advisory Contract. between Investment Research Corporation and Registrant. (filed herewith).
E. Underwriting Contracts. Selling group agreement between World Capital Brokerage, Inc. and Registrant.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/000000513818000057/series2n1a1.htm
1. Distribution Agreement for Class A Shares
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
2. Distribution Agreement for Class B Shares
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
3. Distribution Agreement for Class C Shares
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
4. Distribution Agreement for Class D Shares
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
5. Distribution Plan for Class A Shares
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
6. Distribution Plan for Class B Shares
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
7. Distribution Plan for Class C Shares
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
F. Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. Not applicable.
G. Custodian Agreements. between UMB Bank NA and registrant. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/000000513823000067/umbagfagreement2006.htm
H. Other Material Contracts.
1. Retirement Plan Custodian Agreement between UMB Bank NA and Registrant.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/000000513823000067/umbagfagreement2006.htm
2. Transfer Agent Agreement between Fund Services, Inc. and Registrant.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/000000513818000057/series2n1a1.htm
3. Lease between Fidelity Leasing and Registrant.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/000000513818000057/series2n1a1.htm
I. Legal Opinion. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/000000513811000009/n1a2011s2g.htm
J. Other Opinions. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
K. Omitted Financial Statements. Not applicable.
L. Initial Capital Agreements. Not applicable.
M. Rule 12b-1 Plan.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/5138/0000005138-96-000010.txt
N. Rule 18f-3 Plan. Not applicable.
O. Reserved
P. Code of Ethics. (filed herewith.)
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund
None
Item 30. Indemnification
Indemnification. Reference is made to Article IX of the registrants By-Laws (Item 28B to this registration Statement) and Article 7(c) of the registrants Articles of Incorporation (Item 28A to this Registration Statement).
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any action, suite or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrant by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provisions of its By-Laws in a manner consistent with Release No. 11330 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as long as the interpretation of Section 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act expressed in that Release remain in effect.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Advisor
The following table sets forth the principal business of each director and officer of the Investment Advisor of the Registrant for the last two fiscal years ended July 31, 2024.
Name & Position With
Principal Business
Investment Advisor
Timothy E. Taggart
President, Director
Michael L. Gaughan
Vice President, Secretary, Director
Patricia A. Blum
Vice President
Mr. Taggart is also President, Treasurer and a Director of World Capital Brokerage, Inc., the Registrants underwriter, 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado; and President, Treasurer and a Director of American Growth Financial Services, Inc., 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado.
Mr. Gaughan is also Vice President, and Secretary of World Capital Brokerage, Inc., the Registrants underwriter, 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado; and Vice President, Secretary and a Director of American Growth Financial Services, Inc., 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado.
Ms. Blum is also Vice President of World Capital Brokerage, Inc., the Registrants underwriter, 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado; and Vice President of American Growth Financial Services, Inc., 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado.
Item 32. Principal Underwriters
(a) State the name of each investment company (other than the Fund) for which each principal underwriter currently distributing the Fund´s securities also acts as a principal underwriter, depositor, or investment advisor.
None
(b) Provide the information required by the following table for each director, officer, or partner of each principal underwriter named in the response to Item 20:
| (1)Name and Principal Business Address | (2)Position & Offices with Underwriter | (3) Position & Offices with Registrant |
|
Timothy E. Taggart 1636 N. Logan Street Denver, CO 80203 |
President, Treasurer, Director | President, Treasurer, Director |
|
Michael L. Gaughan 1636 N. Logan Street Denver, CO 80203 |
Vice President and Secretary | CCO and Secretary |
|
Patricia A. Blum 1636 N. Logan Street Denver, CO 80203 |
Vice President | Vice President |
(c) Provide the information required by the following table for all commissions and other compensation received, directly or indirectly, from the Fund during the last fiscal year by each principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Fund or any affiliated person of an affiliated person:
None
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records
Location of Accounts and Records. All accounts and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, are located at the offices of the Registrant, 1636 N. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado 80203, and at the offices of its custodian UMB Bank NA Investment Services Group, 928 Grand Blvd, Fifth Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106, and transfer agent, Fund Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Stony Point Bldg. III, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235, and are under the general custody and control of its President, Timothy E. Taggart.
Item 34. Management Services
None
Item 35. Undertakings
None
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund certifies that it meets all of the requirement for effectiveness of this registration statement under rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Denver, and State of Colorado on the day of November 30, 2023.
American Growth Fund, Inc.
By /s/ Timothy E. Taggart
Timothy E. Taggart
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date(s) indicated.
/s/ Timothy E. Taggart
Timothy E. Taggart
Director
November 21, 2024
/s/ Eddie R. Bush
Eddie R. Bush
Director
November 25, 2024
/s/ Darrell Bush
Darrell Bush
Director
November 25, 2024
Exhibit Index
(J.) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(P.) Code of Ethics
Exhibit J. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
As the independent registered public accounting firm, we consent to the use of our report, dated October 14, 2024, on the annual financial statements and financial highlights of American Growth Fund Series One, (the "Fund"), a series of American Growth Fund, Inc. and to all references to our firm included in or made a part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 117 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 to the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 002-14543 and 811-00825) including the reference to our firm in the headings "Financial Highlights" in the prospectus and "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Statement of Additional Information of the Fund.
