11/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2024 10:45
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY
Investment Company Act file number | 811-22680 |
Ultimus Managers Trust |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio | 45246 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
Karen Jacoppo-Wood
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246_ |
(Name and address of agent for service) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: | (513) 587-3400 |
Date of fiscal year end: | February 28 | |
Date of reporting period: | August 31, 2024 |
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
(a) |
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Blueprint Adaptive Growth Allocation Fund (the "Fund") for the period of March 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at https://funddocs.filepoint.com/blueprint/. You can also request this information by contacting us at (866) 983-4525.
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Class Name
|
Costs of a $10,000 investment
|
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
|
Institutional Class
|
$66
|
1.25%
|
The Fund continued to benefit from positive trends in global equities in the prior period with growth and technology-oriented stocks being the primary drivers of performance as they have since 2023. After a sharp retracement earlier in the period caused Apple to be one of the Fund's worst performers, the technology leader rebounded significantly later in the period, becoming a top performer. On the negative side, the steep drop in prices to kick off August triggered one of the Fund's risk management controls which was ultimately unnecessary. The V-shaped recovery in stocks caused volatility to plummet and as a result the Fund's hedged positioned generated a small loss.
September's rate cut by the Fed cements the switch from hawkish to dovish monetary policy. The combination of this change with continued strong employment and consumer spending points to a "soft landing" in our view and back up the current positive trends for both stocks and bonds. Speaking of the latter, bond prices have established solid trends as well on the upside.
We believe the upcoming election will likely contribute to periods of higher volatility as markets weigh the odds of victory for each candidate and their competing agendas for the Country and economy. There is not any significant data in our opinion to suggest an election, even a closely contested one, should give investors pause, however. As a trend follower, we will continue to follow the systems that we have relied on for many years now, but also believe there is nothing in the current set of economic data that would cause us to question the embedded, positive trends. Risks are always around the corner but both the trends and data, in our view, point to a favorable environment for stocks, real estate, and bonds.
Blueprint Adaptive Growth Allocation Fund - Institutional Class
|
S&P 500® Index
|
Morningstar Global Allocations Index
|
|
Mar-2020
|
$10,000
|
$10,000
|
$10,000
|
Aug-2020
|
$11,430
|
$13,649
|
$12,152
|
Aug-2021
|
$13,374
|
$17,903
|
$14,330
|
Aug-2022
|
$11,741
|
$15,893
|
$11,999
|
Aug-2023
|
$12,247
|
$18,427
|
$12,996
|
Aug-2024
|
$14,827
|
$23,428
|
$15,206
|
1 Year
|
Since Inception (March 31, 2020)
|
|
Blueprint Adaptive Growth Allocation Fund - Institutional Class
|
21.06%
|
9.32%
|
S&P 500®Index
|
27.14%
|
21.25%
|
Morningstar Global Allocations Index
|
17.00%
|
9.95%
|
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Call (866) 983-4525 or visit https://funddocs.filepoint.com/blueprint/for current month-end performance.
Blueprint Adaptive Growth Allocation Fund (the "Fund") is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morningstar, Inc. or any of its affiliates (all such entities, collectively, "Morningstar Entities"). The Morningstar Entities make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in equity securities generally or in the Fund in particular or the ability of the Fund to track general equity market performance. THE MORNINGSTAR ENTITIES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE FUND OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND MORNINGSTAR ENTITIES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN.
Value
|
Value
|
Common Stocks
|
88.1%
|
Exchange-Traded Funds
|
11.0%
|
Money Market Funds
|
0.9%
|
Value
|
Value
|
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities
|
0.1%
|
Money Market
|
0.9%
|
Utilities
|
1.6%
|
Materials
|
1.9%
|
Energy
|
2.7%
|
Consumer Staples
|
5.9%
|
Consumer Discretionary
|
6.4%
|
Communications
|
7.1%
|
Industrials
|
7.2%
|
Health Care
|
9.5%
|
Real Estate
|
10.6%
|
Financials
|
11.0%
|
Exchange-Traded Funds
|
11.0%
|
Technology
|
24.1%
|
Holding Name
|
% of Net Assets
|
Apple, Inc.
|
7.4%
|
NVIDIA Corporation
|
5.5%
|
Microsoft Corporation
|
3.0%
|
iShares MSCI India ETF
|
2.3%
|
Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A
|
2.2%
|
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B
|
2.1%
|
iShares Gold Trust
|
2.1%
|
Alphabet, Inc. - Classes A & C
|
1.7%
|
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF
|
1.6%
|
Amazon.com, Inc.
|
1.6%
|
No material changes occurred during the period ended August 31, 2024.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - August 31, 2024
Additional information is available on the Fund's website (https://funddocs.filepoint.com/blueprint/), including its:
Prospectus
Financial information
Holdings
Proxy voting information
TSR-SAR 083124-BLUIX
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about HVIA Equity Fund (the "Fund") for the period of March 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.hviafunds.com. You can also request this information by contacting us at (888) 209-8710.
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Class Name
|
Costs of a $10,000 investment
|
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
|
Institutional Class
|
$51
|
0.99%
|
The equity markets have been up, which is traditional for a Presidential election year. Earnings have come in ahead of expectations with margins near record levels. The overhang of higher inflation limited stock appreciation to the larger cap technology equities early in the year with a broadening out of the market during the quarter. Overall, the underlying economy is solid, with GDP being in the low single digits. We expected inflation not to be an issue as the year progressed, which occurred. This lower inflationary expectation allowed a shift from the Federal Reserve's focus on inflation to that of slowing employment. This allowed Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to cut the Fed Funds rate by 50 basis points during the quarter.
The HVIA Fund underperformed for the quarter ending August 31, 2024, returning 4.89% compared to the S&P 500 Index which recorded a gain of 7.39%. The underperformance was due to our limited sector exposure to Utilities and Real Estate which were the two top quarterly performers. The lowering of interest rates by the Federal Reserve and the anticipated need for a significant increase in power demand from AI were the main drivers for the sector's outperformance. We continue to hold a large exposure to Technology and Healthcare which were flat to slightly up for the period.
In terms of individual holdings, the Fund was hurt by our exposure to Dollar General (DG). The company saw a quarterly drop of 40.28% due to the resetting of earning expectations for the remainder of the year and the resetting of earnings into 2025. We no longer hold the position as we lost confidence in management's ability to follow through on its business strategy.
As we move into the final quarter of the year we continue to believe that we have an upward bias to markets as productivity gains, record margins and earnings growth coupled with lower rates should allow for further equity appreciation.
HVIA Equity Fund - Institutional Class
|
S&P 500® Index
|
|
10/03/16
|
$25,000
|
$25,000
|
8/31/17
|
$30,118
|
$29,144
|
8/31/18
|
$35,300
|
$34,875
|
8/31/19
|
$36,319
|
$35,894
|
8/31/20
|
$47,796
|
$43,768
|
8/31/21
|
$61,673
|
$57,408
|
8/31/22
|
$52,659
|
$50,962
|
8/31/23
|
$62,378
|
$59,088
|
8/31/24
|
$77,272
|
$75,122
|
1 Year
|
5 Years
|
Since Inception (October 3, 2016)
|
|
HVIA Equity Fund - Institutional Class
|
23.88%
|
16.30%
|
15.33%
|
S&P 500®Index
|
27.14%
|
15.92%
|
14.92%
|
The Fund's past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Value
|
Value
|
Common Stocks
|
93.9%
|
Money Market Funds
|
6.1%
|
Value
|
Value
|
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities
|
0.1%
|
Utilities
|
0.3%
|
Materials
|
1.9%
|
Consumer Staples
|
2.0%
|
Communications
|
2.6%
|
Real Estate
|
2.9%
|
Energy
|
4.3%
|
Money Market Funds
|
6.1%
|
Health Care
|
11.7%
|
Industrials
|
12.2%
|
Consumer Discretionary
|
12.6%
|
Financials
|
13.9%
|
Technology
|
29.4%
|
Holding Name
|
% of Net Assets
|
NVIDIA Corporation
|
6.3%
|
KLA Corporation
|
4.9%
|
Amazon.com, Inc.
|
3.6%
|
Eli Lilly & Company
|
3.4%
|
Microsoft Corporation
|
3.4%
|
American Express Company
|
3.3%
|
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
|
3.2%
|
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
|
2.8%
|
Apple, Inc.
|
2.7%
|
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
|
2.7%
|
No material changes occurred during the period ended August 31, 2024.
Additional information is available on the Fund's website (www.hviafunds.com), including its:
Prospectus
Financial information
Holdings
Proxy voting information
TSR-SAR 083124-HVEIX
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Nia Impact Solutions Fund (the "Fund") for the period of March 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.niaimpactfunds.com. You can also request this information by contacting us at (833) 571-2833.
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Fund Name
|
Costs of a $10,000 investment
|
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
|
Nia Impact Solutions Fund
|
$53
|
0.99%
|
Dear Shareholder,
During the period March 1 to August 31, NIAGX returned 12.87%, outperforming the MSCI ACWI IMI by 2.56%. Top-performing sectors for NIAGX were Real Estate, Financials, and Health Care, while the bottom performers were Materials, Industrials, and Consumer Staples.
The Fund's relative performance was driven largely by stock selection. Iron Mountain (IRM), a REIT specializing in storage and information management, was a standout, returning 46.29% and contributing 110 basis points to overall performance. Iron Mountain, aligning with Nia's "Thriving Communities" theme, supports clients' renewable energy goals through green data centers and sustainable asset lifecycle management. The company's strong growth in data centers, which service AI needs, was a key driver of performance. First Solar (FSLR), a solar panel manufacturer aligned with Nia's "Sustainable Planet" theme, also contributed positively, returning 47.75% and 109 basis points to performance, driven by rising sales, strong cash flow, and reduced debt.
STMicroelectronics (STM) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) were the main detractors to performance. STM fell 29.75%, detracting 76 basis points from performance. The company, which meets Nia's "Thriving Communities" theme, faced revenue and margin pressures, particularly in its automotive and microcontroller segments. AMD fell 22.84%, reducing fund performance by 61 basis points. Although AMD beat earnings expectations, the stock was affected by a broader correction in mega-cap AI companies following a strong two-year run.
Overall, the portfolio benefited from the rotation away from mega-cap stocks as investors became wary of rising costs tied to generative AI. An improving interest rate environment boosted small and mid-cap holdings, while strategic investments in infrastructure supported a sustainable transition for generative AI, including companies that work to cool data centers and reduce their carbon footprint.
With much care,
The Nia Impact Capital Team
Nia Impact Solutions Fund
|
MSCI ACWI Index
|
|
May-2022
|
$10,000
|
$9,999
|
Aug-2022
|
$10,220
|
$9,905
|
Aug-2023
|
$10,205
|
$11,225
|
Aug-2024
|
$12,637
|
$13,765
|
1 Year
|
Since Inception (May 10, 2022)
|
|
Nia Impact Solutions Fund
|
23.82%
|
10.66%
|
MSCI ACWI Index
|
22.64%
|
14.84%
|
The Fund's past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.
Value
|
Value
|
Common Stocks
|
96.2%
|
Money Market Funds
|
3.8%
|
Value
|
Value
|
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets
|
-0.2%
|
Utilities
|
0.9%
|
Communications
|
3.7%
|
Money Market Funds
|
3.8%
|
Consumer Staples
|
4.3%
|
Financials
|
5.2%
|
Energy
|
5.4%
|
Materials
|
5.8%
|
Real Estate
|
6.0%
|
Consumer Discretionary
|
6.3%
|
Health Care
|
15.0%
|
Industrials
|
16.7%
|
Technology
|
27.1%
|
Holding Name
|
% of Net Assets
|
International Business Machines Corporation
|
4.2%
|
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|
4.2%
|
Iron Mountain, Inc.
|
3.9%
|
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. - ADR
|
3.8%
|
Stantec, Inc.
|
3.8%
|
SAP SE - ADR
|
3.2%
|
Amalgamated Financial Corporation
|
3.2%
|
Carlisle Companies, Inc.
|
3.1%
|
AECOM
|
3.1%
|
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
|
3.0%
|
On August 6, 2024, Jethro Townsend, CFA, Partner and Portfolio Manager, became a member of the portfolio management team of the Fund, joining Kristin Hull, PhD, who will continue to serve as a portfolio manager of the Fund.
