UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-22668

 

ETF Series Solutions
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Kristina R. Nelson

ETF Series Solutions

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)

 

(414) 765-6076

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: April 30

 

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2021

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)

 

 

Semi-Annual Report

 

October 31, 2021

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

Ticker: ACIO

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

Ticker: DRSK

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Ticker: ADME

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

Ticker: OSCV

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Ticker: IDME

 

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

Letters to Shareholders

1

Portfolio Allocations

11

Schedules of Investments

13

Schedules of Written Options

15

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

28

Statements of Operations

29

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

30

Financial Highlights

35

Notes to Financial Statements

40

Expense Examples

52

Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program

54

Approval of Advisory Agreement and Board Considerations

55

Federal Tax Information

57

Information About Portfolio Holdings

57

Information About Proxy Voting

57

Information About the Funds’ Trustees

58

Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts

58

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited)

 

 

Dear ACIO Shareholders,

 

Thank you for your investment in the Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF, referred to herein as “ACIO” or the “Fund”. The information presented in this letter relates to ACIO’s performance period from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

The Fund is an actively-managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to achieve its investment objective principally by investing in a portfolio of large capitalization U.S.-listed equity securities and an options collar (i.e., a mix of written (sold) call options and long (bought) put options on the same underlying equity securities or on an index tracking the large capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market (a “U.S. Large Cap Index”). The equity securities and options held by the Fund must be listed on a U.S.-exchange, and the equity securities may include common stocks of U.S. companies, American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) (i.e., receipts evidencing ownership of foreign equity securities), and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund will typically limit investments in ADRs to approximately 20% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

For the current fiscal period, ACIO was up 6.93% at market and 6.97% at net asset value (“NAV”). Over the same period, the S&P 500® Total Return Index was up 10.91%.

 

The largest positive equity contributor to return for the current fiscal period was Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), gaining 32.06% and adding 1.67% to the return of ACIO. The second largest contributor was Apple, Inc. (AAPL), gaining 23.04% and adding 0.90% to the return of ACIO. The third largest contributor was Alphabet, Inc. – Class C (GOOG), gaining 14.32% and adding 0.82% to the return of ACIO.

 

The largest negative contributor to the return for the current fiscal period was a put option position expiring in November 2021 on the S&P 500 Index (SPX), down 82.71% and detracting 1.21% from the return of ACIO. The second largest negative contributor was a put option position expiring in June 2021 on the S&P 500 Index (SPX), down 94.44% and detracting 0.80% from the return of ACIO. The third largest negative contributor was a put option position expiring in August 2021 on the S&P 500 Index (SPX), down 96.53% and detracting 0.57% from the return of ACIO.

 

We are excited about the opportunity to give our investors access to the Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF. We think it’s possible future returns from a traditional 60/40 portfolio may be well below recent history, at risk of being insufficient to meet the income needs of today’s retirees. We believe we can help the math with a focus on global dividend growers. With overall valuations high, and growth difficult to project, we place great emphasis on sustainable yield in building return assumptions. The ACIO screening process takes large capitalization U.S.-listed equity securities that a) meet the filter, b) provide diversified exposure, and c) maintain an active options market from which we can sell call options on the individual names along with buying puts on the broad market index to more efficiently collar the equity portfolio. The powerful combination of a high dividend paying basket of large capitalization U.S.-listed equity securities with a collar strategy aims to deliver consistent and repeatable yield and minimal drawdown.

 

We appreciate your interest in ACIO. If we can elaborate on the underlying Aptus Collared Income Opportunity strategy, please don’t hesitate to ask as we would love an opportunity to discuss. Thanks again for your interest.

 

Sincerely,

 

JD Gardner
Founder and Managing Member
Aptus Capital Advisors, Adviser to the Fund

 

1

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund is non-diversified, meaning it may concentrate its assets in fewer individual holdings than diversified funds. Therefore, the Fund is more exposed to individual stock or ETF volatility than diversified funds. The Fund’s use of call and put options can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying security, which may be magnified by certain features of the options. The Fund’s use of options may reduce the Fund’s ability to profit from increases in the value of the underlying securities. Derivatives, such as the options in which the Fund invests, can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risks. Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in a derivative could have a substantial impact on the performance of the Fund. The Fund could experience a loss if its derivatives do not perform as anticipated, the derivatives are not correlated with the performance of their underlying security, or if the Fund is unable to purchase or liquidate a position because of an illiquid secondary market. Investments in ETFs are subject to additional risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds, including the risks that the market price of the shares may trade at a discount to the net asset value (“NAV”), an active secondary trading market may not develop or be maintained, or trading may be halted by the exchange in which they trade, which may impact a fund’s ability to sell its shares.

 

Call options give the owner the right to buy the underlying security at the specified price within a specific time period. Put options give the owner the right to sell the underlying security at the specified price within a specific time period. A collar is an options strategy constructed by holding shares of the underlying stock while simultaneously buying put options and selling call options against that holding

 

Shares of an ETF are bought and sold at market price (rather than NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Market returns are based on the daily composite close price from all active changes at 4:00pm Eastern Time (when NAV is normally determined for most ETFs), and do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the schedule of investments in this report for complete holdings information.

 

Definitions:

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index - a market capitalization weighted index of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies by market value. The total return index is a type of equity index that tracks both the capital gains of a group of stocks over time, and assumes that any cash distributions, such as dividends, are reinvested back into the index.

 

Aptus Capital Advisors is the adviser to the Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF, which is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

2

 

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited)

 

 

Dear DRSK Shareholders,

 

Thank you for your investment in the Aptus Defined Risk ETF, referred to herein as “DRSK” or the “Fund”. The information presented in this letter relates to DRSK’s performance from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to achieve its objective through a hybrid fixed income and equity strategy. The Fund typically invests approximately 75% to 95% of its assets to obtain exposure to investment-grade corporate bonds (the “Fixed Income Strategy”) and invests the remainder of its assets to obtain exposure to U.S. stocks, while limiting downside risk (the “Equity Strategy”)

 

For the current fiscal period, DRSK was up 0.36% at market and 0.26% at net asset value (“NAV”). Over the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index was up 1.06%.

 

The largest positive contributor to return for the current fiscal period was a call option position expiring in January 2022 in Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK), gaining 293.86% and adding 1.13% to the return of DRSK. The second largest contributor was a call option position expiring in November 2021 on the S&P 500 Index (SPX), gaining 242.93% and adding 0.88% to the return of DRSK. The third largest contributor was a call option position expiring during October 2021 in NIKE, Inc. (NKE), gaining 227.32% and adding 0.86% to the return of DRSK.

 

The largest negative contributor to the return for the current fiscal period was a call option position expiring in January 2022 in Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS), down 67.73% and detracting 0.41% from the return of DRSK. The second largest negative contributor was a call option position expiring in October 2021 in Visa Inc. - Class A (V), down 73.25% and detracting 0.35% from the return of DRSK. The third largest negative contributor was a put option position expiring in June 2021 on the S&P 500 Index (SPX), down 57.40% and detracting 0.31% from the return of DRSK.

 

We are excited about the opportunity to give our investors access to the Aptus Defined Risk ETF. We see income generation as a major issue for investors in a low interest rate environment and extending maturities or accepting poorer credit bring added risk. Our “income plus” approach utilizes call options that allows for significant upside capture in a rising market and defined risk in a declining market. The powerful combination of laddered bonds over a short duration and asymmetric payoff opportunity of the call options aims to give investors expected returns not typically seen in the traditional fixed income space.

 

We appreciate your interest in DRSK. If we can elaborate on the underlying Aptus Defined Risk strategy, please don’t hesitate to ask as we would love an opportunity to discuss. Thanks again for your interest.

 

Sincerely,

 

JD Gardner
Founder and Managing Member
Aptus Capital Advisors, Adviser to the Fund

 

3

 

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Past Performance does not guarantee future performance. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund invests indirectly in fixed income securities through investments in Underlying Bond ETFs, which involve certain risks. Options enable the Fund to purchase exposure that is significantly greater than the premium paid. Consequently, the value of such options can be volatile, and a small investment in options can have a large impact on the performance of the Fund. Because the Fund only purchases options (as opposed to writing/selling options), the Fund’s losses from its exposure to options are limited to the amount of premiums paid.

 

Shares of an ETF are bought and sold at market price (rather than NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Market returns are based on the daily composite close price from all active exchanges at 4:00pm Eastern Time (when NAV is normally determined for most ETFs), and do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please see the Schedule of Investments for a complete list of Fund holdings.

 

Definitions:

 

Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index – a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from twenty-four local currency markets. This multi-currency benchmark includes treasury, government related, corporate and securitized fixed-rate bonds from both developed and emerging market issuers. One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Call Option: Call options are financial contracts that give the option buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy a stock, bond, commodity or other asset or instrument at a specified price within a specific time period.

 

Put Option: A put option is a contract giving the owner the right, but not the obligation, to sell–or sell short–a specified amount of an underlying security at a pre-determined price within a specified time frame.

 

Aptus Capital Advisors is the adviser to the Aptus Defined Risk ETF, which is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

4

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited)

 

 

Dear ADME Shareholders,

 

Thank you for your investment in the Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF, referred to herein as (“ADME” or the “Fund”). The information presented in this letter relates to ADME’s performance from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to achieve its objective principally by investing in a portfolio of U.S.-listed equity securities, while limiting downside risk by purchasing exchange-listed put options on one or more of such equity securities or on broad-based indexes or ETFs that track the performance of the U.S. equity market. Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in equity securities.

 

For the current fiscal period, ADME gained 8.27% at market and 8.34% at net asset value (“NAV”). Over the same period, the S&P 500® Total Return Index was up 10.91%.

 

The largest positive equity contributor to return for the current fiscal period was Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) gaining 32.06% and adding 1.70% to the return of ADME. The second largest contributor was NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) gaining 70.41% and adding 0.91% to the return of ADME. The third largest contributor was Alphabet, Inc. - Class C (GOOG) gaining 23.04% and adding 0.91% to the return of ADME.

 

The largest negative equity contributor to the return for the current fiscal period was an option position expiring during November 2021 on the S&P 500 Index (SPX), down 82.71% and detracting 1.03% from the return of ADME. The second largest negative contributor was Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS) down 27.16% and detracting 0.45% from the return of ADME. The third largest negative contributor was an option position expiring during June 2021 on the S&P 500 Index (SPX), down 87.68% and detracting 0.30% from the return of ADME.

 

We are excited about the opportunity to give our investors access to the Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF. Historically, a small group of big winners have comprised most of each year’s market gains. Rather than diluting with hundreds of mediocre holdings, we prefer to focus on 50-60 large cap names. We build from a Yield + Growth framework, tilting holdings to favor companies with solid fundamentals and reasonable valuations while avoiding those with negative price momentum. We believe there’s an upside to less downside behaviorally and mathematically. Rather than try to time the markets, we actively hedge our holdings in an effort to mitigate downside risk. We build a portfolio that attempts to capture market upside, with a fraction of the downside.

 

We appreciate your interest in ADME. If we can elaborate on the underlying Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity strategy, please don’t hesitate to ask as we would love an opportunity to discuss. Thanks again for your interest.

 

Sincerely,

 

JD Gardner
Founder and Managing Member
Aptus Capital Advisors, Adviser to the Fund

 

5

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund is non-diversified, meaning it may concentrate its assets in fewer individual holdings than diversified funds. Therefore, the Fund is more exposed to individual stock or ETF volatility than diversified funds. The Fund’s use of put options can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying security, which may be magnified by certain features of the options. The Fund’s use of options may reduce the Fund’s ability to profit from increases in the value of the underlying securities. Derivatives, such as the options in which the Fund invests, can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risks. Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in a derivative could have a substantial impact on the performance of the Fund. The Fund could experience a loss if its derivatives do not perform as anticipated, the derivatives are not correlated with the performance of their underlying security, or if the Fund is unable to purchase or liquidate a position because of an illiquid secondary market. Investments in ETFs are subject to additional risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds, including the risks that the market price of the shares may trade at a discount to the net asset value (“NAV”), an active secondary trading market may not develop or be maintained, or trading may be halted by the exchange in which they trade, which may impact a fund’s ability to sell its shares.