Dallas, Texas
November 22, 2024
Exhibit I. Code of Ethics
AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, INC.'S CODE OF ETHICS
American Growth Fund ("AGF") associates are responsible for maintaining the highest ethical standards when conducting business, regardless of lesser standards that may be followed through business or community custom. In keeping with these standards, all associates must place the interests of clients and shareholders first.
AGF's Code of Ethics requires that all associates: (1) act with integrity, competence and in an ethical manner; (2) comply with applicable U.S. federal securities laws, as well as all other applicable laws, rules and regulations; and (3) promptly report violations of the Code of Ethics to the Chief Compliance Officer or officer of AGF. Individuals reporting suspected violations of this Code of Ethics will be protected against retribution.
AGF associates are reminded that trading on the basis of material, non-public information acquired directly or indirectly from a confidential source is a violation of Rule 10b-5 under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act.
As part of the Code of Ethics, AGF has adopted the guidelines and policies below to address certain aspects of AGF's business. In the absence of specific guidelines and policies on a particular matter, associates must keep in mind and adhere to the requirements of the Code of Ethics set forth above.
It is important that all associates comply with the Code of Ethics, including its related guidelines and policies. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action, including termination.
Questions regarding the Code of Ethics may be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer.
AGF's code of ethics statement of general principles are listed below, and all advisory and access persons are expected to adhere to them at all times.
1. All personal securities transactions are to be conducted consistent with the code of ethics and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of any individual's position of trust and responsibility; and
2. No advisory or access person will take inappropriate advantage of their position.
A. "Definitions"
1. "Access person" Rule 204A-1(c) of the 1940 Act defines "access person" as any supervised person of AGF (a) who has access to nonpublic information regarding any client's purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund; or (b) who is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or who has access to such
recommendations that are nonpublic. Due to the nature of AGF, all directors and officers are also presumed to be access persons.
2. "Advisory person" means (a) any employee of AGF or of any company in a control relationship to AGF, who, in connection with his regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a security by AGF, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and (b) any natural person in a control relationship to AGF who obtains information concerning recommendations made to AGF with regard to the purchase or sale of a security. A person does not become an "advisory person" simply by virtue of the following: (i) normally assisting in the reports, but not receiving information about current recommendations or trading; or (ii) a single instance of obtaining knowledge of current recommendations or trading activity, or infrequently and inadvertently obtaining such knowledge.
3. A security is "being considered for purchase or sale" when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made and is being acted upon.
4. "Beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be in determining whether a person is subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, except that the determination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership shall apply to all securities which an access person has or acquires.
5. "Control" shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
6. "Purchase or sale of a security" includes, inter alia, the purchase or sale of an instrument defined below as a security and the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security.
7. "Security" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act, except that it shall not include;
a. Direct obligations of the United States Governments;
b. Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments;
c. Shares of money market funds;
d. Shares of open-end funds excluding the American Growth Fund;
e. Shares of unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in unaffiliated open-end funds (UIT exchange-traded fund ARE reportable); and
f. Qualified tuition programs established pursuant to Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
8. "Security held or to be acquired" means any security as defined herein which within the most recent 15 days, (i) is or has been held, or (ii) is being or has been considered for purchase.
B. Applicability of Restrictions and Procedures
AGF applies the code of ethics equally to all access persons. The only exempted transactions are:
1. Purchases which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan.
2. Purchases and sales of shares of a mutual fund or variable annuity.
3. Purchases or sales which receive the prior approval from the Board of Directors of AGF or AGF's CCO because: (i) the potential harm to AGF or a client is remote; (ii) because they would be very unlikely to affect a highly institutional market, or (iii) because they clearly are not related economically to the securities to be purchased, sold or held by AGF or a client.
4. Purchases or sales which receive approval from AGF's CCO after they have been effected because; (i) all profits earned on such purchases or sales are disgorged and given to a charity chosen by the access person in question; and (ii) AGF's CCO determines that such purchases or sales did not harm AGF or any AGF client.
C. Substantive Restrictions on Personal Investing Activities
The following restrictions apply to all access persons:
1. Initial Public Offerings. All access persons are prohibited from acquiring any securities in an initial public offering without receiving written prior approval from the Chief Compliance Officer.
2. Private Placements. All access persons must have, written, prior approval of any acquisition of securities in a private placement. This prior approval must take into account, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for an investment company and its shareholders, and whether the opportunity is being offered to the individual by virtue of his or her position with AGF. Anyone authorized to acquire securities in a private placement will be required to disclose that investment if or when they play a part in any subsequent considerations of an investment in the issuer. In such a circumstance, the investment company's decision to purchase securities of the issuer would be subject to an independent review by investment personnel with no personal interest in the issuer.