Additional information is available on the Fund's website (www.niaimpactfunds.com), including its:
Prospectus
Financial information
Holdings
Proxy voting information
TSR-SAR 083124-NIAGX
(b) | Not applicable |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not required
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not required
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not required
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable
Item 6. Investments.
(a) The Registrant's schedule of investments is included in the Financial Statements under Item 7 of this form.
(b) Not applicable
Item 7. | Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies |
(a)
Blueprint Adaptive
Growth Allocation Fund
Institutional Class: (BLUIX)
Financial Statements
August 31, 2024
(Unaudited)
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
COMMON STOCKS - 88.0% | Shares | Value | ||||||
Communications - 7.1% | ||||||||
Cable & Satellite - 0.2% | ||||||||
Comcast Corporation - Class A | 6,165 | $ | 243,949 | |||||
Internet Media & Services - 5.2% | ||||||||
Alphabet, Inc.- Class A | 9,091 | 1,485,287 | ||||||
Alphabet, Inc.- Class C | 7,536 | 1,244,269 | ||||||
Booking Holdings, Inc. | 113 | 441,743 | ||||||
Meta Platforms, Inc.- Class A | 7,035 | 3,667,416 | ||||||
Netflix, Inc.(a) | 1,323 | 927,886 | ||||||
Shopify, Inc.- Class A (a) | 10,613 | 786,105 | ||||||
8,552,706 | ||||||||
Publishing & Broadcasting - 0.1% | ||||||||
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. | 1,287 | 152,162 | ||||||
Telecommunications - 1.6% | ||||||||
AT&T, Inc. | 23,013 | 457,959 | ||||||
Deutsche Telekom AG - ADR | 30,396 | 864,158 | ||||||
SoftBank Group Corporation - ADR | 13,726 | 398,603 | ||||||
T-Mobile US, Inc. | 1,719 | 341,600 | ||||||
Verizon Communications, Inc. | 14,645 | 611,868 | ||||||
2,674,188 | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary - 6.4% | ||||||||
Apparel & Textile Products - 0.7% | ||||||||
Deckers Outdoor Corporation (a) | 999 | 958,331 | ||||||
Skechers U.S.A., Inc.- Class A (a) | 3,816 | 261,319 | ||||||
1,219,650 | ||||||||
Automotive - 1.2% | ||||||||
General Motors Company | 4,143 | 206,239 | ||||||
Tesla, Inc.(a) | 8,304 | 1,777,969 | ||||||
1,984,208 | ||||||||
E-Commerce Discretionary - 1.6% | ||||||||
Amazon. com, Inc.(a) | 14,378 | 2,566,473 | ||||||
Home & Office Products - 0.2% | ||||||||
Tempur Sealy International, Inc. | 6,030 | 316,153 |
1
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 88.0% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Consumer Discretionary - 6.4% (Continued) | ||||||||
Home Construction - 0.9% | ||||||||
KB Home | 2,585 | $ | 216,390 | |||||
M/I Homes, Inc.(a) | 1,353 | 215,628 | ||||||
Meritage Homes Corporation | 1,278 | 253,133 | ||||||
Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (a) | 3,235 | 217,813 | ||||||
Toll Brothers, Inc. | 3,188 | 459,295 | ||||||
Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.(a) | 3,590 | 159,540 | ||||||
1,521,799 | ||||||||
Leisure Facilities & Services - 0.4% | ||||||||
McDonalds Corporation | 1,087 | 313,774 | ||||||
Starbucks Corporation | 1,716 | 162,282 | ||||||
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. | 1,204 | 203,175 | ||||||
679,231 | ||||||||
Retail - Discretionary - 1.4% | ||||||||
Abercrombie & Fitch Company - Class A (a) | 1,669 | 246,294 | ||||||
Dicks Sporting Goods, Inc. | 1,406 | 333,166 | ||||||
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. | 391 | 147,313 | ||||||
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | 3,014 | 1,110,659 | ||||||
Lowes Companies, Inc. | 1,776 | 441,336 | ||||||
2,278,768 | ||||||||
Consumer Staples - 5.9% | ||||||||
Beverages - 1.5% | ||||||||
Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A./N.V. - ADR | 12,781 | 785,265 | ||||||
Coca-Cola Company (The) | 12,241 | 887,105 | ||||||
PepsiCo, Inc. | 4,346 | 751,337 | ||||||
2,423,707 | ||||||||
Food - 0.5% | ||||||||
BellRing Brands, Inc.(a) | 4,120 | 230,432 | ||||||
Ingredion, Inc. | 1,445 | 194,078 | ||||||
Nestlé S.A. - ADR | 3,648 | 390,044 | ||||||
814,554 | ||||||||
Household Products - 1.6% | ||||||||
Colgate-Palmolive Company | 2,568 | 273,492 | ||||||
Procter & Gamble Company (The) | 9,228 | 1,582,971 | ||||||
Unilever plc - ADR | 13,362 | 865,724 | ||||||
2,722,187 |
2
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 88.0% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Consumer Staples - 5.9% (Continued) | ||||||||
Retail - Consumer Staples - 1.6% | ||||||||
Caseys General Stores, Inc. | 732 | $ | 265,211 | |||||
Costco Wholesale Corporation | 1,415 | 1,262,718 | ||||||
Target Corporation | 1,279 | 196,480 | ||||||
Walmart, Inc. | 11,593 | 895,327 | ||||||
2,619,736 | ||||||||
Tobacco & Cannabis - 0.5% | ||||||||
Altria Group, Inc. | 4,987 | 268,151 | ||||||
Philip Morris International, Inc. | 4,549 | 560,846 | ||||||
828,997 | ||||||||
Wholesale - Consumer Staples - 0.2% | ||||||||
US Foods Holding Corporation (a) | 4,972 | 294,392 | ||||||
Energy - 2.7% | ||||||||
Oil & Gas Producers - 2.7% | ||||||||
Enbridge, Inc. | 21,799 | 875,884 | ||||||
Exxon Mobil Corporation | 16,474 | 1,942,944 | ||||||
Shell plc - ADR | 10,628 | 761,602 | ||||||
TotalEnergies SE - ADR | 11,308 | 780,252 | ||||||
4,360,682 | ||||||||
Financials - 11.0% | ||||||||
Asset Management - 0.8% | ||||||||
BlackRock, Inc. | 443 | 399,502 | ||||||
Brookfield Corporation | 16,875 | 848,475 | ||||||
1,247,977 | ||||||||
Banking - 5.5% | ||||||||
Bank of America Corporation | 19,468 | 793,321 | ||||||
Bank of Nova Scotia (The) | 15,957 | 795,935 | ||||||
BNP Paribas S.A. - ADR | 22,665 | 785,116 | ||||||
Citigroup, Inc. | 5,368 | 336,251 | ||||||
Commonwealth Bank of Australia - ADR | 9,150 | 865,590 | ||||||
HSBC Holdings plc - ADR | 16,300 | 724,698 | ||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Company | 10,469 | 2,353,431 | ||||||
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.- ADR | 66,924 | 704,710 | ||||||
Royal Bank of Canada | 7,119 | 859,833 | ||||||
Toronto-Dominion Bank (The) | 6,876 | 412,010 | ||||||
US Bancorp | 3,654 | 172,578 | ||||||
Wells Fargo & Company | 5,162 | 301,822 | ||||||
9,105,295 |
3
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 88.0% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Financials - 11.0% (Continued) | ||||||||
Institutional Financial Services - 0.9% | ||||||||
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (The) | 2,313 | $ | 157,793 | |||||
Evercore, Inc.- Class A | 813 | 199,787 | ||||||
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | 860 | 438,815 | ||||||
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.- Class A | 2,597 | 334,727 | ||||||
Morgan Stanley | 3,899 | 403,975 | ||||||
1,535,097 | ||||||||
Insurance - 3.6% | ||||||||
Allianz SE - ADR | 25,364 | 786,284 | ||||||
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.- Class B (a) | 7,153 | 3,404,256 | ||||||
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. | 542 | 266,171 | ||||||
MetLife, Inc. | 2,006 | 155,425 | ||||||
Old Republic International Corporation | 5,728 | 205,463 | ||||||
Primerica, Inc. | 1,673 | 440,384 | ||||||
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | 1,220 | 310,844 | ||||||
Unum Group | 5,075 | 281,611 | ||||||
5,850,438 | ||||||||
Specialty Finance - 0.2% | ||||||||
American Express Company | 1,469 | 379,957 | ||||||
Health Care - 9.5% | ||||||||
Biotech & Pharma - 6.5% | ||||||||
AbbVie, Inc. | 5,360 | 1,052,222 | ||||||
Amgen, Inc. | 1,702 | 568,179 | ||||||
AstraZeneca plc - ADR | 9,292 | 814,165 | ||||||
CSL Ltd.- ADR | 7,787 | 812,028 | ||||||
Eli Lilly & Company | 2,498 | 2,398,130 | ||||||
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 3,724 | 294,196 | ||||||
Johnson & Johnson | 7,374 | 1,223,052 | ||||||
Novartis AG - ADR | 7,068 | 854,450 | ||||||
Novo Nordisk A/S - ADR | 5,372 | 747,567 | ||||||
Pfizer, Inc. | 9,134 | 264,977 | ||||||
Roche Holding AG - ADR | 18,742 | 793,349 | ||||||
Sanofi - ADR | 15,629 | 879,288 | ||||||
10,701,603 | ||||||||
Health Care Facilities & Services - 1.3% | ||||||||
Encompass Health Corporation | 2,025 | 188,426 | ||||||
Ensign Group, Inc. (The) | 1,143 | 173,005 | ||||||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 3,055 | 1,803,061 | ||||||
2,164,492 |
4
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 88.0% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Health Care - 9.5% (Continued) | ||||||||
Medical Equipment & Devices - 1.7% | ||||||||
Abbott Laboratories | 5,354 | $ | 606,447 | |||||
Danaher Corporation | 1,971 | 530,810 | ||||||
Glaukos Corporation (a) | 1,073 | 143,664 | ||||||
Medtronic plc | 3,883 | 343,956 | ||||||
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.(a) | 1,547 | 149,564 | ||||||
Penumbra, Inc.(a) | 1,365 | 276,167 | ||||||
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 1,174 | 722,092 | ||||||
2,772,700 | ||||||||
Industrials - 7.2% | ||||||||
Aerospace & Defense - 1.1% | ||||||||
Airbus SE - ADR | 10,064 | 386,357 | ||||||
Curtiss-Wright Corporation | 957 | 302,278 | ||||||
General Dynamics Corporation | 691 | 206,858 | ||||||
Lockheed Martin Corporation | 666 | 378,354 | ||||||
RTX Corporation | 3,790 | 467,459 | ||||||
1,741,306 | ||||||||
Commercial Support Services - 0.8% | ||||||||
Clean Harbors, Inc.(a) | 1,631 | 401,063 | ||||||
Recruit Holdings Company Ltd.- ADR | 73,371 | 912,735 | ||||||
1,313,798 | ||||||||
Diversified Industrials - 1.3% | ||||||||
3M Company | 1,599 | 215,369 | ||||||
General Electric Company | 3,380 | 590,216 | ||||||
Honeywell International, Inc. | 956 | 198,762 | ||||||
ITT, Inc. | 2,011 | 279,972 | ||||||
Siemens AG - ADR | 8,363 | 787,627 | ||||||
2,071,946 | ||||||||
Electrical Equipment - 1.3% | ||||||||
AAON, Inc. | 2,101 | 200,666 | ||||||
Badger Meter, Inc. | 1,057 | 218,735 | ||||||
Lennox International, Inc. | 921 | 543,565 | ||||||
nVent Electric plc | 2,635 | 179,075 | ||||||
Schneider Electric SE - ADR | 15,735 | 798,709 | ||||||
SPX Technologies, Inc.(a) | 971 | 158,409 | ||||||
2,099,159 | ||||||||
Engineering & Construction - 0.6% | ||||||||
AECOM | 2,947 | 295,112 | ||||||
EMCOR Group, Inc. | 1,644 | 646,191 | ||||||
941,303 |
5
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 88.0% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Industrials - 7.2% (Continued) | ||||||||
Industrial Support Services - 0.3% | ||||||||
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. | 1,090 | $ | 223,581 | |||||
Watsco, Inc. | 756 | 359,418 | ||||||
582,999 | ||||||||
Machinery - 0.6% | ||||||||
Caterpillar, Inc. | 1,489 | 530,233 | ||||||
Crane Company | 1,237 | 195,916 | ||||||
ESAB Corporation | 1,581 | 165,958 | ||||||
Federal Signal Corporation | 1,811 | 171,121 | ||||||
1,063,228 | ||||||||
Transportation & Logistics - 1.2% | ||||||||
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. | 4,746 | 393,633 | ||||||
Deutsche Post AG - ADR | 9,116 | 395,726 | ||||||
FedEx Corporation | 668 | 199,578 | ||||||
Landstar System, Inc. | 1,156 | 211,039 | ||||||
Union Pacific Corporation | 1,808 | 463,011 | ||||||
XPO, Inc.(a) | 3,334 | 382,143 | ||||||
2,045,130 | ||||||||
Materials - 1.9% | ||||||||
Chemicals - 1.2% | ||||||||
BASF SE - ADR | 31,062 | 394,177 | ||||||
Linde plc | 3,295 | 1,575,834 | ||||||
1,970,011 | ||||||||
Construction Materials - 0.5% | ||||||||
Eagle Materials, Inc. | 1,022 | 263,421 | ||||||
Owens Corning | 1,484 | 250,395 | ||||||
Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc. | 1,521 | 278,434 | ||||||
792,250 | ||||||||
Forestry, Paper & Wood Products - 0.1% | ||||||||
Boise Cascade Company | 1,446 | 196,107 | ||||||
Steel - 0.1% | ||||||||
ATI, Inc.(a) | 3,829 | 244,596 |
6
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 88.0% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Real Estate - 10.6% | ||||||||
REITs - 10.6% | ||||||||
American Homes 4 Rent - Class A | 6,690 | $ | 266,061 | |||||
American Tower Corporation | 8,001 | 1,792,704 | ||||||
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | 3,044 | 687,122 | ||||||
BXP, Inc. | 2,860 | 215,129 | ||||||
Crown Castle, Inc. | 6,728 | 753,671 | ||||||
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | 6,231 | 944,682 | ||||||
Equinix, Inc. | 1,452 | 1,211,491 | ||||||
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | 3,887 | 282,624 | ||||||
Equity Residential | 7,310 | 547,373 | ||||||
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | 1,400 | 422,506 | ||||||
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | 3,746 | 663,042 | ||||||
Federal Realty Investment Trust | 1,710 | 196,650 | ||||||
Invitation Homes, Inc. | 12,180 | 448,711 | ||||||
Iron Mountain, Inc. | 5,381 | 609,452 | ||||||
Kimco Realty Corporation | 12,738 | 296,286 | ||||||
Lamar Advertising Company - Class A | 1,648 | 207,285 | ||||||
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | 2,638 | 428,332 | ||||||
Prologis, Inc. | 10,760 | 1,375,343 | ||||||
Public Storage | 2,361 | 811,523 | ||||||
Realty Income Corporation | 11,717 | 727,743 | ||||||
Regency Centers Corporation | 3,425 | 248,963 | ||||||
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | 4,514 | 229,853 | ||||||
SBA Communications Corporation | 2,116 | 479,613 | ||||||
Simon Property Group, Inc. | 6,153 | 1,029,705 | ||||||
Sun Communities, Inc. | 2,466 | 333,502 | ||||||
UDR, Inc. | 6,687 | 297,638 | ||||||
VICI Properties, Inc. | 18,330 | 613,688 | ||||||