 

Shares of an ETF are bought and sold at market price (rather than NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Market returns are based on the daily composite close price from all active changes at 4:00pm Eastern Time (when NAV is normally determined for most ETFs), and do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please see the Schedule of Investments and Schedule of Written Options for a complete list of Fund holdings.

 

Definitions:

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index - a market capitalization weighted index of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies by market value. The total return index is a type of equity index that tracks both the capital gains of a group of stocks over time, and assumes that any cash distributions, such as dividends, are reinvested back into the index.

 

Aptus Capital Advisors is the adviser to the Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF, which is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

6

 

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited)

 

 

Dear OSCV Shareholders,

 

Thank you for your investment in the Opus Small Cap Value ETF, referred to herein as “OSCV” or the “Fund”. The information presented in this letter relates to OSCV’s performance from May 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of small-capitalization U.S. companies. The Fund defines a small capitalization company as an issuer whose market capitalization at the time of purchase is in the range of those found in the Russell 2000® Index. The Fund’s equity securities primarily include common stocks, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) representing the stock of a foreign company. The Fund will generally limit its investments in ADRs to 20% of its total assets. The Fund may invest in securities offered in an initial public offering (“IPO”) or in companies that have recently completed an IPO.

 

For the current fiscal period, OSCV was up 5.14% at market and 4.62% at net asset value (“NAV”). Over the same period, the Russell 2000® Value Total Return Index was up 3.22%.

 

The largest positive equity contributor to return for the current fiscal period was Encore Wire Corporation (WIRE) gaining 77.32% and adding 0.55% to the return of OSCV. The second largest contributor was, Tetra Tech, Inc. (TTEK) gaining 38.06% and adding 0.54% to the return of OSCV. The third largest contributor was, Magic Software Enterprises, Inc. (MGIC) gaining 34.41% and adding 0.45% to the return of OSCV.

 

The largest negative equity contributor to the return for the current fiscal period was, Americold Realty Trust (COLD) down 22.94% and detracting 0.33% from the return of OSCV. The second largest negative contributor was, Turning Point Brands, Inc. (TPB) down 21.63% and detracting 0.33% from the return of OSCV. The third largest negative contributor was, Aptar Group, Inc. (ATR) down 19.44% and detracting 0.31% from the return of OSCV.

 

We are excited about the opportunity to give our investors access to the Opus Small Cap Value ETF. OSCV selects stocks across a variety of sectors and industries by combining factor-based analysis with rigorous fundamental research to identify high-quality, growing companies that are believed to be undervalued. OSCV is focused on three core themes to identify companies: 1. higher quality companies with sound business models, higher returns on equity, strong balance sheets, and shareholder-friendly management. 2. higher growth companies that are well-positioned to grow sales, earnings, cash flows, and dividends. 3. lower valuation companies whose valuations reflect lower price-to-earnings and higher yields than their peers. OSCV generally sells a stock when the company is no longer believed to be high quality, when its anticipated growth rate has significantly declined, when it is no longer considered undervalued, or when it is no longer considered a small-capitalization company after a significant period of time (e.g., more than one year).

 

We appreciate your interest in OSCV. If we can elaborate on the underlying Opus Small Cap Value ETF, please don’t hesitate to ask as we would love an opportunity to discuss. Thanks again for your interest.

 

Sincerely,

 

JD Gardner
Founder and Managing Member
Aptus Capital Advisors, Adviser to the Fund

 

7

 

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund invests in the securities of small-capitalization companies. As a result, the Fund may be more volatile than funds that invest in larger, more established companies. The securities of small capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than larger capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. Small capitalization companies may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, government regulation, borrowing costs and earnings. The value investing style may over time go in and out of favor. At times when the value investing style is out of favor, the Fund may underperform other funds that use different investing styles. Investments in ETFs are subject to additional risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds, including the risks that the market price of the shares may trade at a discount to the net asset value (“NAV”), an active secondary trading market may not develop or be maintained, or trading may be halted by the exchange in which they trade, which may impact a fund’s ability to sell its shares.

 

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Shares of an ETF are bought and sold at market price (rather than NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Market returns are based on the daily composite close price from all active exchanges at 4:00pm Eastern Time (when NAV is normally determined for most ETFs), and do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please see the Schedule of Investments for a complete list of Fund holdings.

 

Definitions:

 

Russell 2000® Value Total Return Index – The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of Russell 2000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

Russell 2000® Index – The Russell 2000 index is an index measuring the performance of approximately 2,000 small-cap companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which is made up of 3,000 of the biggest U.S. stocks. The Russell 2000® serves as a benchmark for small-cap stocks in the United States.

 

Return on equity – a measure of financial performance calculated by dividing net income by shareholders’ equity (shareholders’ equity being a company’s assets minus its debt).

 

Cash flow – a measure of a company’s financial performance, calculated as operating cash flow minus capital expenditures.

 

Price-to-earnings – ratio for valuing a company that measures its current share price relative to its per-share earnings.

 

Aptus Capital Advisors is the adviser to the Opus Small Cap Value ETF, which is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

8

 

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited)

 

 

Dear IDME Shareholders,

 

Thank you for your investment in the International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF, referred to herein as “IDME” or the “Fund”. The information presented in this letter relates to IDME’s performance period from inception on July 22, 2021 through October 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to achieve its objective principally by investing in a portfolio of other ETFs that invest in equity securities of non-U.S. (international) companies in developed and emerging markets throughout the world, while purchasing and/or writing (selling) exchange-listed call or put options on one or more broad-based indexes or ETFs that track the performance of equity markets outside of the United States to (i) limit downside (“drawdown”) risk, (ii) create additional equity exposure, and/or (iii) generate premiums from writing call options on the Fund’s equity investments.

 

For the current fiscal period, IDME was down 0.25% at market and down 0.35% at net asset value (“NAV”). Over the same period, the MSCI All Cap World Index ex USA Net (USD) was up 0.62%.

 

The largest positive equity contributor to return for the current fiscal period was SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW), gaining 0.46% and adding 0.33% to the return of IDME. The second largest contributor was a put option position expiring in October 2021 in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA), gaining 15.00% and adding 0.14% to the return of IDME. The third largest contributor was a put option position expiring in August 2021 in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), gaining 41.28% and adding 0.13% to the return of IDME.

 

The largest negative contributor to the return for the current fiscal period was a call option position expiring in December 2021 in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), down 66.91% and detracting 0.49% from the return of IDME. The second largest negative contributor was a put option position expiring in August 2021 in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA), down 97.04% and detracting 0.28% from the return of IDME. The third largest negative contributor was a put option position expiring in November 2021 in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), down 56.82% and detracting 0.16% from the return of IDME.

 

We are excited about the opportunity to give our investors access to International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF. We believe, IDME is able to capture the upside potential of investing in an All Cap World Index ex-U.S., but with structurally less downside potential. Using cost efficient and liquid passive index ETF’s, we believe Aptus has created a portfolio intended to look very much like All Cap World Index (ACWX) on the way up, but offer notionally hedged protection on the way down. We believe there is upside in capturing less downside, both behaviorally and mathematically. Rather than try to time the markets, we actively hedge our holdings in an effort to mitigate downside risk. We believe IDME provides a solution to every Investors’ foreign equity exposures that helps mitigate geopolitical economic risks in an ever-growing divide between Developed and Emerging markets.

 

We appreciate your interest in IDME. If we can elaborate on the underlying International Drawdown Managed Equity strategy, please don’t hesitate to ask as we would love an opportunity to discuss. Thanks again for your interest.

 

Sincerely,

 

JD Gardner
Founder and Managing Member
Aptus Capital Advisors, Adviser to the Fund

 

9

 

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Shareholder Letter
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund is non-diversified, meaning it may concentrate its assets in fewer individual holdings than diversified funds. Therefore, the Fund is more exposed to individual stock or ETF volatility than diversified funds. The Fund’s use of call and put options can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying security, which may be magnified by certain features of the options. The Fund’s use of options may reduce the Fund’s ability to profit from increases in the value of the underlying securities. Derivatives, such as the options in which the Fund invests, can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risks. Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in a derivative could have a substantial impact on the performance of the Fund. The Fund could experience a loss if its derivatives do not perform as anticipated, the derivatives are not correlated with the performance of their underlying security, or if the Fund is unable to purchase or liquidate a position because of an illiquid secondary market. Investments in ETFs are subject to additional risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds, including the risks that the market price of the shares may trade at a discount to the net asset value (“NAV”), an active secondary trading market may not develop or be maintained, or trading may be halted by the exchange in which they trade, which may impact a fund’s ability to sell its shares.

 

Call options give the owner the right to buy the underlying security at the specified price within a specific time period. Put options give the owner the right to sell the underlying security at the specified price within a specific time period. A collar is an options strategy constructed by holding shares of the underlying stock while simultaneously buying put options and selling call options against that holding

 

Shares of an ETF are bought and sold at market price (rather than NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Market returns are based on the daily composite close price from all active changes at 4:00pm Eastern Time (when NAV is normally determined for most ETFs), and do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the schedule of investments in this report for complete holdings information.

 

Definitions:

 

MSCI All Cap World Index ex USA Net (USD) - captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the US) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With 2,350 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the U.S.

 

Aptus Capital Advisors is the adviser to the Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF, which is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

10

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Portfolio Allocations

As of October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Technology (a)

26.6%

Consumer, Non-cyclical

19.1

Financial

15.8

Consumer, Cyclical

13.4

Communications

12.3

Industrial

5.2

Energy

3.4

Basic Materials

2.5

Utilities

1.4

Purchased Options

0.5

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(0.2)

Total

100.0%

 

(a)

To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

90.7%

Purchased Options

5.8

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

3.5

Total

100.0%

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Technology (a)

26.0%

Consumer, Non-cyclical

19.0

Financial

15.4

Communications

13.5

Consumer, Cyclical

11.5

Industrial

6.6

Energy

3.0

Basic Materials

2.6

Utilities

1.5

Purchased Options

0.5

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.4

Total

100.0%

 

(a)

To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.

 

11

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Portfolio Allocations

As of October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Financial (a)

30.1%

Industrial

17.5

Consumer, Cyclical

15.0

Consumer, Non-cyclical

14.0

Energy

10.1

Technology

5.1

Basic Materials

3.4

Communications

2.9

Utilities

1.4

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.5

Total

100.0%

 

(a)

To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Developed Market Equity

71.4%

Emerging Market Equity

28.0

Purchased Options

0.3

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.3

Total

100.0%

 

12

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 


Value

 
     

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7%

       
       

Basic Materials — 2.5%

       
    8,540  

Linde plc (a)

  $ 2,725,968  
    45,080  

Newmont Corporation (a)

    2,434,320  
    8,708  

Sherwin-Williams Company (a)

    2,757,040  
              7,917,328  
       

Communications — 12.3%

       
    4,745  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C (a)(b)

    14,070,871  
    3,501  

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)(b)

    11,806,878  
    52,947  

Comcast Corporation - Class A (a)

    2,723,064  
    19,418  

Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A (a)(b)

    6,283,082  
    25,063  

Walt Disney Company (a)(b)

    4,237,401  
              39,121,296  
       

Consumer, Cyclical — 13.4%

       
    7,686  

Costco Wholesale Corporation (a)

    3,777,977  
    9,764  

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (a)

    1,407,383  
    20,645  

Dollar General Corporation (a)

    4,573,280  
    89,280  

Fastenal Company (a)

    5,096,102  
    15,536  

Home Depot, Inc. (a)

    5,775,353  
    27,572  

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (a)(b)

    1,070,069  
    21,854  

Marriott International, Inc. - Class A (a)(b)

    3,497,077  
    38,924  

Starbucks Corporation (a)

    4,128,669  
    22,810  

Target Corporation (a)

    5,921,932  
    2,520  

Tesla, Inc. (a)(b)

    2,807,280  
    44,975  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (a)(b)

    2,075,147  
    16,953  

Walmart, Inc. (a)

    2,533,117  
              42,663,386  
       

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 19.1%

       
    22,030  

Abbott Laboratories (a)

    2,839,447  
    43,080  

AbbVie, Inc. (a)

    4,939,984  
    11,518  

Anthem, Inc. (a)

    5,011,827  
    28,355  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (a)

    2,462,915  
    6,649  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (a)(b)

    2,983,273  
    21,912  

Johnson & Johnson (a)

