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 811-21237

 

Unified Series Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

 

Zachary P. Richmond

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 513-587-3400

 

Date of fiscal year end: 8/31

 

Date of reporting period: 2/29/2024

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL
GROUP FUND FAMILY

 

Semi-Annual Report

February 29, 2024

 

 

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group

All Foreign Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Adviser:
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050
Plano, Texas 75093
(800) 851-8845

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)
 
Average Annual Total Returns as of February 29, 2024(a)
 
        Since
        Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year Three Year (7/17/20)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign        
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund 10.45% 16.57% 1.42% 7.77%
MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index(b) 7.90% 12.51% 1.32% 6.62%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(c)
Gross       104.85%
With Applicable Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements     0.68%
       

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index is a stock market index comprising of non-U.S. stocks from 22 developed market countries and 24 emerging market countries. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2023. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2028 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; certain fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratios as of February 29, 2024 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

2

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund Holdings as of February 29, 2024*

 

(BAR CHAT)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)
 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov.

3

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 96.20%  Shares   Fair Value 
Argentina — 1.62%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.62%          
MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)   2   $3,191 
Total Argentina        3,191 
           
Australia — 2.03%          
Health Care — 0.85%          
CSL Ltd.   9    1,675 
           
Technology — 1.18%          
XERO LTD(a)   28    2,317 
Total Australia        3,992 
           
Brazil — 3.12%          
Financials — 3.12%          
Banco Bradesco S.A. - ADR   957    2,660 
Itau Unibanco Holding SA - ADR   514    3,504 
         6,164 
Total Brazil        6,164 
           
Canada — 1.28%          
Technology — 1.28%          
Shopify, Inc., Class A(a)   33    2,520 
Total Canada        2,520 
           
China — 4.38%          
Communications — 1.66%          
NetEase, Inc. - ADR   18    1,943 
Tencent Holdings Ltd. - ADR   38    1,328 
         3,271 
Consumer Discretionary — 2.18%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - ADR   17    1,259 
Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.   800    875 
Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., H Shares   350    1,068 
JD.com, Inc. - ADR   26    588 
Meituan - ADR(a)   24    486 
         4,276 
Consumer Staples — 0.35%          
China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.(a)   275    691 
           
Health Care — 0.19%          
WuXi Biologics Cayman, Inc.(a)   150    365 
Total China        8,603 
           
Denmark — 4.71%          
Energy — 0.92%          
Vestas Wind Systems A/S(a)   65    1,809 
           
Health Care — 3.79%          
Coloplast A/S - ADR   51    683 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

4

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 96.20% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Denmark — 4.71% - continued          
Health Care — 3.79% - continued          
Novo Nordisk A/S   57   $6,774 
         7,457 
Total Denmark        9,266 
           
France — 15.11%          
Consumer Discretionary — 5.72%          
Cia Generale de Establissements Michelin SCA   51    1,885 
Hermes International SA   3    7,500 
Kering SA   4    1,838 
         11,223 
Consumer Staples — 1.46%          
L’Oreal SA   6    2,864 
           
Financials — 1.82%          
BNP Paribas SA   22    1,317 
Credit Agricole SA   115    1,556 
Societe Generale SA   29    703 
         3,576 
Health Care — 0.87%          
Sanofi   18    1,710 
           
Industrials — 1.31%          
Aeroports de Paris   14    1,902 
Vinci SA - ADR   21    672 
         2,574 
Materials — 2.39%          
Cie de Saint-Gobain   61    4,694 
           
Technology — 1.54%          
Dassault Systems SE   65    3,034 
Total France        29,675 
           
Germany — 6.42%          
Consumer Staples — 1.53%          
Beiersdorf AG   21    3,010 
           
Financials — 0.64%          
Deutsche Boerse AG   6    1,256 
           
Industrials — 3.39%          
Deutsche Post AG   67    3,107 
Siemens AG   18    3,559 
         6,666 
Technology — 0.86%          
SAP SE   9    1,682 
Total Germany        12,614 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

5

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 96.20% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
India — 1.95%          
Financials — 1.01%          
HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR   37   $1,980 
           
Technology — 0.94%          
Infosys Ltd. - ADR   93    1,856 
Total India        3,836 
           
Indonesia — 1.71%          
Financials — 1.71%          
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT - ADR   170    3,335 
Total Indonesia        3,335 
           
Israel — 0.75%          
Technology — 0.75%          
NICE-Systems Ltd. - ADR(a)   6    1,471 
Total Israel        1,471 
           
Italy — 1.56%          
Energy — 1.03%          
Eni SpA   131    2,017 
           
Financials — 0.53%          
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA   329    1,045 
Total Italy        3,062 
           
Japan — 11.29%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.22%          
Toyota Motor Corp. - ADR   10    2,406 
           
Financials — 3.79%          
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. - ADR   298    3,060 
Nomura Holdings, Inc. - ADR   281    1,607 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. - ADR   248    2,763 
         7,430 
Health Care — 0.29%          
Eisai Co Ltd - ADR   55    570 
           
Industrials — 5.43%          
Daifuku Co. Ltd. - ADR   101    1,192 
FANUC Corp. - ADR   103    1,497 
Keyence Corp.   14    6,540 
Kubota Corp.   100    1,464 
         10,693 
Technology — 0.56%          
OBIC Co. Ltd.   7    1,094 
Total Japan        22,193 
           
Korea (Republic of) — 3.41%          
Communications — 0.67%          
NAVER Corp.   9    1,315 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

6

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 96.20% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Korea (Republic of) — 3.41% - continued          
Technology — 2.74%          
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.   98   $5,390 
Total Korea (Republic of)        6,705 
           
Netherlands — 11.92%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.13%          
Stellantis NV   86    2,243 
           
Financials — 1.42%          
Adyen NV(a)   1    1,578 
ING Groep NV   89    1,221 
         2,799 
Technology — 9.37%          
ASML Holding NV   10    9,409 
NXP Semiconductors NV   26    6,493 
Wolters Kluwer NV   16    2,522 
         18,424 
Total Netherlands        23,466 
           
Norway — 0.84%          
Energy — 0.84%          
Equinor ASA   67    1,651 
Total Norway        1,651 
           
Spain — 3.17%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.19%          
Industria de Diseno Textil SA   53    2,349 
           
Energy — 1.54%          
Repsol SA   191    3,040 
           
Financials — 0.44%          
Banco Santander SA   209    869 
Total Spain        6,258 
           
Sweden — 1.01%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.01%          
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B   146    1,978 
Total Sweden        1,978 
           
Switzerland — 1.39%          
Industrials — 1.39%          
ABB Ltd.   59    2,724 
Total Switzerland        2,724 
           
Taiwan Province of China — 5.10%          
Technology — 5.10%          
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - ADR   78    10,035 
Total Taiwan Province of China        10,035 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

7

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 96.20% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
United Kingdom — 13.43%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.28%          
Next PLC   24   $2,519 
           
Consumer Staples — 2.00%          
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC   37    2,539 
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC   22    1,388 
         3,927 
Energy — 1.21%          
BP PLC   409    2,379 
           
Financials — 0.58%          
Barclays PLC   550    1,142 
           
Health Care — 1.60%          
AstraZeneca PLC   25    3,151 
           
Materials — 4.73%          
Anglo American PLC   91    1,954 
Antofagasta PLC   200    4,589 
Rio Tinto PLC   43    2,757 
         9,300 
Technology — 2.03%          
Experian PLC   93    3,975 
Total United Kingdom        26,393 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $146,867)        189,132 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.66%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.23%(b)   1,305    1,305 
           
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $1,305)        1,305 
Total Investments — 96.86% (Cost $148,172)        190,437 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 3.14%        6,166 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $196,603 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

8

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Assets     
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $148,172)  $190,437 
Dividends receivable   399 
Receivable from Adviser   29,929 
Prepaid expenses   2,149 
Total Assets   222,914 
      
Liabilities     
Payable to affiliates   11,958 
Accrued audit and tax fees   9,423 
Payable to trustees   55 
Other accrued expenses   4,875 
Total Liabilities   26,311 
Net Assets  $196,603 
      
Net Assets consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $162,961 
Accumulated earnings   33,642 
Net Assets  $196,603 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   16,091 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $12.22 
      

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

9

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statement of Operations
For the six months ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Investment Income     
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $295)  $1,402 
Total investment income   1,402 
      
Expenses     
Administration   27,710 
Legal   9,804 
Audit and tax   9,423 
Trustee   7,963 
Transfer agent   6,263 
Compliance services   5,968 
Custodian   2,070 
Report printing   1,872 
Pricing   1,662 
Registration   845 
Adviser   547 
Miscellaneous   14,301 
Total expenses   88,428 
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (87,819)
Net operating expenses   609 
Net investment income   793 
      
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (5,402)
Net realized loss on foreign currency translations   (31)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   23,192 
Net change in unrealized depreciation of foreign currency   (1)
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   17,758 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $18,551 
      

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

10

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
   For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Year 
   February 29,   Ended August 
   2024   31, 2023 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $793   $2,890 
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (5,433)   (479)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   23,191    24,952 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   18,551    27,363 
           
Distributions From:          
Earnings   (2,968)   (2,634)
Total distributions   (2,968)   (2,634)
           
Capital Transactions          
Reinvestment of distributions   2,968    2,634 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   2,968    2,634 
Total Increase in Net Assets   18,551    27,363 
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   178,052    150,689 
End of period  $196,603   $178,052 
           
Share Transactions          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   253    263 
Net increase in shares   253    263 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

11

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Financial Highlights
 
(For a share outstanding during each period)
 
   For the Six               For the 
   Months   For the   For the   For the   Period 
   Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   29, 2024   2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
   (Unaudited)                 
Selected Per Share Data:                         
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.23   $9.67   $13.84   $10.36   $10.00 
                          
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.05    0.18    0.19    0.14    0.01 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   1.13    1.56    (3.91)   3.38    0.35 
Total from investment operations   1.18    1.74    (3.72)   3.52    0.36 
                          
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.19)   (0.17)   (0.16)   (0.04)    
Net realized gains           (0.29)        
Total distributions   (0.19)   (0.17)   (0.45)   (0.04)    
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $12.22   $11.24   $9.67   $13.84   $10.36 
                          
Total Return(b)   10.45(c)   18.20%   (27.71)%   34.07%   3.60(c)
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $197   $178   $151   $208   $155 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.68(d)   0.68%   0.68%   0.68%   0.68(d)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement   98.75(d)   104.85%   93.97%   80.18%   201.44(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.89(d)   1.73%   1.56%   1.15%   0.98(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   15(c)   18%   22%   17%   4(c)
                          
(a)For the period July 17, 2020 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

(b)Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

12

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on November 12, 2018. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 2002, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Fund commenced operations on July 17, 2020. The investment adviser to the Fund is Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies,” including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Regulatory Update – Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) – Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

13

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency translations on the Statement of Operations represents currency gains (losses) realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency translations for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Fund makes no provision for federal income or excise tax. The Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. The Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

As of and during the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations when incurred. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Fund has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds of the Trust based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

14

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Fund follows industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and related reclaims have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified among the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund.

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique). Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained and available from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use

15

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments and/or registered investment companies where the value per share is determined and published and is the basis for current transactions for identical assets or liabilities at the valuation date

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for an identical security in an inactive market, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining fair value of investments based on the best information available)

 

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 which is reported is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available in conformity with guidelines adopted by the Board. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee pursuant to its policies and procedures. Any fair value provided by the Valuation Designee is subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

16

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

With respect to foreign equity securities that are principally traded on a market outside the United States, the Board has approved the utilization of an independent fair value pricing service to evaluate the effect of market fluctuations on these securities after the close of trading in that foreign market. To the extent that securities are valued using this service, they will be classified as Level 2 securities.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the service agent of the mutual funds. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Valuation Designee is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single method exists for determining fair value because fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security being valued by the Valuation Designee would be the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. The Valuation Designee may obtain assistance from others in fulfilling its duties. For example, it may seek assistance from pricing services, fund administrators, sub-advisers, accountants, or counsel; it may also consult the Trust’s Fair Value Committee. The Valuation Designee, however, remains responsible for the final fair value determination and may not designate or assign that responsibility to any third party.

17

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $189,132   $   $   $189,132 
Money Market Funds   1,305            1,305 
Total  $190,437   $   $   $190,437 

 

(a)Refer to Schedule of Investments for sector classifications.

 

The Fund did not hold any investments during or at the end of the reporting period for which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value; therefore, no reconciliation of Level 3 securities is included for this reporting period.

 

NOTE 4. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust with respect to the Fund, manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.61% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Adviser earned management fees of $547 from the Fund before the fee waiver and expense reimbursement described below.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2028 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board upon 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Adviser waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses in the amount of $87,819 for the Fund. At February 29, 2024, the Adviser owed the Fund $29,929.

18

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values
Fund Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser may seek repayment of expense reimbursements in amounts as follows:

 

Recoverable Through     
August 31, 2024  $147,330 
August 31, 2025   169,173 
August 31, 2026   174,056 
February 28, 2027   87,819 

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services to the Fund. The Fund pays Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of Ultimus, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Fund, which are approved annually by the Board.

 

Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter to the Fund. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Fund) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of Ultimus and such persons are not paid by the Fund for serving in such capacities. One Trustee is a former employee of Ultimus who is not currently paid by the Fund for serving in such capacity.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chair of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees,” which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chair of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive additional fees for attending any special meetings. In addition, the

19

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were $27,287 and $39,931, respectively.

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended February 29, 2024.

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control the Fund.

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 29, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation  $53,429 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (11,988)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $41,441 
Tax cost of investments  $148,996 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, was as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:     
Ordinary income(a)  $2,634 
Total distributions paid  $2,634 

 

(a)Short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

At August 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income  $2,433 
Accumulated capital and other losses   (2,623)
Unrealized appreciation on investments   18,249 
Total accumulated earnings  $18,059 

20

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

As of August 31, 2023, the Fund had accumulated short-term capital loss carryforwards of $2,210 and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $413, not subject to expiration.

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of February 29, 2024, the Fund had 27.16% of the value of its net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Trust indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from their performance of their duties to the Trust or the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management of the Fund has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date at which these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, management has determined there were no items requiring adjustment of the financial statements or additional disclosure.

21

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values 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 “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s 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 the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

   Beginning  Ending       
   Account  Account  Expenses    
   Value  Value  Paid   Annualized
   September  February  During   Expense
   1, 2023  29, 2024  Period(a)   Ratio
Actual  $1,000.00  $1,104.50  $3.56   0.68%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,021.48  $3.42   0.68%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

(b)Hypothetical assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

22

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund (the “All Foreign Fund”) is a series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the All Foreign Fund and, as required by law, considered the renewal of the All Foreign Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”). In connection with such renewal, the Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 21, 2024 to review and discuss materials compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to the renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2024, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, Institutional Funds Team Lead, Vice President Institutional Operations, Client Service Manager, Legal Counsel, and Vice President of Portfolio Engineering. They also received a compliance review from the Trust CCO. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ renewal of the All Foreign Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher provides to the All Foreign Fund, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the All Foreign Fund, adhering to the All Foreign Fund’s investment strategy and any restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the All Foreign Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the All Foreign Fund’s portfolio, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the All Foreign Fund. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review with respect to Fisher and the All Foreign Fund. They discussed certain elements of the compliance program in detail with Fisher’s representatives, noting that Fisher’s procedures are robust and Fisher’s ESG procedures are particularly robust in comparison to others in the space. The Trustees also took note of the fact that Fisher successfully implemented an operational upgrade during the period since the last renewal. The Trustees concluded that they were impressed with the nature, extent, and quality of investment management services provided by Fisher to the All Foreign Fund.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed in detail the performance of the All Foreign Fund for various periods ended December 31, 2023. The Trustees noted that the Fund had outperformed the medians of its peer group and Morningstar Foreign Large Growth category, as well as its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Ex USA Index, over the one-year, three-year, and since inception periods. The Trustees noted that Fisher does not manage accounts comparable to

23

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

the All Foreign Fund. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded the performance of the All Foreign Fund is strong.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee and expense comparison for the All Foreign Fund. The Trustees noted that the management fee of the All Foreign Fund was below the averages and medians of the All Foreign Fund’s Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees further observed that the All Foreign Fund’s net expense ratio was below the medians and averages of its Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees also considered that Fisher has committed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses of the All Foreign Fund through at least December 31, 2028.

 

The Trustees also considered a profitability analysis for the All Foreign Fund prepared by Fisher, which showed that Fisher is not earning a profit from managing the All Foreign Fund. The Trustees noted Fisher’s representation that it does not enter into soft-dollar transactions on behalf of the All Foreign Fund. The Trustees concluded that the management fee represents reasonable compensation in light of the nature, extent, and high quality of Fisher’s services provided to the All Foreign Fund.

 

(iv) Economies of Scale. In determining the reasonableness of the management fee, the Trustees also considered the extent to which Fisher will realize economies of scale as the All Foreign Fund grows larger. The Trustees determined that, in light of the current size of the All Foreign Fund and Fisher’s lack of profitability in managing the Fund, it does not appear that Fisher is realizing benefits from economies of scale in managing the All Foreign Fund. Therefore, breakpoints are not necessary at this time.

24

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

Rev: January 2020

 

FACTS WHAT DOES FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL GROUP ALL FOREIGN EQUITY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL VALUES FUND (THE “FUND”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
   
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
   
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

■    Social Security number

 

■    account balances and account transactions

 

■    transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

   
How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Does the
Fund share?
Can you limit
this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes—

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes—

to offer our products and services to you

No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Questions? Call (800) 851-8845

25

 

Who we are
Who is providing this  notice?

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

What we do
How does the Fund  protect my personal  information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How does the Fund  collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■    open an account or deposit money

 

■    make deposits or withdrawals from your account or provide account information

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit  all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

■    sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes—information about your creditworthiness

 

■    affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■    sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

■    Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments, the investment adviser to the Fund, could be deemed to be an affiliate.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

   The Fund does not share your personal information with nonaffiliates so they can market to you

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

■    The Fund does not jointly market.

26

 

Proxy Voting

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Fund at (800) 851-8845 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chair
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
Gweneth K. Gosselink,
    Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond,
    Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050
Plano, TX 75093
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
   

 

This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who have received the Fund’s prospectus which contains information about the Fund’s management fee and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher1-SAR-24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL
GROUP FUND FAMILY

 

 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report

February 29, 2024

 

 

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group

U.S. Large Cap Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Adviser:

Fisher Asset Management, LLC

6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050

Plano, Texas 75093

(800) 851-8845

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)
 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 29, 2024(a)

 

        Since
        Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year Three Year (7/17/20)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund 15.91% 40.85% 13.59% 16.95%
S&P 500 Index(b) 13.93% 30.45% 11.91% 15.28%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(c)
Gross       81.87%
With Applicable Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements       0.47%
         

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Environmental and Social Values Fund (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The S&P 500 Index (“S&P Index”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of 500 large capitalization U.S. companies and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the S&P 500 Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2023. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.47% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2028 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; certain fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratios as of February 29, 2024 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

2

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund Holdings as of February 29, 2024*

 

(BAR CHAT)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the S&P 500 Index.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)
 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov.