Welltower, Inc. | 10,636 | 1,283,552 | ||||||
17,404,244 | ||||||||
Technology - 24.1% | ||||||||
Semiconductors - 7.6% | ||||||||
ASML Holding N.V. | 457 | 413,069 | ||||||
Broadcom, Inc. | 13,410 | 2,183,416 | ||||||
NVIDIA Corporation | 75,967 | 9,068,181 | ||||||
QUALCOMM, Inc. | 1,677 | 293,978 | ||||||
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 2,663 | 570,787 | ||||||
12,529,431 |
7
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 88.0% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Technology - 24.1% (Continued) | ||||||||
Software - 5.4% | ||||||||
Adobe, Inc.(a) | 1,338 | $ | 768,560 | |||||
Dynatrace, Inc.(a) | 3,564 | 180,410 | ||||||
Intuit, Inc. | 779 | 490,972 | ||||||
Microsoft Corporation | 11,693 | 4,877,618 | ||||||
Oracle Corporation | 4,876 | 688,930 | ||||||
Salesforce, Inc. | 3,000 | 758,700 | ||||||
SAP SE - ADR | 3,632 | 797,987 | ||||||
SPS Commerce, Inc.(a) | 1,193 | 238,290 | ||||||
8,801,467 | ||||||||
Technology Hardware - 8.6% | ||||||||
Apple, Inc. | 53,204 | 12,183,716 | ||||||
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 5,857 | 296,013 | ||||||
Nintendo Company Ltd.- ADR | 54,343 | 739,065 | ||||||
Sony Group Corporation - ADR | 9,144 | 892,088 | ||||||
14,110,882 | ||||||||
Technology Services - 2.5% | ||||||||
Accenture plc - Class A | 1,121 | 383,326 | ||||||
Insight Enterprises, Inc.(a) | 1,150 | 249,631 | ||||||
International Business Machines Corporation | 2,787 | 563,336 | ||||||
Mastercard, Inc.- Class A | 2,532 | 1,223,817 | ||||||
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a) | 2,930 | 212,220 | ||||||
Science Applications International Corporation | 1,639 | 214,037 | ||||||
Visa, Inc.- Class A | 4,806 | 1,328,234 | ||||||
4,174,601 | ||||||||
Utilities - 1.6% | ||||||||
Electric Utilities - 1.6% | ||||||||
Duke Energy Corporation | 2,464 | 280,773 | ||||||
Enel S.p.A. - ADR | 101,294 | 764,770 | ||||||
Iberdrola S.A. - ADR | 14,108 | 802,463 | ||||||
NextEra Energy, Inc. | 6,151 | 495,217 | ||||||
Southern Company (The) | 3,244 | 280,281 | ||||||
2,623,504 | ||||||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $116,678,353) | $ | 144,717,063 |
8
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 11.0% | Shares | Value | ||||||
ClearShares Ultra-Short Maturity ETF | 22,500 | $ | 2,254,838 | |||||
Global X MSCI Greece ETF | 4,646 | 194,574 | ||||||
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF | 11,000 | 1,061,390 | ||||||
iShares China Large-Cap ETF | 93,600 | 2,476,656 | ||||||
iShares Gold Trust (a) | 71,732 | 3,391,489 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF | 12,568 | 375,406 | ||||||
iShares MSCI India ETF (a) | 64,693 | 3,734,080 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF | 6,512 | 179,471 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF | 3,856 | 163,379 | ||||||
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF | 40,404 | 2,646,462 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF | 19,095 | 1,027,311 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Thailand ETF | 6,099 | 375,393 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Turkey ETF | 4,815 | 178,444 | ||||||
Total Exchange-Traded Funds (Cost $15,932,393) | $ | 18,058,893 | ||||||
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.9% | Shares | Value | ||||||
Federated Hermes Government Obligations Fund - Institutional Class, 5.16% (b) | 146,218 | $ | 146,218 | |||||
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.22% (b) | 1,334,407 | 1,334,407 | ||||||
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $1,480,625) | $ | 1,480,625 | ||||||
Investments at Value - 99.9% (Cost $134,091,371) | $ | 164,256,581 | ||||||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.1% | 196,990 | |||||||
Net Assets - 100.0% | $ | 164,453,571 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | The rate shown is the 7-day effective yield as of August 31, 2024. |
A/S - Aktieselskab |
ADR - American Depositary Receipt |
AG - Aktiengesellschaft |
N.V. - Naamloze Vennootschap |
plc - Public Limited Company |
S.A. - Societe Anonyme |
SE - Societe Europaea |
S.p.A. - Societa per azioni |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
ASSETS | ||||
Investments: | ||||
At cost | $ | 134,091,371 | ||
At value (Note 2) | $ | 164,256,581 | ||
Receivable for capital shares sold | 481,474 | |||
Dividends receivable | 174,662 | |||
Tax reclaims receivable | 43,443 | |||
Other assets | 34,525 | |||
Total assets | 164,990,685 | |||
LIABILITIES | ||||
Due to custodian | 42 | |||
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 371,713 | |||
Payable to the Adviser (Note 4) | 134,284 | |||
Payable to administrator (Note 4) | 19,785 | |||
Other accrued expenses | 11,290 | |||
Total liabilities | 537,114 | |||
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Note 7) | - | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 164,453,571 | ||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 136,102,734 | ||
Accumulated earnings | 28,350,837 | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 164,453,571 | ||
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE: | ||||
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS | ||||
Net assets applicable to Institutional Class | $ | 164,453,571 | ||
Institutional Class shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value) | 11,312,574 | |||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share (Note 2) | $ | 14.54 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
For the Six Months Ended August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||
Dividend income (net of foreign withholding taxes of $75,995) | $ | 1,439,341 | ||
EXPENSES | ||||
Management fees (Note 4) | 735,727 | |||
Administration fees (Note 4) | 72,816 | |||
Fund accounting fees (Note 4) | 24,331 | |||
Registration and filing fees | 17,993 | |||
Legal fees | 13,882 | |||
Trustees fees and expenses (Note 4) | 10,739 | |||
Transfer agent fees (Note 4) | 10,083 | |||
Audit and tax services fees | 9,432 | |||
Custodian and bank service fees | 8,406 | |||
Compliance service fees (Note 4) | 8,391 | |||
Postage and supplies | 6,175 | |||
Shareholder report expense | 5,530 | |||
Insurance expense | 1,748 | |||
Other expenses | 11,737 | |||
Total Expenses | 936,990 | |||
Management fees recouped (Note 4) | 31,075 | |||
Net Expenses | 968,065 | |||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 471,276 | |||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES | ||||
Net realized gains from: | ||||
Investment transactions | 4,422,922 | |||
Foreign currency transactions | 69 | |||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | ||||
Investments | 8,587,888 | |||
Foreign currency translations | 206 | |||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES | 13,011,085 | |||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 13,482,361 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
11
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
August 31, 2024 | February 29, | |||||||
(Unaudited) | 2024 | |||||||
FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 471,276 | $ | 697,895 | ||||
Net realized gains (losses) from: | ||||||||
Investment transactions | 4,422,922 | 2,671,326 | ||||||
Foreign currency transactions | 69 | (51 | ) | |||||
Long-term capital gain distributions from regulated investment companies | - | 45,026 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | ||||||||
Investments | 8,587,888 | 18,971,762 | ||||||
Foreign currency translations | 206 | 61 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 13,482,361 | 22,386,019 | ||||||
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS (Note 2) | ||||||||
Institutional Class | - | (820,274 | ) | |||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | - | 947,539 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | - | (600,561 | ) | |||||
Shares exchanged for Institutional Class (Note 1) | - | (2,071,807 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in Investor Class net assets from capital share transactions | - | (1,724,829 | ) | |||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 36,650,520 | 52,055,826 | ||||||
Shares exchanged from Investor Class (Note 1) | - | 2,071,807 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | - | 819,930 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (27,789,338 | ) | (28,440,584 | ) | ||||
Net increase in Institutional Class net assets from capital share transactions | 8,861,182 | 26,506,979 | ||||||
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | 22,343,543 | 46,347,895 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 142,110,028 | 95,762,133 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 164,453,571 | $ | 142,110,028 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
12
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued) |
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
August 31, 2024 | February 29, | |||||||
(Unaudited) | 2024 | |||||||
CAPITAL SHARES ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | - | 81,625 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | - | (51,105 | ) | |||||
Shares exchanged for Institutional Class (Note 1) | - | (171,941 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in shares outstanding | - | (141,421 | ) | |||||
Shares outstanding at beginning of year | - | 141,421 | ||||||
Shares outstanding at end of year | - | - | ||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 2,618,972 | 4,350,957 | ||||||
Shares issued in connection with exchange of Investor Class shares (Note 1) | - | 170,803 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | - | 65,700 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (2,000,118 | ) | (2,422,336 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 618,854 | 2,165,124 | ||||||
Shares outstanding at beginning of period | 10,693,720 | 8,528,596 | ||||||
Shares outstanding at end of period | 11,312,574 | 10,693,720 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
August 31, | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | February 29, | February 28, | February 28, | February 28, | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021(a) | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value at beginning of period | $ | 13.29 | $ | 11.05 | $ | 12.74 | $ | 12.04 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (b)(c) | 0.04 | 0.08 | 0.09 | 0.07 | 0.02 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currencies | 1.21 | 2.24 | (1.72) | 0.69 | 2.06 | |||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.25 | 2.32 | (1.63) | 0.76 | 2.08 | |||||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | - | (0.08) | (0.06) | (0.06) | (0.04) | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value at end of period | $ | 14.54 | $ | 13.29 | $ | 11.05 | $ | 12.74 | $ | 12.04 | ||||||||||
Total return (d) | 9.41 | % (e) | 21.07 | % | (12.82 | %) | 6.29 | % | 20.80 | % (e) | ||||||||||
Net assets at end of period (000s) | $ | 164,454 | $ | 142,110 | $ | 94,207 | $ | 80,032 | $ | 53,273 | ||||||||||
Ratios/supplementary data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (f) | 1.21 | %(g) | 1.28% | 1.33% | 1.40% | 1.93 | %(g) | |||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (f)(h) | 1.25 | %(g) | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.26 | %(i) | 1.35 | %(g)(i) | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c)(f)(h) | 0.61 | %(g) | 0.66% | 0.76% | 0.54 | % | 0.20 | %(g) | ||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 81 | % (e) | 244 | % | 278 | % | 130 | % | 95 | % (e) |
(a) | Represents the period from the commencement of operations (March 31, 2020) through February 28, 2021. |
(b) | Per share net investment income has been determined on the basis of average number of shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of the dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(d) | Total return is a measure of the change in value of an investment in the Fund over the periods covered. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions, if any, or the redemption of Fund shares. The total returns would have been lower had the Adviser not reduced management fees and/or reimbursed expenses (Note 4). |
(e) | Not annualized. |
(f) | Ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net assets do not reflect the Funds proportionate share of income and expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(g) | Annualized. |
(h) | Ratio was determined after management fees reductions and/or expense reimbursements and recoupments (Note 4). |
(i) | Includes costs to organize the Fund of 0.01% and 0.10% for the year ended February 28, 2022 and period ended February 28, 2021, respectively, which are excluded from the Expense Limitation Agreement (Note 4). |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
14
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
1. Organization
Blueprint Adaptive Growth Allocation Fund (formerly Blueprint Growth Fund) (the Fund) is a diversified series of Ultimus Managers Trust (the Trust). The Trust is an open-end management investment company established as an Ohio business trust under a Declaration of Trust dated February 28, 2012. Other series of the Trust are not incorporated in this report. The Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2020.