    3,569,027  
    37,486  

Medtronic plc (a)

    4,493,072  
    25,854  

PepsiCo, Inc. (a)

    4,178,006  
    21,357  

Procter & Gamble Company (a)

    3,053,837  
    66,197  

Rollins, Inc. (a)

    2,332,120  
    8,805  

S&P Global, Inc. (a)

    4,174,979  
    12,270  

Stryker Corporation (a)

    3,264,679  
    9,930  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (a)

    6,286,385  
    15,170  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (a)

    6,985,330  
    20,100  

Zoetis, Inc. (a)

    4,345,620  
              60,920,501  
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7% (Continued)

       

Energy — 3.4%

       
    65,514  

Devon Energy Corporation (a)

  $ 2,625,801  
    27,021  

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (a)

    2,896,381  
    38,097  

Exxon Mobil Corporation (a)

    2,456,114  
    14,693  

Pioneer Natural Resources Company (a)

    2,747,297  
              10,725,593  
       

Financial — 15.8%

       
    38,195  

American Homes 4 Rent - Class A (a)

    1,550,717  
    9,362  

American Tower Corporation (a)

    2,639,803  
    98,753  

Bank of America Corporation (a)

    4,718,418  
    16,016  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B (a)(b)

    4,596,752  
    5,069  

BlackRock, Inc. (a)

    4,782,399  
    25,666  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (a)

    3,553,714  
    34,469  

JPMorgan Chase & Company (a)

    5,855,939  
    25,740  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (a)

    4,293,432  
    10,682  

Mastercard, Inc. - Class A (a)

    3,584,025  
    17,504  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (a)

    3,693,869  
    32,830  

Progressive Corporation (a)

    3,114,910  
    25,420  

Prologis, Inc. (a)

    3,684,883  
    20,540  

Visa, Inc. - Class A (a)

    4,349,756  
              50,418,617  
       

Industrial — 5.2%

       
    21,583  

Caterpillar, Inc. (a)

    4,403,148  
    11,728  

FedEx Corporation (a)

    2,762,296  
    20,220  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (a)

    4,661,519  
    18,971  

Union Pacific Corporation (a)

    4,579,599  
              16,406,562  
       

Technology — 26.6% (c)

       
    5,184  

Accenture plc - Class A (a)

    1,859,967  
    3,860  

Adobe, Inc. (a)(b)

    2,510,389  
    27,448  

Analog Devices, Inc. (a)

    4,761,953  
    128,146  

Apple, Inc. (a)

    19,196,271  
    8,908  

Broadcom, Inc. (a)

    4,736,116  
    24,370  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (a)

    4,347,852  
    30,966  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (a)

    3,429,175  
    6,739  

Intuit, Inc. (a)

    4,218,547  
    8,288  

Lam Research Corporation (a)

    4,670,868  
    61,364  

Microsoft Corporation (a)

    20,349,530  
    42,740  

Paychex, Inc. (a)

    5,268,987  
    18,301  

salesforce.com, Inc. (a)(b)

    5,484,627  
    19,596  

Texas Instruments, Inc. (a)

    3,673,858  
              84,508,140  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

13

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 


Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7% (Continued)

       

Utilities — 1.4%

       
    52,311  

NextEra Energy, Inc. (a)

  $ 4,463,698  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $250,996,849)

    317,145,121  

 

 

Contracts

     

Notional
Amount

         
       

PURCHASED OPTIONS (d) — 0.5%

       

Call Options — 0.3%

    1,000  

CBOE Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $20.00

  $ 1,626,000       142,500  
    1,500  

CBOE Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $25.00

    2,439,000       116,250  
    70  

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,525.00

    32,237,660       771,400  
                      1,030,150  

 

Contracts   Security Description  Notional
Amount
   Value 
     Put Options — 0.2%          
 700   S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $3,100.00  $322,376,600   $29,750 
 250   S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,450.00   115,134,500    523,750 
              553,500 
     TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS (Cost $1,968,909)        1,583,650 
     Total Investments (Cost $252,965,758) — 100.2%        318,728,771 
     Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.2)%        (641,616)
     TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $318,087,155 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

   

(a)

All or a portion of this security is held as collateral for the options written. At October 31, 2021, the value of these securities amount to $317,145,121 or 99.7% of net assets.

(b)

Non-income producing security.

(c)

To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.

(d)

Exchange traded.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

14

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Schedule of Written Options
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Value

   

Value

 
     

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.6)%

       

Call Options — (0.5)%

    (212 )

Abbott Laboratories, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $130.00

  $ (2,732,468 )   $ (34,980 )
    (426 )

AbbVie, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $116.00

    (4,884,942 )     (72,207 )
    (26 )

Accenture plc - Class A, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $380.00

    (932,854 )     (2,210 )
    (38 )

Adobe Systems, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $705.00

    (2,471,368 )     (4,636 )
    (15 )

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $3,100.00

    (4,448,115 )     (29,250 )
    (17 )

Amazon.com, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $3,600.00

    (5,733,131 )     (18,445 )
    (90 )

American Tower Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $290.00

    (2,537,730 )     (18,450 )
    (114 )

Anthem, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $470.00

    (4,960,482 )     (9,120 )
    (618 )

Apple, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $160.00

    (9,257,640 )     (25,647 )
       

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.6)% (Continued)

       

Call Options — (0.5)% (Continued)

    (154 )

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $300.00

  $ (4,419,954 )   $ (15,169 )
    (24 )

BlackRock, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $950.00

    (2,264,304 )     (35,400 )
    (44 )

Broadcom, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $530.00

    (2,339,348 )     (55,660 )
    (122 )

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $185.00

    (2,176,602 )     (17,385 )
    (208 )

Caterpillar, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $220.00

    (4,243,408 )     (15,496 )
    (65 )

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $480.00

    (2,916,420 )     (20,312 )
    (74 )

Costco Wholesale Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $480.00

    (3,637,396 )     (115,995 )
    (635 )

Devon Energy Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $50.00

    (2,545,080 )     (6,667 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

15

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Schedule of Written Options
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Value

   

Value

 
       

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.6)% (Continued)

       

Call Options — (0.5)% (Continued)

    (262 )

Diamondback Energy, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $135.00

  $ (2,808,378 )   $ (7,860 )
    (149 )

Home Depot, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $370.00

    (5,538,926 )     (135,962 )
    (124 )

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $135.00

    (1,716,904 )     (59,520 )
    (33 )

Intuit, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $590.00

    (2,065,767 )     (133,815 )
    (33 )

Intuit, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $670.00

    (2,065,767 )     (13,035 )
    (170 )

JPMorgan Chase & Company, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $182.50

    (2,888,130 )     (3,570 )
    (195 )

L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $260.00

    (4,495,530 )     (8,775 )
    (40 )

Lam Research Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $660.00

    (2,254,280 )     (1,460 )
       

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.6)% (Continued)

       

Call Options — (0.5)% (Continued)

    (266 )

Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $50.00

  $ (1,032,346 )   $ (2,128 )
    (217 )

Marriott International, Inc. - Class A, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $177.50

    (3,472,434 )     (11,067 )
    (103 )

Mastercard, Inc. - Class A, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $380.00

    (3,455,856 )     (3,245 )
    (361 )

Medtronic plc, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $135.00

    (4,326,946 )     (14,621 )
    (187 )

Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $400.00

    (6,050,759 )     (3,366 )
    (510 )

NextEra Energy, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $90.00

    (4,351,830 )     (11,475 )
    (1,000 )

November 21 Cboe Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $35.00

    (1,626,000 )     (32,500 )
    (1,500 )

November 21 Cboe Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $50.00

    (2,439,000 )     (18,750 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

16

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Schedule of Written Options
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Value

   

Value

 
       

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.6)% (Continued)

       

Call Options — (0.5)% (Continued)

    (70 )

November 21 S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,625.00

  $ (32,237,660 )   $ (276,150 )
    (124 )

PepsiCo, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $165.00

    (2,003,840 )     (9,300 )
    (77 )

Pioneer Natural Resources Company, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $215.00

    (1,439,746 )     (5,005 )
    (174 )

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $227.50

    (3,671,922 )     (5,655 )
    (245 )

Prologis, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $140.00

    (3,551,520 )     (150,675 )
    (85 )

S&P Global, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $485.00

    (4,030,360 )     (64,175 )
    (85 )

Sherwin-Williams Company, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $330.00

    (2,691,185 )     (14,025 )
    (375 )

Starbucks Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $120.00

    (3,977,625 )     (5,250 )
       

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.6)% (Continued)

       

Call Options — (0.5)% (Continued)

    (118 )

Stryker Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $280.00

  $ (3,139,626 )   $ (15,045 )
    (225 )

Target Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $285.00

    (5,841,450 )     (25,313 )
    (24 )

Tesla, Inc., Expiration: 11/05/2021, Exercise Price: $1,275.00

    (2,673,600 )     (10,800 )
    (95 )

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $640.00

    (6,014,165 )     (87,400 )
    (92 )

Union Pacific Corporation, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $235.00

    (2,220,880 )     (76,820 )
    (223 )

United Airlines Holdings, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $55.00

    (1,028,922 )     (2,676 )
    (200 )

Zoetis, Inc., Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $230.00

    (4,324,000 )     (15,000 )
                      (1,721,467 )
       

Put Options — (0.1)% (b)

       
    (250 )

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,150.00

  $ (115,134,500 )   $ (132,500 )
       

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS (Premiums Received $930,670)

  $ (1,853,967 )

 

(a)

Exchange traded.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

17

 

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 


Value

 
       

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS — 90.7% (a)

       

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds — 90.7%

    5,359,172  

iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Corporate ETF (b)

  $ 135,372,685  
    7,970,871  

iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Corporate ETF (b)(c)

    206,286,141  
    6,032,937  

iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Corporate ETF (b)

    157,580,314  
    6,209,472  

iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Corporate ETF (b)

    165,544,524  
    2,932,168  

iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF (b)

    76,998,732  
       

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost $747,469,662)

    741,782,396  
                         
 

Contracts

     

Notional
Amount

         
       

PURCHASED OPTIONS (d) — 5.8%

       

Call Options — 5.2%

    4,000  

CBOE Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $20.00

  $ 6,504,000       570,000  
    2,000  

CBOE Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $25.00

    3,252,000       155,000  
    10,000  

Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $60.00

    57,470,000       645,000  
    3,500  

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1, Expiration: 12/17/2021, Exercise Price: $385.00

    135,138,500       3,746,750  
    3,500  

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1, Expiration: 12/17/2021, Exercise Price: $390.00

    135,138,500       2,744,000  

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value

 
       

PURCHASED OPTIONS (d) — 5.8% (Continued)

       

Call Options — 5.2% (Continued)

    12,000  

Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Expiration: 03/18/2022, Exercise Price: $42.00

  $ 46,572,000     $ 3,396,000  
    500  

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,500.00

    230,269,000       6,550,000  
    2,750  

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 12/17/2021, Exercise Price: $4,650.00

    1,266,479,500       17,077,500  
    6,100  

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF, Expiration: 01/21/2022, Exercise Price: $110.00

    64,879,600       4,056,500  
    7,700  

Walt Disney Company, Expiration: 01/21/2022, Exercise Price: $180.00

    130,183,900       3,195,500  
                      42,136,250  
       

Put Options — 0.6%

               
    2,900  

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF, Expiration: 01/21/2022, Exercise Price: $130.00

    38,709,200       301,600  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

18

 

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value

 
       

PURCHASED OPTIONS (d) — 5.8% (Continued)

       

Put Options — 0.6% (Continued)

    620  

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 12/17/2021, Exercise Price: $4,560.00

  $ 285,533,560     $ 4,851,500  
                      5,153,100  
       

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS (Cost $38,402,646)

    47,289,350  
       

Total Investments (Cost $785,872,308) — 96.5%

    789,071,746  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 3.5%

    28,338,731  
       

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 817,410,477  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a)

The risks of investing in investment companies, such as the underlying ETFs, typically reflect the risks of the types of investments in which the investment companies invest. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.

(b)

Affiliated Exchange Traded Fund. See Note 5 in Notes to Financial Statements.

(c)

Fair value of this security exceeds 25% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information for this security, including the financial statements, is available from the SEC’s EDGAR database at www.sec.gov.