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Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.02%  Shares   Fair Value 
           
Communications — 5.09%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   58   $8,031 
Netflix, Inc.(a)   9    5,426 
         13,457 
Consumer Discretionary — 12.44%          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   58    10,252 
Aptiv PLC(a)   17    1,351 
Ford Motor Co.   99    1,232 
General Motors Co.   49    2,008 
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.   7    1,430 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   25    9,515 
KB Home   58    3,853 
NIKE, Inc., Class B   14    1,455 
Yum! Brands, Inc.   13    1,800 
         32,896 
Consumer Staples — 3.49%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   4    2,976 
General Mills, Inc.   18    1,155 
Kimberly-Clark Corp.   6    727 
PepsiCo, Inc.   12    1,984 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   15    2,384 
         9,226 
Energy — 4.85%          
Baker Hughes Co.   108    3,196 
EOG Resources, Inc.   27    3,090 
Halliburton Co.   93    3,262 
Schlumberger Ltd.   68    3,286 
         12,834 
Financials — 11.91%          
American Express Co.   26    5,705 
Bank of America Corp.   100    3,452 
BlackRock, Inc.   5    4,057 
Citigroup, Inc.   71    3,939 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)   11    4,280 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   21    3,907 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.   12    1,360 
Visa, Inc., Class A   17    4,805 
         31,505 
Health Care — 9.35%          
Abbott Laboratories   16    1,898 
Amgen, Inc.   5    1,369 
Biogen, Inc.(a)   6    1,302 
Eli Lilly & Co.   5    3,769 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   15    5,784 
Johnson & Johnson   19    3,066 
Medtronic PLC   16    1,334 
Merck & Co., Inc.   25    3,179 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.02% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
         
Health Care — 9.35% - continued          
Pfizer, Inc.   20   $531 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   5    2,468 
Viatris, Inc.   1    12 
         24,712 
Industrials — 10.15%          
Caterpillar, Inc.   11    3,674 
Cummins, Inc.   10    2,686 
Eaton Corp. PLC   12    3,467 
Emerson Electric Co.   29    3,099 
HEICO Corp.   14    2,708 
Norfolk Southern Corp.   13    3,294 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   27    2,573 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.   12    3,421 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   13    1,927 
         26,849 
Materials — 2.18%          
Nucor Corp.   30    5,769 
Real Estate — 0.60%          
Prologis, Inc.   12    1,599 
Technology — 37.96%          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   7    3,922 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   34    6,546 
Apple, Inc.   93    16,810 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   10    2,582 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   38    1,838 
Intel Corp.   41    1,765 
KLA-Tencor Corp.   4    2,729 
Marvell Technology, Inc.   57    4,085 
Microsoft Corp.   42    17,373 
MSCI, Inc.   11    6,171 
NVIDIA Corp.   26    20,568 
Oracle Corp.   26    2,904 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   16    2,525 
salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   26    8,029 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   15    2,510 
         100,357 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $169,308)        259,204 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.58%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.23%(b)   1,527    1,527 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $1,527)        1,527 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

5

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
   Fair Value 
Total Investments — 98.60% (Cost $170,835)  $260,731 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.40%   3,705 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%  $264,436 
      
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

6

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Assets     
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $170,835)  $260,731 
Dividends receivable   355 
Receivable from Adviser   27,690 
Prepaid expenses   2,169 
Total Assets   290,945 
      
Liabilities     
Payable to affiliates   11,958 
Accrued audit and tax fees   9,149 
Payable to trustees   54 
Other accrued expenses   5,348 
Total Liabilities   26,509 
Net Assets  $264,436 
      
Net Assets consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $172,164 
Accumulated earnings   92,272 
Net Assets  $264,436 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   16,637 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $15.89 
      
      

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Investment Income     
Dividend income  $1,716 
Total investment income   1,716 
      
Expenses     
Administration   27,710 
Legal   9,804 
Audit and tax   9,149 
Trustee   7,963 
Transfer agent   6,263 
Compliance services   5,968 
Report printing   1,903 
Custodian   1,139 
Registration   821 
Pricing   508 
Adviser   464 
Miscellaneous   10,772 
Total expenses   82,464 
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (81,920)
Net operating expenses   544 
Net investment income   1,172 
      
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   3,216 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   32,030 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   35,246 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $36,418 
      

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
   For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Year 
   February 29,   Ended August 
   2024   31, 2023 
    (Unaudited)      
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $1,172   $2,161 
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   3,216    7,398 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   32,030    38,845 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   36,418    48,404 
           
Distributions From:          
Earnings   (2,948)   (1,063)
Net realized gains   (8,605)   (4,150)
Total distributions   (11,553)   (5,213)
           
Capital Transactions          
Reinvestment of distributions   11,553    5,213 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   11,553    5,213 
Total Increase in Net Assets   36,418    48,404 
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   228,018    179,614 
End of period  $264,436   $228,018 
           
Share Transactions          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   798    479 
Net increase in shares   798    479 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Financial Highlights
 
(For a share outstanding during each period)
 
   For the Six               For the 
   Months   For the   For the   For the   Period 
   Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   29, 2024   2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
   (Unaudited)                 
Selected Per Share Data:                         
Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.40   $11.69   $15.24   $11.20   $10.00 
                          
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.08    0.08    0.09    0.07    0.01 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   2.14    2.97    (3.32)   4.00    1.19 
Total from investment operations   2.22    3.05    (3.23)   4.07    1.20 
                          
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.19)   (0.07)   (0.07)   (0.03)    
Net realized gains   (0.54)   (0.27)   (0.25)        
Total distributions   (0.73)   (0.34)   (0.32)   (0.03)    
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $15.89   $14.40   $11.69   $15.24   $11.20 
                          
Total Return(b)   15.91(c)   27.02%   (21.68)%   36.46%   12.00(c)
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $264   $228   $180   $229   $168 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.47(d)   0.47%   0.47%   0.47%   0.47(d)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement   71.19(d)   81.87%   71.11%   74.51%   185.76(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.01(d)   1.11%   0.67%   0.60%   0.60(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   11(c)   33%   12%   9%   (c)
                          
(a)For the period July 17, 2020 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

(b)Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on November 12, 2018. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 2002, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Fund commenced operations on July 17, 2020. The investment adviser to the Fund is Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the S&P 500 Index.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies,” including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Regulatory Update – Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) – Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Fund makes no provision for federal income or excise tax. The Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. The Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

As of and during the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations when incurred. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Fund has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds of the Trust based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Fund follows industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Distributions received from investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investment or as a realized gain, respectively. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Fund’s investments in REITs are reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, the Fund estimates these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distributions information available. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and related reclaims have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

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Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified among the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund.

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique). Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained and available from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments and/or registered investment companies where the value per share is determined and published

13

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

and is the basis for current transactions for identical assets or liabilities at the valuation date

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for an identical security in an inactive market, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining fair value of investments based on the best information available)

 

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 which is reported is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available in conformity with guidelines adopted by the Board. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee pursuant to its policies and procedures. Any fair value provided by the Valuation Designee is subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the service agent of the mutual funds. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Valuation Designee is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources

14

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

are not available or reliable as described above. No single method exists for determining fair value because fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security being valued by the Valuation Designee would be the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. The Valuation Designee may obtain assistance from others in fulfilling its duties. For example, it may seek assistance from pricing services, fund administrators, sub-advisers, accountants, or counsel; it may also consult the Trust’s Fair Value Committee. The Valuation Designee, however, remains responsible for the final fair value determination and may not designate or assign that responsibility to any third party.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $259,204   $   $   $259,204 
Money Market Funds   1,527            1,527 
Total  $260,731   $   $   $260,731 

 

(a)Refer to Schedule of Investments for sector classifications.

 

The Fund did not hold any investments during or at the end of the reporting period for which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value; therefore, no reconciliation of Level 3 securities is included for this reporting period.

 

NOTE 4. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust with respect to the Fund, manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.40% of the Fund’s average daily

15

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

net assets. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Adviser earned management fees of $464 from the Fund before the waiver and reimbursement described below.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.47% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2028 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board upon 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses in the amount of $81,920 for the Fund. At February 29, 2024, the Adviser owed the Fund $27,690.

 

Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser may seek repayment of fee waivers and expense reimbursements in amounts as follows:

 

Recoverable Through 
August 31, 2024  $139,012 
August 31, 2025   147,523 
August 31, 2026   157,972 
February 28, 2027   81,920 

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services to the Fund. The Fund pays Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of Ultimus, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Fund, which are approved annually by the Board.

16

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter to the Fund. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Fund) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of Ultimus and such persons are not paid by the Fund for serving in such capacities. One Trustee is a former employee of Ultimus who is not currently paid by the Fund for serving in such capacity.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chair of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees,” which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chair of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive additional fees for attending any special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were $25,975 and $34,036, respectively.

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended February 29, 2024.

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control the Fund.

17

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 29, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation  $92,053 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (2,183)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $89,870 
Tax cost of investments  $170,861 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, was as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:     
Ordinary income(a)  $1,138 
Long-term capital gains   4,075 
Total distributions paid  $5,213 

 

(a)Short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

At August 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income  $2,159 
Undistributed long-term capital gains   7,408 
Unrealized appreciation on investments   57,838 
Total accumulated earnings  $67,405 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to tax deferral of losses on wash sales

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of February 29, 2024, the Fund had 37.96% of the value of its net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector.

18

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Trust indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from their performance of their duties to the Trust or the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management of the Fund has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date at which these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, management has determined there were no items requiring adjustment of the financial statements or additional disclosure.

19

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values 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 “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s 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 the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

   Beginning  Ending       
   Account  Account  Expenses    
   Value  Value  Paid   Annualized
   September  February  During   Expense
   1, 2023  29, 2024  Period(a)   Ratio
Actual  $1,000.00  $1,159.10  $2.52   0.47%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,022.53  $2.36   0.47%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

(b)Hypothetical assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

20

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund (the “Large Cap Fund”) is a series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Large Cap Fund and, as required by law, considered the renewal of the Large Cap Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”). In connection with such renewal, the Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 21, 2024 to review and discuss materials compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to the renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2024, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, Institutional Funds Team Lead, Vice President Institutional Operations, Client Service Manager, Legal Counsel, and Vice President of Portfolio Engineering. They also received a compliance review from the Trust CCO. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ renewal of the Large Cap Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher provides the Large Cap Fund, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Large Cap Fund, adhering to the Large Cap Fund’s investment strategy and any restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Large Cap Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Large Cap Fund’s portfolios, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the Large Cap Fund. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review with respect to Fisher and the Large Cap Fund. They discussed certain elements of the compliance program in detail with Fisher’s representatives, noting that Fisher’s procedures are robust and Fisher’s ESG procedures are particularly robust in comparison to others in the space. The Trustees also took note of the fact that Fisher successfully implemented an operational upgrade during the period since the last renewal. The Trustees concluded that they were impressed with the consistency of the nature, extent, and quality of investment management services provided by Fisher to the Large Cap Fund.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed in detail the performance of the Large Cap Fund for various periods ended December 31, 2023. The Trustees noted that the Large Cap Fund had outperformed the medians of its peer group and Morningstar Large Growth category, as well as its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, over the one-year, three-year, and since inception periods. The Trustees noted that the Fund performed comparably to a UCITS fund managed by Fisher with a similar investment strategy to that of the Large Cap Fund while acknowledging

21

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

that the UCITS fund includes holdings acquired prior to the inception date of the Large Cap Fund. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded the performance of the Large Cap Fund has been excellent.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee and expense comparison for the Large Cap Fund. The Trustees noted that the management fee of the Large Cap Fund is below the averages and medians of the Large Cap Fund’s Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees discussed that the Large Cap Fund’s net expense ratio was also below the medians and averages of its Morningstar category and peer group. Trustees also considered that Fisher has committed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses of the Large Cap Fund through at least December 31, 2028. The Trustees also noted that the management fee of the Large Cap Fund is lower than the fee that Fisher charges to its similar UCITS fund.

 

The Trustees also considered a profitability analysis for the Large Cap Fund prepared by Fisher, which showed that Fisher is not earning a profit from managing any the Large Cap Fund. The Trustees noted Fisher’s representation that it does not enter into soft-dollar transactions on behalf of the Large Cap Fund. The Trustees concluded that the management fee represents reasonable compensation in light of the nature, extent, and high quality of Fisher’s services to the Large Cap Fund.

 

(iv) Economies of Scale. In determining the reasonableness of the management fee, the Trustees also considered Fisher’s representation that it is not currently earning a profit from the Large Cap Fund and the extent to which Fisher will realize economies of scale as the Large Cap Fund grows larger. The Trustees determined that, in light of the current size of the Large Cap Fund and Fisher’s lack of profitability in managing the Large Cap Fund, it does not appear that Fisher is realizing benefits from economies of scale in managing the Large Cap Fund. Therefore, breakpoints are not a consideration at this time.

22

 

PRIVACY NOTICE Rev: January 2020

 

FACTS WHAT DOES FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL GROUP U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL VALUES FUND (THE “FUND”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
   
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
   
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

■    Social Security number

 

■    account balances and account transactions

 

■    transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

   
How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Does the
Fund share?
Can you limit
this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes –

such as to process your transactions, maintainyour account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes –

to offer our products and services to you

No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Questions? Call (800) 851-8845

23

 

Who we are
Who is providing this  notice?

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity

Environmental and Social Values Fund

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

What we do
How does the Fund  protect my personal  information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How does the Fund  collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■     open an account or deposit money

 

■     make deposits or withdrawals from your account or provide account information

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit  all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

■     sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

 

■     affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

   
Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

■    Fisher Asset Management, LLC d/b/a Fisher Investments, the investment adviser to the Fund, could be deemed to be an affiliate.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

   The Fund does not share your personal information with nonaffiliates so they can market to you

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

■    The Fund does not jointly market.

24

 

Proxy Voting

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Fund at (800) 851-8845 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chair
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
Gweneth K. Gosselink,
    Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond,
    Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050
Plano, TX 75093
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
   

 

This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who have received the Fund’s prospectus which contains information about the Fund’s management fee and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher2-SAR-24

 

 

 

 

 

 

FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL

GROUP FUND FAMILY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report 

February 29, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group 

Stock Fund for Retirement Plans

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group

ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group 

Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group 

ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Adviser:

Fisher Asset Management, LLC 

6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050 

Plano, Texas 75093

(800) 851-8845

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)
 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 29, 2024(a)

 

        Since
        Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year Three Year (12/13/19)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans 16.87% 35.35% 9.50% 14.07%
MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index(b) 11.18% 21.62% 6.12% 9.23%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(c)
Gross       0.00%
With Applicable Waivers       0.00%
         

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index is designed to represent performance of the full opportunity set of large, mid, and small-cap stocks across 23 developed markets and 24 emerging market countries. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2023. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay all of the operating expenses of the Fund except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). The Fund is available only to eligible retirement plans receiving the Adviser’s managed account or other services. The Fund does not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators. If paid from plan assets, these fees will reduce the net return to plan participants but are not reflected in net fund performance.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845. Please read it carefully before investing. The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 29, 2024(a)

 

        Since
        Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year Three Year (12/13/19)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans 16.73% 36.64% 10.15% 14.35%
MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index(b) 11.18% 21.62% 6.12% 9.23%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(c)
Gross       0.00%
With Applicable Waivers       0.00%
         

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index is designed to represent performance of the full opportunity set of large, mid, and small-cap stocks across 23 developed markets and 24 emerging market countries. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2023. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay all of the operating expenses of the Fund except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). The Fund is available only to eligible retirement plans receiving the Adviser’s managed account or other services. The Fund does not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators. If paid from plan assets, these fees will reduce the net return to plan participants but are not reflected in net fund performance.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845. Please read it carefully before investing. The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

2

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 29, 2024(a)

 

        Since
        Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year Three Year (12/13/19)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans 2.82% 4.99% (2.89)% (0.88)%
ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index(b) 2.39% 3.40% (3.06)% (1.13)%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(c)
Gross       0.03%
With Applicable Waivers       0.03%
         

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index measures the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated, investment grade debt securities, including U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, quasi-government securities, corporate securities, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2023 and represent acquired fund fees and expenses. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay all of the operating expenses of the Fund except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). The Fund is available only to eligible retirement plans receiving the Adviser’s managed account or other services. The Fund does not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators. If paid from plan assets, these fees will reduce the net return to plan participants but are not reflected in net fund performance.

3

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845. Please read it carefully before investing. The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

4

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 29, 2024(a)

 

        Since
        Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year Three Year (12/13/19)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans 2.59% 4.65% (3.17)% (1.10)%
ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index(b) 2.39% 3.40% (3.06)% (1.13)%
         
        Expense
        Ratios (c)
Gross       0.02%
With Applicable Waivers       0.02%
         

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index measures the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated, investment grade debt securities, including U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, quasi-government securities, corporate securities, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2023 and represent acquired fund fees and expenses. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay all of the operating expenses of the Fund except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). The Fund is available only to eligible retirement plans receiving the Adviser’s managed account or other services. The Fund does not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators. If paid from plan assets, these fees will reduce the net return to plan participants but are not reflected in net fund performance.

5

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845. Please read it carefully before investing. The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

6

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans Holdings as of February 29, 2024.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans seeks to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index as its investment objective.

 

7

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited) (continued)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans Holdings as of February 29, 2024.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans seeks to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index as its investment objective.

8

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited) (continued)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans Holdings as of February 29, 2024.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans seeks to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index as its investment objective.

9

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited) (continued)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans Holdings as of February 29, 2024.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans seeks to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index as its investment objective.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule – (Unaudited)
 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov.

10

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.00%          
Australia — 0.59%          
Materials — 0.59%          
BHP Group Ltd.   26   $742 
Rio Tinto Ltd.   10    805 
         1,547 
Total Australia        1,547 
Brazil — 1.06%          
Financials — 0.86%          
Banco Bradesco S.A. - ADR   357    992 
Itau Unibanco Holding SA - ADR   183    1,248 
         2,240 
Materials — 0.20%          
Vale SA - ADR   38    510 
Total Brazil        2,750 
           
Canada — 1.91%          
Industrials — 0.75%          
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.   23    1,955 
           
Materials — 1.16%          
Hudbay Minerals, Inc.   232    1,366 
Lundin Mining Corp.   208    1,645 
         3,011 
Total Canada        4,966 
           
China — 0.71%          
Communications — 0.32%          
Tencent Holdings Ltd. - ADR   24    839 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 0.17%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - ADR   6    444 
           
Health Care — 0.22%          
Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd. - ADR   75    578 
Total China        1,861 
           
France — 3.23%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.27%          
Kering SA - ADR   72    3,315 
           
Energy — 0.64%          
TotalEnergies SE   26    1,658 
           
Financials — 0.53%          
BNP Paribas SA   23    1,377 
           
Technology — 0.79%          
Dassault Systems SE   44    2,054 
Total France        8,404 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

11

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.00% - continued          
Germany — 3.73%          
Consumer Discretionary — 2.01%          
adidas AG   12   $2,427 
Mercedes-Benz Group AG   28    2,228 
Sixt SE   6    562 
         5,217 
Industrials — 1.72%          
MTU Aero Engines AG   8    1,922 
Siemens AG   13    2,570 
         4,492 
Total Germany        9,709 
           
India — 0.50%          
Technology — 0.50%          
Infosys Ltd. - ADR   65    1,297 
Total India        1,297 
           
Italy — 1.26%          
Energy — 0.44%          
Eni SpA   75    1,155 
           
Financials — 0.82%          
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA   672    2,134 
Total Italy        3,289 
           
Japan — 2.64%          
Industrials — 2.64%          
Daifuku Co. Ltd. - ADR   85    1,003 
FANUC Corp. - ADR   99    1,438 
SMC Corp. - ADR   98    2,953 
Yaskawa Electric Corp. - ADR   18    1,477 
         6,871 
Total Japan        6,871 
           
Korea (Republic of) — 1.56%          
Technology — 1.56%          
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - GDR   3    4,080 
Total Korea (Republic of)        4,080 
           
Netherlands — 2.65%          
Financials — 0.49%          
ING Groep NV   93    1,276 
           
Technology — 2.16%          
ASML Holding NV   6    5,645 
Total Netherlands        6,921 
           
Spain — 1.71%          
Financials — 1.71%          
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA   250    2,482 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

12

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.00% - continued          
Spain — 1.71% - continued          
Financials — 1.71% - continued          
Banco Santander SA   479   $1,991 
         4,473 
Total Spain        4,473 
           
Switzerland — 0.50%          
Health Care — 0.50%          
Novartis AG   13    1,316 
Total Switzerland        1,316 
           
Taiwan Province of China — 3.35%          
Technology — 3.35%          
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - ADR   68    8,750 
Total Taiwan Province of China        8,750 
           
United Kingdom — 2.22%          
Consumer Staples — 0.07%          
Haleon PLC   44    184 
           
Energy — 1.48%          
BP PLC   248    1,442 
Shell PLC   77    2,420 
         3,862 
Health Care — 0.67%          
AstraZeneca PLC   8    1,008 
GSK PLC   35    735 
         1,743 
Total United Kingdom        5,789 
           
United States — 71.38%          
Communications — 6.06%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   53    7,339 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A   11    5,391 
Netflix, Inc.(a)   4    2,412 
Walt Disney Co. (The)   6    669 
         15,811 
Consumer Discretionary — 8.64%          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   40    7,071 
Autoliv, Inc.   19    2,205 
General Motors Co.   47    1,926 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   8    3,045 
Starbucks Corp.   13    1,234 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   38    4,356 
Wynn Resorts Ltd.   26    2,735 
         22,572 
Consumer Staples — 4.87%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   6    4,464 
PepsiCo, Inc.   13    2,149 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   17    2,702 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

