Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Fund Summaries |
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Tweedy, Browne International Value Fund
Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Fees and Expenses
The table below 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 table
and example below.
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Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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None |
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Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses
that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment) |
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Management
fees |
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1.25% |
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Distribution
(12b‑1) fees |
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None |
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Other
expenses |
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0.14% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
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1.39% |
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Fee
waiver1 |
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None |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver |
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1.39% |
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(1) |
The Adviser and Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., on behalf
of the Fund, have entered into a voluntary fee waiver agreement pursuant
to which the Adviser has agreed to waive fees otherwise payable by the
Fund whenever the average daily net assets (“ADNA”) of the Fund exceed
$6 billion. The Adviser will waive fees such that the advisory fee
payable by the Fund to the Adviser will be 0.80% on ADNA over
$6 billion and up to $7 billion, 0.70% on ADNA over
$7 billion and up to $8 billion and 0.60% on ADNA over
$8 billion. This arrangement will remain in place at least until
July 31, 2025, and will
continue from year to year thereafter at the Adviser’s option, but may not
be terminated prior to the close of business on July 31, 2025 without
the approval of the Board of Directors of Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.
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Example
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 over the time periods shown and then
redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. This example also assumes
that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower,
under these assumptions your costs would be:
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One
Year |
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$142 |
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Three
Years |
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$440 |
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Five
Years |
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$761 |
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Ten
Years |
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$1,669 |
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1
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
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 ended March 31,
2024, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 12% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategies
The Fund invests primarily in foreign equity securities
that Tweedy, Browne Company LLC (the “Adviser” or “Tweedy, Browne”) believes are
undervalued but may invest in U.S. securities to a limited extent. The Adviser
seeks to construct a diversified portfolio of stocks from a variety of
industries and countries. Value investing seeks to uncover stocks whose current
market prices are at discounts (that is, undervalued) to the Adviser’s estimate
of their true or intrinsic value.
The Fund’s value investment style derives from the work
of the late Benjamin Graham, who is widely considered to be the father of the
value investing approach. Most investments in the Fund’s portfolio at the time
of initial purchase have one or more of the following investment
characteristics:
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low price‑to‑sales ratio as compared to other
companies in the same industry;
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low ratio of enterprise value (the sum of the
market value of the company’s shares plus interest-bearing debt and
preferred stock, net of cash and cash equivalents) to EBITA (earnings
before deduction of interest, taxes, and amortization), EBITDA (earnings
before deduction of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), or
after‑tax EBITA;
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low stock price in relation to book value;
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low price‑to‑earnings ratio;
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low price‑to‑cash‑flow ratio;
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above-average dividend yield;
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low financial leverage;
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high returns on invested capital;
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purchases of a company’s own stock by the company’s
officers and directors;
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company share repurchases;
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a stock price that has declined significantly from
its previous high price; and/or
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small market capitalization.
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The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of
foreign issuers, but also invests, on a more limited basis, in U.S. equity
securities when opportunities appear attractive. The Fund will generally have
some exposure to emerging markets. The Fund is diversified by issuer, industry
and country, and maintains investments in a minimum of five countries. Where
practicable, in light of operational and regulatory considerations, the
2
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
Fund seeks to reduce currency risk by hedging its
perceived foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar (generally through
the use of forward currency contracts) based on the Adviser’s judgment of such
exposure after taking into account various factors, such as the sources of the
portfolio companies’ earnings and the currencies in which their securities
trade. The Fund is designed for long-term value investors who wish to focus
their investment exposure for the most part on foreign stock markets of
developed countries. The Fund is not appropriate for investors primarily seeking
income.
Principal Risks
The Fund’s share price will fluctuate with changes in the
market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Stocks are subject to market,
economic, and business risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate.
An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured
or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. When you sell
shares of the Fund, they may be worth less than what you paid for them; you may
lose money by investing in the Fund. In addition to the risks
generally applicable to the Fund set forth in the Prospectus and statement of
additional information (“SAI”), investing in the Fund will in particular involve
the following risks:
Equity Security
Risk. The Fund invests in equity securities, primarily consisting of
common stocks. Common stock represents a proportionate interest in the earnings
and value of the issuing company. Therefore, the Fund participates in the
success or failure of any company in which it owns stock. The market value of
common stocks fluctuates significantly, reflecting the past and anticipated
business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements.
Value Investing
Risk. The Adviser may be wrong in its assessment of a company’s value,
and the stocks the Fund owns may not reach what the Adviser believes are their
true or intrinsic values. The market may not favor value-oriented stocks and may
not favor equities at all, which may cause the Fund’s relative performance to
suffer.
There may be periods during which the Fund is unable to
find securities that meet its value investment criteria. If the Fund is selling
investments or experiencing net subscriptions during those periods, the Fund
could have a significant cash position, which could adversely impact the Fund’s
performance under certain market conditions and could make it more difficult for
the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Risk of Loss. You
could lose money on your investment in the Fund, and the Fund could underperform
other investments.
3
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
Foreign Securities
Risk. The Fund invests to a great extent in foreign securities. Investing
in foreign securities involves additional risks beyond those of investing in
U.S. markets. These risks, which are more pronounced in emerging markets,
include, among others:
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changes in currency exchange rates, which can lower
performance in U.S. dollar terms;
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exchange rate controls (which may include an
inability to transfer currency from a given country);
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costs incurred in conversions between currencies;
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non‑negotiable brokerage commissions;
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less publicly available information;
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not generally being subject to uniform standards,
practices and requirements with respect to accounting, auditing, corporate
governance and financial reporting;
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greater market volatility;
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lower trading volume and/or liquidity;
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difficulty in enforcing obligations and contractual
and other rights in foreign countries;
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less securities regulation;
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different tax provisions (including withholding on
interest and dividends paid to the Fund);
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less well-established contract law;
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unrecoverable withholding and transfer taxes;
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political and social instability and diplomatic
developments.
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The value of the foreign securities held by the Fund will
be affected by changes in currency exchange rates or currency control
regulations. The share price of the Fund will reflect the movements of the
different securities in which it is invested, and, to the degree not hedged, the
foreign currencies in which its investments are denominated. Currency exchange
rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and the Fund’s
investments may be negatively impacted by foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations. These risks may be more pronounced in connection with the Fund’s
investments in securities of issuers located in, or otherwise economically tied
to, emerging countries. The securities markets of most emerging countries are
relatively less liquid, developed and efficient, are subject to greater price
volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have more or less government
regulation and may not be subject to as extensive and frequent accounting,
financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more
developed countries. The Adviser does not attempt to predict the movement of
various currencies in reaching a decision about the appropriateness or prudence
of an individual investment.
4
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
In addition, the growing inter-relationship of global
economies and financial markets has increased the effect of conditions in one
country or region on issuers of securities in a different country or region. In
particular, events or developments that interrupt the global supply chain, such
as pandemic risks, the adoption or prolongation of protectionist trade policies
by one or more countries, changes in economic or monetary policy in the U.S. or
abroad, inflation, the outbreak of war or hostilities (including international
responses such as sanctions), or a slowdown in the U.S. economy, could lead to a
decrease in demand for products and reduced flows of capital and income to
companies in other countries. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to
ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel
and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related
regions, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global
economies and the markets for certain securities. Those events might
particularly affect companies in emerging countries.
Risks of Investing in
Europe. The Fund invests in European securities. The economies and
markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent,
and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European
countries. Securities of issuers that are located in, or have significant
operations in or exposure to, member states of the European Union (the “EU”) are
subject to economic and monetary controls that can adversely affect the Fund’s
investments. The European financial markets have experienced volatility,
economic and financial difficulties, and other adverse trends in recent years.
Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks and
others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in
social unrest, and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other
unintended consequences. Political, social or economic disruptions in the
region, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, and adverse changes
in the value and exchange rate of the euro and other currencies, may adversely
affect the value of investments held by the Fund. The economic consequences of
the January 31, 2020 departure of the United Kingdom from the European
Union (EU) (“Brexit”) may increase market volatility and may negatively affect
the economies of the United Kingdom, EU countries, and the broader global
economy.
If one or more other countries were to withdraw from the
EU, or if any country were to abandon the euro, those actions would likely cause
additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory
uncertainties. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a
disorderly fashion, could be significant and far‑reaching. To the extent that
the Fund has exposure to European markets or to transactions tied to the value
of the euro, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the
Fund’s investments.
Emerging Markets
Risk. In addition to the risks relating to foreign securities, securities
of issuers located in, or otherwise economically tied to, emerging markets may
entail risks relating to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the
imposition of restrictions on
5
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
foreign investment, lack of hedging instruments, and
restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. Economic or political crises
may detrimentally affect investments in emerging markets. Emerging market
countries may experience substantial rates of inflation or deflation. The
economies of developing countries tend to be dependent upon international trade.
Emerging markets countries may have less established legal, accounting, and
financial reporting systems than those in more developed markets, which may
result in there being little financial information available about emerging
market issuers. Additionally, governments in emerging markets countries may be
less stable and more likely to take extra-legal action with respect to
companies, industries, assets, or foreign ownership than those in more developed
markets. Moreover, it may be more difficult for shareholders to bring derivative
litigation or for U.S. regulators to bring enforcement actions against issuers
in emerging markets. Other risks include a high concentration of investors,
financial intermediaries, and market capitalization and trading volume in a
small number of issuers and industries; vulnerability to changes in commodity
prices due to overdependence on exports, including gold and natural resources,
overburdened infrastructure and obsolete or unseasoned financial systems;
environmental problems; less developed legal systems; and less reliable
securities custodial services and settlement practices. For all of these
reasons, investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Smaller Capitalization
Companies Risk. The Fund invests in mid‑, small- and micro‑cap companies.
Mid‑, small- and micro‑cap companies may be less well established and may have a
more highly leveraged capital structure, less liquidity, a smaller investor
base, limited product lines, greater dependence on a few customers or a few key
personnel and similar factors that can make their business and stock market
performance susceptible to greater fluctuation and volatility. As a result, the
purchase or sale of more than a limited number of shares of a smaller
capitalization company may affect its market price. The Fund may need a
considerable amount of time to purchase or sell its positions in these
securities. In addition, smaller capitalization company stocks may not be well
known to the investing public. These risks are more pronounced for micro‑cap
companies. In general, the Adviser’s investment philosophy and selection process
favor companies that do not have capital structures that would be considered to
be “highly leveraged” for a company in the same field.
Currency Hedging
Risk. The Fund’s practice of hedging perceived exposure to foreign
currencies where practicable, based on the Adviser’s judgment of such exposure,
tends to make the Fund underperform a similar unhedged portfolio when the dollar
is losing value against the local currencies in which the Fund’s and the
portfolio’s investments are denominated. Conversely, this practice tends to make
the Fund outperform a similar unhedged portfolio when the dollar is gaining in
value against the local currencies in which the Fund’s and the portfolio’s
investments are denominated. Because the Fund’s currency hedging techniques
involve the use of derivative instruments such as forward currency contracts,
the Fund is also subject to the risk of possible default by the other party to
those instruments. The use of currency hedging
6
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
techniques may impose costs on the Fund. The Adviser may
be incorrect in its assessment of the Fund’s exposure to one or more foreign
currencies. As a result of practical considerations, fluctuations in a
security’s prices, and fluctuations in currencies, the Fund’s hedges are
generally expected to approximate, but will generally not equal, the Fund’s
perceived foreign currency exposure.
Inflation
Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from
investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of
money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s shares and any
distributions thereon may decline. Inflation rates may change frequently and
significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the
domestic or global economy and changes in economic policies, and the Fund’s
investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to the
Fund’s shareholders. While inflation and/or a more normalized interest rate
environment relative to the past decade may create more opportunities for a
value focused investment strategy, there can be no guarantee or certainty that
any such opportunities will be captured or will be realized.
Sector Risk. To
the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in the securities of issuers in
one or more sectors, the Fund may be subjected, to a greater extent than if its
investments were diversified across different sectors, to the risks of volatile
economic cycles and/or conditions and developments that may be particular to
that sector, such as adverse economic, business, political, environmental, or
other developments.
Fund Performance
The following bar chart and table illustrate how
the returns of the Fund vary over time and how they compare to relevant market
benchmarks. This information may help illustrate the risks of
investing in the Fund. The
Fund has changed its comparative broad-based securities market index from MSCI
EAFE Index (Hedged to U.S.$) to the MSCI EAFE Index (in U.S.$) in order to
comply with new regulatory requirements regarding the presentation of
comparative index performance. Updated performance information
for the Fund is available at www.tweedyfunds.com or by calling
800‑432‑4789 (press 0).
As
with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
7
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
International Value
Fund
Calendar Year Total
Returns1
(1) |
The
2024 year‑to‑date
return for the International Value Fund through
June 30, 2024 was
5.74%. |
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As of December 31, 2023 |
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Best Quarterly
Return |
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14.46% (4th Quarter, 2020) |
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Worst Quarterly
Return |
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(21.37)% (1st Quarter, 2020) |
Average Annual Total
Return
for Periods Ended
December 31, 2023
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One Year |
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Five Years |
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Ten Years |
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International Value Fund |
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Return before
Taxes |
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12.47 |
% |
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6.41 |
% |
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4.50 |
% |
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Return after
Taxes on Distributions |
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10.83 |
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5.40 |
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3.57 |
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Return after
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
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7.76 |
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5.01 |
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3.50 |
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MSCI EAFE
Index (in U.S.$) (reflects no
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
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18.24 |
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8.16 |
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4.28 |
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MSCI EAFE Index (Hedged to U.S.$) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or
taxes) |
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19.95 |
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11.79 |
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8.14 |
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8
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
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. In some instances, the “Return after Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater than “Return before Taxes”
because the investor is assumed to have a capital loss upon the sale of Fund
shares to offset other taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
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. The performance
data shown above would have been lower had fees not been waived during certain
periods.
Management
Tweedy, Browne Company LLC serves as investment adviser
to the Fund. The Adviser’s Management Committee, which consists of Roger de
Bree, Jay Hill, Jason Minard, Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert
Wyckoff, each of whom is a Managing Director, has overall responsibility for the
conduct of the firm’s affairs. Roger de Bree, Jay Hill, Andrew Ewert,
Frank Hawrylak, Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert Wyckoff (each of whom is
a Managing Director of the firm), act as the Adviser’s Investment Committee and
are jointly and primarily responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the
Fund’s portfolio. Mr. Spears has served on the Management Committee and
Investment Committee since the Fund’s inception in June 1993. Mr. Shrager
has served on the Investment Committee since 2003 and the Management Committee
since 2008. Mr. Wyckoff has served on the Investment Committee since 2007
and the Management Committee since 2008. Mr. Hill has served on the
Investment Committee since August 2013 and the Management Committee since
January 2021. Messrs. Hawrylak and Ewert have served on the Investment Committee
since December 2014 and July 2022, respectively. Mr. de Bree has
served on the Investment Committee since August 2013 and the Management
Committee since June 2024. Mr. Minard has served on the Management
Committee since June 2024.
Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares, Tax Information and Financial Intermediary Compensation
For important information about purchase and sale of Fund
shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to
“Other Information” on page 37.
9
Tweedy, Browne International Value Fund
II – Currency Unhedged
Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Fees and Expenses
The table below 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 table and example below.
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Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment) |
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None |
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Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses
that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment) |
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| |
| |
Management
fees |
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1.25% |
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Distribution
(12b‑1) fees |
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None |
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Other
expenses |
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0.14% |
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Acquired fund
fees and expenses1 |
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0.01% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
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1.40% |
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Fee waiver
and/or expense reimbursement2 |
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(0.01)% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement |
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1.39% |
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(1) |
Acquired fund fees and expenses represent the expenses of
the money market fund(s) in which the Fund’s cash balances are
invested. |
(2) |
The Adviser has voluntarily agreed, through at
least July 31, 2025, to waive a portion of the Fund’s investment
advisory fees and/or to reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses to the
extent necessary to keep the Fund’s expense ratio in line with that of the
Tweedy, Browne International Value Fund. (For purposes of this
calculation, the Fund’s acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage costs,
interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses are disregarded and the Fund’s
expense ratio is rounded to two decimal points.) This arrangement may not
be terminated prior to the close of business on July 31, 2025 without
the approval of the Board of Directors of Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.