(d)

Exchange traded.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

19

 

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Schedule of Written Options
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Value

   

Value

 
       

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.1)%

       

Call Options — (0.1)%

    (4,000 )

November 21 Cboe Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $35.00

  $ (6,504,000 )   $ (130,000 )
    (2,000 )

November 21 Cboe Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $50.00

    (3,252,000 )     (25,000 )
    (10,000 )

Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $65.00

    (57,470,000 )     (110,000 )
    (2,500 )

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF, Expiration: 01/21/2022, Exercise Price: $140.00

    (26,590,000 )     (251,250 )
                      (516,250 )
       

Put Options — (0.0)% (b)

    (2,900 )

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF, Expiration: 01/21/2022, Exercise Price: $120.00

  $ (38,709,200 )   $ (68,150 )
       

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS (Premiums Received $901,916)

  $ (584,400 )

 

(a)

Exchange traded.

(b)

Represents less than 0.05% of net assets.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

20

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 


Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.1%

       
       

Basic Materials — 2.6%

       
    4,854  

Linde plc

  $ 1,549,397  
    53,875  

Newmont Corporation

    2,909,250  
    10,815  

Sherwin-Williams Company

    3,424,137  
              7,882,784  
       

Communications — 13.5%

       
    4,432  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C (a)

    13,142,697  
    3,327  

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

    11,220,074  
    1,442  

Booking Holdings, Inc. (a)

    3,490,765  
    50,348  

Comcast Corporation - Class A

    2,589,398  
    18,140  

Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A (a)

    5,869,560  
    5,611  

Netflix, Inc. (a)

    3,873,329  
              40,185,823  
       

Consumer, Cyclical — 11.5%

       
    1,029  

AutoZone, Inc. (a)

    1,836,600  
    37,743  

Carnival Corporation (a)

    836,385  
    19,366  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    2,791,415  
    70,242  

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (a)

    2,748,570  
    22,202  

Dollar General Corporation

    4,918,187  
    17,115  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (a)

    2,463,704  
    8,043  

Home Depot, Inc.

    2,989,905  
    879  

NVR, Inc. (a)

    4,302,529  
    8,966  

Pool Corporation

    4,618,925  
    2,146  

Tesla, Inc. (a)

    2,390,644  
    14,469  

Toyota Motor Corporation - ADR

    2,554,791  
    12,552  

Walmart, Inc.

    1,875,520  
              34,327,175  
       

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 19.0%

       
    37,970  

Abbott Laboratories

    4,893,953  
    9,499  

Amgen, Inc.

    1,966,008  
    7,066  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (a)

    3,170,373  
    6,923  

Chemed Corporation

    3,338,617  
    7,337  

Cintas Corporation

    3,177,655  
    30,977  

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (a)

    3,711,664  
    8,946  

Eli Lilly and Company

    2,279,083  
    10,612  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a)

    3,832,312  
    24,884  

Johnson & Johnson

    4,053,106  
    14,529  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (a)

    3,379,300  
    22,352  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    3,612,083  
    17,505  

Procter & Gamble Company

    2,503,040  
    4,967  

S&P Global, Inc.

    2,355,153  
    6,980  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    4,418,829  
    14,337  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    6,601,758  
    14,317  

Zoetis, Inc.

    3,095,335  
              56,388,269  
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.1% (Continued)

       

Energy — 3.0%

       
    16,718  

Chevron Corporation

  $ 1,914,044  
    21,614  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    2,316,805  
    19,384  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    1,792,244  
    15,694  

Pioneer Natural Resources Company

    2,934,464  
              8,957,557  
       

Financial — 15.4%

       
    74,669  

Bank of America Corporation

    3,567,685  
    15,246  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B (a)

    4,375,754  
    48,958  

Charles Schwab Corporation

    4,016,025  
    17,648  

Chubb, Ltd.

    3,448,066  
    14,953  

First Republic Bank/CA

    3,234,783  
    113,421  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (a)

    1,908,875  
    30,230  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    4,185,646  
    31,031  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5,271,857  
    12,662  

Mastercard, Inc. - Class A

    4,248,354  
    8,950  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,888,719  
    25,666  

Progressive Corporation

    2,435,190  
    12,047  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    2,360,971  
    22,137  

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    4,687,952  
              45,629,877  
       

Industrial — 6.6%

       
    55,300  

Carrier Global Corporation

    2,888,319  
    19,241  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    3,925,356  
    10,113  

FedEx Corporation

    2,381,915  
    10,775  

Lockheed Martin Corporation

    3,580,748  
    47,561  

Otis Worldwide Corporation

    3,819,624  
    17,682  

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

    1,571,223  
    5,581  

Union Pacific Corporation

    1,347,253  
              19,514,438  
       

Technology — 26.0% (b)

       
    7,773  

Accenture plc - Class A

    2,788,875  
    8,191  

Adobe, Inc. (a)

    5,327,099  
    119,670  

Apple, Inc.

    17,926,566  
    3,835  

ASML Holding NV - NY

    3,117,395  
    11,623  

Entegris, Inc.

    1,636,286  
    29,963  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    3,318,103  
    6,047  

Lam Research Corporation

    3,407,908  
    57,315  

Microsoft Corporation

    19,006,800  
    19,368  

NVIDIA Corporation

    4,951,816  
    10,988  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    5,360,715  
    14,414  

salesforce.com, Inc. (a)

    4,319,732  
    30,721  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. - ADR

    3,492,978  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

21

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 


Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.1% (Continued)

       

Technology — 26.0% (b) (Continued)

       
    14,253  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (a)

  $ 2,579,793  
              77,234,066  
       

Utilities — 1.5%

       
    52,385  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    4,470,012  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $219,136,873)

    294,590,001  

 

 

Contracts

     

Notional
Amount

         
       

PURCHASED OPTIONS (c) — 0.5%

       

Call Options — 0.3%

    1,000  

CBOE Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $20.00

  $ 1,626,000       142,500  
    1,500  

CBOE Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $25.00

    2,439,000       116,250  
    70  

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,525.00

    32,237,660       771,400  
                      1,030,150  
                         
 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value

 
       

PURCHASED OPTIONS (c) — 0.5% (Continued)

       

Put Options — 0.2%

               
    1,000  

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $3,100.00

  $ 460,538,000     $ 42,500  
    200  

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,450.00

    92,107,600       419,000  
                      461,500  
       

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS (Cost $1,887,596)

    1,491,650  
       

Total Investments (Cost $221,024,469) — 99.6%

    296,081,651  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.4%

    1,049,210  
       

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 297,130,861  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt.

NY

New York Registry Shares.

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.

(c)

Exchange traded.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

22

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Schedule of Written Options
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value

 
       

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.1)%

       

Call Options — (0.1)%

    (1,000 )

CBOE Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $35.00

  $ (1,626,000 )   $ (32,500 )
    (1,500 )

CBOE Volatility Index, Expiration: 11/17/2021, Exercise Price: $50.00

    (2,439,000 )     (18,750 )
    (70 )

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,625.00

    (32,237,660 )     (276,150 )
                      (327,400 )
       

Put Options — (0.0)% (b)

    (200)

S&P 500 Index, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $4,150.00

  $ (92,107,600 )   $ (106,000 )
       

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS (Premiums Received $380,892)

  $ (433,400 )

 

(a)

Exchange traded.

(b)

Represents less than 0.05% of net assets.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

23

 

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.5%

       
       

Basic Materials — 3.4%

       
    101,257  

Hudbay Minerals, Inc.

  $ 704,749  
    13,772  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    976,986  
    10,098  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company

    1,475,924  
    67,036  

Valvoline, Inc.

    2,276,542  
              5,434,201  
       

Communications — 2.9%

       
    62,720  

AudioCodes, Ltd.

    2,222,797  
    20,654  

Shutterstock, Inc.

    2,502,232  
              4,725,029  
       

Consumer, Cyclical — 15.0%

       
    9,431  

Allegiant Travel Company (a)

    1,652,971  
    33,517  

Boyd Gaming Corporation (a)

    2,137,714  
    9,988  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    2,297,240  
    23,002  

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Class A

    2,032,227  
    39,713  

KB Home

    1,594,477  
    7,326  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation

    1,151,794  
    32,037  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    1,569,172  
    27,729  

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

    1,880,026  
    8,565  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

    1,271,560  
    24,173  

SkyWest, Inc. (a)

    1,040,164  
    24,501  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

    2,175,934  
    16,370  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    1,669,085  
    14,117  

Travel + Leisure Company

    767,118  
    5,334  

Watsco, Inc.

    1,544,620  
    59,398  

Wendy’s Company

    1,324,575  
              24,108,677  
       

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 14.0%

       
    24,598  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

    2,136,582  
    7,107  

Chemed Corporation

    3,427,351  
    22,881  

Ensign Group, Inc.

    1,784,947  
    40,054  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    1,810,841  
    26,664  

ICF International, Inc.

    2,679,466  
    46,600  

Kforce, Inc.

    3,017,816  
    41,998  

Select Medical Holdings Corporation

    1,395,174  
    48,396  

Turning Point Brands, Inc.

    1,847,275  
    23,120  

US Physical Therapy, Inc.

    2,493,723  
    8,628  

WD-40 Company

    1,958,556  
              22,551,731  
       

Energy — 10.1%

       
    77,240  

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc

    3,039,394  
    70,211  

Brigham Minerals, Inc. - Class A

    1,627,491  
    62,476  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    1,939,255  
    116,274  

Kimbell Royalty Partners LP

    1,754,575  
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.5% (Continued)

       

Energy — 10.1% (Continued)

    25,844  

NextEra Energy Partners LP

  $ 2,230,337  
    16,130  

Oasis Petroleum, Inc.

    1,945,278  
    1,239  

Texas Pacific Land Corporation

    1,578,077  
    100,385  

Viper Energy Partners LP

    2,213,489  
              16,327,896  
       

Financial — 30.1% (b)

       
    104,884  

City Office REIT, Inc.

    1,989,649  
    23,100  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc.

    1,105,104  
    19,122  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    1,568,386  
    12,569  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    2,485,897  
    46,694  

Enterprise Financial Services Corporation

    2,195,552  
    69,574  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,072,609  
    19,134  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. - Class A

    795,400  
    38,746  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    1,123,634  
    49,254  

German American Bancorp, Inc.

    1,941,593  
    33,130  

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.

    2,001,052  
    11,781  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

    1,484,406  
    9,561  

Hingham Institution for Savings

    3,453,816  
    39,644  

Home BancShares, Inc./AR

    941,941  
    84,352  

Ladder Capital Corporation

    1,012,224  
    29,680  

Lakeland Financial Corporation

    2,133,102  
    22,079  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    1,379,054  
    19,829  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    1,404,290  
    33,358  

Preferred Bank

    2,287,358  
    9,200  

Primerica, Inc.

    1,547,808  
    72,113  

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

    2,627,077  
    20,109  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    1,614,954  
    35,422  

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

    2,169,598  
    63,750  

UMH Properties, Inc.

    1,526,175  
    32,801  

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    1,792,903  
    78,651  

West BanCorp, Inc.

    2,493,237  
    28,671  

Western Alliance Bancorp

    3,328,416  
              48,475,235  
       

Industrial — 17.5%

       
    15,895  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    1,919,798  
    40,800  

Arcosa, Inc.

    2,110,584  
    10,730  

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

    2,391,931  
    17,594  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    1,609,323  
    14,980  

Encore Wire Corporation

    2,008,219  
    55,816  

Federal Signal Corporation

    2,389,483  
    27,194  

Forward Air Corporation

    2,734,629  
    10,472  

Hubbell, Inc.

    2,087,803  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

24

 

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.5% (Continued)

       

Industrial — 17.5% (Continued)

    9,358  

Kadant, Inc.

  $ 2,078,599  
    13,820  

Landstar System, Inc.

    2,429,694  
    19,332  

Owens Corning

    1,805,802  
    17,079  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    3,000,097  
    20,625  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    1,687,744  
              28,253,706  
       

Technology — 5.1%

       
    11,552  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    1,923,177  
    93,383  

Magic Software Enterprises, Ltd.