13

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.00% - continued          
United States — 71.38% - continued          
Consumer Staples — 4.87% - continued          
Walmart, Inc.   58   $3,399 
         12,714 
Energy — 2.98%          
Chevron Corp.   22    3,344 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   32    3,345 
Marathon Oil Corp.   45    1,091 
         7,780 
Financials — 10.43%          
American Express Co.   13    2,852 
Bank of America Corp.   67    2,313 
BlackRock, Inc.   4    3,245 
Citigroup, Inc.   42    2,331 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)   5    1,945 
Invesco Ltd.   52    801 
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.   25    1,046 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   14    2,605 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   5    2,374 
Morgan Stanley   29    2,495 
Paycom Software, Inc.   7    1,277 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.   10    1,134 
Visa, Inc., Class A   10    2,826 
         27,244 
Health Care — 9.48%          
Abbott Laboratories   9    1,068 
Danaher Corp.   5    1,266 
Eli Lilly & Co.   8    6,029 
Exact Sciences Corp.(a)   14    805 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   9    3,470 
Johnson & Johnson   13    2,098 
Merck & Co., Inc.   21    2,670 
PTC Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   15    423 
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   5    640 
Stryker Corp.   6    2,094 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   3    1,711 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   5    2,468 
         24,742 
Industrials — 6.71%          
A.O. Smith Corp.   23    1,907 
AeroVironment, Inc.(a)   17    2,156 
Boeing Co. (The)(a)   10    2,037 
Carrier Global Corp.   6    333 
Cummins, Inc.   8    2,149 
Deere & Co.   4    1,460 
IDEX Corp.   7    1,651 
Lennox International, Inc.   7    3,299 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   3    286 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

14

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.00% - continued          
United States — 71.38% - continued          
Industrials — 6.71% - continued          
Rockwell Automation, Inc.   6   $1,710 
RTX Corp.   6    538 
         17,526 
Materials — 1.06%          
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.(a)   69    1,435 
Materion Corp.   10    1,343 
         2,778 
Technology — 21.15%          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   5    2,801 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   29    5,583 
Apple, Inc.   55    9,941 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   7    1,807 
Intuit, Inc.   2    1,326 
Microsoft Corp.   27    11,169 
NVIDIA Corp.   19    15,031 
Oracle Corp.   22    2,457 
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   9    2,779 
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   3    2,314 
         55,208 
Total United States        186,375 
Total Common Stocks — (Cost $170,505)        258,398 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.83%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.23%(b)   2,164    2,164 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $2,164)        2,164 
           
Total Investments — 99.83% (Cost $172,669)        260,562 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.17%        451 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $261,013 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

GDR - Global Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

15

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.30%          
Brazil — 1.27%          
Financials — 1.27%          
Banco Bradesco S.A. - ADR   521   $1,448 
Itau Unibanco Holding SA - ADR   277    1,889 
         3,337 
Total Brazil        3,337 
           
Canada — 0.65%          
Materials — 0.65%          
Hudbay Minerals Inc.   158    930 
Lundin Mining Corp.   100    791 
         1,721 
Total Canada        1,721 
           
China — 0.64%          
Communications — 0.25%          
Tencent Holdings Ltd. - ADR   19    664 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 0.17%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - ADR   6    444 
           
Health Care — 0.22%          
Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd. - ADR   76    585 
Total China        1,693 
           
Denmark — 0.90%          
Industrials — 0.90%          
Vestas Wind Systems A/S(a)   85    2,366 
Total Denmark        2,366 
           
France — 2.97%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.26%          
Kering SA - ADR   72    3,316 
           
Financials — 0.84%          
BNP Paribas SA   37    2,215 
           
Technology — 0.87%          
Dassault Systems SE   49    2,287 
Total France        7,818 
           
Germany — 3.51%          
Consumer Discretionary — 2.39%          
adidas AG   13    2,629 
Mercedes-Benz Group AG   39    3,103 
Sixt SE   6    562 
         6,294 
Industrials — 1.12%          
Siemens AG   15    2,966 
Total Germany        9,260 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

16

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.30% - continued          
India — 0.36%          
Technology — 0.36%          
Infosys Ltd. - ADR   47   $938 
Total India        938 
           
Italy — 2.00%          
Energy — 1.12%          
Eni SpA   192    2,957 
           
Financials — 0.88%          
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA   730    2,318 
Total Italy        5,275 
           
Japan — 1.64%          
Industrials — 1.64%          
Daifuku Co. Ltd. - ADR   64    755 
FANUC Corp. - ADR   92    1,337 
Yaskawa Electric Corp. - ADR   27    2,215 
         4,307 
Total Japan        4,307 
           
Korea (Republic of) — 1.03%          
Technology — 1.03%          
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - GDR   2    2,720 
Total Korea (Republic of)        2,720 
           
Netherlands — 2.14%          
Technology — 2.14%          
ASML Holding NV   6    5,645 
Total Netherlands        5,645 
           
Norway — 1.13%          
Energy — 1.13%          
Equinor ASA   121    2,981 
Total Norway        2,981 
           
Spain — 1.72%          
Financials — 1.72%          
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA   266    2,641 
Banco Santander SA   457    1,899 
         4,540 
Total Spain        4,540 
           
Switzerland — 0.72%          
Industrials — 0.72%          
ABB Ltd.   41    1,888 
Total Switzerland        1,888 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

17

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.30% - continued          
Taiwan Province of China — 3.27%          
Technology — 3.27%          
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - ADR   67   $8,621 
Total Taiwan Province of China        8,621 
           
United Kingdom — 4.33%          
Consumer Staples — 0.48%          
Unilever PLC   26    1,272 
           
Energy — 2.01%          
BP PLC   479    2,786 
Shell PLC   81    2,512 
         5,298 
Health Care — 0.48%          
AstraZeneca PLC   10    1,260 
           
Materials — 1.36%          
Anglo American PLC   55    1,181 
Antofagasta PLC   105    2,409 
         3,590 
Total United Kingdom        11,420 
           
United States — 70.02%          
Communications — 3.74%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   49    6,785 
Netflix, Inc.(a)   4    2,412 
Walt Disney Co. (The)   6    669 
         9,866 
Consumer Discretionary — 7.46%          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   39    6,894 
Autoliv, Inc.   21    2,437 
General Motors Co.   58    2,377 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   8    3,045 
NIKE, Inc., Class B   8    831 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   36    4,127 
         19,711 
Consumer Staples — 4.42%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   5    3,720 
PepsiCo, Inc.   16    2,645 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   20    3,179 
Walmart, Inc.   36    2,110 
         11,654 
Energy — 0.73%          
Schlumberger Ltd.   40    1,933 
           
Financials — 12.06%          
American Express Co.   14    3,072 
Bank of America Corp.   68    2,347 
BlackRock, Inc.   4    3,245 
Citigroup, Inc.   61    3,386 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

18

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.30% - continued          
United States — 70.02% - continued          
Financials — 12.06% - continued          
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)   5   $1,945 
Invesco Ltd.   124    1,911 
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.   20    836 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   14    2,605 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   7    3,323 
Morgan Stanley   26    2,238 
Paycom Software, Inc.   6    1,094 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.   14    1,587 
Visa, Inc., Class A   15    4,240 
         31,829 
Health Care — 11.96%          
Abbott Laboratories   9    1,068 
Danaher Corp.   5    1,266 
Eli Lilly & Co.   12    9,043 
Exact Sciences Corp.(a)   17    978 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   9    3,470 
Johnson & Johnson   16    2,582 
Merck & Co., Inc.   25    3,179 
PTC Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   14    395 
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   5    640 
Stryker Corp.   6    2,094 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   4    2,281 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   5    2,468 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   5    2,104 
         31,568 
Industrials — 8.02%          
A.O. Smith Corp.   29    2,404 
Cummins, Inc.   10    2,686 
Deere & Co.   5    1,825 
HEICO Corp.   15    2,901 
Lennox International, Inc.   9    4,240 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.   9    2,566 
Union Pacific Corp.   7    1,776 
Xylem, Inc.   22    2,796 
         21,194 
Technology — 21.63%          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   5    2,801 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   31    5,968 
Apple, Inc.   53    9,580 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   8    2,065 
Intuit, Inc.   2    1,326 
Microsoft Corp.   28    11,582 
NVIDIA Corp.   21    16,613 
Oracle Corp.   21    2,345 
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   8    2,471 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

19

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.30% - continued          
United States — 70.02% - continued          
Technology — 21.63% - continued          
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   3   $2,314 
         57,065 
Total United States        184,820 
Total Common Stocks — (Cost $170,365)        259,350 
           
PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.72%          
Australia — 0.72%          
Materials — 0.72%          
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.   113    1,905 
Total Australia        1,905 
Total Preferred Stocks — (Cost $1,554)        1,905 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.76%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.23%(b)   2,011    2,011 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $2,011)        2,011 
           
Total Investments — 99.78% (Cost $173,930)        263,266 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.22%        580 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $263,846 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

GDR - Global Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

20

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
   Principal     
   Amount   Fair Value 
CORPORATE BONDS — 39.25%          
Communications — 3.28%          
Comcast Corp., 3.55%, 5/1/2028  $100,000   $94,919 
           
Consumer Staples — 3.69%          
Procter & Gamble Co. (The), 5.50%, 2/1/2034   100,000    106,507 
           
Financials — 9.55%          
BlackRock, Inc., 3.25%, 4/30/2029   100,000    93,696 
Charles Schwab Corp/The, 2.90%, 3/3/2032   100,000    84,825 
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.13%, 12/15/2026   100,000    97,613 
         276,134 
Health Care — 2.38%          
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 4.55%, 2/20/2048   78,000    68,642 
           
Industrials — 2.70%          
Southwest Airlines Co., 7.38%, 3/1/2027   75,000    78,112 
           
Real Estate — 8.02%          
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., 3.38%, 2/1/2031   150,000    126,354 
Simon Property Group LP, 6.25%, 1/15/2034   100,000    105,383 
         231,737 
Technology — 9.63%          
Fiserv Inc, 5.38%, 8/21/2028   100,000    100,826 
International Business Machines Corp., 4.25%, 5/15/2049   100,000    83,746 
Oracle Corp., 3.25%, 11/15/2027   100,000    93,747 
         278,319 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $1,256,940)        1,134,370 
           
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 42.66%          
United States Treasury Note, 1.50%, 9/30/2024   109,700    107,368 
United States Treasury Note, 1.50%, 2/15/2025   254,000    245,498 
United States Treasury Note, 2.63%, 2/15/2029   426,100    394,758 
United States Treasury Note, 4.50%, 2/15/2036   469,000    485,324 
           
Total U.S. Government & Agencies (Cost $1,365,056)        1,232,948 
           
   Shares     
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 16.54%          
iShares MBS ETF   5,201    478,024 
Total Exchange-Traded Funds (Cost $561,838)        478,024 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

21

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 1.04%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.23%(a)   29,980   $29,980 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $29,980)        29,980 
           
Total Investments — 99.49% (Cost $3,213,814)        2,875,322 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.51%        14,806 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $2,890,128 
           
(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

22

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
   Principal     
   Amount   Fair Value 
CORPORATE BONDS — 38.80%          
Communications — 3.31%          
Comcast Corp., 3.55%, 5/1/2028  $100,000   $94,919 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 3.46%          
Whirlpool Corp, 5.50%, 3/1/2033   100,000    99,157 
           
Consumer Staples — 3.72%          
Procter & Gamble Co. (The), 5.50%, 2/1/2034   100,000    106,507 
           
Financials — 9.64%          
BlackRock, Inc., 3.25%, 4/30/2029   100,000    93,696 
Charles Schwab Corp/The, 2.90%, 3/3/2032   100,000    84,825 
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.13%, 12/15/2026   100,000    97,613 
         276,134 
Health Care — 2.40%          
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 4.55%, 2/20/2048   78,000    68,642 
           
Industrials — 2.73%          
Southwest Airlines Co., 7.38%, 3/1/2027   75,000    78,112 
           
Real Estate — 7.35%          
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., 3.38%, 2/1/2031   125,000    105,295 
Simon Property Group LP, 6.25%, 1/15/2034   100,000    105,383 
         210,678 
Technology — 6.19%          
International Business Machines Corp., 4.25%, 5/15/2049   100,000    83,746 
Oracle Corp., 3.25%, 11/15/2027   100,000    93,747 
         177,493 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $1,237,632)        1,111,642 
           
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 42.65%          
United States Treasury Note, 1.50%, 9/30/2024   109,900    107,563 
United States Treasury Note, 1.50%, 2/15/2025   311,000    300,591 
United States Treasury Note, 2.63%, 2/15/2029   381,700    353,624 
United States Treasury Note, 4.50%, 2/15/2036   445,000    460,488 
           
Total U.S. Government & Agencies (Cost $1,352,127)        1,222,266 
           
   Shares     
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 16.54%          
iShares MBS ETF   5,156    473,888 
Total Exchange-Traded Funds (Cost $556,973)        473,888 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

23

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
   Shares   Fair Value 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 1.40%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.23%(a)   40,213   $40,213 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $40,213)        40,213 
           
Total Investments — 99.39% (Cost $3,186,945)        2,848,009 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.61%        17,351 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $2,865,360 
           
(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

24

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
   Fisher Investments Institutional Group 
               ESG Fixed 
   Stock   ESG Stock   Fixed Income   Income 
   Fund for   Fund for   Fund for   Fund for 
   Retirement   Retirement   Retirement   Retirement 
   Plans   Plans   Plans   Plans 
Assets                    
Investments in securities at value (cost $172,669, $173,930, $3,213,814 and $3,186,945)  $260,562   $263,266   $2,875,322   $2,848,009 
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $–, $231, $– and $–)       229         
Receivable for investments sold   5,322    4,244         
Dividends and interest receivable   354    509    14,806    17,351 
Total Assets   266,238    268,248    2,890,128    2,865,360 
Liabilities                    
Bank overdraft   1,882             
Payable for investments purchased   3,343    4,402         
Total Liabilities   5,225    4,402         
Net Assets  $261,013   $263,846   $2,890,128   $2,865,360 
Net Assets consist of:                    
Paid-in capital  $170,719   $171,486   $3,327,349   $3,325,452 
Accumulated earnings (deficits)   90,294    92,360    (437,221)   (460,092)
Net Assets  $261,013   $263,846   $2,890,128   $2,865,360 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   16,514    16,553    334,986    334,979 
Net asset value (“NAV”) and offering price per share  $15.81   $15.94   $8.63   $8.55 
                     

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

25

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Statements of Operations
For the six months ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
   Fisher Investments Institutional Group 
               ESG Fixed 
   Stock   ESG Stock   Fixed Income   Income 
   Fund for   Fund for   Fund for   Fund for 
   Retirement   Retirement   Retirement   Retirement 
   Plans   Plans   Plans   Plans 
Investment Income                    
Dividend income  $1,924   $2,309   $21,999   $23,393 
Interest income           30,295    29,558 
Foreign dividend taxes withheld   (177)   (251)        
Total investment income   1,747    2,058    52,294    52,951 
Net investment income   1,747    2,058    52,294    52,951 
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                    
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   2,113    2,614    3,546    (11,826)
Net realized loss on foreign currency translations       (3)        
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities and foreign currency translations   33,794    33,114    22,534    31,993 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency   35,907    35,725    26,080    20,167 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $37,654   $37,783   $78,374   $73,118 
                     

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

26

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
   Fisher Investments   Fisher Investments 
   Institutional Group Stock   Institutional Group ESG Stock 
   Fund for Retirement Plans   Fund for Retirement Plans 
   For the Six       For the Six     
   Months       Months     
   Ended   For the Year   Ended   For the Year 
   February 29,   Ended August   February 29,   Ended August 
   2024   31, 2023   2024   31, 2023 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $1,747   $3,039   $2,058   $3,071 
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions and foreign currency translations   2,113    10,893    2,611    12,082 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities and foreign currency translations   33,794    31,766    33,114    33,469 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   37,654    45,698    37,783    48,622 
                     
Distributions From:                    
Earnings   (12,571)   (3,263)   (13,790)   (2,881)
Total distributions   (12,571)   (3,263)   (13,790)   (2,881)
                     
Capital Transactions                    
Reinvestment of distributions   12,571    3,263    13,790    2,881 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   12,571    3,263    13,790    2,881 
Total Increase in Net Assets   37,654    45,698    37,783    48,622 
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   223,359    177,661    226,063    177,441 
End of period  $261,013   $223,359   $263,846   $226,063 
                     
Share Transactions                    
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   869    290    943    255 
Net increase in shares outstanding   869    290    943    255 
                     

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

27

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 
   Fisher Investments   Fisher Investments 
   Institutional Group Fixed   Institutional Group ESG Fixed 
   Income Fund for Retirement   Income Fund for Retirement 
   Plans   Plans 
   For the Six       For the Six     
   Months       Months     
   Ended   For the Year   Ended   For the Year 
   February 29,   Ended August   February 29,   Ended August 
   2024   31, 2023   2024   31, 2023 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $52,294   $91,791   $52,951   $91,445 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions and foreign currency translations   3,546    (94,286)   (11,826)   (95,211)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities and foreign currency translations   22,534    (13,808)   31,993    (15,731)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   78,374    (16,303)   73,118    (19,497)
                     
Distributions From:                    
Earnings   (102,965)   (67,327)   (102,555)   (68,072)
Total distributions   (102,965)   (67,327)   (102,555)   (68,072)
                     
Capital Transactions                    
Reinvestment of distributions   102,965    67,327    102,555    68,072 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   102,965    67,327    102,555    68,072 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   78,374    (16,303)   73,118    (19,497)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   2,811,754    2,828,057    2,792,242    2,811,739 
End of period  $2,890,128   $2,811,754   $2,865,360   $2,792,242 
                     
Share Transactions                    
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   11,808    7,828    11,869    7,962 
Net increase in shares outstanding   11,808    7,828    11,869    7,962 
                     

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

28

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)
 
   For the Six                 
   Months               For the 
   Ended   For the   For the   For the   Period 
   February   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   29, 2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
Selected Per Share Data:                         
Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.28   $11.57   $15.11   $11.58   $10.00 
                          
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.11    0.19    0.18    0.17    0.10 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   2.22    2.73    (3.55)   3.51    1.48 
Total from investment operations   2.33    2.92    (3.37)   3.68    1.58 
                          
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.22)   (0.18)   (0.17)   (0.15)    
Net realized gains   (0.58)   (0.03)            
Total distributions   (0.80)   (0.21)   (0.17)   (0.15)    
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $15.81   $14.28   $11.57   $15.11   $11.58 
                          
Total Return(b)   16.87(c)   25.75%   (22.55)%   32.06%   15.80(c)
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $261   $223   $178   $229   $174 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.53(d)   1.56%   1.37%   1.27%   1.44(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   3(c)   25%   11%   1%   12(c)
                          
(a)For the period December 13, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

(b)Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

29

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)
 
   For the Six                 
   Months               For the 
   Ended   For the   For the   For the   Period 
   February   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   29, 2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
Selected Per Share Data:                         
Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.48   $11.56   $14.98   $11.58   $10.00 
                          
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.13    0.20    0.19    0.16    0.12 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   2.22    2.91    (3.45)   3.40    1.46 
Total from investment operations   2.35    3.11    (3.26)   3.56    1.58 
                          
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.25)   (0.19)   (0.16)   (0.16)    
Net realized gains   (0.64)                
Total distributions   (0.89)   (0.19)   (0.16)   (0.16)    
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $15.94   $14.48   $11.56   $14.98   $11.58 
                          
Total Return(b)   16.73(c)   27.34%   (22.03)%   31.07%   15.80(c)
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $264   $226   $177   $228   $174 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.78(d)   1.56%   1.37%   1.23%   1.64(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   3(c)   30%   10%   1%   15(c)
                          
(a)For the period December 13, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

(b)Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

30

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)
 
   For the Six                 
   Months               For the 
   Ended   For the   For the   For the   Period 
   February   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   29, 2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
Selected Per Share Data:                         
Net asset value, beginning of period  $8.70   $8.97   $10.44   $10.53   $10.00 
                          
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.16    0.28    0.18    0.21    0.18 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.09    (0.34)   (1.47)   0.04    0.35 
Total from investment operations   0.25    (0.06)   (1.29)   0.25    0.53 
                          
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.32)   (0.21)   (0.18)   (0.27)    
Net realized gains            (b)   (0.07)    
Total distributions   (0.32)   (0.21)   (0.18)   (0.34)    
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $8.63   $8.70   $8.97   $10.44   $10.53 
                          
Total Return(c)   2.82(d)   (0.60)%   (12.54)%   2.38%   5.30(d)
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $2,890   $2,812   $2,828   $3,236   $3,160 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.71(e)   3.30%   1.89%   2.00%   2.51(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   16(d)   14%   32%   46%   (d)
                          
(a)For the period December 13, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

(b)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

31

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)
 
   For the Six                 
   Months               For the 
   Ended   For the   For the   For the   Period 
   February   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   29, 2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
Selected Per Share Data:                         
Net asset value, beginning of period  $8.64   $8.92   $10.41   $10.54   $10.00 
                          
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.16    0.29    0.18    0.21    0.18 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.07    (0.35)   (1.50)    (b)   0.36 
Total from investment operations   0.23    (0.06)   (1.32)   0.21    0.54 
                          
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.32)   (0.22)   (0.17)   (0.27)    
Net realized gains            (b)   (0.07)    
Total distributions   (0.32)   (0.22)   (0.17)   (0.34)    
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $8.55   $8.64   $8.92   $10.41   $10.54 
                          
Total Return(c)   2.59(d)   (0.69)%   (12.85)%   2.02%   5.40(d)
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $2,865   $2,792   $2,812   $3,227   $3,162 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.79(e)   3.31%   1.88%   1.99%   2.46(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   16(d)   14%   33%   46%   (d)
                          
(a)For the period December 13, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

(b)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

32

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Stock Fund”), Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans (the “ESG Stock Fund”), Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Fixed Income Fund”) and the Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans (the “ESG Fixed Income Fund”) (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) were each registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on November 12, 2018. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 2002, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. Each Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Funds commenced operations on December 13, 2019. The investment adviser to the Funds is Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”). The investment objective of the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund is to seek to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index. The investment objective of the Fixed Income Fund and ESG Fixed Income Fund is to seek to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies,” including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Regulatory Update – Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) – Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

33

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency translations on the Statements of Operations represents currency gains (losses) realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. The net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency translations for the period is reflected in the Statements of Operations.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Funds make no provision for federal income or excise tax. Each Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. Each Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Funds could incur a tax expense.