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Example
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 over the time periods shown and then redeem
all of your shares at the end of those periods. This example also assumes that
your investment earns a
10
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower,
under these assumptions your costs would be:
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One
Year |
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$142 |
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Three
Years |
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$442 |
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Five
Years |
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$765 |
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Ten
Years |
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$1,679 |
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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 ended March 31,
2024, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 13% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategies
The Fund invests primarily in foreign equity securities
that the Adviser believes are undervalued but may invest in U.S. securities to a
limited extent. The Adviser seeks to construct a diversified portfolio of stocks
from a variety of industries and countries. Value investing seeks to uncover
stocks whose current market prices are at discounts (that is, undervalued) to
the Adviser’s estimate of their true or intrinsic value.
The Fund’s value investment style derives from the work
of the late Benjamin Graham, who is widely considered to be the father of the
value investing approach. Most investments in the Fund’s portfolio at the time
of initial purchase have one or more of the following investment
characteristics:
|
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|
low price‑to‑sales ratio as compared to other
companies in the same industry;
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|
› |
|
low ratio of enterprise value (the sum of the
market value of the company’s shares plus interest-bearing debt and
preferred stock, net of cash and cash equivalents) to EBITA (earnings
before deduction of interest, taxes, and amortization), EBITDA (earnings
before deduction of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), or
after‑tax EBITA;
|
|
› |
|
low stock price in relation to book value;
|
|
› |
|
low price‑to‑earnings ratio;
|
|
› |
|
low price‑to‑cash‑flow ratio;
|
|
› |
|
above-average dividend yield;
|
|
› |
|
low financial leverage;
|
|
› |
|
high returns on invested capital;
|
|
› |
|
purchases of a company’s own stock by the company’s
officers and directors;
|
|
› |
|
company share repurchases;
|
|
› |
|
a stock price that has declined significantly from
its previous high price; and/or
|
|
› |
|
small market capitalization.
|
11
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of
foreign issuers, but also invests, on a more limited basis, in U.S. equity
securities when opportunities appear attractive. The Fund will generally have
some exposure to emerging markets. The Fund is diversified by issuer, industry
and country, and maintains investments in a minimum of five countries. The Fund
generally does not seek to reduce currency risk by hedging its perceived foreign
currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar and will be exposed to currency
fluctuations. However, the Adviser reserves the right, under circumstances that
the Adviser deems to be extraordinary, to hedge all or a portion of the Fund’s
currency exposure to a particular emerging market. The Fund is designed for
long-term value investors who wish to focus their investment exposure for the
most part on foreign stock markets of developed countries, and their associated
non‑U.S. currencies. The Fund is not appropriate for investors primarily seeking
income.
Principal Risks
The Fund’s share price will fluctuate with changes in the
market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Stocks are subject to market,
economic, and business risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate.
An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured
or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. When you sell
shares of the Fund, they may be worth less than what you paid for them; you may
lose money by investing in the Fund. In addition to the risks
generally applicable to the Fund set forth in the Prospectus and SAI, investing
in the Fund will in particular involve the following risks:
Equity Security
Risk. The Fund invests in equity securities, primarily consisting of
common stocks. Common stock represents a proportionate interest in the earnings
and value of the issuing company. Therefore, the Fund participates in the
success or failure of any company in which it owns stock. The market value of
common stocks fluctuates significantly, reflecting the past and anticipated
business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements.
Value Investing
Risk. The Adviser may be wrong in its assessment of a company’s value,
and the stocks the Fund owns may not reach what the Adviser believes are their
true or intrinsic values. The market may not favor value-oriented stocks and may
not favor equities at all, which may cause the Fund’s relative performance to
suffer.
There may be periods during which the Fund is unable to
find securities that meet its value investment criteria. If the Fund is selling
investments or experiencing net subscriptions during those periods, the Fund
could have a significant cash position, which could adversely impact the Fund’s
performance under certain market conditions and could make it more difficult for
the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Risk of Loss. You
could lose money on your investment in the Fund, and the Fund could underperform
other investments.
12
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
Foreign Securities
Risk. The Fund invests to a great extent in foreign securities. Investing
in foreign securities involves additional risks beyond those of investing in
U.S. markets. These risks, which are more pronounced in emerging markets,
include, among others:
|
› |
|
changes in currency exchange rates, which can lower
performance in U.S. dollar terms;
|
|
› |
|
exchange rate controls (which may include an
inability to transfer currency from a given country);
|
|
› |
|
costs incurred in conversions between currencies;
|
|
› |
|
non‑negotiable brokerage commissions;
|
|
› |
|
less publicly available information;
|
|
› |
|
not generally being subject to uniform standards,
practices and requirements with respect to accounting, auditing, corporate
governance and financial reporting;
|
|
› |
|
greater market volatility;
|
|
› |
|
lower trading volume and/or liquidity;
|
|
› |
|
difficulty in enforcing obligations and contractual
and other rights in foreign countries;
|
|
› |
|
less securities regulation;
|
|
› |
|
different tax provisions (including withholding on
interest and dividends paid to the Fund);
|
|
› |
|
less well-established contract law;
|
|
› |
|
unrecoverable withholding and transfer taxes;
|
|
› |
|
political and social instability and diplomatic
developments.
|
The value of the foreign securities held by the Fund will
be affected by changes in currency exchange rates or currency control
regulations. The share price of the Fund will reflect the movements of the
different securities in which it is invested, and the foreign currencies in
which its investments are denominated. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate
significantly over short periods of time, and the Fund’s investments may be
negatively impacted by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. These risks
may be more pronounced in connection with the Fund’s investments in securities
of issuers located in, or otherwise economically tied to, emerging countries.
The securities markets of most emerging countries are relatively less liquid,
developed and efficient, are subject to greater price volatility, have smaller
market capitalizations, have more or less government regulation and may not be
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries. The Adviser
does not attempt to predict the movement of various currencies in reaching a
decision about the appropriateness or prudence of an individual investment.
13
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
The Fund has chosen generally not to hedge its perceived
foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar and therefore the Fund is
considered to be “currency unhedged.”
In addition, the growing inter-relationship of global
economies and financial markets has increased the effect of conditions in one
country or region on issuers of securities in a different country or region. In
particular, events or developments that interrupt the global supply chain, such
as pandemic risks, the adoption or prolongation of protectionist trade policies
by one or more countries, changes in economic or monetary policy in the U.S. or
abroad, inflation, the outbreak of war or hostilities (including international
responses such as sanctions), or a slowdown in the U.S. economy, could lead to a
decrease in demand for products and reduced flows of capital and income to
companies in other countries. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to
ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel
and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related
regions, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global
economies and the markets for certain securities. Those events might
particularly affect companies in emerging countries.
Risks of Investing in
Europe. The Fund invests in European securities. The economies and
markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent,
and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European
countries. Securities of issuers that are located in, or have significant
operations in or exposure to, member states of the European Union (the “EU”) are
subject to economic and monetary controls that can adversely affect the Fund’s
investments. The European financial markets have experienced volatility,
economic and financial difficulties, and other adverse trends in recent years.
Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks and
others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in
social unrest, and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other
unintended consequences. Political, social or economic disruptions in the
region, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, and adverse changes
in the value and exchange rate of the euro and other currencies, may adversely
affect the value of investments held by the Fund. The economic consequences of
the January 31, 2020 departure of the United Kingdom from the European
Union (EU) (“Brexit”) may increase market volatility and may negatively affect
the economies of the United Kingdom, EU countries, and the broader global
economy. If one or more other countries were to withdraw from the EU, or if any
country were to abandon the euro, those actions would likely cause additional
market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion,
could be significant and far‑reaching. To the extent that the Fund has exposure
to European markets or to transactions tied to the value of the euro, these
events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s
investments.
Emerging Markets
Risk. In addition to the risks relating to foreign securities, securities
of issuers located in, or otherwise economically tied to, emerging markets may
entail risks relating to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the
imposition of
14
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
restrictions on foreign investment, lack of hedging
instruments, and restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. Economic or
political crises may detrimentally affect investments in emerging markets.
Emerging market countries may experience substantial rates of inflation or
deflation. The economies of developing countries tend to be dependent upon
international trade. Emerging markets countries may have less established legal,
accounting, and financial reporting systems than those in more developed
markets, which may result in there being little financial information available
about emerging market issuers. Additionally, governments in emerging markets
countries may be less stable and more likely to take extra-legal action with
respect to companies, industries, assets, or foreign ownership than those in
more developed markets. Moreover, it may be more difficult for shareholders to
bring derivative litigation or for U.S. regulators to bring enforcement actions
against issuers in emerging markets. Other risks include a high concentration of
investors, financial intermediaries, and market capitalization and trading
volume in a small number of issuers and industries; vulnerability to changes in
commodity prices due to overdependence on exports, including gold and natural
resources, overburdened infrastructure and obsolete or unseasoned financial
systems; environmental problems; less developed legal systems; and less reliable
securities custodial services and settlement practices. For all of these
reasons, investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Smaller Capitalization
Companies Risk. The Fund invests in mid‑, small- and micro‑cap companies.
Mid‑, small- and micro‑cap companies may be less well established and may have a
more highly leveraged capital structure, less liquidity, a smaller investor
base, limited product lines, greater dependence on a few customers or a few key
personnel and similar factors that can make their business and stock market
performance susceptible to greater fluctuation and volatility. As a result, the
purchase or sale of more than a limited number of shares of a smaller
capitalization company may affect its market price. The Fund may need a
considerable amount of time to purchase or sell its positions in these
securities. In addition, smaller capitalization company stocks may not be well
known to the investing public. These risks are more pronounced for micro‑cap
companies. In general, the Adviser’s investment philosophy and selection process
favor companies that do not have capital structures that would be considered to
be “highly leveraged” for a company in the same field.
Inflation
Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from
investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of
money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s shares and any
distributions thereon may decline. Inflation rates may change frequently and
significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the
domestic or global economy and changes in economic policies, and the Fund’s
investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to the
Fund’s shareholders. While inflation and/or a more normalized interest rate
environment relative to the past decade may create more opportunities for a
value focused investment strategy, there can be no guarantee or certainty that
any such opportunities will be captured or will be realized.
15
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
Sector Risk. To
the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in the securities of issuers in
one or more sectors, the Fund may be subjected, to a greater extent than if its
investments were diversified across different sectors, to the risks of volatile
economic cycles and/or conditions and developments that may be particular to
that sector, such as adverse economic, business, political, environmental, or
other developments.
Fund Performance
The following bar chart and table illustrate how
the returns of the Fund vary over time and how they compare to a relevant market
benchmark. This information may help illustrate the risks of
investing in the Fund. Absent any applicable agreements to waive and/or
reimburse certain of the Fund’s operational expenses, the returns of the Fund
would have been lower. Updated performance information for the Fund is available
at www.tweedyfunds.com or by calling
800‑432‑4789 (press 0).
As
with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
International Value Fund
II – Currency Unhedged
Calendar Year Total
Returns1
(1) |
The
2024 year‑to‑date
return for the International Value Fund II – Currency
Unhedged through June 30, 2024 was
3.35%. |
16
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
|
| |
| |
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
| |
Best Quarterly
Return |
|
17.87% (4th Quarter, 2020) |
| |
Worst Quarterly
Return |
|
(25.51)% (1st Quarter, 2020) |
Average Annual Total
Return
for Periods Ended
December 31, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
One Year |
|
|
Five Years |
|
|
Ten Years |
|
|
|
| |
International Value Fund II – Currency
Unhedged |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Return before
Taxes |
|
|
12.70 |
% |
|
|
5.43 |
% |
|
|
2.92 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
11.87 |
|
|
|
5.08 |
|
|
|
2.64 |
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
7.50 |
|
|
|
4.24 |
|
|
|
2.31 |
|
|
|
| |
MSCI EAFE Index (in U.S.$) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or
taxes) |
|
|
18.24 |
|
|
|
8.16 |
|
|
|
4.28 |
|
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. In some instances, the “Return after Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater than “Return before Taxes”
because the investor is assumed to have a capital loss upon the sale of Fund
shares to offset other taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
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. The performance
data shown above would be lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived
and/or reimbursed during certain periods.
Management
Tweedy, Browne Company LLC serves as investment adviser
to the Fund. The Adviser’s Management Committee, which consists of Roger de
Bree, Jay Hill, Jason Minard, Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert
Wyckoff, each of whom is a Managing Director, has overall responsibility for the
conduct of the firm’s affairs. Roger de Bree, Jay Hill, Andrew Ewert,
Frank Hawrylak, Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert Wyckoff (each of whom is
a Managing Director of the firm), act as the Adviser’s Investment Committee and
are jointly and primarily responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the
Fund’s portfolio. Messrs. Shrager, Spears and Wyckoff have served on the
Management Committee and Investment Committee since before the Fund’s inception
in October 2009. Mr. Hill has served on the Investment Committee since
August 2013 and the Management Committee since January 2021. Messrs. Hawrylak
and Ewert have served on the Investment Committee since December 2014 and
July 2022, respectively. Mr. de Bree has served on the Investment Committee
since August 2013 and the Management Committee since June 2024. Mr. Minard
has served on the Management Committee since June 2024.
17
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares, Tax Information and Financial Intermediary Compensation
For important information about purchase and sale of Fund
shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to
“Other Information” on page 37.
18
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Fees and Expenses
The table below 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 table
and example below.
|
|
|
| |
| |
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
None |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses
that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment) |
|
|
| |
| |
Management
fees |
|
|
1.25% |
|
| |
Distribution
(12b‑1) fees |
|
|
None |
|
| |
Other
expenses |
|
|
0.14% |
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
|
1.39% |
|
| |
Fee waiver
and/or expense reimbursement1 |
|
|
(0.01)% |
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement |
|
|
1.38% |
|
(1) |
The Adviser has voluntarily agreed, through at
least July 31, 2025, to waive a portion of the Fund’s investment
advisory fees and/or to reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses to the
extent necessary to keep the Fund’s expense ratio in line with that of the
Tweedy, Browne International Value Fund. (For purposes of this
calculation, the Fund’s acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage costs,
interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses are disregarded and the Fund’s
expense ratio is rounded to two decimal points.) This arrangement may not
be terminated prior to the close of business on July 31, 2025 without
the approval of the Board of Directors of Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.
|
Example
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 over the time periods shown and then
redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. This example also assumes
that your investment earns a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower,
under these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
| |
| |
One
Year |
|
|
$140 |
|
| |
Three
Years |
|
|
$439 |
|
| |
Five
Years |
|
|
$760 |
|
| |
Ten
Years |
|
|
$1,668 |
|
19
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
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 ended March 31,
2024, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 21% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategies
The Fund invests primarily in U.S. and foreign equity
securities that the Adviser believes are undervalued. The Adviser seeks to
construct a diversified portfolio of stocks from a variety of industries and
countries. Value investing seeks to uncover stocks whose current market prices
are at discounts (that is, undervalued) to the Adviser’s estimate of their true
or intrinsic value.
The Fund’s value investment style derives from the work
of the late Benjamin Graham, who is widely considered to be the father of the
value investing approach. Most investments in the Fund’s portfolio at the time
of initial purchase have one or more of the following investment
characteristics:
|
› |
|
low price‑to‑sales ratio as compared to other
companies in the same industry;
|
|
› |
|
low ratio of enterprise value (the sum of the
market value of the company’s shares plus interest-bearing debt and
preferred stock, net of cash and cash equivalents) to EBITA (earnings
before deduction of interest, taxes, and amortization), EBITDA (earnings
before deduction of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), or
after‑tax EBITA;
|
|
› |
|
low stock price in relation to book value;
|
|
› |
|
low price‑to‑earnings ratio;
|
|
› |
|
low price‑to‑cash‑flow ratio;
|
|
› |
|
above-average dividend yield;
|
|
› |
|
low financial leverage;
|
|
› |
|
high returns on invested capital;
|
|
› |
|
purchases of a company’s own stock by the company’s
officers and directors;
|
|
› |
|
company share repurchases;
|
|
› |
|
a stock price that has declined significantly from
its previous high price; and/or
|
|
› |
|
small market capitalization.
|
The Fund invests primarily in U.S. and foreign equity
securities. The Fund is diversified by issuer and industry, and where
practicable, in light of operational and regulatory considerations, seeks to
reduce currency risk on its foreign investments by hedging its perceived foreign
currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar (generally through the use of
forward currency contracts) based on the Adviser’s judgment of such exposure
after taking into account various factors, such as the sources of the portfolio
companies’
20
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
earnings and the currencies in which their securities
trade. The Fund is designed for long-term value investors who wish to focus
their investment exposure for the most part on equity securities that are
economically tied to the U.S. stock market and foreign stock markets of
developed countries. The Fund will generally have some exposure to emerging
markets. The Fund is not appropriate for investors primarily seeking income.
