PARNASSUS INVESTMENTS®
PARNASSUS FUNDS®
Parnassus FundSM
Parnassus Core Equity FundSM
Parnassus Endeavor FundSM
Parnassus Mid Cap FundSM
Parnassus Asia FundSM
Parnassus Fixed Income FundSM
. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Jerome L. Dodson President, Portfolio Manager
Jerome L. Dodson is the Founder and President of Parnassus Investments.
He is the lead Portfolio Manager of the Parnassus Fund and is the sole
Portfolio Manager of the Parnassus Endeavor Fund and the Parnassus
Asia Fund. Prior to founding Parnassus Investments in 1984, he served as
President and Chief Executive Ofï¬cer of Continental Savings of America
from 1976 to 1982, where he started the “Solar T-Bill” program to ï¬nance
solar energy installations and also developed innovative programs to
ï¬nance low and moderate income housing.
Mr. Dodson received his
bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California,
Berkeley and his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard
Business School.
Jerome L. Dodson
President,
Portfolio Manager
Todd C.
Ahlsten Chief Investment Ofï¬cer, Portfolio Manager
Todd C. Ahlsten is the Chief Investment Ofï¬cer and the lead Portfolio
Manager of the Parnassus Core Equity Fund. He joined Parnassus
Investments in 1995 as a Research Analyst and was previously a Parnassus
research intern.
In 1998, Mr. Ahlsten was promoted to Director of Research
and subsequently became Portfolio Manager of the Parnassus Core
Equity Fund in 2001. He became Chief Investment Ofï¬cer in 2008.
Mr.
Ahlsten received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from
the University of California, Berkeley with an emphasis in ï¬nance and
accounting.
Todd C. Ahlsten
Chief Investment Ofï¬cer,
Portfolio Manager
Benjamin E. Allen Portfolio Manager
Benjamin E.
Allen is a Portfolio Manager of the Parnassus Core Equity
Fund. He joined Parnassus Investments in 2005 as a Senior Research
Analyst and was previously a Parnassus research intern. Prior to joining
the ï¬rm, Mr.
Allen worked at Morgan Stanley in New York, ï¬rst as an
Investment Banking Analyst and later in the ï¬rm’s venture capital group.
Raised in Massachusetts, he is an alumnus of the Boston Latin School. Mr.
Allen graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude from Georgetown
University with a bachelor’s degree in government, and completed the
general course in philosophy at the London School of Economics. Mr.
Allen received his master’s degree in business administration from the
University of California, Berkeley.
Benjamin E.
Allen
Portfolio Manager
. Dear Investor,
Our ï¬rm was founded in 1984 to help individual and institutional
investors build wealth responsibly by investing in good businesses that
trade at attractive valuations. While this philosophy sounds simple,
following it consistently over time requires a great deal of discipline.
Our portfolio managers and analysts have strong analytical skills
and understand what drives a company’s long-term prospects, while
discounting unimportant factors. Over the years, we’ve developed a
comprehensive investment process, which ensures that we remain true
to our investment philosophy. This process dictates how we analyze a
potential new investment and when we sell a current holding.
An important aspect of our approach is that we consider environmental,
social and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions.
When the ï¬rm was established in 1984, this was a unique and somewhat
controversial idea.
Back then, company management was surprised
when we asked questions about how a ï¬rm treated its employees, how it
handled diversity, how it minimized its environmental impact and if it
participated in community relations and made charitable contributions.
Today, most management teams are no longer surprised at these kinds of
questions, and most companies are expected to concern themselves with
corporate social responsibility and follow ethical business practices.
When we communicate to our shareholders, we hold ourselves to the
same high standards for disclosure and honesty that we demand from our
portfolio companies. In our written fund reports, we try to be clear and
concise and tell investors exactly what happened—both the good and the
bad. Shareholders tell us that when they read our reports, it’s like having a
conversation with a friend.
We appreciate that you’ve taken an interest in the Parnassus Funds, and
we hope that this brochure will help you better understand how we invest.
Yours truly,
Jerome L.
Dodson
Todd C. Ahlsten
Benjamin E. Allen
.
PARNASSUS OVERVIEW
arnassus Investments was founded in 1984, and currently manages four
fundamental, U.S., core equity strategies across multiple market
capitalizations, one Asia Paciï¬c equity strategy and one U.S., ï¬xed-income
strategy. The ï¬rm is an independent and employee-owned investment
management company based in San Francisco, CA. Parnassus Investments
seeks to invest in good businesses that have increasingly relevant products or
services, sustainable competitive advantages, quality management teams and
ethical business practices. We believe the most attractive investment
opportunities arise when companies with good business fundamentals
become temporarily undervalued.