 

As of and during the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Funds did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations when incurred. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or

34

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund are allocated to the individual funds of the Trust based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Funds follow industry practice and record security transactions on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statement and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.

 

Dividends and Distributions – Each Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified among the components of the net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share of the Funds.

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Each Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that a Fund would receive upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique). Inputs may be observable or unobservable.

35

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained and available from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments and/or registered investment companies where the value per share is determined and published and is the basis for current transactions for identical assets or liabilities at the valuation date

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for an identical security in an inactive market, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining fair value of investments based on the best information available)

 

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 which is reported is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under the oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available in conformity with guidelines adopted by the Board. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee pursuant to its policies and procedures. Any fair value provided by

36

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

the Valuation Designee is subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the service agent of the mutual funds. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

With respect to foreign equity securities that are principally traded on a market outside the United States, the Board has approved the utilization of an independent fair value pricing service to evaluate the effect of market fluctuations on these securities after the close of trading in that foreign market. To the extent that securities are valued using this service, they will be classified as Level 2 securities.

 

Debt securities are valued by using the mean between the closing bid and ask prices provided by a pricing service. If the closing bid and ask prices are not readily available, the pricing service may provide a price determined by a matrix pricing method. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used to value fixed income securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices. Matrix pricing takes into consideration recent transactions, yield, liquidity, risk, credit quality, coupon, maturity, type of issue and any other factors or market data the pricing service deems relevant for the actual security being priced and for other securities with similar characteristics. These securities will generally be categorized as Level 2 securities. If the Valuation Designee decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair value of the securities or when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, securities are valued at fair value as determined by the Valuation Designee, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board through its Pricing & Liquidity Committee. These securities will generally be categorized as Level 3 securities.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the service agent of the mutual funds. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Valuation Designee is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single method exists for determining fair value because fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security being valued by the Valuation Designee would be the amount that a Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon the

37

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before a Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. The Valuation Designee may obtain assistance from others in fulfilling its duties. For example, it may seek assistance from pricing services, fund administrators, sub-advisers, accountants, or counsel; it may also consult the Trust’s Fair Value Committee. The Valuation Designee, however, remains responsible for the final fair value determination and may not designate or assign that responsibility to any third party.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of February 29, 2024:

 

Stock Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $257,820   $578   $   $258,398 
Money Market Funds   2,164            2,164 
Total  $259,984   $578   $   $260,562 
                     
ESG Stock Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $256,253   $3,097   $    259,350 
Money Market Funds   2,011            2,011 
Preferred Stocks   1,905            1,905 
Total  $260,169   $3,097   $   $263,266 
                     
Fixed Income Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Corporate Bonds(a)  $   $1,134,370   $    1,134,370 
U.S. Government & Agencies       1,232,948        1,232,948 
Exchange-Traded Funds   478,024            478,024 
Money Market Funds   29,980            29,980 
Total  $508,004   $2,367,318   $   $2,875,322 

38

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

ESG Fixed Income Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Corporate Bonds(a)  $   $1,111,642   $   $1,111,642 
U.S. Government & Agencies       1,222,266        1,222,266 
Exchange-Traded Funds   473,888            473,888 
Money Market Funds   40,213            40,213 
Total  $514,101   $2,333,908   $   $2,848,009 

 

(a)Refer to Schedule of Investments for sector classifications.

 

The Funds did not hold any investments during or at the end of the reporting period in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value; therefore, no reconciliation of Level 3 securities is included for this reporting period.

 

NOTE 4. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement with the Trust with respect to the Funds, manages the Funds’ investments. The Adviser pays all of the operating expenses of the Funds except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). In this regard, it should be noted that most investment companies pay their own operating expenses directly, while the Funds’ expenses, except those specified above, are paid by the Adviser. The Funds do not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators.

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services to the Funds. The Funds pay Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of Ultimus, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Funds, which are approved annually by the Board.

 

Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter to the Funds. The Distributor is a

39

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Funds) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of Ultimus and such persons are not paid by the Funds for serving in such capacities. One Trustee is a former employee of Ultimus who is not currently paid by the Funds for serving in such capacity.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chair of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees”, which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chair of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive additional fees for attending any special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were as follows:

 

       ESG Stock   Fixed Income   ESG Fixed 
   Stock Fund   Fund   Fund   Income Fund 
Purchases  $9,265   $9,683   $549,485   $496,787 
Sales   7,296    8,030    428,349    437,246 
U.S. Government Purchases                
U.S. Government Sales                

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser owned 100% of outstanding shares of each of the Stock Fund, ESG Stock Fund, Fixed Income Fund and ESG Fixed Income Fund. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control each Fund.

40

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 29, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes were as follows:

 

       ESG Stock   Fixed Income   ESG Fixed 
   Stock Fund   Fund   Fund   Income Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $93,651   $95,319   $1,813   $ 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (5,758)   (5,983)   (339,355)   (337,992)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   87,893    89,336    (337,547)   (337,992)
Tax cost of investments  $172,669   $173,930   $3,212,864   $3,186,001 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds’ most recent fiscal year end, were as follows:

 

       ESG Stock   Fixed Income   ESG Fixed 
   Stock Fund   Fund   Fund   Income Fund 
Distributions paid from:                    
Ordinary income(a)  $2,795   $2,881   $67,327   $68,072 
Long-term capital gains   468             
Total distributions paid  $3,263   $2,881   $67,327   $68,072 

 

(a)Short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

At August 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

       ESG Stock   Fixed Income   ESG Fixed 
   Stock Fund   Fund   Fund   Income Fund 
Undistributed ordinary income  $2,266   $2,385   $64,157   $62,956 
Undistributed long-term capital gains   8,847    9,760         
Accumulated capital and other losses           (116,710)   (123,625)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   54,098    56,222    (360,077)   (369,986)
Total accumulated earnings (deficit)  $65,211   $68,367   $(412,630)  $(430,655)

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to tax deferral of losses on wash sales

 

As of August 31, 2023, the Fixed Income Fund had accumulated short-term capital loss carryforwards of $308 and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $116,402. The ESG Fixed Income Fund had accumulated short-term capital loss carryforwards of $315 and

41

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

long-term capital loss carryforwards of $123,310. Capital loss carryforwards are not subject to expiration.

 

At August 31, 2023, the Stock Fund utilized short-term capital loss carryforwards of $760 and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $824. The ESG Stock Fund utilized short-term capital loss carryforwards of $1,596 and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $718.

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of a Fund than would be the case if a Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in a Fund and increase the volatility of a Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of a Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of February 29, 2024, the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund had 29.51% and 29.30%, respectively, of the value of its net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Trust indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from their performance of their duties to the Trust or the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management of the Funds has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date at which these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, management has determined there were no items requiring adjustment of the financial statements or additional disclosure.

42

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are 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. Each Fund’s example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values 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 “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s 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 the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

     Beginning  Ending       
     Account  Account  Expenses    
     Value  Value  Paid   Annualized
     September  February  During   Expense
     1, 2023  29, 2024  Period(a)   Ratio
Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans        
  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,168.70  $   —%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,024.86  $   —%
Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans        
  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,167.30  $   —%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,024.86  $   —%
Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans        
  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,028.20  $   —%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,024.86  $   —%
Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans        
  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,025.90  $   —%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,024.86  $   —%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

(b)Hypothetical assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

43

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Stock Fund”), Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans (the “ESG Stock Fund”), Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Fixed Income Fund”) and Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans (the “ESG Fixed Income Fund”) (together, the “Retirement Funds”) are series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Retirement Funds and, as required by law, considered the renewal of each Retirement Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”). In connection with such renewals, the Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 21, 2024 to review and discuss materials compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to the renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2024, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager Institutional Funds Team Lead, Vice President Institutional Operations, Client Service Manager, Legal Counsel, and Vice President of Portfolio Engineering. They also received a compliance review from the Trust CCO. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the renewal of each management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ renewal of the Retirement Funds’ management agreements were based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher provides to each of the Retirement Funds, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for each Retirement Fund, adhering to each Retirement Fund’s investment strategy and any restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of each Retirement Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolios, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to each of the Retirement Funds. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review with respect to Fisher and the Retirement Funds. They discussed certain elements of the compliance program in detail with Fisher’s representatives, noting that Fisher’s procedures are robust and its ESG procedures are particularly robust in comparison to others in the space. The Trustees also took note of the fact that Fisher successfully implemented an operational upgrade during the period since the last renewal. The Trustees concluded that they were impressed with the consistency of the nature, extent, and quality of investment management services provided by Fisher to each of the Retirement Funds.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed in detail the performance of each Retirement Fund for various periods ended December 31, 2023. The Trustees noted that the

44

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund had outperformed the medians of their Morningstar Global Large Stock Growth category and peer group, as well as its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI IMI Index, for the one-year, three-year and since-inception periods. They further reflected upon Fisher representations regarding its stock selections and that they expect to be rewarded for conviction in the long term. The Trustees also noted that for the one-year and three-year periods the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund performed comparably to a composite of accounts managed by Fisher with similar investment strategies to the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund. The Trustees considered Fisher’s explanation that underperformance relative to the composite accounts was attributable to country allocation and the fact that the composite accounts include holdings acquired prior to the inception date of the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund.

 

The Trustees noted that the Fixed Income Fund and ESG Fixed Income Fund outperformed the medians of their Morningstar Intermediate Core Bond category and peer group for the one- and three-year periods. The Trustees observed that the Fixed Income Fund and ESG Fixed Income Fund each underperformed their respective Morningstar category and peer group over the since-inception period and acknowledged that Fisher attributed the underperformance to relatively lower duration in early 2020 and relatively higher duration in 2022. The Trustees noted that the Fixed Income Fund and the ESG Fixed Income Fund had outperformed their benchmark, the ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index, across all periods. The Trustees noted that Fisher does not manage any other pooled investment vehicle or private account comparable to the Fixed Income Fund or ESG Fixed Income Fund.

 

Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded that each Retirement Fund has had strong performance over various periods and the performance of each Retirement Fund is acceptable.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee and expense comparison for each Retirement Fund. The Trustees noted that, with respect to the Stock Fund, Fixed Income Fund, ESG Stock Fund and ESG Fixed Income Fund, Fisher does not charge a management fee at the fund level, but that shareholders (retirement plans, plan sponsors, and/or plan participants) would pay a program fee, which fee would be for both investment management services and the retirement plan platform, including ERISA fiduciary services.

 

The Trustees also considered a profitability analysis for each Retirement Fund prepared by Fisher, which showed that Fisher is not earning a profit for managing any of the Retirement Funds. The Trustees noted Fisher’s representation that it does not enter into soft-dollar transactions on behalf of the Retirement Funds. The Trustees concluded that the management fees represent reasonable compensation in light of the nature, extent, and high quality of Fisher’s services to the Retirement Funds.

 

(iv) Economies of Scale. In determining the reasonableness of the management fees, the Trustees also considered the extent to which Fisher will realize economies of scale as the Retirement Funds grow larger. Because the Stock Fund, Fixed Income Fund, ESG Stock Fund, and ESG Fixed Income Fund are not charged a management fee, the Trustees determined that economies of scale are not a consideration at this time.

45

 

PRIVACY NOTICE Rev: January 2020

 

FACTS WHAT DO THE FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL GROUP FUND FAMILY (THE “FUNDS”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
   
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
   
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

■    Social Security number

 

■    account balances and account transactions

 

■    transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

   
How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Funds choose to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Funds
share?
Can you
limit this
sharing?

For our everyday business purposes—

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes—

to offer our products and services to you

No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Questions? Call (800) 851-8845

46

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

What we do
How do the Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How do the Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■    open an account or deposit money

 

■    make deposits or withdrawals from your account or provide account information

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

■    sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes—information about your creditworthiness

 

■    affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■    sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

■    Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments, the investment adviser to the Funds, could be deemed to be an affiliate.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

   The Funds do not share your personal information with nonaffiliates so they can market to you

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

■    The Funds don’t jointly market.

47

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that each Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how each Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Funds at (800) 851-8845 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chair
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
Gweneth K. Gosselink,
    Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond,
    Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050
Plano, TX 75093
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246 
   

 

This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who have received the Funds’ prospectus which contains information about the Funds’ management fee and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher4-SAR-24

 

 

 

 

 

 

FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL
GROUP FUND FAMILY

 

 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report

 

February 29, 2024

 

 

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group

U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Adviser:

Fisher Asset Management, LLC

6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050

Plano, Texas 75093

(800) 851-8845

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)
 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 29, 2024(a)

 

        Since
        Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year Three Year (7/17/20)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund 7.65% 12.32% (0.83)% 9.75%
Russell 2000 Index(b) 8.97% 10.05% (0.94)% 11.07%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(c)
Gross       89.41%
With Applicable Fee Waivers and        
Expense Reimbursements       0.75%
         

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The Russell 2000 Index (“Russell Index”) is a small-cap U.S. stock market index that makes up the smallest 2,000 stocks in the Russell 3000® Index. It is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than are found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Russell Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2023. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2028 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; certain fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratios as of February 29, 2024 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 851-8845. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

2

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund Holdings as of February 29, 2024*

 

(BAR CHAT) 

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the Russell 2000 Index.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)
 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov.

3

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 97.88%  Shares   Fair Value 
         
Consumer Discretionary — 18.69%          
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A(a)   56   $7,154 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.(a)   44    8,587 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)(a)   69    820 
KB Home   35    2,325 
M/I Homes, Inc.(a)   36    4,572 
Papa John’s International, Inc.   30    2,157 
Pool Corp.   5    1,991 
Shake Shack, Inc., Class A(a)   33    3,508 
Six Flags Entertainment Corp.(a)   65    1,647 
Taylor Morrison Home Corp.(a)   36    2,038 
Thor Industries, Inc.   11    1,410 
Upbound Group, Inc.   30    1,013 
Urban Outfitters, Inc.(a)   50    2,078 
         39,300 
Consumer Staples — 2.94%          
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(a)   5    1,541 
Freshpet, Inc.(a)   41    4,634 
         6,175 
Energy — 6.16%          
ChampionX Corp.   132    4,100 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.   12    461 
Matador Resources Co.   31    1,958 
Murphy Oil Corp.   40    1,587 
Oceaneering International, Inc.(a)   90    1,778 
Ovintiv, Inc.   62    3,063 
         12,947 
Financials — 13.73%          
Cadence Bank   117    3,239 
Columbia Banking System, Inc.   82    1,484 
Evercore Partners, Inc., Class A   18    3,367 
First Merchants Corp.   90    2,988 
Home BancShares, Inc.   76    1,783 
Independent Bank Corp.   41    2,139 
Moelis & Co., Class A   40    2,162 
Old National Bancorp   110    1,807 
Piper Sandler Companies   19    3,577 
South State Corp.   23    1,933 
Stifel Financial Corp.   25    1,896 
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc.   34    1,307 
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.   5    1,162 
         28,844 
Health Care — 16.94%          
Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   42    976 
Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   37    1,196 
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   8    2,419 
Alkermes PLC(a)   14    416 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

4

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 97.88% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
         
Health Care — 16.94% - continued          
Avid Bioservices, Inc.(a)   47   $361 
Azenta, Inc.(a)   26    1,694 
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   74    417 
Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)   12    1,122 
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)   5    1,271 
CONMED Corp.   54    4,337 
Cytokinetics, Inc.(a)   27    1,949 
Exact Sciences Corp.(a)   13    748 
Haemonetics Corp.(a)   24    1,752 
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   17    677 
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   85    802 
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Class B(a)   13    1,032 
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   11    4,373 
Myriad Genetics, Inc.(a)   40    837 
Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(a)   6    782 
OmniAb, Inc. - Earnout Shares(a)(b)   4     
OmniAb, Inc. - Earnout Shares(a)(b)   4     
SAGE Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   35    752 
Shockwave Medical, Inc.(a)   4    1,043 
Vericel Corp.(a)   26    1,188 
WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.(a)   114    5,443 
         35,587 
Industrials — 15.30%          
Cactus, Inc., Class A   84    3,857 
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A(a)   33    2,973 
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.(a)   24    1,674 
Chart Industries, Inc.(a)   18    2,571 
Columbus McKinnon Corp.   69    2,882 
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.   58    3,276 
HEICO Corp.   6    1,160 
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.   13    3,336 
Mercury Systems, Inc.(a)   32    956 
Montrose Environmental Group Inc.(a)   51    2,110 
Paycom Software, Inc.   8    1,459 
Paylocity Holdings Corp.(a)   27    4,553 
Vicor Corp.(a)   36    1,341 
         32,148 
Materials — 4.98%          
Alcoa Corp.   56    1,524 
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.(a)   87    1,809 
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   15    2,007 
UFP Industries, Inc.   25    2,866 
Worthington Industries, Inc.   24    1,491 
Worthington Steel, Inc.(a)   24    760 
         10,457 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

5

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
COMMON STOCKS — 97.88% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
         
Real Estate — 1.20%          
Macerich Co. (The)   153   $2,511 
           
Technology — 17.94%          
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.   47    4,757 
Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.(a)   34    2,573 
Amkor Technology, Inc.   59    1,830 
Box, Inc., Class A(a)   75    1,934 
Diodes, Inc.(a)   59    4,011 
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.(a)   38    2,454 
Dropbox, Inc., Class A(a)   63    1,509 
Five9, Inc.(a)   23    1,403 
Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)   9    2,280 
Omnicell, Inc.(a)   21    551 
Power Integrations, Inc.   20    1,429 
Qualys, Inc.(a)   11    1,890 
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.(a)   13    1,788 
SPS Commerce, Inc.(a)   10    1,852 
Synaptics, Inc.(a)   16    1,602 
Tenable Holdings, Inc.(a)   40    1,926 
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.(a)   54    2,333 
Veradigm, Inc.(a)   263    1,575 
         37,697 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $148,360)        205,666 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.51%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.23%(c)   1,070    1,070 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $1,070)        1,070 
           
Total Investments — 98.39% (Cost $149,430)        206,736 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.61%        3,389 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $210,125 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Security is currently being valued according to the fair value procedures of the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee.