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation while managing risk.
The Fund currently offers one class of shares: Institutional Class shares (sold without any sales loads and distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees and requiring a $5,000 initial investment). Prior to December 8, 2023, the Fund offered two classes of shares, Investor Class shares (sold without any sales loads, but subject to a distribution and/or shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Investor Class shares and requiring a $5,000 initial investment) and Institutional Class shares (sold without any sales loads and distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees and requiring a $15,000 initial investment). On December 8, 2023, all existing Investor Class shares were converted into Institutional Class shares at the Institutional Class net asset value per share as of December 8, 2023, which was $12.13. After December 8, 2023, Investor Class shares were no longer offered by the Fund.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of the Funds significant accounting policies used in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The Fund follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies.
Regulatory update - Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) - Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. The Fund has implemented the rule and form requirements, as applicable, and is currently adhering to the requirements.
15
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
Securities valuation - The Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. The Fund values its listed securities, including common stocks and ETFs, on the basis of the securitys last sale price on the securitys primary exchange, if available, otherwise at the exchanges most recently quoted mean price. NASDAQ-listed securities are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Option contracts, if any, are valued at the closing price on the exchanges on which they are primarily traded; if no closing price is available at the time of valuation, the option will be valued at the mean of the closing bid and ask prices for that day. When using a quoted price and when the market for the security is considered active, the security will be classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy (see below). In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, the Fund values its securities and other assets at fair value as determined by Blueprint Fund Management, LLC (the Adviser), as the Funds valuation designee, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees (the Board) pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Under these procedures, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used. Unavailable or unreliable market quotes may be due to the following factors: a substantial bid-ask spread; infrequent sales resulting in stale prices; insufficient trading volume; small trade sizes; a temporary lapse in any reliable pricing source; and actions of the securities or futures markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading. As a result, the prices of securities used to calculate the Funds net asset value (NAV) may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities.
GAAP establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
● | Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities |
● | Level 2 - other significant observable inputs |
● | Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs |
The inputs or methods used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
16
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
The following is a summary of the Funds investments and the level of inputs used to value the investments as of August 31, 2024:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 144,717,063 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 144,717,063 | ||||||||
Exchange-Traded Funds | 18,058,893 | - | - | 18,058,893 | ||||||||||||
Money Market Funds | 1,480,625 | - | - | 1,480,625 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 164,256,581 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 164,256,581 | ||||||||
Refer to the Funds Schedule of Investments for a listing of the common stocks by sector and industry type. The Fund did not hold any derivative instruments or any assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of or during the six months ended August 31, 2024.
Foreign currency translation - Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in or expected to settle in foreign currencies, if any, are translated into U.S. dollars based on exchange rates on the following basis:
A. | The fair values of investment securities and other assets and liabilities are translated as of the close of the NYSE each day. |
B. | Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expenses are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the respective date of such transactions. |
C. | The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations caused by changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from those caused by changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments. |
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from 1) purchases and sales of foreign currencies, 2) currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and 3) the difference between the amounts of dividends and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Reported net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities that result from changes in exchange rates.
Cash - The Funds cash, if any, is held in a bank account with balances which, at times, may exceed United States federally insured limits set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Fund maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution and may incur charges on cash overdrafts.
17
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
Share valuation - The NAV per share of each class of the Fund is calculated daily by dividing the total value of the assets attributable to that class, less liabilities attributable to that class, by the number of shares outstanding of that class. The offering price and redemption price per share of each class of the Fund is equal to the NAV per share of such class.
Investment income - Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the security received. Interest income is accrued as earned. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, if any, have been recorded in accordance with the Funds understanding of the applicable countrys rules and tax rates.
Investment transactions - Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are determined on a specific identification basis.
Common expenses - Common expenses of the Trust are allocated among the Fund and the other series of the Trust based on the relative net assets of each series, the number of series in the Trust, or the nature of the services performed and the relative applicability to each series.
Allocation between Classes - Investment income earned, realized capital gains and losses, and unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated daily to each Class of the Fund based upon its proportionate share of total net assets of the Fund. Class-specific expenses are charged directly to the Class incurring the expense. Common expenses which are not attributable to a specific Class are allocated daily to the Class of shares of the Fund based upon its proportionate share of total net assets of the Fund. Effective December 8, 2023, the allocation between classes no longer applies to the Fund.
Distributions to shareholders - The Fund distributes to shareholders any net investment income dividends and net realized capital gains on an annual basis. The amount of such dividends and distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders by the Fund during the year ended February 29, 2024, was ordinary income. No distributions were paid to shareholders during the six months ended August 31, 2024.
Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increase (decrease) in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
18
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
Federal tax - The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Qualification generally will relieve the Fund of liability for federal income taxes to the extent 100% of its net investment income and net realized capital gains are distributed in accordance with the Code.
In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, it is also the Funds intention to declare as dividends in each calendar year equal to at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the twelve months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts from prior years.
The following information is computed on a tax basis for each item as of February 29, 2024:
Cost of investments | $ | 114,997,613 | ||
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 21,973,312 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (994,965 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | 20,978,347 | |||
Undistributed ordinary income | 206,188 | |||
Accumulated capital and other losses | (6,316,059 | ) | ||
Distributable earnings | $ | 14,868,476 | ||
As of February 29, 2024, the Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $6,319,059 for federal income tax purposes. These capital loss carryforwards, which do not expire, may be utilized in the current and future years to offset net realized capital gains, if any.
The federal tax cost, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of August 31, 2024 is as follows:
Cost of investments | $ | 134,999,602 | ||
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 29,889,832 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (632,853 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 29,256,979 | ||
Net unrealized appreciation on foreign currencies | $ | 206 | ||
The difference between the federal income tax cost of investments and the financial statement cost of investments is due to certain timing differences in the recognition of capital gains or losses under income tax regulations and GAAP. These book/tax differences are temporary in nature and are primarily due to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and adjustments to basis for grantor trusts and passive foreign investment companies.
19
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits or expenses of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not of being sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has reviewed the Funds tax positions for the current and all open tax years (generally, three years) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdiction as U.S. Federal.
The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax on the Statement of Operations. During the six months ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
3. Investment Transactions
During the six months ended August 31, 2024, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, amounted to $137,883,182 and $121,960,217, respectively.
4. Transactions with Related Parties
ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement the Adviser serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser provides the Fund with the selection of a sub-investment advisor and the compliance and managerial oversight of that sub-adviser and its services to the Fund. The Fund pays the Adviser a management fee, computed and accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.95% of average daily net assets.
Blueprint Investment Partners, LLC (the Sub-Adviser) serves as the Funds sub-adviser. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with a continuous program of investing the Funds assets and determining the composition of the Funds portfolio. For its services, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser an investment sub-advisory fee computed at the annual rate of 0.20% of the Funds average daily net assets. The Fund does not directly pay the sub-advisory fee.
Pursuant to an Expense Limitation Agreement (ELA) between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser has agreed contractually, until June 30, 2025, to reduce its management fees and reimburse other expenses to the extent necessary to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses, costs to organize the Fund, extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds business) to 1.25% of average daily net assets for Institutional Class shares. Accordingly, during the six months ended August 31, 2024, the Adviser did not reduce its management fees.
20
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
Management fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund for a period of three years after such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. Prior to June 30, 2025, the agreement may not be modified or terminated without the approval of the Board. After June 30, 2025, the ELA may continue from year-to-year provided such continuance is approved by the Board. The ELA may be terminated by the Adviser, or the Board, without approval by the other party, at the end of the then current term upon not less than 90 days notice to the other parties as set forth in the ELA. As of August 31, 2024, the Adviser may seek repayment of management fee reductions and expense reimbursements no later than the dates below:
February 28, 2025 | $ | 42,312 | ||
February 28, 2026 | 68,705 | |||
February 28, 2027 | 35,519 | |||
Total | $ | 146,536 | ||
During the six months ended August 31, 2024, the Adviser recouped $31,075 of prior management fee reductions and expense reimbursements.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Ultimus) provides administration, fund accounting, and transfer agency services to the Fund. The Fund pays Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services. In addition, the Fund pays out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, postage, supplies and certain costs related to the pricing of the Funds portfolio securities.
Under the terms of a Consulting Agreement with the Trust, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (NLCS) provides a Chief Compliance Officer and an Anti-Money Laundering Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services. Under the terms of the agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Funds. NLCS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus.
Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the Distributor) serves as principal underwriter to the Fund. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Fund) for acting as principal underwriter.
Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of Ultimus and are not paid by the Trust or the Fund for serving in such capacities.
21
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
Each member of the Board (a Trustee) who is not an interested person (as defined by the 1940 Act, as amended) of the Trust (Independent Trustee) receives an annual retainer and meeting fees, plus reimbursement for travel and other meeting-related expenses.
PRINCIPAL HOLDER OF FUND SHARES
As of August 31, 2024, the following shareholder owned of record 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund:
NAME OF RECORD OWNERS | % OWNERSHIP |
Institutional Class | |
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. (for the benefit of its customers) | 74% |
A beneficial owner of 25% or more of the Funds outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholders vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders meeting.
5. Borrowing Costs
From time to time, the Fund may have an overdrawn cash balance at the custodian due to redemptions or market movements. When this occurs, the Fund will incur borrowing costs charged by the custodian. During the six months ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not incur any borrowing costs by the custodian.
6. Contingencies and Commitments
The Fund indemnifies the Trusts officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that might arise from their performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
7. Investment in Other Investment Companies
The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in shares of one or more investment companies, including ETFs, open-end mutual funds and money market mutual funds. The Fund will incur additional indirect expenses (acquired fund fees and expenses) to the extent it invests in shares of other investment companies.
22
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
8. Subsequent Events
The Fund is required to recognize in the financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed as of the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For non-recognized subsequent events that must be disclosed to keep the financial statements from being misleading, the Fund is required to disclose the nature of the event as well as an estimate of its financial effect, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of these financial statements and has noted no such events.