Principal Risks
The Fund’s share price will fluctuate with changes in the
market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Stocks are subject to market,
economic, and business risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate.
An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured
or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. When you sell
shares of the Fund, they may be worth less than what you paid for them; you may
lose money by investing in the Fund. In addition to the risks
generally applicable to the Fund set forth in the Prospectus and SAI, investing
in the Fund will in particular involve the following risks:
Equity Security
Risk. The Fund invests in equity securities, primarily consisting of
common stocks. Common stock represents a proportionate interest in the earnings
and value of the issuing company. Therefore, the Fund participates in the
success or failure of any company in which it owns stock. The market value of
common stocks fluctuates significantly, reflecting the past and anticipated
business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements.
Value Investing
Risk. The Adviser may be wrong in its assessment of a company’s value,
and the stocks the Fund owns may not reach what the Adviser believes are their
true or intrinsic values. The market may not favor value-oriented stocks and may
not favor equities at all, which may cause the Fund’s relative performance to
suffer.
There may be periods during which the Fund is unable to
find securities that meet its value investment criteria. If the Fund is selling
investments or experiencing net subscriptions during those periods, the Fund
could have a significant cash position, which could adversely impact the Fund’s
performance under certain market conditions and could make it more difficult for
the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Risk of Loss. You
could lose money on your investment in the Fund, and the Fund could underperform
other investments.
Foreign Securities
Risk. The Fund invests in foreign securities. Investing in foreign
securities involves additional risks beyond those of investing in U.S. markets.
These risks, which are more pronounced in emerging markets, include, among
others:
|
› |
|
changes in currency exchange rates, which can lower
performance in U.S. dollar terms;
|
|
› |
|
exchange rate controls (which may include an
inability to transfer currency from a given country);
|
21
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
|
› |
|
costs incurred in conversions between currencies;
|
|
› |
|
non‑negotiable brokerage commissions;
|
|
› |
|
less publicly available information;
|
|
› |
|
not generally being subject to uniform standards,
practices and requirements with respect to accounting, auditing, corporate
governance and financial reporting;
|
|
› |
|
greater market volatility;
|
|
› |
|
lower trading volume and/or liquidity;
|
|
› |
|
difficulty in enforcing obligations and contractual
and other rights in foreign countries;
|
|
› |
|
less securities regulation;
|
|
› |
|
different tax provisions (including withholding on
interest and dividends paid to the Fund);
|
|
› |
|
less well-established contract law;
|
|
› |
|
unrecoverable withholding and transfer taxes;
|
|
› |
|
political and social instability and diplomatic
developments.
|
The value of the foreign securities held by the Fund will
be affected by changes in currency exchange rates or currency control
regulations. The share price of the Fund will reflect the movements of the
different securities markets in which it is invested, and, to the degree not
hedged, the foreign currencies in which its investments are denominated.
Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time,
and the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted by foreign currency
exchange rate fluctuations. These risks may be more pronounced in connection
with the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers located in, or otherwise
economically tied to, emerging countries. The securities markets of most
emerging countries are relatively less liquid, developed and efficient, are
subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have
more or less government regulation and may not be subject to as extensive and
frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the
securities markets of more developed countries. The Adviser does not attempt to
predict the movement of various currencies in reaching a decision about the
appropriateness or prudence of an individual investment.
In addition, the growing inter-relationship of global
economies and financial markets has increased the effect of conditions in one
country or region on issuers of securities in a different country or region. In
particular, events or developments that interrupt the global supply chain, such
as pandemic risks, the adoption or prolongation of protectionist trade policies
by one or more countries, changes in economic or monetary policy in the U.S. or
abroad, inflation, the outbreak of war or hostilities (including international
responses such as sanctions), or a slowdown in the U.S. economy, could lead to a
decrease in demand for products and reduced flows of capital and income to
22
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
companies in other countries. Conflict, loss of life and
disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in
Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse
effects on the related regions, including significant adverse effects on the
regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. Those
events might particularly affect companies in emerging countries.
Risks of Investing in
Europe. The Fund invests in European securities. The economies and
markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent,
and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European
countries. Securities of issuers that are located in, or have significant
operations in or exposure to, member states of the European Union (the “EU”) are
subject to economic and monetary controls that can adversely affect the Fund’s
investments. The European financial markets have experienced volatility,
economic and financial difficulties, and other adverse trends in recent years.
Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks and
others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in
social unrest, and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other
unintended consequences. Political, social or economic disruptions in the
region, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, and adverse changes
in the value and exchange rate of the euro and other currencies, may adversely
affect the value of investments held by the Fund. The economic consequences of
the January 31, 2020 departure of the United Kingdom from the European
Union (EU) (“Brexit”) may increase market volatility and may negatively affect
the economies of the United Kingdom, EU countries, and the broader global
economy. If one or more other countries were to withdraw from the EU, or if any
country were to abandon the euro, those actions would likely cause additional
market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion,
could be significant and far‑reaching. To the extent that the Fund has exposure
to European markets or to transactions tied to the value of the euro, these
events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s
investments.
Emerging Markets
Risk. In addition to the risks relating to foreign securities, securities
of issuers located in, or otherwise economically tied to, emerging markets may
entail risks relating to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the
imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, lack of hedging instruments,
and restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. Economic or political
crises may detrimentally affect investments in emerging markets. Emerging market
countries may experience substantial rates of inflation or deflation. The
economies of developing countries tend to be dependent upon international trade.
Emerging markets countries may have less established legal, accounting, and
financial reporting systems than those in more developed markets, which may
result in there being little financial information available about emerging
market issuers. Additionally, governments in emerging markets countries may be
less stable and more likely to take extra-legal action with respect to
23
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
companies, industries, assets, or foreign ownership than
those in more developed markets. Moreover, it may be more difficult for
shareholders to bring derivative litigation or for U.S. regulators to bring
enforcement actions against issuers in emerging markets. Other risks include a
high concentration of investors, financial intermediaries, and market
capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers and industries;
vulnerability to changes in commodity prices due to overdependence on exports,
including gold and natural resources, overburdened infrastructure and obsolete
or unseasoned financial systems; environmental problems; less developed legal
systems; and less reliable securities custodial services and settlement
practices. For all of these reasons, investments in emerging markets may be
considered speculative.
Smaller Capitalization
Companies Risk. The Fund invests in mid‑, small- and micro‑cap companies.
Mid‑, small- and micro‑cap companies may be less well established and may have a
more highly leveraged capital structure, less liquidity, a smaller investor
base, limited product lines, greater dependence on a few customers or a few key
personnel and similar factors that can make their business and stock market
performance susceptible to greater fluctuation and volatility. As a result, the
purchase or sale of more than a limited number of shares of a smaller
capitalization company may affect its market price. The Fund may need a
considerable amount of time to purchase or sell its positions in these
securities. In addition, smaller capitalization company stocks may not be well
known to the investing public. These risks are more pronounced for micro‑cap
companies. In general, the Adviser’s investment philosophy and selection process
favor companies that do not have capital structures that would be considered to
be “highly leveraged” for a company in the same field.
Currency Hedging
Risk. The Fund’s practice of hedging perceived exposure to foreign
currencies where practicable, based on the Adviser’s judgment of such exposure,
tends to make the Fund underperform a similar unhedged portfolio when the dollar
is losing value against the local currencies in which the Fund’s and the
portfolio’s investments are denominated. Conversely, this practice tends to make
the Fund outperform a similar unhedged portfolio when the dollar is gaining in
value against the local currencies in which the Fund’s and the portfolio’s
investments are denominated. Because the Fund’s currency hedging techniques
involve the use of derivative instruments such as forward currency contracts,
the Fund is also subject to the risk of possible default by the other party to
those instruments. The use of currency hedging techniques may impose costs on
the Fund. The Adviser may be incorrect in its assessment of the Fund’s exposure
to one or more foreign currencies. As a result of practical considerations,
fluctuations in a security’s prices, and fluctuations in currencies, the Fund’s
hedges are generally expected to approximate, but will generally not equal, the
Fund’s perceived foreign currency exposure.
Inflation
Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from
investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of
money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s shares and any
distributions thereon may
24
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
decline. Inflation rates may change frequently and
significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the
domestic or global economy and changes in economic policies, and the Fund’s
investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to the
Fund’s shareholders. While inflation and/or a more normalized interest rate
environment relative to the past decade may create more opportunities for a
value focused investment strategy, there can be no guarantee or certainty that
any such opportunities will be captured or will be realized.
Sector Risk. To
the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in the securities of issuers in
one or more sectors, the Fund may be subjected, to a greater extent than if its
investments were diversified across different sectors, to the risks of volatile
economic cycles and/or conditions and developments that may be particular to
that sector, such as adverse economic, business, political, environmental, or
other developments.
Fund Performance
The following bar chart and table illustrate how
the returns of the Fund vary over time and how they compare to relevant market
benchmarks. This information may help illustrate the risks of
investing in the Fund. For the period from the Fund’s inception through 2006,
the Fund chose the S&P 500 Index as its benchmark. Starting in mid‑December
2006, the Fund’s investment mandate changed from investing at least 80% of its
assets in U.S. securities to investing no less than approximately 50% of
its assets in U.S. securities, and so the Fund chose the MSCI World Index
(Hedged to U.S.$) as its benchmark for periods starting January 1, 2007.
Effective July 29, 2013, the Fund removed the 50% requirement, and
continues to use the MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$) as its benchmark.
The
S&P 500/MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$) is a combination of the S&P
500 Index and the MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$), linked together by Tweedy,
Browne, and represents the performance of the S&P 500 Index for periods from
December 8, 1993 through December 31, 2006, and the performance of the
MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$) beginning January 1, 2007 and
thereafter. The
Fund has changed its comparative broad-based securities market index from MSCI
World Index (Hedged to U.S.$) to the MSCI World Index (in U.S.$) in order to
comply with new regulatory requirements regarding the presentation of
comparative index performance. Updated performance information
for the Fund is available at www.tweedyfunds.com or by calling
800‑432‑4789 (press 0).
As
with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
25
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
Value Fund
Calendar Year Total
Returns1
(1) |
The
2024 year‑to‑date
return for the Value Fund through June 30, 2024 was
4.64%. |
|
| |
| |
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
| |
Best Quarterly
Return |
|
13.38% (4th Quarter, 2020) |
| |
Worst Quarterly
Return |
|
(22.13)% (1st Quarter, 2020) |
Average Annual Total
Return
for Periods Ended
December 31, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
One Year |
|
|
Five Years |
|
|
Ten Years |
|
|
|
| |
Value Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Return before
Taxes |
|
|
15.20 |
% |
|
|
7.50 |
% |
|
|
5.38 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
13.00 |
|
|
|
5.93 |
|
|
|
3.66 |
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
10.09 |
|
|
|
5.79 |
|
|
|
3.99 |
|
|
|
| |
MSCI World
Index (in U.S.$) (reflects no
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
23.79 |
|
|
|
12.80 |
|
|
|
8.60 |
|
|
|
| |
MSCI World
Index (Hedged to U.S.$) (reflects no
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
24.30 |
|
|
|
13.93 |
|
|
|
10.09 |
|
|
|
| |
S&P 500/MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$)
(reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes) |
|
|
24.30 |
|
|
|
13.93 |
|
|
|
10.09 |
|
26
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
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. In some instances, the “Return after Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater than “Return before Taxes”
because the investor is assumed to have a capital loss upon the sale of Fund
shares to offset other taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
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. The performance
data shown above would be lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived
and/or reimbursed during certain periods.
Management
Tweedy, Browne Company LLC serves as investment adviser
to the Fund. The Adviser’s Management Committee, which consists of Roger de
Bree, Jay Hill, Jason Minard, Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert
Wyckoff, each of whom is a Managing Director, has overall responsibility for the
conduct of the firm’s affairs. Roger de Bree, Jay Hill, Andrew Ewert,
Frank Hawrylak, Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert Wyckoff (each of whom is
a Managing Director of the firm), act as the Adviser’s Investment Committee and
are jointly and primarily responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the
Fund’s portfolio. Mr. Spears has served on the Management Committee and
Investment Committee since the Fund’s inception in December 1993.
Mr. Shrager has served on the Investment Committee since 2003 and the
Management Committee since 2008. Mr. Wyckoff has served on the Investment
Committee since 2007 and the Management Committee since 2008. Mr. Hill has
served on the Investment Committee since August 2013 and the Management
Committee since January 2021. Messrs. Hawrylak and Ewert have served on the
Investment Committee since December 2014 and July 2022, respectively.
Mr. de Bree has served on the Investment Committee since August 2013 and
the Management Committee since June 2024. Mr. Minard has served on the
Management Committee since June 2024.
Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares, Tax Information and Financial Intermediary Compensation
For important information about purchase and sale of Fund
shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to
“Other Information” on page 37.
27
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide High Dividend Yield
Value Fund
Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Fees and Expenses
The table below 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 table
and example below.
|
|
|
| |
| |
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
None |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
|
| |
| |
Management
fees |
|
|
1.25% |
|
| |
Distribution
(12b‑1) fees |
|
|
None |
|
| |
Other
expenses |
|
|
0.25% |
|
| |
Acquired fund
fees and expenses1 |
|
|
0.01% |
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
|
1.51% |
|
| |
Fee waiver
and/or expense reimbursement2 |
|
|
(0.11)% |
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement |
|
|
1.40% |
|
(1) |
Acquired fund fees and expenses represent the expenses of
the money market fund(s) in which the Fund’s cash balances are
invested. |
(2) |
The Adviser has voluntarily agreed, through at
least July 31, 2025, to waive a portion of the Fund’s investment
advisory fees and/or to reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses to the
extent necessary to keep the Fund’s expense ratio in line with that of the
Tweedy, Browne International Value Fund. (For purposes of this
calculation, the Fund’s acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage costs,
interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses are disregarded and the Fund’s
expense ratio is rounded to two decimal points.) This arrangement may not
be terminated prior to the close of business on July 31, 2025 without
the approval of the Board of Directors of Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.
|
Example
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 over the time periods shown and then redeem
all of your shares at the end of those periods. This example also assumes that
your investment earns a 5% return each
28
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
year, and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, under these assumptions
your costs would be:
|
|
|
| |
| |
One
Year |
|
|
$143 |
|
| |
Three
Years |
|
|
$466 |
|
| |
Five
Years |
|
|
$813 |
|
| |
Ten
Years |
|
|
$1,792 |
|
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 ended March 31,
2024, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 16% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategies
The Fund invests primarily in U.S. and foreign equity
securities that the Adviser believes to have above-average dividend yields and
valuations that are reasonable. The Adviser seeks to construct a diversified
portfolio of stocks from a variety of industries and countries. Value investing
seeks to uncover stocks whose current market prices are at discounts (that is,
undervalued) to the Adviser’s estimate of their true or intrinsic value.