 

(c)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

6

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Assets     
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $149,430)  $206,736 
Dividends receivable   221 
Receivable from Adviser   27,884 
Prepaid expenses   2,151 
Total Assets   236,992 
      
Liabilities     
Payable to affiliates   11,958 
Accrued audit and tax fees   9,149 
Payable to trustees   55 
Other accrued expenses   5,705 
Total Liabilities   26,867 
Net Assets  $210,125 
      
Net Assets consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $176,959 
Accumulated earnings   33,166 
Net Assets  $210,125 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   17,301 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $12.15 
      

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

7

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Statement of Operations
For the six months ended February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)
 
Investment Income     
Dividend income  $990 
Total investment income   990 
      
Expenses     
Administration   27,710 
Legal   9,804 
Audit and tax   9,149 
Trustee   7,963 
Transfer agent   6,263 
Compliance services   5,968 
Report printing   1,887 
Custodian   1,139 
Registration   846 
Pricing   771 
Adviser   646 
Miscellaneous   11,239 
Total expenses   83,385 
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (82,673)
Net operating expenses   712 
Net investment income   278 
      
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (13,386)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   28,114 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   14,728 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $15,006 
      

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

8

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
   For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Year 
   February 29,   Ended August 
   2024   31, 2023 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $278   $344 
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (13,386)   (9,693)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   28,114    31,301 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   15,006    21,952 
           
Distributions From:          
Earnings   (228)    
Net realized gains       (13,142)
Total distributions   (228)   (13,142)
           
Capital Transactions          
Reinvestment of distributions   228    13,143 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   228    13,143 
Total Increase in Net Assets   15,006    21,953 
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   195,119    173,166 
End of period  $210,125   $195,119 
           
Share Transactions          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   19    1,337 
Net increase in shares   19    1,337 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

9

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)
 
   For the Six               For the 
   Months   For the   For the   For the   Period 
   Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   29, 2024   2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
   (Unaudited)                 
Selected Per Share Data:                         
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.29   $10.86   $15.63   $10.47   $10.00 
                          
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)   0.01    0.02    (0.03)   (0.03)    (b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.86    1.23    (3.85)   5.21    0.47 
Total from investment operations   0.87    1.25    (3.88)   5.18    0.47 
                          
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.01)                
Net realized gains       (0.82)   (0.89)   (0.02)    
Total distributions   (0.01)   (0.82)   (0.89)   (0.02)    
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $12.15   $11.29   $10.86   $15.63   $10.47 
                          
Total Return(c)   7.65(d)   12.68%   (26.23)%   49.47%   4.70(d)
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $210   $195   $173   $235   $157 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.75(e)   0.75%   0.75%   0.75%   0.75(e)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement   87.80(e)   89.41%   72.50%   68.54%   188.33(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.29(e)   0.19%   (0.20)%   (0.23)%   0.30(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   16(d)   26%   30%   24%   2(d)
                          
(a)For the period July 17, 2020 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

(b)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

10

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on November 12, 2018. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 2002, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Fund commenced operations on July 17, 2020. The investment adviser to the Fund is Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the Russell 2000 Index.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies,” including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Regulatory Update – Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) – Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

11

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Fund makes no provision for federal income or excise tax. The Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. The Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

As of and during the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations when incurred. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Fund has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds of the Trust based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Fund follows industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Distributions received from investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investment or as a realized gain, respectively. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Fund’s investments in REITs are reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, the Fund estimates these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distributions information available. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and related reclaims have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted or amortized using the effective interest method.

12

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified among the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund.

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique). Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained and available from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments and/or registered investment companies where the value per share is determined and published

13

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

and is the basis for current transactions for identical assets or liabilities at the valuation date

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for an identical security in an inactive market, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining fair value of investments based on the best information available)

 

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 which is reported is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available in conformity with guidelines adopted by the Board. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee pursuant to its policies and procedures. Any fair value provided by the Valuation Designee is subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the service agent of the mutual funds. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Valuation Designee is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources

14

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

are not available or reliable as described above. No single method exists for determining fair value because fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security being valued by the Valuation Designee would be the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. The Valuation Designee may obtain assistance from others in fulfilling its duties. For example, it may seek assistance from pricing services, fund administrators, sub-advisers, accountants, or counsel; it may also consult the Trust’s Fair Value Committee. The Valuation Designee, however, remains responsible for the final fair value determination and may not designate or assign that responsibility to any third party.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $205,666   $   $(b)  $205,666 
Money Market Funds   1,070            1,070 
Total  $206,736   $   $   $206,736 

 

(a)Refer to Schedule of Investments for sector classifications.

 

(b)OmniAb, Inc. is currently being fair valued according to the fair value procedures of the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee.

 

NOTE 4. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust with respect to the Fund, manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Adviser earned management fees of $646 from the Fund before the waiver and reimbursement described below.

15

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2028 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board upon 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses in the amount of $82,673 for the Fund. At February 29, 2024, the Adviser owed the Fund $27,884.

 

Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser may seek repayment of fee waivers and expense reimbursements in amounts as follows:

 

Recoverable Through
August 31, 2024  $139,672 
August 31, 2025   148,379 
August 31, 2026   159,670 
February 28, 2027   82,673 

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services to the Fund. The Fund pays Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of Ultimus, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Fund, which are approved annually by the Board.

 

Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter to the Fund. The Distributor is a

16

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Fund) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of Ultimus and such persons are not paid by the Fund for serving in such capacities. One Trustee is a former employee of Ultimus who is not currently paid by the Fund for serving in such capacity.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chair of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees,” which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chair of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive additional fees for attending any special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were $29,666 and $38,408, respectively.

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended February 29, 2024.

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control the Fund.

17

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 29, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation  $68,605 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (11,871)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $56,734 
Tax cost of investments  $150,002 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, was as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:     
Ordinary income(a)  $1 
Long-term capital gains   13,141 
Total distributions paid  $13,142 

 

(a)Short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

At August 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income  $42 
Accumulated capital and other losses   (10,274)
Unrealized appreciation on investments   28,620 
Total accumulated earnings  $18,388 

 

As of August 31, 2023, the Fund had accumulated short-term capital loss carryforwards of $1,994 and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $8,280, not subject to expiration.

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory

18

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap
Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Trust indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from their performance of their duties to the Trust or the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management of the Fund has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date at which these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, management has determined there were no items requiring adjustment of the financial statements or additional disclosure.

19

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values 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 “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s 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 the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

   Beginning  Ending       
   Account  Account  Expenses    
   Value  Value  Paid   Annualized
   September  February  During   Expense
   1, 2023  29, 2024  Period(a)   Ratio
Actual  $1,000.00  $1,076.50  $3.87   0.75%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,021.13  $3.77   0.75%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

(b)Hypothetical assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

20

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund (the “Small Cap Fund”) is a series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Small Cap Fund and, as required by law, considered the renewal of the Small Cap Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”). In connection with such renewal, the Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 21, 2024 to review and discuss materials compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2024, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, Institutional Funds Team Lead, Vice President Institutional Operations, Client Service Manager, Legal Counsel, and Vice President of Portfolio Engineering. They also received a compliance review from the Trust CCO. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ renewal of the Small Cap Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher provides to the Small Cap Fund, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Small Cap Fund, adhering to the Small Cap Fund’s investment strategy and any restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Small Cap Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Small Cap Fund’s portfolio, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the Small Cap Fund. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review with respect to Fisher and the Small Cap Fund. They discussed certain elements of the compliance program in detail with Fisher’s representatives, noting that Fisher’s procedures are robust. The Trustees also took note of the fact that Fisher successfully implemented an operational upgrade during the period since the last renewal. The Trustees concluded that they were impressed with the nature, extent, and quality of investment management services provided by Fisher to the Small Cap Fund.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed in detail the performance of the Small Cap Fund for various periods ended December 31, 2023. The Trustees noted that the Small Cap Fund had outperformed the median of its Morningstar Small Growth category and peer group over the one-year, three-year, and since-inception periods. The Trustees noted that the Small Cap Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, for the one year and three year periods, but underperformed its benchmark over the since-inception period. The Trustees acknowledged that Fisher attributed such relative underperformance to the Small Cap Fund’s overweighting in the energy sector, as well as stock selection within the energy and information

21

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

technology sectors. The Trustees noted that the Small Cap Fund’s performance was comparable to a UCITS fund managed by Fisher with a similar investment strategy, noting that the other fund’s strategy contained an ESG component and in connection therewith, equity selection for the other fund explained the Small Cap Fund’s slight relative underperformance. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded the performance of the Small Cap Fund is acceptable.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee and expense comparison for the Small Cap Fund. The Trustees noted that the management fee of the Small Cap Fund is below the average and median of the Small Cap Fund’s peer group, below the average of its Morningstar Category, and equal to the median of its Morningstar category. The Trustees discussed that the Small Cap Fund’s net expense ratio was below the medians and averages of its Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees also considered that Fisher has committed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses of the Small Cap Fund through at least December 31, 2028. The Trustees also considered that the management fee of the Small Cap Fund is lower than the fee that Fisher charges to its comparable UCITS fund.

 

The Trustees also considered a profitability analysis for the Small Cap Fund prepared by Fisher, which showed that Fisher is not earning a profit from managing the Small Cap Fund. The Trustees noted Fisher’s representation that it does not enter into soft-dollar transactions on behalf of the Small Cap Fund. The Trustees concluded that the management fee represents reasonable compensation in light of the nature, extent, and high quality of Fisher’s services to the Small Cap Fund.

 

(iv) Economies of Scale. In determining the reasonableness of the management fee, the Trustees also considered the extent to which Fisher will realize economies of scale as the Small Cap Fund grows larger. The Trustees determined that, in light of the current size of the Small Cap Fund and Fisher’s lack of profitability in managing the Small Cap Fund, it does not appear that Fisher is realizing benefits from economies of scale in managing the Small Cap Fund. Therefore, consideration of breakpoints is premature.

22

 

PRIVACY NOTICE
   
  Rev: January 2020

 

FACTS WHAT DOES FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL GROUP U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND (THE “FUND”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
 
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
 
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

■    Social Security number

 

■    account balances and account transactions

 

■    transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 
How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
 
Reasons we can share your personal information Does the Fund
share?
Can you limit
this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes –

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes Yes

For our marketing purposes –

to offer our products and services to you

No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share
       
Questions? Call (800) 851-8845

23

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

What we do
How does the Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How does the Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■    open an account or deposit money

 

■    make deposits or withdrawals from your account or provide account information

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

■    sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

 

■    affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■    sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

 
Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

   Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments, the investment adviser to the Fund, could be deemed to be an affiliate.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

   The Fund does not share your personal information with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

   The Fund does not jointly market.

24

 

Proxy Voting

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Fund at (800) 851-8845 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chair
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
Gweneth K. Gosselink,
    Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond,
    Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050
Plano, TX 75093
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
   

 

This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who have received the Fund’s prospectus which contains information about the Fund’s management fee and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher3-SAR-24

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
(ONE ASSETS LOGO)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF (OALC)
OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF (OACP)
OneAscent International Equity ETF (OAIM)
OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF (OAEM)
NYSE Arca, Inc.
 
 
Semi-Annual Report
 
February 29, 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OneAscent Investment Solutions, LLC
23 Inverness Center Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Telephone: 1-800-222-8274

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Total Returns* as of February 29, 2024

 

         Since
         Inception
   Six Months  One Year  (11/15/2021)
OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF - NAV  13.64%  22.67%  2.86%
OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF - Market Price  13.54%  22.56%  2.86%
S&P 500® Index(a)  13.93%  30.45%  5.47%

 

Total annual operating expenses, as disclosed in the OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF’s (the “Fund”) prospectus dated December 29, 2023 was 0.86% of average daily net assets. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratio as of February 29, 2024 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 222-8274. The Fund’s per share net asset value (“NAV”) is the value of one share of the Fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing shares. The NAV return is based on the NAV of the Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which the shares of the Fund are listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. Market Price and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and NAV, respectively. Since exchange-traded funds are bought and sold at prices set by the market, which can result in a premium or discount to NAV, the returns calculated using Market Price can differ from those calculated using NAV. For more information about current performance, holdings or historical premiums/discounts, please visit the Fund’s website at http://investments.oneascent.com.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(a)The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of 500 large capitalization companies and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than are found in the Fund’s portfolio. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 222-8274. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Total Returns* as of February 29, 2024

 

         Since
         Inception
   Six Months  One Year  (3/30/2022)
OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF - NAV  2.91%  3.81%  (1.84)%
OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF - Market Price  3.05%  3.77%  (1.80)%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index(a)  2.35%  3.33%  (2.10)%

 

Total annual operating expenses, as disclosed in the OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF’s (the “Fund”) prospectus dated December 29, 2023 was 0.77% of average daily net assets. OneAscent Investment Solutions, LLC (the “Adviser”) contractually has agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, do not exceed 1.00% through December 31, 2024. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon sixty days’ written notice to the Adviser. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratio as of February 29, 2024 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 222-8274. The Fund’s per share net asset value (“NAV”) is the value of one share of the Fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing shares. The NAV return is based on the NAV of the Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which the shares of the Fund are listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. Market Price and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and NAV, respectively. Since exchange-traded funds are bought and sold at prices set by the market, which can result in a premium or discount to NAV, the returns calculated using Market Price can differ from those calculated using NAV. For more information about current performance, holdings or historical premiums/discounts, please visit the Fund’s website at http://investments.oneascent.com.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(a)The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad based, market capitalization-weighted bond market index representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United

2

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

States and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than are found in the Fund’s portfolio. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 222-8274. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

3

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Total Returns* as of February 29, 2024

 

         Since
         Inception
   Six Months  One Year  (9/14/2022)
OneAscent International Equity ETF - NAV  4.94%  11.57%  18.40%
OneAscent International Equity ETF - Market Price  4.92%  12.34%  18.78%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index(a)  7.90%  12.51%  14.96%

 

Total annual operating expenses, as disclosed in the OneAscent International Equity ETF’s (the “Fund”) prospectus dated December 29, 2023 were 1.11% of average daily net assets (0.95% after fee waivers/expense reimbursements by the Adviser). The Adviser contractually has agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, do not exceed 0.95% through December 31, 2024. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon sixty days’ written notice to the Adviser. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratio as of February 29, 2024 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 222-8274. The Fund’s per share net asset value (“NAV”) is the value of one share of the Fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing shares. The NAV return is based on the NAV of the Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which the shares of the Fund are listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. Market Price and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and NAV, respectively. Since exchange-traded funds are bought and sold at prices set by the market, which can result in a premium or discount to NAV, the returns calculated using Market Price can differ from those calculated using NAV. For more information about current performance, holdings or historical premiums/discounts, please visit the Fund’s website at http://investments.oneascent.com.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable period. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

4

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

(a)The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index captures large and mid cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets countries (excluding the U.S.) and 24 Emerging Markets countries. The index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the U.S. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 222-8274. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

5

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Total Returns* as of February 29, 2024

 

         Since
         Inception
   Six Months  One Year  (9/14/2022)
OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF - NAV  5.24%  8.62%  11.78%
OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF - Market Price  5.14%  8.69%  11.51%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index(a)  4.93%  8.73%  6.52%

 

Total annual operating expenses, as disclosed in the OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF’s (the “Fund”) prospectus dated December 29, 2023, were 1.73% of average daily net assets (1.25% after fee waivers/expense reimbursements by the Adviser). The Adviser contractually has agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, do not exceed 1.25% through December 31, 2024. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon sixty days’ written notice to the Adviser. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratio as of February 29, 2024 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 222-8274. The Fund’s per share net asset value (“NAV”) is the value of one share of the Fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing shares. The NAV return is based on the NAV of the Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which the shares of the Fund are listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. Market Price and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and NAV, respectively. Since exchange-traded funds are bought and sold at prices set by the market, which can result in a premium or discount to NAV, the returns calculated using Market Price can differ from those calculated using NAV. For more information about current performance, holdings or historical premiums/discounts, please visit the Fund’s website at http://investments.oneascent.com.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable period. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

6

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

(a)The MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 24 Emerging Markets countries. The Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund’s investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 222-8274. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

7

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF Holdings as of February 29, 2024.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF is to seek capital appreciation.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change.

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF Holdings as of February 29, 2024.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

8

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

The investment objective of the OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF is to seek total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return, while giving special consideration to certain values-based and impact criteria.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change.

 

OneAscent International Equity ETF Holdings as of February 29, 2024.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the OneAscent International Equity ETF is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change.

9

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF Holdings as of February 29, 2024.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)

 

The Funds file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. Each Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at http:// www.sec.gov or on the Funds’ website at http://investments.oneascent.com.

10

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 91.66%          
Consumer Discretionary — 7.97%          
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   554   $1,921,732 
Lennar Corp., Class B   12,110    1,784,651 
NVR, Inc.(a)   267    2,036,027 
Ralph Lauren Corp.   9,914    1,843,211 
         7,585,621 
Consumer Staples — 4.23%          
Bunge Global S.A.   26,598    2,510,054 
Seaboard Corp.   460    1,512,291 
         4,022,345 
Energy — 3.44%          
Chevron Corp.   10,093    1,534,237 
Phillips 66   8,908    1,269,479 
Valero Energy Corp.   3,295    466,111 
         3,269,827 
Financials — 11.89%          
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.   5,303    2,160,230 
Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)   6,791    594,824 
Chubb Ltd.   14,150    3,561,131 
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A   10,237    1,112,967 
W.R. Berkley Corp.   46,481    3,885,811 
         11,314,963 
Health Care — 13.60%          
Abbott Laboratories   29,503    3,500,236 
Hologic, Inc.(a)   39,130    2,887,794 
Incyte Corp.(a)   20,175    1,177,413 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a)   10,659    4,198,687 
Royalty Pharma PLC, Class A   21,036    638,232 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,280    538,547 
         12,940,909 
Industrials — 3.78%          
AGCO Corp.   4,455    488,714 
Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)   9,917    1,530,193 
PACCAR, Inc.   14,268    1,582,178 
         3,601,085 
Materials — 1.35%          
Albemarle Corp.   3,580    493,503 
Mosaic Co. (The)   8,512    265,234 
Nucor Corp.   2,753    529,402 
         1,288,139 
Real Estate — 0.99%          
Crown Castle International Corp.   8,548    939,767 
           
Technology — 41.02%          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   5,889    3,299,489 
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)   6,186    686,151 
Applied Materials, Inc.   11,636    2,346,050 
Avnet, Inc.   31,394    1,462,646 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

11

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 91.66% - continued          
Technology — 41.02% - continued          
Broadcom, Inc.   1,734   $2,255,050 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   57,995    2,805,219 
Gartner, Inc.(a)   8,074    3,758,931 
Jabil, Inc.   4,580    659,932 
Lam Research Corp.   1,577    1,479,620 
Microchip Technology, Inc.   13,130    1,104,758 
Microsoft Corp.   11,681    4,831,727 
NVIDIA Corp.   5,419    4,287,080 
Oracle Corp.   21,855    2,440,766 
PTC, Inc.(a)   3,751    686,471 
Pure Storage, Inc., Class A(a)   21,763    1,145,822 
Qorvo, Inc.(a)   15,524    1,778,274 
Qualys, Inc.(a)   11,501    1,976,562 
Salesforce, Inc.(a)   5,196    1,604,629 
SPS Commerce, Inc.(a)   2,365    437,903 
         39,047,080 
Utilities — 3.39%          
Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C   39,271    856,108 
FirstEnergy Corp.   15,819    579,134 
Sempra   25,315    1,787,238 
         3,222,480 
           
Total Common Stocks/Investments — 91.66% (Cost $76,190,260)        87,232,216 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 8.34%        7,942,287 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $95,174,503 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

