MESA, Ariz., Dec. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Z-Seven Fund (ZSEVX), effective as an open-end, no-load mutual fund in 2007, with roots going back to 1983 as a closed-end fund, reported today a 6.18% gain in per share value for the 3 months ended November 30, 2008 vs. a decline of -29.65% for the S&P 500 Index, the Fund's benchmark. For the year-to-date period ended November 30, 2008 the $6 million Fund was down -3.15% vs. -34.66% for the S&P 500 during the same time period.
In reporting the Fund's positive November 30 results, vs. precipitous reversals in most indexes, Barry Ziskin, President and Chief Investment Officer, said, "As positive as was our November period performance, recent results and assets under management were inhibited by the withdrawal of the substantial investments in our Fund made by the Estate of the late, Sir John Templeton, the renowned investor, who was a long-term shareholder in Z-Seven Fund, and who died recently."
In commenting on current markets and outlook, Mr. Ziskin said:
"We are countering the challenges of the current bear market with a purposeful but flexible defensive strategy that has meant the sacrifice of maximum short-term gain to protect ourselves from the bear market that we warned in last year's mid-year report 'is already on borrowed time.' At that time, most of our competitors were acting as though good times were back permanently. Events have proved them wrong.
"We have prepared well thus far for what I believe to be a period of unprecedented challenge for professional money managers, one in which patience, experience, discipline and thoughtful deployment of resources will pay the biggest dividends. By investing in accordance with our 'Seven-Stock Selection Criteria' and actively managed market hedging strategy, it is our goal to preserve our capital and to be able to fully benefit from the investment opportunities which may well grow in abundance from the continuation of current market trends and an overall bear market condition.
"With our relatively new status as a no-load mutual fund, we are embarking on an aggressive marketing program to make the unique Z-Seven Fund story known to investors and media."
-- Z-Seven Fund is a registered management investment company with a twenty-five year history of investing in quality growth companies whose shares, in the Adviser's opinion, are undervalued. -- Barry Ziskin selects securities using a time-tested, disciplined, approach, based on conservative principles. His strict, seven criteria largely account for the Fund's longevity and performance during difficult market conditions. -- He also utilizes a sell discipline based on the same common sense criteria, which are designed to minimize investment mistakes by not repeating them. -- Through his detailed and informative annual report, Barry shares his experience and knowledge of the Fund's global investment strategy, a strategy that seeks solid companies in developed markets, and utilizes protective measures against volatility. -- Mr. Ziskin also holds himself directly accountable for the Fund's performance. As the Fund's Investment Advisor, Mr. Ziskin works under a bonus/penalty arrangement based on the S&P 500. -- For an informative discussion about the Fund with the Advisor himself, you can access The Wall Street Transcript Interview with Barry Ziskin, dated August 21, 2000, at http://www.twst.com/pdf/zsev.pdf. -- Call or email for copies of Fund reports and Barry Ziskin's "Seven Criteria For Stock Selection".
The Fund's past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-800-651-8228.
The Fund's prospectus contains important information about the Fund's investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, charges and expenses, and other information and should be read and considered carefully before investing. You may obtain a current copy of the Fund's prospectus by calling 1-800-651-8228.