The Fund’s value investment style derives from the work
of the late Benjamin Graham, who is widely considered to be the father of the
value investing approach. Most investments in the Fund’s portfolio at the time
of initial purchase have one or more of the following investment
characteristics:
|
› |
|
low price‑to‑sales ratio as compared to other
companies in the same industry;
|
|
› |
|
low ratio of enterprise value (the sum of the
market value of the company’s shares plus interest-bearing debt and
preferred stock, net of cash and cash equivalents) to EBITA (earnings
before deduction of interest, taxes, and amortization), EBITDA (earnings
before deduction of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), or
after‑tax EBITA;
|
|
› |
|
low stock price in relation to book value;
|
|
› |
|
low price‑to‑earnings ratio;
|
|
› |
|
low price‑to‑cash‑flow ratio;
|
|
› |
|
above-average dividend yield;
|
|
› |
|
low financial leverage;
|
|
› |
|
high returns on invested capital;
|
|
› |
|
purchases of a company’s own stock by the company’s
officers and directors;
|
|
› |
|
company share repurchases;
|
|
› |
|
a stock price that has declined significantly from
its previous high price; and/or
|
|
› |
|
small market capitalization.
|
29
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
The Fund invests primarily in securities that the Adviser
believes to have above average dividend yields, but also invests, on a more
limited basis, in securities that the Adviser believes to have attractive
shareholder yields at the time of purchase. “Shareholder yield” is the sum of a
company’s dividend yield, its “buyback yield” (when a company buys back shares,
remaining shareholders may benefit, as their proportionate ownership of the
company increases), and its “net debt paydown yield” (prudent reductions in
outstanding debt can increase the value of each share of the company).
The Fund has chosen generally not to hedge its perceived
foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar. A substantial portion of
the Fund’s holdings will be in U.S.-domiciled companies and in non‑U.S.
multinational companies that have meaningful exposure to the U.S. dollar.
The Fund is diversified by issuer, industry, and country,
and under normal market conditions invests at least 40% of its assets in foreign
securities and in at least three countries in addition to the U.S. The Fund will
generally have some exposure to emerging markets. It is designed for long-term
investors who wish to focus their investment exposure for the most part on
equity securities that have above-average dividend yields and that are
economically linked to the stock markets of the U.S. and of foreign developed
countries. It is also intended for investors who prefer generally not to have
their non‑U.S. currency exposure hedged back into the U.S. dollar. The Fund is
not appropriate for investors primarily seeking current income.
Principal Risks
The Fund’s share price will fluctuate with changes in the
market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Stocks are subject to market,
economic, and business risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate.
An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured
or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. When you sell
shares of the Fund, they may be worth less than what you paid for them; you may
lose money by investing in the Fund. In addition to the risks
generally applicable to the Fund set forth in the Prospectus and SAI, investing
in the Fund will in particular involve the following risks:
Equity Security
Risk. The Fund invests in equity securities, primarily consisting of
common stocks. Common stock represents a proportionate interest in the earnings
and value of the issuing company. Therefore, the Fund participates in the
success or failure of any company in which it owns stock. The market value of
common stocks fluctuates significantly, reflecting the past and anticipated
business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements.
Value Investing
Risk. The Adviser may be wrong in its assessment of a company’s value,
and the stocks the Fund owns may not reach what the Adviser believes are their
true or intrinsic values. The market may not favor value-oriented stocks and may
not favor equities at all, which may cause the Fund’s relative performance to
suffer.
30
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
There may be periods during which the Fund is unable to
find securities that meet its value investment criteria. If the Fund is selling
investments or experiencing net subscriptions during those periods, the Fund
could have a significant cash position, which could adversely impact the Fund’s
performance under certain market conditions and could make it more difficult for
the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Risk of Loss. You
could lose money on your investment in the Fund, and the Fund could underperform
other investments.
Dividend Risk and
Shareholder Yield Risk. In selecting securities in which the Fund will
invest, the Adviser will consider the issuer’s history of paying regular
periodic dividends to its shareholders. Such dividends are not fixed but are
paid periodically at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors.
Companies that have historically paid dividends are not required to continue to
pay dividends, and could reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends in the
future. Similarly, companies that have historically bought back shares or paid
down debt may not continue to do so, or may do so to a lesser extent, resulting
in a lower shareholder yield.
Foreign Securities
Risk. The Fund invests in foreign securities. Investing in foreign
securities involves additional risks beyond those of investing in U.S. markets.
These risks, which are more pronounced in emerging markets, include, among
others:
|
› |
|
changes in currency exchange rates, which can lower
performance in U.S. dollar terms;
|
|
› |
|
exchange rate controls (which may include an
inability to transfer currency from a given country);
|
|
› |
|
costs incurred in conversions between currencies;
|
|
› |
|
non‑negotiable brokerage commissions;
|
|
› |
|
less publicly available information;
|
|
› |
|
not generally being subject to uniform standards,
practices and requirements with respect to accounting, auditing, corporate
governance and financial reporting;
|
|
› |
|
greater market volatility;
|
|
› |
|
lower trading volume and/or liquidity;
|
|
› |
|
difficulty in enforcing obligations and contractual
and other rights in foreign countries;
|
|
› |
|
less securities regulation;
|
|
› |
|
different tax provisions (including withholding on
interest and dividends paid to the Fund);
|
|
› |
|
less well-established contract law;
|
|
› |
|
unrecoverable withholding and transfer taxes;
|
|
› |
|
political and social instability and diplomatic
developments. |
31
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
The value of the foreign securities held by the Fund will
be affected by changes in currency exchange rates or currency control
regulations. The share price of the Fund will reflect the movements of the
different securities in which it is invested, and the foreign currencies in
which its investments are denominated. The Adviser does not attempt to predict
the movement of various currencies in reaching a decision about the
appropriateness or prudence of an individual investment. Currency exchange rates
may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, and the Fund’s
investments may be negatively impacted by foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations. These risks may be more pronounced in connection with the Fund’s
investments in securities of issuers located, or otherwise economically tied to,
in emerging countries. The securities markets of most emerging countries are
relatively less liquid, developed and efficient, are subject to greater price
volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have more or less government
regulation and may not be subject to as extensive and frequent accounting,
financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more
developed countries. The Fund has chosen generally not to hedge its perceived
foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar and therefore the Fund is
considered to be “currency unhedged.”
In addition, the growing inter-relationship of global
economies and financial markets has increased the effect of conditions in one
country or region on issuers of securities in a different country or region. In
particular, events or developments that interrupt the global supply chain, such
as pandemic risks, the adoption or prolongation of protectionist trade policies
by one or more countries, changes in economic or monetary policy in the U.S. or
abroad, inflation, the outbreak of war or hostilities (including international
responses such as sanctions), or a slowdown in the U.S. economy, could lead to a
decrease in demand for products and reduced flows of capital and income to
companies in other countries. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to
ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel
and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related
regions, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global
economies and the markets for certain securities. Those events might
particularly affect companies in emerging countries.
Risks of Investing in
Europe. The Fund invests in European securities. The economies and
markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent,
and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European
countries. Securities of issuers that are located in, or have significant
operations in or exposure to, member states of the European Union (the “EU”) are
subject to economic and monetary controls that can adversely affect the Fund’s
investments. The European financial markets have experienced volatility,
economic and financial difficulties, and other adverse trends in recent years.
Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks and
others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in
social unrest, and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other
unintended consequences. Political, social or economic disruptions in the
region, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, and adverse changes
in the value and exchange rate of the euro and other currencies, may adversely
affect the value of investments held by the Fund.
32
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
The economic consequences of the January 31, 2020
departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU) (“Brexit”) may
increase market volatility and may negatively affect the economies of the United
Kingdom, EU countries, and the broader global economy.
If one or more other countries were to withdraw from the
EU, or if any country were to abandon the euro, those actions would likely cause
additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory
uncertainties. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a
disorderly fashion, could be significant and far‑reaching. To the extent that
the Fund has exposure to European markets or to transactions tied to the value
of the euro, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the
Fund’s investments.
Smaller Capitalization Companies Risk. While the Fund
is focused on larger companies, it also invests in mid‑, small- and micro‑cap
companies. Mid‑, small- and micro‑cap companies may be less well established and
may have a more highly leveraged capital structure, less liquidity, a smaller
investor base, limited product lines, greater dependence on a few customers or a
few key personnel and similar factors that can make their business and stock
market performance susceptible to greater fluctuation and volatility. As a
result, the purchase or sale of more than a limited number of shares of a
smaller capitalization company may affect its market price. The Fund may need a
considerable amount of time to purchase or sell its positions in these
securities. In addition, smaller capitalization company stocks may not be well
known to the investing public. These risks are more pronounced for micro‑cap
companies. In general, the Adviser’s investment philosophy and selection process
favor companies that do not have capital structures that would be considered to
be “highly leveraged” for a company in the same field.
Inflation
Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from
investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of
money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s shares and any
distributions thereon may decline. Inflation rates may change frequently and
significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the
domestic or global economy and changes in economic policies, and the Fund’s
investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to the
Fund’s shareholders. While inflation and/or a more normalized interest rate
environment relative to the past decade may create more opportunities for a
value focused investment strategy, there can be no guarantee or certainty that
any such opportunities will be captured or will be realized.
Sector Risk. To
the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in the securities of issuers in
one or more sectors, the Fund may be subjected, to a greater extent than if its
investments were diversified across different sectors, to the risks of volatile
economic cycles and/or conditions and developments that may be particular to
that sector, such as adverse economic, business, political, environmental, or
other developments.
33
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
Fund Performance
The following bar chart and table illustrate how
the returns of the Fund vary over time and how they compare to relevant market
benchmarks. This information may help illustrate the risks of
investing in the Fund. Absent any applicable agreements to waive and/or
reimburse certain of the Fund’s operational expenses, the returns of the Fund
would have been lower. Updated performance information for the Fund is available
at www.tweedyfunds.com or by calling
800‑432‑4789 (press 0).
As
with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
Worldwide High Dividend
Yield Value Fund
Calendar Year Total
Returns1
(1) |
The
2024 year‑to‑date
return for the Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund
through June 30, 2024 was
3.24%. |
|
| |
| |
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
| |
Best Quarterly
Return |
|
15.88% (4th Quarter,
2022) |
| |
Worst Quarterly
Return |
|
(24.73)% (1st Quarter, 2020) |
34
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
Average Annual Total
Return
for Periods Ended
December 31, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
One Year |
|
|
Five Years |
|
|
Ten Years |
|
|
|
| |
Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value
Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Return before
Taxes |
|
|
12.37 |
% |
|
|
4.93 |
% |
|
|
3.45 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
10.90 |
|
|
|
2.33 |
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
7.54 |
|
|
|
3.74 |
|
|
|
2.49 |
|
|
|
| |
MSCI World
Index (in U.S.$) (reflects no
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
23.79 |
|
|
|
12.80 |
|
|
|
8.60 |
|
|
|
| |
MSCI World High Dividend Yield Index (in U.S.$)
(reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes) |
|
|
9.12 |
|
|
|
8.19 |
|
|
|
5.79 |
|
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. In some instances, the “Return after Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater than “Return before Taxes”
because the investor is assumed to have a capital loss upon the sale of Fund
shares to offset other taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
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. The performance
data shown above would be lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived
and/or reimbursed during certain periods.
Management
Tweedy, Browne Company LLC serves as investment adviser
to the Fund. The Adviser’s Management Committee, which consists of Roger de
Bree, Jay Hill, Jason Minard, Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert
Wyckoff, each of whom is a Managing Director, has overall responsibility for the
conduct of the firm’s affairs. Roger de Bree, Jay Hill, Andrew Ewert,
Frank Hawrylak, Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert Wyckoff (each of whom is
a Managing Director of the firm), act as the Adviser’s Investment Committee and
are jointly and primarily responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the
Fund’s portfolio. Mr. Spears has served on the Management Committee and
Investment Committee since before the Fund’s inception in September 2007.
Mr. Shrager has served on the Investment Committee since 2003 and the
Management Committee since 2008. Mr. Wyckoff has served on the Investment
Committee since 2007 and the Management Committee since 2008. Mr. Hill has
served on the Investment Committee since August 2013 and the Management
Committee since January 2021. Messrs. Hawrylak and Ewert have served on the
Investment Committee since December 2014 and July 2022, respectively.
Mr. de Bree has served on the Investment Committee since August 2013 and
the Management Committee since June 2024. Mr. Minard has served on the
Management Committee since June 2024.
35
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares, Tax Information and Financial Intermediary Compensation
For important information about purchase and sale of Fund
shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to
“Other Information” on page 37.
36
Other Information
Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares
You may purchase or redeem shares of each Fund on each
day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, at the Fund’s net asset value
determined after receipt of your request in good order.
The minimum initial investment required to open an IRA or
other retirement account is $500. All other, non‑retirement accounts require a
minimum initial investment of $2,500. The minimum requirement for subsequent
investments for retirement and non‑retirement accounts is $200.
You may purchase shares or redeem shares in one of the
following ways:
|
› |
|
By Mail or Overnight Delivery
|
|
| |
Mail |
|
Overnight Delivery |
Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc. |
|
Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc. |
P.O. Box 534468 |
|
Attention:
534468 |
Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4468 |
|
500 Ross Street,
154‑0520 |
| |
Pittsburgh, PA
15262 |
|
› |
|
By Telephone at 800‑432‑4789 (Press 0)
|
|
› |
|
By Automated Clearing House
|
Tax Information
The Funds’ distributions are generally taxable as
ordinary income or capital gains for federal income tax purposes, unless you are
investing through a tax‑deferred account such as a 401(k) or individual
retirement account without debt financing.
Financial Intermediary
Compensation
If you purchase shares of a Fund through a broker-dealer
or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and/or the Adviser
may pay the intermediary for certain shareholder account maintenance and other
services provided. 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 website for more information.
37
Additional Performance
Information
Calendar year total returns since inception, along with
average annual total returns for periods ended June 30, 2024 are presented
below for the International Value Fund, International Value Fund
II – Currency Unhedged, Value Fund and Worldwide High Dividend Yield
Value Fund. The Funds believe that this supplemental information may be of use
to investors. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after
taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how each of the Funds will perform in
the future.
International Value Fund
Calendar Year Total
Returns since inception
|
| |
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
| |
Best
Quarterly Return (since inception) |
|
21.77% (2nd Quarter, 2009) |
| |
Worst
Quarterly Return (since inception) |
|
(21.37)% (1st Quarter, 2020) |
38
Average Annual Total
Returns
for Periods Ended
June 30, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
One Year |
|
|
Three Years |
|
|
Five Years |
|
|
Ten Years |
|
|
Since
Inception
6/15/93 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
International Value Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Return before
Taxes |
|
|
9.87 |
% |
|
|
4.10 |
% |
|
|
5.16 |
% |
|
|
4.60 |
% |
|
|
8.46 |
% |
|
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
8.86 |
|
|
|
2.77 |
|
|
|
4.28 |
|
|
|
3.73 |
|
|
|
7.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
6.71 |
|
|
|
3.19 |
|
|
|
4.07 |
|
|
|
3.59 |
|
|
|
7.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
MSCI EAFE
Index (in U.S.$)1
before Taxes |
|
|
11.54 |
|
|
|
2.89 |
|
|
|
6.46 |
|
|
|
4.33 |
|
|
|
5.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
MSCI EAFE Index (Hedged to U.S.$)1 before Taxes |
|
|
18.48 |
|
|
|
10.79 |
|
|
|
11.25 |
|
|
|
9.08 |
|
|
|
6.92 |
|
(1) |
The MSCI EAFE Index is an unmanaged, free
float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to
measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the
U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index (in U.S.$) reflects the return of the
MSCI EAFE Index for a U.S. dollar investor on an unhedged basis. The MSCI
EAFE Index (Hedged to U.S.$) consists of the results of the MSCI EAFE
Index hedged 100% back into U.S. dollars and accounts for interest rate
differentials in forward currency exchange rates. Index results are
inclusive of dividends and net of foreign withholding taxes. Index figures
do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Prior to 2004,
information with respect to the MSCI EAFE Indexes used was available at
month end only; therefore the closest month end to the inception date of
the Fund, May 31, 1993, has been used. Investors cannot invest
directly in an index. Effective July 2024, the Fund changed its
comparative broad-based securities market index to the MSCI EAFE Index (in
U.S.$) in order to comply with new regulatory requirements regarding the
presentation of comparative index performance.
|
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. In some instances, the “Return after Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater than “Return before Taxes”
because the investor is assumed to have a capital loss upon the sale of Fund
shares to offset other taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns depend on the
investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. 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. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The
performance data shown above would be lower had fees not been waived during
certain periods.