12

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
   Amount   Fair Value 
ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — 10.79%          
Century Plaza Towers, Series 2019-CPT, Class B, 3.00%, 11/13/2039(a)(b)  $740,000   $609,552 
COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2022-HC, Class B, 3.17%, 1/10/2039(a)   1,000,000    870,834 
Frontier Issuer, LLC, Series 1, Class C, 11.50%, 8/20/2053(a)   1,000,000    1,009,158 
GoodLeap Sustainable Home Solutions Trust, Series 2022-3CS, Class B, 5.50%, 7/20/2049(a)   1,250,000    1,039,375 
GoodLeap Sustainable Home Solutions Trust, Series 2022-3CS, Class B, 5.52%, 2/22/2055(a)   1,018,312    988,229 
Helios Issuer, LLC, Series 2023-B, Class C, 6.00%, 8/22/2050(a)   874,378    823,949 
Hertz Vehicle Financing, LLC, Series 2023-2A, Class C, 7.13%, 9/25/2029(a)   900,000    882,517 
J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2020- 609M, Class A, 7.05%, 10/15/2033 (US0001M + 1.370bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    976,201 
Mosaic Solar Loan Trust, Series 2022-3A, Class A, 6.16%, 6/20/2053(a)   824,862    834,505 
Mosaic Solar Loan Trust, Series 2023-2A, Class C, 8.18%, 9/22/2053(a)   500,000    471,221 
Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2024-1, Series 1, Class D, 10.00%, 9/20/2049(a)   500,000    416,020 
Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2019-MILE, Class A, 6.90%, 7/15/2036 (US0001M + 1.500bps)(a)(b)   848,857    784,154 
One Bryant Park Trust, Series 2019-OBP, Class A, 2.52%, 9/15/2054(a)   500,000    427,064 
One Market Plaza Trust, Series 2017-1MKT, Class A, 3.61%, 2/10/2032(a)   365,224    337,874 
One Market Plaza Trust, Series 2017-1MKT, Class C, 4.02%, 2/10/2032(a)   500,000    436,540 
STWD Mortgage Trust, Series 2021-LIH, Class B, 7.09%, 11/15/2036 (US0001M + 1.656bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    987,333 
Sunrun Jupiter Issuer, LLC, Series 2022-1A, Class A, 4.75%, 7/30/2057(a)   924,640    864,077 
Tesla Auto Lease Trust, Series 2023-A, Class A2, 5.86%, 8/20/2025(a)   444,644    445,487 
Tesla Auto Lease Trust, Series 2023-A, Class A3, 5.89%, 6/22/2026(a)   500,000    503,026 
Tesla Electric Vehicle Trust 2023-1, Series 1, Class A3, 5.38%, 6/20/2028(a)   750,000    754,084 
Vivint Solar Financing V, LLC, Series 2018-1A, Class B, 7.37%, 4/30/2048(a)   506,492    472,216 
Total Asset Backed Securities (Cost $15,377,191)        14,933,416 
           
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS — 0.66%          
Freddie Mac Multiclass Certificates, Series 2022-P013, Class A2, 2.76%, 2/25/2032(b)   1,000,000    846,453 
Government National Mortgage Association, Series 111, Class ZA, 3.00%, 2/20/2052   101,509    68,750 
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (Cost $1,016,322)        915,203 
           
CORPORATE BONDS — 46.01%          
Consumer Discretionary — 2.25%          
Conservation Fund, Series 2019, 3.47%, 12/15/2029   1,000,000    904,925 
Magna International, Inc., 2.45%, 6/15/2030   1,000,000    860,153 
NHP Foundation (The), 6.00%, 12/1/2033   500,000    534,632 
Walmart, Inc., 1.80%, 9/22/2031   1,000,000    820,001 
         3,119,711 
Consumer Staples — 1.21%          
PepsiCo, Inc., 3.90%, 7/18/2032   1,100,000    1,032,114 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

13

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
   Amount   Fair Value 
CORPORATE BONDS — 46.01% - continued          
Unilever Capital Corp., 2.63%, 8/12/2051  $1,000,000   $644,923 
         1,677,037 
Energy — 3.68%          
BP Capital Markets America, Inc., 4.81%, 2/13/2033   500,000    488,339 
BP Capital Markets America, Inc., 2.77%, 11/10/2050   1,000,000    635,933 
BP Capital Markets PLC, 6.45%, Perpetual (H15T5Y + 2.403bps)(b)   1,000,000    1,004,743 
ConocoPhillips Co., 5.05%, 9/15/2033   500,000    499,020 
Continental Wind, LLC, 6.00%, 2/28/2033(a)   1,035,111    1,041,533 
Equinor ASA, 3.95%, 5/15/2043   1,000,000    835,399 
Raizen Fuels Finance S.A., 6.45%, 3/5/2034(a)   575,000    583,320 
         5,088,287 
Financials — 14.74%          
BB Blue Financing DAC, Series A2, 4.40%, 9/20/2029   1,000,000    980,382 
BB Blue Financing DAC, Series A1, 4.40%, 9/20/2037   1,000,000    968,016 
BNP Paribas S.A., 5.89%, 12/5/2034 (SOFR + 1.866bps)(a)(b)   1,175,000    1,204,365 
BPCE S.A., 5.72%, 1/18/2030 (H15T1Y + 1.959bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    996,387 
Consumers 2023 Securitization Funding, LLC, 5.55%, 3/1/2028   1,000,000    997,896 
Credit Agricole S.A., 5.34%, 1/10/2030 (SOFR + 1.690bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    992,112 
Credit Agricole S.A., 6.25%, 1/10/2035 (SOFR + 2.670bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    999,819 
Export Development Canada, 4.13%, 2/13/2029   1,000,000    987,416 
Federation des Caisses Desjardins du Quebec, 5.25%, 4/26/2029(a)   1,000,000    990,913 
GPS Blue Financing DAC, 5.65%, 11/9/2041(a)   1,000,000    972,790 
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 7.20%, 11/28/2033(a)   1,000,000    1,050,082 
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft A.G., 5.88%, 5/23/2042 (H15T5Y + 3.982bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    1,011,538 
Private Export Funding Corp., 4.60%, 2/15/2034   1,000,000    1,000,210 
Province of British Columbia Canada, 4.20%, 7/6/2033   850,000    820,130 
Province of Quebec Canada, 1.90%, 4/21/2031   1,000,000    837,838 
Societe Generale S.A., 7.13%, 1/19/2055 (H15T1Y + 2.950bps)(a)(b)   1,200,000    1,165,137 
UBS Group A.G., 6.30%, 9/22/2034 (H15T1Y + 2.000bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    1,033,226 
UBS Group A.G., 9.25%, Perpetual (H15T5Y + 4.758bps)(a)(b)   525,000    581,405 
UBS Group A.G., 9.25%, Perpetual (H15T5Y + 4.745bps)(a)(b)   625,000    668,796 
UBS Group AG, 5.70%, 2/8/2035 (H15T1Y + 1.770bps)(a)(b)   1,150,000    1,136,920 
WLB Asset VI Pte Ltd., 7.25%, 12/21/2027(a)   1,000,000    1,009,201 
         20,404,579 
Industrials — 3.64%          
Ambipar Lux Sarl, 9.88%, 2/6/2031(a)   400,000    398,308 
Cummins, Inc., 5.45%, 2/20/2054   1,000,000    1,004,792 
Delta Air Lines Pass Through Trust, Series 2020-1, Class A, 2.50%, 6/10/2028   1,346,975    1,202,110 
Nextera Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 5.25%, 3/15/2034   800,000    784,871 
Tote Shipholdings, LLC, 3.40%, 10/16/2040   965,000    876,193 
Vessel Management Services, Inc., 3.48%, 1/16/2037   864,000    771,788 
         5,038,062 
Materials — 2.16%          
Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., 9.13%, Perpetual (H15T5Y + 490.700bps)(a)(b)   625,000    666,800 
Dow Chemical Co. (The), 5.15%, 2/15/2034   1,000,000    984,789 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

14

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
   Amount   Fair Value 
CORPORATE BONDS — 46.01% - continued          
FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty Ltd., 6.13%, 4/15/2032(a)  $500,000   $494,421 
Newmont Corp., 2.25%, 10/1/2030   1,000,000    837,635 
         2,983,645 
Multi-Nationals — 5.19%          
African Development Bank, 4.13%, 2/25/2027   1,000,000    988,361 
Central American Bank for Economic Integration, 5.00%, 2/9/2026(a)   250,000    248,621 
European Investment Bank, 0.75%, 9/23/2030   1,000,000    797,361 
Inter-American Development Bank, GMTN, 3.50%, 4/12/2033   1,000,000    931,099 
Inter-American Investment Corp., 2.63%, 4/22/2025   1,000,000    971,598 
International Bank for Reconstruction & Development, EMTN, 0%, 3/31/2028   500,000    486,477 
International Finance Facility for Immunisation Co., MTN, 1.00%, 4/21/2026   1,000,000    923,101 
OPEC Fund for International Development (The), 4.50%, 1/26/2026(a)   1,000,000    988,517 
United States International Development Finance, 3.43%, 6/1/2033   917,270    854,723 
         7,189,858 
Real Estate — 2.05%          
HAT Holdings I, LLC/HAT Holdings II, LLC, 3.38%, 6/15/2026(a)   1,000,000    936,510 
Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc., 4.48%, 12/1/2032   1,000,000    927,516 
Regency Centers Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/2034   1,000,000    977,321 
         2,841,347 
Technology — 1.02%          
Apple, Inc., 3.00%, 6/20/2027   1,000,000    948,710 
Intel Corp., 4.15%, 8/5/2032   500,000    469,436 
         1,418,146 
Utilities — 10.07%          
AES Corp. (The), 5.45%, 6/1/2028   1,000,000    997,033 
Consumers Energy Co., 4.60%, 5/30/2029   1,000,000    982,972 
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 3.55%, 3/15/2052   1,000,000    719,661 
Hydro-Quebec, 8.05%, 7/7/2024   1,000,000    1,007,882 
MidAmerican Energy Co., 5.30%, 2/1/2055   1,050,000    1,020,408 
National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., 5.25%, 4/20/2046 (US0003M + 3.630bps)(b)   1,000,000    973,467 
New York State Electric & Gas Corp., 2.15%, 10/1/2031(a)   1,000,000    793,179 
NextEra Energy Operating Partners, L.P., 7.25%, 1/15/2029(a)   1,016,000    1,033,642 
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., 6.70%, 4/1/2053   1,000,000    1,075,545 
PPL Electric Utilities Corp., 4.85%, 2/15/2034   950,000    924,966 
San Diego Gas & Electric Co., 2.95%, 8/15/2051   1,000,000    665,547 
Southern California Edison Co., 4.88%, 2/1/2027   550,000    546,968 
Southern California Edison Co., 5.20%, 6/1/2034   575,000    563,205 
Southern California Edison Co., 3.65%, 6/1/2051   1,000,000    734,645 
Topaz Solar Farms, LLC, 5.75%, 9/30/2039(a)   943,177    940,178 
Vistra Corp., 7.00%, Perpetual (H15T5Y + 5.740bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    967,440 
         13,946,738 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $65,807,863)        63,707,410 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

15

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
   Amount   Fair Value 
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS — 1.55%          
Canada Government International Bond, 2.88%, 4/28/2025  $1,100,000   $1,073,531 
Colombia Government International Bond, 8.75%, 11/14/2053   1,000,000    1,072,314 
Total Foreign Government Bonds (Cost $2,079,286)        2,145,845 
           
INTERNATIONAL BONDS — 0.70%          
Hashemite Kingdom Of Jordan, 3.00%, 6/30/2025   1,000,000    965,609 
Total International Bonds (Cost $980,529)        965,609 
           
MUNICIPAL BONDS — 4.45%          
California — 0.37%          
Freddie Mac Multifamily ML Certificates, Revenue, 1.51%, 9/25/2037   4,914,795    512,859 
           
District of Columbia — 0.53%          
District of Columbia, Revenue, 3.85%, 2/28/2025   750,000    736,591 
           
Florida — 0.76%          
Florida Development Finance Corp., Revenue, 8.00%, 7/1/2057(a)   1,000,000    1,050,214 
           
Indiana — 0.00%          
Fort Wayne, Solid Waste Facility, Revenue, Series 2022A-2, 10.75%, 12/1/2029(c)   234,358    23 
           
Montana — 0.77%          
Gallatin County Industrial Development, Revenue, Series B, 11.50%, 9/1/2027   1,000,000    1,051,721 
           
New Hampshire — 0.61%          
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, Revenue, 5.45%, 7/1/2033(a)   850,000    850,000 
           
New York — 1.41%          
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue, 5.18%, 11/15/2049   1,000,000    954,869 
New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, Revenue, Series A, 4.87%, 4/1/2037   1,130,000    998,689 
         1,953,558 
Total Municipal Bonds (Cost $6,495,879)        6,154,966 
           
TERM LOANS — 1.96%          
Utilities — 1.29%          
ExGen Renewables IV, LLC, 7.24%, 12/15/2027 (US0001M + 250.000bps)(b)   889,974    887,749 
TerraForm Power Operating, LLC, 7.99%, 5/30/2029 (TSFR1M + 275.000bps)(b)   905,000    900,335 
         1,788,084 
Industrials — 0.67%          
LTR Intermediate Holdings, Inc., 9.60%, 5/7/2028 (US0001M + 450.000bps)(b)   987,406    925,693 
Total Term Loans (Cost $2,755,832)        2,713,777 
           
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 31.95%          
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.00%, 5/1/2044   783,484    737,067 
Fannie Mae Pool, 3.50%, 6/1/2047   202,081    179,954 
Fannie Mae Pool, 2.50%, 11/1/2051   683,958    563,718 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

16

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
   Amount   Fair Value 
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 31.95% - continued          
Fannie Mae Pool, 2.50%, 12/1/2051  $829,677   $687,033 
Fannie Mae Pool, 2.50%, 2/1/2052   191,367    158,740 
Fannie Mae Pool, 2.50%, 2/1/2052   2,141,846    1,781,255 
Fannie Mae Pool, 3.00%, 2/1/2052   230,300    197,390 
Fannie Mae Pool, 3.00%, 4/1/2052   277,963    238,299 
Fannie Mae Pool, 3.00%, 4/1/2052   2,607,979    2,254,820 
Fannie Mae Pool, 3.50%, 4/1/2052   2,536,378    2,258,699 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.00%, 5/1/2052   177,490    172,249 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.00%, 7/1/2052   450,822    437,726 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.00%, 8/1/2052   1,479,434    1,362,355 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.50%, 8/1/2052   1,965,672    1,859,965 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.00%, 9/1/2052   184,813    170,178 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.50%, 9/1/2052   1,142,605    1,081,158 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.00%, 9/1/2052   322,194    312,809 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.00%, 10/1/2052   1,285,671    1,183,800 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.50%, 10/1/2052   183,953    174,061 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.00%, 10/25/2052   674,282    654,590 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.50%, 11/1/2052   130,250    123,246 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.00%, 2/1/2053   126,310    122,588 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.50%, 2/1/2053   457,117    452,470 
Fannie Mae Pool, 6.00%, 2/1/2053   406,365    408,684 
Fannie Mae Pool, 6.00%, 3/1/2053   322,454    324,102 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.50%, 6/1/2053   244,899    242,367 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.00%, 8/1/2053   483,067    468,585 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.50%, 10/1/2053   1,223,059    1,209,858 
Federal National Mortgage Association, 0.88%, 8/5/2030   1,000,000    805,480 
Freddie Mac Pool, 3.00%, 2/1/2052   198,488    171,588 
Freddie Mac Pool, 4.00%, 4/1/2052   185,461    170,849 
Freddie Mac Pool, 3.00%, 6/1/2052   275,945    236,483 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 2.50%, 9/20/2051   794,782    673,880 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 3.00%, 12/20/2051   1,650,251    1,448,593 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 2.50%, 5/20/2052   309,376    262,244 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 3.00%, 5/20/2052   616,446    541,090 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 3.50%, 7/20/2052   1,493,107    1,351,094 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 4.00%, 9/20/2052   1,010,988    942,366 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 4.50%, 12/20/2052   711,642    680,410 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 4.50%, 2/20/2053   153,372    146,620 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 5.00%, 2/20/2053   256,904    251,225 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 5.50%, 2/20/2053   107,872    107,313 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 3.00%, 8/20/2053   29,037    25,488 
United States Treasury Bond, 2.38%, 2/15/2042   483,000    354,901 
United States Treasury Note, 4.25%, 1/31/2026   1,846,000    1,831,939 
United States Treasury Note, 4.13%, 2/15/2027   1,738,000    1,723,132 
United States Treasury Note, 4.00%, 1/31/2029   500,000    494,023 
United States Treasury Note, 4.00%, 1/31/2031   1,961,000    1,928,521 
United States Treasury Note, 4.00%, 2/15/2034   499,000    488,981 
United States Treasury Note, 4.50%, 2/15/2044   6,170,000    6,165,662 
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

17

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
   Amount   Fair Value 
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 31.95% - continued          
United States Treasury Note, 4.75%, 11/15/2053  $3,398,000   $3,610,375 
           
Total U.S. Government & Agencies (Cost $45,623,721)        44,230,023 
Total Investments — 98.07% (Cost $140,136,623)        135,766,249 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.93%        2,667,615 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $138,433,864 

 

(a)Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.

 

(b)Variable rate security. Interest rate resets periodically. The rate shown is the effective interest rate as of February 29, 2024. For securities based on a published reference rate and spread, the reference rate and spread (in basis points) are indicated parenthetically. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities, therefore, do not indicate a reference rate and spread.

 

(c)In default.

 

EMTN - Euro Medium Term Note
   
GMTN - Global Medium Term Note
   
MTN - Medium Term Note

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

18

 

OneAscent International Equity ETF
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 90.79%          
Communications — 0.99%          
Trip.com Group Ltd. (China)(a)   22,974   $1,046,955 
           
Consumer Staples — 11.39%          
Carrefour S.A. (France)   100,278    1,683,222 
Dollarama, Inc. (Canada)   34,322    2,654,851 
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV (Mexico)   1,484,660    3,299,728 
L’Oreal S.A. (France)   3,869    1,847,100 
Nestle S.A. - ADR (Switzerland)   24,958    2,594,883 
         12,079,784 
Energy — 3.40%          
Aker BP ASA (Norway)   148,728    3,609,305 
           
Financials — 14.65%          
AIA Group Ltd. (Hong Kong)   127,411    1,034,977 
Bangkok Bank PCL (Thailand)   633,766    2,523,066 
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   9,325,004    3,634,467 
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. (Singapore)   141,592    3,507,284 
HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR (India)   32,322    1,729,227 
KBC Group N.V. (Belgium)   44,168    3,098,252 
         15,527,273 
Health Care — 4.40%          
Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Japan)   237,260    2,352,580 
Straumann Holding AG (Switzerland)   14,654    2,313,458 
         4,666,038 
Industrials — 15.77%          
Adecco Group AG (Switzerland)   35,252    1,412,456 
CAE, Inc. (Canada)(a)   101,396    1,893,165 
Element Fleet Management Corp. (Canada)   232,448    3,879,314 
Ferguson plc (United Kingdom)   14,615    3,041,371 
Intertek Group plc (United Kingdom)   31,350    1,829,149 
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. (Japan)   174,866    2,777,863 
Safran S.A. (France)   9,002    1,884,661 
         16,717,979 
Materials — 13.99%          
CRH plc (Ireland)   34,752    2,883,973 
Givaudan S.A. (Switzerland)   526    2,205,100 
Mitsubishi Materials Corp. (Japan)   121,800    2,127,428 
Rio Tinto plc (United Kingdom)   49,200    3,154,459 
Smurfit Kappa Group plc (Ireland)   67,322    2,869,116 
Suzano S.A. - ADR (Brazil)   139,917    1,588,058 
         14,828,134 
Technology — 26.20%          
ASML Holding N.V. - ADR (Netherlands)   4,606    4,383,437 
ASMPT Ltd. (Hong Kong)   209,372    2,565,843 
Canon, Inc. (Japan)   74,876    2,186,121 
Constellation Software, Inc. (Canada)   683    1,901,465 
Darktrace plc (United Kingdom)(a)   290,125    1,307,114 
Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Japan)   107,954    2,176,867 

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

19

 

OneAscent International Equity ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 90.79% - continued          
Technology — 26.20% - continued          
Nomura Research Institute Ltd. (Japan)   79,990   $2,243,124 
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   77,000    1,462,333 
NXP Semiconductors NV (Netherlands)   9,985    2,493,554 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - ADR (Taiwan Province of China)   31,710    4,080,126 
Topicus.com, Inc. (Canada)(a)   32,874    2,979,330 
         27,779,314 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $80,419,097)        96,254,782 
           
WARRANTS - 0.00%(b)          
Technology 0.00%(b)          
Constellation Software, Inc., (Canada) Expiration Date 3/31/2040(c)   872     
Total Warrants (Cost $0)         
Total Investments — 90.79% (Cost $80,419,097)        96,254,782 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 9.21%        9,769,863 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $106,024,645 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Less than 0.005%.