23
BLUEPRINT ADAPTIVE GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free 1-866-983-4525, or on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free 1-866-983-4525, or on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
The Trust files a complete listing of portfolio holdings for the Fund with the SEC as of the end of the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to Form N-PORT. These filings are available upon request by calling 1-866-983-4525. Furthermore, you may obtain a copy of the filings on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and on the Funds website www.blueprintmutualfunds.com.
24
HVIA EQUITY FUND
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (HVEIX)
Managed by
Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2024
(Unaudited)
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
COMMON STOCKS - 93.8% | Shares | Value | ||||||
Communications - 2.6% | ||||||||
Internet Media & Services - 2.6% | ||||||||
Alphabet, Inc. - Class C | 9,720 | $ | 1,604,869 | |||||
Consumer Discretionary - 12.6% | ||||||||
E-Commerce Discretionary - 3.6% | ||||||||
Amazon.com, Inc. (a) | 12,400 | 2,213,400 | ||||||
Home Construction - 2.1% | ||||||||
Lennar Corporation - Class A | 7,300 | 1,329,038 | ||||||
Leisure Facilities & Services - 5.0% | ||||||||
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (a) | 29,500 | 1,654,360 | ||||||
Starbucks Corporation | 15,470 | 1,462,998 | ||||||
3,117,358 | ||||||||
Retail - Discretionary - 1.9% | ||||||||
AutoZone, Inc. (a) | 365 | 1,161,240 | ||||||
Consumer Staples - 2.0% | ||||||||
Beverages - 0.4% | ||||||||
PepsiCo, Inc. | 1,580 | 273,151 | ||||||
Food - 0.9% | ||||||||
Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A | 7,810 | 560,836 | ||||||
Retail - Consumer Staples - 0.7% | ||||||||
Dollar General Corporation | 5,300 | 439,741 | ||||||
Energy - 4.3% | ||||||||
Oil & Gas Producers - 1.4% | ||||||||
Exxon Mobil Corporation | 7,500 | 884,550 | ||||||
Oil & Gas Services & Equipment - 2.9% | ||||||||
Baker Hughes Company | 30,890 | 1,086,401 | ||||||
Schlumberger Ltd. | 15,800 | 695,042 | ||||||
1,781,443 | ||||||||
Financials - 13.9% | ||||||||
Asset Management - 2.2% | ||||||||
Blue Owl Capital, Inc. | 49,000 | 864,360 | ||||||
Charles Schwab Corporation (The) | 7,500 | 488,250 | ||||||
1,352,610 |
1
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 93.8% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Financials - 13.9% (Continued) | ||||||||
Banking - 2.2% | ||||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Company | 6,180 | $ | 1,389,264 | |||||
Institutional Financial Services - 3.4% | ||||||||
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | 1,900 | 969,475 | ||||||
Morgan Stanley | 10,980 | 1,137,638 | ||||||
2,107,113 | ||||||||
Insurance - 2.8% | ||||||||
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. | 7,604 | 1,729,986 | ||||||
Specialty Finance - 3.3% | ||||||||
American Express Company | 8,010 | 2,071,786 | ||||||
Health Care - 11.7% | ||||||||
Biotech & Pharma - 6.5% | ||||||||
AbbVie, Inc. | 4,550 | 893,210 | ||||||
Eli Lilly & Company | 2,230 | 2,140,845 | ||||||
Pfizer, Inc. | 35,000 | 1,015,350 | ||||||
4,049,405 | ||||||||
Health Care Facilities & Services - 1.1% | ||||||||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 1,115 | 658,073 | ||||||
Medical Equipment & Devices - 4.1% | ||||||||
Danaher Corporation | 4,980 | 1,341,164 | ||||||
Illumina, Inc. (a) | 3,505 | 460,557 | ||||||
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 1,250 | 768,837 | ||||||
2,570,558 | ||||||||
Industrials - 12.2% | ||||||||
Electrical Equipment - 1.0% | ||||||||
Generac Holdings, Inc. (a) | 4,000 | 626,120 | ||||||
Engineering & Construction - 2.0% | ||||||||
Fluor Corporation (a) | 24,830 | 1,243,238 | ||||||
Industrial Intermediate Products - 1.6% | ||||||||
Chart Industries, Inc. (a) | 8,300 | 1,015,920 | ||||||
Industrial Support Services - 4.3% | ||||||||
Grainger (W.W.), Inc. | 1,300 | 1,280,396 | ||||||
United Rentals, Inc. | 1,870 | 1,386,156 | ||||||
2,666,552 | ||||||||
Machinery - 1.6% | ||||||||
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. | 5,180 | 1,002,900 |
2
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 93.8% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Industrials - 12.2% (Continued) | ||||||||
Transportation & Logistics - 1.7% | ||||||||
CSX Corporation | 30,718 | $ | 1,052,706 | |||||
Materials - 1.9% | ||||||||
Chemicals - 0.9% | ||||||||
Sherwin-Williams Company (The) | 1,620 | 598,379 | ||||||
Steel - 1.0% | ||||||||
Nucor Corporation | 4,070 | 618,274 | ||||||
Real Estate - 2.9% | ||||||||
REITs - 2.9% | ||||||||
Prologis, Inc. | 9,943 | 1,270,914 | ||||||
Weyerhaeuser Company | 17,958 | 547,540 | ||||||
1,818,454 | ||||||||
Technology - 29.4% | ||||||||
Semiconductors - 14.4% | ||||||||
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a) | 13,510 | 2,007,046 | ||||||
KLA Corporation | 3,710 | 3,040,085 | ||||||
NVIDIA Corporation | 33,078 | 3,948,521 | ||||||
8,995,652 | ||||||||
Software - 8.0% | ||||||||
Adobe, Inc. (a) | 2,725 | 1,565,267 | ||||||
Microsoft Corporation | 5,100 | 2,127,414 | ||||||
Salesforce, Inc. | 5,020 | 1,269,558 | ||||||
4,962,239 | ||||||||
Technology Hardware - 4.7% | ||||||||
Apple, Inc. | 7,250 | 1,660,250 | ||||||
Ciena Corporation (a) | 10,900 | 628,385 | ||||||
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 12,260 | 619,621 | ||||||
2,908,256 | ||||||||
Technology Services - 2.3% | ||||||||
Visa, Inc. - Class A | 5,330 | 1,473,052 | ||||||
Utilities - 0.3% | ||||||||
Electric Utilities - 0.3% | ||||||||
AES Corporation (The) | 11,390 | 195,111 | ||||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $33,850,589) | $ | 58,471,274 |
3
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 6.1% | Shares | Value | ||||||
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.22% (b) (Cost $3,793,688) | 3,793,688 | $ | 3,793,688 | |||||
Investments at Value - 99.9% (Cost $37,644,277) | $ | 62,264,962 | ||||||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.1% | 39,218 | |||||||
Net Assets - 100.0% | $ | 62,304,180 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | The rate shown is the 7-day effective yield as of August 31, 2024. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
ASSETS | ||||
Investments in securities: | ||||
At cost | $ | 37,644,277 | ||
At value (Note 2) | $ | 62,264,962 | ||
Dividends receivable | 59,784 | |||
Tax reclaims receivable | 258 | |||
Other assets | 22,414 | |||
TOTAL ASSETS | 62,347,418 | |||
LIABILITIES | ||||
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 2,038 | |||
Payable to Adviser (Note 4) | 24,082 | |||
Payable to administrator (Note 4) | 11,629 | |||
Other accrued expenses | 5,489 | |||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 43,238 | |||
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (NOTE 6) | - | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 62,304,180 | ||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 35,936,318 | ||
Accumulated earnings | 26,367,862 | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 62,304,180 | ||
PRICING OF INSTITUTIONAL SHARES (NOTE 1) | ||||
Net assets applicable to Institutional Shares | $ | 62,304,180 | ||
Shares of Institutional Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value) | 2,418,594 | |||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share (Note 2) | $ | 25.76 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
For the Six Months Ended August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||
Dividend income | $ | 391,016 | ||
EXPENSES | ||||
Management fees (Note 4) | 218,014 | |||
Administration fees (Note 4) | 31,574 | |||
Fund accounting fees (Note 4) | 20,610 | |||
Legal fees | 13,882 | |||
Trustees fees and expenses (Note 4) | 10,739 | |||
Transfer agent fees (Note 4) | 10,591 | |||
Registration and filing fees | 10,397 | |||
Audit and tax services fees | 9,433 | |||
Shareholder reporting expense | 6,201 | |||
Compliance fees (Note 4) | 6,000 | |||
Custody and bank service fees | 5,013 | |||
Postage and supplies | 2,098 | |||
Insurance expense | 1,515 | |||
Other expenses | 9,566 | |||
TOTAL EXPENSES | 355,633 | |||
Less fee reductions by the Adviser (Note 4) | (63,966 | ) | ||
NET EXPENSES | 291,667 | |||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 99,349 | |||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS | ||||
Net realized gains from investments | 1,375,327 | |||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 2,325,386 | |||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS | 3,700,713 | |||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 3,800,062 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
Six Months | ||||||||
Ended | Year | |||||||
August 31, | Ended | |||||||
2024 | February 29, | |||||||
(Unaudited) | 2024 | |||||||
FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 99,349 | $ | 163,527 | ||||
Net realized gains (losses) from: | ||||||||
Investments | 1,375,327 | 1,051,463 | ||||||
Foreign currency transactions | - | (134 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | ||||||||
Investments | 2,325,386 | 12,276,786 | ||||||
Foreign currency translation | - | 131 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting | 3,800,062 | 13,491,773 | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS (Note 2) | ||||||||
Institutional Shares | - | (789,132 | ) | |||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | ||||||||
Institutional Shares | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 5,756,657 | 14,924,541 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | - | 2,132 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (2,816,749 | ) | (7,243,080 | ) | ||||
Net increase in Institutional Shares net assets from capital share transactions | 2,939,908 | 7,683,593 | ||||||
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | 6,739,970 | 20,386,234 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 55,564,210 | 35,177,976 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 62,304,180 | $ | 55,564,210 | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Institutional Shares | ||||||||
Shares sold | 233,295 | 729,504 | ||||||
Shares reinvested | - | 97 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (112,959 | ) | (368,616 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 120,336 | 360,985 | ||||||
Shares outstanding at beginning of period | 2,298,258 | 1,937,273 | ||||||
Shares outstanding at end of period | 2,418,594 | 2,298,258 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period |
Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended | Year | Year | Year | Year | Year | |||||||||||||||||||
August 31, | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
2024 | Feb. 29, | Feb. 28, | Feb. 28, | Feb. 28, | Feb. 29, | |||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value at beginning of period | $ | 24.18 | $ | 18.16 | $ | 21.67 | $ | 19.38 | $ | 14.00 | $ | 13.28 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.04 | 0.07 | 0.15 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currencies | 1.54 | 6.32 | (2.08 | ) | 2.88 | 5.45 | 0.76 | |||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.58 | 6.39 | (1.93 | ) | 2.90 | 5.47 | 0.82 | |||||||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | - | (0.09 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.00 | )(a) | (0.07 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net realized gains | - | (0.28 | ) | (1.45 | ) | (0.58 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.03 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total distributions | - | (0.37 | ) | (1.58 | ) | (0.61 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.10 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net asset value at end of period | $ | 25.76 | $ | 24.18 | $ | 18.16 | $ | 21.67 | $ | 19.38 | $ | 14.00 | ||||||||||||
Total return (b) | 6.53 | %(c) | 35.36 | % | (8.62 | %) | 14.66 | % | 39.10 | % | 6.11 | % | ||||||||||||
Net assets at end of period (000s) | $ | 62,304 | $ | 55,564 | $ | 35,178 | $ | 37,732 | $ | 30,410 | $ | 20,229 | ||||||||||||
Ratios/supplementary data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 1.21 | %(d) | 1.34 | % | 1.40 | % | 1.35 | % | 1.59 | % | 1.76 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (e) | 0.99 | %(d) | 0.99 | % | 0.99 | % | 0.99 | % | 0.99 | % | 0.99 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (e) | 0.34 | %(d) | 0.39 | % | 0.80 | % | 0.09 | % | 0.13 | % | 0.42 | % | ||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 7 | %(c) | 23 | % | 30 | % | 11 | % | 11 | % | 16 | % |
(a) | Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share. |
(b) | Total return is a measure of the change in value of an investment in the Fund over the periods covered. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholders would pay on Fund distributions, if any, or the redemption of Fund shares. The total returns would be lower if the Adviser had not reduced management fees and/or reimbursed expenses. |
(c) | Not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Ratio was determined after management fee reductions and/or expense reimbursements (Note 4). |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
1. Organization
HVIA Equity Fund (the Fund) is a diversified series of Ultimus Managers Trust (the Trust), an open-end investment company established as an Ohio business trust under a Declaration of Trust dated February 28, 2012. Other series of the Trust are not incorporated in this report.