39
International Value Fund
II – Currency Unhedged
Calendar Year Total
Returns since inception
|
| |
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
| |
Best
Quarterly Return (since inception) |
|
17.87% (4th
Quarter, 2020) |
| |
Worst
Quarterly Return (since inception) |
|
(25.51)% (1st Quarter, 2020) |
Average Annual Total
Returns
for Periods Ended
June 30, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
One Year |
|
|
Three Years |
|
|
Five Years |
|
|
Ten Years |
|
|
Since
Inception
10/26/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
International Value Fund II – Currency
Unhedged |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Return before
Taxes |
|
|
8.63 |
% |
|
|
2.49 |
% |
|
|
3.84 |
% |
|
|
2.81 |
% |
|
|
5.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
8.40 |
|
|
|
2.27 |
|
|
|
3.61 |
|
|
|
2.59 |
|
|
|
5.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
5.62 |
|
|
|
2.02 |
|
|
|
3.08 |
|
|
|
2.27 |
|
|
|
4.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
MSCI EAFE Index (in U.S.$)1 before Taxes |
|
|
11.54 |
|
|
|
2.89 |
|
|
|
6.46 |
|
|
|
4.33 |
|
|
|
5.50 |
|
(1) |
The MSCI EAFE Index is an unmanaged, free
float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to
measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the
U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index (in U.S.$) reflects the return of the
MSCI EAFE Index for a U.S. dollar investor on an unhedged basis. Index
results are inclusive of dividends and net of foreign withholding taxes.
Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes.
Investors cannot invest directly in an index.
|
40
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. In some instances, the “Return after Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater than “Return before Taxes”
because the investor is assumed to have a capital loss upon the sale of Fund
shares to offset other taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns depend on the
investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. 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. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The
performance data shown above would be lower had fees and expenses not been
waived and/or reimbursed during certain periods.
Value Fund
Calendar Year Total
Returns since inception
|
| |
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
| |
Best
Quarterly Return (since inception) |
|
16.18%
(2nd Quarter, 2009) |
| |
Worst
Quarterly Return (since inception) |
|
(22.13)% (1st Quarter, 2020) |
41
Average Annual Total
Returns
for Periods Ended
June 30, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
One Year |
|
|
Three Years |
|
|
Five Years |
|
|
Ten Years |
|
|
Since Inception 12/8/93 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Value Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Return before
Taxes |
|
|
10.70 |
% |
|
|
5.13 |
% |
|
|
6.10 |
% |
|
|
5.11 |
% |
|
|
7.87 |
% |
|
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
8.92 |
|
|
|
3.19 |
|
|
|
4.61 |
|
|
|
3.42 |
|
|
|
6.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
7.60 |
|
|
|
3.85 |
|
|
|
4.69 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
6.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
MSCI World
Index (in U.S.$)1 |
|
|
20.19 |
|
|
|
6.86 |
|
|
|
11.78 |
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
7.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
MSCI World
Index (Hedged to U.S.$)1 before Taxes |
|
|
22.32 |
|
|
|
9.23 |
|
|
|
13.26 |
|
|
|
10.93 |
|
|
|
8.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
S&P 5001/MSCI World Index
(Hedged to U.S.$)1
before Taxes |
|
|
22.32 |
|
|
|
9.23 |
|
|
|
13.26 |
|
|
|
10.93 |
|
|
|
9.18 |
|
(1) |
Effective July 2024, the Fund added MSCI World
Index (in U.S.$) as a comparative broad-based securities market index, in
order to comply with new regulatory requirements regarding the
presentation of comparative index performance. The MSCI World Index is an
unmanaged, free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that
is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.
The MSCI World Index (in U.S.$) reflects the return of this index for a
U.S. dollar investor. The MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$) consists of
the results of the MSCI World Index with its foreign currency exposure
hedged 100% back into U.S. dollars. The index accounts for interest rate
differentials in forward currency exchange rates. Index results are
inclusive of dividends and net of foreign withholding taxes.
|
The S&P 500/MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$) is a
combination of the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$),
linked together by Tweedy, Browne, and represents the performance of the S&P
500 Index for periods December 8, 1993 through December 31, 2006, and
the performance of the MSCI World Index (Hedged to U.S.$) beginning
January 1, 2007 and thereafter (beginning December 2006, the Fund was
permitted to invest more significantly in non‑U.S. securities). The S&P 500
Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index composed of 500 widely held
common stocks and assumes the reinvestment of dividends. The index is generally
considered representative of U.S. large capitalization stocks. Index figures do
not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Investors cannot invest
directly in an index.
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. In some instances, the “Return after Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater than “Return before Taxes”
because the investor is assumed to have a capital loss upon the sale of Fund
shares to offset other taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns depend on the
investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. 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. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The
performance data shown above would be lower had fees and expenses not been
waived and/or reimbursed during certain periods.
42
Worldwide High Dividend
Yield Value Fund
Calendar Year Total
Returns since inception
|
| |
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
| |
Best
Quarterly Return (since inception) |
|
17.49% (2nd Quarter, 2009) |
| |
Worst
Quarterly Return (since inception) |
|
(24.73)% (1st Quarter, 2020) |
Average Annual Total
Returns
for Periods Ended
June 30, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
One Year |
|
|
Three Years |
|
|
Five Years |
|
|
Ten Years |
|
|
Since Inception 9/5/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value
Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Return before
Taxes |
|
|
10.08 |
% |
|
|
2.15 |
% |
|
|
3.03 |
% |
|
|
3.17 |
% |
|
|
4.11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
8.90 |
|
|
|
(0.57 |
) |
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
0.81 |
|
|
|
2.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Return after
Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
6.41 |
|
|
|
1.53 |
|
|
|
2.24 |
|
|
|
2.25 |
|
|
|
3.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
MSCI World
Index (in U.S.$)1
before Taxes |
|
|
20.19 |
|
|
|
6.86 |
|
|
|
11.78 |
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
7.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
MSCI World High Dividend Yield Index (in U.S.$)1 before Taxes |
|
|
9.32 |
|
|
|
4.24 |
|
|
|
6.26 |
|
|
|
5.38 |
|
|
|
4.53 |
|
(1) |
The MSCI World Index is an unmanaged free
float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to
measure the equity market performance of developed markets. The MSCI World
Index (in U.S.$) reflects the return of this index for a U.S. dollar
investor. |
43
|
The MSCI World High Dividend Yield Index reflects
the performance of equities in the MSCI World Index (excluding REITs) with
higher dividend income and quality characteristics than average dividend
yields that are both sustainable and persistent. The index also applies
quality screens and reviews 12‑ month past performance to omit stocks with
potentially deteriorating fundamentals that could force them to cut or
reduce dividends. |
The MSCI World High Dividend Yield Index (in U.S.$)
reflects the return of the MSCI World High Dividend Yield Index for a U.S.
dollar investor. Index results are inclusive of dividends and net of foreign
withholding taxes. Index figures do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.
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. In some instances, the “Return after Taxes on
Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be greater than “Return before Taxes”
because the investor is assumed to have a capital loss upon the sale of Fund
shares to offset other taxable gains. Actual after‑tax returns depend on the
investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. 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. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The
performance data shown above would be lower had fees and expenses not been
waived and/or reimbursed during certain periods.
Portfolio Holdings
A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with
respect to the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities is contained in the
Funds’ statement of additional information (“SAI”), which is available on the
Funds’ website at www.tweedyfunds.com.
44
Additional Information
Regarding Investment Strategies
Investment Goals and
Strategies. Each of the Funds pursues the investment goal of long-term
capital growth. This goal may be changed for any Fund without shareholder
approval. In selecting investments for the Funds, the Adviser employs a value
investing style. Value investing seeks to uncover stocks whose current market
prices are at discounts to their true or intrinsic values. The Adviser seeks to
purchase stock at discounts to its estimate of this true or intrinsic value.
Like a credit analyst reviewing a loan application, the Adviser seeks collateral
value in the form of assets and/or appraised value of earning power that is
substantially greater than the cost of the investment. In the case of the
Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund, in pursuing the Fund’s value strategy,
the Adviser seeks to invest in stocks with above-average dividend yields. The
Adviser may be wrong in its assessment of a company’s value, and the stocks the
Funds own may not reach what the Adviser believes are their true or intrinsic
values. Some holdings may not provide the capital growth anticipated, and a
stock believed to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced. The
market may not favor value-oriented stocks and may not favor equities at all.
During those periods, the Funds’ relative performance may suffer.
Given the nature of the Adviser’s bottom‑up,
stock‑by‑stock research process, environmental, social and/or governance (“ESG”)
factors (such as, for example, environmental impacts, the fair treatment of
employees, corporate governance and capital allocation practices, management
malfeasance, product safety, board composition and independence, and voting
rights) are often among the factors the Adviser examines when trying to assess
the intrinsic value and future prospects of a potential investment. While the
Adviser does not use ESG factors in its initial value screen of companies, and
does not maintain a list of companies that are automatically included or
excluded from consideration due to ESG factors, it does generally seek to
evaluate material ESG risks, opportunities and trends that are identified as
part of its broader investment evaluation process, just as it does for a variety
of other qualitative factors that could impact its analysis of a company’s
intrinsic value. (In this regard, a “material” ESG risk is one that, in the
Adviser’s assessment, could compromise the Adviser’s estimate of the long-term
value of the company under consideration.) The Adviser’s identification and
evaluation of ESG risks, opportunities and/or trends is based primarily on
proprietary research, although information from a variety of third party sources
may also be considered. ESG factors are generally no more significant than other
factors in the Adviser’s investment process, and the identification of a
material ESG risk, opportunity or trend will not necessarily be determinative in
the Adviser’s decision to buy, sell or hold a company’s securities, particularly
if the company has taken meaningful action to mitigate the Adviser’s concerns,
or is trading at a valuation that, in the Adviser’s view, appropriately reflects
such concerns. The Adviser’s primary objective remains to serve shareholders’
best interests by producing long-term growth of capital through building a
portfolio of securities that it believes are undervalued, and the Adviser
believes that an evaluation of material ESG factors that are identified is one
component of this process.
45
Currency
Hedging. The share price of each Fund will reflect the movements of the
different securities in which it is invested and, to the degree not hedged, the
foreign currencies in which its investments are denominated. Accordingly, the
strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies will account
for part of each Fund’s investment performance, although both the International
Value Fund and the Value Fund seek to moderate currency risk through their
practice of hedging perceived foreign currency exposure, as described further
below. The Adviser does not attempt to predict currency movements in reaching a
decision about the appropriateness or prudence of an individual investment.
While a stock may perform well on the London Stock
Exchange, if the pound declines against the U.S. dollar, gains can disappear or
become losses if the inherent investment in the pound, through ownership of the
British stock, is not hedged back to the U.S. dollar. Currency fluctuations can
be more extreme than stock market fluctuations. In the more than 49 years since
Tweedy, Browne has been registered as an investment adviser, the S&P 500 has
declined on a calendar year basis more than 20% only two times, in 2002 and
2008. By contrast, the U.S. dollar/pound and the U.S. dollar/euro relationship
have moved more than 20% on numerous occasions. Past performance is no guarantee
of future returns, and this example of the effect of currency movements and the
potential impact of hedging may not hold true in the future.
The International Value Fund and the Value Fund use
forward currency contracts and non‑deliverable forward currency contracts, and
may use other currency hedging techniques, to seek to reduce their perceived
foreign currency exposure where practicable, allowing investors the opportunity
to capture a return closer to the “local” return in non‑U.S. stocks (plus or
minus any cost associated with the hedging techniques, and plus or minus any
gains or losses on the currency hedges). Where practicable, in light of
operational and regulatory considerations, each of these Funds seeks to reduce
currency risk by hedging its perceived foreign currency exposure back into the
U.S. dollar (generally through the use of forward currency contracts) based on
the Adviser’s judgment of such exposure after taking into account various
factors, such as the sources of the portfolio companies’ earnings and the
currencies in which their securities trade. As a result of practical
considerations, fluctuations in a security’s prices, and fluctuations in
currencies, these Funds’ hedges are generally expected to approximate, but will
generally not equal, the Fund’s perceived foreign currency exposure.
A forward currency contract involves a privately
negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date,
which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon
by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. In a non‑deliverable
forward currency contract, the parties net their respective obligations based on
the notional amount of the contract and Funds will either pay or receive such
net amount depending on the movement of the U.S. dollar relative to hedged
currency. The International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged and the
Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund generally do not hedge their perceived
foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar.
46
While hedging against currency exchange rate movements
reduces the risk of loss from exchange rate changes, it also reduces the ability
of the International Value Fund and the Value Fund to gain from favorable
exchange rate movements when the U.S. dollar declines against the currencies in
which the Funds’ investments are denominated, and may impose costs on the Funds.
For example, when a Fund converts U.S. dollars to a foreign currency to purchase
non‑U.S. stocks, the Fund is exposed to both the change in value of the stock
and the foreign exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the relevant foreign
currency. The International Value Fund and the Value Fund will enter into
forward currency contracts and non‑deliverable forward currency contracts, and
may use other currency hedging techniques to mitigate their exposure to the
foreign exchange rate, to the extent practicable. The International Value Fund
and the Value Fund will retain exposure to the value of the stock but, to the
extent hedged, will have limited or no exposure to potential gains or losses
from fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the
relevant foreign currency. Because the International Value Fund’s and the Value
Fund’s currency hedging techniques typically involve the use of derivative
instruments such as forward currency contracts, these Funds are also subject to
the risk of possible default by the other party to those instruments.
Certain instruments commonly used to manage
currency-exchange risk, including non‑deliverable forward currency contracts
(“non‑deliverable forwards”), which are used to hedge certain currencies, are
regulated as “swaps” under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended. To the extent
the Adviser determines that the use of non‑deliverable forwards is not
practicable and the Adviser is unable to find practicable and suitable
alternatives to hedge those currencies, the Adviser may choose not to hedge a
Fund’s perceived exposure to those currencies. The additional regulatory
requirements for foreign currency derivatives that are regulated as “swaps”
under the Commodity Exchange Act also involve additional costs.
Market Risk. The value of the securities in which the Funds
invest may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies,
particular sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions throughout
the world. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. The
Funds’ investments may be more heavily weighted from time to time in one or more
sectors or countries, which will increase the Funds’ exposure to risk of loss
from adverse developments affecting those sectors or countries. Global economies
and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, and conditions
and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact
issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Furthermore, local,
regional and global events such as war, military conflict, acts of terrorism,
social unrest, natural disasters, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate
changes, supply chain disruptions, sanctions, the spread of infectious illness
or other public health threats could also adversely impact issuers, markets and
economies.
Pursuit of Long-Term
Capital Growth. Tweedy, Browne’s Investment Committee believes that there
are substantial opportunities for long-term capital growth from professionally
managed portfolios of securities selected from foreign and domestic equity
markets. Investments in the International Value Fund and the International
47
Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged will focus
primarily on foreign markets. Investments in the Value Fund will focus on the
U.S. and foreign markets. Investments in the Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value
Fund will focus on stocks in the U.S. and foreign markets that have
above-average dividend yields and, in the opinion of Tweedy, Browne, are
reasonably valued. With respect to the International Value Fund, the
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged and the Value Fund,
Tweedy, Browne will consider all market capitalization sizes for investment with
the result that a portion of these Funds may be invested in micro‑cap (generally
under $500 million), small‑cap (generally $500 million to less than $2
billion) and mid‑cap (generally $2 billion – $10 billion) companies.
Companies over $10 billion are generally considered large‑cap companies.
Because smaller capitalization companies usually do not pay above-average
dividends, it is likely that the Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund will
hold fewer smaller capitalization companies. Tweedy, Browne believes small- and
mid‑cap companies, when available at attractive valuations, can provide enhanced
long-term investment results, in part because the possibility of a corporate
acquisition at a premium may be greater than with large, multinational
companies. Under normal circumstances, each Fund will attempt to stay as fully
invested in equities as the Adviser believes is consistent with the availability
of attractive investment opportunities and with its diversification parameters.
Investment opportunities may be limited in certain market environments and each
Fund may at times hold a significant cash position. Equities may include common
stock, preferred stock, securities representing the right to acquire stock (such
as convertible debentures, options and warrants), partnership interests, and
depository receipts for securities, among other equity investments. The Funds
may also invest in debt securities. Although the International Value Fund and
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged invest primarily in
foreign securities and invest in U.S. securities only to a limited extent, for
temporary defensive purposes, the Funds may invest solely in U.S. or solely in
foreign securities. During such a period, the Funds may not achieve their
investment objectives.