3. Blackout Periods. All portfolio managers or any other person that has current knowledge of a Fund or client portfolio is prohibited from executing a securities transaction on a day during which AGF or a client has a pending "buy" or "sell" order in that same security until that order is executed or withdrawn. In addition, a portfolio manager or any other person that has current knowledge of a Fund or client portfolio is prohibited from buying or selling a security within at least seven calendar days before and after AGF or a client trades in that security. Any such trades generally will be unwound or, if
that is impractical, all profits from the trading will be disgorged to the appropriate investment company (or, alternatively, to a charitable organization).
4. Ban on Short-Term Trading Profits. In addition to the blackout periods described above, all access persons, absent permission to engage in short term trading, are prohibited from profiting in the purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) securities within 30 calendar days unless prior written approval is obtained from the Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO"). Any profits realized on such short-term, non CCO approved trades will be required to be disgorged.
5. Gifts. All access persons are prohibited from receiving any gift or other thing of more than de minimis value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of AGF. All gifts of any amount, other than of de minimis value, must be immediately reported in writing to the CCO.
6. Service as a Director. All access persons are prohibited from serving on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies, absent prior written authorization based upon a determination that the board service would be consistent with the interests of AGF and its shareholders. In the relatively small number of instances in which board service is authorized, persons serving as directors should be isolated from those making investment decision concerning the companies or company as which they serve as a director through "Chinese Wall" or other procedures
D. Compliance Procedures.
The following compliance procedures have been adopted in order to assure that the above restrictions are complied with by all access persons:
1. Preclearance. All access persons must "preclear" all personal securities investments. Written approval must be obtained from AGF's CCO prior to the order being executed. Preclearance approvals are only good for 24 hours. Subsequent purchase(s) are subject to Preclearance. AGF's CCO must have his trades precleared by another officer of AGF.
a. Securities Under Consideration. Preclearance cannot be granted to securities that AGF or an Access Person is recommending or considering recommending for client portfolios.
b. Allocation of Investment Opportunities. Investment opportunities may be offered to clients before AGF or its Associates may act on them.
c. Exemptions from Preclearance of non-initial public offerings and non-private placements.
1. Members of the Board of Directors who qualify as disinterested persons under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
2. Purchases and sales of mutual funds and variable annuities.
3. Noting Quarterly Transaction Reports below, not exempting Substantive Restrictions on Personal Investing Activities above, access persons who are registered Investment Advisor Representatives are exempt from preclearance unless they wish to purchase or
sell a security, that is not a mutual fund or variable annuity, that is also held in a client's portfolio.
2. Personal Accounts. All personal accounts held by Access Persons and their spouse, partner and children living at the same address are should be held at World Capital Brokerage, Inc. or Pershing. Access Persons and their spouse, partner and children living at the same address that hold accounts outside of World Capital Brokerage, Inc. or Pershing may incur additional administrative fees.
3. Post-Trade Monitoring. We may from time to time monitor personal investment activity by access persons after preclearance has been granted.
4. Disclosure of Personal Holdings. All access persons are required to disclose all personal securities holdings within 10 days of commencement of employment. Statement(s) provided must current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the individual's commencement of employment.
5. Certification of Compliance with Codes of Ethics. All access persons are required to certify quarterly that they have read and understand the code of ethics and recognize that they are subject thereto. Further, all access persons are required to certify quarterly that they have complied with the requirements of the code of ethics.
6. Quarterly Transaction Reports. All access persons are required to submit on a quarterly basis a dated Quarterly Transaction Report as provided by AGF. Access persons are required to disclose all security transactions in detail including; transaction type, trade date, price, name of security, number of shares, name of broker and the dollar amount of transaction. Access persons must also provide copies of all statements for all accounts held regardless of whether there was a transaction in that quarter reported.
Access Persons are not required to submit:
a. Holdings reports and quarterly transaction reports for securities held in accounts over which the access person had no direct or indirect influence or control;
b. Quarterly transaction reports for transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan; or
c. Quarterly transaction reports that would duplicate information included in account statements or confirmations.
7. Review by The Board of Directors. AGF's management will prepare an annual report to the board of directors that, at a minimum ---
a. Summarizes existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the past year;
b. Identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action during the past year; and
c. Identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon the investment company's experience under its code of ethics, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations.
E. Review Process
All monthly reports will be reconciled back to their pre-approved list by a non-interested person. The CCO will perform an additional review.
F. Record Keeping
For a period of five years, AGF will retain;
1. A copy of and Code of Ethics ("Code") that is currently in effect or any Code that was in effect at any time within the prior five years, including any amendments thereto;
2. A record of any violation of the Code, and any actions taken in response to such violations;
3. A record of all written acknowledgements of receipt of the Code and any amendments for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, a Supervised Person of AGF;
4. A record of all quarterly transaction reports made by Access Persons, including any account statements or trade confirmations provided in lieu of transaction reports;
5. A record of the names of all current Access Persons, any persons who were Access Persons during the preceding five years; and
6. A record of any decision and the reason supporting the decision, to approve an Access Person's participant in an IPO or limited offering for a period of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.