 

(c)Security is currently being valued according to the fair value procedures of the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

20

 

OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 88.72%          
Communications — 4.65%          
MakeMyTrip Ltd. (Mauritius)(a)   15,600   $962,364 
Trip.com Group Ltd. (China)(a)   26,077    1,188,363 
         2,150,727 
Consumer Discretionary — 9.90%          
Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   19,087,653    1,014,202 
Coway Co. Ltd. (South Korea)   14,802    601,184 
Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., H Shares (China)   512,262    1,563,711 
MercadoLibre, Inc. (Argentina)(a)   460    733,838 
Sendas Distribuidora S.A. (Brazil)   232,400    664,828 
         4,577,763 
Consumer Staples — 5.93%          
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (Thailand)   771,430    405,903 
Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   1,343,622    987,517 
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV (Mexico)   606,480    1,347,931 
         2,741,351 
Energy — 1.57%          
PTT Exploration & Production PCL (Thailand)   173,338    728,676 
           
Financials — 12.78%          
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   4,452,990    1,735,576 
BB Seguridade Participacoes S.A. (Brazil)   148,000    997,425 
HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR (India)   19,957    1,067,700 
NU Holdings Ltd., Class A (Taiwan Province of China)(a)   83,200    921,856 
Regional S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexico)   127,676    1,190,784 
         5,913,341 
Health Care — 3.51%          
Dentium Co. Ltd. (South Korea)(a)   15,046    1,625,827 
           
Industrials — 7.59%          
Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd. (Korea (Republic of))   6,325    888,689 
LIG Nex1 Co. Ltd. (Korea (Republic of))   10,097    1,083,486 
Sporton International, Inc. (Taiwan Province of China)   84,400    628,079 
Voltronic Power Technology Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   18,000    912,912 
         3,513,166 
Materials — 5.67%          
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (South Africa)   163,575    959,768 
Orbia Advance Corp. SAB de CV (Mexico)   396,547    732,477 
Suzano S.A. - ADR (Brazil)   82,231    933,322 
         2,625,567 
Technology — 37.12%          
Accton Technology Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   86,000    1,410,415 
ASMPT Ltd. (Hong Kong)   130,778    1,602,678 
DB HiTek Co. Ltd. (South Korea)   17,860    620,994 
eMemory Technology, Inc. (Taiwan Province of China)   8,000    685,079 
Infosys Ltd. - ADR (India)   53,345    1,064,766 
MediaTek, Inc. (Taiwan Province of China)   39,000    1,404,916 
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   65,000    1,234,437 

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

21

 

OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 88.72% - continued          
Technology — 37.12% - continued          
Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   384,000   $334,905 
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (South Korea)   60,478    3,326,452 
Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. (South Korea)   1,856    524,333 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Taiwan Province of China)   163,000    3,554,003 
Unimicron Technology Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   86,000    487,803 
Wipro Ltd. - ADR (India)   149,600    926,024 
         17,176,805 
           
Total Common Stocks/Investments — 88.72% (Cost $36,136,909)        41,053,223 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 11.28%        5,219,393 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $46,272,616 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

22

 

OneAscent ETFs
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   OneAscent   OneAscent   OneAscent   OneAscent 
   Large Cap   Core Plus   International   Emerging 
   Core ETF   Bond ETF   Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
Assets                    
Investments in securities, at fair value (cost $76,190,260, $140,136,623, $80,419,097 and $36,136,909)  $87,232,216   $135,766,249   $96,254,782   $41,053,223 
Cash   7,745,045    5,129,745    11,199,472    3,437,869 
Receivable for fund shares sold   162,063             
Receivable for investments sold           3,710,415    6,380,903 
Dividend and interest receivable   98,210    1,027,352    86,538    134,908 
Tax reclaims receivable   2,091        207,343    7,147 
Prepaid expenses   3,314    2,796    3,527    3,267 
Total Assets   95,242,939    141,926,142    111,462,077    51,017,317 
Liabilities                    
Payable for investments purchased       2,950,231    5,330,281    4,657,249 
Payable for distributions to shareholders       448,335         
Due to custodian           2,249     
Payable to Adviser   22,944    54,027    59,181    36,087 
Payable to affiliates   7,528    7,370    6,257    7,140 
Payable to audit and tax   9,364    9,637    9,861    9,861 
Other accrued expenses   28,600    22,678    29,603    34,364 
Total Liabilities   68,436    3,492,278    5,437,432    4,744,701 
Net Assets  $95,174,503   $138,433,864   $106,024,645   $46,272,616 
Net Assets consist of:                    
Paid-in capital  $91,941,960   $149,280,881   $92,940,091   $42,149,714 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)   3,232,543    (10,847,017)   13,084,554    4,122,902 
Net Assets  $95,174,503   $138,433,864   $106,024,645   $46,272,616 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   3,600,000    6,150,000    3,400,000    1,600,000 
Net asset value per share  $26.44   $22.51   $31.18   $28.92 

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

23

 

OneAscent ETFs
Statements of Operations
For the six months ended February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   OneAscent   OneAscent   OneAscent   OneAscent 
   Large Cap   Core Plus   International   Emerging 
   Core ETF   Bond ETF   Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
Investment Income                    
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $–, $–, $84,009 and $70,845)  $379,448   $   $636,916   $376,206 
Interest income   77,155    2,955,530    263,340    90,180 
Total investment income   456,603    2,955,530    900,256    466,386 
Expenses                    
Adviser   99,163    293,826    319,536    156,541 
Administration   33,609    48,719    33,971    32,820 
Legal   10,013    11,002    10,014    10,014 
Audit and tax   9,364    9,637    9,861    9,861 
Custodian   9,173    11,704    17,034    16,765 
Trustee   8,305    8,305    8,305    8,305 
Compliance services   6,838    11,439    6,850    6,838 
Transfer agent   5,078    5,104    5,347    5,769 
Report printing   3,875    4,014    4,346    4,074 
Insurance   1,361    1,751    1,680    1,289 
Pricing   689    12,604    1,322    783 
Offering           444    445 
Miscellaneous   16,070    17,891    17,076    16,164 
Total expenses   203,538    435,996    435,786    269,668 
Fees waived by Adviser           (24,965)   (4,746)
Net operating expenses   203,538    435,996    410,821    264,922 
Net investment income   253,065    2,519,534    489,435    201,464 
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                    
Net realized gain (loss) on:                    
Investment securities   499,664    (1,537,926)   (2,673,561)   (1,813,658)
In-kind redemptions               895,129 
Foreign currency transactions           (7,268)   (19,910)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                    
Investment securities   8,513,931    2,041,329    7,218,704    3,080,179 
Foreign currency translations           5,253    (2,058)
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities   9,013,595    503,403    4,543,128    2,139,682 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $9,266,660   $3,022,937   $5,032,563   $2,341,146 

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

24

 

OneAscent ETFs
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF   OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF 
   For the Six       For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Year   Months Ended   For the Year 
   February 29,   Ended August   February 29,   Ended August 
   2024   31, 2023   2024   31, 2023 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $253,065   $253,001   $2,519,534   $3,988,257 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities and foreign currency transactions   499,664    (2,900,770)   (1,537,926)   (3,237,355)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment securities and foreign currency translations   8,513,931    8,916,299    2,041,329    (2,003,263)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   9,266,660    6,268,530    3,022,937    (1,252,361)
Distributions to Shareholders From:                    
Earnings   (277,500)   (223,290)   (2,536,305)   (3,982,255)
Total distributions   (277,500)   (223,290)   (2,536,305)   (3,982,255)
Capital Transactions                    
Proceeds from shares sold   48,802,219    4,666,376    29,607,578    18,161,265 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (31,706,173)   (1,143,117)   (9,007,277)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions   48,802,219    (27,039,797)   28,464,461    9,153,988 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   57,791,379    (20,994,557)   28,951,093    3,919,372 
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period  $37,383,124   $58,377,681   $109,482,771   $105,563,399 
End of period  $95,174,503   $37,383,124   $138,433,864   $109,482,771 
Share Transactions                    
Shares sold   2,000,000    225,000    1,300,000    800,000 
Shares redeemed       (1,500,000)   (50,000)   (400,000)
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding   2,000,000    (1,275,000)   1,250,000    400,000 

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

25

 

OneAscent ETFs
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   OneAscent International Equity   OneAscent Emerging Markets 
   ETF   ETF 
   For the Six       For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Period   Months Ended   For the Period 
   February 29,   Ended August   February 29,   Ended August 
   2024   31, 2023(a)   2024   31, 2023(a) 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $489,435   $1,465,951   $201,464   $391,615 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities and foreign currency transactions   (2,680,829)   4,779,716    (938,439)   1,413,692 
Change in unrealized appreciation on investment securities and foreign currency translations   7,223,957    8,617,661    3,078,121    1,836,051 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   5,032,563    14,863,328    2,341,146    3,641,358 
Distributions to Shareholders From:                    
Earnings   (1,831,170)   (330,755)   (932,880)   (9,360)
Total distributions   (1,831,170)   (330,755)   (932,880)   (9,360)
Capital Transactions                    
Proceeds from shares sold   20,274,169    95,799,674    27,084,543    41,066,695 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (27,783,164)   (13,645,904)   (13,272,982)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   20,274,169    68,016,510    13,438,639    27,793,713 
Total Increase in Net Assets   23,475,562    82,549,083    14,846,905    31,425,711 
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period  $82,549,083   $   $31,425,711   $ 
End of period  $106,024,645   $82,549,083   $46,272,616   $31,425,711 
Share Transactions                    
Shares sold   675,000    3,675,000    950,000    1,600,000 
Shares redeemed       (950,000)   (475,000)   (475,000)
Net increase in shares outstanding   675,000    2,725,000    475,000    1,125,000 

 

(a)For the period September 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2023.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

26

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six       For the 
   Months   For the   Period 
   Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31,   August 31, 
   29, 2024   2023   2022(a) 
   (Unaudited)         
Selected Per Share Data:               
Net asset value, beginning of period  $23.36   $20.31   $25.00 
                
Investment operations:               
Net investment income   0.06    0.12    0.04 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   3.12    3.01    (4.72)
Total from investment operations   3.18    3.13    (4.68)
                
Less distributions to shareholders from:               
Net investment income   (0.10)   (0.08)   (0.01)
Total distributions   (0.10)   (0.08)   (0.01)
                
Net asset value, end of period  $26.44   $23.36   $20.31 
Market price, end of period  $26.44   $23.37   $20.35 
                
Total Return(b)   13.64(c)   15.48%   (18.71%) (c)
                
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $95,175   $37,383   $58,378 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.71(d)   0.86%   0.81(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.89(d)   0.60%   0.28(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   9(c)   105%   52(c)

 

(a)For the period November 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2022.

 

(b)Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the period. Distributions are assumed, for the purpose of this calculation, to be reinvested at the ex-dividend date net asset value per share on their respective payment dates.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

(e)Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered from in-kind processing of creations or redemptions.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

27

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six       For the 
   Months   For the   Period 
   Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31,   August 31, 
   29, 2024   2023   2022(a) 
   (Unaudited)         
Selected Per Share Data:               
Net asset value, beginning of period  $22.34   $23.46   $25.00 
                
Investment operations:               
Net investment income   0.46    0.87    0.24 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   0.18    (1.12)   (1.55)
Total from investment operations   0.64    (0.25)   (1.31)
                
Less distributions to shareholders from:               
Net investment income   (0.47)   (0.87)   (0.23)
Total distributions   (0.47)   (0.87)   (0.23)
                
Net asset value, end of period  $22.51   $22.34   $23.46 
Market price, end of period  $22.53   $22.33   $23.40 
                
Total Return(b)   2.91(c)   (1.05%)   (5.23%) (c)
                
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $138,434   $109,483   $105,563 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.74(d)   0.77%   0.83(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   4.28(d)   3.83%   2.51(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   112(c)   128%   122(c)

 

(a)For the period March 30, 2022 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2022.

 

(b)Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the period. Distributions are assumed, for the purpose of this calculation, to be reinvested at the ex-dividend date net asset value per share on their respective payment dates.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

(e)Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered from in-kind processing of creations or redemptions.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

28

 

OneAscent International Equity ETF
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

   For the Six   For the 
   Months   Period 
   Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31, 
   29, 2024   2023(a) 
   (Unaudited)     
Selected Per Share Data:          
Net asset value, beginning of period  $30.29   $25.00 
           
Investment operations:          
Net investment income   0.11    0.58 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments   1.37    4.87 
Total from investment operations   1.48    5.45 
           
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.54)   (0.16)
Net realized gains   (0.05)    
Total distributions   (0.59)   (0.16)
           
Net asset value, end of period  $31.18   $30.29 
Market price, end of period  $31.33   $30.44 
           
Total Return(b)   4.94(c)   21.89(c)
           
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $106,025   $82,549 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.95(d)   0.95(d)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver   1.01(d)   1.11(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.13(d)   2.04(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   18(c)   13(c)

 

(a)For the period September 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2023.

 

(b)Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the period. Distributions are assumed, for the purpose of this calculation, to be reinvested at the ex-dividend date net asset value per share on their respective payment dates.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

(e)Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered from in-kind processing of creations or redemptions.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

29

 

OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

   For the Six   For the 
   Months   Period 
   Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31, 
   29, 2024   2023(a) 
   (Unaudited)     
Selected Per Share Data:          
Net asset value, beginning of period  $27.93   $25.00 
           
Investment operations:          
Net investment income    (b)   0.35 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments   1.47    2.59 
Total from investment operations   1.47    2.94 
           
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.19)   (0.01)
Net realized gains   (0.29)    
Total distributions   (0.48)   (0.01)
           
Net asset value, end of period  $28.92   $27.93 
Market price, end of period  $28.82   $27.85 
           
Total Return(c)   5.24(d)   11.77(d)
           
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $46,273   $31,426 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.25(e)   1.25(e)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver   1.27(e)   1.73(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.95(e)   1.54(e)
Portfolio turnover rate(f)   35(d)   45(d)

 

(a)For the period September 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2023.

 

(b)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the period. Distributions are assumed, for the purpose of this calculation, to be reinvested at the ex-dividend date net asset value per share on their respective payment dates.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

(f)Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered from in-kind processing of creations or redemptions.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

30

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF (the “Large Cap Core ETF”), OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF (the “Core Plus Bond ETF”), OneAscent International Equity ETF (the “International Equity ETF”) and OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF (the “Emerging Markets ETF”) (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 2002, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series. Each Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Funds’ investment adviser is OneAscent Investment Solutions, LLC (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has retained Teachers Advisors, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) to serve as sub-adviser to the Core Plus Bond ETF. The investment objective of the Large Cap Core ETF is to seek capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Core Plus Bond ETF is to seek total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return, while giving special consideration to certain values-based and impact criteria. The investment objective of the International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF is to seek to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies”. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

New Accounting Pronouncements - In March 2020, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), in January 2021, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (“ASU 2021-01”), and in December 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”), which provides optional, temporary relief with respect to the financial reporting of contracts subject to certain types of modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates as of the end of 2021. The temporary relief provided by ASU 2020-04, ASU 2021-01, and ASU 2022-06 are effective for certain reference rate-related contract

31

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

modifications that occur during the period from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024.

 

Regulatory Update – Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) – Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments that will result in changes to the design and delivery of shareholder reports of mutual funds and ETFs, requiring them to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024.

 

Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Funds make no provision for federal income or excise tax. Each Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. Each Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Funds could incur a tax expense.

 

As of and during the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Funds did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations when incurred. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous tax year end and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund are allocated to the individual funds of the Trust based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

32

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Funds follow industry practice and record security transactions on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Distributions received from investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investment or as a realized gain, respectively. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Funds’ investments in REITs are reported to the Funds after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, the Funds estimate these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distributions information available. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and related reclaims have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Large Cap Core ETF intends to distribute its dividends from net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. The Core Plus Bond ETF typically distributes dividends from net investment income monthly and any realized net capital gains, if any, annually. The International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF ordinarily distribute dividends from net investment income, if any, annually and distribute net realized gains, if any, to shareholders annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified among the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Funds.

 

Organization and Offering Costs – The Adviser advanced some of the Funds’ organization and initial offering costs and was subsequently reimbursed by the Funds. Costs of $9,166 incurred in connection with the offering and initial registration of each of the International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF have been deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the first twelve months after commencement of operations. Costs of $17,193 incurred in connection with the organization of each of the International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF were expensed as incurred. As of February 29 2024, the

33

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

amount of the offering costs remaining to amortize was $0 for the International Equity ETF and $0 for the Emerging Markets ETF.

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Each Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that a Fund would receive upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique). Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained and available from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments and/or registered investment companies where the value per share is determined and published and is the basis for current transactions for identical assets or liabilities at the valuation date

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for an identical security in an inactive market, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining fair value of investments based on the best information available)

 

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 which

34

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

is reported is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under the oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available in conformity with guidelines adopted by the Board. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee pursuant to its policies and procedures. Any fair value provided by the Valuation Designee is subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally prices at the ending NAV provided by the service agent of the mutual funds. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

Debt securities are valued by using the mean between the closing bid and ask prices provided by a pricing service. If the closing bid and ask prices are not readily available, the pricing service may provide a price determined by a matrix pricing method. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used to value fixed income securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices. Matrix pricing takes into consideration recent transactions, yield, liquidity, risk, credit quality, coupon, maturity, type of issue and any other factors or market data the pricing service deems relevant for the actual security being priced and for other securities with similar characteristics. These securities will generally be categorized as Level 2 securities. If the Adviser as Valuation Designee decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair value of the securities or when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, securities are valued at fair value as determined by the Valuation Designee, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board. These securities will generally be categorized as Level 3 securities.

35

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

In accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5, as Valuation Designee is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single method exists for determining fair value, because fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security being valued by the Valuation Designee would be the amount that the Funds might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before a Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. The Valuation Designee may obtain assistance from others in fulfilling its duties. For example, it may seek assistance from pricing services, fund administrators, sub-advisers, accountants, or counsel; it may also consult the Trust’s Fair Value Committee. The Valuation Designee, however, remains responsible for the final fair value determination and may not designate or assign that responsibility to any third party.

36

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of February 29, 2024:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Large Cap Core ETF                    
Common Stocks(a)  $87,232,216   $   $   $87,232,216 
Total  $87,232,216   $   $   $87,232,216 
                     
Core Plus Bond ETF                    
Asset Backed Securities  $   $14,933,416   $   $14,933,416 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations       915,203        915,203 
Corporate Bonds       63,707,410        63,707,410 
Foreign Government Bonds       2,145,845        2,145,845 
Municipal Bonds       6,154,966        6,154,966 
Term Loans       2,713,777        2,713,777 
U.S. Government & Agencies       44,230,023        44,230,023 
International Bonds       965,609        965,609 
Total  $   $135,766,249   $   $135,766,249 
                     
International Equity ETF                    
Common Stocks(a)  $96,254,782   $   $   $96,254,782 
Warrants           (b)    
Total  $96,254,782   $   $   $96,254,782 
                     
Emerging Markets ETF                    
Common Stocks(a)  $41,053,223   $   $   $41,053,223 
Total  $41,053,223   $   $   $41,053,223 

 

(a)Refer to Schedule of Investments for sector classifications.

 

(b)Constellation Software, Inc., is currently being valued according to the fair value procedures of the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee.

 

NOTE 4. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement with the Trust with respect to each Fund (each an “Agreement”), manages the Funds’ investments. As compensation for its management services, each Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly as follows:

37

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

   Large Cap  Core Plus  International  Emerging
   Core ETF  Bond ETF  Equity ETF  Markets ETF
Management fee rate  0.35%  0.50%  0.74%  0.74%
Management fees earned  $99,163  $293,826  $319,536  $156,541
Management fees waived  $—  $—  $(24,965)  $(4,746)

 

The Adviser has retained a sub-adviser to provide portfolio management and related services to the Core Plus Bond ETF. The Sub-Adviser receives a fee from the Adviser for these services.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses, excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds’ business, do not exceed 1.00% of the Core Plus Bond ETF’s average daily net assets, 0.95% of the International Equity ETF’s average daily net assets and 1.25% of the Emerging Markets ETF’s average daily net assets. The contractual arrangements for the Funds are in place through December 31, 2024. These expense caps may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon sixty days’ written notice to the Adviser.