Each Fund may invest in shares of other investment
companies subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the “1940 Act”), and the rules and regulations thereunder. Each Fund
currently intends to invest its uninvested cash in money market mutual funds
that invest substantially in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or its agencies or instrumentalities, as an alternative to, or in
conjunction with, other short-term investments and may invest a significant
percentage of its assets in such money market funds. When a Fund invests in
shares of a money market fund or other mutual fund, the Fund’s shareholders
indirectly bear the fees and expenses of such other fund in addition to the
Fund’s own fees and expenses. To the extent the Fund invests in shares of a
money market fund or in other investment companies generally, the Fund’s
shareholders indirectly bear the expenses, liquidity risk, redemption fees, and
other risks associated with the underlying holdings of the money market fund or
other investment companies held by the Fund. Each Fund may also invest without
limitation in fixed income obligations including cash equivalents (such as
bankers’ acceptances, certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
48
short-term government and corporate obligations and
repurchase agreements) for temporary defensive purposes, when the Adviser
believes market conditions so warrant, and for liquidity or cash management
purposes. To the extent the Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the
Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Large Shareholder
Transactions Risk. A Fund may experience adverse effects when certain
large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such
large shareholder redemptions may cause a Fund to sell portfolio securities at a
time when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s
net asset value and liquidity. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may
adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed
in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it
ordinarily would. These transactions may also accelerate the realization of
taxable income to shareholders if such sales of investments resulted in gains,
and may also increase transaction costs. In addition, a large redemption could
result in a Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base,
leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio.
Military Conflict in
Ukraine. As a result of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February
2022, the United States and other countries imposed broad-reaching political and
economic sanctions on Russia, certain Russian allies believed to be providing
them military or financial support, on private and public companies domiciled in
Russia, including public issuers and banking and financial institutions, and on
a variety of individuals. These sanctions, combined with equivalent measures
taken by foreign businesses ceasing operations in Russia, continue to adversely
impact global financial markets, disrupt global supply chains, and impair the
value and liquidity of issuers and funds that continue to maintain exposure to
Russia and its allies, Russian investments, and sectors that can be impacted by
restrictions on Russian imports and exports, such as the oil and gas industry.
It is not possible to predict the duration or extent of
longer-term consequences of this conflict (or other military conflicts which may
arise in the future), which could include further sanctions, retaliatory
measures taken by Russia, embargoes, regional instability, geopolitical shifts
and adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, security conditions, currency
exchange rates, and financial markets around the globe. Any of the foregoing
consequences, including those we cannot yet predict, may negatively impact the
Funds’ performance and the value of an investment in a Fund, even if the Fund
does not have direct exposure to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries
impacted by the invasion. The overall negative impact to the Funds will depend
in part on the extent to which the Funds are prohibited from selling or
otherwise transacting in their investments at any given time and whether a fair
market valuation can be readily obtained. In addition, the indirect impact of
these measures on countries or issuers economically exposed to Russia or Russian
issuers can adversely affect the Fund.
Israel-Hamas
Conflict. In October 2023, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel’s southern
border from the Gaza Strip and conducted a series of attacks on civilian and
military targets. Hamas also launched extensive rocket attacks on the Israeli
population and industrial centers located along Israel’s border with the Gaza
Strip and in other areas
49
within the State of Israel. Following the attack,
Israel’s security cabinet declared war against Hamas, and a military campaign
was initiated. These events may result in significant market disruptions and may
adversely affect regional and global economies. Furthermore, the conflict
between Israel and Hamas and the involvement of the United States and other
countries could present material uncertainty and risk with respect to the Funds
and the performance of the Funds’ investments or operations, and the Funds’
ability to achieve its investment objectives. To the extent that third parties,
investors, or related customer bases have material operations or assets in
Israel or Palestine, they may have adverse consequences related to the ongoing
conflict. The extent and duration of the military action and any market
disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial.
China Investment
Risk. Investing in securities of Chinese issuers involves certain risks
and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S.
issuers, including, among others, more frequent trading suspensions and
government interventions (including by expropriation, nationalization and
confiscation of assets); less rigorous accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards and practices than international accounting standards, which
may result in significant differences in the preparation of financial
statements; less regulatory oversight of issuers, brokers and other market
participants; different tax rules; higher dependence on exports and
international trade; potential for increased trade tariffs, embargoes and other
trade limitations; custody risks; difficulty in enforcing contractual rights;
and, to the extent investments are made through Stock Connect, substantial
limitations imposed by that program, including market-wide quota limitations,
technology risks, bans on day‑trading, different trading holidays, and the
sudden loss of a security’s eligibility to trade in the program. For additional
information about the Stock Connect program, please refer to the “Risks of the
Funds – Investing through Stock Connect” section of the Funds’ SAI. Significant
portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as
Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity
securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to
market volatility and other events.
Risks of Investing in
Europe. The Funds invest in European securities. The economies and
markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent,
and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European
countries. Securities of issuers that are located in, or have significant
operations in or exposure to, member states of the European Union (the “EU”) are
subject to economic and monetary controls that can adversely affect the Fund’s
investments. The European financial markets have experienced, and may continue
to experience, volatility, severe economic and financial difficulties, and other
adverse trends in recent years, increasing the risk of investing in European
markets. In particular, many EU nations are susceptible to economic risks
associated with high levels of debt, notably due to investments in sovereign
debt of certain countries. As a result, financial markets in the EU have been
subject to increased volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity.
Among other things, these developments have adversely affected the value and
exchange rate of the euro, pound sterling, and other
50
currencies, and may continue to significantly affect the
economies of European countries, which in turn may have a material adverse
effect on a Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that depend on
European countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or issuers
with exposure to debt issued by certain European countries.
In addition, certain European countries have recently
experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed-income instruments. A
negative interest rate policy is an unconventional central bank monetary policy
tool where nominal target interest rates are set with a negative value (i.e.,
below zero percent) intended to help create self-sustaining growth in the local
economy. If a bank charges negative interest, instead of receiving interest on
deposits, a depositor must pay the bank fees to keep money with the bank. To the
extent a Fund has a bank deposit or holds a debt instrument with a negative
interest rate to maturity, the Fund would generate a negative return on that
investment. Negative interest rates may result in heightened market volatility
and may detract from the Fund’s performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to
such interest rates.
Responses to these financial problems by European
governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms,
may not work, may result in social unrest, and may limit future growth and
economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Political, social or
economic disruptions in the region, even in countries in which a Fund is not
invested, and adverse changes in the value and exchange rate of the euro and
other currencies, may adversely affect the value of investments held by the
Fund. The economic consequences of the January 31, 2020 departure of the
United Kingdom from the EU (“Brexit”) may increase market volatility and may
negatively affect the economies of the United Kingdom, EU countries, and the
broader global economy. In particular, currency volatility may adversely affect
Fund performance and may make it more difficult, or more expensive, to implement
appropriate currency hedging. Declines in the value of the pound sterling and/or
the euro against other currencies, along with potential downgrading of the
United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on Fund
performance.
If one or more other countries were to withdraw from the
EU, or if any country were to abandon the euro, those actions would likely cause
additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory
uncertainties. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a
disorderly fashion, could be significant and far‑reaching. To the extent that a
Fund has exposure to European markets or to transactions tied to the value of
the euro, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the
Fund’s investments. All of these developments may continue to significantly
affect the economies of all EU countries, which in turn may have a material
adverse effect on a Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that
depend on EU countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or
issuers with exposure to debt issued by certain EU countries.
Liquidity
Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to
redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining
investors’ interests in the Fund. A Fund’s investments may be subject to low
trading volume, lack of a market maker,
51
or regulatory restrictions. As a result, it may not be
possible to sell an investment at a particular time or at an acceptable price. A
Fund may also hold large positions in securities of particular issues, which may
decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s investments.
ReFlow Liquidity
Program. The Funds may participate from time to time in a program offered
by ReFlow Fund, LLC (“ReFlow”). Pursuant to the program and subject to certain
conditions, ReFlow provides participating mutual funds with a source of cash to
meet net shareholder redemptions by purchasing fund shares at net asset value in
an amount up to the value of the net shares redeemed. Following purchases of
fund shares, ReFlow then redeems those shares when a fund experiences net sales,
at the end of a maximum holding period determined by ReFlow, or at other times
at a fund’s or ReFlow’s discretion. While ReFlow holds a fund’s shares, it has
the same rights and privileges with respect to those shares as any other
shareholder. However, investments in the Funds by ReFlow are not subject to the
Funds’ “Excessive Short-Term Trading” policies described later in this
Prospectus.
In the event a Fund uses the ReFlow program, the Fund
will pay a fee to ReFlow each time ReFlow purchases Fund shares, calculated by
applying to the purchase amount a fee rate determined through an automated daily
auction among participating mutual funds seeking liquidity that day. The current
minimum fee rate is 0.14% of the value of the Fund shares purchased by ReFlow.
ReFlow’s purchases of Fund shares through the liquidity program are made on an
investment-blind basis without regard to a Fund’s investment objective, policies
or anticipated performance. In accordance with federal securities laws, ReFlow
is prohibited from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities
of a Fund.
When ReFlow redeems all or part of a position in a Fund,
the Fund may pay all or a portion of such redemption in kind in accordance with
the Fund’s in‑kind redemption policies described under “Transaction Information
– Redemptions in Kind” later in this Prospectus. The Funds expect that in‑kind
redemptions will comprise a significant portion of redemptions paid to ReFlow.
Management of the Funds
The Funds’ investment adviser is Tweedy, Browne Company
LLC, a successor to Tweedy & Co., which was founded in 1920. Tweedy,
Browne has been registered as an investment adviser since 1975. Tweedy, Browne
is located at One Station Place, Stamford, CT 06902. Tweedy, Browne has
extensive experience in selecting undervalued stocks in U.S. equity markets,
first as a market maker, then as an investor and investment adviser. Tweedy,
Browne has invested outside the United States since 1983 and utilizes the same
principles of value investing in foreign markets that it applies to U.S.
securities.
The Adviser seeks to reduce the risk of permanent capital
loss, as contrasted to temporary stock price fluctuation, through both
diversification and application of its stock selection process, which includes
assessing and weighing quantitative and qualitative information concerning
specific companies.
A discussion regarding the Board of Directors’ basis for
approving the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement for each Fund is
available in the Funds’ semi-annual report to shareholders dated
September 30, 2023.
52
As of June 30, 2024, the current Managing Directors
and retired principals and their families, as well as employees of Tweedy,
Browne, have more than $1.6 billion in portfolios combined with or similar
to client portfolios, including approximately $172.5 million in the
International Value Fund, $7.6 million in the International Value Fund
II – Currency Unhedged, $104.4 million in the Value Fund and
$7.2 million in the Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund. Tweedy,
Browne manages the daily investment and business affairs of the Funds, subject
to oversight by the Board of Directors.
For its investment advisory services rendered with
respect to the International Value Fund, Tweedy, Browne is entitled to receive
investment advisory fees from the Fund at an annual rate of 1.25% on the first
$10.3 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets, and 0.75% on the
remaining amount, if any, of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Effective May 22, 2020, the Adviser and Tweedy,
Browne Fund Inc., on behalf of the International Value Fund, entered into a
voluntary fee waiver agreement pursuant to which the Adviser agreed to waive
fees otherwise payable by the Fund whenever the average daily net assets
(“ADNA”) of the Fund exceed $6 billion. Under this arrangement, the Adviser
will waive fees such that the advisory fee payable by the Fund to the Adviser
will be 0.80% on ADNA over $6 billion and up to $7 billion, 0.70% on
ADNA over $7 billion and up to $8 billion, and 0.60% on ADNA over
$8 billion. This arrangement will remain in place at least until
July 31, 2025, and will continue from year to year thereafter at the
Adviser’s option, but may not be terminated prior to the close of business on
July 31, 2025 without the approval of the Board of Directors of Tweedy,
Browne Fund Inc. For its investment advisory services rendered with respect to
each of the International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged, the Value Fund
and the Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund, Tweedy, Browne is entitled to
receive investment advisory fees at an annual rate of 1.25% of the Fund’s
average daily net assets. With respect to International Value Fund II – Currency
Unhedged, Value Fund and Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund, Tweedy,
Browne has voluntarily agreed, through at least July 31, 2025, to waive a
portion of each Fund’s investment advisory fees and/or reimburse a portion of
each Fund’s expenses to the extent necessary to keep each Fund’s expense ratio
in line with the expense ratio of the International Value Fund. (For purposes of
this calculation, each Fund’s acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage costs,
interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses are disregarded, and each Fund’s
expense ratio is rounded to two decimal points.)
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, the
contractual fees applicable to each Fund and the actual investment advisory fees
paid by each Fund (net of any applicable fee waivers and/or expense
reimbursement agreements, as described above) were as set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Contractual
Investment Advisory Fee
(as a percentage of average net assets) |
|
|
Actual
Investment Advisory Fee Paid
(as
a percentage
of average net assets) |
|
|
| |
International
Value Fund |
|
|
Assets up to $10.3 billion 1.25
Assets over $10.3 billion 0.75 |
%
% |
|
|
1.25 |
% |
|
| |
International
Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged |
|
|
1.25 |
% |
|
|
1.25 |
% |
|
| |
Value
Fund |
|
|
1.25 |
% |
|
|
1.25 |
% |
|
| |
Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund |
|
|
1.25 |
% |
|
|
1.15 |
% |
53
Tweedy, Browne’s Management Committee consists of Roger
de Bree, Jay Hill, Jason Minard, Thomas Shrager, John Spears and Robert Wyckoff,
each of whom is a Managing Director, has overall responsibility for the conduct
of the firm’s affairs. Roger de Bree, Andrew Ewert, Frank Hawrylak, Jay Hill,
Thomas Shrager, John Spears, and Robert Wyckoff (each of whom is a Managing
Director of the firm), act as the Adviser’s Investment Committee. Purchase and
sale decisions are made by a consensus of the available members of the
Investment Committee.
Additional information about the foregoing individuals’
compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of securities in
the Funds is available in the SAI.
The following is a brief biography of each of the members
of the Investment Committee, including positions held by each for the past five
years:
Thomas H. Shrager has been associated with the Adviser
since 1989 and is a Managing Director of Tweedy, Browne Company LLC and a member
of the firm’s Management Committee and Investment Committee. He is also the
President and a member of the Board of Directors of Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc. and
Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tweedy, Browne Value Funds.
Previously, he worked in mergers and acquisitions at Bear Stearns, and as a
consultant for Arthur D. Little. He received a B.A. and an M.A. in International
Affairs from Columbia University.
John D. Spears joined the Adviser in 1974 and is a member
of the firm’s Management Committee and Investment Committee. He is a Managing
Director of Tweedy, Browne Company LLC and Vice President of Tweedy, Browne Fund
Inc. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Managers of Haverford College.
Mr. Spears studied at the Babson Institute of Business Administration,
Drexel Institute of Technology and the University of
Pennsylvania – The Wharton School.
Robert Q. Wyckoff, Jr. has been associated with the
Adviser since 1991, and is a Managing Director of Tweedy, Browne Company LLC and
a member of the firm’s Management Committee and Investment Committee. He is also
the Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors of Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.
and a member of the Board of Directors of Tweedy, Browne Value Funds. Prior to
joining the Adviser, he held positions with Bessemer Trust, C.J. Lawrence,
J&W Seligman, and Stillrock Management. He received a B.A. from
Washington & Lee University, and a J.D. from the University of Florida
School of Law.
Roger R. de Bree has been associated with the Adviser
since 2000, and is a Managing Director of Tweedy, Browne Company LLC and a
member of the firm’s Management Committee and Investment Committee. In addition,
he is the Treasurer of Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc. Prior to joining the Adviser, he
worked at ABN AMRO Bank and MeesPierson Inc., in addition to serving as an
officer in the Royal Dutch Navy from 1986 to 1988. He received a B.B.A. from
Nijenrode, the Netherlands School of Business in Breukelen, the Netherlands as
well as an M.B.A. from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de la Empresa (IESE)
at the University of Navarre in Barcelona, Spain.