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek growth at a reasonable price.
The Fund currently offers one class of shares: Institutional Class shares (sold without any sales loads or distribution fees and subject to a $25,000 initial investment requirement). As of August 31, 2024, the Investor Class shares (to be sold without any sales load, but subject to a distribution fee of up to 0.25% of the classs average daily net assets and subject to a $2,500 initial investment requirement) are not currently offered. When both classes are offered, each share class will represent an ownership interest in the same investment portfolio.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of the Funds significant accounting policies. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The Fund follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies.
Regulatory update - Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) - Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. The Fund has implemented the rule and form requirements, as applicable, and is currently adhering to the requirements.
Securities valuation - The Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. The Fund values its common stocks on the basis of the securitys last sale price on the securitys primary exchange, if available, otherwise at the exchanges most recently quoted mean price. NASDAQ-listed securities are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Investments representing shares of other registered open-end investment companies that are not listed on an exchange, including money market funds, are valued at their net asset value (NAV) as reported by such companies. The Fund values securities traded in the over-the-counter market at the last sale price, if available, otherwise at the most recently quoted mean price. When using
9
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
a quoted price and when the market is considered active, the security will be classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy (see below). In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, the Fund values its securities and other assets at fair value as determined by Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. (the Adviser), as the Funds valuation designee, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees (the Board) pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Under these procedures, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used. Unavailable or unreliable market quotes may be due to the following factors: a substantial bid-ask spread; infrequent sales resulting in stale prices; insufficient trading volume; small trade sizes; a temporary lapse in any reliable pricing source; and actions of the securities or futures markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading. As a result, the prices of securities used to calculate the Funds NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities.
GAAP establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
● | Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities |
● | Level 2 - other significant observable inputs |
● | Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs |
The inputs or methods used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following is a summary of the Funds investments and the level of inputs used to value the investments as of August 31, 2024:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 58,471,274 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 58,471,274 | ||||||||
Money Market Funds | 3,793,688 | - | - | 3,793,688 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 62,264,962 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 62,264,962 | ||||||||
Refer to the Funds Schedule of Investments for a listing of the common stocks by sector and industry type. The Fund did not have any derivative instruments or any assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of or during the six months ended August 31, 2024.
10
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
Foreign currency translation - Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in or expected to settle in foreign currencies, if any, are translated into U.S. dollars based on exchange rates on the following basis:
A. | The fair values of investment securities and other assets and liabilities are translated as of the close of the NYSE each day. |
B. | Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expenses are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the respective date of such transactions. |
C. | The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations caused by changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from those caused by changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments. |
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from 1) purchases and sales of foreign currencies, 2) currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and 3) the difference between the amounts of dividends and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Reported net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities that result from changes in exchange rates.
Cash - The Funds cash, if any, is held in a bank account with balances which, at times, may exceed United States federally insured limits set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Fund maintains these balances with a high-quality financial institution and may incur charges on cash overdrafts.
Share valuation - The NAV per share of each class of the Fund is calculated daily by dividing the total value of its assets attributable to that class, less liabilities attributable to that class, by the number of shares outstanding of that class. The offering price and redemption price per share of each class of the Fund is equal to the NAV per share of such class.
Investment income - Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the security received. Interest income is accrued as earned. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been recorded in accordance with the Funds understanding of the applicable countrys tax rules and rates.
Investment transactions - Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are determined on a specific identification basis.
Common expenses - Common expenses of the Trust are allocated among the Fund and the other series of the Trust based on the relative net assets of each series, the number of series in the Trust, or the nature of the services performed and the relative applicability to each series.
11
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
Distributions to shareholders - The Fund will distribute to shareholders any net investment income dividends and net realized capital gains distributions at least once each year. The amount of such dividends and distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The tax character of the Funds distributions during the periods ended August 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024 was as follows:
Ordinary | Long-Term | Total | ||||||||||
Period Ended | Income | Capital Gains | Distributions* | |||||||||
August 31, 2024 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
February 29, 2024 | $ | 190,220 | $ | 598,912 | $ | 789,132 |
* | Total Distributions may not tie to the amounts listed on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets due to reclassifications of the character of the distributions as a result of permanent differences between financial statements and income tax reporting. |
Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increase (decrease) in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Federal income tax - The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Qualification generally will relieve the Fund of liability for federal income taxes to the extent 100% of its net investment income and net realized capital gains are distributed in accordance with the Code.
In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, it is also the Funds intention to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the 12 months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts from prior years.
The following information is computed on a tax basis for each item as of February 29, 2024:
Tax cost of investments | $ | 33,251,267 | ||
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 23,305,703 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (1,010,404 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | 22,295,299 | |||
Undistributed ordinary income | 21,607 | |||
Undistributed long-term capital gains | 250,894 | |||
Distributable earnings | $ | 22,567,800 | ||
12
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
The federal tax cost, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of August 31, 2024 is as follows:
Tax cost of investments | $ | 37,644,277 | ||
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 25,854,464 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (1,233,779 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 24,620,685 | ||
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits or expenses of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not of being sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has reviewed the Funds tax positions for the current and all open tax periods (generally, three years) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements.
The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdiction as U.S. Federal. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax on the Statement of Operations. During the six months ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest of penalties.
3. Investment Transactions
During the six months ended August 31, 2024, cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, amounted to $5,620,482 and $3,808,094, respectively.
4. Transactions with Related Parties
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Funds investments are managed by the Adviser pursuant to the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a management fee, computed and accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.74% of its average daily net assets.
Pursuant to an Expense Limitation Agreement (ELA), the Adviser has contractually agreed, until July 1, 2025, to reduce management fees and reimburse other expenses to the extent necessary to limit total annual operating expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds business) to an amount not exceeding 0.99% of average daily net assets of the Institutional Class shares and 1.24% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares. Accordingly, the Adviser reduced its management fees in the amount of $63,966 during the six months ended August 31, 2024.
13
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
Under the terms of the ELA, management fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund for a period of three years after such fees and expenses were incurred, provided the repayments do not cause total annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of: (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. As of August 31, 2024, the Adviser may seek repayment of management fee reductions and expense reimbursements in the amount of $419,177 no later than the dates listed below:
February 28, 2025 | $ | 67,329 | ||
February 28, 2026 | 143,339 | |||
February 28, 2027 | 144,543 | |||
August 31, 2027 | 63,966 | |||
Total | $ | 419,177 | ||
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Ultimus) provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agency services to the Fund. The Fund pays Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services. In addition, the Fund pays out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, postage, supplies, and certain costs related to the pricing of the Funds portfolio securities.
Under the terms of a Consulting Agreement with the Trust, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (NLCS) provides a Chief Compliance Officer and an Anti-Money Laundering Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services. Under the terms of the agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Fund. NLCS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus.
Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the Distributor) serves as the principal underwriter to the Fund. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is currently compensated by the Adviser (not the Fund) for acting as principal underwriter.
Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of Ultimus and are not paid by the Trust or the Fund for serving in such capacities.
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
Each member of the Board who is not an interested person (as defined by the 1940 Act, as amended) of the Trust receives an annual retainer and meeting fees, plus reimbursement for travel and other meeting-related expenses.
14
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
PRINCIPAL HOLDER OF FUND SHARES
As of August 31, 2024, the following shareholder owned of record more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Fund:
NAME OF RECORD OWNER | % Ownership | |
Pershing, LLC (for the benefit of its customers) | 99.8% |
A beneficial owner of 25% or more of the Funds outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholders vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders meeting.
5. Sector Risk
If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers in industries within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss of an investment in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Funds net asset value per share. From time to time, a particular set of circumstances may affect this sector or companies within the sector. For instance, economic or market factors, regulation or deregulation, or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector and therefore the value of the Funds portfolio will be adversely affected. As of August 31, 2024, the Fund had 29.4% of the value of its net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector.
6. Contingencies and Commitments
The Fund indemnifies the Trusts officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that might arise from the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
7. Subsequent Events
The Fund is required to recognize in the financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed as of the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For non-recognized subsequent events that must be disclosed to keep the financial statements from being misleading, the Fund is required to disclose the nature of the event as well as an estimate of its financial effect, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of these financial statements and has noted no such events.
15
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling toll- free 1-888-209-8710, or on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free 1-888-209-8710, or on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
The Trust files a complete listing of portfolio holdings for the Fund with the SEC as of the end of the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These filings are available upon request by calling 1-888-209-8710. Furthermore, you may obtain a copy of the filings on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and on the Funds website www.hviafunds.com.
16
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
DISCLOSURE REGARDING APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) |
The Board of Trustees (the Board), including the Independent Trustees voting separately, has reviewed and approved the continuance of the HVIA Equity Funds (the Fund) Investment Advisory Agreement with Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. (the Adviser or HVIA) for an additional one-year term (the Advisory Agreement). The Board approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement at a meeting held on April 15-16, 2024, at which all of the Trustees were present (the Meeting).
Prior to the Meeting, the Adviser provided a response to a letter sent by the counsel to the Independent Trustees, on their behalf, requesting various information relevant to the Independent Trustees consideration of the renewal of the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the Independent Trustees considered all information they deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Agreement. The principal areas of review by the Independent Trustees were (1) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, (2) the investment performance of the Fund, (3) the costs of the services provided and profits realized by the Adviser from the Advisers relationship with the Fund, (4) the financial condition of the Adviser, (5) the fall out benefits derived by the Adviser and its affiliates from its relationship with the Fund and (6) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows and whether advisory fee levels reflect those economies of scale for the benefit of the Funds shareholders. The Independent Trustees evaluation of the quality of the Advisers services also took into consideration their knowledge gained through presentations and reports from the Adviser over the course of the preceding year. The Independent Trustees analysis of these factors is set forth below.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Board evaluated the level and depth of knowledge of HVIA, including the professional experience and qualifications of senior personnel. In evaluating the quality of services provided by HVIA, the Board took into account its familiarity with HVIAs management through Board meetings, discussions and reports during the preceding year. The Board also took into account HVIAs compliance policies and procedures based on discussion with HVIA and the Chief Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including HVIAs role in coordinating the activities of the Funds other service providers, was also considered. They also considered HVIAs relationship with its affiliates and the resources available to them, as well as any potential conflicts of interest. The Board discussed the nature and extent of the services provided by HVIA including, without limitation, HVIAs provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund. The Board considered the qualifications and experience of HVIAs portfolio managers who were responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Board also considered HVIAs succession planning for the portfolio managers of the Fund. The Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by HVIA under the Advisory Agreement.
17
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
DISCLOSURE REGARDING APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (Continued) |
Advisory Fees and Expenses and Comparative Accounts
The Board compared the advisory fee and total expense ratio for the Fund with various comparative data. In particular, the Board compared the Funds advisory fee and overall expense ratio to the median advisory fees and expense ratios for its custom peer group provided by Broadridge. The Board noted HVIAs assertion that there were no accounts HVIA managed that were comparable to the Fund. In reviewing the comparison in fees and expense ratios between the Fund and comparable funds, the Board also considered the differences in types of funds being compared, the styles of investment management, the size of the Fund relative to the comparable funds, and the nature of the investment strategies. The Board also considered HVIAs commitment to limit the Funds expenses under the HVIA Expense Limitation Agreement until at least July 1, 2025. The Board noted that the 0.74% advisory fee for the Fund was higher than the median and average for the other funds in its Broadridge custom peer group. The Board further noted that the overall net expense ratio for the Fund of 0.99% was higher than the median and average expense ratio for the other funds in the Funds custom peer group. The Board took into consideration HVIAs assertion that the size of the Fund and unique aspects of its investment strategy differentiated the Funds fee from those of its peers.
Fund Performance
The Board also considered, among other data, the Funds performance results during certain periods ended January 31, 2024 and noted that the Board reviews on a quarterly basis detailed information about the Funds performance results, portfolio composition and investment strategies. The Board noted that the Fund had outperformed the peer group median for the one-, three- and five-year periods, ranking in the first quartile, second quartile and first quartile, respectively. The Board also considered HVIAs response in the 15(c) request for information and at the Meeting that the Fund should be distinguished from the Broadridge peer group funds because of its investment approach. The Board also took into account the supplemental peer group HVIA provided and their performance as compared to the Fund for the one-, three-, five- and year to date periods.