Our goal is to provide value to our
shareholders by generating attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long-term.
INDEPENDENT THINKING
Financial markets can be volatile, and short-term market sentiment often
causes economically strong companies to trade below what we think
they’re worth. Over time, however, business fundamentals win out, and
eventually the values of companies are driven by how well their businesses
perform. We follow a fundamental research process to identify companies
that are trading below their intrinsic value.
To ï¬nd these opportunities, we
think independently of the market’s prevailing sentiment.
INVESTMENT TEAM
When building our investment team, we look for individuals with strong
analytical skills and intellectual and personal integrity. We provide our
investment team with an open environment and the resources they need
to ï¬nd great investments for our shareholders. Our portfolio managers and
analysts embody our long-standing investment philosophy and thrive in
our team-oriented culture.
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED
Parnassus Investments beneï¬ts greatly from independent ownership.
Freedom from outside influences allows us to think independently, act on
our convictions and always put our shareholders’ interests ï¬rst.
We provide
key employees the opportunity to become owners of the ï¬rm, which
allows us to maintain a lasting team of quality people who can make great
investment decisions.
. INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY
Oseekinvestmentinphilosophy isthatown good businesses at attractive valuations.
ur
to
We
to invest businesses
have increasingly relevant products or services,
sustainable competitive advantages, quality management teams and ethical
business practices. Once a company clears these gates, we perform a detailed
valuation analysis to conï¬rm that the investment will yield an attractive riskadjusted return.
INVESTMENT PROCESS
We follow a company-speciï¬c investment process to evaluate the intrinsic value of
the company based on the future relevancy of the company’s products or services,
its sustainable competitive advantages and management. Once we determine that
a company’s intrinsic value is increasing, we perform a detailed valuation analysis
to understand the underlying fundamentals and economics of the company. This
results in a three-year range of outcomes for the stock and an assessment of the risk
of permanent loss of capital.
We monitor a company’s stock price until it falls to a
level that generates an acceptable, risk-adjusted expected internal rate of return and
initiate a position based on the expected return proï¬le.
Portfolio management sets position sizes according to a proprietary “core” and
“opportunistic” capital framework. All positions have a core component, which
is based primarily on the risk of permanent loss of capital. For certain positions,
opportunistic capital is invested on top of the core position.
This approach allows
us to take advantage of short-term volatility within our long-term holdings.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk management is a critical focus at Parnassus Investments. Risk is measured,
monitored and controlled on an absolute basis. The primary source of risk
management is at the individual security level, which includes a detailed analysis
of the probability of the permanent loss of capital.
There are diversiï¬cation
guidelines that provide an additional layer of risk management at the portfolio
level.
SELL DISCIPLINE
We will sell out of a position entirely if we think a company’s products or services
will be less relevant in the future than they are now, or if there is signiï¬cant
deterioration in the company’s sustainable competitive advantages, management
or ESG factors. The investment team constantly monitors our investments to ensure
that we have just as much discipline when we sell as when we buy.
. GOOD BUSINESSES
AT ATTRACTIVE VALUATIONS
e believe the most attractive investment opportunities arise
when companies with good business fundamentals become
temporarily undervalued.
GOOD BUSINESSES
We deï¬ne a good business as one with a sustainable competitive advantage,
above-average growth prospects and strong management. Having a sustainable
competitive advantage enables a company to earn an attractive return on capital,
which usually translates into increasing value for shareholders. To pass our growth
test, a company’s products or services must be more relevant in the economy ï¬ve
years from now than they are today. We believe a strong management team means
more than just business acumen.
It also means that the managers are trustworthy,
and that their incentives are closely aligned with shareholders.
ATTRACTIVE VALUATIONS
We perform a detailed valuation analysis for each of our investments. This
means building a revenue model, analyzing operating and ï¬nancial leverage and
forecasting capital requirements and cash flow. We know that accurately predicting
the future is difï¬cult, so our valuation discipline demands that we explore a wide
range of possible outcomes.
While our process is based on an expected three-year
investment horizon, we also analyze the company’s current market price relative to
its earnings, cash flow and book value.
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH
To ï¬nd good businesses at attractive valuations, our investment team conducts
fundamental research. Our analysts and portfolio managers meet with various
levels of company management and regularly conduct on-site visits. We also
contact suppliers and customers to gain insight into what a company’s partners
are experiencing.