54
Jay Hill, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), has been
associated with the Adviser since 2003, and is a Managing Director of Tweedy,
Browne Company LLC and a member of the firm’s Management and Investment
Committees. He has also been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of
Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., effective August 1, 2022. Prior to joining the
Adviser, he held positions with Banc of America Securities LLC, Credit Lyonnais
Securities (USA) Inc., and Providence Capital, Inc. He received a B.B.A. from
Texas Tech University.
Andrew Ewert has been associated with the Investment
Manager since 2016. He is a Managing Director of the Investment Manager and
a member of its Investment Committee. Prior to joining the Investment
Manager, he held positions at Equinox Partners, L.P., Ruane, Cunniff &
Goldfarb Inc., MTS Health Partners, L.P., and Bear Stearns. Mr. Ewert
holds a B.B.A. from Emory University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business
School.
Frank H. Hawrylak, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA),
has been associated with the Adviser since 1986, and is a Managing Director of
Tweedy, Browne Company LLC and a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.
Prior to joining the Adviser, he worked in the investment department at Royal
Insurance. He received a B.S. from the University of Arizona and an M.B.A. from
the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Payments to Financial
Intermediaries. Each Fund pays all or a portion of the charges imposed by
certain financial intermediaries that make shares of the Fund available to their
customers and perform various services for the Fund or its shareholders,
including transaction processing, sub‑accounting and similar services. The Board
of Directors has approved such payments, to the extent that the arrangement with
each such financial intermediary, on an overall basis, generally saves the Funds
expenses that they would otherwise incur in maintaining additional shareholder
accounts at the Funds’ transfer agent (i.e., if those who invest in the Funds
through these financial intermediaries instead invested directly in the Funds).
Tweedy, Browne also utilizes a portion of its assets to pay a portion of the
charges of certain such financial intermediaries. Tweedy, Browne negotiates the
level of payments to any financial intermediary. Currently, such payments,
expressed as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Funds
attributable to the particular intermediary, generally are up to 0.35% per
year, depending on the nature and level of services and other factors, of which
generally up to 0.10% or up to $34 per account depending on the relationship is
currently paid by the Funds. These payments may be higher in certain
circumstances, including variations in average account size.
Pricing of Fund Shares
Purchases and redemptions, including exchanges, are made
at the net asset value per share next calculated after the transfer agent or
other authorized broker or intermediary is considered to have received the
transaction request. The Funds value their investments primarily based on
readily available market quotations except that investments that do not have
readily available market quotations or whose closing prices are not reliable are
valued under procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. To the extent the
Funds believe the most recently available closing prices may not
55
reflect current fair value due to developments after the
close of the markets in which such assets trade, the Funds reserve the right to
fair value any of those assets if the Funds believe fair valuation will likely
result in a more accurate net asset valuation. Because fair value pricing
involves judgments that are inherently subjective and inexact, it is possible
that the fair value determined for an asset will be materially different from
the value that actually could be or is realized upon sale of the asset. The
Funds’ Administrator, The Bank of New York Mellon, determines net asset value
per share as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NYSE is open Monday
through Friday, but currently is scheduled to be closed on New Year’s Day,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving
Day, and Christmas Day and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when a
holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.
has retained a third-party service provider that, under certain circumstances
selected by Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., provides fair value pricing for
international equity securities whose principal markets are no longer open when
the Funds calculate their net asset values. Since many of the securities owned
by the Funds trade on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days
when the Funds do not price their shares, the value of the Funds’ assets may
change on days when you are unable to purchase or redeem shares.
Transaction Information
Dislike forms and instruction manuals? Call 800‑432‑4789
and press 0; we will help you complete the forms and make it easier to invest in
the Funds.
Brokers may charge their customers transaction fees in
connection with purchases and redemptions of shares through such brokers.
Purchases
You can purchase shares of the Funds without 12b‑1 fees
or sales charges of any kind. If you need assistance or have any questions,
please call shareholder services between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern time,
Monday through Friday, at 800‑432‑4789 (press 0). Any purchase orders
received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE will be processed at the
share price next calculated. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase
order.
Shares of the Funds are registered for sale in the United
States and certain of its territories. Generally, shares of the Funds will only
be offered or sold to “U.S. persons” and all offerings or other solicitation
activities will be conducted within the United States, in accordance with
applicable U.S. rules and regulations.
Opening an Account
Minimum Investment: $2,500; IRAs and other retirement
accounts, $500.
Make checks payable to the Fund you are purchasing. An
account cannot be opened without a completed and signed account application. The
Funds do not accept cash, credit card convenience checks, money orders,
traveler’s checks, starter checks, third or fourth party checks, or other cash
equivalents.
56
By Mail. Send your
completed, signed account application and check to: Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.,
P.O. Box 534468, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4468 or, for overnight delivery,
Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., Attention: 534468, 500 Ross Street, 154‑0520,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262.
By Wire. Call
shareholder services at 800‑432‑4789 and press 0 for instructions on how to
establish a new account and to obtain wire instructions.
Contact
For shareholder services, including account and/or Fund
information, call 800‑432‑4789 and press 0.
Website: www.tweedyfunds.com
Purchasing Additional
Shares
Minimum Investment: $200.
Make checks payable to the Fund you are purchasing. The
Funds do not accept cash, credit card convenience checks, money orders,
traveler’s checks, starter checks, third or fourth party checks, or other cash
equivalents.
By Mail. Send a
check with an investment slip or letter indicating your account number and the
Fund you are purchasing to: Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., P.O. Box 534468,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4468 or, for overnight delivery, Tweedy, Browne
Fund Inc., Attention: 534468, 500 Ross Street, 154‑0520, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15262.
By Wire. Follow
the wire procedures listed above under “Opening an Account – By Wire.”
By Telephone. Call
shareholder services at 800‑432‑4789 and press 0 to purchase at the share price
next calculated after payment is received. The telephone privilege must be
authorized on your account; see “Transaction Policies – By Telephone”
on page 60.
By Automated Clearing
House (“ACH”). Once you have established ACH for your account, you may
purchase additional shares via ACH by calling shareholder services at
800‑432‑4789 and press 0. To establish ACH, please see “Transaction
Policies – By ACH or Wire” on page 59. ACH purchases are made at
the share price next calculated after payment is received.
Minimum Investment
As mentioned above, the minimum investment required to
open an IRA or other retirement account is $500. All other non‑retirement
accounts require a minimum investment of $2,500. The minimum requirement for
subsequent investments for retirement and non‑retirement accounts is $200. Under
certain circumstances and with the prior written consent of the Adviser, minimum
investment requirements may be waived for certain sponsored wrap programs,
defined contribution plans and other similar asset accumulation programs.
57
Redemptions and Exchanges
You can redeem or exchange shares of any Fund without
fees or sales charges. You can exchange shares from one Fund to another Fund
after five days. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange order. An
exchange of one Fund’s shares for shares of another Fund will be treated as a
sale of a Fund’s shares and any gain on the transaction may be subject to
federal income tax.
Each Fund will usually send redemption proceeds within
one business day following the request, but may take up to seven days. Each Fund
typically expects to use holdings of cash and cash equivalents and sales of
portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, both in regular and stressed
market conditions. Each Fund may also borrow under an available line of credit
to meet redemption requests. Each Fund reserves the right to redeem in kind
under certain circumstances, as described under “Transaction Information –
Redemptions in Kind” later in this Prospectus.
Redemption requests may only be postponed or suspended
for longer than seven days as permitted under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act
if (i) the NYSE is closed for trading or trading is restricted;
(ii) an emergency exists (as determined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission) which makes the disposal of securities owned by a Fund or the fair
determination of the value of a Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or
(iii) the Securities and Exchange Commission, by order or regulation,
permits the suspension of the right of redemption.
By Telephone. Call
shareholder services at 800‑432‑4789 and press 0 to request redemption or
exchange of some or all of your Fund shares. The telephone privilege must be
authorized on your account; see “Transaction Policies – By Telephone”
on page 60. You can request that redemption proceeds be mailed to your
address of record or, if previously established, sent to your bank account via
wire or ACH. For information on establishing ACH or authorizing wire
redemptions, please see “Transaction Policies – By ACH or Wire” on
page 59.
By Mail. Send your
redemption or exchange instructions to: Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., P.O. Box
534468, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4468 or for overnight delivery, Tweedy,
Browne Fund Inc., Attention: 534468, 500 Ross Street, 154‑0520, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15262. Your instructions must be signed exactly as the account is
registered and must include:
|
› |
|
the Fund and account number from which you are
redeeming or exchanging; |
|
› |
|
the number of shares or dollar value to be redeemed
or exchanged; and |
|
› |
|
the Fund into which you are exchanging your shares.
|
Special
Circumstances. If you wish to redeem or exchange $100,000 or more by
mail, or you request that redemption proceeds be paid to or mailed to a person
or address other than the account holder(s) of record, and in certain other
circumstances, you must have a medallion signature guarantee from an eligible
guarantor (a notarized signature is not sufficient). You can obtain a medallion
signature guarantee from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer,
clearing agency, savings association, or
58
other financial institution which participates in a
medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The three
recognized medallion programs are Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program
(STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and New York Stock Exchange,
Inc. Medallion Signature Program (NYSE MSP). Signature guarantees from financial
institutions that do not participate in one of these programs will not be
accepted. It is imperative that the proper prefix and ink be used by the
institution affixing the medallion signature guarantee in order to process your
request. Please call shareholder services at 800‑432‑4789 and press 0 if you
have any questions about the procedure. A notary public cannot provide a
medallion signature guarantee.
Redemptions in
Kind. Each Fund may honor any request to redeem more than $250,000 within
a 90‑day period by making payment in excess of that amount entirely or partially
in securities. This is known as a redemption “in kind.” The securities given in
payment are selected by the Fund and are valued the same way as for calculating
the Fund’s net asset value. A Fund may make a payment in kind, for example, if
market conditions exist that make cash payments undesirable or payment in kind
desirable, to manage liquidity risk (in both regular and stressed market
conditions) or, in its discretion, at the request of redeeming shareholders. If
payment is made in securities, a shareholder would incur trading costs in
converting the securities to cash and would be subject to the risk that the
securities might decline in value prior to converting the securities to cash.
The Fund may also determine to use redemptions in kind
for redemptions of shares held by ReFlow, regardless of the amount redeemed.
Involuntary
Redemptions. To reduce expenses, each Fund reserves the right to sell
your shares and close your non‑retirement account if the value of your account
falls below the applicable minimum as a result of redemptions or exchanges. The
Funds will give you 30 days’ notice before your shares are sold, which gives you
an opportunity to purchase enough shares to raise your account value to the
appropriate minimum to avoid closing the account. This policy does not apply to
accounts that fall below the minimum solely as a result of market fluctuations.
Transaction Policies
By Check. If you
purchase shares of any Fund with a check that does not clear, your purchase will
be cancelled and you will be responsible for any loss resulting from this
cancellation. Purchases made by check are not available for redemption or
exchange until the purchase check has cleared, which may take up to seven
business days. Checks must be drawn on or payable through a U.S. bank or savings
institution and must be payable to the Fund.
By ACH or
Wire. You can designate a bank account to wire money or to electronically
transfer money via ACH for investment in any Fund. Additionally, you can
designate a bank account to receive redemption proceeds from any Fund via ACH or
wire. Bank accounts may be designated when you open an account with the Funds
via your account application. To designate a bank account after your account has
been opened, or to
59
change your bank account information, complete the
Account Maintenance Form. To establish ACH for your account in any Fund, which
requires two weeks, complete the Systematic Purchase and Redemption Form. Each
form can be obtained from our website www.tweedyfunds.com or by calling
shareholder services at 800‑432‑4789. Press 0 to request a form. Include a
medallion signature guarantee, if applicable, then send the completed form to
Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., P.O. Box 534468, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4468
or for overnight delivery, Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., Attention: 534468, 500 Ross
Street, 154‑0520, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262. Money sent via ACH takes two
business days to clear. Your bank must be a member of ACH to establish ACH
transactions.
By Telephone. The
Funds and their transfer agent employ procedures to verify that telephone
transaction instructions are genuine. If they follow these procedures, they will
not be liable for any losses resulting from unauthorized telephone instructions.
You can establish telephone transaction privileges on your account by so
indicating on your account application. If you wish to add telephone transaction
privileges to your account after it has been opened, send a letter, signed by
each account holder, to Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc., P.O. Box 534468, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15253-4468 or for overnight delivery, Tweedy, Browne Fund Inc.,
Attention: 534468, 500 Ross Street, 154‑0520, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262.
Excessive Short-Term
Trading. The Funds are intended for long-term investors and not for those
who wish to trade their shares frequently. If your investment horizon is not
long-term, then you should not invest in the Funds. Each Fund discourages and
does not knowingly accommodate excessive short-term trading. The Funds believe
that excessive short-term trading of Fund shares creates risks for the Funds and
their long-term holders, including disruptions to efficient portfolio
management, higher administrative and brokerage costs and dilution in net asset
value from traders looking for short-term profits from time zone arbitrage,
momentum and other short-term strategies. Although there is no generally applied
standard in the market place as to what level of trading activity is excessive,
a Fund may determine that you have traded excessively if, for example, you sell
or exchange shares within a short period of time after the shares were
purchased. Each Fund has established a systematic review procedure designed to
detect patterns of short-term trading. If such trading is detected, shareholders
involved may be prohibited from additional purchases of Fund shares if such
trading is deemed by the Adviser to be harmful to the Fund. Although each Fund
believes that these procedures have been effective in helping to prevent
incidents of short-term trading, they may not fully detect or prevent all
instances of short-term trading. The implementation of the Funds’ short-term
trading policy is inherently subjective and involves some selectivity in its
application. The Funds, however, seek to make judgments that are consistent with
the interests of the Funds’ shareholders. The Funds are not able to identify or
prevent every instance of inappropriate trading. The Funds reserve the right to
close any account suspected of short-term trading and may reject any purchase
order. The Board of Directors of the Company has approved these policies.
60
(Purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by ReFlow Fund,
LLC in connection with a Fund’s participation in the ReFlow Liquidity Program
(see “Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies – ReFlow Liquidity
Program”) are not subject to these limitations.)
To assist in discouraging attempts to arbitrage pricing
of securities, the Company has retained a third-party provider that, under
certain circumstances, provides fair-value pricing for certain international
equity securities in the Funds’ portfolios. See “Pricing of Fund Shares” on
page 55.
Suspicious
Activity. The Funds may be required to “freeze” your account if there
appears to be suspicious activity or if account information matches information
on a government list of known terrorists or other suspicious persons.
Customer Identification
Program. Federal law requires each Fund to obtain, verify and record
identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business
street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer
identification number or other identifying information for each investor who
opens or reopens an account with a Fund. Applications without the required
information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer
identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After
acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer
identification program, each Fund reserves the right to place limits on
transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or
to refuse an investment in a Fund or to involuntarily redeem an investor’s
shares and close an account in the event that an investor’s identity is not
verified. Each Fund and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an
investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required
identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s
shares when an investor’s identity cannot be verified.
Mailings to
Shareholders. Each Fund combines mailings for multiple accounts going to
a single household by delivering to that address in a single envelope a copy of
the report (annual and semi-annual reports, prospectuses, etc.) or other
communications for all accounts, except to the extent an investor has not
authorized such communications. If you do not want us to continue consolidating
your Fund mailings and would prefer to receive separate mailings of Fund
communications, please contact the Funds’ transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investment
Servicing (US) Inc. at 800‑432‑4789 (press 0), or write to Tweedy, Browne Fund
Inc., P.O. Box 534468, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15253-4468.
Escheatment of Inactive
Accounts. Abandoned or unclaimed property laws, which vary from state to
state, require financial organizations such as the Funds to transfer (or
“escheat”) unclaimed property (including shares of a Fund) to the appropriate
state if, for a period of time specified by state law, no activity occurs in an
account or if shareholder correspondence is returned as undeliverable. In
certain states, activity is not deemed to occur unless a shareholder initiates
contact with the Funds. You can help keep your account active by reaching out to
the Funds periodically at 800‑432‑4789 (press 0) and by keeping your account
address current.
61
Distributions and Taxes
The International Value Fund, the International Value
Fund II – Currency Unhedged and the Value Fund each declare and pay
dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, at least annually. The
Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund declares and pays dividends at least
semi-annually and capital gains distributions, if any, at least annually.