    2,033,882  
    12,733  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    1,910,587  
    24,139  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    2,278,480  
              8,146,126  
       

Utilities — 1.4%

       
    36,488  

California Water Service Group

    2,221,389  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $136,297,988)

    160,243,990  
       

Total Investments (Cost $136,297,988) — 99.5%

    160,243,990  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.5%

    809,669  
       

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 161,053,659  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

25

 

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 


Value

 
       

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS — 99.4% (a)

       

Developed Market Equity — 71.4%

       
    1,761,940  

SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (b)

  $ 65,826,078  
                 
       

Emerging Market Equity — 28.0%

       
    509,871  

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (b)

    25,830,065  
       

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost $91,912,321)

    91,656,143  
                         
 

Contracts

     

Notional
Amount

         
       

PURCHASED OPTIONS (c) — 0.3%

       
       

Call Options — 0.1%

       
    850  

iShares China Large-Cap ETF, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $42.00

  $ 3,428,050       22,950  
    2,500  

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, Expiration: 12/31/2021, Exercise Price: $54.00

    12,730,000       75,000  
                      97,950  

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value

 
       

PURCHASED OPTIONS (c) — 0.3% (Continued)

       

Put Options — 0.2%

               
    3,500  

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $77.00

  $ 28,171,500     $ 63,000  
    2,200  

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $50.00

    11,202,400       104,500  
                      167,500  
       

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS (Cost $954,389)

    265,450  
       

Total Investments (Cost $92,866,710) — 99.7%

    91,921,593  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.3%

    250,522  
       

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 92,172,115  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a)

The risks of investing in investment companies, such as the underlying ETFs, typically reflect the risks of the types of investments in which the investment companies invest. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.

(b)

Fair value of this security exceeds 25% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information for this security, including the financial statements, is available from the SEC’s EDGAR database at www.sec.gov.

(c)

Exchange traded.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

26

 

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Schedule of Written Options
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Contracts

 

Security Description

 

Notional
Value

   

Value

 
       

WRITTEN OPTIONS (a) — (0.1)%

       

Call Options — (0.0)% (b)

    (2,500 )

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, Expiration: 12/31/2021, Exercise Price: $58.00

  $ (12,730,000 )   $ (22,500 )
                      (22,500 )
       

Put Options — (0.1)%

    (3,500 )

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $72.00

  $ (28,171,500 )   $ (24,500 )
    (2,200 )

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, Expiration: 11/19/2021, Exercise Price: $46.00

    (11,202,400 )     (16,500 )
                      (41,000 )
       

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS (Premiums Received $254,015)

  $ (63,500 )

 

(a)

Exchange traded.

(b)

Represents less than 0.05% of net assets.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

27

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

   

Aptus Collared
Income
Opportunity ETF

   

Aptus Defined
Risk ETF

   

Aptus Drawdown
Managed
Equity ETF

   

Opus Small Cap
Value ETF

   

International
Drawdown
Managed
Equity ETF

 

ASSETS

                                       

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value*

  $ 318,728,771     $ 47,289,350     $ 296,081,651     $ 160,243,990     $ 91,921,593  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value*

          741,782,396                    

Cash

    340,965       7,078,399       610,958       1,608,668       289,717  

Receivable for capital shares sold

    1,582,365       4,402,635       4,189,810              

Receivable for securities sold

    624,061       4,116,989                    

Deposit at broker for options

    516,422       22,654,018       882,162             67,546  

Dividends receivable

    279,270             140,231       91,044        

Restricted cash for options

    223,538                          

Total assets

    322,295,392       827,323,787       301,904,812       161,943,702       92,278,856  
                                         

LIABILITIES

                                       

Written options, at value (premiums received, $930,670, $901,916 $380,892, $0, and $254,015)

    1,853,967       584,400       433,400             63,500  

Payable for securities purchased

    2,152,470       8,851,126       4,153,543              

Management fees payable

    201,800       477,784       187,008       102,224       43,241  

Payable to custodian

                      787,819        

Total liabilities

    4,208,237       9,913,310       4,773,951       890,043       106,741  
                                         

NET ASSETS

  $ 318,087,155     $ 817,410,477     $ 297,130,861     $ 161,053,659     $ 92,172,115  
                                         

Net Assets Consist of:

                                       

Paid-in capital

  $ 274,486,141     $ 806,066,943     $ 264,473,633     $ 136,020,920     $ 92,862,690  

Total distributable earnings (accumulated deficit)

    43,601,014       11,343,534       32,657,228       25,032,739       (690,575 )

Net assets

  $ 318,087,155     $ 817,410,477     $ 297,130,861     $ 161,053,659     $ 92,172,115  
                                         

Net Asset Value:

                                       

Net assets

  $ 318,087,155     $ 817,410,477     $ 297,130,861     $ 161,053,659     $ 92,172,115  

Shares outstanding^

    10,050,000       27,850,000       7,091,755       4,675,000       3,700,000  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 31.65     $ 29.35     $ 41.90     $ 34.45     $ 24.91  
                                         

* Identified Cost:

                                       

Investment in unaffiliated securities

  $ 252,965,758     $ 38,402,646     $ 221,024,469     $ 136,297,988     $ 92,866,710  

Investment in affiliated securities

          747,469,662                    

 

^

No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

28

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Statements of Operations

For the Six-Months/Period Ended October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

   

Aptus Collared
Income
Opportunity ETF

   

Aptus Defined
Risk ETF

   

Aptus Drawdown
Managed
Equity ETF

   

Opus Small Cap
Value ETF

   

International
Drawdown
Managed
Equity ETF
(1)

 

INCOME

                                       

Dividends from unaffiliated investments (2)

  $ 1,764,707     $ 128,470     $ 1,304,435     $ 1,148,473     $ 219,867  

Dividends from affiliated investments

          5,073,751                    

Total investment income

    1,764,707       5,202,221       1,304,435       1,148,473       219,867  
                                         

EXPENSES

                                       

Management fees

    999,624       2,607,753       1,008,785       504,079       109,151  

Interest expense

    958       20,908       319             103  

Total expenses

    1,000,582       2,628,661       1,009,104       504,079       109,254  

Net investment income (loss)

    764,125       2,573,560       295,331       644,394       110,613  
                                         

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS

                                       

Net realized gain (loss) on:

                                       

Investments in unaffiliated securities

    (6,548,015 )     (5,704,925 )     (1,328,410 )     4,540,106       (98,096 )

Investments in affiliated securities

          323,202                    

Written options

    3,303,294       637,903       3,240,055             51,510  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

                                       

Investments in unaffiliated securities

    21,281,047       9,926,894       18,645,168       1,841,228       (945,117 )

Investments in affiliated securities

          (7,547,309 )                  

Written options

    (1,210,097 )     759,041       (280,434 )           190,515  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    16,826,229       (1,605,194 )     20,276,379       6,381,334       (801,188 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 17,590,354     $ 968,366     $ 20,571,710     $ 7,025,728     $ (690,575 )

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on July 22, 2021. The information presented is from July 22, 2021 to October 31, 2021.

(2)

Net of foreign taxes withheld of $0, $0, $4,368, $15,586, and $0 respectively.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

29

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months Ended
October 31, 2021
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
April 30, 2021

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 764,125     $ 1,549,485  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and written options

    (3,244,721 )     (10,089,648 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and written options

    20,070,950       42,343,475  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    17,590,354       33,803,312  
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (730,250 )     (1,454,907 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (730,250 )     (1,454,907 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    102,499,835       65,756,530  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (3,014,720 )     (9,332,665 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    99,485,115       56,423,865  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 116,345,219     $ 88,772,270  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 201,741,936     $ 112,969,666  

End of period/year

  $ 318,087,155     $ 201,741,936  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    3,350,000       2,450,000  

Shares redeemed

    (100,000 )     (350,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    3,250,000       2,100,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

30

 

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months Ended
October 31, 2021
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
April 30, 2021

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 2,573,560     $ 5,065,214  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and written options

    (4,743,820 )     15,273,873  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and written options

    3,138,626       (2,599,092 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    968,366       17,739,995  
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (2,612,463 )     (27,066,131 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2,612,463 )     (27,066,131 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    202,115,935       425,007,540  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (39,424,835 )     (19,346,640 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    162,691,100       405,660,900  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 161,047,003     $ 396,334,764  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 656,363,474     $ 260,028,710  

End of period/year

  $ 817,410,477     $ 656,363,474  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    6,850,000       14,150,000  

Shares redeemed

    (1,350,000 )     (650,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    5,500,000       13,500,000  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

31

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months Ended
October 31, 2021
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
April 30, 2021

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 295,331     $ 510,194  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and written options

    1,911,645       (4,593,838 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and written options

    18,364,734       47,892,841  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    20,571,710       43,809,197  
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Dividends from net investment income

    (337,404 )     (604,958 )

Return of capital

          (49,223 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (337,404 )     (654,181 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    56,567,580       58,663,075  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (2,004,400 )     (10,734,185 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    54,563,180       47,928,890  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 74,797,486     $ 91,083,906  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 222,333,375     $ 131,249,469  

End of period/year

  $ 297,130,861     $ 222,333,375  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    1,400,000       1,700,000  

Shares redeemed

    (50,000 )     (300,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    1,350,000       1,400,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

32

 

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months Ended
October 31, 2021
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
April 30, 2021

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 644,394     $ 500,539  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    4,540,106       4,133,180  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    1,841,228       27,115,173  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7,025,728       31,748,892  
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Dividends from net investment income

    (567,160 )     (500,479 )

Return of capital

          (88,541 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (567,160 )     (589,020 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    49,601,820       34,911,667  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (1,666,605 )     (3,804,595 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    47,935,215       31,107,072  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 54,393,783     $ 62,266,944  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 106,659,876     $ 44,392,932  

End of period/year

  $ 161,053,659     $ 106,659,876  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    1,500,000       1,225,000  

Shares redeemed

    (50,000 )     (175,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    1,450,000       1,050,000  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

33

 

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Period Ended
October 31, 2021
(Unaudited)
(1)

 

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 110,613  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and written options

    (46,586 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and written options

    (754,602 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (690,575 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    92,862,690  

Payments for shares redeemed

     

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    92,862,690  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 92,172,115  
         

NET ASSETS

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 92,172,115  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    3,700,000  

Shares redeemed

     

Net increase (decrease)

    3,700,000  

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on July 22, 2021. The information presented is from July 22, 2021 to October 31, 2021.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

34

 

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Financial Highlights

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
October 31,
2021
(Unaudited)

   

Year
Ended
April 30,
2021

   

Period
Ended
April 30,
2020
(1)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 29.67     $ 24.04     $ 25.00  
                         

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                       

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    0.09       0.27       0.49  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    1.97       5.61       (1.01 )

Total from investment operations

    2.06       5.88       (0.52 )
                         

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                       

Distributions from:

                       

Net investment income

    (0.08 )     (0.25 )     (0.44 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.08 )     (0.25 )     (0.44 )

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 31.65     $ 29.67     $ 24.04  

Total return

    6.97 %(4)     24.57 %     -2.14 %(4)
                         

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                       

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 318,087     $ 201,742     $ 112,970  
                         

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                       

Expenses to average net assets

    0.79 %(5)     0.79 %     0.79 %(5)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    0.60 %(5)     0.99 %     2.46 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate (6)

    16 %(4)     46 %     170 %(4)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on July 9, 2019.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year.

(3)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gain (loss) in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

35

 

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
October 31,
2021
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended April 30,

   

Period
Ended
April 30,
2019
(1)

 
   

  2021

  2020  

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 29.37     $ 29.38     $ 26.51     $ 25.00  
                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                               

Net investment income (loss) (2)(3)

    0.10       0.32       0.55       0.35  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (4)

    (0.02 )     1.31       3.14       1.90  

Total from investment operations

    0.08       1.63       3.69       2.25  
                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                               

Distributions from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.10 )     (0.33 )     (0.50 )     (0.27 )

Net realized gain

          (1.31 )     (0.32 )     (0.47 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.10 )     (1.64 )     (0.82 )     (0.74 )

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 29.35     $ 29.37     $ 29.38     $ 26.51  

Total return

    0.26 %(5)     5.62 %     14.12 %     9.23 %(5)
                                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 817,410     $ 656,363     $ 260,029     $ 104,695  
                                 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                               

Expenses to average net assets (6)

    0.70 %(7)(8)     0.70 %(8)     0.69 %     0.69 %(7)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets (3)

    0.68 %(7)     1.07 %     1.97 %     1.86 %(7)

Portfolio turnover rate (9)

    26 %(5)     28 %     78 %     21 %(5)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on August 7, 2018.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year.