Economies of Scale
The Board also considered the effect of the Funds growth and size on its performance and expenses. The Board noted that HVIA limited fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the Fund in order to reduce the Funds operating expenses to targeted levels. The Board considered the effective advisory fee under the Advisory Agreement as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that might be realized if the assets of the Fund increased. The Board noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund currently did not have breakpoints, and considered HVIAs assertion that adding breakpoints was not appropriate at this time. The Board noted that if the Funds assets increase over time, the Funds might realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other expenses.
18
HVIA EQUITY FUND |
DISCLOSURE REGARDING APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (Continued) |
Financial Condition of the Adviser and Adviser Profitability
Additionally, the Board took into consideration the financial condition and profitability of HVIA and its affiliates and the direct and indirect benefits derived by HVIA and its affiliates from the Fund. The information considered by the Board included operating profit margin information for the Fund as well as HVIAs business as a whole. The Board considered HVIAs commitment to contractually limit the Funds net operating expenses. The Board reviewed the profitability of HVIAs relationship with the Fund both before and after-tax expenses, and considered whether HVIA has the financial wherewithal to continue to provide services to the Fund, noting its ongoing commitment to provide support and resources to the Fund as needed.
Fall-Out Benefits
The Board also noted that HVIA derives benefits to its reputation and other benefits from its association with the Fund. The Board recognized that HVIA should be entitled to earn a reasonable level of profits in exchange for the level of services it provides to the Fund and the entrepreneurial risk that it assumes as investment adviser. Based upon its review, the Board concluded that HVIAs level of profitability, if any, from its relationship with the Fund was reasonable and not excessive.
In considering the renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor as controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Trustees evaluated all information available to them. The Board concluded the following: (a) HVIA demonstrated that it possesses the capability and resources to perform the duties required of it under the Advisory Agreement; (b) HVIA maintains an appropriate compliance program; (c) the overall performance of the Fund is satisfactory relative to the performance of funds with similar investment objectives and relevant indices; and (d) the Funds advisory fees are reasonable in light of the services received by the Fund from HVIA and the other factors considered. Based on their conclusions, the Trustees determined with respect to the Fund that continuation of the Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
19
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NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2024
(Unaudited)
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
COMMON STOCKS - 96.4% | Shares | Value | ||||||
Communications - 3.7% | ||||||||
Internet Media & Services - 0.8% | ||||||||
Zillow Group, Inc. - Class A (a) | 12,330 | $ | 658,792 | |||||
Telecommunications - 2.9% | ||||||||
PLDT, Inc. - ADR | 29,216 | 787,371 | ||||||
Telefónica S.A. - ADR | 353,530 | 1,597,956 | ||||||
2,385,327 | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary - 6.3% | ||||||||
Automotive - 1.0% | ||||||||
BorgWarner, Inc. | 23,950 | 815,977 | ||||||
Consumer Services - 2.9% | ||||||||
Stride, Inc. (a) | 28,728 | 2,365,464 | ||||||
Home & Office Products - 0.9% | ||||||||
Steelcase, Inc. - Class A | 54,632 | 772,496 | ||||||
Retail - Discretionary - 1.5% | ||||||||
Cloudflare, Inc. - Class A (a) | 15,308 | 1,257,399 | ||||||
Consumer Staples - 4.3% | ||||||||
Beverages - 0.7% | ||||||||
Vita Coco Company, Inc. (The) (a) | 23,677 | 618,443 | ||||||
Food - 2.9% | ||||||||
Danone S.A. - ADR | 159,990 | 2,219,062 | ||||||
Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The) (a) | 24,504 | 196,032 | ||||||
2,415,094 | ||||||||
Household Products - 0.7% | ||||||||
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (a) | 3,624 | 542,839 | ||||||
Energy - 5.4% | ||||||||
Renewable Energy - 5.4% | ||||||||
Brookfield Renewable Corporation - Class A | 31,868 | 907,919 | ||||||
First Solar, Inc. (a) | 8,841 | 2,010,178 | ||||||
Sunrun, Inc. (a) | 30,683 | 629,615 | ||||||
Vestas Wind Systems A/S - ADR (a) | 124,744 | 948,055 | ||||||
4,495,767 | ||||||||
Financials - 5.2% | ||||||||
Asset Management - 2.0% | ||||||||
Sanlam Ltd. - ADR | 166,190 | 1,685,166 |
1
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 96.4% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Financials - 5.2%(Continued) | ||||||||
Banking - 3.2% | ||||||||
Amalgamated Financial Corporation | 79,716 | $ | 2,629,831 | |||||
Health Care - 15.0% | ||||||||
Biotech & Pharma - 10.8% | ||||||||
Daiichi Sankyo Company Ltd. - ADR | 36,209 | 1,516,071 | ||||||
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 27,847 | 2,199,913 | ||||||
Organon & Company | 77,605 | 1,734,472 | ||||||
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | 6,995 | 3,468,750 | ||||||
8,919,206 | ||||||||
Medical Equipment & Devices - 4.2% | ||||||||
Hologic, Inc. (a) | 20,702 | 1,681,830 | ||||||
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 2,922 | 1,797,235 | ||||||
3,479,065 | ||||||||
Industrials - 16.7% | ||||||||
Commercial Support Services - 1.9% | ||||||||
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (a) | 15,460 | 819,844 | ||||||
Radius Recycling, Inc. | 47,463 | 718,590 | ||||||
1,538,434 | ||||||||
Electrical Equipment - 3.8% | ||||||||
NEXTracker, Inc. - Class A (a) | 18,134 | 737,510 | ||||||
Schneider Electric SE - ADR | 47,700 | 2,421,252 | ||||||
3,158,762 | ||||||||
Engineering & Construction - 6.9% | ||||||||
AECOM | 25,785 | 2,582,110 | ||||||
Stantec, Inc. | 37,951 | 3,111,602 | ||||||
5,693,712 | ||||||||
Machinery - 4.1% | ||||||||
Mueller Water Products, Inc. - Series A | 47,213 | 1,013,663 | ||||||
Xylem, Inc. | 17,546 | 2,413,101 | ||||||
3,426,764 | ||||||||
Materials - 5.8% | ||||||||
Construction Materials - 3.1% | ||||||||
Carlisle Companies, Inc. | 6,111 | 2,589,842 | ||||||
Containers & Packaging - 1.4% | ||||||||
Brambles Ltd. - ADR | 47,962 | 1,179,865 | ||||||
Forestry, Paper & Wood Products - 1.3% | ||||||||
Sylvamo Corporation | 13,365 | 1,057,038 |
2
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
COMMON STOCKS - 96.4% (Continued) | Shares | Value | ||||||
Real Estate - 6.0% | ||||||||
Real Estate Owners & Developers - 0.5% | ||||||||
City Developments Ltd. - ADR | 102,422 | $ | 404,567 | |||||
REITs - 5.5% | ||||||||
HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. | 41,927 | 1,357,596 | ||||||
Iron Mountain, Inc. | 28,656 | 3,245,579 | ||||||
4,603,175 | ||||||||
Technology - 27.1% | ||||||||
Semiconductors - 6.5% | ||||||||
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a) | 8,345 | 1,239,733 | ||||||
STMicroelectronics N.V. | 30,006 | 958,692 | ||||||
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. - ADR | 18,559 | 3,186,580 | ||||||
5,385,005 | ||||||||
Software - 10.8% | ||||||||
Autodesk, Inc. (a) | 2,826 | 730,238 | ||||||
Duolingo, Inc. (a) | 4,257 | 904,910 | ||||||
Fortinet, Inc. (a) | 27,084 | 2,077,614 | ||||||
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (a) | 6,886 | 2,497,690 | ||||||
SAP SE - ADR | 12,249 | 2,691,228 | ||||||
8,901,680 | ||||||||
Technology Hardware - 2.2% | ||||||||
Apple, Inc. | 8,044 | 1,842,076 | ||||||
Technology Services - 7.6% | ||||||||
International Business Machines Corporation | 17,271 | 3,490,987 | ||||||
Toast, Inc. - Class A (a) | 32,666 | 812,077 | ||||||
Wolters Kluwer N.V. - ADR | 11,790 | 2,000,056 | ||||||
6,303,120 | ||||||||
Utilities - 0.9% | ||||||||
Gas & Water Utilities - 0.9% | ||||||||
California Water Service Group | 13,134 | 726,704 | ||||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $63,691,516) | $ | 79,851,610 |
3
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 3.8% | Shares | Value | ||||||
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.22% (b) (Cost $3,160,164) | 3,160,164 | $ | 3,160,164 | |||||
Investments at Value - 100.2% (Cost $66,851,680) | $ | 83,011,774 | ||||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.2%) | (161,252 | ) | ||||||
Net Assets - 100.0% | $ | 82,850,522 |
A/S - Aktieselskab
ADR - American Depositary Receipt
N.V. - Naamloze Vennootschap
S.A. - Societe Anonyme
SE - Societe Europaea
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | The rate shown is the 7-day effective yield as of August 31, 2024. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
ASSETS | ||||
Investments in securities: | ||||
At cost | $ | 66,851,680 | ||
At value (Note 2) | $ | 83,011,774 | ||
Receivable for capital shares sold | 5,050 | |||
Dividends receivable | 113,372 | |||
Tax reclaims receivable | 31,301 | |||
Other assets | 30,694 | |||
Total assets | 83,192,191 | |||
LIABILITIES | ||||
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 300,000 | |||
Payable to Adviser (Note 4) | 22,598 | |||
Payable to administrator (Note 4) | 12,803 | |||
Other accrued expenses | 6,268 | |||
Total liabilities | 341,669 | |||
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Note 7) | - | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 82,850,522 | ||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 69,164,517 | ||
Accumulated earnings | 13,686,005 | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 82,850,522 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value) |
6,607,931 | |||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share (Note 2) | $ | 12.54 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
For the Six Months Ended August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||
Dividends | $ | 819,927 | ||
Foreign witholding taxes on dividends | (74,076 | ) | ||
Total investment income | 745,851 | |||
EXPENSES | ||||
Management fees (Note 4) | 362,994 | |||
Administration fees (Note 4) | 40,363 | |||
Legal fees | 23,833 | |||
Fund accounting fees (Note 4) | 19,119 | |||
Transfer agent fees (Note 4) | 17,791 | |||
Registration and filing fees | 17,224 | |||
Trustees fees and expenses (Note 4) | 10,739 | |||
Audit and tax services fees | 9,432 | |||
Shareholder reporting expenses | 9,051 | |||
Compliance fees (Note 4) | 7,500 | |||
Custodian and bank service fees | 4,081 | |||
Postage and supplies | 3,342 | |||
Networking fees | 3,014 | |||
Insurance expense | 1,558 | |||
Other expenses | 7,268 | |||
Total expenses | 537,309 | |||
Less fee reductions by the Adviser (Note 4) | (159,032 | ) | ||
Net expenses | 378,277 | |||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 367,574 | |||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS | ||||
Net realized gains from investments transactions | 199,786 | |||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 8,885,720 | |||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS | 9,085,506 | |||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 9,453,080 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
Six Months | ||||||||
Ended | Year | |||||||
August 31, | Ended | |||||||
2024 | February 29, | |||||||
(Unaudited) | 2024 | |||||||
FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 367,574 | $ | 387,182 | ||||
Net realized gains (losses) from investment transactions | 199,786 | (2,158,865 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 8,885,720 | 7,493,422 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 9,453,080 | 5,721,739 | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | - | (372,083 | ) | |||||
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 1,457,584 | 19,961,959 | ||||||
Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | - | 362,364 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (1,488,787 | ) | (1,691,014 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions | (31,203 | ) | 18,633,309 | |||||
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | 9,421,877 | 23,982,965 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 73,428,645 | 49,445,680 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 82,850,522 | $ | 73,428,645 | ||||
CAPITAL SHARES ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Shares sold | 123,569 | 1,934,576 | ||||||
Shares reinvested | - | 32,734 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (126,422 | ) | (161,919 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding | (2,853 | ) | 1,805,391 | |||||
Shares outstanding, beginning of period | 6,610,784 | 4,805,393 | ||||||
Shares outstanding, end of period | 6,607,931 | 6,610,784 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period |
Six Months | ||||||||||||
Ended | ||||||||||||
August 31, | Year Ended | Period Ended | ||||||||||
2024 | February 29, | February 28, | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2024 | 2023(a) | ||||||||||
Net asset value at beginning of period | $ | 11.11 | $ | 10.29 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | 1.37 | 0.82 | 0.29 | (b) | ||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.43 | 0.88 | 0.31 | |||||||||
Less distributions from net investment income | - | (0.06 | ) | (0.02 | ) | |||||||
Net asset value at end of period | $ | 12.54 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 10.29 | ||||||
Total return (c) | 12.87 | %(d) | 8.53 | % | 3.16 | %(d) | ||||||
Net assets at end of period (000s) | $ | 82,851 | $ | 73,429 | $ | 49,446 | ||||||
Ratios/supplementary data: | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 1.41 | %(e) | 1.45 | %(f) | 1.57 | %(e)(f) | ||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (g) | 0.99 | %(e) | 0.99 | %(f) | 0.99 | %(e)(f) | ||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (g) | 0.96 | %(e) | 0.64 | % | 0.30 | %(e) | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 1 | %(d) | 18 | % | 10 | %(d) |
(a) | Represents the period from the commencement of operations (May 10, 2022) through February 28, 2023. |
(b) | Represents a balancing figure derived from other amounts in the financial highlights table that captures all other changes affecting net asset value per share. This per share amount does not correlate to the aggregate of the net realized and unrealized losses on the Statement of Operations for the same period. |
(c) | Total return is a measure of the change in value of an investment in the Fund over the period covered. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions, if any, or the redemption of Fund shares. The total return would be lower if the Adviser had not reduced fees (Note 4). |
(d) | Not annualized. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Includes costs to organize the Fund of 0.02% and 0.01%(e) for the year ended February 29, 2024 and the period ended February 28, 2023 which are excluded from the Expense Limitation Agreement (Note 4). |
(g) | Ratio was determined after management fee reductions by the Adviser (Note 4). |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
August 31, 2024 (Unaudited) |
1. Organization
Nia Impact Solutions Fund (the Fund) is a diversified series of Ultimus Managers Trust (the Trust). The Trust is an open-end management investment company established as an Ohio business trust under a Declaration of Trust dated February 28, 2012. Other series of the Trust are not incorporated in this report. The Fund commenced operations on May 10, 2022.