This primary research is based on a well-deï¬ned and repeatable
process, and is guided by our investment philosophy.
. RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT APPROACH
t Parnassus Investments, we follow a responsible investment approach to
understand the full impact of a company. We carefully consider a company’s
environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. This approach has been in
place since the ï¬rm’s founding in 1984. By incorporating ESG factors into our
fundamental investment process, we can identify risks and opportunities that the
market may have ignored, and identify responsible companies.
RESEARCH
ESG research at Parnassus Investments is dynamic, proprietary, and benchmarked
against third-party sources.
All members of the investment team consider ESG
factors, and some team members are dedicated ESG analysts. ESG analysis is
integral to the review and consideration process that each company undergoes as a
new investment opportunity. Once invested, we regularly review the ESG factors of
our portfolio companies throughout the year.
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
We seek to invest in companies with positive performance on ESG criteria.
The ESG
factors we evaluate include corporate governance and business ethics, employee
beneï¬ts and corporate culture, stakeholder relations, product, customers and
supply chain, and environmental impact.
EXCLUSIONARY SCREENS
Parnassus Investments applies exclusionary screens as part of our responsible
investment approach. The spirit of these exclusionary screens is to avoid
investment in companies with negative impacts that outweigh any potential
beneï¬ts from their business activities. We do not invest in companies that derive
signiï¬cant revenue from the manufacture of alcohol products, tobacco products,
or weapons, or companies that derive signiï¬cant revenue from gambling, nuclear
power or business involvement with Sudan.
EFFECTING POSITIVE CHANGE
We take into account ethical business practices and shareholders’ interests when
we vote our shares on corporate resolutions.
The issues can range from executive
compensation to environmental policy.
At Parnassus Investments, part of our responsible investment philosophy means
investing back into our community. A portion of the Parnassus Funds’ assets may
be invested with community development ï¬nancial institutions (CDFIs) that offer
credit, capital, and ï¬nancial services to individuals and organizations engaged in
work that beneï¬ts low-income communities.
. PARNASSUS FUNDS
e offer six funds suited for various investment objectives: ï¬ve
equity funds and one ï¬xed-income fund.
PARNASSUS FUNDSM
TICKERS: PARNX & PFPRX
The Parnassus Fund is a diversiï¬ed, fundamental, U.S., multi-cap, core equity
fund. The Fund invests principally in undervalued equity securities of all market
capitalizations companies. The Fund seeks to invest in good businesses with
attractive valuations. The Fund avoids investing in companies engaged in the
extraction, exploration, production, manufacturing or reï¬ning of fossil fuels; the
Fund may invest in companies that use fossil fuel-based energy to power their
operations or for other purposes.
The Fund also takes environmental, social and
governance factors into account in making investment decisions.
PARNASSUS CORE EQUITY FUNDSM
TICKERS: PRBLX & PRILX
The Parnassus Core Equity Fund is a diversiï¬ed, fundamental, U.S., large-cap,
core equity fund. The Fund invests principally in undervalued equity securities
of large-capitalization companies. At least 75% of the Fund’s total assets will
normally be invested in equity securities that pay dividends.
The remaining 25%
may be invested in non-dividend-paying equity securities. The Fund also takes
environmental, social and governance factors into account in making investment
decisions.
PARNASSUS ENDEAVOR FUNDSM
TICKERS: PARWX & PFPWX
The Parnassus Endeavor Fund is a diversiï¬ed, fundamental, U.S., large-cap, core
equity fund. The Fund invests principally in undervalued equity securities of largecapitalization companies with outstanding workplaces.
Companies with good
workplaces usually are able to recruit and retain better employees, and perform
at a higher level than competitors in terms of innovation, productivity, customer
loyalty and proï¬tability. The Fund avoids investing in companies engaged in the
extraction, exploration, production, manufacturing or reï¬ning of fossil fuels; the
Fund may invest in companies that use fossil fuel-based energy to power their
operations or for other purposes. The Fund also takes environmental, social and
governance factors into account in making investment decisions.
.
PARNASSUS MID CAP FUNDSM
TICKERS: PARMX & PFPMX
The Parnassus Mid Cap Fund is a diversiï¬ed, fundamental, U.S., mid-cap, core
equity fund. The Fund invests principally in undervalued equity securities of
medium-capitalization companies between that of the smallest and largest
constituents of the Russell Midcap Index at the time of initial purchase. The Fund
seeks to invest in good businesses with attractive valuations. The Fund also takes
environmental, social and governance factors into account in making investment
decisions.