(3)

Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. The ratio does not include net investment income of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(4)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gain (loss) in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(7)

Annualized.

(8)

Includes broker interest expense of 0.01%.

(9)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

36

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
October 31,
2021
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended April 30,

   

Period
Ended
April 30,
2017
(1)

 
   

  2021

  2020

  2019

  2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 38.72     $ 30.23     $ 29.82     $ 32.49     $ 26.57     $ 25.00  
                                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                                               

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    0.05       0.10       0.28       0.29       0.05       0.28  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    3.18       8.52       0.39       (2.72 )     5.97       1.47  

Total from investment operations

    3.23       8.62       0.67       (2.43 )     6.02       1.75  
                                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                                               

Distributions from:

                                               

Net investment income

    (0.05 )     (0.12 )     (0.26 )     (0.24 )     (0.10 )     (0.18 )

Return of capital

          (0.01 )                        

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.05 )     (0.13 )     (0.26 )     (0.24 )     (0.10 )     (0.18 )

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 41.90     $ 38.72     $ 30.23     $ 29.82     $ 32.49     $ 26.57  

Total return

    8.34 %(4)     28.59 %     2.27 %     -7.46 %     22.68 %     7.01 %(4)
                                                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 297,131     $ 222,333     $ 131,249     $ 70,065     $ 56,866     $ 33,214  
                                                 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                                               

Expenses to average net assets

    0.79 %(5)     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.79 %(5)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    0.23 %(5)     0.29 %     0.94 %     0.91 %     0.17 %     1.21 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate (6)

    15 %(4)     48 %     230 %     321 %     124 %     144 %(4)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on June 8, 2016.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year.

(3)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gain (loss) in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

37

 

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
October 31,
2021
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended April 30,

   

Period
Ended
April 30,
2019
(1)

 
   

  2021

  2020

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 33.07     $ 20.41     $ 25.00     $ 25.00  
                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                               

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    0.17       0.21       0.48       0.38  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    1.35       12.69       (4.53 )     (0.08 )

Total from investment operations

    1.52       12.90       (4.05 )     0.30  
                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                               

Distributions from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.14 )     (0.20 )     (0.49 )     (0.30 )

Return of capital

          (0.04 )     (0.05 )      

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.14 )     (0.24 )     (0.54 )     (0.30 )
                                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

                               

Transaction fees

                0.00 (4)      0.00 (4) 
                                 

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 34.45     $ 33.07     $ 20.41     $ 25.00  

Total return

    4.62 %(5)     63.49 %     -16.46 %     1.34 %(5)
                                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 161,054     $ 106,660     $ 44,393     $ 46,877  
                                 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                               

Expenses to average net assets

    0.79 %(6)     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.79 %(6)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    1.01 %(6)     0.77 %     1.94 %     2.01 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate (7)

    29 %(5)     65 %     56 %     31 %(5)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on July 17, 2018.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year.

(3)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gain (loss) in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Represents less than $0.005. See Note 8.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

(7)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

38

 

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

 

 

   

Period Ended
October 31,
2021
(1)
(Unaudited)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.00  
         

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income (loss) (2)(3)

    0.04  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (4)

    (0.13 )

Total from investment operations

    (0.09 )
         

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.91  

Total return

    -0.35 %(5)
         

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

       

Net assets at end of period (000’s)

  $ 92,172  
         

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

       

Expenses to average net assets (6)

    0.59 %(7)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets (3)

    0.59 %(7)

Portfolio turnover rate (8)

    0 %(5)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on July 22, 2021.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(3)

Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. The ratio does not include net investment income of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(4)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gain (loss) in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(7)

Annualized.

(8)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

39

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements

October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF and International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF are each a non-diversified series and Aptus Defined Risk ETF, Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF and Opus Small Cap Value ETF are each a diversified series (individually each a “Fund” or collectively the “Funds”) of ETF Series Solutions (“ESS” or the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company consisting of multiple investment series, organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 9, 2012. The Trust is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Funds’ shares is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF commenced operations on July 9, 2019, and its investment objective is to seek current income and capital appreciation. Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF commenced operations on June 8, 2016, and its investment objective is to seek capital appreciation with downside protection. Aptus Defined Risk ETF commenced operations on August 7, 2018, and its investment objective is to seek current income and capital appreciation. Opus Small Cap Value ETF commenced operations on July 17, 2018, and its investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF commenced operations on July 22, 2021, and its investment objective is to seek capital appreciation with downside protection.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is October 31, 2021 and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the period from May 1, 2021 to October 31, 2021 for Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF, Aptus Defined Risk ETF, Aptus Drawdown Equity ETF and Opus Small Cap Value ETF and the period from July 22, 2021 through October 31, 2021 for International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF (each, respectively, the “current fiscal period”).

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Funds are each an investment company and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

 

A.

Security Valuation. All equity securities, including domestic and foreign common stocks, preferred stocks, and exchange traded funds, that are traded on a national securities exchange, except those listed on the Nasdaq Global Market®, Nasdaq Global Select Market®, and the Nasdaq Capital Market® exchanges (collectively, “Nasdaq”) are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded. Securities traded on Nasdaq will be valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If, on a particular day, an exchange-traded or Nasdaq security does not trade, then the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked prices will be used. All equity securities that are not traded on a listed exchange are valued at the last sale price in the over-the-counter market. If a non-exchange traded security does not trade on a particular day, then the mean between the last quoted closing bid and asked price will be used. Prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate, which approximates fair value.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market funds, are valued at their net asset value (“NAV”) per share.

 

Exchange traded options are valued at the composite mean price, which calculates the mean of the highest bid price and lowest asked price across the exchanges where the option is principally traded. On the last trading day prior to expiration, expiring options will be priced at intrinsic value.

 

Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at their respective fair values in accordance with pricing procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”). When a security is “fair valued,” consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation, including a review of various factors set forth in the pricing procedures adopted by the Board. The use of fair value pricing by the Funds may cause the NAV of their shares to differ significantly from the NAV that would be calculated without regard to such considerations.

 

40

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

As described above, the Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of their investments on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of inputs are:

 

 

Level 1 –

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access.

 

 

Level 2 –

Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

 

 

Level 3 –

Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

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 in its entirety.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of the end of the current fiscal period:

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 317,145,121     $     $     $ 317,145,121  

Purchased Options

          1,583,650             1,583,650  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 317,145,121     $ 1,583,650     $     $ 318,728,771  

 

Liabilities^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Written Options

  $     $ 1,853,967     $     $ 1,853,967  

Total Written Options

  $     $ 1,853,967     $     $ 1,853,967  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments and Schedule of Written Options for further disaggregation of investment categories.

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Exchange Traded Funds

  $ 741,782,396     $     $     $ 741,782,396  

Purchased Options

          47,289,350             47,289,350  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 741,782,396     $ 47,289,350     $     $ 789,071,746  

 

Liabilities^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Written Options

  $     $ 584,400     $     $ 584,400  

Total Written Options

  $     $ 584,400     $     $ 584,400  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments and Schedule of Written Options for further disaggregation of investment categories.

 

 

41

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 294,590,001     $     $     $ 294,590,001  

Purchased Options

          1,491,650             1,491,650  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 294,590,001     $ 1,491,650     $     $ 296,081,651  

 

Liabilities^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Written Options

  $     $ 433,400     $     $ 433,400  

Total Written Options

  $     $ 433,400     $     $ 433,400  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments and Schedule of Written Options for further disaggregation of investment categories.

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 160,243,990     $     $     $ 160,243,990  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 160,243,990     $     $     $ 160,243,990  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by sector classification.

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Exchange Traded Funds

  $ 91,656,143     $     $     $ 91,656,143  

Purchased Options

          265,450             265,450  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 91,656,143     $ 265,450     $     $ 91,921,593  

 

Liabilities^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Written Options

  $     $ 63,500     $     $ 63,500  

Total Written Options

  $     $ 63,500     $     $ 63,500  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments and Schedule of Written Options for further disaggregation of investment categories.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not recognize any transfers to or from Level 3.

 

 

B.

Federal Income Taxes. The Funds’ policy is to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Funds plan to file U.S. Federal and applicable state and local tax returns.

 

Each Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not to be sustained. Management has analyzed each Fund’s uncertain tax positions and concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions. Management is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions as income tax expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

42

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

C.

Security Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholdings taxes on foreign dividends, if any, have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations.

 

Distributions received from the Funds’ investments in real estate investment Trusts (“REITs”) may be characterized as ordinary income, net capital gain, or a return of capital. The proper characterization of REIT distributions is generally not known until after the end of each calendar year. As such, the Funds must use estimates in reporting the character of their income and distributions received during the current calendar year for financial statement purposes. The actual character of distributions to the Funds’ shareholders will be reflected on the Form 1099 received by shareholders after the end of the calendar year. Due to the nature of REIT investments, a portion of the distributions received by the Funds’ shareholders may represent a return of capital.

 

 

D.

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income are declared and paid at least annually. Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains are declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

 

E.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

 

F.

Share Valuation. The NAV per share of each Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by each Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of outstanding shares for each Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Funds’ shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share of each Fund is equal to each Fund’s NAV per share.

 

 

G.

Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

 

H.

Reclassification of Capital Accounts. U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The permanent differences primarily relate to differing book and tax treatment for redemptions in-kind. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, the following table shows the reclassifications made:

 

   

Distributable
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)

   

Paid-In Capital

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

  $ (2,241,599 )   $ 2,241,599  

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

    (702,319 )     702,319  

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    (3,196,937 )     3,196,937  

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

    (421,941 )     421,941  

International Drawdown Managed Equity

    N/A       N/A  

 

43

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, the following table shows the reclassifications made:, the Funds realized the following in net capital gains (losses) resulting from in-kind redemptions, in which shareholders exchanged Fund shares for securities held by the Fund rather than for cash. Because such gains (losses) are not taxable to the Funds, and gains are not distributed to shareholders, they have been reclassified from distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) to paid-in capital.

 

   

Gains/(Losses)
from In-Kind
Redemptions

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

  $ 2,241,599  

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

    702,319  

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    3,196,923  

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

    421,941  

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    N/A  

 

 

I.

Subsequent Events. In preparing these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no events or transactions that occurred during the period subsequent to the end of the current fiscal period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

NOTE 3 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Adviser, the Adviser provides investment advice to the Funds and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Funds, subject to the direction and control of the Board and the officers of the Trust.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Funds except for: the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, distribution (12b-1) fees and expenses. For services provided to the Funds, Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF, Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF, and Opus Small Cap Value ETF each pay the Adviser an annual rate of 0.79% based on each Fund’s average daily net assets. Aptus Defined Risk ETF pays the Adviser an annual rate of 0.69% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF pays the Adviser an annual rate of 0.59% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services” or “Administrator”), acts as the Funds’ Administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative and accounting services for the Funds. The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Fund, including regulatory compliance monitoring and financial reporting; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the Board; monitors the activities of the Funds’ Custodian, transfer agent, and fund accountant. Fund Services also serves as the transfer agent and fund accountant to the Funds. U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of Fund Services, serves as the Funds’ Custodian.

 

A Trustee and all officers of the Trust are affiliated with the Administrator and Custodian.

 

44

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

NOTE 4 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, purchases and sales of securities by the Funds, excluding options, short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

   

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

  $ 40,855,639     $ 46,537,967  

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

    179,819,853       174,001,369  

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    38,938,882       44,773,860  

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

    37,816,626       37,649,547  

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    2,478,591       308,118  

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of U.S. Government securities.