Dividends and distributions are reinvested in additional shares of the same Fund
unless you elect to receive them in cash. Dividends and distributions are
taxable whether you receive cash or additional shares. Redemptions and exchanges
of shares are taxable events on which you may recognize a gain or loss.
International Value Fund,
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged and Value Fund
|
|
|
| |
Type of Distribution |
|
Frequency |
|
Federal Tax Status |
|
| |
Dividends
from net investment income |
|
Annual |
|
taxable as ordinary or dividend
income |
|
| |
Distributions
of short-term capital gains |
|
Annual |
|
taxable as ordinary income |
|
| |
Distributions of long-term capital gains |
|
Annual |
|
taxable as capital gains |
Worldwide High Dividend
Yield Value Fund
|
|
|
| |
Type of Distribution |
|
Frequency |
|
Federal Tax Status |
|
| |
Dividends
from net investment income |
|
Semi‑annual |
|
taxable as ordinary or dividend
income |
|
| |
Distributions
of short-term capital gains |
|
Annual |
|
taxable as ordinary income |
|
| |
Distributions of long-term capital gains |
|
Annual |
|
taxable as capital gains |
Generally, you should avoid investing in a Fund shortly
before an expected dividend or distribution. Otherwise, you may pay taxes on
amounts that include, in economic terms, a partial return of your investment.
Every January, each Fund will send you information about its dividends and
distributions made to you during the previous calendar year. Accounts such as
IRAs, 401(k) plans, or other retirement accounts are not subject to taxes on
annual distributions paid by the Funds (unless there is debt financing). You
should consult your tax adviser about particular federal, state, local and other
taxes that may apply to you.
The Company may be required to report cost basis and
holding period information to both the Internal Revenue Service and shareholders
for gross proceeds from the sales of shares of each Fund purchased on or after
January 1, 2012. This information will be reported on Form 1099‑B. The
deadline for mailing Form 1099‑B to shareholders is February 15. Absent
shareholder instructions, the Company will calculate and report cost basis
information using its default method of average cost. If you hold shares of a
Fund through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary will be
responsible for this reporting and the financial intermediary’s default cost
basis method may apply. Please consult your tax adviser for additional
information regarding cost basis reporting and your situation.
62
A more complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to
the Funds and their shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax
advisers regarding specific questions as to the U.S. federal, foreign, state and
local income or other taxes.
63
Financial Highlights
The following Financial Highlights tables are intended to
help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past five 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 a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions). The information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
whose report thereon, along with the Funds’ financial statements, appears in the
Funds’ annual report, which is available upon request.
64
Financial Highlights
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund
For a Fund share outstanding throughout each year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/24 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/23 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/22 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/21 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/20 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year |
|
|
$27.16 |
|
|
|
$28.14 |
|
|
|
$29.41 |
|
|
|
$21.99 |
|
|
|
$26.91 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Income from investment
operations: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net investment income |
|
|
0.44 |
(a) |
|
|
0.43 |
(a) |
|
|
0.37 |
(a) |
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments |
|
|
2.43 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
0.95 |
|
|
|
7.45 |
|
|
|
(4.82 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total from investment operations |
|
|
2.87 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
1.32 |
|
|
|
7.68 |
|
|
|
(4.39 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Distributions: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Dividends from net investment
income |
|
|
(0.46 |
) |
|
|
(0.40 |
) |
|
|
(0.41 |
) |
|
|
(0.26 |
) |
|
|
(0.45 |
) |
Distributions from net realized
gains |
|
|
(0.78 |
) |
|
|
(1.05 |
) |
|
|
(2.18 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total distributions |
|
|
(1.24 |
) |
|
|
(1.45 |
) |
|
|
(2.59 |
) |
|
|
(0.26 |
) |
|
|
(0.53 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redemption fees |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
(b) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year |
|
|
$28.79 |
|
|
|
$27.16 |
|
|
|
$28.14 |
|
|
|
$29.41 |
|
|
|
$21.99 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (c) |
|
|
10.99 |
% |
|
|
1.94 |
% |
|
|
4.36 |
% |
|
|
34.89 |
%(d) |
|
|
(16.66 |
)%(d) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net assets, end of year
(in 000s) |
|
|
$5,941,267 |
|
|
|
$6,007,224 |
|
|
|
$6,306,407 |
|
|
|
$6,419,446 |
|
|
|
$5,990,962 |
|
Ratio of operating expenses to average net
assets |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
1.40 |
% |
|
|
1.34 |
% |
|
|
1.37 |
% |
|
|
1.36 |
% |
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
excluding waivers of expenses |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
1.40 |
% |
|
|
1.38 |
% |
|
|
1.38 |
% |
|
|
1.36 |
% |
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets |
|
|
1.56 |
%(a) |
|
|
1.55 |
%(a) |
|
|
1.19 |
%(a) |
|
|
0.83 |
% |
|
|
1.50 |
% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
11 |
% |
|
|
9 |
% |
(a) |
Includes the impact of refunded European tax
reclaims. If these reclaims were not included the Net Investment Income
per Share would have been $0.40, $0.40 and $0.35 and the Ratio of Net
Investment Income to Average Net Assets would have been 1.42%, 1.44% and
1.10% for the years ending March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 and
March 31, 2022, respectively. |
(b) |
Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
|
(c) |
Total return represents aggregate total return for
the periods indicated. |
(d) |
The net asset value (NAV) disclosed in the
March 31, 2020 annual report reflects adjustments in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(U.S. GAAP) and as such, differs from the NAV reported on March 31,
2020. The total return reported is based on the unadjusted NAV which was
the official NAV for executing transactions on March 31, 2020. The
total return based on the NAV which reflects the adjustments in accordance
with U.S. GAAP is (16.74)% for the year ended March 31, 2020 and
35.02% for the year ended March 31, 2021.
|
65
Financial Highlights
Tweedy, Browne
International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged
For a Fund share outstanding throughout each year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/24 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/23 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/22 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/21 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/20 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year |
|
|
$16.36 |
|
|
|
$16.31 |
|
|
|
$16.30 |
|
|
|
$11.66 |
|
|
|
$15.10 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Income from investment
operations: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net investment income |
|
|
0.34 |
(a) |
|
|
0.27 |
(a) |
|
|
0.18 |
(a) |
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments |
|
|
1.23 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
(b) |
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
4.69 |
|
|
|
(3.31 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total from investment operations |
|
|
1.57 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
4.78 |
|
|
|
(3.10 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Distributions: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Dividends from net investment
income |
|
|
(0.30 |
) |
|
|
(0.26 |
) |
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
(0.10 |
) |
|
|
(0.23 |
) |
Distributions from net realized
gains |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total distributions |
|
|
(0.30 |
) |
|
|
(0.26 |
) |
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
(0.34 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redemption fees |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
(c) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year |
|
|
$17.63 |
|
|
|
$16.36 |
|
|
|
$16.31 |
|
|
|
$16.30 |
|
|
|
$11.66 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (d) |
|
|
9.74 |
% |
|
|
1.99 |
% |
|
|
1.13 |
% |
|
|
40.87 |
%(e) |
|
|
(20.94 |
)%(e) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net assets, end of year (in 000s) |
|
|
$357,050 |
|
|
|
$455,983 |
|
|
|
$520,524 |
|
|
|
$486,338 |
|
|
|
$374,832 |
|
Ratio of operating expenses to average net
assets |
|
|
1.38 |
% |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
1.34 |
% |
|
|
1.37 |
% |
|
|
1.36 |
% |
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
excluding recoupments and/or waivers/reimbursements of
expenses |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
1.37 |
% |
|
|
1.37 |
% |
|
|
1.36 |
% |
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets |
|
|
1.85 |
%(a) |
|
|
1.68 |
%(a) |
|
|
1.07 |
%(a) |
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
1.40 |
% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
13 |
% |
|
|
11 |
% |
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
11 |
% |
(a) |
Includes the impact of refunded European tax
reclaims. If these reclaims were not included the Net Investment Income
per Share would have been $0.32, $0.26 and $0.17 and the Ratio of Net
Investment Income to Average Net Assets would have been 1.71%, 1.60% and
1.02% for the years ending March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 and
March 31, 2022, respectively. |
(b) |
The amount per share does not correlate with net
realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments for the year due to the
timing of purchases and sales of the Fund’s shares in relation to the
fluctuating market values of the Fund’s investments.
|
(c) |
Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
|
(d) |
Total return represents aggregate total return for
the periods indicated. |
(e) |
The net asset value (NAV) disclosed in the
March 31, 2020 annual report reflects adjustments in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(U.S. GAAP) and as such, differs from the NAV reported on March 31,
2020. The total return reported is based on the unadjusted NAV which was
the official NAV for executing transactions on March 31, 2020. The
total return based on the NAV which reflects the adjustments in accordance
with U.S. GAAP is (21.08)% for the year ended March 31, 2020 and
41.12% for the year ended March 31, 2021.
|
66
Financial Highlights
Tweedy, Browne Value Fund
For a Fund share outstanding throughout each year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/24 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/23 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/22 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/21 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/20 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year |
|
|
$18.25 |
|
|
|
$19.10 |
|
|
|
$20.38 |
|
|
|
$15.34 |
|
|
|
$19.62 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Income from investment
operations: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net investment income |
|
|
0.21 |
(a) |
|
|
0.18 |
(a) |
|
|
0.17 |
(a) |
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments |
|
|
2.47 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
0.93 |
|
|
|
5.31 |
|
|
|
(3.38 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total from investment operations |
|
|
2.68 |
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
|
|
5.42 |
|
|
|
(3.19 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Distributions: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Dividends from net investment
income |
|
|
(0.20 |
) |
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
(0.12 |
) |
|
|
(0.20 |
) |
Distributions from net realized
gains |
|
|
(0.19 |
) |
|
|
(0.95 |
) |
|
|
(2.20 |
) |
|
|
(0.26 |
) |
|
|
(0.89 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total distributions |
|
|
(1.39 |
) |
|
|
(1.13 |
) |
|
|
(2.38 |
) |
|
|
(0.38 |
) |
|
|
(1.09 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year |
|
|
$19.54 |
|
|
|
$18.25 |
|
|
|
$19.10 |
|
|
|
$20.38 |
|
|
|
$15.34 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b) |
|
|
15.35 |
% |
|
|
1.74 |
% |
|
|
5.35 |
% |
|
|
35.58 |
% |
|
|
(17.47 |
)% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net assets, end of year (in 000s) |
|
|
$457,165 |
|
|
|
$424,621 |
|
|
|
$440,823 |
|
|
|
$426,946 |
|
|
|
$338,270 |
|
Ratio of operating expenses to average net
assets |
|
|
1.38 |
% |
|
|
1.40 |
% |
|
|
1.34 |
% |
|
|
1.37 |
% |
|
|
1.36 |
% |
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
excluding waiver and/or reimbursements of expenses |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
1.40 |
% |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
1.40 |
% |
|
|
1.38 |
% |
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets |
|
|
1.08 |
%(a) |
|
|
0.99 |
%(a) |
|
|
0.77 |
%(a) |
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
0.93 |
% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
12 |
% |
(a) |
Includes the impact of refunded European tax
reclaims. If these reclaims were not included the Net Investment Income
per Share would have been $0.19, $0.17 and $0.16 and the Ratio of Net
Investment Income to Average Net Assets would have been 0.98%, 0.93% and
0.73% for the years ending March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 and
March 31, 2022, respectively. |
(b) |
Total return represents aggregate total return for
the periods indicated. |
67
Financial Highlights
Tweedy, Browne Worldwide
High Dividend Yield Value Fund
For a Fund share outstanding throughout each year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/24 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/23 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/22 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/21 |
|
|
Year Ended 3/31/20 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year |
|
|
$5.57 |
|
|
|
$6.37 |
|
|
|
$7.76 |
|
|
|
$6.30 |
|
|
|
$8.51 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Income from investment
operations: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net investment income |
|
|
0.14 |
(a) |
|
|
0.14 |
(a) |
|
|
0.19 |
(a) |
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments |
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
(0.32 |
) |
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
1.94 |
|
|
|
(1.43 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total from investment operations |
|
|
0.61 |
|
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
2.08 |
|
|
|
(1.23 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Distributions: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Dividends from net investment
income |
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
(0.20 |
) |
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
(0.19 |
) |
Distributions from net realized
gains |
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
|
|
(0.48 |
) |
|
|
(1.36 |
) |
|
|
(0.48 |
) |
|
|
(0.79 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total distributions |
|
|
(0.21 |
) |
|
|
(0.62 |
) |
|
|
(1.56 |
) |
|
|
(0.62 |
) |
|
|
(0.98 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year |
|
|
$5.97 |
|
|
|
$5.57 |
|
|
|
$6.37 |
|
|
|
$7.76 |
|
|
|
$6.30 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b) |
|
|
11.40 |
% |
|
|
(2.30 |
)% |
|
|
1.97 |
% |
|
|
33.80 |
% |
|
|
(17.06 |
)% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net assets, end of year (in 000s) |
|
|
$67,570 |
|
|
|
$69.870 |
|
|
|
$83,978 |
|
|
|
$111,800 |
|
|
|
$109,674 |
|
Ratio of operating expenses to average net
assets |
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
1.38 |
% |
|
|
1.34 |
% |
|
|
1.37 |
% |
|
|
1.36 |
% |
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
excluding waiver and/or reimbursements of expenses |
|
|
1.50 |
% |
|
|
1.48 |
% |
|
|
1.48 |
% |
|
|
1.45 |
% |
|
|
1.42 |
% |
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets |
|
|
2.56 |
%(a) |
|
|
2.46 |
%(a) |
|
|
2.26 |
%(a) |
|
|
1.82 |
% |
|
|
2.20 |
% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
11 |
% |
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
7 |
% |
(a) |
Includes the impact of refunded European tax
reclaims. If these reclaims were not included the Net Investment Income
per Share would have been $0.12, $0.13 and $0.17 and the Ratio of Net
Investment Income to Average Net Assets would have been 2.30%, 2.21% and
2.04% for the years ending March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 and
March 31, 2022, respectively. |
(b) |
Total return represents aggregate total return for
the periods indicated. |
68
Privacy Information
As required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the Federal Trade Commission, the Privacy Policy below explains our handling of
the information that Tweedy, Browne Company LLC and its employees, its mutual
funds and other investment funds (“we,” “our” or “us”) have in our records that
is personal and private to you. It reiterates our commitment to keeping that
information private.
Information We Collect
In the course of doing business with you, we collect
nonpublic information about you from the following sources:
|
› |
|
Information we receive from you on applications or
other forms, such as your social security number, personal financial
information, occupation, and birth date; |
|
› |
|
Information about your transactions with us, our
affiliates, or others such as payment history, account balance, assets,
and past transactions; and |
|
› |
|
Information we collect from you through your
account inquiries by mail, e‑mail, or telephone.
|
Disclosure of Information
to Non‑Affiliated Third Parties
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information
about our customers or former customers to any non‑affiliated third parties
except with prior consent or as permitted by law. Disclosures permitted by law
include information to our service providers, such as transfer agents,
custodians, shareholder communications firms, technology consultants, legal and
accounting firms, and clearing firms. As a rule, we only provide this
information to those entities whose services are necessary for us to properly
fulfill our investment services to you. We only share with these service
providers the information they need to provide these services and they are
required to use this information only to provide the services.
Disclosure of Information
to Affiliates
Subject to applicable law, Tweedy, Browne Company LLC,
any of its affiliates who serve as distributor for its mutual funds and/or other
investment funds, and those mutual funds and other investment funds share
information with each other about their customers and former customers and may
use this information to market our products and services to you in a manner they
are confident does not impinge upon your privacy. In addition, for internal
accounting, recordkeeping, and auditing purposes, we may from time to time share
limited information relating to your account with our holding company affiliate,
which uses the information solely for the above-mentioned purposes. Except as
described above, neither we nor our holding company affiliate share any of this
information with any other affiliates. In certain states there may be
restrictions on the ability of one affiliate to use this information obtained
from another affiliate without first offering customers the ability to opt out
of such sharing of information. In general, we obtain all of such information
directly and accordingly are not subject to these restrictions with respect to
our own use of such information.
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Security Standards
We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural
safeguards to seek to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of your nonpublic
personal information in the manner described above.
This Privacy Information
is not part of the Prospectus.
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