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing in companies that contribute towards advancements in the areas of diversity and inclusion, sustainability and/or social justice.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. The following is a summary of the Funds significant accounting policies used in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
Regulatory update - Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) - Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. The Fund has implemented the rule and form requirements, as applicable, and is currently adhering to the requirements.
Securities valuation - The Fund values its portfolio securities at market value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. The Fund values its listed securities on the basis of the securitys last sale price on the securitys primary exchange, if available, otherwise at the exchanges most recently quoted mean price. NASDAQ-listed securities are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Investments representing shares of other registered open-end investment companies that are not listed on an exchange, including money market funds, are valued at their net asset value (NAV) as reported by such companies. When using a quoted price and when the market is considered active, the security will be classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy (see below). In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, the Fund values its securities and other assets at fair value as determined by Nia Impact Capital (the Adviser), as the Funds valuation designee, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees (the Board) pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Under these procedures, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs
9
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
used. Unavailable or unreliable market quotes may be due to the following factors: a substantial bid-ask spread; infrequent sales resulting in stale prices; insufficient trading volume; small trade sizes; a temporary lapse in any reliable pricing source; and actions of the securities or futures markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading. As a result, the prices of securities used to calculate the Funds NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities.
GAAP establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
● | Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities |
● | Level 2 - other significant observable inputs |
● | Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs |
The inputs or methods used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following is a summary of the Funds investments based on the inputs used to value the investments as of August 31, 2024, by security type:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 79,851,610 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 79,851,610 | ||||||||
Money Market Funds | 3,160,164 | - | - | 3,160,164 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 83,011,774 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 83,011,774 | ||||||||
Refer to the Funds Schedule of Investments for a listing of common stocks by sector and industry type. The Fund did not hold any derivative instruments or any assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of or during the six months ended August 31, 2024.
Cash - The Funds cash, if any, is held in a bank account with balances which, at times, may exceed United States federally insured limits set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Fund maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution and may incur charges on cash overdrafts.
Share valuation - The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated daily by dividing the total value of the Funds assets, less liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding. The offering price and redemption price per share of the Fund is equal to the NAV per share.
10
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
Investment income - Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the security received. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, if any, have been recorded in accordance with the Funds understanding of the applicable countrys tax rules and rates. Interest income, if any, is accrued as earned.
Investment transactions - Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are determined on a specific identification basis.
Common expenses - Common expenses of the Trust are allocated among the Fund and the other series of the Trust based on the relative net assets of each series, the number of series in the Trust, or the nature of the services performed and the relative applicability to each series.
Distributions to shareholders - The Fund distributes to shareholders any net investment income dividends and net realized capital gains on an annual basis. The amount of such dividends and distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the tax character of all distributions paid to shareholders was ordinary income. There were no distributions paid to shareholders during the six months ended August 31, 2024.
Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increase (decrease) in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Federal income tax - The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Qualification generally will relieve the Fund of liability for federal income taxes to the extent 100% of its net investment income and net realized capital gains are distributed in accordance with the Code.
In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, it is also the Funds intention to declare as dividends in each calendar year equal to at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the twelve months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts from prior years.
The following information is computed on a tax basis for each item as of February 29, 2024:
Tax cost of investments | $ | 66,115,231 | ||
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 11,850,615 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (4,615,402 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | 7,235,213 | |||
Accumulated capital and other losses | (3,002,288 | ) | ||
Distributable earnings | $ | 4,232,925 | ||
11
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
The federal tax cost, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of August 31, 2024 is as follows:
Tax cost of investments | $ | 66,890,841 | ||
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 20,872,249 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (4,751,316 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 16,120,933 | ||
The values of federal income tax cost of investments and the financial statement cost of investments may be temporarily different (book/tax differences). These book/tax differences are due to the timing of the recognition of capital gains or losses under income tax regulations and GAAP, primarily due to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
As of February 29, 2024, the Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $2,478,535 and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $521,131, for federal income tax purposes, which may be carried forward indefinitely. This capital loss carryforward is available to offset net realized gains in the current and future years, thereby reducing future taxable gains.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits or expenses of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not of being sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has reviewed the Funds tax positions for the current and all open tax periods and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements.
The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdiction as U.S. Federal. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax on the Statement of Operations. During the six months ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest penalties.
3. Investment Transactions
During the six months ended August 31, 2024, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, amounted to $4,594,257 and $803,292, respectively.
4. Transactions with Related Parties
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Funds investments are managed by the Adviser pursuant to the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement. The Fund pays the Adviser a management fee, computed and accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.95% of average daily net assets.
Pursuant to an Expense Limitation Agreement (ELA) between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser has agreed contractually, until June 30, 2025, to reduce its management fees and reimburse other expenses to the extent necessary to limit total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses
12
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds business) to an amount not exceeding 0.99% of the Funds average daily net assets. Accordingly, during the six months ended August 31, 2024, the Adviser reduced its management fees in the amount of $159,032.
Under the terms of the ELA, management fee reductions and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund for a period of three years after such date that fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause total annual fund operating expenses to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. Prior to June 30, 2025, this agreement may not be modified or terminated without the approval of the Funds Board. This agreement will terminate automatically if the Funds investment advisory agreement with the Adviser is terminated. As of August 31, 2024, the Adviser may seek repayment of management fee reductions and expense reimbursements in the amount of $614,821 no later than the dates listed below:
February 28, 2026 | $ | 177,123 | ||
February 28, 2027 | 278,666 | |||
August 31, 2027 | 159,032 | |||
Total | $ | 614,821 | ||
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Ultimus) provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agency services to the Fund. The Fund pays Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services. In addition, the Fund pays out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, postage, supplies and certain costs related to the pricing of the Funds portfolio securities.
Under the terms of the Consulting Agreement with the Trust, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (NLCS) provides a Chief Compliance Officer and an Anti-Money Laundering Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services. Under the terms of the agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Fund. NLCS is wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus.
Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the Distributor) serves as the principal underwriter to the Fund. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Fund) for acting as principal underwriter.
Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of Ultimus and are not paid by the Trust or the Fund for serving in such capacities.
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
Each member of the Board (a Trustee) who is not an interested person (as defined by the 1940 Act, as amended) of the Trust (Independent Trustee) receives an annual retainer and meetings fees, plus reimbursement for travel and other meeting-related expenses.
13
NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
PRINCIPAL HOLDER OF FUND SHARES
As of August 31, 2024, the following shareholder owned of record more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Fund:
Name of Record Owner | % Ownership | |
Northern Trust (for the benefit of its customers) | 55% |
A beneficial owner of 25% or more of the Funds outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholders vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders meeting.
5. ESG Investing Risk
The Funds incorporation of environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) considerations in its investment process may cause it to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment universe and/or investment style but that do not incorporate such considerations in their investment strategy processes. In applying ESG criteria to its investment decisions, the Fund may forgo higher yielding investments that it would invest in absent the application of its ESG investing criteria. The Funds investment process may affect the Funds exposure to certain investments, which may impact the Funds relative investment performance depending on whether such investments are in or out of favor with the market. In addition, the Fund investments in certain companies may be susceptible to various factors that may impact their businesses or operations, including costs associated with government budgetary constraints that impact publicly funded projects and clean energy initiatives, the effects of general economic conditions throughout the world, increased competition from other providers of services, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and high leverage. The Funds Adviser relies on available information to assist in the ESG evaluation process, and the process employed for the Fund may differ from processes employed for other funds. The Fund will seek to identify companies that it believes meet its ESG criteria based on data provided by third parties. The data provided by third parties may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could cause the Adviser to incorrectly assess a companys ESG practices.
6. Sector Risk
If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers in industries within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss of an investment in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Funds net asset value per share. From time to time, a particular set of circumstances may affect this sector or companies within the sector. For instance, economic or market factors, regulation or deregulation, or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector and therefore the value of the Funds portfolio will be adversely affected. As of August 31, 2024, the Fund had 27.1% of the value of its net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector.
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NIA IMPACT SOLUTIONS FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) |
7. Contingencies and Commitments
The Fund indemnifies the Trusts officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that might arise from their performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
8. Subsequent Events
The Fund is required to recognize in the financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed as of the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For non-recognized subsequent events that must be disclosed to keep the financial statements from being misleading, the Fund is required to disclose the nature of the event as well as an estimate of its financial effect, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of these financial statements and has noted no such events.
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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free 1-833-571-2833, or on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free 1-833-571-2833, or on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
The Trust files a complete listing of portfolio holdings for the Fund with the SEC as of the end of the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to Form N-PORT. These filings are available upon request by calling 1-833-571-2833. Furthermore, you may obtain a copy of the filings on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and on the Funds website www.niaimpactfunds.com.
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(b) Included in (a)
Item 8. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable
Item 9. | Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable [filed under item 7]
Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies.
Included under Item 7
Item 11. | Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. |
Not applicable [filed under Item 7 if applicable]
Item 12. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable
Item 13. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable
Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable
Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There has been no material changes to the manner in which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant's Board of Trustees or the Nominations & Governance Committee (the "Committee"). The Registrant does not have formal procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant's Board of Trustees. While the Registrant does not have formal procedure, the Committee shall to the extent required under applicable law, when identifying potential candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider any such candidate recommended by a shareholder.
Item 16. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Based on their evaluation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed and are operating effectively to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared, and that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable
Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
Item 19. Exhibits.
File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form. Letter or number the exhibits in the sequence indicated.
(a)(1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit: Not required
(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)): Attached hereto
(1) Not applicable
(2) Change in the registrant's independent public accountant: Not applicable
(b) Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)): Attached hereto
Exhibit 99.CERT Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act
Exhibit 99.906CERT Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) | Ultimus Managers Trust | ||
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Todd E. Heim | ||
Todd E. Heim, President and Principal Executive Officer | |||
Date | November 5, 2024 | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. | |||
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Todd E. Heim | ||
Todd E. Heim, President and Principal Executive Officer | |||
Date | November 5, 2024 | ||
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Daniel D. Bauer | ||
Daniel D. Bauer, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | |||
Date | November 5, 2024 |
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.