 

During the current fiscal period, in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions were as follows:

 

   

In-Kind
Purchases

   

In-Kind
Sales

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

  $ 101,361,597     $ 2,967,264  

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

    183,768,823       35,803,672  

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    56,165,788       1,978,678  

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

    49,127,254       1,647,892  

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    89,743,347        

 

NOTE 5 – TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED SECURITIES

 

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Funds during the period ended October 31, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

                               

Affiliated Issuer

 

Value at
4/30/2021

   

Purchases
at Cost

   

Proceeds
from Sales

   

Net Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value at
10/31/2021

 

iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Corporate ETF

  $ 82,766,954     $ 24,026,447     $ (106,439,353 )   $ (677,504 )   $ 323,456     $  

iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Corporate ETF

    106,139,099       36,734,200       (6,540,696 )     242,615       (1,202,533 )     135,372,685  

iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Corporate ETF

    147,385,899       70,595,851       (9,890,880 )     571,342       (2,376,071 )     206,286,141  

iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Corporate ETF

    102,102,385       63,282,914       (6,295,078 )     151,858       (1,661,765 )     157,580,314  

iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Corporate ETF

    100,739,516       73,558,270       (7,052,193 )     54,414       (1,755,483 )     165,544,524  

iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF

          81,083,205       (3,190,037 )     (19,523 )     (874,913 )     76,998,732  
    $ 539,133,853                     $ 323,202     $ (7,547,309 )   $ 741,782,396  

 

45

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Affiliated Issuer (Continued)

 

Shares
Held at
10/31/2021

   

Dividend
Income

   

Capital Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Corporate ETF

  $     $ 363,523     $  

iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Corporate ETF

    5,359,172       978,434        

iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Corporate ETF

    7,970,871       1,519,327        

iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Corporate ETF

    6,032,937       1,043,436        

iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Corporate ETF

    6,209,472       1,048,900        

iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF

    2,932,168       120,131        
            $ 5,073,751     $  

 

NOTE 6 – INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The components of distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) and cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes at April 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

   

Aptus Collared
Income
Opportunity ETF

   

Aptus Defined
Risk ETF

   

Aptus Drawdown
Managed
Equity ETF

   

Opus Small Cap
Value ETF

 

Tax cost of investments

  $ 157,982,302     $ 625,306,538     $ 165,644,447     $ 84,256,779  

Gross tax unrealized appreciation

  $ 46,327,117     $ 5,150,725     $ 57,411,847     $ 22,908,850  

Gross tax unrealized depreciation

    (2,460,526 )     (4,850,120 )     (767,537 )     (837,038 )

Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    43,866,591       300,605       56,644,310       22,071,812  

Undistributed ordinary Income

    120,814       12,687,026              

Undistributed long-term capital gains

                       

Other accumulated gain (loss)

    (17,246,495 )           (44,221,388 )     (3,497,641 )

Distributable earnings (accumulated deficit)

  $ 26,740,910     $ 12,987,631     $ 12,422,922     $ 18,574,171  

 

*

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF commenced operations after April 30, 2021 and therefore does not appear in this table.

 

The difference between the cost basis for financial statement and federal income tax purposes was primarily due to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales.

 

A regulated investment company may elect for any taxable year to treat any portion of any qualified late year loss as arising on the first day of the next taxable year. Qualified late year losses are certain capital and ordinary losses which occur during the portion of the Funds’ taxable year subsequent to October 31 and December 31, respectively. For the taxable year ended April 30, 2021, the Funds did not elect to defer any post-October capital losses or late-year ordinary losses.

 

As of April 30, 2021, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards with no expiration date:

 

   

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

  $ 2,171,578     $ 7,557,894  

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

           

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    35,470,960       8,750,428  

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

    2,213,390       1,284,351  

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    N/A       N/A  

 

46

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, Opus Small Cap Value ETF utilized $3,007,989 of short-term and $736,160 of long-term capital loss carryforward that was available as of April 30, 2020. Utilization of capital loss carryforwards acquired by Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF in connection with the reorganization during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 will be subject to limitations because of an ownership change. Because of these limitations, the capital losses of the acquired fund may expire without being utilized. Additionally, for five years beginning after the closing date of the reorganization, the Fund will not be allowed to offset certain pre-reorganization built-in gains attributable to the acquired fund (if any) with capital loss carryforwards attributable to the Fund.

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds during year ended April 30, 2021 and year/period ended April 30, 2020 was as follows:

 

   

Year Ended
April 30, 2021

   

Year/Period(1) Ended
April 30, 2020

 
   

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Return of
Capital

   

Ordinary
Income

   

Return of
Capital

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

  $ 1,454,907     $     $     $ 1,518,391     $  

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

    24,142,128       2,924,003             5,108,936        

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    604,958             49,223       807,008        

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

    500,479             88,541       1,046,349       99,490  

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

 

(1)

Information for Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF is for the period from July 9, 2019 to April 30, 2020.

 

NOTE 7 – ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES ABOUT DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

The following disclosures provide information on the Funds’ use of derivatives. The location and value of these instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and the realized gains and losses and changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on the Statements of Operations are included in the following tables.

 

The Funds may purchase put options on individual stocks, on an index tracking a portfolio of U.S. equity securities, or on one or more other ETFs that principally invest in U.S. equity securities, purchase call options on the Cboe Volatility Index®, or utilize a combination of purchased and written (sold) put options (known as a “spread”) to limit the Funds’ exposure to equity market declines. The Funds may write (sell) call options on individual stocks, on an index tracking a portfolio of U.S. equity securities, or on one or more other ETFs that principally invest in U.S. equity securities, or utilize a combination of purchased and written (sold) call options (spread) to generate premium from such options.

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF’s options collar strategy typically consists of two components: (i) selling covered call options on up to 100% of the equity securities held by the Fund to generate premium from such options, while (ii) simultaneously reinvesting a portion of such premium to buy put options on the same underlying equity securities or a U.S. Equity Index to “hedge” or mitigate the downside risk associated with owning equity securities. The Fund seeks to generate income from the combination of dividends received from the equity securities held by the Fund and premiums received from the sale of options. Additionally, the Fund may purchase put options or utilize a combination of purchased and written (sold) put options (known as a “spread”) on one or more equity securities or a U.S. Equity Index to “hedge” or mitigate the downside risk associated with owning equity securities.

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF’s Equity Strategy seeks exposure to small-, mid-, and large-capitalization U.S. stocks by purchasing exchange-listed call options on approximately ten to twenty individual stocks or depositary receipts (the “Underlying Individual Equities”) or on one or more other ETFs that principally invest in U.S. equity securities (the “Underlying Equity ETFs”). The Fund may utilize a combination of purchased and written (sold) call options (known as a “spread”). Additionally, the Adviser seeks to limit the Fund’s exposure to equity market declines by purchasing exchange-listed put options on one or more broad-based indexes or ETFs that track a portfolio of U.S. equity securities (“Broad Market Puts”).

 

47

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF seeks to limit the Fund’s exposure to equity market declines primarily by purchasing exchange-listed put options on individual equity securities or on one or more equity indexes or ETFs (each, a “reference asset”) that track a portfolio of U.S. equity securities (“Equity Puts”). In addition to purchasing Equity Puts, the Adviser may write (sell) Equity Puts. In addition to or in lieu of such Equity Puts, the Adviser may purchase call options on the Cboe Volatility Index® (the “VIX® Index”). The VIX Index reflects a calculation designed to produce a measure of constant, 30-day expected volatility of the U.S. stock market, derived from real-time, mid-quote prices of S&P 500® Index call and put options. The Fund may purchase call options or a combination of purchased and written (sold) call options (known as a “spread”) on individual equity securities or on one or more equity indexes or ETFs.

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF seeks to limit the Fund’s exposure to equity market declines primarily by purchasing exchange-listed put options, or utilizing a combination of purchased and written (sold) put options (known as a “spread”), on one or more equity indexes or ETFs (each, a “reference asset”) that track a portfolio of non-U.S. equity securities (together, “Equity Puts”). The reference asset for an option will generally reflect the overall equity market for emerging markets or developed markets outside the United States, the equity market of a particular region or country (other than the United States), or a particular depositary receipt held by the Fund. In addition to purchasing Equity Puts, the Adviser may write (sell) Equity Puts. The Adviser may also purchase call options or utilize call option spreads on the Cboe Volatility Index® (the “VIX Index”). The VIX Index reflects a calculation designed to produce a measure of constant, 30-day expected volatility of the U.S. stock market, derived from real-time prices of S&P 500® Index call and put options.

 

When the Funds purchase a call or put option, an amount equal to the premium paid is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an investment and is subsequently adjusted to reflect the value of the option. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized. If the Funds exercise a call option, the cost of the security acquired is increased by the premium paid for the call. If the Funds exercise a put option, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such a sale are decreased by the premium originally paid. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the loss of the premium paid.

 

A written (sold) call option gives the seller the obligation to sell shares of the underlying asset at a specified price (“strike price”) at a specified date (“expiration date”). The writer (seller) of the call option receives an amount (premium) for writing (selling) the option. In the event the underlying asset appreciates above the strike price as of the expiration date, the writer (seller) of the call option will have to pay the difference between the value of the underlying asset and the strike price (which loss is offset by the premium initially received), and in the event the underlying asset declines in value, the call option may end up worthless and the writer (seller) of the call option retains the premium.

 

A written (sold) put option gives the seller the obligation to buy shares of the underlying asset at a specified price (“strike price”) at a specified date (“expiration date”). The writer (seller) of the put option receives an amount (premium) for writing (selling) the option. In the event the underlying asset depreciates below the strike price as of the expiration date, the writer (seller) of the put option pays the difference between the value of the underlying asset and the strike price (which loss is offset by the premium initially received), and in the event the underlying asset appreciates in value, the put option may end up worthless and the writer (seller) of the call option retains the premium.

 

When the Funds write an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Funds is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Funds on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Funds have realized a gain or loss. The Funds, as a writer of an option, bear the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.

 

For financial statement purposes, cash held at the broker for options is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as deposits at broker for written options. Broker interest paid by the Funds, if any, is included as interest expense in the Statements of Operations. As collateral for its written options, the Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF maintains segregated assets consisting of cash, cash equivalents, or liquid securities (e.g. Permissible Assets). Segregated cash is included as restricted cash for options in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Adviser may earmark or instruct the Fund’s custodian to segregate Permissible Assets in an amount at least equal to the market value, calculated on a daily basis, of the written options. Alternatively, a written

 

48

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

call option contract can be “covered” through (a) ownership of the underlying instruments or (b) ownership of an option on such instruments at an exercise price equal to or lower than the exercise price of the short option, and a written put option contract can be “covered” (a) through ownership of a put option with an exercise price at least equal to the Fund’s delivery or purchase obligation or (b) through selling short the underlying instrument at a price at least equal to the Fund’s purchase obligation.

 

The average monthly value of derivative activity during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

Purchased Options

 

Average Value

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

  $ 1,702,933  

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

    41,512,775  

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    1,543,713  

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    284,952  

 

Written Options

       

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

  $ (1,229,683 )

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

    (1,080,213 )

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    (479,638 )

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

    (299,271 )

 

Due to the absence of a master netting agreement related to the Funds’ participation in purchasing and writing options, no additional offsetting disclosures have been made on behalf of the Funds.

 

As the Funds value their derivatives at fair value and recognize changes in fair value through the Statements of Operations, they do not qualify for hedge accounting under authoritative guidance for derivative instruments. The Funds’ investments in derivatives may represent an economic hedge; however, they are considered to be non-hedge transactions for the purpose of these disclosures.

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities for the current fiscal period, is as follows:

 

           

Asset Derivatives

 

Fund

 

Derivatives Investment Type

   

Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location

   

Value

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

Equity Contracts - Purchased Options

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value

  $ 1,583,650  

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

Equity Contracts - Purchased Options

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value

    47,289,350  

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Equity Contracts - Purchased Options

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value

    1,491,650  

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Equity Contracts - Purchased Options

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value

    265,450  

 

           

Liability Derivatives

 

Fund

 

Derivatives Investment Type

   

Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location

   

Value

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

Equity Contracts - Written Options

Written options, at value

  $ (1,853,967 )

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

Equity Contracts - Written Options

Written options, at value

    (584,400 )

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Equity Contracts - Written Options

Written options, at value

    (433,400 )

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Equity Contracts - Written Options

Written options, at value

    (63,500 )

 

49

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations for the current fiscal period were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Derivatives Investment Type

   

Net Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

Equity Contracts - Purchased Options

  $ (8,948,237 )*   $ 28,673 **

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

Equity Contracts - Written Options

    3,303,294       (1,210,097 )

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

Equity Contracts - Purchased Options

    (5,155,993 )*     9,497,743 **

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

Equity Contracts - Written Options

    637,903       759,041  

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Equity Contracts - Purchased Options

    (8,332,784 )*     98,927 **

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Equity Contracts - Written Options

    3,240,055       (280,434 )

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Equity Contracts - Purchased Options

    (96,594 )*     (688,939 )**

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Equity Contracts - Written Options

    51,510       190,515  

 

*

Included in net realized gain (loss) on investments in unaffiliated securities as reported in the Statement of Operations.