PARNASSUS ASIA FUNDSM
TICKERS: PAFSX & PFPSX
The Parnassus Asia Fund is a diversiï¬ed, fundamental, multi-cap, Asia Paciï¬c
equity fund.
The Fund invests principally in undervalued equity securities of Asian
companies of all-capitalizations. The Fund seeks to invest in good businesses with
attractive valuations. The Fund also takes environmental, social and governance
factors into account in making investment decisions.
PARNASSUS FIXED INCOME FUNDSM
TICKERS: PRFIX & PFPLX
The Parnassus Fixed Income Fund invests principally in investment-grade debt
securities which can include U.S.
government obligations, corporate bonds,
mortgage backed securities and pools, and convertible bonds. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund expects to maintain an overall dollar-weighted average
effective duration comparable to the benchmark. Ordinarily, according to the
Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies, at least 65% of the Fund’s total net assets
will be invested at in ï¬xed-income securities that are rated “A” or better by Moody’s
Investor Services, Inc.
or Standard & Poor’s Rating Group, and at least 80% will be
invested at in ï¬xed-income securities with investment-grade ratings (i.e. rated at
least BBB- or Baa3 or better), or of similar economic quality. The Fund also takes
environmental, social and governance factors into account in making investment
decisions.
.
INVESTMENT RISKS
Investment risk is associated with all investments. Risks of investing in
the Parnassus Fund, Parnassus Core Equity Fund, Parnassus Endeavor
Fund, and Parnassus Mid Cap Fund: The Funds’ share prices may change
daily based on the value of their security holdings. Stock markets can
be volatile, and stock values fluctuate in response to the asset levels of
individual companies and in response to general U.S. and international
market and economic conditions.
Investing in stocks of small- and/or
mid-cap companies may entail greater volatility and less liquidity than
larger companies. Security holdings in the Funds can vary signiï¬cantly
from broad market indexes. Investments in the Parnassus Asia Fund
are subject to the above risks, plus additional risks associated with
foreign investments, such as increased market volatility, a lower level of
government oversight in emerging markets, risks associated with focusing
on a speciï¬c geographic region and exposure to fluctuations in foreign
currencies.
Risks of investing in the Parnassus Fixed Income Fund: Bond prices are
inversely related to interest rates.
As interest rates drop, bond prices will
increase, and as interest rates go up, the value of bonds will decrease. A
security’s value may also be affected by the possibility that issuers of debt
obligations will not pay the Fund interest or principal, or that their credit
rating may be downgraded by a ratings agency. In addition, up to 20% of
the Fund’s total net assets may be invested in securities that may not have
an investment grade rating.
This would make them riskier than securities
with an investment-grade rating.
Security holdings in the Funds can vary signiï¬cantly from broad market
indexes.
Mutual fund investing involves risk, and loss of principal is possible.
Before investing, an investor should carefully consider the investment
objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds and should
carefully read the prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains
this information. A prospectus or summary prospectus can be obtained
on the website, www.parnassus.com, or by calling (800) 999-3505.
The Parnassus Funds are underwritten and distributed by Parnassus Funds
Distributor, a subsidiary of Parnassus Investments and a FINRA member.
. INVESTING WITH
THE PARNASSUS FUNDS
Individual investors can access the Parnassus Funds by either opening an
account directly with the Funds, or purchasing the Funds through a broker-dealer,
bank, adviser, insurance agent, retirement plan or other service provider. To open
an account directly with Parnassus Funds, please visit www.parnassus.com and
follow the instructions on the website, or call (800) 999-3505 and request an
application.
Institutional investors can access the Parnassus Funds through a variety of
institutional intermediaries and platforms. Corporate, public and Taft-Hartley
plans, foundations and endowments, as well as healthcare, educational, religious
and charitable organizations have been important clients of Parnassus Investments
for over 25 years. We work closely with institutional consultants and advisers
who introduce us to their clients, measure our performance, and help explain our
philosophy and process.
Please visit the Institutional Investor page on our website
to locate the contact information for your representative.
Investors in the Parnassus Funds have access to quarterly account statements,
quarterly Fund portfolios, commentary from our portfolio managers and the most
recent quarter’s performance via e-mail or mailed by request. This information can
also be accessed on our website at any time.
. PARNASSUS INVESTMENTS
1 Market Street, Suite 1600
San Francisco, CA 94105
(800) 999-3505
www.parnassus.com
05/2015
.