 

Each fee waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the applicable Fund in the three years following the date in which that particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. The amounts subject to repayment by the Funds, pursuant to the aforementioned conditions are as follows:

 

   International   Emerging 
Recoverable Through  Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
August 31, 2026  $115,720   $122,001 
February 28, 2027   24,965    4,746 

38

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) provides administration and fund accounting services to the Funds. The Funds pay Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of Ultimus, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Funds, which are approved annually by the Board.

 

Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter to the Funds. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Funds) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of Ultimus and such persons are not paid by the Funds for serving in such capacities.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chair of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees,” which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chair of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive additional fees for attending any special meeting. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were as follows:

 

           U.S.   U.S. 
           Government   Government 
   Purchases   Sales   Purchases   Sales 
Large Cap Core ETF  $5,234,725   $7,085,073   $   $ 
Core Plus Bond ETF   52,694,880    34,040,296    100,595,327    92,986,904 
International Equity ETF   19,691,510    13,750,950         
Emerging Markets ETF   24,010,653    13,454,164         

39

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, purchases and sales for in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sales 
Large Cap Core ETF  $45,477,170   $ 
Core Plus Bond ETF        
International Equity ETF   13,875,772     
Emerging Markets ETF   7,350,779    6,199,038 

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Funds incurred net realized gains on in-kind redemptions as follows:

 

   In-Kind 
   Realized Gains 
Large Cap Core ETF  $ 
Core Plus Bond ETF    
International Equity ETF    
Emerging Markets ETF   895,129 

 

NOTE 6. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by each Fund at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” Shares are created and redeemed by the Large Cap Core ETF, International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 shares. Shares are created and redeemed by the Core Plus Bond ETF only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 50,000 shares. Only Authorized Participants or transactions done through an Authorized Participant are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from a Fund. 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. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per share of a Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the Authorized Participant or as a result of other market circumstances. In addition, a Fund may impose transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Fund shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. A fixed fee payable to the Custodian

40

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

may be imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction (“Fixed Fee”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate a Fund and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions (“Variable Charge,” and together with the Fixed Fee, the “Transaction Fees”). For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Large Cap Core ETF, the Core Plus Bond ETF, the International Equity ETF and the Emerging Markets ETF received $12,000, $3,000, $8,000 and $9,450 in fixed fees, respectively. The Transaction Fees for each Fund are listed in the table below:

 

      Variable
   Fixed Fee  Charge
Large Cap Core ETF  $500  2.00%*
Core Plus Bond ETF  $200  2.00%*
International Equity ETF  $1,000  2.00%*
Emerging Markets ETF  $1,350  2.00%*

 

*The maximum Transaction Fee may be up to 2.00% of the amount invested.

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 29, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes were as follows:

 

   Large Cap Core   Core Plus Bond   International   Emerging 
   ETF   ETF   Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $12,244,295   $985,473   $17,084,023   $5,782,750 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (1,189,452)   (5,380,593)   (1,685,310)   (872,073)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  $11,054,843   $(4,395,120)  $15,398,713   $4,910,677 
Tax cost of investments  $76,177,373   $140,161,369   $80,856,069   $36,142,546 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds’ most recent fiscal year end, were as follows:

 

   Large Cap Core   Core Plus Bond   International   Emerging 
   ETF   ETF   Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
Distributions paid from:                    
Ordinary income  $223,290   $3,867,785   $330,755   $9,360 
Total distributions paid  $223,290   $3,867,785   $330,755   $9,360 

41

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

At August 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   Large Cap Core   Core Plus Bond   International   Emerging 
   ETF   ETF   Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
Undistributed ordinary income  $101,392   $431,267   $1,702,472   $884,222 
Distributions payable       (371,420)        
Accumulated capital and other losses   (8,391,341)   (4,957,047)        
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   2,533,332    (6,436,449)   8,180,689    1,830,414 
Total accumulated earnings (deficit)  $(5,756,617)  $(11,333,649)  $9,883,161   $2,714,636 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to: tax deferral of losses on wash sales, differences related to passive foreign investment companies and the return of capital adjustments from underlying investments.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the Large Cap Core ETF and Core Plus Bond ETF had short-term and long-term capital loss carryforwards available to offset future gains and not subject to expiration in the amount of $5,114,815, $3,276,526, $4,317,030 and $640,017, respectively.

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of a Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of February 29, 2024, the Large Cap Core ETF, International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF had 41.02%, 26.20% and 37.12% of the value of its net assets invested in securities within the Technology sector, respectively.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Trust indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from their performance of their duties to the Trust or the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations

42

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 - (Unaudited)

 

and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management of the Funds has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date at which these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, management has determined there were no items requiring adjustment of the financial statements or additional disclosure, except for the following:

 

The Board has approved a change to the Large Cap Core ETF investment objective which is expected to be effective on April 29, 2024. Currently, the Large Cap Core ETF investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. Effective no earlier than April 29, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective will be to closely replicate the returns of the S&P 500 Index using an investment universe that is subjected to the OneAscent Values-Based Screening process.

43

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are 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 mutual funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. Each Fund’s example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values 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 “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s 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 the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

44

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (continued)

 

     Beginning  Ending       
     Account  Account  Expenses    
     Value  Value  Paid   Annualized
     September  February  During   Expense
     1, 2023  29, 2024  Period(a)   Ratio
OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF              
  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,136.40  $3.80   0.71%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,021.31  $3.59   0.71%
OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF              
  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,029.10  $3.74   0.74%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,021.18  $3.72   0.74%
OneAscent International Equity ETF              
  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,049.40  $4.84   0.95%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.14  $4.77   0.95%
OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF              
  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,052.40  $6.38   1.25%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,018.65  $6.27   1.25%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

(b)Hypothetical assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

45

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that each Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how each Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Funds at (800) 222-8274 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chair
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
Gweneth K. Gosselink, Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
OneAscent Investment Solutions, LLC
23 Inverness Center Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35242
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02110
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC
4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100
Elkhorn, NE 68022
ADMINISTRATOR AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
   

 

This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who have received the Funds’ prospectus which contains information about the Funds’ management fee and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OneAscent-SAR-24

 

 
 
 
 
Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Semi-Annual Report
 
February 29, 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fund Adviser:
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050
Plano, Texas 75093
(800) 550-1071

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns(a)
as of February 29, 2024

 

            Since
            Inception
Fund/Index  Six Months  One Year  Five Year  (3/30/17)
Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund  2.16%  4.32%  0.79%  0.47%
ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill(b)  2.70%  5.25%  1.98%  1.87%

 

Total annual operating expenses, as disclosed in the Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund (the “Fund”) prospectus dated December 29, 2023, were 657.52% of average daily net assets (1.14% after fee waivers/expense reimbursements). Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) is contractually obligated to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2028 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any amounts payable pursuant to a distribution or service plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. Each expense payment by the Adviser (but not management fee waiver) is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratios as of February 29, 2024 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (800) 550-1071.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index (the “Index”) is comprised of a single issue purchased at the beginning of the month and held for a full month. Each month the Index is rebalanced and the issue selected is the outstanding Treasury Bill that matures closest to, but not beyond, three months from the rebalancing date. The Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do

1 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index. However, an individual may invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

You should consider the Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The Fund’s prospectus contains important information about the Fund’s investment objective, potential risks, management fees, charges and expenses, and other information and should be read carefully before investing. You may obtain a current copy of the Fund’s prospectus or performance data current to the most recent month-end by calling (800) 550-1071.

 

The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.

2 

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)
 
Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund Holdings as of February 29, 2024*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek positive total returns over the long-term regardless of market conditions in the U.S. and foreign equity markets.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov.

3 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 38.67%  Amount   Fair Value 
United States Treasury Bill, 5.54%, 3/14/2024  $10,000   $9,981 
Total U.S. Government & Agencies (Cost $9,981)        9,981 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 53.21%  Shares      
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.23%(a)   13,732    13,732 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $13,732)        13,732 
Total Investments — 91.88% (Cost $23,713)        23,713 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 8.12%        2,095 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $25,808 

 

(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

4 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Assets     
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $23,713)  $23,713 
Interest receivable   66 
Receivable from Adviser   25,405 
Prepaid expenses   889 
Total Assets   50,073 
Liabilities     
Payable to affiliates   13,772 
Payable to trustees   54 
Other accrued expenses   10,439 
Total Liabilities   24,265 
Net Assets  $25,808 
Net Assets consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $25,481 
Accumulated earnings   327 
Net Assets  $25,808 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   2,598 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.94 

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

5 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Statement of Operations
For the six months ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Income     
Dividend income  $347 
Interest income   277 
Total investment income   624 
Expenses     
Fund accounting   14,919 
Administration   14,919 
Legal   11,319 
Trustee   7,963 
Transfer agent   5,968 
Compliance services   5,968 
Audit and tax   5,843 
Custodian   2,486 
Report printing   829 
Registration   216 
Adviser   32 
Miscellaneous   9,152 
Total expenses   79,614 
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (78,003)
Fees reduced by Administrator   (1,484)
Net operating expenses   127 
Net investment income   497 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   44 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   44 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $541 
      

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

6 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six     
   Months   For the 
   Ended   Year Ended 
   February 29,   August 31, 
   2024   2023 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $497   $819 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   44    (42)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   541    777 
Distributions From:          
Net investment income   (961)    
Total distributions   (961)    
Capital Transactions          
Reinvestment of distributions   961     
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   961     
Total Increase in Net Assets   541    777 
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   25,267    24,490 
End of period  $25,808   $25,267 
Share Transactions          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   98     
Net increase in shares   98     
           

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

7 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six                     
   Months                     
   Ended   For the   For the   For the   For the   For the 
   February   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   29, 2024   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                        
Net asset value, beginning of period  $10.11   $9.80   $9.84   $9.93   $9.95   $9.93 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)   0.19    0.33    (0.04)   (0.09)   (0.02)   0.02 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.02    (0.02)    (a)        (a)    (a)
Total from investment operations   0.21    0.31    (0.04)   (0.09)   (0.02)   0.02 
                               
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net investment income   (0.38)                    
Total distributions   (0.38)                    
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $9.94   $10.11   $9.80   $9.84   $9.93   $9.95 
                               
Total Return(b)   2.16(c)   3.16%   (0.41)%   (0.91)%   (0.20)%   0.20%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $26   $25   $24   $25   $25   $25 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.00%(d)   1.00%   1.00%   1.00%   1.00%   1.00%
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement   626.99(d)   657.38%   644.19%   635.29%   596.00%   589.45%
Ratio of net investment income  (loss) to average net assets   3.92(d)   3.30%   (0.44)%   (0.91)%   (0.20)%   0.15%
Portfolio turnover rate   (c)   %   %   %   %   %

 

(a)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

(b)Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

8 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on November 14, 2016. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 2002, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2017. The investment adviser to the Fund is Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek positive total returns over the long-term regardless of market conditions in the U.S. and foreign equity markets.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies,” including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Regulatory Update – Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) – Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Fund.

 

Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

9 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Fund makes no provision for federal income or excise tax. The Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. The Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

As of and during the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations when incurred. During the six month period ended February 29, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Fund has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds of the Trust based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Fund follows industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statement and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified among the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization

10 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund.

 

NOTE 3. NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK

 

The Fund is non-diversified, which means it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers as compared to other mutual funds that are more broadly diversified. As a result, the Fund’s share price may be more volatile than the share price of some other mutual funds, and the poor performance of an individual holding in the Fund’s portfolio may have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s performance.

 

NOTE 4. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique). Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained and available from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments and/or registered investment companies where the value per share is determined and published and is the basis for current transactions for identical assets or liabilities at the valuation date

11 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for an identical security in an inactive market, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining fair value of investments based on the best information available)

 

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 which is reported is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available in conformity with guidelines adopted by the Board. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee pursuant to its policies and procedures. Any fair value provided by the Valuation Designee is subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the service agent of the mutual funds. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

Debt securities are valued by using the mean between the closing bid and ask prices provided by a pricing service. If the closing bid and ask prices are not readily available, the pricing service may provide a price determined by a matrix pricing method. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used to value fixed income securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices. Matrix pricing takes into consideration recent transactions, yield, liquidity, risk, credit quality, coupon, maturity, type of issue and any other factors or

12 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

market data the pricing service deems relevant for the actual security being priced and for other securities with similar characteristics. These securities will generally be categorized as Level 2 securities. If the Valuation Designee decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair value of the securities or when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, securities are valued at fair value as determined by the Valuation Designee, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board through its Pricing & Liquidity Committee. These securities will generally be categorized as Level 3 securities.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Valuation Designee is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single method exists for determining fair value because fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security being valued by the Valuation Designee would be the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. The Valuation Designee may obtain assistance from others in fulfilling its duties. For example, it may seek assistance from pricing services, fund administrators, sub-advisers, accountants, or counsel; it may also consult the Trust’s Fair Value Committee. The Valuation Designee, however, remains responsible for the final fair value determination and may not designate or assign that responsibility to any third party.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
U.S. Government & Agencies  $   $9,981   $   $9,981 
Money Market Funds   13,732            13,732 
Total  $13,732   $9,981   $   $23,713 

13 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund did not hold any investments at the end of the reporting period for which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value; therefore, no reconciliation of Level 3 securities is included for this reporting period. The Fund did not hold any derivative instruments during the reporting period.

 

NOTE 5. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust with respect to the Fund, manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Adviser earned management fees of $32 from the Fund before the waiver and reimbursement described below.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2028 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board upon 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser.

 

Each expense payment by the Adviser (but not management fee waiver) is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser may seek repayment of expense reimbursements in amounts as follows:

 

Recoverable Through 
August 31, 2024  $78,788 
August 31, 2025   155,959 
August 31, 2026   156,166 
February 28, 2027   78,003 

14 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services to the Fund. The Fund pays Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services.

 

Ultimus has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary so that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, shareholder servicing fees paid to financial intermediaries, extraordinary expenses and expenses outside the normal course of business) do not exceed $156,000 annually, based on a twelve-month period commencing April 1 and ending March 31 (the “Annual Period”). The waiver will accrue on a monthly basis such that the Fund’s operating expenses for any month during the Annual Period will not exceed the sum of $13,000 (the “Monthly Expense Cap”), provided that Ultimus may recoup any fees waived by Ultimus in a prior month during the Annual Period to the extent of any unused amount of the Monthly Expense Cap in the current month. The waiver will be suspended and forfeited in any month that the Adviser is not the sole shareholder of the Fund. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the total amount waived by Ultimus was $1,484.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of Ultimus, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Fund, which are approved annually by the Board.

 

Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter to the Fund. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Fund) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of Ultimus and such persons are not paid by the Fund for serving in such capacities. One Trustee is a former employee of Ultimus who is not currently paid by the Fund for serving in such capacity.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chair of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees,” which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chair of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent

15 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Trustees also receive additional fees for attending any special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments.

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended February 29, 2024.

 

NOTE 7. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 29, 2024, the Adviser owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control the Fund.

 

NOTE 8. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 29, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation  $ 
Gross unrealized depreciation    
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $ 
Tax cost of investments  $23,713 

 

At August 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income  $791 
Unrealized depreciation on investments   (44)
Total accumulated earnings  $747 

 

For tax purposes, no distributions were paid by the Fund for the fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

 

Certain capital losses and specified gains realized after October 31, and net investment losses realized after December 31 of the Fund’s fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the Fund’s following taxable year. For the tax year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund deferred qualified late year ordinary losses in the amount of $0.

16 

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Trust indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from their performance of their duties to the Trust or the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management of the Fund has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date at which these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, management has determined there were no items requiring adjustment of the financial statements or additional disclosure.

17 

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values 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 “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s 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 the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning  Ending       
   Account  Account  Expenses    
   Value  Value  Paid   Annualized
   September  February  During   Expense
   1, 2023  29, 2024  Period(a)   Ratio
Actual  $1,000.00  $1,021.60  $5.02   1.00%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,019.89  $5.02   1.00%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

(b)Hypothetical assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

18 

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund (the “Tactical Fund”) is a series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Tactical Fund and, as required by law, has considered the renewal of the Tactical Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”). In connection with such renewal, the Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 21, 2024 to review and discuss materials compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2024, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, Institutional Funds Team Lead, Vice President Institutional Operations, Client Service Manager, Legal Counsel, and Vice President of Portfolio Engineering. They also received a compliance review from the Trust CCO. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ renewal of the Tactical Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher will provide to the Tactical Fund when it is deployed, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Tactical Fund, adhering to the Tactical Fund’s investment strategy and any restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Tactical Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Tactical Fund’s portfolio, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the Tactical Fund. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review. They discussed certain elements of the compliance program in detail with Fisher’s representatives, noting that Fisher’s procedures are robust. The Trustees also took note of the fact that Fisher successfully implemented an operational upgrade during the period since the last renewal. They noted the strategic nature of the Tactical Fund, Fisher’s market outlook with respect to use of the Tactical Fund and continued evaluation of the necessity for the Tactical Fund, the fact that the strategy has not yet been deployed, and the timeline necessary for the strategy to be deployed. The Trustees concluded that they were satisfied with the nature, extent, and expect the same quality of investment management services to be provided by Fisher to the Tactical Fund upon deployment.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next noted that Fisher has not yet deployed the strategy, which is intended to be used strategically under extraordinary market circumstances. Therefore, the Tactical Fund’s performance to date consists of returns from minimal money market fund holdings. In response to inquiries from the Trustees, Fisher discussed market conditions that would trigger deployment of the Tactical Fund and the post-deployment investment strategy. The Trustees

19 

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

concluded that Fisher has the ability to manage the Tactical Fund successfully in accordance with its investment strategy.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed the management fee but noted that Fisher is waiving its management fee and that it has contractually agreed to reimburse expenses of the Tactical Fund to the extent they exceed 1.00% annually through December 31, 2028. The Trustees noted that the Tactical Fund is not profitable to Fisher and it has not been deployed with respect to any clients/shareholders.

 

(iv) Economies of Scale. The Trustees also considered whether Fisher may realize economies of scale when Fisher deploys the Tactical Fund’s strategy. The Trustees determined that, so long as Fisher continues to waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Tactical Fund’s expenses, due to the nature of the Tactical Fund’s strategy, Fisher is not expected to realize benefits from economies of scale in managing the Tactical Fund. They further concluded that reductions or breakpoints are not a relevant consideration at this time.

20 

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

Rev: January 2020

 

FACTS WHAT DOES TACTICAL MULTI-PURPOSE FUND (THE “FUND”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
   
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
   
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

■     Social Security number

 

■     account balances and account transactions

 

■     transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

   
How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Does the
Fund share?
Can you limit
this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes—    
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus Yes No
For our marketing purposes—    
to offer our products and services to you No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and experiences
No We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your creditworthiness
No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Questions? Call (800) 550-1071

21 

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

What we do
How does the Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How does the Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■     open an account or deposit money

 

■     make deposits or withdrawals from your account or provide account information

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

■     sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes—information about your creditworthiness

 

■     affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions  
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

■     Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments, the investment adviser to the Fund, could be deemed to be an affiliate.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

■     The Fund does not share your personal information with nonaffiliates so they can market to you

Joint marketing A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

■     
The Fund does not jointly market.

22 

 

Proxy Voting

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Fund at (800) 550-1071 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chair
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
Gweneth K. Gosselink,
    Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond,
    Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050
Plano, TX 75093
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246

  

 

This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who have received the Fund’s prospectus which contains information about the Fund’s management fee and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)Not applicable.
 
 

Item 2. Code of Ethics. NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Schedule filed with Item 1.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Investment Companies. NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

The registrant has not adopted procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)       Based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed and are operating effectively to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared, and that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.

 

(b)       There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a) (1) Not Applicable – filed with annual report

 

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) are attached hereto.

 

(1)Not applicable.

 

(2)Change in the registrant’s independent public accountants: Not applicable

 

(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) are 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) Unified Series Trust

 

By _ __/s/ Martin R. Dean

Martin R. Dean, Principal Executive Officer

 

Date 5/1/2024

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By ___ /s/ Martin R. Dean

Martin R. Dean, Principal Executive Officer

 

Date 5/1/2024

 

By ___ /s/ Zachary P. Richmond

Zachary P. Richmond, Principal Financial Officer

 

Date 5/1/2024

 

 

 


ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

cert1.htm

cert2.htm