**

Included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in unaffiliated securities as reported in the Statement of Operations.

 

NOTE 8 – SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Funds are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (“Cboe”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF, Aptus Defined Risk ETF, Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF and International Drawdown Managed Risk ETF issue and redeem shares on a continuous basis at NAV generally in blocks of 50,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Opus Small Cap Value ETF issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV generally in blocks of 25,000 shares. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Funds. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the shares directly from the Funds. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

The Funds each currently offer one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF, Aptus Defined Risk ETF, Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF, and Opus Small Cap Value ETF is $250 and the standard fixed transaction fee for International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF is $500, each payable to the Custodian. The fixed creation fee may be waived on certain orders if the Funds’ Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate the Funds for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions fees. Variable fees received by each Fund, if any, are displayed in the Capital Share Transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

50

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

NOTE 9 – RISKS

 

Concentration Risk. To the extent that the Funds invest more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, their performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors.

 

Covid-19 Risk. The recent global outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such uncertainty may in turn impact the value of the Funds’ investments.

 

Other Investment Companies Risk. The risks of Aptus Defined Risk ETF and International Drawdown Managed Risk ETF investing in investment companies typically reflect the risks of the types of instruments in which the investment companies invest. By investing in another investment company, the Funds becomes a shareholder of that investment company and bears its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the other investment company. The Funds may be subject to statutory limits with respect to the amount it can invest in other ETFs, which may adversely affect the Funds’ ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

51

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Expense Examples

For the Period Ended October 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated in the following Expense Example tables.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table provides information about actual account values based on actual returns and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then, multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period’’ to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values based on a hypothetical return and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in each Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
May 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
October 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(1)

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,069.70

$4.12

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,021.22

$4.02

 

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
May 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
October 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(2)

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,002.60

$3.53

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,021.68

$3.57

 

 

52

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Expense Examples
For the Period Ended October 31, 2021 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
May 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
October 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(1)

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,083.40

$4.15

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,021.22

$4.02

 

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
May 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
October 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(1)

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,046.20

$4.07

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,021.22

$4.02

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
July 22, 2021
(3)

Ending
Account Value
October 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
the Period

Actual

$1,000.00

$996.50

$1.63 (4)

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,022.23

$3.01 (5)

 

 

(1)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio, 0.79%, multiplied by the average account value during the six-month period, multiplied by 184/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

(2)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio, 0.70%, multiplied by the average account value during the six-month period, multiplied by 184/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

(3)

Fund commencement.

(4)

The dollar amount shown as expenses paid during the period is equal to the annualized expense ratio, 0.59%, multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 101/365, to reflect the period.

(5)

The dollar amount shown as expenses paid during the period is equal to the annualized expense ratio, 0.59%, multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 184/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

53

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

 

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Trust, on behalf of the series of the Trust covered by this shareholder report (the “Series”), has adopted a liquidity risk management program to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk. Rule 22e-4 seeks to promote effective liquidity risk management, thereby reducing the risk that a fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations and mitigating dilution of the interests of fund shareholders. The Trust’s liquidity risk management program is tailored to reflect the Series’ particular risks, but not to eliminate all adverse impacts of liquidity risk, which would be incompatible with the nature of such Series.

 

The investment adviser to the Series has adopted and implemented its own written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) tailored specifically to assess and manage the liquidity risk of the Series.

 

At a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Trustees received a report pertaining to the operation, adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation of the Program for the period ended December 31, 2020. The report concluded that the Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Series’ liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively to manage such risk. The report reflected that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Series’ ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

 

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the prospectus for more information regarding the Series’ exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Series may be subject.

 

54

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Approval of Advisory Agreement and Board Considerations

(Unaudited)

 

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

 

Pursuant to Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), at a meeting held on April 20-21, 2021 (the “Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of ETF Series Solutions (the “Trust”) considered the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the Trust, on behalf of the International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF (the “Fund).

 

Prior to the Meeting, the Board, including the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or “interested persons” of any party thereto, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed written materials from the Adviser (the “Materials”) regarding, among other things: (i) the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser; (ii) the cost of the services to be provided and the profits expected to be realized by the Adviser or its affiliates from services rendered to the Fund; (iii) comparative fee and expense data for the Fund and other investment companies with similar investment objectives; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the Fund grows and whether the advisory fee for the Fund reflects these economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund; and (v) any other financial benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates resulting from services rendered to the Fund.

 

The Board also considered that the Adviser, along with other service providers of the Fund, presented written information to help the Board evaluate the Adviser’s fees and other aspects of the Agreement. Additionally, representatives from the Adviser provided an oral overview of the Fund’s strategy, the services to be provided to the Fund by the Adviser, and additional information about the Adviser’s personnel and operations. The Board then discussed the written materials and oral presentation that it had received and any other information that the Board received at the Meeting and deliberated on the approval of the Agreement in light of this information.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services to be Provided. The Trustees considered the scope of services to be provided under the Advisory Agreement, noting that the Adviser will be providing investment management services to the Fund. In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser, the Board considered the quality of the Adviser’s compliance program and past reports from the Trust’s CCO regarding his review of the Adviser’s compliance program, as well as the Board’s experience with the Adviser as the investment adviser to other series of the Trust. The Board noted that it had previously received a copy of the Adviser’s registration form, as well as the response of the Adviser to a detailed series of questions that included, among other things, information about the Adviser’s decision-making process, details about the Fund, and the services to be provided by the Adviser.

 

The Board also considered other services to be provided to the Fund, such as monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions, monitoring compliance with various Fund policies and with applicable requirements, and monitoring the extent to which the Fund achieves its investment objective as an actively managed fund. The Board further considered the oral information provided by the Adviser with respect to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Adviser’s operations.

 

Historical Performance. The Board noted that the Fund had not yet commenced operations and concluded that the performance of the Fund, thus, was not a relevant factor in their deliberations.

 

Cost of Services to be Provided and Economies of Scale. The Board then reviewed the Fund’s proposed expense ratio, including the “unified fee” described below and excluding estimated acquired fund fees and expenses, and compared it to the expense ratios (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses) of funds in the universe of Options-based ETFs as reported by Morningstar (the “Category Peer Group”). The Board noted that the proposed expense ratio for the Fund was significantly less than the median for the Category Peer Group.

 

The Board further noted that the Fund’s proposed management fee and expense ratio were in line with the management fees and expense ratios for the Fund’s competitors identified by the Adviser that have a strategy of foreign equity exposure with a hedging component. The Board determined that the Fund’s anticipated expense ratio was reasonable given the nature of the investment strategy that provides international equity exposure with a hedge.

 

55

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Approval of Advisory Agreement and Board Considerations

(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF (Continued)

 

The Board took into consideration that the Adviser would charge a “unified fee,” meaning the Fund would pay no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain other costs such as interest, brokerage, acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses and, to the extent it is implemented, fees pursuant to a Distribution and/or Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Plan. The Board noted that the Adviser would be responsible for compensating the Trust’s other service providers and paying the Fund’s other expenses out of its own fee and resources. The Board also evaluated the compensation and benefits expected to be received by the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund, taking into account an analysis of the Adviser’s anticipated profitability with respect to the Fund and the financial resources the Adviser had committed and proposed to commit to its business. The Board determined such analyses were not a significant factor given that the Fund had not yet commenced operations and consequently, the future size of the Fund and the Adviser’s future profitability were generally unpredictable. The Board also considered the fees charged by the underlying funds in which the Fund would invest and determined that such fees were not for services that were duplicative of the services provided by the Adviser.

 

The Board expressed the view that the Adviser might realize economies of scale in managing the Fund as assets grow in size. The Board further determined that, based on the amount and structure of the Fund’s unitary fee, such economies of scale would be shared with Fund shareholders in the initial period of the Fund’s operations, although the Board intends to monitor fees as the Fund grows in size and assess whether fee breakpoints may be warranted.

 

Conclusion. No single factor was determinative of the Board’s decision to approve the Advisory Agreement; rather, the Board based its determination on the total mix of information available to it. Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Advisory Agreement, including the compensation payable under the agreement, was fair and reasonable to the Fund. The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, therefore determined that the approval of the Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

56

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Federal Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

 

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be subject to the maximum rate of 23.8%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows:

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

100.00%

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

0.00%

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

100.00%

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

100.00%

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

N/A

 

For corporate shareholders, the percentage of ordinary income distributions qualified for the corporate dividend received deduction for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021 was as follows:

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

100.00%

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

0.00%

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

100.00%

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

100.00%

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

N/A

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) for each Fund were as follows:

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

0.00%

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

78.53%

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

0.00%

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

0.00%

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

N/A

 

Information About Portfolio Holdings
(Unaudited)

 

 

The Funds file their complete schedules of portfolio holdings for their first and third fiscal quarters with the SEC on Part F of Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Part F of Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004. Furthermore, you may obtain Part F of Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or the Funds’ website at www.aptusetfs.com and www.opusetfs.com. Each Fund’s portfolio holdings are posted on their website at www.aptusetfs.com and www.opusetfs.com daily.

 

Information About Proxy Voting
(Unaudited)

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is provided in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004, by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by accessing the Funds’ website at www.aptusetfs.com or www.opusetfs.com.

 

When available, information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the period ending June 30 is available by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

57

 

 

Aptus ETFs

 

Information About the Funds’ Trustees

(Unaudited)

 

 

The SAI includes additional information about the Funds’ Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by accessing the Funds’ website at www.aptusetfs.com or www.opusetfs.com.

 

Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts
(Unaudited)

 

 

Information regarding how often shares of the Funds trade on an exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Funds is available without charge, on the Funds’ website at www.aptusetfs.com or www.opusetfs.com.

 

58

 

 

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Adviser

Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC
265 Young Street
Fairhope, Alabama 36532

 

Distributor

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Cohen & Company, Ltd.
342 North Water Street, Suite 830
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Legal Counsel

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

 

Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF

Symbol – ACIO
CUSIP – 26922A222

Aptus Defined Risk ETF

Symbol – DRSK
CUSIP – 26922A388

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Symbol – ADME
CUSIP – 26922A784

Opus Small Cap Value ETF

Symbol – OSCV
CUSIP – 26922A446

International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF

Symbol – IDME
CUSIP – 26922B709

 

 

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.

 

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The Registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.

 

(b)There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(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 Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not Applicable.

 

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

 

(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

(4) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by this report.

 

(b)Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.Furnished herewith.

 

 

 

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) ETF Series Solutions  
       
  By (Signature and Title /s/ Kristina R. Nelson  
    Kristina R. Nelson, President (principal executive officer)  
       
  Date 1/7/2022  

 

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/ Kristina R. Nelson  
    Kristina R. Nelson, President (principal executive officer)  
       
  Date 1/7/2022  
       
  By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Kristen M. Weitzel  
    Kristen M. Weitzel, Treasurer (principal financial officer)  
       
  Date 1/7/2022  

 

*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.

 


EX.99.CERT

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Kristina R. Nelson, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of ETF Series Solutions;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:

1/7/2022

  /s/ Kristina R. Nelson  
      Kristina R. Nelson  
      President (principal executive officer)  
      ETF Series Solutions  

 

 

 

EX.99.CERT

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Kristen M. Weitzel, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of ETF Series Solutions;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:

1/7/2022

  /s/ Kristen M. Weitzel  
      Kristen M. Weitzel  
      Treasurer (principal financial officer)  
      ETF Series Solutions  

 


EX.99.906CERT

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned officers of ETF Series Solutions, does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that the report on Form N-CSR of ETF Series Solutions, for the period ended October 31, 2021 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as applicable, and that the information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ETF Series Solutions for the stated period.

 

/s/ Kristina R. Nelson   /s/ Kristen M. Weitzel  
Kristina R. Nelson   Kristen M. Weitzel  
President (principal executive officer)   Treasurer (principal financial officer)  
ETF Series Solutions   ETF Series Solutions  
       
Dated:

1/7/2022

  Dated:

1/7/2022

 

 

This statement accompanies this report on Form N-CSR pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed as filed by ETF Series Solutions for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.